Sam Illo, the 25-year-old Connacht tighthead prop, has made his Test debut for Ireland in the match against Japan at McDonald Jones Stadium. Illo credits Stuart Lancaster with helping him to develop his skills and push him to the max.
SAM Illo, the 25-year-old Connacht tighthead prop, has made his Test debut for Ireland in the match against Japan at McDonald Jones Stadium. Illo was asked about Japan coach Eddie Jones' pre-match comment that he expected his team to 'dominate' Ireland's scrum in the second half, when Illo and Billy Bohan were coming on to win their first caps.
Illo said he had spoken to Jones about the comment and that Jones had backed his lads. Jones was seen walking down the corridor on the way to his post-match press conference, where he gave Illo a good-humoured pat on the back. Illo said he had taken Jones' comment personally at first but now sees it as just rugby. He described his Test debut as a 'dream come true' and said he was happy with the win.
Illo credited Stuart Lancaster, the Connacht head coach, with helping him to develop his skills and push him to the max. Illo said Lancaster had been a huge influence on him and had given him a chance to prove himself. He also thanked his family and coaches, including Simon Broughton, Cullie Tucker, and Iain Wallace, for their support. Illo's first act on the pitch was to lock out an Irish scrum that led to Sean Jansen's try.
He said the scrum battle was intense and that the lads did well to keep it up. Illo wants to play again as soon as possible and is looking forward to Ireland's next game against the All Blacks at Eden Park. He grew up idolising Kiwi players, including Milner-Skudder, Sonny Bill, and Ma'a Nonu
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