Compiled by GAVIN CUMMISKEY:
New hopes: Future bodes well for an all-Irish Leinster
WE ARE sure it is just coincidence, but Leinster coach Joe Schmidt fielded an all-Irish starting XV on Saturday night in Cardiff.
The most encouraging selections were the promotions of Mark Flanagan to the team and Jordi Murphy (right) to the bench after withdrawals by Damien Browne and Rhys Ruddock.
Flanagan joined his cousin Devin Toner in the secondrow, while former Irish under-20s flanker Murphy didn’t look out of place in the physical stakes when replacing Kevin McLaughlin.
If the IRFU edict on foreign recruits becomes a reality the introduction of Isa Nacewa and Heinke van der Merwe (Leo Auv’va is an AIL product and Irish-qualified on residency) won’t be an option the season after next.
Speaking too soon: Henson's hopes dashed as Sod's Law prevails before Leinster clash
“I’M FEELING great body wise,” said Gavin Henson ahead of the Cardiff Blues meeting with Leinster on Saturday night.
Sod’s Law intervened as Henson hurt his calf during kicking practice at Friday’s captain’s run. The late withdrawal makes last week’s quotes seem a little rash now.
“I suppose I am a bit highly tuned. But I haven’t had a lower limb injury for a while. I have corrected my running style and stuff like that. I am hoping my injuries are behind me now I had that time out.”
Henson took almost two years out of the game to fix his body, while also becoming a television personality.
“It was the same injuries over and over again for three years. The same rehab. Mentally I just couldn’t do it anymore. It kinda broke me and I needed time out.
“I try not to think about the injuries now, just play week in, week out rugby. If I can keep my spot in the team I’ll know I am doing something alright. And I am sure international honours will follow.”
Ah well, he lasted two games. The silver lining is he avoided having to tackle a rampaging Sean O’Brien. The significantly slighter Leigh Halfpenny was switched to fullback and exposed for both Leinster tries as first O’Brien swatted him aside and then Rob Kearney stepped him rather easily.
THE UNTOUCHABLES
THE “FREEZIN Hot” touch rugby team must be special having beaten a line-up including Tana Umaga (above), Christian Cullen, Frano Botica, Piri Weepu and gifted Rugby League star Benji Marshall at the Whakatane one-day touch competition in New Zealand.
