Edinburgh V Leinster 17/04/09 kick off 19.45.

funky penguin

Squad Announced:

Forwards : Ollie le Roux, Ronan McCormack, Brian Blaney, John Fogarty, Jason Harris-Wright, Jamie Hagan, Stephen Knoop, Leo Cullen, Trevor Hogan, Devin Toner, Cameron Jowitt, Sean O’Brien, Stephen Keogh, Kevin McLaughlin

Backs : Chris Keane, Paul O’Donohoe, Isa Nacewa, Ian McKinley, Simon Keogh, Gordon D’Arcy, Eamonn Sheridan, Kyle Tonetti, Fergus McFadden, Gary Brown, Shane Horgan, Girvan Dempsey, Niall Morris


http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/rugby/2009/0415/1224244771653.html


So, its Heineken cup all the way it seems.

Hopefully though this will be a good opportunity for the likes of McFadden and O'Donohoe to impress (well....impress more).

barnesd

If there wasn't a 5 day turnaround from Leinsters most physical game of the season I'm sure you'd see a lot more first choice players. The selection against Glasgow next week will be interesting too.

Anyway looking forward to seeing some of these young guys playing. I hope McKinley starts at 10, he has a lot of talent.

funky penguin

Oooo yeah, forgot about that. 5 days isn't that long, and considering the physicality of the quins match....

+1 on McKinley

But why do I get the feeling Nacewa will start there...

barnesd

funky penguin wrote: »

Oooo yeah, forgot about that. 5 days isn't that long, and considering the physicality of the quins match....

+1 on McKinley

But why do I get the feeling Nacewa will start there...

I reckon we'll see Nacewa too. Considering he definitely won't be starting against Munster I can't think of a good reason for him to though.

Podge_irl

Would like to see Hagan, Toner, POD and MacFadden all start. It's certainly going to be an interesting team anyway, good opportunity for some of the younger lads.

wixfjord

barnesd wrote: »

I reckon we'll see Nacewa too. Considering he definitely won't be starting against Munster I can't think of a good reason for him to though.

Is this referring to nacewa or mckinley? Cos nacewa seems to be in pole position for the one backs spot not nailed down atm.

thomond2006

Leinster should win, Edinburgh are sh1te. Getting a BP without their star player to stay in touch with Munster, that's a different matter.

imo without BOD in the squad, MC has given up on the ML.

Stev_o

thomond2006 wrote: »

Leinster should win, Edinburgh are sh1te. Getting a BP without their star player to stay in touch with Munster, that's a different matter.

imo without BOD in the squad, MC has given up on the ML.

BOD hasn't been setting the ML alight.........nor have Leinster's general play. It's been a dogged campaign and i hope with this injection of youth we may see them throw the ball around more intelligently. Also when all of a sudden have Edinburgh become ****e?

Podge_irl

thomond2006 wrote: »

Leinster should win, Edinburgh are sh1te. Getting a BP without their star player to stay in touch with Munster, that's a different matter.

imo without BOD in the squad, MC has given up on the ML.

Its 5 days after what looked like one of the toughest matches most of the players would ever have been through. Its not surprising that he's naming a squad like this.

barnesd

Podge_irl wrote: »

Its 5 days after what looked like one of the toughest matches most of the players would ever have been through. Its not surprising that he's naming a squad like this.

With the league all but gone it's a great idea to test out some of the young lads too. For example giving more young OHs a run is essential for Irish rugby as a whole. Jamie Hagan is a young TH too, and we're not awash with them.

I find it a bit nuts that Healy has gone from a few games here and there to being rested before a HEC semi. Shows how far he's come. I was talking to a couple of Quins fans before the game, they could hardly believe we had a 21 year old prop who was pretty much first choice.

funky penguin

thomond2006 wrote: »

Leinster should win, Edinburgh are sh1te. Getting a BP without their star player to stay in touch with Munster, that's a different matter.

imo without BOD in the squad, MC has given up on the ML.

Edinburgh are not bad. Deadly team in Murrayfield.

