Hu’s Keen to take on Irish hero
FROM facing Munster to taking on a Munster legend, Leinster are turning the page quickly this week.
Hugo Keenan is among the Blues frontliners given this weekend off to be primed for Saturday’s Champions Cup semi-final at La Rochelle.
After a whirlwind seven months for Leinster and Ireland, it will be Keenan’s first shot at making a European final.
“I’d get quite nervous, so I just treat every game the same,” said the 24-year-old.
“That was my mentality when I came back from lockdown, playing in those PRO14 semi-finals and finals and then that Saracens (European) quarter-final. They were huge games for me.”
Ronan O’gara’s influence at La Rochelle wil grow even stronger from next
season when he becomes head coach.
Despite his Munster credentials, O’gara was “definitely” a hero rather than a villain in Keenan’s eyes for his Ireland exploits.
“All that Grand Slam success obviously, that famous drop goal (against Wales in 2009),” said the full-back. “He probably wasn’t the number one favourite because he played for Munster but when he had that green jersey on, you had to love him.
“He was some player. Those spiral kicks, that footballing ability – he was such a good, good talent and so passionate as well.
“He’s doing a good job coaching now so has made that transition.
“I’m sure he learned so much with Crusaders, it’s obviously reflected now with La Rochelle going well. They’re a serious side,” he added.