Leinster Team Talk Thread (Love you Furlong time)

Rugbyf565 · 13-05-2024 03:09PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122132206#Comment_122132206

I think JGP will play the full 80 against Toulouse, McGrath won’t come on.

Rugbyf565 · 13-05-2024 03:11PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122132546#Comment_122132546

I’d love to see Patterson back at Leinster, would give us an edge again off the bench.

AbusesToilets · 13-05-2024 03:26PM

JOB has to start vs Toulouse, just a cut above our other options. I'd be tempted to start TOB too, his pace is something we've been lacking and I think he is a smarter player than Larmour overall.

If Keenan plays 11 Lowe 14 JOB 15 Keenan, with TOB on the bench in a 5/3

Podge_irl · 13-05-2024 03:30PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122133278#Comment_122133278

Paterson looks like a guy we might have missed the boat on but it's very much guesswork still. He has less than 900 minutes of pro rugby and turns 26 this year. Foley is 1 year younger and they backed him at the time. I don't think that was a terrible call at the time and I don't think we know how it will pan out yet. I'd imagine the gap between them physically probably had an impact with the 75kg, 5'7" Paterson probably always up against it slightly to get the nod.

I think deciding for Foley over Patterson is reasonable. But why make the decision at all when you could just not have bothered bringing back Nick MacCarthy!? Who I'm sure is a lovely lad but good lord in heaven it was clear he was not a competent scrumhalf already.

13-05-2024 03:34PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122133338#Comment_122133338

It'll be interesting to see - I can't see TOB breaking into the 23 for London, but he should definitely continue to play a big part in the URC run in (he needs a big game this week in Belfast after having a shocker defensively against Ulster on New Year's Day).

The decision between Larmour and JOB for the 14 shirt (assuming Hugo is good to go to return to 15) will be interesting. Larmour is on his best run of form in years, but JOB was superb last weekend.

All in - I think when both are at their best I think JOB offers a little more. He's the better handler and distributor, better under the high ball and is pacier (without having Larmour's footwork). I think he's the better defender too.

I still think if I'd to bet though they'll plump for Larmour as the guy in possession of the shirt.

johnh6767 · 13-05-2024 03:54PM

we have one of the top scrum halves in the world in JGP so we shouldn’t be sweating here. 9 & 10 is always going to be a big debate. Foley is 24/25 Gunne is 20/21, give it time. McGrath has given so much to us all at Leinster let’s not forget that as he phases out for next lie of talent. Time discloses all and it’s a position that can only be judged with consistent game time which will happen next season. For Toulouse I agree it will be a JGP DuPont showdown

arsebiscuits1 · 13-05-2024 03:59PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122133283#Comment_122133283

I agree with this.

The problem is if he has to come on.

Clegg · 13-05-2024 04:27PM

Having Ryan and Keenan available this weekend is huge. Both in the side makes us far stronger at the ruck, lineout and in our attack off phase play and transition.

If they get through the Ulster game they have to start against Toulouse.

The Iron Giant · 13-05-2024 04:32PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122133577#Comment_122133577

Agreed on Keenan but not so sure on JOB. Larmour has earned the jersey and had played fantastically, particularly at European level. I can see JOB as 23.

Quin_Dub · 13-05-2024 04:40PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122133597#Comment_122133597

All depends on if they go 5/3 or 6/2.

If they go 6/2 then one of Larmour or JOB misses out - Assuming Keenan is fit and starts.

I have a feeling they are going 6/2 and plan to start Connors for him to do a job on Meafu as he did with Skelton/Atonio against LAR.

And if they do go 6/2 I can see them going with JOB as he provides even more cover options across the backline , which would be very harsh on Larmour.

Foxtrol · 13-05-2024 05:05PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122133623#Comment_122133623

To add to likelihood of 6/2, they might be somewhat forced into it if Ryan is deemed fit enough to play in some capacity. They'll need to account for his level of fitness, being unlikely to last 80, and the potential to reaggravate his injury.

