The Best may be yet to come

Ireland's Rory Best in action against Wales's Dan Biggar in Cardiff, 

By Damian Dolan

It was a performance that prompted memories of Keith Wood at his belligerent and inspirational best. On Saturday in Cardiff, Rory Best donned that mantle with a performance that was the heartbeat of Ireland’s win over Wales.

Brian O’Driscoll may have scooped the official man of the match gong and not without merit on his return to the international team, but Best covered every blade of the Millennium Stadium pitch.

Outstanding in defence and attack – his charge down, catch and pass setting up Ireland’s second try – Best’s second half yellow card was almost a badge honour, as it was his hunger to be in the thick of the action which ensured he was in the right place (or the wrong place) to earn it, burrowing away at a ruck as the Welsh pressure built.

Ireland will need more of the same from Best next Sunday as the Six Nations bandwagon rolls into Dublin – a game which has taken on even greater significance following Italy’s stunning win over France on Sunday.

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