Leinster’s 37–34 loss to Northampton within the Investec Champions Cup semi-final didn’t simply finish their European marketing campaign — it might even have dented the British & Irish Lions prospects of a number of big-name contenders.
Whereas Leinster will virtually actually present the only greatest contingent of gamers from one membership for the tour, their poor exhibiting on the Aviva Stadium is not going to have helped the case of these probably nonetheless combating for a spot on the airplane.
With Andy Farrell’s squad being introduced this Thursday and a few extremely contested spots probably up for grabs for the tour of Australia, listed here are 5 Leinster gamers whose Lions inventory took successful over the weekend.
1. Sam Prendergast
Considered as a Lions bolter, Prendergast’s defensive struggles in opposition to Northampton have been brutally uncovered. Overwhelmed one-on-one by Fin Smith and responsible of soppy tackling all through, the younger fly-half confirmed promise in assault however regarded a ways off the bodily calls for of Take a look at rugby.
The expertise is obvious, however this was a reminder of how far he nonetheless has to go.
2. Joe McCarthy
Some of the talked-about Irish forwards this season, McCarthy did not impose himself bodily in opposition to a Saints pack that received key collisions on the Aviva. His self-discipline has hampered him this season, however on Saturday it was the dearth of chunk in touch that stood out. The usually highly effective lock simply couldn’t present the dominant defensive edge Leinster and Ireland have come to depend on.
Throughout from him, someday England second-row Alex Coles — who hadn’t been a part of the Lions dialog — outshone him.
It wasn’t a very good look. After a powerful Six Nations, this was a step backwards in Lions phrases.
3. Jack Conan
Conan was as soon as a Take a look at starter for the Lions however got here off the bench in opposition to the English champions — albeit within the context that Max Deegan’s choice forward of him could have raised eyebrows given the magnitude of the sport.
Given the again row depth at Andy Farrell’s disposal, Conan wanted a giant efficiency right here, and he might really feel he didn’t fairly do himself justice. With the likes of Caelan Doris, Ben Earl, Tom Willis and Aaron Wainwright in robust type, Conan’s Lions inclusion now seems to be contact and go.
That mentioned, the No.8 has loved a high-quality season, even when roughly half his recreation time within the Champions Cup (57 per cent) and Six Nations (40 per cent) got here from the bench.
4. Robbie Henshaw
Nonetheless a world-class operator on his day, Henshaw had one in all his quieter outings in opposition to Northampton. He didn’t do a lot mistaken, however there’s a rising sense that whereas he stays an extremely stable midfield choice, the attacking aspect of his recreation has develop into somewhat predictable.
The cheer that rang out across the Aviva when Jordie Barrett changed the Athlone man might have mirrored a broader feeling: the two-time Lions vacationer is now not on the prime desk by way of innovative.
5. Hugo Keenan
Two seasons in the past, Keenan may need been one of many first names on most followers’ Lions XVs.
However his high-ball radar was uncharacteristically off for giant durations in opposition to Saints, and whereas he made just a few significant attacking inroads within the first half, it was a poor day on the workplace for the previous Sevens star. Whereas his Lions credentials stay robust, Blair Kinghorn is actually forward of him now, and the likes of George Furbank (regardless of damage), Freddie Steward and even Marcus Smith are urgent arduous too.
Keenan stays within the combine, however the semi-final confirmed he’s not resistant to stress in a extremely aggressive fullback subject.
