Gary wrote:Snipe, apart from disagreeing that playing someone out of position is a good way to prepare him for playing in his proper position, I have to point out yet again that Lowry is OLDER than Jackson was when he played in a Heiny Cup Final and became a first team regular. Now, help me out here ...how many games did Jackson play at 15?
I'll help you Gary. None that I can recall.
Lowry may well be older than Paddy was, but there are a number of things making that close to irrelevant. Firstly Lowry isn't Jackson, maybe the current coaches feel that he needs to be eased into the team. Different player, different team, different head coach.
Secondly I seem to recall at the time McGlock was very reluctant to throw PJ into the ten shirt, but his hand was forced by lack of alternatives and the fact that we were in great form and needed a flyhalf to complete the picture.
Thirdly Jonny Wilkinson was played at 12 by England before he was moved into the key position, precisely for the reason I state and that turned out reasonably well.
Fourthly this season was about building for the future, the competitiveness of the team has been a bonus. Lowry is no short term fix. I expect him to be at the centre of the Ulster team for the next decade. There is no rush to burden him with the responsibility of the most pressured role in the team.
Finally for now, when playing 15 everything happens in front of you. You'll learn more playing there than anywhere else. The kid can use his prodigious talents under less pressure and with more time to think. It's a no brainer.