Leinster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread.

durkadurka

I saw about 15 minutes if him against Northampton in the pre season and liked the look of him.

Real vote of confidence I madigan though.

I reckon we are saving up niq slots for the second row.

Big Nelly

durkadurka wrote: »

I saw about 15 minutes if him against Northampton in the pre season and liked the look of him.

Real vote of confidence I madigan though.

I reckon we are saving up niq slots for the second row.

Who is other cover is Madigan or Sexton where injuryed?

Clegg

I was at the game when Berquist injured himself. He was solid but not really spectacular. Hope he does well at Biarritz.

I think Ryan may have injured himself in that game too.

CIARAN_BOYLE

Leinster have just one NIQ player signed for next season Isa Nacewa. Heinke Van Der Merwe and White both have contracts expiring at the end of this season, Strauss qualifies for Ireland early next season and Berquist is going to Biarritz.

Do Leinster need to sign any NIQs? I think they do.

While I rate McGrath and Hagan I wouldn't be happy knowing that we were one injury away from one of the lads currently in the academy coming onto the bench for big games. I'm not sure who I would want to sign at prop, I wouldn't want to sign two players who would keep McGrath/Hagan as third choice players. Ideally I could sign one very good player who could play both sides of the scrum and for big games I would have Ross/Healy/New guy and either Hagan or McGrath on the bench depending on form.

I would also want to sign a lock. Leo may only be 34 but I think that he is feeling his years. I don't think he is playing as well this year as he was last year. While I don't think that he is ready for retirement I do sort of expect him to be replaced in the starting lineup by Toner next season. Is Browne the man to partner Toner? Maybe but I think Leinster should sign a top drawer NIQ to partner Toner in the engine room.

Would I sign anyone else? Probably not although I would be tempted by another Berquist type signing someone who could be third choice at 10/12 since I would not be surprised if four or five players from 10/12/13 are involved in the Ireland 23 this time next year. It would make sense to have extra cover. That said if Reid and O'Shea do well in the semi and final of the B&I cup I don't think it is necessary.

MungBean

Big Nelly wrote: »

Who is other cover is Madigan or Sexton where injuryed?

Noel Reid is cover tomorrow. Never heard of him myself but I assume he must be up in the pecking order if he's made it to the bench in Rabo game.

I suppose Isa would slot in if needed for any big games.

CIARAN_BOYLE

MungBean wrote: »

Noel Reid is cover tomorrow. Never heard of him myself but I assume he must be up in the pecking order if he's made it to the bench in Rabo game.

I suppose Isa would slot in if needed for any big games.

Three Leinster caps totally 60 minutes and has been starting all season in the B&I cup. Twentyone came into the academy relatively late possibly something due to McKinley's injuries. Is eiither a first or second year in the academy

Neil3030

Maybe it's the old Irish cynicism, but when I look at both the quality and the quantity of exciting, talented young players being developed at Leinster, in addition to the senior team's successes in Europe, I can't help but think, "OK, where's the catch, when is this all going to go balls-up..."

GerM

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

Three Leinster caps totally 60 minutes and has been starting all season in the B&I cup. Twentyone came into the academy relatively late possibly something due to McKinley's injuries. Is eiither a first or second year in the academy

Second year. He's a silky player. Bit of a late bloomer it looks like. He couldn't really nail a spot in the U20 side when eligible. I see him in the centre more than at 10. He plays in a way that would make me describe him as a budget Larkham. Not sure he has the rugby brain to make it at the top but he's certainly coming along very well in the past year. His cameo against Treviso showed his tricks. Would like for him to get a game at 12 outside Madigan or Sexton.

Bamboozle, I think, is a Tarf man and could give a good appraisal of Reid.

totallegend

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

Leinster have just one NIQ player signed for next season Isa Nacewa. Heinke Van Der Merwe and White both have contracts expiring at the end of this season, Strauss qualifies for Ireland early next season and Berquist is going to Biarritz.

Do Leinster need to sign any NIQs? I think they do.

