Leinster Team Talk Thread (Love you Furlong time)

Jaysus, that totally passed me by. Grand so, we'll definitely win Europe if that's the case.

Toner was still playing very well last season. If he can keep going this year, he'll be a good asset.

Gotta keep in mind that Baird has only just turned 22, he's a baby in second-row terms.

I'd put Thornbury on the same level as Molony tbh. Would be thoroughly unenthused if he came back.

I'm not too worried about our 2nd rows. Obviously, losing Fardy is a big loss. But, Fardy was declining quickly just as Toner is.

The key issue will be Ryan's health and his recovery from the concussions. If he's healthy and firing on all cylinders I think we'll be in a nice position. Ross Molony is for me, our 2nd lock. He's not eye catching and destructive, but he is very solid.

Baird impresses against low level opposition. He may improve and take the jersey. He certainly has the raw materials.

Toner imo is a spent force, he doesn't carry the ball with any muster and most sides would not target him as a threat. I think he will probably be a sub this season.

I want to get a look at Dunne. He's a big athletic fecker and could be a regular. I think he's injured atm?

I rate Deeny and Charlie Ryan. They may make their debuts fairly soon. Both are in their 3rd academy year. Although they are young lads, they have bright futures. I also wouldn't be surprised to see Soroka play 2nd row this year. He is a little undersized but he's dynamic and powerful.

I think 2nd row will be an area of strength. Injuries could destroy that notion though!

I don't see Bairds future being in the backrow. The coaches are definitely trying him out there and as an impact sub in particular. He has tremendous pace and strength as a ball carrier. He could do a lot of damage from 6 against a tired defence. But so far that hasn't worked in practice. He hasn't played particularly well in the backrow from what I can remember. All his best performances have come playing in the second row.

I took a quick look on TM. Some of the seats being sold for €60 (!) are not good at all and are a few seats away from those being sold at €35. I'm not sure the lower tier will completely sell out.

Hopefully you will get some latecomers but I'm not sure what kind of a draw the Bulls are to casual fans. Only Super Rugby watchers would be very familar.

Mid tier is open too.

I described it to friends as, "we're playing against a team we've never played in a competition no one has ever heard of, with a mostly second-string team in a two-thirds empty stadium that isn't serving booze." - not all that enticing.

Great to see those players back training and available, particularly Leavy.