Andrew Carey spoke to Ulster and Ireland centre Paddy Wallace on his inclusion in the starting 15
WITH a boyish zeal and excitement, Paddy Wallace joined a small cluster of the press gang to speak on his inclusion in Declan Kidney’s side to face France in the RBS Six nations opening game in Croke Park this Saturday (5pm).
Boyish because this was a player who had just been given the keys to the sweet shop. That, or maybe it was because Declan Kidney had just given the Belfast born utility back his first competitive start in Croke Park, but more importantly had also given Wallace his first starting cap in this his third fruitless Six nations campaign.
A milestone for the Ulster player who’s obvious delight was written all over his face,
“Well I know that my family will be delighted as am I. This is great for me and my career as I felt I have had a good run of form and I’ve been rewarded for that”.
A good run of form that Wallace attributes to partnering Darren Cave in the centre at Ulster and to the work of their backs coach at the province, Paul Steinmetz.
But for this 29-year-old utility back, the start means more than statistics or milestones, it represents a change in form and a recognition that the senior national rugby side may very well be under new management, but it is clearly under a new direction.
Wallace may also be the only change to the starting line-up from those that started against Argentina last November, but the positional changes along the back-line would lead one to believe that the side is intent on making an impression in this championship, but more so on world rugby.
One man’s inclusion will not change that but the inclusion of form players in their natural club positions will benefit the national side. It’s a good starting point. Wallace is an example of that. Kearney at fullback and Fitzgerald on the wing are others. The exclusion of Leamy from the number 8 berth would have been the only decision brought to question.
Apparently, the stall for Wallace and the entire team was set out early by Kidney in the two weeks of preparation leading up to this weekend.
Wallace noted: “Deccie had me at 12 all the way through every play that we did on the training field so I had an early inclination that I would be certainly in the mix for that.”
Moving from the understudy slot behind O’Gara, Wallace now feels that he can offer the senior side something more than just cover.
“I have had frustrating times in the past but I’m excited about Saturday, I’m excited about playing France in Croke Park. This team is going to gel and we are moving towards where we want to be as a unit. We learned quite a lot playing the two games in the Southern Hemisphere and I partnered Brian [O’Driscoll] in the centre then. We played together in the centre at u19 level and with UCD so we know where we are going. We would be used to it from our time together in the past.”
Wallace started with the team captain against New Zealand and Australia and was much maligned for their performance as a defensive pairing. That garnered support from the masses but Kidney realised that the form Wallace is in of late could be of greater use to the team if used in his natural starting role as opposed to coming off the bench in place of the out-half.
Kidney said it’s like having “two five eight’s on the field and Paddy will help our game greatly”.
On Saturday, the masses will be looking to see the transformation of Ulster ooze into the green jersey through the inclusion of Wallace and Ferris in the side. Although having left Ulster last season, Tommy Bowe could be added to that duo also. If this works, Kidney could have opened a new door to selection and show a chink of light to the Ulster squad looking for a place on the senior Irish team.
DOB – 27th Aug 1979
Birthplace – Belfast
Height- 5’ 11”
Weight – 12 st 10 lb
Position – Fly Half / Centre
Province – Ulster
Honours – Ireland (12 caps)
