Is that a Mountain of Salt? Nope, it's the Leinster v Munster build up thread/love in

molloyjh

I thought the purpose of these threads was some light hearted friendly banter, not childish shyte talk that most of us have no interest in seeing? As much as this is backseat modding, can we leave the sniping out of it please? Surely we're all grown up enough not to have to sink that low? The provincial pot shots are sooooo old at this stage.

As for the game, its hard to know what to expect from the selection, let alone the match itself. Leinster having nothing to play for other than some momentum means its hard to know if we'll go all out or are happy to just use this as a pre-season type game. Munster need the win so its a lot more clear cut on their side. As a Leinster fan, a half decent performance and no injuries would do. The win would be great, but effectively meaningless so not so pushed about that. Its just great to have it back, even if it does mean having to endure the provincial pot shots.

Clegg

Posted this in the Leinster thread but may as well throw it in here too. Jackman also mentioned that Munsters coaches have been looking to expand their attacking game. It's difficult to change style significantly and it may not fully come to fruition until next season, but the recent preseason will have been used to bed in new strategies:

Bernard Jackman is on today's Rugby Weekly podcast talking about Leinster Vs Munster. Most interesting thing mentioned was a discussion on where both sides could improve their game. According to Jackman, in the zoom sessions between Leinster coaches and their Crusaders counterparts the biggest area our guys looked at was how to reset a defensive line and how to transition in attack when we've won the ball back. They put an emphasis on kicking to attack. I suppose that jives with Lancaster's philosophy on being comfortable in chaos. Our kicking game is definitely an area that can be bettered.

They looked at this because they think the current game plan of high ruck rate attacking may not be as easy to implement under the new referee interpretions at the breakdown. So we might see Leinster kicking more tactically with a view to pressuring the opposition into mistakes. Win the ball back and transition quickly to attack.

Scottmactom

Rumoured Leinster starting XV

1. Healy
2. Kelleher
3. Porter
4. Baird
5. Fardy
6. Doris
7. Van Der Flier
8. Conan
9. McGrath
10. Sexton
11. Lowe
12. Henshaw
13. Ringrose
14. D. Kearney
15. Larmour

Scottmactom

Scottmactom wrote: »

Rumoured Leinster starting XV

1. Healy
2. Kelleher
3. Porter
4. Baird
5. Fardy
6. Doris
7. Van Der Flier
8. Conan
9. McGrath
10. Sexton
11. Lowe
12. Henshaw
13. Ringrose
14. D. Kearney
15. Larmour

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2i3zrzyLOCw

aloooof

molloyjh wrote: »

I thought the purpose of these threads was some light hearted friendly banter, not childish shyte talk that most of us have no interest in seeing? As much as this is backseat modding, can we leave the sniping out of it please? Surely we're all grown up enough not to have to sink that low? The provincial pot shots are sooooo old at this stage.

As for the game, its hard to know what to expect from the selection, let alone the match itself. Leinster having nothing to play for other than some momentum means its hard to know if we'll go all out or are happy to just use this as a pre-season type game. Munster need the win so its a lot more clear cut on their side. As a Leinster fan, a half decent performance and no injuries would do. The win would be great, but effectively meaningless so not so pushed about that. Its just great to have it back, even if it does mean having to endure the provincial pot shots.

I think generally there's a more laissez-faire attitude in these build-up threads (I'm guilty of a bit of sniping in here that I wouldn't ordinarily post in other threads). But I could actually see the benefit if it keeps it all to one thread, and doesn't materialise elsewhere.

But at least from 2moro when the teams are announced there should be a match thread and we'll (hopefully) be back to something resembling normal.

Clegg

Scottmactom wrote: »

Rumoured Leinster starting XV

1. Healy
2. Kelleher
3. Porter
4. Baird
5. Fardy
6. Doris
7. Van Der Flier
8. Conan
9. McGrath
10. Sexton
11. Lowe
12. Henshaw
13. Ringrose
14. D. Kearney
15. Larmour

The front five and back line are as expected, but that's a very interesting back row. Looks like an attempt to counter Munsters added power with our own big ball carriers. Could also be very useful as a dry run for Saracens.

salmocab

Clegg wrote: »

The front five and back line are as expected, but that's a very interesting back row. Looks like an attempt to counter Munsters added power with our own big ball carriers. Could also be very useful as a dry run for Saracens.

Not sure Baird is as expected to be fair

ionadnapokot

salmocab wrote: »

Not sure Baird is as expected to be fair

Not even Baird.
Only the true Messiah denies his divinity

Scottmactom

Possible bench:

16. Cronin
17. Byrne
18. Furlong
19. Molony
20. Deegan
21. JGP
22. Frawley
23. ROL

Clegg

salmocab wrote: »

Not sure Baird is as expected to be fair

Maybe not expected in Baird's case, but I think it make sense to start him. If Ryan misses the Saracens game then we need Baird to get as many minutes against quality opposition as possible. And seeing as Henderson is out for Ulster, the biggest challenge Baird could face is lining up against Snyman.

