Australia warn, "just mark Kieran Read"

Editor

Ireland number eight Jamie Heaslip was last week warned by the Wallabies to pay close attention to All Black Kieran Read on Sunday.

Ireland number eight Jamie Heaslip was last week warned by the Wallabies to pay close attention to All Blacks star man Kieran Read in Dublin on Sunday.

The favourite for the IRB Player of the Year goes up against Leinster's British and Irish Lion at the Aviva Stadium after an impressive year in black.

And before facing him, the experienced Irish number eight paid tribute to Read as the New Zealander's stock continues to rise in the game.

“We were talking to Australia last weekend at the dinner and they said 'just mark Kieran Read'. That is how much of an influence he can have,” back-rower Heaslip told Press Association Sport.

“In my book, I would put him and Sergio Parisse as the best eights out there and Kieran is showing some incredible form right now.

“Kieran's pretty much the full package. He's got great distribution and carrying skills. He's a serious athlete.

“He has been playing some fantastic rugby over the last year and a half, two years. He sets very high standards for himself.”