While Ireland are without several big-name players this summer, the returning Hugo Keenan gave Andy Farrell reason to smile in Saturday's dramatic 33-31 win over Australia in Sydney.
With much of the pre-match focus on Farrell handing Jamie Osborne a surprising run-out on the left wing, Keenan's first Ireland appearance in 16 months flew under the radar.
Osborne had deputised superbly at full-back for the injured Keenan in the Six Nations, scoring four tries in five starts as Ireland won the Triple Crown.
But such is the esteem in which Keenan is held, he immediately slotted back into the 15 jersey for the start of the Nations Championship.
After his British and Irish Lions heroics in Australia last year, Keenan underwent hip surgery and was set to return in time for the Six Nations, only for a fractured thumb in a training ground incident to extend his spell on the sidelines.
With much of the pre-match focus on Farrell handing Jamie Osborne a surprising run-out on the left wing, Keenan's first Ireland appearance in 16 months flew under the radar.
Osborne had deputised superbly at full-back for the injured Keenan in the Six Nations, scoring four tries in five starts as Ireland won the Triple Crown.
But such is the esteem in which Keenan is held, he immediately slotted back into the 15 jersey for the start of the Nations Championship.
After his British and Irish Lions heroics in Australia last year, Keenan underwent hip surgery and was set to return in time for the Six Nations, only for a fractured thumb in a training ground incident to extend his spell on the sidelines.
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