Andy Dunne hailed Scott Fardy for his influence on the Leinster squad ahead of their Champions Cup final with Racing 92.
Leinster are looking to secure their fourth European crown – a record equalling tally – as Fardy and his teammates look to write their names into the history books.
The 33-year-old ended his international career with Australia to move across the world to Dublin and has drawn comparisons to previously heralded imports Rocky Elsom, Felipe Contepomi and Brad Thorn.
And Dunne, speaking on the Saturday Panel, believes Fardy’s impact on the likes of James Ryan has proved invaluable to Leo Cullen’s side.
“He has a sense of understanding the game – it’s an anticipation thing – and I think all great players have it,” Dunne told OTB.
“They have an awareness of what may happen next and he has it in bucket loads. I could not get over the amount of times in that semi-final [against the Scarlets] where he tidied up something for Leinster that was about to go awry.
"He brings the leadership and the sense of calm" - Andy Dunne sums up Scott Fardy's influence on @leinsterrugby ahead of the #ChampionsCup final pic.twitter.com/qzDjqt73Wy
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“He turned dodgy ball into safe, fast ruck-ball and they set off their play again. And in terms of how that links up the entire Leinster attack from the group – it’s a phenomenal part of his game. He’s also got the defensive work rate, the leadership and the sense of calm and purpose.
“He looks pretty driven and aggressive for a guy his age. By all accounts he’s had quite a big impact on James Ryan in terms of his approach and his mentality – and clearly it’s working.
Listen to full match commentary of Leinster v Racing 92 from 4:45pm on Off The Ball with Dave McIntyre, Keith Wood, Liam Toland and Matt Williams.
Written by James Hopper
