Connacht v Leinster Sat 23 Oct, The Sportsground (RTE)

evil_seed

The big fixture of the week is getting ever closer. I cannot wait. There is going to be a massive crowd at this. I think there is a good buzz about the town for this fixture too.

Word is that the Connacht branch have to get in generators for the away dressing room to power all the hair straighteners :pac:

Reloc8

evil_seed wrote: »

The big fixture of the week is getting ever closer. I cannot wait. There is going to be a massive crowd at this. I think there is a good buzz about the town for this fixture too.

Word is that the Connacht branch have to get in generators for the away dressing room to power all the hair straighteners :pac:

Its nice of them to treat the lads to electricty. Are there any plans to roll it out across the rest of the province yet ?

thomond2006

Let's take a quick trip down memory lane, will any Connacht fan forget this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6VRs9ZN-A0

outwest

prob the best man to finish off that try. a legend for connacht.


connacht can win this, we dominate the break down like last week and we can go 6 points clear of leinster in the league.

Teferi

All three other provinces have trouble with Connacht at home. This will be a tough one but Leinster have found something like form again so hopefully we can pull it off.

Legen_Dary

Teferi wrote: »

All three other provinces have trouble with Connacht at home. This will be a tough one but Leinster have found something like form again so hopefully we can pull it off.

If they put out a good team... usually don't against Connaucht.

outwest

they put out a strong team last year and got stuffed

Legen_Dary

They need to stop underestimating Connacht!

Podge_irl

Legen_Dary wrote: »

They need to stop underestimating Connacht!

I'm not sure Leinster have ever under-estimated Connacht. They always send a strong squad and have had some very close games there.

outwest

cheika never under estimated any of the irish teams. always played a strongish team.


i think leinster will be bookies fav to win, so il put my money on connacht

Reloc8

I'm looking forward to this game a lot (Leinster Fan) - I think it could be a cracker.

I also think its been a while since any Irish team underestimated Connaught, especially at home.

TitoPuente

Am I just being cynical in suggesting that Leinster have their eye on the HEC this year and don't really care who beats them in the ML? Aside from a sufficient yet lacklustre display against Munster, Leinster have been shameful in the ML and looked like a different team. You could always argue that it was the injuries but I wouldn't be surprised if Connacht stuffed us, followed by Edinburgh, then Dragons, etc. Only for Leinster to trash Clermont away from home. You know what I'm getting at.

lologram

TitoPuente wrote: »

You know what I'm getting at.

Yeah except then Leinster would have to do without being in the Heineken Cup next year after having Connacht finish ahead of them. I don't think they're going to target every game as a possible win but they aren't just going to roll over for every team either

Podge_irl

TitoPuente wrote: »

I am I just being cynical in suggesting that Leinster have their eye on the HEC this year and don't really care who beats them in the ML? Aside from a sufficient yet lacklustre display against Munster, Leinster have been shameful in the ML and looked like a different team. You could always argue that it was the injuries but I wouldn't be surprised of Connacht stuffed us, followed by Edinburgh, then Dragons, etc. Only for Leinster to trash Clermont at away from home. You know what I'm getting at.

Missing Sexton is the single biggest thing change that you could make to the Leinster team right now, especially with Berne out as well. I'm not surprised they were so poor.

TitoPuente

lologram wrote: »

Yeah except then Leinster would have to do without being in the Heineken Cup next year after having Connacht finish ahead of them. I don't think they're going to target every game as a possible win but they aren't just going to roll over for every team either

Yeah, fair point. I don't think they'll set any kind of standard in the ML this year but obviously they'll have to avoid being relegated in Europe. Damn. Didn't think of that. :eek:

TitoPuente

Podge_irl wrote: »

Missing Sexton is the single biggest thing change that you could make to the Leinster team right now, especially with Berne out as well. I'm not surprised they were so poor.

