Herring: 'I think for a guy his age he’s a very mature player'

Starting hooker Rob Herring referenced McCarthy’s strength and physique in assessing the lock’s contribution to the Ireland set-piece.

WORLD CUP DEBUT: Joe McCarthy will play in his first Rugby World Cup game when Ireland take on Romania in their opening game. Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

He may be the baby of Ireland’s World Cup squad but Joe McCarthy will make his World Cup debut against Romania tomorrow surrounded by experienced team-mates who have nothing but respect for the giant lock.

McCarthy, 22, is line for his fourth cap since a Test debut off the bench against Australia last November and judging by the outpouring of admiration and affection for the rising Leinster star he will be well looked after against Romania, not that his 6ft 6ins, 18st 8lbs frame suggests he needs it.

"Joe is a big oul' man,” tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong said yesterday following the Ireland team announcement. “He's well put together. He's strong, he likes his scrum.

"Like, a lot of our second-rows do, to be fair. He's a good young fella, he wants to learn, he wants to listen and it's been great working with him."

Starting hooker Rob Herring also referenced McCarthy’s strength and physique in assessing the lock’s contribution to the Ireland set-piece.

“Yeah, that’s the big thing there, his power and size,” Herring said. “Having him scrumming behind you is unbelievable. For a young guy he’s really honed his craft at scrum time, and he’s consistently delivering massive work behind us.

“So I’m excited, and all the front-rowers are excited, to have him behind us. I think just his athleticism around the park as well. He makes big moments with his carries, and I think for a guy his age he’s a very mature player.

“And he’s a great person off the pitch. He’s always got these witty jokes for us and great to have around the squad.” 

Herring has also been impressed by McCarthy’s work ethic and eagerness to develop his skill set with the assistance of fellow locks James Ryan and Iain Henderson as well as scrum coach John Fogarty and forwards coach Paul O’Connell, whom the 22-year-old credited earlier this week with having a huge impact on his progression.

“I think he’s definitely developed,” Herring said. “When he first came in he was just this raw talent, and he’s worked really hard with Fogs and his fellow second-rows. Guys like Hendy and James have approached him, sharing their experiences, and you can see it’s starting to pay off, and like I said I’m excited to have him behind me in the scrum this week.”

Leinster and Ireland team-mate Garry Ringrose also joined the McCarthy fan club yesterday, adding: "He's an amazing and loved guy among the squad, he's great craic to be around and also an incredible player who fully deserves this chance.

"I know from talking to him that he's definitely excited, there's an energy and a buzz about him, and he's been doing what he needs to do well to prepare well.

"I think we're all excited about getting a crack at playing with him and I'm delighted for him and his family.”