Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan believes the media have been “harsh” of their judgement of fly-half Ross Byrne as his Leinster team-mate prepares for a primary begin within the Six Nations.
Byrne is more likely to start Saturday’s match away to Italy after captain Johnny Sexton missed coaching on Tuesday resulting from a groin challenge suffered within the Round 2 win over France.
All however two of his 16 Test caps so far have been gained as a substitute and he spent 20 months within the worldwide wilderness earlier than an Eleventh-hour call-up led to him kicking the successful penalty in his nation’s November victory over Australia.
Sheehan has repeatedly lined up alongside Byrne at membership degree and feels he has “everything in the locker” and deserves better respect.
“Over the last few years I’ve probably played most of my rugby under Ross at 10,” mentioned Sheehan, who has declared himself match for the go to to Rome after a hamstring downside dominated him out in opposition to Les Bleus on February 11.
“I think probably the media were harsh on him over the last few years because what I saw inside the doors of Leinster and Ireland was someone who is calm and can make plays happen.
“Everyone I think is really comfortable with him on both teams.
“I think he has everything in the locker. His game control and his ability to see space and managing the pack around him – I think most good 10s have it and Ross definitely has it.
“I’ve always found it comfortable playing with Ross. I was glad to see him coming back into the squad.”
Byrne has dislodged Joey Carbery as main understudy to Sexton for the reason that autumn, with Munster’s Jack Crowley elevated to 3rd alternative.
Ross Byrne is now Johnny Sexton’s main back-up at Ireland fly half
(Getty Images)
Carbery was neglected by head coach Andy Farrell in the beginning of the championship however joined the squad this week as further back-up as a result of doubt surrounding veteran Sexton.
Byrne questioned whether or not he would play once more at Test degree previous to his match-winning cameo in opposition to the Wallabies three months in the past however dismissed the importance of perceived negativity from the press.
“Before I got the call in November, there were definitely times I thought I’d never get back in,” mentioned the 27-year-old, who got here off within the bench in opposition to Wales and France earlier this month.
“You just have to be patient, which isn’t always easy. And hopefully when you do get an opportunity you just have to make the most of it.
“When you’re not in the squad, you see the squad doing so well and you want to be a part of it.
“Everyone wants to be part of a winning team, so it definitely gives you a little bit of edge that you strive to get back into the team.
“I can’t control what the media says. For me, it has just been looking after my own performances.
“I’m absolutely loving being back.”
Ireland shrugged off the absence of Sheehan to place themselves in pole place for the title with a 32-19 win over Fabien Galthie’s reigning Grand Slam champions.
My physique is again to 100 per cent so able to go for this weekend and an thrilling problem forward.
Dan Sheehan
The 24-year-old had by no means beforehand been unavailable resulting from harm throughout his profession.
He is pushing to return at Stadio Olimpico, competing for the quantity two jersey with Ulster’s Rob Herring, who’s present process evaluation on a head knock, and fellow Leinster man Ronan Kelleher.
“My body is back to a hundred per cent, so ready to go for this weekend and an exciting challenge ahead,” mentioned Sheehan.
“To miss a game of that standard is huge but to get back this quickly, I’m pretty happy with how I’ve dealt with it personally.”
