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Champions Cup Final 2019 - Leinster v Saracens 11/05/2019; 1700

  • 09-05-2019 10:08am
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,728 ✭✭✭Former Former


    Time for a buildup thread I think.

    This game has it all. The reigning European champions vs the 2017 champions. The two best sides in Europe. The Pro14 champions vs the English champions. Four-time winners vs two-time winners. Jonny Sexton vs Owen Farrell. James Ryan vs Maro Itoje. The most likeable man in rugby James Lowe vs ummm, Liam Williams. Billy Vunipola vs hipster lefty D4 liberals.

    Both teams come into the match with a pretty clean bill of health, with a rest weekend last week and pretty comprehensive semi-final wins behind them.

    Bookies odds range from dead even to Saracens by the narrowest of margins. Weather forecast is OK, slight chance of rain but shouldn't be a huge factor.

    F**k me I can't wait.

    Coverage is on BT Sport, Virgin Media 1 and Channel 4. Referee is Jerome Garces.


    LEINSTER RUGBY
    15. Rob Kearney, 14. Jordan Larmour, 13. Garry Ringrose, 12. Robbie Henshaw, 11. James Lowe, 10. Johnny Sexton (c), 9. Luke McGrath, 1. Cian Healy, 2. Sean Cronin, 3. Tadhg Furlong, 4. Devin Toner, 5. James Ryan, 6. Scott Fardy, 7. Sean O'Brien, 8. Jack Conan.
    Replacements:
    16. James Tracy, 17. Jack McGrath, 18. Michael Bent, 19. Rhys Ruddock, 20. Max Deegan, 21. Hugh O'Sullivan, 22. Ross Byrne, 23. Rory O'Loughlin,

    SARACENS
    15. Alex Goode, 14. Liam Williams, 13. Alex Lozowski, 12. Brad Barritt (c), 11. Sean Maitland, 10. Owen Farrell, 9. Ben Spencer, 1. Mako Vunipola, 2. Jamie George, 3. Titi Lamositele, 4. Will Skelton, 5. George Kruis, 6. Maro Itoje, 7. Jackson Wray, 8. Billy Vunipola.
    Replacements:
    16. Joe Gray, 17. Richard Barrington, 18. Vincent Koch, 19. Nick Isiekwe, 20. Schalk Burger, 21. Richard Wigglesworth, 22. Nick Tompkins, 23. David Strettle,

    Well? 98 votes

    Leinster
    69% 68 votes
    Saracens
    26% 26 votes
    I haven't a rashers
    4% 4 votes


«13456719

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,767 ✭✭✭✭molloyjh


    Starting to get nervous now. Saracens have to be slight favourites. But we showed against Toulouse that we don't need much game time together to hit our stride. We've had weeks to analyse and prep for this. We should be in a good place going into the game. It's a fascinating one in so many ways. Both teams know how to win the big games. That in itself could make it a tight and cagey affair. They have the defeat from last year to drive them. We have the defeat in the 6Ns to drive us. Yeah, I cant wait either!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,520 ✭✭✭swiwi_


    2/10. Not enough clichés Molloy.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 245 ✭✭thegreycity


    It's a game of two fly-halves.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Communions are stupid, I'll timed affairs.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 772 ✭✭✭baaba maal


    Communions are stupid, I'll timed affairs.

    We have actually abandoned our god child for his communion to get to the game. Apart from the parents being ok with this, the child himself has expressed some doubts as to the existence of a Divine Creator so all is good. Climb aboard the atheist bandwagon!!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,079 ✭✭✭✭Exclamation Marc


    baaba maal wrote: »
    We have actually abandoned our god child for his communion to get to the game. Apart from the parents being ok with this, the child himself has expressed some doubts as to the existence of a Divine Creator so all is good. Climb aboard the atheist bandwagon!!

    Show him a highlights reel of James Ryan and he'll believe again.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,185 ✭✭✭troyzer


    Hopefully Farrell doesn't psyche Sexton out before a drop goal by saying he wants to win for Martha.


  • Subscribers Posts: 42,580 ✭✭✭✭sydthebeat


    expecting a titanic battle here... possibly going to be the best HC final ever.

    just hope refereeing ticket is up to it... all we will want is consistency... and to police the offside line.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,520 ✭✭✭swiwi_


    I think saracens will win. Do I need to take a shower?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,473 ✭✭✭Dave_The_Sheep


    swiwi_ wrote: »
    I think saracens will win. Do I need to take a shower?

    Disgustingly, I think the same.

    They'll have too much for us up front. Much like we smashed them out of the way in the first 20 of the second half of last years QF, I think we won't be able to live with them when they get going.

    Here's hoping though. Sick to see Saracens win it, against us to equal our three in four years makes it that much worse.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,079 ✭✭✭✭Exclamation Marc


    Leinster, ticking at 100% are fully able to beat Saracens on the day. The question is whether they can get up the gears and play well enough to win.

    Whilst I do think that it's going to be a close one that either might edge it, it's far from a done deal that Saracens will win.

