The Albany Gazette - Cool 'cat' Irish wing Baloucoune making up for lost time

The 28-year-old seized it with aplomb, marking what was his Six Nations debut -- and first Test since November 2022 -- with a try in a 20-13 victory, which Farrell claimed was one of the best scored in his time in charge.

The Ulster star was named man of the match but while basking in the positive headlines admitted he thought his Test career had "probably" been over before that.

Baloucoune's laid-back attitude has helped him get through the hard times -- indeed it was the trait earned him his nickname.

"I christened him 'The Cat'," Willie Anderson, who put him through his paces at the Ulster Academy, told the Irish Independent.

"He was so laid-back he could curl up and have a snooze whenever he liked. But my God, when he woke up...!"

It is little wonder Baloucoune felt his Test career was over.

A succession of injuries to his hamstring, back and ankle had plagued him -- he played just twice last season for Ulster -- and Mack Hansen and James Lowe had nailed down the first-choice Ireland starting spots.

However, injury intervened, this time in his favour, as Hansen was ruled out of the tournament and then Farrell turned to him after a hugely disappointing opening 36-14 defeat by France.

Baloucoune goes into Saturday's Triple Crown decider with Scotland -- both sides still entertain hopes of the title if France slip up against England in Paris -- having produced another eye-catching display in the 42-21 demolition of the English.

Nevertheless, facing a vibrant Scottish backline he cannot afford being caught out like he was by Wales prop Rhys Carre last Friday -- he sidestepped him 30 metres out and went over for a try.

"Fair play to the big man, he was flying as well," said Baloucoune on Tuesday.

"So yes, missing tackles is something I'll try and cut out of my game."

- 'She was buzzing' -

Born in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland -- his late father Martial was Senegalese and his mother Shirley Northern Irish -- Baloucoune juggled playing football with Gaelic football.

His father had been a talented footballer but any hopes of pursuing that as a career at the top level was denied him.

"He was good but he was forced to go to university (in Marseille)," said Baloucoune following the Italy match.

"He definitely fell out with my grandparents but study comes first, that's what he was told to do."

Baloucoune had no such problems with his parents, even when he switched to rugby aged 15.

"I just switched over because my mates played it," he said. "So I joined them."

Shirley has invested a lot in her son's career and she was there to watch his man-of-the-match performance against Italy -- but he says her advice can be too much for Baloucoune.

"She hadn't been down obviously in a while and she was buzzing," he said.

"She's gotten well into rugby, so she's trying to give me tips and stuff like that, which I hate, but it's funny.

"Mostly about catching the football and tips and tricks that I should be doing."

Shirley may have her opinion on stopping Scotland wings Kyle Steyn and Darcy Graham, but Baloucoune knows he will have his hands full.

"They're two class wingers and know how to score and that's probably a main focus of every winger," he said.

"So if you're doing that, you're doing well and it'll definitely be a challenge for the weekend, but for myself, I'm looking forward to the challenge."

(O.Robinson--TAG)