While I rate McGrath and Hagan I wouldn't be happy knowing that we were one injury away from one of the lads currently in the academy coming onto the bench for big games. I'm not sure who I would want to sign at prop, I wouldn't want to sign two players who would keep McGrath/Hagan as third choice players. Ideally I could sign one very good player who could play both sides of the scrum and for big games I would have Ross/Healy/New guy and either Hagan or McGrath on the bench depending on form.

I would also want to sign a lock. Leo may only be 34 but I think that he is feeling his years. I don't think he is playing as well this year as he was last year. While I don't think that he is ready for retirement I do sort of expect him to be replaced in the starting lineup by Toner next season. Is Browne the man to partner Toner? Maybe but I think Leinster should sign a top drawer NIQ to partner Toner in the engine room.

Would I sign anyone else? Probably not although I would be tempted by another Berquist type signing someone who could be third choice at 10/12 since I would not be surprised if four or five players from 10/12/13 are involved in the Ireland 23 this time next year. It would make sense to have extra cover. That said if Reid and O'Shea do well in the semi and final of the B&I cup I don't think it is necessary.

Leinster's priority in terms of NIQs has to be locking Nacewa in for as long as possible; if they have to engage in a bit of horse-trading with the IRFU to secure this, then so be it.

That said; their next priority should be a top-quality lock, followed by back-up prop. I'm not sure what VDM's situation will be next year, but I'd be delighted to see him stay, I think he's been a great part of the squad.

After that, I'm easy, I don't think we'll need any replacement for Berquist; he was signed to be a bit of a babysitter for Madigan but I don't think any of us expected Madigan to develop as quickly as he did. Between Reid and Nacewa we have emergency cover at 10 and if O'Shea and Macken get a bit more game time to back up EOM, Ferg, D'Arcy and BOD at centre, I'm not worried and if Nacewa extends his deal, we're well stocked for back-three.

I would love it if we could go into next season with only three NIQs in the squad.

Would prefer to keep white instead of VdM, get McGrath playing both sides of the scrum, and let O'Connel start to bridge the gap at loosehead

CIARAN_BOYLE

Deleted User wrote: »

Would prefer to keep white instead of VdM, get McGrath playing both sides of the scrum, and let O'Connel start to bridge the gap at loosehead

So McGrath would be second choice LH and fourth choice TH, behind Ross Hagan and White? I doubt he would get much game time at TH.

Tox56

Neil3030 wrote: »

Maybe it's the old Irish cynicism, but when I look at both the quality and the quantity of exciting, talented young players being developed at Leinster, in addition to the senior team's successes in Europe, I can't help but think, "OK, where's the catch, when is this all going to go balls-up..."

High Quality and promising Irish players in Leinster positions:

Loosehead: Healy, McGrath

Hooker: Strauss, Cronin

Tighthead: Ross, Hagan

Second Row: Cullen, Toner, Flanagan

Backrow: SOB, Heaslip, McLaughlin, Jennings, Auva'a, Ruddock, Dom Ryan, Murphy, Gilsenan..

Scrum-Half: Reddan, Boss, Cooney, McGrath

Fly-Half: Sexton, Madigan, Reid

Centre: D'Arcy, McFadden, O'Shea, BOD, EOM, Macken

Back 3: Carr, Conway, Fitz, D Kearney, R Kearney

Such strength in depth, and with more in the Academy that I don't know much about, the future looks bright.

When you add players like Van der Merwe, Nacewa, White, Thorn (!!!), there is a healthy mix of youth developement and foreign imports to improve chances in Europe.

If all (or at least 3) of the provinces replicate this, Ireland will be so strong and competitive, with proper management, who knows the limit.

durkadurka

You've omitted shaggy. Im not writing him off yet.

One other point - you need at least 6 props.

We'll definitely need NIQ cover in the right five.

WeeBushy

I'd be very happy if we resigned VdM, kept Nacewa for ever, let White go (as good as he has been - Connacht would really benefit from him imo) and sign a quality late 20s 2nd row, young enough to bridge the gap until we start unearthing some of our own.

