Match Thread: Leinster v Northampton, 03/05/25

I don't buy the arrogance argument for the final penalty (speaking as a Connacht fan in case that matters to anyone) but I think the tap and go was a crazy decision. Surely with NH down 2 in the pack you got for the lineout or even a dominant scrum.

Having said that normally Leinster are very good at those 5m taps but the execution given the circumstances to lose the ball at the 1st ruck was a disaster

"Immediately" they are, hence the grey area

Leinster have been bitten in the past by taking the points and not being aggressive.

They seem to be damned if they do, damned if they dont

It wasnt just Doris - Ryan didn't play and the likes of Sheehan, Furlong, Henshaw. That's a solid part of their leadership team and experience.

Nienaber. The biggest buffer in world rugby has been proven. He has taken the most potent attacking team on the planet and completely nullified them in some search of the south africa formulae.

This is not just revision. It's a patten since he's taken over.

But also. This bunch of players have proven themselves not worthy of any Jersey. Not one leader amongst them. It might sound harsh but it's true!

You are saying all of this while ignoring the fact they scored a try from this type of play in the game only minutes before.

When you have already managed it, of course you're going to back yourself to be able to do it again.

It's not arrogance to try to win a game of rugby.

Like I said, I'd have taken 3. Especially the first one. However, when they have scored a try from a 5m pick many teams will fancy their chances of being able to do it again. It's not arrogance to believe you can repeat what you did only a few minutes ago in an effort to win a rugby match.

I agree that they should have taken the first kick, I would have probably been conservative and taken the points, but the second one was far tougher one and deciding to pass on it to me is the wiser option.

He misses that kick and the game is basically done and everyone has your hindsight glasses on and saying what a stupid risk it was given the location and that you're at best getting a draw. I'd probably have gone for lineout rather than a tap but who knows how that would pan out.

I disagree that either decision to pass on the kick is arrogance though - it might be a lot of things but it isnt arrogant.

I wouldn't pay 10-12 million dollars for him

are you sure? Players are off their feet scoring all the time.

More frustrated this morning than I was last night.

At half time, Leinster were 12 points behind. They'd manage to get to within 3 points in the last 5 mins. That's a decent enough comeback but Jesus H Christ, you take the 3 points. You have some certainty so level it up, regroup and go again. I don't know that NH have another 20 mins in them.....Leinster with arguably the best player in the world who hasn't even played a full half too.

Having started him on the bench I will never understand how Barratt wasn't on at half time either.

Then you have players and management coming out saying there's still a URC to play for but at the same time we will rest players and rotate each week. It's the business end of the season, you just have to go strong.

I thought that was a strange call as well, Boyle has been playing well all season. Also tight head is a real issue going forward, Furlong did OK yesterday but again Slimani might have been a better choice to start. And don't get me started in the Barrett non selection

You would have to feel sorry for Jordie Barrett, did he not know Leinster are full of softies?

Wtf else is he supposed to say?