Brian O\u2019Driscoll believes Tommy O\u2019Brien and Robert Baloucoune have given Ireland something they have not possessed for a while \u2013 express pace.<\/p>\n
Andy Farrell has generally preferred picking James Lowe and Mack Hansen on the wing \u2013 two immensely talented players with lots to offer \u2013 but they perhaps do not have the athleticism of other back-three stars.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
That came on Saturday during their dominant 42-21 Six Nations<\/a> victory over England at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.<\/p>\n O\u2019Brien\u2019s impact after Lowe injury<\/p>\n Baloucoune had already been named in the starting line-up but he was joined in the side by O\u2019Brien following Lowe\u2019s injury early in the contest.<\/p>\n They combined to great effect throughout their time on the field with both players getting on the scoresheet, while Baloucoune\u2019s assist for O\u2019Brien\u2019s try was a particular highlight.<\/p>\n The extra pace certainly added an extra dimension to Ireland\u2019s<\/a> attack and O\u2019Driscoll<\/a> believes that it has given them weapons which compare to the other top nations, such as the Springboks.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cLots 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,\u201d he told Off The Ball.<\/p>\n \u201cI know we haven\u2019t seen [Immanuel] Feyi-Waboso this time around but [Henry] Arundell and [Tommy] Freeman\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n