Ciaran Frawley's series in New Zealand has shown off his skills as a flyhalf and he seems to be taking his opportunity in that role, according to Ireland legend Brian O'Driscoll.
Ireland are on the cusp of making history in New Zealand, as they are just one 80-minute performance away from winning their first ever test series on the All Blacks' home turf.
However, Ciaran Frawley was part of history already on this tour. While the test team had beaten the All Blacks for the first time in New Zealand on Saturday, Frawley was part of the Ireland squad that defeated the Maori All Blacks for the first time ever on Tuesday.
In spite of a performance that was lacking in the first midweek encounter at the start of the series, Frawley's performance in Ireland's winning effort showed he has what it takes to develop as an international out half.
However, Brian O'Driscoll feels that he will need much more game time at all levels to truly grab hold of the 10 jersey with both hands.
Speaking on Wednesday Night Rugby, O'Driscoll discussed whether or not the IRFU could force Leinster to play Frawley more often at 10.
"I don't think that they can force their hand," O'Driscoll said. "You can encourage them to do it, but ultimately if the coaches there don't feel as though it's in the best interest of the team in particular games, they are entitled to go with what works for them.
"They are not going to be so mis-aligned that they won't think Frawley would be viable option at 10. Unfortunately for Ross Byrne, it wasn't a good climax to the season for him personally.
"I think Leinster have to look to the future as to what that position looks like. Frawley has been given the opportunity, it looks as though he's taking it."
🗣 'Frawley has been given the opportunity, and looks as though he's taking it'
Ciaran Frawley might have already been earmarked for a Leinster 10 shirt, and Brian O'Driscoll is looking forward to see him progress there | 🏉@VodafoneIreland | #TeamOfUs | #NZvIRE pic.twitter.com/6j4Y755bgT— Off The Ball (@offtheball) July 13, 2022
Frawley will want game time at 10 for Leinster
Ireland have had a problem finding the next man up to fill in for Johnny Sexton after he retires. However, Leinster have the same issue.
While they have had a number of pretenders to the throne, no one in Leinster has forced their way into the first choice role at 10 over the years.
From Ross and Harry Byrne to even Joey Carbery at one point, Leinster have produced a number of options at 1o, while Frawley has most frequently found himself at inside centre.
However, now that Leinster have signed ex-All Black Charlie Ngatai from Lyon, O'Driscoll feels that it may indeed be the masterstroke that sees Frawley own that blue and green 10 jersey.
"There has been plenty of 10, but not so many 12s in the Leinster environment," O'Driscoll said. "Now that it hasn't worked out [for others] at 10, we will see Frawley naturally in that position going forward.
"Also, Charlie Ngatai coming in at 12, which I thought was a strange signing, maybe that's all part of the master plan. Frawley [might] play more of a 10 role, and that's why Ngatai has been brought in.
"On the back of what Stuart Lancaster and Leo Cullen would have seen in these Maori games as well, they will feel very comfortable with what Frawley has offered back in a 10 position."
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