Leinster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread.

durkadurka

So the Bordeaux Airport code is BOD. Surely this is a sign.....

Big Nelly

.ak wrote: »

... for those interested. Prices are actually live as of now. I sent this to a few mates who are also going the same route so wouldn't be surprised if the prices start to swell. This is the least 'hassle' free way that's still relatively cheap. Except for the silly 8 hour wait in Bristol.... :mad:

Just came back from Stag in Bristol, its about 20 pound to get taxi into the town, some good pubs there. I would go on beer for 8 hours and rock back to airport....:P

padser

Fishooks12 wrote: »

If there was ever an Irish team that was made to smash a French team in France in a HC semi it's this Leinster team

Stay positive lads

Post reported...

...a blatant attempt to put a jinx on Leinster.....

Hagz

totallegend wrote: »

Just wondering do people think there is any debate over the hooker position for the semi-final? Thought Strauss was ropey enough on Saturday; his first throw was picked off by Cardiff, another was a massive overthrow (although we got a penalty for a push on Heaslip, I don't think it made any difference) and then we had a lineout close to their line with the last play of the first half and there was another overthrow. Now, Cronin is not famed for his darts either, and it's easy to blame the hooker when it might be the calls or the jumpers, but still, it wasn't great.

I only have the match recorded form 12mins onwards, but the count with Strauss on the the field was 8 line outs and we won 7, including the penalty. I feel that the push did make a difference. Cronin only had two line-outs and it was 1/2 for him.

I'd start with Strauss just for his breakdown work and Cronin's impact off the bench. Hines' knowledge of our line-out worries me though.

[Jackass]

Those stats sound suprising to me, but I'll take your word for it. I think it's the manner in which we won some lineouts though, missing our jumper and perhaps catching it at the back. I certainly remember a number of occassions (maybe 3 or 4 iirc) where we lost ball on our own throw.

Regardless, I'd start Strauss and work on lineouts in training, as you say, for Strauss' work around the field, especially at the breakdown, and for the increased tempo, energy and carrying ability that Cronin brings off the bench.

.ak

Breakdown will be where the battle is won I think. If you watch the sarries game you can see they're getting no change from the ruck. Cudmore and hines are key ve this. There clearouts are borderline criminal assault cases! We're lucky to have thorn for this game. But we'll need some players that are absolute ground hogs to compete with this... Strauss should start, but the only question mark in my mind is the backrow. Sob and heaslip are starters, but should we elect the groundhog skills of Jennings, or the physical abbrassiveness of locky?

Hagz

[Jackass] wrote: »

Those stats sound suprising to me, but I'll take your word for it. I think it's the manner in which we won some lineouts though, missing our jumper and perhaps catching it at the back. I certainly remember a number of occassions (maybe 3 or 4 iirc) where we lost ball on our own throw.

Regardless, I'd start Strauss and work on lineouts in training, as you say, for Strauss' work around the field, especially at the breakdown, and for the increased tempo, energy and carrying ability that Cronin brings off the bench.

As i said I only have 12mins onwards so perhaps they came before that. He certainly overthrew one inside Cardiff's 22, and one was shaky causing McLaughlin to extend backwards to grasp it, but all the rest are clean. Unless of course you take into account the push of Heaslip.

I'd say they're going to work tirelessly on the line-out what with Hines having some form of inside experience. Plus, our line-out was fairly predictable. If Cardiff had just covered Cullen the whole game they would have probably stole a few.

.ak

Chances are that Joe and co have been predicting this match up for some time. I think they've probably reworked the training book in the Lineout to counter any influence Hinesey might have. That might explain the odd loose throw in the last few games.

Actually, think we might see Locky at 6 again, another lineout option...

Big Nelly

.ak wrote: »

Chances are that Joe and co have been predicting this match up for some time. I think they've probably reworked the training book in the Lineout to counter any influence Hinesey might have. That might explain the odd loose throw in the last few games.

Actually, think we might see Locky at 6 again, another lineout option...

Would they try Toner and Thorn to start with and then option to bring on Cullen???? Hines didn't play too many games with him so could be a bit of an unknown with Thorn beside him.

