Dempsey started the 2008 RBS 6 Nations as Ireland's first choice full-back but a hip injury ruled him out of the competition after just two matches. Possibly the only player to emerge from Ireland's disastrous World Cup with his reputation enhanced, he remains a safe pair of hands at 15. The Leinster veteran rarely makes a mistake, is sound under the high ball, and possesses a prodigious boot. Surrounded by more gifted runners, Dempsey is often criticised for his lack of threat in attack - but this shortcoming is vastly overstated. Dempsey won his first full cap as a replacement against Georgia in November 1998 and scored two tries. By 2000 he was a regular and played in all Ireland’s 2003 World Cup games. His 50th cap came against South Africa in the 2004 summer tour.