Pro12: Leinster vs Ospreys, RDS, 23rd March, 7:05pm KO, RTÉ 2

.ak

Leinster return to the RDS this Friday to take on Ospreys as they look to secure their lead into the run up to the play offs.

According to Leinster most of the players involved with Ireland will be rested, whilst we expect the return of some of the fringe players in the form of Cronin, McFadden, O'Malley, David Kearney, Ruddock, Jennings and so forth.

The squad will also be bolstered by the debut of World Cup winner Brad Thorn and the return of talisman O'Driscoll, although at this point one would have to presume he'll be starting off the bench.

Leo Cullen has also been mentioned as having a look in for this feature, but I can't see him being up for that kind of contact yet. Maybe another bench option.

It'll be interesting to see where Joe goes with selections, as all of a sudden he's got depth in areas he's been lacking in since Christmas and even beyond.

Hard to speculate at what the Ospreys line up will be like either. I presume Tommy Bowe will be rested. There's no doubt all of the Welsh contingent will be on a high after a successful GS. However a lot of players will have picked up some knocks over the past few weeks. Also with the mass exodus of players from the club we might either see a very disinterested Ospreys, or something completely different - but Ospreys have always put us to the sword on their visits, so it'll be a tough match up no matter what.

LEINSTER:

15: Isa Nacewa
14: David Kearney
13: Brian O'Driscoll
12: Fergus McFadden
11: Luke Fitzgerald
10: Ian Madigan
9: Isaac Boss

1: Heinke van der Merwe
2: Richardt Strauss
3: Nathan White
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN
5: Brad Thorn
6: Rhys Ruddock
7: Dominic Ryan
8: Leo Auva'a

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Sean Cronin
17: Jack McGrath
18: Jamie Hagan
19: Damian Browne
20: Kevin McLaughlin
21: John Cooney
22: Eoin O'Malley
23: Fionn Carr

OSPREYS:

15: Richard Fussell
14: Hanno Dirksen
13: Andrew Bishop
12: Ashley Beck
11: Eli Walker
10: Dan Biggar
9: Kahn Fotuali'i

1: Paul James
2: Richard Hibbard
3: Aaron Jarvis
4: Ryan Jones
5: Alun Wyn Jones CAPTAIN
6: Tom Smith
7: Justin Tipuric
8: George Stowers

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Scott Baldwin
17: Ryan Bevington
18: Adam Jones
19: Ian Evans
20: James King
21: Rhys Webb
22: Matthew Morgan
23: Tom Isaacs

Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland)
Assistant Referees: Simon McDowell, Olly Hodges
Citing Commissioner: Murray White
TMO: Alan Rogan

Tox56

I would have:

VdM
Strauss
Hagan
Thorn
Toner
McLaughlin
Jennings
Auva'a
Boss (?)
Madigan
Fitzgerald
McFadden
O'Malley
Conway/D Kearney
Nacewa

Cronin
McGrath
White
Flanagan
Ruddock
Cooney
Berquist
BOD

I'm assuming with BOD on the bench, one of D Kearney/Carr/Conway will have to be in the team or they miss out altogther?

Backrow options are difficult too. I'd have Jennings and Auva'a, picking 2 of McLaughlin/Ruddock/Dom Ryan for bench and starting spots.

Someone on LF suggested McLaughlin as 2nd Row bench cover to fit all 3 in, but I would have liked to see Flanagan assuming Cullen isn't ready.

MungBean

Looking forward to this after the misery that was the six nations. Keen to get a look at how Thorn is fitting in too and seeing the return BOD.

.ak

Tox56 wrote: »

I would have:

VdM
Strauss
Hagan
Thorn
Toner
McLaughlin
Jennings
Auva'a
Boss (?)
Madigan
Fitzgerald
McFadden
O'Malley
Conway/D Kearney
Nacewa

Cronin
McGrath
White
Flanagan
Ruddock
Cooney
Berquist
BOD

I'm assuming with BOD on the bench, one of D Kearney/Carr/Conway will have to be in the team or they miss out altogther?

Backrow options are difficult too. I'd have Jennings and Auva'a, picking 2 of McLaughlin/Ruddock/Dom Ryan for bench and starting spots.