I guess from the Osprey game and the Cardiff game that it willl be Cullen and Thorn, massive work over next 3 weeks on line out. They have just not clicked in any game yet. Huge at clearing out thought at the ruck. Thorn is an animal at ruck time...has Hines every played against him?

copacetic

.ak wrote: »

Breakdown will be where the battle is won I think. If you watch the sarries game you can see they're getting no change from the ruck. Cudmore and hines are key ve this. There clearouts are borderline criminal assault cases! We're lucky to have thorn for this game. But we'll need some players that are absolute ground hogs to compete with this... Strauss should start, but the only question mark in my mind is the backrow. Sob and heaslip are starters, but should we elect the groundhog skills of Jennings, or the physical abbrassiveness of locky?

They play a dodgy game, but to compete its more power and brawn required than anything else. I'd keep Jennings for the bench for this one, although since they have such a strong bench there is a case for mixing it up a little and leaving a very strong last 20 min team on the bench too. We haven't got the depth they have though so it would be a tough call.

molloyjh

Booked my flights via Edinburgh. Couldn't be bothered spending a day hanging around Bristol. Works out a fair bit more expensive, but the Luton option home was much the same. Prob staying in the Ibis as well.

Should be a great weekend win or lose. I'm very nervous about the game. We haven't really been tested by top class opposition yet. Our tough run-in really stood to us last year I thought. Just hope the easier one this year doesn't cause us problems. Clermont away, albeit in Bordeaux, is a big ask. And we saw from the Sarries game how their fans travel. A short hop to Bordeaux won't bother them at all.

.ak

molloyjh wrote: »

Booked my flights via Edinburgh. Couldn't be bothered spending a day hanging around Bristol. Works out a fair bit more expensive, but the Luton option home was much the same. Prob staying in the Ibis as well.

Should be a great weekend win or lose. I'm very nervous about the game. We haven't really been tested by top class opposition yet. Our tough run-in really stood to us last year I thought. Just hope the easier one this year doesn't cause us problems. Clermont away, albeit in Bordeaux, is a big ask. And we saw from the Sarries game how their fans travel. A short hop to Bordeaux won't bother them at all.

Yeah, jumping from a surrendered Cardiff to the best team in France with awesome depth.... I don't know how Clermont aren't favorites with the bookies tbh. The next Pro12 games will be key to building match fitness for certain players (BOD, Thorn) and maybe a couple of rough and tumble matches will be what we'll need. No better man to be at the helm, Joe will know Vern inside out... but it will probably work the other way around as well.

tolosenc

Lads, I think we have them if we can get it to a penalty shootout. Bring in Big Jack for the week beforehand.

In all seriousness, should the situation arise, we'd have Sexton, Nacewa, McFadden, and Kearney all on the pitch in all likelihood, and probably Madigan too.

I can't see who they'd have beyond Parra, Skrela and James.

:rolleyes:

CIARAN_BOYLE

tolosenc wrote: »

Lads, I think we have them if we can get it to a penalty shootout. Bring in Big Jack for the week beforehand.

In all seriousness, should the situation arise, we'd have Sexton, Nacewa, McFadden, and Kearney all on the pitch in all likelihood, and probably Madigan too.

I can't see who they'd have beyond Parra, Skrela and James.

:rolleyes:

BOD was a goalkicker at underage level and Darcy has kicked goals from the tee 8 times for Leinster.

tolosenc

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

BOD was a goalkicker at underage level and Darcy has kicked goals from the tee 8 times for Leinster.

It's in the bag so...

decisions

I would rather it not go that far...

[Jackass]

Big Nelly wrote: »

Would they try Toner and Thorn to start with and then option to bring on Cullen???? Hines didn't play too many games with him so could be a bit of an unknown with Thorn beside him.

I guess from the Osprey game and the Cardiff game that it willl be Cullen and Thorn, massive work over next 3 weeks on line out. They have just not clicked in any game yet. Huge at clearing out thought at the ruck. Thorn is an animal at ruck time...has Hines every played against him?

