Brian O’Driscoll’s been on four Lions tours – he knows the craic.
He’s been to New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa with the British and Irish select and he’s experienced individual highs and lows. He’s seen it all in the space of 12 years and he’s fully aware – more than anyone – that nothing is over until it’s over.
Listen, Garry Ringrose is still only 22 – twenty bloody two. He has plenty of time.
He’s only been playing for his country since November but such has been his impact and the excitement the shockwaves brought with them that the Leinster back was right in contention for a call-up to Warren Gatland’s Lions squad.
Every young player should learn from Garry Ringrose's fight against WhatsApp temptations | SportsJOE.ie https://t.co/Y3Os6cFXMV
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As it was, he missed out on the initial selection but, as Brian O’Driscoll would tell you, “a lot can change in two months”.
Greg Laidlaw has already been called in to replace Ben Youngs in tragic circumstances.
Dan Biggar is sweating on his recovery now after picking up an ankle injury for Ospreys and Irish backs are on red alert in case the out-half doesn’t make it.
Anything can happen in rugby at any time and, with the squad departing for the other side of the world in exactly three weeks time, Garry Ringrose’s chances of getting a late phone call aren’t dead and buried just yet. Not according to Brian O’Driscoll anyway.
Speaking with the Telegraph, the Irish legend revealed the text that he sent Ringrose when the squad was announced. Basically, he was just telling him that he isn’t out of the running yet.
“I sent him a text when the squad was announced saying I knew he would be really disappointed but there was a long way to go yet,” O’Driscoll said.
“A lot can change in two months.”
There’s been serious precedent over the years of lads prospering from another man’s misfortune.
- In 2013, an injury to Tommy Bowe saw Simon Zebo get a late call-up in June.
- In the same year, Rory Best was called in late to replace Dylan Hartley and even captained a midweek game.
- In 2005, Simon Easterby was flown out when Lawrence Dallaglio got injured in the first game and he ended up forcing himself into the Test team.
- David Wallace got an 11th hour call in 2001 and so did Ulster man Tyrone Howe.
These sort of stories are rife and they’re usually the springboard for unexpected success. As far back as 1997, Jeremy Davidson wasn’t expected to be near the Test teams and he ended the Tour being voted Players’ Player of the Year.
Even when the team departs on May 29, the Irish guys left at home should be ready. They could be given a shot at destiny at any time.
