The Canada captain is set to come face-to-face with the three-time British and Irish Lion in the Ospreys’ Thomond Park playoff with Munster. O’Connell may be 35-years-old, but he pipped Wales second-row Jones to the Six Nations player of the year as he lead Ireland to glory.
And he shows no sign of slowing as the season draws to a close. He was amongst the scorers as Munster demolished the Newport Gwent Dragons 50-27 to seal a home semi-final. Ardron was just nine-years-old when O’Connell began his test career, and now he is relishing the chance to battle-it-out on the big stage.
He said: “I’ll enjoy going up against him. He’s one of the best. Technically, his set-piece is up there with the best in the world, and even in the later stage of his career he seems to have upped his attacking game. He is obviously someone we will have to look out for, even if he isn’t their only threat.”
“I’ve definitely learned a lot from partnering Alun Wyn. There are so many things to playing second row that I didn’t know maybe a few months ago, even. So having him there has been a big help.”
Flying wing Tom Grabham will not be present on Saturday after he underwent surgery. The youngster will miss the rest of the season having had an operation to put right an abdominal problem he sustained in the Judgement Day clash with Cardiff Blues.
A statement from the Ospreys said: “He has undergone a minimally invasive procedure to repair the damage and will rehab over the summer with a view to returning to training for pre-season.”