    James Lowe on the wing will bring that something special that I don't think Saracens can handle if he's on his game.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,964 Mod ✭✭✭✭Podge_irl


    I was a lot more worried about a potential final before the Toulouse game, but Leinster really were excellent in that and almost completely shut down an attacking behemoth. Saracens are a different kettle of fish obviously but I am far less concerned about Leinster not being able to up the gears.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,820 ✭✭✭mailforkev


    Heading over tomorrow evening. Apart from SO’B I think there’s a few Leinster players who might be seeing this as their final chance for one more star and will hopefully play accordingly.

    All I know about Newcastle was learned from Viz and Geordie Shore, so should be a bit of fun either way.


  • Subscribers Posts: 42,580 ✭✭✭✭sydthebeat


    mailforkev wrote: »
    Heading over tomorrow evening. Apart from SO’B I think there’s a few Leinster players who might be seeing this as their final chance for one more star and will hopefully play accordingly.

    All I know about Newcastle was learned from Viz and Geordie Shore, so should be a bit of fun either way.

    why apart from SOB??

    i would have though he'd be top of that list.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,964 Mod ✭✭✭✭Podge_irl


    sydthebeat wrote: »
    why apart from SOB??

    i would have though he'd be top of that list.

    Presumably its meant more in the sense of "apart from just SOB there are others..."


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,964 Mod ✭✭✭✭Podge_irl


    Sitting in the airport and just realised I left my tickets at home :rolleyes: gf (hopefully) picking them up during her quick dash here. Weekend starting well :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,520 ✭✭✭swiwi_


    Podge_irl wrote: »
    Sitting in the airport and just realised I left my tickets at home :rolleyes: gf (hopefully) picking them up during her quick dash here. Weekend starting well :D

    Don’t worry Podge I’m sure she’ll still be your girlfriend :p


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,166 ✭✭✭✭Zzippy


    Communions are stupid, I'll timed affairs.

    So are confirmations. Especially when they start at 3pm and you're sitting for dinner at 6...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,148 ✭✭✭mossy464


    I have 2 tickets free to a good home for tomorrows match. Would rather see them used than go to waste. Not travelling now myself.

    They will need to be collected over there. I can provide the email confirmation. First PM can have them.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,185 ✭✭✭troyzer




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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,914 ✭✭✭Rigor Mortis


    troyzer wrote: »

    Thats not to the people going through Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford etc


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 85 ✭✭skywayavenue


    mossy464 wrote: »
    I have 2 tickets free to a good home for tomorrows match. Would rather see them used than go to waste. Not travelling now myself.

    They will need to be collected over there. I can provide the email confirmation. First PM can have them.

    Just on this - we also have to collect ours over and they are requiring we bring both the card we paid for them on and photo ID. Were planning on getting someone to collect them for us today so we don't have to rush tomorrow but they won't allow it!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,148 ✭✭✭mossy464


    Just on this - we also have to collect ours over and they are requiring we bring both the card we paid for them on and photo ID. Were planning on getting someone to collect them for us today so we don't have to rush tomorrow but they won't allow it!

    I rang and they told me they need a name for the person collecting them along with the confirmation email.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,498 ✭✭✭✭Dial Hard


    sydthebeat wrote: »
    why apart from SOB??

    i would have though he'd be top of that list.

    I'm guessing he meant "In addition to SOB".

    Victor Costello has us stitching the fifth star on the jerseys already in the Indo. Wish I was as confident as he is. Matt Williams more cautious in the Times. I can't call it.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,728 ✭✭✭Former Former


    I see David Kelly in the Indo reckons that Jack McGrath will come back onto the bench. He was good against Ulster so hopefully he can continue to improve. Harsh on Ed Byrne though.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,299 ✭✭✭slingerz


    game is too tight to call for me. both are stacked full of internationals. Should be a good game as long as Jerome Garces stays out of the way


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 85 ✭✭skywayavenue


    mossy464 wrote: »
    I rang and they told me they need a name for the person collecting them along with the confirmation email.

    Oh ok so! They told us something different on the phone this morning!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,375 ✭✭✭✭prawnsambo


    The squad. Much as expected.

    1. Cian Healy
    2. Sean Cronin
    3. Tadhg Furlong
    4. Devin Toner
    5. James Ryan
    6. Scott Fardy
    7. Sean O'Brien
    8. Jack Conan
    9. Luke McGrath
    10. Johnny Sexton
    11. James Lowe
    12. Robbie Henshaw
    13. Garry Ringrose
    14. Jordan Larmour
    15. Rob Kearney

    16. James Tracy
    17. Jack McGrath
    18. Michael Bent
    19. Rhys Ruddock
    20. Max Deegan
    21. Hugh O'Sullivan
    22. Ross Byrne
    23. Rory O'Loughlin


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,205 ✭✭✭✭Clegg


    No surprises in that side really. I though Byrne would have kept his place as replacement loose head though.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,375 ✭✭✭✭prawnsambo




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,185 ✭✭✭troyzer


    prawnsambo wrote: »

    Itoje at 6 screams to me that Saracens are worried about the lineout.

