Leinster vs Glasgow, Fri 6th May, KO 19:05, TG4

CouchSmart

The Leinster squad trained in the RDS on Monday evening ahead of Friday night's Magners League clash against the Glasgow Warriors (KO: 7.05pm) with the management reporting no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game in Ballsbridge...



Aside from the usual bumps and bruises there are no fresh injuries for the province as they aim to secure a home semi final in the play offs. Jonathan Sexton’s 22 point haul in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday took him to 194 points in 16 appearances in both competitions. Try scorer Brian O’Driscoll made his 149th Leinster career appearance in the victory over Toulouse.
Fergus McFadden, meanwhile, made his 49th Leinster appearance when he temporarily replaced Luke Fitzgerald’s whose nose injury will not rule him out of contention for selection this week.
There will be a specially themed ‘Kids Takeover’ day on Friday night with the emphasis on younger supporters getting the chance to take part in a series of different matchday events.
Family tickets for two adults and two children are available now for only €50.
Over 16,300 tickets have been sold for Friday’s game and are on sale now HERE and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

http://leinsterrugby.ie/newsroom/8018.php

Good to hear that there's no real injury concerns. Glasgow are a pretty weak team so there's no need for us to put out a lot of the guys that played over the weekend and when you consider the following 3 weeks(potentially) managing everyone's game time is crucial. We have the squad, let's use it.

15. D. Kearney
14. Horgan
13. O'Malley
12. McFadden
11. Conway - still injured?
10. Sexton
9. Boss

1. Heinke
2. Strauss
3. Wright
4. Hines
5. Toner
6. Ryan
7. Jennings
8. Ruddock

irishbucsfan

No messing around. We are not guarranteed qualification yet, so strong team needed. Last thing we need is to put out a 2nd team and lose, as unlikely as that seems.

sock puppet

irishbucsfan wrote: »

No messing around. We are not guarranteed qualification yet, so strong team needed. Last thing we need is to put out a 2nd team and lose, as unlikely as that seems.

We do have 2, potentially 3 big games coming up though so this is the last chance to rest a lot of players. I think the team posted by CouchSmart would be good enough to win.

CIARAN_BOYLE

sock puppet wrote: »

We do have 2, potentially 3 big games coming up though so this is the last chance to rest a lot of players. I think the team posted by CouchSmart would be good enough to win.

I would put Luke Fitzgerald in at 11 since his form seems to be doing better every week that he plays

durkadurka

I wouldn't risk Strauss or sexton

Ciaran-Irl

No, this is the last rest week. I fully believe we have 3 massive weeks ahead. Our second 15 are good enough to win this. Sprinkle some experience on the bench in case it is required.

I'd go for:

15. Madigan
14. Kearney
13. O'Malley
12. McFadden
11. Fitzgerald
10. McKinney
9. POD (Last hurrah)
8. Ruddock
7. Jennings
6. Ryan
5. Toner
4. McLouglin
3. Stan
2. JHR
1. Heinke

16. Strauss
17. Healy
18. Ross
19. O'Donoghue
20. Heaslip
21. Boss
22. D'arcy
23. Isa

totallegend

Madigan has to play at 10; he's the backup for the HC and could be thrown into a big game - he needs time on the pitch, even if it is with the second string.

Under no circumstances should Sexton or Strauss play.

WeeBushy

Even if we lose we'll still have 2 (hopefully 3) big games where we won't get a chance to rest anyone. They're second from bottom, and if we want our best players fit for the remaining games we gotta rest those that need it. Sexton alluded to that in the interview he did on LeinsterTV today/yesterday.

Something like CouchSmart's team would be good, though I'd probably tell Strauss to cover himself and his house in cotton and not go anywhere until further notice. The most important player in our squad at the moment bar none.

