Your country still needs you Paulie.
Paul O’Connell’s time in a green jersey may have come to a heartbreaking end after suffering injury during Ireland’s victory over France, but his old teammate thinks the Limerick man still has a role to play in Ireland’s campaign.
At Newstalk’s Off The Ball Roadshow at Dublin’s 3Arena tonight, Brian O’Driscoll said the Ireland captain can still benefit Joe Schmidt’s team with his presence and can provide motivation and inspiration for the team’s upcoming quarter-final against Argentina.
“I know Joe (Schmidt) will want him (O’Connell) there,” the Irish rugby legend said. “His presence – with or without saying anything – will inspire the players, so please God he’ll be able to get back for some inspirational words.”
O’Driscoll was also full of praise for O’Connell, and took time to reflect and his former international teammate’s career.
“He grew as a player and leader so quickly,” O’Driscoll said, “he was absolutely vital to Ireland’s cause.”
“Through all our success, from the early Triple Crowns to the later Grand Slam and RBS Six Nations titles, he had a pivotal role as a player, but even more so as a pack leader and getting them (the pack) to play better than their ability belied.”
The Newstalk Off The Ball Roadshow, in partnership with Heineken, took place at 3Arena on Wednesday, October 14th. Thanks to Heineken, official sponsor of Rugby World Cup 2015. Visit Heineken.ie.
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