Pro12: Munster vs Leinster, Sat 31 March 7:30pm, Live on RTÉ2

thomond2006 · 29-03-2012 11:03pm #1

It's back! Probably the fiercest derby in world rugby! Munster host Leinster in Thomond Park in what is a key Pro12 fixture. Leinster can all but secure top spot and a home semi-final with a win while similarly second place Munster are looking to keep ahead of the chasing pack with a victory. However given the recent history between the sides, the exciting personal battles and the fact that most of the supporters wish to extinguish the harrowing memories of a dismal Six Nations campaign, this game is simply huge.

Some of the main protagonists.

Munster:
15 Felix Jones, 14 Johne Murphy, 13 Keith Earls, 12 Lifeimi Mafi, 11 Simon Zebo, 10 Ronan O'Gara (c), 9 Tomas O'Leary,
8 James Coughlan, 7 Peter O'Mahony, 6 Dave O'Callaghan, 5 Mick O'Driscoll, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 BJ Botha, 2 Damien Varley, 1 Marcus Horan.

Replacements: 16 Mike Sherry, 17 Wian du Preez, 18 Stephen Archer, 19 Billy Holland, 20 Tom O'Donnell, 21 Duncan Williams, 22 Ian Keatley, 23 Danny Barnes.

Leinster:
15 Rob Kearney, 14 Isa Nacewa, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Luke Fitzgerald, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Eoin Reddan,
8 Jamie Heaslip (c), 7 Shane Jennings, 6 Kevin McLaughlin, 5 Devin Toner, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Sean Cronin, 1 Heinke van der Merwe.

Replacements: 16 Richardt Strauss, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Jamie Hagan, 19 Leo Cullen, 20 Sean O'Brien, 21 Isaac Boss, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Fergus McFadden.

The previous meeting back in November, post Rugby World Cup, was a dour affair, with 2 teams both trying to find their feet while re-integrating their internationals back into the provincial setup. Leinster were the better side in a forgettable game ruined by over punitive officiating, their defence held strong while Jonathan Sexton produced a masterclass from the kicking tee. Given that this is a key time in the season, you would expect a much better spectacle this weekend, normally this is what a Thomond Park derby usually delivers, in both quality of rugby and atmosphere.

On paper (for what that's worth), Leinster would appear to be the better side. The arrival of Brad Thorn and the return of Brian O'Driscoll would have brought a huge boost to the squad. There was the matter of a hiccup at home to Ospreys last week, but Leinster would have preferred the bad performance to come in that match rather than over the next 2 months when the key fixtures arrive. The Ospreys loss will serve as a reminder that Leinster are far from infallible, while it can be said that Leinster had rested a few players Ospreys were in the same situation.

Once again, Munster have proved their doubters wrong having been written off once again at the start of the season. It took a few miracle drop goals from Ronan O'Gara to keep the Munster wagon rolling but once Munster found themselves again they haven't looked back. This is however another step up again. They face Ulster the following weekend in what will be Ulster's biggest game since they won the Heineken Cup and is more than a banana skin fixture. Finding form before facing the northern province will prove crucial.

This game should answer many questions concerning the form and match fitness of many players. Is David Wallace match fit after several cameos and at his age will he get back to his best? Will the legendary Brad Thorn fit into the Leinster setup? Can Brian O'Driscoll regain his status as the world's best outside centre after a long rehabiliation period? After many weeks of criticism, can Jamie Heaslip rediscover his old ball carrying, explosive self or is he evolving into a different type of player? Will Keith Earls continue his upswing in development as a 13?

For Leinster to win, shutting down the 9-10-12 axis of Munster is crucial. Tomas O'Leary is known to struggle when under pressure (particularly if he is playing in front of a beaten pack), Ronan O'Gara's lack of pace and strength if forced to run the ball can be exposed while Lifeimi Mafi, a monstrous tackler on his day, can be a loose cannon. For Munster, matching Leinster's normal high tempo is essential. Their backline has some dangerous runners but they must first win the forward battle. Workhorses like Coughlan and Donncha O'Callaghan are always the principal performers when Munster dominate a game.

Prediction:
Leinster will have been slightly rocked by the loss to Ospreys, but a loss that brings them back to earth may be a positive in the long run. Munster probably need a result more than Leinster, given the run in of other teams a loss for Munster would seriously threaten their chances of hosting a semi-final. The absence of three key players in O'Connell, Ryan and Murray is a huge loss to the home side and that could prove to be the difference. However a cornered animal is a dangerous animal and Munster have that immortal ability to win games they shouldn't. Munster by a score.

