RUGBY ANALYST:Leinster will beat Edinburgh on Sunday but their Heineken journey will be limited , writes LIAM TOLAND

SEEING DON Roe Kissane’s five medals in the palm of his hand, from five attempts in the Leinster Schools’ Cup left me reminiscing on Wednesday evening as I read with envy his story in The Irish Times. I, too, played in five school cup competitions. But in my case I won none of them!

In fact my journey with St Clement’s Redemptorist College totalled seven matches including two replays. Some return from seven years schooling. However, I can recall every twist and turn throughout that journey where teachers John Sheehan, Tim Crowe, Alice Crowley and many others afforded us values that remain with me today.

On countless occasions squashed into the old broken-down school transit, we would make our way to Rockwell or Cork. The return journey was always the highlight, a sing-song and a pit-stop in Charleville.

Then after months of preparation the cup would arrive. It’s a few years back now, but I still recall the amazing occasions running out onto Musgrave and Thomond Park, chest bursting and ready to give your all for the cause.

St Clement’s for years had been overshadowed by St Munchin’s College and Crescent College Comprehensive in Limerick, not to mention Pres and Christians in Cork but the closest we came to progressing in the Senior Cup was a three-all draw against Rockwell. Unfortunately our captain overruled scrumhalf Robert Sheehan in taking a drop goal which would have secured a famous 6-3 victory. We lost the replay, mea culpa!

As a school boy I could never understand the profile the Leinster Schools’ earned. In my time it drew some derision that the Leinster Schools’ Cup received such coverage, to the extent that I truly believed that they were superior in every way.

But I’ve had the opportunity since to attend the derby matches in Donnybrook and they’re every bit as passionate as their equivalent throughout the country. It’s a wonderful journey to be on so I urge all schoolboys to enjoy every step, win, lose or draw. I assure you, it doesn’t get any better.

On to the big boys; the graduates. Munster, Leinster and Ulster deserve huge credit in the wake of last weekend. Obviously for different reasons. Stephen Ferris and Rocky Elsom had massive games but the highlight was David Wallace’s try against Sale Sharks.

What he has achieved down the years has been extraordinary, but in recent times he’s brought it to a new level with his back-to-back performances against the Ospreys and Sale Sharks.

On Tuesday evening the Old Crescent thirds went through their paces on a rain-sodden pitch. And for an hour and a half they all tried to emulate David Wallace bursting through the best defence in England on his way to the try line.

In that cameo Wallace managed to display what all Irish players should aim for. Always dominate the tackle and never ever quit. Munster are rightfully favourites to motor onwards.

Over the weeks I’ve pinned my colours to the mast, as far back as December 12th, I suggested that at 6 to 1 Leinster were an interesting option for the Heineken Cup. Then Castres arrived and suitable amounts of abuse with it! However, I’ve stayed solid on Leinster in the interim where from last week’s article I suggested that 21 points would secure their march, one from Wasps and five on Sunday. They managed to secure that one point.

So to Sunday. Unfortunately, there’s little room for error this weekend but I continue to see the silver lining on the cloud that is injury and suspension. Some time back myself and fellow tackle-bag holders were afforded an “opportunity” to stake a claim for our Leinster jersey. And as lambs to the slaughter, full of youth and innocence we tackled the mighty Llanelli full of seasoned internationals. Like schoolboys we tore into the mighty Welsh and left nothing behind. John McWeeney scored one of the finest tries I’ve ever seen which started well inside our 22 by an outrageous break from Andrew Dunne at 10.

My point? I was very angry as were many others because we were sick of waiting. That anger propelled us higher than our station to secure a very unlikely victory. So in order to win the European Cup final you need your best players all playing to their best. But in order to beat Edinburgh on Sunday, Leinster need the ingredients of passion, direction and a hunger filling the jersey all mixed with a table spoon of frustration for non-selection in the first place and anything can be achieved.

Look at Munster versus New Zealand. Ironically it could be with non-regulars such as Cian Healy, Trevor Hogan, Devon Toner and others who could provide the greatest chance of success.

Although Leinster will progress into the next round by beating Edinburgh, their journey may be limited. Based on his performance against Wasps, I wait in fear as the ball is transferred from Ica Nacewa’s hand to his foot. Where will it go? Over the last 10 years, 10 outhalves have filled the jersey. So Michael Cheika please, please, please put anybody in the 10 slot other than the very gifted but ultimately flawed New Zealander.

On the subject of selection, is there room for Elsom in the secondrow with a backrow of Shane Jennings, Seán O’Brien and Jamie Heaslip?

There’s a huge amount at stake this weekend beyond the Heineken Cup, as many seasoned internationals need big games to earn a place against France. Lions selection is hanging on one last big 80-minute performance.

PS: In a tough week for Connacht but with a huge amount to look forward to against Dax, it’s great to see Seán Cronin and John Muldoon receiving the Irish recognition they deserve.