GerM

I would rest Horgan for this one. He's going to be up against Paul Diggin in the HEC final and is going to play an important role for us. I'm sure we're going to look to expose Diggin's lack of height with cross kicks and on restarts. We'll more easily replace Fitz with McFadden than we'll replace Horgan. He has played the last 6 in a row now and started 5 of those so he's fine for game time. In fact, I wouldn't stop at Horgan. I would rest our entire first choice side.

This will be a Glasgow side on the back of an awful season and short their 3 best players in Kellock, Gray and Barclay due to international withdrawals. Aironi are the only thing between them and the bottom of the league. An Ulster win away to the Dragons is the single result that can take second spot off us if we lose. Ulster travel minus Wallace, Trimble, Botha and Ferris, so a win is a tall order for them. We have to protect our most valuable players at this point. Every game after this one is a final and we are going to need them. It's too important to risk these players in a game our fringe players are more than capable of winning. We've spoken about our strength in depth so often this season so it's time to use it. If things aren't going to plan, we can introduce a few more experienced lads like Hines and Jennings from the bench.

15. Kearney
14. Morris
13. EOM
12. McFadden
11. Conway
10. Madigan/McKinley
9. Boss
8. Ruddock
7. Ryan
6. McLoughlin
5. Toner
4. EOD
3. Wright
2. JHW
1. VDM

TheHighRoad

15. Kearney
14. McFadden
13. O'Malley
12. D'arcy
11. Fitzgerald
10. Madigan/McKinley
9. Boss
8. Ruddock
7. Jennings
6. Ryan
5. Toner
4. McLoughlin
3. Wright
2. JHW
1. VDM

thomond2006

Glasgow have been muck this year, Leinster should take them handily no matter the lineup tbh.

durkadurka

They have only beaten aironi away this year.

TheHighRoad

TheHighRoad wrote: »

15. Kearney
14. Morris
13. O'Malley
12. McFadden
11. Fitzgerald
10. Madigan/McKinley
9. Boss
8. Ruddock
7. Jennings
6. Ryan
5. Toner
4. McLoughlin
3. Wright
2. JHW
1. VDM

Morris on wing with McFadden at 12 only swap I've made. Think the pack is absolutely spot on, wouldn't be surprised to see Sheriff get a start though.

durkadurka

Heinke, jhw, stan
Hines, toner
Ryan Jennings ruddock
Boss Madigan
Fitz McFadden o malley Morris
Kearney

totallegend

Have we all given up hope of Ed O'Donoghue actually starting a match?

jolley123

Deleted User wrote: »

Morris on wing with McFadden at 12 only swap I've made. Think the pack is absolutely spot on, wouldn't be surprised to see Sheriff get a start though.

Are we talking D.Kearney or is ROb Kearney fit?

If we are talking D.Kearney, would it not be better to put Morris at fullback with Kearney at wing, seeing as Morris is a full-back.

CIARAN_BOYLE

Deleted User wrote: »

Think the pack is absolutely spot on, wouldn't be surprised to see Sheriff get a start though.

Do you know what type of contract he is on? I have a feeling that it may be expiring, if so he might be played and asked to justify a new contract

Could be completly wrong, does anyone know about his status

durkadurka

jolley123 wrote: »

Are we talking D.Kearney or is ROb Kearney fit?

If we are talking D.Kearney, would it not be better to put Morris at fullback with Kearney at wing, seeing as Morris is a full-back.

D kearney. Rob not yet fit. Morris is a great fb going forward but he's had a few shockers as defensive fb. I like him as a big hard fast 14 .

crisco10

15. D. Kearney
14. Conway/Morris
13. O'Malley
12. McFadden
11. Luuuke

10. Madigan
9. Boss

1. HDVM
2. JHW
3. Stan

4. Devin
5. Kev

6. Ryan
7. Jennings
8. Ruddock

16. Strauss
17. Healy
18. Maguire/mcgrath
19. Leo/Hines
20. O'Brien/Heaslip
21. Reddan
22. Sexton
23. Keating

I think we need to rest up as many players as possible as the 3 weekends after that could be consecutive knockout games.

