Edinburgh vs Leinster, Fri 16th Sept 2016 19:35, Murrayfield, TG4

molloyjh

Onwards & Upwards

Last weeks game against Glasgow may have been disappointing from a result perspective, but it was an incredibly encouraging performance given the relative strengths of the squads. Leinster welcome back a number of internationals to their starting line-up, although this may come at a cost to their continuity. There was a significant step up in Scotstoun compared to the RDS the previous week. We may need to expect a step back this week given that this will be the internationals first game of the season.

But there are still some key selections that have gone unchanged. The Leinster midfield remains the same and 2 of the back row from last week are starting this; Murphy and Leavy. We saw a lot of damage done in the midfield last week utilising all of these guys. Guys like Ross and Toner should bring some solidity to our set piece as well. With Isa and Dave being 2 wingers who are very good at coming infield and looking for work there is the makings of a good performance here again.

That Edinburgh side doesn't exactly strike fear into the heart, although their tight 5 will be combative. But there are nearly as many "who?" type names in there than easily recognisable players. They are always tough at home but this is a game that Leinster should be winning. If they can get some decent ball from their set piece and the returning players don't show too much rustiness I expect that to happen. Especially with that bench. Unlike last week there is definite impact there.

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01. Rory Sutherland|01. Jack McGrath
02. Ross Ford|02. Sean Cronin
03. WP Nel|03. Mike Ross
04. Ben Toolis|04. Devin Toner
05. Grant Gilchrist|05. Mike McCarthy
06. Magnus Bradbury|06. Jordi Murphy
07. Hamish Watson|07. Dan Leavy
08. Viliami Fihaki|08. Jamie Heaslip
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09. Nathan Fowles|09. Jamison Gibson-Park
10. Duncan Weir|10. Joey Carbery
11. Tom Brown|11. Dave Kearney
12. Phil Burleigh|12. Noel Reid
13. Sasa Tofilau|13. Gary Ringrose
14. Michael Allen|14. Isa Nacewa
15. Glenn Bryce|15. Zane Kirchner
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16. Stuart McInally|16. Brian Byrne
17. Allan Dell|17. Cian Healy
18. Kevin Bryce|18. Tadhh Furlong
19. Fraser McKenzie|19. Ross Molony
20. Cornell du Preez|20. Josh van der Flier
21. Sam Hidalgo-Clyne|21. Luke McGrath
22. Solomoni Rasolea|22. Cathal Marsh
23. Blair Kinghorn|23. Rory O'Loughlin

Some good contests here. Scrum could be interesting from both a Leinster and Ireland perspective. I think we have a serious advantage in the Line out and maul.

We are definitely going to see traffic coming through 10 and 12 so Heaslip is going to be busy tackling. I'm also not too worried about continuity with the players having had a good pre season together.

I think Leinster by 5+ and to be honest with the bench we have coming on especially in the forwards we could thump them in the second half.

molloyjh

Deleted User wrote: »

Some good contests here. Scrum could be interesting from both a Leinster and Ireland perspective. I think we have a serious advantage in the Line out and maul.

We are definitely going to see traffic coming through 10 and 12 so Heaslip is going to be busy tackling. I'm also not too worried about continuity with the players having had a good pre season together.

I think Leinster by 5+ and to be honest with the bench we have coming on especially in the forwards we could thump them in the second half.

The second half is when we've struggled the last few seasons though. And again in the last 2 weeks. Hopefully the experience will help there.

former total

Edinburgh are three-point favourites with Paddy Power.

Cathalthesmart

Edinburgh favourites, talk about easy money.

thomond2006

former total wrote: »

Edinburgh are three-point favourites with Paddy Power.

It's the other way round now.

former total

thomond2006 wrote: »

It's the other way round now.

I am open to the possibility I misread the odds.

swiwi_

Cheers molloy. You can have a thanks.

It's a Kiwi halves combination for Leinster, so I'm predicting a comfortable win.

Then Jamison can strum out a couple of waiata on his guitar in the changing sheds after, while the boys down the DB draught, before heading out for a traditional hangi.

Fun cultural times at Leinster this season.

Del.Monte

I haven't seen Leinster this season, what's Jamison Gibson-Park like - does he look like a player that knows where the tryline is? 6/1 anytime try scorer looks tempting?

irishbucsfan

Del.Monte wrote: »

I haven't seen Leinster this season, what's Jamison Gibson-Park like - does he look like a player that knows where the tryline is? 6/1 anytime try scorer looks tempting?

Put the wife and kids on it

molloyjh

Del.Monte wrote: »

I haven't seen Leinster this season, what's Jamison Gibson-Park like - does he look like a player that knows where the tryline is? 6/1 anytime try scorer looks tempting?

Haven't seen much from him in that regard so far. But I think Edinburgh have leaked a couple from around the fringes already haven't they?

dublinman1990

The match is also available on BBC Alba with English commentary.

That being said, I haven't seen Leinster play in a while this season. I hope it will be a good game tonight for Leinster.

irishbucsfan

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Put the wife and kids on it

Says more about the quality of your wife and kids :pac:

vienne86

What a bloody start! :eek:

The Rape of Lucretia

Leinster's opening play as hideous as their jersey.

Thanos

This is a shocking start

Zzippy

Lads, that jersey is feckin rotten!! :eek:

vienne86

Dreadful attempts at tackles.

The Rape of Lucretia

Zzippy wrote: »

Lads, that jersey is feckin rotten!! :eek:

Would suit construction workers, traffic wardens, Gardai.
Well maybe not. High vis vests are a little more elegant I think.

dublinman1990

Weir who got the 1st try for Edinburgh was lucky not to have his neck broken.

It doesn't take away the disastrous start from Leinster though. I hope that they will pick themselves up soon so far from an 8-0 loss.

thomond2006

Seriously, what are Edinburgh still doing in Murrayfield?

thomond2006

Great line but the defence....

crisco10

Well that was easy

vienne86

Leavy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is more like it.

Thanos

Nice to get that try but what was he thinking not grounding it straight away!!!!!

Omg that Edinburgh try is going to wind up in so so many gifs and compilation videos.

crisco10

Strong start from leavy. Forced two turnovers and got a try.

God I hate murrayfield for Edinburgh games.

dublinman1990

Leavy breezed through with that try in fairness. Still a kick in the teeth though when they are only a point behind.

thomond2006

Leinster should BP this. Edinburgh's defence is atrocious.

Sanjuro

Nice wan, Ringrose.

crisco10

Lovely team try. Lots of soft Edinburgh shoulders tho