I'd imagine BOD ain't playing because of his neck. Rather a 100% BOD against Munster than 70%.

[Jackass]

I think it's perfectly understandable to name a squad like this. People can't keep harping back to the old days and trying to put the ML down (not suggesting it's the intention of anybody here), you have to manage your squad in all competitions and there is no question Leinster are out for the ML this year - it's been blatantly clear that Munster have (although making a bad squad call in Ulster when they underestimated them, a mistkae they didn't make since - even lost will full strength at home to the same players) and Ospreys too (who have had strong teams all year but were cursed with injury and plagued by under performances) - which is brilliant and all teams have been putting out their best sides - the shame is that Cardiff aren't in the race, but even with a HEC Semi-Final and an EDF final, they have played strong teams in the league all year, but just don't have the depth and have put in some muck performances to be where they are - next season with play-offs though I think Leinster, Munster, Ospreys & Cardiff will all be up there - that's when the league will really take off. (especially with hopefully revised European Qualification standards when 2 Italian teams are introduced the following season).

Back on topic - I think Leinster can get away with a squad like this - Munster wont have it easy, all be it at home, to Connacht and call me blindly optomistic, but Munster will either have to name a much under strength team to give better recovory time - which means Connacht are 100% in with a shout of an upset - or name a stronger squad and risk injury on tired bodies...

I think Leinster youth aren't given enough of a chance and there are some great players in that squad that I'll be looking forward to seeing at this level...just hope enough of them get a run..

My predicted Cheika team:

1. McCormack
2. Fogarty
3. Le Roux
4. Cullen (Capt)
5. Hogan
6. Jowitt
7. O'Brien
8. Keogh

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

What I would LIKE to see!!

1. Hagan
2. Fogarty
3. Knoop
4. Cullen
5. Toner
6. Jowitt
7. McLaughlin
8. O'Brien

9. O'Donohoe
10. Tonetti
11. Keogh
12. D'Arcy
13. McFadden
14. Nacewa
15. Dempsey

Particularly Tonetti - Admitedly haven't seen it first hand, but is supposed to be completely taking the p!ss at out-half in the AIL - best 10 in the competition and he's 22 now - needs to be given his oppertunity - don't want another Keatley on our hands! (although Zzipy, if Keatley comes back you can have Tonetti - would that be cool?? )

Disapointed O'Malley isn't in the squad, would have liked to see him get a game at 12 along side McFadden.

Podge_irl

[Jackass] wrote: »

What I would LIKE to see!!

1. Hagan
2. Fogarty
3. Knoop
4. Cullen
5. Toner
6. Jowitt
7. McLaughlin
8. O'Brien

9. O'Donohoe
10. Tonetti
11. Keogh
12. D'Arcy
13. McFadden
14. Nacewa
15. Dempsey

Hagan is a tighthead is he not? Also I thought McLaughlin is more of an 8 then a 7 as well, would make more sense to switch him and O'Brien. I agree on outhalf though, I don't really mind if its Tonetti or McKinley, but I'd hope its not Nacewa.

[Jackass]

Podge_irl wrote: »

Hagan is a tighthead is he not? Also I thought McLaughlin is more of an 8 then a 7 as well, would make more sense to switch him and O'Brien. I agree on outhalf though, I don't really mind if its Tonetti or McKinley, but I'd hope its not Nacewa.

Possibly right on Hagan - numbers on props backs was never my strong point

Pretty sure McLaughlin is an out and out 7 though! Plus I'd love to see O'Brien at 8 (and 6). The lad should be put in the mould of Rocky, what better man to learn off while we have him!! O'Brien should be worked on to play anywhere accross the back row, but I think he's more of a 6 or 8 than a 7 so would love to see some game time there..but good if he could play all 3.

Jennings has his good days, but if we're talking war of attrition here - there isn't a more powerful back row than Rocky, O'Brien & Heaslip - would love to see that combo coming into play - probably next season at this stage..

barnesd

[Jackass] wrote: »

Possibly right on Hagan - numbers on props backs was never my strong point

Pretty sure McLaughlin is an out and out 7 though! Plus I'd love to see O'Brien at 8 (and 6). The lad should be put in the mould of Rocky, what better man to learn off while we have him!! O'Brien should be worked on to play anywhere accross the back row, but I think he's more of a 6 or 8 than a 7 so would love to see some game time there..but good if he could play all 3.

