While there was plenty of discussion this week about which player would don the No 12 jersey for Ireland in Cardiff, who started alongside them wasn't even up for debate.Garry Ringrose heads into his seventh Six Nations campaign in the best form of his career, and vital to Ireland’s chances of lifting the title.There was a time when the two spots in the Ireland midfield used to be a three-way battle between Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki.
Not anymore. Ringrose’s consistent performances have seen him nail down the outside centre position, with his predecessor Brian O’Driscoll remarking that he is at the "peak of his powers".He could yet follow in O’Driscoll’s footsteps and captain Ireland from outside centre once Johnny Sexton calls it a day.Ringrose has stepped up as a leader for Leinster, thriving as skipper in Sexton’s absence.
The softly-spoken 28-year-old lets his actions do the talking - he has scored six tries in 11 appearances for Leinster this season, double his tally of the previous campaign, while his work rate around the park is unrivalled.He also interacts well with referees, picking his moments to query decisions while always striking the right tone.An excellent defender, Ringrose is given licence to shoot out of the line and shut down attacks.
It may sometimes lead to a missed tackle or two on the post-match stats sheet but they have a positive impact in terms of preventing teams from going wide.Superb footwork from Garry Ringrose – and a great reach - moves Leinster back in front against the Sharks, but once again their lead is short-lived. #LEIvSHA #BKTURC