True. Sexton really has made all the difference. I'd say Connacht will find him a handful if he's named for Saturday.

lologram

TitoPuente wrote: »

Yeah, fair point. I don't think they'll set any kind of standard in the ML this year but obviously they'll have to avoid being relegated in Europe. Damn. Didn't think of that. :eek:

Unless they go right ahead and win the thing

Most likely though that they'll just start playing better in the ML with Sexton back. And they'll have an adequate replacement OH when Berne gets back, which is only a few weeks away I think.

CatFromHue

take keatley and nikora away from connacht and what would happen?

sock puppet

lologram wrote: »

Yeah except then Leinster would have to do without being in the Heineken Cup next year after having Connacht finish ahead of them. I don't think they're going to target every game as a possible win but they aren't just going to roll over for every team either

Realistically Connacht aren't going to finish ahead of Leinster though. Barring the loss against Treviso Leinster's ML results have gone the same way you'd always expect.

Robbo

CatFromHue wrote: »

take keatley and nikora away from connacht and what would happen?

A French style blockade of Landsdowne Road? Swifty at outhalf, knocking over 100% of shots at goal?

Since we're in the realms of fantastic whataboutery here...

irishbucsfan

Robbo wrote: »

A French style blockade of Landsdowne Road? Swifty at outhalf, knocking over 100% of shots at goal?

Since we're in the realms of fantastic whataboutery here...

I think he made a fair point. Leinster lost their 2 starting 10s, if the same had happened to Connacht I don't think it'd be surprising to see them rooted to the bottom of the ML.

Robbo

irishbucsfan wrote: »

I think he made a fair point. Leinster lost their 2 starting 10s, if the same had happened to Connacht I don't think it'd be surprising to see them rooted to the bottom of the ML.

It's one of many reasons why Leinster have had a poor start to the domestic season. If Connacht lost Keatley/Nikora, the options would be basically Troy or go rooting about the AIL. Leinster have had Madigan, Nacewa for place kicking duties (and I do remember him being sold as a backup 10 when he arrived) and then the chequebook.

If you're going to blame their poor league start on anything, there's the change of coach, the disruption in backroom staff, injuries, the international player management regime...

None of those reasons could have possible applied to Connacht...oh wait.

ALH-06

TitoPuente wrote: »

Aside from a sufficient yet lacklustre display against Munster, Leinster have been shameful in the ML

Very unfair comment, on both teams that played that day. Neither province played to their best ability but it definitely, definitely wasn't a lacklustre display by either!

Robbo wrote: »

If you're going to blame their poor league start on anything, there's the change of coach, the disruption in backroom staff, injuries, the international player management regime...

Whatever about early season problems, the important thing is that it looks like Leinster have put the above issues behind them and have played some very encouraging rugby in the last 2 or 3 games. Connacht also looking very promising, which is why this should be a great game. Keatley v Sexton should be fascinating...

My standout memory of Leinster v Connacht was that superb Keatley chase down and tackle of Rocky Elsom - stunning try saver of a tackle! Can't find a clip though...

Reloc8

TitoPuente wrote: »

Am I just being cynical in suggesting that Leinster have their eye on the HEC this year and don't really care who beats them in the ML? Aside from a sufficient yet lacklustre display against Munster, Leinster have been shameful in the ML and looked like a different team. You could always argue that it was the injuries but I wouldn't be surprised if Connacht stuffed us, followed by Edinburgh, then Dragons, etc. Only for Leinster to trash Clermont away from home. You know what I'm getting at.

I'd say its a fair comment.

But the 'interpros' always have a good kick to them, whatever team Leinster field.

fatguy2k1

Keatly was a disaster last week so lets hope he bounces back. a bit of form from fionn and we could have this.

