Leinster's Drive for 8-0 vs Munster buildup

thomond2006

May as well get the ball rolling...no need to thank me mods.

*with thanks to durkadurka!*
What is the drive for 8-0 you may ask? Well it turns out the recent trips to the capital haven't been very kind to the red province:

02/05/09 - Leinster 25 Munster 6 - Croke Park
03/10/09 - Leinster 30 Munster 0 - RDS
15/05/10 - Leinster 16 Munster 6 - RDS
02/10/10 - Leinster 13 Munster 9 - Aviva Stadium
04/11/11 - Leinster 24 Munster 19 - Aviva Stadium
06/10/12 - Leinster 30 Munster 21 - Aviva Stadium
29/03/14 - Leinster 22 Munster 18 - Aviva Stadium

*gulp*

Team I would like to see:

Cronin, Casey, Botha, POC, Foley, Stander, TOD, Copeland;
Murray, Hanrahan, VDH, Hurley, Smith, Zebo, Jones

Bench: Guinazu, Kilcoyne, Archer, Holland, Dougall, Sheridan, Keatley, Conway

I'd like to do the preview for this if that's alright and fire it up on Friday evening, once teams are confirmed. I haven't done a long winded one in a while and I've a foot in both camps these days.

NOTE: If anyone wants a warmup fixture on Saturday, Leinster A play Munster A in Donnybrook at 1pm!

Tox56

McGrath Cronin Ross
McCarthy Toner
Ruddock Heaslip Ryan

Reddan Gopperth
D'Arcy Macken
Fanning Kearney McFadden

Byrne, Bent, Moore, Douglas, Conan, McGrath, Madigan, McGrath

Too late at this stage to start Madigan at 10, although it is a bit soul destroying to put that 10-12-13 down on paper.

We're really down to the bare bones in some positions, this is not going to be pretty. You would think Munster arent going to get a better chance to end their losing streak

awec

Leinster by 7+.

vienne86

I would have expected Munster to have a really good chance to win this match, until I saw this evening's match against Ospreys in Thomond. Given Leinster's performance in the RDS last night as well, I am expecting and error strewn affair than anyone could win.....or lose.

Fireball07

Sean O'Brien

Neither team have been great so far, but at least Leinster were able to pull a BP win out against Cardiff, while Munster looked directionless against Ospreys.

I'd like to see us go with as close to full-strength as possible; meaning both JJ & Keatley starting.

durkadurka

Already 7-0.

You've omitted the game in Croke park in 09

Rightwing

I thought Munster won last year, stupid thread title if ever I saw one.

vienne86

Rightwing wrote: »

I thought Munster won last year, stupid thread title if ever I saw one.

They didn't win in Dublin. They won in Thomond Park.

Buer

Rightwing wrote: »

I thought Munster won last year, stupid thread title if ever I saw one.

I know. It's the drive for 8-0 as the honourable durkadurka has highlighted.

Rightwing

vienne86 wrote: »

They didn't win in Dublin. They won in Thomond Park.

I don't count that. The time a few years back when they were going for, what 5 or 6 in a row, that was the achievement. Both teams were right on form. Both have fallen considerably since then unfortunately.

thomond2006

Sean O'Brien

durkadurka wrote: »

Already 7-0.

You've omitted the game in Croke park in 09

haha you got me! I had expunged that match from the memory bank!

Buer

Poll needs more Rightwing! No flanker can withstand his cynicism!

SaveOurLyric

thomond2006 wrote: »

Team I would like to see:

Cronin, Casey, Botha, POC, Foley, Stander, TOD, Copeland;
Murray, Hanrahan, VDH, Hurley, Smith, Zebo, Jones

Bench: Guinazu, Kilcoyne, Archer, Holland, Dougall, Sheridan, Keatley, Conway

I'd like to see that team as well - I think Leinster would take it handy enough.
But probably will with any combination from Munster who are even more at sea this season than Leinster. Both squads suffering from injuries and rudderless coaching of late (I would give Foley some time yet, but its a tough gig and hasnt kicked off well). Despite the injuries, just a better standard of player will be enough to get Leinster over the line despite the MOC handicap. Munster's are just of too ordinary a standard throughout the team.
It wont be pretty.

molloyjh

It's both mad and incredibly disappointing that both sets of fans are in no way confident of their teams ability to win this game. Of course I'm not going to change that trend myself. It's easier to see one team or the other losing it rather than winning it. I just know that if Leinster lose it'll make for a VERY long season on the terrace. Made only worse if a certain "underrated" winger gets the winning score.