Also, we need to give Madigan, JHW, McFadden etc good game time in case they are called upon in Cardiff. For that reason, I would start Boss and not POD. Want Madigan getting decent gametime with a first team 9.

Similar to aironi, Strauss and Sexton only come on if its all gone pete tong.

Also, Shaun Berne seems retired in all but announcement?

roycon

i think sheriff is seen as a good prospect still. he's very athletic. great in the lineout not that big though. theyll keep him on unless he decides to go himself but with leo cullen a the world cup and hines gone too, he'l probably get a few chances with mcloughlin and the new saffer in the row. rated higher than ruddock and flannagan i think

durkadurka

What's the story with berne? Hasn't played in months but no real explanation as to what's wrong

roycon

hes not as good as sexton and hes not as young as mckinley or madigan and hes not irish qualified. theres no real point in starting him as far as i can see. he did the job when called upon though and is a good backup outhalf but his time has passed. he's also had recurring injuries

durkadurka

durkadurka wrote: »

What's the story with berne? Hasn't played in months but no real explanation as to what's wrong

Nothing wrong, the two Ians are both better than him now and better prospects than him too.

Schmidt doesn't rate him obviously, and sees that the development of the two Ians would be a far better option than prevailing with him.

durkadurka

There were a couple of games during the 6n where we were seriously stuck for players. Schmidt must really not rate him.

CouchSmart

Berne's been struggling with an achillies injury all year. I'd be very surprised if he played again from what I hear. He played one game just before Christmas and it flared up, he's been gone ever since.

Kinger83

Hasn't Shaun Berne been injured with his achilles for quite a while? He was definitely injured during the 6 nations.

CIARAN_BOYLE

CouchSmart wrote: »

Berne's been struggling with an achillies injury all year. I'd be very surprised if he played again from what I hear. He played one game just before Christmas and it flared up, he's been gone ever since.

He also played an A game since then but was immediatley ruled out again

Its best to assume that he injured

ambid

totallegend wrote: »

Have we all given up hope of Ed O'Donoghue actually starting a match?

Is he fit? I assume he's injured as he hasn't been near the first team in months. According to the Leinster site he's played 8 ML matches, starting 6. That's plenty of time for Joe to make up his mind so maybe he just doesn't rate him?

durkadurka wrote: »

What's the story with berne? Hasn't played in months but no real explanation as to what's wrong

Would love to know. I always liked him and thought he was a lovely player who really got the backline moving. He's barely played this year so I assume his injuries have hampered his performances in training, so maybe Joe thinks he can't do the job. Still I'm surprised he's not on the bench as based on his performances last year I would have thought him a better back up than Madigan.

Joe always seems a nice fella, but also seems to be fairly ruthless!

Hype710

LEINSTER:
15: Isa Nacewa
14: Shane Horgan
13: Eoin O'Malley
12: Gordon D'Arcy
11: Fergus McFadden
10: Ian Madigan
9: Isaac Boss
1: Jack McGrath
2: Richardt Strauss
3: Stan Wright
4: Kevin McLaughlin
5: Devin Toner
6: Dominic Ryan
7: Shane Jennings
8: Jamie Heaslip CAPTAIN
REPLACEMENTS:
16: Aaron Dundon
17: Cian Healy
18: Mike Ross
19: Nathan Hines
20: Rhys Ruddock
21: Paul O'Donohoe
22: Ian McKinley
23: David Kearney
GLASGOW WARRIORS:
15: Peter Murchie
14: Federico Aramburu
13: Mark Bennett
12: Graeme Morrison CAPTAIN
11: DTH van der Merwe
10: Duncan Weir
9: Chris Cusiter
1: Ryan Grant
2: Fergus Thomson
3: Moray Low
4: Aly Muldowney
5: Tom Ryder
6: James Eddie
7: Richie Vernon
8: Johnnie Beattie
REPLACEMENTS:
16: Dougie Hall
17: Jon Welsh
18: Kevin Tkachuk
19: Robert Harley
20: Chris Fusaro
21: Colin Gregor
22: Ruaridh Jackson
23: Peter Horne

Good to see McGrath getting a start. McFadden on the wing again is interesting!

durkadurka

Funny that he rests loads of players and yet plays Strauss and nacewa who aren't really replaceable in the first team.

