Strange selection. Wonder why they didn't start Farrell and Prendergast - easing them back in after their injuries? And where's Boyle?
Disappointed not to see Paul Boyle involved, his carrying seems to have improved a lot this season, would have been tempted to stick with Arnold Bolton but Robb does have a tendency to return from long injury spells and put in huge performances, hopefully he does it again.
Up against literally a team of internationals with another three or four to come on. 17 point underdogs reflects scale of challenge. After Connacht winning in Dublin last January and Ulster winning there last week, no chance of complacency in Leinster ranks either.
I would have preferred to see Ross Byrne starting, Harry is more dangerous. Luke McGrath looked poor last week against Ulster and it’s one position where Leinster lack a bit of depth with Gibson Park out.
It will likely be decided by the forwards though, if Connacht can live with them up front (no easy task) they can make a game of it. If not it could be a long evening.
Disappointed not to see Paul Boyle involved
It looked like he was sitting out training based on the photos the last day so he might have a knock.
Is this the first time Henshaw has played against Connacht since moving East?
we're highly underdogs yes
except Heff Bealham Hansen and Masterson/Prendergast who are on a par with their counterparts
And Carty, Marmion, Dillane superior to Byrne McGrath and old-Toner (whatever Irish coaches said)
The rest is scary
Butler has to be as good as he was last week, he wasn't recently
Robb is good in defence and carrying but has to be immaculate with ball-handling
Wootton has to tackle, Arnold has to avoid tackles not to conceed meters and turovers
Burke McNulty Oliver and Dowling, big ask for all 4
But let's enjoy this, good experience for all
Leinster obviously don’t wanna lose 2 in a row with the team they named
Yep first time Henshaw will play against Connacht. was named in the team once before but was a late withdrawal
Looking forward to seeing Dowling in a big game, think he's been quietly building some good form this season. Not the most physical lock but has an excellent engine and is a very good defensive line out jumper.
I fancy Cian Prendergast to announce himself in a major way if he gets decent minutes off the bench. Has been one of our best players literally every game he's played since his debut, and was starting to get name dropped by the Kinsellas and Jackmans of this world before he got injured.
Huge test for Matthew Burke, he's stepped up very well this season but Alaalatoa is an excellent prop who has quite a bit of a weight advantage.
Was wondering if Connacht rugby would have the balls to select the same team that was fab last week. Is this a recurring issue in Irish rugby and if so I like it lots.
Anyone got a ticket, or pair of tickets they want to offload?
There was a poster on the Leinster thread with a couple of tickets:
https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118259139/#Comment_118259139
Does that mean Josh is going to rip Connacht a new one? ;)
Connacht have been great to watch this season but i fear for them tonight.
A lot of Leinster players in form, point to prove in the RDS, bundee missing is big.
A losing BP would be a great return, keeping leinster from 4 trys is going to be a big ask and this is a big test of where the ‘new’ connacht is this season.
I agree. the weakest link in the Leinster pack tonight will be making his 270th appearance for them and has 70 caps for Ireland. This isn't a normal team: Porter, Kelleher, Doris, JVF etc etc I want to see Connacht fire some shots, scoree some tries, and not roll over, but I'm not expecting a win. The Sportsground in March might be a different story.
Its a very positive first 13 minutes, great start hopefully it stays competitive!!!!
Mack Hansen showing (again) why he should have been in farrels plans over the autumn.
Take a night off FFS
Hes made a fool of larmour a few times already.
Sorry if this upsets you
Think it was very likely a try but you can’t see his hand ground it. Very unlucky.
I think the ref said originally he saw green ground the ball. If that's the case and Baird definitely didn't then surely had to be a try?
I seem him clearly ground it on the very first replay just as the 2nd Leinster player gets up. You see mcnulty with his hand on the ball and the ball grounded.
Deserved that try. Have been a bit unlucky with a few things.
Need to thank Baird for that field position
Lovely jubbly. Connacht haven't come just come up to the Big Smoke to do a bit of shopping.
Leinster right in it despite their halfbacks.
Poor defense by Hansen there for all the good work he has done.
Bad last 5 minutes. Just got a bit passive in defence and let Leinster get their recycling possession game going and gaps eventually opened up.
Mack Hansen's career just ended by Sheehan.
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