Noel Reid talks Zebre, challenging for places and his preferred position on the pitch…
With Leinster playing four games during the 6 Nations Championship, some of the younger players and those on the fringes of the first team are afforded the opportunity to impress the coaching staff and press their claim for a starting place.
Noel Reid sees this as a good chance for some players to take their chance, but most importantly it’s an opportunity for Leinster to cement a playoff spot in the PRO12 table.
“The next four weeks are massive for the club,” Reid says.
“It’s good that we’re going to get a chance to play over the next few weeks. Hopefully we’ll step up and give four good performances and then when the internationals come back there’ll be a fight for places for the Heineken Cup, and the games we’ve played will give us good momentum going into that.”
One international that Reid says he’s learned a lot from is Gordon D’Arcy.
“I’ve learned a lot over the last couple of seasons, from the more experienced guys. Gordon’s helped me a lot, even just watching him play, he wouldn’t be saying a massive amount but whatever he does I take on board.”
It’s in that number 12 position that D’Arcy has occupied for so many years now, where Reid sees himself playing in the future.
“I’m playing a lot of first centre at the moment, that’s the kind of position I’m enjoying. The more game time I get the more comfortable I feel playing there. Obviously I’m getting feedback off Matt and the other coaches, and I still have a few things to work on. I think 12 at the moment one would be one of my favourite positions.”
Looking ahead to the game against Zebre this Sunday, Reid believes that despite the absence of some key internationals, the Italian side will put up a stern test.
“They’re strong at home and they’ve brought in new players and a new coaching staff as well. Brendan Leonard at scrum-half will be playing and he seems to be their main man, so whenever he plays they normally have a good performance.”
With Dragons in the RDS on the horizon soon after Zebre, Reid sees the next four games as an opportunity to get four positive results.
“Obviously around this time of year it’s a great opportunity for the younger guys and guys on the fringe of the squad. Hopefully now in the next four weeks we can take our chances and get four good performances.”
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