McFADDEN SAVOURING REST OF HIS BOD TIME
REGARDLESS of what Brian O’Driscoll achieves in his final season before retirement, Fergus McFadden believes that Ireland’s star centre is the country’s greatest ever sportsman. McFadden was involved in the game’s stand-out moment on Saturday when he ran on to Brian O’Driscoll’s between-thelegs flick pass in the second half and the winger admitted that he is cherishing every opportunity he gets to play alongside the four-time Lions tourist. ‘Ah, big time. It’s been a pleasure playing with him, obviously, and hopefully I’ll play with him for the rest of the season,’ said McFadden, who has now scored four tries in his last two appearances for Ireland. ‘I don’t know what he is going to do next year. He keeps his cards really close to his chest with everyone, not just the public and journalists. He’s a legend. In my opinion, the greatest Irish sportsman of all time, regardless of what he does this year. It has been amazing and long may it continue. Hopefully we’ll have a bit of silverware at the back of it as well.’ As for the skilful improvisation by O’Driscoll, McFadden admitted that what appeared like magic was simply routine from the 34-year-old. ‘I suppose you always have to be aware with Brian in those sorts of situations. Training with him and playing with him you are used to him getting the ball away in those tight scenarios. Thankfully I just caught it,’ added McFadden. The game’s man of the match was debutant Jack McGrath, who revealed that it had been a draining day for him, both emotionally and physically. ‘It felt like 50!’ he said when asked about the barrage of early scrums. ‘I was absolutely wrecked coming off. ‘It’s a very emotional day, doing it for your family and your friends. I got a nice few texts off friends and family, and my girlfriend and stuff. So you would well up and feel it building up in the throat. You’d have a heart of stone if you didn’t,’ said McGrath. It was also the first time McGrath had to experience the 15 minutes of on-pitch build-up that includes the anthems, presidential introduction and, on this occasion, the Samoan war cry. But the support of his team- mates kept him in check. ‘Lads around me barking a few small key words that we’ve said during the week, that’s what keep you grounded waiting for it all to start. It goes very quickly to be honest,’ he added. Ireland’s other new cap, Dave Kearney, marked the occasion with two tries after coming on as a replacement, the first of which was set up by older brother Rob. ‘Absolutely, special for me and Rob and our family of course, who have been there and driven us to training since we’ve been eight years of age. It’s very special for them too to see us putting on the green jersey and see us playing together,’ he said.