Size matters, says O’Connell

Paul O’Connell wants Ireland to take a leaf out of the South African rugby playbook and start growing some Test match beasts.

The Springboks will bring their massive physicality and presence to the Aviva Stadium this evening as Ireland kick off their Guinness Series of November internationals, which will see them also play Georgia and Australia, the first and third games representing the last opportunities to face southern hemisphere opposition before next year’s World Cup in England.

Second row talisman O’Connell will be in direct opposition to South Africa’s Eben Etzebeth, the 6ft 8ins, 19st 10lb lock who has just turned 23 but has already made his presence felt in Test arenas around the world, including two years ago in Dublin when the Boks beat Ireland 16-12.