Last chance for ‘Llama’ to show bite
AS sporting monikers go, ‘Llama’ is not the most intimidating one out there. These shaggy-haired, camel-like creatures are renowned for their placid nature, which is why you are unlikely to ever see ‘The Llama’ take to the stage in professional wrestling and why having that tag is not ideal for Ireland second row Iain Henderson in the, arguably more brutal, world of professional rugby.
While the nickname was assigned to him based on appearance, it has unfortunately been too accurate, too often in terms of ‘cuddly’ performances over the course of Henderson’s career.
No one can question the Craigavon man’s talent — he has the size, strength and athleticism to excel at the top level — the issue is with his consistency and whether he carries too much llama and not enough dog.
Throw the eye over Henderson’s 46 caps, stretching all the way back to his 2012 debut, and it is hard to recall games where the 27-year-old was the dominant, forceful presence in the Irish pack.
Do the same exercise with James Ryan over his 17 Tests and it’s hard to find a game where he wasn’t.
Henderson goes missing far too often and, along with the majority of his teammates, was beyond brutal against England last weekend.
If this all sounds overly harsh, then so be it…we are three weeks out from the World Cup and, given the nature of Ireland’s shameful display in Twickenham, it is no time for soft soap and soothing words.
Joe Schmidt has been steadfastly loyal to Henderson and with a slot, potentially, open next to Ryan in the Ireland second row for Japan, Henderson had a big opportunity against England especially when he was given the responsibility of calling the lineouts.
Rather than seize it, he delivered yet another no-show while overseeing a calamitous lineout operation.
At one point, Ireland called a lob to the four jumper (Henderson) but before the ball could be thrown, they were interrupted by referee Nigel Owens calling for more space between the two lineouts.
Incredibly, when Owens allowed play to resume, instead of changing the call due to England having been made aware of their intentions, they went for the ‘same again’ ball.
George Kruis could barely believe his luck as he got up in front of Henderson and scooped up possession.
That level of ineptitude would be unacceptable in the Provincial Towns Cup never find a full international between two of the top-five ranked teams in the world.
It summed up a horrendous afternoon for Henderson, and Ireland, and it demands a response tomorrow. World Cup warm-ups are notoriously lacking in true import but this one actually means something (to Schmidt, and Ireland, at least) and, for the misfiring Ulster second row packing down next to Ryan, it should be viewed as a last chance.
The expectation has long been that Henderson is nailed on for the plane to Japan, his ability to switch between flanker and second row seen as a major factor in his favour.
With only 31 players able to board the flight, versatility is rated highly by management but, as Ireland’s long record of World Cup failure proves, the character and attitude of the men selected is more vital than how many positions they can cover.
For example, Schmidt is a noted admirer of Jordi Murphy’s ability to play across the back row and willing adherence to the prescribed processes. But in an everything-on-theline quarter-final showdown against South Africa, would Ireland be better served by the versatility of Murphy or the size and forcefulness of Rhys Ruddock in the back row?
Similar criteria applies in the second row, does Henderson put the ‘fear of God’ into the Boks? Or even the Scots?
There is a lot of gloom surrounding Ireland after last weekend, on the back of a worrying Six Nations campaign but, given all he has achieved in the job and his obsession with exorcising the demons of 2015, it is hard to see Schmidt exiting the Ireland stage with a whimper.
However, to achieve the goal of a first semi-final, Schmidt needs warrior beasts in Japan and evidence is thin to suggest Henderson is that type of animal. To properly convince he has the required level of dog in him, ‘The Llama’ must bare his teeth in Cardiff tomorrow.