Leinster Team Talk Thread (Love you Furlong time)

Ross Byrne past 1000 leinster points now?

Gunne looked tidy also

Think its just continuity thats an issue.

I’d like to see Penny get a start next week too. Thought last night (or at least the first half) was one of VDFs least impressive outings for a long time. Pennys early season form has been good and he deserves the start.

Don’t think anyone is judging him, we all know how good a player he is. He made a few uncharacteristic errors for his own high standards yesterday. I think it’s fair say that.

I can see things building nicely and most of the internationals are reintegrating very quickly. Promising to see.

I was concerned earlier in the season about the general cohesion in the team. Especially in the backs. The Munster pre season game and the Glasgow game especially were devoid of any real continuity in general backline play.

This has vastly improved and was our best (but still needs improving) performance in that facet last night. I do think Goodman being away affected us quite badly and we can see his influence now that he is back.

Shrewd selection from Leo last night giving 2 players who probably needed the strongest team around them starts. Clarkson and Prendergast thrived in the circumstances of having some top quality around them to help them along.

Clarkson has had 2 weeks in a row now of good solid outings which will stand to him.

Prendergast got that extra half second he still probably needs while he develops and it stood to him. He pulled the strings nicely and was ably assisted by Ringrose, Osborne and Keenan all of whom are happy in that first receiver position too. A great showing from the young man.

I liked the look of Big Joe last night. No silly penalities given and he even adapted on the fly when he was caught in a 50/50. He jumped the gun for a box kick charge down and got out of the way for no effect on play. And he came around for a ball out call but checked with Davidson before making the move. Both glimpses to a player who is learning and gaining great experience. He's a phenomenal athlete who possesses a unique ability to break the first tackle. His footwork is just so good. Even threw a beautiful side step to beat the rushing first man.

Great to see Tadgh back looking refreshed. I think the days of barnstorming carries and highlight reel steps might be a rarer sight but he had a real impact in the tackle last night. Thunderous impacts there.

I'd say Cullen is afeard the IRFU will take one of their NIQ slots off them if they demonstrate an ability to thrive without Ngatai with Henshaw out. Or at least it'd be a small factor in the back of his head. So if it's a 50/50 call between Osborne and Ngatai at 12 they'll go for the latter. To get selected Osborne might have to in the selectors' heads be that much better than Ngatai that it actually sways a big match like LAR in Leinster's favour.

The one where he ran around and stole it shouldn't have been allowed, for me. He ran around when the ball was still in the ruck into an offside position, hesitated and then the referee told him it was out before it was (I think it might have actually been out when he put hands on it).

The officiating at the ruck (and in general) was very lax. Both teams were allowed do all sorts of silly stuff beyond the ruck and interfering with opposition ball/players. Offside line wasn't really policed either.

Jack Dunne and Ultan Dillane spring to mind due to being Irish and contracts ending at the end of the season. I think Dunne would be a lot more likely than Dillane but have heard that Dunne doesn't want to come back to Ireland if it meant he didn't get to play some games which is fair.

I just really hope Leinster are aggressive in the market when they do plan to sign some players. Yes the emphasis 100% should be on producing and promoting Irish talent and developing them to the highest standard and I of course don't want to see Joe McCarthy's development stunted by a big money signing but I also look at Leinsters second row outside of James Ryan and Joe McCarthy and see some very decent players but none who fill me with too much confidence when it comes to the Champions cup or another player pushing for Ireland consideration in the next 2 years.

Baird seems to be favored at blindside flanker a lot more these days for both Leinster and Ireland meaning that it wouldn't be any harm to bring in an additional lock to add extra depth. I do like the younger prospects at lock on the team but I still don't think they are ready to make a serious impact currently.

At Loosehead, Tighthead and lock, I would love to see Leinster bring in some additional veteran depth. Leinster are going to be absolutely clinical in attack and with Nienaber now coming in, I think the defense improves even further. I just have concerns about the scrum and line out at times. An additional experienced line out operator would welcomed. A loosehead and tighthead next season to replace the potential retirement of Cian Healy and Michael Ala'alatoa leaving would be a big help.

Yes we have the likes of Jack Boyle, Paddy McCarthy and Rory McGuire coming through at prop but even a year contract next season at both prop positions and lock would be hugely beneficial for Leinster and for the development of the young prospects across the squad.

I don't think there are many locks in world rugby capable of stunting McCarty's development. He will be starting the 6 nations games for Ireland I reckon. If he stays fit, he is going to come on a serious chunk this season.