Leamy ready for tough Namibian test
The likelihood is that the backs will have a field day and wingers Andrew Trimble and Denis Hickie will help themselves to a feast of tries.
However, the task awaiting the back-row trio of Simon Easterby, David Wallace and Denis Leamy may be tougher, the trio are only too well aware that if there is anything approaching true world-class talent in the opposing side, it rests among their opposite numbers.
“I’ve been watching a few of their games and they have a very good back row, it’s where they are strongest and they’re especially good on the deck,” says Leamy. “Their number eight is a big player and their main line-out option. A lot of their play goes through the back row. Still, we need to go out and put up a good performance and let the scoreboard look after itself.”
Eddie O’Sullivan made no secret of his concern about the nagging shoulder injury that was bothering the 25-year-old, 23-times capped hard man from Cashel. The player himself, though, has no concerns.
“I’ve been back in contact for the last week and a half and it was a little sore but it really settled down for the past couple of days,” he said. “I’m very confident that it will be fine. You’re never going into a game 100%. Rugby is the wrong game for you if you think that.”
Another outstanding back row forward who is no stranger to the ravages of injury is David Wallace. He and Leamy have toiled together for Munster and Ireland over the years and the Tipp man doesn’t conceal his joy that the number seven has battled his way back to fitness.
“It’s great to have him back. We know each other’s games inside out and that’s what you want at this level.”
Although he won’t celebrate his 26th birthday until November 27, it’s difficult to believe that this is his first World Cup. But he laughs at the suggestion, recalling that “I was a student at UCC at the time of the 2003 World Cup and still hadn’t broken into the Munster squad”. “If you’d asked me four years ago, if I’d be here today, I’d have been fairly iffy. I always wanted to play for Ireland but to get to a World Cup with a very good team and going with a chance maybe we didn’t have before, it’s great to be involved.”
Feisty is an adjective that comes to mind when you think of Leamy. Perhaps it’s because he was a member of Rockwell teams that often were forced to play the role of underdog, he tended to be ultra-competitive. When it didn’t work out, Denis could, shall we say, let off a bit of steam. The odd unnecessary penalty was conceded. Not any more.
“My discipline has improved over the years and my understanding of the game has developed a lot,” he claims.
“I think the skill side of my game was always good, I was always decent in the tackle. Sometimes, I did stupid things that let me down but I’ve developed a better understanding.
“The thought of playing five matches and even more in the World Cup doesn’t daunt me. They are going to be very physical games, especially those against France and Argentina. But that’s why you play rugby, to test yourself against the best.”
Leamy comes from a staunch GAA part of Tipperary and owes his rugby fame to his schooldays at Rockwell College.
His family, led by parents Kevin and Anne, are understandably very proud of him and as many as 32 of the family will be in France.
“The people around Cashel have bought into the Munster thing and having their own representative makes them pretty proud,” he says. “Whether all 32 get tickets or not I don’t know but they’re coming.”
You sense what they’ll see from one of their own will be very special indeed.
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