McGrath would be 3rd choice for both sides of the scrum, and based on this years appearances, Schmidt isn't afraid to play him when he thinks he's good enough. He's still very young for a prop but if he's good enough he'll get the game time.

A good second row is needed. We simply do not have the talent ourselves to replace Hines, and we have been trying. It's just not there unfortunately. A big signing to compliment an aging Cullen, and upward curving Toner, a very solid squad player in Browne, and a decent talent in Flanagan. I liken Browne this season to Keogh a few seasons ago, not in his how he plays but in his importance to the squad. Always does his job and rarely makes mistakes. A really solid player.

Everywhere else we're well stocked with established and emerging talent. The only position we may be a little light is out half, but it's a real show of confidence in Madigan, and to a lesser extent Reid who would be our third choice specialist OH.

Our embarrassment of riches continues in the back three and long may it be so!

irishbucsfan

Given that McGrath has outscrummaged VDM this year (who really is quite a defensive scrummager for a LH) I think he'd be ahead of him next season if he stayed.

OConnell will be final year academy Tracy will be 2nd year academy. We need to ensure their paths aren't being blocked, especially by a guy who will be borderline 3rd choice.

TH is another matter. Hagan doesn't seem to be good enough yet. It's not guarranteed hell ever be a good enough scrummager, but im sure Feek can get him there. Until then though I'm not as confident in him as a starter as I am in McGrath.

If were going to keep just one NIQ I'd prefer it to be White, who is the better of the two anyway, and who covers a more important position. Hopefully by the end of next season well have other IQ options to lean on.

Blut2

Came across this article yesterday and it made me think of how well run the Leinster academy is in areas outside of rugby. The fact that professional footballers in the UK that have degrees are a novelty really makes you appreciate the fact that its not just the norm, but that its expected by the province, for Leinster players to be enrolled in college while playing rugby.

CIARAN_BOYLE

Blut2 wrote: »

for Leinster players to be enrolled in college while playing rugby.

even if they never show up in college they are supposed to be enrolled

[Jackass]

My opinion of Van Der Merwe and Mike Ross have both dropped this season. I actually think White should be first choice tight-head. So I wouldn't mind VDM not re-signing, but I'd like to see Ross being phased out with Hagan back up to either himself or White.

We'll definitely lose one of them, but not both for next season, but there'll be some battle to tie up that tight-head spot, and seeing as we have 2 viable, Irish qualified options there, it will be tough to see us get the nod ahead of Munster or Ulster. I'd be comfortable with McGrath being second choice loose head at this point, and if we lost White, I'd be fairly comfortable with Hagan being second choice tight, but hopefully can nudge ahead of Ross next season.

To be honest, other than keeping Nacewa for the rest of his natural life, the only place we need NIE player(s) is second row. We have to make a massive signing in there in the close season, AT LEAST one world class one. Cullen is now 34 (iirc) and 35 next season and coming back from a serious operation to try and extend his career...we can't overly rely on him, and Browne and Toner are both competant cover, but neither are top quality locks imo, Toner is an excellent squad and specialist player, but I'd much rather two 6'7" 20 stone scar faced warriors in the second row. We're in great shape though for the future, with the exception of second row, and that's encouraging.

GerM

Think you're being very harsh in your assessments there. Toner has established himself in the side this season and has been excellent. He's currently in contention for player of the season and has consistently been amongst the top performers with and without the internationals. Toner is primed to become a serious option for Leinster. He's 25 and will reach about 100 caps by the end of the season. If I was looking to drop someone to allow Thorn in the side, it wouldn't be Toner. I think he'd make a very decent partner to Thorn. A more skillful, specialist jumper to compliment Thorn's all out mania. I'd agree we need to make a big signing there but I think it should be someone to be the long term partner for Toner, not someone to partner Cullen who is, in all fairness, on his way out.

