Brian O’Driscoll weary of Aaron Cruden – Rugby News Update
Brian O’Driscoll, the 33-year-old Leinster and Ireland centre, who is also the captain of the national team, believes that Aaron Cruden, the 23-year-old New Zealand fly-half, will pose a serious threat to his team.
Ireland take on the All Blacks in the third and final test of the series this Saturday, and the home team will be with out Dan Carter, who scored a drop-goal in the final minute of the second test to hand New Zealand the victory.
Ireland wants to win the last game and they will be aided with the absence of Carter, who is out injured due to a hamstring problem. However, O’Driscoll thinks otherwise, and believes that Cruden is an able deputy, with the All Blacks proving during the
2011 Rugby World Cup that they can cope without him.
"They managed okay in the World Cup, didn't they?" O'Driscoll said. "Dan Carter is a world-class player but Aaron Cruden is handy enough and he has shown it. The bits I've seen of the Super Rugby this season he has been pretty impressive.”
"They have to look at life without Dan Carter and it gives Aaron a great opportunity. It is not all about the guy pulling strings at 10, you need smart players around you and I think New Zealand have that."
Cruden led the New Zealand U20’s team to the 2009 Junior World Championship victory, and he was later named the International Rugby Board Junior Player of the Year. His impressive performances earned him his first international call up against Ireland at
New Plymouth, on June 12, 2010. So far he has played 10 matches for his country, starting 3 and coming on as a substitute a further 7 times.
O’Driscoll has other problems that he needs to take care off. Paddy Wallace will join him in the centre, as Gordon D'Arcy has been ruled out due to injury. This will be his third different partner in as many games but he has backed Wallace to perform, by
saying that the player has immense character along with having excellent skill.
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