Another Kidney twist

And so how much Irish coach Declan Kidney actually learn from the drubbing given to Canada by his first selection last weekend?

Judging by his selection for this Saturday’s not too much but only a few players managing to make that lasting impression. Much has been made of the fact that of last weekend’s starting line-up, only four finished in the same position. And while the coaching staff may have been trying out different options, in the end it did not appear to sway the selection strategy for this weekend’s game against Ireland’s bogey team, New Zealand.

The two changes made in the back-line, Girvan Dempsey starting at full-back and Tómas O’Leary at scrum-half, are the only two of this weekend’s team who took no part in Thomond Park against Canada. These two are also selections, along with the selection of the back row that would have most caused Kidney selection issues.

While Keith Earls immediately impressing on his international debut, New Zealand is not the team to throw him in against for his second start, and his demotion to the bench was always likely. However that did not clearly identify Kidney’s preferred full back. Rob Kearney, selected on the wing, has continued to impress both for Ireland and Leinster but has had limited exposure this season at Number 15. Geordan Murphy and Kearney’s Leinster colleague Girvan Dempsey were the other options available. The Leinster man won out and despite turning 33 this year, Dempsey’s continued sublime reading of a game has seen him excel in this era of the ELVs.

O’Leary’s swift elevation to Ireland’s starting scrum half has only been usurped by the progress of Earls. Kidney made the tough decision of starting O’Leary ahead of Peter Stringer during last year’s Heineken Cup and while the new man has not started yet for Ireland, the coach has again shown the confidence in the player to start him against the All Blacks. His defensive abilities and physical presence deemed more suitable, giving him the edge over incumbent Eoin Reddan, who reverts to the bench. Stringer who impressed as a substitute against Canada is not included in the match 22.



The man, so long the playing partner of O’Gara, must not lose heart for his exclusion just yet. The same must be said for Murphy. Malcolm O’Kelly was one of the first culled from the training squad two weeks ago however he was recalled to the squad this week. Kidney picks on form, so all three should not fear their international careers are over just yet.

Stephen Ferris and Shane Jennings were two players who had most to gain against Canada last weekend. Ferris won the man of the match award but is unlucky not to make this weekend’s starting line-up. Jennings had the chance to pit himself against the world’s best number seven this weekend, but his performance last weekend was not enough to remove Ireland’s regular number seven, David Wallace. Ferris, who has had limited game time this year, loses his place to the outstanding blindside of this season, Alan Quinlan but provides Kidney with plenty of options if plan A does not work. Rory Best starts ahead of Jerry Flannery at hooker.

So for those selected must perform as they have not done for more than a year. Croke Park February 2007 against England is a long time ago. And then they must beat the only team that they have never beaten. Played 21. Lost 20. Drawn 1. O’Driscoll’s 50th time as captain could not be marked better than with that elusive victory.

Last weekend’s selection provided much cause for thought. However, such was the paucity of the opposition, Kidney was not in a position to learn too much from the victory. However, those selected against the All Blacks are well aware that the coach will cull as required.

In the end it may have been the players who were given more to think about after last weekend’s match than the coach. And maybe that was always the aim. Let’s hope Kidney’s aims are reached on Saturday.

Last one out turn off the lights

Once again, the mass exodus from Munster begins as all roads lead to Cardiff. Any train, plane, automobile, ferry, helicopter or speed boat leaving these shores this week will be full to the brim of red jerseys. The most circuitous routes will be taken to ensure arrival in the Welsh capital in time for Saturday’s 5pm kick-off.

Munster have almost made the Millenium Stadium a home-from-home as they challenge for the Heineken European Rugby Cup (to give it its full and correct name) in Wales for the third time in seven years. It is their fourth final in nine.

As a twice previous pilgrim, the search for transport, let alone accommodation only adds to the adventure. Do not be surprised to see Munster jerseys on any flight out of Ireland this week, regardless if you are heading to Newcastle, East Midlands, Southampton or even Glasgow.

Those flights are not restricted to Friday and Saturday, fully expect some people to begin travelling from Wednesday. Indeed it was reported that it is now even hard to avail of the use of a camper van to travel across, such has been the demand. And with so many hotels, inns, hostels, B&Bs full from Cardiff to Bristol and beyond, the camper van is an inspired decision. Let’s just hope the ferries travel. And on time.

Having battled through arguably the toughest-ever group in European Cup history, beaten Gloucester in Kingholm and then seen off a dogged Saracens team, Munster must be wondering what they have to do to get their hands on the trophy.

And the final doesn’t get any easier. Playing against the Kings of Europe, Stade Toulousain, there is no room for error, as the three times Champions will take full advantage. However, with their ace finisher Vincent Clerc out injured, a respite has been afforded the Munster men.

Playing against the European Royalty, Munster will have to be at the top of their game and have their best 15 players on the pitch. That should include Peter Stringer. The Irish scrum-half was dropped for the quarter-final and Tomas O’Leary had a storming game against Gloucester. But the same cannot be said for his semi-final performance. That he was not taken off at any stage in the second-half, let alone at half-time, beggared belief as O’Leary failed to provide the required calm and leadership sought by the pack.

If the same number of mistakes are made and the ball kicked away so aimlessly in the final by either O’Leary or Stringer, the European Cup will be returning to the South West of France. This match is too important to not start Stringer who is pivotal to the marshalling of the Munster pack, as well as the vital extra time he allows Ronan O’Gara on the ball.

This game is too close to call. The bookies only have the handicap at two points in Munster’s favour. If Stringer starts, Munster will win. But that is far from guaranteed.

The clash between these two teams will of biblical proportions. Let the pilgrimage begin. Last one out, turn off the lights.