Ireland will miss Paul O’Connell’s off-the-cuff stand-up comedy just as much as his originality in pre-match war cries, according to Robbie Henshaw.
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More than playing his part in Rugby World Cup 2015 to date, on his final appearance in the green jersey, O’Connell and Ireland recorded another famous victory – their third straight win over the French and their first over their European counterparts at a World Cup.
Ireland’s totem nearly since the day he stepped into Test rugby, making a debut in 2002 he can not even remember despite scoring a try while concussed, O’Connell’s heart beats out the tub-thumping tune of Joe Schmidt’s squad.
O’Connell, who was due to retire from global rugby at the conclusion of the World Cup, suffered a torn hamstring in Ireland’s 24-9 victory over RBS 6 Nations rivals France last Sunday and must now undergo surgery. “When you consider that he was so happy and ecstatic after the game and the pain he had been in at halftime, it’s those little moments that make changing rooms after games so very special”.
“Not too many words will be needed”.
O’Connell is married to Emily – whom he married in Auch, France, in July 2013 – and with whom he has a four year-old-son Paddy and a daughter Lola born last November. “The noise when we were warming up, the roar when big tackles or breaks were made, the atmosphere was phenomenal and we’ve no doubts it will be there and thereabouts again this week”.
“Paul and Peter set the tone for what followed on the pitch last week”.
“In this case they do no such thing”.
“We’re not going to go through it if we give the ball away like Sunday and if we spend our time defending”. Having developed a reputation as a potentially top class swimmer, he decided he would like a go at the rough and tumble of rugby instead having been mesmerised by Munster after jumping over the stadium wall to watch a game.
Schmidt is also sweating over the fitness of Johnny Sexton who has an groin strain but could be available to face the Pumas.
Sean O’Brien swung a forearm into France lock Pascal Pape’s stomach in the first minute of Ireland’s win.
“I really enjoyed that opportunity, and the same in the autumn just gone”.
“It is hard and I felt bad for him. Everyone has to do a bit more work because of the injuries”.
“I’m not sure myself how he does it”.
“I’m ready”, Ruddock said.
“It was the night he got the injury, he texted me to say he was delighted to hear I was coming over”.
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Sexton’s absence would be a major setback – he is arguably the best No. 10 in Europe – but Ian Madigan showed in his superb display against France that Ireland has a strong alternative at flyhalf.
