Ireland head coach Andy Farrell admits losing Dan Sheehan to injury is a major blow for his team ahead of their clash with France, but is happy with how his squad is adapting to changes.
The in-form hooker, who this week received high praise from Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll, will miss the potential title showdown in Dublin after suffering a hamstring injury. Farrell has turned to Rob Herring in the Leinsterman’s absence.
Tough loss but good for adaptability
Whilst losing a star player to injury is never ideal, Farrell believes it will help his team be prepared for anything, particularly in a tournament or World Cup setting.
“It’s not nice for Dan,” said Farrell. “Obviously, he’s a fantastic player at the top of his form, isn’t he?
“Anyone would miss a player in that type of form. But at the same time, it’s great in the sense that this is exactly what’s going to happen down the track in the World Cup.
“International rugby is only going to get bigger and better, so therefore it’s always going to be about the squad.
“When you get to the World Cup, you’ve a smaller squad, there’s a 12-day turnaround there as far as concussion is concerned, so you’re always going to be numbers down and you’ve got to be able to roll with the punches.
“We’re happy with how our squad is developing, pushing each other, competing against each other.
“Rob has always added to our performance, let’s put it that way, and I also think he can do a good job in this type of game for us.”
🗣️ “For me, I think he’s got to be, maybe, the best hooker in the world at the moment. Malcolm Marx will have something to say about that, I’m sure."
☘️ Brian O'Driscoll hails Dan Sheehan as the world's best.https://t.co/cI60tK5VQ2
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) February 9, 2023
Herring’s inclusion in the starting XV is the only change to the side that dominated Wales last weekend in the Six Nations.
Farrell’s options were nearly limited further this week as veteran Conor Murray emerged as a doubt citing ‘personal reasons’. However, the scrum-half, who was a late change for Jamison Gibson-Park last weekend, is cleared and ready to go against Les Bleus.
Home advantage
The coach has lost the last three games played against their French rivals and is looking to use the Dublin crowd to power his team to victory.
Click Here: AFC Ajax soccer tracksuit
“They’re definitely going to be up for it,” he said of the supporters. “Everyone is looking forward to this.
“We’ve had half a day off today, I’ve been walking around Sandymount (a suburb of Dublin) and everyone is pumped.
“I wish I was going to the game with my mates or my family or kids because this is the type of game that everyone wants to be part of.
“Home advantage has to be a weapon for us. We’ve all got a responsibility for that.”