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Leinster V Saracens 16/10/10 17:45 Wembley Stadium (Sky Sports 1)

  • 15-10-2010 9:00am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,106 ✭✭✭andrewdcs


    Sorry but I can't find any team sheets yet, but will update this avo.

    Going along to this, (only up the road) sad BOD won't make it but really looking forward to it.
    Even without him I think we've a chance of beating them (!) which would knock them out, losing BP would be no shame, Saracens could have (should have) beaten Clermont.


    Christophe Berdos is in the ring, really like him as a ref (apart from not giving a certain red in a certain Lions game ;)


«134

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,954 ✭✭✭LeeroyJones


    Gavin Cummiskey in the Irish Times Report
    http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2010/1015/1224281154965.html
    RUGBY HEINEKEN CUP: LEO CULLEN will not start for Leinster tomorrow against Saracens at Wembley Stadium but is expected to feature off the bench.

    A final decision on Brian O’Driscoll’s availability has been put off until the release of the team-sheet this morning.

    O’Driscoll has yet to train with the team since pulling up with a hamstring problem in last Saturday’s bonus-point win over Racing Metro 92 at the RDS Showgrounds. “He’s recovering really well, he’s been in rehab all week,” said assistant coach Richie Murphy. “He’s probably 50-50 whether he’ll make it at the weekend. When he came off, he alluded to the fact that it wasn’t as bad as it had been before. The scans have shown that to be the case. There is a chance he’ll be there at the weekend.”

    Fergus McFadden appears to be front of the queue to come in as a straight swap for the Irish captain but, again, this is uncertain as new Leinster coach Joe Schmidt has used him primarily as an inside centre with Eoin O’Malley at 13 when O’Driscoll was still in preseason.

    With Isa Nacewa and Shane Horgan seemingly fighting over the number 14 jersey, it is conceivable that one of these experienced players could be utilised in midfield alongside Gordon D’Arcy.

    Either way, Murphy was adamant the uncertainty over O’Driscoll’s fitness 48 hours out from such an important away fixture is not a hindrance to Leinster’s preparations. “I don’t think it is that disruptive at all,” said Murphy. “Obviously we know what Brian brings but we are lucky in the situation that we have other players that are coming up behind him are at a very high level and will be able to slot in if needed.”

    Regarding the possibility of O’Driscoll further damaging his hamstring, an injury that has been a recurring theme throughout his career, especially with a view to his availability to lead Ireland out against world champions South Africa on November 6th, Murphy added: “From our point of view, and what’s in the best interest for Brian and for Irish rugby, if there is a doubt over him tomorrow he will know himself. If there is a doubt he won’t be used.”

    Naturally Saracens will be interested in what midfield partnership is announced before today’s ERC noon deadline as it is no secret that Leinster’s opposition tend to shape their defensive game plan around the man.

    Yet to feature this season, Cullen’s lack of match fitness to go a full 80 minutes means Nathan Hines will be partnered by Devin Toner in the secondrow as the same eight that squared up to Racing are due to take the field.

    In good news for both Leinster and Ireland, Jonny Sexton will be back on place-kicking duty despite a decent return from Nacewa when the outhalf was recuperating from a quad problem.

    “He kicked today and will kick tomorrow. Because he hasn’t been kicking, we’ve been working on other aspects around his kicking, pre-kick routine and stuff like that,” explained Murphy, who was a decent place-kicker himself during his playing days for Greystones, Clontarf, Carlow and Old Belvedere and is Leinster’s specialist coach in this department.

    “He wants to get kicking. It always feels a little funny when you’re not up there. We’ve all done the right thing by him, the extra couple of weeks were needed because a quad is a kicker’s injury. It will stand to him.”

    Jamie Heaslip is expected to retain the captaincy while Cullen is benched, as the Lions number eight held off Shane Jennings for the honour last week having reminded coach Schmidt of his 100 per cent record as team leader.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,106 ✭✭✭andrewdcs


    Gavin Cummiskey in the Irish Times Report

    Cheers, reading this makes me nervous that they'll chuck BOD in off the bench... which feels like a crazy descision despite his twitter stuff during the week.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,978 ✭✭✭✭irishbucsfan


    andrewdcs wrote: »
    Cheers, reading this makes me nervous that they'll chuck BOD in off the bench... which feels like a crazy descision despite his twitter stuff during the week.

