Tipp man set to face former boss in semis
The Munster No 8 burst onto the scene during the 2002/03 season when Alan Gaffney, currently the Saracens director of rugby, succeeded Declan Kidney’s as provincial head coach for a three-year term.
Though making just five appearances in his first year under the affable Australian, Leamy learnt the ropes and became part of the Munster machine during Gaffney’s progressive reign, a period in which they contested two Heineken Cup semi-finals in 2003 (against Toulouse, lost 13-12) and 2004 (versus London Wasps, lost 37-32).
Leamy will no doubt look back fondly on his early days in a red shirt and Gaffney’s contribution in his development as a rising back row operator, who is comfortable across all three positions.
It was during Gaffney’s reign that the Tipperary man also won a first international cap — against the USA Eagles in November 2004.
Leamy returned to his explosive best at the foot of the Munster pack last weekend in their remarkable Heineken Cup quarter-final win over Gloucester. And the Boherlahan-Dualla man is looking forward to reuniting with Gaffney later this month.
“We have given ourselves a fighting chance in the semi-final, albeit on the road again. We’re still there and we have a lot to play for before the end of the season,” says Leamy, who this week faces into a huge battle against Magners League pace-setters, Leinster.
Leamy, who returned to the No 8 position having played at six for Munster’s last four pool games, will never forget the experience of winning in front of Gloucester’s famous Shed Stand. It’s a memory he will cherish forever.
“Going over there you have to be well aware of what the place is like. They’re passionate and they’re proud, they have a very similar tradition to ourselves, and to arrive and come out an hour and a half before kick off to see The Shed completely full, you just get a realisation of how serious this place is about rugby. To come out and weather the first-half storm — I know we got a bit of luck with the missed penalties for Paterson — that probably played a big part in the game. I know it was unfortunate for him but great for us. We got the try going in at half-time, which was vital, and to come out and weather another storm and get another try, we were in the driving seat. It was fantastic, we were delighted with it.”
Meanwhile, Munster assistant coach Tony McGahon has backed Declan Kidney to replace Eddie O’Sullivan at the Irish helm.
Said McGahon: ““His man management is extremely good and his record speaks for itself. I certainly would find it perplexing these other foreign names being bandied around without looking here. I find it difficult bringing names out for the sake of it.”
McGahon admits that the loss of Kidney would be a huge blow to the province: “He has a strong affinity with the supporters and a strong affinity with the history of Munster rugby.
“A lot of good things that happened with Munster rugby has happened while he’s been at the helm,” he told Newstalk.
Munster’s Magners League game against Ulster which was postponed (due to snowy conditions) on January 4 has been re-fixed for Tuesday, April 29, (7pm) — two days after Munster’s Heineken Cup semi-final away to Saracens.
The new date means that Ulster will play two home games in four days. Ulster have five league matches left and as they battle to secure their future in the Heineken Cup.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
