The success of Leinster’s season hinges on an eighty minute slog against Toulon this weekend.
And Luke Fitzgerald is fully aware of the difficulty of the task that they are facing for the Champions Cup semi-final on Sunday.
“It’s definitely a daunting prospect, no doubt about it,” Fitzgerald said.
“They’re obviously an outstanding team with an awful lot of talent throughout but I think there’s definitely huge belief among the squad that we can turn around a lot of ordinary enough performances to date, littered with a couple of good ones in there as well.
“I think if I was to be pragmatic about it, if you look at the squad and the year we’ve had, people are obviously talking about the up-and-down nature of our performances but I’d say that a lot of guys have been out injured for us.
“Sean O’Brien, Rhys Ruddock, Fergus McFadden – a lot of these guys have had bad luck with injuries and I think getting those combinations back together with a bit of time on the training pitch should really benefit us.
“We know that we didn’t perform to the best of our ability against Bath but, with a couple of adjustments that we’re looking to make this week and with a change of mindset in terms of backing ourselves a bit more, we feel that we’re more than capable of going over there and getting a result.”
Spirits in the Leinster camp will be far from high after a surprise 25-22 defeat at the hands of Newport Gwent Dragons last Sunday and, with reports that captain Jamie Heaslip called an impromptu meeting at Tuesday’s training session, Fitzgerald was quick to point out the strengths of his skipper.
“Jamie always reiterates what’s important in terms of personal responsibility to your role in the team and Jamie’s really big on that.
“Another thing that was mentioned was that this was the be-all and end-all for our season and he was just saying ‘not to leave any stone unturned’ in terms of rest, recuperation, recovery and preparation.”
“Anyone who knows Jamie well knows that one of his best traits is how calm he is in every scenario,” Fitzgerald added. “Even when you’re in the middle of an absolute dogfight, he’s calm and pragmatic. A guy like him wouldn’t be roaring or shouting or kicking doors, it’s just not his style.”
Fitzgerald epitomises a utility player with his ability to play at centre or on the wing and he revealed that he is more than happy with the fact that Leinster coach Matt O’Connor is playing him on the flanks.
“I’m pretty happy out there,” Fitzgerald revealed. “It looks to me like my future in terms of competing for an Ireland place is out on the wing and Matt was pretty happy to accommodate that at the time even though Ben (Te’o) was injured. He (O’Connor) said ‘If you need time on the wing to compete for that position then I’ve no problem playing you there.’
“And my response to that was ‘look, I don’t really mind where you play me. I feel like I’m playing good rugby and I’ll play good rugby wherever you play me.’
“I’m pretty confident at the moment in terms of how I’m playing and, to me, it’s nice to be able to be able to play in a position where Joe (Schmidt) is looking to play me.”
An argument could be made for a Leinster win against Toulon being the province’s biggest ever European victory. Fitzgerald agrees.
“Clermont in 2012 probably springs to mind in terms of something that’s similar for us,” he said. “But I think the fact that these guys are two-times champions probably trumps the Clermont game because Toulon have got the pedigree while Clermont are still searching for that first European glory.
“Knowing how to win the competition probably gives them the slight edge over that Clermont team so I’d say it probably is the biggest in our history. Maybe Munster in 2009, that was a pretty big turning point for the club as well but this would probably be close to that.”
With a suggested sense of angst among Leinster fans over the inconsistency displayed on the pitch this season, Fitzgerald insists that he hasn’t been approached personally by supporters.
“I know there’s a little bit of discontent in terms of performances but, to be honest, people probably wouldn’t say it to me.
“I’d take it pretty personally so it wouldn’t be a conversation that people would have to your face. Obviously you’re aware of the guys writing different things and people’s opinions on the team not playing well so you’re aware of that and of supporters probably mirroring what those guys are saying in terms of opinion.
“No one’s really come up and said ‘oh we’re really disappointed with how you’re playing.’ All I ever get from the supporters is messages of support so I’m really surprised to hear that people are talking about not renewing season tickets.”
Having come through so much, with a series of long-term injuries, Fitzgerald’s mental toughness makes him stand out as one of the leaders in the Leinster dressing room and he will play a vital role if the province is to progress to the Champions Cup final.
“I’ve kind of always had a belief about myself as a player that doesn’t need to necessarily to talk at all the meetings or lead in that way,” Fitzgerald said. “I always feel that the things that I do on the pitch – my defence, my talk in defence, my decision-making, my commitment and, in attack, obviously being accurate, dangerous and being a weapon for the team – that’s the way I like to lead.”
Luke Fitzgerald was speaking at the launch of Re.Store, a dynamic new Irish food, coffee and convenience concept. For more information check out their Facebook page.
