Marmion keen to test himself against best

Connacht scrum-half Kieran Marmion is one of several young players looking to prove a point against his more illustrious Leinster opponents in tonight’s Sportsground fixture.

A member of the Ireland extended squad since the summer tour to North America, Marmion has yet to win an international cap, but reckons tonight’s match is a real opportunity to stake a claim.

“I would say they [Leinster backs] are getting on a bit. A lot of them are in their thirties, so that’s getting on in rugby terms. Most of them have been there and done it, so to test ourselves against them at this stage in their careers is a good opportunity. Obviously they will be moving in a few years’ time and there will be spaces for people who put their hands up, so no better stage than tonight for us to do so.”

Although only 21, Marmion can count himself among the more experienced of the Connacht backs who line out tonight. Already with 37 caps in just two seasons since his debut against Cardiff on September 2012, Marmion partners Academy outhalf Jack Carty, selected over Dan Parks, for his first senior cap, while Darragh Leader plays in his fourth league fixture, replacing the injured Gavin Duffy.

“Yes, it is a young side and it’s obviously going to be tough against a side of well established internationals, but we are ready to test ourselves — a good challenge. Up front they are traditionally strong, but they are missing Sean O’Brien who is a huge player for them. However, they are dangerous all over the park, but specially in their backs, seeing who they have selected.

“I have played with Jack, Robbie [Henshaw] and Darragh coming up through the Academy. Although it is Jack’s first start, you wouldn’t think so — the way he trains, gives orders, and he is more than capable of running the game himself.

“It is also a chance to avenge last October’s gut-wrenching 16-13 defeat at the RDS when Marmion’s 13th minute try nearly saw Connacht over the line. However he joined Ronan Loughney in the sinbin and, reduced to 13 players, Connacht could not hold out as Leinster were awarded a penalty try at the death.

“Yeah, it was harsh. We were pretty disappointed because we were in a position to win that game, but two yellow cards, and I was one of them.

We were under a lot of pressure at the end, and I just misread the situation — I thought [Isaac] Boss had his hands on the ball. He kind of dummied; he did me over so it was a pretty deserved yellow card for that. So there is a bit of drive because of what happened, but we are focusing on ourselves and our own roles.”

This time round Marmion is up against Ireland scrum-half Eoin Reddan, also a former Connacht player, who first came to Marmion’s attention when playing for Wasps.

“I enjoy playing against Eoin and I have been in camp with him where he was a good help to me. It’s a good challenge to test myself against him with his 50 odd caps and to see where I am and to hold my up and try to prove a point.”

Born in England to Irish parents, Marmion lived in Brecon, but attended Kirkham Grammar School in Lancashire. After coming to the attention of Mike Ruddock and the Irish Exiles programme when studying at the University of Cardiff, he was recruited to Nigel Carolan’s Connacht Academy in 2011. Since making his senior debut last season, he has not only made the No 9 jersey his own, but, with four tries, is also the province’s highest try scorer.

“One of our strengths has been our forwards’ set piece this year so it is where we will be looking to get on top and get go-forward ball so we can use the young backs we have. We have improved from last year the way we go forward and that has made a huge difference. If you are going forward, gaps open up for players like myself.”