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

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Comments

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


    awec wrote: »
    McGrath must have pissed someone off cause Leinster have pretty much blanked him since the talk of him leaving came out.

    I think they're just looking to next season and giving Byrne the priority. They did pick McGrath for the European final.


  • Registered Users Posts: 589 ✭✭✭baas baa


    Why not get Jack McGrath and Noel Reid to lift the trophy as well as SOB? Reid in particular had a big season for us. Thought it was odd.

    Because having Reid and McGrath up there would've downplayed the significance of SOB lifting it. A gesture in recognition of one of Leinster's greatest ever players would've just become a run of the mill gesture to departing players.


  • Registered Users Posts: 24,258 ✭✭✭✭Buer


    awec wrote:
    McGrath must have pissed someone off cause Leinster have pretty much blanked him since the talk of him leaving came out.

    Started a couple of games and was in the 23 for the HEC final.

    Can't be surprised he hasn't been involved more though. Byrne has legitimately outperformed McGrath this season and deserves his spot ahead of him. He had two strong cameos in the past week in big games also.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,674 ✭✭✭✭Exclamation Marc


    And finally, the Kolpak rule is no longer an issue for us.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,438 ✭✭✭✭salmocab


    And finally, the Kolpak rule is no longer an issue for us.

    Is JGP good from start of October? Did he arrive a bit later, can’t remember. Be great for the first half of the season anyway with internationals away and then only arriving back and needing too be reintegrated


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,958 ✭✭✭✭Shefwedfan


    And finally, the Kolpak rule is no longer an issue for us.


    F**k it I think we should sign 2 more players.....its great crack to try and see which 2 out of 3 gets picked


  • Registered Users Posts: 11,790 ✭✭✭✭Burkie1203


    salmocab wrote: »
    Is JGP good from start of October? Did he arrive a bit later, can’t remember. Be great for the first half of the season anyway with internationals away and then only arriving back and needing too be reintegrated

    JGP played v Benetton on 2/9/2016 So could in theory go to Japan if needed


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,674 ✭✭✭✭Exclamation Marc


    salmocab wrote: »
    Is JGP good from start of October? Did he arrive a bit later, can’t remember. Be great for the first half of the season anyway with internationals away and then only arriving back and needing too be reintegrated

    Good from June, as its a residency requirement, not a playing requirement. :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,841 ✭✭✭Squatter


    awec wrote: »
    McGrath must have pissed someone off cause Leinster have pretty much blanked him since the talk of him leaving came out.

    His last game was up in Ulster, end of last month. He was virtually invisible and was replaced shortly after half time.

    It would be fair to say that his Leinster career ended with barely a whimper.

    Best wishes to him in Ulster though.


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


    Squatter wrote: »
    His last game was up in Ulster, end of last month. He was virtually invisible and was replaced shortly after half time.

    It would be fair to say that his Leinster career ended with barely a whimper.

    Best wishes to him in Ulster though.

    His last game was the Champions Cup final.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,841 ✭✭✭Squatter


    His last game was the Champions Cup final.

    Was it? :eek: I must confess that I didn't even notice him on the pitch.

    But if it was, then regrettably, my observation regarding his Leinster career ending with barely a whimper still holds true.


    (Mind you, I also didn't realise that Ross Byrne hadn't come on until I read it in the papers on Monday. Probably because I was still seething at Luke's game-changing instant of pure insanity on the 40 minute mark.)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,438 ✭✭✭✭salmocab


    Good from June, as its a residency requirement, not a playing requirement. :)

    Yeah I know it’s residency I was asking when he arrived


  • Registered Users Posts: 11,790 ✭✭✭✭Burkie1203


    SOB out of RWC. Hip surgery


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,321 ✭✭✭ongarite


    That leaves VdF as a super critical player for Ireland for RWC.
    Cant afford for him to get injured.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,978 ✭✭✭✭irishbucsfan


    Devastated for him. He deserved the chance to go after this tournament and sign off on his international career in a way that did it justice


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,201 ✭✭✭troyzer


    ongarite wrote: »
    That leaves VdF as a super critical player for Ireland for RWC.
    Cant afford for him to get injured.

