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

WeeBushy · 30-03-2012 12:33pm

Dylan Hartley

From a Leinster point of view my first impressions are:

We can really target the lineout imo. Thorn jumping at 2 and then Toner, McLaughlin and possibly Heaslip putting real pressure everywhere else.

Kinda surprised to see D'Arcy starting, he played all the 6N matches and is obviously getting on in age, so thought he would be rested. I guess Schmidt just still sees D'Arcy as a better player to McF so needs to start, and based on Leinster form he's probably right. Also need to get the D'Arcy O'Driscoll axis back together before the quarters.

Glad to see Healy on the bench. He will be one heck of an impact and he's gotten a battering in recent times so holding him back for next week is the right call.

Also good to see the Schmidt rotation policy with Cronin starting. Big chance for him coming into the end of season run in.

With White not fit its big chance for Hagan to forget last weekend if he comes off the bench.

And finally, its impossible to predict what team Schmidt will choose, there are just so many combinations and players from which he can pick. I imagine it makes it quite difficult from opponents to prepare.

wookie0 · 30-03-2012 12:37pm

Dylan Hartley

Where will the Leinster crowd be boozing before the match?

WeeBushy · 30-03-2012 12:38pm

Dylan Hartley

19543261 wrote: »

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.

Yes it is a common enough tactic. Particularly when you are playing away from home or against a team like Italy who are all grunt and not much else.

For both the general idea is to ride the initial wave with hard graft and forward power, and then in the last 30 bring on the impact guys against a tiring side.

Against good sides they are going to be able to keep up the pressure the whole way through so that tactic doesn't work as well. Which is why I think Schmidt has gone for a bit of both as we are away from home but Munster are certainly a side that can play 80 minutes of rugby.

irishbucsfan · 30-03-2012 12:41pm

Dylan Hartley

I was fairly certain McLaughlin would start but I didn't consider the possibility of OBrien not starting! Just shows Joe is liable to do anything.

Delighted for Toner. He's earned this start.

Leinster should in theory dominate the lineout with McL at 2 (where he taught Croft a lesson a year ago), Tower at 4 and Heaslip patrolling the back.

Excited to see if Leinster can get some good quick clean ball around the field with Thorn and Jennings out there.

A very balanced team. Ridiculously excited for this game now!

DDC1990 · 30-03-2012 12:49pm

Dylan Hartley

Great Midfield battle in store with Irelands talismatic number 13 against Brian O'Driscoll

Would love a Munster win, but everything seems to point towards a Leinster win.

23-15

Tox56 · 30-03-2012 12:50pm

Dylan Hartley

DDC1990 wrote: »

Great Midfield battle in store with Irelands talismatic number 13 against Brian O'Driscoll

Would love a Munster win, but everything seems to point towards a Leinster win.

23-15

Danny Barnes is on the bench.

prospect · 30-03-2012 12:52pm

Leinster

I think it can only be a good thing that no player considers himself a shoe-in to start a game.

Not withstanding the obvious benefits of managing a tiring player over a season, and also keeping bench players match fit and game ready;
It forces the individuals to consistently prove themselves, and gives the 'other' players a tangible reason to up their game.

Someone should explain the logic to a certain International Coach.

totallegend · 30-03-2012 12:54pm

Leinster

Wow, didn't see that coming.

Thorn-Toner is probably a good mix, certainly more of an offensive line-out combo than Thorn-Cullen. The hard ground would be murder on Leo's achilles too...
The back-row has a nice balance to it, I would always be in favour of starting O'Brien but in terms of impact subs, wow; 50 minutes gone, legs starting to get heavy and you see Healy, Strauss and O'Brien trotting on...
The Cronin call is interesting, I presume it is more based on him having missed so many games and trying to get him back up to speed with the team ahead of the QF, rather than an indication that he is now first-choice.

Excitement about these games always starts to mount when the teams are named.

Edit: had missed the Munster team, no shortage of surprises there. I'd be interested to hear what people think is the logic behind starting Horan over WDP? Seems pretty bizarre to me.

.ak · 30-03-2012 1:05pm

Interesting selections. Joe never fails to surprise. The majority of people had their minds set on Healy, Boss, SOB and possibly Cullen to start with a real dogfight on our hands.

