LEINSTER STAR SENE Naoupu captained Ireland for the first time in her career in the November series, but it’s an honour she shares with her team-mates.
Sene Naoupu talks to her players after facing England in November. Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
Even when she concedes that it was a privilege for her on a personal level, she reiterates that this Ireland team is a player-led outfit.
She feels as though she was just keeping the seat warm for regular captain Ciara Griffin, who was unavailable for that game against England.
“It wasn’t just myself in that captaincy, I had some fantastic girls around me,” Naoupu says in her typically modest way, always deflecting the praise away from herself.
Head coach Adam Griggs has certainly identified leadership qualities in Naoupu. The Ireland squad that will commence their Six Nations campaign this evening contains three uncapped players, and Griggs has previously said that Naoupu was instrumental in welcoming those new faces to the group.
Unsurprisingly, Naoupu is visibly humbled to hear of his praise, but she’s happy to take on this role in the team.
“Team culture is something that I’m a hugely aware of. In terms of my leadership style, a lot of is making sure we’re getting the best out of players, out of ourselves.
“That they really appreciate a high performing environment. They settle in and feel part of the family, because for me team culture is everything for us and I feel the last couple of years we’ve been able to really grow in that particular area of our squad.
“I’m starting to notice the difference on the pitch now. This week is another super test for us. Certainly it’s something that I would pay a big focus on, ensuring that no matter who is in the squad, that everyone is part of it.”
That November International ended in defeat for Ireland as did their other outing that month against USA. They continued their Six Nations preparation in January with a five-try win over Wales in a warm-up fixture.
“That was a super learning for the girls that were on the pitch at the time,”says Naoupu as she reflects on that composed performance against the Welsh.
Naoupu at the Ireland team announcement for their opening Six Nations game earlier this week. Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO
“We need that under pressure, to be able to have that game sense to control certain parts of the game. That was an important learning for some of the younger girls.”
The stakes will be much higher this evening as the number two ranked side in the world descend on Energia Park in Donnybrook [KO 5pm, Sky Sports Max].
As Naoupu correctly points out, the pressure is on the visiting side who have all but seven Six Nations players on professional contracts.
But in the same breath, the Ireland centre insists that they are looking towards themselves and controlling their own controllables.
“We’re focused on what we’re capable of. We’re focused on doing our best at every training session and then getting better every time.
“That’s a contribution from the whole squad. Some of the girls that didn’t make the 23 were certainly part of our process in terms of ensuring that we get a good performance in the week.”
While becoming a professional team is a huge step forward for the World Cup finalists, it will take time for those players to adjust to their new status as full-time athletes. That could play into Ireland’s favour this evening.