Leinster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread.

conf101

I say fair play to the OLSC for doing this. They're looking after the interests of Leinster supporters, which is what they exist to do. Just because other provinces might be getting worse coverage than Leinster doesn't mean that the OLSC shouldn't be pushing to get the best deal for their supporters. Other SCs are welcome to follow suit. Glad to see the OLSC not subscribing to the 'ah sure we could be doing worse so we'll leave it as it is' mantra.

irishbucsfan

Dravokivich wrote: »

Podge_irl wrote: »

14 games a season is not minimal coverage by any reasonable definition.

I said "If" and even then the main issue put forward was the away games.

Which are either on Alba or S4C most weeks. Even Italian games sometimes get coverage.

More games broadcasted this season than ever before. Don't see the problem myself.

There's a fair old whiff of entitlement from the OLSC over this. Although all power to them. It would be nice if every game involving every province was televised.

GerM

No idea why the OLSC are shipping criticism for doing their job and trying to look after the interests of their members.

Otacon

GerM wrote: »

No idea why the OLSC are shipping criticism for doing their job and trying to look after the interests of their members.

The OLSC are doing exactly the right thing, but they would have been coming from a stronger position if they liaised with the other SCs and got a joint issue raised.

irishbucsfan

GerM wrote: »

No idea why the OLSC are shipping criticism for doing their job and trying to look after the interests of their members.

They set up a childish boycott of RTE despite being the best covered sports team in the country.

Dravokivich

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Which are either on Alba or S4C most weeks. Even Italian games sometimes get coverage.

More games broadcasted this season than ever before. Don't see the problem myself.

There's a fair old whiff of entitlement from the OLSC over this. Although all power to them. It would be nice if every game involving every province was televised.

Hmmm, regards to Alba / S4C, not everyone has access to these via terrestrial channels. I know I definately don't have Alba and can't get it via UPC (AFAIK), not sure about S4C.

But yeah, I do hope an offshoot of this will help to promote overage of the others. Taking Connaught for example, the 3 games referenced, I'm geussing they could of been inter pro's. So if it weren't for the other provinces there'd be no coverage there.

irishbucsfan wrote: »

They set up a childish boycott of RTE despite being the best covered sports team in the country.

Their outburst on Facebook at the start of the season wasn't too good at all alright and I felt it was fairly destructive to any efforts of the point they were trying to put across.

irishbucsfan

You don't have Alba or S4C, but a lot more didn't have access to Setanta, yet the OLSC seem to claim the Setanta deal made more games available to fans?

It depends how you look at it. Only Irish FTA broadcasts? Leinster are miles ahead. Any broadcast available in Ireland? Leinster are still being broadcasted more than ever before, a figure that will increase next season without competition from the rugby world cup.

Dravokivich

Aye, but to be honest, I'd see this sort of a demand as an indirect driver to bring forward coverage of the other provinces as well.

molloyjh

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Which are either on Alba or S4C most weeks. Even Italian games sometimes get coverage.

More games broadcasted this season than ever before. Don't see the problem myself.

There's a fair old whiff of entitlement from the OLSC over this. Although all power to them. It would be nice if every game involving every province was televised.

irishbucsfan wrote: »

You don't have Alba or S4C, but a lot more didn't have access to Setanta, yet the OLSC seem to claim the Setanta deal made more games available to fans?

Not everyone has Alba or S4C. Setanta Ireland came with bog standard NTL and they always showed the games either live or with deferred coverage. So people were always able to see the games, and IIRC almost always same day. For the Glasgow and Aironi games in the RDS neither RTE or TG4 even sent a camera down to the thing. Unless you made the match you were never going to see it.

