On his day one of the most exciting talents in world rugby, Luke Fitzgerald has had a lengthy battle to overcome injuries, but says he is looking forward to life at Leinster and in the green of Ireland.
Fitzgerald has conceded the Irish squad were “very disappointed” with the level of performance against the Aussies last time out, with some tough video sessions to focus the mind. While the squad decided against Wallaby mid-week tactics – “No, no, the lads were definitely not in Krystle until all hours any night this week” – there has been plenty of soul searching in camp, with defensive lapses top of the agenda.
The All Blacks roll into town this weekend and no-one in the Irish camp is under any illusion of the task at hand, not least the Leinster man. Undefeated this year, one defeat since the World Cup win on home soil two years ago, they will be, to say the least, formidable opposition.
While the most optimistic have suggested that the Kiwis offer teams opportunities – 30 missed tackles against England and 28 against France would back this up – Fitzgerald says there is a perfectly good explanation for their so-called generosity.
“They do play a pretty expansive game and that is why they probably miss a few tackles, but they are pretty strong all-round, which is the hallmark of all New Zealand teams. The facts speak for themselves (unbeaten record this year), so we know exactly what we are facing.
“We have looked at areas where we feel we are particularly strong, but there is no area where we think they are vulnerable. They are masters at the ruck area and they seem to operate on the premise that the best defence is through offence, so we know what to expect.
“On Sunday we can’t let them dictate the play and let them bring us through the phases as they do to so many teams. It’s crucial we get a foothold and impose our own game plan.”
Getting to grips with Richie McCaw in 2008
Fitzgerald has faced the All Blacks twice previously, a 22-3 defeat in Croke Park five years ago and 20 point defeat in the Aviva three years ago, and concedes the men in black are simply more clinical than any other side in the world.
“What I really noticed about them was when they got opportunities or when we made mistakes, they really punished us. Their basics are really superb. I know that is always said about them, but it really is true”.
“Their handling skills are just so good, that any mistake is ruthlessly exposed.”
On occasions Ireland have given the All Blacks some good matches, but have always fallen that little bit short as the men from New Zealand seem to have the knack of wearing down the opposition.
“In 2010 we were only six points down at half time and were doing pretty well. I remember I tore my medial ligaments in that match, but we scored the first try and were competing well. But we couldn’t hold on to the ball, and when they bring you through the phases, there is no better team in the world.”
Obviously disappointed not have featured in the match-day squad against the Wallabies the last time out, it has been a frustrating time for Fitzgerald since his brilliant performances for the Lions on the 2009 tour to South Africa. He has started just 10 games for Ireland since then, but is happy with his current form for Leinster this season
“I’m really happy with my form so far for Leinster. Obviously I was disappointed with not being involved in the two Heineken Cup games, but I think management was being careful with me and I understand that, and it is a very competitive squad.”
“For me it is all about staying fit. If I do that then I think it is all there for me and I have confidence in my ability.”
Eyes fixed on the number 13 jersey
And with the news that you-know-who will be retiring at the end of the season, it is a chance for the 26 year-old to really stake a claim for his favoured position in the number 13 jersey.
“Looking ahead to my future, this is the position I am looking at. Brian will be going at the end of the season and the number 13 jersey is what I will be concentrating on.”
Munster Move
And while he is very content with life at Leinster, he does concede that he was on the verge of a move to Munster last season. While many were surprised that he might join their rivals, he says he had all but decided to join the Red Army only for Joe Schmidt to change his mind at the last moment.
“I was very close to joining, but it was Joe that swayed me at the last second. I had a couple of meetings with Rob Penney and was very impressed with him. I talked to Paulie, I talked to ROG and some other guys.”
“Obviously Leinster is my home club, but Munster is a fantastic side, with great supporters, and I spent five years in Cork as a kid, so it wouldn’t have been a huge leap for me.
“There would have been a big opportunity for me in second centre which was another incentive, but ultimately it was Joe that influenced me. The turning point was Joe giving me time and we decided that my future lay here (Leinster) and how he would coach me into that change of position. Joe is a great coach and communicator and has had a big influence on me.”
Close to switching the blue for red
While admitting that it was a blow to some degree when Schmidt decided to take the Irish post at a time when he was changing his game and developing certain aspects of his game, he has been more than impressed by Matt O’Connor, who is helping to take his game onto a new level.
“Mattie has been a backs coach which is great for me personally. I spoke to a close friend of mine Niall Morris who worked with him at Leicester who spoke very highly regarding his coaching and has been involved with some top names at Leicester.
“Since he came in I have really enjoyed training. His outlook on the game is a little different to Joe, but my game is definitely reaping the benefits. In terms of my playmaking, he’ll be a great coach for me. It’s part of my game I’m trying to work on at just the right time in my career.”
All Irish fans will be hoping that he continues to have a run free from injury and has the platform to showcase the skills that made him one of the most feared players in Northern Hemisphere rugby just a few short years ago.
