Leinster need to eradicate complacency creeping into game
IN RECENT seasons, the interpro series has been a confidence-booster and performance barometer which has helped Leinster to take on and beat Europe’s finest clubs. This season, though, Leinster have struggled through this mini campaign in recent weeks and while the management policy may focus on the Champions Cup pool games ahead, there are glaringly obvious flaws in recent performances.
Over the last few years of the club’s success, the interpro series and the PRO14 has been the foundation on which success was built. The attitude was, if you can perform amongst those who know you best, you will not struggle on the European stage.
This worked over the years but this season’s home competition provided more than just preparation – it highlighted warning signs for both Leinster and Ireland for the season ahead.
No other series in the history of the competition has provided a bigger learning curve than this group of games, which means that provincial and national management need to take heed of individual and collective performances.
Fault
It is hard to see fault in Connacht’s dominance in the RDS, but Leinster’s performance in the last 10 minutes showed a resilience that makes them the team they are as they showed an inner belief not often seen, even at All Blacks level.
However, the management will ask why they were in this place with 15 minutes to go, having to rescue a victory at home from such a points deficit.
The reason is that postNovember internationals, Leinster individually got complacent. For decades, fans have considered Munster as Leinster’s greatest rivals and yes this is true, but Connacht have often ruined the party since the interpro series began.
In their heyday in 2016, the Westerners were deserved PRO12 winners, but before and after that time, their big performances were reserved for Leinster games.
Individually, some players performed well against Connacht, but their opposition numbers performed better. Connacht should have won that game and as much as Leinster got out jail, the following week’s play did not improve.
In Thomond Park, Leinster capitulated and they got embroiled in an age-old battle of the wills with their greatest nemesis.
There has been talk of Johnny Sexton’s captaincy and most of this has been warranted.
Munster won the Irish derby but it came at a price. In winning this, they unearthed the greatest threat to Irish rugby in this season’s World Cup year, which is if you can get to Sexton, legally or illegally, Leinster and Ireland will lose shape.
Cruel maybe, but true. With the debate of Sexton’s leadership qualities due to continue into the next few months, suffice to say that the competitive nature which drives him is no excuse to losing respect for both the referee and the players around you.
Rhys Ruddock is Leinster’s unsung leader for both his continuous high performance and the respect he has from players and officials.
Management of players is always of high priority with coaches and both Leo Cullen and Joe Schmidt need to realise that further progress in both campaigns require both individual player management at the out-half position and a healthy Plan B .
With the possibility of Sexton being ruled out tomorrow, this Plan B option looks like it will fall into place in a timely manner as Ross Byrne steps in.
Byrne’s value for club and country is increasing as the season progresses.
The prospect of Toulouse at home should not trouble Leinster. The away loss was hard to take as Leinster have continuously overcome the prospect of losing away in France.
Not being one for statistics but still frustratingly agreeing they have a role in modern rugby, I would be interested to see Leinster’s defensive stats recently.
Defence
They say victories are built on defence and in this case, this would have been true back in their early days of European glory, but recently discipline has dropped and defence has gone with it.
Easy tries by opportunistic teams and fractured defensive structures, particularly in midfield, is something we have become accustomed to seeing.
Yes, Leinster have won games, but they have leaked tries in areas that are shockingly vulnerable.
Complete solidarity will be needed this weekend.
There have been some good days and bad days in the RDS recently and tomorrow’s game against Toulouse will no doubt be another memorable European occasion, but it will not be as comfortable as other home games.
Toulouse are not back to their best but they are well on the way. They have a confidence that belies the standard travelling French sides.
Unlike Irish teams, they revel in the lack of structure, and are therefore unpredictable to review and if allowed ball they will trouble any team in open play.
Leinster need to draw on their recent battles at home and urgently need to regain control of both themselves and their structures for the tough games ahead.
If you can get to Sexton, legally or illegally, Leinster and Ireland will lose shape. Cruel maybe, but true