Edinburgh vs Leinster Fri 4th Jan, Murrayfield 7.35, TG4+Alba, The Return of the King

durkadurka

They say Little Christmas, or the 6th of January is when the Three kings came to visit the baby Jesus.

Well for Leinster, its come two days early as the Three Kings of modern back play, BOD, Luke and R Kearney return to the field.


Yeah they'll be rusty but to be honest I am having difficulty controlling my....

Oh dear I've just gone and messed myself...


EDINBURGH:
15: Greig Tonks
14: Dougie Fife
13: Matt Scott
12: Ben Atiga
11: Tim Visser
10: Piers Francis
9: Greig Laidlaw CAPTAIN
1: Allan Jacobsen
2: Andy Titterrell
3: Willem Nel
4: Grant Gilchrist
5: Sean Cox
6: Stuart McInally
7: Dimitri Basilaia
8: David Denton
REPLACEMENTS:
16: Steven Lawrie
17: Robin Hislop
18: Geoff Cross
19: Perry Parker
20: Netani Talei
21: Richie Rees
22: James King
23: Sep Visser
LEINSTER:
15: Rob Kearney
14: Fionn Carr
13: Brian O'Driscoll
12: Gordon D'Arcy
11: Luke Fitzgerald
10: Jonathan Sexton
9: Eoin Reddan
1: Cian Healy
2: Sean Cronin
3: Mike Ross
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN
5: Devin Toner
6: Kevin McLaughlin
7: Sean O'Brien
8: Jamie Heaslip

REPLACEMENTS:
16: Aaron Dundon
17: Heinke van der Merwe
18: Michael Bent
19: Tom Denton
20: Shane Jennings
21: Isaac Boss
22: Ian Madigan
23: Andrew Conway
REFEREE: Ian Davies (WRU), ASSISTANT REFEREES: Peter Allan, Bob Nevins (both SRU), TMO: Jim Yuille (SRU)

Fishooks13

OMG Luke Fitz is back. ****ing yes

Jesus that's some backline

CatFromHue

All Irish 15 from Leinster.

Higher

CatFromHue wrote: »

All Irish 15 from Leinster.

22 of the 23 are Irish qualified!

fitz

Man, this game just got a lot more exciting.

Almaviva

Three kings maybe, but only one is Almighty.

tolosenc

Luke has been training, albeit without contact, for ages now. He shouldn't be rusty.

mfceiling

Is that a full strength leinster team?

Certainly must be close to something that would be used for HEC.

Podge_irl

mfceiling wrote: »

Is that a full strength leinster team?

Certainly must be close to something that would be used for HEC.

McFadden in for Carr and close enough. Excited now.

Almaviva

mfceiling wrote: »

Is that a full strength leinster team?

Certainly must be close to something that would be used for HEC.

Isa for Carr. Otherwise its full strength.

GerM

Almaviva wrote: »

Isa for Carr. Otherwise its full strength.

Richardt Strauss. Browne would be in for the crunch games ahead of Toner too, I'd suspect. I think they'll go with Toner against Scarlets, regardless though. They'll want clean ball from the line out and some handling skills if they're going to be looking for tries.

irishbucsfan

Is this on BBC Alba or anything like that by any chance?

CIARAN_BOYLE

mfceiling wrote: »

Is that a full strength leinster team?

Certainly must be close to something that would be used for HEC.

Isa for Carr, Boss for Redden, Strauss for Cronin and Thorn for Toner and its the same team that beat Clermont in Clermont last year

Podge_irl

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

Isa for Carr, Boss for Redden, Strauss for Cronin and Thorn for Toner and its the same team that beat Clermont in Clermont last year

Despite the Clermont fan's chants to the contrary the game was in Bordeaux lads!

molloyjh

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Is this on BBC Alba or anything like that by any chance?

Yep it's on BBC Alba.

melekalikimaka

hummm we might actually have a chance staying in now

molloyjh

Given that I'd this written up and I'm nearly as excited as durkadurka here (not quite with you on the mess :eek:) I'm not sure I'm willing to scrap it. No need to add it above. I'm sure the OP has covered it all, no pun intended......

In my preview for the Zebre game a month ago I said that the game was all about the next week in Clermont but even considering that a Leinster win was a safe bet. And here we are 5 weeks later in a similar position. Edinburghs form this year has been so poor that Leinster should be expected to win this. And yet despite Edinburghs poor form Tim Visser remains top try scorer of the season so far, scoring 11 of Edinburghs 26 tries. No mean feat given he was missing for the November Internationals.

The big news for Leinster (and Irish) fans is, of course, the return of 3 of their biggest stars; Brian O'Driscoll, Rob Kearney and Luke Fitzgerald. Both Drico and Kearney have been missing for around 3 months while Fitzy has been out of action since April. But the return of these players, rusty though they may be, is a massive boost to Leinster given the importance of the upcoming games in January.

It may be tempting the Mocker Gods by saying that the game is all but a fore-gone conclusion. And if the players themselves believe that then it certainly isn't, but I have enough faith in this side to believe they will get the preparation right to come out the right side of this one. It might not be pretty. We might not won by much. But we should win.

