Toulouse V Leinster.HEC SF.1 May.15:45.SS3.*Mod Warning post#1*

TheTMO

TOULOUSE V LEINSTER

*Mod Warning*
Great weekend in prospect, so lets enjoy it. Bear in mind that each of the specific match threads are just that, match threads, and not occasions for inter-pro crap. Keep them OT. There will be zero-tolerance for Inter-pro rubbish on all these threads.

Reigning champions Leinster face arguably the best team in the competition away in the intense arena of Le Toulouse. Injuries to talismanic fly half Jonathan Sexton and in form Fergus McFadden mean Leinster have a mountain to climb. Questions arise over whether Shaun Berne's defensive game will be enough to keep out the fearsome Toulouse backline and in particular the awesome Jauzion. Leinster are further impeeded by fitness concerns over Rob Kearney, Shane Horgan, Brian O'Driscoll, CJ Van Der Linde and Gordon D'arcy. Is it too big an ask for Leinster? Considering Leinster's injuries and fitness doubts, the home factor for Toulouse and Toulouse's sensational form I can see no other prospect but a comfortable win for the French giants. But, could complacency creep into the Toulouse camp?

KEY MEN

Leinster -

Shaun Berne



Can the Australian outhalf/centre up his game and pull out a top drawer performance? Leinster's success depends on it. Anything short of a magnificent performance from the outhalf will ensure a Toulouse victory. Needs to be as good as Sexton in defence and get all his kicks.

Jamie Heaslip



Leinster's outstanding performer this year and on the balance of probabalities the best 8 in the world. Heaslip will be the driving force behind Leinster's pack and if he has one of his good days will make Toulouse's life very difficult. Whatever happens Heaslip's performance will be decisive in the game's result.

Toulouse

Byron Kelleher



The kiwi scrumhalf has come out and stated that the HC is the french outfits number 1 priority and he is determined to win it. Instrumental for the french outfit and has the ability to turn a game on it's head. Dangerous player that Leinster need to control.

Jauzion



He has torn up defences for fun and is Toulouse's main attacking threat. Can an unfit D'arcy keep him out? If Jauzion is afforded the opportunity to run then things will not go well for Leinster.


Interesting to note Leinsters heaviest defeat came from Toulouse in 2002 7-43 but then who can forgot *that* quarter final? Toulouse will be out for revenge and on their form they will probably get it.

thomond2006

Aww, beat me to it.

I can't see Leinster winning, Berne is a decent player but I don't think he's good enough to kick the goals.

Pressure is off Leinster now though and that could work in their favour.

theKramer

Problem is that all of their backline bar Reddan has some sort of injury or other. If they win this match, it will be no small miracle.

durkadurka

Sexton seems to be 99% out at this stage. this would be a miracle if they won it.

andrewdcs

If it tips down as forecast (thunderstorms etc.) who the hell knows. All things being equal, I'd have to put money on Toulouse taking it but stranger things have happened.
Our 1 - 8 are every bit as good as theirs, scrappy game on a slippy pitch would be to our advantage.

shawpower

andrewdcs wrote: »

If it tips down as forecast (thunderstorms etc.) who the hell knows. All things being equal, I'd have to put money on Toulouse taking it but stranger things have happened.
Our 1 - 8 are every bit as good as theirs, scrappy game on a slippy pitch would be to our advantage.

Problem with this is that those conditions also needs a 10 who will control the game alá ROG with his boot. Berne can't really do that. His strengths are his hands. I'm a bit nervous at this stage.

andrewdcs

shawpower wrote: »

Problem with this is that those conditions also needs a 10 who will control the game alá ROG with his boot. Berne can't really do that. His strengths are his hands. I'm a bit nervous at this stage.

This is very true. but if our lineout and scrum are as flawless as they need to be (havent been at all recently!) that'll take a lot of pressure of the territorial game (in terms of yardage accuracy).

Kearney can step up for the long bombs?

[Jackass]

Just a bridge too far i fear. Unlucky with injuries this season, too many top class players are out and too many top class starters are carrying knocks.

Cheika managed the sqaud well this season to compete on 2 fronts, but got unlucky in the end with another injury rut.

Leinster CAN do it, but this is serious backs to the wall stuff now. I think I'm equally pessamistic now as I was this time last year.....so who knows......

