The Ospreys lock has won all 13 of his of his test for Wales and played a starring role in last weekend’s victory against Scotland at Murrayfield. But despite holding such an impressive winning record Beard is quick to play down his influence and insists it has been a team effort.
“I have said this so many times, people are bigging up 12 from 12, but I am so lucky to be in a squad of 30-plus players where there is competition in each position,” he said.
“The determination and drive that everyone in this squad has got to get better every day and keep this run going is class. I have definitely never been in a squad with the feeling we have here.
“It’s a great feeling. I never think of losing.
“As soon as you do you’re on a downward slope. Obviously you don’t want to get too complacent too up yourself, but if you keep your feet and the ground and work hard and have a winning mentality you’ll be alright.
“Alun Wyn Jones has also been a great role model for me. Around training, games, everything he has been great for me, helping me with my work-ons.
“There is no better guy to look up to.”
Wales may have won all four games to date in this year’s championship but they will be facing an Ireland side who have won 23 out of their last 25 test matches. And Beard is also looking forward to locking horns with Ireland lock James Ryan who he faced on many occasions at under 20s level.
“It’s going to be another step-up from the Scotland game because there is so much on the game,” he said.
“Just look at Ireland’s record. You could say they haven’t been their best this Six Nations but they have only lost one game and just before it beat the All Blacks.
“They are ranked second in the world so, come Saturday, we know it’s going to be a massive Test and we need to be on top of our game to get a victory over them. I faced James Ryan in my second year playing for Wales under 20s and he was captaining the Ireland team.
“That’s when we did the Grand Slam so I have got one up on him. It would be nice to get a second. He’s a great athlete and has come on leaps and bounds in the Test arena.
“It’s been good to watch a guy of my age and see what could happen if I keep playing well, learning and developing. I’m looking forward to the challenge of facing him.”
