EDDIE O'SULLIVAN was asked to name his first-choice fullback. Plenty has been made about the treatment of Geordan Murphy in recent times. Sure, he has been deservedly dropped but more often than not his exclusion from the 22 seemed almost personal, and definitely illogical during the World Cup.
Injury to Girvan Dempsey provided him with a rare opportunity in his favourite position. A half-hour run-out with a new back-three combination was all he got this week. It worked.
He brings us through an unconventional lead in: "Injured on a Monday, couldn't train. Left out of the 22 on Tuesday. Back to Leicester Tuesday night. Fitness test for Leicester on Wednesday. Got myself right. A bit of physio Thursday. Got a phone call. Back on a flight. Back over. In (Irish camp) Thursday night. Possibility I'm going to be involved. Get up Friday morning and (Eddie tells me) I'm in the team. Team run. Bit of homework last night. Thankfully things went alright today."
Mainly through enforced changes, Ireland have a backline to be feared again. Brian O'Driscoll looks just as influential as a creative inside centre; Andrew Trimble, like Eoin Reddan, brings a refreshing enthusiasm and a running threat. Ronan O'Gara is at his peak. Then there is a wonderfully attacking back three. Tommy Bowe's form demanded selection, Rob Kearney seems suited to this level and the new fullback isn't half bad.
While Dempsey has always been reliable, ultra-professional, Murphy brings that creative spark. On Saturday he picked delicious lines off O'Gara. Appearing, at pace, down the inside channel. Forcing others to follow his lead.
All eyes will be on the number 15 slot come Tuesday week. Wales are coming to Dublin next. Was this cameo all we get from Murphy? O'Sullivan refused to answer the question, not a criticism mind as few coaches reveal their thought process on selection. Still we had to ask. Geordan or Girvan? Liberal or conservative? O'Sullivan described them as "different" types of fullbacks. O'Sullivan noted Dempsey's "extraordinary" strike rate. It seemed unnecessary considering Murphy had just played a substantial part in illuminating the Irish backline.
Murphy felt the performance was far from perfect ("when that happens I can retire") and attempted to deflect the praise that comes with a man-of-the-match accolade. He was quick to pay tribute to the forwards. Did he hear the announcement with a few minutes to go? "Yes, I did actually. It just shows you, the forwards probably wouldn't have heard it - they were all grafting away. We were busy doing our hair out the back. It probably should have gone to one of the forwards but, sure, it makes a better story for you guys. I thought it went okay. I made a few mistakes. I dropped the first high ball that was kicked into me."
That is forgivable considering what he brought to the attacking aspects of Ireland's game. Rob Kearney's try seemed destined to be the moment of the day; a soaring Murphy catch, a half break by O'Gara, a full break by O'Driscoll and then a nicely lofted pass for the 21-year-old to scamper over in the corner. Bowe's first try was even better; a brilliant Murphy line, an excellent O'Gara offload, Trimble straightens before putting Bowe away.
"I find it easier to pick lines from 15 because you are standing centrally. You can come in outside 13 but if you want you take straight lines off 10 and 12. I find it easier to see things from there."
The focus moves to the Welsh game. "I've given myself a shot for selection but that is completely up to Eddie. It might be a case I'm back playing for Leicester in two weeks. I've been in that position before. It's not the first time I've been left out. There are some fantastic players in this Irish squad. Unfortunately I'm not always going to be selected. I'm sure down the line I won't be selected again. The thing is to try and remain positive.
"When I got dropped on Tuesday, I said to Eddie I'll go back and try and put in some good performances. He said he would watch the games. That's all you can ask for really."
