Feek professes faith in Strauss progress

Leinster and Ireland’s scrum coach, Greg Feek, is confident Declan Kidney’s new South African-born hooker has the size as well as the ability to cope with the mammoth front rows so prevalent in international rugby.

Richardt Strauss was a back row before being converted to hooker but his lack of beef meant he never made the Test grade in South Africa.

He will finally get his chance at the highest level in November after being called up by Ireland on Wednesday.