The ground-hogs. The ball-carriers. The jackals.
Being an openside is a tough slog – you have to be a big source of go-forward ball while dominating the breakdown and hunting down pacy backliners.
A place in a pack containing the likes of Cian Healy, Keith Wood, Paul O’Connell and latest inductee Stephen Ferris is up for grabs.
Our three nominees for the Ireland’s Greatest Openside of the Professional Era all fronted up for their country.
Over a six year period, Munster’s David Corkery was as close to an ever-present in the Irish set-up as you could get. Bristling, abrasive and a menacing figure with ball-in-hand and a head of steam built up. Scored three tries in 27 Tests, including a memorable dot down in a Five Nations win over Wales.
The youngest of rugby-mad Limerick brothers, David Wallace served his country with distinction. Scored 12 tries in 72 Tests and was integral in Ireland’s 2009 Grand Slam win. Was a British & Irish Lions tourist in 2001 and played all three Tests of the 2009 tour.
Sean O’Brien made his Ireland debut in 2009 and will earn his 37th cap against England [two Tests for the Lions]. Injuries have denied him 50 caps but it is only a matter of time before The Tullow Tank steams beyond that marker. A beast at the breakdown and the biggest attacking threat in Ireland’s pack.
