Leinster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread VIII: May the Fourth Star Be With You!

Rigor Mortis · 21-12-2016 12:04pm

Nice ass.

errlloyd · 21-12-2016 1:15pm

Well to summarise the discussion we had at the start of the previous thread (just under a year ago). It consisted of the following talking points.

1: Was Rhys Ruddock going to remain at second row. (Most people said no, and they were correct, until two weeks ago).
2: The kids were playing well, the internationals were playing poorly.
3: We weren't very clinical.
4: Crosbie, McCarthy and James Ryan were to be involved this season.
5: Reddan was iffy, and there was no one putting pressure on him.
6: Marty Moore had been annoucned as leaving and there was some panic.

A decent starting point would be asking how management have come on since and how our expectations have changed in a year.

The second row situation was obviously problematic a year ago if Ruddock was starting there, and is still problematic a year later if Ruddock is subbing there. We still have a lot of decent second rows, and only one quality second row. If Dev got injured, Leinster could struggle.

The U23 segment of the Leinster team is performing even better than it was last year, so many of them weren't even on the radar. Rol, Daly, Carbery for me emerged out of obscurity. Byrne, Byrne, Porter etc were slightly more well known coming through. The guys who made their breakthroughs this time last year are now virtually undroppable, (Ringrose and VDF). The other half of this discussion was that our internationals weren't playing well, but I think they've been pretty brilliant at times this year.

We are much more clinical when we need to be than we were last year, however we can still sometimes take the foot off the gas when we get the four tries early.

Crosbie, McCarthy and (J) Ryan have either moved on, got badly injured or not been able to force their way into the squad this season.

Reddan is gone, in his place are two options that are quite comparable to him, if a little less experienced. I am content with the situation at scrum half. By that I mean, I am not happy, but I am willing to give them time to grow.

Marty Moore has gone to Wasps, and slipped somewhat into obscurity, Ross has been injured. (Hyperbole alert) Out of their shadow has stepped a man who might have been a bolter for the lions - only he bolted so fast that with 6 months to go I think it's his jersey to lose. Furlong is quality.

I am very happy with Lancaster, Leo and Girv going forward. When a grizzled veteran of 4 different New Zealand based Super Rugby franchises says that Leinster is the best club he has ever played for, you know something is right about the culture.

Our positions of strength are the front row, the back row and 10-13. We have promising youngsters (Daly, Byrne, Rol, Dardis) in the back three / 13, and hopefully one or two will come good. So happy that things are humming nicely.

I'd be interested to see if any Leinster posters have a foreign signing they would like to see. Personally I think anyone coming in at this stage would have to be world class to make a difference. Another Zane Kircherner is unnecessary, we seem to be producing them annually, but another Brad Thorn would be a boost?

No one is really needed for me, but a strong signing in the engine room would be nice. Anyway, haven't felt this good about Leinster in a while. Onwards for another thread and another year.

Clegg · 21-12-2016 1:53pm

Excellent summary. After our horrific European campaign nobody could have imagined we'd be in this position a year later. We have genuine pace in the backs to play a wide game and a squad of forwards who can play the tight game as well as any, but also with the skills to play a looser, faster style if the game plan calls for it. One of the main positives of last season was Cullen and Dempsey giving the young players the opportunity they didn't get under MoC and it's paying dividends this season.

I agree with you on the situation with the outside backs. Leinster have enough young talent coming through that there's no point bringing in decent at best foreign talent. No more Andrew Goodman's (even if he was a dependable player) or Matt Berquist's.

Teferi · 21-12-2016 2:35pm

This thread will be locked and another started before Leinster win a fourth star. Thread name has jinxed us.

irishbucsfan · 21-12-2016 2:39pm

Teferi wrote: »

This thread will be locked and another started before Leinster win a fourth star. Thread name has jinxed us.

If we make the final I vote we close this one early.

21-12-2016 2:42pm

Just on James Ryan, there was talk of Franno and how irresponsible his article was etc.

Apparently Ryan did not suffer that catastrophic hamstring torn off the bone injury. He suffered a very bad tear but that's it.

