Leinster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread V

awec

Was reading the Munster thread and it got me thinking.

Leinster have the first and second choice Irish looseheads. This by definition means that neither can get maximum gametime. In the past, Jack McGrath's gametime came when Healy was away with Ireland. Now that they are both going to be away with Ireland where will McGrath get meaningful gametime? Would it suit him to get the last 20 minutes in games? Or even Healy for that matter. Who plays in Leinster's big games if both are fit and ready?

Is it feasible or wise for the first and second choice in a particular position to be playing at the same province? Especially for a position like LH where the pecking order is clear and obvious, and the first two choices are a good bit ahead of the rest.

Genuinely asking, seems like something that would be worthy of discussion.

CatFromHue

Same with Sexton and Madigan, Ross and Moore, and to a degree Heaslip and Murphy.

It's quite the head scratcher really.

Podge_irl

Correction awec - first, second AND third choice looseheads.

And no its not ideal from an irish perspective. Though Munster have promising looseheads of their own and all due respect but Connacht isn't an option. I'd actually say the TH situation is worse in terms of Leinster hoarding all the best players.

Podge_irl

CatFromHue wrote: »

Same with Sexton and Madigan, Ross and Moore, and to a degree Heaslip and Murphy.

It's quite the head scratcher really.

It's cause we're deadly.

awec

CatFromHue wrote: »

Same with Sexton and Madigan, Ross and Moore, and to a degree Heaslip and Murphy.

It's quite the head scratcher really.

Right, but Sexton and Madigan isn't a clearly defined pecking order. Sexton is clearly #1 but Madigan isn't obviously the second best Irish 10.

Hagz

I would emphasise how recent it all is.

Yes Leinster have the top 2 loose-heads in the country, and the top 2 (arguably 3) TH's, but it hasn't been that way for very long.

You can look at the TH situation and say why are 3 strong TH's piled up in Leinster? But Tadhg Furlong was still in the Academy last season and Marty Moore only got his first cap this time last season. Again Jack McGrath only got his first cap last season as well.

If things remain this way then absolutely I would criticise the logic behind it, but contracts are dealt with on an annual/biannual basis.

TommyOM

The top teams tend to have two top players for every position. Why would Leinster be different? I see a HVDM/Healy situation developing where both get significant gametime.

padser

Hagz wrote: »

I would emphasise how recent it all is.

Yes Leinster have the top 2 loose-heads in the country, and the top 2 (arguably 3) TH's, but it hasn't been that way for very long.

You can look at the TH situation and say why are 3 strong TH's piled up in Leinster? But Tadhg Furlong was still in the Academy last season and Marty Moore only got his first cap this time last season. Again Jack McGrath only got his first cap last season as well.

If things remain this way then absolutely I would criticise the logic behind it, but contracts are dealt with on an annual/biannual basis.

Yeah I agree with this.

Also I think for props it's a much lesser problem than for other positions (for first and second choice props, not third choice).

First choice prop most likely gets the first 50 minutes in big games, second choice prop gets the final 30 mins. It's 20 minutes less game time for the second choice prop in the big games and he actually gets the high pressure end game (which the first choice prop never gets to experience). Obviously second choice prop gets lots of 50 minute runs outside of the very top games.

That's very different from say second choice outhalf who (barring injury to first choice outhalf) either doesn't get on the pitch or is played out of position.

Clearly the logic doesn't work for third choice props, and if Bent (and to a lesser extent Furlong as Ross can only have 1/2 yrs left) remains Ireland's third choice I think he will have to move. However on that, I don't think there is clear water between Bent and Cronin or possibly even Killer.

awec

TommyOM wrote: »

The top teams tend to have two top players for every position. Why would Leinster be different? I see a HVDM/Healy situation developing where both get significant gametime.

Firstly, Leinster are not like most teams. Leinster, like the other three provinces, are owned, subsidised and run by their Union. Indeed it could easily be argued that the primary function of Leinster, as well as the other three provinces is to provide players for the national team.

I don't see it beyond the realms of possibility where the best scenario for IRFU resources is not to have the best two looseheads, or even tightheads at the same province, and instead having each being first choice at two seperate provinces. This maximises gametime for Ireland's important players and is something I think Nucifora was put in place to facilitate. Players moving between provinces will IMO become more common place in future.

The NIQ policy is changing which to me is an indicator that the IRFU are expecting more movement of IQ players. I am sure that the IRFU would prefer to see Furlong togging out for Munster every week instead of Botha.

awec

And before you say it, the population of Leinster is twice that of Munster, and almost five times that of Connacht. It also has a large number of rugby playing schools and the benefit of being based around Dublin. There would be something wrong if Leinster were not churning out more players from their academy compared to the other provinces. They aren't all going to make it at Leinster.

realoutlook

What's the point in provinces then? just disband them and make 8 smaller teams - Munster South, Munster North, Dublin North/South, Rest of Leinser, Ulster North/South and Connacht.

Get rid of foreigners and lets dilute loyalty and make Ireland number 1.

