TOP OF THE group with three wins from three and five points clear of second-placed Castres, things couldn’t be much better for Leinster at the half-way point of Heineken Cup Pool 1.
Last weekend’s 40-7 demolition of today’s opponents, Northampton Saints, was easily the eastern province’s best performance under Australian coach Matt O’Connor. The accuracy, aggression and defensive excellence that made Leinster three-time European champions were once again to the fore at Franklin’s Gardens.
Men like Jamie Heaslip, Rob Kearney and Brian O’Driscoll are hitting peak physical condition after their staggered starts to the season, while previous fringe players such as Rhys Ruddock and Devin Toner are becoming key components of the starting XV. Luke Fitzgerald is injury-free and strongly hinting at exactly how good he is.
O’Connor has admitted that the November internationals have had a hugely positive effect on his international contingent, returning them to club rugby with confidence and fitness. The former Leicester tactician will be hopeful that those factors remain present for the rest of the season.
It’s worth remembering that Leinster’s opening pool wins over the Ospreys and Castres were far more dour affairs, and the impression then had been that O’Connor was intent on altering Leinster’s traditional style of play. One scintillating performance is no basis on which to judge a coach’s ability.
Leinster have set themselves a benchmark now, and while it seems impossible that they will replicate last weekend’s ferocity and precision forever more, there needs to be some continuation today.
Jim Mallinder’s Saints were embarrassed with their own performance last weekend, and rightly so. Northampton have been lauded as a team of great potential for some years now but if they allow themselves to lose as many collisions again today, they will be well beaten in Dublin.
The addition of Calum Clark to their starting team should add a high dosage of aggression, while Christian Day’s inclusion allows Samu Manoa to shift to No. 8, from where he can have a greater ball-carrying effect. The decision to retain Ken Pisi in the fullback position is risky, but the Saints will not be lacking in motivation for this tie.
However, with Leinster now focused on a highly-attainable home quarter-final, there is little reason to doubt an Irish victory. The Saints did have spells of sustained possession at Franklin’s Gardens but O’Connor’s side were powerful in defence, as they have been all season.
George North broke the line on occasion, but the scramble was better than the support and Leinster were well able to cope. The fact that Kahn Fotuali’i is only included on the bench further increases the Irish province’s chances of holding firm in defence today.
Leinster are likely to secure a fourth consecutive Heineken Cup win in this pool, but the manner in which they do so will give us an indication of whether last weekend was a flash in the pan or a sign of more to follow.
Leinster: Rob Kearney; Dave Kearney, Brian O’Driscoll, Gordon D’Arcy, Luke Fitzgerald; Ian Madigan, Eoin Reddan; Jack McGrath, Sean Cronin, Mike Ross; Devin Toner, Mike McCarthy; Rhys Ruddock, Sean O’Brien, Jamie Heaslip (capt.).
Replacements: Aaron Dundon, Michael Bent, Martin Moore, Leo Cullen, Shane Jennings, John Cooney, Jimmy Gopperth, Zane Kirchner.
Northampton: Ken Pisi; Jamie Elliott, Dom Waldouck, Luther Burrell, George North; Steve Myler, Lee Dickson; Alex Waller, Dylan Hartley (capt.), Salesi Ma’afu, Courtney Lawes, Christian Day, Calum Clark, Tom Wood, Samu Manoa.
Replacements: Mikey Haywood, Ethan Waller, Tom Mercey, Sam Dickinson, Phil Dowson, Kahn Fotuali’i, Glenn Dickson, Tom Collins.
