THE WORLD HENDO HAPPY TO PLAY ANY PART

JOE McCarthy’s emergence could see Iain Henderson move down the pecking order in this World Cup – but the Ulster skipper says he’s on board with doing is right for the team.

Henderson is a big fan of McCarthy, praising him to the hilt before the Leinster lock’s debut start for Ireland against Italy last month.

After McCarthy’s World Cup bow on Saturday, Henderson acknowledged that McCarthy was a serious option for Andy Farrell to use against South Africa in 12 days’ time.

“Probably since last November, Joe has been right up there,” said Henderson. “He trains unbelievably well, I don’t even need to begin to talk about what a physical specimen he is, he’s slotting in there brilliantly.

“To have him as part of our squad is incredibly promising and, look, I think him and Cheese (James Ryan) are a fantastic partnership.

Quality

Romania to play in his third World Cup finals.

“Look, this is a brilliant squad to be part of,” said Henderson.

“It was great this week training and prep the starters as best as possible so look whatever Paulie (O’Connell) and Faz decide to go with, I’ll be right behind to make sure we are able to put the best performance in.”

Henderson’s experience plays a “huge part” in him taking that approach.

“At the same time, like I definitely want to be starting,” he said.

Version

“But I’m ready for whatever happens and if I’m not playing, I’m still going to bring the best version of myself and make sure the guys have the best prep so that we can hopefully we get a good performance like we did, or we can do next week.”

That sort of selfless perspective comes through time and “with understanding,” added Henderson.

He elaborated: “I see the guys around me, and the young guys coming through, big Joe and the incredibly promising future ahead of him... like those guys who are going to be involved next week are going to need to be prepped to the best.

“We have a really tight group, be it players, management, whoever else is involved. We put ultimate trust in everyone that the right call is going to be made.”