“That’s what’s been missing” – Brian O’Driscoll says Irish star is find of the Six Nations
Speedster.
Brian O’Driscoll believes Ireland may have finally uncovered something they’ve been lacking for years, after singling out Robert Baloucoune as the standout discovery of this year’s Six Nations.
The former Ireland captain says the Ulster winger has brought a dimension to the Irish attack that had been noticeably absent, particularly when it comes to raw, game-breaking pace.
“He’s been the find of the Irish Six Nations because we were crying out for someone like him,” O’Driscoll told Off The Ball.
Ireland’s system under Andy Farrell has long been praised for its structure, accuracy and relentless phase play, but genuine out-and-out speed on the edges has been harder to come by.
For O’Driscoll, Baloucoune’s return to the international fold has reminded everyone just how valuable that attribute can be at Test level.
“We all knew he had wheels. And that’s what’s been missing in this Irish team for probably a few years now. That crazy acceleration.
“Other teams have it. The South Africans have it. New Zealand have it, England have it. France have it – Bielle-Barrey.
“There’s nothing like speed in rugby, and there’s nothing like speed in Test match rugby.”
Baloucoune has long been known for his finishing ability and electric pace since breaking through at Ulster, but O’Driscoll admitted one area of his game had gone slightly under the radar until recently.
“I wouldn’t have known his defensive game particularly well, and having spoken to Rory Best in the French game, he mentioned how effective he was defensively, how much of a good read.”
That prompted the former Ireland centre to take a closer look.
“And I went away and saw some of his games – and he gets it,” O’Driscoll added.
“He really gets that shape, too. Sometimes you have these flyers of wingers, and they’re kind of lost on the defensive side of games – far from it.”
For O’Driscoll, that balance between blistering speed and defensive awareness is what makes Baloucoune such an exciting prospect for Ireland moving forward.
And if his Six Nations performances are anything to go by, Ireland may have finally found the kind of X-factor winger every Test side craves.
🗣️ 'He's been the find of the Irish Six Nations, because we were crying out for somebody like him!'
While Stuart McCloskey has been Ireland's standout best player, Brian O'Driscoll feels the find of the #SixNations is Robert Baloucoune! | ☘️
Wednesday Night Rugby on Off The… pic.twitter.com/3xwxqxslmp
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) March 11, 2026
