Andy Farrell is assured “world-class” prop Tadhg Furlong will likely be prepared for Ireland’s crunch Guinness Six Nations conflict with Scotland following a three-month harm absence.
Furlong has been thrust into Farrell’s beginning XV for Sunday’s go to to Murrayfield after tighthead deputy Finlay Bealham sustained a championship-ending knee drawback within the round-three win in Italy.
The 30-year-old has not performed competitively since Leinster’s 38-29 victory over Ulster on December 3 however has been handed match following a calf challenge.
Despite a 99-day hole between appearances, head coach Farrell is constructive Furlong will hit the bottom working.
“Some players can and some players can’t and he’s across his detail like no other,” Farrell mentioned of Furlong.
“Tadhg doesn’t have to tear himself apart mentally to try and make sure that he gets up to speed because he’s already figured it out.
“He’s one of those that probably when he’s driving the car, or sat in his room, or having a bit of food or whatever, he’s probably thinking about the game anyway so when it comes to training it’s all boxed off.
“He brings confidence to the team by how he prepares and that gives us confidence to know that he’s ready to play.
“He’s a world-class prop and a great leader and when you look around the changing room there are certain players that give a sense of confidence whether they’re playing or not and he’s one of them.
“Tadhg’s nothing to lose. He just needs to be himself, he just needs to go out there and enjoy it.”
Farrell has made six personnel modifications for the journey to Edinburgh, bringing again a number of star names as his facet proceed their Grand Slam pursuit.
Captain Johnny Sexton and centre Garry Ringrose have overcome the problems which saved them sidelined in Rome, whereas Robbie Henshaw and Jamison Gibson-Park are again on the bench having, like Furlong, not featured at Test stage for the reason that autumn.
Hooker Dan Sheehan, flanker Peter O’Mahony and scrum-half Conor Murray have additionally been restored to the beginning line-up, with Tadhg Beirne and Bealham the one notable harm absentees.
Asked if his choice was the strongest of this 12 months’s Six Nations to date, Farrell mentioned: “Well, it really doesn’t matter, does it?
“It’s what’s available to us and it’s always nice to have players coming back towards the end of the tournament.
“This stretch now coming up is probably the hardest stretch, back-to-back games with a six-day turnaround, so it’s nice that the squad is nice and healthy.”
While pacesetters Ireland stay on the right track for a event clear sweep following bonus-point wins over Wales, France and Italy, Scotland are bidding to clinch a primary Triple Crown since 1990 to remain in title competition.
The Irish, who end the competitors at house to England, have gained 11 of the previous 12 conferences between the nations however Farrell is cautious of the hosts.
“At this moment in time, they’re the whole package as far as (how) they’re playing,” he mentioned.
“I think they’ve always been a really tough side to break down. The proof is in the history of that.
“You name me a game where they’ve not been confident going into a game against Ireland. Rightly so really, because we’ve always had ding-dong battles with them. It’s always been really tough and this is no different, is it?
“I’m sure they’re confident going into what is a huge game for them and a massive game for us also.”
