Rejuvenated Reddan in line for first Irish start against Pumas
Reddan’s only senior appearance came as a replacement in “that” unforgettable rollercoaster against France in Paris in last year’s Six Nations, but the 26-year-old will press hard to replace Isaac Boss as Peter Stringer’s deputy following a series of eye-catching performances for Wasps in the Guinness Premiership and more latterly in the Heineken Cup.
His breakaway two tries against Leinster in the quarter-final and a similar effort against Leicester in the final demonstrated a player at the peak of his powers, and the kind of form Munster fans will be left wondering why he was let go?
Moving to Wasps was, perhaps, the best career move he could have made as it opened a door to an international career that didn’t look possible while living in the shadows of Peter Stringer at Munster.
“I had nothing to lose. It was a no-brainer. Thankfully, it has worked out very well,” he said from the team’s hotel base in Buenos Aires.
“The mental side of the game is a huge part of rugby,” he added. “My time in Munster made me aware of that. When I went to Wasps, I dealt with the competition and with being dropped on a much higher scale than I did at Munster.
“I wasn’t getting played (at Munster) and I probably didn’t approach it in the right way. I didn’t make the same mistake again. I feel stronger from my time at Munster. You know you can never take anything for granted.”
Reddan said he doesn’t get disheartened when left out of an Ireland squad, and understands that form dictates whether one will or won’t be afforded an opportunity.
“I wouldn’t say it is frustrating. I haven’t really felt aggrieved at any time. If I have been playing well, I have been picked. Last year, I got injured and my form wasn’t good at the start of the season. Isaac (Boss) and Peter (Stringer) were playing well and were picked.
“I am enjoying my rugby. If I get my chance and play well, we will see what happens. The more you play, the more you bring your own style to the game and players play off you.”
Reddan’s half back partner for Saturday’s test could be his former Munster and Wasps half-back partner, Jeremy Staunton, who touched down in the Buenos Aires capital yesterday. Paddy Wallace’s availability is still uncertain and he has only a 50/50 chance of starting.
“I made my debut for Munster with Jeremy and my debut for Wasps with Jeremy as well,” added Reddan.
“I have played quite a bit professionally with him over the last two years.”
Two other players looking for starting positions on Saturday are Leo Cullen and Bernard Jackman. Cullen will link up Jackman at Leinster next season following a successful two seasons with the Tigers.
“It is difficult to say if I’m a better player (after Tigers),” says Cullen.
“The experience of challenging yourself in a different environment, in rugby and non-rugby terms, is an interesting experience.
“It would be nice to get an opportunity on Saturday — I’m dying to play. Argentina are a big, strong physical team always, regardless of who they put out.
“Last Saturday I thought the boys did pretty well in the set-piece. The scrums and line-outs went pretty well. We will look to build on that for the weekend.”
Though making a cameo appearance last Saturday, Jackman knows it’ll be difficult to dislodge Jerry Flannery, who put in a superb display against the Pumas in Santa Fe. He had a brilliant match,” said Jackman.
Then again Frankie Sheahan could start.
“The level is very high. Rory Best is so consistent. And Frankie is looking for game time out here, as well. If I do get a chance, I going to try and make an impression.”
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