The Scotsman, Scotland's national newspaper, has praised Ireland second-row James Ryan as a future Lion and the 'new Paul O'Connell' ahead of this weekend's match in Dublin.
Scotland will take on Ireland in the Six Nations on Saturday and the Scotsman have provided a brief synopsis on each Irish player.
Ireland captain Rory Best has been labeled as not as dynamic as he has been in previous years, while Rob Kearney has been described as not as assured under the high ball as what he once was, but Ryan has earned very high praise through just three rounds of this year's championship.
'4. James Ryan The Leinster man is being touted as the “new Paul O’Connell”. Them’s big boots to fill but Ryan is a Lion in waiting. Watch this one.'
Fly-half Johnny Sexton also received a favourable review with the publication referring to him as the best out-half in the world.
'10 Jonny Sexton Still the best stand-off in the business, although that quickly-taken tap penalty against Wales was probably unwise. Scored a brilliant winning drop goal against France.'
The full preview can be viewed
here.
