Leinster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread XII (The Byrne Supremacy)

He said that despite Leinster having the best squad, most resources etc, they have failed time and time again and often get an armchair ride in the media despite these failings.

Oh I think we have gone backwards on all areas this year. I don't think our defence is better, just a different version

Personally I will give him a full preseason and if we are still struggling then questions need to be asked

We've been vulnerable to the dink over the top all season. Couldn't believe how much space the Bulls found with their kicks today. The lack of adaption after the half is criminal, what is the point of a coach if they can't make basic adjustments?

The media have been over critical of Leinster for years, they get to finals in Europe and unless they win then its seen as a failure

Did the other 3 provinces between them manage 2 wins between them all in Europe?

I like really like Leo and cant say a negative thing about him. I think leinster needs a top world class coach from abroad for a fresh viewpoint and the cost wouldn't be an issue. They had the class talent but seems to me they need a ruthless outsider with a different protective like Andy Farrell to make changes. Leinster have the talent but I reckon ta manager liker razor would click and they would win before them.

We're in a good place mostly as a squad so there's no reason to panic. Our front rows are all young enough to go a few more years at least. Second row and back row looks very healthy albeit VDF is the wrong side of 30.

Our biggest concerns are at 9, 10 and 17. JGP is world class, but if he were to get injured for any amount of time I'd have no confidence in any of our other options were they to start a knock out game in Europe or the URC.

Ross Byrne is nowhere near as bad as the online abuse suggests. But he's also not a great 10 either. He kicks accurately off the tee and from hand and generally directs the team to good areas. But the further into competitions you go the more you need to excel. He's too easy to read as a player. He doesn't commit defenders nor does he fix them to tackle him to create space further out.

Healy one of Irish rugby's modern greats. But he barely has 15 minutes of impactful rugby left in him. Porter regularly plays 70+ minute per game because that's still better than what a fresh Healy offers.

My only worry is that by the time we have adequate replacements in these positions, our previously dependable players in other positions will be on the decline. I've a lot of faith that Prendergast will be our long term successor to Sexton. Boyle looked the business earlier in the season too, albeit against weaker sides. Scrum half is a bigger worry though.

Leinster are constantly trying to develop their game and bring in fresh ideas.

We've brought in Lancaster, Contepomi, McBryde, Leamy, Goodman, Nienaber and next season will see Bleyendaal arrive. I've no doubts they're doing everything in their power to improve the squads chances of winning trophies.

Gunne has looked class every time he has played. I can understand him not getting time this season but next year he should surely be ready for minutes.

ROG game plan will be similar if not the same as Nienaber, plus he f**king hates Leinster so why would you want him?

I wouldn’t go back to Chieka myself, no reason apart from I don’t think it would work this time

When Goosen scored his try, my immediate thought was that it’s exactly what we’re missing at 10 when Ross starts. I can’t even imagine a world where Ross attacks the line like that and barrels through a defence to score.

Can ROG win without Skelton? La Rochelle haven't been great this year..

The dog of war went missing today. And the 10 was poor

Leinster have one of if not the biggest club budget in the world and as good of players of the top international teams.

Leo should go no doubt about it.

Bernard Jackman being talking for the last week saying Leinster can not lose or it is a total disaster, there best team in URC by far.

Someone has to be to blame.

3 years no trophy is not a good place mostly, with squad of players leinster have.