THIS IS GUS THE START

McCarthy says Ireland are firmly on the right track

- Garry DOYLE

GUS Mccarthy may have been nervous coming off the bench, but the young hooker quickly proved he's got the stomach for big-stage rugby.

Saturday's 41-10 thumping over Japan saw Ireland grind out a hard-fought win - and McCarthy was at the heart of it.

"It was obviously a bit nervous coming on," he admitted. "I'm still very inexperienced, so I just wanted to get into the game, make my first impact, and play my own game.

Nerves? Sure. Impact? Massive.

McCarthy's composure in the set-piece and open play helped Ireland keep structure and momentum against a tricky Japanese side, reminding fans that youth brings fearlessness.

What's more, while Ireland's bench impressed, McCarthy was quick to praise the groundwork laid by those who started.

"The lads on the pitch for the first 50 or 60 minutes put in all the hard work," he said. "They tired Japan down. Then we came on to add our impact and finish the game out."

It's clear the squad's welcoming vibe made it easier for McCarthy to slot in seamlessly.