FORMER Ireland hooker John Murphy (Greystones) will take a step back in time when he sits on the bench for Leinster against Australia at Lansdowne Road tonight at 7.0 (Network 2: 6.55). Murphy retired from representative rugby two years ago, but has answered the call of the province because of injuries. Leinster had left the vacancy for a replacement hooker when the team was announced on Sunday. Both Shane Byrne, and James Blaney are injured so Leinster turned to Murphy.
Murphy, in fact, won his only international cap against Australia four years ago, and captained the Leinster team when the province last played against the Wallabies, in October 1992. Leinster lost that match 38-11.
Leinster field three players tonight who played in the 1992 game. Outhalf Alan McGowan made his debut for the province that afternoon, while centre Martin Ridge and fullback Ciaran Clarke also played.
The tangible connections on the Australian side are represented by two `survivors', Jason Little in the centre and Tim Gavin in the second row, but Gavin played at number eight four years ago.
Australia go into the match with a 100 per cent record on their tour, and will be seeking their ninth consecutive victory in this, their last match in preparation for the centrepiece of their Irish visit, the international on Saturday.
The match completes Leinster's assignments this season. They have had an arduous programme and it has basically been a disappointing season for them. They lost their Interprovincial title and defeats by Llanelli and Leicester saw them fail to emulate last season's achievement of reaching the knock out[, stages of the European Cup.
They were unlucky against Leicester and then ended the European campaign with two good wins, against Borders and Pau. "We ended the European campaign on the right note and the team played well," said Leinster manager Jim Glen non last night, as Leinster completed their preparations.
"We have come good towards the end of our campaign and we are up and ready for this match. Leinster have never beaten a major touring, team and that is a huge incentive for our players. A win over Australia, and they do not come much bigger in the game than the Wallabies would be a tremendous way for us to end our season," said Glennon. And so it would.
Forward power rather than flair has been the notable characteristic of the Australians two matches to date in Ireland. Not that the Wallabies are without ability behind the scrum and the ability to capitalise on opportunity. Leinster must, however, be able to deal with the Australians up front to have any hope of recording what would be an historic success and a great achievement.
The Wallabies pack tonight is nothing as strong as the forward unit that played against Ulster on Saturday and, of course, their ball winners in the line out, Warwick Waugh and John Eales, will be absent. But, players such as Owen Finegan and Tim Gavin are in the eight and it is still a strong unit.
The selection of Pat Howard at out half could be an indication of thinking as regards the test team, and Little returns to the centre after injury to bring his own considerable influence to bear on the midfield.
The Leinster half backs, Alan McGowan and Alain Rolland, must use possession shrewdly and vary their game. Leinster cannot afford any loose kicking and any missed tackles. The match offers the province a great opportunity to record an historic victory. It could be within their capabilities.
Australia had not completed their replacement line up last night and they may have prop Dan Crowley on the bench. He joins the party this morning as replacement for the injured prop Richard Harry.
This afternoon at Donnybrook the Leinster under 21 team will take on, the new Zealand Youth side in what should be a very entertaining match.
The New Zealanders have lost two of their three matches to date in Ireland, against Ireland and Munster. They will be anxious not to endure a third defeat. They may be hard pressed to avoid it against the Leinster youngsters.
