Leinster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread.

LeeroyJones

Good Stuff... I had presumed the neck injury would have him out for a few weeks inc Cleremont...

Leinster left this note at the bottom of the match report

*Leinster are confident that Andrew Conway will recover quickly from the neck injury he sustained during the second half of Sunday’s game and a further update will be available later in the week.

dave13

LeeroyJones wrote: »

Good Stuff... I had presumed the neck injury would have him out for a few weeks inc Cleremont...

Leinster left this note at the bottom of the match report

Conway isn't currently registered in the Heineken Cup squad. Not sure if they can register him for the group stages
http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/matchcentre/leinster_rugby.php?section=2

LeeroyJones

dave13 wrote: »

Conway isn't currently registered in the Heineken Cup squad. Not sure if they can register him for the group stages
http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/matchcentre/leinster_rugby.php?section=2

And D Kearney is! I cannot see the logic of D Kearney being selected over Conway

Is there any rule like in the football Premiership where players under 20 don't need to be registered so Conway could still play? Or am I clutching at straws!?

Also, can Clint Newland replace Ronan McCormack or is he unavailable too?

The Rooster

Any word on Beirne and Strauss?

WeeBushy

The Rooster wrote: »

Any word on Beirne and Strauss?

According to the IT on saturday Strauss was being rested, and not playing Berne was just a precaution to a knock he picked up last week.

irishbucsfan

So for Clermont hopefully the team will look like...

Healy/VDM
Strauss
Ross
Cullen
Hines
SOB
Jennings
Heaslip
Reddan/Boss
Sexton
D. Kearney (Conway unregistered?)
D'Arcy
McFadden/O'Malley
Horgan
Nacewa

Podge_irl

irishbucsfan wrote: »

D. Kearney (Conway unregistered?)

They can add one wildcard player I think.

That backline looks weak

thomond2006

I think you are allowed to deregister/register two players before each group of rounds?

tolosenc

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Conway unregistered?

Wha?

funky penguin

Podge_irl wrote: »

They can add one wildcard player I think.

That backline looks weak

Hmmm......it's not TOO bad, could be better, but look at the talent there.

Fitz and BOD are the only real MIA.....tbh in that case it's our defence I'd be worried about, those two are priceless in that respect.

But then again, Kearney's absence puts Nacewa in his strongest position, and perhaps BOD's injury is a blessing in disguise for McFadden or O'Malley.

We MAY see McFadden on the wing, with Beirne at centre, but I'd prefer to see McFadden there, I think he can hold his nerve, and it's about time he gets a chance at a high level.

In short.....i agree, its not our strongest, but I don't think it's too bad! I suppose we may wait to see what happens over the next few weeks. I just hope they don't try to rush BOD's recovery.

LeeroyJones

funky penguin wrote: »

Hmmm......it's not TOO bad, could be better, but look at the talent there.

Fitz and BOD are the only real MIA.....tbh in that case it's our defence I'd be worried about, those two are priceless in that respect.

But then again, Kearney's absence puts Nacewa in his strongest position, and perhaps BOD's injury is a blessing in disguise for McFadden or O'Malley.

We MAY see McFadden on the wing, with Beirne at centre, but I'd prefer to see McFadden there, I think he can hold his nerve, and it's about time he gets a chance at a high level.

In short.....i agree, its not our strongest, but I don't think it's too bad! I suppose we may wait to see what happens over the next few weeks. I just hope they don't try to rush BOD's recovery.

I agree, I wouldn't claim that we have a cushion in the group at all - However, had we lost either against Racing or Saracens we might be forced into a position to take risks in such scenarios as we now find ourselves.

If we can get Conway registered for it, then I'd go with
9.Reddan 10.Sexton 11.Conway 12. D'arcy 13. McFadden 14.Horgan 15.Nacewa

I would have reservations if we were forced to play Kearney jr or O'Malley in a HC fixture against Cleremont

Podge_irl

LeeroyJones wrote: »

If we can get Conway registered for it, then I'd go with
9.Reddan 10.Sexton 11.Conway 12. D'arcy 13. McFadden 14.Horgan 15.Nacewa

Out for three weeks apparently. The left wing spot is going to be bloody weak

WeeBushy

Kearney out for a few months, Conway for up to 3 weeks.

