PICKING A FIGHT
Bullish O’brien set to demand answers if Schmidt does not select him
SEAN O’BRIEN says he will be seriously ticked off if he’s not named in Joe Schmidt’s Ireland squad today.
Ireland face Italy in Chicago next week, before welcoming Argentina, New Zealand and the USA to Aviva Stadium for a packed November series.
O’brien has not played for his country since last November.
But the powerful flanker is getting back into top shape after making his return to action with Leinster in September following five months on the sidelines.
“Of course I would be pissed off if I didn’t get the email [ from the IRFU], I would want to know why,” the 31-year-old said.
“I wouldn’t be saying ‘oh it is because I haven’t got much game time.’ The only way that I will get up to speed is to get as much game time as possible.”
O’brien has endured a tough few seasons, but is never short of confidence when it comes to international selection.
“It’s a long time since I strung two 60s (minutes) together. The last few weeks has been a big positive for me. The last time I had four in a row was 2012, between player management and whatever else.
“I’m not worried, it is what it is. I think Joe knows what I can bring. I know what I can do. That’s the decision the coaches will make.
“I’m happy with my progress. Last weekend (against Toulouse) was another step up again. I did some good things, some poor things that just weren’t sharp enough. Other than that I’m going in the right direction.
“It’s about getting time. I am heading in the right direction rather than going the other way.”
The Tullow Tank will be desperate to get a shot at the All Blacks in late November, but has laughed off talk comparing Leinster to the world champions.
Former World Cup Winner Lawrence Dallaglio (inset) made the claim after the Irish province hammered Wasps in round one of the Heineken Champions Cup.
But after a one shock defeat to Toulouse last weekend, O’brien was not in the mood for such a claim.
“It’s pure s **** , isn’t it?” O’brien said. “Whoever is writing those headlines is living in their own world.
“It’s not realistic. How can you compare an All Black international team to a provincial team?
“[Dallaglio] should know better shouldn’t he? That’s their perception. I can honestly say that is not our perception.
“We’re trying to create an environment and a set-up that is ours.
“We would never compare ourselves to the All Blacks now or in the future, in any respect.
“I wouldn’t analyse it at all as a compliment. That’s their thing. It’s not coming from us.”