Blues need to enjoy the good times
THIS too shall pass. It is not churlishness that prompts such a caution to fans of Leinster and Irish rugby, but rather the fact that nothing stays fixed.
Just as teams recover after years sloughing through bad form, mismanagement or underachievement, so great sides inevitably decline.
The admittedly gloomy point is made this morning because Leinster are now close to untouchable.
Their brilliance was sealed last year by wins in the Pro14 and the Champions Cup. Nine days ago, they vaporised a Wasps team that was quietly fancied by seasoned students of England’s Premiership. And today they visit Toulouse, the side that once ruled Europe and who Leinster have now emulated as the greatest in the history of the tournament.
Leinster look awesome. Their side, nourished by native players, can win the hard way or the silken way. Leo Cullen and Stuart Lancaster’s leadership should be envied by every club in the world.
They are at the point of greatness, which will harden into fact should they retain the European Cup in May. But even the mightiest sporting forces are always close to some state of vulnerability. Injuries are the likeliest threat to Leinster.
That is why this team should be savoured every time it takes the field. This is Irish greatness in action. It won’t last forever.