The Lions opened their 2021 tour with a decent victory over Japan this afternoon, coming out as 28-10 winners at Murrayfield.
With seven Irishmen in the starting team, hopes were high that a few could put in some solid showings.
While there is always a sense of camaraderie in these squads, there is a sense that the players involved are competing against each other as much as the opposition during the warmup games.
Even if Warren Gatland has an idea what his starting XV for the test matches may look like, a couple of big performances in the upcoming games can make any player difficult to ignore.
Robbie Henshaw was a player who had an excellent chance of starting against South Africa in any case, but you can all but guarantee his place in the side after his display against Japan.
To put it simply, he was absolutely phenomenal.
The Leinster man was in fantastic form right form the outset, setting the pace early on with an impressive choke tackle. He also played a major part in each of the team's opening three tries.
He made the penultimate carry for the opener, building on a strong run from Bundee Aki to put the Lions in scoring position.
JOSH ADAMS! 🦁
The Lions are up and running!#LionsRugby | #VMTVRugby pic.twitter.com/GfvEgjz7tT— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) June 26, 2021
Their second also came from a move that began with an impressive interception from Henshaw, with Duhan van der Merwe eventually touching down in the corner.
He would then get a try of his own a few moments later.
It came via a set-piece, with the 27-year old showing tremendous power to force his way over the line.
🟢 HENDERSON
🟢 MURRAY
🟢 HENSHAW
The Irish combine for the third try!#LionsRugby | #VMTVRugby pic.twitter.com/lkbVLhelTf— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) June 26, 2021
His defence continued to be impressive throughout the game, leading the Lions in tackles at the interval.
Henshaw kept up that pace in the second half, making some vital interventions to quell a few dangerous looking Japanese attacks.
He would end the contest with 16 made tackles, four more than other Lions player. He also boasted a 100% success rate.
Unsurprisingly, the viewers were thoroughly impressed with what the saw from the Athlone native.
Robbie Henshaw’s D. In collision or a read, is lit. #LionsvJapan
— Jim Hamilton (@jimhamilton4) June 26, 2021
Robbie Henshaw. Meilleur centre du monde. #LionsRugby #BILvJPN
— Antoine 🏴 🏉 (@A_Vauthey) June 26, 2021
Robbie Henshaw.
Form. Of. His. Life.#LIOvJPN— The Loose Head (@TheLooseH) June 26, 2021
Robbie Henshaw to be player of the tour 🤔🤔🤔
— Ben (@CockoftheBen) June 26, 2021
God almighty, Robbie Henshaw is world class. #LionsRugby
— Neal Cummins (@NealCummins) June 26, 2021
To be honest, we were delighted for the rest of the nations involved that they could finally shout for Henshaw on their team.
Let's remember it's a landmark day for Welsh, English and Scottish rugby fans as they can now properly shout for Robbie Henshaw.
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) June 26, 2021
If there was any small lingering doubts about Henshaw's place in the test side, they have certainly vanished after today's showing.
Bundee Aki did his chances of featuring in South Africa no harm either, although Owen Farrell would look like the favourite to partner Henshaw at centre.
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