Finlay Bealham settles into life as a front row starter

IMPRESSIVE: Finlay Bealham charges at Welsh cover Ken Owens and Alun Wyn Jones during Saturday’s Six Nations win in Cardiff. The Connacht man impressed in just his fifth Irish start. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

For a man who describes himself as “a bit weird”, Finlay Bealham knows how to fit right in. A more than competent display in his first Guinness Six Nations start for Ireland in Wales three days ago looks set to lead to a second at home to France this Saturday with first-choice tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong on Monday ruled out once again with an ongoing calf issue.

SIX NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP

Your home for the latest news, views and analysis of this year's Six Nations Championship from our award winning sports team.

SIX NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP

Your home for the latest news, views and analysis of this year's Six Nations Championship from our award winning sports team.