Munster and Leinster logos taken from www.therugbyforum.com RaboDirect Pro12 logo taken from www.rabodirectpro12.com

Player images taken from Planet Rugby & Sky Sports websites.
Team lineups from here: http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3825_7637164,00.html

Everything else is my personal work.

Tox56 · 29-03-2012 11:16pm

Dylan Hartley

Just target TOL should be the gameplan.

duckysauce · 29-03-2012 11:18pm

hope it's a cracker looking forward to it.

Fireball07 · 29-03-2012 11:33pm

Leinster

Great write-up as usual, Thomond. :cool:

POC, Ryan and Murray are huge losses...can home advantage and that almost desperate need for a win here swing it in our favour? I know Leinster lost at the weekend but it looks like things are going right for them at the right time of the season- the return of BOD could be massive, plus Cullen is back and the signing of Thorn. Add them to an already formidable team and a weakened Munster team would have to be worried.

We have to focus on the set-piece, and hope for the best there. I hope our lineout won't be weakened too much, and we have to get at least parity in the scrum. Hopefully ROG can kick his goals and the forwards can bring huge intensity and aggression.

However, despite home advantage, I think that the loss of our first-choice second row will play a big part in the entire game, POC is just vital to the performance of the whole team and with an underperforming TOL at scrum-half, we could be getting slow ball and be put under pressure. I think Leinster will sneak this one

EDIT: I just realised I voted Munster in the poll the moment I opened the thread....it must be natural instinct.

phog · 30-03-2012 6:39am

My mind says Leinster and my heart says Munster, we're missing a lot from our engine room and could possibly struggle to compete.

The ground will be rock hard and it looks like it will be a perfect night for rugby so we'll need to stop Leinster before they start running at us, missed tackles like we had against Aironi and Connacht will cost us dearly with the way the Leinster backs might be running at us.

Leinster will certainly have the advantage in the lineout and could possible have it in the scrum too so we may not have a platform to gain territory or scoring opportunites. If we manage to have parity in both then we could manage to win which will be a huge boost ahead of the 1/4 final the following week and will also strenghten our 2nd place position.

C'mon Munster

danbrosnan · 30-03-2012 7:05am

Dylan Hartley

Bod for first try 14/1, big game in front of irish crowd in munster, his a big game player and wants to prove he still has it and can produce at the top level... leinster could win this even tho i'm a munster fan and i'll be at the game but they have too many players missing....

totallegend · 30-03-2012 7:14am

Leinster

thomond2006 wrote: »

Prediction:
Leinster will have been slightly rocked by the loss to Ospreys, but a loss that brings them back to earth may be a positive in the long run. Munster probably need a result more than Leinster, given the run in of other teams a loss for Munster would seriously threaten their chances of hosting a semi-final. The absence of three key players in O'Connell, Ryan and Murray is a huge loss to the home side and that could prove to be the difference. However a cornered animal is a dangerous animal and Munster have that immortal ability to win games they shouldn't. Munster by a score.

Great post, fair play.

I'm not sure that the loss to the Ospreys last week will have much of a bearing, tbh, it was one of those games that was more about getting guys a run-out and bringing the full squad back together. However, with the return of 8 or 9 guys from international duty added to the rustiness of O'Driscoll and Cullen and Thorn needing time to bed in, Leinster will be further disrupted this week whereas Munster will have a slightly more settled team despite the loss of O'Connell, Ryan and Murray.

Add to that the advantage Munster have of playing in Thomond and I think they have to be favourites. Paddy Power have Munster at -1 on the handicap, which I think are good odds for any Munsterman looking for a flutter. Munster's obvious weak points are:
- The loss of O'Connell and Ryan; as good as MOD and DOC are, Munster will miss O'Connell's leadership and Ryan's dynamism
- Scrum-half; O'Leary will do OK if the Munster scrum can give him go-forward ball and if the game plan is to keep it tight (as I expect it will be). However, if Leinster manage to get a lead and Munster need to chase the game, I think TOL will struggle to provide the service.
David Wallace is the great unknown obviously. I missed the Connacht game so am in the dark a bit, but it will be a huge boost if he get back to top form, I think even us Leinster fans would be heartened to see that (to a limited extent).