VDM is never a guy who bursts through lads or catches the eye. He was underrated last season until that phenomenal 30 minutes against Toulouse. He's an unbelievably solid option. You're never let down by him which is something unusual for a prop. He's never beaten in the scrum, barely ever misses a tackle (perfect technique) and gets around the pitch very well. McGrath is a very promising player but with two starts in professional rugby to his name, there's nothing to suggest he's ready to be called upon in a big HEC game which he will be given Healy's propensity for picking up knocks in a game. VDM's general performances are very consistent too. As the season wears on, I expect him to peak and step up to the mark just as he did last year. He's bubbling along nicely.

to be fair, Cullen has been way below his best this season.

Time's a calling on him I reckon.

profitius

I heard that Ross's problem this season is lack of game time. Props need games to get battle hardened. I'm sure it could be the same for VDM. As for VDM or White, well tighthead is more important.

WeeBushy

profitius wrote: »

I heard that Ross's problem this season is lack of game time. Props need games to get battle hardened. I'm sure it could be the same for VDM. As for VDM or White, well tighthead is more important.

Not sure if that could be true tbh. If you look at his appearances so far this season, has has started at least 3 games a month since he came back from the WC.

bamboozle

Deleted User wrote: »

to be fair, Cullen has been way below his best this season.

Time's a calling on him I reckon.

unfortunately i agree. (and his autobiography was crud)

[Jackass]

GerM wrote: »

Think you're being very harsh in your assessments there. Toner has established himself in the side this season and has been excellent. He's currently in contention for player of the season and has consistently been amongst the top performers with and without the internationals. Toner is primed to become a serious option for Leinster. He's 25 and will reach about 100 caps by the end of the season. If I was looking to drop someone to allow Thorn in the side, it wouldn't be Toner. I think he'd make a very decent partner to Thorn. A more skillful, specialist jumper to compliment Thorn's all out mania. I'd agree we need to make a big signing there but I think it should be someone to be the long term partner for Toner, not someone to partner Cullen who is, in all fairness, on his way out.

VDM is never a guy who bursts through lads or catches the eye. He was underrated last season until that phenomenal 30 minutes against Toulouse. He's an unbelievably solid option. You're never let down by him which is something unusual for a prop. He's never beaten in the scrum, barely ever misses a tackle (perfect technique) and gets around the pitch very well. McGrath is a very promising player but with two starts in professional rugby to his name, there's nothing to suggest he's ready to be called upon in a big HEC game which he will be given Healy's propensity for picking up knocks in a game. VDM's general performances are very consistent too. As the season wears on, I expect him to peak and step up to the mark just as he did last year. He's bubbling along nicely.

I don't disagree RE Toner, but it still just doesn't sit well with me with him being a starting lock. Like I said, he's a solid option, but if we want to be the best team in Europe, I would see that area as a weakness when he's up against some of the best locks in Europe.

Re VDM, I think it's been extremely noticable the difference in the set piece when he's on or off the field. He was superb last season, but like I said, this season I think his scrumaging has been quite poor. Might be seen as being a little harsh, but keep an eye out for it. Ross has also come off second best a number of times this season and been penalised heavily at times.

GerM

There you have it, folks. "Early March" looking like the arrival date for Brad Thorn according to Schmidt.

danthefan

Deleted User wrote: »

to be fair, Cullen has been way below his best this season.

Time's a calling on him I reckon.

Just going by recent games, did you watch Leinster v Montpellier? Cullen was outstanding. He was in the thick of everything.

GerM

danthefan wrote: »

Just going by recent games, did you watch Leinster v Montpellier? Cullen was outstanding. He was in the thick of everything.

He's like a bloody eel the way his slithers through mauls to the carrier. He has taken a long time to warm up though. Was excellent in his last couple of games. Just doesn't have the engine for a full blooded start to finish season anymore but still has the goods when the chips are down.

phog

@ShannonRFC tweeted this earlier.

Which one is a senior international? http://twitter.com/shannonrfc/status/170643281082974208/photo/1

Felipe Contepomi playing for Co Carlow in Thomond Park against Shannon.

Hagz

I i said I got it would you believe me. Sheer guess though.

Morf

Should have got it, it's not a great photo of him though.

The one in the Carlow FC club house is much clearer.