Brian O'Driscoll believes that Ireland have great reason to be hopeful about their trajectory, even after defeat against Wales last weekend.

O'Driscoll believes that Jacob Stockdale is 'perfect' for the wing, but it was another in the ranks that drew his eye.

"Hugo Keenan is the perfect fit for full-back," O'Driscoll said.

"He didn't do everything perfectly; he missed one high ball, spilled a pass and didn't have the vision to be able to miss Larmour towards the end of the game once with a pass over the top. It could have been a line break with Wales pressing hard and could have led to an opportunity to score when we really needed it.

"There are some things in his game that will need ironing out, but his last-ditch tackling, his reading of the game and ability to work into space to create overlaps - those sort of things are a real point of difference. He is one real positive."

Brian O'Driscoll on Beirne

O'Driscoll believes a Munster man can stand proud among the Irish ranks.

"Tadhg Beirne in the second row had a really, really positive game - from clearing rucks out on his own with single-man success when there was potential to be turned over, being a nuisance at the ruck, he carried very well.

"We've accused him in the past of vanishing in games where he dipped in and out; I thought that it was a very complete performance across the board."

Barnes

O'Driscoll believes that the penalty given against Beirne was 'very harsh' after a 'wrong' call from referee Wayne Barnes.

"I actually contacted another referee and I enquired about it, and that referee said that it was a play on. I'm not here to point fingers at Wayne Barnes. I think he did a good job and he is a good referee but I think he got that wrong.

"At the point that ball was placed, first man is entitled to go in and play it, provided he doesn't play the scrum half. That is what he did and he got a bit whistle-happy.

"Ireland could have kicked that final penalty and it would have been a two point game up until then."

Grittiness

There was an overall feeling of tenacity that O'Driscoll liked to see.

"Just the grittiness, the willingness to stay in the fight, to hold possession when you're a man down. Was it perfect? Absolutely not. Did we run around at times without creating a lot? We know that's what Ireland do a lot of the time.

"But we are grinding teams down and forcing them into penalties and errors, and the occasional moment of magic."

O'Driscoll also gave special mention to Robbie Henshaw, who he believes is 'in the form of his life."

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