I think the only contentious selection call on either side will be the make-up of the Leinster back-row; whether we see Jennings at 7 with O'Brien at 6, or McLaughlin at 6 with O'Brien at 7 will tell us a lot about how Schmidt intends to approach this game. Personally, I would go with Jennings; the ground will be hard and dry and fast ball will help Leinster's case no end. McLaughlin's lineout ability might swing it in his favour, however.

Hopefully we'll see a bit more entertainment than the last instalment at Lansdowne, I'll be shouting myself hoarse for a Leinster win but this is Munster in Thomond and you'd have to back them for win by 5-7 points.

Otacon · 30-03-2012 7:57am

Dylan Hartley

I voted Leinster. I think losing POC and DR means we lose our set-piece, which means the loss of Murray [and the inclusion of TOL] will have a huge bearing on the game.

I cannot see where in this team we can pull a win from. Leinster have equal or better quality in almost all positions.

I sincerely hope I'm wrong.

GWAN MUNSTER

GerM · 30-03-2012 8:16am

Had a dream last night. 13-10 Munster, ROG with a penalty at the death. Even in dream world he's a pain in the arse!

mikedragon32 · 30-03-2012 8:43am

Dylan Hartley

I think it's too close to call. If I have to stick my neck out, I'll say Leinster, but can see any more than 3 or 5 points in it.

What I am looking forward to (if Thomond's team predictions are correct) is seeing Fitzy and Zebo's head to head. Zebo has it a rich vein of form recently while Fitzy has a point to prove following the contract circus. I know it's a topic for another thread, but I don't think Fitzy is worth a central contract at the moment, given his bad run of injuries and pretty poor form when he hasn't been injured. If ever there was a moment to restore some belief, now would be good.

One way or the other, this will be a cracker.

Who's got the whistle for this one?

Quint2010 · 30-03-2012 8:47am

Dylan Hartley

I think Munster's home advantage is counter balanced by the loss of POC, Ryan and Murray. I am actually going for a draw on this one.:)

lologram · 30-03-2012 8:48am

Dylan Hartley

mikedragon32 wrote: »

Who's got the whistle for this one?

I think Nigel Owens said it was him on twitter.

30-03-2012 8:49am

could you have found a camper photo of Peter O'Mahoney?

molloyjh · 30-03-2012 8:51am

Leinster

Is it me or is it predominantly Munster fans predicting a Leinster win and vice-versa. Personally I can't see past a Munster win. The Thomond factor cannot be underestimated, nor can the likely rustiness of the Leinster side. It should be close, but I'd fancy Munster to scrape it.

A win for Leinster would be great as it should really seal top spot for us, but it's not essential. So from that point of view I'm more concerned with potential injuries. Do you hear me Mafi, and yes you as well Horan... :P

All the same it's a great game to be leading both teams into the knock-out stages of the HEC. I'm really looking forward to it. I've got that excitement level that only comes with these big games.

COME ON LEINSTER!

Edit: Yeah Nige is the ref for this one. Happy with that one myself as both sides know him well enough at this stage and we know it's not going to be the penalty-fest that we saw in Landsdowne Rd!

Tox56 · 30-03-2012 9:01am

Dylan Hartley

molloyjh wrote: »

Is it me or is it predominantly Munster fans predicting a Leinster win and vice-versa. Personally I can't see past a Munster win. The Thomond factor cannot be underestimated, nor can the likely rustiness of the Leinster side. It should be close, but I'd fancy Munster to scrape it.

A win for Leinster would be great as it should really seal top spot for us, but it's not essential. So from that point of view I'm more concerned with potential injuries. Do you hear me Mafi, and yes you as well Horan... :P

All the same it's a great game to be leading both teams into the knock-out stages of the HEC. I'm really looking forward to it. I've got that excitement level that only comes with these big games.

COME ON LEINSTER!

Edit: Yeah Nige is the ref for this one. Happy with that one myself as both sides know him well enough at this stage and we know it's not going to be the penalty-fest that we saw in Landsdowne Rd!

It's 'don't get your hopes up and be surprised by the best' I would imagine.

It depends what way you look at it, Leinster have the better team but Munster have Thomond Park. I personally think Leinster will do well to avoid 2 losses in a row.

Blackheath · 30-03-2012 9:18am

Leinster

Anybody know where is a good spot to watch the match in London???

