Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan said that 21-year-old Ulster centre Andrew Trimble is an outstanding talent and definitely one for the future. "Andrew had a super game. Australia was a pretty deep end for him to jump into," said O'Sullivan.
"He does not have a lot of experience at senior level having just broken into the Ulster team this year.
"His work-rate was top-drawer and he carried the ball well and defended superbly. It was a great debut."
O'Sullivan, however, said that the 30-14 reverse to Australia would have been disappointing for the youngster.
"It would have been better had we won the game but it was not his fault we lost. I am very happy with him," said O'Sullivan.
Trimble's gutsy performance hinted at considerable potential and O'Sullivan could soon have serious competition for the first choice centre partnership of Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy.
The Ireland under-21 international will get one more chance to impress before he returns to provincial rugby with O'Sullivan set to name a much-changed side to face Romania, and he is llooking forward to the challenge.
"Test rugby was always going to be a step up from the standard I played before." said the Coleraine-born player.
 |  This is the standard I want to play at so I will have to get used to it |
"To win my first cap against Australia is very big. I learned a lot out on the field. At half-time we had the game by the scruff of the neck.
"Perhaps we should have been more clinical, but then they dominated just after half-time and put points on us.
"I was targeted a bit but I got some contact early. That settled me and was great.
"Fingers crossed I will be in the team for Romania. I have got a cap now and all I want to do is get a second one.
"The Australians look smaller on television than they are in real life where they are even bigger and stronger.
"I knew tackling these boys would be difficult but this is the standard I want to play at so I will have to get used to it."
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
