Leinster must be patient and proudly blue

RUGBY ANALYST:So have Munster a weakness? Well, no. All things being equal, Leinster won't get past them. But all things are not equal, writes LIAM TOLAND.

SO ONCE again the Formula One car is meeting head on with the World Rally Car. For many years Munster were very comfortable in the rally car, muscling their way around the track. The difference between then and now is obvious: Munster can drive whatever car they want.

Do Leinster have a chance tomorrow? Well, they’ve as good a chance as any other side in world rugby. For it’s important to put this fixture in perspective. There are few sides (international included) who could beat Munster. That’s no disrespect to Leinster, it’s simply fact. Leinster are underdogs, and for good reason. After 16 Magners League and seven Heineken Cup games there remain huge question marks over their best 15. Worse still, their key command positions of scrumhalf and outhalf have chopped and changed all season.

But then tomorrow is the derby fixture of the season. A few weeks ago Liverpool required three goals against Chelsea to stay in Europe. Not only did they manage this against all odds, but they scored four. And to compound the derby effect on results, Chelsea also managed four, thereby knocking Liverpool out. No one in their right mind would have predicted that outcome. Derby’s can churn out very unusual results.

Three months ago I suggested Leinster were a good outside bet for the Heineken Cup, a statement received with many smiles. My view is simple: once New Zealand are knocked out of the World Cup then anyone can win it. Likewise once Munster are knocked out of Europe anyone can win the Heineken Cup. As unlikely as it may seem, tomorrow is Leinster’s opportunity to knock them out.

On last week’s evidence it’s tempting to include Jonathan Sexton at 10, even though it would be forced as opposed to planned. Both “10s” have much to offer, but, if involved, I hope his instinct for control becomes his priority. That Leinster have been unable to exert control over Munster in recent battles has been obvious, but it’s their inability to exert control over themselves that’s most worrying. If they can, they’ll have a chance.

Few sides can mimic Munster’s ability to soak up pressure and wait so patiently for guilt-edged opportunities to pounce. Where once they had the ability to strangle the very life out of the opposition, they can now create those opportunities.

Hence the importance of field position to Leinster. In their last meeting in Thomond Park, Leinster created many opportunities that should have resulted in scores. But they fell into the trap, became impatient and forced the game deep inside their half. By half-time they were fast becoming frustrated.

Here is where Felipe Contepomi or Sexton must remain patient. Field position is paramount. Rule one for Leinster: play the waiting game and be very, very patient.

Second, they must keep pace on the ball. As I’ve said before, the Leinster front five continue to find themselves in the 10 slot. I hope they can resist the temptation to offer themselves as an extra outhalf. It only slows down the flow and risks turnovers.

So have Munster a weakness? Well, no. They are clearly the best side in Europe. The next best, Claremont Auvergne, have failed to get past them over two years. The All Blacks barely made it and, all things being equal, Leinster won’t either.

But all things are not equal. There is a heavy responsibility on the shoulders of each Munster man, heavier still for those Lions and heaviest due to the Tomás O’Leary factor. Last week Munster displayed real character in coming out after half-time to trounce the Scarlets and gain the bonus point. It must’ve been a very sombre dressingroom.

O’Leary’s absence will affect the tempo of the game. Ronan O’Gara will have become accustomed to the time and space gained by O’Leary’s style, particularly his kicking game. So it is here where Leinster must strike.

The obvious channel of attack will be targeted by the Leinster ball-carriers where – until his dying day – O’Gara will be targeted. But it’s O’Gara’s kicking game that the Leinster backrow should focus on. Severe pressure must be placed on him. At times his exemplary kicking can prove wayward. When Munster are under their greatest pressure, his kicking gives them time to think, which controls the pace of the game. Leinster need to force errors from O’Gara which will reduce Munster’s control. Furthermore, by keeping the ball out of touch, augmented by an aggressive chasing game, Leinster can limit Lifeimi Mafi’s influence on proceedings.

Finally, why do Japanese men enjoy a large pint of Guinness? Or more tangentially, why do the people of the world march in green every St Patrick’s Day? They do so because they’re attracted to the Irish culture. But culture is nothing until people believe in it and follow it, and it is nothing without people perpetuating it. Culture will die when it refuses to change within its surroundings, be it Leinster or Munster. Contrary to what people think, there is a Leinster culture worth supporting. Way back in 1998 I was a lieutenant, based in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines, Dublin 6, when Mike Ruddock gave me a call. Although I was a product of Munster, I found myself in a position to play for Leinster. That it is different from Munster is no matter, as it was a wonderful journey I never thought I’d experience. The challenge for Leinster tomorrow is to display their unique Leinster brand, a culture for all their people to follow. Build it and they will come!

As I sit in the Cusack Stand tomorrow I’m sure to think back to the great man himself, Michael Cusack, who way back in 1884 started the whole GAA ball rolling. Cusack was a fervent nationalist and promoter of Irish culture. I can’t help thinking of his time teaching in Blackrock College and Clongowes Wood, not to mention his involvement with rugby pre-1884 while running the Civil Service Academy in Dublin. I’m sure he, like those who take time out to appreciate the nurturing of all things cultural, would value the vast array of sports, not to mention music and drama, available in schools such as Blackrock College or St Munchin’s College.

To those of you who still believe that Irish rugby is anathema to Irish culture, I say. . . Dim your lights!