Big Nelly · 30-03-2012 9:24am

Dylan Hartley

Can't go to game and can't watch....bro wedding and will be sitting doing speech's at the time kick off:(

I think Leinster got the kick up the ass they needed last week. They where brutal but only lost on a dodgy try been awarded, a dodgy kick been awarded and the video ref not seeing a Leinster try...so even when playing there worst rugby all season they still should of won

The Irish guys coming back will be fired up after playing for Ireland and having to play a crap game plan.

Hope Ross is fully fit, I know Leinster have said hagen should be available but I wouldnt risk him, White only got knock on face so I would guess he will be on bench

Cullen was so off the pace last week it wasn't funny but with a full game behind him and another week of training he will be ready to go

Thorn and Cullen also where not on same wavelenght last week, that should have improved

BOD back and played well last week but needed that game. Expect a better game on Sat

Will be strange to see no Shaggy, everyone at club have always said he was so fired up for Munster matchs.

Great match and can't wait for Sunday to sit down and watch it

A win for Shaggy lads!!!!!!

justsomebloke · 30-03-2012 9:28am

Dylan Hartley

Blackheath wrote: »

Anybody know where is a good spot to watch the match in London???

porterhouse in convent garden should be showing it

http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/olsc/9722.php

London: www.porterhousebrewco.com/bars-london-coventgarden.php
New York: www.mccormacks.net
Dubai: www.mcgettigansdubai.com
Sydney: www.gaelicclub.com.au

bamboozle · 30-03-2012 9:30am

Dylan Hartley

priority for both teams is a bruising game to bring players up to speed for HC next week. Minimum target for Leinster is a losing BP. With the likes of BOD, Thorn, Cullen and Fitz coming back into the leinster team wheras POC and Ryan are missing for munster i think Leinster have to be favoured.

reddan/boss will be very focused on getting one up on TOL.

Biggest battle of the day will be POM and the Leinster backrow, i'm sure Heaslip & SOB will be out to prove a point and put manners on POM.

Munster pack with Botha, Du Preez, DOC, Wallace, Coughlan and POM is not to be taken lightly.

Something tells me Zebo will be targetted defensively

hope all come through it injury free.

Tefral · 30-03-2012 9:37am

Blackheath wrote: »

Anybody know where is a good spot to watch the match in London???

Join fellow Munster Supporters and join in the craic at Mustard Bar,(beside St Pauls), 2-3 Old Change Court, Peters Hill, London EC4M 8EN

The Mustard is now called the Yager though

Dravokivich · 30-03-2012 9:41am

Blackheath wrote: »

Anybody know where is a good spot to watch the match in London???

According to the OLSC the Porterhouse in London is due to show it.

Big Nelly · 30-03-2012 9:44am

Dylan Hartley

Can't see Redden starting this, Boss will play as he is more physical. Redden only played in Magners final last year because Boss was injuryed.

prospect · 30-03-2012 9:44am

Leinster

Leinster fan here voting for a Munster win.

I concur with the opinion that Munster know they are down key players and need the win more, and things like this can give a mental edge and a result.

Actually, thinking more about this, which pack had the most players training under Kidney over the last few weeks, cause they are probably gonna lose?

Burgo · 30-03-2012 10:12am

Dylan Hartley

Been a crappy week in work, really looking forward to this! always a cracker of a game.
So Dylan Hartley is the new Neil Francis :pac:

Big Nelly wrote: »

Can't see Redden starting this, Boss will play as he is more physical. Redden only played in Magners final last year because Boss was injuryed.

Is Boss back from NZ? I'd imagine he'd start if that were the case.

prospect · 30-03-2012 10:12am

Leinster

Boss was in the RDS last week.

Big Nelly · 30-03-2012 10:28am

Dylan Hartley

Burgo wrote: »

Is Boss back from NZ? I'd imagine he'd start if that were the case.

He is unless he dialed in an image of himself to the field last week:p

Cormic · 30-03-2012 10:36am

I am down in Limerick for work today and was seriously thinking of wearing my Leinster jersey into the office to spark a bit of controversy before the game. Unfortunatly it was in the wash so I could not bring it down

Come on Leinster!

eyeball kid · 30-03-2012 10:37am

justsomebloke wrote: »

porterhouse in convent garden should be showing it

http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/olsc/9722.php

London: www.porterhousebrewco.com/bars-london-coventgarden.php

Thanks for that. Porterhouse it will be then.

