"Cool as a cucumber!" - Brian O'Driscoll ranks the five best youngsters in Europe

Sunday, 05 March 2023 at 20:32

byRugby Rucker

Joe Sport asked Brian O'Driscoll to identify five exceptional rugby players who are currently aged 25 or younger and playing on the global stage.

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The Ireland legend provided his selections for the northern hemisphere, naming a player from England, Ireland, Wales, France, and Italy.

Additionally, he expressed admiration for Scotland's 22-year-old flanker, Rory Darge, but stated that he would need to see more of him before declaring his full support.

#5. Romain Ntamack (France)

O'Driscoll said: "There's something really special about the time that Ntamack has on his hands - how he is able to pull the trigger, make good decisions and find himself in the right places.

"He looks cool as a cucumber! He really does. So unfazed by everything that goes on around him."

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3:17 PM · Feb 26, 2023

#4. Dan Sheehan (Ireland)

O'Driscoll said: "It'll be interesting to see what happens him over the next couple of seasons. He's going to need more game-time.

"Can Leinster keep both him and Kelleher happy, or will other provinces be looking to poach him.

"But he's definitely one that is going to have a very, very future."

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#3. Taine Basham (Wales)

O'Driscoll said: "He's a very good player. I think he's going to be one, for Wales, for the next 8, 9, 10 years. In a disappointing Wales team, for the Six Nations, he showed well."

#2. Marcus Smith (England)

O'Driscoll said: "Marcus Smith is the obvious choice. He looks great."

#1. Ange Capuozzo (Italy)

O'Driscoll said: "It's brilliant to see someone with no limitations, playing with freedom to go and properly express themselves.

"And then to go and create something as fabulous as that was, and nearly take the shine off that France Grand Slam, the way he won them that first [Six Nations] game in seven years."