Munster’s Andrew Conway set for Ireland start against Japan

Having made his debut for Ireland off the bench in the their 31-9 win over England in the Six Nations in March and made his first start for his country in last Saturday’s 50-22 win over Japan in Shizuoka, Andrew Conway now looks to get a starting spot on Saturday.

The former Blackrock college student who was a star at under 20 level scoring 13 tries in 16 appearances has had a fine season for Munster and is fulling deserving of his role on the Summer tour.

Speaking to John Fallon in today’s Irish Examiner Conway is fully aware of having to fight for first team opportunities.

“You know you’re going to a club like Munster, and unless you’re signing as a big international star you’re going to have to earn your spot.

“I knew that was going to be the case that I probably wouldn’t be straight into the first team and straight into Ireland squads.

“So I just had to bide my time. But it made me reflect deeply on what I needed to do to gain an edge. I concentrated on working on my mental preparation, having a holistic thought process before games. It was not just a case of rocking up in training and playing a match.

“For me, I’ve now made it, it sounds weird, but my whole life from morning to night, I’d be writing stuff down, little affirmations that you can go back to, reflecting on your day in terms of what you could do better.”

Conway aged 26, knows that his beginnings in Munster is what has helped him get up to the standard to be an international player..

“I wasn’t at a level that was required for an international player, on a consistent basis. You can perform one week for Leinster or Munster all you want, but if you’re dropping off the following week, and you’re below par, then you’re not showing the consistency Joe needs for you to play five games in seven weeks in the Six Nations or a World Cup or go on a three-test tour.”

Andrew Conway has been in superb form for Munster and has been one of the unsung heroes over some difficult seasons. Ever dependable and a fine finisher, we wish him all the best on Saturday.