AbusesToilets · 13-05-2024 05:16PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122133623#Comment_122133623

Harsh on Larmour but JOB is just the better player at the end of the day

Clontarf_Jazz · 13-05-2024 05:22PM

If Leinster get Ringrose back they'll have a full deck to choose from for the 1st time this season. Leinster will have gone from having a threadbare backline to an embarrassment of riches within 3 weeks. Five fresh quality backs (JoB, ToB, CN, GR, & HK) plus James Ryan back would be some fillip. The great counterfactual of course will always be the absence of Ryan in those 2 Ireland loses v NZ @ the WC & England in the slam decider

AbusesToilets · 13-05-2024 05:24PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122133764#Comment_122133764

Wild to think of what his absence has likely cost us. Arguably 1 HC win, a QF and more at the WC and a likely Grand Slam. Really hope he can be for for the tour to SA

The Iron Giant · 13-05-2024 06:08PM

edit

Dubinusa · 13-05-2024 07:21PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122132709#Comment_122132709

Turner broke his hand?

Dubinusa · 13-05-2024 07:24PM

If all 3 are fit, do they come right back in? I doubt Ringer will. Osborne/ Henshaw are going well.

Dubinusa · 13-05-2024 07:29PM

I suppose we'll see this week. I can't see all 3 getting into the 23 in Tottenham. This coming match is a must win. Ulster have beat us already and hopefully we can win.

13-05-2024 08:37PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122134258#Comment_122134258

Ryan and Keenan absolutely start the final if they get minutes over the next two weeks. If Ringrose doesn't get minutes I don't think you throw him in.

Local_Chap · 14-05-2024 08:54AM

Ignore

BoardsMember · 14-05-2024 10:51AM

RTE Radio earlier reporting Ryan and Keenan fit to play this weekend.

CMcsporty · 14-05-2024 12:05PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122136321#Comment_122136321

IF Ryan is back its a game changer for Toulouse.

As vital as Keenan is to the backline unless Leinster overpower the pack Dupont-Ntamack will run amok.

Ryan-McCarthy, Jenkins. Baird-Connors-Doris, vdF and Conan.

v

Flament-Meafou , Arnold. Cros-Willis-Roumat, Castro Ferreira and maybe Brenan

Advantage Leinster.

Clontarf_Jazz · 14-05-2024 12:19PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122136691#Comment_122136691

What happens if Toulouse don't start Meafou & Leinster play Connors at 7.

14-05-2024 12:20PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122136691#Comment_122136691

Toulouse's defensive lineout is excellent and real weapon for them. Arnold, Flament and Roumat are all very dangerous in the air and give them a lot of scope for disruption.

Jelonch being out is a huge blow for them, but Cros has been excellent in their last two outings.

I do think we've got the edge in the backrow though.

Buer · 14-05-2024 12:47PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122136758#Comment_122136758

Then it would be the first European game he hasn't started all season and we give thanks.

Quin_Dub · 14-05-2024 12:50PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122136859#Comment_122136859

Exactly - But those are the risks you take if you go the "horses for courses" route in terms of selection.

But Connors or not , them not starting Meafou would be an advantage to Leinster for sure.

14-05-2024 12:50PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122136859#Comment_122136859

Plus - it's not like Connors is this incredibly one dimensional player who would stifle our entire gameplan. He's an excellent rugby player, who just happens to be one of the very best tacklers in European / World rugby. He has certain strengths and weaknesses versus Josh obviously but I think Leinster could still play its usual gameplan obviously with Connors in the side.

Buer · 14-05-2024 01:03PM

Even if Meafou wasn't playing, Toulouse have multiple big carriers in their pack who get over the gain line through a combination of speed and power as opposed to the pure battering ram that Meafou is. Connors is more than useful against a Toulouse pack without Meafou.

And, as LP says, Connors is a very skillful and talented player in his own right. He is well able to attack a breakdown or carry off the back of a line out/link to the backline in the same manner as VDF. He doesn't have the all action engine of VDF but if he's going out there knowing he has to absolutely empty the tank for 50 minutes, I don't think he'd let the team down at all.

Dubinusa · 14-05-2024 01:18PM

Independent reporting Ryan and Keenan should be available this week. Ringrose won't make this week. Maybe it's best for Ringrose to set his sights for the final urc match v Connacht.

Dubinusa · 14-05-2024 01:22PM

Watching the Ospreys match back, I am concerned with the ease Ospreys got through our tackles. There were a couple of good line breaks where our defense was tore open. Ospreys 1st try was very poor from us. Osborne. VDF missing tackles. Better now than in the coming weeks.

Leinster Team Talk Thread (Love you Furlong time)

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