Leinster v Connacht Build up Thread

Bridge93

Bridge93 wrote: »

From a national point of view Aki v Ringrose should be exciting. That is the matchup to watch as the other one that has plagued this place for so long is a non issue currently

Marmion v Luke also. Dillane is going to want to put down a marker as is Bealham.

Should be a good game, looking forward to it and hopefully conditions aren't crap.

I think our halves and backrow are going to prove the difference on the day, Leinster by 12.

Wegians89

Not as optimistic as I thought I'd be, Leavy and vdf will win this game for Leinster.
1-5 Connacht should have the upper had carty will have to keep his current form up. Think leader should have been starting 15 with toh at 14.
Matt Healy to have another brilliant game

durthacht

connachta wrote: »

Still no sign of a back-up 10

What happened to that Aussie guy (Deegan?) who signed last summer? Is he injured or available but just not picked?

Bazzo

I'm terrified of Dan Leavy. Last time he played us he ate out back row for breakfast and he did the same against Munster only a week ago.

Bridge93

I have always said (and definitely did on here years ago) that Dan Leavy had the ability to be an absolute superstar and would surpass VdF in time once his injuries cleared up. Hopefully he can stay fit for an extended period because if he does then the Irish team is a real target

I think he'll overtake O Mahoney sooner rather than later. Then it's how you balance the backrow by keeping POM/Drop Stander/Drop SOB or whatever

Peregrine

That Leinster second row makes me very nervous. And Kearney as a replacement doesn't make me feel much better.

Is Murphy injured? It's not like he has played much this season. I would have preferred him instead of Fardy covering backrow and all three of Molony, Nagle and Kearney involved.

OldRio

Granny15 wrote: »

That's out 3rds team

Jaysus, Sexton must be out of sorts.

typhoony

Should be a very close game, home advantage will help Leinster but if we can get our maul going again we can beat them up there.

Bridge93

Shame Larmour must wait until the Sportsground to complete his interprovincial destruction.

FACECUTTR

OldRio wrote: »

Jaysus, Sexton must be out of sorts.

Kearney, McGrath, Van der Flier and Ringrose are now 3rd choice in Leinster with Sefton. How fast times change.

connemara man

15. Rob Kearney (190) internationally capped
14. Fergus McFadden (160) internationally capped
13. Garry Ringrose (42) internationally capped
12. Noel Reid (91) internationally capped
11. James Lowe (2)
10. Johnny Sexton (141) CAPTAIN internationally capped
9. Luke McGrath (85) internationally capped
1. Peter Dooley (41)
2. Seán Cronin (141) internationally capped
3. Andrew Porter (18) internationally capped
4. Ross Molony (53)
5. Ian Nagle (13)
6. Dan Leavy (46) internationally capped
7. Josh van der Flier (57) internationally capped
8. Max Deegan (9)

16. Bryan Byrne (19)
17. Ed Byrne (15)
18. Michael Bent (98) internationally capped
19. Mick Kearney (27)
20. Scott Fardy (10) internationally capped OZ
21. Nick McCarthy (15)
22. Cathal Marsh (26)
23. Rory O’Loughlin (32) internationally capped

3rd string team has 10 internationally capped players starting and 3 on the bench... Huh

joseywhales

Bridge93 wrote: »

I have always said (and definitely did on here years ago) that Dan Leavy had the ability to be an absolute superstar and would surpass VdF in time once his injuries cleared up. Hopefully he can stay fit for an extended period because if he does then the Irish team is a real target

I think he'll overtake O Mahoney sooner rather than later. Then it's how you balance the backrow by keeping POM/Drop Stander/Drop SOB or whatever

Sob has never been droppable, he is like the modern David Wallace except with a bit more to his game. With injuries and age though leavy could be the new sob with a transition over the next 4-5 years maybe. I think with both playing at 6/7 for Ireland would make for an incredibly tough backrow with pom as the lineout specialist to swap in. It's world class

connemara man

connemara man wrote: »

15. Rob Kearney (190) internationally capped
14. Fergus McFadden (160) internationally capped
13. Garry Ringrose (42) internationally capped
12. Noel Reid (91)
11. James Lowe (2)
10. Johnny Sexton (141) CAPTAIN internationally capped
9. Luke McGrath (85) internationally capped
1. Peter Dooley (41)
2. Seán Cronin (141) internationally capped
3. Andrew Porter (18) internationally capped
4. Ross Molony (53)
5. Ian Nagle (13)
6. Dan Leavy (46) internationally capped
7. Josh van der Flier (57) internationally capped
8. Max Deegan (9)