    Our openside depth has been decimated. We're one injury away from having uncapped players in the team.


  • Registered Users Posts: 24,258 ✭✭✭✭Buer


    Not his first hip issue. If I was Declan Kidney, I'd be considering my options. 6 months is a long time to have a new signing out for when he's 33 next season.

    Awful shame for SOB and he deserved to sign off from Irish rugby in a better fashion. His body is simply ruined by the manner in which he played the game for his first 5 seasons or so. The collisions he took and the ferocity he played with were always going to impact on his availability. Alas, that's what made him so special as a player and one of the best players this country has produced.


  • Administrators Posts: 54,256 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭awec


    I actually heard earlier on today that he was to retire instead of move to LI, but didn't want to post it as it was just talk.

    But now that this has been announced it wouldn't surprise me at all.

    With all due respect to him, London Irish would be mad to throw money at him now.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,978 ✭✭✭✭irishbucsfan


    Buer wrote: »
    Not his first hip issue. If I was Declan Kidney, I'd be considering my options. 6 months is a long time to have a new signing out for when he's 33 next season.

    Awful shame for SOB and he deserved to sign off from Irish rugby in a better fashion. His body is simply ruined by the manner in which he played the game for his first 5 seasons or so. The collisions he took and the ferocity he played with were always going to impact on his availability. Alas, that's what made him so special as a player and one of the best players this country has produced.

    LI will definitely want to do an entry medical but I’d say they’ll err on the side of keeping him around, even if its unlikely he can make a big impact on the field for a while. They’ll have a few new heads and they need personalities


  • Registered Users Posts: 24,258 ✭✭✭✭Buer


    troyzer wrote:
    Our openside depth has been decimated. We're one injury away from having uncapped players in the team.

    Not a hope. If VDF was injured they would either bring in Murphy at 7 or accommodate Stander, POM and Conan together just as they did for the final Australian test.

    Even after that, we'd be looking at bringing Ruddock in and playing Stander or POM at 7.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,978 ✭✭✭✭irishbucsfan


    VDF is absolutely vital purely because of how good he is. We don’t have another 7 who can play like him.

    If we’re playing a team who are going to keep possession for long periods and we need someone to lead the defensive line every phase (Wales/SA/England) then we’ll need him.

    In terms of depth we can definitely fill that jersey with experience in his absence though.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,201 ✭✭✭troyzer


    Buer wrote: »
    troyzer wrote:
    Our openside depth has been decimated. We're one injury away from having uncapped players in the team.

    Not a hope. If VDF was injured they would either bring in Murphy at 7 or accommodate Stander, POM and Conan together just as they did for the final Australian test.

    Even after that, we'd be looking at bringing Ruddock in and playing Stander or POM at 7.

    I meant into the Ireland squad.

    Nordi is going for me anyway. If VdF gets injured in the warm up, Joe is going to have to bring the likes of Deegan to Japan.


  • Registered Users Posts: 24,258 ✭✭✭✭Buer


    troyzer wrote:
    Nordi is going for me anyway. If VdF gets injured in the warm up, Joe is going to have to bring the likes of Deegan to Japan.

    Stander, POM, Conan, Murphy, Ruddock. After that, I would imagine someone like Reidy gets a call based on recent experience in squads.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,201 ✭✭✭troyzer


    Buer wrote: »
    troyzer wrote:
    Nordi is going for me anyway. If VdF gets injured in the warm up, Joe is going to have to bring the likes of Deegan to Japan.

    Stander, POM, Conan, Murphy, Ruddock. After that, I would imagine someone like Reidy gets a call based on recent experience in squads.

