Leinster coach looking for more from the pack - so they can play even faster out the back
New philosophy could lead to some high scoring from the Blues in the inter-pros
Reigning champions Leinster have picked a powerful pack to face Connacht in their opening 2024 Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship game at Energia Park (4.45pm, TG4).
Tighthead Linda Djougang was selected on the 2024 Six Nations Team of the Tournament, hooker Sarah Delaney, both second-rows Ruth Campbell and Eimear Corri were part of the 35-strong Ireland squad, while former Ireland star Hannah O'Connor skippers the side from blindside.
It is a unit looking to dominate, admits Leinster Backs and Skills coach Billy Ngawini who wants to see the Blues backs benefit, play faster rugby then ever before when the ball becomes available.
Read More: Andy Farrell adds former England and Munster coach to Ireland staff
Read More: Kellie Harrington double-bubble gold: an Olympic icon, a hero for our divided times
Teenager hooker Delaney was a sensation last year leading to her Ireland debut against Kazakhstan, Campbell was one of the stars of last year's inter-pro title win, making her debut and playing in all four games, and has developed a valuable combination with fellow Ireland lock Eimear Corri.
Djougang has been the jewel in the crown, her Six Nations performances being hailed across the board - and great as that was, Ngawini wants even more!
"The thing with Linda is we think there is an important leadership role from her and we want to see more of it," he says.
"She usually just leads from the front and she is superb at it but we want her to have a bit more to say on the pitch.
"We have seen her put her best foot forward, everyone saw just how good she was during the Six Nations.
"But it's more so trying to pick up with those young players and help bring them through, built on their strengths on the basis of and through support, put our arms around them."
Leinster have named five players debutants but only one starts, first-centre Cara Martin at inside centre. A product of Navan RFC, she was part of Niamh Briggs’ Ireland U-20s squad during the recent summer series.
Head coach Tania Rosser has opted for a back-three of Emma Tilly, Aimee Clarke, and Ella Roberts who is returning to play for Leinster for the first time since January 2023 due to injuries and time spent in Australia.
21-year-old Irish international Aoife Dalton, last year’s Bank of Ireland Women’s Player of the Year, partners Martin in the centre while, at half-back, Wexford native Katie Whelan is joined by the experienced Nikki Caughey.
The replacements in line to make their Leinster senior debuts are hooker Julia O'Connor, prop Katie Layde, Irish U-20s captain and second row Jane Neill, and Jemma Farrell.
LEINSTER (v Connacht, Energia Park, Donnybrook 4.45pm, TG4): Emma Tilly (MU Barnhall / Old Belvedere); Ella Roberts (Wicklow ), Aoife Dalton (Tullamore / Old Belvedere), Cara Martin* (Navan / Blackrock College), Aimee Clarke (Railway Union); Nikki Caughey (Malone RFC / Railway Union), Katie Whelan (Enniscorthy / Old Belvedere);
Aoife Moore (Carrick-on-Suir / Blackrock College), Sarah Delaney (PortDara Falcons / Blackrock College), Linda Djougang (Wanderers / Old Belvedere), Ruth Campbell (Naas / MU Barnhall / Old Belvedere), Eimear Corri (Portlaoise/ Blackrock College), Hannah O’Connor (C) (CYM Terenure / Blackrock College), Molly Boyne (Railway Union), Caoimhe Molloy (Gorey / Wicklow)
Subs; 16. Julia O'Connor* (Suttonians), 17. Katie Layde* (Mullingar / Old Belvedere), 18. Christy Haney (Blackrock College), 19. Clodagh Dunne (Gorey / Old Belvedere), 20. Jane Neill* (Arklow / Galwegians), 21. Jemma Farrell* (Old Belvedere), 22. Ailsa Hughes (Tullamore / Railway Union), 23. Leah Tarpey (Tullamore / Railway Union)
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
