Historically (sic), I have been a big supporter of Leinster's signing of top-class NIQ players, on the basis of both their individual performances but also because of their impact on other players within Leinster. However, returning from Castres and thinking about Robbie's two tries on Friday, it struck me that he has been a central influence in the development of many of the young tyros this season.
It's impossible to trace who was the initiator of his signing. Was it Robbie himself, was it his father, was it his Agent, was it the Leinster CEO, was it MO'C, will we ever know?
Whoever it was, they can scarcely have imagined his impact. IMO, he has had the greatest effect on the development of:
Joey Carbery - Henshaw was the threat outside which gave him space;
Luke McGrath - Henshaw has the physique to make poor passes usable;
Noel Reid - Henshaw altered the perception of our mid-field as a threat;
Gary Ringrose - Henshaw provides the direct power which creates space for speed;
Adam Bryne - Henshaw's ability to straighten the line and pass in front makes options;
Rory O'Loughlin - Whether to centre or wing, Henshaw's timing of the pass is great;
Ross Byrne - Very hard to think that Byrne would have survived without Henshaw's presence.
You could add the influence to the games of back-rowers, JvDF, Leavy and Conan and few would argue. Even Jamie and SO'B have prospered in the presence of Henshaw this season.
Without exaggerating his impact barely six months into his career with Leinster, there is no doubt in my mind that Robbie is the most influential player in the Leinster Squad at present and that's a mighty accolade. Long may it continue.
