Leinster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread V

Swiwi.

Hagz wrote: »

Well it's definitley a broken arm for Te'o. Watching the game back and the physio says it to Owens.

LOL, Nigel Owens! If u listen carefully (and maybe with a touch of imagination thrown in for good measure) you can hear him saying that "Teo's wrist is more bent than mine".

durkadurka

Swiwi. wrote: »

LOL, Nigel Owens! If u listen carefully (and maybe with a touch of imagination thrown in for good measure) you can hear him saying that "Teo's wrist is more bent than mine".

No he said 'his wrist is more limp than mine' .

vienne86

shuffol wrote: »

I think Nacewa broke his arm in his first game too definitely very early on in his Leinster career.

Not sure it was his first game, but I remember being there. He was playing 10 and I thought he was useless and should be shipped home....how wrong I was.

rrpc

Watching Luke FitzGerald almost back to his best was such a relief. It struck me that it's not his try count that matters as much as his ability to break the gain line and offload for someone else to finish.

former legend

shuffol wrote: »

I think Nacewa broke his arm in his first game too definitely very early on in his Leinster career.

Third game. Broke his arm and finished out the match iirc.

God I miss him.

former legend

former legend wrote: »

Third game. Broke his arm and finished out the match iirc.

God I miss him.

He didn't finish the match, he did try to make a last ditch tackle though.

shuffol

I think it was effectively the last play of the game anyway. Stuck out an arm to stop Nikki Walker going in for a consolation try.

case885

Is Bent still ahead of Furlong at TH if you had to choose between the two?

rrpc

Clegg wrote: »

Not sure about the exact timeframe. It was 05/06 anyway. He def looked overweight though.

He was out for six months that year from the Lions tour until Stephen's day. Would have had ample opportunity to put on a few pounds.

Neil3030

Injuries are a good opportunity to dirty bulk, depending on where in the body it is obviously. Probably wouldn't want to be going near the weights room with a lower back injury or something.

clsmooth

Clegg wrote: »

Not sure about the exact timeframe. It was 05/06 anyway. He def looked overweight though.

In all fairness he always had a chubby face. But around that time he had a beefier frame too, (which i presume was on purpose) and he made the effort to slim down as he got older.

Tox56

case885 wrote: »

Is Bent still ahead of Furlong at TH if you had to choose between the two?

I'd say so, that was only Furlong's 4th start. But it is only a matter of time before he comes through

Swan Curry

Apart from the injuries there seems to be a pretty positive reaction to Leinster's performance,disappointed I missed it.How did Denton get on?

case885

Tox56 wrote: »

I'd say so, that was only Furlong's 4th start. But it is only a matter of time before he comes through

Great prospect, hopefully he keeps getting the starts like moore last year and he hasn't seemed out of depth when hes been tested.

former legend

Swan Curry wrote: »

Apart from the injuries there seems to be a pretty positive reaction to Leinster's performance,disappointed I missed it.How did Denton get on?

Denton was good, nothing spectacular but a decent shift. Did very well for the 4th try, great hands.

Heroditas

shuffol wrote: »

I think it was effectively the last play of the game anyway. Stuck out an arm to stop Nikki Walker going in for a consolation try.

That game had a bizarre ending IIRC. Nacewa scored two late drop goals I think

CatFromHue

Leinster are joint second on the tries scored table :eek:

Glasgow have 22
Lein and Osp have 21
Ulster 20
Lanelli 18

Swan Curry

Swan Curry wrote: »

Apart from the injuries there seems to be a pretty positive reaction to Leinster's performance,disappointed I missed it.How did Denton get on?

There was a huge lull in the middle of the game, but at times you actually had Leinster moving the ball quickly from the ruck, running lines, and making ground with the ball. I know the opposition was a lot weaker but there was such a contrast from the Castres game where the primary objective seemed to be run into the nearest defender. For a league game with around 20 players missing it was pretty good.

sydthebeat

Teo needed surgery according to Leinster fb.... crap! !

Hope the update tomorrow is not terrible.

Journeyman_1

sydthebeat wrote: »

Teo needed surgery according to Leinster fb.... crap! !

Hope the update tomorrow is not terrible.

It's likely that Luke Fitz went to see him and tripped upon entering the hospital, and is out for 10-12 weeks.

Completely unavoidable.

19543261

When is SOB back again?

jacothelad

errlloyd wrote: »

Does BBC Alba have English commentary now?

Yes.

vienne86

19543261 wrote: »

When is SOB back again?

I fear the answer to that one.

19543261

19543261 wrote: »

When is SOB back again?

Will be the new year.

Teferi

So Teo confirmed 6 weeks out. Had his op last night I think.

Journeyman_1

6 weeks isn't too bad considering he had surgery.

