He's stronger than he looks and a good brave tackler but as Jockstap points out he'd be one of the smallest centres around in international rugby and that's just a stone cold disadvantage. In fact, I simply can't think of a smaller.
When you pair him with D'Arcy or McFadden who also fall into fairly small for an international centre you put yourself at a disadvantage. I think Ireland have been suffering for a lack of physicality and size in their backs for a long time now, and D'Arcy and BOD are both violent strong men for their size. But its a small size. It creates problems in defence (and if D'Arcy's getting shown up occasionally at international level of size, you really do have to worry about O'Malley) and a lack of options in attack.
Now Darren Cave and Eoin Griffin, to name my two preferred choices, are no giants - but they're no lightweights either and are happily in the Ansbro/Smith range of size in the market. They are also clever, athletic players with good hands and good brains. They are fairly complete players and I cant help but feel that if put in O'Malley's shoes in Leinster, where he receives a better quality of service and chances than either Cave or Griffin receive at their provinces, they'd show at least as well and probably better.
For me, it should be Cave. His defence is fantastic, he's a great finisher in the red zone and creates a lot for others. He's always looking for the offload and also straightens the line well. His only weakness is out and out gas, which is why I think Griffin might overhaul him in the long run (or someone else such as Macken), still quick enough though. Griffin should be getting Wolfhounds team (him and O'Malley, who is a more than decent player and does deserve a chance to prove me wrong at some point).
Nevin Spence really needs a remedial awareness and handling course.
edit: Conal, I feel Spence has had some good moments and some bad for Ulster at 12 - when offered the ball at pace and close to the advantage line he's dangerous and early on it looked like he'd learnt to pass... however, some of iHumph's deep passes would have made anyone look like a prat and his passing seems to have disappeared. Me, I get the feeling he'll end up being Andy Trimble mkII and get a wing berth. If they can develop Spence's skills, he'd offer a great 11 to 14 cover option.
edit edit: On second thoughts, less Ulster players on Player Management and a weaker Irish midfield suits me fine.
Danny Barnes it is!