    If O'Driscoll doesn't start he shouldn't play. It's not like Cullen who's good to go but lacking match fitness, he's carrying the injury. So I think we'll either see him at 13 or not at all.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,955 Mod ✭✭✭✭Podge_irl


    LEINSTER:

    15: Rob Kearney
    14: Shane Horgan
    13: Luke Fitzgerald
    12: Gordon D’Arcy
    11: Isa Nacewa
    10: Jonathan Sexton
    9: Eoin Reddan

    1: Cian Healy
    2: Richardt Strauss
    3: Mike Ross
    4: Nathan Hines
    5: Devin Toner
    6: Sean O’Brien
    7: Shane Jennings
    8: Jamie Heaslip CAPTAIN

    REPLACEMENTS:

    16: Jason Harris-Wright
    17: Heinke van der Merwe
    18: Simon Shawe
    19: Leo Cullen
    20: Dominic Ryan
    21: Isaac Boss
    22: Fergus McFadden
    23: Eoin O’Malley


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,955 Mod ✭✭✭✭Podge_irl


    Bit of a kick in the face for McFadden but it's a good team and that backline could do very well indeed. Nice to see Healy getting a start too, Strauss is mixing up the ront row nicely.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,954 ✭✭✭LeeroyJones


    SARACENS:

    15: Alex Goode
    14: David Strettle
    13: Adam Powell
    12: Brad Barritt
    11: Chris Wyles
    10: Derick Hougaard
    9: Richard Wigglesworth

    1: Deon Carstens
    2: Schalk Brits
    3: Carlos Nieto
    4: Steve Borthwick CAPTAIN
    5: Mouritz Botha
    6: Jacques Burger
    7: Andy Saull
    8: Ernst Joubert

    REPLACEMENTS:

    16: Jamie George
    17: Matt Parr
    18: Richard Skuse
    19: Hayden Smith
    20: Kelly Brown
    21: Neil de Kock
    22: Kameli Ratuvou
    23: Noah Cato


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,026 ✭✭✭Tim Robbins


    Podge_irl wrote: »
    Bit of a kick in the face for McFadden but it's a good team and that backline could do very well indeed. Nice to see Healy getting a start too, Strauss is mixing up the ront row nicely.

    Definetly a kick in the face for McFadden.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 45,433 ✭✭✭✭thomond2006


    McFadden should feel mightly pissed right now.

    Fitzgerald at 13 will be interesting to say the least.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 751 ✭✭✭lologram


    Definetly a kick in the face for McFadden.

    I was looking forward to seeing him start a game this big. Hopefully he'll get most of the second half by coming on for Horgan and Fitz shifting to the wing.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,812 ✭✭✭✭thebaz


    delighted to see Fitzy in the centre - hopefully it works - i think this could be his real position


    BTW anyway know whats happened to Conway this year ??


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 499 ✭✭Beanmachine


    thebaz wrote: »
    delighted to see Fitzy in the centre - hopefully it works - i think this could be his real position


    BTW anyway know whats happened to Conway this year ??

    He ran 60metre's to score a try for Blackrock in the AIL last weekend so he's definetly not injured. Great to see Dominic Ryan getting so much action this year really think he could become an excellent player for leinster in the future.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,955 Mod ✭✭✭✭Podge_irl


    thebaz wrote: »
    BTW anyway know whats happened to Conway this year ??

    He's not good enough yet...
    McFadden should feel mightly pissed right now.

    Be amazed if he stayed on after this season


  • Posts: 2,874 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Great team and am relieved they havent risked BOD. McFad may feel hard done by but I'm glad Schmidt has stuck Fitz in the centre. I'd like to see him get an extended run at 13. Great step, hands and turn of pace.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,745 ✭✭✭laugh


    BOD is the water boy according to twitter.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 338 ✭✭jimmybeige


    Ryan does seem to be getting a lot of games this year alright. What happened to Ruddock? He looked like he'd make an impact this year after getting the senior callup but they seem to prefer Ryan at Leinster these days.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 164 ✭✭stejkenny


    McFadden is good but not as good as Luke; Over the moon to see Luke getting his game at 13 as this is a possible replacement for BOD; he has acceleration great hands and a good eye for an opening; all he needs is a bit of exposure in the position.

    Fitzgerald's defence and strength will be tested with this one. Brad Barrit is a classic English centre/bosher and will run straight at him all game so we can expect some big collisions.

    Good for Ireland to see what is possibly/definitely the International Front Row of Healy and Ross getting in there too.

    The backrow is enuf said really, total quality.

