Out-half Frawley’s favoured position, but he’d ‘play anywhere in the blue jersey’

THERE WAS SO much to like about Leinster’s collective performance in their seven-try rout of the Ospreys on Friday night, but among the chief takeaways was the excellence of Ciaran Frawley at out-half.

On just his second senior start for the province, Frawley exuded confidence and conviction in everything he did, kicking 17 points from the tee and showing impressive playmaking ability throughout.

Frawley in action against Ospreys on Friday night. Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

Deservedly named man of the match, one of the standout features of Frawley’s performance was his work-rate and appetite to defend his channel, never shirking from any responsibility in that regard to complete eight tackles.

On the ball, the Skerries man pulled the strings behind a dominant pack, not only defying his relative inexperience at this level, but showing maturity behind his 20 years to dictate proceedings. 

His willingness to take the ball to the line, coupled with his smart and accurate kicking game — both from hand and the tee — and crisp distribution skills, makes Frawley an exciting prospect for Leinster.

The out-half’s match statistics are impressive. 25 passes, 12 runs and two line breaks provides a snapshot of his influence, while his place-kicking was absolutely faultless as he slotted over all eight attempts.

It’s hard to believe it was Frawley’s first start of the season, and just his fifth senior outing, after an arm injury suffered in pre-season had ruled him out for the early rounds of the Pro14 campaign. 

Sitting beside Leo Cullen at the post-match press conference, Frawley — who played at 12 during his time with Ireland U20s — was asked where he sees himself going forward, with his skillset no doubt conducive to him becoming a viable option at centre.

“I just like being versatile so I can jump in and out of position,” he said. “My favourite position would be 10 but I’d play any position once you’re pulling on the blue jersey. I’d go anywhere Leo wants me too.  

The same question was put to Cullen.

He smiled: “Wait and see, we’ll wait and see. We saw him at 10 today.”

Either way, Frawley doesn’t lack confidence or ability and is just one of a number of prodigiously talented players making an impressive breakthrough at the province.

“Yeah, definitely, I’m comfortable at this level now,” he added. “It’s just really comfortable in training, we’re always training with the seniors and when it comes to a stage like this when we’re called up to play, we’re comfortable and we know the system.”

Frawley was awarded the sponsor’s man of the match award, but in truth it could have gone to any number of Leinster players, including debutant Scott Penny or captain on the night Scott Fardy to name just two.

Overall, it was another excellent night’s work for Cullen’s side as they handed out three debuts, earned five important points and extended their lead at the top of Conference B to 10 points.