Leinster squad v Scarlets, this Saturday 5:30 kickoff.

barnesd

No Chris Whitaker, Chris Keane, CJ Van der Linde or Bernard Jackman.

FORWARDS (15): Cian Healy, Ronan McCormack, Brian Blaney, John Fogarty, Stephen Knoop, Stan Wright, Trevor Hogan, Cameron Jowitt, Malcolm O’Kelly, Devin Toner, Rocky Elsom, Kevin McLaughlin, Shane Jennings, Sean O’Brien, Stephen Keogh

BACKS (10): Simon Keogh, Paul O’Donohoe, Isa Nacewa, Jonathan Sexton, Gary Brown, Felipe Contepomi, Gordon D’Arcy, Fergus McFadden, Shane Horgan, Girvan Dempsey

I'd like to see a team of:
Healy
Fogarty
Wright
Toner
MOK
Elsom
Jennings
O'Brien
POD
Contepomi
Keogh
D'Arcy
McFadden
Horgan
Dempsey

Podge_irl

It looks like Nacewa and Sexton have been named as the fly-halves given the way the squad is listed. I hope Sexton starts, but its pretty damn unlikely.

I'd like to see something along the lines of

Healy
Fogarty
Knoop
Toner
MOK
Elsom
Jennings
O'Brien
O'Donoghue
Sexton
Keogh
Contempomi
D'Arcy
Horgan
Dempsey

Stev_o

Podge_irl wrote: »

It looks like Nacewa and Sexton have been named as the fly-halves given the way the squad is listed. I hope Sexton starts, but its pretty damn unlikely.

I'd like to see something along the lines of

Healy
Fogarty
Knoop
Toner
MOK
Elsom
Jennings
O'Brien
O'Donoghue
Sexton
Keogh
Contempomi
D'Arcy
Horgan
Dempsey

Great for O'Donoghue to get the call up hopefully now with a decent 9 they can get moving but the headaches begin at 10 >_<

[Jackass]

Word is O'Donoghue is starting at 9.

My prefered team:
1. Healy
2. Fogarty
3. Wright
4. O'Kelly
5. Toner
6. O'Brien
7. Jennings
8. Elsom

9. O'Donoghue
10. Contepomi
11. Keogh
12. D'Arcy
13. Nacewa
14. Horgan
15. Dempsey

Pretty decent! I reckon D'Arcy will get a full 80 at 12 (IRFU hand in that) which means Contepomi / Nacewa / Sexton for 10, which I think will go to Contepomi as EVEN IF Cheika still want's Nacewa there he needs him to fill out the rest of the backline, so right choice No.10 by default, but really is exciting (assuming the selection is along these lines) to get the likes of D'Arcy back in 12 which solves major problems for OH, Nacewa into a position of being able to concentrate on running the ball and working his magic (when he's run the ball this season he's been superb, just hasn't been able to do nearly enough as he should be, wasted at 10) also didn't hear anything about Whitaker being injured, so hopefully this is Cheika finally deciding we need to explore other options at 9 and also good for fringe players like Dempsey and Horgan to get game time.

Also will be interesting to see what Cheika does in the backrow. I'd prefer to see O'Brien at 6 (his future position imo) and Elsom at 8 as he's a complete monster and ball carrying is superb, but I reckon Cheika will stick with Elsom at 6, which leaves Keogh / O'Brien for 8. O'Brien would do excellent at 8, again great physical presence, mobile and great ball carrier, but I fear Keogh will get the nod (be bold Checks, please, experiment).

Wright has been poor this season, wouldn't be surpries to see Knoop ahead of him, shame no Cullen back yet and surprised Jackman wasn't released, he's been superb for us all season, but Fogarty has been an excellent signing as cover.

Big game for O'Donoghue (if correct and he starts), can really hold his hand up here and show that Keane and Whitts just aren't up to it. Worse case scenario Keogh starts at 9, which isn't a bad thing at all as I've been hoping for that all season. Quick, snipey player, haven't seen him at 9, but if he's good at getting the ball away quick and picks the right options and has a decent boot on him (which i think he does) he could seriously cement that place as we're screaming for someone to be given an oppertunity at 9 and step up. Whoever starts at 9 I hope they have a cracker.

