An exciting outside centre who plays for UCD and Leinster, steps like a dancer and tackles like an artic’ lorry.
Tommy O’Brien won man of the match in the Ireland’s nail-biting 27-22 win over France in their Electric Ireland Under-20s Six Nations Home Game at Donnybrook, a result that keeps Nigel Carolan’s men on track for a Grand Slam with two matches to play.
Following a pair of one-point wins over Scotland and Italy the Wolfpuppies again made it difficult for themselves against Les Bleus – seeing a 21-3 half-hour lead reduced to 21-10 at half-time before France got to within three points in the second half.
A penalty from Bill Johnson settled the nerves in the crowd of more than 4,000 as Ireland managed to see out the 80 minutes thanks to a heroic defensive display.
“There’s something special about this group,” said O’Brien afterwards, as he was presented with his Electric Ireland man of the match award.
“That first half, I thought we played incredible, but then we let the French back into it,” he told RTÉ.
“There’s definitely a lot more to improve on.”
Leinster’s Tommy O’Brien scooped the Electric Ireland/RTÉ man of the match award tonight in Ireland Under-20s’ victory. #RTErugby pic.twitter.com/LBJaNSBnRf
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) February 24, 2017
Operating behind a huge pack, 17-year-old France out-half Romain Ntamack (son of the legendary Émile) was brilliantly bringing his backs into play, particularly in the second half.
Faraj Fartass on the left wing grabbed two of France’s tries and right winger William Iraguha looked absolutely nailed on to cross in the 53rd minute when he was set free by Romain Buros.
The pass was perfectly timed and took replacement Conor Fitzgerald clean out of defence. The try-line was calling for the speedy Iraguha as he sped towards the Old Wesley clubhouse.
However the Frenchman was not counting on O’Brien covering the backfield. The 19-year-old chased down Iraguha, hitting him hard around the thighs and hauling him into touch with an absolute textbook tackle.
Absolutely magical tackle by Tommy O’Brien in the U20s game ??#IREvFRA @IrishRugby pic.twitter.com/x8VFgopmOX
— Carl Mullan (@CarlMullan) February 24, 2017
It is a wonderful thing when a tackle overshadows a try, but this certainly had the crowd on their feet in a way even O’Brien’s first-half score did not. Ireland’s other try-scorers on the night were Tadhg McElroy and Oisin Dowling.
We’re not going to use this opportunity to refer to O’Brien as the next anything. He is the first Tommy O’Brien and, at this early stage of his career, that is an exciting enough prospect.
Electric Ireland proud sponsors of the Ireland Under-20s Rugby Six Nations Championship Home Games. Support Irish rugby’s future stars by going to see them in action in the Under-20s Six Nations when Ireland take on England in Donnybrook Stadium on St Patrick’s Day. Kick off 6pm.
