A lot of water has to flow under a lot of bridges, but how great would this be to see?
Nemani Nadolo is a massive fan of what Ireland, and its provinces, are doing right now.
The Fijian has come up against Leinster on a few occasions, over the last two seasons, and took on Ireland with his countrymen at the Aviva Stadium last weekend.
During that game, Nadolo came up against a player that he rates very highly – Robbie Henshaw. The Ireland centre entered the fray with his side tied at 17 apiece. He did nothing spectacular but was a solid, reliable, confident presence. A few strong carries and a couple of tackles that set the sizeable Fijians back on their heels.
Nadolo believes Ireland are second only to New Zealand in terms of class and quality, at present. He was impressed with Bundee Aki’s Ireland debut against South Africa – “He’s always up for it and he proved himself” – but feels Henshaw and Garry Ringrose could replicate Gordon D’Arcy and Brian O’Driscoll in terms of being Ireland’s long-term midfield pairing.
Nadolo told me, “I have been very impressed with Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose whenever I have faced them, playing for Leinster.
“They front up in defence and are not afraid to have a go if they think an attack is on.
“They should do well for Ireland for years to come and I think they could be the next British & Irish Lions centres. Don’t be surprised if you see that in a few years. They’re top players.”
Henshaw had a few outings for the Lions during their summer tour to New Zealand before returning home early with a shoulder injury. Ringrose was unlucky to miss out on the squad and, following Warren Gatrland’s squad announcement, in April, was singled out for praise by the Kiwi.
Already developing a handy partnership for Leinster and Ireland, Ringrose and Henshaw would, respectively, be 26 and 28 by the time the 2021 Lions Tour to South Africa comes around. That is a long way off but if both men stay fit, one can definitely see them vying for the famous, red No.12 and No.13 jerseys.
Another player that one could make that tour – and you would not put it past him – would be Johnny Sexton. He would be 35, going on 36, during that 2021 tour but Leinster coach Leo Cullen has noted that the outhalf sees himself playing on well into his 30s.
“Johnny Sexton is [Ireland’s] leader and the guy that makes them tick,” said Nadolo. “When he is not playing for Leinster, you can tell. He is one guy we will have to press and pressure if he is playing. You always
have to keep an eye out for him.”
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