Leinster, who are actually the 3rd ranked province currently, has "too much talent"

RugbyLover123

What qualifies a player to be eligible to play for the A team? Ben Teo, Noel Reid are first team players yet able to play for the A team?
Also why aren't Tom Daly and Farrell involved with the A team? Both looked good in JWC a few years ago.

CIARAN_BOYLE

RugbyLover123 wrote: »

What qualifies a player to be eligible to play for the A team? Ben Teo, Noel Reid are first team players yet able to play for the A team?
Also why aren't Tom Daly and Farrell involved with the A team? Both looked good in JWC a few years ago.

Who do the coaches pick? No set qualifications? Noel Reid is still young, despite being an Irish international he is 3rd choice 12 at leinster. Why not let him play A rugby from the coaches POV. Ben Teo is still getting used to rugby union and the A match could be valuable experience as it is his first ever knockout union match.

Tox56

awec wrote: »

Firstly, Leinster are not like most teams. Leinster, like the other three provinces, are owned, subsidised and run by their Union. Indeed it could easily be argued that the primary function of Leinster, as well as the other three provinces is to provide players for the national team.

I don't see it beyond the realms of possibility where the best scenario for IRFU resources is not to have the best two looseheads, or even tightheads at the same province, and instead having each being first choice at two seperate provinces. This maximises gametime for Ireland's important players and is something I think Nucifora was put in place to facilitate. Players moving between provinces will IMO become more common place in future.

The NIQ policy is changing which to me is an indicator that the IRFU are expecting more movement of IQ players. I am sure that the IRFU would prefer to see Furlong togging out for Munster every week instead of Botha.

I would agree with this idea generally but there has to be a limit. If you are going to be competitive in Europe you need a deep squad and quality back-ups. In cases where there are obvious backlogs at one province like backrow at Leinster or centre at Ulster movement should be encouraged.

But Leinster are currently 5th in the league and don't look particularly close to being contenders in Europe, taking out several of the top players when the squad is still being built isn't going to bring Leinster any closer to the top in Europe, and that also has to be a consideration for the IRFU

kingofthekong

Would like to see the partnership of daly and Farrell develop more with leinster , both of them are tearing it up in the AIL

Hagz

I don't think they're rated too highly by Dempsey. Crosbie seems to be ahead of Daly in the pecking order and Farrell has hardly featured. With Ringrose emerging you'd have to think Farrell's inclusion will remain limited.

kingofthekong

I don't expect to see them feature for leinster but I hope I'm wrong , the leinster rich production line can sometimes be a weakness in terms if the stagnation an blockage in the production line due to the amount of promising players coming through

RugbyLover123

I saw Farrell scored 2 tries last weekend against cork con i think it was, Daly played a part in both of them. Farrell was on the bench of some A games earlier in the year. Odd seeing as Daly won numerous motm awards for that Irish u20 team!

casino1995

They are both only 21 and in their second year in the academy, I wouldn't be writing either off them just yet.
Both are more than big enough, they have a lot of competition even just to make the A team, especially when the A team is picking players with Ireland caps.

shuffol

awec wrote: »

Firstly, Leinster are not like most teams. Leinster, like the other three provinces, are owned, subsidised and run by their Union. Indeed it could easily be argued that the primary function of Leinster, as well as the other three provinces is to provide players for the national team.

I don't see it beyond the realms of possibility where the best scenario for IRFU resources is not to have the best two looseheads, or even tightheads at the same province, and instead having each being first choice at two seperate provinces. This maximises gametime for Ireland's important players and is something I think Nucifora was put in place to facilitate. Players moving between provinces will IMO become more common place in future.

The NIQ policy is changing which to me is an indicator that the IRFU are expecting more movement of IQ players. I am sure that the IRFU would prefer to see Furlong togging out for Munster every week instead of Botha.

Another way to look at it is that it could be more beneficial to the national side, you've the 2 best players in their position scrapping it out in training every day, pushing each other on and becoming better players, both will get plenty of gametime but will still be very fresh come international duty. I think Ross to Munster for a season post RWC would've been a good plan had they faith in Archer making the grade but I imagine they'll be looking for a longer term signing.

thomond2006

Have season tickets gone down in price?
http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/tickets/season/index.php

I got the early bird for €274 last season. Now it's €259.

Edit: Didn't read that €259 is exclusive of ticketmaster charges. Nevermind...

thomond2006

I just renewed. Sorry but you Leinster heads are going to have to deal with me again next season.

Big Nelly

thomond2006 wrote: »

I just renewed. Sorry but you Leinster heads are going to have to deal with me again next season.

How many matchs do ou think the Munster jersey will be pulled on for? :D:D:D

Must put in renewal myself....

thomond2006

Big Nelly wrote: »

How many matchs do ou think the Munster jersey will be pulled on for? :D:D:D

Must put in renewal myself....

The one in the Aviva. Where Munster win. Again.

Big Nelly

thomond2006 wrote: »

The one in the Aviva. Where Munster win. Again.

With Munster fans renewing there season ticket it will continue to fill the bank for Leinster and soon we will take over the World!!!!

awec

Wednesday 25th March - season tickets go on sale to waiting list.

