HIS performances in the opening weeks of the Six Nations have seen Garry Ringrose hog the headlines for Ireland, while his try against Italy saw comparisons drawn with legendary centre Brian O’Driscoll.
Comparisons will inevitably always be made between O’Driscoll and Ringrose during the Championships. After all, Ringrose wears the number 13 jersey, played for Blackrock, UCD, and Leinster, while he also didn’t start his rugby career as a centre.
O’Driscoll, who made 133 international appearances for Ireland and a further eight for the British & Irish Lions, has been impressed with what he has seen from Ringrose to date but he has called for calm.
Ringrose is just 22-years-old, has made less than 10 international appearances for Ireland, only 30 for Leinster and is only playing in his first Six Nations Championships.
He is already being talked about as a possible Lions tourist to New Zealand this summer, something O’Driscoll did little to dispel, but the legendary Ireland centre insists there’s still plenty of on the job training required before Ringrose can be called the real deal.
“I have seen a lot of his Six Nations to date and I have also watched a lot of his performances over the last couple of years for Leinster,” said O’Driscoll, who was speaking on behalf of Land Rover, a principal partner of the British & Irish Lions.
“I trained with him when he came straight out of school and we could see that he had something special back then,” O’Driscoll said.
“I think any comparisons are always unfair on any new player coming in. I’m sure I’ll be saying in time the comparisons were unfair on the old player because this guy has got huge potential.
“I think he can be the best version of himself and not try to live up to anyone’s expectations but you should never put limitations on how good someone can be.
“I get excited watching this guy play in the centre as he has got a terrific skill set and I think he is only going to get better and better if he can avoid injury.
“He sees things a little quicker than most players,” O’Driscoll added. “I think he has a nice skillset, runs good angles, and defensively packs a bigger punch than maybe his physique would suggest.
“I think he puts it all together and makes some good decisions. He’s just a smart rugby player.”
O’Driscoll also hailed the performances of Ireland back row forward CJ Stander during the Six Nations – his hat-trick in Rome against Italy certainly boosted his Lions’ selection hopes.
Stander is now a key cog in Ireland’s attacking and defensive performances and O’Driscoll has been impressed with what he has seen so far.
“He has become a huge player for Ireland and he has taken a lot of pressure off other ball carriers,” he added.
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REPORT: Sebastian Clayton