Schmidt’s selection headaches only makes Leinster stronger, writes Keego…
Its business….its business time….
We are getting to the important end of the season and it is really hotting up. Leinster has been keeping the foot on the pedal and if you take out the match against Ulster in the RDS, they have been putting the points on the board. More importantly the game is evolving. It is not the same tricks that had been used all season.
Why is this?
It’s the mad-dog. Ian Madigan has been a revelation this year. He has upped his kicking and surely has planted his arse firmly as the backup Irish 10 to Johnny Sexton. That may upset readers from other provinces, but surely you cannot argue that point? He has played under pressure in big games and has not buckled, unlike every other 10 in Ireland.
Sexto made his return last week and was impressive against Zebre. He had 100% of his kicks on the day, and showed zero rustiness. The question coming into this weekend against Biarritz was, would it be Sexton starting or would king Joe show faith in Madigan? The permutations and combinations where flying around twitter all week. I thought he should have shown faith in the staying player and started Madigan, assuming everyone was fit. Whilst it is always a huge negative to lose Gordon Darcy (been playing a blinder all year), his injury kind of made it easy on Joe. We start with Sexton at 10 and Madigan at 12. What a stroke of luck that is. Biarritz probably didn’t think too much about that. Leinster has 2 hard runners and two great kickers. Biarritz will have no idea where to look.
McLaughlin had a return to form last week too after being patchy in the last few games. The team looks to be firing on all cylinders. The only issue the blues have, and it has been an issue for years, is the second row. Toner has been far better in the second half of this season, but we still need some world class. McCarthy may help improve that next year, though he is not quite world class.
Andrew Goodman has also been fierce (not like beyonce fierce) this year.
Obviously I am picking Leinster. I think the blue army will overwhelm any opposition in the stands and they always do. But I think the team is confident and playing some great rugby. Also with Madigan and Sexton on the pitch it adds a huge amount of ammunition to the team. Is it too late to do a whip round and let us pay the extra money to keep Sexton next year?
Also this weekend we have our friends in red playing against our enemies in blue. Munster takes on the mighty Clérmont away in France. This should be another belter of a game. I want Munster to win. I hope none of you are cheering against them because they are Munster! If you are then I am saying that you are not a real supporter. We have no horse in the Heineken cup race, and I think they deserve our support. In saying that, it will be tough for them. I would say that the fickle French might buckle, but there are barely any French in the Clérmont team. If Munster gets into their faces, play the ref right and can start fights by getting under Clérmont’s skin, and then they have a chance. It is time for old Munster. Stone age Munster need to make an appearance. Put the ball up the jumper and strangle Clérmont. I can’t call this one. I think the pressure on the Clérmont team is immense. They have not really been tested in the French league this year, so is their lack of tough matches going to cost them? If it gets to 60 minutes and there is only 3 points in it, they will be rattled.
To close this week, a quick well done to the blue army. Voted the most loyal fans in the Rabo this year. Attendance was impeccable all year. Well done. You will be needed on Saturday. I will be watching from the lucky pub, unless one of you wants to bring me as your +1 ;)
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.
