Leinster Team to face Munster

dc69

I dont know where the Leinster Munster thread has gone,presume it got deleted,this can be the Leinster thread for the match!

The team hasnt been named but here is the squad

FORWARDS (14): Cian Healy, Ollie le Roux, Brian Blaney, Bernard Jackman, Stephen Knoop, Stan Wright, Leo Cullen, Trevor Hogan, Malcolm O’Kelly, Cameron Jowitt, Stephen Keogh, Keith Gleeson, Shane Jennings, Jamie Heaslip

BACKS (12): Chris Keane, Chris Whitaker, Felipe Contepomi, Jonathan Sexton, Luke Fitzgerald, Rob Kearney, Michael Berne, Christian Warner, Brian O’Driscoll, Eoin O’Malley, Shane Horgan, Girvan Dempsey


Bod most likely wont play

cheika

“I’d say his (Brian O’Driscoll) chances of playing are low. We’re hoping (that he’ll be fit). He’s training as much as he can and he’s doing everything he can to get ready for the game, but I’d say his chances of playing are low. But we’re not giving up on it yet and we’re not going to risk him in any way."


he also said

“Mick Berne has an ankle problem from the Llanelli game when he had to come off, while (Christian) Warner has a back problem which is why Eoin O’Malley is in the squad.

We need some cover in the centre and he is an out-and-out 13. I know that it’ll be a big game for him to play, with it being at home, but he has had some good form in the Ireland Under-20s so we’ve got a lot of confidence in the young fella.”

This annoys me as I an im sure others would love to see Fitzgerald at 13 and if he is gona throw an under 20's player in at centre ahead of him,i dont think we will ever see him in 13:(

ozt9vdujny3srf

Unless he is 100% I would rather not have BOD played.

If Fitzgerald were to go 13, who would you have on the wing?

On a side note I think D'Arcy wont have too easy a time getting back into the team, at least at 12. Sexton 10 and contepomi 12 is the perfect combination I think.

Podge_irl

He played centre in a pre-season Leinster game so clearly Cheika had ideas of playing him there, but there's been no more done about it since which is a shame.

Curious as to what the back row, centre and FB will be, but beyond that I'd say the team is pretty predictable. Would imagine/hope Kearney keeps the 15 jersey over Girve. Who plays 13 seems to be up to who is fit to play, if the person doesn't last the match then hopefully Fitz will move into 13.
Keogh might be worth a punt in the backrow given the opposition, but tis hard to argue against a Jennings/Gleeson combo at 6 and 7.

Podge_irl

Marcelo Hot Packaging wrote: »

If Fitzgerald were to go 13, who would you have on the wing?

Kearney with Girve at FB maybe. Not the best argument for not playing him there, though not wanting to risk him at 13 against Munster in such an important game for Leinster isn't exactly terrible logic. Hopefully if they wrap up the title early Fitz will get a run in the position

[Jackass]

Another thread deleted without explanation...oh well :rolleyes: seems like mentioning Leinster & Munster in the same sentence is enough to get the secret deleting board Nazi out I read it a couple of hours ago and other than the expected contradicting claims of greatness from rival fans you would find on any Rugby board that rival teams supporters share there was absolutely no aggression or insulting going on, no more disagreement than is going on in the ML vs GP thread but anyway...

Yeah I agree, would be very disappointing to see O'Malley start, he was excellent at schools level a couple of years back for Belvo, but don’t remember him even getting his senior debut yet and is the perfect opportunity to experiment with Fitzgerald there with so many players out.

I'd like to see us bring Dempsey in, Kearney switched out to the left and Fitzy brought to 13 (According to himself, his best position):

1. Wright
2. Jackman
3. Le Roux
4. MOK
5. Cullen
6. Jennings
7. Gleeson
8. Heaslip

9. Whitaker
10. Sexton
11. Kearney
12. Contepomi
13. Fitzgerald
14. Horgan
15. Dempsey

Even without "2 of the best centres in the world", although not showing it the past couple of seasons, that's still as good a backline as you'll find anywhere.

