Leinster Team Talk Thread (Love you Furlong time)

I'd go for Baird myself over Jenkins, either starting or off of the bench. Be tempted by Joe McCarthy too, just not sure he's played enough to get himself into the discussion.

There's so many expectations being posted. Expectations don't always come true. It's very difficult to win a double. Supporters claiming Leinster are chokers etc is wrong. What other side puts so many players into the national team? Certainly not La Rochelle ! Are other teams as disrupted by losing as many players to the national team? I doubt it. Maybe if Leinster contributed 4 players to the national team and there's less disruption how would things pan out. If Ulster/ Munster were loading the Ireland team would they be in the playoffs?

To knock the nads off Leinster is a little rich, considering the injuries this year, the international players coming and going and the fact that maybe Leo was slightly off in last weeks selection. It's not like Munster are gash! That's a tough side with good coaches. Bulls last year were a good side. Expectations for Leinster are over the top. If that team that played last Saturday was in the GP,they would be a top level side, imo. Brian Moore would be creaming his jocks if that side were English.

We lose on Saturday, then the season was a failure! We win and it's a success, imo.

I got as far as the payment screen and got an error message...gggrrrrrrr

True. I've been watching a lot of Leinster games for a very long time so I am very familiar with their pedigree, and big picture commentary is premature before Saturday. If they beat LaR and stick another star on the jersey then it will confirm that Leinster aren't just a top 2 or 3 team when push comes to shove, they are the top team. No-one else bar Toulouse comes close to their consistency. Not even Munster in their heyday were as close to the very top for anywhere near as long. But it's ok to be a bit greedy. Leinster have the bulk of the Irish team and an insane depth chart with an SUV full of excellent new players coming on line almost every year. Yet, they lose big knock out matches almostevery year by small margins. And I don't dismiss the league, even before the SA teams came along it was very important. The provincial derbies are the heart of the domestic pro game and Leinster's league team are a machine more than able for all comers. European cups in the record books are what will be judged though.

I'm not as nervous about this week's final as I was for the Toulouse match. Anyone else feel the same?

I wasn't too confident v Toulouse for some reason. I feel more confident this week. No idea why.

I reckon our bench could be key. I hope that we go with Baird at blindside from the start. It would be tough on Conan if he benches and he has been brilliant. Baird could be a massive problem for La Rochelle in the back row. But either way, I think we know the opposition well at this stage.