    They're trading their breakdown specialists for lineout options in starting Skelton over Rhodes.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,205 ✭✭✭✭Clegg


    Skelton starting is very interesting. All the rugby pods I've been listening to were sure Itoje and Kruis would start with Skelton coming off the bench on for impact.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 285 ✭✭steves2


    I just hope that Garces refs the offside line, Saracens really take the mick on that. Think Leinster will win, Saracens got a much easier route to the final.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 306 ✭✭cantwbr1


    troyzer wrote: »
    prawnsambo wrote: »

    Itoje at 6 screams to me that Saracens are worried about the lineout.

    They're trading their breakdown specialists for lineout options in starting Skelton over Rhodes.

    Maybe they’re trying to put our line out under pressure. Going after Cronin’s throw?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,462 ✭✭✭FrannoFan


    troyzer wrote: »
    Itoje at 6 screams to me that Saracens are worried about the lineout.

    They're trading their breakdown specialists for lineout options in starting Skelton over Rhodes.

    i reckon rhodes injured. was struggling with back injury during the week


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,400 ✭✭✭scott1974


    troyzer wrote: »
    Itoje at 6 screams to me that Saracens are worried about the lineout.

    They're trading their breakdown specialists for lineout options in starting Skelton over Rhodes.


    I think Rhodes is injured, his back..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,185 ✭✭✭troyzer


    cantwbr1 wrote: »
    troyzer wrote: »
    prawnsambo wrote: »

    Itoje at 6 screams to me that Saracens are worried about the lineout.

    They're trading their breakdown specialists for lineout options in starting Skelton over Rhodes.

    Maybe they’re trying to put our line out under pressure. Going after Cronin’s throw?

    Possibly. But I think they're trying to neutralise Toner more.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    troyzer wrote: »
    Itoje at 6 screams to me that Saracens are worried about the lineout.

    They're trading their breakdown specialists for lineout options in starting Skelton over Rhodes.
    Would agree a lot on that. Maybe going after Cronins throwing. Been excellent recently but has been shaky before..
    steves2 wrote: »
    I just hope that Garces refs the offside line, Saracens really take the mick on that. Think Leinster will win, Saracens got a much easier route to the final.
    And Leinster dont? Theyre experts at it as well. Makes them so good.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,878 ✭✭✭arsebiscuits1


    troyzer wrote: »
    Itoje at 6 screams to me that Saracens are worried about the lineout.

    They're trading their breakdown specialists for lineout options in starting Skelton over Rhodes.

    I always found Skelton to be an absolute liability in the lineout. Can barely get off the ground


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 163 ✭✭Dev1234


    Quick question - with three options to watch it on the box which station offers the best punditry?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,205 ✭✭✭✭Clegg


    The two Vunipola's and Skelton makes for a very powerful carrying pack. They lose a bit at the breakdown though. Leavy would've made hay.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,463 ✭✭✭✭AbusesToilets


    Clegg wrote: »
    The two Vunipola's and Skelton makes for a very powerful carrying pack. They lose a bit at the breakdown though. Leavy would've made hay.

    How would they compare to Toulouse's pack? Felt we handled their physicality very well overall. I think we can do a number on them in the breakdown.


  • Subscribers Posts: 42,580 ✭✭✭✭sydthebeat


    I always found Skelton to be an absolute liability in the lineout. Can barely get off the ground

    agreed.... his addition isnt a sign of targeting the line out.

    its a sign of them looking to get heavy gain line carriers onto the pitch to even up with our gain line carriers all through our forwards


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,185 ✭✭✭troyzer


    Clegg wrote: »
    The two Vunipola's and Skelton makes for a very powerful carrying pack. They lose a bit at the breakdown though. Leavy would've made hay.

    How would they compare to Toulouse's pack? Felt we handles their physicality very well overall. I think we can do a number on them in the breakdown.

    Toulouse were just large, unfit mountains. Leinster ran around them and caught them flat footed with power at times.

    Saracens have much better atheletes.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,914 ✭✭✭Rigor Mortis


    Barritt playing is a massive boost for them


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,728 ✭✭✭Former Former


    sydthebeat wrote: »
    agreed.... his addition isnt a sign of targeting the line out.

    its a sign of them looking to get heavy gain line carriers onto the pitch to even up with our gain line carriers all through our forwards

    I think so. The Leinster pack isn't small but that Saracens lineup is absolutely enormous.

    Could be a very long day if Saracens can get on top in the possession stakes.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,530 ✭✭✭dub_skav


    Same approach Toulouse took with the beef upfront.
    Hopefully it works out the same for them


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,400 ✭✭✭scott1974


    Dev1234 wrote: »
    Quick question - with three options to watch it on the box which station offers the best punditry?

    Channel 4 is decent, BT are brutal..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,211 ✭✭✭✭Sangre


    Was about to say we have no lineout cover on the bench but then remembered the legend that is Scott Fardy can slot in there.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,463 ✭✭✭✭AbusesToilets


    Sangre wrote: »
    Was about to say we have no lineout cover on the bench but then remembered the legend that is Scott Fardy can slot in there.

    Ruddock is decent himself there.


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