Toner makes impressive debut

As first caps go Devin Toner's performance against Samoa last Saturday was right up there and now the Moynalvey giant lock has a chance to consolidate his place on the Irish team when the All-Blacks come calling this weekend. Toner lined out along with Donncha O'Callaghan on the Irish side that defeated Samoa 20-10 before 30,885 spectators at the Aviva Stadium, and gave a performance that suggested he could be a natural successor to Malcolm O'Kelly. Toner, who won a European Cup medal with Leinster last year, was the main receiver in the Irish line-out and his height combined with his fielding ability ensured that the physically imposing Samoans had little joy when it came to stealing line-out ball. The Sunday Times gave Toner six out of 10 for his display, the most any Irish player received in their ratings. They went on to describe him as “Ireland's one success story†in an overall lacklustre display from the home side. “Toner's performance gives reason for hope,†the paper added. There was also praise from former Irish out-half Tony Ward who wrote in the Irish Independent: “Devin Toner did everything he was asked to do in making a line-out that had misfired seven days earlier much more productive on its own throw.†With Ireland due to play a large number of competitive and friendly games in the coming year as the countdown to next Autumn's World Cup continues Toner looks set to add to his cap-haul. However, he is unlikely ever to forget the day he made his first senior appearance for his country against the Samoans in front of his family and friends.