Leinster vs Scarlets, Friday K.O. 7.05pm,RTE 2

jolley123

Gordon D'Arcy is one of three returning Ireland internationals named in the starting line-up, with Eoin Reddan resuming his half-back partnership with Jonathan Sexton.
D'Arcy partners Eoin O'Malley at centre with Fergus McFadden switching to the wing in a back three which again includes Shane Horgan and Isa Nacewa.

Mike Ross starts in a pack containing a mix of youth and experience. Devin Toner, the province's latest Ireland international, starts in the second row alongside skipper Leo Cullen, with Rhys Ruddock forming an exciting looking back-row alongside Dominic Ryand and Sean O'Brien.

Leinster can call upon experience from the replacements bench with the likes of Shaun Berne, Nathan Hines and Shane Jennings all included.

LEINSTER:

15: Isa Nacewa
14: Shane Horgan
13: Eoin O'Malley
12: Gordon D'Arcy
11: Fergus McFadden
10: Jonathan Sexton
9: Eoin Reddan

1: Heinke van der Merwe
2: Richardt Strauss
3: Mike Ross
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN
5: Devin Toner
6: Rhys Ruddock
7: Dominic Ryan
8: Sean O'Brien

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Tom Sexton
17: Jack McGrath
18: Clint Newland
19: Nathan Hines
20: Shane Jennings
21: Paul O'Donohoe
22: Shaun Berne
23: Dave Kearney

SCARLETS:

15.Dan Newton
14.Morgan Stoddart
13.Gareth Maule
12.Regan King
11.Joe Ajuwa
10.Rhys Priestland
9. Tavis Knoyle

1.Phil John
2.Ken Owens
3.Peter Edwards
4.Damein Welch
5.Dominic Day
6.Josh Turnbull
7.Jonathan Edwards
8.Ken Owens(c)

REPLACEMENTS:
Mathew Rees
Rhodri Jones
Deacon Manu
Rob McCusker
Ben Morgan
Martin Roberts
Stephon Jones
Scott Williams




REFEREE: Neil Paterson (SRU), ASSISTANT REFEREES: Colin Kirkhouse, Martyn Lewis (both WRU), TMO: Hugh Watkins (WRU)

I'm pretty excited to see that back-row. The backline is one i think we could expect to see against Clermont so hopefully they do quite well.

thomond2006

Well we know what the backline will be for next week. Big chance for McFadden to perform and secure a utility role in the Six Nations squad.

[Jackass]

I would be expecting a decent win from this game. Scarlets are going very well this season, but are without some key players, and this is almost the current full strength Leinster team. Looking forward to seeing that backrow in action and I really really hope that backline clicks, because it really really needs to....

PhatPiggins

Is this one not in Wales? I hope so as Scarlets have decent under soil heating and we're fast running out of rugby this weekend.

irishbucsfan

PhatPiggins wrote: »

Is this one not in Wales? I hope so as Scarlets have decent under soil heating and we're fast running out of rugby this weekend.

It is, but Schmidt doesn't want to travel in case the team gets stranded there.

PhatPiggins

irishbucsfan wrote: »

It is, but Schmidt doesn't want to travel in case the team gets stranded there.

Might be an idea to change the title then OP.

Stranded for what a couple of days? Think they need the the run out before the HC to be honest, worth the risk.

irishbucsfan

PhatPiggins wrote: »

Might be an idea to change the title then OP.

Stranded for what a couple of days? Think they need the the run out before the HC to be honest, worth the risk.

I agree

The idea is that the team needs every day of training possible before the CF match.

If they were stranded in Llanelli until Tuesday then they might not be able to train until wednesday.. But saying that I can't see them getting stranded

danthefan

They're gone anyway, I would assume if they get stuck an arrangement could be made with Scarlets to use their training facilities.

thomond2006

Leinster ftw. 6/5.

Judgement Day

Yeah, I've gone with the "goys" to win and more than 19.5 points in the 1st half.

thomond2006

RTE: "Commentators will be Hugh Cahill and Mark McDermott."

/switches to BBC

Risteard

What a ridiculous decision.

copacetic

thats two very worrying early decisions by Owens for the peno and the loss of scrum put in. He has a tendency to be a homer but they were both crazy decsions.

Judgement Day

Great try there from O'Malley courtesy of Shaggy and Sexton.

thomond2006

Good try. Crosskick by Sexton to Horgan, basketball pass inside collected by O'Malley.

3-5, conversion missed

wixfjord

Ah good old Nacewa's kicking,

wixfjord

Scarlets back row taking the piss.

jk86

That scrum half is a bit nippy

wixfjord

****in brilliant from Ruddock. Must be learning from Heaslip.

Risteard

Conference in the middle of a pitch.

Otacon

Yellow for SOB if it was seen. Seeing as it wasn't... Get IN

thomond2006

Nigel Owens, brilliant!

jacothelad

Reddan is woeful so far

thomond2006

That throw from Strauss was hilariously not straight.

wixfjord

FFS NIGEL! That was completely turned!

Taco Corp

Strauss seems to have forgotten how to throw into the lineout.

thomond2006

9-5 HT

RuggieBear

christ almighty owens have some ****ing consistency in the scrums.

neither team playing particularly well.

strauss needs to sort out his throwing which has been appalling.

irishbucsfan

RuggieBear wrote: »

christ almighty owens have some ****ing consistency in the scrums.

neither team playing particularly well.

strauss needs to sort out his throwing which has been appalling.

Really think its down to conditions. His throwing is usually alright.

Reddan is annoying me at this stage. Worst part is that POD is the one on the bench, and he's worse.

wixfjord

Reddan is grand when its dry and he doesnt have to make decisions.
When it's wet and it needs the SH to control the game, he's poor.

RuggieBear

redden has been mediocre in most games he has started. i'm awaiting boss to come on and have a blinder.

edit: oh it's POD on the bench....bugger.

thomond2006

Leinster did well in defence for a long while there.

Neither side look capable of making a decisive line break.

conormccarthy92

Ryans tackle count must be fairly high by now . Made a load of hits durinf that scarlets pressure

Judgement Day

Reddan is beyond awful - come back "two steps".

thomond2006

Shocking miss from Sexton. :eek:

Dom Ryan and Cullen off, Jennings and Hines on.

wixfjord

Oh ffs.
This perormance does not auger well for next week.

RuggieBear

ugh

thomond2006

Reddan has been awful.

thomond2006

Ruddock yellow card.

wixfjord

THAT IS ****ING SCANDALOUS!! **** OFF NIGEL

amacachi

thomond2006 wrote: »

Oh Ruddock that's just dumb, ffs.

Yellow card.

What was the problem there?

wixfjord

thomond2006 wrote: »

Oh Ruddock that's just dumb, ffs.

Yellow card.

No way Thomond, not having that. That is a crazy decision.

thomond2006

Looking at the replay, that's actually harsh!!

Edit: Sorry lads, yeah you're dead right.

RuggieBear

thats horse**** owens

amacachi

I really don't understand the rules of this game it seems. What was the call meant to be for?

thomond2006

Why did Reddan pass it to McFadden who was directly behind him? He's asking Fergus to be smashed.

wixfjord

Sexton not good.

thomond2006

C'mon Jonny, land this.

Edit: Missed again!!

I thought he came in with a shoulder, but yer man was slowing the ball down illegally

A2LUE42

Kicking boots at home tonight.

amacachi

How has no Leinster player insisted on taking a kick? Silly stuff.