![\"Ireland's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0_Irelands-Robert-Baloucoune-scores-his-sides-third-try-of-the-match-despite-Italys-Lorenzo-Cannone..jpeg\")
<\/p>\nRichie Murphy’s wind of change and emphasis on attacking rugby working it’s way in to Ireland side<\/p>\n
Ireland’s Robert Baloucoune scores his sides third try of the match despite Italy’s Lorenzo Cannone(Image: Mandatory Credit \u00a9INPHO\/Ben Brady)<\/p>\n
The introduction of Ulster\u2019s Robert Baloucoune and Stuart McCloskey to the Ireland backline has brought a splash of Ulster’s attacking panache to Ireland.<\/p>\n
Baloucoune was Man of the Match against Italy, McCloskey has been the most consistent performer of the opening two games.<\/p>\n
Moreover Ulster’s Cormac Izuchukwu’s lineout performance was notable, he was to go-to until subbed by Tadhg Beirne just before the hour mark.<\/p>\n
“That’s Cormac’s point of difference,” said Andy Farrell afterwards. “He would have led the defensive lineout stuff for us all week. He’s a fantastic lineout forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
The no6 who had not been in the matchday squad for France enjoyed the responsibility, enjoyed prepping for it all week.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, it was good,\u201d he says, “but should be no shock to anyone, anyone who plays no6 for Ireland usually is used and used well (at the lineout), so I was happy enough to get up, got lucky sometimes in defence.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought I picked my spots well, we had a plan going in.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust, their drill is class, they get double top height every time and unlucky not to steal a couple more, just got the one, but happy enough.\u201d<\/p>\n
This Ulster trio have started the championship well while McCloskey 17 tackles completed is most likely a record for a Ireland first centre in any game never mind a Six Nations one.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, it’s good but I think it’s no shock. Stu\u2019s been class for the last 10 years, probably. He’s unbelievable for us, for Ulster. The quarterback pass for the try was unreal, Aaron Rodgers!<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you watch us play and even when he plays for Ireland, he\u2019s always been good. He got an opportunity today, it went well. Rob, obviously, a complete joke when he’s on form like that.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd then there’s boys like Tom Stewart, Doaky (Nathan Doak) and Jude (Postlethwaite) still yet to get back in or even get their first shot.<\/p>\n
“So looking forward to that but it’s nice to come in, obviously, we’re teammates, but at the same time you’re here, you’re playing for Ireland and it’s special playing with the lads like, you know, James Ryan, big Joe, lads I look up to. Tadhg Beirne, obviously Eddie (Edogbo) too. It\u2019s special.\u201d<\/p>\n
Richie Murphy clearly has the northern province playing in a way that is catching the national coach\u2019s eye<\/p>\n
\u201cI just think with the way the squad’s going, there are a couple lads who have moved on.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously Bundee is not here so lads are getting their shot but I think at the same time Faz obviously picks what he thinks is the best team.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think that if lads are playing well they get rewarded. So, you know, I can’t look too much into it past that.\u201d<\/p>\n
There could be more to come in the next while from the Ulstermen.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, of course. Whenever you’re winning games, you obviously feel better.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you’re reviewing games going into weeks and then you can stack that back-to-back and hopefully then when you come into camp, you kind of have that belief, that trust, that you’ve been playing well, playing in the system.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe obviously play a similar system to Ireland, with Mark (Sexton) coming in. Mark’s obviously an unbelievable coach so it’s kind of easier to get back into it.\u201d<\/p>\n