Leinster Team Talk Thread (Love you Furlong time)

Podge_irl

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122076364#Comment_122076364

Good thing that is not actually the choice.

This "Europe is all that matters" nonsense was tedious enough when Munster fans were saying it in the mid 2000s. I can't believe I'm having to listen to it now from Leinster fans. It is also incredibly dismissive of achievements like Munster's win in the URC last year, which was better than anything Leinster managed. The team should be good enough to win both, and not winning the URC should be seen as the failure it is.

Former Former Former

Ah look, winning the URC would be great.

But we won four of them in a row and the criticism is still that we can't win "when it matters". We've been top of the regular season table for about 17 years at this point and no-one cares. We set the world record for consecutive win in pro rugby and no-one cares because it's book-ended by defeats to Saracens in European knock-outs.

Leinster are judged by Europe and only Europe.

ionadnapokot

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122076582#Comment_122076582

It's the choice I've given. Pick 1!

This "Europe is all that matters" nonsense - you may find it tedious and nonsense but that is how Leinster (and every province!!) selects their teams! It's irrefutably the case. They prioritise Europe and then cut their cloth accordingly as the season progresses.

Nigzcurran

They don't have urc stars on their jerseys which says a lot about what matters most but winning the urc would definitely softer the blow of not winning the cc!

Podge_irl

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122076621#Comment_122076621

No!

Prioritizing one is different from discarding the other. And my irritation extends very much to the teams themselves at times.

Like I said, I think it is a perfectly valid criticism of the Leinster 09-12 team that they failed to win a domestic-European double despite the fact that other European dynasties did manage that.

Exclamation Marc

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122076621#Comment_122076621

Again, why is it one or the other? You're arbitrarily deciding that you can't do both for some reason.

Any Leinster fan with any level of sense knows that the Champions Cup is the priority. But the URC is also extremely important, not just for picking up medals and showing you're the best team in the league, but also for ensuring that the team gets the best seeding possible for the Champions Cup (that some are saying is the be-all and end-all).

Because if the team dismisses the URC, they could get a nightmare seeding the year after.

ionadnapokot

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122076655#Comment_122076655

Fine! And It's not about discarding. Thats not the choice; it's to highlight the fact that URC doesn't register compared to Europe. If you're irritated by it you should realise that the players, the coaches, the ceo even the irfu prioritse Europe.

You criticise Leinster all you want. it's valid to you but it's pointless crying into your season ticket (or not - Do you go to the games?) when Leo selected a weakened side to play Munster last year. They will always select the team to give them the best opportunity of winning another European trophy .

pickarooney

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122076512#Comment_122076512

Depends who you ask. For the French, English and South African teams the domestic league is the priority.

Former Former Former

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122076697#Comment_122076697

Because if the team dismisses the URC, they could get a nightmare seeding the year after.

Under this year's ECC format, you either won the URC or CC and got first seeding, and then after that it was irrelevant where you finished. I don't know if it will be the same next season.

ionadnapokot

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122076707#Comment_122076707

Im talking provinces. Particulary Leinster in this case.

ionadnapokot

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122076697#Comment_122076697

Nothing arbitrary about it and I'm not deciding anything. IF given the choice Leinster will choose Europe. Every time. It's based on facts.

Yes they try to do both they just put the emphasis on Europe ALLOT more. I'm fine with that.

arsebiscuits1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122072032#Comment_122072032

I am one of them and really don't appreciate being referred to as an eejit (something something attack the post not the poster…)

But the main thing that stings about THE POST is the derision shown and the revelling in delight that people who support their team were wrong about wanting their team to win?

How can one call themselves a fan when they've such a callous attitude towards fans of their own team and the team itself?

THIS POST absolutely stinks of revisionism with a really nasty undertone.

For context this was what I posted on LF:

There's still serious pedigree in that pack.

Whether Penny struggled at altitude or was off the boil I think he was poor last week.

Deegan was one of the few standouts and will look to continue his good form.

There's 2 schools of thought here and I would hope any professional coaching setup would be instilling one rather than the other:

1) We're the B team. The main event is back home with some more important games in focus. It is what it is - do your best

2) We got an absolute hiding last week and were schooled in many areas we should be dominant in. We must correct that. Additionally - there is one of the biggest and most unique games in over a decade on next week and we're in the shop window to show we should be involved.

The likes of Milne, Ala'alatoa, Jenkins, Deegan, Ngatai all know they are seriously close to the first team next week.

Even more out to prove a point should be Foley, Prendergast, Penny, Turner, Russell who all have strong cases that they have a real and beneficial point of difference over their main competitors for the strongest 23.

I remain a staunch and perhaps naive optimist of Leinster and think we have a shot tomorrow

Exclamation Marc

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122076745#Comment_122076745

Ok but….they're not being given a choice of one or the other which is what you're asking. They play and select squads to win on both fronts as they have the squad to do that. They do not get to this part of the season and decide that its one or the other. And I agree (as has everyone on this thread) that the priority is Europe. But simply prioritising Europe does not mean that the URC is no longer something that they want to win or will try to win. They take pride in winning the URC as they should.

