Size is everything when it comes to Michael Lowry, says Andy Farrell.
Lowry, 23, makes his Ireland debut on Sunday and is one of six changes against Italy from the side that lost to France a fortnight ago.
The 5'7" tall Ulsterman replaces full-back Hugo Keenan, whose 18-game Ireland run ends - and Farrell reckons the pocket rocket's size can be much more of an advantage than a disadvantage at Test level.
"It’s never been a problem," said the Ireland boss. "It’s actually a nightmare for somebody like me, if I was playing against him.
"I think his size is an added bonus for him. I think it makes him an absolute nightmare for people to handle.
“Since his first day at Ulster, he hasn’t grown, has he, since then - but he’s certainly got braver, more dynamic, developed more game awareness, more game sense.
"He’s able to play the game in many different ways. He’s explosive, hits a line, is brave.
"So we’re hoping he can be himself on Sunday.”
Lowry is part of a potentially thrilling new back three partnership with Mack Hansen, who makes his third Test start, switching to the right wing to accommodate the return of James Lowe from injury.
"Yeah, we’re a lot more exciting than Hugo Keenan anyway," joked Lowe. "Nah, he’s a very good friend of mine and he’s a freak with ball in hand."
Lowe, one of the stars of the November series clean sweep, has been really impressed with how Lowry has taken to the set-up.
He quipped: "Lowry, the small guy, 76kgs dripping wet - his size isn’t in any way a deterrent.
"He's physical enough for a small frame, he has a skillset and takes good positions on the pitch. His kicking game, running game, catch-pass...I can’t fault him.
"I’ve only met him this week but the way he holds himself, the questions he asks, it's impressive.
"Fortunately I haven’t had to defend against him.
"He creates something out of nothing and he’s been doing it at training, making space fortunately for me, poking his head through holes.
"His skillset is very good, it’s something I probably didn’t appreciate until I was outside him.
“He’s a bit like Damien McKenzie in how he plays in a lot of ways. He’s rapid, man. He’s quick. All of a sudden he can turn it on."
Farrell has found a way to start both Lowe and Hansen on the flanks, which is a mouth-watering prospect for Ireland fans.
“Mack has been X factor since he arrived, hasn’t he," said Lowe.
"No-one would question his ability to finish - that try in the French game, people might have thought that was a bit of luck.
"But, man, you create your own luck and he was in the right place at the right time and scored a fantastic first international try of his career.
“We’ve talked things through, we’ve ironed things out and are looking forward to the challenge that Italy presents and hopefully some running rugby."
