Leinster schools cup *read mod note in post 1 27/2/13*

justsomebloke

The old Leinster schools thread seemed to have been a magnet for some amount of crap and as such will not be reopened

We are giving this thread ONE CHANCE. If the same thing goes on here this thread, it will also be locked and the the Leinster schools topic will become a banned topic on the forum.

We have tried just banning the people causing the issue however this hasn't worked so we are being left with no alternative then to take this action, as unfortunately a lot of the trolling on this thread tends to be libelous

This thread is only for talking about the games on the field. The players aren't professional so what happens off the field has no relevance here. Where people train, what their facilities are like, where they previously went to school, how much they bench etc etc etc also have no place here

This is the warning. There will be no warning, infractions or short term bans. The ban will be minimum of 2 weeks. However straight permanent bans will also be handed out if warranted

The contents of this post are open to be changed at which point the date in the title will change. It is up to YOU to make sure you have read the correct version of this warning

Lobby Con Shine

My previous post about the state of the Donnybrook pitch (on another thread) was deleted as part of the overall cull last night.

For those who have attended junior matches in the last week, what is the current state of the pitch? I think this could have a bearing on the Blackrock V Roscrea game. The forecast is good for the rest of the week, including Sunday.

I presume that Blackrock are going to try to keep the Roscrea pack moving around and running the ball where possible. Will the muddy pitch hamper this strategy?

Wattle

Anybody but Rock please :pac:

wise7

Good call Moderator. Totally agree things had got very silly. Good to ge back to the game and the wonderful institution this great competition really is.

CGD

Lobby Con Shine wrote: »

My previous post about the state of the Donnybrook pitch (on another thread) was deleted as part of the overall cull last night.

For those who have attended junior matches in the last week, what is the current state of the pitch? I think this could have a bearing on the Blackrock V Roscrea game. The forecast is good for the rest of the week, including Sunday.

I presume that Blackrock are going to try to keep the Roscrea pack moving around and running the ball where possible. Will the muddy pitch hamper this strategy?

Pitch is in good nick up to last Friday which is unusual for D'brook and weather is ok for this week so pitch wont be a problem for anyone. Roscrea bet Ternure on a superb pitch when everyone thought it was perfect for Ternure. Best teams will win pich won't be an issue

Suasdaguna1

Well done Mods....previous thread just went off the rails.

InsideatAnimo

Thanks x 1,000,000 to the mods for laying down the rules strong and clear here.

On Sunday's game : The general assumption seems to be that Rock are a better balanced side 1 - 15. Evidence shows Rock do have real talent out wide. Talk is very much / exclusively about the Roscrea pack.
=> Conclusion / assumption is that Rock need to open the game up and move Roscrea around.

Fair point, but I would like to note here that possibly the two most influential Roscrea players are O'Brien and Moloney - who are very mobile, with good hands and feet and will not be shy of an open game.

So often in sport we build up games and script dramatic scenarios only to be disappointed on the day. One set of supporters will obviously be disappointed, of course, but I do think this game will have plenty for the neutral.

I am a Roscrea man and I really can not see how either camp can call this one. I certainly can't see either side strong favourite, and will be surprised if there is much in it.

It looks like being a great contest of skilled lads on a big stage. Huge credit to all these guys, who put in serious hours over months and years to get to where they have got to already - and who have us here so absorbed with the whole contest.

Looking forward to a great semi; hopefully totally free of any controversial scores.

The Pheasant

Does anyone know what schools are left in the J? Apart from St. Michaels and Blackrock

Gordon Gecko

The Pheasant wrote: »

Does anyone know what schools are left in the J? Apart from St. Michaels and Blackrock

Belvedere taking on St. Mary's tomorrow at Donnybrook, should be a good game.

fox_1973

The Pheasant wrote: »

Does anyone know what schools are left in the J? Apart from St. Michaels and Blackrock

Gerards and Newbridge drew 8 all this afternoon

CGD

InsideatAnimo wrote: »

Thanks x 1,000,000 to the mods for laying down the rules strong and clear here.

On Sunday's game : The general assumption seems to be that Rock are a better balanced side 1 - 15. Evidence shows Rock do have real talent out wide. Talk is very much / exclusively about the Roscrea pack.
=> Conclusion / assumption is that Rock need to open the game up and move Roscrea around.

Fair point, but I would like to note here that possibly the two most influential Roscrea players are O'Brien and Moloney - who are very mobile, with good hands and feet and will not be shy of an open game.

