Blow for Kidney as in-form Nacewa keeps Kearney on bench
In-form Isa Nacewa has been selected at full-back ahead of Rob Kearney
THE thorny issue of provinces working against the national interest raised its head again yesterday when Lions and Ireland star Rob Kearney was left out of the Leinster team to face Munster at the RDS this evening (6.30).
Kearney's performances for the Lions against South Africa last summer earned him worldwide acclaim, with Munster's Springbok centre Jean De Villiers this week describing the Louth man as "phenomenal". Yet he must make do with a place on the bench tonight as coach Michael Cheika goes with Fijian international Isa Nacewa at full-back.
Nacewa has been in excellent form this season, proving conclusively that full-back is his most effective position, and Cheika cannot be blamed for making a form selection, with Kearney looking a little rusty on his return to action against Edinburgh last weekend.
SHOCKER
But it is bad news for Declan Kidney, a few weeks ahead of November international series, with the Ireland coach understandably anxious for his frontline players to have matches behind them after their enforced post-Lions break.
Kidney has continually emphasised the importance of regular game-time in his international selections and unless Nacewa has a shocker this evening (highly unlikely) he will be favourite to start at full-back when Leinster kick-off their Heineken Cup defence against London Irish.
It is understandable that provincial coaches look after their own patch and they cannot be faulted for operating within the existing system. However, it is hard to imagine a similar situation occurring in South Africa, New Zealand or Australia (the top three ranked teams in world rugby) where the interests of the national side always come first.
The point is emphasised by a couple of intriguing match-ups this evening. Cian Healy is challenging strongly for Marcus Horan's place at loose-head on the Ireland team and Jonathan Sexton has come through strongly at out-half behind Ronan O'Gara. Both Leinster players have taken advantage of the regular game-time they have received since the middle of last season, but both benefited from injuries to overseas stars CJ van der Linde and Felipe Contepomi respectively.
There is an Irish upside as Kearney's omission presents a golden opportunity for Keith Earls, who starred in the centre for Munster last season but is a designated full-back this campaign as coach, Tony McGahan, builds his midfield around the overseas excellence of Lifeimi Mafi and De Villiers.
After a rocky start, Earls played extremely well at 15 on the Lions tour (although he never threatened Kearney's Test spot) and a strong performance this evening will put the young Limerick man in pole position to gain the Ireland 15 jersey next month.
The rest of the Leinster team is along expected lines, with Brian O'Driscoll resuming his Grand Slam-winning centre partnership in his first game since the Lions second Test last June and Shane Jennings returning at open-side flanker alongside Jamie Heaslip and Kevin McLaughlin.
This means no room for Sean O'Brien, who has been hugely impressive in Leinster's early Magners League encounters, but Jennings has a history of strong performances against Munster (dating back to his time at Leicester Tigers) and McLaughlin's extra height provides a third lineout option behind second-rows Leo Cullen and Nathan Hines.
Munster will miss the influence of Alan Quinlan -- ruled out with a neck injury -- in this regard, while Paul O'Connell will make his first appearance of the season off the bench, having recovered from the hamstring strain that ruled him out of Munster's win over the Dragons last weekend.
"It's (the hamstring) fine now, not a problem. I have to manage it, that's all," said O'Connell. "I won't play a full game because it's my first game back but I'm looking forward to getting back on the field. This game comes as the ideal preparation both for myself and the squad ahead of the European games coming up."
Hooker Jerry Flannery is also set to be introduced in the second half, having recovered from the arm injury that ruled him out of the Lions tour. It means Denis Fogarty goes up against his brother John as the jostling begins for the back-up hooking slot behind Flannery for November following the injury to Rory Best.
Both Fogartys have been playing well, with Denis in particular catching the eye with his muscular displays in the loose and sibling rivalry should ensure a compelling contest.
Niall Ronan returns from injury to the open-side flank, with Denis Leamy and Nick Williams making up a powerful back row. Denis Hurley's excellent displays on the left wing see him hold onto the No 11 jersey, with Ian Dowling providing cover, while Doug Howlett faces an intriguing battle with Luke Fitzgerald on the far side.
Last May, Munster went into the Heineken Cup semi-final as overwhelming favourites but were stunned by a magnificent Leinster performance packed with ferocity and finesse.
That result will play heavily on Munster minds but, equally, Leinster haven't forgotten their 18-0 reverse to their southern rivals at the RDS a year ago. That is Leinster's only loss at Ballsbridge in 23 matches dating back to October 2007 and they are currently on a 10-game RDS winning streak in all competitions.
Both sides have considerable impact to call on and David Wallace should get his first run out of the season in the second period.
This meeting of Heineken Cup and Magners League champions has the makings of a cracking contest and, as ever, selecting a winner is a perilous exercise.
Their last three meetings have produced decisive winners (Munster won 22-5 at Thomond Park last April) but it is safe to expect a far closer affair this time.
And, on the basis of Leinster's excellent recent record at the RDS, Cheika's men may just sneak it.
Verdict: Leinster
LEINSTER -- I Nacewa; S Horgan, B O'Driscoll, G D'Arcy, L Fitzgerald; J Sexton, E Reddan; C Healy, J Fogarty, S Wright; L Cullen (capt), N Hines; K McLaughlin, S Jennings, J Heaslip. Reps: B Jackman, M Ross, M O'Kelly, S O'Brien, S Keogh, F McFadden, R Kearney.
MUNSTER -- K Earls; D Howlett, L Mafi, J de Villiers, D Hurley; R O'Gara (capt), T O'Leary; M Horan, D Fogarty, J Hayes; D O'Callaghan, M O'Driscoll; D Leamy, N Ronan, N Williams. Reps: J Flannery, T Buckley, P O'Connell, D Wallace, P Warwick, P Stringer, I Dowling.
REF -- S McDowell (Ireland).
Leinster v Munster,
Live, Setanta Sports 1, 6.30
- Hugh Farrelly
Irish Independent
