Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
MOTHER HEN
Robbie’s nervous about playing host but first it’s an Italian job
ROBBIE HENSHAW is acutely aware that the pressure is on.
But it’s not so much the Azzurri that has him sweating, it is more the prospect of being a host to the Ireland squad in his hometown Athlone.
Today’s clash with Italy marks the end of the first phase of this year’s championship and Joe Schmidt’s squad will train at Buccaneers next week ahead of the Dublin showdown with Wales in a fortnight.
“There’s lots of pressure actually,” laughed Henshaw. “Myself and one of the physios, Keith Fox, have been putting the recommendations for coffee and food together.
“There’s a lot of expectations but Athlone is a great spot. I’m looking forward to training back at Buccaneers and getting a run out there. It has been a while since I’ve played there so it’s definitely exciting and great for the town that the Ireland team are coming.”
The last time Henshaw played at Dubarry Park was five years ago for Ireland under 20s against England.
Now 24, Henshaw is playing in his third Six Nations as a first-choice centre.
He has been also been to a World Cup and, fitness permitting, will be in Japan next year.
The Leinster man earns his 33rd Test cap today and already he is looked upon as one of Joe Schmidt’s generals.
“I’ve been in since I was 19 years of age, quite young,” said Henshaw, reflecting on the 2014 championship when Schmidt brought him in to camp to observe and learn.
His Six Nations debut followed the following spring. “I’ve been around now for a while,” he acknowledged. “It’s about how you approach it, how you feel you can help out the guys coming in, to be a presence in the team.
“I’ve been challenged by people to make that step up, that I’m no longer inexperienced, that I can lead a little more. I’ve been trying to take on that role now, to be a leader through my actions as well as my voice and that’s been a bit of a change.”
When Henshaw emerged as a potential Test star, Brian O’driscoll urged Schmidt to pick him sooner than he did.
Five years on, Jordan Larmour is the new Henshaw. Having previously introduced him into camp, Schmidt is poised to spring the 20-year-old off the bench for his Ireland debut today.
If he plays Larmour will be the youngest Irishman to play Six Nations since Luke Fitzgerald nine years ago.
“Straight away he caught my eye,” said Henshaw. “Just seeing him rise so rapidly, he’s played exceptionally well.
“He’s loving being in camp and being involved. He’s learned a lot being in the set-up. When he gets the ball in space, he can create something. He can create something out of nothing as well. He’s an exciting player.
“He has a really good feel for when to go and when to let it go. He’s only going to get better now as a player.
“He’s coped every time he’s been challenged and this is another step for him. The step up to international level is huge but he’ll be ready.”
Joey Carbery, 22, is another waiting in the wings while 21-year-old Jacob Stockdale made his first championship start last week.
Henshaw admitted: “I see myself as one of the older fellas now. I know the seat they’re sitting in, I’ve been there so I help them out and make sure they’re comfortable and they know everything coming in.”