So often in sport we build up games and script dramatic scenarios only to be disappointed on the day. One set of supporters will obviously be disappointed, of course, but I do think this game will have plenty for the neutral.

I am a Roscrea man and I really can not see how either camp can call this one. I certainly can't see either side strong favourite, and will be surprised if there is much in it.

It looks like being a great contest of skilled lads on a big stage. Huge credit to all these guys, who put in serious hours over months and years to get to where they have got to already - and who have us here so absorbed with the whole contest.

Looking forward to a great semi; hopefully totally free of any controversial scores.

As a neutral Roscrea will give rock plenty to worry about as u said the 2 lads above are top class and the best 2 in their position left in the cup. Roscrea pack has a bit more experience in the pack but rock are no slouches in that department either but just not as good as Roscrea the difference will be aparent when fans see them togged out. Roscrea have a massive pack their only problem is their backs none of them would make the rock starting backline. 10 & 15 are decent but they are not better than Rocks 10 & 15. Overall Rock are a more balanced team but anything can happen on the day just ask Terenure! I would love to see Roscrea win it out but if Rock play a smart game and I think they will as in my opinion they have the best coach in the competion they will neutralise Roscreas advantage in the pack and capitalise on their backs advantage. I fancy rock to in but Michaels to win it out. Will be fun to watch!

RuggerLad222

What are your opinions on the St Mary's vs Belvedere game tomorrow?

Leinster5

Don't see 'Michaels having any issues with Newbridge once they get their basics right and settle into their game. It might take 20-30 minutes, but I expect St. Michaels to win that one by 15-20 points. As for the Roscrea vs Blackrock game, I'm going for Roscrea by a point or two as they have the better set piece and their backline isn't as bad as people suggest.
On another note, what players have impressed everyone so far in the cup ?

Quint2010

Leinster5 wrote: »

Don't see 'Michaels having any issues with Newbridge once they get their basics right and settle into their game. It might take 20-30 minutes, but I expect St. Michaels to win that one by 15-20 points. As for the Roscrea vs Blackrock game, I'm going for Roscrea by a point or two as they have the better set piece and their backline isn't as bad as people suggest.
On another note, what players have impressed everyone so far in the cup ?

My team of the cup so far:
Kelleher
Williams
Ringrose
Swann
D'Arcy
Byrne
Rock
Loughman
Allen
Coulsen
O'Connor
Ryan
Moloney
Thornton
O'Brien

RuggerLad222

Quint2010 wrote: »

My team of the cup so far:
Kelleher
Williams
Ringrose
Swann
D'Arcy
Byrne
Rock
Loughman
Allen
Coulsen
O'Connor
Ryan
Moloney
Thornton
O'Brien

No Dardis?!

Quint2010

RuggerLad222 wrote: »

No Dardis?!

No being objective I think Kelleher has had the better cup so far. Probably helps that he has had more of the ball.

.ak

Folks don't feed the trolls. If someone posts something offending or otherwise hit the button and we'll look into it - do not engage the poster or else you'll be on the wrong end of a ban/infraction yourself.

CGD

Quint2010 wrote: »

No being objective I think Kelleher has had the better cup so far. Probably helps that he has had more of the ball.

I would have Dardis in there for now, but by the end of the cup Kelleher will have overtaken him, would have his team mate Madigan at 14 and the Clongowes 9 Maher I think, has shaded Rock up to now other than that wouldn't argue to much Byrne or McKeown at 10 is 50/50 call

MajorGazza

I think writing off Newbridge is people biggest mistake, with easily the best 7 in the competition, McKnight leading from the front. However I feel their biggest asset is their bench, with a player of the calibre or Robert Mullen coming on against CBC. This enormous scrum half terrorises defences with his dazzling snipes and is no doubt going to leave the Michaels defence in a heap.

MOD NOTE: No over hyping schools players.

Quint2010

CGD wrote: »

I would have Dardis in there for now, but by the end of the cup Kelleher will have overtaken him, would have his team mate Madigan at 14 and the Clongowes 9 Maher I think, has shaded Rock up to now other than that wouldn't argue to much Byrne or McKeown at 10 is 50/50 call

No I didn't pick Madigan because while he finished well for the second try against Roscrea, it was really made by Dardis-plus if he had backed himself he would have scored again in injury time and put Terenure in the semi's.

Leinster5

Quint2010 wrote: »

My team of the cup so far:
Kelleher
Williams
Ringrose
Swann
D'Arcy
Byrne
Rock
Loughman
Allen
Coulsen
O'Connor
Ryan
Moloney
Thornton
O'Brien

Yeah would agree with that team, bar you could argue Timony in at 8 and maybe Dardis at 15. Do you know if Ringrose, Thornton or Allen have ever been involved in Leinster set up?