Your question should be

Option A: Win URC 2022, 2023 and 2024

Option B: Win ERC Final 2022

Option C: All of the above

And the answer is C.

AbusesToilets

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122076654#Comment_122076654

Can't wear a star for something we haven't won 😋

ionadnapokot

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122076830#Comment_122076830

Consider this for a minute. Leinster have only managed to win 1 more European Cup since beating Ulster in 2012.

That was 2018. The ONLY time a Leinster or ANY team has done the Europe and Celtic/URC double!

It's hard. Why?

& It's getting harder. Leinster needed the arrogance smacked out of them after beating Munster in that Celtic League win in 2002. Cheika - right man. right place. right time '09.

Option C? Reality check please.

Dubinusa

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122076208#Comment_122076208

Fake news! Your ratings are in the gutter!

The missed tackles are yuge!

ionadnapokot

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122076822#Comment_122076822

Deegan. He's made for hard ground rugby.

Podge_irl

It amazes me people are willing to accept such outward displays of weakness as admitting they can't win two competitions.

Larbre34

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122077055#Comment_122077055

Anyone who thinks we could have sent any of the front-liners on a fortnights long-haul spin to heat and altitude, and had them come back in tip top condition to play a CC semi, need only look at La Rochelle a fortnight ago to see how mistaken they are.

We have it well within us to win both competitions, we did it in 2018, but it takes ruthless selection and strategic approach.

Podge_irl

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122077086#Comment_122077086

I can accept the SA teams, though I think given some members left early anyway that a stronger team should have been sent for the Lions match.

I can not accept the "Leinster will do anything to prep slightly better for the European Cup". As it is inherently defeatist.

Quin_Dub

Given where we are and given the way the URC playoffs land this year , prioritising the CC is the right thing.

Our last regular season URC game is after the CC final and then you have the playoffs after that.

I'd have no concerns about a full strength Leinster playing anyone anywhere in the URC to be honest.

Home would be better , but not essential.

Former Former Former

Going full-strength for the Connacht game and the play-offs means upwards of 15 guys would play five weeks in a row, possibly including a trip to South Africa, before getting on the plane again and going off to play the Springboks.

IRFU won't allow that to happen, I would imagine, there will have to be significant rotation.

Quin_Dub

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122077331#Comment_122077331

For the remaining fixtures I think we'll be pretty strong for Ospreys , middling for Ulster (assuming we have CC Final ) , middling/strong for Connacht and then strong through the URC play-offs

The URC final is 22nd June with the 1st test in SA on the 6th of July so there's a full two weeks break there

Clegg

Some good news on the injury front. Was hoping that Ryan would be available but sounds like it's a bit too soon for him. Keenan is touch and go as well by the look of things. A fit JOB allows you to go with a 6-2 split on the bench as he can cover just about every position in the backline. And Ringrose is simply world class.

Although, I'm not sure I'd have him in the 23 for this weekend. He essentially hasn't played since January and Osborne is in such good form at the minute.

https://twitter.com/leinsterrugby/status/1784930646336458960?t=uk8aPJJEKIdm4_4bD6ilRA&s=09

pickarooney

I've a feeling fixture congestion won't be the issue most are assuming. Northampton are not to be taken lightly.

Former Former Former

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122077428#Comment_122077428

We rested our entire first team for two weekends and made our lives harder in the URC, specifically to prepare for NH - isn't that the opposite of taking it lightly?

That said, we are 1/10 favourites to win this weekend and it would be nothing less than a disaster if we don't.

Do you honestly think we're going to lose?

Exclamation Marc

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122077399#Comment_122077399

Yep, agree with that. It'll be a tough four week run but I can see the front-line players lining out the whole way through the knockouts (should they make it through).

ionadnapokot

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122077399#Comment_122077399

Will be an easier end of season run compared to last year.

22/23

23rd April 2023 Return back from SA after getting smashed.

29th April - ERC 1/2 Final

Meafu, Mauvaka and Marchand.

6th May 2023 - URC 1/4 Final

Ox Niche, Mbonambi and Mchunu.

13th May 2023 - URC 1/2 Final

Still the moaning about players rotating out for the secondary comp v Munster!

Why? Just the biggest game in European rugby the following week

20th May - ERC Final

v LaRochelle. You know Uini Atonio, Skelton, Botia, Danty, Colombe….

27th May - URC Final

Would have been the 4th game in 5 weeks - Easy!

Plus those Centrally Contracted players who have their minutes managed (esp. in RWC year)

Quin_Dub

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122077498#Comment_122077498

A lot depends on how other results go (the Glasgow SA games especially) - If the Connacht game doesn't have a material impact on ranking one way or the other then we might not need to go too strong , but if there's home advantage on the table then we need to go a strong as feasibly possible

clsmooth

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122076655#Comment_122076655

Scheduling has a big impact in that. For example they came back from the dead and won the final against Northampton in 2011 and a week later had to play Munster in Thomond in the then Celtic League final. By all accounts the players were on the lash for half the week.

The following year the same thing when they beat Ulster and had to play against Ospreys the following week. Very hard to back it up a week later when you’ve spent a lot of emotional energy peaking for a particular game which results in winning the main trophy you’ve set out to win at the start of the season.

pickarooney

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122077449#Comment_122077449

That's a ridiculous price for a semi final with two teams on top form.

