Overview
On the surface, a Pro 12 victory should represent a positive year for Leinster, yet the mood around the RDS isn't one of overflowing optimism. There is a growing sense of frustration form Leinster supporters about the form the team has shown. Their last game of 2014 summed up the feeling in which Leinster looked directionless and only scored a try when Munster were miles ahead.
Best Match - Leinster v Glasgow Pro 12 Final
The performance that Leinster gave on this sunny May day in the RDS was absolute quality. Zane Kirchner was a man possessed, and he inspired a Leinster victory that steamrolled the impressive Glaswegians. Leinster's backplay was outstanding, and they made linebreak after linebreak, especially in the second half and always looked dangerous with ball in hand. This was by a distance, Leinster's best performance in 2014.
Best Try - Brian O'Driscoll v Munster
There may be something sentimental about this choice, it's O'Driscoll's only try in 2014. But, the manner of a lot of Leinster tries this year have been pushover scores. O'Driscoll's support line after his pass is something that doesn't happen in Leinster's backplay anymore and it is a very good try, sentimentality aside.
Best Player - Rhys Ruddock
In November 2013, Kevin McLaughlin was magnificent for Ireland in their narrow and painful loss to New Zealand. At the same time, Rhys Ruddock was finally getting a chance with Leinster, and this time he was taking it. He never let McLaughlin back in the side for a long period of time, and went on to have a brilliant 2014.
Ruddock has been a key ball carrier in the long absences of Cian Healy and Sean O'Brien, and his performances for Leinster were recognised with a starring role for Ireland this November.
There aren't too many players in world rugby that had a better year than Ruddock.
Best Newcomer - Tadhg Furlong
Furlong may have made his debut in November 2013, but 2014 was when Furlong showed he could deliver on his already heralded promise. O'Connor has been slow to unleash Furlong, but every time he's played he's shown great pedigree and ability in the scrum. More improvements should see him in the mix for Ireland for the coming year, and if Martin Moore remains out for too long, could make the Irish World Cup squad.
2015 Prospects
Things should get better for Leinster with Johnny Sexton returning in June, but it's hard to know how much better he will make things. For the remainder of this season, it looks like Leinster should make the knockout stages of the Champions Cup, most likely as a best runner up with Harlequins retaining the advantage in he head to head against the Irish province following their December head to head meetings.
Leinster are also on course to make the playoffs in the Pro 12, and fans must be hoping that their performances improve so they remain in with a chance of winning the domestic league.
One To Watch - Noel Reid
When Noel Reid had played well at inside centre, Leinster's backplay has been miles better. Matt O'Connor has said that Ian Madigan has been playing at inside centre out of necessity, but if Reid continues his good form, than Ian Madigan should be put at his preferred position of outhalf, and Leinster's play with a Madigan-Reid combo gets that much more exciting.
Reid will need to develop a partnership with whoever play at 13, whether that be Luke Fitzgerald or Ben Te'o, but things could be looking up for Leinster if Reid continues his impressive form.
