IRFU Napoleons must endeavour to get the most out of their provincial officers
NAPOLEON BONAPARTE was declared a very lucky little general by all those who fell at his sword. However, his luck was built on the quality of the officers in his ranks. Regardless of their ability, he found a valued spot for each and every one. Napoleon divided his officers into four groups (there are four provinces in Ireland); the first was the “diligent and intelligent” officer who would be employed as his staff officer, churning out very detailed, thought-out plans; the second was the “lazy and intelligent” officer who would be employed out in the field with the ability to understand but the laziness to shed the non-essential part of the “plan”; the “lazy and stupid” officer would be gainfully employed with non-essential work that had to be completed nonetheless; the fourth and final officer was by far the most dangerous, being the stupid, but very, very diligent officer who would create trouble everywhere he went!
Last week our four provinces squeezed two points from a possible 20. It’s hard to know from the above which province represents which officer but, at times, all four fell neatly into each category. There was no win and some very shady performances. This is a little worrying for the four, even at this early stage.
Of course this is where we must temper our expectations. Unbelievably, the European champions opened up in Wales to a half-full stadium. So even in rugby crazy Wales a slow start is expected.
Irish sport has developed massive expectations. The reaction to Tuesday night’s 1-0 victory over South Africa was predicable to a degree. “Disappointing”! Sitting in the stand as the South Africans ebbed and flowed throughout the park to the sound of their many vocal fans I couldn’t help but simply enjoy it all.
The Irish played a very limited but workman-like game while the South Africans were much more energetic, creating space and opportunities galore. Expectations are increasingly high in Ireland and no more so than in rugby where our 140 or so professional players are under pressure to not simply perform but also to win.
Last weekend Leinster were by far the hungrier and more organised. And with the new top four format both Leinster and Munster know they can leak a few matches and still make it. This will be a dangerous tactic as the weeks go by but in the meantime it will allow for more fringe players being “blooded”, which can only augur well.
The loss in itself won’t have angered the Leinster backroom too much, as the performance had merit. But winning is a habit and the lesson won’t be lost on the new boys. Regardless of the competition – when offered the chance, it should be taken.
Tomorrow’s match against the Dragons will provide a number of tests for Leinster. At 6ft 9in, Luke Charteris will challenge both Malcolm O’Kelly and Devon Toner in the middle of the lineout.
Their counter-rucking was excellent against Ulster last week and had Isaac Boss in real trouble. The damage is obvious to see at half back but Andrew Trimble, Simon Danielli and Timoci Nagusa were completely stunted by the Dragons’ physicality.
To foil the Dragons’ counter-rucking Leinster will need real physicality at the breakdown and will need a go-to man in midfield.
Gordon DArcy will add real oomph and should take pressure off the ever evolving Jonathan Sexton. Both Fergus McFadden and Shaun Berne need more game time to settle in, both defensively and offensively, but will get limited chances.
Furthermore, Leinster need to keep a close eye on Richard Fussell as he continues to fix drifting defences as he did so well last week against Ulster.
Ulster’s performance was horrible. Refer to the aforementioned fourth officer from above. They are now praying for Stephen Ferris return. Unfortunately Ulster are like a schools team waiting for their captain. He will be forced to provide miracles, which is a tad unfair on the 24 year-old.
Munster have wasted no time in augmenting their side for Cardiff. Once again, Tony Buckley has not grabbed the opportunity to oust John Hayes. Soon to be 36, Hayes is dare I say it, in danger of making it to over 100 international caps before the season is out.
Based on last weekend’s rugby there is no major threat to his number three jersey in Ireland. Combined with Alan Quinlan, Munster’s physicality will return. Quinlan is very much up against it for his first run out this season. Of similar vintage, Ma’ama Molitika, his opponent tonight, has been the outstanding “Welsh” number six and will test Quinlan in all aspects, especially carrying the ball. It’s the tie of the weekend where Munster must bring their famed physicality to the table.
Edinburgh will be a tough task for Connacht tonight. But I can’t help thinking that but for indiscipline – they were on the wrong end of the yellow card league table last year and conceded two more last week – Connacht would have beaten a very strong Ospreys. Key injuries this weekend won’t help.
Bloodgate trickles on as Scarlets prop Rhys Thomas has been cleared of foul play by the WRU Professional Disciplinary. On seeing Thomas’ use of the boot Scottish referee Neil Paterson had blown his whistle and dived for his yellow card long before Thomas second and more dangerous brain wave to rhino charge Shane Horgan at the base of a ruck. His club, recognising he got away very lightly, have given him the weekend off. Does he lose money as a result? If not he should be given a thousand lines à la Bart Simpson, I shall not use my head ever again . . . especially to think.
Clearly the IRFU Napoleon must use their four provinces over the campaigns astutely. Ulster are in trouble and need help. The loss of their captain Rory Best, along with so many old warriors, will take time to recover from. I hope they survive in the coming months while the repairs are made. Remember Napoleon conquered Europe before Saint Helena.
liamtoland@yahoo.com