The idea of Hines taking on Toner at the breakdown makes me wince! I'd fully expect him to snap Toner in half like a twig...I'm one of the last converts to wanted Toner to start I think. I fully appreciate his lineout ability and his suprisingly good hands, but I just don't think he has enough of an allround game, I'm yet to be convinced. I often feel his work at the breakdown is weak and when he carries, despite his size, it's like hitting a tackle bag for the opposition....if they go high they still get him around the knees. Bar his ram try in the PRO12 this season, I don't remember many good carries, but often notice him being nailed in contact and driven backwards.

Maybe I'm being very harsh, but I only see him as a very useful specialist player, don't see him as a first teamer. Great impact from the bench, but not an 80 minute man.

Big Nelly

[Jackass] wrote: »

The idea of Hines taking on Toner at the breakdown makes me wince! I'd fully expect him to snap Toner in half like a twig...I'm one of the last converts to wanted Toner to start I think. I fully appreciate his lineout ability and his suprisingly good hands, but I just don't think he has enough of an allround game, I'm yet to be convinced. I often feel his work at the breakdown is weak and when he carries, despite his size, it's like hitting a tackle bag for the opposition....if they go high they still get him around the knees. Bar his ram try in the PRO12 this season, I don't remember many good carries, but often notice him being nailed in contact and driven backwards.

Maybe I'm being very harsh, but I only see him as a very useful specialist player, don't see him as a first teamer. Great impact from the bench, but not an 80 minute man.

Watch the Racing Metro match last year in RDS, Chabal made a run at him, he was bounched back and onto his ass.....

shuffol

Dont think anyone can be confident about how Toner would perform if he started, it'd be a massive step up in intensity from any game he's started for Leinster so far. I'd definately go with Cullen for his experience and captaincy skills which could be vital. Think Schmidt has a big decision with regard to the bench spot though, this is the type of game where he's traditionally gone with Browne in the past, not to mention his experience in France which could be useful. Toner offers a better prospective impact from the bench but I think Browne would be a safer bet.

Podge_irl

Browne hasn't played any high intensity rugby in a while.

shuffol

Podge_irl wrote: »

Browne hasn't played any high intensity rugby in a while.

He's missed the last 2 games but had been an ever present in squads before that starting most games.

bget

Toner is a good player and offers a good option in the lineout but his skills on the ball in general play and at ruck time jus arent at a high enough standard for this stage of the competition

GerM

bget wrote: »

Toner is a good player and offers a good option in the lineout but his skills on the ball in general play and at ruck time jus arent at a high enough standard for this stage of the competition

Would have thought his skills on the ball in general play exceed any other lock in Leinster to be honest. Would agree about the ruck though. I'm a massive fan of Toner but I'd have to go with Thorn and Cullen for this one. We need all the cleverness, trickery and all out toughness we can muster for Clermont's front five and those two have it in spades. Thorn is an animal and Cullen is a genius when it comes to just being slippery and making life tough on the opposition, slithering through mauls, disrupting rucks and being a general pain. Any other opposition and I'd lean towards Toner but this isn't one for him.

tolosenc

Definitely Browne for the bench spot. Should we make the final, I'd give Toner the nod. The kind of grunt and intensity required to beat Clermont is something he just doesn't have.

jameseyf

This Denton fella looks good

TheKeenMachine

Looks like Denton is now confirmed
http://www.joe.ie/rugby/rugby-news/leinster-swoop-to-nab-irish-qualified-lock-from-leeds-0023229-1

.ak

Interesting. Anyone seen this guy in action? Has he got the power we need behind TH?

CIARAN_BOYLE

TheKeenMachine wrote: »

Looks like Denton is now confirmed
http://www.joe.ie/rugby/rugby-news/leinster-swoop-to-nab-irish-qualified-lock-from-leeds-0023229-1

Nothing confirmed there.

http://www.herald.ie/sport/rugby/blues-coy-on-signing-denton-3075424.html

Here is the only thing I've found with a quote from someone in the leintster set up.

irishbucsfan

"There is nothing to say on that at the moment," said Leinster manager Guy Easterby.

"There will be in the next couple of weeks when we announce a few of the signing that we have made.

"I know him because he is Irish qualified and he has certainly been talked about over the last couple of years."

Very coy, Guy!

Interesting that he seems to imply there'll be more signings. But then that could also be Carr/Browne.

hsbc

Likely team for Friday night?