It looks to me Joe is relying on a fast game - we're light in the backrow with SOB on the bench, and possibly even more mobile in the engine room with Toner and Thorn. Cronin and HVDM offer some mobility in the front row as well, with Healy on the bench there's more of that coming.

Then the telling selection at 9; Reddan had been in the papers all week so I had a feeling he'd be picked, although I would've gone with Boss myself as it's always a bit of an arm wrestle at Thomond. Hopefully himself and Sexton get off to a flying start and the forecast stays clear. I read today there's chances of showers in Limerick but it'll still be 12+c, so that could make for some interesting conditions.

The backline is no surprise - D'Arcy is still the senior 12 on the team. For all of McFadden's potential, he still has that 'utility' shirt on, and he's far more valuable to Joe on the bench than D'Arcy would be. Hope BOD has the 80 minutes in him, as I really hate when D'Arcy and Ferg partner up... the ball just dies.

Munster have some interesting selections too. Very surprised not to see Hurley anywhere near the team. I'd concur that Earls seems to be the on-field utility here, with Barnes able to jump in at 13 if need be. I wonder if Jones will be bringing his kicking boots - potentially that's where they could upset Leinster - a back three of Kearney, Isa and Fitz may sound dangerous but in reality Fitzy has only been in dangerous form when in the opposition's half, Isa hasn't exactly set the world alight on the tighter side of the pitch, so it really leaves it down to a one vs one contest with Kearney, that's good odds.

Surprised TOD isn't starting also. Think he'd make an impact from the start, with DOC2 adding to an arm-wrestle situation in the second half if need be. I think Munster have the more solid front row.

It'll be interesting to see how the TH's do their jobs respectively. Botha is a rock, but Ross has the engine power on him I think. I'd imagine some calls from Nige that will raise a few eyebrows here. I think Munster have the upper hand though - especially with Ross carrying a niggle, and only Hagan on the bench. Whilst I rate Hagan as a project TH, I think he'll be lost at this level, and surprised to see him in contention after that busted rib. White must've really done some damage to his face to avoid this.

Munster have the Thomond factor, and Leinster will have the Shaggy factor! Really too tight to call. Gonna be one of those days where you just don't know what to expect. Too many variables. I'll be going into fine Thomond to scream my head off for Leinster though. Can't wait.

.ak · 30-03-2012 1:09pm

On a side note, this must be a great experience for Thorn...

Strauss mentioned in an interview on the BlueMagic website, the first time he played in a Munster v Leinster derby he was shocked and amazed by the whole occasion - the training leading up to it, the hype, the intensity of the players. I think he said something along the lines of he found it the most scary and amazing times of his professional rugby career. Might be over-doing it a bit, I'll try and find a link, but there's no doubt that these games are a special occasion and it's great have an ambassador in the form of Thorn coming from a world cup winning AB team to witness it up front.

Big Nelly · 30-03-2012 1:11pm

Dylan Hartley

ambid wrote: »

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.

Yes but for people not culchies, a bullock runs around the field knocking over everything in its path.

A bull, like Hayes, is slow and uses power to knock over 1 person on the field

Thats why O'Brien will always be a bullock(apart from castration). He will knock the crap out of everything all over the pitch:D

molloyjh · 30-03-2012 1:12pm

Leinster

Joe does it again and shows us all for the fools we are! :pac:

Great to see Dev and Brad in the row, I think that partnership has bags of potential. And if the forwards can provide some good quick ball that back line could do serious damage. The back-row is the obvious shock with no SOB. But to be able to spring him, Strauss and Healy from the bench is a massive boost.

And the bench looks savage. Whatever about the starting XVs there can be no doubt that Leinster have the stronger bench. The only thing I would question is whether we might be better off having Strauss starting. Between himself, Locky, Jenno, Heaslip and Drico we could make the breakdown utter hell for Munster in the first 50-60???

Big Nelly · 30-03-2012 1:13pm

Dylan Hartley

.ak wrote: »

On a side note, this must be a great experience for Thorn...

Strauss mentioned in an interview on the BlueMagic website, the first time he played in a Munster v Leinster derby he was shocked and amazed by the whole occasion - the training leading up to it, the hype, the intensity of the players. I think he said something along the lines of he found it the most scary and amazing times of his professional rugby career. Might be over-doing it a bit, I'll try and find a link, but there's no doubt that these games are a special occasion and it's great have an ambassador in the form of Thorn coming from a world cup winning AB team to witness it up front.

