Leinster’s old guard salute Fardy for his ‘immense’ impact
IT HAS been the younger generation of Leinster talent that have commanded much of the headlines this season, but yesterday’s defeat of Scarlets was a reminder that a few battlehardened veterans are always necessary when it comes to knockout rugby.
Scott Fardy was signed from Super Rugby side the Brumbies as a second row, but it was the back row where he originally made his name, earning 39 caps for Australia before undertaking this European adventure with Leinster.
As he did against Saracens in the quarter-final, Fardy again shifted into the six shirt to compensate for injuries against a highly-regarded Scarlets team, famed for their expansive attacking game and by all expectations ready to take this game to Leinster from the off.
As it transpired, they simply couldn’t match the intensity and workrate that Leinster brought to the table, with Fardy providing a brute force that helped keep the Welsh side at bay, making up for a sloppy early penalty concession by delivering a power-house man of the match display that included a second-half try.
Of course, Fardy’s impact has not been limited to the pitch this season, and like the great Leinster imports such as Brad Thorn and Rocky Elsom that wore the jersey with such distinction before him, the ex-Wallaby has made a big impression on the dressing room.
Speaking after the comprehensive 38-16 defeat of the Welsh side, two of Leinster’s key leaders were quick to praise the big Australian for his part in helping Leinster to kick on after the disappointments of last season.
‘He was outstanding today,’ said Rob Kearney.
‘He’s one of those four lads who was nominated for player of the tournament, so he’s shown a consistency throughout. I think the most impressive thing about Scott is off the field, what he’s doing with the younger guys and his coaching and mentoring. The manner in which he turned up today was incredible – massive credit to him.’
Captain Johnny Sexton – who also helped himself to a secondhalf try along with 13 points from the boot – was equally impressed with Fardy’s contribution.
‘This is why it’s so important the club sign these quality foreigners and professionals,’ Sexton said.
‘I don’t think James Ryan would be the player he’s been this season without Scott helping him along. Those back row guys as well, he coaches them, gives them advice, he’s been brilliant and he’s had a huge impact in the group.’
It was significant that Sexton touched on Ryan’s performances this season, as against Scarlets’ man of the moment Tadhg Beirne, it was Ryan who stood out from the crowd at Lansdowne Road.
The 21-year-old opened Leinster’s account by muscling over the line in the tenth minute, before drawing the attention of two Scarlet’s players to set Fardy through for his second half score.
‘He’s been immense,’ Sexton added of Ryan. ‘I think if we had him last year then some of those games could have been very different, he’s had that big an impact.’
Moments before the two Blues stars held court under the West Stand at Lansdowne Road, former Leinster man Beirne had reflected on what was a disappointing homecoming, admitting that his old teammate Ryan looked destined for greatness from a young age.
‘I played alongside him at Lansdowne a couple of times,’ Beirne explained.
‘He’s been scouted since he was 15; everyone knows he is a prodigy here in this country. He is an exceptional player. He has shown that in the last year, with Ireland and Leinster.’
Beirne will be a Munster player next season, but admitted that after crashing out of the Champions Cup he isn’t particularly bothered about how his future employers fare against Racing in the second semi-final today.
Instead, the lock was left licking his wounds after being on the receiving end of the latest milestone win by this exceptional Leinster outfit.
‘It was pretty difficult. They kept the ball pretty well and they were exceptional around the ruck. They didn’t give myself, Cubby (James Davies) or John (Barclay) a sniff of the ball.
They aren’t the first side to suffer such a fate against Leo Cullen’s side during this campaign, and yesterday’s performance adds to the suspicion that they won’t be the last.