Tadhg Beirne's prodigious provincial form can help him edge Iain Henderson out of the Ireland team to face Wales for the Six Nations opener, according to Graham Rowntree - his forwards coach at Munster, . With Henderson struggling for fitness, the one-time prospective Wales international is in line to pack down alongside James Ryan in Cardiff. "He's making nearly 30 tackles in the game, never mind his lineout game, his rucks and the pressure he's putting on the ball at a defensive breakdown. Beirne struggled to make an impact under Joe Schmidt, but while his relaxed character often conceals a warrior spirit, Rowntree feels this attitude can translate. Henderson is a doubt to make the starting line against Wales although he may make the bench as both he and Beirne are also liable to double up as back-row cover.

Source: Irish Independent January 29, 2021 02:36 UTC