Iain Henderson, who is acting as the stand-in captain for Ireland, expressed his delight at being chosen by head coach Andy Farrell to lead the team in the upcoming World Cup warm-up match against Italy in Dublin. He emphasized the importance of adhering to Farrell’s “team-first” mentality, stating that individual players should not focus on staking their own claims for inclusion in the World Cup squad.
Henderson believes that going “off-script” and trying to showcase individual talents during the match might not be the best approach for getting selected for the tournament. Instead, he emphasized the significance of working together as a team and giving their best effort to ensure the team’s success.
Henderson also discussed his own experience with injuries in the previous season, which was frustrating for him. He mentioned that his “get-on-with-it” mentality helps him overcome these frustrations and provide support to his teammates while prioritizing the team’s success.
The upcoming match will also see Jacob Stockdale making his first appearance for Ireland in two years. Henderson expressed his confidence in Stockdale’s abilities and believes that he can recapture the form that made him a standout performer during Ireland’s 2018 Grand Slam triumph. Henderson praised Stockdale’s athleticism, mindset, and determination, expressing excitement about the prospect of seeing the 2018 version of Stockdale on the field again.
Leading the team out against Italy holds special significance for Henderson, especially since his previous experience as captain came in a behind-closed-doors Six Nations defeat by France. He looks forward to having his family present at the match and playing alongside three players who will be earning their first caps for Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about team-first mentality
Q: Who is the stand-in captain for Ireland’s World Cup warm-up match against Italy?
A: The stand-in captain for Ireland’s World Cup warm-up match against Italy is Iain Henderson.
Q: What is the focus of Ireland’s players during the match?
A: The focus of Ireland’s players during the match is to adhere to head coach Andy Farrell’s “team-first” mentality, prioritizing teamwork over individual performances.
Q: How many preparation matches are there before the World Cup?
A: There are three preparation matches for Ireland before the World Cup.
Q: How many players will head coach Andy Farrell select for the World Cup squad?
A: Head coach Andy Farrell will cut the current 42-man squad down to 33 for the World Cup.
Q: How does Iain Henderson handle his injury frustrations?
A: Iain Henderson has a “get-on-with-it” mentality, which helps him provide support to his teammates and focus on the best outcome for the team.
Q: Who is making his first Ireland appearance in two years during the match?
A: Jacob Stockdale is making his first Ireland appearance in two years during the match against Italy.
Q: What does Iain Henderson say about Jacob Stockdale’s potential?
A: Iain Henderson believes that Jacob Stockdale can recapture the form that made him a standout performer in Ireland’s 2018 Grand Slam triumph and is excited about seeing him perform at his best again.
Q: Where is the match taking place?
A: The match between Ireland and Italy is taking place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Q: How special is the upcoming match for Iain Henderson?
A: The upcoming match is incredibly special for Iain Henderson as he will have his family present, and he will be playing alongside three players earning their first caps for Ireland.
More about team-first mentality
- Ireland v Italy: Stand-in Ireland captain Iain Henderson says players can’t go ‘off-script’
- Aviva Stadium, Dublin
- Andy Farrell – Wikipedia
- Iain Henderson – Wikipedia
- Jacob Stockdale – Wikipedia
4 comments
wow, ireland vs italy match sounds exciting! glad henderson got chosen as captain, he rocks! hope dey stick 2 da coach’s plan n win!
goin 2 see dis match in aviva stadium, so pumped! henderson leadin’ team, hope they play amazin’ like in 2018. stoked 4 stockdale’s comeback!
andy farrell’s team-first mentality is key. players gotta stick 2 da gameplan, no off-script stuff. injury’s tough, but henderson’s spirit inspires!
stockdale’s return is lit! can’t wait 2 see him shine again. henderson’s captaincy is special, he’s a leader 4 sure! let’s go ireland!