IT’S HARD TO believe, but five weeks ago, Carlow native Sean O’Brien didn’t even look certain to play a part in the Rugby World Cup, let alone likely to stamp his inimitable ball-carrying authority all over Pool C.

In light of his turbulent pre-tournament preparations, then, the flanker can take particular satisfaction in being named the official Rugby World Cup “Player of Pool C”.

Fending off stiff competition from Sergio Parisse and David Pocock, O’Brien was selected “despite performing in the unfamiliar openside position” and because:

“he has been a rampaging ball of destruction in his first Rugby World Cup, whether in attack or defence, and looks set to enhance his reputation as the last eight teams standing do battle in the knockout stage.”

Described as “probably the best ball-carrying back-rower in the world today,” O’Brien also takes his place alongside teammates Cian Healy and Paul O’Connell in the Sydney Morning Herald’s “Team of the Rugby World Cup Pool Stages”.

Healy’s selection is particularly impressive, given it came at the expense of the mighty Tony Woodcock’s exclusion.

See the Sydney Morning Herald’s selection in full>

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