Nov 17,2024
Andrew Porter hailed Cian Healy's longevity and says the Ireland prop still has much to offer.
The 37-year-old Leinster loosehead last night equalled Brian O’Driscoll’s Irish caps record of 133 and will overtake that tally if selected next week against Fiji.
Healy came on for Porter in the 67th minute of the 22-19 win over Argentina, which took place 15 years to the day he made his debut against Australia in 2009.
The versatile forward, whose nickname is 'Church', is 'marked up’ to play as tighthead or hooker on the official teamsheet should the need arise.
"When I first came in, Churchy was the best – still is, I’d argue – loosehead in the world," said Porter, a Leinster team-mate, who won his 68th cap against the Pumas.
"I owe a lot to him in my own development.
"He took me under his wing and showed me the ropes.
"He’s definitely a unique character. I don’t think you have too many people who can play all positions across the front row, and he can do them quite well as well.
"He’s a huge asset to both Leinster and Ireland and he’ll continue to be, it’s not his last game.
"He’s a great fella and it’s great to be able to share the day with him and hopefully he can push that on and add a few more to it."
On the other end of the scale, Andy Farrell handed debuts to tighthead prop Thomas Clarkson (above) and out-half Sam Prendergast, also both of Leinster.
"Being in Leinster with Tom, I’ve been able to see his progression in training and in games as well," said Porter of the 24-year-old.
"It’s great for Tom and you saw how well he did, he fit in very well, you wouldn’t think it was his first cap with the confidence he was playing with and what he added when he came on.
"I’m delighted for him. It was a huge day for him and I’d say it’s the first of many for Tom, and for Sam as well."
Prendergast (above), 21, came on for Jack Crowley for the last 20 minutes and Farrell said: "I thought he was excellent.
"I thought he was really composed, playing your first cap in that type of position, that type of situation.
"He played at a nice tempo at the line and started to make things happen. That just shows what type of character he's got."
Ireland face Fiji next Saturday at Aviva Stadium in their third Autumn Nations Series game.
