Leamy and Bowe can repay faith

RUGBY: Two precocious talents, Denis Leamy and Tommy Bowe, will have an opportunity to reinforce that assertion when Ireland take on the USA. Coach Eddie O'Sullivan's decision to make nine changes to the team that enjoyed a superb victory over South Africa has handed the twin tyros a platform.

While injury has been a factor in the selection of both players, they certainly merit their inclusion. Leamy might briefly reflect on the absence of Keith Gleeson, David Wallace, Alan Quinlan and Neil McMillan because of injury and the coach's decision to rest a bruised and battered Johnny O'Connor but he is well versed with the treatment table.

Eight months on the sidelines last season underlined the fickle nature of a sporting career and the absolute necessity to take the chances when they present themselves.

The 22-year-old Leamy admitted: "I was out for a while myself and spent a lot of time in rehab, sitting on the sideline and looking at the other lads making the most of their opportunities. Just to be here is great. I'm delighted with the way things have gone, happy with my form for Munster."

His provincial coach Alan Gaffney had no hesitation in blooding the former Rockwell College schoolboy, first persuading him to try and master the openside role and then giving him encouragement in the most tangible form; he picked him even when that meant leaving international players on the bench.

The player paid tribute to Gaffney, articulating just how much it meant to him to have his coach's support, guidance and, ultimately, faith. Leamy's progression to the national side has been pre-ordained since the time he first caught the eye as a schoolboy player at Rockwell. It's taken plenty of perspiration, but the talent was obvious.

A Munster Schools Junior Cup success was followed by the heartbreak at SCT level when Leamy strained every sinew in a towering performance, but could not help his team past CBC Cork. It is a fate he shared with the man he singles out as an inspiration during his formative years, Munster and Ireland number eight Anthony Foley.

Leamy's versatility allows him to play anywhere in the back row and he's not about to queer the pitch in terms of future selection. His favourite? "Basically, wherever I am put. I'd like to give seven a shot, but I can play six as well."

Bowe's elevation to senior national colours has also been flagged from an early age, especially when as an 18-year-old he was selected for the Ireland Under-21 side, a memory he treasures. "It was that first cap against Scotland when I was 18. It was a tight game that we only won in the closing minutes and I managed to give a pass that led to a try in the corner."

He, too, shares Leamy's versatility, an accomplished underage full back, who has played right wing and centre since turning professional and on Saturday will find himself on the left wing. The 20-year-old won't be phased in the slightest, boasting the bullet-proof confidence of the young.

Bowe's sense of humour was evident when he singled out Simon Geoghegan as his favourite player before cheekily adding: "you never know, some day hopefully younger people might want to be me."

Injured this year during the Ireland team's run to the Under-21 World Cup final - he'll be eligible for the Ireland Under-21s again this season - he too knows the precarious nature of a professional career.

On Saturday, Leamy and Bowe get a chance to deliver on their underage pedigree.