Could be a very strong selection and hopefully with a few of the right players starting in the right positions we could really see some exciting stuff and open up new avenues for selection.

The key to that whole backline is O'Donoghue at 9. If Keogh starts 9 you've got to move someone to 11, probably Nacewa, then D'Arcy probably to 13, Contepomi out to 12 and bring Sexton in at 10 and the backline is just a lot more makeshift then. O'Donoghue is a massive call, hope I've heard right and he starts, he deserves his shot.

Crash

Funny, i'd disagree with you on a few there.

team I could see taking the pitch:

1. Healy
2. Fogarty
3. Wright
4. O'Kelly
5. Toner
6. Elsom
7. O'Brien/Jennings(depending on fitness)
8. Keogh

9. O'Donoghue (if thats the rumour at the mo)
10. Sexton
11. Keogh
12. D'Arcy
13. Hmmm ok this is the only area i'm not sure. I don't see Nacewa starting 13, when did Contepomi ever play 13? You could see a Conters 12, D'arc 13 moment.
14. Horgan
15. Dempsey/Nacewa

16. Knoop
17. Blaney
18. Hogan
19. Jennings/O'Brien
20. Gary Brown
21. Fergus McFadden
22. Dempsey/Nacewa

Cullen, by the way, should be back for Quins, apparently.

Noopti

Going Waterforward wrote: »

Funny, i'd disagree with you on a few there.

team I could see taking the pitch:

1. Healy
2. Fogarty
3. Wright
4. O'Kelly
5. Toner
6. Elsom
7. O'Brien/Jennings(depending on fitness)
8. Keogh

9. O'Donoghue (if thats the rumour at the mo)
10. Sexton
11. Keogh
12. D'Arcy
13. Hmmm ok this is the only area i'm not sure. I don't see Nacewa starting 13, when did Contepomi ever play 13? You could see a Conters 12, D'arc 13 moment.
14. Horgan
15. Dempsey/Nacewa

16. Knoop
17. Blaney
18. Hogan
19. Jennings/O'Brien
20. Gary Brown
21. Fergus McFadden
22. Dempsey/Nacewa

Cullen, by the way, should be back for Quins, apparently.

Please let that team play!

barnesd

Keogh should be on the bench if the other 3 backrows are fit.

Crash

Should, seriously doubt he will though.

Ceartgoleor

Is Simon Keogh being considered an option at scrum half?

barnesd

Word on the street is PO'D is starting. Though I can't verify, could just be lies.

Ceartgoleor

barnesd wrote: »

Word on the street is PO'D is starting. Though I can't verify, could just be lies.

O'Donoghue is the only recognised scrum half in the whole squad though, so I assume Keogh must be considered an option there off the bench or in case of injury

Podge_irl

Keogh played scrummie for Quins a number of times I believe. He was signed as wing/scrum-half cover.

[Jackass]

I was amazed when I saw Cheika focusing on Keogh as a winger. Not that I'm complaining, he does a very good job there, but I was certain that this guy was being brought in as genuine competition for Whitakers Jersey, but Keane remained second choice 9 which seemed bizzare.

Keogh has a fair bit of experience at 9 from his Quins days, although he was primarily a winger there too, I don't know what he's like as a 9, but I really want to find out!!

RtD

From BBC:

Scarlets: Morgan Stoddart; Darren Daniel, Regan King, Jon Davies, Matthew Jacobs; Rhys Priestland, Martin Roberts; Iestyn Thomas, Ken Owens, Deacon Manu, Lou Reed, Dominic Day, Vernon Cooper, David Lyons, Simon Easterby (capt).
Replacements: Phil John, Mahonri Schwalger, Josh Turnbull, Rob McCusker, Gavin Cattle, Gavin Evans, Ceiron Thomas.

