Sean O’Brien’s face at the final whistle would have broken your heart.
He played one of the best games of his international career but came out on the wrong side. Having missed out on that epic victory in Chicago, O’Brien’s record against New Zealand now reads 0-5. Tragic stuff.
If that looks wrong it is because it is wrong. On three of those occasions – Christchurch, Dublin and Dublin – The Tullow Tank gave it his all and looked world-class but still lost.
Despite the back-slaps and glowing words from teammates and coaches – Irish and Kiwi – O’Brien knew he had left two tries out there.
He was so, so close to getting over in the first half but Beauden Barrett rode him like a back-pack, got him down a metre short and held on for dear life. It should have been a penalty and a yellow card but O’Brien would always back himself to score, on the charge, from 20 metres out.
His second chance was more clear-cut and that is what probably made it hurt so much. Devin Toner presented him the ball and the try was there for the taking. O’Brien could not clutch on.
Lovely lineout work from Heaslip and Toner, who had a great swing pop to O'Brien. Game changer if this goes over. pic.twitter.com/GQ3Yw4qVUu
— Three Red Kings (@threeredkings) November 20, 2016
He continued to tear into the world champions and had one of those all-round excellent games. After the final whistle, we gushed at the ESPNscrum stats that showed he had carried 19 times.
This afternoon, the website updated their statistics to reflect 20 carries for O’Brien and further add to the legend, and the tragedy. Off those carries, 36 metres were gained, two defenders beaten and there was a line break.
Most importantly of all, he got his team on the front foot, and brought the fight, in an absolute war.
After the match, Irish teammate spoke of O’Brien in near reverential terms. He told us:
“Sean is a great player to play with, I really enjoy playing with him, you get a lot of energy off him when he makes his turnovers, his big carries and big hits as well.
“He’s a great person to have on your team.
“He’s hardly had any rugby, show his talent that he can come back at the top of his game:
“He was outstanding to be honest, probably our best player.
“It just shows what a good player he is, world-class players can bounce back.
“Things can go wrong for anyone, that’s the nature of the game, but he was world-class today.”
It will hurt for a few days/months yet but, Jesus, it is great to have O’Brien back and thrumming in a green jersey.
Aaron Kernan joins Colm Parkinson on The GAA Hour to explain the work he’s doing for the Club Players Association. Derry captain Chrissy McKaigue talks Slaughtneil and a Dublin club advertising for hurlers gets a sore touch. Subscribe here on iTunes.
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