Last Sunday was D-Day for us – the final of this winter’s interprovincial tournament. The weekend began early on Saturday morning, when I met up with the rest of the Leinster squad in Donnybrook to do a team run. Later in the afternoon we gathered at the Montrose Hotel, where we were all staying, to watch Ireland’s men take on South Africa at Croke Park.
What a game! The control and confidence shown by Jonathan Sexton on his second cap was amazing, which was very reassuring for Irish rugby followers. And although Brian O’Driscoll had a quiet game by his standards, he was still immense and stood up when needed most.
In the dying seconds of the game, when South Africa were pushing for a try, O’Driscoll put in a monstrous hit which resulted in a penalty to Ireland – game over.
It has been an incredible year for the lads, and we all hope that they will build on it for this year and the next World Cup. Team coach Declan Kidney seems to have the Midas touch, and long may it continue.
But back to our own game. We had our usual pre-match team meeting on Saturday evening, and the main topic this time was commitment. One girl explained how she had cycled nearly 1,000km over the course of the interpros from her home in Howth, getting up at 5am to make gym sessions at six in the morning.
That’s the kind of immense commitment that’s been demonstrated by everyone this year. And we went to bed that evening feeling confident about the game.
The next morning, however, we were hit with utter disappointment. The match was cancelled due to the torrential rain overnight which left most pitches in Leinster unplayable.
Immediately there was much confusion and talk about a replay, but as there were no free weekends left on the calendar, it looks unlikely if a replay will happen.
If the match doesn’t go ahead, the squad and I will be bitterly disappointed, as we gave so much this year. The management and coaches left no stone unturned to prepare us properly, and if we don’t play, it will seem like the last couple of months have been wasted. But if I can take anything away from the time and effort we’ve dedicated, it’s that we’re definitely fitter than ever before, and probably the most complete players in our careers so far.
Elsewhere, the first Irish training session takes place this weekend at Navan RFC. There will be a group of 35 players taking part, which will be then cut for the next session in two weeks’ time.
There is a great blend of youth and experience, and it is very exciting to be working with a new coach. I just hope the weather stays fine for the weekend so we can get the most out of it
