Clermont v Leinster Build up Thread

orcam

Think folks are being a bit harsh on Carbery in the early stages of the game. I was of the impression he positioned himself well just didn't get a break for a couple of reasons. One was the quality of the Clermont kicking. He was simply catching balls that were landing just inside the line and Clermont were so fast following-up he had no option but to take the ball into touch. I think he also had the problem where the ball was being turned over by Clermont when it shouldn't have been. He was positioned to receive the ball and attack the Clermont line so when the ball got turned over, yes he was out of position. But this all testament to the exciting style of play Leinster have played this year. Yes he can sit back in the pocket and wait for the worst or he be in position to attack the line. He can't do both. I think its highly encouraging to see the positions the Leinster players are taking. The team just simply didn't have the same fire in their bellies that Clermont had in the first half.

It must have been a good telling off they got at half time because they were all over Clermont in the second half. What really seemed to knock the stuffing out of them was the double insult of the disallowed try and the converted penalty from the infringement. It took them a while to build up momentum again, I'd suggest that the Clermont fans screaming had an effect, and in the end they simply ran out of time.

Was disappointed Byrne and O'Loughlin were dropped for McFadden and Kirchner. Byrne and O'Loughlin have been a huge part of Leinsters success and exciting play this year. Indeed I think they would have slotted in better as they have played more regularly than the other two. So I think a lesson was learnt. If you're going to go with an exciting brand of rugby, then go with it, don't half go with it.

The Rape of Lucretia

orcam wrote: »

What really seemed to knock the stuffing out of them was the double insult of the disallowed try and the converted penalty from the infringement.

Too much being made of this event. It wasnt a double insult, nor a 10 point swing, as some quote. If a try had been gashed by a fumble over the line, or a bad ref decision, and Clermont had come straight back and scored a penalty, then yes, a 10 point swing in a minute.
But there was no try, and the penalty was conceded in the very same phase.
There was one event - a penalty conceded. And a 3 point swing.

Trojan

The Rape of Lucretia wrote: »

Too much being made of this event. It wasnt a double insult, nor a 10 point swing, as some quote. If a try had been gashed by a fumble over the line, or a bad ref decision, and Clermont had come straight back and scored a penalty, then yes, a 10 point swing in a minute.
But there was no try, and the penalty was conceded in the very same phase.
There was one event - a penalty conceded. And a 3 point swing.

It was a 10 point swing.

vienne86

Trojan wrote: »

It was a 10 point swing.

it was. Whatever about this knocking the stuffing out of the players, it sure seemed to knock the stuffing out of the Leinster supporters in the ground.

Buer

vienne86 wrote: »

it was. Whatever about this knocking the stuffing out of the players, it sure seemed to knock the stuffing out of the Leinster supporters in the ground.

Yup, it was a massive momentum swing. The Clermont support had become far more quiet since half time and were starting to fear the worst. All of a sudden, they're thrown a life line and they grab 3 points. The voices were found, the flags were up again and the players were given confidence and a bit of adrenaline.

It had the direct opposite for the Leinster players and fans. The adernaline and excitement of scoring the try and being on the cusp of a remarkable comeback was completely eroded.

molloyjh

Buer wrote: »

vienne86 wrote: »

it was. Whatever about this knocking the stuffing out of the players, it sure seemed to knock the stuffing out of the Leinster supporters in the ground.

Yup, it was a massive momentum swing. The Clermont support had become far more quiet since half time and were starting to fear the worst. All of a sudden, they're thrown a life line and they grab 3 points. The voices were found, the flags were up again and the players were given confidence and a bit of adrenaline.

It had the direct opposite for the Leinster players and fans. The adernaline and excitement of scoring the try and being on the cusp of a remarkable comeback was completely eroded.

For the fans it actually wasn't. The general consensus around us was that we still had every chance of winning it. It's just the Clermont fans drowned us out after having gone a bit quiet in the second half. But we were just as vocal right up until that last restart.

pickarooney

Is the full game available anywhere?

pickarooney

pickarooney wrote: »

Is the full game available anywhere?

It's on YouTube.

orcam

Ryann Attractive Ufo wrote: »

It's on YouTube.

Other than highlights I certainly couldn't find a link to the full game? And it is worth watching again. Fantastic game of rugby by two very good teams

Synode

Tis there alright

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ckr4LE_MYg

pickarooney

The commentary is just horrific