discuss here.
Ulster might get a chance to go three for three before that depending on results this weekend.
Tough one for Leinster, although not as tough as last year's defeat.
Simply put, Leinster produced a great performance, but Toulouse defended and delivered a better game plan than Leinster.
Leinster were always chasing the game, weren't as clinical as usual, especially in the last third of the pitch. In saying that they defended well, against a team that is used to score many points and many tries per game.
Nienaber was brought in to strengthen the defence, which he did, as evident in conceding 15 points only against Toulouse in the 80 minutes. But in contrast, Leinster lost their sharpness, flair, and ability to score tries.
No point in targeting any player in particular, but there was IMO a lack of leadership in the team. A lack of that player that will gather his teammates for a chat and give them that extra motivation and drive, because let's be honest, Leinster is stacked with quality players.
Its probably not a rivalry in fairness, munster are about to go back to back in the urc and leinster havent won a trophy in years. Hopefully leinster can get back up to where they have been its a good rivalry when they can compete
I dunno
One of the other provinces has a trophy and is actively top of the league in a bid to retain it.
Ye might be winning in terms of free contracts, sure.
Castres probably a good place to start
I think Leinster produced a very good defensive performance but their attack was uninspired. How many balls out the back went to ground? That was due to pressure but its was notable that it kept happening which seems like a coaching issue. Same with the lack of set moves off lineout. Lineouts seemed the main attacking tactic but the there was very little diversity or dynamism off them, go to maul, multiple pick and go phases, knock on or get turned over. Repeat. Maybe the attack suffered from the departure of Stu but its been evident all season. Then there is the issue we've seen for longer which is the leadership group losing its head under pressure. The ten problem has to be looked at now, long after the horse has bolted. Leinster don't have a ten that would be selected for Toulouse or LaR, they'll never win Europe with the current crop.
I've bitten the bullet and rewatched the game. For me, this might be the best Caelan Doris has ever played. When Leinster were struggling for momentum, he made a big carry to get them on the front foot. When Toulouse were on top, he acted the complete bollix at a ruck and killed the ball illegally without being spotted by the referee. It's a shame he had that brain fade late in extra time.
Henshaw was outstanding as well took on the defensive mantle in midfield in Ringrose's absence and also looked sharp in attack.
Agreed, Ross Byrne is a tier 2 fly half and not a tier 1, Leinster do need a better fly half.
Leadership group needs to be looked at indeed, if Dupont was playing for Leinster they would win that game, it was one of the key differences between both sides.
At times I felt that Leinster were caught between the South African style of defending well, winning scrums and being physical, and the old Leinster/Irish national team which is based on attacking well, making gain lines and amazing set pieces.
I didn't see Leinster's identity yesterday, I seen it in the 2 previous finals but not last night. It's normal for teams to look at the South African style and try to emulate it, after all it got them 2 world cups back to back, but if a team wants to emulate it then they better do it well.
Double post, sorry.
I disagree, he's supposed to be the leader of this team but he fell short of producing a performance worthy of a final. He, as far as I remember as I watched the game live only, with all the emotion that comes with it, didn't go over the game line often, made silly mistakes, at crucial times, that cost Leinster points and made Leinster chase the game at extra time.
Hilarious talk of tier 1 tier 2 fly halfs and leinster bottling this and that
Reality is best 2 teams were in the final by a consireable distance
It was a cracker of a final, could have gone either way yet again, most sports would kill for that
The only 2 teams in fact that didnt bottle anything
Its a pity the champions cup has been ruined by the format, the whole thing was built on the jeopardy of the pool stages and this year was a joke
While you say it could have gone either way, for me it was always in Toulouse's grasp and for a 100 mins, leinster were chasing the game and never once getting on terms.
It was a draw at full time, how much more on terms could you ask?
The will needed to get it back to 25 all was immense
I suspect there will be a lot of disappointed Toulouse fans when their team gets knocked out of the URC
I should have said, ahead.
What's hilarious is that you don't seem to realise the importance of a world class aka tier 1 fly half.
A world class fly half would have attempted few 50:20, kicked to find touch close to the 5 meters line more, and perhaps kicked more 3 points.
Ross Byrne is a good fly half but not a world class one.
But it was a draw at full time, 12 each after 70 minutes
No doubt toulouse show have scored 2 tries, but unreal tackles saved the day
No ones is chasing a 12 12 game
Where are all the teams with the world class fly halves? Sitting on the couch watching the final
Congratulations i guess?
We are talking about what Leinster is missing, not other teams.
Anything to add
Not really if you think leisnters level is 2nd best and thats to be celebrated then great. We lost but we won is a very glass half full way of looking at it good on you
2nd best europe is about leinsters level and is to be applauded
Ok then as i said congratulations i
Were are talking about leinster being in the the urc final most likely and the Heineken cup final with him, who are the other tier one fly halfs
Urc final most likely? Not sure about that
I didnt do it myself
Who are your congratulations on behalf of
LaR won Europe with Ihaia West and Hastoy. Not exactly beacons of world rugby.
Yes most likely, unless you dont understand the words
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