Ya even playing with Leinster he doesn’t miss many tackles at all and is exceptional at covering the backfield, probably the two biggest things when looking at a modern day full back
He brings the flair, fitness and pace from his 7’s background. One of Irelands best players and probably the best fullback in world rugby right now. Such a gifted, balanced runner and deceptively strong. He makes some massive hits and try saving tackles and always goes the full 80 minutes. Fantastic player to watch for Leinster & Ireland. Definitely the next B&I Lions fullback!
As a frenchman I never really focused on his performances so it's great to watch such highlights to really see why he's as good as we say. Impeccable tackle technic, great under the high balls, good kicking, faster than he looks, elusive, very skilled, good timings... I guess you can add to that an above average rugby IQ and sense of anticipation and that's what makes the difference between a good rugby player and a great rugby player. Good luck to the men in green for the coming world cup, I kind of hope we don't meet in those quarter finals to be honest but let's see 😄
@@saoirsedeltufo7436 if ireland get new zealand in the quarters and win, they’ll face australia, england or maybe argentina (all from the other side of the draw in the semis) so a france-ireland final is actually possible 🎉
@@saoirsedeltufo7436 no they definitely can meet in the final if they don't meet in the quarters. It's in the semi finals that they can't meet. France and Ireland's paths can only cross in the QF and in the final.
Keenan covers the backfield so well because he’s able to sprint for 80 minutes, he covers a ridiculous amount of ground at a high pace, as well as everything else, the man is ridiculously solid.
Irish fan. I was blown away by Keenan this season. First and foremost, his reliability. You know when a big kick comes his way, he will catch it. You know he will be positionally aware and won't be caught off guard as fullback. If I were playing for Ireland, I'd know I could set my watch to Keenan. He does flashy stuff too of course (e.g. his try against the All Blacks, which was beautiful) but I most appreciate how he consistently upholds his end of the bargain.
Thank you so much for this video. Not quite an unsung hero because all intelligent pundits recognise his ability and consistency. But I feel Keenan is damned too often by faint praise. Words such as reliable, consistent, dependable etc do no justice to his immense contribution to the Ireland team. He is of course all of those things, but he is incredibly brave, has a highly intelligent rugby brain (his ability to always be in the right position to take the opposition kick is uncanny) and is one of the best tacklers in the world. Hugo's tackling technique should be shown to every kid playing mini rugby to show that you can take down the biggest of men/women without getting hurt, whatever your size. I think, when all is said and done, that he is arguably Ireland's most important player at this time. Who could replace him and give the Irish backline the confidence to do what they do, if they didn't know Hugo would be there to do the right thing, more or less always?
One thing that must be said about Keenan is that, be it ball or man, once he gets his hands on it, it's a rare day at the office where he lets it go again.
Dare I say it, but he could even surpass his predecessors haul of medals for both club and country. That would be some achievement. Brilliant player. As is his back-up Jimmy O'Brien.
His defense👌 But also his beautiful try against Italy where he pirouetted his way through for a score👌 I'd also like to complement your music choice Mr. Forde. I would call it "K e n a n w a v e"👌
Honestly these are some of the best highlight videos for rugby out there, I don't know how you're just getting 20+k views, these videos deserve the 100+k vies
No, honestly, the best player (by far) was Flament, Doris could also have had it without it being scandalous. Dupont got it like Messi or Ronaldo got some Ballon d'Or. Well, it makes up for the fact that there are only 3 French players against 10 Irish in the team haha
@@larvlalo9773 mate, what the fuck are you talking about how can you say DuPont doesn’t deserve it, he’s in the motm conversation every time he plays 🤣
@@harryryan368 In France, there was no debate. Flament was the best French player in the first 4 matches. You can go and look at the French media ratings! Dupont was average/good against Italy and Ireland, good against Scotland, excellent against England and good against Wales. So in summary, Flament was just average against Wales. No debate here
Just so so so reliable, you dont always notice a fullback having a good game but you definitely notice when they have a bad one-keenan rarely has a bad one
If this teaches us anything it's TECHNIQUE is key. Keenan's ability to get low and take out players way bigger and on the back foot too just goes to show you that World Rugby and their mantra of making the game safe CAN BE DONE IF players get the basic technique of tackling low.
Great player! As a Frenchman, I can't wait to see a France-Ireland with both teams in top form! I think we're still a step ahead, but we have to be careful not to be in the same physical state as in Dublin. If not, it could be 50-50.
Brilliant player Hugo Keenan:- quick as a greyhound, solid in the air, instinctive in attack & tough as nails to boot... Hugo, pls remain fit & healthy until the end of October (at the latest🙂) Never thought i'd say this , but Keenan is like a better version of Dave Kearney squared.