One thing, it will improve the viewing figures in Southern hemp!

Big Nelly · 30-03-2012 1:17pm

Dylan Hartley

ambid wrote: »

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.

Forgot to mention, and as a Leinster supporter, there will only be the one Bull..........and that is the Bull Hayes

ambid · 30-03-2012 1:41pm

Dylan Hartley

Big Nelly wrote: »

Forgot to mention, and as a Leinster supporter, there will only be the one Bull..........and that is the Bull Hayes

Well O'Brien could be the young bull... "the calf"?

No maybe that's not the most intimidating nickname...

CIARAN_BOYLE · 30-03-2012 1:42pm

Dylan Hartley

Delighted to see Ross back, and Hagan being fit enough for the bench too. I'm a big fan that second row and I hope it works well. I have to worry about SOB is still feeling any after effects from the infection he suffered with during the 6 nations.

I am slightly disappointed to see D'arcy ahead of McFadden but McFadden seems to be thought of as utility in a lot of ways and Joe must want someone on the bench who can come in anywhere from 11-14.

I'm surprised to see Horan ahead of WDP, but Horan seems to bring a little bit of extra passion to games against Leinster so maybe thats what McGahan is looking for. The locks more or less pick themselves with Ryan, POC, Nagle and Foley all injured.

I'm looking forward to seeing the backrow in action, TOD can feel disappointed not to be picked but he will get a chance from the bench to stake a claim.

Will we see Wallace next week in the RDS for the A match.

Hurley has the right to feel agrieved about not making the 23 but its probably the right decision with Earls being available to cover the back three.

bamboozle · 30-03-2012 2:03pm

Dylan Hartley

reckon Darcy starting is Schmidt trying to rebuild his confidence, i'd have gone with McFadden.
Scarey that O'Malley cant even make the bench.

Schmidt picked such a smart team, rest up Healy & SOB, start Cronin who needs game time, picking Tonar & McLaughlin targets the lineout.

injuries have really exposed the lack of strength in depth in munster's squad. It might be the biggest provincial squad but there's a lack of quality in depth.

Looking forward to seeing DOC2 and Zebo up against real competition, how zebo plays up against Nacema will be interesting, great experience for him.

Someone up above suggested they were delighted that Jennings was starting as they didnt rate him, Jennings is critical to the way Leinster play and i'm delighted he is starting.

not wishing to be cocky but i can see a blood thirsty thomand crowd having an impact in keeping a weak munster 22 within 10 points of Leinster.
either way, i just hope there are no injuries to either team, big HC weekend coming up.

irishbucsfan · 30-03-2012 2:06pm

Dylan Hartley

.ak wrote: »

On a side note, this must be a great experience for Thorn...

Strauss mentioned in an interview on the BlueMagic website, the first time he played in a Munster v Leinster derby he was shocked and amazed by the whole occasion - the training leading up to it, the hype, the intensity of the players. I think he said something along the lines of he found it the most scary and amazing times of his professional rugby career. Might be over-doing it a bit, I'll try and find a link, but there's no doubt that these games are a special occasion and it's great have an ambassador in the form of Thorn coming from a world cup winning AB team to witness it up front.

In fairness Strauss had barely seen much top level rugby at the time whereas Thorn has seen it all. As much as I love de classic I'd doubt it compares to the state of origin game or the world cup final! Hopefully his big game experience will let him contribute from the off.

Cpt_Blackbeard · 30-03-2012 2:13pm

Dylan Hartley

I'm surprised to see so many posters think that Leinster can target Munster's lineout. Leinster so have an advantage, but its nothing huge imo.

DOC is a very competant jumper at 2 and has shown at all levels that he is capable of disrupting the opposition throw. I'd probably put him just ahead of Thorn.

Toner is a giant, but considering his size he isn't a great lineout operator. MOD on the other hand is a fantastic lineout operator and is in no real step down from POC. Toner has half a foot on him, but MOD is a better operator.

POM is a very good lineout forward throughout the line. He is very similar to McL in that respect, but is obviously not yet at the same level.

Heaslip is a good, safe jumper at the back of the lineout. He won't destroy the opposition, but he will guarantee ball. I haven't seen much from DOC2.0 to fully make up my mind, but I'd rate him as a good option. He is tall and can play at lock, so he obviously has some talent from touch.

