Brian O’Driscoll: Ireland can close the gap on southern superpowers

Brian O’Driscoll has warned Ireland that departing captain Paul O’Connell is ‘irreplaceable’, but says Joe Schmidt’s side can still have cause for optimism without the legendary forward.

O’Connell has called time on his international career following the Rugby World Cup, having racked up 108 caps from which he gleaned three Six Nations titles, including the Grand Slam in 2009.

The 36-year-old’s departure will undeniably be felt by Ireland who have relied upon the second-row’s talismanic qualities for 13 years.