    I expect/hope Leinster can sneak a a slight win/losing bonus point and Munster to take an easy home win from a weakened Toulon side with 1 and 1/2 eyes on domestic games coming up next week against Toulouse and Stade.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,812 ✭✭✭✭thebaz


    jimmybeige wrote: »
    Ryan does seem to be getting a lot of games this year alright. What happened to Ruddock? He looked like he'd make an impact this year after getting the senior callup but they seem to prefer Ryan at Leinster these days.

    there both good - but ryan has something special - i saw him a couple of years ago as a schoolboy and he stood out then - he started the year as 7 , but i believe he is very physically strong so moved to 6 seamlessy


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,375 ✭✭✭padser


    stejkenny wrote: »
    McFadden is good but not as good as Luke

    True but irrelevant.

    The choice wasn't between McFadden / Fitz

    It was between McFadden at 13 with Fitz on the wing OR Fitz at 13 with Horgan on the wing.

    Personally I would have gone with Mcfadden, since I think he is a better player than Horgan


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,699 ✭✭✭bamboozle


    padser wrote: »
    True but irrelevant.

    The choice wasn't between McFadden / Fitz

    It was between McFadden at 13 with Fitz on the wing OR Fitz at 13 with Horgan on the wing.

    Personally I would have gone with Mcfadden, since I think he is a better player than Horgan

    agreed, i'd rather see mcfadden on pitch ahead of horgan, bit worried about Luke's hand's/passing in the centre, no doubt he's got the feet and pace but his passing has let him down previously.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,699 ✭✭✭bamboozle


    padser wrote: »
    True but irrelevant.

    The choice wasn't between McFadden / Fitz

    It was between McFadden at 13 with Fitz on the wing OR Fitz at 13 with Horgan on the wing.

    Personally I would have gone with Mcfadden, since I think he is a better player than Horgan

    agreed, i'd rather see mcfadden on pitch ahead of horgan, bit worried about Luke's hand's/passing in the centre, no doubt he's got the feet and pace but his passing has let him down previously.

    hope it wont become a slug fest between the 2 packs


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,026 ✭✭✭Tim Robbins


    bamboozle wrote: »
    agreed, i'd rather see mcfadden on pitch ahead of horgan, bit worried about Luke's hand's/passing in the centre, no doubt he's got the feet and pace but his passing has let him down previously.

    hope it wont become a slug fest between the 2 packs

    hands, feet, pace, stepping are all important skills. But I think it's really the lines you are used to running that matter here. When you play second centre, you are running certain types of lines that are completly different when playing on the wing.

    Centre involves hitting the line hard and fast, trying to suck players in to make space for the next player. You need to know what's going on both sides of you and in front and behind you.

    Winger you are trying to take them on the outside or just cut back in. You don't really need to side step. Robinson wasn't much use at centre when he played there. Someone like Stirling Mortlock who rarely steps would be much more effective. Side stepping is just handy in certain situations just like being big is is handy in certain situations.

    I am not saying Fitz can't play center I just think that moving from wing to center isn't that easy. I would have gone with macca. He definetely deserves his start. He runs good lines and need more experience at higher levels.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,767 ✭✭✭✭molloyjh


    thebaz wrote: »
    delighted to see Fitzy in the centre - hopefully it works - i think this could be his real position


    BTW anyway know whats happened to Conway this year ??
    jimmybeige wrote: »
    Ryan does seem to be getting a lot of games this year alright. What happened to Ruddock? He looked like he'd make an impact this year after getting the senior callup but they seem to prefer Ryan at Leinster these days.

    Conway and Ruddock have been named in the B&I squad for Sunday. I'd say we'll see them in the senior side next season.
    padser wrote: »
    True but irrelevant.

    The choice wasn't between McFadden / Fitz

    It was between McFadden at 13 with Fitz on the wing OR Fitz at 13 with Horgan on the wing.

    Personally I would have gone with Mcfadden, since I think he is a better player than Horgan

    Yeah I would probably favour Fitzy at 11, Isa at 14 and McFadden at 13 given what I've seen so far this season myself. I'd be interested to see how Shaggy does though. People have written him off before and he's come back.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 45,433 ✭✭✭✭thomond2006


    Podge_irl wrote: »
    Be amazed if he stayed on after this season

    Jesus send him down here, we'll take him. :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,767 ✭✭✭✭molloyjh


    Jesus send him down here, we'll take him. :D

    I'm afraid he's apparently pinky promised my sisters that he'll stay at Leinster. I mean that's as good as a signed contract, at least in their eyes! :P


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,699 ✭✭✭bamboozle


    Jesus send him down here, we'll take him. :D

    i wouldnt be suprised to see any of the following at munster next season

    McLaughlin, McFadden, Keatley, Cronin, Carr...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 338 ✭✭jimmybeige


    bamboozle wrote: »
    i wouldnt be suprised to see any of the following at munster next season

    McLaughlin, McFadden, Keatley, Cronin, Carr...