Ticket Situation - 602 left. Come and get them today and friday - lets get this game sold out (so i don't have come into work on Saturday)

Delighted with the tickets sales. Even with the Saturday interpro games being on TV they prove a big draw for supporters throughout the province and of course encourage a big travelling support. Biggest crowd ever for an Ulster game and now for a Leinster game. It shows there is a market for pro rugby in Connacht, the important thing is getting these people back for games against the Welsh, Scots and Italians.

bamboozle

Borders no.2 wrote: »

Delighted with the tickets sales. Even with the Saturday interpro games being on TV they prove a big draw for supporters throughout the province and of course encourage a big travelling support. Biggest crowd ever for an Ulster game and now for a Leinster game. It shows there is a market for pro rugby in Connacht, the important thing is getting these people back for games against the Welsh, Scots and Italians.

they should try something like if u buy a ticket for a game against a province it entitles u to a half price ticket for another magner's league game.

fatguy2k1

bamboozle wrote: »

they should try something like if u buy a ticket for a game against a province it entitles u to a half price ticket for another magner's league game.

ehhh, no. just get your season tickets, IN GOOD TIME and you'll be sorted for the year.

Tickets Left - 423

Shelflife

Fatguy whats the capacity?

Ciaran-Irl

Lads in work from Connacht and lads I know from Connacht are actually a bit cocky going into this match. A few comments I've seen on a couple of forums are the same. I know Connacht won the last two in a row, and fair play to them, but I'm a bit amazed at the cockiness. It doesn't sit well with them. If the team share any of that feeling, then I think Leisnter will take this home comfortably enough.

fatguy2k1

Shelflife wrote: »

Fatguy whats the capacity?

we'll sell 4,500 tickets - this number does not include kids 0-12 who get in free and with no tickets.

molloyjh

TitoPuente wrote: »

Am I just being cynical in suggesting that Leinster have their eye on the HEC this year and don't really care who beats them in the ML? Aside from a sufficient yet lacklustre display against Munster, Leinster have been shameful in the ML and looked like a different team. You could always argue that it was the injuries but I wouldn't be surprised if Connacht stuffed us, followed by Edinburgh, then Dragons, etc. Only for Leinster to trash Clermont away from home. You know what I'm getting at.

Robbo wrote: »

If you're going to blame their poor league start on anything, there's the change of coach, the disruption in backroom staff, injuries, the international player management regime...

None of those reasons could have possible applied to Connacht...oh wait.

There are a number of reasons for the poor form at the start of the season for Leinster. The new coach and backroom staff do have an impact. The injury concerns (Cullen, Wright and Sexton) hit us in very key positions. The international player management had far more impact on Leinster too than Connacht.

But what hasn't been mentioned yet is the management of the players we did have access to. Every time an international player was available he was selected to the starting XV which meant for the first few games there was no selection consistancy at all (and also the up an coming players like Ferg or O'Malley have never been given the vote of confidence they deserve). And with new coaches and new routines but different players every week there was no way the team was going to settle into good form.

ALH-06 wrote: »

Whatever about early season problems, the important thing is that it looks like Leinster have put the above issues behind them and have played some very encouraging rugby in the last 2 or 3 games. Connacht also looking very promising, which is why this should be a great game.

My big fear is that they have found form because they have had full access to the squad for the last 3 weeks. If we revert back to the limited player availability are we going to see the same selection issues? It will be interesting to see the squad for this game. We need to have a set starting XV that doesn't include the internationals. When we have limited availability that XV should start every time and internationals brought on during the game. Get the up and coming players playing together and used to each other and the routines as much as possible.

evil_seed

Connacht squad to face Leinster, Saturday 23rd October, 6.05pm

Forwards:
Adrian Flavin, Sean Cronin, Jamie Hagan, Brett Wilkinson, Barry Fa'amasulli, Ronan Loughney, Dermot Murphy, Michael Swift, Michael McCarthy, Andrew Browne, Bernie Upton, Johnny O'Connor, John Muldoon (C), Ray Ofisa

Backs:
Cillian Willis, Frank Murphy, Ian Keatley, Miah Nikora, Keith Matthews, Niva Ta'auso, Fionn Carr, Darragh Fanning, Shane Monahan, Gavin Duffy, Troy Nathan

Ciaran-Irl

Ciaran-Irl wrote: »

Lads in work from Connacht and lads I know from Connacht are actually a bit cocky going into this match. A few comments I've seen on a couple of forums are the same. I know Connacht won the last two in a row, and fair play to them, but I'm a bit amazed at the cockiness. It doesn't sit well with them. If the team share any of that feeling, then I think Leisnter will take this home comfortably enough.

