Squad fit and ready for Castres clash, Murphy says

Leinster kicking coach Richie Murphy has given a very positive outlook on the squad ahead of a crucial two weeks in European Rugby.

The squad trained in UCD today ahead of their trip to face Castres in the Heineken Cup on Sunday afternoon.

Apart from long-term absentee Sean O’Brien, Rhys Ruddock emerged as Matt O’Connor’s only real concern for the game.

Ruddock was replaced in the win over Connacht in the Pro 12 at the weekend with a calf strain, but Richie Murphy is confident he will be fit for selection.

Meanwhile, Luke Fitzgerald, who became ill on Saturday before the game out in Galway, took full part in today’s training session and will be fit to travel if selected.

Murphy said “From the weekend, a couple of lads picked up a few knocks but we are expecting them to all be fit for the weekend.”

“Rhys Ruddock has a slight calf strain but he should be ok and Aaron Dundon picked up a knock on his shoulder and that will be assessed later on in the week but we are hoping he will be ok.”

Following the game against Connacht at the weekend, Leinster have an eight-day turn around ahead of the trip to France. Murphy believes that gives them a slight advantage, but said the week after will prove a slightly tougher test.

“We get an extra couple of days for training and a little bit more rest built into the week," he said.

"There is an advantage to have an eight day turn-around but next week that will be five days, so over the two weeks it’s going to be a tough period.”

Ever since Leinster scored four tries to beat Northampton Saints in Franklins Gardens, they have failed to fire from any cylinder. They were well beaten in the return game at the Aviva, which was followed by a loss to Edinburgh in Murrayfield.

Although they have won their last two games against Ulster at home and Connacht away, they have only scored two tries, one in each game in that time.

They travel to a Castres side, third in the French Top 14 and third in the pool 1 table and having lost two games in the Heineken Cup already, qualification for the quarter finals is statistically out of

their hands.

However a win over Leinster would take qualification right down to the wire as all of the teams have lost two games already, bar Ospreys, who have lost three.

Richie Murphy knows well the size of the task facing Leinster this weekend.

“They are a very good side, they are going very well in France at the moment unbeaten at home in the Top 14 for over a year now.”

“It’s a very difficult place to go, I think they have only conceded five tries at home this year so it’s going to be a tough task but it is a task we look forward to.” Murphy said.

By Dan Pitcher