Former Ireland international Fiona Hayes believes confidence played a big role in James Lowe's sensational performance in Ireland's win over New Zealand on Saturday.
Lowe scored the opening try as Andy Farrell's side ran out 29-20 winners over the All Blacks at the Aviva Stadium.
The New Zealand-born winger was one of the standout players in the Ireland team, offering plenty in attack while also looking much more settled in defence.
Hayes, who was part of the first senior Ireland side to beat the All Blacks in 2014, noted the sharp rise in Lowe's confidence.
Hayes joined Keith Wood to review the game on Sunday's Off The Ball. She believes Lowe's positive energy fuelled his excellent performance.
"I think he went away, worked really hard, lost a bit of weight and toned up," Hayes said. "He got his confidence back."
"When you're dropped, you either sink or swim. You put the head down and you work hard - I think he did that."
"Those defensive reads [he made] could be a matter of seconds - but it is confidence that can help you get off the line and be a lot better at making that read. If your confidence is low, you sometimes have doubts in that defensive line and making those hits."
"We know what he can offer us with that left boot" Hayes added. "But as a winger, you have to be one of the best defensive players on that pitch, especially in space. That can be quite hard if you're not a confident player."
Hayes: "He put on a show for everyone"
As well as big improvements in his defence, Hayes delighted in seeing Lowe bring the flamboyant attacking style he has exhibited since joining Leinster in 2017.
"He put on a show for everyone", Hayes said. "He stepped in as first receiver, he got across to the other wing, he was putting in hits."
"For me, he showed that he worked on those little things. We know what he can bring in attack, we know what his footwork is like. But he has learned how to read the game."
"He looks sharper. He looked like he was confident, and that's the biggest thing."
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