I think there is just a buzz around the game more than any over-confidence from Connacht. Its the first time this game will sell out and its great to see a bit of belief from Connacht supporters that this team can deliver a performance in a game like this for a change.

Do you honestly think the Connacht team would be cocky facing Leinster:rolleyes:. For any supporter who is slightly overconfident they just have to look back 2 weeks or if looking at another interpro the Munster match last April was a disaster when we were on a roll, same with Ulster early last season.

Once again we're overwhelming underdogs but there is a feeling that we've proven we can match Leinster on one off occasions in the past few seasons in particular at the Sportsground and there are a lot of Connacht players with points to prove again this weekend.

I expect Leinster to win and all logic says they will and potentially win well but I believe we could potentially spring a surprise depending on the circumstances.

Looking forward to a confident Connacht team throwing ball wide vs this resurgent Leinster team.

Could be a classic if it happens!

Unfortunately, I think we'll see two teams trying to choke each other into submission.

outwest

Borders no.2 wrote: »

I think there is just a buzz around the game more than any over-confidence from Connacht. Its the first time this game will sell out and its great to see a bit of belief from Connacht supporters that this team can deliver a performance in a game like this for a change.

Do you honestly think the Connacht team would be cocky facing Leinster:rolleyes:. For any supporter who is slightly overconfident they just have to look back 2 weeks or if looking at another interpro the Munster match last April was a disaster when we were on a roll, same with Ulster early last season.

Once again we're overwhelming underdogs but there is a feeling that we've proven we can match Leinster on one off occasions in the past few seasons in particular at the Sportsground and there are a lot of Connacht players with points to prove again this weekend.

I expect Leinster to win and all logic says they will and potentially win well but I believe we could potentially spring a surprise depending on the circumstances.

i wont be saying anything until we see the teams, it all depends which leinster turns up, the magners one or the hcup one. if the magners team turns up than connacht will win. if sexton doesnt play id give leinster no chance. he really turned leinster season around

Ciaran-Irl

outwest wrote: »

i wont be saying anything until we see the teams, it all depends which leinster turns up, the magners one or the hcup one. if the magners team turns up than connacht will win. if sexton doesnt play id give leinster no chance. he really turned leinster season around

You would give Leinster no chance if Sexton doesn't start or if they don't start the HEC starting 15? No chance? Staggering.

danthefan

Ciaran-Irl wrote: »

You would give Leinster no chance if Sexton doesn't start or if they don't start the HEC starting 15? No chance? Staggering.

Have you read many of outwest's posts pertaining to Leinster or Leinster players?

Ciaran-Irl

danthefan wrote: »

Have you read many of outwest's posts pertaining to Leinster or Leinster players?

True... But still. That comment was something else.

CatFromHue

Robbo wrote: »

A French style blockade of Landsdowne Road? Swifty at outhalf, knocking over 100% of shots at goal?

Since we're in the realms of fantastic whataboutery here...

it was a fairly straight forward question. when a team is playing its third or fourth choice outhalf they are going to struggle, alot of people over looked this point and had a go at the new coach instead.

its not the only reason we struggled but it is a big factor, not really in the realm of fantastic whataboutery at all.

PhatPiggins

CatFromHue wrote: »

it was a fairly straight forward question. when a team is playing its third or fourth choice outhalf they are going to struggle, alot of people over looked this point and had a go at the new coach instead.

its not the only reason we struggled but it is a big factor, not really in the realm of fantastic whataboutery at all.

Leinster have the strength in depth that they should have been able to compensate for Sextons/Berne's absence.

Connacht couldn't even imagine to win without their first and second choices. Hence his whimsical Swift at 10 post, I'd imagine.

