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Published 10:12 29 Dec 2018 GMT
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Was called into the Ireland training squad back in November but was not in the mix for any Test matches. Schmidt appears keen on having the midfield option of a big man with good hands in the 13 jersey. Chris Farrell is the frontrunner for this role but injuries have held the Munster centre back, hence Schmidt looking closer at Farrell.
Had an impressive 2017/18 and has kicked on again this season. In his 11 outings so far, the Dubliner averages 10 carries, 34 metres gained, three defenders beaten, nine tackles. He has three tries and another three assists for tries. His line-break and offload set up a fine Darragh Leader try against Leinster while he showed he could dig in and make hard, thankless carries against Ulster.
The former Ireland U20 captain has long been tipped to be a fine player for Connacht and he is starting to show just how good he can be. Can operate in the second row but is doing a fine job of it in the back row. Like James Ryan, a former U20 captain himself, he has the ability to engineer gainline success in situations loose and tight.
Benefitting from a run of fitness and form, O'Brien has become a key player for Connacht and is often an 80+ minute man. A couple of man-of-the-match medals picked up already this season and another that could flourish in the Ireland senior set-up. Lots of competition in second and back row but worth a look now that Iain Henderson is recovering from surgery.
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