IT HAS BEEN a very frustrating year for Noel Reid at Leinster. During last season’s league-winning campaign, Reid made 15 Pro12 appearances and scored 7 tries for the province, and was rewarded with his first Ireland cap in the summer against Argentina.
However, concussion issues and a congested Leinster midfield saw him play just 10 games in total during this campaign. Reid was picked at 12 for the season finale in Edinburgh – his first game since the home defeat to the Dragons in February – and quickly highlighted how dangerous a player he is with this lovely try.
What makes Reid’s stop-start season even more annoying from his perspective is that he had played quite well in his limited appearances, most notably in the December derby against Connacht.
It will be interesting to see what impact Reid has in a more regular role when Ireland’s World Cup contingent go away this autumn.
Even when on the bench he didn’t get game time. The coach doesn’t like or trust him. Saturday once again showed just how wrong O’connor has been all season
O’Connor is just all wrong for Leinster.
He has a very big chance next season with Leinster during the World Cup, midfield won’t be as competitive so he should get a good run of matches.
Mark if Darcy doesn’t make the World Cup squad, he’ll play 12 with t’eo at 13. Then Madigan and sexton will be back so the midfield won’t be as easy to get into as you may think
That pop pass from O’Brien
Battle between him and Madigan for the 12 jersey next season.
It’s always to easy to see who coaches ‘just like/don’t like’. When Gopperth played badly it was ignored whereas when Madigan played mediocre or even if Reid played well decisions went against them.
It creates such a poisonous culture as some players start to feel entitled to spots and others feel it doesn’t matter how well they play they won’t get picked. Cody and Fergusson were masters at disregarding players identities and judging on match performance alone. MOC is such a stink manager.