JAMES RYAN will captain the Irish team this weekend against Argentina in the penultimate Autumn Nations Series test. While Ryan will take Johnny Sexton's place as captain against Los Pumas, he says he has no intention of trying to copy his Leinster teammates captaincy style.
Sexton will miss up six weeks after injuring himself against the All Blacks win, where Ireland won 29-20 last weekend
đđ đ
James Ryan will captain Ireland against Argentina on Sunday in the absence of Johnny Sexton. đ˘#TeamOfUs | #IREvARG pic.twitter.com/dRusL18f8L— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 17, 2021
Ryan and Ireland play an Argentina side, who have never beaten the hosts at the Aviva.Â
Ryan has previously said he admired the fly-half's captaincy style and said you really know when he plays and doesn't.Â
He also made reference to the Leinster man's standards he sets for his rugby team-mates.
(Photo By Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)Ryan told RTĂ Sport:
"I suppose how we make it up is everyone else on the team stepping up a little bit.
"Thatâs why today and tomorrow are very important sessions for us. Itâs not even down to us [the leadership group], itâs up to everyone to drive the standards, drive the energy.
"We shouldnât be relying on Johnny, itâs an Ireland game this week, at home at the Aviva.
"Hopefully weâll have a big crowd in. Thereâs going to be an opportunity as well for other guys coming in.
"When heâs in itâs absolutely brilliant, but when heâs not there as well everyoneâs got to step up and weâve got to find our own voices.
"We canât just be relying on him either, any opportunity you get to play for Ireland, you shouldnât need extra motivation.
"Iâm not too interested in giving a lad a bollocking or whatever else.
"Iâm captain this week, but to be honest it doesnât change a whole lot for me. I just want to get my own performance right. I think thatâs the best way for me to lead.
"There are plenty of guys there that can drive those things on that side."
Ryan was first made captain for last Novemberâs game against England and said it does take getting used too.Â
Ryan, will make his third captains appearance in three weeks next Sunday (2.15pm, live on RTĂ) and win his 40th cap.
Ireland 29 - 20 New Zealand.
Warren Gatland didn't think James Ryan could play against the biggest and best second rows in the world. Someone should ask the New Zealand second rows about that.
It's the player ratings.@VodafoneIreland | #TeamOfUs
https://t.co/kcVFoedWwi— Off The Ball (@offtheball) November 13, 2021
