Expectations for Your Club/Province for 2010/11

Stev_o

Shake things up i guess.

Club/Province: Leicester

Expectations: After winning yet another Premiership our attention badly needs to go to bringing home a Heineken Cup. Last year we got shafted with injuries at a critical point in the group and selection issues hampered our game away to Clermont. I think we have a handy enough pool this year that we should come out of with maximum points


Improving on last Year: The final showed that we could play a attractive brand of rugby and i think with the signings we'v made this year we can continue to play this sort of style while relying on our set pieces to provide a stable platform. However if things go wrong in the lineout which i fear they will we will be stuffed by other teams.

Star Player: Ben Youngs would be probably be our spark in the side to change a game on it's head at anytime and it's crucial that we builds on his exploits from last year. He ll find it tough though as teams will know about his dangerous running game thus the spaces will be harder to find. Add into that a weak kicking game from the base of the ruck he could be targeted by some teams but give him a inch and we are looking at a certain 5 points.

Weak Link: Hooker. Chuter is getting old and Duffy has hardly played 5 games for us. It worries me as Chuter is easily gotten to. However Rob Hawkins our import from Bath is a extremely good footballer anytime iv seen him and i hope he can start pushing for a starting place.

Goodluck2me

Would losing Murphy make much difference do you think?

outwest

Club/Province:connacht

Expectations: finish above ulster, get out of group in the amlin

Improving on last Year: not bottom would be great, 9 would be fantastic

Star Player: fionn carr, should of toured with ireland, some of his try are world class,

Weak Link: lack of cutting edge in attack, and defence has been awful at times
7 wins in the league should get us a good position, we need to start picking up bonus points especially L bonus points

with elwood in charge,

TheTMO

Club/Province: Leinster

Expectations: This is a year for rebuilding and giving youth a chance for Leinster. I expect Leinster to be finish in the top 4 in the ML and with a good SF draw go onto win it. In the Heineken Cup I expect them to reach the SF. I'd like to see youth such as Andrew Conway, Ian Madigan, Rhys Ruddock, Dominic Ryan, Jack McGrath, Eoin O'Malley etc. to be given a fair crack at the whip. I want to see Leinster playing an attractive, attacking, free flowing brand of rugby by the end of the season which I expect Schmidt will bring.

Improving on last Year: I think two things need to be addressed. Firstly, the staleness of Leinster's backline. Leinster have the best backline in Europe and yet they seemed to be devoid of ideas last season. Though I'm very hopeful this will change with Schmidt bringing new ideas. Secondly, I would like to see Leinster make their 3 Irish props (Healy, Ross and McGrath) up to the required standard. For Healy this means better scrummaging, for Ross this means making him better around the pitch and for McGrath this means given exposure.

Star Player: After seeing the form Fitzgerald was in yesterday I think he could be our best performer this year. He seems incredibly hungry after the lay off and honestly looked fantastic yesterday.

Weak Link: The weaklink for me is quite notably at hooker. Strauss was good yesterday but it remains to be seen whether Harris-Wright could cover in HC games. I am shocked Leinster didn't go for a world class hooker signing as it would of made the team complete in my opinion.

Depp

Club/Province:New Ross R.F.C. u19's

Expectations: Leinster/South East Triple

Improving on last Year: Get cup as well as the league

Star Player: Me...duh!

Weak Link: Beer...

skregs

TheTMO wrote: »

Club/Province: Leinster

Expectations: This is a year for rebuilding and giving youth a chance for Leinster. I expect Leinster to be finish in the top 4 in the ML and with a good SF draw go onto win it. In the Heineken Cup I expect them to reach the SF. I'd like to see youth such as Andrew Conway, Ian Madigan, Rhys Ruddock, Dominic Ryan, Jack McGrath, Eoin O'Malley etc. to be given a fair crack at the whip. I want to see Leinster playing an attractive, attacking, free flowing brand of rugby by the end of the season which I expect Schmidt will bring.

You expect to reach the HEC SF with a youth team? Man, you crazy.

