'I can't wait around' - Gus McCarthy keen to take chance

Gus McCarthy probably didn't dare dream of how well his Ireland debut would go.

The former U20 captain was initially included as a 'training panellist’ in Andy Farrell’s Autumn Nations Series squad but was thrust into the action for last weekend’s 52-17 win over Fiji, getting a start at hooker.

Various injuries resulted in the 20-year-old Leinster man going the full 80, a rare enough occurrence for front-row forwards.

He even ended up packing down on the openside for a scrum after Rónan Kelleher came on for Bundee Aki late on.

In total, he had a hand in six tries, directly assisting three, and coming up with the ball following the maul that led to Ireland’s fifth.

A few lineout throws went astray, "quite harsh", he reckoned, but the ability to quickly move on and focus on the next play made his first taste of senior international rugby even more impressive.

"A brilliant job," was Andy Farrell's summation.

"It’s a day I’ll cherish forever," said the Dubliner, who shed a few tears during the national anthem.

"I was delighted just to stay on there for as long as possible and relish the experience.

"There are incredible memories of the day

"I was pretty emotional just ‘cos it’s always been a dream of mine growing up.

"I’ve always come to the games and sang the anthems.

"It was just a really, really proud moment, not only for myself, but more thinking of my family and the journey to get to there."

On his full-court press performance, McCarthy said: "Growing up I've always played with the ball, like rugby ball in hands, always messing around with mates, whether it be at school or in the garden or at home.

"I'd just...credit, like my attacking, you know, see where the space is, and kind of scan up.

"That is something I have to keep working