Going for glory on a wing and a prayer

MANY Irish supporters weren’t convinced Andrew Trimble represented Ireland’s best option on the left wing.

That was certainly the case south of the border when the Ulster man first pulled on the green jersey against Australia this time last year. Even his two tries against Romania a week later didn’t change too many minds.

Denis Hickie’s supporters were especially vocal, with a number claiming his inclusion was a sop to Ulster because they had so few in the side. However, there has been a growing acceptance Eddie O’Sullivan may have been correct in trusting his instincts and giving Trimble the chance. He duly figured in four of the five Six Nations Championship matches and in June toured New Zealand and Australia and played in all three Tests.