If you've ever watched a rugby match on Sky sports, you will have heard of Dewi Morris. The former England and Bath scrum-half has been a pundit on Sky for many years, and was recently the colour commentator for the Ireland U20 comeback victory over England.
There was one Irish player who stood out for Morris, and he awarded him the man of the match. That player was of course James Ryan, who has been the standout Wolfpuppy this season and looks destined for great things.
Dewi Morris has gone on to write a column on the two players he picked out from that game - England's impressive out-half Matthew Protheroe, and Ryan. Morris was extremely complimentary about the Lansdowne man, describing him as the player who could fill Paul O'Connell's shoes:
He is an outstanding second row forward and is the coming man.
It might take a couple of years to him to bulk up but he has got what it takes. He understands the game, his players, is not fazed about calling lineouts to himself and is as fit as a back row.
He is a modern-day second row and I see shades of Paul O'Connell in him. Ireland have a fantastic player for the future, and a possible captain. He is that good.
We've been singing Ryan's praises since before the start of the competition, and he's living up to that promise. Hopefully we'll see him get a chance with Leinster in the not-too distant future, and he could end up being the starting second row for Ireland in the next World Cup - like we predicted.
See Also: We Might Have Seen Iain Henderson's Future Ireland Second Row Partner
See Also: You Won't See A Better Try Saving Tackle Than Ireland U20 Star James Ryan's Amazing Effort
Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