Jennings has his good days, but if we're talking war of attrition here - there isn't a more powerful back row than Rocky, O'Brien & Heaslip - would love to see that combo coming into play - probably next season at this stage..

McLaughlin has played 8 and 6 for Leinster but don't think he's a 7 at all.

Dev7

[Jackass] wrote: »

I think it's perfectly understandable to name a squad like this. People can't keep harping back to the old days and trying to put the ML down (not suggesting it's the intention of anybody here), you have to manage your squad in all competitions and there is no question Leinster are out for the ML this year - it's been blatantly clear that Munster have (although making a bad squad call in Ulster when they underestimated them, a mistkae they didn't make since - even lost will full strength at home to the same players) and Ospreys too (who have had strong teams all year but were cursed with injury and plagued by under performances) - which is brilliant and all teams have been putting out their best sides - the shame is that Cardiff aren't in the race, but even with a HEC Semi-Final and an EDF final, they have played strong teams in the league all year, but just don't have the depth and have put in some muck performances to be where they are - next season with play-offs though I think Leinster, Munster, Ospreys & Cardiff will all be up there - that's when the league will really take off. (especially with hopefully revised European Qualification standards when 2 Italian teams are introduced the following season).

Back on topic - I think Leinster can get away with a squad like this - Munster wont have it easy, all be it at home, to Connacht and call me blindly optomistic, but Munster will either have to name a much under strength team to give better recovory time - which means Connacht are 100% in with a shout of an upset - or name a stronger squad and risk injury on tired bodies...

I think Leinster youth aren't given enough of a chance and there are some great players in that squad that I'll be looking forward to seeing at this level...just hope enough of them get a run..

My predicted Cheika team:

1. McCormack
2. Fogarty
3. Le Roux
4. Cullen (Capt)
5. Hogan
6. Jowitt
7. O'Brien
8. Keogh

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

What I would LIKE to see!!

1. Hagan
2. Fogarty
3. Knoop
4. Cullen
5. Toner
6. Jowitt
7. McLaughlin
8. O'Brien

9. O'Donohoe
10. Tonetti
11. Keogh
12. D'Arcy
13. McFadden
14. Nacewa
15. Dempsey

Particularly Tonetti - Admitedly haven't seen it first hand, but is supposed to be completely taking the p!ss at out-half in the AIL - best 10 in the competition and he's 22 now - needs to be given his oppertunity - don't want another Keatley on our hands! (although Zzipy, if Keatley comes back you can have Tonetti - would that be cool?? )

Disapointed O'Malley isn't in the squad, would have liked to see him get a game at 12 along side McFadden.

Eoin O' Malleys injured, out for the rest of the season.

John_C

There's no way LeRoux will start.

barnesd

John_C wrote: »

There's no way LeRoux will start.

I desperately hope you're correct. He should only play if it's absolutely necessary.

funky penguin

Magners League : Shane Horgan will start on the right wing in a Leinster backline which features fellow Ireland internationals Girvan Dempsey and Gordon D'Arcy, who partners Fergus McFadden at centre for tomorrow’s Magners League encounter at Murrayfield.

In the pack, Sean O'Brien forms a backrow partnership with Cameron Jowitt and Stephen Keogh. Ireland duo Trevor Hogan and captain Leo Cullen start in the secondrow for Leinster's second away trip in five days.

"There's a lot of confidence in the squad right now,” said O’Brien. “The Harlequins win has given us a lift and we know that the real hard work starts now. There are a few places up for grabs so the message for those of us who weren't involved last week is that we will have to work hard to get into the team.

"The work ethic in the team has been strong all season and over the last few months we have fight hard to win tight games. Personally, this year has gone well.

