Wasps sting Schmidt’s Leinster

FAR from a bright beginning for new Leinster coach Joe Schmidt as his side were given a lesson in organisation, intensity and clinical finishing by Shaun Edwards’ London-based boys in a friendly at Donnybrook last night.

In the third minute, Wasps wing Tom Varndell stretched away to the line as David Kearney and Ian Madigan were brushed aside far too easily. But the largely experimental Leinster collection of Academy, post-Academy and senior players soon settled, the spark for their revival being the immediate assurance of Luke Fitzgerald at full-back. Out of the game for ten months, Fitzgerald looked focussed, lean and mean.

Out-half Madigan kicked a 28th minute penalty and he found the target again in the 37th minute for a lead that didn’t last too long.