The loss of Sexton is the nail i fear though.

Funkstard

Any idea when the teams are announced?

[Jackass]

Tomorrow lunch time.

Judgement Day

It will take an act of BOD GOD to pull this one off but going in as underdogs can only help.

C'MON LEINSTER!

Zzippy

Have a bad feeling the loss of Sexton will be the deciding factor, without his kicking Leinster will struggle. I hope I'm proved wrong and Berne has a stormer. Heaslip and a few other forwards will have to carry a lot of ball tomorrow, hopefully they can punch a few holes and create quick ruck ball for the backs.
I think I speak for most Connacht fans when I wish Leinster the best of luck, really hope ye can pull it off. Would be great to see an all-Irish final! (no selfish motive there at all at all )

NU8

From: http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/newsroom/4705.php

LEINSTER:

15: Rob Kearney
14: Shane Horgan
13: Brian O’Driscoll
12: Gordon D’Arcy
11: Isa Nacewa
10: Shaun Berne
9: Eoin Reddan

1: Cian Healy
2: John Fogarty
3: Stan Wright
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN
5: Nathan Hines
6: Kevin McLaughlin
7: Shane Jennings
8: Jamie Heaslip

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Bernard Jackman
17: CJ van der Linde
18: Mike Ross
19: Malcolm O’Kelly
20: Stephen Keogh
21: Paul O’Donohoe
22: Eoin O’Malley
23: Girvan Dempsey

No Sexton but at least Kearney is fit. Is Paul O'Donohue the replacement flyhalf?

Brewster

NU8 wrote: »

From: http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/newsroom/4705.php

LEINSTER:

15: Rob Kearney
14: Shane Horgan
13: Brian O’Driscoll
12: Gordon D’Arcy
11: Isa Nacewa
10: Shaun Berne
9: Eoin Reddan

1: Cian Healy
2: John Fogarty
3: Stan Wright
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN
5: Nathan Hines
6: Kevin McLaughlin
7: Shane Jennings
8: Jamie Heaslip

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Bernard Jackman
17: CJ van der Linde
18: Mike Ross
19: Malcolm O’Kelly
20: Stephen Keogh
21: Paul O’Donohoe
22: Eoin O’Malley
23: Girvan Dempsey

No Sexton but at least Kearney is fit. Is Paul O'Donohue the replacement flyhalf?

No scrumhalf. If anything happens to Berne, Nacewa goes to 10 id imagine

Podge_irl

Surprised to see Healy start over CJ. More or less about as expected apart from that though.

I don't even want to think about what would happen if something happens to Berne. Leinster have had enough bad luck already.

NU8

Brewster wrote: »

No scrumhalf. If anything happens to Berne, Nacewa goes to 10 id imagine

After having another look at the team I'd say you're right. Also the Toulouse team is up on their website: http://www.stadetoulousain.fr/Composition_equipe_match__Stade_Toulousain_Leinster-590.html?idMatch=1908

thomond2006

15. Clément Poitrenaud, 14. Vincent Clerc, 13. Florian Fritz, 12. Yannick Jauzion, 11. Cédric Heymans, 10. David Skrela, 9. Byron Kelleher,
1. Daan Human, 2. William Servat, 3. Benoit Lecouls, 4. Romain Millo-Chluski, 5. Patricio Albacete, 6. Jean Bouilhou, 7. Thierry Dusautoir (capt), 8. Shaun Sowerby,

16. Virgile Lacombe, 17. Jean-Baptiste Poux, 18. Yohan Montes, 19. Yoann Maestri, 20. Louis Picamoles , 21. Jean-Baptiste Elissalde, 22. Yann David , 23. Maxime Medard,

Podge_irl

thomond2006 wrote: »

15. Clément Poitrenaud, 14. Vincent Clerc, 13. Florian Fritz, 12. Yannick Jauzion, 11. Cédric Heymans, 10. David Skrela, 9. Byron Kelleher,
1. Daan Human, 2. William Servat, 3. Benoit Lecouls, 4. Romain Millo-Chluski, 5. Patricio Albacete, 6. Jean Bouilhou, 7. Thierry Dusautoir (capt), 8. Shaun Sowerby,

16. Virgile Lacombe, 17. Jean-Baptiste Poux, 18. Yohan Montes, 19. Yoann Maestri, 20. Louis Picamoles , 21. Jean-Baptiste Elissalde, 22. Yann David , 23. Maxime Medard,

Eep

wicklowwonder

That is some Toulouse team........

