Brian O'Driscoll believes Robbie Henshaw is developing into the "perfect" 12.
The former Connacht star, who made the move to Leinster in the summer, has impressed for Ireland during the November Series of fixtures against New Zealand.
Primarily he has donned the 12 jersey as an inside centre under Joe Schmidt, often partnering incumbent 13 Jared Payne.
Among his highlights for Ireland so far in 24 caps was a crucial try against England in a 19-9 win in the 2015 Six Nations as well as a try against the All Blacks in the historic Chicago victory.
And O'Driscoll has been highlighting his growing importance to the Irish rugby cause.
"He's becoming a massive player for us. Absolutely massive," said O'Driscoll on Off The Ball.
Ireland's Robbie Henshaw scores their fifth try ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
"It's the combination that he will have with anyone. I know we don't want to pigeon hole him as a 12 but for me he is the perfect 12 because he's got the skill set but he loves monstering people in defence, carrying the ball hard, massive work-rate. It's exactly what you want from your 12."
And the most exciting thing, given that he is just 23, the former Ireland captain is looking forward to Henshaw getting even better than he has already become.
And coupled with 21-year-old Garry Ringrose beginning to get international experience, a talented centre partnership with huge potential lies in wait for the future for Ireland and Leinster.
"I can only get excited at the thought of him and [Garry] Ringrose playing at Leinster and Ireland in years to come because they just look as though they've got a beautiful balance against one another," said O'Driscoll.
Henshaw is unfortunately out of Saturday's Australia match with Ringrose taking his place at 12 alongside the experienced Payne.
"Jared's a big player for us, particularly with Robbie out. He's a big player at 13," said O'Driscoll.
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