Writing in the Irish Independent, Hugh Farrelly tips the presence of Jamie Heaslip to inspire Leinster to greater things in their Aviva Stadium clash with Munster.
"In these pages last month, Jamie Heaslip outlined his rugby goals for the next 12 months. "Win everything," he said simply. "I don't play to lose."
"While the sentiment may have been a tad unrealistic (as demonstrated by Leinster's one from four league record in September) the intent was admirable and, if you were a team-mate of Heaslip's, inspirational. Which is why Joe Schmidt's decision to name the Kildare man as captain for tonight's Magners League clash with Munster at Lansdowne Road looks such an astute call.
"Leinster are up against it, riddled by injury, playing well below par and facing a Munster side that arrives at the sold-out Aviva-sponsored stadium with the type of confident strut that stems from being the only team in the league with a 100pc record.
"In this situation, Leinster need leaders and Heaslip is imbued with just the type of Henry V 'follow me' quality required to drive others on. He has captained Leinster once before, in a 38-23 win over Glasgow at the RDS in November 2006."
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