Ireland’s new captain ‘pretty shocked’

Editor

Ireland scrum-half Eoin Reddan has revealed his reactions to the news that he would captain his country against Georgia.

Ireland scrum-half Eoin Reddan has revealed his reactions to the news that he would captain his country against Georgia.

The experienced scrum-half will become Ireland’s 103rd captain this Sunday in Dublin in the absence of Paul O’Connell and Jamie Heaslip.

The Leinster and former Wasps number nine was stunned by the news, adding that he never thought the opportunity would come his way.

“Joe (Schmidt) let me know earlier in the week, just casually enough to be honest. I’m sure he thought it was casual, but I was pretty shocked and happy to hear it,” said Reddan.

“Maybe it’s something you didn’t even dream of doing, in this case, I suppose I always wanted to play for Ireland.

“I didn’t probably ever get to dream that I might get a chance to do what I’m going to do on Sunday.”

Ireland’s contest with Georgia comes a week after their major win over South Africa, backing up their Six Nations title from earlier this year.

As for Georgia themselves, Reddan is aware of the physical threat the visitors will pose.

“I don’t think we can afford a minute of waiting and seeing. We need to be very, very physical.

“We need to start very strong and keep to that, if that’s what you mean by patience, and be relentless with that if it doesn’t result in scores, which to be honest it probably won’t. They are very good defensively.

“They come off the line very hard. They have got big men. It’s not going to be easy. We are going to have to start strong and be relentless and not get frustrated.

“We need to be mindful of the physical battle that is coming. That is probably the biggest challenge for us.”