Healy: Insults were a spur

CIAN HEALY has revealed that “insulting” criticism of Ireland’s front row inspired them to develop into one of the World Cup’s strongest units.

The Irish scrum was an area of weakness until Mike Ross became first choice tighthead during this year’s RBS 6 Nations, resulting in a dramatic change of fortunes. Healy, Ross and Rory Best are now capable of matching any side at the set piece and claimed their most pleasing scalp yet when they demolished Australia’s scrum in Auckland last month.

“As a whole the front row are in a very good place. We’ve worked extremely hard to get where we are,” said Healy.