Rugby: Heaslip hard as nails, even if pink

Ireland No 8 Jamie Heaslip runs into solid All Blacks defence during the Eden Park test match. Picture / Getty Images.

Despite the first test 'thrashing' the Leinster loosie expects his side to bounce back tonight

The pink fingernail polish on one hand was different. So, too, Jamie Heaslip's menu of pumpkin soup and apples.

But there's nothing alternative about the Irish No 8's play, he is a hard-working, hard-grinding, lump of uncompromising rugby granite.

His manicure was the result of an exotic bet with some of the front rowers in the touring team, while his choice of food was a barrier against the Christchurch cold and an energy supplement.

The Leinster loosie has got a well-tuned sense of humour and perspective, labelling his expulsion from the test against the All Blacks two years ago as a "bit of a brain fart" when he kneed skipper Richie McCaw.

"It's the only red an Irish professional has had," he said with a mix of disgrace and honour.

Heaslip brings his mathematical mind to the analysis of the All Blacks whose efficiency with the ball and in set moves outdid his compatriots last week.

"They were a pretty impressive side but we probably gave them a lot of very, very easy ball in the lineout.

"[Kieran] Read was cleaning up a lot of ball there and obviously we will have to work a lot on that.

"That had a knock-on effect on how they launched the game after that and also they had one or two second ruck balls which is gold in rugby as we all know.

"It is very hard to defend against that, especially with the speed they have out wide too.

"They eat up the space if they have the quick ball."

Heaslip felt both sides turned too much ball while Ireland were also undone by their penalty concessions.

He and his teammates would use their Heineken Cup experience to help them bounce back tonight in Christchurch.

The All Blacks were a side who executed extremely well if they were allowed room. They were world champions in many areas of the game and punished sides who neglected the basics.

"They deserve to be seeded number one in the world. Make a mistake against these guys and they will punish you really quickly.

"They have got strike weapons all over so trying to look after that while doing your own stuff is not easy, but this is why they are called international tests, they are a good test of you and your team."

Fitness and pace was no problem for Ireland and sides like Leinster and Ulster had done well in Europe this season.

But it was not straightforward trying to take that form into the international arena, blending four different styles into another format in a short time for Ireland.

"But the onus is on the players to take control of the whole game and take control of their own individual errors and mistakes and the way they impact a game," he said.

Rugby in New Zealand was intense and everything to the people.

He admired that and was thrilled that on his fourth visit, the team would see more of the sights between test matches. He was sad that some future Irish test players may not visit here before the next IRB scheduled trip in 12 years.

Irish psyche had not been dented by the 42-10 "whipping" at Eden Park. Playing a test series was all about dusting yourself off and having another go.

"That's what we said after the game on Saturday and since the review we have been pretty much feeling like it is another test."

Were Ireland convinced about that or did they really believe?

Heaslip was in the latter group and his teammates were along for the ride. He tried to convince us of that but then admitted maths, not English, was his forte.

Perhaps he meant the odds were on Ireland doing better tonight rather than Heaslip dressed in drag at the aftermatch function.