Leinster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread VII: The Fan-base Awakens

In the NFL you rarely see running backs last much longer than the 30-year-old mark, and it's only a matter of time before the same theme emerges for ball carriers (like flankers) in rugby.

Neil3030 wrote: »

In the NFL you rarely see running backs last much longer than the 30-year-old mark, and it's only a matter of time before the same theme emerges for ball carriers (like flankers) in rugby.

The RB (who are around 90kg) might be running it into those guys 20 times a game which is a ridiculous level of punishment and rugby players don't really have a similar scenario.

Those defensive players are much more powerful and explosive than anything we see in rugby. For context, Von Miller won MVP in the Superbowl and plays linebacker. He's 113kg. He ran the 40 yard dash in 4.49 seconds in his NFL combine. Usain Bolt, the fastest man to ever live, has a split of 4.35 seconds at 40 yards. So, Von Miller, who is fractionally heavier (but shorter) than Paul O'Connell, can be pretty much up to Olympic sprinting speed when in full flight, making a hit.

I think flankers are going to be fine for a while yet. Hits are getting bigger and we are seeing retirements at an earlier age but they're not commonplace yet. The likes of McLaughlin and Leamy still stick out in the bigger picture.

Buer wrote: »

The RB (who are around 90kg) might be running it into those guys 20 times a game which is a ridiculous level of punishment and rugby players don't really have a similar scenario.

Those defensive players are much more powerful and explosive than anything we see in rugby. For context, Von Miller won MVP in the Superbowl and plays linebacker. He's 113kg. He ran the 40 yard dash in 4.49 seconds in his NFL combine. Usain Bolt, the fastest man to ever live, has a split of 4.35 seconds at 40 yards. So, Von Miller, who is fractionally heavier (but shorter) than Paul O'Connell, can be pretty much up to Olympic sprinting speed when in full flight, making a hit.

I think flankers are going to be fine for a while yet. Hits are getting bigger and we are seeing retirements at an earlier age but they're not commonplace yet. The likes of McLaughlin and Leamy still stick out in the bigger picture.

I don't know, according to the stats SOB carried the ball into contact 6 times yesterday and he was only on the pitch for 20 minutes. Throw in the 15-20 tackles he will also be expected to make in a game and the fact he will, if fit, play more games a season than most if not all NFL players and you have to admit the punishment these guys are taking is just insane, I really don't know how sustainable it is

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Strange confirmation order. Nothing from Leinster yet though so could be going to Munster either. Presumably if he wants a chance of winning anything he'll be playing in Dublin next year all the same.

Should've gone to ulster so

Hagz wrote: »

So the future Irish centre partnership will be side by side in blue once again. Unfortunate for Connacht to lose such a massive player. He'll definitley be played at 12. Contrary to what a lot of Connacht fans will say, he's a centre by trade and always has been.

Looking forward to seeing the combination at work. I think it will have a great balance to it and their age profiles add to the excitement.

That's just not true though, he always played at full back until Ireland needed a centre and he was moved to 13 at Connacht to accommodate that need. He's probably equally good at 13 and 15 these days. I think he's probably a bit wasted at 12, he'll get through a lot of defensive work and batter the line but he thrives with the extra space at 13 and 15 so he's much more of an attacking threat as well defensively sound.

Bazzo wrote: »

That's just not true though, he always played at full back until Ireland needed a centre and he was moved to 13 at Connacht to accommodate that need. He's probably equally good at 13 and 15 these days. I think he's probably a bit wasted at 12, he'll get through a lot of defensive work and batter the line but he thrives with the extra space at 13 and 15 so he's much more of an attacking threat as well defensively sound.

I would generally agree but I'd expect him to line out at 12 for Leinster and for a bit of mixing around to take place in open play.

Leinster have a very exciting prospect at 13 coming through who looks to be the real deal. They don't have an established 12. The guy who plays 12 for Ireland is set to arrive. I don't think there's any mystery as to where he plays.

Lets just hope that playing alongside Sexton gives them a better understanding which can be exhibited in green.

Deleted User wrote: »

Strange confirmation order. Nothing from Leinster yet though so could be going to Munster either. Presumably if he wants a chance of winning anything he'll be playing in Dublin next year all the same.

Just wait, Ulster will inexplicably sign him to play alongside Piutau and they will be the first pro team to line out with 6 internationally capped centres on the bench, while new signing from the AIL Alfred McDoonigle starts at 7

Buer wrote: »

I would generally but I'd expect him to line out at 12 for Leinster and for a bit of mixing around to take place in open play.

Leinster have a very exciting prospect at 13 coming through who looks to be the real deal. They don't have an established 12. The guy who plays 12 for Ireland is set to arrive. I don't think there's any mystery as to where he plays.

Lets just hope that playing alongside Sexton gives them a better understanding which can be exhibited in green.

If he does come to Leinster I would expect this to happen, he can wear 12 on his back and Ringrose 13, but in reality they could just be a "centre partnership", theres no reason they cant play inside and out

I do sympathise with Connacht and their fans but Henshaw is a nailed on international starter, he can walk into the Leinster team and he knows it, you really cant be surprised when he takes that opportunity and although people blame the IRFU/Nucifora it really isnt their job to try and hold him in Connacht against his will