From a neutral's point of view, this should be a cracker. Some really interesting match ups. I think the loss of POC and Ryan shouldn't be underestimated. Both of them were playing really well and are a big loss to Munster.

Also its great to see Wallace and BOD back.

Burgo · 30-03-2012 10:52am

Dylan Hartley

Big Nelly wrote: »

He is unless he dialed in an image of himself to the field last week:p

Shows how overworked I am, was at the game last week and all!

Rattlehead_ie · 30-03-2012 11:00am

I cant believe I had to abandon 2 season tickets for this game..... stupid friend with his stupid wedding.

C'Mon Munster

leakyboots · 30-03-2012 11:00am

Munster: F Jones; J Murphy, K Earls, L Mafi, S Zebo; R O’Gara capt, T O'Leary; M Horan, D Varley, BJ Botha; D O’Callaghan,M O'Driscoll; Dave O'Callaghan, P O’Mahony, J Coughlan.

Replacements: M Sherry, W du Preez, S Archer; B Holland, T O’Donnell, D Williams, I Keatley, D Barnes.

antogz1979 · 30-03-2012 11:00am

Leinster

Munster team named below. Wallace not making the bench is a bit of a disappointment. Murphy is the right call for me anyway over Hurley. Hurley doesn't make the bench either. Delighted for DOC2 deserves the start.

Munster: F Jones; J Murphy, K Earls, L Mafi, S Zebo; R O’Gara capt, T O'Leary; M Horan, D Varley, BJ Botha; D O’Callaghan,M O'Driscoll; Dave O'Callaghan, P O’Mahony, J Coughlan.

Replacements: M Sherry, W du Preez, S Archer; B Holland, T O’Donnell, D Williams, I Keatley, D Barnes.

Edit never noticed Horan starting, now that is a strange one.

prospect · 30-03-2012 11:01am

Leinster

Leinster Team:

LEINSTER:

15: Rob Kearney
14: Isa Nacewa
13: Brian O'Driscoll
12: Gordon D'Arcy
11: Luke Fitzgerald
10: Jonathan Sexton
9: Eoin Reddan

1: Heinke van der Merwe
2: Sean Cronin
3: Mike Ross
4: Brad Thorn
5: Devin Toner
6: Kevin McLaughlin
7: Shane Jennings
8: Jamie Heaslip CAPTAIN

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Richardt Strauss
17: Cian Healy
18: Jamie Hagan
19: Leo Cullen
20: Sean O'Brien
21: Isaac Boss
22: Ian Madigan
23: Fergus McFadden

Source: http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/matchcentre/9731.php

budhabob · 30-03-2012 11:02am

Leinster

Munster: F Jones; J Murphy, K Earls, L Mafi, S Zebo; R O’Gara capt, T O'Leary; M Horan, D Varley, BJ Botha; D O’Callaghan,M O'Driscoll; Dave O'Callaghan, P O’Mahony, J Coughlan. Replacements: M Sherry, W du Preez, S Archer; B Holland, T O’Donnell, D Williams, I Keatley, D Barnes.

Interesting that neither Wallace or Hurley are in the squad.
http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/10309.php

EDIT: Beaten to by above.

Amazotheamazing · 30-03-2012 11:05am

antogz1979 wrote: »

Munster team named below. Wallace not making the bench is a bit of a disappointment. Murphy is the right call for me anyway over Hurley. Hurley doesn't make the bench either. Delighted for DOC2 deserves the start.

Munster: F Jones; J Murphy, K Earls, L Mafi, S Zebo; R O’Gara capt, T O'Leary; M Horan, D Varley, BJ Botha; D O’Callaghan,M O'Driscoll; Dave O'Callaghan, P O’Mahony, J Coughlan.

Replacements: M Sherry, W du Preez, S Archer; B Holland, T O’Donnell, D Williams, I Keatley, D Barnes.

Edit never noticed Horan starting, now that is a strange one.

I think it's the right call for Wallace, he's off the pace at the minute.

Big Nelly · 30-03-2012 11:07am

Dylan Hartley

I hope D'Arcy has a good game. He needs it, I would have picked McFadden but then how can I challenge Schmidt.....

It is his 200 game, last player to do......Shaggy!!!!!!!

