LEINSTER FAN AND rugby blogger/tweeter Shane O’Leary takes it upon himself to welcome his new Aussie overlord and offer 5 key points to mull over…
After much speculation, Leinster have finally officially announced Matt O’Connor as their next head coach. A relative unknown outside rugby nerd circles, the former Brumbies and Australia ‘A’ coach has an excellent track record with Leicester Tigers, with league leading defence and try scoring stats for the past few seasons.
There’ll be plenty of column inches dedicated to his pedigree in the coming months, but what does the new man need to know about the challenge he’s facing? Well firstly welcome Matt, and if you get to read this, here are five things to keep in mind.
1: State of flux
Leinster are in a precarious position. Despite the possibility of finishing the season with two trophies and numerous Lions, change is a comin’. Leaders like Leo Cullen, Brian O’Driscoll, Gordon D’arcy, Mike Ross and both scrumhalves are all at various stages of wind down.
With our hallowed number 13 set to perhaps stay for one more year, there’s some continuity, but the succession plan needs to start, and soon. There’s a huge turnover of players coming this Summer, and part the new man’s job will be overseeing this smooth transition, and putting foundations in place for the future. The continuity of a maintained backroom team is likely to aid this, but as Munster found out, a future focus is key to maintaining success.
2: We can rebuild him…
Senior players have spoken of building a Leinster ‘dynasty’, backed by the academy production line and a local core, which, given his Leicester roots, O’Connor will certainly be well versed in.
With a schools and development setup that’s the envy of many, there’s plenty of talent coming through.
Jack McGrath, Ben Marshall, Luke McGrath, Martin Moore, Quinn Roux, Dom Ryan, Rhys Ruddock and, whisper it, Adam Byrne will all be in need of quality Rabo gametime next year. Give older legs a rest Matt and you’ll reap the rewards.
3: We need to talk about your employers…
So Mattie, did they mention the phrase ‘player management scheme’ in the interview? No? Ah, that might come up.
The IRFU programme has its knockers, and no doubt a freak run of 6 Nations injuries has added to this, but with the Lions set to rob some key players of an extended Summer break, managing resources will be crucial next year.
4: Maintain the momentum across the province
Rightly or wrongly, Leinster have been seen in some quarters as a ‘Dublin’ side. While D4 is the spiritual home of rugby in the province, the branch has been doing some excellent work within less traditional areas and reaping the rewards through Youths players like one SeanO’Brien.
This needs to continue.
Off site training camps, player visits and getting the team out to Tallaght in pre season are all vital parts of growing the ’12 county army’
5: Defence with a side of champagne
Leinster have looked a little less mean in defence this year, conceding an enormous 43 Rabo tries. Success is built on keeping teams out as much as bold attacking moves, so O’Connor needs to tweak the system and perhaps bring back the fearsome line speed of the Kurt McQuilkin era. Mike McCarthy will be a key player in this sense.
If you were to ask me the best way to win over the RDS though? Offloads, gunslingin’ flyhalves and running rugby, with a healthy pinch of flair. Whatever you do Matt, don’t forget our heritage…
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