While there were no shortage of positive aspects of Ireland's victory over France last weekend, perhaps the most pleasing was the performance of Joe McCarthy. Making his Six Nations debut, he is now already being talked about as a player that could have a transformative effect on Irish rugby.
The 22-year old has been in remarkable form at Leinster this season, although an away Six Nations game against France was always likely to be a completely different type of test. He certainly passed it with flying colours, being named as man-of-the-match and sharing a wonderful moment with his family after the final whistle.
Considering his age, it is understandable why so many Irish rugby fans are so excited about what he could offer in the years ahead.
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Brian O'Driscoll sums up Joe McCarthy as unique Irish rugby prospect
Joe McCarthy is a remarkable physical specimen, something that Ireland have not had at their disposal all that often down through the years.
Speaking on ITV this afternoon, Brian O'Driscoll summed up why is such a unique prospect in the Irish rugby landscape.
For him to win a man-of-the-match performance with his first Six Nations start and present it to his brother was something that both of them will remember for a long time.
This guy is only 22. He has the mentality that is matched by the physicality.
Sometimes that's where Ireland have fallen short. We might have the mentality of throwing some weight around, but you don't have the physique to match it up.
He has that. That's why he offers something totally different to any other player with an Irish passport.
As long as he stays fit, it is clear that Joe McCarthy will offer a huge amount to Irish rugby over the coming years.
That performance in France certainly whet the appetite as to what could be yet to come from the Leinster man.
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