That doesn't make POTC. Often players on the winning teams don't get the award. He was a perfect fullback but Dupont is beyond a 9 - he does everything perfectly at 9 but also completely tears the field up and wins games for France
people might over look Keenan because hes not flashy but his gas tank is the best in rugby covers the whole field never say die attitude proper Irish spirit warrior and just like jvdf hes a 8 of 10 every game
Playing behind a winning team is always nice... Freddy S is an impressive guy when it comes to actually crunch time rugby (ie the Boks or France sending high balls and pressure your way)
Steward was absolute shite v SA. Dropped a bunch of easy high balls. Keenan was the second best player on the pitch in Irelands game v France and put in a good shift v the Boks despite it being his first game in months Terrible take
@@saoirsedeltufo7436 thats not even true though, is it? theres nothing he can do under a high ball that keenan, the two barretts, petaia or ramos cant do. even some of the non starting international players out there at the moment (dulin, arendse, kinghorn) offer equally safe hands under a high ball, with far more counterattcking threat and defensive competency
His defensive ability is often overlooked because of his attacking prowess. But he has single handedly denied several tries. Complete all rounder.
Ya even playing with Leinster he doesn’t miss many tackles at all and is exceptional at covering the backfield, probably the two biggest things when looking at a modern day full back
I must admit I didn't realise he is so good defensively, really good awareness and tackle technique.
He brings the flair, fitness and pace from his 7’s background. One of Irelands best players and probably the best fullback in world rugby right now. Such a gifted, balanced runner and deceptively strong. He makes some massive hits and try saving tackles and always goes the full 80 minutes. Fantastic player to watch for Leinster & Ireland. Definitely the next B&I Lions fullback!
One of the best six nations I think we’ve seen from a full back. Seems to make no mistakes and always has significant moments in matches. Class act 👏
I saw him make one mistake
Ever
Proof that’s you don’t have to be the biggest and most powerful player, does his job role so well
Absolutely world class, not many (if any) better full backs around
As a frenchman I never really focused on his performances so it's great to watch such highlights to really see why he's as good as we say.
Impeccable tackle technic, great under the high balls, good kicking, faster than he looks, elusive, very skilled, good timings...
I guess you can add to that an above average rugby IQ and sense of anticipation and that's what makes the difference between a good rugby player and a great rugby player.
Good luck to the men in green for the coming world cup, I kind of hope we don't meet in those quarter finals to be honest but let's see 😄
I have never been more angry about a World Cup draw - could you imagine a France Ireland final!
@@saoirsedeltufo7436 France and Ireland can and may meet in the final despite the draw. That would be incredible 🤞
@@Poppillon pretty sure they can't, I will check again but I'm pretty sure France and Ireland can only meet in the QFs or SF
@@saoirsedeltufo7436 if ireland get new zealand in the quarters and win, they’ll face australia, england or maybe argentina (all from the other side of the draw in the semis) so a france-ireland final is actually possible 🎉
@@saoirsedeltufo7436 no they definitely can meet in the final if they don't meet in the quarters. It's in the semi finals that they can't meet. France and Ireland's paths can only cross in the QF and in the final.
He does everything so well, he’s the complete player
One of the most exciting players! Even more since he uses his technique and not only his physical power.
Keenan covers the backfield so well because he’s able to sprint for 80 minutes, he covers a ridiculous amount of ground at a high pace, as well as everything else, the man is ridiculously solid.
4’11” Bronco is a testament to fitness
The Van De Merwe tackle was sensational
Irish fan. I was blown away by Keenan this season. First and foremost, his reliability. You know when a big kick comes his way, he will catch it. You know he will be positionally aware and won't be caught off guard as fullback. If I were playing for Ireland, I'd know I could set my watch to Keenan. He does flashy stuff too of course (e.g. his try against the All Blacks, which was beautiful) but I most appreciate how he consistently upholds his end of the bargain.
He’s become such an exciting player, and has really grown in confidence in the last year.
He was pretty much flawless this 6N. Great player
Thank you so much for this video. Not quite an unsung hero because all intelligent pundits recognise his ability and consistency. But I feel Keenan is damned too often by faint praise. Words such as reliable, consistent, dependable etc do no justice to his immense contribution to the Ireland team. He is of course all of those things, but he is incredibly brave, has a highly intelligent rugby brain (his ability to always be in the right position to take the opposition kick is uncanny) and is one of the best tacklers in the world. Hugo's tackling technique should be shown to every kid playing mini rugby to show that you can take down the biggest of men/women without getting hurt, whatever your size. I think, when all is said and done, that he is arguably Ireland's most important player at this time. Who could replace him and give the Irish backline the confidence to do what they do, if they didn't know Hugo would be there to do the right thing, more or less always?
AB fan. Has shades of Ben Smith and Mils Muliaina but with a better kicking game.
Class act
One thing that must be said about Keenan is that, be it ball or man, once he gets his hands on it, it's a rare day at the office where he lets it go again.
Dare I say it, but he could even surpass his predecessors haul of medals for both club and country. That would be some achievement. Brilliant player. As is his back-up Jimmy O'Brien.
The best, what a player.. comes from hard work and fare play Hugo 👍
Hadn't realised just how good he is in defence until I watched this: a few try saving tackles in there.
