Rugby:Ireland hooker Rory Best has backed his Ulster team-mate Declan Fitzpatrick to shine on his international debut against New Zealand tomorrow.
Test bows do not come much more difficult than facing the world champions in their own backyard, but Best has no qualms about scrumming down with Fitzpatrick against the All Blacks front three.
Best has been impressed by the tighthead prop’s fearless nature at provincial level and has no doubt he is ready to take that up a notch against the likes of Tony Woodcock and Owen Franks.
“They have a lot of experience, we have Declan coming through. He knows that it will be a massive step up again,” said Best. “But questions were posed before the Heineken Cup semi-final when we (Ulster) lost John Afoa but Declan stepped up that day.
“I’ve played a lot of rugby alongside Declan, right from under-age groups through to Ulster. It will be a massive day for him but that is what Test debuts are all about and there will be no bigger day for him than this.
“It takes a lot to ruffle Deccie. He has been through a lot to get to this place but hopefully he seizes it with both hands. He is a quality player and I am looking forward to seeing him on this stage.”
Best, 29, made his debut against the All Blacks at Lansdowne Road in 2005 and has played against them on four occasions.
He knows as well as anyone the size of the task facing Declan Kidney’s side as they look to register their first win against a team who have yet to lose in 24 matches between the two.
Yet Best still believes there is reason for optimism. “They are obviously a quality unit but we are closing the gap and we want it closed,” he said.
“It is a strange one from an Irish point of view as they are the only top-tier team we haven’t beaten. We see ourselves as a very good team.
“We have a lot of faith in the ability of this squad. We have done all our homework on the All Blacks but need to get our stuff right.
“We would not turn up tomorrow if we were not confident of winning. It is going to be a great challenge but that is what you want to do. You want to pit yourself against the best in their own back yard.”