CatFromHue

i think very few teams if any can still play to the same level with their third choice outhalf.

take racing metro against leinster for example. they have money to burn, a big squad, some very talented players but weren't up to much with their third choice out half.

it really is such a specialized position

PhatPiggins

Specialized no doubt but to what level it effects the team depends on the opposition. Metro lost away to recent HC champions, they probably would have with their strongest XV.

Leinster lost to some very average teams that you'd expect them to beat regardless of who's at 10, such is their strength in depth and the quality of the players around the 10.

Anyway Connacht thread so I'll try not derail it any further.

outwest

Ciaran-Irl wrote: »

You would give Leinster no chance if Sexton doesn't start or if they don't start the HEC starting 15? No chance? Staggering.

without sexton, he gives them direction that madigan doesnt. leinster have got turned over by edenbrugh. glasgow and treviso. sexton comes on for the munster game and leinster go on to win the match, he gave world class performances in the hec. dan may not like this but if madigan plays for leinster on saturday then connacht should win.

i fear the bull **** player welfare think will destroy leinster this year.

CatFromHue

im not saying we were great in any of the games far from it, we were poor to put it politely and deserve our position in the table. just like connacht deserve theirs.

but you can really see the difference having sexton back makes to the team, they now have some direction.

we are digressing somewhat im just amazed at how quick the knives were out for schmidt when there were alot of things going that people were ignoring.

anywho im looking forward to the game this weekend john muldoon who is only back from injury a few weeks ago must be chomping at the bit for this one.

considering he was picked in the irish squad and now could well be up against his opposition for the irish team. likewise for duffy against kearney. if jamie hagan plays he could be looking to put down a market too

then there is the case of one mr. carr!!

outwest

outwest wrote: »

without sexton, he gives them direction that madigan doesnt. leinster have got turned over by edenbrugh. glasgow and treviso. sexton comes on for the munster game and leinster go on to win the match, he gave world class performances in the hec. dan may not like this but if madigan plays for leinster on saturday then connacht should win.

i fear the bull **** player welfare think will destroy leinster this year.

The Leinster team needed a lot more than just Sexton vs Edinburgh.

Collectively we were absolutely brutal. Torn apart by a very average team to be honest. And it wasn't as if we were shy on first team players.

Sometimes it takes a few games for things to settle down again.

We are not a one man team

sock puppet

PhatPiggins wrote: »

Leinster lost to some very average teams that you'd expect them to beat regardless of who's at 10, such is their strength in depth and the quality of the players around the 10.

When's the last time Leinster have beaten Glasgow away? The manner of the defeats in Scotland may have been surprising, the results certainly weren't.

its_phil

sock puppet wrote: »

When's the last time Leinster have beaten Glasgow away? The manner of the defeats in Scotland may have been surprising, the results certainly weren't.

Without trying to stoke flames here,but treviso wasn't a good result because no bp was picked up

irishbucsfan

outwest wrote: »

without sexton, he gives them direction that madigan doesnt. leinster have got turned over by edenbrugh. glasgow and treviso. sexton comes on for the munster game and leinster go on to win the match, he gave world class performances in the hec. dan may not like this but if madigan plays for leinster on saturday then connacht should win.

i fear the bull **** player welfare think will destroy leinster this year.

If we were able to beat a strong Cardiff team with Madigan at 10 then we should be able to beat Connacht.

The lack of Sexton would make things more difficult, but Leinster are still superior in nearly every other position, and that would be the difference.

Reloc8

outwest wrote: »

without sexton, he gives them direction that madigan doesnt. leinster have got turned over by edenbrugh. glasgow and treviso. sexton comes on for the munster game and leinster go on to win the match, he gave world class performances in the hec. dan may not like this but if madigan plays for leinster on saturday then connacht should win.

i fear the bull **** player welfare think will destroy leinster this year.

I think if they can stay alive in both competitions (obviously focusing primarily on the HEC) they'll be glad of it come the summer.

fatguy2k1

Just FYI - to get tickets

1) pop into the Branch Office (don't call us - i've snapped at quiet a few people already today - we don't hold tickets or take booking)

2) online from ticketmaster.

rapidly running low on them