The final round of Heineken Cup matches before the international break took place last weekend, and what a collection of games they proved to be.
Leinster produced a professional display to ensure a home quarter final and took care of a strong Montpellier side without too much of a fuss. Connacht, on the other hand, bounced back in emphatic fashion from their disappointing run to turn over Conor O’Shea’s Harlequins and deprive the leaders of the English premiership a place in the last eight of the competition. Ulster hardly disgraced themselves in Clermont either.
However, the performance of the weekend was unquestionably in England where Munster produced a scintillating victory over Northampton at Franklin Gardens. Jim Mallinder’s side went into the game five point favourites with the bookies but were well and truly blown off the park by a brilliant Munster.
Although five from five in the Heineken Cup prior to this game, it had been suggested that Munster had yet to lay down a marker. They did, and more. A red storm had been brewing and Northampton didn’t see it coming. All in all, a pretty encouraging weekend for the provinces with the mouth watering draw of Munster v Ulster in the quarters topping it all off.
The challenge now for Declan Kidney and his team is take that positive energy from the provinces and use it to benefit Ireland. Although Kidney has selected conservatively with his initial squad (it could change), there are a couple of questions that still need addressing heading into the Six Nations Championship.
1. Who Plays 13?
It has been a topic of much discussion since the news filtered through that the chosen one, BO’D, would miss the campaign through injury. All sorts of names had been floated but only a couple of contenders realistically remain.
Those who were hoping to see Eoin O’Malley thrust into the role can think again as the fact that O’Malley is in the Wolfhounds squad essentially means he is not in the frame. The cruel injury to Darren Cave probably means that it becomes a straight shoot out between Fergus McFadden and Keith Earls; for the opening match anyway.
McFadden has performed consistently well for Leinster this season, whether deployed at 12, 13 or 14. The former Clongowes pupil is an aggressive defender, is very quick and possesses a perpetual hunger for work. Brian O’Driscoll commented that he was one of the fittest players he has ever played with, after all. McFadden perhaps lacks the x factor of some of the other contenders but represents an accomplished option.
Keith Earls has had a tumultuous relationship with the thirteen shirt, having been exposed there defensively on a number of occasions. He won’t want to see that missed tackle on Manu Tuilagi again from the World Cup warm up games last year. He is, however, a real threat with ball in hand and one of the best finishers Ireland possess. Although displaying some naivety in the role in the past, the Limerick man produced an impressive display operating there for Munster against Northampton at the weekend.
It looks increasingly likely that Kidney will opt for Earls, with McFadden on the bench. Of course, Andrew Trimble or Tommy Bowe could come into play but it is more likely the pair will play on the wings.
2. Who are the Half Backs?
That old chestnut. The Jonny Sexton v Ronan O’Gara outhalf debate simply rages on and isn’t going away anytime in the immediate future. In truth, both have been truly exceptional for their respective provinces this season, particularly in the Heineken Cup.
O’Gara has produced show stopping moments to snatch victory for Munster from the jaws of defeat on two occasions. Sexton has been imperious for Leinster, not only with ball in hand and in defence as is the norm, but also from the tee.
For all round game, it has to be Sexton with the option of O’Gara from the bench. When his kicking is on song, as it has been since the World Cup, Sexton possesses the more complete game and has more weapons in his arsenal.
Sexton will likely be partnered by Conor Murray and what a dynamic pairing that has the potential to be. Eoin Reddan on the bench seems to make sense as he is someone who can come on and lift the tempo of a game, if required.
3. How Will Ireland Play?
Ireland have, at times, seemed to struggle with their identity as a team in recent years. When things go right, they can look irresistible. The performance against Australia would be an example, where they combined a powerful performance with ball in hand, with intelligent kicking and exceptional defence. When things aren’t going so well, a game plan can be more difficult to identify as the players themselves look a little unsure as to how they should be playing.
Gordon D’Arcy affirmed this recently:
“There’s a need to find an Irish way of playing rugby and that’s the way we’re going to be a little bit more focused on. The three (leading) provinces all play a very different brand so we need to have an Irish identity, an Irish sense of how we’re going to play the game so that the players don’t go back to type if the real pressure comes on.”
Although I wouldn’t expect to see Ireland coming out against Wales and playing like the All Blacks, it is certainly positive to see the issue being addressed. Jamie Heaslip also highlighted the change in direction:
“We met at Christmas and tinkered with the game plan a little bit” Heaslip said before adding, “I think we’re just trying to vary the game a little bit, I suppose, and carry and get the ball in hands a little bit more.”
It would certainly be encouraging to see Ireland playing to their strengths and incorporating the best attributes of the three Irish provinces, who are flying. It won’t be easy but it could be special.
Twitter: TomFoxy