Some men were just born for the big stage.
Some Irish men were meant to dominate the world. Some Leinster men were made to light up the number 13 jersey.
There’s something stirring in this country.
Something that kept Joe Schmidt on for another World Cup. Something that makes the loss of people like Johnny Sexton and Sean O’Brien and Rob Kearney and Jared Payne almost undaunting.
There are a group of young men ready to come in and bleed for the green jersey but, better yet, they’re ready to produce absolute magic.
These lads are confident and they’re downright gifted. Boys like Joey Carbery come running onto games against Australia and the All Blacks and think nothing of it. Ultan Dillane drives up pitches like he’s back in the Sportsgrounds. Kieran Marmion will deputise on the wing if he has to.
And Garry Ringrose? Christ Almighty, Garry Ringrose.
In what was just his second ever start for his country, Garry Ringrose looked like he had been there for years.
He looked like he had played inside centre before never mind just having played for Ireland at all.
He looked like, dare say it, a certain Mr O’Driscoll as he slid through Australia bodies like they were only stationary training cones.
Garry Ringrose's try was a first half highlight. Follow the second half action live here: https://t.co/Enb9LCwbej https://t.co/go3LAz33br
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) November 26, 2016
“I don’t know how number 12 scored the try…”
Referee Jerome Garces stopped everything and went to the TMO in disbelief at the ease with which Ringrose weaved through the Wallabies. It was too good to be true. There must have been some sort of infringement.
Garces’ doubts and hesitance to reward the try summed up its effortless brilliance.
And it drew comparisons. Huge comparisons.
https://twitter.com/SousterRacing/status/802589174889058304
Ringrose looks so much like a young O Driscoll.
— paul bert kelly (@paulbertkelly) November 26, 2016
Ringrose = o driscoll all over again
— Mark phelan (@markyphelan) November 26, 2016
Gary ringrose reminds me of Brian o Driscoll!!
— jj-murphy (@JjJjmurphy158) November 26, 2016
https://twitter.com/C_SHEA10/status/802577257608912896
https://twitter.com/andrewmurrayer/status/802576836853121024
And, well, see for yourself. It’s like a clone.
Dick Clerkin makes his GAA Hour debut to talk about a wonderful career and argue passionately with Colm Parkinson over Sky Sports GAA. Subscribe here on iTunes.
