As humble as they come.
Tadhg Furlong was running on fumes by the time he fronted up to 20 jostling reporters in the Aviva Stadium mixed zone [basically an unused dressing room].
With beads of sweat forming and grouping on his exhausted brow, the Leinster tight-head answered each and every question with due consideration and grace.
He had just played a massive part in Ireland’s 13-9 victory over England that dashed the champions’ Grand Slam hopes. Furlong made nine carries, one turnover and 11 tackles for his team, as well as clearing and guarding rucks, scrapping for breakdown ball and being part of a solid, positive scrum.
Called ashore after 75 minutes left, it took every ounce of energy he had left just to haul himself off the pitch and pass on some words of support to his replacement, John Ryan. Following another superb performance, Furlong told us:
“It wasn’t about Ireland spoiling the English party; we never talked about that.
“It was vital to rebound from last week and prove to our supporters that we can compete with teams like that and be in contention to win Six Nations titles.”
That Ireland did just that and it was a source of as much frustration as satisfaction for their players that they could not find the consistency to get a third title in four campaigns.
Already, though, we were looking ahead. England coach Eddie Jones had told us all that New Zealand were ‘there for the taking’ by the British & Irish Lions this summer. Furlong is predicted to be the Lions No.3 on that tour and you’d have every confidence in him.
He's some bloody buck https://t.co/nZVp7nxsu7
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) March 19, 2017
When some reporters sought to focus on his latest impressive outing, Furlong opted to deflect credit to the home fans and two young teammates. He said:
“It was brilliant, and that’s an amazing night for Kieran Marmion, especially on his first Six Nations start. He was brilliant.
“He had such big shoes to fill and he’s done brilliantly. So I’m delighted for him, as I am for Andrew Conway here.”
Conway, the Munster back who had earned his first cap off the bench, played an important role in Ireland seeing out the tie in second half. Marmion was making just his second Test start after Conor Murray was ruled out on Thursday.
Typical of Furlong that he chose a moment when he was the focus of attention to shine a light on a couple of his unsung teammates.
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