Ben Healy's first start for Scotland ended in a relatively comfortable 25-13 win over Italy in their World Cup warm-up clash.
The Tipperary man continued his fine Munster form from the end of last season, and was named as the player of the match after an impressive display.
The performance showed off what as often been referred to as his 'canon' of a boot, an excellent first-half cross-field assist to the two-try Darcy Graham, and he also grabbed himself a satisfying 50:22.
His decision to switch allegiances to Scotland is looking like a good one, and, with the retirement of Stuart Hogg, he is in a good position to play back-up to Finn Russell at the upcoming World Cup.
Ben Healy Shines In World Cup Warm-Up Win Over Italy
Finn Russel has to be slightly worried about his starting place in the World Cup with the way Ben Healy is playing today
— Cam (@LordWaddell) July 29, 2023
Ben Healy could be the perfect number 2 for Finn R
— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) July 29, 2023
Superb by Ben Healy pic.twitter.com/bCEnD173ja
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) July 29, 2023
Ben Healy's cannon of a boot getting an early involvement in international rugby.
Feels like a big month from the former Munster 10 where he should be able to play himself into World Cup reckoning#SCOvITA
— CaolanSRugby (@CaolanSRugby) July 29, 2023
Given Sexton’s imminent retirement it’s intriguing to see Ben Healy opt for Scotland. He looked very accomplished today and brings all that big game experience with Munster. World Cup bolter
— Sonja McLaughlan (@Sonjamclaughlan) July 29, 2023
READ HERE: Eddie O'Sullivan Explains The Development Of Ben Healy Stalled At Munster
Healy qualifies for Scotland through his Scottish mother, and, in a recent interview, he spoke of his Scottish heritage and the thought of facing Ireland at the World Cup.
“It has crossed my mind,” he says with a smile.
“A lot of people probably thought about it and said it to me more than I would have dwelled on it. It’s not something I’m spiteful about, it’d just be a cool experience. Ireland and Scotland play each other once a year, it’s just something to look forward to.
“We used to go on holidays there because all my mum’s family are there.
“All the way through primary school I’d have spent a week or two each year in Scotland, I’m very well connected with it. It slowed down as I went through secondary school, but my mum would have a lot of Scottish traditions.
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