Robbies Dad hails Athlone support in Cardiff
Robbie Henshaw’s father said Cardiff city centre was “like the centre of Athlone” last weekend, as a result of all the locals who travelled over to support the 22-year-old at the Rugby World Cup.
The Coosan native produced another big performance in the green shirt, playing a key role in Ireland’s memorable win over France on Sunday last.
Speaking to the Westmeath Independent on Tuesday, Tony Henshaw said the Rugby World Cup has been “an incredible experience” for his son, Robbie, and the whole family.
“I’ve never witnessed anything like the Irish support during the game on Sunday. They almost lifted the roof off (the Millennium Stadium) and they never stopped driving the team forward. It reminded me of Old Trafford,” said Tony.
“The amount of local people, Athlone and district people, who were over supporting him in Cardiff was incredible.
“On Saturday night, the centre of Cardiff was pretty much like the centre of Athlone. There were so many Athlone and Ballinasloe and Galway people there.”
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt praised Robbie’s contribution to Ireland’s 24-9 win against the French.
“Robbie Henshaw was our second top tackler, he was our second top ball carrier too. I just felt he had another enormous game and took another step forward off very little rugby,” Schmidt commented.
While the former Marist College student missed out on Ireland’s first two World Cup games due to injury, this “was no bad thing in retrospect,” according to his Dad.
“He has hit top form now and he has no injuries at the moment. He’s looking forward to the Argentina game on Sunday.
“I was speaking to a few of the (Irish players) and their attitude is: bring it on. Argentina look good but they haven’t had many hard games yet, apart from New Zealand in their first one.”
When asked about Robbie’s success in stepping up to rugby’s biggest stage, Tony said: “He has learned fast, and he’s had to learn fast. He’s 22 now and he’s playing like a seasoned campaigner.”
* Ireland take on Argentina in the quarter finals of the Rugby World Cup on Sunday. The game gets underway in Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium at 1pm.