The kid was just too good to leave out. Pound for pound, Girvan Dempsey is one of the paciest, most natural footballers in Irish rugby and while he and the Irish management still regard him as a full-back in winger's clothing (hence his selection there for Tuesday's A match) there was no compunction about throwing him on the wing against the Springboks.

Apparently as quiet as a church mouse when he was first called into the Irish squad this season, Dempsey has started to come out of his shell. The boyish, shyness was still there as he gave it the old pinch-me-I-must-be-dreaming smile over his inclusion against the world champions for his first full cap, but there was the hint of the self-assuredness which has categorised his displays this season.

"I'm just thrilled to get the call-up and I'm really looking forward to it. I'm just going to go out there with no fears and no worries."

It's pretty clear too that the Irish management have no worries about him either after a flawless (the word is used lightly in general, but is accurate in Dempsey's case) season as a converted left-winger with Leinster - while for much of the time with Terenure he's played on the right.

"We've seen Girvan in eight or nine games for Leinster and he's had an excellent season," commented Donal Lenihan yesterday. "He came in to the Georgia game and showed all the attributes we had seen in him. Aside from pace, his defensive qualities are outstanding. I don't think he's made a mistake. So that's basically why he's there."

Warren Gatland doesn't portray a tendency for over-excitement but when it comes to Dempsey his face almost lights up. "He's a lovely lad and potentially he's right up there. He has it all; pace, footballing ability, good defence and a sound temperament."

Gatland seemed almost disappointed with himself for not picking Dempsey against Romania after the classy two-try substitutes' debut against Georgia the week before; admittedly as a full-back.

Ciaran Clarke's presence at Terenure, and Kevin Nowlan's at Leinster, has meant Dempsey has been accommodated on the wing for much of his senior career.

The player himself admits "my preference is for full-back". Having spent years vieing with each other, the two former Terenure College products - Conor O'Shea and Clarke - now have another one breathing down their necks.

Another of John McClean's boys then, winning two Senior Schools Cup medals with Terenure in 1992 and 1993, playing for the Leinster Schools, progressing through the Leinster under-19s and 20s, the Irish Colleges, the Irish under-21s and now all this, in his first contracted season.

"It's been a bit of a dream come true. I've been on a high since the start of the season. My first aim was to get into the Leinster team and then to try and get into the Irish squad and take it from there."

Mistakes will surely happen and a player's complete game (flaws and all) only become apparent the more internationals he plays. But this is surely an investment in the future as well as the present.