Leinster moved ahead of Ulster in GUINNESS PRO14 Conference B with a win at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday. Sean O’Brien, Richardt Strauss, Rory O’Loughlin and Rob Kearney all returned from injury on the night and came through the contest with no issues.
Dan Leavy picked up a knock to his hip against Ulster and will be further assessed this week. Noel Reid and James Ryan were both withdrawn for head injury assessments during the first half and did not return to the field of play. They have now entered the return-to-play protocols.
Meanwhile, Fergus McFadden had tightness in his hamstring last week and was not risked for the interprovincial derby in Belfast. The versatile back is due to be assessed further this week.
Leinster will face Glasgow Warriors this Friday night in the GUINNESS PRO14 (kick-off 7.35pm). Leo Cullen’s men make the return trip to Scotstoun Stadium just a few weeks after their memorable 34-18 Champions Cup victory over Glasgow.
Speaking ahead of the rematch in the PRO14, the province’s backs coach Girvan Dempsey said: “Glasgow are very dangerous. They’re the only unbeaten side in the PRO14 at the moment. I think they’ve only conceded nine tries in the league. They’re scoring on average 30-plus points at home in Scotstoun – the pitch suits them.
“Defensively, we’re going to have to be on point, and we have to make sure that when we get the opportunities that we take our points. It’s going to be a tough challenge but we want to finish off this block of games on a high.”
A superb solo try from young replacement Jordan Larmour was a real moment of magic at Kingspan Stadium last weekend, and Dempsey thought the 20-year-old handled been thrown in at the deep end – straight into midfield in a hard-edged interprovincial derby – ‘extremely well’.
“Jordan had been doing a lot of work in the back-three during the week, got a few reps in midfield as he was aware he was covering that as well. But to be called upon so early (for Noel Reid), and to adapt.
“With ball in hand, he is exceptional, he’s lightning on his feet, and his confidence is in a really good place. It’s good when all players feel they’re under a bit of pressure.
“He’s got massive X-factor, but it’s about learning in terms of positional play in the back-three, defensive understanding, attacking under a bit more pressure in the centre channel, it’s trying to grow him, challenge him and put him in positions where he’s got to make decisions.
“He’ll make mistakes like all players do, but it’s about getting him into those situations, learning from them so next time it happens, he’s got more confidence and he’s in a better position. But I think we’ve seen growth from him, there’s always a massive expectation on a player who is high profile and I think you saw at the weekend he’s definitely in the right mode,” added the former Leinster and Ireland full-back.
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