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22nd September 2017
07:06pm BST

"Justin Tipuric, from me playing with him, was definitely up there. He was very unlucky not to get a Test start."Having packed down with him in a couple of Lions warm-up games, Henderson went a few steps further. "Justin Tipuric was phenomenal," he declared.
"I think he is an incredible player and unfortunate not to get any Test match time. I think he was class. "I got on really well with him too. I thought he was one of the lads who really stood out for me. I thought he was good player beforehand but being on the Lions and playing with him, I thought he really stood out for me, really impressed by him."
As for what elements of Tipuric's game that really made an impression, Henderson marvels about his wide skill-set, handling and his kicking ability. "I think he used to be a 10 when he was younger.
"He’s extremely skillful, he doesn’t look like a lineout forward but he’s very good in the lineout. He’s quite light, easy to get up and has really good hands. All round he’s just a really good footballer."Tipuric had been tipped, by some, for a starting Test role but it was somewhat of a surprise that he missed the entire drawn series with the All Blacks. He was hindered as being part of a midweek team that were slow to get going on tour and there were hamstring concerns that may have damaged his selection hopes. As for a backline player that stood out, Henshaw selected Saracens and England star Owen Farrell. "He was a stand-out. His composure was evident. He's a world-class player in training and, on the field, he replicates that." [caption id="attachment_137704" align="alignnone" width="647"]
Leinster Rugby will be sponsored by Bank of Ireland until 2023 after an extension of their current deal was announced at Tullow RFC this week.[/caption]Explore more on these topics: