Leinster Vs Cardiff Saturday 6.30pm, RDS, RTE/S4C

durkadurka

Pretty strong team. Great to see D kearney back with Ruddock also on the Bench.
Also delighted to see Jordy Murphy get a run.


LEINSTER:
15: Ian Madigan
14: David Kearney
13: Brian O'Driscoll
12: Gordon D'Arcy
11: Fergus McFadden
10: Jonathan Sexton
9: Eoin Reddan
1: Cian Healy
2: Richardt Strauss
3: Mike Ross
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN
5: Devin Toner
6: Kevin McLaughlin
7: Jordi Murphy
8: Jamie Heaslip
REPLACEMENTS:
16: Sean Cronin
17: Heinke van der Merwe
18: Jamie Hagan
19: Damian Browne
20: Rhys Ruddock
21: Isaac Boss
22: Brendan Macken
23: Fionn Carr
CARDIFF BLUES:
15: Leigh Halfpenny
14: Alex Cuthbert
13: Dafydd Hewitt
12: Jamie Roberts
11: Tom James
10: Jason Tovey
9: Lloyd Williams
1: Tafa'ao Filise
2: Marc Breeze
3: Scott Andrews
4: Bradley Davies
5: James Down
6: Josh Navidi
7: Sam Warburton
8: Andries Pretorius CAPTAIN
REPLACEMENTS
16: Rhys Willimas
17: Nathan Trevett
18: Campese ma'afu
19: Lou Reed
20: Robin Copeland
21: Lewis Jones
22: Ceri Sweeney
23: Tom Williams
REFEREE: Ian Davies (WRU), ASSISTANT REFEREES: David Wilkinson, Ollie Hodges (both IRFU), 4th OFFICIAL: Gary Conway (Leinster Rugby Referees), 5th OFFICIAL: Robbie O'Flynn (Leinster Rugby Referees), TMO: Brian MacNeice (IRFU)

.ak

Dave & Rhys

Quint2010

Wow-thats pretty much the strongest team Leinster could have picked and a strong Cardiff team too. Should be a great match.

shuffol

Strong team, should be a good game.

Disapointed not to have seen more of Jack McGrath so far this season, from what I've seen he's probably the 3rd best Irish loosehead and I suspect wouldnt be far off Court if he'd a run of games.

durkadurka

Its on RTE2 and s4C by the way - MODS - if you could update the thread title?

Fishooks12

It will be interesting to see how Murphy gets on against the vastly overrated Warburton

thomond2006

Cardiff will get hockeyed.

Tox56

Fishooks12 wrote: »

It will be interesting to see how Murphy gets on against the vastly overrated Warburton

I didn't hold out great hope for Murphy but he's been good whenever he's had the opportunity this season, same for Marshall. The problem for both will be the return of Ruddock and Ryan (Marshall has already lost out to Ruddock on the bench).

GerM

thomond2006 wrote: »

Cardiff will get hockeyed.

Ah you say that every week. 30 minutes into last week's game Leinster were going to cruise to a BP!

Some might even suspect you're trying to jinx Leinster, Alan!

Glass Prison 1214

is conway injured?

molloyjh

I'd fancy us to take them up front similar to the Scarlets last weekend. Our back line should be more settled now too given that they've had another week together. After the disappointing injury news this week that team sheet is a welcome sight. There's even impact from the bench too. I'm sure Cronin will be itching to prove a point.

Any word on Jenno? Is he just being rested? I'm assuming Conways stinger is keeping him out too.

[Jackass]

Took a knock earlier in the season, would say he's just being rested.

That's a decent Leinster side alright, but Cardiff look strong too.

Don't think Leinster will hockey them, but would be very hopefull of a win. Great to see the pair of bucks back in Blue.

.ak

Defo think we'll be looking to target them upfront. Great to see Dave back but I reckon they have the edge with their back three. 1/2penny and Cuthbert can cut any side open if they see it opening up infront of them.

Tim Robbins

GerM wrote: »

Ah you say that every week. 30 minutes into last week's game Leinster were going to cruise to a BP!

Some might even suspect you're trying to jinx Leinster, Alan!

What about Kearney at Full back? And then have Carr on the wing

Fireball07

Cardiff are a very disappointing team imo, on paper they always look reasonably impressive, but they never perform to that expectation.

