Oli makes up for his lost time
IRELAND v WALES
THE return of the prodigal will be deemed complete when former Blackrock College Dubliner Oli Jager, a tight-head, is used from the bench.
Miffed at not being offered a place in the Leinster academy (he was told to wait a year) Jager took himself off to New Zealand, went to Canterbury Crusaders trials, got signed, and went on to win five Super Rugby championships.
Still only 28, Jager is back with Munster, was called into the squad ahead of the opening game, and having turned down offers to join the All Blacks squad is looking to kickstart an Ireland career.
“First and foremost, it’s always a pleasure to give someone their debut,” revealed Farrell. “I think this is a special one because it’s a special story in Oli.
“In fact, I’ve had a couple of conversations with him over the years.
Plans
“When we were over in New Zealand, I met him about his plans and where that sat but he was content enough because he was building a really nice life for himself over there and doing unbelievably well for the Crusaders.
“But he showed his ambition to come back to Ireland and make a claim for a spot playing for his country.
“We’ve had him earmarked for a while but watching him start his career in Ireland at Munster and how that’s gone and then giving him the opportunity to come to Portugal with us and he’s had a few more weeks with the squad since then, we’ve been nothing but impressed.
“He’s a big man, very low maintenance, a proper man’s man, you know? The ‘tache says it all!
“He’s very knowledgeable, very well coached, and for a big man he gets around the field and has a good feel.
“He deserves his chance. I thought coming into camp, and then transferring that to his performance against the Scarlets where he had not actually played for quite some time, was pretty impressive. So we’re excited for him.”