Cronin will probably be the most likely weakness in the Leinster setpiece form touch. He is notoriously wobbly from touch and playing in a packed Thomond Park with his friends, family and another 18k supporters routing against his side, I'd be worried about him.

As I said, I'd gve Leinster the nod. They have slightly better jumpers throughout, but I don't think the superiority is there to warrant the targeting of Munster's lineout.

bamboozle · 30-03-2012 2:18pm

Dylan Hartley

Cpt_Blackbeard wrote: »

I'm surprised to see so many posters think that Leinster can target Munster's lineout. Leinster so have an advantage, but its nothing huge imo.

DOC is a very competant jumper at 2 and has shown at all levels that he is capable of disrupting the opposition throw. I'd probably put him just ahead of Thorn.

Toner is a giant, but considering his size he isn't a great lineout operator. MOD on the other hand is a fantastic lineout operator and is in no real step down from POC. Toner has half a foot on him, but MOD is a better operator.

POM is a very good lineout forward throughout the line. He is very similar to McL in that respect, but is obviously not yet at the same level.

Heaslip is a good, safe jumper at the back of the lineout. He won't destroy the opposition, but he will guarantee ball. I haven't seen much from DOC2.0 to fully make up my mind, but I'd rate him as a good option. He is tall and can play at lock, so he obviously has some talent from touch.

Cronin will probably be the most likely weakness in the Leinster setpiece form touch. He is notoriously wobbly from touch and playing in a packed Thomond Park with his friends, family and another 18k supporters routing against his side, I'd be worried about him.

As I said, I'd gve Leinster the nod. They have slightly better jumpers throughout, but I don't think the superiority is there to warrant the targeting of Munster's lineout.

i wouldnt expect thorn to be jumping against DOC, i'd imagine it will be McLaughlin. Leinster's 3 main jumpers will be Tonar, McL and Heaslip. Thorn will be saving his energy for ruck obliteration.

irishbucsfan · 30-03-2012 2:18pm

Dylan Hartley

Toner has been superb in the lineout this year. Some of his steals (from Richie Gray no less) and takes over his head have been majestic.

Up to this season I would have questioned his technical skill but he's really excelled in that area of his game lately.

Tox56 · 30-03-2012 2:19pm

Dylan Hartley

Cpt_Blackbeard wrote: »

I'm surprised to see so many posters think that Leinster can target Munster's lineout. Leinster so have an advantage, but its nothing huge imo.

DOC is a very competant jumper at 2 and has shown at all levels that he is capable of disrupting the opposition throw. I'd probably put him just ahead of Thorn.

Toner is a giant, but considering his size he isn't a great lineout operator. MOD on the other hand is a fantastic lineout operator and is in no real step down from POC. Toner has half a foot on him, but MOD is a better operator.

POM is a very good lineout forward throughout the line. He is very similar to McL in that respect, but is obviously not yet at the same level.

Heaslip is a good, safe jumper at the back of the lineout. He won't destroy the opposition, but he will guarantee ball. I haven't seen much from DOC2.0 to fully make up my mind, but I'd rate him as a good option. He is tall and can play at lock, so he obviously has some talent from touch.

Cronin will probably be the most likely weakness in the Leinster setpiece form touch. He is notoriously wobbly from touch and playing in a packed Thomond Park with his friends, family and another 18k supporters routing against his side, I'd be worried about him.

As I said, I'd gve Leinster the nod. They have slightly better jumpers throughout, but I don't think the superiority is there to warrant the targeting of Munster's lineout.

Toner is a fantastic lineout operator, he's huge and has great hands, it's probably his best area. I would also rate McLaughlin better in the lineout than any backrower in Ireland at the moment, but POM has talent there. Heaslip just adds to the options.

CIARAN_BOYLE · 30-03-2012 2:27pm

Dylan Hartley

Tox56 wrote: »

Toner is a fantastic lineout operator, he's huge and has great hands, it's probably his best area. I would also rate McLaughlin better in the lineout than any backrower in Ireland at the moment, but POM has talent there. Heaslip just adds to the options.

He's also slightly slow getting into the air. He has improved but there is still some way to go.

It doesn't have a massive effect on Leinster ball but it often makes him a half second to slow to get a steal on opposition ball.

ambid · 30-03-2012 2:27pm

Dylan Hartley

Cpt_Blackbeard wrote: »

...Toner is a giant, but considering his size he isn't a great lineout operator...