    You have one openside of that five. Reidy is a 6/8. Deegan isn't an openside either but he's currently transitioning there by the looks of things.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,730 ✭✭✭✭thebaz


    troyzer wrote: »
    Our openside depth has been decimated. We're one injury away from having uncapped players in the team.


    Ireland biggest game will be QF , needs to be more of less wrapped up and fit for South Africa - will need him for Scottish game , Jordi should do a job against Japan.
    In 2019 Leavy is a bigger loss than SOB, back in the day SOB was beast of a player, wish we had that guy , the one from the last Lions


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,095 ✭✭✭joseywhales


    Devastated for him. He deserved the chance to go after this tournament and sign off on his international career in a way that did it justice

    It's a bitter pill alright, noone can say he didn't make every effort the last couple of years. I think he is still lucky though to have had such a great career. These really competitive backrow forwards are doomed to short careers, I think he did well to last as long as he did(and he'll still have a shot at English club rugby) I grew up with him, played with him, know his family. He gives back and supports underage and club rugby every week despite his busy career. Very humble guy, I would love to see him coaching in the future.


  • Registered Users Posts: 169 ✭✭The Parish King


    SOB’s unfortunate injury probably doesn’t change this, but during the World Cup are we going to be looking at Penny and Will Connors at 7 so? Maybe Deegan at stages too.

    On the face of it, you must say that we’re looking pretty light. We will probably be fine during the World Cup, but if VDF picks up another injury we could struggle...especially in Europe.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,978 ✭✭✭✭irishbucsfan


    SOB’s unfortunate injury probably doesn’t change this, but during the World Cup are we going to be looking at Penny and Will Connors at 7 so? Maybe Deegan at stages too.

    On the face of it, you must say that we’re looking pretty light. We will probably be fine during the World Cup, but if VDF picks up another injury we could struggle...especially in Europe.

    I'd say it'll be Penny and Connors yeah. And that's going to be better than most teams in Europe could hope for during the world cup, they're both extremely good prospects.

    When you consider they can use the time to give game time to the academy locks, we could have Fardy at 6 as well at times. Really looking forward to seeing who can put their hands up.


  • Registered Users Posts: 379 ✭✭Lucas44


    I'd say it'll be Penny and Connors yeah. And that's going to be better than most teams in Europe could hope for during the world cup, they're both extremely good prospects.

    When you consider they can use the time to give game time to the academy locks, we could have Fardy at 6 as well at times. Really looking forward to seeing who can put their hands up.

    Is fardy eligible for Australia in the World Cup?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,438 ✭✭✭✭salmocab


    Lucas44 wrote: »
    Is fardy eligible for Australia in the World Cup?

    Eligible yes but not within their own rules where overseas players need to have 60+ caps, not sure that’s the figure but something like that.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 24,258 ✭✭✭✭Buer


    troyzer wrote:
    You have one openside of that five. Reidy is a 6/8. Deegan isn't an openside either but he's currently transitioning there by the looks of things.

    POM, Ruddock and Stander have all played openside at test level against top tier opposition. They've a far better chance of playing there than Deegan.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,958 ✭✭✭✭Shefwedfan


    Ruddock scored and played in the team which beat SA at home, I remember it well as sitting right beside the try position


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,674 ✭✭✭✭Exclamation Marc


    Love James Lowe :D:D

    ETCR2rF.jpg


    bpYFypo.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,674 ✭✭✭✭Exclamation Marc




  • Registered Users Posts: 24,258 ✭✭✭✭Buer


    Lovely video. Watching it highlights just how long it has been since we've seen SOB at his best in blue...literally years. The speed and power in the loose is something I don't think we've enjoyed for several seasons now.