Of his own situation O’Brien is happy to be involved at this level. "I have enjoyed getting a run of games and being involved in big games, like the Wasps victory at home, gave me a taste of the level that's required. It's up to us this weekend to make a mark and take our chances.

"We have come up against tough teams throughout the league and Edinburgh will be formidable opponents on Friday. (Mike) Blair is a big threat and he really gets their backline moving. Their pack is very strong and we will have to match them up front if we are to get anything from the game.

"We've got to go over to Edinburgh and be positive and strong-minded. If we believe in ourselves and perform to the best of our ability, then we will be in contention and it is vital that we front up from the off."

Elsewhere Connacht announced a 26-man squad ahead of their match against leaders Munster at Thomond Park on Saturday (kick off: 7.30pm).

In the backs, Daniel Riordan, Aidan Wynne and Mel Deane have all been called up to the squad, while up front David Nolan and David Gannon are added as Connacht prepare to head for Limerick on Saturday.

The starting XV will be finalised at midday tomorrow.

Leinster (v Edinburgh): G Dempsey, S Horgan, F McFadden, G D'Arcy, S Keogh, I Nacewa, C Keane, R McCormack, J Fogarty, S Knoop, L Cullen (C), T Hogan, C Jowitt, S O'Brien, S Keogh. Replacements: B Blaney, O le Roux, D Toner, K McLaughlin, P O'Donohoe, I McKinley, G Brown

Connacht squad : L Bibo, A Browne, F Carr, S Cronin, M Deane, G Duffy, A Dunne, A Farley, A Flavin, D Gannon, I Keatley, R Loughney, B McGovern, J Muldoon, F Murphy, T Nathan, D Nolan, J O’Connor, R Ofisa, C O’Loughlin, C Rigney, D Riordan, M Swift, N Ta’auso, B Wilkinson, A Wynne.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/rugby/2009/0416/1224244864821.html


Bah.

buck65

Not a selection to inspire fear into the opposition, Edinburgh should win this one thus securing the league for Munster (assuming they beat Connacht). There could be a 10-12 point gap come Saturday night and Munster would have to lose all their remaining games to drop the cup. Saying that they have a tough test away to Cardiff next week.

Stev_o

Why o'why won't Cheika just experiment and give some youth a chance, these guys would be dying to put on the jersey and represent their province they'd hardly let the team down but instead he goes with the most bland selection yet again.

anonymous_joe

Not a huge surprise, giving all the squad players a run out instead of youth.

Must be tough on the Hogans and Keoghs in fairness, the lads who never get to play week in week out.

accensi0n

Did Toner sleep with Chieka's wife or something? He was great in every game he played before Christmas...

Podge_irl

Chris ****ing Keane? Why the hell not start POD?

gearstick

suprised at McKinleys inclusion to be honest, considering the fact that when he was playin for Ireland u20s, probably the highest level he has played, he was playing 13, not 10, where as Madigan had some brilliant performances at 10.

thomond2006

LEINSTER:

15: Girvan Dempsey
14: Shane Horgan
13: Fergus McFadden
12: Gordon D'Arcy
11: Simon Keogh
10: Isa Nacewa
9: Chris Keane

1: Ronan McCormack
2: John Fogarty
3: Stephen Knoop
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN
5: Trevor Hogan
6: Cameron Jowitt
7: Sean O'Brien
8: Stephen Keogh

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Brian Blaney
17: Ollie le Roux
18: Devin Toner
19: Kevin McLaughlin
20: Paul O'Donohoe
21: Ian McKinley
22: Gary Brown

Will Isa Nacewa be the goal Kicker??

Jaysus, Brian Blaney has really slipped down the pecking order. 3rd choice hooker.
Surely he can't be just living off that. Do players who get little game (i.e. less paid) need another part time job to support themselves?
Was he 1st choice hooker for Munster Leinster SF 06 or was he covering an injury?

