Joe McCarthy enjoying unexpected friendship with England starlet
Joe McCarthy and Henry Pollock, rookies of the British and Irish Lions, have formed an unlikely bond as they intensify their pursuit for Test selection.
The forwards put on a show during Saturday's 54-7 triumph over Western Force in Perth, capitalising on their opportunities just three weeks ahead of the series opener against Australia.
McCarthy was named man of the match after combining a robust defensive performance with some impactful attacking moments. Meanwhile, Pollock compensated for occasional lapses in discipline with his unique dynamism in the back row.
Off the field, Ireland enforcer McCarthy has found himself forming an unlikely bromance with the swaggering England flanker.
'Henry's actually a good fella. He's proper high-energy and he's been very sound,' McCarthy said.
'He can be a bit much at times but he is himself and I've probably got on with him way better than I thought I would. Like we saw against the Force, he's class to have in your team as well.'
McCarthy was part of the Leinster side that were knocked out of the Champions Cup semi-finals by Pollock's Northampton, leading to some awkward initial moments when the rivals first entered Lions camp earlier this month.
'We got there and were thinking 'oh for f***'s sake, it's these fellas again!',' McCarthy said.
'But I've played golf with Alex Mitchell and me and Tommy Freeman are doing 'thought for the day' on the bus, so it's interesting to hear Tommy's thoughts.
'One I liked was 'today is the oldest you ever have been and the youngest you ever will be'.'
McCarthy admits he felt under pressure to deliver against the Force as he became the first second row to put his hand up for selection alongside captain Maro Itoje in the Lions engine room against the Wallabies on July 19.
The display was reminiscent of his night against France in last year's Six Nations when he first served notice of his potential, but consistency has been elusive for the 24-year-old.
'It's hard to put your finger on it, sometimes things just happen for you. But then you might prepare super well for a game and things don't happen for you,' McCarthy said.
'Here it feels like a level up. During the week I was nervous and on edge about playing well but I'm probably at my best when I feel like my back's against the wall a little bit.
'Andy Farrell wants us to be super physical, on the edge, but he also tells us 'don't be desperate, don't force things – earn the right to get off the line, make tackles and make turnovers'.'
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