There is no such thing as Leinster Lite. It doesn’t exist anymore.
The Ladyboy smear seems like lifetime ago. Whoever dreamed that up is owed a debt of gratitude as it rustled a beast from slumber that has dominated the European landscape for five years now.
This was supposed to be Leinster saving themselves for the one trophy that has eluded Joe Schmidt’s tenure — the Pro 12 title, with its final against Ulster next Saturday. But such is the vibrancy of their academy graduates, we saw evidence last night of life after O’Driscoll and D’Arcy, leaders that will rise when Leo Cullen’s no longer slogging away.
Devin Toner becomes a more influential figure with every game. Cian Healy was held off allowing Jack McGrath to thrive.
“There is a massive sense of pride in having guys come through a system and show a heck of a lot of effort to keep developing over a long period of time,” said Schmidt. “We probably cracked the whip on Jack a few times but we’ve benefited massively from the advances he has made.”
Despite imminent upheavals, the blue brand looks stronger than ever.
Still, they will miss Isa Nacewa terribly next season. Big shoes to fill, even for the established Springbok Zane Kirchner. They may also live to regret letting Andrew Conway slip through their fingers as well, especially after nurturing his arrival from Blackrock in 2009.
Munster will reap the benefit now, and the evidence has been all too clear of late that a consistently fit Conway is a devastating option when tries need finishing.
“He is getting better now he is getting a bit of injury free time. Unfortunately he is moving off.”
This Challenge Cup final was over long before the end. Connacht’s new head coach Pat Lam could relax, the westerners are back in the Heineken Cup next season.
A burst into open country by Nacewa led to saw Ian Madigan scampering over with just 2.55 on the clock. Then came thrilling cameos by Nacewa and Conway, both grabbing perfect tactical punts by Isaac Boss and Jonathan Sexton to create tries for Seán Cronin and Rob Kearney.
Sexton’s touchline conversion made it 21-3, leaving Sergio Parisse and his Stade pack desolated, the French far too easily dismissed. Like so many who have come before. And will come again.
“We would have preferred it to be tomorrow’s final,” said Sexton, the man of the match. “Clermont deserve to be in the final though, they beat us twice, they are the best team in Europe. To win a trophy is always special here in front of our home crowd especially after losing two finals here before.”
The double?
“Ulster have beaten us here before and have some outstanding individuals. We’ll have to be better than tonight.”
It was fitting that the departing Sexton and Nacewa, on Cullen’s insistence, collected the trophy.
“It was a no brainer,” said Heaslip. “We would’ve had all eight guys that are leaving lift it if we could. They are two guys that epitomise what we are about as professionals.”
The rest of the night was about avoiding a sporting tragedy. It will happen, a man selected to tour Australia with the British and Irish Lions will not make the plane.
Rob Kearney, Jamie Heaslip and Sexton played with abandon, despite the nagging feeling they must have to mind themselves, to go easy to ensure a career high is achieved in the red jersey.
It actually seemed like the trio were going about nailing down their Test spots, mindful of the fact that the Welsh, Scottish and English contingent are already working under Warren Gatland in Cardiff. “This was an unbelievable effort by our whole squad,” added Heaslip. “Our A team won (the B&I Cup against Newcastle) as well tonight, so it is great to get the double.” “We might even get Joe out with us tonight.”