But Berne and Strauss are fine.

http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/5915.php

I would rather O'Malley or DK played over Conway in HEC matches. He's getting there, but he's still not near ready imo.

WeeBushy

Deleted User wrote: »

I would rather O'Malley or DK played over Conway in HEC matches. He's getting there, but he's still not near ready imo.

How could O'Malley be a replacement for Conway, AFAIK he's never played wing before. Or do you mean do a bit of jiggery pokery with the back line before including Conway?

WeeBushy

WeeBushy wrote: »

How could O'Malley be a replacement for Conway, AFAIK he's never played wing before. Or do you mean do a bit of jiggery pokery with the back line before including Conway?

yeah, some jiggery pokery needed unfortunately.

In fact, if we were forced to, Madigan at 15 with Nacewa and Horgan on wings wouldn't be a bad option

Teej

Venter replaced by McCall for family reasons- dont think it'll make much difference to our chances against them as McCall already familiar with both set ups

http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/news/13089.php

Podge_irl

Teej wrote: »

Venter replaced by McCall for family reasons- dont think it'll make much difference to our chances against them as McCall already familiar with both set ups

I would expect us to beat them at home regardless. We've no right to be thinking about winning the HEC if we can't beat the likes of Sarries at home.

Our HEC season is going to be defined by the back to back against Clermont...

[Jackass]

Assuming Fitz, BO'D and R. Kearney are out, and Conway out / uneligable, I'd likee to see:

1. VDM
2. Strauss
3. Ross
4. Cullen
5. Hines
6. O'Brien
7. Jennings
8. Heaslip

9. Reddan / Boss
10. Sexton
11. McFadden
12. Berne
13. D'Arcy
14. Horgan
15. Nacewa

16. Harris-Wright 17. Healy 18. Newland 19. Toner 20. Ryan 21. Boss / Reddan 22. O'Malley 23. D. Kearney

Ciaran-Irl

[Jackass] wrote: »

Assuming Fitz, BO'D and R. Kearney are out, and Conway out / uneligable, I'd likee to see:

1. VDM
2. Strauss
3. Ross
4. Cullen
5. Hines
6. O'Brien
7. Jennings
8. Heaslip

9. Reddan / Boss
10. Sexton
11. McFadden
12. Berne
13. D'Arcy
14. Horgan
15. Nacewa

16. Harris-Wright 17. Healy 18. Newland 19. Toner 20. Ryan 21. Boss / Reddan 22. O'Malley 23. D. Kearney

Agree with Darcy at 13, but not sold by the idea of McFadden on the wing Especially with Nalanga running at him with searing pace. That McFadden breakaway try was a bit of a one off, so I don't know that he is suited to the win. Could be wrong though...

11. Conway/Kearney
12. McFadden
13. D'Arcy
14. Horgan
15. Nacewa

For me.

Also, VDM over Healy in the front row? Wouldn't agree with that.

durkadurka

Ciaran-Irl wrote: »

Agree with Darcy at 13, but not sold by the idea of McFadden on the wing Especially with Nalanga running at him with searing pace. That McFadden breakaway try was a bit of a one off, so I don't know that he is suited to the win. Could be wrong though...

11. Conway/Kearney
12. McFadden
13. D'Arcy
14. Horgan
15. Nacewa

For me.

Also, VDM over Healy in the front row? Wouldn't agree with that.

Unfortunately you go to war with the army you have, not the army you want to paraphrase Donald Rumsfeld.... No real probs from 1 - 10, I'd go with the McFadden on wing, we need as much class ws we cam muster, and I'd prefer an out of position McFadden than a D Kearney or a very young Conway.

JustinDee

durkadurka wrote: »

Unfortunately you go to war with the army you have, not the army you want to paraphrase Donald Rumsfeld....