Maybe something in that!!! Sorry but if you asked me I would rather Shaggy in team instead of D'Arcy

ongarite · 30-03-2012 11:08am

Dylan Hartley

You can never predict the squad Schmidt is going to pick,
Healy, SOB and Cullen on the bench.
Looking forward to seeing Thorn and Toner playing together.

thomond2006 · 30-03-2012 11:08am

Leinster

A few interesting selections from both sides.

Horan ahead of du Preez is interesting, first time in a while that Horan has started ahead of WDP in a first team game. No Hurley in the 23 which is very harsh on the guy. The only logic I can see is that they see Earls as a back three cover should injuries occur so they would prefer a replacement centre on the bench in Barnes. Wallace obviously isn't right just yet, you'd have to think he won't be involved next week. Is their AIL this weekend? Perhaps he could get gametime there...

Toner ahead of Cullen, possibly a call for the Heineken Cup game as well? Toner is getting a massive opportunity here and I hope he makes the most of it.

Leinster's bench looks far superior. Healy, Strauss and O'Brien will add explosiveness with 20 to go.

Tox56 · 30-03-2012 11:08am

Dylan Hartley

Really positive that Hagan is on the bench, and that Toner is with Thorn, I think they are a perfect partnership (in theory).

Tox56 · 30-03-2012 11:10am

Dylan Hartley

thomond2006 wrote: »

A few interesting selections from both sides.

Horan ahead of du Preez is interesting, first time in a while that Horan has started ahead of WDP in a first team game. No Hurley in the 23 which is very harsh on the guy. The only logic I can see is that they see Earls as a back three cover should injuries occur so they would prefer a replacement centre on the bench in Barnes. Wallace obviously isn't right just yet, you'd have to think he won't be involved next week. Is their AIL this weekend? Perhaps he could get gametime there...

Toner ahead of Cullen, possibly a call for the Heineken Cup game as well? Toner is getting a massive opportunity here and I hope he makes the most of it.

Leinster's bench looks far superior. Healy, Strauss and O'Brien will add explosiveness with 20 to go.

Surprised that Cronin and to an extent Reddan aren't on the bench, the impact a bench of Reddan, Cronin, Healy and O'Brien could bring is frightening.

Quint2010 · 30-03-2012 11:12am

Dylan Hartley

After seeing the teams and benches I have changed my mind-I think Leinster will win by 5-6 points

Fireball07 · 30-03-2012 11:13am

Leinster

Some odd selections imo. Or surprising, at least.

Disappointing not to see Wallace on the bench at least, obviously not sharp enough for this yet. Interesting to see DOC2 get the nod over TOD, we need a big game from POM at 7. And Horan over Du Preez is an interesting one, Du Preez was in trouble against Connacht, maybe he's carrying a knock?

And I'd definitely have put Hurley in ahead of Murphy, and definitely ahead of Barnes on the bench. He's one of our most in-form players, his offloading gives us an extra dimension in attack, where we're often very predictable.

As for Leinster, am I the only one surprised by no SOB? I thought it would be a battle between McLaughlin and Jennings with SOB pretty much a certainty. But he's a big player to have coming off the bench too. I know some people were predicting Ryan to start. Toner and Thorn is a very formidable second row partnership, could be dominant at the lineout.

I honestly expected McFadden, Boss and Strauss to be starting...but again, they're big players to have on the bench.

Should be a cracker.

wicklowwonder · 30-03-2012 11:14am

Dylan Hartley

thomond2006 wrote: »

Horan ahead of du Preez is interesting, first time in a while that Horan has started ahead of WDP in a first team game. No Hurley in the 23 which is very harsh on the guy.

Hopefully he stays well away from BOD!!

I think it is going be a close game, Leinster have the stronger bench, hopefully that will push them across the line but still the Thomand Crowd will play a part as well.

Tox56 · 30-03-2012 11:17am

Dylan Hartley

Fireball07 wrote: »

Some odd selections imo. Or surprising, at least.

Disappointing not to see Wallace on the bench at least, obviously not sharp enough for this yet. Interesting to see DOC2 get the nod over TOD, we need a big game from POM at 7. And Horan over Du Preez is an interesting one, Du Preez was in trouble against Connacht, maybe he's carrying a knock?

And I'd definitely have put Hurley in ahead of Murphy, and definitely ahead of Barnes on the bench. He's one of our most in-form players, his offloading gives us an extra dimension in attack, where we're often very predictable.