Fans assuming it's a done deal are mad.

ionadnapokot

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122077626#Comment_122077626

This season is a relatively easy end of season compared to last.

29th April Shadow Squad return back from SA after getting smashed (again!)

4th May 2024 - ERC 1/2 Final

Leinster will be full strength. Northampton will not be a hugely physical confrontation.

11th May 2024 – Ospreys home

Mostly Full strength & Leinster will win easing up.

18th May 2024 - Ulster away

Prob the Shadow Squad.

25th May – ERC Final

Full strength. Toulouse & hugely physical confrontation.

31st May (+6 days) – URC Connacht home (Ross Byrne moving to Connacht you say?)

Physically Battered & as you say Emotional Energy drain. Most of pack will be rested. 4Try BP prob required?

7th June 2024 - URC ¼ Final (home with 67 points?)

Full strength

15th June 2024 – URC 1/2 Final

Full strength

22nd June – URC Final

Full strength

El Vino

This is not me blowing smoke but I cannot see any scenario where Northampton beat Leinster. A seriously depleted Munster team gave them a game at Franklin Gardens. Fully loaded Leinster will blow them away. Toulouse are a different prospect but on Leinster seem to have the measure of over the last few years.

Podge_irl

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122077626#Comment_122077626

Absolutely, and I understand that. Though I stand by my comment that it reflects slightly poorly on them as a team (coaching and players) when compared to those who did manage to complete doubles.

Given what we have seen this season I'm actually slightly concerned about Leinster's ability to peak back-to-back for the URC knockouts.

El_Duderino 09

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122077300#Comment_122077300

This is it. They've already qualified for the play-off. The only thing on the line is home matches. They could still end up with a home run to the final so it's a gamble worth taking.

Rugbyf565

Why do we struggle to do this in South Africa?

Clo-Clo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122078481#Comment_122078481

Munster send their first team because they are knocked out of Europe and nothing else to play for, last year for instance they had to win or might not have made play offs.

The big game for Munster last season in Europe was not so successful. Of course they won the final in SA

If Leinster sent a strong team down Im sure they would have better results, after all last year it was 1 win, 1 loss with a very young team

https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/65148534

Exclamation Marc

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122078481#Comment_122078481

Munster usually need to win those games to stay in the hunt for knockout qualification and they get the job done in fairness to them. They certainly did it all the hard way last year.

Leinster generally get to the South African tours not needing to win, so they approach it differently.

Former Former Former

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122077665#Comment_122077665

don’t think anyone assumes it’s a done deal but if Leinster play to their potential and we keep 15 men on the pitch, I just can’t see how NH can live with us. That’s not arrogance or hubris, it’s just how it is.

The other SF is the same, Quins might get a win in Toulouse but they’ll need either the game of their lives or some calamity to befall Toulouse.

NH were beaten by Quins in Twickenham at the weekend, was a very loose game, they conceded 40+ points. Think they had their full team out. Needless to say they won't win with defence like that.

crisco10

WHats the best way to watch CC in the US?

Looked at Florugby, buy its 30 a month, which is pricey for a single match!

Clontarf_Jazz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122079347#Comment_122079347

A long as its not blocked this works a treat for all sporting events It usually has 4-6 streams for any important rugby match https://www.vipleague.la/

knockoutned

I thought if you’re a first time user with Florugby you got a free period. Can’t remember how long that was for, but I think it was for a couple of days. Then just cancel after the game.

Though with all the potential rugby coming up $30 is not bad for a month

Dubinusa

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122079347#Comment_122079347

I got 1 year for 150$

ionadnapokot

GT has the scoop again!
Ringrose to start

This will assuredly prompt some debate over Osborne or Henshaw at 12.

I’d start Osborne.

Frawley to also start

Nienaber will assuredly keep GT abreast of team news throughout the week.

conquestscarer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122079633#Comment_122079633

I agreed with Gordon D'arcy's article where he said that Ringrose had to play his way back into the team. Would be incredibly harsh to drop Osborne or Henshaw.

Buer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122078966#Comment_122078966

Their defence is generally mediocre. Their attack is generally excellent. They've been hit for 30+ points multiple times this season.

If our defence can shut them down and keep them quiet, they shouldn't be able to get within 10-15 of us. But they absolutely have the ability to beat our rush and open us up a few times. They're incredibly effective off strike plays.

pickarooney

I genuinely fear Sleightholme Alabama. And Freeman, Dingwall, Ramm, Furbank, Odendaal, Smith, Mitchell and Hendy is a serious set of backs.

ionadnapokot

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122079812#Comment_122079812

Leinster looking towards the final. Need Ringrose match sharp for Toulouse.

Start him here and see how he recovers.

Would think Henshaw will also bench.

Ospreys: Henshaw & Ringrose

Ulster: Ngatai & Turner

Toulouse: Osborne & Ringrose/Henshaw

Former Former Former

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122079812#Comment_122079812

Did D'Arcy really say that?

Ringrose is the captain, he'll come straight back in.