NO TBILISI WAY OUT FOR LEAMY

Denis expects tough test for Irish youngsters in Georgia

- BY DEREK FOLEY

DENIS Leamy, from way back in 2007, gets a free pass when it comes to playing rugby internationals against Georgia.

The back-row had always been the bravest of the brave, his in-game ferocity only matched by his intense desire to win.

His intervention in Bordeaux at the 2007 Rugby World should be ranked with the great Irish individual contributions to a team, along with Packie Bonner’s penalty save at Italia 90 and Christy O’Connor’s 1989 Ryder Cup iron two to four feet at the 18th.

At the time Ireland were hanging on to a precarious 14-10 lead in a match where Georgia had 60 per cent of the possession and 70 per cent of the territory.

And defending their own line in the 78th minute, they finally caved under immense pressure. Georgia had crossed the Irish line and were celebrating wildly.