Difficult call at the back to leave Keogh out as Munster pack is obviously so aggressive and physical, but I just think what Gleeson lacks in brunt force he makes up for in general play and no one is better on the deck or at spoiling than he is which is crucial to disrupt any notions Munster have of playing the ball. We've finally got a pack that can boss games, such as against Leicester in the HC at the RDS or even our last game against Llanelli was won all through the forwards and I think we'll be able to give as good as we get up front, hopefully even step it up and dominate.

No doubt Munster will be fired up for this 100% being a massive derby interpro game and as proud a team Munster are, they wont have forgotten about Cork earlier in the season and will be gunning for revenge. I would expect the strongest Munster team available to be named with the exception of Tipoki and O'Gara seeing as Munster still have the HC to contend for and I think Tipoki has a slight knock and I think O'Gara would take a lot of hits and would be to risky to start him for them so that hands another slight advantage to Leinster.

Out the back Munster are a different team this season after all their imports and look dangerous. I still think man for man we are better at the back, even without the likes of BOD and D'Arcy.

Finally, seeing as the only team that loses at home less than Munster is Leinster in the RDS, I think we'll have more than enough for them on the day. Prediction: Leinster by between 7 - 10.

dc69

[Jackass] wrote: »

1. Wright
2. Jackman
3. Le Roux
4. MOK
5. Cullen
6. Jennings
7. Gleeson
8. Heaslip

9. Whitaker
10. Sexton
11. Kearney
12. Contepomi
13. Fitzgerald
14. Horgan
15. Dempsey

thats exactly what I was thinking!Makes sence to have kearney and horgan on the wings,fitz at 13,contepomi at 12 and sexton at out half as a Game vs Munster is not the match you want to be blooding O'Malley in.

Sangre

Preferred team...

1. Wright
2. Jackman
3. Le Roux
4. MOK
5. Cullen
6. Jennings
7. Gleeson
8. Heaslip

9. Whitaker
10. Sexton
11. Fitzgerald
12. Contepomi
13. O'Malley (assuming others are out)
14. Horgan
15. Kearney

dc69

Sangre wrote: »

Preferred team...

1. Wright
2. Jackman
3. Le Roux
4. MOK
5. Cullen
6. Jennings
7. Gleeson
8. Heaslip

9. Whitaker
10. Sexton
11. Fitzgerald
12. Contepomi
13. O'Malley (assuming others are out)
14. Horgan
15. Kearney

why would you ditch horgan and stick a youngster in centre who has never even played for the firsts?

Sangre

horgan is where he belongs, on the wing. putting him in the centre is an insult to him, only makes him look crap. he is absolutely useless there.

i've put the youngster in as every other centre we have is injured (horgan is not a centre).

dc69

Sangre wrote: »

horgan is where he belongs, on the wing. putting him in the centre is an insult to him, only makes him look crap. he is absolutely useless there.

i've put the youngster in as every other centre we have is injured (horgan is not a centre).

No one ever suggested putting horgan at centre.I asked why you ditched him off the team,he can play wing and move fitz to 13


dempsey is available.why not put horgan and kearney on the wings,Fitzgerald at 13,contepomi at 12 and sexton 10.

ie

15-dempsey
14-Horgan
13-Fitzgerald
12-Contepomi
11-Kearney

Podge_irl

dc69 wrote: »

No one ever suggested putting horgan at centre.I asked why you ditched him off the team

He didn't.

O'Malley has played far more games at centre than Fitz, and its not as if he's old or foreign and holding someone back by playing there.

Sangre

i think you should re-read both my posts dc69. horgan has gone nowhere

putting fitzgerald in at 13 against munster (and the form centres of the country) is not the place to test him out.

dc69

Sangre wrote: »

i think you should re-read both my posts dc69. horgan has gone nowhere

putting fitzgerald in at 13 against munster (and the form centres of the country) is not the place to test him out.

but yet you suggested putting O'Malley at centre who has never even played a senior game for leinster,let alone at 13?

