During TNT’s live broadcast of Leinster’s 27-10 win over Leicester Tigers yesterday, 22-year-old lock Joe McCarthy was compared to Springbok powerhouse Eben Ezebeth.
It was certainly high praise for a young player still learning the ropes at this level, but it shows how impressed McCarthy has been this season.
The win at Welford Road was McCarthy’s 10th start of the season, already his best of the season, and the second row overcame a war of attrition to produce Leinster’s strongest performance as the province advanced to the round of They secured home advantage at 16.
His work rate was usually excellent and McCarthy clearly enjoyed the more confrontational side of things as the Tigers physically tried to take the game to Leinster in the first half.
This approach gave the home side a 10-0 lead after 20 minutes, but Leinster took control from there, with McCarthy playing a central role in securing the bonus point.
Lock carried strongly, was a presence at the breakdown and used his imposing physique to good effect as Leinster secured their fourth win in four Champions Cup pool games.
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen said: “Joe put in a great performance in many parts of the game – defensively, counter-rucking, kick pressure – overall he was a nuisance and a handful for the opposition. ” he said. .
“I hope Joe continues and whatever happens in the Six Nations because his carry game is very strong, but again, this is a big reveal for him.”
McCarthy’s timely form has given Andy Farrell an interesting decision ahead of Ireland’s Six Nations opener against France on February 2.
The 6-foot-6, 119kg lock has pushed himself physically many times this season and is a threat with the ball in his hands.
Yesterday he powered over at Welford Road to score Leinster’s first try and thought he had added a second when he showed a nice change of pace heading home from the halfway line in the second half, but The play was simply called back. Leicester penalty.
McCarthy will undoubtedly go into the Six Nations as a form lock for Ireland and will be hoping to pick up five Test caps during the tournament.
“Hopefully he gets some opportunities to show off his abilities there, but he has a great mindset every week,” Cullen said.
“He’s always trying to add parts to his game and is very curious. It’s a great example for a young player to be like that.
“You can see on the field how hard he works in everything he does, but it’s the same thing off the field.
“Yes, it was another great performance from him.”