Peregrine · 21-12-2016 2:51pm

Johnny Short Drummer wrote: »

Just on James Ryan, there was talk of Franno and how irresponsible his article was etc.

Apparently Ryan did not suffer that catastrophic hamstring torn off the bone injury. He suffered a very bad tear but that's it.

When did Franno ever let facts get in the way of his articles?

former total · 21-12-2016 3:19pm

errlloyd wrote: »

I'd be interested to see if any Leinster posters have a foreign signing they would like to see. Personally I think anyone coming in at this stage would have to be world class to make a difference. Another Zane Kircherner is unnecessary, we seem to be producing them annually, but another Brad Thorn would be a boost?

I don't think we need anyone, but it would be a great help.

On the assumption that McCarthy will retire and Triggs will move on, a second-row would be good - but with Kleyn at Munster and Ulster probably needing one more urgently, I'm not sure it's likely.

We could use more cover in the outside backs. With Nacewa & Kirchner likely gone, the Kearneys either injured or on national duty and McFadden always being injured, this is our biggest gap.

I vote we let Munster do all the ground work with Ben Smith*, then we swoop in with a higher offer, gazump their asses and march on to our fifth star.

*if only there was any truth in it

irishbucsfan · 21-12-2016 3:23pm

I'd be disappointed if we signed a 2nd row. Fair enough we're losing Macca and Triggs but we have Toner, Moloney, Kearney, Nagle and Ryan there for next season.

Agree about the outside backs though. Could do with an NIQ there to replace Kirchner

awec · 21-12-2016 3:24pm

former total wrote: »

I don't think we need anyone, but it would be a great help.

On the assumption that McCarthy will retire and Triggs will move on, a second-row would be good - but with Kleyn at Munster and Ulster probably needing one more urgently, I'm not sure it's likely.

We could use more cover in the outside backs. With Nacewa & Kirchner likely gone, the Kearneys either injured or on national duty and McFadden always being injured, this is our biggest gap.

I vote we let Munster do all the ground work with Ben Smith*, then we swoop in with a higher offer, gazump their asses and march on to our fifth star.

*if only there was any truth in it

Doubt we'll be signing another NIQ lock.

Think Leinster need a lock and a back three player of high quality. Someone better than Kirchner.

21-12-2016 3:30pm

Leister definitely need a lock imo. The rest are so ordinary if Toner is off with Ireland or god forbid injured.

hogandrew · 21-12-2016 3:30pm

Perhaps after a lions tour and the world cup 2 years away someone like Sam whitelock could be persuaded to move away for a year which would be a great learning experience for the likes of ryan but maybe that's dreaming.

There has been a bit of talk of Munster signing Taute in place of Saili. If he was to become available and was interested then I think Leinster should jump at the chance. If both centres go on the lions tour, cover of that class would be invaluable. Again he might fancy going back home for 2018 depending on form

b.gud · 21-12-2016 7:33pm

Johnny Short Drummer wrote: »

Just on James Ryan, there was talk of Franno and how irresponsible his article was etc.

Apparently Ryan did not suffer that catastrophic hamstring torn off the bone injury. He suffered a very bad tear but that's it.

Woah, Woah, wait hang on a minute, now just slow things down. Are you saying that respected journalist, Neil Francis, who won won an award for journalist of the year at well respected and widely regarded as the highest quality paper in Ireland the Irish Independent may not have been entirely 100% accurate in an article that he spent months planning, writing, rewriting and writing again?!?!?!

I for one am 100% shocked by this. Surely this must be the biggest scandal and story of 2016

stephen_n · 21-12-2016 10:16pm

b.gud wrote: »

Woah, Woah, wait hang on a minute, now just slow things down. Are you saying that respected journalist, Neil Francis, who won won an award for journalist of the year at well respected and widely regarded as the highest quality paper in Ireland the Irish Independent may not have been entirely 100% accurate in an article that he spent months planning, writing, rewriting and writing again?!?!?!

I for one am 100% shocked by this. Surely this must be the biggest scandal and story of 2016

You lost me at respected.