Podge_irl

dc69 wrote: »

but yet you suggested putting O'Malley at centre who has never even played a senior game for leinster,let alone at 13?

O'Malley is actually a centre though, and has much more experience at 13 than Fitz, albeit not for Leinster.

dc69

Podge_irl wrote: »

O'Malley is actually a centre though, and has much more experience at 13 than Fitz, albeit not for Leinster.

True,Its a big game for someone whos never played for Leinster to be introduced to though.

On a side note Cheika said it is unlikely that Rocky Elsom will come as he doesnt thing the Australian union will allow him to leave but he said they are still looking for someone,probably a utility foward like Elsom.

Stev_o

dc69 wrote: »

but yet you suggested putting O'Malley at centre who has never even played a senior game for leinster,let alone at 13?

How many games has Fitzgerald played at 13 in the past 2 years? O'Malley plays there so he wont have any confusion as to what his defence duties are.

Seriously what is Fitzgerald then people have said he is a Centre, a Wing, a Fullback and yet he hasnt really nailed down one spot. The fact is he's doing well at wing so thats were he should stay this whole universal back thing isnt associated with great players, he should stop being moved around and just left at wing to let him develop there.

Podge_irl

Stev_o wrote: »

Seriously what is Fitzgerald then people have said he is a Centre, a Wing, a Fullback and yet he hasnt really nailed down one spot. The fact is he's doing well at wing so thats were he should stay this whole universal back thing isnt associated with great players, he should stop being moved around and just left at wing to let him develop there.

He's somewhat restricted by Leinster having 3 fairly decent centres already! He's on the wing to get him on the pitch, but he doesn't really have the required pace and its clear Leinster are missing a player in the vein of Hickie. There are some more clear-cut wings coming into the set-up who would possibly be better in the long-term on the wing than Fitz. I think its reasonably obvious that Fitz has the ability to play centre and there's a lot of potential there, but while there's no need to move him there full-time yet, it would help to get him some experience.

MikeHoncho

I would rather a player at centre who has experience at this level (dont care if its at centre or not) than an under 20's player who has not played senior rugby all season. Its crazy to suggest anything otherwise. Luke is a very talented player and I see no reason for him not to perform especially with the experience of someone like Contepomi inside him.

Sure if they were worried about him definsivley could'nt Shaggy track inside when Munster are in possesion and Fitz move out to cover wing?

Stev_o

Podge_irl wrote: »

He's somewhat restricted by Leinster having 3 fairly decent centres already! He's on the wing to get him on the pitch, but he doesn't really have the required pace and its clear Leinster are missing a player in the vein of Hickie. There are some more clear-cut wings coming into the set-up who would possibly be better in the long-term on the wing than Fitz. I think its reasonably obvious that Fitz has the ability to play centre and there's a lot of potential there, but while there's no need to move him there full-time yet, it would help to get him some experience.

But cant you see that his talent will never be fully used if he's bounced around the backline like he is this season. He is a decent wing he may not have bundles of pace like other wings in Europe or SH he seems to be able to stay on his feet which is a start.

It resembles the situation with Tait in England has good potential has the skills but cant find a position to play in they'v tried him at 13,14,15 and each time he's never settled into the position and had to rotate around its not what you want to be doing with good talent.

If he really and i mean really see's himself as a 13 he either needs to somehow be Leinster's 1st choice 13 or else move to a club which will see him as the 1st 13.

Sangre

he actually sees himself as a fullback apparentely.

i'd agree with most, Fitzgerald would make a much better OC or Fullback than a wing, they suit his talents more. Fitz rarely backs himself to beat the man on the outside, preferring the inside step. however starting at 13 against munster or for ireland is not the way to do it.

John_C

Did O'Malley play on the wing for Belvo against Blackrock in the schools' final about 3 years ago or am I thinking of someone else??

burnedfaceman

yeah he did

zAbbo

Stev_o wrote: »

Seriously what is Fitzgerald then people have said he is a Centre, a Wing, a Fullback and yet he hasnt really nailed down one spot. .