He has been the IN FORM guy 🎉
Indeed tackling a scrum half hasn’t really been an achievement since Antoine du Pont arrived
He was unbelievable and so handsome
Agreed, particularly the second part
SAD.!!!
Jaysus lads. 😂
He is incredible
His defense👌
But also his beautiful try against Italy where he pirouetted his way through for a score👌
I'd also like to complement your music choice Mr. Forde. I would call it "K e n a n w a v e"👌
Lol, hadn't noticed the music, but that's already a bonus: I've clicked away more than once because of an awful soundtrack.
Probably the most complete FB in world rugby at the min. He’s got a bright future ahead and a shoe in for the Lions.
Great tune, what's the name?
He is the most perfect rugby player I've ever seen. He is so reliable and never makes mistakes
Honestly these are some of the best highlight videos for rugby out there, I don't know how you're just getting 20+k views, these videos deserve the 100+k vies
World class performance
Player to follow for the world cup
Hugo is a super star 🌟
If DuPont didn’t exist he was potc
No, honestly, the best player (by far) was Flament, Doris could also have had it without it being scandalous. Dupont got it like Messi or Ronaldo got some Ballon d'Or.
Well, it makes up for the fact that there are only 3 French players against 10 Irish in the team haha
@@larvlalo9773 mate, what the fuck are you talking about how can you say DuPont doesn’t deserve it, he’s in the motm conversation every time he plays 🤣
100%. If Keenan hadn’t got injured I’m the last game he might well have pushed DuPont for POTC.
@@harryryan368 In France, there was no debate. Flament was the best French player in the first 4 matches. You can go and look at the French media ratings! Dupont was average/good against Italy and Ireland, good against Scotland, excellent against England and good against Wales. So in summary, Flament was just average against Wales. No debate here
@@harryryan368 And why do English speakers write DuPont rather than Dupont? (I don't understand, real question)
For me he was the best of the tournament.
Just so so so reliable, you dont always notice a fullback having a good game but you definitely notice when they have a bad one-keenan rarely has a bad one
Excellent video. Thank you.
Class player.
Great music choice too, Mr F.
Hard worker, brave, fast.
Man what a player!
If this teaches us anything it's TECHNIQUE is key. Keenan's ability to get low and take out players way bigger and on the back foot too just goes to show you that World Rugby and their mantra of making the game safe CAN BE DONE IF players get the basic technique of tackling low.
Great player! As a Frenchman, I can't wait to see a France-Ireland with both teams in top form! I think we're still a step ahead, but we have to be careful not to be in the same physical state as in Dublin. If not, it could be 50-50.
amazing 6 nations from Hugo....under rated player.... when DuPont gets all the credit.
Dupont gets the credits because he deserves to, great tournament for both of them
Hugo is highly rated by most and was everyone's FB of this tournament. It's just that Dupont has ridiculous performances
what a player
He reminds me of a less hotheaded Liam Williams.
He's a lot better than that. Plus, Liam Williams' bandy legs freak me out... :D
best fullback in rugby at the moment!
As a frenchman I hate to like this player. 😅Never makes a mistake, always reliable!
Brilliant player Hugo Keenan:- quick as a greyhound, solid in the air, instinctive in attack & tough as nails to boot... Hugo, pls remain fit & healthy until the end of October (at the latest🙂)
Never thought i'd say this , but Keenan is like a better version of Dave Kearney squared.
@andrewforde What's the name of the song? Very catchy
if carlsberge did rugby players Hugo would PROBABLY be the best
Hugo was the best player on the best team, he deserved the POTC
That doesn't make POTC. Often players on the winning teams don't get the award. He was a perfect fullback but Dupont is beyond a 9 - he does everything perfectly at 9 but also completely tears the field up and wins games for France
Hogg won it twice I don't recall Scotland winning the 6N lately
people might over look Keenan because hes not flashy but his gas tank is the best in rugby covers the whole field never say die attitude proper Irish spirit warrior and just like jvdf hes a 8 of 10 every game
Keenan is near faultless.
Extremely high rugby IQ
Robbed of player of the tournament
Playing behind a winning team is always nice... Freddy S is an impressive guy when it comes to actually crunch time rugby (ie the Boks or France sending high balls and pressure your way)
Biggest L take
because of course stewart was better when he played sa and france (13-27 and 10-53) than hugo keenan was (19-16, 32-19)
Steward is the best in the world under the high ball but that's about it. Good player, exciting talent, but he's a long way behind Keenan
Steward was absolute shite v SA. Dropped a bunch of easy high balls. Keenan was the second best player on the pitch in Irelands game v France and put in a good shift v the Boks despite it being his first game in months
Terrible take
@@saoirsedeltufo7436 thats not even true though, is it? theres nothing he can do under a high ball that keenan, the two barretts, petaia or ramos cant do. even some of the non starting international players out there at the moment (dulin, arendse, kinghorn) offer equally safe hands under a high ball, with far more counterattcking threat and defensive competency