Stringer applauds the Aviva crowd after defeat. Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
Click Here: Chiefs rugby store
ODDLY ENOUGH, ONE of the loudest cheers on an afternoon when Leinster secured their place in the semi-finals of the Champions Cup was reserved for a Munster man.
65 minutes into the eastern province’s 18-15 quarter-final win over Bath, a familiar face flashed up on the big screens at either end of the Aviva Stadium. Leinster supporters were already beginning to pare down their nails at this stage, but found themselves distracted.
Micky Young was called ashore by Bath head coach Mike Ford and onto the pitch strode Peter Stringer. The reception he got was befitting of his achievements in Irish rugby.
Stringer replaces Young with 15 minutes left. Source: Colm O’Neill/INPHO
The 37-year-old won two Heineken Cups during his time with native province Munster, and enjoyed a fair few enjoyable days against Leinster, but the Corkman also won over fans around the rest of the country during his 98-cap Ireland career.
Using Stringer off the bench was no token gesture from Ford in what is the scrum-half’s final season with the English club; this was about attempting to change the game in his side’s favour.
The Bath head coach wanted energy and impetus and that’s exactly what he got from Stringer over the course of a rapid-passing 15-minute cameo.
Stringer’s passing remains as crisp and accurate as ever. Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
A half-break down the left side of the pitch in the closing minutes showed that Stringer is physically still in strong condition, although that much was hardly a doubt around the teetotal, ultra-professional halfback.