Fireball07

Sean O'Brien

molloyjh wrote: »

It's both mad and incredibly disappointing that both sets of fans are in no way confident of their teams ability to win this game. Of course I'm not going to change that trend myself. It's easier to see one team or the other losing it rather than winning it. I just know that if Leinster lose it'll make for a VERY long season on the terrace. Made only worse if a certain "underrated" winger gets the winning score.

The underrated man is probably our best hope for winning the game.

I reckon we'll do an alright job up front, but he provides that little bit extra in the backline.

That said... generally when we lose to Leinster, it's at the breakdown with the likes of SOB & Jennings generally starring. I fear Ruddock's physicality a little bit.

molloyjh

molloyjh wrote: »

It's both mad and incredibly disappointing that both sets of fans are in no way confident of their teams ability to win this game. Of course I'm not going to change that trend myself. It's easier to see one team or the other losing it rather than winning it. I just know that if Leinster lose it'll make for a VERY long season on the terrace. Made only worse if a certain "underrated" winger gets the winning score.

Nobody really knows where their side is I reckon so it's hard to be overly confident. On paper I think Leinster should have a stronger team out but nothing is decided on paper.

CoDy1

Even this Leinster will be still too strong for us. After tonight, I'm seriously disillusioned. Leinster have nothing to fear. For shame:(

Mahatma Geansai

Both teams are playing poorly, but ever since MOC has taken charge, Leinster have got the win (with bonus points) regardless of their performance. The home side should win by ~6 points.

It should be interesting to see how the sides compare when Allain Rolland isn't around to hand Leinster the win though.

Utopia Parkway

Don't think Leinster have been great so far this season but Munster have been cat. Can't see past a relatively comfortable Leinster win.

Teferi

Mahatma Geansai wrote: »

when Allain Rolland isn't around to hand Leinster the win though.

Desperate.

phog

Munster all the way.

thomond2006

Sean O'Brien

There's quite a malaise on here for this isn't there? Perhaps it's reflecting in the ticket sales, last season this was a (near) sellout, it doesn't look like it will come close to that this year.

Munster could really do with the win here, they are already seven points behind Leinster and Ospreys. Ospreys go to Zebre which is a banker win given the form they're in. If Munster are eleven points behind then suddenly they are playing catchup for the playoffs and a home semi-final is gone.

Buer

I'd say the home semi final is already gone, in all likelihood, unless they hit a special run of form. They have to go away to all the Welsh sides, Ulster, Leinster and Glasgow. The didn't get the BP against Treviso or against Edinburgh at home which aren't a given by any stretch but they weren't even in the mix for it while Ospreys picked them up easily against both.

I can't see them taking one of the top 2 spots from Leinster, Ulster, Glasgow or the Ospreys at this point all of whom have looked that bit more clinical generally.

Regarding next week, I think it will be a tight enough game and the selections of each side will play a huge part. If MOC moves D'Arcy back to 12, I think Leinster will open up Munster's midfield. If Foley decides to change things and move Keatley to 12, Munster have a good shot at getting around Leinster out wide.

Injuries will play a huge part also. A lot of players in injury limbo at the moment. If they make it back for next week it will put a different slant on things.

thomond2006

Sean O'Brien

Buer wrote: »

Injuries will play a huge part also. A lot of players in injury limbo at the moment. If they make it back for next week it will put a different slant on things.

Aside from Copeland I don't think there's anyone expected back for Munster in time for Saturday. Sherry, Varley, Scannell, D Ryan, POM, Bleyendaal, Bohane and Earls all unavailable.

Henry Ford III

Munster are in terrible trouble already. Expect Leinster to win handy enough, and switch the fixture to Donnybrook too.

Buer

Henry Ford III wrote: »

Munster are in terrible trouble already. Expect Leinster to win handy enough, and switch the fixture to Donnybrook too.

I think Munster will turn it around but there's significant damage done to the season already. You can't lose two home games in September and expect to have a home semi final in May. October is going to be a massive, massive month for Munster.

Lose away to Sale and that could be European rugby potentially over in the first game given the other two sides are Sarries and Clermont. Cardiff, Scarlets and Leinster are next 3 up in the league. Lose two of them and I think the league campaign is in massive difficulty to even make the play offs.

I think Munster will chug along and need to keep their heads up. Win the games they should win and pick up losing bonus points elsewhere and there's no reason they can't get to the play offs in the league and be in the mix for getting out of the pool in Europe. Huge amount of work required in the coming weeks.

