HE SEEMED LIKE a natural choice ever since Paul O’Connell’s hamstring went underneath him. But we didn’t dare second-guess Joe Schmidt, who thinks these things through a lot more than we do.
Today however, Rory Best took the honour he deserves. Ireland captain for the forthcoming Six Nations, his first opportunity to lead his country out since 2012.
While it may be closing on four years since his last captaincy though, the Poyntzpass hooker has never relented in leading from the front. Here are some of our favourite things about the Ulsterman.
1. He has ‘fire in his eyes’ when giving motivational speeches to his team
So said Paddy Jackson after Best’s half-time rollicking pushed Ulster to turn a 23 -0 deficit in to a 23 – 24 win away to Oyonnax.
2. But a chat with a referee can turn him back into a perfect gentleman
3. Commitment, thy name is Rory. A mere broken arm wasn’t enough to stop Best joining in a ruck against the All Blacks
4. He’s a breakdown BEAST
Watch the white scrum cap pave the way for Paul O’Connell’s last try for Ireland with a barnstorming clear-out. Fitting that he should take over the mantle after playing this supporting role.
5. He’s only 5′ 11″, but he’s always on the hunt for a chargedown
Simon Zebo owes him BIG for this one.
6. He won’t be fazed by being Ireland captain, sure he wasn’t even the first of his family to take the honour
Simon Best captained Ireland in 2007, just over a year after his wee brother made his Test debut.
7. He knows where the try-line is
8. Check out the twinkle toes to finish what he started (the best of Ireland’s three tries against New Zealand in 2013)
9. He’s fond of a wee drop with Denis Leamy now and then
10. He applies his perfectionist nature to farming, winning awards for his cattle along the way
11. His line-outs are an absolutely pivotal part of Ireland’s attack
More analysis and his thoughts on that area here.
12. The camera absolutely loves him
