RUGBY OPINION
Leinster players take their chance with Ireland while O’Connell says goodbye
By Daire Walsh
WITH the 2015 Rugby World Cup looming on the horizon, there are several players who will be hoping to stake a claim for a place in Joe Schmidt’s final squad for the tournament during the coming months.
Last Thursday’s clash with the Barbarians at Thomond Park was an ideal opportunity for Schmidt to assess the candidacy of several fringe performers, although his selection for the contest was comprised entirely of players from Leinster and Ulster.
Because of Munster’s involvement in Saturday’s Pro12 Grand Final against Glasgow Warriors, their players were understandably absent for the game, and following their gruelling extra-time defeat to Gloucester in the Champions Cup play-off, Connacht’s hopefuls were also excused from the trip to Limerick.
A total of ten Leinster players featured in the starting line-up for the Ireland XV (they were referred to by this name as it was regarded as an unofficial international test), and following a topsy-turvy season at provincial level, this game was certainly a welcome distraction.
It was a game of particular significance for Colm O’Shea, who received game-time in Leinster’s final Pro12 encounter against Edinburgh, and having made his debut for the Blues in February 2012 when Schmidt was the helm, he will be on the radar from next season onwards.
He formed an enticing midfield partnership with Luke Marshall of Ulster, and with Rob Kearney, Dave Kearney and Craig Gilroy forming a potentially-devastating back-three, the scene was set for an enthralling spectacle.
With incoming Ulster coach Les Kiss occupying the role of Assistant Coach with Ireland, motivation was high for those from the northern province. Indeed, Gilroy, Chris Henry and Paddy Jackson all stepped up to the plate with a try apiece, but although Ian Madigan also added three conversions to Ireland’s tally (including a spectacular drop-goal effort), the Barbarians eventually emerged with one point to spare (22-21).
There was some Irish interest in the BaaBaas line-up as well, though, with Leinster duo Zane Kirchner and Jimmy Gopperth (who will be plying his trade with Wasps next season) making valuable scoring contributions.
Former Blues player Nathan Hines also played his part after receiving a late call-up, while Shane Jennings led out the side in his final game as a professional player.
There was another emotional farewell for an Irish legend in Kingspan Stadium on Saturday, when Paul O’Connell was part of the Munster side that contested the Pro12 showpiece. It is expected that the Limerick man will leave the Red Army after 14 years of wonderful service, and will sign a two-year contract with Champions Cup giants Toulon.
In a similar vein to Brian O’Driscoll and Leo Cullen in last year’s finale, it was hoped that O’Connell would receive the perfect send-off, although he will of course captain Ireland during the forthcoming World Cup.
Unfortunately, it proved to be a disappointing evening for Munster, and in spite of the best efforts from O’Connell and try-scorer Andrew Smith, five-pointers by Finn Russell, DTH Van Der Merwe, Henry Prygos and Rob Harley guided Glasgow Warriors towards a 31-13 success.