The local and passionate clash this weekend is the perfect mental test for the new generation of Irish professionals

LAST SUNDAY morning I found myself “supervising” my sibling’s children in the swimming pool of the Strand Hotel. While enjoying the warmth of the pool with the kids running riot, I began to recall the “heated” debate surrounding athletes utilising the ice baths. Recent surveys suggest there is practically no benefit to be derived from them.

Unconvinced, I decided to conduct an experiment. I introduced Louis to the plunge pool and encouraged him in head first. As he left terra firma the thought did cross my mind, should I have highlighted the temperature differential to be expected? I felt not, as such information would have overburdened the eight-year-old which might have put the experiment in jeopardy!

As expected, his visit lasted a matter of seconds as he clambered out and headed straight for the main pool. If I had had a note pad I would have logged that Louis derived much pleasure from the warmth of the main pool, so much so that he volunteered a little later for another visit to the plunge pool. It’s hard to predict what physical benefit he gained but there was certainly a mental one!

With European fare around the corner and the big Pro 12 derbies of this weekend running hot, it’s interesting to note what mental tests await the young professional. Ian Keatley, Seán Cronin and Jamie Hagan are on the bench for Munster and Leinster. Connacht could certainly do with their quality tomorrow as starters not to mention next week in the Stoop of Harlequins. That Fionn Carr doesn’t even make the Leinster bench must irk Eric Elwood no end.

With youth in mind I’m very surprised that Peter O’Mahony hasn’t made it into the starting backrow for Munster, nor Dominic Ryan for Leinster, nor indeed Danny Barnes out wide. At openside last week against Aironi O’Mahony was very interesting. He carries extremely well, entering the tackle on his terms and looking for offloads. Although excellent technically around the breakdown in defence and offence and tackle hes no David Pocock, but because of his athleticism he could become a version of Richie McCaw.

He’d do well to observe the angle at which McCaw arrives to breakdown, especially those lateral or behind. In fact we’re far too honest here in Ireland and need to push this boundary at the breakdown.

I know both coaches have plans and that all five “youths” will be brought on during the game tonight but last weekend’s derby encounter between Young Munster’s and Shannon struck a chord. What will be displayed this evening in the Aviva will certainly be physical but it is the mental test that’s all important. Young up-and-coming players need to be exposed to the “derby” that our clubs have long provided but sadly are diminishing due to the rapid transition to professional ranks. This weekend provides the modern version of the ancient club rivalry.

My colleague John O’Sullivan’s article earlier this week provided an interesting insight into Clongowes Wood, where 115 of Ireland’s brightest prospects are honing their skills. Crucially, the players were all drawn from both club and school, where the clubs are fast overtaking the schools’ dominance of the “elite” tag. They require derbies.

It is certainly a very big day for Devin Toner. I’ll watch him closely when he’s receiving kick-offs. The quality of his offensive hits around the fringe has improved and tonight will test the very tall lever.

For Cronin and Rob Kearney tonight is also huge. For Kearney it is because of external competition from Isa Nacewa on the wing and for Cronin internal. With the RWC behind him, can Kearney emulate the Isa Nacewa of last season, unlocking defences but crucially keeping the ball flowing through better placed players? Few in world rugby can.

For Cronin it is all about trajectory as his lineout throw continues to be unpredictable. Last week in Scotland the ball never forced a maximum stretch from the target man. This must improve or his brilliance on the ball and around the field will not save him.

It is also a pity Danny Barnes has been benched with Will Chambers starting at 13. They appear very different players; Barnes is a bundle of energy while Chambers is more the languid runner. He certainly can offload but Barnes appears quicker over 10 metres. I don’t know if it’s pace but Chambers’s entry into contact looks a wee bit lazy, where he can get into a poor body position.

On one occasion last week he faced the far touchline away from his support runners, which is the wrong way for Conor Murray’s arrival and quick clearance. Inches I know, but at this level they count. In the cauldron that is this derby can Chambers make inroads on the teak-tough Fergus McFadden? And if Barnes comes on will it be at 13?

Up front BJ Botha is a big addition to the Munster scrum, maintaining incredibly straight angles under the toughest of pressure. Outside his hard-working attitude he is a very sensible player. I’m really looking forward to his tussle with Cian Healy tonight.

Munster started beautifully against Aironi with Musgrave Park looking magnificent. So did Munster. Those accustomed to early season matches will recognise that everything can start well but end in a struggle. Why? Every team requires these lessons to learn how to bounce back mid-game. Munster will have benefited no end, beginning with lots of fresh running, going one way but happy to rewind with Murray at nine in control of the pace and direction of runners. Aironi didn’t touch the ball for the opening period but their influence developed as the clouds came in. Up to that point Munster’s multiple phase play made great ground and all numbers interacted with O’Gara attacking the line.

As the rain bucketed down, Munster’s new combinations struggled for very obvious reasons. Inside O’Gara there lies a challenge for Murray who has shot to RWC fame. The danger for this very young and still inexperienced international is the temptation to overdo his role instead of growing steadily, working on all aspects of his game.

Even though his players are reacting to his every move I hope he doesn’t try to take on too much tonight.

In summary, for all the wonderful work being conducted in the academies, unless these players require an ice bath post-match, which is a certainty this weekend, then they are missing out on a key fundamental of our game.

PS: Louis proudly donned his Leinster jersey as he exited the Strand Hotel and in fairness he had earned it!