At the tail end of his long and successful career, Rob Kearney became a lightning-rod for Ireland’s perceived lack of a cutting edge in the back-field, with a far greater emphasis placed on what he didn’t offer in attack, rather than the solidity that he brought in defence.
For years, supporters cried out for more of an exciting threat, so when James Lowe was fast-tracked into the team as soon as he became Irish-qualified, his introduction into a new-look back-three was heralded as a move in the right direction.
However, just as Kearney found out in his latter years, Lowe has learned the hard way that for all his many attributes, the spotlight is firmly on his shortcomings.
Stepping up to the Test arena has been a real baptism of fire for Lowe, who after making such a positive start on his debut just over a year ago, has been exposed defensively on several occasions.
There have been similar issues with Leinster, particularly against the better teams, who have invariably gone after Lowe.
Eyebrows were raised when the 29-year-old was given the nod to start against Japan this afternoon, particularly considering the alternative options available to Andy Farrell.
Simon Zebo’s return to the squad has made him a live contender again and like Lowe, he possesses a strong left-footed kicking option, while Keith Earls, Jordan Larmour, Robert Baloucoune and the uncapped Mack Hansen are also vying for a spot on the wing.
Like his Kiwi compatriot Jamison Gibson-Park, Farrell is a huge admirer of Lowe, and while it’s easy to see why, there is no doubt that he is under major pressure to justify the faith shown in him.
For those already writing off Lowe’s international career, it’s worth stepping back and taking stock of the bigger picture.
In a sport increasingly defined by a bland rigidness, Lowe’s infectious positivity offers something different on and off the pitch, which is why Farrell is determined to persist with him in order to get him up to speed.
That said, Farrell hasn’t been afraid to wield the axe, as the winger was dropped for the first time in his career during the Six Nations earlier this year.
As he admitted himself, “the elephant in the room was my ‘D’.” So, having been left out in the cold and then missed the two games over the summer due to injury, Lowe is back, hungrier than ever to prove the doubters wrong.
Arriving from the Chiefs, Lowe had to quickly adapt to a new style of play at Leinster and indeed a new way of thinking about the game.
A product of the New Zealand system, it has taken Lowe longer than he expected to learn how to operate inside a defensive framework that up until four years ago was completely alien to him.
He faced similar challenges stepping up to international rugby for the first time, and for all that his debut against Wales last November was a rip-roaring start, that seems like a long time ago at this stage.
Lowe endured a nightmare afternoon in the following defeat at Twickenham, when his work-rate was called into question, before he lost three games on the bounce with Ireland.
Farrell and Stuart Lancaster have worked closely with Lowe to eradicate his defensive flaws and although he firmly believes he has made significant improvements, the jury remains out for now.
Last month, the Scarlets were, at times, able to exploit him out wide, with his over-eagerness to bite in off his wing again an issue.
Ultimately, the Welsh side weren’t good enough to take full advantage, but Japan are, which is why today will tell us a lot about how far Lowe has really come.
Japan’s attack coach Tony Brown is one of the smartest brains in world rugby – just look at how eager the All Blacks were to have him as part of their backroom staff – and he will undoubtedly target Lowe.
As the Brave Blossoms have proved time and time again, not least in both of their recent meetings with Ireland in 2019 and during the summer, Japan are lethal out wide and will punish any sloppiness.
Siosaia Fifita and Dylan Riley may not be household names, with only four caps between them, but they are emerging talents, who will work in tandem with the devastating Kotaro Matsushima, who switches to full-back.
On the flip side, Lowe’s power can cause Japan problems, with Riley set to have his hands full, if Ireland can get the Leinster man on the ball.
Leinster have been using Lowe more as first receiver, so it will be fascinating to see if Mike Catt goes down a similar path and looks to utilise his power as much as possible. Although his cannon of a left boot is very useful, one hopes it is not needed too often today.
Lowe has gone five Tests without a try since his debut score, while the tries have also dried up at Leinster, with his last score coming against Exeter back in April.
Time on the sideline due to injury somewhat distorts that stat, yet for any winger, the major currency is tries scored, and if Lowe isn’t producing at either end of the pitch, questions will continue to be asked by the growing number of doubters.
“I have been impressed with how he has gone about dealing with the tough time that he went through,” Farrell said.
“He has had a good look at himself with regards to his preparation. I think it was a bit of a shock for him first time up with the pressures and the scrutiny of international rugby.
“He has gone away, been very diligent and wanted to work on aspects of his game that we have asked him to, and there are improvements there.
“He gets his chance because of all that, to show us that he is the right man for the job. He is in great nick, he has lost a bit of weight, he has the bit between his teeth.”
The former Maori All Black doesn’t need any extra motivation going into today but if he did, the small matter of New Zealand arriving in Dublin next weekend will provide it.
Having spent so long in the Kiwi system and very nearly becoming an All Black in 2015, until an untimely injury, Lowe is still close to many of the current squad.
A strong all-round performance at the Aviva Stadium this afternoon would cement his place in the starting team for what would be an emotional occasion against the country of his birth, but much like Ireland in general, Lowe cannot lose focus on the sizeable task at hand or else Japan will take full advantage.
Showing a greater understanding of what is being asked of him in the defensive system is vital, otherwise the lingering question marks will remain.
Joe Schmidt famously told Kearney that he needed “a big one” before Ireland beat the All Blacks for the first time in 2016, and he delivered in spades. Lowe may be a Test novice compared to Kearney’s then veteran status, yet Farrell could easily echo his predecessor’s comments today.
Even if he doesn’t, Lowe knows he is under pressure to deliver. How he responds will go a long way to defining his international career.