HEIR JORDAN
Destiny has always been calling for Larmour, says school pal Porter
ANDREW Porter knew earlier than most what huge talent Jordan Larmour possesses.
Named in a Leinster line-up in the Champions Cup for the first time, the 20-year-old wants to show the hype should be believed after a brilliant turn over the Christmas period in the Pro14.
Larmour’s magnificent solo effort against Munster on St Stephen’s Day is nailed on for try of the season already and he added a brace against Ulster the last day out to secure a starting slot at full-back ahead of Rob Kearney this afternoon.
He was two years behind Blues prop Porter (inset) at St Andrews on Dublin’s southside.
“I remember watching him play a juniors game and seeing him running rings around people,” recalled Porter.
“You kind of knew he had that natural flair and ability. Seeing him grow as a person and a player, it’s amazing to see him now.
“We always knew – everyone in the school knew – that he was destined for great things.” Larmour even made it on to Porter’s Senior Cup team in school, which was no mean feat. “I was in sixth year and he was in fourth year at the time, and he slotted in just fine. Just like he is doing now,” smiled Porter, who is on the bench for the visit of Glasgow to the RDS at lunchtime. “It’s just his attitude. You always see him in the gym. If he’s not working out in the gym, he’s always slinging passes or working on his footwork.
“He’s always pushing himself to get better and better. That, on top of his natural ability, is just making him an phenomenal player now.”
Leinster supporters will be excited at the prospect of watching the young Dubliner team up with Kiwi James Lowe, another European debutant for the province, in the back three against Glasgow.
Lowe has made an impressive start to his stint with the Blues but senior coach Stuart Lancaster said the 24-year-old is still finding his feet in Ireland.
“I’m working on him,” said the former England supremo.
“He’s coming from a very different defence system with The Chiefs and Tasman in New Zealand.
“It’s part of the reason why I was cautious about putting him straight in there. He needed to understand how we defend at Leinster.
“He’s going to be a good defender.