Clegg · 21-12-2016 10:42pm

Think we may need to bring in another kick from somewhere. This is a complete shot in the dark, bit judging from the recent team sheets I'd guess Mick Kearney isn't highly regarded by the coaches. Unless he's injured of course.

The Lost Sheep · 21-12-2016 10:54pm

Clegg wrote: »

Think we may need to bring in another kick from somewhere. This is a complete shot in the dark, bit judging from the recent team sheets I'd guess Mick Kearney isn't highly regarded by the coaches. Unless he's injured of course.

Another kick???

stephen_n · 21-12-2016 10:56pm

Clegg wrote: »

Think we may need to bring in another kick from somewhere. This is a complete shot in the dark, bit judging from the recent team sheets I'd guess Mick Kearney isn't highly regarded by the coaches. Unless he's injured of course.

His form seemed to dip, could be injury related but is probably only temporary one way or another, he's definitely good enough.

stephen_n · 21-12-2016 10:58pm

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Another kick???

Autocorrect for lock I'd imagine

Kevski · 22-12-2016 5:02pm

Fixtures for rounds 5 & 6 of the Champions Cup are out.

Home to Montpellier at 19:45 on Friday 13th, Away to Castres at 19:45 on Friday 20th.

thomond2006 · 22-12-2016 5:05pm

Feck sake Friday night January game. Hip flask needed!

Kevski · 22-12-2016 5:08pm

thomond2006 wrote: »

Feck sake Friday night January game. Hip flask needed!

Zebre the Friday before, too!

Buer · 22-12-2016 5:30pm

Kevski wrote: »

Home to Montpellier at 19:45 on Friday 13th

Here come the injuries.

Rigor Mortis · 22-12-2016 6:20pm

Yet again we have to post a score and let others know what they have to chase. The only time we actually want a Sunday game we dont get it.

vienne86 · 22-12-2016 7:23pm

Kevski wrote: »

Fixtures for rounds 5 & 6 of the Champions Cup are out.

Home to Montpellier at 19:45 on Friday 13th, Away to Castres at 19:45 on Friday 20th.

TV channels?

Peregrine · 22-12-2016 7:26pm

vienne86 wrote: »

TV channels?

Sky for both.

vienne86 · 22-12-2016 7:30pm

Peregrine wrote: »

vienne86 wrote: »

TV channels?

Sky for both.

TG for that. I'm so sick of BT!

scott1974 · 22-12-2016 9:40pm

That Castres fixture is a killer for anyone planning to travel.

durkadurka · 22-12-2016 10:48pm

Sean Cronin just tweeted pictures of his newborn twins .
Delighted for him.
Suspect he mightn't make the trip to Thomond ....

CMOTDibbler · 23-12-2016 12:05am

vienne86 wrote: »

TG for that. I'm so sick of BT!

There's only danger of it being on BT if there's an English team playing.

stephen_n · 23-12-2016 12:27am

CMOTDibbler wrote: »

There's only danger of it being on BT if there's an English team playing.

They had the Leinster v Castre game earlier in the pool

MugMugs · 23-12-2016 10:11am

When is the team due to be announced? Presume this afternoon / tomorrow ?

Rigor Mortis · 23-12-2016 11:17am

durkadurka wrote: »

Sean Cronin just tweeted pictures of his newborn twins .
Delighted for him.
Suspect he mightn't make the trip to Thomond ....

I can think of few better reasons to get out of the house:D

23-12-2016 12:47pm

It could well be that Leinster weren't allowed keep him or he saw Henshaw coming and decided to go but Ben Te'o's Worcester aren't having the best time of it. Only one win this season. Would have loved to keep him but guess it wasn't realistic.

mister paul · 23-12-2016 1:00pm

15. Zane Kirchner (75)
14. Isa Nacewa CAPTAIN (160)
13. Rory O’Loughlin (9)
12. Robbie Henshaw (5)
11. Barry Daly (4)
10. Ross Byrne (9)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (13)
1. Cian Healy (163)
2. James Tracy (29)
3. Tadhg Furlong (58)
4. Ross Molony (31)
5. Mike McCarthy (70)
6. Rhys Ruddock (121)
7. Dan Leavy (25)
8. Jack Conan (37)

16. Richardt Strauss (134)
17. Peter Dooley (28)
18. Michael Bent (72)
19. Ian Nagle (6)
20. Dominic Ryan (108)
21. Charlie Rock (1)
22. Noel Reid (71)
23. Tom Daly (3)

errlloyd · 23-12-2016 1:05pm

I guess Furlong is the surprise inclusion. Pertient to the discussion that was had earlier it is interesting that even without Ringrose around Henshaw is still a 12.

