Brian O’Driscoll names Ireland player who has increased his Lions hopes

The Connacht man had a fine game.

With the Lions squad being named on May 8, there is precious little time left to impress, and it looks as though England's charges may have made up a fair amount of ground on Ireland, after finishing the Six Nations with two big wins.

But while most of Ireland's men were far from their best against Italy, there were a few stand-outs, such as Hugo Keenan, Dan Sheehan, and Mack Hansen.

There were a few defensive lapses from Connacht's Hansen, which led to Italian tries, but going forward he looked back near his best, with 36 metres made, five defenders beaten, and a beautiful assist for Sheehan's third try.

Having missed the 2024 Six Nations and Ireland's summer tour to South Africa through injury, it has taken a while for Hansen to get back to top form, and he has fallen out of Lions selection discussions.

But speaking on ITV after Ireland's win over Italy, four-time Lion Brian O'Driscoll has backed Hansen to be on the plane to Australia.

He said: "You know, before the France game last week, there was a lot of conversation over how many Irish [players] will go on this Lions tour. Depending on who you asked, you could definitely have seen upwards of 16-17.

"Then, after the defeat to France, it was like, 'Woah, now all the 50/50 calls aren't as favourably going towards these Irish players."

"He was one that I think…it probably worked in his favour not playing that game last week. Then finishing the Six Nations as strongly as he did today…I thought he was excellent.

"We've lacked a little bit of firepower, a little bit of punch and acceleration, and he brought that today.

"Between him and Sheehan, I think that was the real X-factor players that shone through and were perhaps the difference between defeat and victory.

"I think Mack now, probably based on what we've seen today and on his ability - he can play at 15 if needs be - has done enough to get himself on the plane."