Gopperth sees no post-Jonny weakness

Jimmy Gopperth may never have made it as an All Black but that doesn’t make him a sub-standard out-half.

When Dan Carter is blocking your way, not to mention Nick Evans and Stephen Donald, your chances are going to be limited.

So it shouldn’t be interpreted as a slight on Jonny Sexton when the former Hurricanes, Blues and Newcastle Falcons No 10 suggests Leinster won’t be weakened much, if at all, by the Irish international’s move to France.

To be fair to Gopperth (inset), it is not like he is saying that he alone will make up for the deficit. He knows all about the ability possessed by his rival for the starting berth, Ian Madigan.

“With myself and Mads, I don’t think — to be fair to Jono — we’re losing too much” says Gopperth.

“We will be biting at each other’s heels and that enthusiasm we bring might just blossom amongst the group. We have got so many talented players right throughout the back line, anyone could be a star. I think we’re a rounded group and that’s the beauty of it. There are only three or four of us coming in, so everything is kind of the same. It has not changed too much and it is up to us to get used to the environment and the structures in place.”

Madigan’s ascension to the throne vacated by Sexton has been treated as a fait accompli by most, but it comes as no surprise that Gopperth (30) hasn’t come to Ireland just for the surfing, which he has already sampled.

“[The competition] is healthy for both. You want to go into a team where you have two, three, four guys pushing for one position because it brings the best out of everybody. If you just get it too easy and you know you’re No 1 you can let your form slip. This way we can be on each other’s heels. There are a couple of young guys who will be pushing us as well.”

Certainly, he sees his style of play as fitting the Leinster blueprint and, if enthusiasm is a measure, will prove a valued member of the squad.

“I thrive on attack. I’ve also learned over the years at Newcastle and in the Premiership that I can control my kicking game and, as any out-half, I like to kick goals. I love running with the ball and love defending. I love playing rugby full stop, throw me in anywhere and I’ll have a crack.”