Second row second nature for Leinster rookie Jennings

MATURITY is supposed to come only with age but Leinster’s rookie flanker Shane Jennings appears to be an exception.

The 23-year-old might be chomping at the bit ahead of today's Heineken Cup clash with Bourgoin at Lansdowne Road (5.15pm) but he's also happy to let others hog the limelight.

At underage level, Jennings has done it all, played for Irish Schools, the U-19s and U-21s. True, he might not have been in today's game but for a long-term injury to Keith Gleeson, but the opportunity is one he fully deserves.

Faced with the observation that he is by far the least experienced of the Leinster back row Victor Costello and Eric Miller have vast international know-how between them he allows himself a laugh.

"It takes some heat off me and puts a lot of pressure on them," he says.

"No, it's great to be on the same team. Everyone knows they are two quality players and it will be nice to have that experience to call upon."

While this will only be Jennings' third start in the Heineken Cup, he has five caps for Leinster in Europe and a total of 30 in all competitions.

These came after winning four caps for the schools, four for the U-19s and nine for Ireland U-21s.

That all adds up to an impressive record which suggests his status within the provincial set-up is no accident. His colleagues, the fans and, more importantly coach Declan Kidney, all rate him highly.

There has been much discussion about the difference between Celtic League and Heineken Cup, and

Jennings concurs with the view that European rugby is just a notch or two higher in terms of intensity.

"The Celtic League is tough in its own way, particularly when you come up against teams packed with international players. The Heineken Cup is at a different level though. I made my debut against Biarritz last year and found that the pace of the game was different. The hits were much the same but games fly by faster."

Jennings is aware of the viewpoint that Leinster have underachieved in the past but he believes that is about to change.

"It is something we spoke about at the start of the season. There was a realisation there that we could be the best team in Ireland but that we also could be the worst team if we didn't apply ourselves."

Two seasons ago, Leinster looked poised to make it through to the Heineken Cup final. Perpignan stood between them and possible glory.

Jennings wasn't party to the self-destruct button pushed by Leinster but knows his colleagues are still hurting.

"It was something they all felt should not have happened, but it did and it goes to show nothing can be taken for granted. It showed how difficult it is to win games at this level."

That message has been stressed over and over by coach Kidney, leaving Jennings in no doubt about what needs to be done on both a personal and collective level.

"Declan has told us that everything is really in our own hands, it's up to us to reach the level of performance we know we are capable of.

"He is a very good coach in every respect, the first guy to give you a kick up the backside but also the first to give you a pat on the back when he feels you deserve it. It's straight up, everyone knows where they stand. He will tell you when you're not doing stuff right but he will also give you the solution to it, so it's a nice way to be with a coach."

With two starts behind him (against Treviso and Bath), Jennings expects a different type of challenge today.

"The French, any French team, pose different types of problems, as I found out when I played against them at underage level. I don't suppose I'll have seen anything like the intensity before but I'm looking forward to it.

"They'll be strong up front and all French sides are capable of varying the game. It will be a big test for me but I suppose it will be a good way to judge where I stand."

Although acknowledging that his ball-carrying skills are not at the same level as the David Wallaces of this world, Jennings feels his particular style of play can help Leinster to a third straight victory.

"I wouldn't be in the same league as David (Wallace) from that point of view. I'll be more interested in getting stuck in and trying to cause as much havoc as possible at the breakdown. That's the way I like to play."

And it's clear Kidney likes his style as well.

"He has come back from a shoulder reconstruction last year and has shown courage and professionalism since," says the coach.

"His link work between backs and forwards has been very good for us and he is a great guy to get in and around any loose ball, either poaching it or slowing up possession for the opposition.

"He has the attributes of what the coaching manual says he should have for a number seven rugby player. A predator would be a reasonable description. He is still young and I believe he is only going to get better."

The Leinster fans will hope he peaks this afternoon, and that he and his more illustrious and experienced colleagues take another step on the rocky road to the quarter-finals.

LEINSTER: G. Dempsey, S. Horgan, B. O'Driscoll, F. Contepomi, D. Hickie, D. Holwell, G. Easterby, R. Corrigan (captain), S. Byrne, E. Byrne, L. Cullen, M. O'Kelly, E. Miller, V. Costello, S. Jennings.

BOURGOIN: D. Janin, L. Soucaze, G. Esterhuizen, A. Peclier, J. F. Coux, F. Gengenbacher, M. Albina, J. Castex, W. Bonet, F. Pucciariello, A. Mazel, P. Pape, A. Driollet, M. A. Ruiz. J. Bonnaire.

Referee: Hugh Watkins (WRU).