COMING INTO AN international set-up will always be a daunting process for a player, but Jack McGrath is just happy that Paul O’Connell was captain when he did.
The Leinster loosehead made his Ireland debut at the tail-end of 2013 against Samoa, and he says O’Connell’s presence in the changing room was vital in his development.
“I suppose coming into the squad a couple of years ago and seeing a guy like that and what he’s done, it was just amazing to have played with him.
“He’s such a normal bloke as well, and any time you’ve any questions to ask him, he’s very easy to talk to. He’s really a true warrior”, he said.
The Munster and Ireland legend has always had a reputation for his more intense characteristics, but McGrath says that it’s not just the second-row’s leadership skills on the pitch that’ll be missed, with his International career now ended through injury.
“I think what makes him such a quality player is his minor details. Even video work during the week and his line-out preparation, everything is down to a tee.
“And for the group, he’s good craic. It’s a bit of a loss in that regard. Hopefully he’ll be around for the next couple of days and maybe for the game so we’ll be able to catch up a little bit more before he goes back I suppose.”
Adversity can often have a galvanising effect, and with O’Connell now joining Peter O’Mahony and Jared Payne on the sidelines, McGrath says that Joe Schmidt has very little motivating to do ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Argentina.
“Absolutely. It hasn’t been said, but that’s what everyone is thinking. It’s hard to take, but everyone is really rallying the troops now and that’s going to make us a tighter-knit group than we already were.
“As I’ve said, it’s obviously a massive loss, but the guys who are there now and the squad that we have, it’s going to pull us tighter together.
“We’re going to want to do it for the guys who have gone home injured. Any time Paul has pulled on the Irish jersey for the last 15 years, he hasn’t left anything on the pitch.”
McGrath cited the 2014 Autumn Internationals, when Ireland were missing key players like Sean O’Brien, Cian Healy but ultimately took a clean sweep against South Africa, Georgia and Australia.
McGrath came into the starting berth in place of Healy, while the recently called-up Rhys Ruddock starred in the backrow while O’Brien recovered from injury.
“I think in the past when players have got injured, I think there were 12 injuries in the November internationals, and guys stepped up. That’s just the way it is.
“Even in the bigger squad of 50 during the summer in training, we knew that players would have to be used eventually.
“So everyone is on the same page.
“It’s just a chain-effect like that. It’s no different for a guy who’s outside the squad, they’re going to have to be ready to go.
“It’s an opportunity for younger guys and I think Iain has been playing excellent. Donnacha has been training brilliantly and preparing really well.”
All I want to read about right now is Sean O’Brien and J Sexton
I thought SOB’s hearing was today at 1???
sexton good to go for weekend
Yeah. It’s painful. Is there some sort this media blackout?
Relieved to hear about JS, SOB a big worry still.
The longer it drags on the more worrying it is ..
My worry now is that they’re appealing a lenfthy ban, as opposed to arguing the initial point.
There were other citing hearings today, so it could be that Seanie’s hasn’t been heard yet. Perhaps
Well they can’t appeal today so must be arguing a point.
This is bad for the nations health
Course SEXTONS Scan came back clear imo he was concussed and if he starts Sunday the argies are gonna go all our for him as well ! really tough decision for Joe
? What ya on about!!??
If Sexton were concussed they would not take the risk.
I am in agreement with you here Johnny. When Sexton was brought off he certainly didn’t look like he was suffering from a groin injury. He almost collided with some of the advertising hoarding on his way off. I thought, particularly given his history, that this was another concussion type injury and that he would have to come through the return to play protocols before being given the all clear, which might have meant missing the next match.
I hope I’m wrong but I would be extremely concerned that he will be targeted by the Argentinians in the same way the French went after him. The possible consequences don’t bear thinking about.
Is Sexty Deffo in for Sunday?
Not deffo but looking very positive. Scans came back clear.
That’s great news!!!
McGrath is built like an armoured car.
Sob’s hearing is taking longer than England had in their World Cup!!
Jaysus, how long is the SOB hearing going to take? Did he punch the frog or not? How hard is that. Yeah, he punched him, but the guy deserved it and then crumpled like a pussie. Cut the boy some slack.