Someone on LF suggested McLaughlin as 2nd Row bench cover to fit all 3 in, but I would have liked to see Flanagan assuming Cullen isn't ready.

That's a good looking team, except a few things - I think Boss is still with an ill family member in NZ, so we might see Cooney start with McGrath on the bench or maybe Reddan might start (he hasn't played THAT much rugby after all).

I'd also like to see Ryan start. Hard to see where Jennings fits into a game like this - I don't know if he 'expertise' will be needed, but it will definitely be called upon against Munster the following week I feel.

Also, I'd like to see Cullen get the bench if fit - he'll need to get some contact going before Munster - Flanagan isn't going to break into the senior squad properly before the end of the year, and is a pilar for the B&I squad so I don't think he'll feel too hard done by.

With so many of the pairings lacking game time I could see this being a bit ugly. Unless the team is awash with 'A' starters who are on form at the moment imo, but then you run the risk of being routed by a superior physical side.

ray jay

Why not start BOD? That way he can come off whenever he's had enough rather that introducing him later and hoping he can finish out the match.

MungBean

ray jay wrote: »

Why not start BOD? That way he can come off whenever he's had enough rather that introducing him later and hoping he can finish out the match.

Contact in the latter part of the game wouldnt be as aggressive I assume. I'm no coach though so theres probably a better reason.

Big Nelly

This on tv? not sure if I will make the game, one of the ones I was looking forward to as well

MungBean

Big Nelly wrote: »

This on tv? not sure if I will make the game, one of the ones I was looking forward to as well

RTE and BBCW.

Tox56

ray jay wrote: »

Why not start BOD? That way he can come off whenever he's had enough rather that introducing him later and hoping he can finish out the match.

Why bother risking him? O'Malley is more than capable.

Podge_irl

Tox56 wrote: »

Why bother risking him? O'Malley is more than capable.

I don't see how starting him is any more of a risk then bringing him off the bench.

Tox56

Podge_irl wrote: »

I don't see how starting him is any more of a risk then bringing him off the bench.

Coming on against tiring players is surely better to help ease him back.

Podge_irl

Tox56 wrote: »

Coming on against tiring players is surely better to help ease him back.

Games also lose structure towards the end. More open play situations tend to lead to more injuries. Tired player have poorer tackling technique.

Course, considering coaches (who are generally smarter then me!) regularly bring back players via appearances on the bench I could be talking nonsense.

Still, be has to be risked eventually. Would just be weird seeing him on the bench! Only the 5th time ever for Leinster.

jamiedav2011

Has BOD ever started on the bench when fit??

durkadurka

I remember him coming on vs Connacht three years ago. Him and Mal came on and basically won the game.

durkadurka

THere was something on the Newstalk news today saying that Leo and BOD would play some part this weekend.

durkadurka

Isa
D Kearney
BOD
Fergus
Luke

Madigan
Boss


VDM
Strauss
White
Leo
Thorn
Ruddock
ryan
Auvaa


Cronin, McGrath Hagan Browne Locky, Cooney, O Malley, Carr

I have the horn

Tox56

BOD BACK BOD BACK BOD BACK

Tox56

Surprised Jennings isn't invovled at all, and disappointed both McGrath and Hagan are on the bench.

Fishooks12

Jesus that team is a relative wet dream for any Leinster fan!

Surprised BOD is starting though

Burgo

Surprised Browne is on the bench instead of Toner, isn't he still injured?

durkadurka

Heres the team of players who are fit (ish) and NOT starting......

Healy, Cronin, Ross
Browne, Toner
Locky, Heaslip, Jennings (and SOB!)

Reddan, Sexton

Carr, Darce, EOM,Conway
R Kearney

Tox56

OSPREYS:

15: Richard Fussell
14: Hanno Dirksen
13: Andrew Bishop
12: Ashley Beck
11: Eli Walker
10: Dan Biggar
9: Kahn Fotuali'i

1: Paul James
2: Richard Hibbard
3: Aaron Jarvis
4: Ryan Jones
5: Alun Wyn Jones CAPTAIN
6: Tom Smith
7: Justin Tipuric
8: George Stowers

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Scott Baldwin
17: Ryan Bevington
18: Adam Jones
19: Ian Evans
20: James King
21: Rhys Webb
22: Matthew Morgan
23: Tom Isaacs


Good team that.