Gordon Gecko

RuggerLad222 wrote: »

What are your opinions on the St Mary's vs Belvedere game tomorrow?

Belvedere are highly fancied in the Junior cup this year and they did away with Kilkenny 38-0 in the opening round. That said I've heard Mary's are a tidy enough outfit this year. As with most junior cup matches it could go either way but I haven't seen enough of either side this year to call it.

Hagz

Leinster5 wrote: »

Yeah would agree with that team, bar you could argue Timony in at 8 and maybe Dardis at 15. Do you know if Ringrose, Thornton or Allen have ever been involved in Leinster set up ?

Thornton played for Leinster u18 team this year, as well as Ireland u18.

Quint2010

Leinster5 wrote: »

Yeah would agree with that team, bar you could argue Timony in at 8 and maybe Dardis at 15. Do you know if Ringrose, Thornton or Allen have ever been involved in Leinster set up ?

Thornton has don't think the other two have.

skrunger

Heard injurys may hamper roscreas chances

Bridge93

skrunger wrote: »

Heard injurys may hamper roscreas chances

Such as?

skrunger

I heard one of the backs got hurt but seems serious enough

Bridge93

skrunger wrote: »

I heard one of the backs got hurt but seems serious enough

Hmm will be interesting to see, but with the greatest of respects to them i don't see their backs playing a major part in the game.

its_phil

Bridge93 wrote: »

Such as?

There was an injury. Not saying anymore though

thebaz

Roscrea v Rock really is david v goliath - biggest school against (possibly) smallest - do roscrea even have the numbers to field a seconds team ? -

Regardless their achievements the past 3 years are truly outstanding - well done

lurtz

Leinster5 wrote: »

Yeah would agree with that team, bar you could argue Timony in at 8 and maybe Dardis at 15. Do you know if Ringrose, Thornton or Allen have ever been involved in Leinster set up?

Id have O'Brien ahead of Timony if I was picking a team. Dont like rating young lads but O'Brien currently has more to offer,that said Timony has huge potential because of his size and raw power,if he is taught to link up more he could be very good

thebaz wrote: »

Roscrea v Rock really is david v goliath - biggest school against (possibly) smallest - do roscrea even have the numbers to field a seconds team ? -

Regardless their achievements the past 3 years are truly outstanding - well done

They just about/barely field a seconds

CGD

lurtz wrote: »

Id have O'Brien ahead of Timony if I was picking a team. Dont like rating young lads but O'Brien currently has more to offer,that said Timony has huge potential because of his size and raw power,if he is taught to link up more he could be very good


Yeah O'Brien is ahead of the Timoney at the moment but Timoney is only a 5th year and has another year SCT he is a serious player already but could be star next year if he keeps improving

Quint2010

CGD wrote: »

lurtz wrote: »

Id have O'Brien ahead of Timony if I was picking a team. Dont like rating young lads but O'Brien currently has more to offer,that said Timony has huge potential because of his size and raw power,if he is taught to link up more he could be very good


Yeah O'Brien is ahead of the Timoney at the moment but Timoney is only a 5th year and has another year SCT he is a serious player already but could be star next year if he keeps improving

The thing Timoney has over SOB is his speed. But I would say SOB is a more valuable player to Roscrea than Timoney is to Blackrock and is a more powerful and physically more developed player. He is also a great leader. Captain of the Connacht U20's-say no more.

FrannoFan

Gordon Gecko wrote: »

Belvedere are highly fancied in the Junior cup this year and they did away with Kilkenny 38-0 in the opening round. That said I've heard Mary's are a tidy enough outfit this year. As with most junior cup matches it could go either way but I haven't seen enough of either side this year to call it.

Marys aren't up to much this year. Rugby really going downhill there. Invested heavily getting a director of rugby so should see a turn around in their fortunes in time.
Belvedere getting a nice draw, Kilkenny weren't great this year and Marys now. They will probably get Gerrards or Newbridge next. Handy run to the final.

jony_dols

CGD wrote: »

As a neutral Roscrea will give rock plenty to worry about as u said the 2 lads above are top class and the best 2 in their position left in the cup. Roscrea pack has a bit more experience in the pack but rock are no slouches in that department either but just not as good as Roscrea the difference will be aparent when fans see them togged out. Roscrea have a massive pack their only problem is their backs none of them would make the rock starting backline. 10 & 15 are decent but they are not better than Rocks 10 & 15. Overall Rock are a more balanced team but anything can happen on the day just ask Terenure! I would love to see Roscrea win it out but if Rock play a smart game and I think they will as in my opinion they have the best coach in the competion they will neutralise Roscreas advantage in the pack and capitalise on their backs advantage. I fancy rock to in but Michaels to win it out. Will be fun to watch!

