The Leinster scrumhalf tells JOHN O'SULLIVANof the different mental challenges of starting a match as opposed to coming off the bench

EOIN REDDAN offers a thoughtful and interesting insight into the dynamics of dealing with the different mental assignments in being the backup scrumhalf initially during the Six Nations Championship and then thrust into the starting role. On Saturday he replaces the unfortunate Conor Murray at the hub of the Ireland team seeking a second tournament victory.

He’s naturally delighted, albeit sympathetic to the circumstances. “I feel good. You have two different jobs, one if we’re starting, when you’re more involved in how training is going during the week; (having) more of a say in making sure training goes well.

“If you’re on the bench you’re job is to stay positive all week, (then) look at the game and see where you can try and bring a difference (if you come on). They are two very different jobs but the roles in each are very clear.

“You do each one to the best of your ability and get on with it. So that’s what I have been doing so far. This weekend I have the nicer job, getting to start which is great. I am looking forward to it.”

His introduction against Italy last Saturday week coincided with a period in which Ireland gorged points wise on tiring visitors.

There was a clamour from amongst supporters and sections of the media that he should start against France. He ignored the speculation, preferring instead to focus on the tangibles of his performance. “Like everyone you always hope that you are doing enough. At the same time, I had a job to do.

“You have to be honest with yourself and decide if you did a good job based on what you had to do.

“If the answer to that is yes you have be to happy with that and get on with it so you can build your confidence from week to week. So if a week comes long like this you are ready to go.

“If on the other hand after the Italy game I figured I was going to be playing and had lost the plot and then this comes along a few weeks later, you’re not in a position to take it. It’s important to keep your head and realise what’s controllable. If you’re doing a good job, be happy with it.

“At this stage of my career I realise that coaches are entitled to their opinion. If you get frustrated or bothered by it, it pushes you further away from getting in the team. You need to focus on what you do well and keep bringing it.

“If someone is wrong for example; if you manage to keep your form it gives them a chance to realise they were wrong. That is the only hope you have.

“If you let your form dip or don’t keep your form then it’s a kind of self fulfilling prophecy.

“My opinion would be whatever happens, keep doing what you are doing, keep consistent no matter how hard it is sometimes. Give the people who are picking the team a chance to see things from your point of view. The only way you can do that is to keep your form.”

The injury to Paul O’Connell and the continuing absence of Brian O’Driscoll, means that Rory Best will captain Ireland on Saturday. Reddan applauds the choice but points out that leadership is the responsibility of everyone; or perhaps more appositely, it demands that players look first at fulfilling their own roles to the best of their ability.

“At scrumhalf your job is to keep an eye (on how the game is panning out). The speed of the ball does affect how you can push the game or control it. It is important that you demand that from the players around you. This group; it doesn’t take much demanding.

“I think Rory (Best) is an excellent choice as captain. Everyone has a massive respect for him. He’s very down to earth, says sensible things and leads by example. For the rest of us it is very important to lead by example. You let Rory get on with his job and back him up.

“If you think that handling is an issue then you make sure your own handling is perfect. If you think defence is important then you make sure that your own is good. If that runs right through the squad then we will be in a good spot. That would be the plan this week.

“It’s important to be vocal when required. Backs are always screaming for the ball and forwards are wondering why you gave it to them. You get caught in the middle. That is why you are paid to play to make those calls,” he laughs.

Scotland may not have won a match in the championship to date but Reddan doesn’t doubt their credentials. “I think they have been unlucky it’s fair to say. They have improved every week: very good against Wales for large parts of the game but they found themselves massively down on the scoreboard, probably due to sin bins.

“Last week they were very dangerous, they have some exceptional players.

“They are very abrasive at the breakdown, are quite competitive on the ball and (going) through the ruck (and attacking) the (opposing) nine. There are a lot of challenges there for us and hopefully we will deal with that during the week and it’ll show on Saturday.”