2012 may not have the allure of the World Cup like its predecessor but there is much top class rugby to look forward and it is only around the corner.
The Heineken Cup, of course, is in full flow already but it is not long now until international rugby returns to our shores. The Six Nations begins in one month to the day and the competition marks the beginning of an important year for Ireland.
It is an especially significant year as it is transitional for this Ireland team in more ways than one and there are questions to be answered. Can Ireland thrive without Brian O’Driscoll is perhaps the most pertinent.
In the early days of O’Driscoll’s career, he was simply devastating with the ball in hand, ripping defences to part with lightning pace and brilliant skill. Two of the more memorable moments from this time were his sublime hat trick against France in Paris and that wonderful solo effort for the Lions in the first test against Australia during the 2001 Lions tour.
Since then though, BO’D has become so much more to this team. Not only did he mature into the best defensive centre in the world, he raised the bar in terms of spoiling at the breakdown. Surpassing all of these technical qualities however was the spirit of the man. O’Driscoll became not only an exceptional leader of Ireland but more than that; he became the team’s soul.
The warrior like virtues he displayed during the grand slam of 2009 were simply incredible. He plainly refused to take no for an answer and dragged that team over the line, quite literally on a couple of occasions.
Although his ability has waned with age, he represents so much more to this team than outside breaks and that is why his absence will be so acutely examined. His incredible talent and ferocious determination demanded respect not only from within but also from the opposition. Will Ireland be the same without him?
The leadership shouldn’t be an issue as the incumbent for the Six Nations is no stranger to the role. Paul O’Connell is a former captain of the Lions, as well as leading Munster impressively in recent years. He is another man who demands the highest standards and will command respect, both from outside parties and within the squad. He may possess different qualities as a captain but O’Connell will deliver – of that you can be certain.
What about filling the outside centre role itself? Declan Kidney and his team should be looking at this extended break for O’Driscoll as a positive. There will come a time in the not too distant future where Ireland will have no choice but to pick teams without the great man and are as well to begin looking at alternatives.
If O’Driscoll had been fit, he would most likely have started every game and the Ireland management would be none the wiser. Ireland have been slow in the past to give younger players an opportunity at the expense of experienced campaigners; at least this forces the hand somewhat, without stepping on anyone’s toes.
For a position that has been so sewn up for the past decade, there is no shortage of contenders for the role. A couple stand out from the rest, however. Keith Earls has occupied this role before for Kidney and represents a threat with his pace and ability to beat players one on one. His defensive naivety in the position works against him however as there are notable blips on the copybook – none more damning than Manu Tuilagi running straight through him in August. Having said this, Earls is a very real option for Kidney and his selection wouldn’t be a surprise.
The centre situation at Leinster is very interesting, especially when gazed upon from an Ireland perspective. Fergus McFadden and Eoin O’Malley have been the two form centres for the province this season, with Gordon D’Arcy struggling for form. It is unlikely however that Kidney would thrust both the ‘youngsters’ into the fray as a partnership, due to their lack of experience and the tough start that awaits (Wales at home followed by France away).
To this end, you would assume that D’Arcy will take up his familiar role at inside centre, leaving a straight battle for the thirteen shirt. Although O’Malley has impressed this season to date, running some terrific lines and showing an excellent fleet of foot, McFadden resembles less of a risk and has been playing extremely well also.
The former Clongowes man has played in both centre positions for much of the season but is a better thirteen, given his pace and excellent defensive qualities. For me, McFadden should be given his shot.
Of course, you never know with Deccie and there are also the likes of Tommy Bowe, Nevin Spence and Luke Fitzgerald who come into the frame but it is difficult to envisage.
Whoever gets the nod, they will have the biggest of boots to fill. A little tribute to the great man is below: