Garry Ringrose could well be in the middle of his first Lions tour. Instead, he’s representing his country at New Jersey’s Red Bull Arena.
He’s doing so with aplomb, too.
Ireland went into their clash with the USA Eagles with a mix of experienced campaigners and exuberant youngsters eager to prove their worth.
The average age of the Ireland side is only 25, with Joe Schmidt selecting an abundance of the youngest and most exciting talents in Irish rugby to play the Eagles.
Joe Schmidt will have been pleased with what he saw from this experimental Ireland side in the first half in New Jersey.
The Irish pack were dominant, led by captain Rhys Ruddock. The back three were doing their best to give the USA defence nightmares. They went into the half-time break leading by 29-7.
The tries were scored by Munster’s Niall Scannell and two from Keith Earls.
31: TRY! @USARugby 7-22 @IrishRugby.
Niall Scannell gets Ireland's 3rd try off a line-out! Joey Carbery misses his third kick. #USAvIRE pic.twitter.com/PQ261AVj45— eir Sport (@eirSport) June 10, 2017
There is no young talent in Irish rugby more exciting than Garry Ringrose. The Leinster man had long been earmarked as the heir to Brian O’Driscoll’s throne.
The direct running 22-year-old has lived up to the hype with a series of world-class displays for his country, and for Leinster in his career to date.
He proved on Saturday night that there’s more to his game than just scoring try’s and making line-breaks and generally doing what a number 13 should do.
No, Ringrose isn’t just your standard centre, he has another attribute to his game.
After a shaky start from Joey Carbery in terms of his kicking game, Ringrose stood up to the mark.
He’s able to slot kicks from the sideline. No big deal, really.
Garry Ringrose slots a conversion from the touchline! Is there anything he can't do? 🙌🏻 #USAvIRE pic.twitter.com/jDwpCMACRE
— RugbyLAD 🏉 (@RugbyLAD7) June 10, 2017
O’Driscoll’s are big boots to fill, but this guy is well capable of filling them.