As for Leinster, am I the only one surprised by no SOB? I thought it would be a battle between McLaughlin and Jennings with SOB pretty much a certainty. But he's a big player to have coming off the bench too. I know some people were predicting Ryan to start. Toner and Thorn is a very formidable second row partnership, could be dominant at the lineout.

I honestly expected McFadden, Boss and Strauss to be starting...but again, they're big players to have on the bench.

Should be a cracker.

I wouldn't have predicted it, but it serves to: Give him a rest, give both Jennings/McLaughlin gametime, Jennings should help give us a high tempo game, and SOB's impact of the bench should be substantial.

Joe knows best!

Big Nelly · 30-03-2012 11:18am

Dylan Hartley

I must say, and not just been a Leinster supporter, the bench we have is massive and could change the game.

Hagen over White is the only question I have, he looked...well f**ked...at last game and with Ross coming back from injury there is questions marks there

But just imagine, a Munster team tiring, looking to close out game, and you see O'Brien coming off bench!!! it will automatically drain your energy! the bullock got a raw deal with Ireland and will be mad to go!!!

Redden to start so looking for fast ball, maybe as Murray is not playing this is the reason not to play Boss. Also Redden will be looking to show people what he can do

Happy anyway, as always. I think Leinster have the team to win!! only lost last time because they had gone on beer after Heino cup win!!!

Hope Fitz has a good game!!!

leakyboots · 30-03-2012 11:20am

I was feeling reasonably confident until I saw the two benches, Leinster have massive impact.

However, a rusty BOD and D'Arcy up against Earls and Mafi, I'd hope to make a little hay here, if our pack can get good ball. Delighted to see Jennings start, I don't rate him.

Really tight to call, that Leinster bench could be the difference, even if some are returning from injury

tolosenc · 30-03-2012 11:26am

Curveball from Joe there regards the forwards.

If Archer's first scrum is against a fresh Healy, there could be an injury. Leinster have a stronger XV, and substantially stronger bench. What remains to be seen is how the Thomond factor will come to play.

30-03-2012 11:27am

I haven't been following rugby very long yet, but is "holding the game down" for the 50-60 minutes and then bringing on "impact" players to clean things up and conclude a viable tactic in general? Sort of like a backwards approach. Not to say that what Schmidt's done is as cleancut as that, though.

30-03-2012 11:30am

Looking forward to seeing the Thorner partnership!

Leinster certainly attacking the lineout with Toner and McLaughlin selected.

CatFromHue · 30-03-2012 11:32am

Dylan Hartley

This is the first game in a couple of years I haven't been able to make it down for. From looking at the teams Leinster do look a lot stronger in both the starting and benching players.

I have to say it's great to see Dave O Callagahan starting and O'Donnell on the bench. They've looked good whenever I've seen them before. They will have their hands full in McLaughlin, Jennings, and Heaslip though as this in theory has a great balance to it......Hook would be proud of this lol! I would have started Hurley ahead of Murphy though as Hurley I think is a better player. He certainly creates more for the team than Murphy anyway as was seen by his lovely off load last week against Connacht were if I remember right came off his wing to the opposite side.

The choice of Captains for each team is telling. ROG will in all honestly have so much on his plate all ready that I would have given it to someone else.....who else though? The only options I could see would be MOD who will more than likely be replaced by Holland at some stage, POM in his first start in a Leinster Munster game, or DOC who for whatever reason is never considered. Leinster have gone for Heaslip but could have gone for Jennings, BOD, Nacewa, McLaughlin, or even possibly Thorn.

It's good to see Hagan on the bench, he looked in a bad way last week. I can also hear BOD thinking " you want my jersey for Ireland aye.....come at me bro :P ". I hope Luke Fitz has a good game too, he made some high profile mistakes last week that cost the team. Yet he could also have won the game for Leinster! In a week where we lost Shaggy it's good to see D'arcy and BOD out there though.

ambid · 30-03-2012 11:33am

Dylan Hartley

Big Nelly wrote: »

...But just imagine, a Munster team tiring, looking to close out game, and you see O'Brien coming off bench!!! it will automatically drain your energy! the bullock got a raw deal with Ireland and will be mad to go!!!...

For the non culchies among you, a bullock is actually a castrated bull. O'Brien might appreciate a different nickname as he doesn't play like a fella who has had that particular procedure.

Pro12: Munster vs Leinster, Sat 31 March 7:30pm, Live on RTÉ2

Prediction? 165 votes

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