Given that Joe Schmidt had a terrible start in a results sense and then went on to dominate Europe and the Pro 12 no one is putting to much pressure on Matt O’Connor despite a mixed start to the season that’s scene them win one, draw one and lose one.
That loss was away to Glasgow last weekend although they did pick up a losing bonus point against a Warriors side that had beaten Ulster in Ravenhill the week before.
Irish provincial coaches are denied use of their best talent at the start of the season due to the necessary player rest protocols that see our Lions eased in rather than the running start they’d have to make if they played in England.
Rob Kearney and Cian Healy seem likely to start this weekend while Brian O’Drisscoll and Jamie Heaslip may also feature.
Leinster face Cardiff at the RDS this Friday night and O’Connor has been looking ahead to the game with reporters including your truly, the likeable former Wallaby spoke about who’s available, who might be available and who will be his front line number 10 for the season as Madigan and Gopperth vie for the out half position.
