‘It was the right time’ – Doak on Ireland debutImage source, GettyImage caption, Nathan Doak made his Ireland bow against Wales in Friday’s Six Nations gameByRichard PetrieBBC Sport NI JournalistPublished18 minutes agoIreland debutant Nathan Doak says his first cap came “at the right time” after he was introduced off the bench in Friday’s hard-fought 27-17 win over Wales at the Aviva Stadium.
The Ulster scrum-half came on as a temporary replacement for Jamison Gibson-Park in the first half while the Leinster player received treatment for a knee injury and was a substitute for the same player in the second half.
Doak’s form with Ulster saw him called into Ireland head coach Andy Farrell’s squad for the Six Nations but he has had to be patient to see his first action on the pitch.
“Every player wants to play for Ireland. I have 100 caps in the URC [United Rugby Championship], I have that experience and I’ve had to wait my time and get better at my game to deserve my shot,” mentioned Doak.
“It was the right time for me. I feel I’m playing my best rugby at the moment so it was quite fitting.
“On reflection, I think the biggest thing was I wanted to be myself. I felt really calm. I want to play this level and have the confidence to play at this level so I’ll go back and have a look at the game and see where I can get better.”
