Kiss urges new leaders to emerge

IN the absence of so many experienced players, Les Kiss, Ireland’s defence coach, has called on Jamie Heaslip and Tomás O’Leary to show leadership qualities during the forthcoming three-match tour of New Zealand and Australia.

Ireland face the daunting task of taking on the All Blacks, the Maori and Australia in the space of a fortnight, starting in Rotorua on Saturday week. Prior to leaving for New Zealand on Saturday next, the squad will have been involved in a game against the Barbarians at Thomond Park on the previous night, all without a number of injured players, most notably Paul O’Connell and Rory Best, whom coach Declan Kidney has frequently described as two of the chief leaders in his squad.

“Well, based on what we’ve had in the past they have definitely been the core of our leadership group but I’d venture to say with each province as they’ve developed over the last two years and particularly this year, there are some key guys who are really putting their hands up,” said Kiss. “And it’s probably time for them to put their hand up even further, so the opportunity is there now for the Jamie Heaslips.