Dempsey: We have to rise to the challenge
GIRVAN Dempsey insists Leinster will have a head for heights when they play the Cheetahs at 4,000 feet above sea level on Friday night. The second game of the province’s Pro14 trip to south Africa sees the Blues play in Bloemfontaine, virgin territory for most of the squad. But after training in Johannesburg on arrival in the country last Wednesday, and buoyed by the bonus point win over the southern Kings in Port Elizabeth on saturday, Dempsey reckons the players are up for the challenge. “It was warm and we trained at altitude, which a lot of the guys would never have done before,” said the assistant coach. “It was just to give the players the opportunity to experience it in Johannesburg, to feel the heat. “We know it’s hard, so it was good for them to feel that initial shock to the system. “But after that it was, ‘hang on a minute, we’re actually fit enough, it’s okay. We can adapt to this’.” Dempsey himself played at that altitude in an Ireland jersey back in 2004, when the tourists were beaten 37-17 by the springboks. recalling that experience, the former full-back says it only became a problem late in the game. he added: “We’re happy with the way our game plan is set up and how we play the game so we’re not going to adapt for that. “We feel our fitness levels are strong enough. “We know it’s going to be a massive challenge against the Cheetahs because they do play at pace. “It’s just about managing that opportunity to control the tempo but when it’s on we up the tempo on them.” Leinster are boosted by the return of Isa Nacewa and Jamison Gibsonpark, who were denied entry into south Africa last week due to visa problems. And the Blues will have ross Byrne available to play at No.10 again if required, after concerns over an ankle injury proved unfounded. however, James ryan and Fergus Mcfadden will be monitored this week ahead of the Cheetahs clash.