‘Really smart rugby brain’ – Jamie Osborne backed to shine in unfamiliar role

Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby is confident versatile back Jamie Osborne can shine in unfamiliar territory during Saturday’s crunch Guinness Six Nations clash with title rivals France.

With Mack Hansen ruled out by a minor quad injury, left-footed Leinster player Osborne has been switched from full-back to the right wing.

The 23-year-old has featured on the left flank for his province – most recently in Investec Champions Cup wins over La Rochelle and Bath – but never before worn the number 14 jersey.

Easterby, who insisted his selection of a six-two split of forwards and backs on the bench was not a direct response to Les Bleus coach Fabien Galthie going seven-one, pointed to flexibility as he explained the decision to pick Osborne ahead of Munster’s Calvin Nash.

“Sometimes there’s really tight calls and it’s just the gut but in this case there’s a couple of reasons for that and one of those is that Jamie offers us more flexibility in the positions he can play,” said Easterby

“He’s done pretty well so far across the short international career he’s had. He’s a fabulous footballer, first and foremost.

“He’s got a physical presence and he’s also got a really smart rugby brain. He understands the game and the feel of the game.

Our team to face France in Dublin!