Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
LOADS IN THE TANK IRELAND ARGENTINA
Henshaw says he’s got more to give for Ireland
ROBBIE HENSHAW insists he can only get better after his rapid rise with Ireland.
The Leinster centre claims there’s “loads more in the tank” as he prepares to return to face Argentina after sitting out last week’s trip to Chicago.
That was a clear indication of his status in Joe Schmidt’s ranks as the Ireland boss left behind his frontline men for the bigger challenges to come over the next couple of weekends.
And yet it’s mad to think it’s already five years since he made his senior Test debut – against the USA in June 2013 (above).
That was the first of 36 caps for the full-back turned centre under Schmidt and he recalls how, in November of that same year, the pressure really came on him to produce.
Brian O’driscoll wasn’t long retired and there was concern over whether Henshaw could handle the expectations.
He said: “I remember people questioning whether I’d make the step up.
“I was in with Gordon D’arcy against Australia and then with Jared Payne (inset) the week before against South Africa.
“A lot of people were wondering if I’d make the step up and how we’d deal with the new combinations. That was a big question being asked.
“I think Jared was unbelievable in terms of bringing that calm and experience that helped me out.
“That really helped. It reminds me of Jordan Larmour coming in so young. He was in two years with us as well and from the get-go he caught everyone’s eye.
“The younger you can get players in and get experience – let them get the knowledge in terms of what’s being asked of them when they set foot in the door – that makes a big difference to bring a performance on to the pitch when they get a chance.
“Definitely there’s an onus on me now to step up more and to turn into a bit of a leader – not to look for too much focus but to help the lads coming in.”
Payne and D’arcy have both retired in the meantime and Henshaw finds himself in another battle for game time with Leinster colleague Garry Ringrose and former Connacht team-mate Bundee Aki.
And that’s before the return of the injured Munster man Chris Farrell and the emergence of a new and viable threat in Ulster’s Chris Addison.
The 25-year-old said: “It’s a competitive environment here, we’re at the top level of the sport. It’s good. It drives performances but whoever gets the shot at the end of the day has to take it.
“I’m constantly looking to get better and I think the game is evolving every year.
“New teams are coming up with new things and players are looking for new ways of getting better. There’s loads more left in the tank.
“I think it’s great we have a great squad here and that’s what we want coming into this month and in the future.”