Why Schmidt threw his weight behind ‘monster’ Kleyn

Whether you think he is a monster or a perfect specimen, Jean Kleyn’s fellow Ireland forwards believe the Munster lock is the right type to have around for a World Cup campaign.

The debate over Joe Schmidt’s decision to omit experienced lineout leader Devin Toner and instead bring the recently-qualified Kleyn to Japan was not restricted to home shores as the head coach found out when he met the local media for the first time at a welcome press conference at the squad’s hotel by the shores of Tokyo Bay yesterday.