I reckon no Irish team will leave the group stages this year. Leinster/Munster have nightmare groups and Ulster don't have enough. Leinster will deffo make the ML playoffs. And I really hope they continue their defensive rugby, rather than go back to the inconsistant all-out risky attacking rugby of years gone past.

outwest

leinster and munster can get out of the groups, this year hcup will be the best in terms of pools,

leinster ambition should be minimum ml semi and qf hcup,


munster have it tougher this year in the hcup, really is the group of death,

wixfjord

outwest wrote: »

leinster and munster can get out of the groups, this year hcup will be the best in terms of pools,

leinster ambition should be minimum ml semi and qf hcup,


munster have it tougher this year in the hcup, really is the group of death,

Leinsters is hardly a picnic now is it?!

Im not expecting a HC challenge from any Irish team this year tbh.

@TMO, I would much rather see a continuation of winning rugby, than a return to the days of Tolouse 06, inconsistency and tossing the ball around. The optimum thing for me would be for to really focus on the scrum, and for the backline to improve their fluidity.
If we can marry the toughness that has been developed in the forwards in recent years, with a return to the backling of old I think we could go well. Sexton at 10 is a better option than Conters for when you need to slow the game and play through the forwards too.
However, with our current 12 and 13 I would have my doubts. (Shock horror :eek:)
I also have very big doubts over Reddan. Serious dearth of good scrummies out there atm.

thomond2006

Club/Province: Munster

Expectations: Well it was a pretty bad campaign last season, mediocre performance after mediocre performance, with the exception of the stunning victory in Perpignan. Some of our ML performances were truly woeful, a lot of key players didn't look interested a lot of the time.
I'd be delighted with a ML playoff place and I think it's achieveable given the talented youngsters that stepped up to the mark at A level last seasn.
We'd be lucky to get out of our HEC group this year, I can only see one Irish province getting through this year. If LI find their 08/09 form again, we could be in big trouble as Ospreys are a class outfit and Toulon have an unbelievable squad (albeit on paper right now).

So, the expectation is a struggle to get to HEC knockout stage and Top 4 in the Magners. Avoiding the dreaded 6 in a row would be nice.

Improving on last Year: Oh dear, where to start?
ROG needs to seriously cop himself on (particularly in the ML) or get dropped.
Earls needs to stay fit because we looked redundant out wide without his pace (plus JdV and Mafi never worked).
TOL needs to really find some consistency. He can brilliant and rubbish.
Hayes needs to go. Great servant, won't be forgotten, should build a statue of him outside Thomond etc etc, but it's time to go Bull.
Which leads me onto the Munster scrum. I think I'll stop there.

Star Player: We don't have a true star player, not after last season. Quinlan probably comes closest as he was consistent throughout.

Weak Link: Tighthead prop. It's not that we don't have depth, but I can't see Hayes getting dropped unless he gets injured (which never happens).

Young Players:
If he performs in the early ML games, Felix Jones could work his way into the HEC 23.
Scott Deasy really caught the eye at the end of last season, looks like a really useful utility back.
Big chance too for Donnacha Ryan to cement his place in the absence of POC (if he's selected ahead of MOD that is ).

Judgement Day

Club/Province: Munster

Expectations: After last season I've no longer any illusions about Munster and no expectations. So many injuries last season made a mockery of all our efforts. Getting out of the Pool of Death in the Heineken Cup would be nice but a big ask. I will still be having a punt on Munster to win the HC - old habits die hard.

Improving on last Year:
TOL really needs to find his groove.
At 31 it would be nice if Dougie Howlett could find one last wind to end his brilliant career in style - the leading All Black try scorer of all time with 49 tries to his credit.

As Thomond says "The Bull" needs to go. A legend who will never be forgotten and hopefully new signing from NZ, Peter Borlase will fill the big man's boots.

Star Player: At 33 ROG is still Munster's greatest asset and as this may be be his last Heineken Cup campaign hopefully he will make it one to remember.

Weak Link: TOL but there's still Peter Stringer with gas in the tank.

