Leinster claimed their sixth consecutive Pro 12 win on Friday evening with a 13-0 victory over Connacht amidst a storm in the RDS, and although the conditions were extremely detrimental to any thought of playing some flowing, running rugby, rising star Garry Ringrose again impressed from the centre position.
Ringrose has been given an increased role in the Leinster squad in recent weeks and has been earning some very positive reviews, with Brian O'Driscoll even suggesting that he may be ready to start for Ireland in this year's six nations, but before the clash against Connacht it was RTÉ analyist Brent Pope who heaped praise on the youngster.
After explaining that he had been calling for Ringrose's inclusion in Leinster's starting lineup for weeks, Pope was very complimentary in his likening of the UCD student to All Black centre Conrad Smith:
Ringrose reminds me of a young Conrad Smith, not as blocky in the lower body as O Driscoll, but like Smith a player that seems to glide past opposition players with ease and a player that seems to create space and have time on the ball.
With Leinster seemingly losing players by the week, and especially after the recent departure of both Ben Te'o and Ian Madigan to pastures new, Ringrose's performances will be some consolation for Leinster coach Leo Cullen.
High praise indeed.
As if the constant Brian O'Driscoll comparisons weren't enough pressure..
In all seriousness Ringrose has been right on track with his development so far and is no doubt one of the most promising aspects of the future of Irish rugby, and thankfully he appears to have a good head on his shoulders as well.
With the news today that he has been included in Ireland's pre-Six Nations training camp, it's clear that he is a part of Joe Schmidt's plans going forward, so lets wait and see what 2016 has in store for Garry Ringrose.
via Independent.ie
