There have been no shortage of people laying into what they think have been a bad season, but it appears that they are getting criticism for their recruitment.
Leinster announced the return of legend Isa Nacewa yesterday after months of speculation, and fans were overjoyed. But RTE pundit and former Ireland lock Donal Lenihan thinks it's a bad move for the province labelling it a strange decision.
Nacewa, who retired from playing rugby following the victorious Pro 12 final in 2013; will provide invaluable cover and experience in a World Cup afflicted season. Nacewa returned to his home in Auckland, and has acted as a mental skills coach for Super Rugby side the Blues.
Lenihan isn't sure why Leinster signed him:
If a guy hasn't played a game in two years, what are you basing the signing on?
Great players retire. It doesn't mean they can come back after two years, not having played a match, and be as good as they were.
Part of Leinster's problems in the last two years is because they have failed to replace the likes of Nacewa and Sexton who left that season, or O'Driscoll and Cullen who left a massive leadership void after they retired last season. Nacewa's return should help that, as Lenihan acknowledges:
They're trying to solve a leadership void. He's obviously been an excellent fella' when he was there. He had a great influence on other people.
Given that there were times when Leinster could have put out their Under 8's with Nacewa during international windows and still record a victory that's probably a bit of an understatement from Lenihan. Lenihan likens the Nacewa signing to Connacht's capture of 100-cap All Black Mils Muliana, and the leadership he brought to the province more than the performances on the pitch.
We'll see if Nacewa can do the business that we know he can.
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