Young Players:
Wing: Academy player Simon Zebo - will he get his break this season? Fullback: Johne Murphy hopefully he will get the chance to carry on with Munster where he left off with Leicester.

outwest

wixfjord wrote: »

Leinsters is hardly a picnic now is it?!

Im not expecting a HC challenge from any Irish team this year tbh.

.

i think leinster will surprise alot of people this year, sarries is a game they get 8 points in, and then win the other 2 home games and pick up a bonus point in the others there thru

bamboozle

Club - Clontarf
Expectations - Top two with Lansdowne AIL division IB, we've a stronger team than the one that was relegated.
Improving on last year - cutting edge required in the backs, line breakers in the forwards, experienced signings in evan ryan and ben gissing.
Star Player - Noel Reid from irish U20's signed, a consistent points kicker which is something we've lacked since the days of Richie Murphy.
weak link -scrum half in Paul O'Donoghue's absence.

irishbucsfan

wixfjord wrote: »

I also have very big doubts over Reddan. Serious dearth of good scrummies out there atm.

Isaac Boss?

outwest

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Isaac Boss?

could very well be 1st choice for ireland this year, was the best 9 in ireland last year.

redroar1942

outwest wrote: »

i think leinster will surprise alot of people this year, sarries is a game they get 8 points in, and then win the other 2 home games and pick up a bonus point in the others there thru

You know Sarries lost the GP final last year and are serious threat to win it this year, right?

At Thomond, no need for the when talking about MOD he's a better plaayer the Ryan at the moment.

Issac Boss, don't know he does what he does well but he's very limited. Will suit Leinsters defensive system but I wouldn't be expecting much out of him as a creative force.

irishbucsfan

redroar1942 wrote: »

You know Sarries lost the GP final last year and are serious threat to win it this year, right?

At Thomond, no need for the when talking about MOD he's a better plaayer the Ryan at the moment.

Issac Boss, don't know he does what he does well but he's very limited. Will suit Leinsters defensive system but I wouldn't be expecting much out of him as a creative force.

You obviously didnt watch him running the show at Ulster when they were in great form last season. Then as soon as he announced his departure the team fell apart. I don't think that's a coincidence

profitius

redroar1942 wrote: »

At Thomond, no need for the when talking about MOD he's a better plaayer the Ryan at the moment.

Ryan is a class above MOD.

danthefan

profitius wrote: »

Ryan is a class above MOD.

Ryan is pushing on 27 and has pretty much proved nothing so far. I don't particularly rate MOD but he's shown he's a HEC option, stood in for POC a couple of times in the past including the 2008 group stages. Ryan on the other hand has never ever started a HEC game.



Edit - on topic, I'm not expecting any silverware from Leinster this season anyway, I do expect an ML playoff spot and there's not guarantee we'll get out of the HEC group obviously, imo it's one of the hardest groups ever in the HEC.

wixfjord

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Isaac Boss?

Big Boss admirer but wouldnt call him a good scrummie tbh. Pass is poor.
If Reddan had a brain he'd be very good but he is so infuriating.

wixfjord

outwest wrote: »

i think leinster will surprise alot of people this year, sarries is a game they get 8 points in, and then win the other 2 home games and pick up a bonus point in the others there thru

Heh?! Dont think Itll be that easy! Should have won the GP last season. With Kelly Brown, Strettle, Wigglesworth and Carstens in, plus Matt Stevens have strengthened.

Going over to the Wembely game and cant wait, should be a good weekend.

wixfjord

danthefan wrote: »

Ryan is pushing on 27 and has pretty much proved nothing so far. I don't particularly rate MOD but he's shown he's a HEC option, stood in for POC a couple of times in the past including the 2008 group stages. Ryan on the other hand has never ever started a HEC game.



Edit - on topic, I'm not expecting any silverware from Leinster this season anyway, I do expect an ML playoff spot and there's not guarantee we'll get out of the HEC group obviously, imo it's one of the hardest groups ever in the HEC.

I would agree, along with Munster's this year, and the Leicester Ospreys Clermont group, but both the Irish ones this year have 4 good teams all capable of winning the group.