Legion2008

Not taking Glasgow too lightly with that selection but resting some players .... hopefully they'll be in a position to take Isa off early .... that guy's too important for us to lose to injury.

roycon

great to see mclaughlin in the row and particuarly mcgrath at prop against moray low. will be a huge test for mcgrath hes had a few sub appearances this season but this is his big chance now. hopefully he puts in a decent shift in the scrum. i know he will around the field anyway. it will give him something to dwell on over the summer anyway before he gets another few chances during the when healy and ross are at the world cup

thomond2006

durkadurka wrote: »

Funny that he rests loads of players and yet plays Strauss and nacewa who aren't really replaceable in the first team.

He'll probably bring them off on 50/60 minutes if the game is over as a contest.

tolosenc

I'd prefer if Strauss was no where near the ground on Friday, to be honest.

Stupid exams, dunno if I'll make it.

totallegend

tolosenc wrote: »

I'd prefer if Strauss was no where near the ground on Friday, to be honest.

+1. Should be at home with his feet up, a physio on standby in case he has to stretch for the remote.

If there wasn't two massive matches coming up, I'd say this is an excellent selection, but flogging the likes of Nacewa, Strauss, Horgan and D'Arcy in this just seems odd.

What seems really odd is the omission of VDM from the 23 completely. The guy must be champing at the bit to get some game time in and further his cause for a place in Cardiff. Does anyone know if he's injured?

ambid

durkadurka wrote: »

Funny that he rests loads of players and yet plays Strauss and nacewa who aren't really replaceable in the first team.

Surprised by that too. An injury to either would be a nightmare. I wonder is JHW injured again as he's not in the squad at all.

I wonder if Fitz is getting a break or if they're looking at McFadden as an option at 11? Great to see McKinley back after his post Treviso sabbatical and all the speculation about whether he was leaving, hope he gets 30 minutes or so.

Funny enough team, but Joe knows...

Jemo

Shaggy spent most of the season injured, should have lots in the tank and will want to stay in Kidneys eye. I'm surprised Fitzy has been dropped entirely, he had been coming along well. D'Arcy has stated before that he dislikes being rested, prefers the continuity of week in week out rugby and that it gets the best out of him. Also, he was rested v Aironi so should be in decent nick. imagine Strauss whould have been given a rest if VDM and JHW had been available. They must be injured. As for Isa, he never seems to be weary which is brilliant, hopefully he stays injury free, he is so important to us at the moment.

Much Stronger team than expected.

McFadden running at 11 means he's in competing for Fitz's HEC final spot imo. Deserves a shot at it too.

I hope Strauss and Nacewa don't see any ball the entire game, few line outs and a couple of kicks is all please.

If we can get the McLaughlin at second row "bit" working, I'll be over the ****ing moon. Imagine starting games next season with

Healy
Strauss
Ross
McLaughlin
Cullen
SOB
Jennings
Heaslip

Droooooool....

ambid

Jemo wrote: »

... D'Arcy has stated before that he dislikes being rested, prefers the continuity of week in week out rugby and that it gets the best out of him...

That's a good point, and maybe it's the same with old energizer bunny Nacewa.

almighty1

ambid wrote: »

That's a good point, and maybe it's the same with old energizer bunny Nacewa.

And perhaps add Strauss to that also. Cant really understand why JHW isn't in there ahead of him. But who are we to question any of Schmidts decisions?

