Jackman: Kidney decision a ‘no-brainer’

BERNARD JACKMAN insists the appointment of Munster coach Declan Kidney as Ireland coach was a “no-brainer”.

The Leinster hooker was named in caretaker boss Michael Bradley’s squad for the summer dates with the Barbarians, Australia and New Zealand.

And after the Magners League champions defeat to Newport Gwent Dragons, Jackman reckons Kidney is the right man to lead Ireland when he takes up the post in the autumn.

Jackman, who has won nine caps, said: “I believe it was a no-brainer to pick Declan because he has done well with Munster and got them to another Heineken Cup final.

“He has done well right through the age groups, schools and club level so it’s the right choice.

“The Munster boys have told me he is very shrewd and very strong on the mental side of the game and how to get guys to peak.

“The difference between top level Heineken Cup rugby and international rugby is very small, and he’s done really well there, so it won’t be a big difference for him.

“I’ve come through this game okay so hopefully I will get an opportunity during the summer to impress Declan and the new regime and stake a claim for a jersey.”

Champions Leinster were blown away at Rodney Parade after conceding four tries in the opening quarter.

Steve Jones, Wayne Evans, Hugh Gustaffason and Phil Dollman all crashed over as Michael Cheika’s men were cut to pieces in defence.

Michael Berne’s brace — one try in either half — looked set to mount an incredible fight back for Leinster but Adam Black sealed victory for the Dragons over the new Magners League champions.

Newport-Gwent Dragons scorers: Tries: S. Jones, W. Evans, Gustaffason, Dolman, Black. Cons: Tovey 2, Sweeney.

NEWPORT-GWENT D’GONS: Morgan, Wyatt, Gomer-Davies, Dolman, Fussell, Tovey, W. Evans, Gustaffason, S. Jones, Palmer, Hall, Charteris, Charvis, Harris, Bearman. Replacements: Emerick for Dolman (56), Sweeney for Tovey (60), Walker for W. Evans (60), Daly for S. Jones (64), Black for Palmer (35), A. Jones for Charteris (54), L. Evans for Bearman (40).

Leinster scorers: Tries: Berne 2, Dempsey. Cons: Sexton. Pens: Sexton 3.

LEINSTER: Dempsey, Horgan, O’Driscoll, Berne, Brown, Sexton, Keane, Healy, Blaney, Knoop, Hogan, Toner, Jowitt, McLaughlin, Keogh. Replacements: Gomez for Berne (65), Warner for Keane (65), McCormack for Healy (50), Jackman for Blaney (50), Whitaker for Knoop (18), O’Kelly for Toner (50), Leyden for Jowitt (56).

Referee: Colin Stanley (Ireland).