In comparison with his more illustrious colleagues, John Hayes does not gather as much ink as perhaps he should. On the eve of his hundredth cap for Ireland however many have eulogised about his career and hinted at the end of it. Praise, though, has never been effusive for the Bruff native. Many have questioned his scrummaging, others his ball-carrying but his place has never been in doubt for Ireland or Munster.
There are many wondrous moments usually dominated by Paul O'Connell on match-day in green or red. Modern day camera's in slo-mo and HD get up close to the line-out and capture an athlete straining every sinew to nick opposition ball. The camera never tells the whole story however. Look below O'Connell, the man who gives Superman his wings is Hayes. His line-out lifting is the best in the world. A one man fork-lift who launches his second-row into the heavens. It is an attribute that should have been used by the Lions in the summer.
In all probability. Hayes will lead out Ireland this afternoon. Taking his place front and centre before disappearing into the coalface. That is where he is happiest. The man down below, turning the wheel that makes the carousal go round.
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