When it comes to Ireland's options at out half, it is a position with plenty of depth. Johnny Sexton is the reigning World Player of the Year, while Joey Carbery has enjoyed a fantastic debut season at Munster. Are either of them in better form than Jack Carty at the moment though?
The Connacht man has enjoyed a remarkable season out West, making an incredible jump in for over the past few months. He has played himself into the Ireland squad, and has been at the centre of everything good Connacht have done.
Tonight was a special night for the Carty. Not only did he score a wonderful try, a move he started after a stunning chip over the top and quality offload, but he also became the province's top ever point scorer.
The recently capped Ireland international came off the bench for the final 20 minutes, as his side sought to see out the victory over Benetton Treviso. In the closing stages, he would start a Connacht attack with a wonderful dink over the top, gathering the ball before executing a wonderful offload to Kieran Marmion.
Carty would then go on to finish the move off himself, and cement his place in Connacht history.
Jack Carty ar fheabhas!!
"Jack Carty is the most in-form out-half in Ireland" @Murray_Kinsella @connachtrugby 29-14 @BenettonRugby pic.twitter.com/xCbiS1FIDf— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) March 22, 2019
Speaking after the game, Carty expressed his delight at becoming Connacht's top scorer.
Comhghairdeachas Jack Carty Connacht's new all-time record points scorer, and what a way to do it!! 691 points. #RugbaíBEO @connachtrugby pic.twitter.com/JxH9UtcY3w
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) March 22, 2019
Still only 26-yers old, Jack Carty has plenty to give in Connacht colours yet. Having made his first start for the province over five years ago, he has made a massive jump in the past 12 months or so.
He is perhaps the best '10' in Ireland at the moment based on current form, and certainly did not look out of his depth in the limited run he got during the Six Nations. With the World Cup on the horizon, and Johnny Sexton's patchy injury record, his massive improvement is much welcome news for Joe Schmidt and Ireland.