Good Leinster team, I'd expect them to win by about 15 points. Smash them up front, and then get the backs moving. Carr to score a try towards the end.

irishbucsfan

I think we'll murder them in the scrums. Particularly in the 2nd half.

roycon

Fishooks12 wrote: »

It will be interesting to see how Murphy gets on against the vastly overrated Warburton

Warburton has captained an intenational team to a world cup semi- final surely hes good enough to be playing pro12 without being called overrated. I dont get where these overrated calls are coming from. Hes always a quality openside whenever I see him and hes always in great shape, good in the lineout, good at organising and disciplined. the only area where you could fault him is his ball carrying

irishbucsfan

Warburton has had issues completing since his injuries. He still gets over the ball at times but he isn't ahead of play like he was in his peak.

For me he's got two issues at the moment:

1. A lack of regular games at the top level. This is extremely important for open sides. To be at the top you've got to have the "feeling." A good 7 will read the game a breakdown or two ahead, be able to read the opposition and get to the breakdows first on the next play, but only if its in his range. The top guys seem to be even further ahead, through pure instincts. They're at the breakdown before it develops and it's impossible to shift them no matter how good your support is. Like Pocock and McCaw, Warburton is one of those guys but you need to be playing regularly and have confidence in yourself to trust your instincts. Be arrogant as the kiwis say.

2. Scared of hurting himself. He was interviewed in Sky Sports News there yesterday and he spoke about the Lions. He said he's focused on staying fit and just making the squad. He spoke about his injuries and he seemed genuinely scared of hurting himself again. I can't think he's in the right frame of mind to put himself in the path of guys like the giant Springboks like he did in the World Cup, or to have any chance of having the self belief to complete and take possession off them.

For me he's without a doubt the best openside in the home nations. But he hasn't performed to that standard in a while. I really hope he gets over it and rediscovers the magic between now and the tour. He's the only player available to us who can go up against Pocock and win.

Cpt_Blackbeard

Disappointing that Hagan doesn't feature. He's no chance of making the AI squad now.

chancer12

Tim Robbins wrote: »

What about Kearney at Full back? And then have Carr on the wing

Whatever about Kearney as F/B (has he every played 15?) are you seriously suggesting dropping MADS and playing Carr?!

Fireball07

chancer12 wrote: »

Whatever about Kearney as F/B (has he every played 15?) are you seriously suggesting dropping MADS and playing Carr?!

Kearney's probably a better 15 than Madigan. The lack of trust in Carr is the reason, I suppose. If Conway was fit, I think Kearney would be at FB.

irishbucsfan

chancer12 wrote: »

Whatever about Kearney as F/B (has he every played 15?) are you seriously suggesting dropping MADS and playing Carr?!

Kearney has played loads of 15

GerM

chancer12 wrote: »

Whatever about Kearney as F/B (has he every played 15?)

A couple of times for Leinster. He's a 15 by trade. He played there at schools level and U20 for Ireland. I think he's found himself a good spot on the wing though and should stick with it. He's relatively quick, has good hands and awareness and is deceptively strong with the ball in hand. If he could get a good run of games there, he could turn into a good HEC player.

thomond2006

GerM wrote: »

Ah you say that every week. 30 minutes into last week's game Leinster were going to cruise to a BP!

Some might even suspect you're trying to jinx Leinster, Alan!

ha you got me!

chancer12

GerM wrote: »

A couple of times for Leinster. He's a 15 by trade. He played there at schools level and U20 for Ireland. I think he's found himself a good spot on the wing though and should stick with it. He's relatively quick, has good hands and awareness and is deceptively strong with the ball in hand. If he could get a good run of games there, he could turn into a good HEC player.

Kearney's been out for a while so its better to let him settle in to his own position. When the internationals are gone he could try it then while MADS plays 10 and hopefully Conway will be okay by then .... all happy!

[Jackass]

Cpt_Blackbeard wrote: »

Disappointing that Hagan doesn't feature. He's no chance of making the AI squad now.

Well, he's on the bench, so probably will, but either way I don't think he should be in the AI squad.

