The trouble with Leinster...
Over the years Leinster have been forced to play second fiddle when the achievements of the teams in Europe are put under the microscope. The arrival of World Cup winner CJ van der Linde along with Rocky Elsom and Isa Nacewa has lifted the expectation levels in the nation’s capital. I certainly saw Leinster as one of three teams capable of wresting the trophy from their southern rivals at the outset of this tournament. However, once again against Castres, Leinster contrived to lose a game against inferior opposition that in similar circumstances you know Munster would close out. On the other hand, Munster turned around and pick-pocketed a win at the death against Clermont that they had little entitlement to on the balance of proceedings in the opening 75 minutes. One could only stand back and admire the belief and staying power that courses through the veins of these players when they don that red jersey.
Two aspects in particular intrigued me about Munster’s attitude and approach in that closing segment. Having finally secured a foothold in the Clermont 22 with just five minutes remaining and two points in arrears, the opportunity seemed ripe for a drop goal. Yet Ronan O’Gara had sufficient belief in those around him to stand flat and attack the gain line. Marcus Horan’s hard-earned five pointer justified that decision. The second thing that struck me was when Clermont restarted after Niall Ronan’s try the real time stadium clock showed that only five seconds remained.
Having secured possession from the kick-off, any other team would have kicked dead and be thrilled with their lot. Munster however kept it alive in what I assume was an effort to get a fourth try and, in the circumstances, the most unlikely bonus point of all time. It was a risk worth taking. That mentality is why this team has qualified for the knockout stages every year since 1999 and remain on course to do so again this season.
That vital win on Saturday now buys the Munster management time as they attempt to rehabilitate injury victims Denis Leamy and Rua Tipoki while Nick Williams finally makes his debut in the A game against Leinster in Donnybrook today. If he comes through that he will be afforded more game time against Connacht on December 28 in Galway and will add significantly to the back row options open to Tony McGahan in the New Year. On the evidence of his Super 14 form with the Auckland Blues he is exactly what Munster need, but after a period of inactivity it will take him a while to get up to match pace.
Leinster’s defeat to Castres has opened the debate again on their inadequacies. They remain one of the great enigmas, so much talent, so little to show for it. While they will argue that the Magners League trophy resides in Donnybrook, for a team of their quality, success in Europe has to be the benchmark. While one defeat doesn’t necessarily diminish their chances, the manner of that loss will rekindle the doubts about their ability to survive a dogfight. Sighting the loss of van der Linde prior to kick-off is of little value either. There wasn’t a side in Europe last weekend that was without injuries. It is the nature of the professional game that injuries affect at least 20% of your squad at any point in time.
With such a powerful back row as Elsom, Jamie Heaslip and Shane Jennings, it is very worrying for Cheika that Leinster were blown away at the breakdown and conceded so many turnovers. Jennings is a player whose contribution to the Leinster cause is one that interests me greatly. I have been tracking his progress since I was in Australia on a reconnaissance trip in 2000 prior to the Lions tour that season. The Irish schools side had just completed a very successful tour of the country the previous month and I enquired about what impact they had made. Jeff Miller, an old adversary and a World Cup winner in the back row with Australia in 1991 told me how impressed he was with the forward play of the Irish and in particular the numbers 6 and 8 who were far superior to anything the Wallabies had to offer. I made a mental note of their names; Denis Leamy from Munster and Shane Jennings from Leinster.
I have championed Jennings’ cause for some time especially in light of the magnificent impact he made in his two seasons with Leicester. When the Tigers second row Ben Kay said that the Dubliner was the best back row forward he ever played with, you had to take notice given he lined-out with Martin Corry and Neil Back while Lawrence Dallaglio and Richard Hill were international team mates. Yet Jennings has failed to make the same impact since returning home. One wonders if it has anything to do with the different environment he finds himself in. Training sessions in Leicester and Munster have much in common where confrontation and physical contact play a huge role. Also both place a huge emphasis on a strong team ethic and recognition of who they represent. It shows in tight games.
Leinster invariably produce less than the sum of their parts and you have to ask why. Last Friday’s defeat was a typical case in point. Leadership, a willingness to take responsibility, composure under pressure and a never-say- die attitude that extends to every individual within the group are all key ingredients in what makes Munster what they are. Leinster are lacking in all those areas. If they want to succeed in Europe then these issues need to be addressed. Time is running out for an exceptionally talented group of players.
