Leinster suffer out-half crisis as Contepomi faces extended layoff

LEINSTER’S worst fears were confirmed yesterday evening when influential out-half Felipe Contepomi was ruled out for up to six weeks as a result of medial ligament damage he suffered on duty with Argentina in Paris last weekend.

Contepomi will now miss the two crucial Heineken Cup games against Agen in Lansdowne Road and Stade Armandie in December, but he should be available for selection for the remaining two Pool 5 fixtures in January.

Leinster hope Contepomi will be fit by the first weekend of the New Year at the latest, and Michael Cheika will be eager to hand him some much needed game time in the Magners League game against the Ospreys in Donnybrook on January 5th if at all possible.

With the Buenos Aires native unavailable, Leinster are struggling at number ten. Andy Dunne and Jonathan Sexton lack experience at this level, while Christian Warner’s form has not been comforting in recent months.

Girvan Dempsey is one possible alternative, making yesterday’s confirmation that he has been given the all-clear by doctors all the more welcome.

The Terenure man faced a mandatory three-week lay-off if it was found that he had suffered concussion as a result of a knock to the head against the Pacific Islanders at Lansdowne Road last Sunday.

Cheika will be hoping that whoever does deputise for Contepomi will have the same success as young Cillian Willis, who stepped into the breach at number nine last month when the province experienced a similar crisis at scrum-half.

Willis was propelled to a first team debut after injuries to Chris Whitaker and Guy Easterby and the 21-year-old displayed great confidence and assuredness over the last six weeks.

He excelled on his Heineken Cup debut at home to Gloucester and also played in Edinburgh showing the sort of impressive form that resulted in him receiving a call up the Ireland ‘A’ squad for their recent game against Australia in Thomond Park.

So assured was he that he was yesterday named the Bank of Scotland (Ireland) Leinster Player of the Month for October/November after a string of impressive performances.

Willis said: “To be honest, getting a few games under my belt recently has given me a massive boost and I was pleased with how I performed. Most importantly, it was a good few weeks for the team.

“We’re in a decent position in the Magners League and want to bounce back strongly in the Heineken Cup. We’re all hoping to put in a few more good performances in December with three Irish derbies and two huge Heineken Cup games against Agen. I am delighted to receive this award and the recognition of our loyal supporters.”