Interesting. Why do you think this? He has added real aggression to his game this year, I can't think of when he's been beaten in air, and I think Toner has been outstanding in the lineout all season. The rest of his game has also improved enormously.

leftleg · 30-03-2012 2:30pm

Cpt_Blackbeard wrote: »

Toner is a giant, but considering his size he isn't a great lineout operator.

There's always a but

Tox56 · 30-03-2012 2:30pm

Dylan Hartley

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

He's also slightly slow getting into the air.

It doesn't have a massive effect on Leinster ball but it often makes him a half second to slow to get a steal on opposition ball.

Jumping where he does in the lineout, that is less important, especially when you're 6'11. He is slower, but most of the time he could jump without lifters and he'd still be taller than most opposition jumpers.

.ak · 30-03-2012 2:55pm

Anyone that can school Gray and Kellock like Toner did in the lineout has obvious skills.

Big Nelly · 30-03-2012 3:39pm

Dylan Hartley

Cpt_Blackbeard wrote: »

Toner is a giant, but considering his size he isn't a great lineout operator. MOD on the other hand is a fantastic lineout operator and is in no real step down from POC. Toner has half a foot on him, but MOD is a better operator.

Blind optimism. Have you watch Toner this season at all? or is this just based on comments made on boards by people who haven't been to any games?

Toner has been great this season, in line out and in the open. Will be good to see him get a run out with Thorn.

Also remember last season he was great at start of season but fell off towards the later half. He needed to build his body up which he has done this season. Also he had a lack of confidence after a few games last season when the great minds that are RTE kept calling him into question. Better off not listening to there crap.

I can't remember who he was playing against last year. It was on RTE2. Anytime he got the ball you had a pile of crap from commentary team about how he was too tall. No actual reasons for why they picked on him. Just crap like that. Leinster trashed the team and all hook could say at end was abotu Toner, no congrats for Leinster, just picking on one player.

armchaircoach · 30-03-2012 4:04pm

Dylan Hartley

Toner has really come into his own this season, he's realised how much momentum he brings into contact and has coupled that with a new agressive attitude to running at the opposition.

In the lineout he seems to be able to steal for fun off opposition. Both him anf Locky have gone head to head against some very good lineout oposition this year (Richi Gray etc) and have come out on top.

Joe has very deliberately pick this pack for its rucking and lineout strengths, rather than massive ball carrying, but that will change in the second half when Sean and Healy come on

Teferi · 30-03-2012 4:16pm

Delighted with Toner getting the start. Has deserved everything he has gotten this year. Has really put in the work and brought his game to a new level. I remember watching him a year or two ago and thinking he would never make it on a top class team but I'm pleased he has proved me wrong.

Judging by our bench I think we will win it in the last 20. Quite explosive and bruising operators there.

I love how in Leinster V Munster games form means absolutely nothing. Both teams raise their games and the players are always well up for it. They are the best games of the year and I couldn't be looking more forward to it.

GerM · 30-03-2012 4:23pm

armchaircoach wrote: »

Joe has very deliberately pick this pack for its rucking and lineout strengths, rather than massive ball carrying, but that will change in the second half when Sean and Healy come on

Exactly. This team is selected to win their line out ball, secure the scrum and win the breakdowns, keeping the ball away from Munster at the ruck. It's a keep ball selection. Leinster won't necessarily attack Munster's ball or set piece specifically but they'll make sure they keep their own. Healy, McFadden, Boss, SOB and Strauss will all come on between 50 and 60 minutes and go at Munster then if the plan has worked. The likes of MOD and Botha who aren't really 80 minute men will not fancy those guys coming on and the game speeding up by 10% after an hour.

Still fancy Munster by a single score but I think Leinster are going about it the best way possible.

irishbucsfan · 30-03-2012 4:27pm

Dylan Hartley

One thing I think that could hurt Munster is Botha going off. If he does go off after 60 minutes you will more than likely see Leinster react by switching their LH. You'll have Healy up against Archer and probably Strauss adding more pressure beside him.

Jaysus I can't wait. Raging I'm not home for this one (have to save my trips home for the Heineken in fairness).

CiaranMT · 30-03-2012 4:27pm

Leinster

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.

Not sure if it's been mentioned, but is Hurley injured?

Very strange omission.

