DAN SHEEHAN hopes to land another knockout blow against Scotland — because he fears he cannot go the distance.
The hard-hitting hooker has enjoyed a dream return to action following a six-month cruciate lay-off.
He touched down twice in his comeback game for Leinster against Stormers 12 days ago when he went off with just over an hour gone.
Last Saturday, the 26-year-old came on with a half-hour to go and got Ireland’s fourth try to secure a bonus point against England.
But he admitted a longer run-out at Murrayfield on Sunday might be too much to ask.
Sheehan said: “Obviously my ambitions are to get back into a starting jersey like everyone else is.
“At the same time I need to manage my load, going from six months out to three weeks in a row.
“But I’ve been well managed by everyone here.”
Sheehan tried to look at the upside of his injury, reasoning that it happening in the second-last game of the season — against South Africa — was not the worst timing.
He said: “When all the lads went off for a five-week holiday, I was able to get almost a month and a half ahead by the time they came back in. I felt like I was getting ahead but when you’re at home and the lads are in the Shelbourne getting ready for a game, or for the Leinster games in Croke Park, the European games and the lads are flying off around Europe, they’re definitely tough . . . when you’re the only man in the gym doing your work.
“But I was always tracking well, I could see the progress every week and I didn’t have any setbacks really. It wasn’t too bad but people have had a lot worse.
“It’s not that I took it for granted before but it’s definitely something that was in my head of how appreciative I was to be in the room with the lads and how special it is to be in camp with this group of people.
“My favourite time of year is Six Nations and being in camp.”
Sheehan did not seek out the help of any other player who had been through the same injury or develop any new hobbies — but did enjoy the extra time he had.
Brother Bobby, 24, plays as a hooker for UCD, with dad Barry president of the rugby club on Belfield. The AIL Division 1A side — second from bottom — have been locked in a relegation battle with basement boys Garryowen all season.
Dan said: “It was nice to be able to have weekends again. It was almost strange at the start.
“It was nice to be able to connect with family and friends again. I went to a lot of AIL games, watching my brother and dad in a relegation battle for UCD at the minute. But that’s nice to be able to go to those games, go to a few AIL lunches, catch up with friends.”
The Ireland star again highlighted how boxing formed a vital part of his rehab, having previously thanked Olympian Cathal O’Grady following his first game back for Leinster.
He said: “It helped my footwork, and getting a bit of bounce. One of the big things with the ACL is trying to get your power output back and reactive strength and you know how important footwork is in boxing.
“A big part of my daily routine now is skipping. It’s definitely been a massive factor in getting me back and making me feel confident.”
‘QUALITY TEAM’
Ireland have every reason to be confident against Scotland too, after ten straight wins against them.
But Sheehan cautioned: “They are a quality team that have got some big results against the top opposition around the world.
“We are fully aware of their motivation as a home game, the statement it could give them for the rest of the tournament.
“We need to make sure we rock up all guns blazing. We can’t take a backward step. If we give them a sniff early it can become a real tough game.”