Clegg

Clegg wrote: »

The front five and back line are as expected, but that's a very interesting back row. Looks like an attempt to counter Munsters added power with our own big ball carriers. Could also be very useful as a dry run for Saracens.

Makes sense. I think we tried similar with Doris,cj,vdf to start the 6 nation's more physical back row seems to be the way to go at the moment

Richie_Rich89

Scottmactom wrote: »

Rumoured Leinster starting XV

1. Healy
2. Kelleher
3. Porter
4. Baird
5. Fardy
6. Doris
7. Van Der Flier
8. Conan
9. McGrath
10. Sexton
11. Lowe
12. Henshaw
13. Ringrose
14. D. Kearney
15. Larmour

Quite a lot of carrying power in that pack. The obvious flaws are the lack of size in the second row and all the outside backs bar Lowe being quite limited and one-dimensional and lacking in playmaking ability.

Munster should have no trouble winning their own lineout ball anyway with 6'9'' Snyman playing.

CMcsporty

Why would you call Ringrose one dimensional?

Scottmactom

Scottmactom wrote: »

Rumoured Leinster starting XV

1. Healy
2. Kelleher
3. Porter
4. Baird
5. Fardy
6. Doris
7. Van Der Flier
8. Conan
9. McGrath
10. Sexton
11. Lowe
12. Henshaw
13. Ringrose
14. D. Kearney
15. Larmour

Big vote of confidence in Porter and Baird but can't read too much into it either. I had thought of going 6 Doris 8 Conan in my team but wasn't sure given the intensity of this game and the length of Conan's absence.

That would be a great team to watch - loads of mobility and go forward. Ryle Nugent can loose it over Baird's long legs again.

croker99

When are the teams due to be announced?

Squidgy Black

croker99 wrote: »

When are the teams due to be announced?

Tomorrow

Full strength teams getting reported

Neil3030

What will Awec be grumpy about?

lawrencesummers

I can see this as being the first game of a run that culminates in a Double for Leinster, untouchable in the league before lockdown the consistency and coaching of such a quality settled squad is something none of the other opponents in league or cup can boast at the moment.

I would expect a 15-20 point victory here, and the start of a great run of games.

theboss80

The betting line before the teams are announced is Leinster -9pts

arsebiscuits1

CMcsporty wrote: »

Why would you call Ringrose one dimensional?

To try get a rise out of people.

Poor rich is getting lazier in his attempts

Poorside

lawrencesummers wrote: »

I would expect a 15-20 point victory here, and the start of a great run of games.

Can't see that, think we'll win by 8

Former Former

1. Healy
2. Kelleher
3. Porter
4. Baird
5. Fardy
6. Doris
7. Van Der Flier
8. Conan
9. McGrath
10. Sexton
11. Lowe
12. Henshaw
13. Ringrose
14. D. Kearney
15. Larmour

6-2 split on the bench; very interesting - response to the bulk of the Munster lads?

Cronin, E Byrne, Bent, Toner, Connors, JGP, R Byrne, Deegan

Clegg

No outside backs cover is very interesting.

Looks like we're concerned with the power game Munsters new signings bring.

irishbucsfan

No outside back on the bench?

Clegg

Delighted to see Baird start btw. He's a potentially test level talent and needs all the game time he can get. Just 21 so he has s lot of scope to improve.

No Furlong in the squad either. Hopefully nothing serious.

Podge_irl

Leinster by 59

Clegg

That's a very dynamic Leinster pack. Fardy and Healy the elder statesmen there but they still cover the ground well.

Hugely exciting backrow as well. Conan and Doris is as strong a ball carrying pairing as I can think of. But they don't have a problem doing the dirty work either.

rayd3

Arno must have been devo at not getting into the team this week.

yerrahbah

Former Former wrote: »

1. Healy
2. Kelleher
3. Porter
4. Baird
5. Fardy
6. Doris
7. Van Der Flier
8. Conan
9. McGrath
10. Sexton
11. Lowe
12. Henshaw
13. Ringrose
14. D. Kearney
15. Larmour

6-2 split on the bench; very interesting - response to the bulk of the Munster lads?

Cronin, E Byrne, Bent, Toner, Connors, JGP, R Byrne, Deegan

I know Munster have had a 6-2 split a few times this year, Have Leinster?

What happens if Lowe were to get injured?
Larmour to the wing, Henshaw to Fullback, Byrne to the centre?

Tomtom364

Former Former wrote: »

6-2 split on the bench; very interesting - response to the bulk of the Munster lads?

What Bulk, JVG Has decided to go with the lighter options of Holland & O'Donnell in the back 5 and to a lesser extent Cronin in the front row, wouldn't be less bulk but he sure dosn't carry as hard as killer.

The key issue for Munster against Leinster/Sarries etc was not having the power to impose their gameplan. This looks like it could be more of the same.

The only area to me where it looks like Munster could get an upperhand with power is through the Midfield with DdA & Farrell, very excited to see what they can achieve.

Rockbeast2

yerrahbah wrote: »

I know Munster have had a 6-2 split a few times this year, Have Leinster?