Wally being out means TOD and DOC2.0 gets a great chance to impress.

ed7890 · 30-03-2012 4:37pm

CiaranMT wrote: »

Not sure if it's been mentioned, but is Hurley injured?

The word on MFans is a slight back strain, should be back for the following week

totallegend · 30-03-2012 4:41pm

Leinster

I notice that Leinster are surging ahead in the poll; is that since the teams were announced, or a load Munster cute hoors trying to get an underdog mentality going? Even Dylan Hartley is closing the gap...

ed7890 · 30-03-2012 4:43pm

irishbucsfan wrote: »

One thing I think that could hurt Munster is Botha going off. If he does go off after 60 minutes you will more than likely see Leinster react by switching their LH. You'll have Healy up against Archer and probably Strauss adding more pressure beside him.

By the same token, if Ross goes off early it might help Munster out.

irishbucsfan · 30-03-2012 4:46pm

Dylan Hartley

irishbucsfan wrote: »

One thing I think that could hurt Munster is Botha going off. If he does go off after 60 minutes you will more than likely see Leinster react by switching their LH. You'll have Healy up against Archer and probably Strauss adding more pressure beside him.

Jaysus I can't wait. Raging I'm not home for this one (have to save my trips home for the Heineken in fairness).

After thinking more about this I've realised that leinster could be in the exact same position with Hagan v. Du Preez!

ed7890 · 30-03-2012 4:54pm

irishbucsfan wrote: »

After thinking more about this I've realised that leinster could be in the exact same position with Hagan v. Du Preez!

Ya, that match-up got Munster a penalty try in the last game.

If it came down to it, I'd prefer to throw Archer on and spare Botha for the following weekend. That's the bigger game really.

EDIT: My mistake, it was actually Horan that was on against Hagan for that.

leftleg · 30-03-2012 4:59pm

Whoo there!!! Everone seems to be writing both Hagan and Archer off here; if you ask me this is a really big lift for both to be included in such a big match up and will do both the world of good; neither has the advantage as they will most likely, barring any serious injuries to starting front rowers, be facing each other with fresh strong loose heads so its all to play for and i cant wait!!

ironingbored · 30-03-2012 8:20pm

Dylan Hartley

Cpt_Blackbeard wrote: »

I'm surprised to see so many posters think that Leinster can target Munster's lineout. Leinster so have an advantage, but its nothing huge imo.

DOC is a very competant jumper at 2 and has shown at all levels that he is capable of disrupting the opposition throw. I'd probably put him just ahead of Thorn.

Toner is a giant, but considering his size he isn't a great lineout operator. MOD on the other hand is a fantastic lineout operator and is in no real step down from POC. Toner has half a foot on him, but MOD is a better operator.

POM is a very good lineout forward throughout the line. He is very similar to McL in that respect, but is obviously not yet at the same level.

Heaslip is a good, safe jumper at the back of the lineout. He won't destroy the opposition, but he will guarantee ball. I haven't seen much from DOC2.0 to fully make up my mind, but I'd rate him as a good option. He is tall and can play at lock, so he obviously has some talent from touch.

Cronin will probably be the most likely weakness in the Leinster setpiece form touch. He is notoriously wobbly from touch and playing in a packed Thomond Park with his friends, family and another 18k supporters routing against his side, I'd be worried about him.

As I said, I'd gve Leinster the nod. They have slightly better jumpers throughout, but I don't think the superiority is there to warrant the targeting of Munster's lineout.

Sorry, you put DOC ahead of Brad Thorn? Seriously?

Have to disagree. Thorn is 37 but there is no comparison.

Podge_irl · 30-03-2012 8:21pm

ironingbored wrote: »

Sorry, you put DOC ahead of Brad Thorn? Seriously?

Have to disagree. Thorn is 37 but there is no comparison.

I think he's putting him ahead as a jumper at 2 as opposed to in general...

CIARAN_BOYLE · 30-03-2012 8:22pm

Dylan Hartley

ironingbored wrote: »

Sorry, you put DOC ahead of Brad Thorn? Seriously?

Have to disagree. Thorn is 37 but there is no comparison.

I assume he meant DOC is slightly better in the lineout than Thorn which is a debatable but understandable point. Thorn is better in the rest of the game.

RoundBox11 · 30-03-2012 8:37pm

Dylan Hartley

I can't wait for this game now. Always a great match.

