CONNACHT AND IRELAND PROP Finlay Bealham has claimed there is pressure replacing Tadhg Furlong in an Ireland jersey days after the 31-year-old started his first Six Nations game against Wales on Saturday.
Furlong, who has been a mainstay for Ireland in the front row has been carrying a number of injuries since the turn of the New Year was left out of the team to play Wales in the Principality Stadium last weekend.
He's now been ruled out of this weekend's game against France.
Bealham is now expected to start against the Six Nations champions, barring an injury before Saturday.
The Connacht player has had to wait seven years for his first start in an Ireland jersey and has been speaking about replacing one of the best front row forwards in the world.
"Tadhg's left the No 3 jersey in a world-class place so I suppose there is a bit of pressure to come in and try to take off where he left, but I just play my game and focus on what I can do," he claimed.
"I don't try to play like Tadhg, I just play the way I play.
Really nice bit of detail from Finlay Bealham for James Ryan's try.
Bealham picks and shapes to carry, drawing in Jac Morgan, before passing to leave Ryan and latcher Tadhg Beirne with a 2-on-1 against Joe Hawkins. pic.twitter.com/BRYULxDxgd— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) February 5, 2023
"It was a good win [against Wales] and I'm happy with some of the scrum stuff, it was good. Certainly, I've a bit to work on, yes there was pressure, but it is what it is at this level, there's always pressure.
"The more pressure you have the more you're doing right, I suppose."
Ireland and Bealham know that they face a sterner test against a very physical France side in Dublin this week.
Physical teams like South Africa and France have become an Achilles heel for Andy Farrell's side over the years
Bealham knows that Ireland will have to be at their best if they are to overcome the champions this weekend
"Similar to the South African pack, they're big and have a lot of weight in there," said Bealham.
"We will have to be properly on it. If you're not on it against big packs like that, you'll be getting the reverse lights.
"We don't want that to happen, so we'll make sure we have a good week in training and work best on it as possible."
Ireland plays France at 14.15pm this Saturday.
Ireland's team will be announced later this week.