TheTMO

redroar1942 wrote: »

Issac Boss, don't know he does what he does well but he's very limited. Will suit Leinsters defensive system but I wouldn't be expecting much out of him as a creative force.

Hes more of a creative force than Reddan, O'Leary and Stringer so really dont know how you came to that conclusion.

smurphy29

The jury is still out on Isaac Boss for me. Some days he looks great, others he looks poor. Still too steppy for my liking; the demise of the passing scrum half is one of the most lamentable aspects of the modern game for me. It's a sad day when Stringer is so marginalised at Munster.

As for expectations, well for Leinster, getting out of the HEC group would be great, and we should be aiming to win the Magners League after slipping up last year.

The player to watch is undoubtedly the fit again Luke Fitzgerald, who I expect to be raring to go from the off.

The area for improvement is an obvious one: our back line was stale and tired last year and our try count pathetic, especially in the Magners. Word is that Schmidt will try and get the team playing a slightly less structured game; with Fitz back and a few new ideas hopefully the backline can regain its mojo - with all that talent there is no reason why we shouldn't score a hatful of tries.

Weak links: with Stan out the front row is looking a bit of a worry, hopefuly we can conjure up a prop from somewhere. Depth in the back row is a concern with Locky out til Christmas, but Rhys Ruddock will hopefully solve the problem, and Stephen Keogh was marvellous when called upon last season.

Young players: we should be seeing a bit of Andrew Conway on the wing this year; he's slight but brings some much needed pace to the backline.

It's a big seson for: Toner and McFadden. There should be plenty of opportunities again for McFadden, will we finally see him get the nod in one of the big games? Toner took a backward step last year, but no Cullen til Christmas and Mal's retirement gives him a real chance to make his mark.

Goodluck2me

bamboozle wrote: »

Club - Clontarf
Star Player - Noel Reid from irish U20's signed, a consistent points kicker which is something we've lacked since the days of Richie Murphy.
weak link -scrum half in Paul O'Donoghue's absence.

Noel Reid signed for Belvo.

twinytwo

Club/Province: Munster

Expectations: At least make out of the group in the HC.
Home games will prob save us this year. Tough ass pool but been there done that etc etc.

Improving on last Year: em... beat leinster:(

Star Player: Earls.. if he stays injury free he will hopfully do damage to the opposition.. cant really play without him.

Weak Link: Hayes and O'leary.. It really isnt that hard to pass the ball quickly, i mean if he passed it the same amount as he kicked we might actually get somewhere

PhatPiggins

TheTMO wrote: »

Hes more of a creative force than Reddan, O'Leary and Stringer so really dont know how you came to that conclusion.

I'm not shocked that you'd think that

Goodluck2me

PhatPiggins wrote: »

I'm not shocked that you'd think that

I'd agree actually, he isnt well regarded for his passing, its his ingenuity and sniping that has got him to where he is now.

TheTMO

why did mods remove my post? phatphiggins is breaking the rules of the forum with his suggestion of provincial bias, why hasnt he been yellow carded at the very least?

RuggieBear

it was removed as it was back seat modding and derailing the thread and was not required.

Oh and now you have gotten yourself banned for further breaches of the charter...

If you have a problem with a post... report the post and leave it at that.

Back on topic folks

[Jackass]

Club/Province: Leinster

Expectations: I'm not expecting a vintage season from Leinster by any stretch of the imagination. This season is all about building for the future imo. The O'Driscoll / D'Arcy / Horgan / Dempsey / Hickie generation reached it's pinacle by winning the HEC (sans Hickie sadly), but this season is about the new coches finding their groove and also the new players bedding in. The are a lot of young players in that Leinster squad now, and there are very few of the old guard left. I think a seasons honey moon period is allowable given the circumstances, but I would like to see Leinster make at least theHEC quarter final, as going out in the group is not a nice thing If we did go out in the group, the only thing that could possibly make it worth while would be to get second and go on to win the Amlin. Another European trophy would be nice, but that's not something I would ever want or expect a team like Leinster to aim for.

