Interprovincial Friendly

Munster v Connacht

Thomond Park, Friday, 7.45pm

Kieran Marmion, if the theory holds, will make the breakthrough at international level. Whether this World Cup has come too soon will be revealed in a week or so.

He certainly looks the part, a tall scrumhalf at five foot 10 inches (1.78 metres) and there’s that lengthy pass and his pace and the ability to score tries when Connacht’s need is most dire.

Then there is Conor Murray and Eoin Reddan, Isaac Boss too.

At least the latter pair won’t be around much longer but they are undoubtedly in the way at the moment.

Marmion is only 23 and his career path was on the rise when included in Les Kiss’s touring party of North America in 2013. He wasn’t used, however.

"Going on that tour and not getting capped was disappointing," said Marmion, speaking as a brand ambassador for Mazda. "But it kicked me on a bit. Pat Lam coming to Connacht helped me too – he has broadened by skills, and I have adapted to different game styles."

In the meantime he has accumulated four caps, all off the bench and none in a game of significance.

An opportunity

Well, two weeks ago at the Millennium Stadium was an opportunity.

“It was only 12 minutes or so but I was happy enough with how it went. There are a few things in there I know I could have done better and I’ve been through that with the coaches.”

The wonder is what it is he must do to move up.

“A lot of it is getting used to the game style, the game plan. It’s obviously very different from how we play here at Connacht. Just improving on parts of my game which help the game plan.”

Is that kicking?

“There is a lot of kicking involved in Ireland’s game plan. Just a lot of basics, a lot of it revolves around basics. Improving all those aspects is what will help me move forward.”

Marmion is 10 years behind the basic masterclass that is Reddan’s snappy game. Murray is streets ahead of most scrumhalves. Boss is reliable.

‘Good understanding’

“All three of them have been a great help to me. They have a good understanding of the game. They are all smart guys. Bossy and Reddan have worked with Joe since he has been here so they know exactly what he wants. It’s about learning off them and Joe. It’s great to be around them.”

He could yet pass out Boss but Ireland might only travel with two scrumhalves. Probably not but it’s a possibility.

“I know as much as you. Three or two. All I can do is try my hardest. Joe doesn’t just look at games, he looks at training.

“It’s been a tough preseason, which has been good. I’ve learned a lot.”

And there is still hope of making it. A decent performance at Thomond Park can only help.

“Joe and Les are hoping to get to the game so yeah it is a big game for me. Joe has always said the door is never closed.

“Even if you don’t make the squad there could be injuries and you can be there on a quick flight. All I can do is play as well as I can.”