The Tullow Tank was in top form at this afternoon’s opening Six Nations press briefing.
Ireland does not have too many truly world-class players so, amid the current injury crisis, it is good to have Sean O’Brien about. The Leinster flanker was at his usual, frank best as he contemplated the upcoming Six Nations campaign.
Here are some of the highlights.
On being suspended for Ireland’s World Cup exit
“It was pretty tough to watch, obviously, with being fit and after making a boo-boo [striking French lock Pascal Papé] the week before.
“I think we created a lot of opportunities that day [against Argentina] and that is what some people tend to forget. We had opportunities to score at crucial times and we didn’t. We can take a positive from that and look to finish off a few of those opportunities.
“You don’t get too many at international level and when you do, you have to take them. Looking back on that day, it was more about opportunities we left behind rather than what the Argies did.”
On the only silver lining from Paul O’Connell’s international retirement
“It’s kinda good. He doesn’t stare at people and intimidate as much now.
“It’s obviously different not having Paulie around with the type of player he is, but it’s up to other lads to fill that void and stand up and be counted.”
@IrishRugby @SeanOBrien1987 is glad to see the back of @Paul_OConnell‘s intimidating stares. @rbs_6_nations #IREVWAL pic.twitter.com/zgZexaYXtH
— Ross Lindsay (@Ross_A_Lindsay) February 2, 2016
On CJ Stander
“We’ve got to know a lot of the new faces on a personal level now and it’s good that they’ve fitted right in. They’re working very hard and they’ve done very well this year.
“He’s fitted in very well. He’s been good and he’s listened and asked a lot of questions. It’s good to have him in the squad and it’s going well.”
On whether he has been on the receiving end of a Stander tackle in training
“No, and I don’t want to either.
“CJ has a bit of everything to his game. He’s a very skillful player. He’s one of the leaders down in Munster and it’s the same here, he’s talking and communicating on the field and he’s not too shy about things. It’s nice to have a fresh voice around the place too.”
On the challenge Wales will pose
“We definitely know them very well and they know us. It is about getting our gameplan in place and implementing it as best as we can, and putting them under pressure and easing that pressure off ourselves out there.
“They will come with a lot of aggression, as they do, and a lot of physicality. We have to match that, first and foremost. It will be a cracker of a game because we know each other so well.”
