Skip to content

Iain Henderson admits Irish players are nervously awaiting World Cup squad announcement

 Iain Henderson: Taken nothing for granted as Ireland build up to the World Cup.
Image: Iain Henderson: Taking nothing for granted as Ireland build up to the World Cup

Ulster forward Iain Henderson admits Irish players are waiting anxiously ahead of Joe Schmidt’s announcement of his 31-man World Cup squad on Monday.

Many of Ireland's players received one final chance to further their claims on Saturday in the 16-10 defeat to Wales at the Aviva Stadium – a first home defeat for the Irish since world champions New Zealand claimed a dramatic injury-time victory in November 2013.

Henderson was one of the few who furthered his claims with a dynamic display that included a try but that will not stop him worrying ahead of Monday.

"I am moving house at the moment, but it (World Cup squad) definitely will be on my mind," Henderson said.

Also See:

"I tried to put my best foot forward. Hopefully, the coaches will select me."

Despite Henderson showing his quality throughout the contest, Ireland were ultimately punished for their poor discipline, with Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny kicking three penalties.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Justin Tipuric inspired Wales to a bruising victory against Ireland in an eagerly-contested World Cup warm-up in Dublin

"It was frustrating in the first-half, our penalty count," Henderson added. "It wasn't good enough, by our standards.

"The last two Six Nations, we pretty much won them by being one of the best-disciplined teams. It is something we will work on this week."

Henderson has played most of his rugby in the back-row, but it was at lock where he starred on Saturday, serving further notice of rich potential at the highest level.

The game against Wales marked Paul O'Connell's final appearance in an Irish jersey on home soil as he is set to retire from international rugby after the World Cup.  

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Ireland captain Paul O’Connell has called for his side to improve ahead of the Rugby World Cup after losing 16-10 to Wales in their final warm-up game

Henderson is viewed by most as the Munster legend's long-term successor, but the 23-year-old admits he has a long way to go before he measures up to the game's elite at the position. 

Reflecting on second-row duties, Henderson said: "Players like Paul O'Connell and Alun-Wyn Jones, they do the nitty-gritty work, which maybe is something I need to work on in my game.

"In terms of coming from the back-row, I am more of a dynamic carrying player, and maybe I need to get my head stuck in a few more dirtier places."

Irish coach Schmidt will have been dismayed to see Ireland beaten at home against the Welsh but he was effusive in his praise for Henderson afterwards and it appears his seat on the plane is more than safe.

Schmidt said: "Iain showed a really big work-rate. He made a number of tackles, and a few times when we needed to get guys up and do a chase-line he was pretty prominent a few times there as well.

"I think Iain has continued to make progress. He has been a pretty important part of our side for the last two years, and we would expect that would continue.

"He is a young man, a good athlete, and we are hoping he will continue to make progress in that manner."

Around Sky