The battle for the pivotal position is under way after Sam Prendergast was handed the start against Edinburgh on Friday with Ross Byrne coming off the bench.
Prendergast will link up with the Emerging Ireland squad this week, meaning Ross and Harry Byrne are the likely out-halves this weekend against Dragons with Ciarán Frawley expected back next week. Academy prospect Charlie Tector threw his hat in the ring with an outstanding performance at inside centre in Edinburgh.
Ross Byrne was the first-choice out-half for the biggest games last season, but Frawley and Prendergast were picked to tour South Africa with Ireland last summer, with Frawley nailing the winning drop-goal in the second Test.
The selection at No 10 is one of the biggest talking points hanging over the province this season and the new attack coach, himself an excellent out-half for the Crusaders and Munster, says he’s keeping an open mind.
“I don’t think there’s a defined hierarchy, no,” he said. “Each of the players has had a different experience and they’ve played different games; that’s all in the past.
“They have different experiences that they can all draw on, I guess I’m coming in with fresh eyes and seeing them for the first time. I respect what they’ve done in the past, but now we’re trying to move forward a certain way and I think it’s going to be an open competition.
“Guys naturally feel comfortable in the environment. Ross has been here a long time, he’s led weeks, so he’s very comfortable speaking, can get aligned fast and also bring the other guys into that, which we’re starting to do.”
Prendergast impressed him last Friday night. “He’s been great, I thought he played really well. He put us in a great position on the weekend,” said Bleyendaal.
“He is super skilful and sees the game a certain way, sometimes he needs to maybe manage the game in a more conservative way and sometimes we need more of his talent and X-factor.”
Leinster could have RG Snyman to call on against Dragons, but Michael Milne is a doubt and Tommy O’Brien’s Emerging Ireland tour is in doubt after he hurt his hamstring.
Leinster expect Jordie Barrett to be back fit when he arrives in December. The All Black suffered a suspected medial ligament injury against Australia on Saturday, but has indicated to the province’s staff that it is not a long-term injury.
Meanwhile, Munster are sweating on the fitness of Billy Burns for their trip to Zebre.