Big Nelly

LEINSTER:

15: Isa Nacewa
14: David Kearney
13: Brian O'Driscoll
12: Fergus McFadden
11: Luke Fitzgerald
10: Ian Madigan
9: Isaac Boss

1: Heinke van der Merwe
2: Richardt Strauss
3: Nathan White
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN
5: Brad Thorn
6: Rhys Ruddock
7: Dominic Ryan
8: Leo Auva'a

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Sean Cronin
17: Jack McGrath
18: Jamie Hagan
19: Damian Browne
20: Kevin McLaughlin
21: John Cooney
22: Eoin O'Malley
23: Fionn Carr

That is some team, Cullen and Thorn.....god I need to get to this game....right have to start ringing around to get stuff moved.....:D

CIARAN_BOYLE

Tox56 wrote: »

Surprised Jennings isn't invovled at all, and disappointed both McGrath and Hagan are on the bench.

I think VDM and White both need gametime before the HEC QF if both are going to be on the bench and Ross and Healy will start next week probably.

Nacewa is covering 10

thomond2006

Great to see BOD back!

Have Leinster given up on Ruddock at 8? Normally you don't see Auva'a start with McLaughlin on the bench.

That's a fairly average Ospreys lineup, I reckon Leinster could seriously do them in. It will be a great atmosphere at the RDS to welcome Thorn and welcome back BOD.

ironingbored

Does anybody think that Brad Thorn seriously improves our chances of reclaiming the HC?

The man is an absolute legend.

Tox56

thomond2006 wrote: »

Great to see BOD back!

Have Leinster given up on Ruddock at 8? Normally you don't see Auva'a start with McLaughlin on the bench.

That's a fairly average Ospreys lineup, I reckon Leinster could seriously do them in. It will be a great atmosphere at the RDS to welcome Thorn and welcome back BOD.

I don't think it's as much Ruddock is bad (he isn't great), but Auva'a has really been excellent there in the Pro12.

I hope they've given up on him there though, we may have a lot of competition for 6, but I think it's where he's at his best.

Scarlets line-up wasn't great but they could well have won that game against us, some reasonably big names in the Ospreys team. Tipuric stood-out at international level.

durkadurka

I think you're a wee bit of a closet Leinster fan thomond!

Big Nelly

ironingbored wrote: »

Does anybody think that Brad Thorn seriously improves our chances of reclaiming the HC?

The man is an absolute legend.

read the 50-100 posts about this on Leinster thread....yes of course he does...one of the positions where we where weakest is now covered....

And with BOD and Cullen back it is great

Any news on how Ross is??????

Tox56

I think Ross is supposed to be back for the Munster game, that might be old news I'm not sure.

molloyjh

durkadurka wrote: »

Heres the team of players who are fit (ish) and NOT starting......

Healy, Cronin, Ross
Browne, Toner
Locky, Heaslip, Jennings (and SOB!)

Reddan, Sexton

Carr, Darce, EOM,Conway
R Kearney

And Berquist don't forget, although I don't see him getting much game time with the senior team now.

Add to that all the lads coming through the A side this season like McGrath, Flanagan, Cooney, Reid, O'Shea, Macken etc and we're in really good shape at the moment.

Really looking forward to this game now. With BOD and Leo back plus Thorns debut the crowd should be pretty good and really up for it.

irishbucsfan

That's a strong Os team. I think it'll be a scrappy one.

BODBODBODBODBODBODBODBODBODBODBOD

Wexfordboy89

this might sound like a stupid question but how good is Leo Auvaa have only seen him play a few times on telly in the Rabo would he be good enough to play international or is he only really Rabo quality.

P.S i have limited knowledge of Rugby so sorry if it sounds like a silly question

molloyjh

irishbucsfan wrote: »

That's a strong Os team. I think it'll be a scrappy one.

BODBODBODBODBODBODBODBODBODBODBOD

With the pack that we have I'd have to favour us to get the better of Ospreys up front. There's some serious power there. And given Madigans distribution, plus BODs presence and that back 3 (which is very, very good) I think we could be in for a decent showing.

