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

[Deleted User]

https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057895346&page=249

New thread continued from above enjoy

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Clegg

Former Former wrote: »

A back row of Ruddock, VDF and Conan probably isn't even the best in Ireland, let alone being the envy of Europe.

These things are cyclical. We've had ten years of incredible quality in the back row, we might be in for a dip.

I think Doris is the most likely of the current youngsters to really make an impact.

Ah it definitely is the best on the country. That could be because the Leinster front five is better than all the others gives the backrow a great platform. But the end result is really the same. They outperform the opposition on a regular basis.

Faugheen

Former Former wrote: »

A back row of Ruddock, VDF and Conan probably isn't even the best in Ireland, let alone being the envy of Europe.

These things are cyclical. We've had ten years of incredible quality in the back row, we might be in for a dip.

I think Doris is the most likely of the current youngsters to really make an impact.

Name a better one in Ireland...

arsebiscuits1

Former Former wrote: »

A back row of Ruddock, VDF and Conan probably isn't even the best in Ireland, let alone being the envy of Europe.

These things are cyclical. We've had ten years of incredible quality in the back row, we might be in for a dip.

I think Doris is the most likely of the current youngsters to really make an impact.

Not so sure about that.

The best a different province could do is Munster with POM, Stander and TOD

TOD wouldn't have a patch on VDF. Neither would Cloete and O'Donoghue certainly wouldn't.

Ulster might have a shout with Nordi and Coetzee at 7 and 8 but they've no 6 that would compete.

Not sure we're heading for a dip. There's some very impressive talent coming through in the BR

Shefwedfan

Former Former wrote: »

A back row of Ruddock, VDF and Conan probably isn't even the best in Ireland, let alone being the envy of Europe.

These things are cyclical. We've had ten years of incredible quality in the back row, we might be in for a dip.

I think Doris is the most likely of the current youngsters to really make an impact.

Who is better in Ireland?

Former Former

A back row of Ruddock, VDF and Conan probably isn't even the best in Ireland, let alone being the envy of Europe.

These things are cyclical. We've had ten years of incredible quality in the back row, we might be in for a dip.

I think Doris is the most likely of the current youngsters to really make an impact.

AbusesToilets

Niallof9 wrote: »

Like i was optimistic but in the last couple of days ive changed my mind. We just have no way of knowing. The World Cup was far too sobering for me.

But yeah the home grown thing is great.

I take solace in Leo and Stu being great coaches, who have a great style of play. Last year was a down year, but I'm really looking forward to this season.

Niallof9

Like i was optimistic but in the last couple of days ive changed my mind. We just have no way of knowing. The World Cup was far too sobering for me.

But yeah the home grown thing is great.

AbusesToilets

Niallof9 wrote: »

is it though? We should probably take off the blue and green glasses.

I do think so, to be honest. You have a number of quality international players, and a group of young lads who have potential be be top internationals themselves. Perhaps right now it looks precipitous to say, but in a year or two, I'd be surprised if the Irish backrow didn't consist entirely of Leinster players, injuries notwithstanding. It should already, but that's a separate discussion.

Edit to add, the fact they are all Leinster Academy produced players is absolutely something that other clubs would be envious of.

Niallof9

AbusesToilets wrote: »

That's potentially a brilliant backrow in fairness, probably the envy of most clubs in Europe.

is it though? We should probably take off the blue and green glasses.

Maybe in the future. I'm excited about Penny. Deegan maybe. But a long way to go. Deegan and Doris look underpowered at the moment to be top class number 8's. They are only young and were beasts at 20's.

scott1974

Clegg wrote: »

And Saracens are missing 15 through world cup call ups alone. All of these league games are shadow boxing until test players return. And when they do I can't see anyone in the group matching up to Leinster. Although I wasn't aware Northampton had such a long injury list.

That doesn't include the Franks brothers, although I think the main difference with them is their coach. I still think we should beat them but I don't think they are the rabble we played a few years ago.

Clegg

scott1974 wrote: »

Saints have 16 missing through injury and WC combined.
Not sure about Lyon.

And Saracens are missing 15 through world cup call ups alone. All of these league games are shadow boxing until test players return. And when they do I can't see anyone in the group matching up to Leinster. Although I wasn't aware Northampton had such a long injury list.

scott1974

Clegg wrote: »

Neither Saints or Lyon have lost many players to the world cup. A fit and firing Leinster won't lose to either.

Saints have 16 missing through injury and WC combined.
Not sure about Lyon.

Clegg

scott1974 wrote: »

Yeah, Lyon have only lost one which was away to Clermont.
Lyon had a man red-carded, also Northampton beat Sarries in Sarries… both missing players but not to be sniffed at.

Neither Saints or Lyon have lost many players to the world cup. A fit and firing Leinster won't lose to either.

scott1974

Trojan wrote: »

https://www.lnr.fr/rugby-top-14/classement-rugby-top-14

Looks tough enough

Yeah, Lyon have only lost one which was away to Clermont.
Lyon had a man red-carded, also Northampton beat Sarries in Sarries… both missing players but not to be sniffed at.

