Iain Henderson tipped to deliver for Ireland in World Cup
Friday 18 September 2015 16:31, UK
Ireland defence coach Les Kiss has backed Iain Henderson to make his mark in the World Cup.
Ulster lock Henderson has beaten Leinster's Devin Toner to partner captain Paul O'Connell for Ireland's opening Pool D clash against Canada at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.
The 23-year-old will win his 20th cap against the Canadians, but it will be only a fifth Test start for the Craigavon native.
"Iain has done very well and I don't think it's just in this off-season either, he's come in over the last two years, and he's been learning the ropes, not only through Paul O'Connell but also through Devin Toner," said Kiss.
"He's learned a lot in that time. It's another step up for him, a big tournament and it will be exciting for him. But we've seen what he can deliver.
"The potential's there but if he's got his mind on and his head right he can be a damaging player.
"So he'll have to bring that into the game in some form or other, whether that's in the set-piece or in the loose.
"But it's a big opportunity for him."
Henderson remains as comfortable at blindside flanker as in the second row, and says he feels ready to challenge for a regular starting berth in Joe Schmidt's side.
"Joe has backed me, put me in the starting squad and that's a massive confidence booster for me," he said.
"I can only try to take my opportunity as I've tried to take my opportunities in the past.
"Hopefully that would be the grounding of me cementing a place in the starting team. Hopefully the ability to control games is coming as I progress.
"The more you play with and against players of that level, hopefully the more you can learn in how to become like them."