Tbh i don't see how Munster are going to be able to live with Leinster. No POC, no Ryan, no Wallace, no Howlett, no Murray. I can't see anything but a Leinster win.

I think Munster are shooting themselves in the foot by picking Horan ahead of DuPreez. Fair enough Horan might be able to raise his game because of the whole Munster V Leinster thing, but id never select an inferior player just because of the personal rivalry involved. Seems rediculous to me. Mike Ross is going to have a field day. In fact, even Jamie Hagan would do a number on Horan imo.

ed7890 · 30-03-2012 9:06pm

RoundBox11 wrote: »

I can't wait for this game now. Always a great match.

Tbh i don't see how Munster are going to be able to live with Leinster. No POC, no Ryan, no Wallace, no Howlett, no Murray. I can't see anything but a Leinster win.

I think Munster are shooting themselves in the foot by picking Horan ahead of DuPreez. Fair enough Horan might be able to raise his game because of the whole Munster V Leinster thing, but id never select an inferior player just because of the personal rivalry involved. Seems rediculous to me. Mike Ross is going to have a field day. In fact, even Jamie Hagan would do a number on Horan imo.

Really?

Fireball07 · 30-03-2012 9:16pm

Leinster

RoundBox11 wrote: »

I can't wait for this game now. Always a great match.

Tbh i don't see how Munster are going to be able to live with Leinster. No POC, no Ryan, no Wallace, no Howlett, no Murray. I can't see anything but a Leinster win.

I think Munster are shooting themselves in the foot by picking Horan ahead of DuPreez. Fair enough Horan might be able to raise his game because of the whole Munster V Leinster thing, but id never select an inferior player just because of the personal rivalry involved. Seems rediculous to me. Mike Ross is going to have a field day. In fact, even Jamie Hagan would do a number on Horan imo.

Ah now, Horan isn't that bad. And Du Preez struggled against Connacht too, there could be lots of reasons to pick Horan.

For example, I would say that both Jennings and McLaughlin are inferior to SOB and that D'Arcy is inferior to McFadden. Doesn't mean it is the wrong choice.

phog · 30-03-2012 9:21pm

For those of you intending to arrive in the city by the Dock Rd, aka(N69 or the R510) this is also the exit before the tunnel if arriving from Dublin side of bypass, there will be roadworks on a section close to the Clarion Hotel.

See here.

If all goes to plan it shouldn't have a major impact on match traffic but for those arriving early may wish to plan a different route, O'Connell Ave or the tunnel (tolled) would be decent alternative routes.

irishbucsfan · 30-03-2012 9:22pm

Dylan Hartley

ed7890 wrote: »

RoundBox11 wrote: »

I can't wait for this game now. Always a great match.

Tbh i don't see how Munster are going to be able to live with Leinster. No POC, no Ryan, no Wallace, no Howlett, no Murray. I can't see anything but a Leinster win.

I think Munster are shooting themselves in the foot by picking Horan ahead of DuPreez. Fair enough Horan might be able to raise his game because of the whole Munster V Leinster thing, but id never select an inferior player just because of the personal rivalry involved. Seems rediculous to me. Mike Ross is going to have a field day. In fact, even Jamie Hagan would do a number on Horan imo.

Really?

Not a hope!

mikedragon32 · 30-03-2012 9:35pm

Dylan Hartley

If all goes to plan it shouldn't have O'Connell Ave or the tunnel (tolled) would be decent alternative routes.

A clever plan to make a few euros off them city stickers?

*joke...

durkadurka · 30-03-2012 11:25pm

Well, arriving at 4.30 tomorrow for my first trip to thomond.

I'm only dyin to go. Looking forward to the Craic pre during and post match tomorrow.

So where are yez drinking tomorrow?

CoDy1 · 30-03-2012 11:34pm

Leinster

durkadurka wrote: »

Well, arriving at 4.30 tomorrow for my first trip to thomond.

I'm only dyin to go. Looking forward to the Craic pre during and post match tomorrow.

So where are yez drinking tomorrow?

Where are ye based? No point in heading to TP until just before the game, The Shannon bar, Bohs bar and the Dugout will be packed and will have plastic glasses, so leave it as late as ye can.

If the sun is shining, no harm in heading to the Locke, JJ Bowles, Curragower.

The Strand hotel always have a good set up on match days.

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

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