The Munster man’s goal-kicking stats give him the edge over Leinster fly-half Jonathan Sexton, writes Gerry Thornley in the Irish Times.
"Things are getting giddy among the Blarney Army. 'Can they do it? Can they go all the way?' As in win the World Cup.
"Whoaaa Betsy! It’s true Ireland’s odds have hardened from around 40 to or 45 to 1 down to 16 to 1. But this still leaves them fifth favourites, which is about right.
"For Ireland to even break new ground by reaching the semi-finals they need to stay healthy, for while the nine-try beating of Russia maintained momentum and underlined how some players, such as Andrew Trimble and Ronan O’Gara, are banging on the door, as ever Ireland need the vast majority of their front-liners fit and playing well."
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