Clegg · 23-12-2016 1:06pm

First 15 is still quite good for a mix n match side.

Bench looks quite ropey however.

Buer · 23-12-2016 1:13pm

3 first team players in the 23.

Would take a losing BP from this.

Bazzo · 23-12-2016 1:28pm

errlloyd wrote: »

I guess Furlong is the surprise inclusion. Pertient to the discussion that was had earlier it is interesting that even without Ringrose around Henshaw is still a 12.

Don't think it's all that interesting really, Leinster need him as a 12, and I'm not sure what other combination would be available to them without Ringrose. I suppose they could play Tom is Daly at 12 but unless I'm mistaken O'Loughlin has been consistently selected ahead of him and Noel Reid is covering outhalf.

errlloyd · 23-12-2016 1:29pm

Bazzo wrote: »

Don't think it's all that interesting really, Leinster need him as a 12, and I'm not sure what other combination would be available to them without Ringrose.

Reid Henshaw surely?

Bazzo · 23-12-2016 1:31pm

errlloyd wrote: »

Reid Henshaw surely?

Yeah sorry edited that. Reid is covering out half and isn't he just back from injury?

errlloyd · 23-12-2016 1:45pm

Bazzo wrote: »

Yeah sorry edited that. Reid is covering out half and isn't he just back from injury?

I don't really buy it. He was fit enough to play last week, so he's fit and if anything needs gametime. You can cover 10 from 12, Farrell covers Ford for England.

I don't really care either way - Henshaw 12 or 13 seems largely academic. Aside from first phase, everyone ends up so out of position these days that I think the whole conversation is unnecessary.

I'm also delighted for ROL, he's been great and I am glad to see him play his position.

Korat · 24-12-2016 4:41pm

Can't recall who it was against but the Leinster scrum looked nitrous injected with Ruddock playing lock after an injury/replacement recently.

There's a bit of Brad Thorn about his play at times and I think it would be interesting to see what he could do in that role on a more permanent basis.

Peregrine · 25-12-2016 12:24pm

Happy Christmas, everyone

I hope nobody gets the fluorescent jersey today!

Clegg · 25-12-2016 12:37pm

Happy Christmas.

The day our lord BOD sent his son, Garry to redeem us.

Kevski · 26-12-2016 8:28pm

Leinster management have to stand up and take some responsibility for that result. What a ridiculous and unnecessary team selection.

irishbucsfan · 26-12-2016 8:31pm

Kevski wrote: »

Leinster management have to stand up and take some responsibility for that result. What a ridiculous and unnecessary team selection.

What makes you think it was unnecessary?

thomond2006 · 26-12-2016 8:32pm

Kevski wrote: »

Leinster management have to stand up and take some responsibility for that result. What a ridiculous and unnecessary team selection.

It's the same every year with these interpros. What changes is if you get away with it or not.

LEIN · 26-12-2016 8:32pm

The mocker gods have seen the thread title and we're getting nothing this season.

26-12-2016 8:33pm

thomond2006 wrote: »

It's the same every year with these interpros. What changes is if you get away with it or not.

Going away to Thomond with 3 first team players starting and basically none on the bench against Munster in a good run of form... yeah it doesn't need Nostradamus to tell Leinster wouldn't get away with it.

jemser · 26-12-2016 8:36pm

Thought Kirchner(apart from try) was terrible,selection was ridiculous aswell considering Ulster will be sending down their 2ND string to us

Leinster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread VIII: May the Fourth Star Be With You!

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