Reading it really illustrates the huge task ahead of Leinster! I believe in BOD! Get out there leave nothing in the dressing room and give it everything!! Leinster can do it!!

On a side note will Cheika trust O'Malley if anything happens to BOD or Darc e or will we see Shaggy or Isa move into the centre? Hope he trusts in O'Malley!!

chupacabra

Thats a scary team sheet if you are a Leinster fan. Not unbeatable by any stretch of the imagination tho. Toulouse may just buy into their own favorites tag and not give it everything.

wixfjord

Bit of perspective needed her lads I think! Were defending European champions who have just beaten one of the best teams in the competition in the QF. Weve warriors like Hines Wright and Jennings, three of the best, if not the best in the world in their positions in Heaslip BOD and Kearney and a lineout and pack that is more than capable of turning over these Frenchies. These are the type of games we need to come through to become the dynasty that Munster have concocted, time to stand up and be counted.

Anyone see the Heaslip interview on the rugby club last night? Wouldnt like to be the first person he hits :eek:

We can do it, we've had harder battles to fight. The lads will stand up to be counted. Leinster as underdogs going into a match has always suited them. Sure, we're going to need some luck, but who ever gets to a final in a cup without it?

wixfjord

wixfjord wrote: »

Anyone see the Heaslip interview on the rugby club last night? Wouldnt like to be the first person he hits :eek:

I wouldn't like to be the last.

In fact, I'd happily hand him the ball and lie on the ground if he came near me.

sickpuppy

wixfjord wrote: »

Bit of perspective needed her lads I think! Were defending European champions who have just beaten one of the best teams in the competition in the QF. Weve warriors like Hines Wright and Jennings, three of the best, if not the best in the world in their positions in Heaslip BOD and Kearney and a lineout and pack that is more than capable of turning over these Frenchies. These are the type of games we need to come through to become the dynasty that Munster have concocted, time to stand up and be counted.

Anyone see the Heaslip interview on the rugby club last night? Wouldnt like to be the first person he hits :eek:

Fair enough what you said is true however do you think if Toulose have the same territory possession and penaltys that Clermont had they wont walk it.

9 out of 10 times Clermont would have won that game this is coming from a neutral fan.

Toulose have a stronger bench too are at home and leinster are full of walking wounded.

On paper Toulouse should win handy luckily matches are not played on paper but so much has to be near perfect from leinster i think its too much of an ask.

wixfjord

sickpuppy wrote: »

Fair enough what you said is true however do you think if Toulose have the same territory possession and penaltys that Clermont had they wont walk it.

9 out of 10 times Clermont would have won that game this is coming from a neutral fan.

Toulose have a stronger bench too are at home and leinster are full of walking wounded.

On paper Toulouse should win handy luckily matches are not played on paper but so much has to be near perfect from leinster i think its too much of an ask.

The fact is Clermont didnt win though. So many times over the years Munster have almost been beaten, hung in there hung in there and then won, and have been commended for it. Leinster, current champions, are learning how to do this and this is the sign of a great team. Id rather win a QF playing badly then come out with all guns blazing and peak too soon like Munster showed last year this can be the worst scenario. Great teams like Leicester and Wasps have shown this in recent times aswell.

On paper Tolouse should win handily eh?! Well I dont agree obviously but wont go into that. But needless to say you dont become HEC champions and get to the semi the next year on paper do you?!

Leinster are underdogs, but some of the negativity around this is crazy imo, as someone here said, wasnt it the same stage last year that a young man came into the frame and with his first kick stood up to be counted. Berne is a fantastic playmaker who has a great brain and bags of experience, even in this very stadium, with two of the worlds best centres outside him.
I wouldnt put my house on Leinster by any means, but I wouldnt back against the warriors and winners we have being psychologically far better than the French side.

profitius

If Servat is missing it'll give Leinster a boost.

sickpuppy

wixfjord wrote: »

The fact is Clermont didnt win though. So many times over the years Munster have almost been beaten, hung in there hung in there and then won, and have been commended for it. Leinster, current champions, are learning how to do this and this is the sign of a great team. Id rather win a QF playing badly then come out with all guns blazing and peak too soon like Munster showed last year this can be the worst scenario. Great teams like Leicester and Wasps have shown this in recent times aswell.

