Berne bids to stake claim as Leinster face tough test

By Barry Coughlan

Saturday, March 06, 2010

SHAUN BERNE is ready to seize his opportunity as Leinster face a tough trip to face Cardiff Blues tomorrow.

In the absence of Irish international out-half Jonathan Sexton, Berne will be asked to fill the void. The Australian is looking forward to the game and believes it gives a number of the squad an opportunity to stake a claim for big game selection in a crucial month.

"I will be expecting to face serious physicality and a high skill level on top of the type of passion normally associated with Welsh teams," said Berne.

"Even though we have big games coming up this month in the Magners League, we’ll take it one game at a time and we’re not looking beyond this challenge. For those of us who want to play regularly in the side as we approach the business end of the season, tomorrow will present an opportunity to stake a claim."

Berne is not underestimating the Cardiff challenge.

"Cardiff are a club who have been well served by their foreign signings, although European rugby takes a bit of getting used to coming from the southern hemisphere. I have played against the likes of Xavier Rush and Ben Blair before in the old Super 12 competition and they’re two consistent performers, while Maama Molitika gives them greater options in the back-row, which is a very solid unit.

"I have also played with Sam Norton-Knight for with the Waratahs. He’s a very good player and we’ll need to be mindful of his threat whether he starts or comes off the bench."

Shane Jennings will captain Leinster and will be joined by Eoin Reddan on a return from Ireland duty. Jennings forms a back-row unit which includes Kevin McLaughlin and Stephen Keogh, with Malcolm O’Kelly locking down alongside Devin Toner. CJ van der Linde starts at tight-head prop in an experienced front row alongside Bernard Jackman and Stan Wright.

Reddan partners Berne at half-back, with Isa Nacewa named on the left wing in a back three which includes the experienced Girvan Dempsey and 18-year-old Andrew Conway, who comes in for his first senior start for the province on the right wing.

Ireland U20 captain Rhys Ruddock is named amongst the replacements alongside Ireland internationals Trevor Hogan and Mike Ross.

Berne said: "The Ireland players who have been released this week will no doubt look to Jonathan’s example last month when a good showing against the Scarlets helped him earn a spot in the win over England last weekend.

"It’s imperative that we begin well and look to dominate the key exchanges; yet even if we manage that we’ll need to be playing at the top of our game to get the win."

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Saturday, March 06, 2010