Fired-up Gleeson has point to prove against Aussies

NO man will enter tomorrow’s battle at the Telstra Dome with greater incentive than Irish flanker Keith Gleeson.

First, he is still reacting to his omission from last week’s game against Argentina. More important, he has much to prove to those who refused him a contract with the NSW Waratahs and hastened his return to Leinster two years ago. Since then he has been in and out of the Irish side and accumulated 16 caps. Until last week, it seemed as if the open side flank position was the property of the 27-year-old for the foreseeable future.

“It was with a feeling of relief I heard the news of my selection this morning,” he said. “The last week has been a bit of a roller coaster. It did come as a bit of a shock. It was one game I would dearly like to have played in. I didn’t, but I realised at the same time that I had a fairly good chance of being involved this weekend. It’s one thing to be dropped when you’re not playing well, another altogether when it’s a complete tactical decision.”