16. Bryan Byrne (19)
17. Ed Byrne (15)
18. Michael Bent (98)
19. Mick Kearney (27)
20. Scott Fardy (10)
21. Nick McCarthy (15)
22. Cathal Marsh (26)
23. Rory O’Loughlin (32)

3rd string team has 9 internationally capped players in huh

Noel Reid has an international cap as well. Plus the 3 internationally capped players on the bench

connemara man

Nathaniel Aggressive Rodent wrote: »

Noel Reid has an international cap as well. Plus the 3 internationally capped players on the bench

Duly noted and edited

Neil3030

That's our third string team? It has Sexton, Cronin, Kearney, Ringrose, VDF.... ?

This isn't our 3rds, it's a mix of first team players backed up primarily by second choice. It's not nearly as strong a pack as last week though.

Peregrine

Neil3030 wrote: »

That's our third string team? It has Sexton, Cronin, Kearney, Ringrose, VDF.... ?

Both starting props are third choice. Second row are 4th, 5th and 6th choice locks. So..2nd-3rd string? Leavy and VdF are great but Deegan is still very inexperienced and I don't think Fardy on the bench has ever started a game for Leinster in the backrow.

Half-backs are first choice. Nobody knows what the pecking order for wings are but I wouldn't describe Lowe and Ferg as third choice. Lowe might be second choice given his unfamiliarity and the fact that he (rightly) didn't play in Europe. Noel Reid is second choice and Ringrose and Kearney are first choice.

It's not third string but very much a mix 'n' match team.

Granny15

Peregrine wrote: »

Both starting props are third choice. Second row are 4th, 5th and 6th choice locks. So..2nd-3rd string? Leavy and VdF are great but Deegan is still very inexperienced and I don't think Fardy on the bench has ever started a game for Leinster in the backrow.

Half-backs are first choice. Nobody knows what the pecking order for wings are but I wouldn't describe Lowe and Ferg as third choice. Lowe might be second choice given his unfamiliarity and the fact that he (rightly) didn't play in Europe. Noel Reid is second choice and Ringrose and Kearney are first choice.

It's not third string but very much a mix 'n' match team.

Kearney would be second choice at this stage

downthemiddle

Granny15 wrote: »

Kearney would be second choice at this stage

So Ireland's first choice full back is second choice with Leinster. Would you like to explain how that works?

Squidgy Black

Granny15 wrote: »

Kearney would be second choice at this stage

Stop spewing shíte, Kearney's first choice. Only reason Carbery was playing fullback was because he was injured and we had nobody else, and Larmour, as exciting as he is, isn't ready to be first choice yet.

molloyjh

It’s a predominantly 3rd choice front five, second choice back row and 1st/2nd choice back line. It’s a good mix but the front five will cause some concern for Leinster fans.

Jesus lads, 1 poster throwing out what we all know is complete bollox and you all keep replying. 3 pages now including someone actually going to the hassle of listing out the caps to refute what is complete nonsense. Can we not collectively cop on and just ignore that crap.

Granny15

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Jesus lads, 1 poster throwing out what we all know is complete bollox and you all keep replying. 3 pages now including someone actually going to the hassle of listing out the caps to refute what is complete nonsense. Can we not collectively cop on and just ignore that crap.

Hit a sore point I do believe. Aren't differing views allowed in your eyes? It's a weakened selection. Third choice front 5 and 2nd/3rd choice back 3. The only first choice players are the half backs and ringrose and Cronin. Back row is 2nd/3rd choice

Bazzo

I would say that Leinster team is.....




The second best priest in the world.