If you look at the coverage the following games were not shown by either broadcaster:
02/09: Ospreys-Leinster (there were highlights shown later on RTE)
17/09: Leinster-Glasgow
01/10: Leinster-Aironi
28/10: Edinburgh-Leinster
02/03: Aironi-Leinster (not exactly RTEs fault though)

As I said earlier this all came from the start of the season where only 3 of Leinsters first 7 games were shown. The problem with the whole notion of us being better off now than we were under the Setanta deal is that with it being covered by 2 broadcasters you'd be hard pushed for the coverage to go down. It should be going up. But the fact that 2 games in 3 weeks were in no way shape or form televised really pissed a lot of people off. And rightly so.

We may be seeing more games live, but I'd wager we're seeing less games overall (I'm talking about RTE and TG4, not BBC Alba or S4C etc).

armchaircoach

here is the actual breakdown of games for Munster and Leinster this season (sorry Ulster and Connacht!)

Munster:
Games played: 20
RTE: 8
TG4: 8
Foreign Channels: 1
Not shown: 3


Leinster:
Games Played: 20
RTE: 6
TG4: 8
Foreign Channels: 3
Not Shown: 3

Both clubs are getting the same amount of coverage, however there seems to be a slight red bias in the RTE camp when it comes to picking games to broadcast*. (The 2 head to heads were split between TG4 and RTE)

*not sure if this difference is significant over this amount of games to get worked up about though

^ I also imagine that there was something to do with the scheduling of the games as to why there's a RTE/TG4 disparity.

please no tinfoil hats

CIARAN_BOYLE

armchaircoach wrote: »

Both clubs are getting the same amount of coverage, however there seems to be a slight red bias in the RTE camp when it comes to picking games to broadcast*. (The 2 head to heads were split between TG4 and RTE)

Or maybe there is a blue bias in the TG4 camp. Both broadcasters have a certain number of weeks where they get first pick.

molloyjh

Deleted User wrote: »

^ I also imagine that there was something to do with the scheduling of the games as to why there's a RTE/TG4 disparity.

please no tinfoil hats

Yeah I'd assume this myself. Don't think there's any bias there at all.

armchaircoach

the only way to know is to go through the season and see who was playing who on each weekend. But then you'd also have to class which was the more "important match", which could be quite subjective, and different opinions would render the results meaningless.

However one thing is sure, later tonight when I'm watching the match (and inevitably arguing with my Munster mate) I will be sure to rub this outrageous RTE bias in his face:D!!!!

molloyjh

armchaircoach wrote: »

the only way to know is to go through the season and see who was playing who on each weekend. But then you'd also have to class which was the more "important match", which could be quite subjective, and different opinions would render the results meaningless.

However one thing is sure, later tonight when I'm watching the match (and inevitably arguing with my Munster mate) I will be sure to rub this outrageous RTE bias in his face:D!!!!

I think the point is that it depends on what time the game is on at and whether they can justify disrupting the programming at that time for the game. They have a responsibility to the non-rugby fans too so it is a bit of a balancing act regarding when they can show what.

Cpt_Blackbeard

armchaircoach wrote: »

here is the actual breakdown of games for Munster and Leinster this season (sorry Ulster and Connacht!)

Munster:
Games played: 20
RTE: 8
TG4: 8
Foreign Channels: 1
Not shown: 3


Leinster:
Games Played: 20
RTE: 6
TG4: 8
Foreign Channels: 3
Not Shown: 3

Both clubs are getting the same amount of coverage, however there seems to be a slight red bias in the RTE camp when it comes to picking games to broadcast*. (The 2 head to heads were split between TG4 and RTE)

*not sure if this difference is significant over this amount of games to get worked up about though

Leinster had more games on RTE the year previous. You'd imagine that the reigning champions would warrant the most coverage and the better slots.

Friday evening matches on TG4 are horrible though. There is little less appealing than sitting through a dross Munster away game, in the rain, in Irish, after a long week.

[Jackass]

totallegend wrote: »

Just FYI, Clermont are sending out pretty much the first team against Montpellier this evening (7.45 irish time). Regan King is back from injury, Bonnaire and Rougerie are rested, Malzieu on the bench.

Here's hoping for absolute carnage tonight, maybe a couple of not-too-serious-but-just-serious-enough-to-rule-a-few-guys-out-of-the-semi-final injuries...

