Why is Finlay Bealham in the Ireland squad? Well, apart from his work-rate, his ability at the breakdown, and his scrummaging prowess - Bealham is one of the most skilful and intelligent tighthead props around.
The Canberra born prop is thriving in Pat Lam's system, and does things that no other tighthead prop in the Northern Hemisphere except for John Afoa would even dream of doing.
Like his important intervention during the PRO12 final against Leinster. Possibly the most important play of the day that very few people saw. It set up Tiernan O'Halloran's try and put Connacht on their way to glory.
Let's have a look at it again:
When Matt Healy makes the break, John Muldoon does what any good backrow should - he's the first player there supporting. Leinster's defense has just conceded a line-break and need to re-group, but they seem very close to getting organised then.
The only way Connacht are going to threaten is with the quickest ball.
Look who the first Connacht player after Muldoon is to get to the ruck. It's Finlay Bealham, the tighthead prop. He could be forgiven for looking at the three Leinster players ruck inspecting and just helping Muldoon secure the ball for Marmion who is behind him. But that would take another second, and Connacht don't have that other second.
Watch Finlay Bealham for Connacht's first try. Marmion was right behind him, but he knew he had to be scrum half to keep that attack alive.
— Neil Treacy (@neil_treacy) May 29, 2016
How many Tightheads would act as a scrumhalf for fast ball like that? @FinlayBealham you hero #CONvLEIN #TOHtry
— BallHandling Hooker (@BHHooker) May 28, 2016
Instead, Bealham does something that Mike Ross would never do. He does something that the majority of Irish forwards would never do. He fills in at scrumhalf, and passes quickly to the blindside where there is space.
Without that quick thinking, there is no try.
Take a bow Finlay Bealham.
See Also: The Biggest Departure From Connacht This Summer Won't Be Robbie Henshaw
Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