OldRio

Not a sore point. Just bollox. See posts above to prove my point.

connachta

Larmour and Carbery not in as FB that's good news for Connacht
I'd expect Butler to be able to control Leavy

Kelleher you know I'm not a big fan but he will have a point to prove vs his ex-team
Coulson too, Porter is not Furlong, he'll be fine facing him

Muldoon has to keep his discipline
Cannon is picked for stability/mauls, mainly as the lineout captain
That's an understandable 23 from K.K

typhoony

Granny15 wrote: »

Hit a sore point I do believe. Aren't differing views allowed in your eyes? It's a weakened selection. Third choice front 5 and 2nd/3rd choice back 3. The only first choice players are the half backs and ringrose and Cronin. Back row is 2nd/3rd choice

I thought treacy was 1st choice

connachta

Table attempt

connachta

Leinster Connacht
Rob Kearney Tiernan O’Halloran
James Lowe Cian Kelleher
Gary Ringrose Bundee Aki
Noel Reid Tom Farrell
Fergus McFadden Matt Healy
Johnny Sexton Jack Carty
Luke McGrath Kieran Marmion
Andrew Porter Denis Coulson
Sean Cronin Tom McCartney
Peter Dooley Finlay Bealham
Ross Moloney Ultan Dillane
Ian Nagle James Cannon
Josh VdF Eoghan Masterson
Dan Leavy Jarrad Butler
Max Deegan John Muldoon

Michael Bent Peter McCabe
Mick Kearney Quinn Roux
Scott Fardy Naulia Dawai
Nick McCarty Caolin Blade
Cathal Marsh Eoin Griffin
Rory O'Loughlin Niyi Adeolokun

connachta

(As I can't edit the table without destroying it)
Brian Byrne[/td]
Shane Delahunt[/td]

[/tr]

Ed Byrne[/td]
Conor Carey[/td]
[/tr]



Except two position in blue, where Leinster is supposed to have the upper hand, the 21 other positions/heads-to-heads are really 50-50

.ak

connemara man wrote: »

15. Rob Kearney (190) 1st choice
14. Fergus McFadden (160) 2nd choice
13. Garry Ringrose (42) 1st choice
12. Noel Reid (91) 3rd choice
11. James Lowe (2) 1st choice soonish I’d say
10. Johnny Sexton (141) CAPTAIN 1st choice
9. Luke McGrath (85) 1st choice
1. Peter Dooley (41) 3rd choice
2. Seán Cronin (141) 2nd choice
3. Andrew Porter (18) 3rd choice
4. Ross Molony (53) 4th choice
5. Ian Nagle (13) 5th choice
6. Dan Leavy (46) 3rd choice
7. Josh van der Flier (57) 2nd choice
8. Max Deegan (9) 3rd choice

16. Bryan Byrne (19) 4th choice
17. Ed Byrne (15) 3rd choice
18. Michael Bent (98) 2nd choice
19. Mick Kearney (27) 5th choice
20. Scott Fardy (10) 1st choice
21. Nick McCarthy (15) 3rd choice
22. Cathal Marsh (26) 3rd choice
23. Rory O’Loughlin (32) 3rd choice

3rd string team has 10 internationally capped players starting and 3 on the bench... Huh

I think the fairer thing is to look at relevant choice in each position.


5/15 are 1st choice (33.3%)
3/15 are 2nd choice (20%)
5/15 are 3rd choice (33.3%)
1/15 are 4th choice (6.6%)
1/15 are 5th choice (6.6%)

So what does that mean?

I have no idea...

Zzippy

connachta wrote: »

Larmour and Carbery not in as FB that's good news for Connacht

Posting indirectly about Kearney is still ignoring the warning you were given.

I'm not really sure what a full strength Leinster XV looks like at the moment tbh, most positions are clear enough but there are some up for grabs.

I think it's perfectly fair to say that relative to the strongest possible teams each can select, Connacht are a lot stronger than Leinster. I'm a bit nervous tbh because I think that tight 5 can be got at, and the scrums really could be an issue.

Zzippy

Calliope Melodic Pint wrote: »

I'm not really sure what a full strength Leinster XV looks like at the moment tbh, most positions are clear enough but there are some up for grabs.

I think it's perfectly fair to say that relative to the strongest possible teams each can select, Connacht are a lot stronger than Leinster. I'm a bit nervous tbh because I think that tight 5 can be got at, and the scrums really could be an issue.

Leinster have so much squad depth at the moment that 1st/2nd choice players isn't really an issue, as we saw on Tuesday. Also, no matter how weakened Leinster teams have been picked in recent years, they have consistently won this fixture well. We might get some joy from set piece ball, but with Sexton pulling the strings I can't see Connacht even getting a LBP. I hope I'm wrong!