GerM

Not overly delighted to see Nacewa, Horgan and Strauss in the side but that's tempered by getting to see McLaughlin perform at lock again and McGrath having a run out against a decent tighthead. Would have been happier to see Kearney and Morris instead of Horgan and Nacewa but I can understand Joe's thinking and I'm sure he wants to see how McFadden links with Horgan and Nacewa in the back 3. It will be a big match for McFadden if he wants to show he's worth dropping Luke for on the wing.

We should have enough quality to win. Our back row (considering we've 4 flankers on the pitch) and back three should be enough for us to win the tie.

With my conspiracy theory hat on, I wouldn't be surprised if Kidney has had some input into the selections and requested that McLaughlin and Donnacha Ryan both play lock for their respective sides tomorrow after both playing blindside for the past 3 or 4 games.

thebaz

locky needs a big game too , to get picked for the final - i think second row is his long term best hope - i think he will be selected for final , but it will be a tough call with jennings

thebaz

durkadurka wrote: »

Funny that he rests loads of players and yet plays Strauss and nacewa who aren't really replaceable in the first team.

yeah , strange , in particular when it looks like our back up hooker is out

TheHighRoad

Very excited to see Jack McGrath. I've seen him play in a few games for his club and Leinster A and hes been very impressive in the scrums. I think this is his first start but very big things are expected of him im pretty sure he can also play both sides which is a rarity. think hes just 21 as well.

CouchSmart

I'm delighted with that selection. A good mix. D'Arce and O'Malley played brilliantly together against Clermont earlier in the season, should be interesting to see again. Not overly happy with Nacewa and Strauss being involved but that's life. Neither will be on the pitch beyond the 50 minute mark hopefully.

McLoughlin at 4 is interesting, I was under the impression that they had given up on that but perhaps Kidney is interested in seeing him there again before the WC - he's in with a great shot of making the squad, would be delighted for him if he did. It'll be good seeing McGrath play from the start too. Is something wrong with Heinke?

GerM

GerM wrote: »

With my conspiracy theory hat on, I wouldn't be surprised if Kidney has had some input into the selections and requested that McLaughlin and Donnacha Ryan both play lock for their respective sides tomorrow after both playing blindside for the past 3 or 4 games.

If he's watched McLaughlin's last 3/4 games and Ryan's last 3/4 games then he definitely shouldn't require any more chances to make up his mind.

One is playing a level above the other in all facets of his game.

CatFromHue

the area that mclaughlin needs to improve or could hold him back in the future is his ball handling and passing.

maybe his kicking too:D

GerM

Deleted User wrote: »

If he's watched McLaughlin's last 3/4 games and Ryan's last 3/4 games then he definitely shouldn't require any more chances to make up his mind.

One is playing a level above the other in all facets of his game.

Would agree on that basis but history has shown that DK has a lot of time for Ryan. He has handed him 7 Irish caps in the past couple of years. Sense would dictate that McLaughlin is ahead of Ryan in the pecking order but DK puts a lot of faith in the players he is familiar with. When the Irish squad was cut down to the 22, Ryan was the man kept on to compete against the first choice pack ahead of the likes of Toner and MOD. At this stage, I wouldn't be surprised if DK has decided he's taking 3 locks and 1 flanker/lock.

I'm hoping and praying daily that DK can see sense, and do the right thing for Ireland, not "do the right thing for the players he knows".

I think it's been working too.

sock puppet

Deleted User wrote: »

I'm hoping and praying daily that DK can see sense, and do the right thing for Ireland, not "do the right thing for the players he knows".

I think it's been working too.

If Kidney's determined to bring a lock/blindside then McLaughlin is hardly the automatic choice. Ryan may not be the better player but he's a much more experienced lock than McLaughlin.

sock puppet

sock puppet wrote: »

If Kidney's determined to bring a lock/blindside then McLaughlin is hardly the automatic choice. Ryan may not be the better player but he's a much more experienced lock than McLaughlin.

And Dan Tuohy at Ulster is twice the player that Ryan is, at 4 5 and 6.

McLaughlin is doing his best to get up there though.