Henderson the Enforcer inspires record Irish win

ON A night when Ireland demolished the Springboks in a record rout, Iain Henderson announced himself as their new enforcer. All great rugby sides in history had a teak-tough lock in their engine room, an uncompromising character that sets the tone with his physicality and presence. Sir Clive Woodward’s World Cup-winning class of 2003 had Martin Johnson, Jake White’s Springboks had Bakkies Botha while Brad Thorn led the All Blacks to the 2011 World Cup. For many seasons, Springboks second rower Eben Etzebeth has belonged to that category. But on Saturday night, it was Henderson (right) dishing out the punishment. The sight of the Ulster lock trampling over Etzebeth was one highlight from a stunning Irish display. And Devin Toner, one of the elder statesmen in the Irish pack, hailed his ‘monster’ of a teammate. ‘Hendy’s a special player,’ said Toner. ‘He’s a monster in the gym and a monster on the pitch. He’s turned into the enforcer. It’s amazing, especially when you have someone who is the talisman of Etzebeth — he’s their captain, he’s renowned for being the physical man on the pitch. When you see Hendy stand up to him and get the better of him, it gives your team a real gee-up.’ Three Johnny Sexton penalties and a first Test try from wing Andrew Conway had the home side 14-0 up at the break. A penalty from Boks fly-half Elton Jantjies was all the visitors could muster in the second half as Rhys Ruddock, Rob Herring and Jacob Stockdale all crossed the line in the last ten minutes. The win in Dublin eclipsed Ireland’s previous record victory over the Springboks — a 32-15 success back in 2006.