So Leinster should field a fraction of the squad required?
He also said that the past was more predictable than the future although the past was not predictable when it began :eek:

Sorry for sidetrack . . . continuez

danthefan

I would rather not see D'Arcy at 13. The few times he's played there in recent seasons he hasn't gone particularly well. On top of that he's hit some real form so would rather he was at his most effective position.

I don't know whether I'd prefer O'Malley or D.Kearney in the team. I wouldn't start Berne.

As far as I'm concerned it should be one of the other of these two backlines:

Reddan
Sexton
McFadden
D'Arcy
O'Malley
Horgan
Nacewa

or

Reddan
Sexton
Kearney
D'Arcy
McFadden
Horgan
Nacewa

Ian_K

Bottom line is Berne is experienced but useless, Conway/Kearney are young but talented

Take your pick

irishbucsfan

Ian_K wrote: »

Bottom line is Berne is experienced but useless, Conway/Kearney are young but talented

Take your pick[/QUOTE]

Not right at all. If D'Arcy was injured and O'Driscoll was fit I'd start Berne straight away. He's had some excellent games for Leinster, especially at the end of last season.

The only problem is that starting him means moving D'Arcy out of position and possibly starting McFadden out of position on the wing


I don't see that happening, I'd be much happier with

Reddan/Boss
Sexton
D. Kearney/Conway
D'Arcy
O'Malley/McFadden
Horgan
Nacewa

A game like this could bring the best out of our young guys. I'd like to see O'Malley and D. Kearney starting. O'Malley because I think he's be in the best form of his short career so far this year, and that form should be rewarded.

[Jackass]

Agree completely.

I was disapointed to have Berne as our back-up 10, as I didn't think he was good enough, but he really won me over when he masterminded two bonus point wins in the group stages last season and has been superb at running the backline when called upon. We seem to score a lot of tries when he is on the field, and at 12, takes a lot of pressure off Sexton also. Similar to the type of 12 Kidney is trying to develop from Wallace in order to keep RO'G in the team - a supportive 12 who can take on some of the 10's duties, from tactical kicking to playmaking.

D'Arcy is a superb 13, and i'd imagine had it not been for BO'D, this would have been the position where he made his name.

As for wing, McFadden out of position is better than Kearney in position, and I think it's better to push any weak point out wide rather in the centre of the park. McFadden has power and pace and a good boot on him, so he may not be spectacular, but can do a job on the wing.

I just don't trust Dave Kearney, yet.

I think it's a case of trying to get our best available players on the pitch, and finding a way to make it fit.

wixfjord

Ian_K wrote: »

Bottom line is Berne is experienced but useless, Conway/Kearney are young but talented

Take your pick

Complete and utter hore****e about Berne. Have you watched him play in the last year? Bar one game against Ulster and one previous to that at the beginning of last year, he's been an attacking revelation. Really really good passer and really intelligent when he runs our backline.
Smacks of someone making up their mind about a player and then blindly following it tbh, reminds me of MF and their assertation that Heaslip is Houdini

I'll hold my hand up and say that I was more than disappointed to have Berne in the team a year ago.
After last season, I've had to eat my words on several occasions.

A sentence I remember seeing written here which rings very true about him, "Berne is an excellent out half vs poor opposition". Very true, he actually rips teams apart when he's given time. Might not have the most expansive skillset, but he's got a serious rugby brain.

I'm happy for him to start if he is fully fit. Him at 12 and D'Arcy at 13 with McFadden, Horgan and Nacewa making up the back 3 is fine in my books.

(I really want to see D'Arcy back at 13, especially consider he's coming back into form)

Ian_K

Ah i was just simplifying youre problem for ya lads :pac:

Anyway if he's as good as youre all claiming now then the problems solved, Berne at 12 and Darcy at 13 it is, they always said darce was naturally an outside centre anyway and you wouldnt want to be throwing youngsters in at the deep end against the physicality of Clermont!

funky penguin

Has Berne played at 12 for us yet?

I really like him, he's been quite reliable. His backline movement is excellent, and while his goal kicking started bad, he improved that aspect of his game. He's a player I'm never worried about when he's in the starting line-up.