'It might not be the case and it's in my head' - Josh van der Flier
Josh Van Der Flier believes he has become a marked man since being crowned world player of the year as he seeks to celebrate his 50th Ireland cap with Grand Slam glory.
Flanker Van Der Flier swept the global individual prize on the back of a stellar 2022 and has continued his fine form to help put his country on the brink of a Guinness Six Nations clean sweep.
The 29-year-old will make a milestone Test appearance in Saturday’s Dublin showdown with England and feels his recent elevation has led to greater on-field attention.
“I suppose there’s definitely been a few times in games where I get the ball and find there are three lads on me, where I thought I’d have a bit more space,” said Van Der Flier.
“It might not be the case and it’s in my head but there are definitely a couple of times when I’ve kinda felt like someone has enjoyed putting a big hit on me or something.”
Asked if there had been some in-game jibes from opposition players, he replied: “Not really no, thankfully – more the lads on my team if I make a mistake!
“(There have) not (been) too many changes. But I suppose I find definitely ball-carrying for example I’m marked a bit more I guess. But it leaves space for other people.”
Van Der Flier will this weekend seek to make up for the disappointment of missing Ireland’s 2018 Grand Slam clincher against England at Twickenham through injury.
He demonstrated his team-first mentality during last weekend’s chaotic 22-7 round-four win in Scotland by throwing lineouts following the loss of hookers Dan Sheehan and Ronan Kelleher.
Andy Farrell joked the back-row forward would be replacing captain Johnny Sexton as the team’s goal-kicker against Steve Borthwick’s side.
“It will be a very special day,” said Van Der Flier. “Fifty caps, it has flown by quite quickly.
“In my head, I’m trying not to think about it too much; I’m kind of acknowledging that that’s what it is, I guess, and as well obviously the significance of the big game that it is and what’s on the line.
“I won’t be too worried about an individual thing like that (50 caps), the thing that we’ve all worked towards is to win trophies for Ireland and big games for Ireland, so that’s definitely the big focus.”
Van Der Flier was in danger of falling behind Leinster team-mate Will Connors in the pecking order for club and country a couple of years ago.
The number seven has overcome that threat to develop into a key performer for Ireland, earning praise from his head coach.
“Wow, what a couple of years for Josh,” said Farrell. “You go back to his story, all this is because of competition for places in Leinster and in Ireland – Will Connors coming on to the scene, et cetera.
“Josh was one of the guys who put his hand up, had a word with himself and said, ‘this is up to me’.
“Since he’s done that, he’s never looked back and he deserves all the credit he gets, because he’s unbelievably diligent as far as his preparation is concerned.
“How he attacks every game is just phenomenal to watch.”
Comments on RugbyPass
100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
7 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
7 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
8 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
7 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
12 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
7 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
8 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
8 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
12 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
12 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
7 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
8 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
12 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
12 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
7 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
7 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
12 Go to comments