On paper Tolouse should win handily eh?! Well I dont agree obviously but wont go into that. But needless to say you dont become HEC champions and get to the semi the next year on paper do you?!

Leinster are underdogs, but some of the negativity around this is crazy imo, as someone here said, wasnt it the same stage last year that a young man came into the frame and with his first kick stood up to be counted. Berne is a fantastic playmaker who has a great brain and bags of experience, even in this very stadium, with two of the worlds best centres outside him.
I wouldnt put my house on Leinster by any means, but I wouldnt back against the warriors and winners we have being psychologically far better than the French side.

Why wont you go into it? i now Leinster beat Clermont what iw a saying given the stats of the game the should not and home advantage in these games is huge.
Not being negative just being realistic.
Id be delighted if Leinster won was in Kinsale last year roaring for leinster surrouned by angry Munster fans was great
but i think even for this great team because of injurys its to much i hope im proven wrong.
Of course Darcy and Bod are great centers but there not 100% and in fairness Toulosoes midfield note exactly soft.
Toulouse by 12 gl leinster

Stev_o

wixfjord wrote: »

The fact is Clermont didnt win though. So many times over the years Munster have almost been beaten, hung in there hung in there and then won, and have been commended for it. Leinster, current champions, are learning how to do this and this is the sign of a great team. Id rather win a QF playing badly then come out with all guns blazing and peak too soon like Munster showed last year this can be the worst scenario. Great teams like Leicester and Wasps have shown this in recent times aswell.

On paper Tolouse should win handily eh?! Well I dont agree obviously but wont go into that. But needless to say you dont become HEC champions and get to the semi the next year on paper do you?!

Leinster are underdogs, but some of the negativity around this is crazy imo, as someone here said, wasnt it the same stage last year that a young man came into the frame and with his first kick stood up to be counted. Berne is a fantastic playmaker who has a great brain and bags of experience, even in this very stadium, with two of the worlds best centres outside him.
I wouldnt put my house on Leinster by any means, but I wouldnt back against the warriors and winners we have being psychologically far better than the French side.

Leinster are deservedly there but they are stacked against it mainly due to where they are playing, it's not like they haven't beaten Toulouse in a while (2008 at the RDS with a inferior team tbh). Consider that all the teams playing at home in the quarter finals won, it gives some indication as to how important that advantage is.

irishbucsfan

profitius wrote: »

If Servat is missing it'll give Leinster a boost.

Is he a doubt?

It's one of the few positions on the pitch that they are better than us (along with the axis and in the back 3).

I'm very excited about this match. On paper we are the weaker team in terms of talent, but this team has so much character that I wouldn't even think of putting it past them. Should be a cracking match.

ALH-06

wixfjord wrote: »

Bit of perspective needed her lads I think! Were defending European champions who have just beaten one of the best teams in the competition in the QF.

Seeing that Toulouse teamsheet would send a chill down anyone's spine. But you're right - it is foolish not to have faith in this Leinster team, they having achieved so much in the recent past. And the ability of this team to grind out results has been astonishing, and is improving all the time.

I was surprised to find that Planet Rugby has actually pipped Leinster to win it...

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_6124836,00.html

thebaz

lots of negativity - big performance tomorrow from pack and a bit of BOD magic and hey - surprised healy picked - must improve


best of luck to the blues

tolosenc

I distinctly remember last year talking with friends in the days before the semi-final and concluding that we didn't have a chance...

LeeroyJones

While the pessimism is not unfounded i think people are going a bit OTT with the negativity. We're not favourites, but it's certainly not a foregone conclusion either.

According to the forecast, it's heavy rain for Toulouse today. This is a good thing, on a Sunny May afternoon with a dry ball and pleasant pitch, I could see those Toulouse backs being lethal. The rain will also take the sting from our backline but in the current situation we face I think this is in our favour.