So the starting Leinster U18 winger, Cormac Brennan, would not make the Blackrock backline?

RandolphEsq

Who was the Clongowes SCT scrum half? Thought he was very good against Michaels.

CGD

Maher yeah thought he was the best I have seen so far this year. I haven't seen Gonzaga 9 who is also highly rated

Bridge93

jony_dols wrote: »

So the starting Leinster U18 winger, Cormac Brennan, would not make the Blackrock backline?

No

lurtz

CGD wrote: »

Maher yeah thought he was the best I have seen so far this year. I haven't seen Gonzaga 9 who is also highly rated

yeah Lavelle is a quality player,could have a good future

rughug

jony_dols wrote: »

So the starting Leinster U18 winger, Cormac Brennan, would not make the Blackrock backline?

Look. Rock backs will simply run through Roscrea on Sunday. Fine dry surface. Weather perfect. Suits em down to the ground.

Younger

Belvo 12 nil up vs Marys with few mins to go in JCT

Lobby Con Shine

rughug wrote: »

Look. Rock backs will simply run through Roscrea on Sunday. Fine dry surface. Weather perfect. Suits em down to the ground.

Why didn't the much feted Terenure backs (who apparently are better than Rock's) do that?

As another poster said, it's simplistic to say that Roscrea are all pack and no backs. Games never usually work out like that.

Quint2010

Lobby Con Shine wrote: »

Why didn't the much feted Terenure backs (who apparently are better than Rock's) do that?

As another poster said, it's simplistic to say that Roscrea are all pack and no backs. Games never usually work out like that.

Because Terenure's backs didn't have the ball and what ball they did have was slow

UpForTheCup6

thebaz wrote: »

Roscrea v Rock really is david v goliath - biggest school against (possibly) smallest - do roscrea even have the numbers to field a seconds team ? -

Regardless their achievements the past 3 years are truly outstanding - well done

Roscrea have a very strong seconds team aswell as a beasstly 3rds team.
although we have few numbers we are just as good if not better than other schols

jony_dols

rughug wrote: »

Look. Rock backs will simply run through Roscrea on Sunday. Fine dry surface. Weather perfect. Suits em down to the ground.

I'm getting a sense deja vu here; Michaels (last year) & Terenure (in the QF) had perfect conditions to 'simply run through Roscrea', neither of which did. If anything the surface & conditions in Tallaght stadium last week were far better suited to a running game than Donnybrook will on Sunday and despite the quality of 'Rock's backline, a player like Dardis was the only player from 'Nure to threaten.

For they're own sake, the Blackrock team better not be anywhere as complacent as some posters on this thread...

FrannoFan

UpForTheCup6 wrote: »

Roscrea have a very strong seconds team aswell as a beasstly 3rds team.
although we have few numbers we are just as good if not better than other schols

really?i heard they only had the seniors and one other team entered in the senior cup competitions going on at present.

its_phil

rughug wrote: »

Look. Rock backs will simply run through Roscrea on Sunday. Fine dry surface. Weather perfect. Suits em down to the ground.

They have to get the ball first and that's what Roscrea did effectively against Nure by not allowing them much time on the ball.

Gordon Gecko

Belvedere 12 - 0 St. Mary's, full time at Donnybrook.

lurtz

rughug wrote: »

Look. Rock backs will simply run through Roscrea on Sunday. Fine dry surface. Weather perfect. Suits em down to the ground.

I dont agree at all. CCR's backline is a quality division,just because they have some standout players in the pack people seem to be dismissing their backs as inept. If you watched the 1/4 final you'd have seen they have some good players there,I liked Dwayne Corcoran at 12. Granted their attack didnt set the world alight,but their defense was excellent against a top class nure back line

the baby bull elephant

Gordon Gecko wrote: »

Belvedere 12 - 0 St. Mary's, full time at Donnybrook.

Probably should have been a bit closer neither team was great Marys with a great opening quarter but faded.

aspin

the baby bull elephant wrote: »

Probably should have been a bit closer neither team was great Marys with a great opening quarter but faded.

was expecting a bit more from belvedere today; i would have to say rock have the look of jct winners (13 tries in two outings)