Cronin: Scrum time with Feek working wonders

HE’S not playing as regularly as he did in a Connacht jersey, but Sean Cronin is still convinced making the move to Leinster has made him a better player.

The hooker is a hugely destructive at wrecking-ball in the loose, but his line-out throwing and work in the scrum hasn’t always been of such a high calibre. Since coming to Leinster though, and working on a daily basis with scrum-coach Greg Feek, the progress he’s making on that front has been apparent.

“It has been great to have a full time scrum coach,” he admitted. “I have learnt a lot of things from him and tried to implement them. Even different areas around the pitch, he has been helping me with my throwing and breakdown work. Things are ticking along nicely but I need a bit more consistency. I am doing some things well, and just trying getting a balance on all round stuff.

“My throwing has come on and I am happy with that. There is always stuff to be working on, especially with the coaching staff here under Joe. He is always looking for you to excel and be the best player you can be. There is no resting on your laurels here.”

He had a slow enough start to his life with Leinster after returning from the World Cup as he took some time to familiarise himself with Joe Schmidt’s rugby blue-print. But, in recent matches, he’s made a significant impact.

He produced another forceful performance last weekend against Ulster when he showcased his ability to make a real impact in the loose by popping up on the left wing and powering over for a first-half try.

Over 30 yards he’s as quick as even the most fleet-footed backs in the Leinster squad, though he’s found out the hard way that he earns as much flack as praise from his team-mates when he does his best Brian Habana impression.

“I was getting a bit of slagging for showing up there [the wing] over the last couple of games but it was just the way the play went, back and forth,” said Cronin. “It was a brilliant pass by Ian Madigan to put me in for that try. I have to thank him for that one.

“Things are going alright. I’m getting over the line for a few scores. Even though I only had to fall over the line at the weekend. So it’s is going well and I’m just glad to get a bit of game time.”

Connacht must surely wish they could still call on former players Cronin, Fionn Carr and Jamie Hagan, who moved to Leinster in the summer, because after a positive start they’ve struggled badly in recent weeks.

Anything other than a Leinster victory when the two teams meet in the Sportsground tomorrow would be a shock, but Cronin himself knows only too well the sight of the Leinster crest is all the Connacht players need to rev themselves up for a massive effort.

“Yeah, when I was there for three seasons we did particularly well against Leinster for some reason. It was easy to get up for the game.

“They have been extremely unlucky not to get wins from the games I have seen them play on TV this season. Even against Munster last weekend they were just struggling to get over the line. But once you get a couple of wins under your belt, then you start getting a rub of the green.

“I know they are on a bit of a losing streak at the minute but form goes out of the window in these type of derby games. They will be targeting this game as a way to get the season back on track. From being in the Connacht changing room I know how hungry they are going to be for this game.”