ENGLAND ASSISTANT COACH Andy Farrell knows Brian O’Driscoll well.
But he’s not sure what to expect when the talismanic Ireland centre faces England on Saturday.
O’Driscoll is in his final season of rugby before retirement and eyeing a second Grand Slam following the team’s home wins over Scotland (28-6) and defending champions Wales (26-3) in the first two rounds.
Farrell coached him on the victorious British and Irish Lions tour of Australia last year and is in no doubt O’Driscoll remains a force even at 35 years of age.
“Brian is certainly a threat,” former dual code international Farrell said. ”If you’ve seen some of the performances he’s put in already this year, he’s been spectacular,” he added.
“Leinster’s game against Northampton at Franklin’s Gardens earlier this season shows what he can do for his side.
“He can turn a game on its head with the special skills and knowledge he has.
“What he brings — even more so these days — is a unity to the team and a real know-how of how to win big games because he’s been there more times than anyone else.”
At the other end of the spectrum is George Ford who may make his Test debut against Ireland.
Farrell insists the young out half will have have no problems adjusting to the demands should he get the nod. Ford is in with a chance of providing cover for England first-choice fly-half Owen Farrell — Andy’s son.
The 20-year-old Ford has impressed at fly-half for Bath where his father Mike — like Andy Farrell a former rugby league player — is the coach, having previously been England’s defence guru.
“Definitely George would be ready to play against Ireland,” Farrell said today ahead of Thursday’s team announcement. ”He’s comfortable in the environment. He knows all the plays and our systems and is comfortable with them.
“When you get that you can start being yourself and bring your game to the party.”
Gave it his all, just an out and out dogged grafter, which is what’s you want from your backrowers. signed my son’s jersey and couldn’t have been more polite. An absolute gent. Thanks for everything Kevin
Great player. Big loss to Irish and Leinster Rugby. Hope he stays involved in the game in some capacity as he has a lot to offer. All the best
That’s a shame. Great player and contributor to Leinster rugby. All the best to him.
Top bloke, sad to see him go.
All the best for the future Kev. Thanks for the memories.
Always sad to read this. A great servant to Leinster. Best of luck in whatever you decide to do.
Best of luck Kev- those line out steals v Leicester in the 1/4 finals kind of summed up that win for us (for me)- great performance from a true professional.
At least he has a few Ireland caps as a reward for his efforts. A gentleman on the pitch and very nearly missed out on it all a few years back. Deserves luck in the “afterlife”.
sad news. was a good player .
Showed belief and commitment to come through the injuries that dogged him til he was 25 , deserved his caps and was excellent for Leinster on so many occasions . Sad to see him go out this way , he deserves more .
Seems like a lot of players retiring lately!! Always gave it his all!! Wish him well for the future!!
Great player and total grafter that allowed others to take the plaudits . I hope he gets a break with a coaching role if he wants to continue. I suspect he’s got a lot to offer Irish and Leinster rugby.
Has ” an absolute gent” replaced ” ledge” as the cliche used to describe these guys ? Lol
Are calling Ken a CocoNUT?
is,he brown and hairy?
Sad to see a player that good having to finish like this but he has a life after rugby too , your health is your wealth Kevin , the very best of luck to you in the future