What happens if Lowe were to get injured?
Larmour to the wing, Henshaw to Fullback, Byrne to the centre?

It's a strange one. I'm not a fan of 3 positional changes for one injury.

I would have thought Frawley covering 10/12/15 instead of Byrne if going with a 6/2 split.

yerrahbah

Seeing the teams, you'd have to have Leinster as favourites, Didn't expect them to as strong as they have

Podge_irl

Rockbeast2 wrote: »

It's a strange one. I'm not a fan of 3 positional changes for one injury.

I would have thought Frawley covering 10/12/15 instead of Byrne if going with a 6/2 split.

I suspect JGP might find himself out on the wing if anything happened in the back 3?

Rockbeast2

Podge_irl wrote: »

I suspect JGP might find himself out on the wing if anything happened in the back 3?

TBH I wouldn't be surprised to see a change at 22 or 23 before KO.

thomond2006

It's difficult to read much into the teamsheets. We haven't seen anyone play for months so a lot probably comes down to testing combinations and form in training.

lawrencesummers

rayd3 wrote: »

Arno must have been devo at not getting into the team this week.

Kinda hard for any player no matter how good they are To get into a team that isn’t playing at the weekend.

aloooof

lawrencesummers wrote: »

Kinda hard for any player no matter how good they are To get into a team that isn’t playing at the weekend.

Precisely. It's a reference to a Gavin Cummiskey article during the week, who suggested he could be included in the Munster team.

Clegg

Clegg wrote: »

No outside backs cover is very interesting.

Looks like we're concerned with the power game Munsters new signings bring.

You could likely stick Baird on the wing...!

lawrencesummers

aloooof wrote: »

Precisely. It's a reference to a Gavin Cummiskey article during the week, who suggested he could be included in the Munster team.

Do people actually read what he says?

arsebiscuits1

[Deleted User] wrote: »

You could likely stick Baird on the wing...!

Deegan in the centre!!

sydthebeat

arsebiscuits1 wrote: »

Deegan in the centre!!

nah, has to be CRONIN !!!! crash bang wallop !!!

Dog Botherer

HEALY AT ****ING SCRJMHALF ARGGGGG






















(am i doing this right?)

Head to Head

Cronin v Healy
Scannell v Kelleher (D)
Archer v Porter
Snyman v Baird
Holland v Fardy
O'Mahony v Doris
O'Donnell v VDF
Stander v Conan
Murray v McGrath
Hanrahan v Sexton
Earls v Lowe
DeAllende v Henshaw (D)
Farrell v Ringrose
Conway v Kearney
Daly v Larmour

Player in bold is winner of head to head. (D) means that there is no clear winner.

We haven't really seen enough of Kelleher albeit he has pushed ahead for Ireland. I felt on balance Scannell is a lot more proven, but I do think Kelleher is the better player. With that in mind I thought a draw was fair.

Baird has a LOT to prove to be rated in the same category as Snyman. Doris v POM was a tougher one, Doris was selected ahead of POM at the start of the six nations, but POM is much more proven so felt it unreasonable to leave that one as a draw for now.

Stander ahead of Conan for me also, especially given the latter's extended lay off. DeAllende and Henshaw came out a draw as Henshaw has a lot of pitch time for Leinster and this is DDA's first cap for Munster.

That leaves a 8 v 5 win for Leinster, with two draws. I think the gulf between Hanrahan and Sexton is almost worth another point however.

Both teams have named strong benches, Klyne, Cloete, Kilcoyne, Ryan off the bench is a lot of beef.

Clegg

arsebiscuits1 wrote: »

Deegan in the centre!!

Funny you mention that. Murray Kinsella has also been talking about players maybe popping up in positions that aren't their usual ones. Deegan has the ball handing ability of a back. Could see him popping up in midfield on certain plays, taking contact and offloading. He has the ability to do it anyway.

https://twitter.com/Murray_Kinsella/status/1296772092860432389?s=19

Sir Guy who smiles

yerrahbah wrote: »

I know Munster have had a 6-2 split a few times this year, Have Leinster?

What happens if Lowe were to get injured?
Larmour to the wing, Henshaw to Fullback, Byrne to the centre?

When Munster did they went without out half cover, with R Scannel starting.

arsebiscuits1

Clegg wrote: »

Funny you mention that. Murray Kinsella has also been talking about players maybe popping up in positions that aren't their usual ones. Deegan has the ball handing ability of a back. Could see him popping up in midfield on certain plays, taking contact and offloading. He has the ability to do it anyway.

https://twitter.com/Murray_Kinsella/status/1296772092860432389?s=19

I've been found!

I'm actually Murray. AMA....

aloooof

arsebiscuits1 wrote: »

I've been found!

I'm actually Murray. AMA....

Where do you get the ideas for your sermons?

BloodyBill

The guy paying for Rudy Snyman and Damien De Allande must have said to management that Holland has to start. Maybe its Hollands dad paying for the 2 Springboks. How in God's name has Holland got in ahead of Kleyn.? Holland should be plying his trade in France D2 ..