We’ve got our preparations just right, says Leamy
Leamy says Ireland are better prepared than ever and says the mix of warm-up games against Scotland, Bayonne and now Italy is perfect, even allowing for unsavoury incidents from Ireland’s French opponents last week.
His regret was that Brian O’Driscoll was the unfortunate victim of a punch and that Ireland had some lapses in concentration at various stages of the game.
“Otherwise,” he said, “it was a useful workout; it was physical and played at a fast pace. I thought we played quite well. It was a step up in form from the Scottish match, so that can be viewed in a positive light.
“It’s all about getting game time right now. You can train all you like, and we have trained and prepared for the World Cup very well, but now is the time to get out on the pitch and take the hits and cope with all the things that you’re going to have to cope with in the upcoming tournament. There is nothing like the real thing,” he said.
Two short years ago, Leamy wouldn’t have seen himself as first-choice Irish number eight, but he is well pleased that he made the switch.
He said: “I feel very comfortable in the position these days; I’ve come to grips with the little things that you’ve got to get used to as an eight.”
Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan is a fan of the adaptable player, of which Leamy is one. He once figured at centre for Munster and has moved through the three back row positions as required.
“I see myself as an eight but if Eddie or any other coach wanted me to do a job at six or seven, I wouldn’t have a problem,” he said.
As Leamy has progressed and developed into a highly-respected international player, he has noted the improvement within the squad as well. This is his fourth year associated with the national side and he has grown with a number of young talented players who broke into the squad around the same time.
“When I first made it, there were older, more experienced heads but they’re all gone and several guys have taken the step up, guys like Andrew Trimble, Tommy Bowe and Stephen Ferris. It’s nice to see guys getting and taking the opportunity.
“Four years might appear to be a short time, but there has been a huge improvement in that time; the standard requirement in training has risen and risen each year; players work harder to go the extra mile and skill levels have improved significantly.
“All of the players know what has to be done to continue that improvement and they’re prepared to go to extraordinary lengths to get there. From that point of view, we really have come a long way.”
Leamy hinted that but for others, there might be a hint of mild laziness in his genes.
But, he says, there is no room to sit back when surrounded by players such as Donncha O’Callaghan, Ronan O’Gara and Paul O’Connell to mention a few.
“Some guys are what you might term obsessive about training and wanting to improve. Donncha is surely one of those; everything he does is channelled towards the one thing — improvement. His diet is immaculate, his gym work has to be seen to be believed and when you get guys like that you just want to try to match them.”
These days, diet is of crucial importance to drive players and teams towards success. Leamy carefully monitors his intake of food, ensuring that he abides by the rules — mostly.
Everyone has limits, and he does enjoy the odd few pints after a game and maybe one food treat per week, a pizza or a burger and chips. “None of us would have more than a few drinks on the weekend after a game and some wouldn’t even touch one,” he said, “You have to be careful not to beat yourself up before having to prepare for the next match, but it’s important to allow yourself a treat day for the food that mightn’t be as good for you as the stuff on your normal diet!”
As Ireland prepare for tonight’s clash with Italy, Leamy has promised not to hold back. “The World Cup is only one game away and there’s always the danger of injury, but I think you’re more likely to suffer injury by trying to be careful to avoid it,” he said.
He added: “In that sense I think there can be no holds barred and there shouldn’t be anyway because everyone wants to have a decent dress rehearsal before the tournament begins. We want to say we can hit the ground running.”
And Ireland’s realistic prospects in the World Cup? Leamy hasn’t set a target of anything less than winning the Webb Ellis trophy but cautioned against rampant optimism. However, he did say with a smile: “I think we will do very well.”
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