‘Mature’ McGrath relishing new-look Leinster environment

GRANTED it is only seven weeks into the new season but there have been plenty of signs both on and off the pitch that Leinster’s swagger of old is on its way back.

Performances have been far from f lawless but, then again, Leo Cullen is still putting his own stamp on the team. There has been a noticeable shift back to a more expansive type of game, which was typified by the fact that they made 14 off loads in last Sunday’s bonuspoint win over Treviso.

The returning Ireland internationals have given the squad another boost and while those that didn’t feature in Italy last weekend are expected to return on Friday against league leaders Scarlets, Jack McGrath admitted that the freshness in the Leinster squad has made it easier to come back into the environment.

McGrath was one of the few Irish players to emerge from another disappointing World Cup campaign with his reputation enhanced and he must fancy his chances of remaining ahead of Cian Healy in the pecking order, for now at least.

“I was happy with my performances but obviously we came up a bit short so that was pretty disappointing. But I took a lot of confidence from my own performances,” the loosehead prop said. “I suppose every time you play in an international game you learn something. I would probably be more confident now.

“I turned 26 over there so I’m no longer in the under 25 bracket so you have to be a bit more mature.

“It’s always exciting getting back playing with Leinster, playing with your province. There’s a new coaching staff, it really is an exciting time and with the players we have back as well. The quality is there so it was great to be back. It’s a new challenge trying to learn all the plays in the week but I thought we did pretty well.”

Leinster face a crucial period in the coming weeks when they play Scarlets, Wasps, Bath, Toulon (twice) as well as Ulster and Glasgow. It’s the type of period that will define their season and for that reason, McGrath insists that the returning internationals cannot dwell on the World Cup exit.

“It’s back to business. The World Cup has been forgotten about and it’s into Leinster mode now.

“It has to be. It (pain) does linger but you have to forget about it. It’s a different environment, different coaches, different team. You just have to get straight back into it and learn your plays. I think there’s a good buzz.”