NOW I’M BACK I PLAN TO STAY
THERE was no time for Fergus Mcfadden to be ring-rusty in Paris – and now he’s wasting no time in his bid to regain a starting berth with Ireland.
When the experienced Leinster back replaced Jacob Stockdale in the 75th minute of the 6 Nations opener, it was his first Test appearance since the Scotland win almost two years earlier.
“It was sweet to get a cap again, but I came into the camp with the self-assurance that I was in here on merit,” stressed the 31-year-old.
“I think I played well enough to get in so just tried to prove myself in training and bring what I’d been bringing for Leinster.
“The way the game panned out, it was sweet for everyone.
“It turned into an iconic moment for Johnny to knock that drop goal over – and for us all to be jumping on top of him.
“It doesn’t usually happen, so it was enjoyable.”
Mcfadden worked his way back into contention after a frustrating time with injuries.
He was always a favourite of Joe Schmidt’s at Leinster, and then at the start of the Kiwi’s Ireland tenure.
The versatile Kilkenny man showed why as he hunted for involvement in that 41-phase build-up to Sexton’s winning strike.
Omitted against Italy as Schmidt used the opportunity to blood Jordan Larmour against the minnows, Mcfadden hopes to play his part against Wales next Saturday.
He said: “The coaches have backed me in Leinster, in the big games particularly. I suppose I’ve proved my worth over a few weeks.
“It was nice to get the confidence back and get back to playing at the level I can.
“So now I’m looking to be involved as much as possible and trying to break into the team.”
Age has brought wisdom in terms of being ready Ireland England Wales Scotland France Italy
P2 2 2 2 2 2
W2 2 1 1 0 0
D0 0 0 0 0 0
L0 0 1 1 2 2
F71 58 40 39 39 34
A32 21 19 60 47 102 1 1 2 0 2 0 9 9 6 4 2 0 when the call comes.
“I’ve got to be a lot more conscious about my recovery and how I take care of myself,” he said.
“You always heard the likes of Darce and Drico talking about it when I was in my mid-20s, and you’re kind of thinking, ‘That’s never going to be me’. But then when you get on, it’s just about listening to your body.
“People can preach to you, but until you get the experiences yourself... it’s knowing what’s right for you.”
Mcfadden believes the rarity of an Ireland victory in Paris has provided a platform – and now everything is on the Wales clash.
“What lies ahead, every game is like a cup final,” he said. “Essentially the championship is only starting for us now.
“We’ve got our toughest games, probably, to go, with Wales coming, Scotland and leading to what could be a brilliant game on Paddy’s Day – winner-takes-all against England. But this Welsh team are going to be a big threat.”