Tox56

Wexfordboy89 wrote: »

this might sound like a stupid question but how good is Leo Auvaa have only seen him play a few times on telly in the Rabo would he be good enough to play international or is he only really Rabo quality.

P.S i have limited knowledge of Rugby so sorry if it sounds like a silly question

He probably wouldn't be good enough for international level, partly because he is a little one-dimensional, and also because of the competition he has for the jersey, namely Heaslip and SOB.

He's a great squad player to have though, and should always be here when the internationals are away. He is very good at Pro12 level, probably not much more than that, but a good player to have nonetheless.

Wexfordboy89

Tox56 wrote: »

He probably wouldn't be good enough for international level, partly because he is a little one-dimensional, and also because of the competition he has for the jersey, namely Heaslip and SOB.

He's a great squad player to have though, and should always be here when the internationals are away. He is very good at Pro12 level, probably not much more than that, but a good player to have nonetheless.

thanks Tox are there anymore hidden gems in the AIL who could play at Rabo level or higher???

durkadurka

I'll be happy enough if we get the win and three three 'new' boys get through the game ok.

It's all about getting up for the QF at this stage. Similar to next week - I dont mind if we dont have all the internationals back.

molloyjh

Tox56 wrote: »

He probably wouldn't be good enough for international level, partly because he is a little one-dimensional, and also because of the competition he has for the jersey, namely Heaslip and SOB.

He's a great squad player to have though, and should always be here when the internationals are away. He is very good at Pro12 level, probably not much more than that, but a good player to have nonetheless.

I'd agree with the above. He is a bit of a one trick pony - run hard and straight. Works very well at Pro12 level because he's a big powerful fella. Not sure it would work so well in HEC nevermind international. He's quickly become a fan favourite though. There's nothing wrong with being on-dimensional if you're so good at it! :pac:

smurphy29

This looks like the tonic to get over the Six Nations blues. What aboost to be top of the log, at home in the QF of the Heino and then see BOD come back to fitness. Then you see Brad Thorne packing down in the second row. A serious boost, and it's needed, because, as usual, the Six Nations won't have the players coming back in the best of nick.

McFads and BOD - could that be our 12-13 for the big games, I wonder?

.ak

I'd love to see BOD outside of Reid for a game...

Rattlehead_ie

smurphy29 wrote: »

This looks like the tonic to get over the Six Nations blues. What aboost to be top of the log, at home in the QF of the Heino and then see BOD come back to fitness. Then you see Brad Thorne packing down in the second row. A serious boost, and it's needed, because, as usual, the Six Nations won't have the players coming back in the best of nick.

McFads and BOD - could that be our 12-13 for the big games, I wonder?

Could be the 12 - 13 for Ireland going forward

Tox56

Wexfordboy89 wrote: »

thanks Tox are there anymore hidden gems in the AIL who could play at Rabo level or higher???

There might be someone somewhere, but anyone playing AIL can rarely make an impact at anything above Pro 12 level. Leinster have enough strength in depth not to need it generally speaking, for some other provinces maybe it's worth a gander.

CIARAN_BOYLE

Wexfordboy89 wrote: »

thanks Tox are there anymore hidden gems in the AIL who could play at Rabo level or higher???

They signed Dundon from the AIL to provide cover at hooker last season. They also signed Shawe from Ballymena to provide cover at TH last season but he left at the end of the season.

I'm sure there are a few more out there but none who I'd sign over one of the young lads in the academy.

[Jackass]

durkadurka wrote: »

I think you're a wee bit of a closet Leinster fan thomond!

Ha! He's a rugby fan! But I just think he's more genuinely supportive of Irish teams other than his own than most of us would be. (not least myself )

I'm really happy with that team! Granted one or two things I'd prefer to have seen, but as usual, joe delivers.

I'm not worried about BOD starting at all, I don't think they'd risk him unless he was fully able and ready for contact. Also I'm really happy to see him start with McFadden at 12.

