Tuesday 24 February 2015 22:12, UK
England lock George Kruis will realise a 'distant dream' if and when he lines up against Ireland captain Paul O'Connell in Dublin on Sunday.
The 25-year-old Saracens star has seized his chance with the likes of Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes and Geoff Parling struggling with injuries and is highly likely to line up again when England face the only other unbeaten side in this year's Six Nations.
Looking ahead to the the trip, Kruis said: "I went to a few games when the Lions were in South Africa and watched Paul O'Connell.
"Playing him was a very distant dream then. I was just joining Saracens and was rather underweight and not the best rugby player.
"I have a huge amount of respect for Paul. At Saracens we have played Munster quite a few times in the pool stages of the Heineken Cup. It's nice to play a guy three or four times, get an understanding of where he is from.
I have a huge amount of respect for Paul. At Saracens we have played Munster quite a few times in the pool stages of the Heineken Cup.
"He is a clear talisman for Irish rugby and internationally he is a huge figure. I try and pride myself on the line-out and he's definitely a leader in that department."
England forwards coach Graham Rowntree echoed Kruis' praise of 35-year-old O'Connell, who he worked with during the British & Irish Lions tours of 2009 and 2013, adding: "Ireland are full of warriors. I've worked with them. Don't start me on O'Connell - I've so much time for the bloke. It was a pleasure to work with him.
"He's diligent. After training he's asking 'how to do that tackle, show me how you do that'. He's done everything, but he's still pulling players to one side after training.
"Paul has always been a pain to play against. For me he's been a constant driving force in the Ireland team. Having worked with him he will drive standards and drive intensity. I've got so much respect for him.
"People want to play for him. I'm sick of talking about him. He sounds brilliant this man - I'm getting worried talking about him. I've got so much respect for him."