Bugnug

Can somebody please tell me what time the game kicks of at not french time. Local Irish time in other words what time should I be sitting at the bar ordering my first heineken? Thanks.

durkadurka

Bugnug wrote: »

Can somebody please tell me what time the game kicks of at not french time. Local Irish time in other words what time should I be sitting at the bar ordering my first heineken? Thanks.

The title of this thread should offer a clue

eoferrall

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFuVyB0R2hU

Usually just lurk around these parts, but i thought I would post something to brighten the mood in the thread!:)

Micky Dolenz

The Champions will find it tough today but at this stage of the comp all teams will find the going rough.

I can see a Leinster win today only becasue they relish this type of encounter. I can see them absorbing immense pressure and hitting back fast and hard on the counter.

I'd love to see an all Ireland final in Paris, that would show them.

Come on the Irish.

anonymous_joe

Nervous as fcuk at the moment. Was going to do some study but my mind is just not in it at all.

irishbucsfan

anonymous_joe wrote: »

Nervous as fcuk at the moment. Was going to do some study but my mind is just not in it at all.

Yeah same here. Think I'll explode if I try and cram exam stuff on top of this anticipation

anonymous_joe

Aye. Game can't come soon enough for me. Argh. :pac:

Zzippy

Was talking to one of the Toulon fans last night out in Galway and he reckoned Leinster would win today. According to him (hearsay I know) there's trouble in the camp in Toulouse, with players fighting between themselves, so morale is low. Hard to know what to believe, but he certainly didn't think Toulouse deserve to be the hot favourites that people seem to be making out.

Auvers

as a lifelong Munster fan I have to say that I am getting excited thinking about the match, I am praying Leinster over come the odds and blast those frogs off the pitch


COME ON LEINSTER

wixfjord

Bringing back memories of "hickie for the cornerrrrrrr!"
So nervous now! But more and more optimistic!

durkadurka

Zzippy wrote: »

Was talking to one of the Toulon fans last night out in Galway and he reckoned Leinster would win today. According to him (hearsay I know) there's trouble in the camp in Toulouse, with players fighting between themselves, so morale is low. Hard to know what to believe, but he certainly didn't think Toulouse deserve to be the hot favourites that people seem to be making out.

I heard the opposite from a french lad i work with, he said 'ze toolouse players, zey do not sleep at night since ze game in 2006'.

anonymous_joe

durkadurka wrote: »

I heard the opposite from a french lad i work with, he said 'ze toolouse players, zey do not sleep at night since ze game in 2006'.

I'd be nervous too if I'd been raped on tv.

Beanmachine

Dropped my dad to the aircoach this morning at 6 0'clock he's going to both games Leinster and Munster and he's staying there until tuesday,only consolation for me is the weather forecast,would kill to go the Leinster match now.

wixfjord

Beanmachine wrote: »

Dropped my dad to the aircoach this morning at 6 0'clock he's going to both games Leinster and Munster and he's staying there until tuesday,only consolation for me is the weather forecast,would kill to go the Leinster match now.

What are peoples views on the heavy rain forecasted? Rain always evens games out a bit, and it will make it harder for Tolouse to get their offloading going, but with a non kicking outhalf it may not suit Leinster as much as people think.

phog

At this stage I think the Irish teams prefer dry ball as much as any other team, how they cope will really come down to who's ahead and who's chasing the game, teams chasing are inclined to take more chances and will usually gift the opposing team a score. So for Leinser today and Munster tomorrow both need a strong start and get a few scores on the board.

Best of Luck to Leinster today.

wixfjord

phog wrote: »

At this stage I think the Irish teams prefer dry ball as much as any other team, how they cope will really come down to who's ahead and who's chasing the game, teams chasing are inclined to take more chances and will usually gift the opposing team a score. So for Leinser today and Munster tomorrow both need a strong start and get a few scores on the board.

Best of Luck to Leinster today.

I agree the first 20 minutes of any game are vital, but especially away against a French team. Even the kick off which Leinster have been poor at in the last while will be vital, I remember Malcom O Kelly dropping the kick off in '06 and setting the tone for Munster. Its a lot about psychology with French teams.

wixfjord

I would also expect a drop goal or two from Berne today if the chance arises.

outwest

haha i remember o kelly doing that,

that set the tone of the match