Ok on 1st bit. I'm not comparing Byrne to Madigan. Yes Madigan was still probably better but that doesn't mean he was up to standard of a top 10. Point on Byrne is as a player he improved.
On 2nd point. They don't have alot of international time though. Alot of caps but equally alot of them were gained when games were done and 10mins here or there or in games vs Tier 2.
On comment re Hanrahan or Blenyendaal. JJ will never reach potential for same reason as Madigan and that is evident clearly. Tyler won't due to injury and not having body. And was said by many in his good season that he is still well off level required. I'd disagree with that last bit.
Maybe Madigan will tear Prem up as he is playing as a 10 but at same level he will not reach a level he could have reached. As I said he maybe at some stage could have reached international level. But best he has been as a 10 was mid European level. Issue has been Keatley and co are under that.
Joey has a high ceiling now but that ceiling can drop too.
I'm not saying Ulster will work but we need to know is he capable of leading a team at 10 and being the standard.
It's like this. In RWC15. Sexton was level 95/100 As a 10. Next best was Madigan at 65-70 at best. He had potential to be higher as 10 but for various reasons never reached it. Joey is at 70/75 now. In next year that could rise or drop. Schmidt has learnt you need back up guy at 80ish at least and used to pressure in 10 jersey