Top 4 in the Magners would be great too. Only once in the league format have Leinster ever finished outside the top 4, and I still feel like we left a trophy behind last season, so winning the ML would be vindication in my book...maybe we coasted the ML last season and expected to win, so maybe less expectations this season will get better results, who knows?

Improving on last Year: If Leinster lifted the ML trophy, last season would have been seen as a good season with good sucsess. We made a strong defence of the HEC, making it to the semi's and losing away to the best team in the competition, and winning our domestic title, but that loss to Ospreys renders the season an absolute failure for some reason, or at least that's how it feels.

I'd like to see Leinster win a trophy this season. I'd like to see us develop that habbit. We really should have 3 from the last 3 seasons.

Star Player: Jamie Heaslip. I expect to see great leadership from Jamie in the pack. This could be the final season of Brian O'Driscoll, and I think Jamie is the man to take over as that leader on the field who makes things happen. Hopefully he will become Leinster & Ireland captain after the world cup.

Weak Link: Front row. Stans injury is a disastor, I don't think we have a HEC standard tighthead or hooker either. Hoping either Ross steps up and produces the form that got him into the GP team of the season or McGrath can take the oppertunity to break into the Leinster team regularly. I don't mind struggling in the front row if it means really young lads like Healy and McGrath are getting experience that will stand to them in the future. As I said above, this is a transition season for Leinster imo and I'd like to see as much youth getting their chance as possible (as long as they are up to the standard and just need experience).

Young Players: There's a few who could have a big season. I think Harris-Wright has a golden oppertunity to go for the Leinster 2 jersey, as the competition in front of him isn't all that great, and I would love to see a young home grown Leinster lad take over the Leinster 2 jersey and hopefully go on to become international class.

Would like to see Healy (yes, still young enough to be in the young player section) and McGrath get lots of time in the front row.

Toner needs a big season, as he will be required to fill the boots of Cullen, possibly post World Cup.

Ruddock has a great oppertunity to make a claim for the Leinster and Irish 6 jersey with McLoughlin out injured.

O'Brien will be seeing a lot of game time too I suspect, and it's great to see him back.

Both the Ryans have been making good performances in the back-row for Leinster and you must suspect that only for the sheer numbers and quality of back-row players being produced by Leinster that they'd be seeing a lot more game time, but with the ML opening rounds, I expect near academy Leinster team to be played (all the promoted players) so it's a golden oppertunity to prove themselves at that level and add to their first team appearances.

With Boss and Reddan ahead of him, it'll be tough for O'Donohoe to get many starts this season, but he's been the stand out 9 of the AIL and it's only a matter of time before he gets his shot. He's done well when called upon, but would love to see him get a run.

McFadden & O'Malley did superbly well in the centre partnership last season and carried Leinster through some tough games. I'm very excited to see them reunited again at the begining of this season, and you must feel like they will be the dynamic duo of Leinster in the future after the D'Arcy & O'Driscoll days. McFadden is on the cusp of the national team, and I feel like he could push D'Arcy for the Leinster and Irish 12 jersey this season.

Conway can expect a lot of game time this season, and I've a feeling that he could be the next fancy dan of Leinster, his pace is crucial and rediculosly young, just out of school, his camio's for Leinster last season were exciting, but I feel like we've seen nothing yet.

It's hard to know how much rugby Macken will see this season as he hasn't made his debut yet, but he's so promising, that if he gets the 13 jersey and does well enough, O'Driscoll might be rested more than ever ahead of the WC.

McKinley seems to be officially 3rd choice 10 at Leinster now, which is exciting. Berne is out and Sexton in Cotton wool, he's still only academy, but is certain of a start or two this season and it would be great to add depth to 10 for Leinster, as Sexton needs a natural under study / competition for the jersey that Berne will never be able to provide, as a stop gap signing until a second Leinster 10 unearths himself.

Dave Kearney, Morris & Sherrif will all be very much fringe players I suspect, but if any of them was to make a big impact, I'd love it to be Sherrif in the second row. Doubt he'll get much oppertunity though.

One things for sure though, there's more than enough exciting youth comung through at Leinster.