European campaign signals changes

While the defeat of the European Cup holders Ulster by Bourgoin and Connacht's loss to Ebbw Vale in the European Shield were disappointing, both Leinster and Munster gave Irish rugby a badly needed lift last weekend.

Leinster's victory over Leicester was a great result for the province and by extension for Irish rugby. Munster's win over Pontypridd was also a very worthy achievement, but did not come as a surprise. Two wins out of three for the Irish provinces in the European Cup at the weekend was a reasonable return. In contrast the six representatives from the Allied Dunbar League - where all the quality of the game in these islands is supposed to be - got two wins, one draw and three defeats.

In looking at qualification for the knock-out stages we must remember that a second place in a pool may not be enough to get to the last eight. The quarter-finals will be contested by the six pool winners and the two best second-placed teams in the pools.

We must, of course, keep all the events of last weekend in perspective. In the context of Ulster's loss, it makes life that much harder for the champions, but they are still in with a chance of making a challenge. A win over Wasps at Ravenhill tonight is essential. Last season, Ulster made a poor start to their European campaign, drawing in their initial match with Edinburgh in Ravenhill and then losing very heavily away to Toulouse. Thereafter they put the pieces together superbly to win the trophy.

The fall of Connacht has been unfortunate to say the least, especially coming after Buccaneeers' excellent league run last season and the province's exploits in the European Conference (now the Shield) two seasons ago. Last season Connacht beat both Ulster and Leinster and then won three of their six matches in the European Shield, beating Newport, Perigueux and Rogivo, and lost narrowly to Racing Club. This season's decline is a cause for concern.

The Leinster team, in contrast, appears to be coming good at what could be a very opportune time and, quite apart from the win over Leicester, in many respects the manner in which it was attained was especially heartening. The province has had its problems in recent times, but the win over Ulster in Ravenhill a fortnight ago and now the victory over Leicester will do this young side a great deal of good. If Leinster can win in Glasgow tonight, and there is no reason why not, then we could see the province mount a really worthwhile challenge.

The confidence factor is important. What was especially pleasing about the performance against Leicester was the spirit and passion with which Leinster played and their level of concentration. Coming in the wake of Ireland's poor World Cup, those aspects were very welcome.

The Ireland coach Warren Gatland was present and how encouraged he must have been to see the way the Leinster pack played in the second half and the way their young out-half Mark McHugh responded to their play. He put an indifferent beginning behind him to give a match-winning performance with his personal contribution of 27 points.

Leinster had the best tight forward on the field in second-row Robert Casey and he was in no way intimidated by the presence of Martin Johnson in the opposing pack. Casey totally outshone Johnson. He is a player of immense potential and this European Cup campaign could see all the promise he has shown since his schooldays come to fruition.

I have not seen Victor Costello play as well for a long time as he did on Friday night and that, too, was welcome. The whole Leinster back row complemented the work of the tight five and Leo Cullen, when he came on for the second half, played very well, too. One other thing about this Leinster side, it was composed entirely of home-grown talent and all the players have come through the under-age system. Leicester, the reigning English champions, were rated among the favourites to win the European Cup. They led 17-12 at the interval and when the score was 21-20 in Leinster's favour at a crucial stage of the second half, it was crisis time for the home side - they met the challenge splendidly. Now they must go on and build on this win.

THE Ireland management trio of Donal Lenihan, Warren Gatland, and Eddie O'Sullivan were all at Thomond Park on Saturday to see Munster beat the current leaders of the Welsh-Scottish League Pontypridd. Here again was another very encouraging performance. This is a good Munster team, but one that will face a stern test against Saracens on Sunday in Watford. If Munster can pass that test, then there is every chance of a place in the knock-out stages. They will meet in Saracens a team that lost their opening European Cup match to Colomiers by 19-16.

Munster go into their match on Sunday on the back of a 100 per cent record in the Interprovincial series and wins over Ireland and now Pontypridd this season.

One man who has made a major contribution to Munster is number eight Anthony Foley. He has been the outstanding player in that position in the country this season. Slimmer, quicker and fitter than I have ever seen him, Foley is playing the best rugby of his career. That surely will be recognised by the Ireland selectors. So, too, should the form of out-half Ronan O'Gara. He lost out in the final shake-up for the World Cup - he should not lose out as the selectors contemplate their panel for the Six Nations Championship.

The Ireland squad badly needs amendment since the World Cup and at least eight who were in it could scarcely complain if they have no part to play in the championship. One must hope that the European Cup campaign will now bring forward worthy candidates for the national team. The incentive for the players is considerable.

In conclusion, the Shannon club has enjoyed an unprecedented level of success over the decade and their many great victories have always been followed by the singing of their rousing anthem There is An Isle. Nobody epitomises the spirit of Shannon better than the man who has enchanted countless thousands so many times with his rendition of that song, Frankie Flynn. Frankie, one of the game's great gentlemen and enthusiasts, is currently ill in a Limerick hospital. Everybody will wish him a speedy and complete recovery.