So what is there to talk about? Many have stated the importance of the month of January for Leinster both in terms of the league and the HEC. In the league there are only 3 points separating 2nd from 6th so from here on in every win is vital while Leinster search for that home semi-final. Scarlets are away to Ulster this weekend and an Ulster win would be a huge boost for both Munster and Leinster. Munster are at home to another side whose form has been very poor this season; Cardiff Blues. Glasgow and the Ospreys should both win their encounters with Italian opposition (Treviso and Zebre respectively). While a win tomorrow wouldn't put Leinster into the top 4 (barring some unexpected results) a loss would begin to open up a gap and leave Leinster playing catch up.

In the HEC Leinster are desperately in need of some momentum and continuity. With the return of so much of the squad (Isa Nacewa is due back next week also) this week gives the returning players and opportunity to get some game time and shake off any cobwebs. Brian O'Driscoll has shown on numerous occassions at this stage that he doesn't need much time, if any at all, to get back to form and Rob Kearney showed last season just how quickly he can settle back into the side after being almost a full year out injured. Luke Fitzgerald struggled after returning from long term injury 2 years ago, with his confidence as much as anything, but even if he isn't back to top form Fergus McFadden (who has reportedly signed a 2 year contract extension) is in such form at the moment that Leinster can rest assured there will be no issues on the wing for next week. In fact McFadden could rightly claim to have ownership of the 11 jersey for now such has been his form.

Part of me is worried that the lads are being rushed back in an attempt to rescue Leinsters season. I'm not a religious man by any means, but I'd be half tempted to go and buy myself some rosary beads to pray for the safe return of the match day squad, free from injury. The next 5 months are so important for both Leinster and Ireland that any fresh injury would be a big blow to both/either side. I'm not expecting a free-flowing game of rugby where we are punching holes left and right. I'd like to see us try a few things in preparation for next week, but if they don't come off I won't be too upset. I'd take a 0-3 win gladly so long as the lads all come out fit and ready for the RDS next week. They're back. Let's hope they stay for a while.

durkadurka

Touch of quality there molloyjh

melekalikimaka

friday is the 4th, not the 5th

irishbucsfan

molloyjh wrote: »

Yep it's on BBC Alba.

This is the best Rabo P12 game ever!

chris85

Brilliant, that lineup has done enough to keep away the January and back to work blues for the moment.

Fireball07

Whatever about BOD, surprised to see Luke Fitz back, was really worried that it'd never happen. Good to see Kearney back too.


It's a very very strong Leinster team...against a poor enough Edinburgh side, could be a slaughter if they click.

tolosenc

tolosenc wrote: »

Luke has been training, albeit without contact, for ages now. He shouldn't be rusty.

He'll definitely over-run a few passes and do a few things that don't look right.

Takes a little while to get into gear. Hope to see him put in a few crunching tackles though.

Delighted to have him back!

irishbucsfan

Deleted User wrote: »

He'll definitely over-run a few passes and do a few things that don't look right.

Takes a little while to get into gear. Hope to see him put in a few crunching tackles though.

Delighted to have him back!

+1, no massive pressure on him. There's always McFadden to play against Scarlets (with Isa back).

Was it that hit against Howlett that started all this? If it was I wonder if it might mess with his mind.

clsmooth

tolosenc wrote: »

Luke has been training, albeit without contact, for ages now. He shouldn't be rusty.

Big step up from training to actual match time. I dont think Fitz is in contention for next week unlike the other 2 unless he has a cracker. McFadden and Isa on the wings. Just good to see him back.

Fishooks13

Of Fitz puts in a good solid shift he's a realistic option for the 23 shirt next weekend

Banbridgeman2

Don't think Fitz is as good as you lads remember him

Fishooks13

Banbridgeman2 wrote: »

Don't think Fitz is as good as you lads remember him

In what sense? I'd rate him as Ireland's most talented back bar BOD

Banbridgeman2

Fishooks13 wrote: »

In what sense? I'd rate him as Ireland's most talented back bar BOD

Well he hasn't been for a long time and not just because of injury IMO. I don't even think he'd start ahead of McFadden these days

Fishooks13

Banbridgeman2 wrote: »

Well he hasn't been for a long time and not just because of injury IMO. I don't even think he'd start ahead of McFadden these days

Did you not see him play last year? He was one of the most important players Leinster had

Banbridgeman2

Fishooks13 wrote: »

Did you not see him play last year? He was one of the most important players Leinster had

Then how did Leinster win without him? Sexton was their most important player

chris85

Fishooks13 wrote: »

In what sense? I'd rate him as Ireland's most talented back bar BOD

Id probably 80% agree with that, pity about his injuries but hope he bounces back to his best.

wicklowwonder

Banbridgeman2 wrote: »

Don't think Fitz is as good as you lads remember him

Luke Fitzgerald is the most naturally talented back out of Ireland since BOD. He makes things happen. Class act. People remember that horrendous 6 Nations two years ago when Deccie moved him throughout the backline while he was also in awful form. Last year before he was injured he was class, also remember the Luke that earned a starting place for the Lions.