15. Byrne
14. Nakaitaci
13. King
12. Fofana
11. Sivivatu
10. James
9. Parra
1. Faure
2. Kayser
3. Zirakashvili
4. Pierre
5. Hines
6. Vosloo
7. Lapandry
8. Vermeulen

http://www.asm-rugby.com/120419-compo.html

What's the craic with Skrela and Rougerie? Really hope James starts against us....Is Cudmore or Pierre likely to partner Hines anyone know? Would rather not have Hines AND Cudmore to deal with

They've some squad though...

Is this on Setanta?

leftleg

Cpt_Blackbeard wrote: »

Leinster had more games on RTE the year previous. You'd imagine that the reigning champions would warrant the most coverage and the better slots.

Friday evening matches on TG4 are horrible though. There is little less appealing than sitting through a dross Munster away game, in the rain, in Irish, after a long week.

Yeah i kinow what you mean; nothing worse than Munster on a Friday evening:D

leftleg

[Jackass] wrote: »

What's the craic with Skrela and Rougerie? Really hope James starts against us....Is Cudmore or Pierre likely to partner Hines anyone know? Would rather not have Hines AND Cudmore to deal with

They've some squad though...

Is this on Setanta?

Yes its on Setanta Sports 1 at 7:45 ko tonight

phog

danthefan wrote: »

Why don't you ask them?

Thanks

irishbucsfan wrote: »

I dunno what you mean about "the impression you get around here." I haven't seen anyone claiming that Leinster have received less coverage than anyone else... Do you have an example of that?

I dont like the search facility on this site since it was improved so I'm not going to bother searching but certainly during the world cup there was talk on here about the imbalance in the broadcasting.

Kinger83

Montpellier seem to be sending a weakened team to Clermont, or are they suffering injuries?

No Gorgodze or Trinh-Duc.

http://es.pn/IbYwtN

totallegend

[Jackass] wrote: »

What's the craic with Skrela and Rougerie? Really hope James starts against us....Is Cudmore or Pierre likely to partner Hines anyone know? Would rather not have Hines AND Cudmore to deal with

They've some squad though...

Is this on Setanta?

Rougerie rested, Skrela injured but I think he'll be back for the SF. I think Cudmore is more likely to play against Leinster, it's a second-row that's not short on strength and aggression anyway...

It's live on Setanta 1, but if you only have Setanta ireland, set the box for 4am cos they're repeating it then.

Clegg

Does anyone else think that Dom Ryan is a much better prospect than Ruddock?

Ruddock hasn't really kicked on this season and whenever Ryan had played he has been very impressive.

Hagz

Clegg wrote: »

Does anyone else think that Dom Ryan is a much better prospect than Ruddock?

Ruddock hasn't really kicked on this season and whenever Ryan had played he has been very impressive.

They play in different positions so haven't really thought about it.

Big Nelly

Clegg wrote: »

Does anyone else think that Dom Ryan is a much better prospect than Ruddock?

Ruddock hasn't really kicked on this season and whenever Ryan had played he has been very impressive.

Ruddock was animal at start of season when Irish players where away. Him and Mr T along with Madigan/Fitz where running the show. Some great games from them. Have seen him a few times since and has been good but really shone at start of season. Still young so maybe just needs to build himself up for a full season. Real prospect and great to keep him out of Munster hands. Think his form suffered a bit from been moved around quite a bit.

durkadurka

Not much sign of injuries tonight thank jaysus but I was wondering about the bandages in Fergus and d kearneys heads.

Big Nelly

durkadurka wrote: »

Not much sign of injuries tonight thank jaysus but I was wondering about the bandages in Fergus and d kearneys heads.

Wore from start, seen that as well, there was a good few in Leinster colors with bandages, they sign a new sponsorship deal?

justsomebloke

Big Nelly wrote: »

Wore from start, seen that as well, there was a good few in Leinster colors with bandages, they sign a new sponsorship deal?

