‘Fantastic’ Drico reaches 40 try mark
The All Blacks, Australians and South Africans can put up as many candidates as they wish, but O’Driscoll will stand tall against any of them, according to experts and fans on both sides of the divide.
D4 supporters were joined by those from Munster, Ulster and Connacht – even the odd Kiwi – in praise of the Irish skipper for his contribution to Ireland’s fine effort to beat New Zealand for the first time.
O’Driscoll’s huge defensive commitment took an injury toll though, and Ireland sweat on his fitness for next week’s tough encounter with Argentina. However, the captain provided the spark yet again for a laudable attacking display that ultimately foundered only on some crucial turnovers. He was personally rewarded with his 40th try for Ireland.
To pick up a ball, going at full throttle, from the turf with one hand isn’t something that can be learned; it came naturally, instinctively, and highlighted once more that he is an Irish sporting treasure. Irish coach Declan Kidney agreed: “He’s playing very well. I would have to say, in fairness to Brian, he has been a captain to lead by example for a number of years but he has in the last 12 months especially. When we’ve had bangs and knocks, the way he has encouraged people and managed to adapt his leadership to the demands that are around him too has been absolutely fantastic.”
While Kidney will probably ask a fit skipper to endure more bodily pain against Argentina next week, it seems inevitable that Keith Earls will get a starting place in the team, whether on the wing, full back or in O’Driscoll’s place. He is the sporting treasure in waiting, but he urgently needs a vote of confidence from Kidney.
Earls came on in the 44th minute for the injured Luke Fitzgerald and did everything but make the same impact as his captain. His disallowed 75th minute ‘try’ was a cause for regret but not complaint when he was denied by the TMO.
“I just couldn’t get the ball out from under my body,” Earls explained. “I think my elbow hit the line before the grounding, which was very unfortunate, but that’s rugby for you – there are bad days and then there are days when you get in.”
Having had to play a supportive rather than central role – mainly due to his ankle injury – so far this autumn, Earls is ready for action, if required. “I was happy to get a run, I’ve only got four games under my belt this season and I got 30 minutes there.”
If he does start, Earls will demand a more astute and less error-ridden display from everyone, noting that he and his colleagues played a large role in their own downfall Saturday.
“I think we beat ourselves. “Our skill levels leave us down sometimes; when they got turnover ball they (showed) the great skills that they learn from a young age because they do a lot of ball in hand stuff and they don’t make too many mistakes. We made mistakes and they capitalised on those.
“We were confident at half-time; we weren’t thinking too much about that try we gave away just before the break. We knew we could score against them, we had them rattled a couple of times but, unfortunately, we gave them another silly score and they’re a quality side. It’s hard enough to beat them when it’s a draw, never mind when you’re behind by a few scores.”
Time is running out for some of this Irish team for whom beating the All Blacks has become mission impossible, but Earls hopes to feature in a winning side against them at some stage.
“I honestly think they are catchable. Australia beat them in Hong Kong so I think teams just have to be clinical against them. You just have to hold onto the ball, force mistakes and get the scoreboard ticking over. Let them off and they will put you away – that’s what makes them such a good team.”
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