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Hilarious Furlong reaction to becoming first-time Ireland skipper

By PA
(Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Tadhg Furlong says it will be class to captain Ireland for the first time after declaring himself fit for Saturday’s Dublin showdown with Fiji. Prop Furlong was one of three Irish players forced off by injury in last weekend’s 19-16 win over South Africa but he has since overcome the ankle issue to retain his place.

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The British and Irish Lions pick has also been handed the responsibility of leading the team at the Aviva Stadium, meaning regular skipper Johnny Sexton – who suffered a dead leg against the Springboks – and vice-captain James Ryan are almost certain to be among those rested by head coach Andy Farrell.

Leinster player Furlong, who has 61 caps, has not captained a side since his days with Ireland U18s. “I never even thought of it,” said the 29-year-old. “You know when you dream as a young fella, you want to play for Ireland, you want to play for Leinster, you want to play for the Lions – I never even dreamed of captaining Ireland. It could be my only time!

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“Obviously I didn’t know if I would be playing or not. Andy said to me on Monday, ‘Would you skipper the team if you’re fit and ready to go?’ So of course. It’s class, it’s class, it’s not something I ever thought was on my radar. Getting an opportunity is special, you know? I just want to make the most out of the weekend.”

Asked about his ankle, he replied: “It feels good, thankfully, I’m good to go.” Farrell will announce his team for Fiji on Thursday, with Ireland seeking an eleventh successive home win to retain their place at the top of the world rankings.

Related

Scrum-half Conor Murray has been ruled out after sustaining a groin problem against the Springboks, while centre Stuart McCloskey may be available following encouraging progress in his recovery from an arm injury.

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Bull Shark 1 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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