Advertisement
If all goes to plan, Robbie Henshaw will be getting mobbed by fans regularly. Cathal Noonan/INPHO
Moving On

'I really rate Robbie Henshaw' - Brian O'Driscoll endorses his potential successors at 13

O’Driscoll spoke on The Late Late Show about Robbie Henshaw and Jared Payne.

WE ARE NOW one week away from Ireland’s first November international against South Africa, or the first game of the ABOD era as it should be known. Everyone always knew there would be a time after Brian O’Driscoll but that hasn’t made it any easier for either Joe Schmidt or Matt O’Connor to replace the legendary centre.

His potential replacement at Leinster, Ben Te’o, left the field with a suspected broken arm last night and at national level, Joe Schmidt seems to have narrowed it down to Robbie Henshaw and Jared Payne – with the Connacht youngster in the box seat.

The man who they will be taking over from was on The Late Late Show last night and was asked about their chances. It could have turned into Alex Ferguson being asked about David Moyes, but luckily for Ireland, the level of Henshaw and Payne meant that O’Driscoll could give an honest endorsement.

“I look at the guys who are there and the guys who are touted as potential number 13s and there is a huge talent of players,” O’Driscoll said.

“I really rate Robbie Henshaw in Connacht. I think he has learned a huge amount for a young guy. The game is very different now than what it was when I broke into the scene where it’s hard for young guys to make an impact because there are that many playing.

“Obviously Jared Payne is a very talented footballer. He is probably a tiny bit better as a fullback than a 13. He is a world class fullback and an excellent 13.

“I think those two boys would do the jersey every bit of justice it deserves.”

Schmidt dropped a big hint about Henshaw’s candidacy during the week when he responded with, ‘ I guess we will see in nine days time,‘ when asked whether Henshaw was ready to fill O’Driscoll’s jersey.

For his part, the former Lions, Ireland and Leinster captain seemed confident that he will be replaced adequately.

“At no time at any stage is anyone irreplaceable,” O’Driscoll said.

“The team always manages in any sport the world over, they manage to move on from players who have been there a while,” said O’Driscoll.

5 talking points after Leinster get a bonus point win over Edinburgh

As it happened: Leinster vs Edinburgh, Guinness Pro12

Your Voice
Readers Comments
14
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.