Alan Quinlan on Hugo Keenan’s importance for Ireland’s Grand Slam hopes

Hugo Keenan’s calmness under pressure will be key to Ireland’s Grand Slam hopes — that’s the view of former star Alan Quinlan

Keenan has been a revelation this season with a string of great performances and Quinlan has been impressed with how the Ireland full-back has stepped up this campaign.

“Hugo Keenan has taken his game to another level and he is just a brillant player,” said Quinlan.

Keenan won player of the match against Wales and Quinlan has been very impressed with his courage under fire.

“He is someone that is consistently delivering for Ireland and he is so calm, controlled and composed under pressure.” said Quinlan.

Keenan has scored 13 tries for Ireland since making his debut in 2020 and 26 year old could be Ireland’s first choice full-back for many years to come.

“I really think that he is at a different level now and he adds so much variety to Ireland’s attack.” added Quinlan.

Ireland failed miserably at 2019 Rugby World Cup losing tamely 46-14 in the quarter-final to New Zealand, but Quinlan is impressed by Andy Farrell’s rebuilding job.

“I think that he has managed this period really well and he has capped over 30 players since the last World Cup.” said Quinlan.

The emergence of Tom O’ Toole, Dan Sheehan, Stuart McCluskey and Mach Hansen have rejuvenated the squad.

“With over 30 new caps and he has capped over 60 players which means a lot of new faces,” he added.

Quinlan played a huge role in Ireland’s back row during his time in the green jersey and he’s delighted to see the competition for places there now.

 “Caelan Doris has been sensational in this Championship and he was wonderful in New Zealand,” said Quinlan.

“Josh van der Flier World Rugby Player of the Year last year and Peter O’Mahony was incredible in New Zealand.

“They have all started serious competition for that back row position and there is quality behind them as well which includes Jack Conan who was a starting Lion number eight a couple of years ago.”

The last time that Ireland lost to Scotland in the 6 Nations was in 2017, but the Scots will win the Triple Crown if they come out on top against Ireland and Quinlan expects a red-hot atmosphere.

“Ireland have been so successful in recent times against them home & away but that’s going to be a difficult game,” added Quinlan.

“I think that there will be very little in it at the game in Murrayfield no matter how well Ireland are playing.” 

Quinlan believes how Ireland cope with the Scotland trio of Finn Russell, Stuart Hogg and Duhan van der Merwe will be key to the game.

“Scotland are going to be in their faces as they have a lot of quality players,” he said.

Should Ireland win, the dreaded six day turn around before the England game at the Aviva could be an issue, but Quinlan is not looking too far ahead.

Although he admits the thoughts of a Grand Slam decider at home on St Patrick’s weekend is a mouth-watering prospect.

“They have to get through Scotland then it’s all to play for,” he said. 

“But potentially going for a Grand Slam if they beat Scotland which is a big prize and Dublin will be rocking as it’s Paddy’s weekend and Ireland haven’t won a Grand Slam since Twickenham in 2018.”

ENDS