Caelan Doris has been urged to be himself by former Ireland captain Johnny Sexton after being given the “tremendous honour” of captaining Ireland against Italy.
Leinster back-rower Doris will lead the reigning Grand Slam champions into Sunday afternoon’s Six Nations clash at the Aviva Stadium after Peter O’Mahony suffered a calf injury.
The 25-year-old was informed of his temporary appointment by head coach Andy Farrell on Tuesday and offered advice to Sexton, who retired after last year’s World Cup, and current international team-mates O’Mahony, Ian Henderson and James Ryan. I asked for it.
“My first emotions were joy, but also nervousness and excitement and stepping into a new role,” Doris said. “After all that has happened, it is a great honor to receive this award this week.
“I was also on the phone with Johnny there during the week. There are some key people who are not relevant to us this week, but I rely on them a lot.
“The main thing is [piece of advice] It was about being yourself. I tend to see Pete and Johnny do a really good job of doing things and think, “How can I emulate that?”
“But their message is just, ‘Be yourself.’ Being authentic is the best way to lead, and finding your own way to do that can be difficult at times. That’s good.”
Doris made his international debut in the opening game of the Farrell era in 2020 and has since developed into a true world-class talent.
He captained his own province for the first time in the 22-21 loss to Ulster on New Year’s Day, but was chosen as Ireland’s stand-in captain ahead of Lock Ryan, who was Sexton’s permanent replacement. .
“Stuart Lancaster would try to push the leadership part out of me and so did Fuzz. [Farrell] I’ve been in camp all these years,” Doris said.
“I’ve been in the leadership group for several years and it’s an area that I want to develop and I want to continue to grow, both in the group and in this role this week.
“It’s a bit stressful and comes with some responsibility, but it’s definitely rewarding.
“I spoke to Fuzz this morning and he basically told me that I can just do it my way and that I don’t have to prepare a huge speech.”
Doris switched from number eight to openside flanker in preparation for the Azzurri’s visit, while Farrell made six changes to the starting XI that won 38-17 away to France last week.
Munster pair Craig Casey and Jack Crowley have teamed up at half-back, while 22-year-old lock Joe McCarthy continues his high-profile spell at Marseille.
“It’s a very exciting team with some new combinations,” Doris said. “Craig starts at nine and has been in the Munster class for a while now, so I’m glad to see him getting his chance.
“I think the lads are raising their hands. Big Joe will sit in the second row again. Crawler, who is 10 years old, is another leader and is leading us well and will do the same in Munster. Thank you very much.
“There’s enough experience there, enough older heads, but there’s excitement in the younger players as well.
“The challenge this week is to back up last week’s performance with an even better performance in all areas. That’s a pretty exciting prospect.”