Dan Sheehan relishing physical test against South Africa

UP FOR THE FIGHT: Dan Sheehan is relishing the challenge of testing himself physically against South Africa. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The fledgling Test career of Dan Sheehan has not, so far, presented Ireland’s new hooker with anything resembling a speed bump. Yet this Saturday’s clash with South Africa is one encounter that seems tailor-made to put the young front-rower’s international credentials under the closest of examinations.

In fairness to the 24-year-old Leinster man, he has negotiated every challenge thrown at him to date with effortless ease over the course of his first 10 Ireland appearances, the last six of which have been consecutive starts in the absence of injured provincial and national team rival Ronan Kelleher.