Bulletproof Vesty set to take chances against Leinster

SAM VESTY has big boots to fill. At Lansdowne Road this afternoon he lines out in the full-back berth usually occupied by Geordan Murphy for the “biggest game of my life”.

The occasion will be made even sweeter as it marks the end of a potentially career-threatening injury nightmare.

“I was shocked when Pat Howard told me I was starting, but it’s a great opportunity to go and play in front of the biggest crowd I’ve ever faced. They don’t come much more important than this do they?” the 23-year-old said.

“It’s the biggest game of my life, I’m really excited and I just can’t wait to get out there and play.”

Vesty’s selection ahead of Austin Healey has raised a few eyebrows but he has remained unflappable under the high ball this term and has impressed head coach John Wells with his bravery and willingness to put his body on the line.

But he will be tested to the limit by a Leinster side who go into the game as number one seeds and with home advantage.

“Geordan has told us that they will be really up for it and I’m expecting them to test me out with a few high balls,” Vesty said.

“It’s hard work trying to treat this like any other game because it’s such a big one and I’ve been doing a bit more homework, video watching and thinking about what they might do.

“I get a bit nervous before games but I feel at home in the team now, so it’s not so bad.”

Vesty’s first Heineken Cup quarter-final experience is the culmination of a tremendous season which has seen him become the model of consistency during his 17 starts for the club.

And having spent six months out after a groin operation and lengthy rehabilitation from a series of “stingers”, he is enjoying every minute of playing time.

“When you are injured, you have days when you wonder if you will ever play again,” he said.

“It’s silly really but those thoughts do go through your mind.

“You think how happy you will be just to play another game. They were tough months but I’ve worked hard to come back.

“I feel I’ve been consistent all year and that has helped my confidence because I really feel part of the team now.”

They are sentiments supported by Wells, who said this week that Vesty had been “outstanding” all season and has consequently rewarded him with a new three-year contract.

“Moving to full-back has helped me because it’s given me a different view on the game,” Vesty said.

“I consider that to be my strongest position now and I feel at home there.

“I’ve learned massive amounts from Pat Howard and Geordan Murphy this year.

“Talking to Geordie about things like his attitude to counter-attacking is great and picking up things from him has made me a better player.

“Paddy is a great calming influence on us as a back division.

“He allows us to go out and play our natural game without fear of failure. He makes us feel confident about what we are trying to do.”