Leinster can reap benefit of hard work

Few Leinster supporters appear to be keen students of history. If they were it might temper traditionally unencumbered expectation with a hefty dose of realism. The province has tantalised occasionally in the European Cup in recent seasons, producing several excellent victories, but has been unable to sustain the impetus to negotiate a passage to the knock-out stages.

The players protest against the assertion that they don't possess the steel, that hard mental edge, to deal with teams that boast less obvious talent. The problem is not to get Leinster to perform but to do so on a regular basis. Matt Williams begins his second season in absolute control of the provincial set-up having previously assisted Mike Ruddock.

The Australian has had time in the summer addressing a couple of problems that dogged Leinster last season. In introducing a former Australian international outhalf Nathan Spooner, Williams is hoping to rectify one particular weakness at least. In the interprovincial series last season, sundry Leinster place-kickers could only manage a scoring rate of less than 50 per cent with the placed ball: in the European Cup it was just under 60.

Williams conceded: "It was an area of the game in which we struggled. I first came across Nathan at the Eastwood club and then introduced him when coaching New South Wales before he moved on to Queensland and developed even further. He's a tough competitor with a cool head and brings that experience to the team.

"People forget that Denis Hickie is the senior statesman of the backline. He's a very good place-kicker. I think that if we can kick with about 80 per cent success rate and maintain our try scoring averages from last season then we'll be successful. Winning competitions, trophies, semis, whatever will come as a result."

Irish-born, Australian educated openside Keith Gleeson is another acquisition along with centre Adam Magro and New Zealand-born Irish passport holder Ben Willis, a scrumhalf. When Liam Toland's sabbatical from the army ended last season the province needed a strong openside and Gleeson certainly fits that bill. The modern game suits his style of play and he will be a fine example for young players like Shane Jennings, in much the same way that Spooner will for Andy Dunne.

Williams, a self confessed "addict" to rugby, can't wait for the start of the new season: on Friday night at Donnybrook, Leinster entertain Glasgow in their first Celtic League match. But have the lessons of last season been heeded? "We started work again a week after the Biarritz match last season.

"We didn't just stop, pack up our troubles for a couple of months and go our separate ways. We came together and started working on the season coming up. There was an enormous amount of honesty and there had to be. There was a feeling that talent alone would suffice but there are many talented people out there.

"You have to work hard, really hard and be prepared to push yourself. The players had to be hard on each other and they have. There has to be professionalism in how they work on and off the field. All the great players I coached worked incredibly hard. David Campese was the greatest I ever coached and he was also best worker.

"The players have taken the steps. You have to be mentally hard in what is a very mentally hard game."

Williams is optimistic that the desire shown by individuals can be harnessed for the collective good: "The spirit within the camp is excellent. A lot of hard work has been done. The squad has greater depth and the increased competition for places is a big plus from last year.

"There needed to be a change in attitude in some cases, a change of work ethic and a desire to improve skill levels. We have worked hard on that."

Williams outlined his hopes for the season stating that concentrating on performance would bring results rather than focusing on the winning and losing of matches.

He also harbours a personal wish: to see St Mary's College hooker Peter Smyth donning playing attire again. Smyth underwent surgery last Friday to remove a non-malignant brain tumour. It proved a total success and Williams was delighted to receive a phone call from the player yesterday who intimated that he would try and attend Friday's game.

It epitomises Smyth. Williams can only hope that intensity and desire is matched by his provincial team-mates. Leinster would be well served if that proved to be the case.