Brian O’Driscoll believes Tommy O’Brien and Robert Baloucoune have given Ireland something they have not possessed for a while – express pace.
Andy Farrell has generally preferred picking James Lowe and Mack Hansen on the wing – two immensely talented players with lots to offer – but they perhaps do not have the athleticism of other back-three stars.
With Lowe getting towards his mid-30s, Hansen effectively an extra playmaker and Hugo Keenan, who is also not lightning quick, a guaranteed starter at full-back when fit, observers have called for an injection of speed.
That came on Saturday during their dominant 42-21 Six Nations victory over England at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
O’Brien’s impact after Lowe injury
Baloucoune had already been named in the starting line-up but he was joined in the side by O’Brien following Lowe’s injury early in the contest.
They combined to great effect throughout their time on the field with both players getting on the scoresheet, while Baloucoune’s assist for O’Brien’s try was a particular highlight.
The extra pace certainly added an extra dimension to Ireland’s attack and O’Driscoll believes that it has given them weapons which compare to the other top nations, such as the Springboks.
“Lots of people, and not just from Ireland, have talked about the lack of X-factor and firepower on the wings. With pure speed, you look at other international teams and the gas they have, particularly the likes of the Springboks and England,” he told Off The Ball.
“I know we haven’t seen [Immanuel] Feyi-Waboso this time around but [Henry] Arundell and [Tommy] Freeman’s very fast too, so to have that there and to see it in all its glory was lovely. It was a reminder that we do still have some great athletes come out of the country.”
Excellent all-round games
It is not just with the ball where South Africa’s and England’s wide players have excelled but without it and there were also plenty of promising signs from O’Brien and Baloucoune in the fundamentals of the game.
Their aerial work was outstanding against the Red Rose while they also impressed defensively last weekend.
“Tommy O’Brien, it was a baptism of fire for him. Lowe gets injured and he’s in the action immediately, getting a line break,” O’Driscoll added.
“When Baloucoune’s holding his own at the very least against Arundell and then gets that pass away, those things as a player give you confidence.
“It’s not just their attack game. Defensively, that double hit; Tommy O’Brien initially on Freeman and Baloucoune working hard in the backfield to come across and finish the tackle off – that stuff is gold.”