It was a high class game against Toulon in the Champions Cup semi final for Leinster. With so many international stars on display, it had the intensity of an international test match. Which Leinster players stood up and performed well giving Joe Schmidt some food for thought with their performance?
The five Leinster players who enhanced their International credentials against Toulon:
Jordi Murphy
Jordi Murphy was absolutely outstanding, possibly the most impressive Leinster player on the pitch. Showing that he can mix it with the likes of Juan Smith, Steffon Armitage, Chris Masoe and Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe will give himself, Matt O'Connor and Joe Schmidt huge confidence.
In a highly competitive backrow position for Ireland, Murphy's star turn could sneak him on the plane for the short journey across the Irish sea ahead of injury victim Rhys Ruddock, Munster's Tommy O'Donnell and maybe Ulster's Chris Henry. That's how tight the competition is. More games like this from Murphy will end the competition.
Mike Ross
Leinster's scrum was seen as important for them to have any chance in the game. That proved to be the case, as the tussle between Chiocci and Ross in the first half for dominance was enthralling for the six scrum enthusiasts out there, so I'm told. He didn't win them all, but Ireland and Leinster have been fantastic at the scrum with Mike Ross anchoring it since he was dropped by Matt O'Connor last January. Ross could have cemented his number 1 status with this performance.
Marty Moore
It seems strange to select two tighthead props, but that game wasn't one for the backs. Moore offers so much to Leinster and Ireland coming off the bench. He is brilliant around the park, especially at breakdown time.
He would be closer to Ross than before, if it wasn't for Ross' star turn aswell. The undoubted backup to Ross, and will be looking for starts from Schmidt during the next six months.
Mike McCarthy
As mentioned in the player ratings, I thought that this was probably Mike McCarthy's best game for Leinster since his move to the province from Connacht two years ago. McCarthy was absolutely everywhere in defensive, and his grunt was a major reason why Leinster did so well in regular game.
With injuries to so many Irish locks like Dan Tuohy, McCarthy is hanging on for the fourth and final spot, and performances like this could see him prevent players like Donnacha Ryan from making an international comeback.
Isaac Boss
That Isaac Boss was one of Leinster's best attacking threats really speaks volumes for how blunt an attacking performance this was at times. Take nothing away from Boss, he continued his good form and more than justified his selection ahead of Eoin Reddan at scrumhalf.
I didn't think it was possible, but this late resurgence in form could mean that he keeps Kieran Marmion at bay for the final scrumhalf spot for the World Cup.