    Is McLaughlin injured? He's had a hard time with injuries if he is. Haven't heard any talk of him.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,978 ✭✭✭✭irishbucsfan


    jimmybeige wrote: »
    Is McLaughlin injured? He's had a hard time with injuries if he is. Haven't heard any talk of him.

    Injured since the end of last year.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,207 ✭✭✭durkadurka


    Jesus send him down here, we'll take him. :D

    you've got loads of centres. They're just all suspended that's all!!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,770 ✭✭✭danthefan


    Why would McLaughlin move to Munster? He was first choice at Leinster before getting injured.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,954 ✭✭✭LeeroyJones


    danthefan wrote: »
    Why would McLaughlin move to Munster? He was first choice at Leinster before getting injured.

    First choice when SOB was injured.
    McLaughlin's case is similar to that of McFadden. Both are good enough for this level but are unfortunate to find themselves competing with some top players. We are in a good position when we produce players of such quality and still can't get into our XV. I would not, however, stand in their way if they wanted to move for first team rugby.
    Today's selection is a big statement from Schmidt, unless he sees McFadden as only a 12.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,812 ✭✭✭✭thebaz


    First choice when SOB was injured.
    McLaughlin's case is similar to that of McFadden. Both are good enough for this level but are unfortunate to find themselves competing with some top players. .

    with injuries we need backup for back row - there's always someone injured - i would think McLoughlin, SOB and Jenning are the 3 senior players - with Ryan and Ruddock in reserve - i think SOB is a better open side - not sure he is big enough for 6 - McLaughlin lacks the dynamism of Heaslip or SOB but is a very intelligent player and strong - great we have such depth, not forgetting Heaslip :-)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,238 ✭✭✭Gelio


    Should be:
    9. Reddan
    10. Sexton
    11. Fitz
    12 Darce
    13 f mc F
    14 Nacewa
    15 Kearney

    Can't stand Horgan right now


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,955 Mod ✭✭✭✭Podge_irl


    First choice when SOB was injured.

    Eh...no. Kev was undoubtedly Leinster's first choice 6 until he got injured. SOB was having to fight it out with Jennings.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,978 ✭✭✭✭irishbucsfan


    First choice when SOB was injured.
    McLaughlin's case is similar to that of McFadden. Both are good enough for this level but are unfortunate to find themselves competing with some top players. We are in a good position when we produce players of such quality and still can't get into our XV. I would not, however, stand in their way if they wanted to move for first team rugby.
    Today's selection is a big statement from Schmidt, unless he sees McFadden as only a 12.

    Think you'll find SOB was fit and on the bench, with KMcL, Jennings and Heaslip starting.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,448 ✭✭✭ongarite


    hope to see a few of the travelling leinster fans in the greenman pub before the game. Cmon Leinster!


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 831 ✭✭✭achtungbarry


    Sitting beside ongarite soaking up the atmosphere (and many beers) in the Greenman pub. Huge Leinster support here.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,745 ✭✭✭laugh


    Cheer leaders I like it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,855 ✭✭✭pappyodaniel


    Best of luck to Leinster today. Wembley looks like such an amazing stadium for a rugby match.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,416 ✭✭✭chupacabra


    Red posts? Madness...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,448 ✭✭✭ongarite


    whos the kanye look alike trying to warm up the crowd?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 chirodoody


    looks quite atmospheric despite a half full wembley
    hope the blue army can make themselves heard
    CMON LEINSTER


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,304 ✭✭✭outwest


    good reslut would be a point for leinster. great result would leinster getting 2 bps. but leinster know that a win today and their favs to go through the group.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 chirodoody


    Sounds like WWF on the tanoy - wtf?!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 63 ✭✭Smurf1971


    Came in late....is BOD named among the replacements?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,416 ✭✭✭chupacabra


    Uh.... Whats with the lack of a gap between the packs pree engage?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,745 ✭✭✭laugh


    Did the ref back saracens, stop getting in the way of defense.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 chirodoody


    Good early phases - scrum, lineout, ruck all seem stable


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 chirodoody


    Gr8 start 3:0 Leinster


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,448 ✭✭✭ongarite


    good try to saracens. Missed the conversion.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 chirodoody


    try saracens - well taken out wide
    unconverted


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