Josh Van der Fryer feels becoming World Player of the Year has made him a marked man
Josh van der Fryer believes he’s become a marksman since he was crowned World Player of the Year as he approaches his 50th birthday. Ireland with cap grand slam glory.
Flanker van der Fryer has swept the world’s individual awards on the back of a stellar performance in 2022. Guinness Six Nations clean sweep.
The 29-year-old will make a landmark Test appearance in Saturday’s showdown in Dublin. England And it feels like his recent promotion has grabbed the spotlight on the field.
“I think there were a few times in games with the ball where you found yourself with three players on top of you,” Van der Fryer said. I did,” he said.
“Maybe not, and it’s just in my head, but there have definitely been a couple of times that I’ve felt like someone was hitting me hard or enjoying something.
When asked by an opponent if he had any jibes in-game, he replied: “Really no, thankfully if I make a mistake I get more youngsters on my team!
“There haven’t been too many changes. But I definitely think I can carry the ball. leave behind.”
Van der Fryer is trying to make up for the disappointment of missing Ireland’s 2018 Grand Slam final due to injury this weekend against England at Twickenham.
He showed his team-first mentality by throwing the lineout after losing hookers Dan Sheehan and Ronan Kelleher in last weekend’s chaotic 22-7 Round 4 win over Scotland.
Andy Farrell joked that the back row forward would replace captain Johnny Sexton as the team’s goalkicker against Steve Borthwick’s team.
“It’s going to be a very special day,” said Van der Fryer. “50 caps, it’s gone by so quickly.
“In my head, I try not to think too much. I think I acknowledge what it is. We also recognize its importance.
“I don’t worry too much about individual things like that (50 caps). All we’ve been working on is winning trophies for Ireland and winning big games for Ireland. So , that’s definitely a big focus.”
Van der Freyer was behind his Leinster team-mate Will Connors in the club and country pecking order a few years ago.
The number 7 has overcome that threat and has become a key Irish performer, earning praise from head coaches.
“Wow, what a year it’s been for Josh,” Farrell said. “Going back to him, it’s all because of the race for places in Leinster and Ireland, Will Connors coming on the scene, etc.
“Josh was one of those people who raised their hands and spoke to themselves and said, ‘This is up to me.
“Since he’s done it, he’s never looked back and is incredibly diligent when it comes to preparation, so he deserves all the credit he’s gotten.
“It’s amazing to see how he attacks every game.”
