Versatile Leinster playmaker Joey Carbery is special threat for Ireland

Joey Carbery is blossoming into a "special" attacking threat for Ireland, according to skills coach Richie Murphy.

Versatile Leinster playmaker Joey Carbery is special threat for Ireland

Joey Carbery is blossoming into a "special" attacking threat for Ireland, according to skills coach Richie Murphy.

Assistant coach Murphy admitted Ireland view the versatile Leinster playmaker primarily as a fly-half rather than a full-back.

Carbery should deputise again for Johnny Sexton from the bench when Ireland host Fiji on Saturday, though head coach Joe Schmidt could even be tempted to start the 22-year-old if he mixes up selection.

New Zealand-born Carbery boasts just one start in his five caps, but drew high praise from Murphy after another assured cameo in Saturday's 38-3 thumping of South Africa.

When asked if Ireland view Carbery as mainly a fly-half, Murphy replied: "That's where we see him at the moment but we do also realise he has the versatility of playing at 15, and he has also played at nine before.

"He is one of those players that's a little bit special because of his versatility.

"He's a great guy to watch. You try to build opportunities in or around him and with some of our set-plays and stuff like that.

"At the end of the day, he is one of those guys who has an ability to beat people and those guys don't come around very often in Ireland; there's plenty of them in Fiji. That makes him a little bit special and a little bit different."

Carbery made his Test debut when Ireland claimed their maiden victory over New Zealand, the 40-29 triumph at Chicago's Soldier Field in November 2016.

The accomplished performer booted a late conversion to seal that famous win, and has progressed solidly since.

Ankle trouble denied Carbery the chance to tour Japan in the summer, but assistant coach Murphy believes he has still stepped forward since last November.

"If you look at where he was this time last year to where he is now, he's obviously that year older and he's filled out a bit," said Murphy.

"He's a little bit stronger and has come into our environment more as a 10 than as a 15 at the moment and he's stepped up really well. He's organised others around him and has fitted into that role really well.

"From my point of view, one of the things is goal-kicking, and he hasn't had the opportunity to do that on a regular basis but the two strikes at the weekend were fantastic and we'll be looking forward to him getting a bit more opportunity in that area over the next couple of weeks.

"When you don't goal-kick on a regular basis at your club and you have to step up in front of 50,000 and it's an international, it's a pretty daunting place to be.

"He's a strong man, he's got a real focus on what he's going to do in training and to bring it into the match.

"He stood up at the weekend which was fantastic. There will be more opportunities for him to do that again."

more courts articles

Football fan given banning order after mocking Munich air disaster Football fan given banning order after mocking Munich air disaster
Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van

More in this section

Pete Wilkins 21/10/2023 Wilkins sets point target for Connacht to secure Champions Cup place
RG Snyman 17/4/2024 RG Snyman starts as Munster make six changes for Bulls clash
England Women v Canada Women - Two-Test Series - Second Test - StoneX Stadium Mo Hunt wants Grand Slam-chasing England to put on a show against Ireland
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited