Leinster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread X: [****]

troyzer · 07-10-2018 12:35pm

sydthebeat wrote: »

troyzer wrote: »

He's just never going to be that. He's a rock solid defender but he's never going to break open the line for a huge run. Leo knows that and so does Schmidt. You pick him because he's probably the most reliable defender at fullback in Europe, but that's it.

And yet his slice n dice against connacht was instrumental in the Ringrose try

True but even a prop can do that once in a blue moon. As a fullback, Kearney isn't very dynamic in attack in general.

Personally I don't mind that. Most of Leinster's tries are carefully rehearsed and there's plenty of explosiveness in the rest of the backs to get the odd try on the back of raw talent.

Kearney's defensive game is worth it.

Heymans · 07-10-2018 1:26pm

troyzer wrote: »

True but even a prop can do that once in a blue moon. As a fullback, Kearney isn't very dynamic in attack in general.

Personally I don't mind that. Most of Leinster's tries are carefully rehearsed and there's plenty of explosiveness in the rest of the backs to get the odd try on the back of raw talent.

Kearney's defensive game is worth it.

True but more worrying is that he seems to have lost a yard of pace this season. I wonder even with his flawless defensive reads might he get burned up by a flying winger come the Heineken Cup or autumn internationals. He compensates well for his lack of top drawer acceleration I just don’t know how many more seasons he’ll get away with it for.

Anthracite · 07-10-2018 1:28pm

Clegg wrote: »

The reactions on the match thread make this victory so much sweeter. They're going mental that they couldn't beat a weakened Leinster side.

It's great to see these soccer attitudes developing in rugby as it attracts new fans.

troyzer · 07-10-2018 1:34pm

Heymans wrote: »

troyzer wrote: »

True but even a prop can do that once in a blue moon. As a fullback, Kearney isn't very dynamic in attack in general.

Personally I don't mind that. Most of Leinster's tries are carefully rehearsed and there's plenty of explosiveness in the rest of the backs to get the odd try on the back of raw talent.

Kearney's defensive game is worth it.

True but more worrying is that he seems to have lost a yard of pace this season. I wonder even with his flawless defensive reads might he get burned up by a flying winger come the Heineken Cup or autumn internationals. He compensates well for his lack of top drawer acceleration I just don’t know how many more seasons he’ll get away with it for.

The decline when it comes will be fairly rapid. Larmour is getting any minutes at 15 to be ready when the time comes.

In the meantime, let's just enjoy the most decorated player in Irish rugby history while we can.

salmocab · 07-10-2018 1:36pm

Heymans wrote: »

True but more worrying is that he seems to have lost a yard of pace this season. I wonder even with his flawless defensive reads might he get burned up by a flying winger come the Heineken Cup or autumn internationals. He compensates well for his lack of top drawer acceleration I just don’t know how many more seasons he’ll get away with it for.

Well I’d say he only needs to get away with it for 12 odd more more months, post WC I’d say he will be finished with Ireland.

Former Former · 07-10-2018 1:40pm

Heymans wrote: »

True but more worrying is that he seems to have lost a yard of pace this season. I wonder even with his flawless defensive reads might he get burned up by a flying winger come the Heineken Cup or autumn internationals. He compensates well for his lack of top drawer acceleration I just don’t know how many more seasons he’ll get away with it for.

People have been saying this for about six years now. It's bizarre.

When someone is good enough to displace him, they will. As it is, there's no one likely to do so, either for province or country.

Burkie1203 · 07-10-2018 2:03pm

Willie Le Roux went off for HIA yesterday and stayed off. Big loss for Wasps if he is unavailable

Clegg · 07-10-2018 4:50pm

Ruddock had another strong game. He's a surefire starter for next Friday. I'm delighted that he's started the season so well. He's making a huge push for international selection.

Our openside must be VdF. He's simply the best player in Ireland right now. He may not have the grunt of Leavy/SoB but his workrate is unmatchable and he's technically excellent at everything in the ruck.

Not sure what to do with SoB. At his best he's up there with the best players in the world. But he's not at peak level yet and the form of others is too good to ignore. I also think that his best work is done at the ruck and tackle. Conan is a better carrier than him now. Jack should be the starting 8. Dunno where this leaves Leavy who was superb last season but hasn't played much yet this season. Lots of options which is great.

Interested Observer · 07-10-2018 5:13pm

One of Leavy, VdF or SOB probably isn't going to make the 23 next weekend. Mad stuff.

I'm guessing VdF to start and SOB to bench.

07-10-2018 5:26pm

Interested Observer wrote: »

One of Leavy, VdF or SOB probably isn't going to make the 23 next weekend. Mad stuff.

I'm guessing VdF to start and SOB to bench.

They are all so capable, proven and consistent when fit that it's truly a horses for courses situation. No one weakens the team, but different strengths matter more against some opponents.

Very lucky situation for Leinster.

Bridge93 · 07-10-2018 5:29pm

Might they go with Ruddock has the second row replacement if needed while starting 6? The two lads went 76 and 80 minutes yesterday so it may only be injury a sub is needed. Would allow Lowe and JGP to start and bench respectively. Really don’t like the idea of Nick McCarthy covering 9 given how little he’s played

Could have both leavy and sob on bench then

07-10-2018 6:07pm

Bridge93 wrote: »

Might they go with Ruddock has the second row replacement if needed while starting 6? The two lads went 76 and 80 minutes yesterday so it may only be injury a sub is needed. Would allow Lowe and JGP to start and bench respectively. Really don’t like the idea of Nick McCarthy covering 9 given how little he’s played

Could have both leavy and sob on bench then

They could, but when Fardy, Toner and Ryan are your first three lock options do you want any not involved?

