Where are all the leaders gone?

IF IRELAND’S bid for Six Nations glory ended in anti-climax as a result of Elvis Vermeulen's injury time try against Scotland, the feeling of disappointment was far more acute after the exit of Munster and Leinster from the Heineken Cup last weekend.

A season that promised so much and featured the highs of Croke Park has come to a premature end in the worst possible manner. With due respects to the Magners League, it bears no resemblance to its European counterpart, particularly at the business end of the season.

The overwhelming problem at Stradey and Adams Park in London was the lack of leadership once again evident in the absence of Ireland’s talismen, Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell. This problem first raised its head against Australia and New Zealand in November 2005 when both inspirational figures were absent.