SIX NATIONS CHAMPIOSHIP: John O'Sullivan talks to Rob Henderson, who is fit and trim to face the French
Rob Henderson's attitude to life epitomises what the French might describe as joie de vivre. It is definitely a throwback to the amateur ethos. He's not unprofessional in the way he prepares for or plays rugby, it's just that sense of irreverence with which he views his sporting life.
Maybe it is fairer to say he retains a perspective, brings a self-deprecating sense of humour. In deference to Saturday's Six Nations Championship game against France at Stade de France, the Young Munster centre, newly restored to the national side after injury, fielded a question about his favourite French player. His response was Hendersonesque. "I'd have to say it was Serge Blanco. He was probably the only player that smoked more than I do."
Conversation inevitably turned to a season that has been pockmarked by a succession of injuries, starting with a knee operation following the Lions tour to Australia last summer.
"Obviously it has been a tough season. I had the first four or five months off, playing again, getting injured, playing, getting injured. I think I have got it right this time. I took my time coming back from the last one," a reference to the groin injury he suffered when coming on as a replacement in the England game at Twickenham.
"I feel better than I did for a long, long time and have lost a few pounds. I'm just really looking forward to playing again. When you're injured all the time it's really frustrating. I tried to keep focused, hauling myself out for training two or three times a day.
"When I came up to Dublin last week, I did a fat camp with Mike McGurn (Ireland's fitness adviser) and that went really well. I'm just fortunate to be picked for this match."
Asked if he had found it difficult to maintain a strict training regime he said: "You can cheat but it's really not worth it. It's down to exercise really; just running, rowing, cycling and swimming which is not really my forte. I'm more of a floater. It's basically just looking after yourself for a week. Whatever he (McGurn) did really paid off, allied to the work of the people in Munster."
Henderson proved his fitness for the French match by lining out with Young Munster last weekend against Lansdowne, when he scored a try. "It was a difficult game to play in because we (Young Munster) were already relegated while Lansdowne were safe.
"There wasn't a lot to play for, so it was just a question of trying to play 80 minutes and get through it, which I did."
Inevitably the focus switches to the Grand Slam-chasing French, a country against whom Henderson has performed excellently. "They're playing extremely well. (Damian) Traille is a big lump and (Tony) Marsh, he's not exactly small either. The pair of them have good hands, good pace and seem to have solidified the midfield.
"The last four times that we have played the French we have had a little bit of an edge. I think that it will be a lot more even this time around. This will be the fifth different pairing (in midfield) that I have played against and definitely their best. Stephane (Glas) is on the bench - he is a super player - and for the two boys to keep him out, they must be doing something right.
"Hopefully we can make it three in a row not just for this team but as a send-off for the Claw (Peter Clohessy)."
Henderson is happy to be playing again despite his enjoyable spell as a guest analyst on BBC television, especially as it ensures renewing a partnership with Brian O'Driscoll. The two have gelled impressively both for Ireland and the Lions.
Many rugby fans will recall O'Driscoll's three-try exploits in Paris two years ago but less celebrated is the contribution that his midfield partner made that day. Henderson prefers the spotlight to remain on O'Driscoll. "Brian is a fantastic player and having played together before - I don't know how many times - obviously there is that understanding.
"We do have quite a good understanding but then anyone who played inside Brian would need to have a great understanding because he'll cover your back anyway."
Happily ensconced in his new Castleconnell home, a far cry from his Teddington days in London, Henderson is enjoying life on and off the pitch. Whatever happens in Paris is unlikely to change his attitude but no one will embrace the task in hand with greater determination.
