Leinster Team Talk Thread (Love you Furlong time)

At the same time as Henshaw is being undersold, I think we might be overhyping Osborne a bit. Saying he’s as good a fullback as Barrett is a big call.

I can see the logic in saying he’s a better option for 23 but right now Henshaw is the better centre.

Obviously its only one part of the picture, but I think Osborne offers more going forward than Henshaw (not that Osborne is a slouch in defence). So I think it will come down to what management value most. Given our current defensive structure and focus on it, I think a defensive 12 is critical. Henshaw has always been excellent at leading the defensive line.

PS - Henshaw is 31. Are we really putting a 31 year old centre out to pasture due to age already?

Croker is a terrible venue for rugby. If I never had to go there for a game again I’d be happy.

The number of family tickets seemed to be extremely limited, but they have released more now so they might get a bit of a late bump.

The Aviva, even when not full, is vastly superior to Croke Park in every respect.

Aviva beats the pants off Croke Park no comparison. Croke Park is only good when full and even then you’re so far from the pitch that you need binoculars. Aviva to me is a great stadium I really don’t see why some find it less so. I suppose seat selection is a key driver

Nothing against the Aviva as a ground. I think it's great.

Unfortunately, whether we like it or not, a large section of the crowd who go to games there (be it for Leinster or Ireland) are complete and utter bellends who have no interest in the actual rugby.

Was looking at the backline that started against NH last season:

JGP, Ross, Lowe, Osborne, Henshaw, Larmour, Frawley

Compared to likely for this weekend:

JGP, Prendergast, Lowe, Barrett, Ringrose, TOB, Keenan

Only 2 players starting in the same position with 5 changes, and I'd argue all 5 changes are improvements.

The Aviva is a brilliant stadium for all things considered. Obviously I'd like it to have 4 full sides but that's one for the future hopefully.

The facilities are absolutely brilliant I think, you can easily access it from all sides so no bottle necks and good crowd management.

When the stadium comes alive also, there are few better stadiums. I've been fortunate to be in there on some very good days. And when it's good it's great. The problem is those days are few and far between.

Too many patrons not willing to rattle their jewellery at the teams unfortunately