Who are they fooling with this waiting list bollocks?

.ak

awec wrote: »

Wednesday 25th March - season tickets go on sale to waiting list.

Who are they fooling with this waiting list bollocks?

People apply for the waiting list every year. It now just means they can get access to a presale rather than waiting for seats to be released tho.

A couple of years ago it was very hard to buy a ST tho.

awec

It must be a waiting list for seated tickets or something then, cause anyone who wants a ST this year will get one.

Big Nelly

I have terrace ticket with a few lads but we are thinking of going seated, after a number of years I think we are getting older and need to sit out fat ass's down

Just wondering seat wise where is good? are the ends on the Angelsea any good?

Not going south/north as it is f**king freezing up there is any sort of wind etc

irishbucsfan

awec wrote: »

It must be a waiting list for seated tickets or something then, cause anyone who wants a ST this year will get one.

It's a waiting list for all sections actually. It doesn't really say anything about demand/supply

.ak

Renewed. The 10% thing is a really good idea. Probably wouldn't have afforded it otherwise.

ssaye2

Renewed

Same as always

thomond2006

thomond2006 wrote: »

I just renewed. Sorry but you Leinster heads are going to have to deal with me again next season.

Only one more season and you become LQ!

Tox56

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Only one more season and you become LQ!

Much prefer guys like thomond that do their 3 years and clearly fall in love with all things Leinster rather than guys that automatically qualify because their granny was from Kildare

awec

Thomond must be close to bringing his smoked salmon and cheese crackers in a tupparware to the games.

With a bottle of prosecco and plastic glasses (because one could not possibly drink from the bottle).

dub_skav

Is there no cheque option this year? That is, do I have to pay the 16 quid to the evil empire?

thomond2006

.ak wrote: »

People apply for the waiting list every year. It now just means they can get access to a presale rather than waiting for seats to be released tho.

A couple of years ago it was very hard to buy a ST tho.

In what season did season ticket sales reach their peak?

Tox56 wrote: »

Much prefer guys like thomond that do their 3 years and clearly fall in love with all things Leinster rather than guys that automatically qualify because their granny was from Kildare

I'm half Limerick, half Mayo so no granny rule for me!

.ak

thomond2006 wrote: »

In what season did season ticket sales reach their peak?



I'm half Limerick, half Mayo so no granny rule for me!

I remember 2010/11 being a big year where people struggled to get tickets iirc. It was off the back of 2009 when we were in rugby nirvana with a grandslam and coming off the back of a load of Munster and a Leinster HEC victories.

.ak

awec wrote: »

Thomond must be close to bringing his smoked salmon and cheese crackers in a tupparware to the games.

With a bottle of prosecco and plastic glasses (because one could not possibly drink from the bottle).

Plastic glasses? You animal. :eek:

thomond2006

.ak wrote: »

I remember 2010/11 being a big year where people struggled to get tickets iirc. It was off the back of 2009 when we were in rugby nirvana with a grandslam and coming off the back of a load of Munster and a Leinster HEC victories.

That was a damn good season to be a STH. The Heineken Cup knockouts were phenomenal that year.

That year was the season Toulon trashed Munster in Mayol to eliminate us in the pool stages for the first time in 12/13 years.

Big Nelly

awec wrote: »

Thomond must be close to bringing his smoked salmon and cheese crackers in a tupparware to the games.

With a bottle of prosecco and plastic glasses (because one could not possibly drink from the bottle).

Plastic glasses? Never heard of them....

Only the finest crystal for us!!!

total former

Big Nelly wrote: »

Plastic glasses? Never heard of them....

Only the finest cristal served in crystal at Krystle for us!!!

FYP.

I dunno, I think season tickets plateaued out there a couple of years ago and some dip was always inevitable, wouldn't be surprised to see numbers fall back a bit this season.

awec

thomond2006 wrote: »

That was a damn good season to be a STH. The Heineken Cup knockouts were phenomenal that year.

That year was the season Toulon trashed Munster in Mayol to eliminate us in the pool stages for the first time in 12/13 years.

Who eliminated you the season after? I can't remember.

thomond2006

awec wrote: »

Who eliminated you the season after? I can't remember.

You know that final that never happened? There was a quarter final that never happened as well.

Buer

thomond2006

Buer wrote: »

Doesn't ring a bell.

total former

That just reminds me how much Gilroy's star has fallen since 2012-13, seems to be getting his mojo back now

eoferrall

dub_skav wrote: »

Is there no cheque option this year? That is, do I have to pay the 16 quid to the evil empire?

no cheque option anymore and this pisses me off no end. they replied to me saying there was a special offer that ticketmaster fees are only 5e this year. didn't reply to me on what was going to happen next year.

Forcing us to pay fees to TM is pure bollix.

.ak

Buer wrote: »

Followed by

CatFromHue

eoferrall wrote: »

no cheque option anymore and this pisses me off no end. they replied to me saying there was a special offer that ticketmaster fees are only 5e this year. didn't reply to me on what was going to happen next year.

Forcing us to pay fees to TM is pure bollix.

In fairness cheques are on the way, I don't even have a cheque book tbh.