Strauss could be future Irish asset: Easterby
It would seem appropriate on the eve of Ireland's November international series that South African import Richardt Strauss should come to the fore for Leinster in the Magners League.
The loophole three-year residency rule of International Rugby will open up to Ireland in a few years in a way it has not in the past.
Leinster manager Guy Easterby is convinced about the pedigree and input of Strauss and his South African propping pal Heinke van der Merwe
He said: "Straussy has a great chance of playing for Ireland, if he wants it. Obviously, he has a fair bit of time to go, nearly a couple of years. Certainly, it is there for him. His contract runs to the end of three years."
Deemed too small for progress in a land of giants, Strauss has brought his special brand of fireball rugby to the province and won his second straight man-of-the-match award in the 19-18 defeat of Edinburgh on Saturday.
Solid
The equally consistent 25-year-old Van der Merwe is a bull of a man, quality enough to displace Ireland's incumbent loose-head Cian Healy for the Heineken Cup opener at home to Racing Metro, but who has sadly played for the Springboks already.
"Heinke is solid in everything he does. He is a really decent person and he has done fantastically well for us since he has arrived," said Easterby.
Leinster completed the drive-for-five in October to transform their season from one of deep concern to an altogether sunnier outlook.
"It has been a fantastic October. We just wanted to make sure we got that five-in-a-row. There was massive support from the players, who are in the international side at the moment," said coach Joe Schmidt. "It is part of the squad ethos at the moment. We are playing for each other, helping each other out. That is important."
- Des Berry