He has all the attributes to be a potential class act at centre, and it's a position where I'd like to see him play more.

We know he's got a good step, speed, trickery and a decent boot, lets see if he has the defensive credentials as well.

It should be commended testing Fitzgerald in the centre and giving him game time there, Leinster have a number of talented backs coming through, but are a little light at 12/13

John_C

burnedfaceman wrote: »

yeah he did

Thanks.

On the basis of having seen him once, and three years ago, I'm happy for him to start tomorrow.

figs86

John_C wrote: »

Did O'Malley play on the wing for Belvo against Blackrock in the schools' final about 3 years ago or am I thinking of someone else??

O Malley played at 12 and stepping in at out half at times during the game when he played in 5th year - 2005
and then at 12/13 when in 6th year - 2006

Diamondmaker

Cant wait for this game, Im gonna watch in unusual circumstances on my damn lap top at 4am or something. Its just the worst time...just too late to stay up for and just too early to get up early for!

Scootay

Leinster team:
15: Girvan Dempsey
14: Shane Horgan
13: Luke Fitzgerald
12: Felipe Contepomi
11: Rob Kearney
10: Jonathan Sexton
9: Chris Whitaker

1: Ollie le Roux
2: Bernard Jackman
3: Stan Wright
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN
5: Malcolm O’Kelly
6: Shane Jennings
7: Keith Gleeson
8: Jamie Heaslip

REPLACEMENTS FROM: Brian Blaney, Cian Healy, Stephen Knoop, Trevor Hogan, Stephen Keogh, Chris Keane, Eoin O’Malley, Michael Berne, Gary Brown

More than good enough to do the job in my opinion.

marco_polo

Or is it

Munster Team Announced:

D Hurely

D Howlett, L Mafi, R Tipoki, I Dowling

R O'Gara capt, P Stringer;

T Buckley, J Flannery, J Hayes

D O'Callaghan, M O'Driscoll

A Quinlan, D leamy, A Foley.

Replacements: F Sheahan, F Pucciariello, P O'Connell, N Ronan, T O'Leary, P Warwick, K Lewis.

Scootay

Munster Team:
15: D Hurely;
14: D Howlett,
13: L Mafi,
12: R Tipoki,
11: I Dowling;
10: R O'Gara capt,
9: P Stringer;

1: T Buckley,
2: J Flannery,
3: J Hayes;
4: D O'Callaghan,
5: M O'Driscoll;
6: A Quinlan,
7: D Leamy,
8: A Foley.

Replacements: F Sheahan, F Pucciariello, P O'Connell, N Ronan, T O'Leary, P Warwick, K Lewis.

Should be a cracking game and it's good to see Leinster will be beating a strong Munster team instead of a second string one. I guess the team, unlike some of the fans, are taking it seriously.

Just beat me too it Marco.

marco_polo

Scootay wrote: »

Munster Team:

Should be a cracking game and it's good to see Leinster will be beating a strong Munster team instead of a second string one. I guess the team, unlike some of the fans, are taking it seriously.

Just beat me too it Marco.

Have to get the excuses in just in case we lose

So glad I manged to score a ticket it is going to be a cracker.

zAbbo

What happened to all that bigger fish to fry bull**** that was being spouted earlier.

Both teams full strength, should be a cracker

thehighground

marco_polo wrote: »

Have to get the excuses in just in case we lose

So glad I manged to score a ticket it is going to be a cracker.

Me too (getting a ticket). Hope the weather keeps up now - the weather for the last game in Musgrave just didn't suit Munster

MikeHoncho

This is going to be brilliant. So glad all the previous posters were proved wrong about Munsters priorities. Should be a really tight game and the atmosphere should be unbelievable.

escobar

MikeHoncho wrote: »

This is going to be brilliant. So glad all the previous posters were proved wrong about Munsters priorities. Should be a really tight game and the atmosphere should be unbelievable.

