The cipher for Leinster’s anxiety was Gordon D’Arcy, the 82-cap Ireland centre who played his entire career for Leinster, amassing 257 appearances for the province, which is the second-highest in its history.
D’Arcy said this week that Leinster’s quest for a fifth European champions star alongside another URC title is draining them. This attack of the jitters from Leinster supporters coincided with their team’s URC minitour of South Africa backfiring in a way that few expected.
In the past Leinster’s reserve strength has enabled them to make radical changes to starting line-ups, and still have a second-string side capable of beating most opponents.
It therefore came as a shock when a Leinster match 23 featuring current and former Irish internationals was trounced 44-12 by the unfancied Lions in Johannesburg last weekend.
Their Ireland Test roll-call included Cian Healy, Ciaran Frawley, Harry Byrne, and Luke McGrath. It also consisted of experienced former international back-rower Rhys Ruddock, fringe Test men Ed Byrne and Max Deegan, and other internationals, including one-cap Springbok lock Jason Jenkins, New Zealand and NZ Maori centre Charlie Ngatai, and Samoa tighthead Michael Ala’alatoa.
Esta historia es de la edición April 28, 2024 de The Rugby Paper.
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Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
