Keith Wood is "not sure" that Gordon D'Arcy's is the best option to inherit Brian O'Driscoll's No 13 shirt for Ireland.
Ian Madigan's emergence as a potential contender for the No 12 shirt has prompted some speculation that the long-time holder of the Ireland inside-centre shirt could move to the outside in place of his former team-mate.
Keith and The Irish Times' Gerry Thornley joined us on Wednesday Night Rugby again and the former Ireland captain was cautious about the prospect of D'Arcy moving to 13.
"A year is a long time and Gordon D'Arcy is not a young man. It is about trying to get the most that we can out of him. Whether that's at 13 - I think he might be exposed at 13 - and I think he has been very confident at 12. I know, because I've spoken to Brian O'Driscoll about it often. He was incredibly reassuring for Brian to have a guy like D'Arcy inside him," said Keith, who added that Off The Ball guest presenter O'Driscoll was a natural 13 and that it is difficult to convert someone to a new position when they are in their 30s.
Gerry believes Matt O'Connor's plans for D'Arcy at Leinster are crucial if the Wexford man is to become a realistic alternative at 13.
"It will hinge on what Matt O'Connor does. If he starts picking him at 13 and he starts doing well at 13, he could be a viable option," said Gerry, who also explained why the position might not be wholly alien to the 34-year-old.
The lads also discussed the positive vibes at Connacht as they prepare to host Leinster in the Pro 12, with Gerry comparing head coach Pat Lam to a Michael Cheika figure for the province.
Keith and Gerry also spoke about the developments at Ulster where Neil Doak is poised to become the new head coach at the province.
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