Larbre34

Munster and Leinster fans in disturbing 'we're gonna lose, no WE'RE gonna lose' banter.

Both sides are in poor shape alright, and not just for injury reasons. Joe Schmidt must be most disappointed of all so far this season.

As a Leinster fan I'm not looking forward to Monday's injury update, Rob Kearney could be added to a raft of lads you don't want to rock up to any game in Lansdowne without.

Hard to see what sort of display will greet us next week, I think Leinster will shade it on balance but it could just as easily be 10-6 as 55-48.

Buer

I think RK will be ok. He played on after getting some attention and then didn't come on for the second half so was just precautionary, I reckon. It would be fantastic if ZK was available. Original prognosis was 2-3 weeks so that would put him in the frame for this match. A back three of him, McFadden and Kearney would be a big boost.

We really need some back 3 players available. Guys like DK, Kirchner and Fitz all being out is backing us into a corner.

former legend

If Leinster have Kearney and Jack McGrath, they'll win. Any more injuries and we're shagged.

phog

thomond2006 wrote: »

There's quite a malaise on here for this isn't there? Perhaps it's reflecting in the ticket sales, last season this was a (near) sellout, it doesn't look like it will come close to that this year.

Munster could really do with the win here, they are already seven points behind Leinster and Ospreys. Ospreys go to Zebre which is a banker win given the form they're in. If Munster are eleven points behind then suddenly they are playing catchup for the playoffs and a home semi-final is gone.

Glasgow


Leinster are at home and are 6 points behind the leaders, if they have any sights on a home final then they need to be targeting a win in the Aviva.

thomond2006

Sean O'Brien

phog wrote: »

Glasgow


Leinster are at home and are 6 points behind the leaders, if they have any sights on a home final then they need to be targeting a win in the Aviva.

Sorry you're right, Glasgow. Like Ospreys they have a banker win, away to Treviso.

Mahatma Geansai

Going into the game with Leinster next week, I'd like to see a team similar to the following line out for Munster:

15. Jones
14. GVDH - He looked good last night, and he's a level above Conway.
13. Smith - He's our only option.
12. Hurley - He's our best option considering our current injuries. He is only learning the position and can only improve; At 27, Dineen will never be good enough.
11. Zebo
10. Hanrahan - He has to be given the nod at some stage, and Keatley hasn't carried last-year's form into the new season. Hanrahan appears to take control when he shares the field with Keatley.
9. Murray
8. Copeland
7. TOD - I'm not too pushed between him and Dougal.
6. Stander
5. POC
4. Foley
3. Botha
2. Casey
1. Kilcoyne - I still rate him better than Cronin

Replacements:
16. Guinazu - He needs a game before the HEC.
17. Cronin
18. Archer
19. DOC/Holland - I'm not too pushed who gets the nod. Holland might be less likely to give a silly penalty from the bench.
20. Dougal - Butler would make more sense positionally, but he hasn't ever impressed.
21. Sheridan - Williams will get the jersey, but the sub 9 doesn't matter as we're shagged if Murray goes off anyway.
22. Keatley - Ideally, he'll inject some pace from 12 in the last 20 minutes.
23. Murphy - His versatility earns him the nod.

thomond2006

Sean O'Brien

molloyjh wrote: »

I just know that if Leinster lose it'll make for a VERY long season on the terrace. Made only worse if a certain "underrated" winger gets the winning score.

Seconded

McGrath
Cronin
Moore/Ross
Toner
Douglas/McCarthy
Ruddock
Ryan (SOB?)
Heaslip
Reddan
Dunno
Dunno
Dunno
Dunno
McFadden
Kearney



The dunnos will more than likely be Gopperth, Fanning, Madigan, D'Arcy.

former legend

Haley Unkempt Designer wrote: »

McGrath
Cronin
Moore/Ross
Toner
Douglas/McCarthy
Ruddock
Ryan (SOB?)
Heaslip
Reddan
Dunno
Dunno
Dunno
Dunno
McFadden
Kearney



The dunnos will more than likely be Gopperth, Fanning, Madigan, D'Arcy.

I really hope he doesn't pick Madigan at 12. It's just not working.

former legend

former legend wrote: »

I really hope he doesn't pick Madigan at 12. It's just not working.

Don't really know who else is available.

former legend

Haley Unkempt Designer wrote: »

Don't really know who else is available.

D'Arcy and Macken is who I would pick.

rugby addict

or Darce 12
mad dog 13

thomond2006

Sean O'Brien

Steven Sykes deserves gametime.

