Henshaw ready after O’Driscoll debriefing
THERE’S little doubting the wisdom of Brian O’Driscoll. When it comes to Lions tours to New Zealand, however, the legendary BOD would be forgiven for merely uttering ‘watch your back’ when asked for advice.
The former Ireland skipper led the tourists on their last trip to face the mighty All Blacks 12 years ago. His Test series lasted nothing more than a minute.
A spear-tackle on the dangerous centre in the opening stages of the first Test from Kiwi duo Keven Mealamu and Tana Umaga ended O’Driscoll’s involvement, leaving him with a dislocated shoulder and several months on the sidelines.
It proved to be a prophetic beginning to what was a calamitous tour as Clive Woodward’s men were whitewashed.
O’Driscoll would return for the Lions, of course, and was part of four successive tours between 2001-2013, playing in eight Tests.
With that kind of experience — of both the highs and bitter lows — it is easy to see why his countryman, Leinster centre Robbie Henshaw, would seek him out prior to joining up with Warren Gatland’s squad.
‘I had a brief chat with Brian O’Driscoll a few weeks ago, just caught up with him to see how he’s getting on and staying in touch with him a little bit,’ revealed Henshaw yesterday.
‘It was good to pick his brain a little bit in terms of his experience.
‘I was looking at his past tours, and he’s been on four, which is an incredible amount. He’s good to go to for a few tips and to get his experience on it.
‘He said: “Step out of your comfort zone, enjoy it and just go out and play, do your best. It’s a massive privilege to be involved in a tour, so don’t let it pass you by”. He said: “Just back yourself”.’
No mention of being dumped unceremoniously on to the turf at the Jade Stadium in Christchurch, then. Henshaw, though, needs little reminding of those three Tests. And, indeed, of all the tours since. There’s little doubt that this 23-year-old has Lions blood coursing through his veins.
‘I remember getting up incredibly early for the last Lions tour of New Zealand, watching those games,’ he continued. ‘The Australia tour, the South Africa tour, I remember them all.
‘The earliest memories are probably when Keith Wood was playing, I can’t tell you what age I was. I was pretty young.
‘My uncle (David Henshaw) played with Keith, so I remember pinpointing him on the team and remembering him. ‘It is an unbelievable experience (to be involved with the Lions), and it’s a privilege to be involved here. When it gets down to it, I am really looking forward to getting on the pitch with the boys and doing what we do best.’ Henshaw reported for Lions duty in County Kildare on Sunday, some 48 hours after Leinster lost to Guinness Pro12 play-off rivals the Scarlets. And he looked to hit the ground running, with the Lions departing for New Zealand in just five days’ time — with their opening game against a Provincial Barbarians XV looming on Saturday week. ‘Once you are in the thick of it, you’re so busy, you are looking at your schedule and there is so much going on,’ he added.
‘I prefer it that way, to be busy and just worrying about and focusing on what I have next and on what I have to do to improve as a player.
‘In the international set-up, we are used to playing with the guys we’ve been playing with for the last few years. So going into a new set-up and new environment with new guys is a breath of fresh air, and I am excited about it.
‘I am here to back myself to go on and try to get into the Test team. I will do the best I can to put my hand up for selection.
‘Just train away, put in the hard work now, focus on the now and what happens with selection happens.
‘If I get my chance, I will do my best to perform.
‘The body is in good shape — it’s not too banged up. I am feeling pretty fit at the moment and the body’s feeling good for what was a long season.’
Meanwhile, Ireland have been backed to make up the Lions’ first-choice front row in the forthcoming tour.
Former Ireland loosehead Tom Court believes compatriots Jack McGrath and Tadhg Furlong are best placed to start at prop either side of hooker Rory Best.
‘Jack McGrath has been Ireland’s best, most consistent player for the last two years. He has been unbelievable,’ enthused Court. ‘He does everything very well, doesn’t really have too many weaknesses.
‘Tadhg Furlong this year has been the stand-out for a guy that young (25). His mobility and ball-carrying for a tighthead, not only at the start of a game but 70, 80 minutes into an international Test match and he is still carrying like he has just run on the field, is brilliant.
‘Obviously, I’m a little biased as I want an all-Ireland front row to start the Test.
‘Form and injuries will tell, but hopefully they can hang in there, play well and earn that jersey.’