Difference maker.

Former Ireland international Brian O’Driscoll has praised the impact former Leinster outhalf Joey Carbery has had at Munster since arriving at the southern province over the summer.

Carbery has been a huge difference maker for Munster this season, particularly over the last few weeks with the much anticipated return of Conor Murray, forming one of the deadliest halfback combinations in Europe with the number nine.

The youngster put in a man of the match performance against Gloucester last weekend, and O’Driscoll reckons Carbery could be the man to elevate Munster to new heights, having lose successive Champions Cup semi-finals.

“I think it was a real statement of intent from them in Kingsholm” O’Driscoll said on BT Sport’s Rugby Tonight.

“The last couple of years they’ve gotten to semi-finals and were good value, but were then put to the sword by Saracens and Racing respectively.”

“But I think this is a different Munster team, particularly with Joey Carbery at the helm. I just think he’s dictating play brilliantly well. He’s been ably assisted by his pack going forward, but it’s his ability – he’s got the footwork of a back-three player to get himself out of trouble in sticky spots.”

“Exeter are gonna have their work cut out containing him, particularly with the quality of ball he’s been given this year.”