BOTTLE OF PORTER

THE sun split the stones in Chicago on the first Saturday in November 2016, when Ireland made history by beating the All Blacks.

Later that day, in the cold, lashing rain and in front of a sparse attendance away to Zebre, Andrew Porter made his first start for Leinster in a 33-10 victory.

Two years on – having made the daunting switch from loosehead prop across the front row to tighthead – Porter will earn his ninth Ireland cap and his third Test start.

“I just remember watching the Chicago game on TV and it was crazy seeing a few of my mates be a part of it,” said the 22-year-old (above).

“I remember Joey (Carbery) at the time. I would have played a lot of my underage rugby with him, so to see him there and then after the game, it was obviously such a special occasion for him and for Irish rugby as well.

“I can’t really say l’d have expected to be where I am now in that short space of time, especially moving over from loosehead. I have to pinch myself.

“Everyone dreams of playing for Ireland, especially once you get a first taste of professional rugby. It was kind of crazy how things snowballed so quickly. Over the past year, especially.”