Leinster under pressure as European journey begins

SATURDAY'S IRISH RESULTS

Champions Cup
Sale 26-27 Munster
Leicester 25-18 Ulster

Challenge Cup
Connacht 48-12 La Rochelle

SUNDAY'S IRISH FIXTURE

Leinster v Wasps, Champions Cup Pool 2, RDS Arena, 1715

By Tadhg Peavoy

Matt O'Connor's Leinster men have been coming under pressure of late for their seeming inconsistency in the Pro12, delivering fine displays, followed by mediocre outings.

This was typified by putting Cardiff Blues to the sword in style, only to capitulate to Munster the following weekend.

There has been much talk of the Australian head coach's style not gelling. However, to make such assertions just six games into the season seems to be jumping the gun somewhat.

Leinster's injury list has been horrific of late, with essentially half a first XV either on the treatment table, just returning to full match fitness, or struggling with niggling injuries.

With enough of the squad fit, this side is a threat to any team in Europe, and they will hope to show it this weekend.

Rob Kearney's back injury forces a reshuffle which sees Ian Madigan move to fullback, and Noel Reid start at inside centre, in moves that change the dynamic of the team.

Many will be disappointed to see Madigan moved to 15 as his effect on the attack could be lessened there, but his versatility is a key factor to his game, and he should perform well in that slot.

Zane Kirchner, Gordon D'Arcy and Darragh Fanning all start, and all have looked very sharp so far this season.

Up front, with no Cian Healy, Sean O'Brien or Shane Jennings, captain Jamie Heaslip's importance to the team performance cannot be underestimated, while it will be interesting to see how much influence experienced lock Mike McCarthy can exert on the game.

London Wasps – soon to be Coventry Wasps – come to Dublin on the back of a very stylish and impressive 29-22 victory over Bath, which moved them up to fifth in the Premiership.

First centre Alapati Leiua was a big threat in that tie with clever ball-carrying in midfield, and an ability to pass off either hand while taking the tackler out of the game.

Reid and D'Arcy will need to deploy both chop and choke tackles to snuff out his ability to offload and as a result shut down one of Wasps' key avenues of attack.

On the right wing, Christian Wade is also a major threat; the best way to stop the flying winger is to prevent the ball reaching him. This is where Leinster's pack will be tasked with taking away Wasps' platform at the breakdown. To this end, the battle of the captains, James Haskell versus Heaslip, is key.

The Lions No 8 needs to ensure the Wasps openside flanker is kept quiet at the breakdown, and is always second to reach the battle zone.

Haskell instigates Wasps' ability to create steady platforms; eliminate him, and eliminate much of what Wasps do well in that zone of the game.

Leinster will also need to be wary that second centre Elliot Daly is potent with long-range penalties.

Infringements near the halfway line can be punished, and if the game is tight late on, keeping on the right side of the law is paramount, even outside the '10.

Leinster will be craving a big game to silence their critics; this is the perfect opportunity to deliver one.

Verdict: Leinster to win by 12.

Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang

Leinster under pressure as European journey begins

Dengan url

http://olahragaenjoy.blogspot.com/2014/10/leinster-under-pressure-as-european.html

Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya

Leinster under pressure as European journey begins

namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link

Leinster under pressure as European journey begins

sebagai sumbernya

Olahraga Enjoy