Rugby: The only Irishman unhappy after Ireland's historic win

Ireland loose forward Sean O'Brien in action against France. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Tireless flanker Sean O'Brien is possibly the only Irishman unhappy about the team's historic win over the All Blacks.

O'Brien, considered one of the best players in Ireland and tipped to make the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand next year, admitted he was disappointed to have been rested for the game by coach Joe Schmidt.

The Kiwi coach left the openside loosie back in Dublin so he could work on his match fitness with his Leinster club. O'Brien was delighted his team-mates rolled the All Blacks but admitted that he wasn't entirely on board with Schmidt's decision to keep him in reserve, saying he would have been '100% if selected'.

"I wouldn't say I completely agreed with it but that's the call they made," O'Brien said as the Irish squad regathered in Dublin for a test against Canada this weekend followed by what will be a titanic return encounter with the All Blacks.

"I did need more game time, but you always back yourself if called upon to do a good job.
"Looking at it now, I'm probably better off getting more game time like I did at the weekend and being introduced back in this week.

"You are disappointed that you could have been there. But that's life, you've to go through these things but I'm looking forward to getting back on the field this week hopefully and that's all I'm thinking about now."

O'Brien revealed that he was only able to watch the first half of the game in the airport with his Leinster team-mates before their flight back to Dublin from an away game. He said the pilot was able to inform them that Ireland had indeed beaten the All Blacks after 111 years of trying.

O'Brien hasn't played for Ireland since last season's Six Nations and is eager to make his mark against Canada this weekend with a mind to sealing a start against the All Blacks on November 19.

"It's a huge game," O'Brien said of the Canada clash.

"It's a huge game for everyone. You can be damn sure Canada - they've been here a week already - they'll be preparing to come and beat us. We've to treat it like any test match this week."