Leinster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread XI (The Finals Countdown)

Clegg

I don't think Henshaw's place is under threat just yet. I agree that he needs to start showing more as an attacking threat. A few seasons ago he was very effective when carrying in the wider channels. It was very clearly a tactic that we used. Henshaw is a good offloader. Get him carrying wider, break the line and offload to someone inside or outside.

I don't see Ringrose being overtaken by anyone however. His performances at the WC and then in his return for Leinster showed he's by far and away the best 13 in the country.

Shefwedfan

Clegg wrote: »

I don't think Henshaw's place is under threat just yet. I agree that he needs to start showing more as an attacking threat. A few seasons ago he was very effective when carrying in the wider channels. It was very clearly a tactic that we used. Henshaw is a good offloader. Get him carrying wider, break the line and offload to someone inside or outside.

I don't see Ringrose being overtaken by anyone however. His performances at the WC and then in his return for Leinster showed he's by far and away the best 13 in the country.

Both Ringrose and Henshaw when in fit and in form will be first choice for Leinster and Ireland.



Over the last few years Henshaw has rushed back from injuries. BOD talked about it the Grand Slam year when he came back for the semi in Europe. He couldn't believe it but also said it could have affect long term.



I think Henshaw is suffering now and maybe needs a rest.

Similar to Furlong who has seen a drop in form. He has been on the go non stop since he broke into the senior team. Either with Ireland/Leinster or with Lions.



With the back up now available its time to give these guys a rest and let them get back into form again.

awec

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Both Ringrose and Henshaw when in fit and in form will be first choice for Leinster and Ireland.



Over the last few years Henshaw has rushed back from injuries. BOD talked about it the Grand Slam year when he came back for the semi in Europe. He couldn't believe it but also said it could have affect long term.



I think Henshaw is suffering now and maybe needs a rest.

Similar to Furlong who has seen a drop in form. He has been on the go non stop since he broke into the senior team. Either with Ireland/Leinster or with Lions.



With the back up now available its time to give these guys a rest and let them get back into form again.

In reality it's not as clear cut as you're making out when it comes to Henshaw, and it's a bit convenient to suggest it's all down to injury.

The IRFU have just given Bundee Aki a 3 year central deal, and they don't hand those out to too many people.

Shefwedfan

awec wrote: »

In reality it's not as clear cut as you're making out when it comes to Henshaw, and it's a bit convenient to suggest it's all down to injury.

The IRFU have just given Bundee Aki a 3 year central deal, and they don't hand those out to too many people.

Do we need to discuss Aki contract on a Leinster thread?



Since 2018 and the injury in the 6 nations Henshaw has rushed back from one injury after another, as soon as fit he has had a injury relapse....


As per my point with Leinster having back up's available and no Ireland match's it is giving time to Henshaw to properly recover.

connemara man

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Do we need to discuss Aki contract on a Leinster thread?



Since 2018 and the injury in the 6 nations Henshaw has rushed back from one injury after another, as soon as fit he has had a injury relapse....


As per my point with Leinster having back up's available and no Ireland match's it is giving time to Henshaw to properly recover.

You're the one who brought up Ireland so ya know...

Shefwedfan

connemara man wrote: »

You're the one who brought up Ireland so ya know...

No I don't know???


Please tell me

Henshaw is definitely under serious pressure from Aki and him getting a central contract of that duration suggests that Farrell is a fan.

Then again, maybe the IRFU were just trying to keep Connacht fans happy. I should go and post this theory on the Caunaght thread.

connemara man

Shefwedfan wrote: »

No I don't know???


Please tell me

You brought up Ireland, someone replied to you something to do with Ireland, you don't really get to say let's not talk about that here when you literally started the tangent

Shefwedfan

connemara man wrote: »

You brought up Ireland, someone replied to you something to do with Ireland, you don't really get to say let's not talk about that here when you literally started the tangent

Actually couldn't be bothered.....

Shefwedfan

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Ok let me get this straight, just a bit confused


I am talking about a Leinster player, in the Leinster thread. Just because I mentioned Ireland in passing this automatically brings in a conversation about a Connacht player? and his central contract?


Nevermind the rest of the post has nothing to do with Ireland at all.....


Plus the conversation was about younger Leinster players replacing both Henshaw and Ringrose at .....wait for it.....Leinster

Would you ever stop being ridiculous, you made a statement and it was challenged. Henshaw's competitors at National team level are still relevant to this thread as they dictate what his availability during international windows is likely to be.

And you did introduce the international element to the conversation. I've no idea why you are making an issue out of this.

Dubinusa

I think Henshaw is under pressure for Ireland at least. He seems to be just tricking it up to the gainline, imo. Aki getting the contract is big. Those two will be rivals over the coming years.
C.O.B and J.O.B looked great. They have come up together and seem to have an understanding. They both really excelled this weekend.
It's a ton of talent in midfield atm. Not forgetting Gavin Mullin and Tommy O'Brien are coming up soon.
I think one of the lads will move to another province. It is a logjam at the moment and the depth is unreal.

Shefwedfan

Seeing as people are determined to down this rabbit hole

Henshaw went to WC and got injured, he was kept for entire group in the hope he would play at some stage in knock out stages. That was a management decision and Farrell was involved in that decision....not something that would happen for squad player

Ringrose went into warm up games behind the other centres but by the finish of WC is nailed on starter

Based on the above I though it was ok to make a statement to say Henshaw and Ringrose are starters for Ireland.....