Leinster: Girvan Dempsey, Shane Horgan, Fergus McFadden, Gordon D'Arcy, Isa Nacewa, Felipe Contepomi, Paul O'Donohoe, Cian Healy, Brian Blaney, Stan Wright; Trevor Hogan, Malcolm O'Kelly; Cameron Jowitt, Shane Jennings (captain), Rocky Elsom.
Replacements: Bernard Jackman, Ronan McCormack, Devin Toner, Stephen Keogh, Simon Keogh, Jonathan Sexton, Gary Brown.

Stev_o

How long is O'Brien out with injury??? Looks like a capable squad to get the win though id say the pack looks a bit weak.

irishbucsfan

Stev_o wrote: »

id say the pack looks a bit weak.

Well... I'd disagree with you there. The pack looks far stronger to me than the backs. Two strong props with a decent Hooker (not a great hooker, granted) experienced second row and extremely disruptive and athletic back row.

Untried scrumhalf and two centers who haven't played regularly for Leinster this season and Nacewa on the wing is pretty weak in the backs. Obviously not terrible, but we're really relying on D'arcy and Contepomi to bring some flair to what could otherwise be a pretty boring backline. And maybe McFadden could bring some explosivity.



It'd be interesting (and horrifying) if Contepomi picked up a knock early on and the team were forced to make a change at outhalf... What happens? Bring on Sexton at OH (simple enough switch)? or We could bring on Brown or Keogh to the wing and Nacewa into OH. In either case who kicks, McFadden, Sexton or someone else? Hopefully we won't have to find out.

Also, is McCormack 100% these days?

barnesd

I think the pack is fairly weak to be honest. Blaney, Hogan and Jowitt just aren't of the standard you need for a team looking to win trophies. If Sean O'Brien isn't injured Cheika has made an absolutely bizzare selection there.

Glad to see young lads like McFadden and POD given a shot though, really hope POD goes well.

Overall I'd say Scarlets by 5-10. As long as Leinster SCORE A DAMN TRY I won't be too upset.

irishbucsfan

irishbucsfan wrote: »

It'd be interesting (and horrifying) if Contepomi picked up a knock early on and the team were forced to make a change at outhalf... What happens? Bring on Sexton at OH (simple enough switch)? or We could bring on Brown or Keogh to the wing and Nacewa into OH. In either case who kicks, McFadden, Sexton or someone else? Hopefully we won't have to find out.

Also, is McCormack 100% these days?

O'Donoghue could move to 10 and keogh to 9.

ongarite

Match is on S4C, Sky Channel 134. You can get English commentary by pressing the Red Button.

copacetic

I'm getting 'this programme cannot be received' on setanta sports 2 and no sat signal on S4C.

Had it fine for first 5 mins of game on setanta. anyone with same issues?

ALH-06

Any live feed?

copacetic

copacetic wrote: »

I'm getting 'this programme cannot be received' on setanta sports 2 and no sat signal on S4C.

Had it fine for first 5 mins of game on setanta. anyone with same issues?

it was on setanta ireland, not setanta sports 2.

cruiserweight

Game looks to be over after 25 minutes

cruiserweight

cruiserweight wrote: »

Game looks to be over after 25 minutes

Maybe I spoke to soon

copacetic

cruiserweight wrote: »

Game looks to be over after 25 minutes

but not after 35, 20-10 ahead isn't game over.

yeraulone

ALH-06 wrote: »

Any live feed?

did you find any?

ALH-06

yeraulone wrote: »

did you find any?

No. Goddamm Sky box isn't working, I'm so pissed off!

Was really looking forward to seeing how POD, Darcy get on...

crisco10

Anybody else think the Ref is making up Knock ons?

Think this match is on a knife edge to be honest..could turn into a try fest at either end.

copacetic

crisco10 wrote: »

Anybody else think the Ref is making up Knock ons?

Think this match is on a knife edge to be honest..could turn into a try fest at either end.

no, he has actually missed some if anything.

That's a shocking decision though, that was 50/50.

crisco10

that was a shocking decision for the penalty.

I hate giving refs stick but this guy is pretty poor.

Leinster need to cop on to the lineout offside though. thats the second time they have been caught out on that..

Priestland struggling to kick snow off a rope at the moment also

juvenal

Balls, another Scarlets try, converted, having been camped up inside the Leinster 22 for the past few minutes.

