One of the most remarkable aspects of the job Leo Cullen continues to do as Leinster head coach is keeping a large squad full of internationals happy. That close bond within the Leinster ranks was fully evident over the weekend as they demonstrated both sides of their class – offensive flair and defensive bravery.
On the pitch there was another perfect example of the strong Leinster culture when Cullen and his coaches invited Dan Leavy to surprise his former team-mates at their Leicester hotel before booking their place in the Heineken Champions Cup semi-finals. Build muscle and outperform the Premiership leaders.
Such a physical struggle at Welford Road would have gotten in the way of Leavy, only he is still coming to terms with the fact that a serious knee injury forced him to retire at just 27.
It’s a testament to the esteem in which Leavy is held that he was part of the gameday setup for the biggest game of the season, as his presence on the touchline was felt during Leinster’s 23-14 win.
Last but not least, players were reminded to cherish days like this, because as Leavy’s unfortunate case demonstrates, everything can be savagely snatched out of thin air.
Veterans like Johnny Sexton and Cian Healy will have some idea, but for younger stars like Dan Sheehan and European debutant Joe McCarthy, it’s important not to take anything for granted.
The sight of Toulouse coming to town is enough to quickly bring minds back to focus, and for Sheehan, who grew up dreaming of being there for these big occasions, it’s a challenge the hooker enjoys to get a shot at the reigning European and French champions.
“Oh yeah, I’ve spent 15 years just sitting on the couch and watching or attending these games,” Sheehan said (inset).
“To be over the whitewash in a game like this is hugely exciting.
“It’s something that still kind of tingles me when I think about it, even now. It’s hopefully one of the biggest games I’ll be involved with.
“You have five stars, that’s what we want. But if you look at their story and our story, it’s pretty much the same. Two huge European clubs compete what you want. You have to beat the best to win. It’s a tremendously exciting game, especially at the Aviva.”
Given how powerful a substitute Toulouse played in the penalty shoot-out win over Munster, Sheehan’s power will be crucial this weekend.
However, the 23-year-old can be confident as he fared against many of the same opponents during Ireland’s Six Nations trip to Paris earlier this year.
“Both sides will have a lot of familiar faces,” Sheehan said.
“It’s going to be the direct carries, two big packs going head-to-head. I think it’s going to be a payline focused game in the early stages and then it’s all about who gets to the seat the fastest.
“It’s all about the start, you saw that in France, we struggled to start well and then it can be so difficult to get back into the game. I think the launch and the physical side will decide the game.
“I think set pieces will play a big role. They like to assert their dominance in crowds and mauls. We’ll come up with a plan. You have to go to hell for leather.”
Leicester Tigers: F Steward; C Ashton (F Burns 66), M Moroni (N Nadolo 45), G Porter, H Potter; G Ford, B Youngs (R Wigglesworth 59); E Genge (Captain) (J Whitcombe 76), J Montoya (N Dolly 74), D Cole (J Heyes 59); O Chessum, C Green (H Wells 62); H. Liebenberg, T. Reffell (G. Martin 50), J. Wiese.
Leinster: H. Keenan; J O’Brien (T O’Brien 72), G Ringrose, R Henshaw, J Lowe; J Sexton (Captain) (R Byrne 62), J Gibson Park (L McGrath 71); A Porter (C Healy 62-76), R Kelleher (D Sheehan 48), T Furlong (M Ala’alatoa, 62); R Molony, J Ryan (J McCarthy 76); C. Doris, J. van der Flier, J. Conan (R. Ruddock 71).
Ref: M. Raynal (France)
https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/champions-cup/sheehan-promises-to-go-hell-for-leather-against-champions-41628943.html Sheehan promises to “go for leather” against champions.