    Injury has robbed him of what should have been his peak years. There have been so many great days in Irish rugby over the past 5 years and he has been present for very, very few. Involved in only one of the 6N titles (and missed game time that campaign too), missed the double with Leinster (actually missed every one of Leinster's 4 league title wins since 2013) not there for winning in SA, the series win in Australia or either NZ win. I hope he gets back on the field and has some sort of decent end to his career as it's a terrible shame for such a talent to finish up in Irish rugby with so many missed days.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,016 ✭✭✭Tim Robbins


    Here's a mad option. What about Ferg at full back?
    He's a great kicker, reads game well, good footballer and better defender than some others...


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,958 ✭✭✭✭Shefwedfan


    Here's a mad option. What about Ferg at full back?
    He's a great kicker, reads game well, good footballer and better defender than some others...

    Mad yes

    Will it work, no

    D Kearney, A Byrne etc have all player FB and better options

    Ferg will migrate towards 12 now as the speed goes


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


    Here's a mad option. What about Ferg at full back?
    He's a great kicker, reads game well, good footballer and better defender than some others...
    Not much experience there. does he have speed for it if changing position 12 would be better use for him. There also is younger options who have more experience at 15 recently who would be better use


  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators Posts: 6,648 Mod ✭✭✭✭Sheep Shagger


    Lads celebrating in the Bridge with the trophy tonight, some clips popping up on players Instagram stories. Should be a loooooong night


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,201 ✭✭✭troyzer



    Jesus that's a tough watch. I'm all weepy now.

    I hope he becomes a full time coach. He'd be an unreal forwards or defense coach.


  • Registered Users Posts: 11,790 ✭✭✭✭Burkie1203




  • Registered Users Posts: 1,366 ✭✭✭yerrahbah


    Love James Lowe :D:D

    ETCR2rF.jpg


    bpYFypo.jpg

    I don't get it...


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,641 ✭✭✭Dog Botherer


    yerrahbah wrote: »
    I don't get it...

    Lowe was banned/dropped for a large chunk of the season after a ban for a similar challenge.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,173 ✭✭✭✭kmart6


    Dropped? :confused: That's some reach!


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,366 ✭✭✭yerrahbah


    Lowe was banned/dropped for a large chunk of the season after a ban for a similar challenge.

    Ah yes the Conway incident.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,095 ✭✭✭joseywhales


    My favourite piece of Sean O'Brien's career is the turnover at the end of this semi final. It was pure strength of will not to lose.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjxFow0FLRQ


    Also notable poor old leo getting his head ripped off.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,201 ✭✭✭troyzer


    My favourite piece of Sean O'Brien's career is the turnover at the end of this semi final. It was pure strength of will not to lose.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjxFow0FLRQ


    Also notable poor old leo getting his head ripped off.

    Was only watching that a few weeks ago. Leo is getting jujitsued directly in front of Barnes and he's not interested.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,652 ✭✭✭✭AbusesToilets


    My favourite piece of Sean O'Brien's career is the turnover at the end of this semi final. It was pure strength of will not to lose.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjxFow0FLRQ


    Also notable poor old leo getting his head ripped off.

    His greatest ever steal imo. To do it at that stage in a final as well. Just immense


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,095 ✭✭✭joseywhales


    troyzer wrote: »
    Was only watching that a few weeks ago. Leo is getting jujitsued directly in front of Barnes and he's not interested.

    Power athletes are rare in Ireland, thank god we still have furlong and healy in good health for Japan. We really need a new Ferris, SOB, Wallace with a bit of footwork also. I remember Wallace bouncing a scottish winger after fielding a kick with his abs and sob sitting Nyanga in a 2011 warm up from a 5m quick tap and scoring, u-11 stuff. They stand out because it's so rare for us to have those players.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,641 ✭✭✭Dog Botherer


    kmart6 wrote: »
    Dropped? :confused: That's some reach!

    He found it difficult to get back into the team after the incident due to KOLPAK issues. He barely played in the middle of the season. It was widely discussed on this forum that his indiscipline may have played a part in his lack of game time(I don’t personally believe this but it was a commonly expressed theory. Maybe dropped is the wrong word but he’s definitely struggled for appearances until the past month or so.


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