Kilcoyne Keen To Play His Part

Dave Kilcoyne was a temporary replacement for Cian Healy in that game at the Aviva Stadium two years ago, which ended in a 16-12 defeat, and is eager to deliver if called upon from the bench this weekend. 

“One hundred percent. It’s all about building performance. We’ve got to keep building week on week and become a consistent side. That is the mark of a really good team – one that can do it consistently, week to week,” explained the Munster prop.

“I’ve got to deliver on my side of the scrum. There’s a saying here, ‘Every man does his own job and tries to make the next man’s job easier’. I’ll be 100% scrum-focused and I’ll be trying to deliver as much as I can around the field to help the team.”

After making his debut in the 2012 GUINNESS Series, Kilcoyne added a second cap against Australia two weeks later. Four replacement appearances in the 2013 Six Nations followed, with further run-outs during the summer tours to USA and Canada (2013) and Argentina (2014).

Having being thrown in two seasons ago at age of 23, the Limerick man feels players need to be physically ready to make the grade at international level as well as impressing at provincial level.

“(The 2012 debut) was obviously a special occasion, first cap against South Africa. All my family were up there. There’s a bit of nerves as it was a huge occasion but I’ll never forget it.

“I don’t think (that experience) helps. It’s a new game, coming into Saturday two years down the line. I’m a bit more goal-focused now. 

“Obviously when you’re playing South Africa and it is your first cap it can take away your attention from the task at hand. 23 isn’t that old to be thrown in as a prop.

“It depends. You have to be physically able for it and playing well with your province to play for Ireland. I suppose that is down to the coaches and I couldn’t really comment on that.”

Kilcoyne has put an early season hamstring injury behind him to help Munster secure two opening wins in the European Champions Cup, bagging tries in both games against Sale Sharks and Saracens.

In a Rugby World Cup year, preparation and laying down a platform for selection for the tournament in less than 12 months’ time begins against the 2007 World Cup winners.

“South Africa are an incredibly physical side. They have brought a lot more to their game of late and are really running it from all angles. They’re huge. They’re a good side and it is going to be a massive challenge,” he added.

“They are a quality side and they have evolved. They are not just a maul, scrum side, they are running from everywhere and have threats all over the park. We have a big test ahead of us.”