MATT O’CONNOR SAYS he is pleased with certain elements of Leinster’s form this season, but feels the province must look to produce an 80-minute display against Munster at the Aviva Stadium next weekend.
Leinster prepared for the derby clash with a bonus-point 37-23 victory over the Cardiff Blues on Friday evening, winning after a performance that featured passages of attacking quality, as well as stints where the province utterly lost focus.
A 50 per cent win rate in the Guinness Pro12 so far just about sums up Leinster’s form. O’Connor believes there are real positives; his side now needs to produce the those aspects for longer periods.
“I think there’s been a lot of very, very good things. I think we need to make sure that we’re working that little bit harder to put in an 80-minute performance,” said O’Connor after the win over Cardiff.
We’ve sort of stopped and started, it’s been a little bit disjointed for a number of reasons. It’s becoming pretty important that we put in an 80-minute performance.”
This inter-provincial meeting with Munster may have the effect of sparking Leinster towards their peak, with O’Connor feeling that the importance of the tie will ensure a more heated atmosphere on the training paddock at least.
“The reality of it is that you have to be ready for it,” said O’Connor. “Whether you’re ready for it, think that you’re ready for it or not ready for it, it’s happening.
“You’ve got to make sure that you’re up for it, so I think there’ll be an edge to what happens at UCD during the week. It’s massive bragging rights and we need to make sure that we’re a little bit better than we were tonight.”
Tries for Rhys Ruddock, Gordon D’Arcy, Mick McGrath and Luke McGrath all came on the end of impressive attacking play from Leinster at the RDS on Friday night, one of the reasons for O’Connor’s positivity.
The promising form of Clontarf man Mick McGrath has been enjoyable for Ulster Bank League fans who have watched the wing scorching in tries on the club scene in recent years. O’Connor is unsurprised by McGrath’s impact in the Pro12.
I don’t know how much AIL you guys have seen, but he’s been very, very dynamic in that,” outlined O’Connor. “He knows his way to the tryline and he’s a great finisher. He’s been very, very good for us and he will have to be moving forward.”
The Australian was pleased by the debut of “world-class lock” Kane Douglas on Friday evening, while he was even more enthused by a second consecutive standout performance by back row Rhys Ruddock.
The 23-year-old showed his extraordinary athleticism for a first-half try, running an intelligent line off Jimmy Gopperth before handing off Lewis Jones as he galloped to the corner.
“He’s only two weeks back into the programme,” said O’Connor, “but I thought that the impact Rhys gave us at stages, a couple of massive carries and his work rate around the place, was outstanding.”
Great to see Rhys Ruddock in the team and in brilliant form. A massively strong lad, with a thunderous run, very hard to stop. I remember seeing him in the u20′s Irish team and he really impressed. Long may it continue!
Gopperth just isnt up to it,his tactical kicking is awful and it’s interesting to see that Madigan has been doing the place kicking in the last few games even with Gopperth on the field. O’Connor really doesnt seem to know what he is doing as regards his number 10.
I’d say Madigan kicking is an IRFU call… Johnny injured and most likely out of autumn games…
Toner is a giant
Until he addresses the two old men at halfbacks and changes this kick the ball away and hope the other team make a mistake attitude he’ll not get it right.
His away tactics are really poor and hand the home team all the advantages by allowing them constantly to have to ball.
MOC OUT
Why do you want a man who helped Leinster win a trophy in convincing fashion out? he’s proved he can do it for ye, just with picking a quality 10 and 12 as an exception.
Winning the pro12 really isn’t enough and we were awful in the Heineken. Also just the general style in which Leinster played was not exciting to watch. It feels like the team is regressing under O’Connor.
LOL Chris don’t hold back now, say what you think. No point sitting on the fence.
Andrew look what happened to Munster when they accepted mediocre coaches.
I’m sorry I’m too big of a Leinster fan to not say anything.
I tend to agree with you but the blunt honesty of your message made me laugh. There is quality in that Leinster squad but poor passing, aimless kicking and a general lack of clarity in selection and game management is not doing them any favours.
The style of quick, fast, skill-full rugby suits Leinster rugby and has allowed us to seriously compete with anybody. Departing from that general rugby philosophy will not help Leinster.
If Reid is now fit, Madigan can start at 10 which gives Leinster their kicker and game maker in a pivotal role. Hopefully a new partnership in the centre will then emerge.