Stev_o

thomond2006 wrote: »

LEINSTER:

15: Girvan Dempsey
14: Shane Horgan
13: Fergus McFadden
12: Gordon D'Arcy
11: Simon Keogh
10: Isa Nacewa
9: Chris Keane

1: Ronan McCormack
2: John Fogarty
3: Stephen Knoop
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN
5: Trevor Hogan
6: Cameron Jowitt
7: Sean O'Brien
8: Stephen Keogh

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Brian Blaney
17: Ollie le Roux
18: Devin Toner
19: Kevin McLaughlin
20: Paul O'Donohoe
21: Ian McKinley
22: Gary Brown

Will Isa Nacewa be the goal Kicker??

Jaysus, Brian Blaney has really slipped down the pecking order. 3rd choice hooker.
Surely he can't be just living off that. Do players who get little game (i.e. less paid) need another part time job to support themselves?
Was he 1st choice hooker for Munster Leinster SF 06 or was he covering an injury?

Im presuming McFadden will take the shots at goal.

thomond2006

Wow, PP make it a 7 point spread for Edinburgh.
2-1 for Leinster to win, might stick a few euro on that.

btw I am not an employee of PP.

thomond2006

Have a feeling that Leinster will sneak it.

bleg

try for hogg, edinburgh 7-0

corny

The Leinster backs are so static receiving the ball. Why it doesn't occur to the coaching staff to play with a bit more depth is beyond me (first and second team).

bleg

aye, doesn't help that they're running around like headless chickens tonight either. forwards ore fronting up well enough but the nacewa experiment is failing

bleg

second try for edinburgh should be 14-0

Stev_o

Classy try by Edinburgh. Keane getting skinned by a hooker, pathetic.

zAbbo

Good play from Ford, quality is showing there.

Terrible defense from Keane though, getting side stepped by a forward...

bleg

edinburgh backs playing very well when they get quick ball and spread it wide

bleg

3rd try for edinburgh. should be a bonus point for them before half time.

ScrubsfanChris

About to become 21-00,
Good night Leinster

Chucky the tree

Awful stuff from Leinster.

Stev_o

Great to see Blair back on from. This could be a huge rout. Stupid Cheika.

Stev_o

Ulster gone 20-6 up against Glasgow with Pollock and Danielli crossing.

bleg

great play from blair. pass was forward though

surfjunky

okay, we're getting opened up like a two bit prozzy and there are holes all over the shop in defence but to make things worse on the rare times we're on the attack were making a balls of it. In particular how many time has darcy run at the line, only to stall before the tackle and run across his support runner resulting in crossing (rinse and repeat).

bleg

penalty leinster 21-0 down and they go for the posts?


21-3 now but it seems like an admission that they're not interested anymore

Stev_o

surfjunky wrote: »

okay, we're getting opened up like a two bit prozzy and there are holes all over the shop in defence but to make things worse on the rare times we're on the attack were making a balls of it. In particular how many time has darcy run at the line, only to stall before the tackle and run across his support runner resulting in crossing (rinse and repeat).

He's been like this since he's got back from his injury.

Surely Keane must be taken off, is there a worst SH playing in the league then him? Nacewa just doesn't cut it at OH and ahhh just way too many journey men clogging the team preventing the real talent they have from getting through, annoying stuff.

bleg

Stev_o wrote: »

He's been like this since he's got back from his injury.

Surely Keane must be taken off, is there a worst SH playing in the league then him? Nacewa just doesn't cut it at OH and ahhh just way too many journey men clogging the team preventing the real talent they have from getting through, annoying stuff.

ya nacewa isn't an out half. sexton's brainfart proving to be costly

NickNolte

The only way Cheika can justify this negative ML is with a HC win. I hope for his sake that he delivers. Otherwise it's time for him to go.

surfjunky

Can't see where we can turn this game around, as mentioned there are too many aspects of Leinster's game missing. Communication/organisation has been very poor in defence, I know this is a hodge/podge seconds team but if you train with each other day in day out we should be able to impliment a defensive line. as a Leinster fan it'll be interesting to see in a game that seems lost who of these guys who rarely get a run out will put in any kind of performance.

ScrubsfanChris

21-6

bleg

better stuff from leinster so far in the second half

surfjunky

jeebus, thought O'brien was in there. agggggggggggghhhhhhhhh