Andy Farrell places faith in Leinster fullback’s aerial work and left-footed kicking game for Wallabies clash
Andy Farrell places faith in Leinster fullback’s aerial work and left-footed kicking game for Wallabies clashand briefly during the Six Nations to Tommy O’Brien, unfortunately absent from the southern hemisphere swing due to injury.has opted for Osborne, a vindication of the qualities that the 24-year-old brings to a team, with his aerial work, left-footed kicking game and comfort level as a distributor.
The Counter Ruck: the rugby newsletter from The Irish TimesNations Championship 2026: TV details, kick-off times as Ireland play Australia in opening matchOsborne was clattered by a high tackle from Jean Kleyn, for which the Munster secondrow received a yellow card, and made one eye-catching break down the touchline. His second appearance in the 11 shirt was another URC interprovincial derby, this time at the Dexcom Stadium in December 2023 when Ciarán Frawley’s late try broke Connacht hearts in a 24-22 defeat for the home side.
In 15 starts for Leinster in the 2024-2025 season, Osborne played on the wing three times, twice on the left, both of those coming inpool matches. The first was at the Stade Marcel Deflandre, where the Irish province nicked a 16-14 win against Ronan O’Gara’s Racing 92 side and Osborne played a pivotal role in Leinster’s only try.
A week later Osborne was back on the left wing in a 47-21 victory over Bath at the Aviva Stadium, the last time that he started in that position for Leinster. His fifth and final appearance on the left wing in his senior career, and the only time that he finished on the losing side, was for Ireland in their 42-27 defeat to France at the Aviva Stadium last year.
Jamie Osborne boots the ball up field during the Six Nations match against Wales last year. Photograph: Michael Steele/Getty Osborne was named on the right wing, but played on the left as the other wing that day was the right-footed Calvin Nash. It’s unlikely Naas native Osborne will be spooked by history given his character and the talent he’s shown at international level. , showing great composure in the Loftus Versfeld cauldron.
At 22 years old at the time, that demonstrates aptitude and a good attitude, never mind footballing skills, and he was rewarded with a try to cap a memorable day. He was even better in the second Test at King’s Park, Durban, making a stunning break in the build-up to Conor Murray’s try and pulling off a match-saving tackle on Cheslin Kolbe before Frawley’s match-winning drop goal.tour in Australia – Osborne got two tries against the First Nations & Pasifika XV – and backed him when choosing him to deputise for the injured Hugo Keenan in starting all five matches at fullback and scoring a try against each of Italy, England, Wales and Scotland in last season’s Six Nations.
It’s not a surprise that the Ireland head coach has turned to a player who has predominantly delivered, no matter what the remit, for Saturday’s game against Australia. There are similarities to Lowe in some of Osborne’s attributes, the power in a 6ft 4in frame, his work-rate off the wing and a thumping left boot. This is not a permanent home.
Osborne may eventually settle in the centre, but, despite his modest exposure to the left wing, he carries the endorsement of his coach and team-mates.17 matches, 15 starts Andy Farrell says James Lowe will be sorely missed as Ireland gear up for Australia clashIrish pharma company making ‘adulterated products’, US regulator claimsGonçalo Ramos strikes late in action-packed clash with Croatia to send Portugal to last 16 Chinese Communist Party may bet set for a dramatic transformation but Xi’s grip on power as strong as ever Michael O’Leary: ‘In 10 years’ time, Ryanair fares will be €45-€50 and I’ll be in a home for the bewildered’
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