Former Former

Dooley is very good but this is his first start this season. Porter is still very inexperienced. Molony is decent but not sure about pairing him with Nagle.

If we get parity in the set piece we'll be ok, Leinster the better side from 6 through 15.

Zzippy

Former Former wrote: »

Dooley is very good but this is his first start this season. Porter is still very inexperienced. Molony is decent but not sure about pairing him with Nagle.

If we get parity in the set piece we'll be ok, Leinster the better side from 6 through 15.

In every position? Hmmm...

Wegians89

Former Former wrote: »

Dooley is very good but this is his first start this season. Porter is still very inexperienced. Molony is decent but not sure about pairing him with Nagle.

If we get parity in the set piece we'll be ok, Leinster the better side from 6 through 15.

Dno if you can say better team from 6-15.
Leavy and vdf yeah I'll agree there. Aging Muldoon vs young deegan I'd say about even.
Marmion is better then McGrath
Sexton miles ahead of carty
I'd have Healy ahead of Lowe, Healy is in unbelievable form ATM I've seen a fair bit of lowe but he's on srs miles so far this season
12 Farrell is better then Reid
13 this is interesting one I'd say even of bundee slightly ahead, ringrose is a brilliant player but don't think he has the same impact as bundee o. The rest of the team. Bundee plays well Connacht usually play well.
14 give that to McFadden more reliable
15 age old debate prob give it to Kearney but in connschts system toh is vital

Think Connacht have the edge on the bench too.
Still expect Leinster to win. They're stronger in match winning areas, sexton leavy vdf

connachta

That's not true  Leinster have had easy games home vs Connacht, many of the last contests in the RDS were tight
I remember that one particularly
https://rugby.statbunker.com/competitions/MatchDetails/RaboDirect-PRO12-13/14/Leinster-VS-Connacht?comp_id=437&match_id=28552&date=26-Oct-2013

gally74

Wegians89 wrote: »

Dno if you can say better team from 6-15.
Leavy and vdf yeah I'll agree there. Aging Muldoon vs young deegan I'd say about even.
Marmion is better then McGrath
Sexton miles ahead of carty
I'd have Healy ahead of Lowe, Healy is in unbelievable form ATM I've seen a fair bit of lowe but he's on srs miles so far this season
12 Farrell is better then Reid
13 this is interesting one I'd say even of bundee slightly ahead, ringrose is a brilliant player but don't think he has the same impact as bundee o. The rest of the team. Bundee plays well Connacht usually play well.
14 give that to McFadden more reliable
15 age old debate prob give it to Kearney but in connschts system toh is vital

Think Connacht have the edge on the bench too.
Still expect Leinster to win. They're stronger in match winning areas, sexton leavy vdf

I went up the year we won the pro 12, horrible night, only good for ducks, Leinster fielded a very good team that night and I remember SOB coming off the bench to make a big impact.

I fancy our chances tomorrow night, its not the best Leinster team and Conn are finding form and also more intelligent than the way Lam made the team play, Were definitely better in our own 22 that we were and out attack is firing, This season is defiantly about KK figuring out the players, and the players figuring out KK. but the team has turned.

Conn by 5!

connachta

Wegians89 wrote: »

Former Former wrote: »

Dooley is very good but this is his first start this season. Porter is still very inexperienced. Molony is decent but not sure about pairing him with Nagle.

If we get parity in the set piece we'll be ok, Leinster the better side from 6 through 15.

Dno if you can say better team from 6-15.
Leavy and vdf yeah I'll agree there. Aging Muldoon vs young deegan I'd say about even.
Marmion is better then McGrath
Sexton miles ahead of carty
I'd have Healy ahead of Lowe, Healy is in unbelievable form ATM I've seen a fair bit of lowe but he's on srs miles so far this season
12 Farrell is better then Reid
13 this is interesting one I'd say even of bundee slightly ahead, ringrose is a brilliant player but don't think he has the same impact as bundee o. The rest of the team. Bundee plays well Connacht usually play well.
14 give that to McFadden more reliable
15 age old debate prob give it to Kearney but in connschts system toh is vital

Think Connacht have the edge on the bench too.
Still expect Leinster to win. They're stronger in match winning areas, sexton leavy vdf

Kelleher will struggle vs Lowe, as I said the rest I agree it is pretty even.
I'm really optimistic of how underated Butler is vs Leavy (blindside facing openside)
It's a 50-50, with the home advantage. Connacht team has to show up for a LBP

Zzippy

gally74 wrote: »

I went up the year we won the pro 12, horrible night, only good for ducks, Leinster fielded a very good team that night and I remember SOB coming off the bench to make a big impact.

