24 years old but, three days after stunning Glasgow Warriors in Galway, Jake Heenan moves like a man thrice his age.
The Kiwi flanker excelled in another remarkable, gritty Connacht performance. It was one that secured a home semi-final – against the same foe – on May 21 and silenced the last of the few doubters that remained.
Pat Lam’s men are a force to be reckoned with but Heenan is well aware that the job is not even have done yet. There is a league title to be won.
For a season that featured a trip to Siberia, unprecedented injuries and the loss of top player Robbie Henshaw to Leinster, Connacht’s consistency has been stirring.
Bodies are ravaged but the reward for two more big games is huge.
“You could tell that from the Treviso game, the week before,” says Heenan. “They wanted it more and were really physical. Against Glasgow, we needed to front up. We did and we went back to the things that worked for us all year.”
. @connachtrugby are some heroes! https://t.co/KlJvT2ZYhI
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) May 8, 2016
The 14-7 triumph saw Connacht finish second in the table and, with Warriors coming to Galway again, there was some bite to the tie. Heenan expects the tension will be ramped up even more next time.
“We definitely expect a bit of whiplash from them but, at the same time, we didn’t get into our attacking game the way we usually do.
“It was great that our defence came through for us – as they usually do – and were able to match Glasgow and shut them down there. If we can get into our game a bit more, and continue to do the things to shut them down, I don’t see any reason why we can’t go on to make the final.”
Heenan exploded onto the Irish rugby scene in 2013/14 and immediately drew talk of his becoming Irish qualified. The Pataua native then battled back from serious shoulder injuries and ankle issues.
There were career doubts and an entrepreneurial foray into bubble football but he never lost sight of the goal – CONNACHT COMEBACK.
He has featured in 10 games this season, scored three tries and bled in well to a back row that is thrumming. Again, naturally enough, there has been talk of Ireland.
Heenan says he has spoken with Ireland coach Joe Schmidt and the fact that he has signed on for another two years out west affirms a commitment to his adopted home. Heenan tells us:
“I’ve every intention of playing international rugby. For me, it’s about coming back in good shape, having a good pre-season and putting the performances in and hopefully put my hand up for November.
“I have every belief that I’m good enough and that I’m able to put in the performances needed to play [for Ireland].
“I have every opportunity, at Connacht, to do it because of the games we’re playing. I just have to look after myself, work hard, do my thing and hopefully get the nod.”
Handy to know, considering Ireland play New Zealand twice in November, as well as the Aussies and Canada.
Interview over, Heenan gingerly rises from his seat. On is way out, he talks animatedly about a backpacking tour around Europe this summer.
No summer tour to South Africa but he will be Irish-qualified soon after.
One feels he could do with the rest as there are many more battles to be fought, in the coming days, months and years.
