Cave focused on 13 spot

He is trying to fill the biggest void ever in Irish rugby but Darren Cave is just going to concentrate on producing the game of his life tomorrow and not think too much about the fact Brian O’Driscoll was the previous incumbent of the number he is wearing.

Just over a week ago he faced a tussle with Robbie Henshaw for the No.13 shirt, but once the Connacht man pulled out through injury, the Ulster man had a clear run. And he is determined to make the most, knowing that Henshaw will be back in contention along with others, including his Ulster teammate Jared Payne who will soon be Irish qualified.

He admits he will be nervous when he lines out in Resistencia against the Pumas tomorrow.

“I will yeah. It’s always a wee bit different.

“I suppose I have got to the stage at Ulster where I don’t get as nervous as I used after 130-odd games whereas this will only be the sixth time I have played for Ireland.

“My form for Ulster has been pretty consistent, not always magnificent but very rarely poor. Unfortunately, when you are in a tussle for the No13 jersey off him (O’Driscoll), some rarely poor form isn’t good enough. I suppose at the end of the day I just try not to replace him.

“It’s not about him for me. I’ll just try and play as well as I can and we’ll see what happens.