Lowe is unplayable, best back 3 in Europe this season and I think JGP is going to be the one who loses out despite playing very well so far.

Fardy looks to be getting rested a bit, but I think that's down to whatever the IRFU is up to with all provinces starting the season with full strength selections and the need to have someone carry the pack mid season.

errlloyd · 07-10-2018 7:13pm

I think Conan is the player under pressure tbh. SOB might miss next week but go to Toulose.

Interested Observer · 07-10-2018 7:19pm

Which second row doesn't start? The team selection is going to be fascinating.

joseywhales · 07-10-2018 7:21pm

I think since toner is operating the lineout he is a garaunteed starter for now

Former Former · 07-10-2018 7:36pm

Ruaidhri O'Connor tweeted that there's no injuries from last night. Good news after Byrne hobbled off and Cronin looked to get a head knock

07-10-2018 7:45pm

Former Former wrote: »

Ruaidhri O'Connor tweeted that there's no injuries from last night. Good news after Byrne hobbled off and Cronin looked to get a head knock

Byrne had cramp from around 15 minutes before he went off. He had been trying to stretch out his right leg from early into the second half and wasn't surprised to see him depart at 70.

Stretching seemed relieve the tightness which leads me to think it was just cramp.

Burkie1203 · 07-10-2018 7:50pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Byrne had cramp from around 15 minutes before he went off. He had been trying to stretch out his right leg from early into the second half and wasn't surprised to see him depart at 70.

Stretching seemed relieve the tightness which leads me to think it was just cramp.

From Leo press conference

Toner took a knock but was fine to finish game
Byrne had cramp
JGP had a slight ankle roll
J McGrath was only going to play 40
SOB/VDF are getting gametime managed as much as possible

Faugheen · 07-10-2018 8:01pm

The team I'd play against Wasps:

Kearney
Larmour
Ringrose
Henshaw
Lowe
Sexton
McGrath
Healy
Cronin
Furlong
Ryan
Toner
Ruddock
Van Der Flier
Conan

Tracy
McGrath
Porter
M. Kearney
SOB
JGP
Byrne
McFadden

Clegg · 07-10-2018 8:15pm

The fact that Fardy wasn't even in the squad suggests to me that he's starting against Wasps. He's too good not to start.

sullivlo · 07-10-2018 8:18pm

Clegg wrote: »

The fact that Fardy wasn't even in the squad suggests to me that he's starting against Wasps. He's too good not to start.

But James Lowe.

Larbre34 · 07-10-2018 8:19pm

Clegg wrote: »

The fact that Fardy wasn't even in the squad suggests to me that he's starting against Wasps. He's too good not to start.

Who would you drop?

awec · 07-10-2018 8:23pm

Larbre34 wrote: »

Who would you drop?

Ideally JGP, but McCarthy doesn't seem like an option.

But I think Lowe will miss out.

Squidgy Black · 07-10-2018 8:25pm

There's no way in hell Lowe drops out after how he's played the last couple games.

Podge_irl · 07-10-2018 8:31pm

Squidgy Black wrote: »

There's no way in hell Lowe drops out after how he's played the last couple games.

I can't see any way he doesn't to be honest. Obviously Ryan and Toner is a pretty decent to great second row but I'm not sure how much I would trust any of the others on the bench.

awec · 07-10-2018 8:32pm

Maybe they'll drop JGP then (unlikely IMO given how little we've seen of McCarthy), because surely Fardly will play. I still think Lowe will be the one to drop out. He has played well in the Pro14, but I do think he can be got at in defence.

sullivlo · 07-10-2018 8:36pm

awec wrote: »

Maybe they'll drop JGP then (unlikely IMO given how little we've seen of McCarthy), because surely Fardly will play. I still think Lowe will be the one to drop out. He has played well in the Pro14, but I do think he can be got at in defence.

It’s just his smile. He is so happy. I’m in the middle of listening to the podcast with Luke and I just want to be his friend.

troyzer · 07-10-2018 8:38pm

sullivlo wrote: »

awec wrote: »

Maybe they'll drop JGP then (unlikely IMO given how little we've seen of McCarthy), because surely Fardly will play. I still think Lowe will be the one to drop out. He has played well in the Pro14, but I do think he can be got at in defence.

It’s just his smile. He is so happy. I’m in the middle of listening to the podcast with Luke and I just want to be his friend.

"Jonathan"

Clegg · 07-10-2018 8:44pm

Lowe has scored 15 trys in 18 games for Leinster. He's our most dangerous outside back with a skillset unlike any outside back in Irish rugby. The offloading and passing ability makes him a great option, but he was used a few times off first phase as a crash ball runner. He even made yards against a set Munster defence. He's incredible.I think he has to play in our European games.

Leinster's Double was built on an extremely aggressive pack that ruled the ruck and breakdown. Fardy was an important member of that pack. He can't be dropped either.

That leaves JGP as the odd man out. But he's miles better than Nick McCarthy as a back up. It's a tough decision for Cullen and Lancaster.

Former Former · 07-10-2018 8:46pm

Podge_irl wrote: »

I can't see any way he doesn't to be honest. Obviously Ryan and Toner is a pretty decent to great second row but I'm not sure how much I would trust any of the others on the bench.

Yeah this is it.

Dropping Lowe means either Tomane or Dave K on the bench. Dropping Fardy means Mick Kearney on the bench and dropping JGP means Nick McCarthy. I know which one I'd be happiest with if there's an early injury.

But I dunno, maybe you play to your strengths and don't try to second guess every eventuality, in which case Lowe has to play.

I'm getting a headache

Leinster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread X: [****]

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