Brian O'Driscoll was one of the greatest rugby players Ireland ever produced for a number of reasons, but particularly his defensive prowess. As a second-centre O'Driscoll was a master of controlling line-speed and decision-making. He regularly shot up to the anticipated ball-carrier yet was rarely caught out.
It appears O'Driscoll's ability in this regard has transformed to his media career. O'Driscoll delivered a master-class in punditry analysis on BT Sport tonight when looking back at the weekend's Champions Cup action, particularly in the case of Munster's Sam Arnold:
Aspiring number 13? ✋
Just a rugby nerd? ?@BrianODriscoll puts on a defensive masterclass for centres... ?#RugbyTonight pic.twitter.com/2D6ZAyjT1Q— BT Sport Rugby (@btsportrugby) December 13, 2017
A particular highlight is his overview of Arnold "closing the gate" or the drift defence.
More than any other sport, Ireland has a monopoly of outstanding rugby pundits at its disposal. Ronan O'Gara, Shane Horgan, Gordan D'Arcy, Bernard Jackman and Donnacha O'Callaghan are all brilliant thinkers of the game as well as players.
This is encouraging from both the fan's view but also for future player development. O'Gara is already an established coach, as is Bernard Jackman. O'Callaghan is still playing but with former team-mates Jerry Flannery and Felix Jones already at Munster could add to that contingent. The only coaching he has done to this point is on 'Ireland's fittest families.'
O'Driscoll has previously stated coaching doesn't appeal to him at this moment in time, but that he would be willing to work with players on an individual basis. Based on this performance, that could be an offer worth taking up on for some of Ireland's young, developing centres.
