Give players chance to prove worth

IT was a match against Greystones six or seven years ago.

I glanced across at my opposite number and could have sworn I was jumping against Robbie Coltrane of ‘Cracker’ fame.

It was in fact Reggie Corrigan, jumbo size, and playing in the second row.

As the game progressed it became obvious that this guy was exceptionally strong and was well able to play ball, but he was woefully out of shape.

Shortly after that, Corrigan gave up his job and took a severe financial hit in order to train full-time and follow his dream of becoming a professional rugby player.

That kind of commitment demands the utmost respect and it was gratifying to see Cracker make the Irish team a few years later.

His early Irish career was solid more than spectacular but since Peter Clohessy’s retirement, Corrigan has been a revelation in green. He has been given time to find his feet at international level and has developed into a world class prop.

Hold that thought.

Much of the build-up to the clash with France has been taken up with Marcus Horan, the replacement for the injured Corrigan on Saturday.

The Munster and Shannon loose-head, so long understudy to the Claw, has now been asked to step into another pair of mighty shoes, and against one of the most feared scrummaging nations in world rugby.

There are those who think he is not up to it.

Foremost among these is Sunday columnist and former Ireland second row Neil Francis.

Franno does a good line in hatchet jobs.

Last season, he stated hooker Frankie Sheahan would never be an international quality lineout thrower because of the stumpy nature of his fingers. Two of those much maligned digits could now be raised in response to that assertion, as Sheahan continues to enjoy a Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor season of darts.

Now, Francis has turned his attention to Horan, giving him a ridiculous 4/10 rating for the Celtic League final and repeatedly suggesting that he is not up to it.

Francis does possess a quirky sense of humour and generally produces a catchy soundbite every weekend. In addition, no-one could question that the guy was an extremely talented lineout jumper.

Something that was always acknowledged by his second row counterparts in England and Australia.

However, when reading lines such as, “Marcus Horan is not the right stuff”, “Ireland can’t afford to operate with only seven willing souls”, and “His pack need him”, it is hard not to chuckle and reflect on Francis’ own playing career.

For, in WW1 parlance, when the bullets and shells were flying about the trenches, Franno could always be found safe underground writing poetry about the horrors of war.

How he can write Horan off at this stage is hard to fathom.

Yes, it is a huge test for the young man.

Caps against the USA and Fiji and two substitute appearances this season are a world away from starting against the French.

But Horan has been around for a while and looks to have the mettle to step up to the plate.

He has a huge amount of experience around him to help him out at scrum-time and the boy has a surplus of skill and speed to call on around the park.

But we must let Horan find his feet at this level. Cracker was given time and duly blossomed as did Horan’s club mate John Hayes.

Remember the doubts expressed about the Bull during his early Irish career? Now it would be no exaggeration to say Hayes is one of the top three tight heads in the world.

So Franno, less of the snap judgements on players until they have at least had the opportunity to prove themselves. Or else I’ll give Tony Copsey a call.

Finally, a tactical suggestion for tomorrow, let’s get Costello running at wee Gelez and see if we can ruffle his Hardy Boys hairstyle.