RUGBY MAGNERS LEAGUE:LEINSTER SHOULDER expectation, based primarily on the assumption that they are less compromised in personnel terms, even though they must travel to Wales for the second match in succession.
The Irish province overcame Llanelli 31-17 at Parc y Scarlets last time out and would like to stage manage a similar smash-and-grab routine against a team with whom they share the same number of points: the Ospreys are in second place by virtue of a superior points differential. Both sides can ill-afford to lose this match in their pursuit of league leaders Munster, who travel to the Dragons tomorrow.
The Ospreys players and management have been conscientiously positive and upbeat in their pre-match assertions that this game represents a wonderful opportunity for some younger players who won’t be cowed by occasion.
Coach Sean Holley enthused: “Undoubtedly it’s going to be a huge test for our young team, who will find themselves up against some real world-class stars in the Leinster team. It’s exactly the sort of test and experience we want for the likes of Kristian Phillips, Gareth Owen, Ed Shervington and Tom Smith, and it will stand them in good stead as they progress in their rugby careers.
“The side that we have named isn’t just about young talent though, we have some true Ospreys and very experienced players in our team and it’s an exciting combination. We are well aware of the challenge Leinster will bring but we are very, very focused, excited and mindful of the position we could put ourselves in come the end of this weekend.”
Leinster coach Michael Cheika has made only one alteration to the side that beat the Scarlets with Bernard Jackman returning at hooker.
Gordon D’Arcy will be particular keen to be given an opportunity to showcase his ability on the ball, something that didn’t really happen the last day. It wasn’t through lack of application.
He forms a midfield partnership with Fergus McFadden, the former Clongowes schoolboy furthering a rugby education for which he’s shown a great aptitude to date. Cheika has also elected to persevere with scrumhalf Paul O’Donohoe following his impressive competitive debut against the Scarlets and he will link up with Felipe Contepomi at halfback.
Shane Jennings, who will lead the team in a backrow that includes the outstanding Rocky Elsom and Cameron Jowitt, underlined the importance of Leinster following through on their display against the Scarlets.
“The victory in Llanelli was a very important result and it showed that with Munster also winning, you have to keep the pressure on the teams around you. It was great to see a number of the younger players step up to the mark. There were some good individual displays that night, but we know that we have to improve our discipline.
“Even though they (the Ospreys) are hampered by the unavailability of a few of their international players, they still have a quality squad. They have a powerful pack, a fearsome backrow and a dangerous backline; it will be a tough battle.”
Jennings, who previously captained several underage representative sides, enjoyed leading Leinster out for the first time against the Scarlets; it’s a role he again fulfils tonight.
“I enjoyed captaining the team against Llanelli, but with so many leaders in the dressingroom, the role isn’t as prominent nowadays.
“If I feel that there’s something that needs to be said, I’ll say it, but there are a number of leaders who will speak up. The important thing is that there is collective responsibility and that we’re heading together in the same direction as a team.”
It’s Leinster’s good fortune to play the Ospreys this weekend but that statement will only apply if the defending champions go on and win the game. This represents the first in a series of pivotal matches in the upcoming four weeks that will define Leinster’s season.
While they wouldn’t admit to it publicly there will be tougher days ahead so anything other than winning tonight would constitute a huge missed opportunity.
HOW THEY STAND
PWDLFABPPts
Munster11803235180436
Ospreys11704244165533
Leinster11713245168333
Scarlets11605232223226
Edinburgh11506224212626
Glasgow 11506213217626
Newport 11506201251525
Ulster 11407207198622
Cardiff 11416220232422
Connacht11308121296113
MATCH STATISTICS
OSPREYS:G Owen; J Vaughton, S Parker, A Bishop, K Phillips; D Biggar, J Nutbrown; P James (capt), E Shervington, C Griffiths; F Levi, A Lloyd; T Smith, M Holah, F Tiatia. Replacements:M Breeze, C Mitchell, R Pitman, S Tandy, R Wells, J Spratt, D Bishop.
LEINSTER:G Dempsey; S Horgan, F McFadden, G D'Arcy, I Nacewa; F Contepomi, P O'Donohoe; C Healy, B Jackman, S Wright; T Hogan, M O'Kelly; C Jowitt, S Jennings (capt), R Elsom. Replacements:S Knoop, B Blaney, D Toner, S O'Brien, C Whitaker, J Sexton, S Keogh.
Referee:Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland)
Last meeting:At RDS – Leinster 19 Ospreys 13.
Leading points scorers:Ospreys – James Hook 95. Leinster – Felipe Contepomi 130.
Leading try scorers:Ospreys – James Hook, Nikki Walker 3 each.
Leinster – Luke Fitzgerald 5.
Verdict:Leinster to win.