Missus was wondering were they trying to keep them selves all pretty for the award bash tomorrow and wanting to keep their 'stylish' hairdoes secret till then

durkadurka

Maybe dorce started a trend last week

Clegg

Hagz wrote: »

They play in different positions so haven't really thought about it.

Ryan and Ruddock are both 6's.

They have played in different positions this season but blindside is the position I've seen them most in.

lologram

Clegg wrote: »

Ryan and Ruddock are both 6's.

Ryan is a 7.

Clegg

lologram wrote: »

Ryan is a 7.

My mistake then.

I've definitely seen him play 6 on a number of occasions though.

CIARAN_BOYLE

Clegg wrote: »

My mistake then.

I've definitely seen him play 6 on a number of occasions though.

He can and has played both positions and to be honest is as much a 6 as a 7. However many posters want him as a 7 because they aren't happy with SOB there and they think Jennings is vulnerable to being forced out of the first choice 23.

Fishooks12

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

He can and has played both positions and to be honest is as much a 6 as a 7. However many posters want him as a 7 because they aren't happy with SOB there and they think Jennings is vulnerable to being forced out of the first choice 23.

Disagree

He's the closest blueprint we have to an out and out Pocock like 7

lologram

Clegg wrote: »

My mistake then.

I've definitely seen him play 6 on a number of occasions though.

You definitely have, but that's by virtue of trying to fit players in. When Joe has a free hand, Ryan plays at 7.

Summary of his season: 7 vs Ulster, 7 vs Ospreys (Ruddock 6), came on for Jennings at 7 vs Aironi, 6 beside Jennings vs Glasgow, 7 vs Edinburgh, 7 (Ruddock 6) vs Glasgow, 7 vs Dragons and vs Ospreys (Ruddock 8 both times).

(There was a fairly lengthy injury in the middle too)

Hagz

So Clermont are top of the Top14. Two teams top of their domestic leagues clash. Gonna be so tight.

tolosenc

Hagz wrote: »

So Clermont are top of the Top14. Two teams top of their domestic leagues clash. Gonna be so tight.

For another few hours...

justsomebloke

ye really look forward to it, it will be our 5th game on the trot against teams that made the quarter finals of the Heineken cup

Hagz

Try of the year - BOD
Young player of the year - Madigan
Player of the year - Kearney

GerM

I reckoned Kearney would have a big season back in August but I didn't know how good he would be. It's like he has combined all the top elements of his career into one season. He has the fielding of 2009. The broken running of 2008. The nose for the line of when he first came through on the wing. This season is the first time he really has had a decent run under Schmidt and it's telling. The one thing that stands out for me is his handling; he has developed a passing game. I think it was against Wales he delivered a nicely timed spin pass off his left. I don't think he could do that 3 years ago. He played 12 once under Cheika, he'd actually be able to fill in there now in an emergency, I reckon. Would never move him but good to see he is developing still at 26.

CatFromHue

GerM wrote: »

I reckoned Kearney would have a big season back in August but I didn't know how good he would be. It's like he has combined all the top elements of his career into one season. He has the fielding of 2009. The broken running of 2008. The nose for the line of when he first came through on the wing. This season is the first time he really has had a decent run under Schmidt and it's telling. The one thing that stands out for me is his handling; he has developed a passing game. I think it was against Wales he delivered a nicely timed spin pass off his left. I don't think he could do that 3 years ago. He played 12 once under Cheika, he'd actually be able to fill in there now in an emergency, I reckon. Would never move him but good to see he is developing still at 26.

If only his defence was better :-(

I just don't trust him at all as the last line of defence and he's been caught out a few times this season.

Ciaran-Irl

CatFromHue wrote: »

If only his defence was better :-(

I just don't trust him at all as the last line of defence and he's been caught out a few times this season.

He has been poor defensively for Ireland, but outstanding for Leinster. You can make the usual argument about International rugby being a massive step up, but I personally think it's more likely that it is a combination of confidence in an international shirt and a system that isn't clear enough on responsibilities.

