Friday 9 February 2018 18:48, UK
Ireland skipper Rory Best has called Jordan Larmour a "massive talent" ahead of their Six Nations game against Italy in Dublin on Saturday.
Leinster's 20-year-old, who can play full-back or on the wing, has drawn comparisons with former New Zealand fullback great Christian Cullen from Italy coach Conor O'Shea.
Larmour could make his Test debut off the replacements' bench at the Aviva Stadium but Best, who will play his 108th international match to join Paul O'Connell as the third-most capped Ireland player, has no doubts he can handle the pressure.
"Just to see him in training even his change of pace in the walkthrough, which may sound ridiculous, he is a massive talent," Best said of Larmour.
"To be able to do all that he has done, firstly against Munster at Thomond Park when Leinster rested their big guns and then sadly against us [Ulster], speaks volumes of his talent and character.
"This is a big moment for him: a debut, something everyone dreams of. For him to do it in the manner he has done it, he is deserving of being in the squad."
Best is mindful his predecessor as national captain O'Connell clashed with Saturday's French referee Romain Poite in the past.
"Raymond Poite is definitely somebody who doesn't appreciate being shouted at," added Best.
"That might be down to his former day job [as a policeman], you have to be careful of when to approach him but he is also very open about having a conversation.
"The referees who bat you away, that you don't want. You want there to be a chance of open dialogue. I always find Romain receptive at the right time.
"Shouting at the referee and being really vocal in their face serves no purpose, it is hard to intimidate a referee."