Trojan

Clegg wrote: »

Maybe for the knockouts. But our pool doesn't contain the toughest of opposition.

https://www.lnr.fr/rugby-top-14/classement-rugby-top-14

Looks tough enough

Clegg

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I'd imagine that's exactly what we will do for knock out games.

Ryan Toner Fard VDF Ruddock gets our strongest back 5 on the pitch. Deegan will have plenty of opportunities to push himself into consideration throughout the season.

Maybe for the knockouts. But our pool doesn't contain the toughest of opposition. I hope it will be used as a chance to bed in the likes of Deegan and Doris. Perhaps even Scott Penney if VDF needs greater rest.

[Deleted User]

Clegg wrote: »

The one thing I hope we don't do is move Fardy to the backrow and Ruddock to 8. This should be used as the opportunity to bed Deegan into the starting 15.

I'd imagine that's exactly what we will do for knock out games.

Ryan Toner Fard VDF Ruddock gets our strongest back 5 on the pitch. Deegan will have plenty of opportunities to push himself into consideration throughout the season.

P.Walnuts

AbusesToilets wrote: »

That's potentially a brilliant backrow in fairness, probably the envy of most clubs in Europe.

This is quite a large over exaggeration

The Lost Sheep

AbusesToilets wrote: »

That's potentially a brilliant backrow in fairness, probably the envy of most clubs in Europe.

it really isnt the envy of most in Europe. Some talented young inexperienced players with potential but most wouldnt be envious of that lot

The Iron Giant

Clegg wrote: »

The one thing I hope don't do is move Fardy to the backrow and Ruddock to 8. This should be used as the opportunity to bed Deegan into the starting 15.

Couldn't agree more. This really is the time to be building a long term option at 8. With Leavy and Conan out and VDF likely a few months before reintroduction there has never been a more opportune time to develop our younger players. I have a slight worry that one of Deegan or Doris may be jettisoned elsewhere once we have all of our options available so it really is now or never for Deegan to make it his own.

Clegg

The one thing I hope we don't do is move Fardy to the backrow and Ruddock to 8. This should be used as the opportunity to bed Deegan into the starting 15.

Squidgy Black

Interested Observer wrote: »

That's what I'm thinking tbh. Deegan and Doris will get loads of gametime, as will Penny and Connors.

The fit backrow pool is then: Ruddock, Murphy, Penny, VdF, Connors, Deegan Doris

Am I forgetting anyone? Still not bad going considering Conan and Leavy are out, SOB has just left and Nordi left the season previously.

Martin Moloney in the academy too.

Faugheen

Interested Observer wrote: »

That's what I'm thinking tbh. Deegan and Doris will get loads of gametime, as will Penny and Connors.

The fit backrow pool is then: Ruddock, Murphy, Penny, VdF, Connors, Deegan Doris

Am I forgetting anyone? Still not bad going considering Conan and Leavy are out, SOB has just left and Nordi left the season previously.

Fardy. I know he’s usually a second row but he has played six a good bit for us

AbusesToilets

Interested Observer wrote: »

That's what I'm thinking tbh. Deegan and Doris will get loads of gametime, as will Penny and Connors.

The fit backrow pool is then: Ruddock, Murphy, Penny, VdF, Connors, Deegan Doris

Am I forgetting anyone? Still not bad going considering Conan and Leavy are out, SOB has just left and Nordi left the season previously.

That's potentially a brilliant backrow in fairness, probably the envy of most clubs in Europe.

[Deleted User]

Clegg wrote: »

So that's Leavy and Conan not for the majority of the season. Potentially missing the entire season in Leavy's case.

That's is going to be a major rebuilding season now. It's rather exciting tbh.

That's what I'm thinking tbh. Deegan and Doris will get loads of gametime, as will Penny and Connors.

The fit backrow pool is then: Ruddock, Murphy, Penny, VdF, Connors, Deegan Doris

Am I forgetting anyone? Still not bad going considering Conan and Leavy are out, SOB has just left and Nordi left the season previously.

AbusesToilets

Opportunity beckons for the young cohort coming through. In some ways, could work really well for the team. Doesn't remove the sting of losing two quality players tho

Clegg

So that's Leavy and Conan not for the majority of the season. Potentially missing the entire season in Leavy's case.

That's is going to be a major rebuilding season now. It's rather exciting tbh.

Shefwedfan

arsebiscuits1 wrote: »

Unlikely Leavy will return this sesaon. 9 months would be a conservative estimate for an ACL and that doesn't include all the other horrendous stuff that happened his knee.

I'd be shocked if he was ready in anywhere close to a year from the initial injury

I agree

He was going in for another operation before the WC and then heading off somewhere for rehab

I doubt he will show up this season and probably better to target preseason in 2020/21 season

arsebiscuits1

AbusesToilets wrote: »

Any updates on Leavy, is there any likelyhood of him returning this season?

Unlikely Leavy will return this sesaon. 9 months would be a conservative estimate for an ACL and that doesn't include all the other horrendous stuff that happened his knee.

I'd be shocked if he was ready in anywhere close to a year from the initial injury

Shefwedfan

This is Deegan's chance now.....if he doesn't step up then Doris needs to step in.....this might be the making of Deegan

Awful news for Conan but a
Deegan, VDF, Ruddock back row is nice