LEINSTER FORWARDS COACH Jono Gibbes has brushed off speculation surrounding Sean Cronin’s future at Leinster.
Since moving from Connacht in 2011, the hooker has failed to nail down a starting jersey with the European champions due to the near faultless form of Richardt Strauss.
And last month the South African became eligible to play for Ireland, frustrating Cronin on the international stage to the extent he is now likely to be third choice for his country if Rory Best returns to full fitness when the Six Nations comes around.
“Well he hasn’t talked to me about it.” Said Gibbes, eager to move off the subject when speaking to Leinster TV this week. “That’ll get sorted out, whenever.
He added: “I just know that he’ll be ready to go this week, he’ll be focused and he knows what’s at stake this week.”
At stake, arguably, is the chance to progress from the most difficult pool in the Heineken Cup as the reigning champions meet fellow big guns Clermont Auvergne in back to back weeks.
Despite little let-up in the eastern province’s injury count Gibbes remained upbeat that, with the right preparation, Leinster can repeat their semi-final showing from last April and beat Clermont in France.
“I think injuries are just part of it. Whoever plays, our preparation is going to have to be spot on given he quality, the class and the depth of their squad. Whoever gets the nod, they’ll know what they’re up against and I’m sure they’ll be excited about the opportunity.”
The familiarity between the sides will not diminish the intensity of the encounter, though Leinster have enjoyed the better of the exchanges. Gibbes knows that if his pack can come out of the coming fortnight ahead of the side from the Massif Central, then they will have taken a giant stride in the bid to defend their European crown a second time.
“We’ve managed to come across them a couple of times and we know they’re always going to be there, or there abouts, in this competition.
“I think they really signalled their intent this year, they look in scary form the number of changes they made for the away game in Toulouse (a 30-22 defeat) said it all really.
“Yeah, it’ll be a big game.”