FellasFellas

Hagz wrote: »

He's not good enough to be playing senior rugby this year no. Unlikely that he'll see much next year either I think. The highest in the pecking order would be O'Loughlin. But I wouldn't expect to see him this season. Next season is when I think they'll be looking to expose Farrell/ROL and Ringrose to a bit of senior rugby.

Nearly 100% sure but nearly certain that Ringrose has been training with the full Ireland squad. Probably not going to amount to anything but he's in camp with everyone.

awec

Teferi wrote: »

So Teo confirmed 6 weeks out. Had his op last night I think.

Yea he did. Picture on his instagram of him lying in hospital this morning with the cast on.

Journeyman_1

FellasFellas wrote: »

Nearly 100% sure but nearly certain that Ringrose has been training with the full Ireland squad. Probably not going to amount to anything but he's in camp with everyone.

At the last 6 nations, i went to an open training camp, and the Leinster U19's/u20's were there to run opposition. I imagine this is something similar.

Leinster don't have another game for three weeks so at least Te'o won't be missing a ton of games, but still a real shame. Thought he was feeling his way into the game nicely on Friday.

former legend

Spencer Raspy Veteran wrote: »

Leinster don't have another game for three weeks so at least Te'o won't be missing a ton of games, but still a real shame. Thought he was feeling his way into the game nicely on Friday.

It's more than a shame tbh. He needed those games to show if he was ready for the Quins matches. Even if he's healed there's no way he can play in the European Cup now.

Hagz

FellasFellas wrote: »

Nearly 100% sure but nearly certain that Ringrose has been training with the full Ireland squad. Probably not going to amount to anything but he's in camp with everyone.

I am 100% sure he has been training with the Irish squad. So have Jordan Coghlan, Gavin Thornbury, Jack Dwan, Jeremy Loughman, Cormac Brennan and several others.

vienne86

former legend wrote: »

It's more than a shame tbh. He needed those games to show if he was ready for the Quins matches. Even if he's healed there's no way he can play in the European Cup now.

Well not in rounds 3 and 4 anyway. It's a bugger he go this injury, but I'm relieved it's 6 weeks....thought it would be more.

UnitedWeStand

6 weeks is pips. Was fearing this was a season ending injury. Come the new year we'll have some serious firepower back.

Buer

vienne86 wrote: »

Well not in rounds 3 and 4 anyway. It's a bugger he go this injury, but I'm relieved it's 6 weeks....thought it would be more.

Agreed. He will have 3 or 4 matches to get up to speed and fitness then before the last two rounds. I would have guessed he'd be gone until the new year.

The Wasps away game is going to be a crucial one and having him back and fit for that (if he can prove a good option) could be very useful against their back line defence.

Buer

Buer wrote: »

Agreed. He will have 3 or 4 matches to get up to speed and fitness then before the last two rounds. I would have guessed he'd be gone until the new year.

The Wasps away game is going to be a crucial one and having him back and fit for that (if he can prove a good option) could be very useful against their back line defence.

Having him in midfield to hit their big runners would be handy, seems like he'll tackle anything.

vienne86

It could be much worse with Te'o. We could really have done with him for the double header in December but he should be nicely fit for rounds 5 an 6, and I think we will really need him for the trip to Wasps.

Hagz

People seem to be under the assumption that he's a decent rugby player? Will we need him against Wasps? So far he hasn't played a full game of senior rugby.

former legend

Hagz wrote: »

People seem to be under the assumption that he's a decent rugby player? Will we need him against Wasps? So far he hasn't played a full game of senior rugby.

We have no proper 13 in the squad. Yes we need him. He looked competent enough in his incredibly brief cameo and he has more raw material than any other option we have. Who knows how he'll pan out but we need a 13 and he's our best hope.

Hagz

former legend wrote: »

We have no proper 13 in the squad.

And Te'o is a proper 13? He's no more a 13 than Fergus McFadden, Gordon D'Arcy or even Rob Kearney. Not trying to be pessimistic, but I think it's a little premature to be talking about him in terms of the RCC. Let him play more than 14 mins of a Pro12 game first.

armchaircoach

Hagz wrote: »

And Te'o is a proper 13? He's no more a 13 than Fergus McFadden, Gordon D'Arcy or even Rob Kearney. Not trying to be pessimistic, but I think it's a little premature to be talking about him in terms of the RCC. Let him play more than 14 mins of a Pro12 game first.

The whole succession at 13 has been badly managed. BOD flagged his retirement a year in advance, and the response was to take a massive gamble on a league convert who would miss all preseason and the first 3rd of the season. The other option is D'Arcy, who they had to know would be with Ireland and rested for long periods (especially in a world cup season)

vienne86

Hagz wrote: »

And Te'o is a proper 13? He's no more a 13 than Fergus McFadden, Gordon D'Arcy or even Rob Kearney. Not trying to be pessimistic, but I think it's a little premature to be talking about him in terms of the RCC. Let him play more than 14 mins of a Pro12 game first.