I fancy our chances tomorrow night, its not the best Leinster team and Conn are finding form and also more intelligent than the way Lam made the team play, Were definitely better in our own 22 that we were and out attack is firing, This season is defiantly about KK figuring out the players, and the players figuring out KK. but the team has turned.

Conn by 5!

I'd fancy our chances tomorrow night too, since Leinster won't turn up til Monday!

Stheno

Zzippy wrote: »

I'd fancy our chances tomorrow night too, since Leinster won't turn up til Monday!

Thank God. I thought I was going mad

I'm going for a Leinster win competition in the squad for starts is strong

Zzippy

Zzippy wrote: »

Leinster have so much squad depth at the moment that 1st/2nd choice players isn't really an issue, as we saw on Tuesday. Also, no matter how weakened Leinster teams have been picked in recent years, they have consistently won this fixture well. We might get some joy from set piece ball, but with Sexton pulling the strings I can't see Connacht even getting a LBP. I hope I'm wrong!

Leinster can probably field two very strong XVs but the issue here is in the front 5, bar Cronin, the guys playing aren't even second choice. If you rank everyone in the squad I'd say Dooley is 4th, Porter 3rd, Moloney 4th and Nagle 5th or 6th. We're really dropping down the depth chart here. I'm happy enough from there out but would be a hell of a lot happier if say Healy and Fardy were playing.

connachta

gally74 wrote: »

I remember SOB coming off the bench

Moment of the match when both SOBs came in with n°20:)

gally74

connachta wrote: »

Moment of the match when both SOBs came in with n°20:)

i remember that,

anything ye can do, we can do better!

connemara man

connachta wrote: »

Moment of the match when both SOBs came in with n°20:)

There's only one Sean O Brien
There's only one Sean O Brien
He's got red hair
But we don't care
Were living in a Connacht wonderland

Buer

Leinster should still win with some breathing space. They possess far more influential players in key positions. What Connacht have is a fairly established and powerful front five. If they can put pressure on the Leinster set piece and limit the possession available, they're in with a chance and can make life difficult. There's also definitely a lot of joy to be had out of Leinster's three quarters who are a bit out of sync defensively and are playing a selection with very little time on the field together.

Numbers 6-10 win games though and, collectively, there's a gulf between those two areas.

The bookies have it priced at a 13 point spread which is about right but I reckonn it could be slightly closer if Connacht get the bit between their teeth and hang in there early on.

stephen_n

Wegians89 wrote: »

12 Farrell is better then Reid

On what metric are you judging that?


Actually really looking forward to seeing how the front row goes, Dooley wouldn’t be 4th choice at any other province, but Belham is very good. Porter though inexperienced has held his own at international level, will be good seeing how he goes. Can they make up for Cronins lack of ability in the tight, not so sure. Nagle was pretty good before the injuries and I’d imagine Moloney has a point to prove with Ryan usurping him. Connacht definitely have the advantage but if we even get parity there, it should be good.

connachta

stephen_n wrote: »

 Porter though inexperienced has held his own at international level, will be good seeing how he goes.

Coulson, though he's not Buckley yet, was fairly impressive with Grenoble, gained experience there
6-10 of Leinster look good indeed, but Masterson, Butler, Marmion match their counterparts and should surprise some Dubliners.

If Carty kicks well, Kelleher tackles, and Muldoon keeps a cool head (3 big asks), it will be very, very, tight

stephen_n

connachta wrote: »

Coulson, though he's not Buckley yet, was fairly impressive with Grenoble, gained experience there
6-10 of Leinster look good indeed, but Masterson, Butler, Marmion match their counterparts and should surprise some Dubliners.

If Carty kicks well, Kelleher tackles, and Muldoon keeps a cool head (3 big asks), it will be very, very, tight

Would give Coulson the advantage for sure, be a good test for porter.