CatFromHue

Ciaran-Irl wrote: »

He has been poor defensively for Ireland, but outstanding for Leinster. You can make the usual argument about International rugby being a massive step up, but I personally think it's more likely that it is a combination of confidence in an international shirt and a system that isn't clear enough on responsibilities.

I think his technique is poor and has nothing to do with responsibilities or confidence to be honest. When he is required to make a one on one tackle he tends to just try and jump on the guy and always goes high. You very rarely see him go low and take a guy by the legs. Muller's try on Friday night is a good example. Muller while being a big guy is not known for his powerful running. Kearney was way too passive in the tackle by going high and hanging on and in the end it was more Muller tripping over Kearney that stopped him. If it was Tuohy instead of Muller he would have been blown away. It's at 1.40 on the clip below, Kearney is on the 5m line when he tackles Muller.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yxdDPIeLRA

He is exposed less for Leinster as we are a better team in comparison to our opponents than Ireland and so Kearney is required to do less in defence. I think he also takes the wrong option in defence or reads what he has to do poorly.

I think Kearney is world class at the things he is good at (catching, kicking, running) but journeyman in the things he is bad at (tackling, defence, passing).

totallegend

I see that Fionn Carr won the award for Noodler of the Year. Wtf is that?

ktulu123

The Wagamama noodle prize I think

durkadurka

Judging by twitter he's not the brightest....

CatFromHue

Did anyone see iTalksport on Setanta this morning?

Isa Nacewa was meant to have been on.

Hagz

CatFromHue wrote: »

I think Kearney is world class at the things he is good at (catching, kicking, running) but journeyman in the things he is bad at (tackling, defence, passing).

Kearney's savage at passing. He's made tries for Leinster and Ireland this year because of his passing.

In terms of defense, he not the best, he can be really flimsy as the last line of defense but imo he makes up for that by providing security under the high-ball unmatched by anyone in the world.

When he was out injured, Ireland missed him sorely.

CatFromHue

Hagz wrote: »

Kearney's savage at passing. He's made tries for Leinster and Ireland this year because of his passing.

In terms of defense, he not the best, he can be really flimsy as the last line of defense but imo he makes up for that by providing security under the high-ball unmatched by anyone in the world.

When he was out injured, Ireland missed him sorely.

I'm not so sure about his passing, his awareness of other players when he is running with the ball is weak.

He was missed by Ireland that's true but it was a weird time as Geordan Murphy and Gavin Duffy were also injured at the same time if I remember right.

I don't think the All Blacks will kick the ball too much to him but will run at him, as will the Aussies on the Lions tour next year. For me that's why Halfpenny will be ahead of Kearney for the Lions, assuming Halfpenny keeps up his good form.

Nacewa has fallen off his good form from last season so Kearney is first choice for Leinster. For Ireland he's first choice but I do grimmace when he has to make a tackle :-(

It actually confuses me at how good he can be at catching but not at tackling! He's really putting his body on the line in both cases.

ambid

CatFromHue wrote: »

Did anyone see iTalksport on Setanta this morning?

Isa Nacewa was meant to have been on.

He didn't really say much. He was very balanced to the point of not really saying anything.

He did say he came to Leinster because of the style of rugby they play, how keen he is to stay beyond his current contract, and that negotiations with the union are ongoing. He said if he's "forced to leave" then he'll have to come to terms with that.

It was interesting to hear him talking about the standard Schmidt expects, and that there is nowhere to hide on Monday post game analysis. He said Schmidt is always calm, but he is clinical in calling players to account in front of their teammates.

He said BOD was uncomfortable accepting the try of the season award as it was a team effort and BOD just had to "catch the ball and run 10 meters".

Paul Kimmage is an odd bloke. Nacewa was talking about how his wife hadn't travelled much but was settling in to Dublin, and said something about how she enjoys a glass a Guinness when Kimmage interrupted him to say "don't give us old cliches about Guinness". It was pretty rude actually. Kimmage has poor communication skills for a professional journalist.