Six Nations 2024: Dan Sheehan's all-round game driving Ireland's back-to-back bid

Dan Sheehan scored two tries in Ireland's Six Nations win over Italy earlier this month

If you were asked, 'who is the leading try scorer after the first two rounds of the Six Nations', how many would know it's Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan?

Sheehan has scored three tries in the wins over France and Italy as Ireland bid for back-to-back Grand Slam titles.

Since making his international debut against Japan in November 2021, the Leinster player has established himself as Andy Farrell's first-choice hooker.

"I was always very comfortable with my attack and what I can offer," he says.

The 25-year-old has always been known for his offensive capabilities but is proud of the improvement he has made in other aspects of his game.

"Mainly the work for me has been in my defensive game and how I can get some dominant tackles in," explains the front row.

"Also being comfortable in the wider channels defending backs and pressuring a scrum-half on his box-kicks to make it harder for them to get out.

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"I've seen some improvements, otherwise there are definitely areas where I can improve. I think the confidence that the lads have given me, and the coaches, is to trust my instincts.

"I've simplified things in my mind and it just sort of narrows the focus on what's in front of you."

As well as his all-round play, Sheehan has been spectacular at the set-piece. The Irish line-out and scrum both worked well in the first two games, much to Sheehan's delight.

"[The] scrum was something I've taken a while to learn I suppose, coming from schools rugby into men's rugby underage, it's very different. Then once you get to international rugby you can be found out.

"I remember two years ago in Twickenham we had a bad day in the scrum. We luckily won that game but we just scraped a win and those sort of games still stand with you a little bit and show you the importance of the set-piece.

Dan Sheehan says he now feels more comfortable about speaking up in a leadership role

"You know it's been going well for us this campaign but it's always gonna be a work in progress but I think I'm getting very comfortable in there. I feel like we can attack other teams from our set-piece.

"That's one area I think with my around the pitch attack stuff, I think you know I like being in wider channels where sometimes hookers haven't seen themselves.

"So I pride myself on being able to attack from any position that I find myself in or whether it be on the edge or being in the ruck or carrying around the maul, I'd like to think that I can do everything."

With 23 caps under his belt now, Sheehan is also feeling more comfortable speaking up in a leadership role.

"Now I've got a bit of experience over the last three years of how teams work, how to message, how to say what's on my mind because you know as a young player you probably have a lot of the answers in your head but you don't know when the right time is to say it so yeah it's something that I've tried to implement a little bit into my working week.

"It doesn't have to be on game day but there's a lot of prep during the week where I can take a bit more responsibility and make sure that others or less experienced players are getting valuable information."