Surprised Berquist didn't make the bench to cover 10, but that could be a fitness thing as he's just back, but looks like he'll be the A fly-half for the remainder of his time at Leinster, which is the right thing to do given Madigans form, the fact that he's leaving and also that he is above the standard of any other remaining 10 in the B&I cup, which hopefully can help us win it.

I would have like to see either McGrath or Hagan start, but at least they should both get game time, and I completely forgot about Dom Ryan, probably my favourite of the young back-rows, great to see him back and hopefully he can have a good impact, a natural 7 imo, and potentially Jennings full time replacement in a couple of seasons.

Thorn AND Cullen starting, that's great news. Do we reckon we overplayed Cullens recovery time a little bit to get a sly little signing in there in the second row? I think we might have, but I genuinely think that the second row power will be a massive step up in terms of ability to defend our European crown, not least because of the power it will give in our scrum, but also because of his tireless and grunt work around the field, which we've been missingly badly since Hines left.

Shame for Toner not to even make bench, but perhaps he's been given the week off.

I think contrary to what Thomond said, that's a pretty strong Ospreys side. If they lose this, they've lost all chance for a home semi, and with nothing else to play for this season, it's going to be a cup final of sorts for them. I wouldn't be surprised if this is an extremely tight game, with only a couple of points either way seperating the sides.

Really really looking forward to this one. Brian O'Driscoll back, Luke Fitzgerald back, Leo Cullen back, along with the Thorn signing, we've now got our strongest side all coming back together in time for the resumption of the Heineken Cup knock outs, couldn't be working out better, lets just hope they are all fit, can stay fit, find their sharpness and form quickly, the sqaud stays fit, and no one is over tired or too mind-fu*ked by Kidney, and we can make a real tilt at all competitions.

Exciting weekend, we play 2nd and 3rd in our next two league games, a win here would more or less seal the home semi / final if we get there, as we'd only really need 2 wins from our remaining 4 games, with Edinburgh at home and Dragons away still to come, and could afford to lose to Munster and Ulster away and still be all but mathematically uncatchable.

The Six Nations is over. Thank fu*k for that. COME ON LEINSTER!!!

CatFromHue

Wow Paddy Power has us handicapped at -11 for this!

Tox56

I'm surprised at that handicap, I don't think this will be a high scoring game at all.

BOD just back, most of the Irish players need to be de-Kidneyfied and the team needs to learn to gel together, and Ospreys will be up for it.

I still think we will win though.

Mr.Applepie

[Jackass] wrote: »

Really really looking forward to this one. Brian O'Driscoll back, Luke Fitzgerald back, Leo Cullen back, along with the Thorn signing, we've now got our strongest side all coming back together in time for the resumption of the Heineken Cup knock outs, couldn't be working out better, lets just hope they are all fit, can stay fit, find their sharpness and form quickly, the sqaud stays fit, and no one is over tired or too mind-fu*ked by Kidney, and we can make a real tilt at all competitions.

This is what I'm most worried about. The majority of the Irish players must be physically and mentally shattered what with uncle Deccie not believing in unforced changes. They'll be two different types of players coming back in:
Those who have been flogged for 2 months and told not to use any of there skillset apart from kicking, catching & tackling.
Then there are the other players who have held tackle bags for 2 months and will be ring rusty.

[Jackass] wrote: »

The Six Nations is over. Thank fu*k for that. COME ON LEINSTER!!!

Agreed!

ambid

smurphy29 wrote: »

...McFads and BOD - could that be our 12-13 for the big games, I wonder?

Next week will tell for sure. This has to be a great opportunity for McFadden - another good performance after Darcy has struggled and surely McFadden would be difficult to drop.

[Jackass] wrote: »

...
The Six Nations is over. Thank fu*k for that. COME ON LEINSTER!!!

AMEN!

Lelantos

Rattlehead_ie wrote: »

Could be the 12 - 13 for Ireland going forward

Not a cats chance in Koreatown :rolleyes:

tolosenc

Lelantos wrote: »

Not a cats chance in Koreatown :rolleyes:

Would have thought that cats actually have a reasonable shot in Korea town, given that the locals eat all the dogs...

Tox56

Lelantos wrote: »

Not a cats chance in Koreatown :rolleyes:

Why not?