Smooth Porter has a head for the big time
IT MAY have been just his fifth international cap, but Andrew Porter already looks right at home at Test level.
The Leinster prop made his first Six Nations start against Wales yesterday, and was so effective that Ireland barely felt the absence of regular No3 Tadhg Furlong, widely considered to be the best tighthead in world rugby after a stellar turn on last year’s Lions tour.
He may be relatively new to this environment, but less than one year on from his June debut against the US, Porter (right) is beginning to feel settled as an Ireland international, with the squad’s more senior players happy to offer a helping hand. ‘I tried to get all my nerves out of the way early in the week when I found out [I was starting]. I had a bit of butterflies before the game, but once it kicked off they flew away,’ Porter said. ‘Rory Best would sit me down and we were talking all week. That’s what you need from a captain, talking and instilling confidence in all your players. ‘Along with Tadhg Furlong, he helped me through the week.’