Donald Coyle

irishbucsfan wrote: »

2. Scared of hurting himself. He was interviewed in Sky Sports News there yesterday and he spoke about the Lions. He said he's focused on staying fit and just making the squad. He spoke about his injuries and he seemed genuinely scared of hurting himself again. I can't think he's in the right frame of mind to put himself in the path of guys like the giant Springboks like he did in the World Cup, or to have any chance of having the self belief to complete and take possession off them.

Definitely not going to help an openside. He can stay like that until the end of the 6N as far as I'm concerned. Didn't see the interview, but players need to think about playing now rather than a squad 7/8 months down the road.

CatFromHue

Cardiff are seventh in the league and have only played twice against teams higher than them, both times they lost (Ulster and Glasgow). They've played 6 and won three (Treviso, Connacht, and Dragons). They've also lost both their games in the HEC against Sale and Toulon.

This could be messy for them, especially as they've conceded 50 or thereabouts on their last two visits to Dublin!

Big Nelly

Can't wait for this match. Finally getting back a few players we have been missing all season. Great to see D.Kearney back we have missed him alot this season. He was great, I guess they are playing Madigan at 15 to give him more time in position in case we need him. For once our backs are looking something towards full strength. Think the team need time to gel so nice to see Joe giving them time on he pitch. Thank god he didnt put Carr in there. Would have ruined the game.

Great also to see Jordi getting time. Will be good to see him play with a good Leinster team. Expect a good victory.

Wexfordboy89

is quinn roux on the mend was injured the last i heard about him think his ankle is at him??

irishbucsfan

Big Nelly wrote: »

Thank god he didnt put Carr in there. Would have ruined the game.

Christ!

PJ Maybe

I have two tickets for the match tonight but can't make it.

If anyone would like to go and wants them send me a PM and I'll email them to you.

Big Nelly

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Christ!

Where?

Wexfordboy89

Big Nelly wrote: »

Where?

think he just saw BOD in the flesh!!

Big Nelly

Wexfordboy89 wrote: »

think he just saw BOD in the flesh!!

BOD is God!!!! not Christ! thats his hopefully new son!!!:p

yimrsg

Fishooks12 wrote: »

It will be interesting to see how Murphy gets on against the vastly overrated Warburton

Warburton's had injuries and subsequent drops of form but he's world class on his day. He's become "brittle" of late for want of a better word but I'd still consider him as important to Wales as Ferris is to Ireland.

Leinster should have the strength in the pack to keep the Cardiff backrow on the hindfoot but I can still see Warburton turning over ball two or three times against us.

Taco Corp

Nice cold night for the match. Expecting things to click for Leinster tonight. Well over due a good win.

GerM

Captain_Hindsight wrote: »

Nice cold night for the match. Expecting things to click for Leinster tonight. Well over due a good win.

Bit nippy alright. Signal failure on Dart lineso going to be a lot of us showing up late from the northside.

Prediction 28-13. Murphy to have a big game.

Hype710

Interested to see how Navidi goes tonight. Played well against us last year. Yet another 7 off the Welsh conveyor belt, albeit shoehorned into 6 this evening due to Warburton's presence.

FrogMarch

In the words of Marvin Gaye... Let's get it oooooooon.

Predicting a big performance from Leinster tonight. Reckon they're going to start to come good now in the run up to December, when they really need to click into 100% form. Want to start putting paid to the speculation that I've been hearing lately that Leinster are beyond their best. :mad:

Quint2010

FrogMarch wrote: »

In the words of Marvin Gaye... Let's get it oooooooon.

Is that not more "Mills Lane"?...:D

FrogMarch

Quint2010 wrote: »

Is that not more "Mills Lane"?...:D

Well that's a different song. But yeah... probably more apt. Mills Lane it is so.

Fireball07

Easy, easy, easy.

Wexfordboy89

try great run from dave kearney finished off by strauss

irishbucsfan

So easy. What were Cardiff at....

FrogMarch

Nice one from Richie O'Strauss.

SomeFool

Great run from Kearney, soft try to concede though, could be a long night for Cardiff

Wexfordboy89

FrogMarch wrote: »

Nice one from Richie O'Strauss.

nice one from Risteard Strauss alright :pac:

Fireball07

Another easy try.


Cardiff are shockingly bad in defence.

irishbucsfan

Jesus.

Back to Leicester Gloucester it is then

Wexfordboy89

try from madigan could be a rout