53mins: Scarlets 17 Leinster 23

Game on now.

crisco10

Lovely Leinster Try.

17-28

Great line by Horgan and Jennings..

juvenal

Nice break by Horgan and support by Sexton and Jennings showed some nice pace to finish. Contepomi shaves the outside of the post with the conversion.

63mins: Scarlets 17 Leinster 28

juvenal

Contepomi penalty adds another three points onto the Leinster scoreboard.

64mins: Scarlets 17 Leinster 31.

juvenal

10mins for Dr Phil in the póca peacai for not releasing the tackler before contesting for the ball.

crisco10

Leinster very fortunate to get a peno there. Lets them clear their lines. Gary Brown on at 6! :eek:

RuggieBear

the ref is very....inconsistent.

crisco10

RuggieBear wrote: »

the ref is very....inconsistent.

understatement there! and Pearson is not usually a terrible ref..

c'mon Leinster hold out!

RuggieBear

he's unbelievable tbh
it's andy mcphearson (sp?) btw

crisco10

OK THAT LAST PENALTY WAS TAKING THE PISS!!!!!!

what was keogh supposed to do let go of his ankle?!!?!?!?!

juvenal

Sh*te - no bonus point, but good result away from home. Leinster go back top of the league, for the moment.

Full-time: Scarlets 17 Leinster 31

RuggieBear

and he ends it by signalling scrum to them when their player didn't roll away and we had contepomi binned for the same offense seemingly (a textbook steal imo).

another rubbish ref from scotland

Stev_o

Great win considering it's 6N time.

On a slightly bad note D'Arcy still does not look ready to being playing at 12 was very poor tonight but that can be expected, thought McFadden had a good game aswell great for him and POD and Keogh looked much much much better then Whitaker and Keane.

crisco10

Yeah, good result.

They needed to win the game all the same, the game was a bit all over the place so as well to play it tight enough.

Good Performers:

Elsom, Dempsey, Jennings.


Sexton did very well for the 3rd try. Great aggressive out half running. Reminded me of Contepomi in Toulouse 06.



Ok, the ref. Is there anybody I can write to complain about him? He missed soooo many things for both sides. Leinster got some very generous decisions in their own 22. Conters yellow was a farce. He missed a lot of playing on the ground!

crisco10

RuggieBear wrote: »

he's unbelievable tbh
it's andy mcphearson (sp?) btw

yeah, thought i heard the commentator say Pearson. Although, according to him Elstrom was playing at 8 for Leinster!

RuggieBear

i'd have taken the result before the game but both teams were quite poor tbh.

Elsom is brilliant. I'll be gutted if/when he leaves at the end of the season...the amount of go forward ball he generates has been vital to leinster all season.

sexton did great for the last try

agree about darcy he looks solid but not quite there yet

POD was suprisingly handy. bit of a step with the pass but then so do keane/whitiker.

Orizio

Elsom was the best player on the pitch I think. Jennings was also excellent, Nacewa had some class moments, and O'Donoghue was very solid.

Crash

Standouts: POD, Elsom, Jennings, Darcy to an extent. I was impressed with his workrate, always the first man chasing, took two or three good hits off chase ball, but seemed to fade in and out.

Geniunely a terrible referee though, counted 6 forward passes that would have been called up by any other ref between the two teams.

fifth

I thought nacewa was really fitting into the game tonight finding his groove.. Conters very good as he has been lately, very consistent.

Bit disappointed to see that bit of bad blood between healy and easterby very frustrating. Overall a decent win considering 6N going on right now.. shame about bonus point.

Funny when the ref got a ball in the face though.. :P

Podge_irl

Orizio wrote: »

Elsom was the best player on the pitch I think.

Pretty much the norm for Leinster games. He really is ridiculously good. I hope he stays on for next year.

barnesd

Podge_irl wrote: »

Pretty much the norm for Leinster games. He really is ridiculously good. I hope he stays on for next year.

Arguably the best 6 in the world imo, anyway definitely the best player on the park tonigth. Can't see him at Leinster next season, he want to play for Aus.