Cian Healy will become just the sixth Irish player to win 100 caps this weekend when he takes his place in the front-row against France in Paris on Saturday evening.
The Leinster prop joins Rory Best, Brian O'Driscoll, Ronan O'Gara, Paul O'Connell and John Hayes in an exclusive squad but Healy insists his focus is on trying to win the Six Nations title rather than his own achievements.
“It will obviously be something quite special for me, my family and people around me," the loosehead prop said of his upcoming landmark appearance.
"There is something bigger to play for than individual merit, I’m trying to brush it away and go for that bigger thing.”
Cian Healy will win his 100th cap when Ireland take on France on Saturday, but he's focused on trying to help the team win the Six Nations title @vodafoneireland | #TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/zHpBKu53SJ
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) October 28, 2020
The Clontarf-native earned his first cap at Croke Park 11 years ago and he admits his work-rate has improved from his early days in the Irish jersey.
"Realistically, I got away with murder when I was younger. Because I wouldn't do a lot of the dog-work and I'd hang off a 10 or a 9 looking for a ball to carry. And probably hit six or seven rucks a game.
"Now you're required to do an awful lot more and ending up on a ball is nearly part of a plan. It doesn't just happen by accident anymore.
"I love when I get a chance to carry with the ball, getting a ball in the hands and running people and running through holes. It's the most enjoyable part for me."
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