Leinster's Backline for the Final

redmca

After the semi-final, can anyone see a place for Kearney in the starting line-up?

danthefan

I'd go for the backline that started against the Scarlets.

Tim Robbins

danthefan wrote: »

I'd go for the backline that started against the Scarlets.

I think Isa is a better tackler than Kearney. I was just watching some of the VI nations games again and noticed Kearney missing a few tackles.

Kearney is better under the high ball. So it depends how the tigers play who I haven't seen play all season.

I'd keep Horgan on the wing and have restarts going his way.

dingbat

a) Kearney's lost weight during his illness - no way he'll be in top shape for the final

b) Kearney will have had only a single game (or part of it) under his belt

c) Luke, Shaggy and Isa are all playing out of their skins

a + b + c = Super Rob will be on the bench instead of Dempsey or Keogh, with an outside bet that he won't be included at all.

wixfjord

I hope cheika starts keogh at sh next week against the dragons, if he plans to use him as the sub sh/utility back for the final. Doing this against munster, when the guy hadnt played a minute at sh for the province was insane. Would have no fear of him coming on though, seems very lively and up for it all the time and looks a very intelligent player, also a fans favourite!

chupacabra

wixfjord wrote: »

I hope cheika starts keogh at sh next week against the dragons, if he plans to use him as the sub sh/utility back for the final. Doing this against munster, when the guy hadnt played a minute at sh for the province was insane. Would have no fear of him coming on though, seems very lively and up for it all the time and looks a very intelligent player, also a fans favourite!

After saturdays performance i would love to see POD getting a spot on the bench in the final.

irishbucsfan

wixfjord wrote: »

Doing this against munster, when the guy hadnt played a minute at sh for the province was insane.

Keogh has come on at SH before. He replaced Paul O'Donoghue (can't remember but i think that was against edinburgh or someone Scottish)

danthefan

Kearney hasn't played a minute of rugby since the Quins game, which was a month ago now, and there's been a game every weekend since. Can't see how he's going to be in any position to start the final.

Stealdo

I can't see the starting 15 being any different to those that started against Munster with 'Johnno Sexto' instead of Contepomi, for all the reasons stated above relating to Kearney's likely physical condition, but mainly just because they're playing particularly well and Nasewa at FB is really working. Kearney might get a spot on the bench ahead of Girve.

stephen_n

Can't see Kearney replacing Nacewa at this stage or if he does then MC's sanity might have to be brought into question given the damage that he caused coming into the line with the angles he was running on Friday. Same can be said for Horgan who is the only one who might be vulnerable to being replaced to accomodate Kearney, not because he should on current form but simply to make room for Rob in the team. I think it should be left as it was in the Munster game after FC went off with Kearney on the bench instead of Dempsey!

If they are going to play Kearney then no matter if he starts or comes on for Nacewa,there wont be any room for girve.

I think him and Isa are both fine there,I dont really care who plays at 15.

[Jackass]

1. Healy
2. Jackman
3. Wright
4. Cullen (capt)
5. O'Kelly
6. Elsom
7. Jennings
8. Heaslip

9. Whitaker
10. Sexton
11. Fitzgerald
12. D'Arcy
13. O'Driscoll
14. Horgan
15. Nacewa

16. McCormack 17. Fogarty 18. Toner 19. O'Brien 20. Keogh 21. Kearney 22. Dempsey

FACT!

hardCopy

chupacabra wrote: »

After saturdays performance i would love to see POD getting a spot on the bench in the final.

I could be wrong but I think somebody mentioned before that he's not actually registered for the H-Cup.

Deadly Delta

I would have Nacewa at 15 any day, even if Kearney was fit! I've noticed all throught the 6 nations and especially against Wales that he just launches garryowens and isn't able to follow them up, giving away possesion all the time. At least Nacewa isn't afraid to run, and the benefits can be seen in Leinster's last 2 results.

Podge_irl

hardCopy wrote: »

I could be wrong but I think somebody mentioned before that he's not actually registered for the H-Cup.

Pretty sure he was one of the extra players registered after the group stages.

16. McCormack 17. Fogarty 18. Toner 19. O'Brien 20. Keogh 21. Kearney 22. Dempsey

Think McFadden may get on the bench ahead of Dempsey.

RtD

Podge_irl wrote: »

Think McFadden may get on the bench ahead of Dempsey.

I agree, 21. McFadden and 22. whoever MC deems the better option, Girve or a fit again Kearney, no point having two full backs on the bench, McFadden covers centre and brings a solid extra place kicking option if needed.

Hippo

Deadly Delta wrote: »

I would have Nacewa at 15 any day, even if Kearney was fit! I've noticed all throught the 6 nations and especially against Wales that he just launches garryowens and isn't able to follow them up, giving away possesion all the time. At least Nacewa isn't afraid to run, and the benefits can be seen in Leinster's last 2 results.

I think Nacewa's running represents a tactical change from MC rather than anything else. Having said that, Kearney looked to have lost a lot of weight when I saw him at the rds on Friday, and I don't think he'll be fit enough to make a contribution in the final.