Buer

D'Arcy 12, Macken 13. No brainer for me at this point. Madigan, oddly enough, stifles the back line at 12 in some ways as he tends to take too much on himself and tries to make things happen when it's not on. D'Arcy is a much better decision maker in the position and does the simple things well. Let him play 12, Macken at 13 and then we can look at the picture again in a few weeks perhaps when Te'o arrives.

thomond2006

Sean O'Brien

Is Kirchner out?

Buer

thomond2006 wrote: »

Is Kirchner out?

He was due back in 2-3 weeks so, if that was accurate, it's either this week or next. Can't see him playing this one though unless RK is out.

I'd say we'll see him back for the following week and the RCC.

Molester Stallone II

Buer wrote: »

He was due back in 2-3 weeks so, if that was accurate, it's either this week or next. Can't see him playing this one though unless RK is out.

I'd say we'll see him back for the following week and the RCC.

The RCC....Roman Catholic Church !
Father Kirchner, is it yourself here to say mass with the Kearney altar boys......I've not had any sleep since Friday, sorry

Hope Kirchner is available, so much better than our other wing options.

wp_rathead

Rightwing wrote: »

I thought Munster won last year, stupid thread title if ever I saw one.

CatFromHue

Hopefully Jackass will post this week and from going on his previous posts it'll be a dissertation of 50 pages :P

4 pages of fairly glum reading. What this thread needs is some old fashioned motivational antagonism. ..

Leinster will well and truly thump Munster. Dave Kearney will make an early return and score a hat trick beating Zebo in 1 to 1s for all three tries. Some savvy boardsie will post an image of Zebo's wrist bands after the game with "Joe Schmidt is a big eejit" written in tiny writing.

Donnchadh Ryan will also return and lose all Munsters line outs to big Dev. He will get a yellow for taking a swing at Toner in the second half as every time Toner steals the ball he says "LOL REJECTED"

Sexton will make an early return to Leinster and not to be out done, O'Gara will also make an emotional 3 part documentary return to Munster. The two out halves get sent off after 1 minute and 14 seconds for having a full on fist fight. Turns out they still hate each other afterall.

During the half time interview Keith Earls will make a nervous announcement that he is moving from the wing to 13 as he has just decided he is actually a centre afterall. Declan Kidney can be seen watching menacingly in the background.

After the 47-0 drubbing, Foley will accidentally leak the player report which says he would replace each and every player with John Hayes if he could.

It's still a week too early for Luke Fitzgerald.

molloyjh

Deleted User wrote: »

4 pages of fairly glum reading. What this thread needs is some old fashioned motivational antagonism. ..

Leinster will well and truly thump Munster. Dave Kearney will make an early return and score a hat trick beating Zebo in 1 to 1s for all three tries. Some savvy boardsie will post an image of Zebo's wrist bands after the game with "Joe Schmidt is a big eejit" written in tiny writing.

Donnchadh Ryan will also return and lose all Munsters line outs to big Dev. He will get a yellow for taking a swing at Toner in the second half as every time Toner steals the ball he says "LOL REJECTED"

Sexton will make an early return to Leinster and not to be out done, O'Gara will also make an emotional 3 part documentary return to Munster. The two out halves get sent off after 1 minute and 14 seconds for having a full on fist fight. Turns out they still hate each other afterall.

During the half time interview Keith Earls will make a nervous announcement that he is moving from the wing to 13 as he has just decided he is actually a centre afterall. Declan Kidney can be seen watching menacingly in the background.

After the 47-0 drubbing, Foley will accidentally leak the player report which says he would replace each and every player with John Hayes if he could.

It's still a week too early for Luke Fitzgerald.

All bases covered there I think. Unless we want to add in something about Ruddock schooling POM???

molloyjh

molloyjh wrote: »

All bases covered there I think. Unless we want to add in something about Ruddock schooling POM???

It turns out they have been dating on and off for two years?

Heroditas

Once again, the backrow battle will be key. I actually think we have the edge here with Ruddock and Heaslip in monstrous form and Ryan showing glimpses of what he's capable of.
I think Copeland and Stander are fine players with the ball in hand when their team are on the front foot but I would prefer Heaslip and Ruddock in an arm-wrestle, particularly if it is wet.
Is TOD fit?
We might very well see Leinster try to steamroll Munster in the tight.

Could be a very long evening, particularly for the neutral.

vienne86

I think after last weekend's performances from both teams, it's hard to get excited about the spectacle we will have on Saturday in the Aviva. I find myself hoping we just see a bit of half decent rugby, so it's hard to get worked up about this.