Of course he is not a proper 13......but we're in a right jam and need anyone who can make any sort of a fist of playing outside centre.

Hagz

vienne86 wrote: »

Of course he is not a proper 13......but we're in a right jam and need anyone who can make any sort of a fist of playing outside centre.

What's wrong with Gordon D'Arcy? Or Fergus McFadden? Personally they would be much higher on my list than Ben Te'o. Hopefully that will change though.

Heroditas

Hagz wrote: »

What's wrong with Gordon D'Arcy? Or Fergus McFadden? Personally they would be much higher on my list than Ben Te'o. Hopefully that will change though.

I'd have Luke ahead of all of them

RoundBox11

Hagz wrote: »

I am 100% sure he has been training with the Irish squad. So have Jordan Coghlan, Gavin Thornbury, Jack Dwan, Jeremy Loughman, Cormac Brennan and several others.

Anyone see much of Thornbury lately? Seems to have a lot of potential but I haven't heard anything for a while

the baby bull elephant

What has happened to Tadhg Beirne?

Hagz

RoundBox11 wrote: »

Anyone see much of Thornbury lately? Seems to have a lot of potential but I haven't heard anything for a while

He's started every game in the B&I cup and for UCD in the AIL. I watched him play in the 'A' friendly v Munster and he put in a good shift. I'd be nearly certain he'll get a development contract.

former legend

Hagz wrote: »

And Te'o is a proper 13? He's no more a 13 than Fergus McFadden, Gordon D'Arcy or even Rob Kearney. Not trying to be pessimistic, but I think it's a little premature to be talking about him in terms of the RCC. Let him play more than 14 mins of a Pro12 game first.

Did I say he was? You quoted my post then deleted all the bits where I acknowledged that we don't know what he'll be like...

D'Arcy is not an RCC-level 13 and never will be. McFadden is not an RCC-level 13 and never will be. Te'o is not a 13 yet but he could become one. I think it's worth a punt because the Madigan-D'Arcy midfield might get us through the group stages but no further.

Hagz

former legend wrote: »

Did I say he was? You quoted my post then deleted all the bits where I acknowledged that we don't know what he'll be like...

D'Arcy is not an RCC-level 13 and never will be. McFadden is not an RCC-level 13 and never will be. Te'o is not a 13 yet but he could become one. I think it's worth a punt because the Madigan-D'Arcy midfield might get us through the group stages but no further.

I just have no idea what you're basing your opinion on. You say that D'Arcy and McFadden will never be RCC level 13s, but Te'o could be. Based on what exactly? How many times did he touch the ball on Friday? How much was he tested? If you acknowledge that we don't know what he'll be like, then how exactly do we need him? Saying that we need him suggests that he is a vital component in our team. How? It would be great if he could get some rugby under his belt and be available by the time the back to back rounds start, but I don't think we need him. Not any more than we need Brendan Macken or Colm O'Shea.

Personally I think D'Arcy and McFadden are RCC level 13's. There are plenty of 13's in the RCC who are worse then them, and given that you can only judge them on the standard of the other 13's in the RCC then I think it's fair to say that they are at that level. They are two players who have lined out internationally at 13 yet they will never be RCC level 13's whereas Ben Te'o who has never played 80 mins of professional rugby in any position can be? It's just confusing, that's all.

former legend

Hagz wrote: »

I just have no idea what you're basing your opinion on. You say that D'Arcy and McFadden will never be RCC level 13s, but Te'o will be.

I didn't say that at all. I didn't. You're ascribing arguments to me that I didn't make.

Hagz wrote: »

Based on what exactly? How many times did he touch the ball on Friday? How much was he tested? If you acknowledge that we don't know what he'll be like, then how exactly do we need him? Saying that we need him suggests that he is a vital component in our team. How? It would be great if he could get some rugby under his belt and be available by the time the back to back rounds start, but I don't think we need him. Not any more than we need Brendan Macken or Colm O'Shea.

Personally I think D'Arcy and McFadden are RCC level 13's. There are plenty of 13's in the RCC who are worse then them, and given that you can only judge them on the standard of the other 13's in the RCC then I think it's fair to say that they are at that level. They are two players who have lined out internationally at 13 yet they will never be RCC level 13's whereas Ben Te'o who has never played 80 mins of professional rugby in any position can be? It's just confusing, that's all.

I'll clarify. D'Arcy and McFadden could "do a job" at 13 in the RCC. There are plenty of 13s in the RCC who are worse than them. BUT they are not good enough to bring Leinster to the top table of the competition. Are they up there with Bastareaud, Davies, Fritz?

They're just not. And playing D'Arcy at 13 deprives us of our best 12. So we need an alternative if we're to have any chance of improving on last year.

As I've said repeatedly, I don't know if Te'o is the answer, but I'd rather we crash and burn trying something that might work rather than shuffling out timidly trying something we know won't.