Grunt in abundance, but Munster guile still missing
Given that this contest was always going to be decided at the breakdown, O’Mahony’s poaching skills were a priority. Leinster’s back row took full advantage of the Munster captain’s absence. Shane Jennings may be surplus to requirements at international level these days but the talented Leinster openside is still a highly influential figure. His offload to the supporting Brian O’Driscoll for the only try of the game proved pivotal and in Jamie Heaslip and Kevin McLaughlin he had two very supportive and effective allies.
The one downside for Leinster on Saturday was the sight of O’Driscoll looking less than steady on his feet leaving the field with 13 minutes left. Once again the appreciative Aviva audience rose to its feet to acclaim and acknowledge his whole-hearted contribution, but I’m not so sure it registered with him on the same scale as the remarkable send-off he received at the venue against Italy a few weeks ago. His presence is crucial to Leinster for next week’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Toulon.
