Ireland vs Argentina: Andy Farrell praises Cian Healy ahead of Prop’s record

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has praised Cian Healy ahead of the prop’s record-equaling 133rd cap against Argentina on Friday.

Five-time Six Nations winner Healy will equal former Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll’s record when he is introduced from the bench against the Pumas at the Aviva Stadium.

“The utmost respect doesn’t do it justice,” said Farrell when asked for his opinion of the Leinster forward, who made his Test debut in 2009.

“It was a pleasure to coach him. I thought back to the first time I coached Cian in 2013 on the (British and Irish) Lions tour.

“I was amazed by his athleticism. He would have been right in his pomp and circumstance then in 2013 and he suffered a terrible ankle injury and the tour was taken away from him. That tour was made for him.”

In addition to his longevity in the Test arena, Healy has a hugely decorated club CV. He has won four Champions Cups and seven league titles with Leinster, for whom he also holds the cap record.

“He has been a leading loosehead throughout his career. The transition he has made in recent years is down to the way he not only accepts, but relishes the responsibility of being a mentor to someone like Andrew Porter.

“He (Porter) is a world-class loosehead and Cian is part of the reason for that. He’s selfless in that respect. But just watching how he’s been with (uncapped prop) Jack Boyle has been invaluable. He is a legend in our team and will remain so.”