Happy for Aki and great for Connacht he is on central contract....nothing to do with a Leinster thread.....no slight on Aki meant or anything.....either to Farrell....

aloooof

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Seeing as people are determined to down this rabbit hole

Henshaw went to WC and got injured, he was kept for entire group in the hope he would play at some stage in knock out stages. That was a management decision and Farrell was involved in that decision....not something that would happen for squad player

Ringrose went into warm up games behind the other centres but by the finish of WC is nailed on starter

Based on the above I though it was ok to make a statement to say Henshaw and Ringrose are starters for Ireland.....

Happy for Aki and great for Connacht he is on central contract....nothing to do with a Leinster thread.....no slight on Aki meant or anything.....either to Farrell....

Didn't we do practically the exact same thing for Carbery? And he obviously wasn't a starter. I don't think it's as clear cut as you're making out.

Zzippy

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Actually couldn't be bothered.....

Tell you what, when you're a mod you can tell people what they're not allowed to post about. Until then, mind your manners and don't be so snarky.

guapos

Just noticed we're playing Munster away at Christmas again. Hopefully we send a full strength team down to avenge last years defeat.

Sheep Shagger

For anyone not going on Saturday, the game is live free to air on Virgin Media One.

Rigor Mortis

guapos wrote: »

Just noticed we're playing Munster away at Christmas again. Hopefully we send a full strength team down to avenge last years defeat.

Leo has already said that the usual rotation will happen over Christmas
Even more understandable given the World Cup. Of the Pro 14 games over Christmas, Ulster has to be the priority as its in our own conference. I would imagine Connacht, as a home game will be the next priority. Munster is probably lowest on the list for the coaches.

kingofthekong

guapos wrote: »

Just noticed we're playing Munster away at Christmas again. Hopefully we send a full strength team down to avenge last years defeat.

Or they could put out the kids again and give full strength Munster a run for their money lol

Shefwedfan

guapos wrote: »

Just noticed we're playing Munster away at Christmas again. Hopefully we send a full strength team down to avenge last years defeat.

Sent the kids down the year before and won.....


I don't think sending a full strength team to Thomond is massively high on agenda. We will still top our conference if we lose.



The return fixture would be more important as we wouldn't want to lose that one.....

ClanofLams

guapos wrote: »

Just noticed we're playing Munster away at Christmas again. Hopefully we send a full strength team down to avenge last years defeat.

Anyone who went to World Cup is getting two full weeks off over Xmas. Given Munster match is the middle interpro, nobody who went to World Cup will be available I think, of course same is true for Munster which probably makes Leinster favourites.

arsebiscuits1

ClanofLams wrote: »

Anyone who went to World Cup is getting two full weeks off over Xmas. Given Munster match is the middle interpro, nobody who went to World Cup will be available I think, of course same is true for Munster which probably makes Leinster favourites.

They'd surely make an exception for Carbery though. He hasn't played in months but is apparently back soon.

But I agree. Works to our advantage.

We'd still be able to put out Lowe, Fardy, Tomane, Dev, Kelleher, Cronin (?), Bent, Ross Byrne, JGP etc

Richie_Rich89

ClanofLams wrote: »

Anyone who went to World Cup is getting two full weeks off over Xmas. Given Munster match is the middle interpro, nobody who went to World Cup will be available I think, of course same is true for Munster which probably makes Leinster favourites.

Someone on planet rugby forum is saying anyone who went to Japan will only be allowed to play one of the three games over Christmas.

ClanofLams

Richie_Rich89 wrote: »

Someone on planet rugby forum is saying anyone who went to Japan will only be allowed to play one of the three games over Christmas.

Andy Friend said last week RWC players get two full weeks off, no training or anything.

scott1974

Furlong looks like he sat out training today..
https://www.leinsterrugby.ie/gallery/preparations-saints-away-champions-cup/

Clegg

Courtney Lawes is out of this weekends game and is only 50/50 for the game at Lansdowne Road. Apparently Owen Franks will miss this weekends game too. He's flying back to New Zealand for Richie Mounga's wedding.

Best guess for this weekend:

Healy
Six Nations starting Hooker
Furlong
Ryan
Fardy
Ruddock
VDF
Doris
McGrath
Sexbomb
Larmour
Behind Aki
Ringrose
Lowe
Dreamboat

ionadnapokot

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Sent the kids down the year before and won.....


I don't think sending a full strength team to Thomond is massively high on agenda. We will still top our conference if we lose.



The return fixture would be more important as we wouldn't want to lose that one.....

Must say i thoroughly enjoyed the Munster match last Christmas.
Ulster game was a shambles .
The inter-pros games should get the full starting XV treatment and having them all clustered together doesn't really help create rivalries or the pro14.

Ultimately i think intense rivalry and competition between the province is of more benefit to Irish rugby than a friendly rivalry and "player management".

There are the obvious cases where some of the forwards need to be given a break. e.g. Furlong

ionadnapokot

Hey, Joe!
https://twitter.com/leinsterrugby/status/1202266059509829634

Dubinusa

I want to see Larmour at fb. Great test for him. Would also like to see Adam Byrne, but it's very unlikely.

arsebiscuits1

Dubinusa wrote: »

I want to see Larmour at fb. Great test for him. Would also like to see Adam Byrne, but it's very unlikely.

I'm a fan of Adam and he is definitely European standard. But I haven't seen anything of him yet this season that warrants inclusion in the European side yet