Former Leinster out-half Andy Dunne believes Jordan Larmour needs to be ‘cut loose’ in the Champions Cup final against Racing 92.
The 20-year-old is set to make his fifth start on the European stage this afternoon after replacing the injured Fergus McFadden in the starting line-up.
Leo Cullen has handed the versatile Larmour a wing role for the clash at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao as the youngster looks to add a European crown to his recent Grand Slam triumph with Ireland.
Speaking on the Saturday Panel, Dunne insists Larmour is ready for the challenge of playing in the showpiece event.
“I think there’s been too much concentration on his apparent defensive frailties,” Dunne told OTB.
“He got out of position once in the Italian game. That has happened to James Lowe on a number of occasions – James Lowe was out of position six times in the game against Connacht last time out.
"They just need to cut him loose during the final" - @pHDunner on Jordan Larmour ahead of #LEIvR92 in the #ChampionsCup final... pic.twitter.com/y173tXsEle
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) May 12, 2018
“I think Jordan Larmour – just because he’s 20 – has a very similar approach to James Lowe. He appears instinctive, care free, a little bit wild. But I think they just need to cut him loose going into this final.
“I suspect he’s been very well coached this year and Leinster’s defence has been excellent – he understands the system. He made one or two mistakes, particularly one obvious one in that Italian game, and I think it’s been a millstone around his neck – he’s not a bad defender.
“He’s very physical and brave. I think he needs to be cut loose in the sense that he’s a 20-year-old playing in a European final. It’s not like he’s surrounded by dimwits, he’s surrounded by some of the smartest tacticians in world rugby.”
Listen to full match commentary of Leinster v Racing 92 from 4:45pm on Off The Ball with Dave McIntyre, Keith Wood, Liam Toland and Matt Williams.
Written by James Hopper
