Denis Leamy: Pre-Match Quotes
See below for the thoughts of Munster back rower Denis Leamy ahead of his 21st cap for Ireland this weekend.
ON THE EXPECTATIONS FOR A BIG VICTORY OVER SCOTLAND:
“We’re probably in a no-win situation. We have to be professional and keep our focus, keep the level of performance up.
It’s a dangerous situation (for us). People have built us up so much. But we have to be professional and keep our focus, keep the level of performance up.
“The important thing is to win. Anything after that we can cope with.”
ON THE SCOTTISH BACK ROW:
“They’ve a very, very good international back row. No matter what unit they pick, they’ll have a very tall lineout and decent options from all three (players in the back row).
“They’re very good at ruck time and like all Scottish sides, good at the breakdown too as well as individually.
“As a unit, I think they always play well together. They’re big lads and they carry the ball well. They’ll definitely take a bit of stopping.”
ON THE IRISH BACK ROW’S DISPLAY AGAINST ENGLAND:
“I think the Welsh game went very well but against France, we didn’t put in the game we would have liked. Personally, I wasn’t happy with my performance.
“We knew going out against England that had to be put right and we did put it right. We rolled up our sleeves. We definitely set a standard there.”
ON THE WIN OVER ENGLAND:
“I think for a number of reasons we were hungrier against England. Having lost against the French, we had that little more pressure and bitterness in us after a week of listening to criticism.
“It can always help to focus the mind. As I’ve said, we go out there very narrow-minded and determined to put in a good performance.”