Tox56

Fitz really was fantastic before his injury last season. He went through a shocking run of form but worked his way back. Cruel timing on the injury, hopefully he comes back with a bang tomorrow.

Hagz

Banbridgeman2 wrote: »

Then how did Leinster win without him? Sexton was their most important player

Fitz was ONE of the most important players. Leinster didn't lose any of their pool games despite being without BOD, but I'd still call BOD one of our most important players.

Leinster may have won the final against Ulster without him, but he started the SF and QF, and started in 4 of the Pool games, so he was still a heavy presence. He's a big presence in defence and works the ball extremely well in tight situations.

clsmooth

He's a great player. One of the few Irish players who can make something out of nothing. Watching Gilroy's step this season reminded me of Fitz. Its an incrediably difficult thing to defend against and can create something out of nothing. His defence is top notch also. He's been pretty unlucky injury wise since the AI in 2009 when he did his cruciate. Great to see him back, especially with the rumours that it was 50/50 whether he'd ever even play again!

Big Nelly

How do you get BBC Alba on Sky? do you have to tune it in?

tolosenc

Banbridgeman2 wrote: »

Then how did Leinster win without him?

Well, we came up against a poor side in the final, he was there for all the other games!





:P

tolosenc

Big Nelly wrote: »

How do you get BBC Alba on Sky? do you have to tune it in?

Is TG4 not on Sky?

irishbucsfan

tolosenc wrote: »

Is TG4 not on Sky?

Not abroad.

In the uk, Alba is on sky. 168 for me

phog

Great to see the lads back, hope all 3 get through unscathed. Massive boost for Leinster in their bid to get into the knockout H/cup games.

danthefan

Delighted to see the guys back but I still don't think that pack is strong enough to win the HEC. Just my opinion.

Fishooks13

danthefan wrote: »

Delighted to see the guys back but I still don't think that pack is strong enough to win the HEC. Just my opinion.

There's a huge difference in the level of quality between the front and back rows and the second row.

The past few months really haven't been good to Cullen, and even Toner is looking like he might not be the player some of us want him to be

Hagz

Tight-Head and Second-Row.
Another no nonsense lock signing, and, although you want to take your time with props, when Moore and Furlong are ready, get 'em in there.

danthefan

Fishooks13 wrote: »

There's a huge difference in the level of quality between the front and back rows and the second row.

The past few months really haven't been good to Cullen, and even Toner is looking like he might not be the player some of us want him to be

Even in the backrow none of them are in the form they were in two seasons ago. I think a huge problem with the 2nd row is the scrum, just not enough power there.

Glass Prison 1214

Fishooks13 wrote: »

There's a huge difference in the level of quality between the front and back rows and the second row.

The past few months really haven't been good to Cullen, and even Toner is looking like he might not be the player some of us want him to be

Your right, our front + backrows are world class but our second row is average at best, I can't wait for McCarthy to join us though, him and Toner could make a fantastic partnership IMO

This game for me really is Fionn Carr's last chance, he is being put in a team with a brilliant backline now, if he disappoints then hes done, hes had enough chances at this stage and there will be no excuses with four Lions playing with him in the outside backs.

Fishooks13

danthefan wrote: »

Even in the backrow none of them are in the form they were in two seasons ago. I think a huge problem with the 2nd row is the scrum, just not enough power there.

I wouldn't worry about the second row. SOB is going to come good again adn Heaslip is never found wanting.

I'd like to see the likes of Dominic Ryan and Ruddock start to step up now though

Tox56

I don't think so much has changed in the last 5-6 months to suggest our pack has gone from one of the best in Europe to one not strong enough to win the HEC.

Agree with the above, can't wait for one of Moore and Furlong to step up

EDIT: And Dom Ryan too, people forget just how much potential he has. His prime will coincide with the retirement of Jennings too

totallegend

Tox56 wrote: »

I don't think so much has changed in the last 5-6 months to suggest our pack has gone from one of the best in Europe to one not strong enough to win the HEC.

Two things have changed;
1. We don't have Brad Thorn any more.
2. Other teams have got better.

We still have a team capable of winning the HEC, absolutely. Not to be stating the obvious, but we have to qualify for the quarter-finals first. If we manage that, anything is possible.

tolosenc

Fishooks13 wrote: »

I'd like to see the likes of Dominic Ryan and Ruddock start to step up now though

Think they have this year. Ruddock looked off last season but has been good in the games he's played this year. Ryan just needs to stay injury free.

We do need another second row, though. Cullen's probably in his last season, and Toner hasn't continued his progress. Denton has been a bit of a flop. We need another top quality lock. It's a real shame that Sykes didn't work out.

CIARAN_BOYLE

tolosenc wrote: »

Think they have this year. Ruddock looked off last season but has been good in the games he's played this year. Ryan just needs to stay injury free.

We do need another second row, though. Cullen's probably in his last season, and Toner hasn't continued his progress. Denton has been a bit of a flop. We need another top quality lock. It's a real shame that Sykes didn't work out.

Do people think we will keep Roux?? His contract is up but I'm of two minds about whether or not we should renew.