Agreed Toomevara and Stev_o for instance should hang their heads in shame. Anyways... if you support a league in competition with the Magners you'd probably be belittling it too.....

dc69

cheika must have been watching the thread and gave Fitz a 13 spot:)

lest just hope Ti-Poki doesnt take his eye out:(

Stev_o

escobar wrote: »

Agreed Toomevara and Stev_o for instance should hang their heads in shame. Anyways... if you support a league in competition with the Magners you'd probably be belittling it too.....

Nah i prefer my head the way it is thank you very much

Podge_irl

Wasn't expecting to see Fitz at 13, but delighted nonetheless. Will be a good test against Munster's midfield.

zAbbo

I know there's a bit of rivalry and winding up going on, but I just want to watch a good tense game of rugby with my two favourite teams.

I do think it's a bit of an insult the way some Munster fans assumed that Kidney would take the game lightly, which was a bit of a cop out.

Lets just hope the weather holds up, It's drizzling right now in D4.

Can't wait to watch Dougie Howlett play !!

RuggieBear

delighted to see decent teams fielded.

Fitzgerald is still a liability in defence. Munster should be aiming to exploit him.

Crash

Very much looking forward to it, hopefully the weather will stay decent, but i'll have to go hunting for my rain jacket methinks

Its gonna be a big test for Luke alright, fingers crossed for him.

Podge_irl

RuggieBear wrote: »

Fitzgerald is still a liability in defence. Munster should be aiming to exploit him.

Mafi isn't rock solid in defence either. I'd be happier with one of D'arcy or O'Driscoll there, but at least Fitz has Conters beside him.

bleg

Podge_irl wrote: »

Mafi isn't rock solid in defence either.

what does he have to do to get rid of this assumption? he was a bit dodgy when he first came over but his defence these days is absolutely class. some of the hits he has been putting in have been unreal. his scramble defence is exceptional too.

thehighground

Podge_irl wrote: »

Mafi isn't rock solid in defence either. I'd be happier with one of D'arcy or O'Driscoll there, but at least Fitz has Conters beside him.

But those he have pace. Mafi saving 4 points here - and Hook is no slouch either!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=_1ZY4U2MJec

and as you can see here, Mafi tackles anything that moves

http://youtube.com/watch?v=f5WS8psbtI4

Podge_irl

bleg wrote: »

some of the hits he has been putting in have been unreal. his scramble defence is exceptional too.

His tackling is absolutely fine, but he still makes the odd positional error. Mafi seemingly is being switched to OC for the game too, interesting to see if that makes any difference.

and Hook is no slouch either!

Indeed, but Mafi is chasing down Peel in that clip

bleg

Podge_irl wrote: »

His tackling is absolutely fine, but he still makes the odd positional error.

who doesn't?

his defence this season has been top notch.

thehighground

dc69 wrote: »

cheika must have been watching the thread and gave Fitz a 13 spot:)

lest just hope Ti-Poki doesnt take his eye out:(

Lets hope Tipoki isn't wondering if Fitz has picked up a few bad habits from Darce

http://youtube.com/watch?v=lRZRQI_69OQ

thehighground

Podge_irl wrote: »

Indeed, but Mafi is chasing down Peel in that clip

and Peel is definately no slouch :cool:

RuggieBear

OT: that was such a BS decsion too...if it was a yellow card (imo it wasn't) then it should have been a penalty try too.

Podge_irl

bleg wrote: »

who doesn't?

his defence this season has been top notch.

It was him running up out of the line too quickly that led to Leinster's try against Munster in Musgrave.

thehighground

Podge_irl wrote: »

It was him running up out of the line too quickly that led to Leinster's try against Munster in Musgrave.

:rolleyes: Wouldn't mind that. That was only a training match for the HCup match the following week.

bleg

Podge_irl wrote: »

It was him running up out of the line too quickly that led to Leinster's try against Munster in Musgrave.

yea, who doesn't get into a bad positional decision from time to time? i'm agreeing with you, but overall his defence this season has been excellent.