Only some of the departures from Leinster are worth lamenting, writes Keego…
This week the green jersey has been washed and put away for a few months. Usually I would write a review of the 6Nations but I really cannot look back at it. Bad decisions, a lot of courage and determination from the players and uncertainty about what is next.
That is my 6 Nations review.
Back into the vintage blue jersey of Leinster. It is like wearing an old pair of shoes. It fits well. I woke up this morning to twitter losing its mind over the possibility of Luke Fitzgerald moving to Munster. It was reported in the Indo and it sounded like people where ready to jump off the roof of their house at the very thought of it. But let’s have a think about it.
Firstly, whilst I may have an irrational dislike for the man (I dislike young, talented people with their lives ahead of them), he is a class player. He has been playing to a high standard when called upon since his return from injury. Luke actually looked like he was on the way back to the form that he had in 09. Then he got injured…..again.
To come back from that neck injury like he did is commendable and almost spits in the face of medicine. The man is a mutant. The determination to come back showed on the pitch and he played as if his life depended on it. All positives. But he got injured…..again.
If (and I say IF, it is all conjecture at this stage) Leinster where to lose Luke, what would be the problem? Leinster is losing Sexton (being replaced by a well capable Ian Madigan) and Isa Nacewa (irreplaceable). If Luke was to join the list (I am not mentioning Carr and Conway as they have failed to live up to their potential since joining Leinster), we would not be losing a huge amount. This is only my opinion, but the team is running very well at the moment without him. Yes, he has certainly added a huge amount to the team when he has been on, but are we looking at a playing who will break down every 10 games? The equation is, will the games played by Luke along with his performance in these games = or surpass his value on the pitch.
I expect a lot of vitriol from the Fitzgerald Fan Club on this…
Is this a plot by Munster to try and rattle Leinster?
So who would we get in to cover the exit of players? Leinster is looking at Willie LeRoux. Thanks to @jameschew14 for this video. Whilst it is easy to take the good parts and make a YouTube clip out of them, he looks like a serious player. He has played 11 and 12. If we could sign him, it would lessen the perceived blow of possibly losing Luke.
In more heartbreaking news for Leinster supporters. The great Isa Isa Isa Isa Nacewa is heading back to Auckland and retiring from rugby at the end of the season. He has been the spark in the team for a long time. Every time he is on the ball, something magic is bound to happen. He is great to watch, absolutely fearless and has better dancing feet than Michael Jackson. We have seen him put his body on the line against far bigger men for the jersey.
We should name one of the stands in the RDS after Isa!
Isa you have been fantastic to watch, I enjoyed screaming your name in front of total strangers. Enjoy retirement with the family in Auckland. Hopefully the rain is manageable over there. Anytime you are back here, there will be a pint waiting at the bar.
So that is enough of the emotional stuff.
Coming in to the business end of the season. Leinster is in really good shape. We have gained ground during the 6 Nations and now lie in 3rd place on 59 points. The momentum is with us, the team is playing like champions and I would have no fear of anyone in our remaining matches. €10 says we do the double.
As usual, feel free to abuse/debate/question me on twitter @nkeegan . Also, feel free to check out www.thedailyclothesline.com for more literary masterpieces.
Until next week….
Keego (@nkeegan): Blogger, former professional wrestler, sometime attempted rugby player (@TheThirsty3rds), professional procrastinator and attempted musician with a fondness for long walks on the bar, tea and the couch. Opinionated Leinster fan and constant gardener.
