Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi all,
Vanilla are planning an update to the site on April 24th (next Wednesday). It is a major PHP8 update which is expected to boost performance across the site. The site will be down from 7pm and it is expected to take about an hour to complete. We appreciate your patience during the update.
Thanks all.

Leinster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread XI (The Finals Countdown)

Options
1…175176178180181…334

Comments

  • Options
    #5312
    Clegg
    Registered Users Posts: 16,670 ✭✭✭✭Clegg


    Decent interview with Jordi about his move to Ulster and what it's like in lockdown. He mentions that it was tough to leave Leinster, but he left at the right time. I'm a huge fan of his, but I think if he stuck around he wouldn't be making Leinsters strongest 23 anymore. There's so much quality there now.

    https://www.the42.ie/jordi-murphy-ulster-contract-5103489-May2020/


  • Options
    #5313
    Scottmactom
    Closed Accounts Posts: 490 ✭✭Scottmactom


    this day last year is when leinster announced contract renewals... how long until they announce this seasons?


  • Options
    #5314
    Scottmactom
    Closed Accounts Posts: 490 ✭✭Scottmactom


    Sexton again in media saying he doesn't intend on retiring anytime soon, does he finish his career at leinster?
    Or is there an inevitable falling out going to happen with Sexton and the IRFU?


  • Options
    #5315
    Podge_irl
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,291 Mod ✭✭✭✭Podge_irl


    Why would there be an inevitable falling out?


  • Options
    #5316
    Scottmactom
    Closed Accounts Posts: 490 ✭✭Scottmactom


    Podge_irl wrote: »
    Why would there be an inevitable falling out?

    There has been before.

    He will want to play into his late 30's and IRFU may wish to move on from his large contract and usher in a new era.


  • Advertisement
  • Options
    #5317
    irishbucsfan
    Registered Users Posts: 37,978 ✭✭✭✭irishbucsfan


    I think they're pretty keen to maintain a relationship with him for when he's finished playing and they'll let him wind down


  • Options
    #5318
    Buer
    Registered Users Posts: 24,176 ✭✭✭✭Buer


    I don't see Sexton leaving Leinster again given he has a young family and was quite open about how hard he found leaving last time.

    His hand may be forced but, if he wants it, I could potentially see him getting another year at Leinster (not Ireland) bringing him to 2022 and retiring at 36. But things do tend to change very quickly in rugby once you reach a certain age. ROG was starting in the RWC in October 2011. He never started another game for Ireland and announces his retirement 18 months later after his form fell off a cliff.

    With this lengthy break, Sexton might find it harder than most to get back to full fitness at this point and there looks like an absolutely gruelling season ahead where guys like Ross and Harry Byrne are going to get a lot of game time. In terms of balancing the books, Cullen and Easterby might simply tell Sexton they don't have a spot for him any longer.

    I do think he's almost certainly going to remain involved in rugby in some form after he hangs up his boots. Whether he takes the ROG approach or the Cullen approach remains to be seen.


  • Options
    #5319
    thomond2006
    Registered Users Posts: 45,433 ✭✭✭✭thomond2006


    At the end of his contract, I'm not sure teams will offer the kind of money Sexton would demand to move in the first place. He'll be about to turn 36 and has a lot of injuries in the bank.


  • Options
    #5320
    salmocab
    Registered Users Posts: 11,283 ✭✭✭✭salmocab


    Buer wrote: »
    I don't see Sexton leaving Leinster again given he has a young family and was quite open about how hard he found leaving last time.

    His hand may be forced but, if he wants it, I could potentially see him getting another year at Leinster (not Ireland) bringing him to 2022 and retiring at 36. But things do tend to change very quickly in rugby once you reach a certain age. ROG was starting in the RWC in October 2011. He never started another game for Ireland and announces his retirement 18 months later after his form fell off a cliff.

    With this lengthy break, Sexton might find it harder than most to get back to full fitness at this point and there looks like an absolutely gruelling season ahead where guys like Ross and Harry Byrne are going to get a lot of game time. In terms of balancing the books, Cullen and Easterby might simply tell Sexton they don't have a spot for him any longer.

    I do think he's almost certainly going to remain involved in rugby in some form after he hangs up his boots. Whether he takes the ROG approach or the Cullen approach remains to be seen.

    Funnily I think this lengthy break will benefit the older players, don’t think it will add years or anything but a few months of no contact must surely be good for the body.


  • Options
    #5321
    sydthebeat
    Subscribers Posts: 40,989 ✭✭✭✭sydthebeat


    If he's good enough, he gets the contract.
    If he's not, he doesnt... Simple as.

    A 35 year old Brian o driscoll was still the countries best center when he retired.

    No reason currently that the same can't be said for Johnny


  • Advertisement
  • Options
    #5322
    irishbucsfan
    Registered Users Posts: 37,978 ✭✭✭✭irishbucsfan


    salmocab wrote: »
    Funnily I think this lengthy break will benefit the older players, don’t think it will add years or anything but a few months of no contact must surely be good for the body.

    Completely depends on the player. It can be the exact opposite of what you need if you have a debilitating problem. I've a friend who is in that position now and is having to do external work with a specialist regularly just to ensure they can come back at all. There's lots of athletes from all kinds of sports in that position now.


  • Options
    #5323
    Buer
    Registered Users Posts: 24,176 ✭✭✭✭Buer


    thomond2006 wrote: »
    At the end of his contract, I'm not sure teams will offer the kind of money Sexton would demand to move in the first place. He'll be about to turn 36 and has a lot of injuries in the bank.

    I don't think the money will be a key factor for him. After his trip to France and his top up deal over the past 5 years, I'd imagine things are pretty comfortable in the Sexton household.

    I reckon he could take a 50% pay cut and still be on more money than some of his test level colleagues.


  • Options
    #5324
    Buer
    Registered Users Posts: 24,176 ✭✭✭✭Buer


    salmocab wrote: »
    Funnily I think this lengthy break will benefit the older players, don’t think it will add years or anything but a few months of no contact must surely be good for the body.

    It will benefit in some ways, no doubt. But I think it will be an overall net negative in terms of how it pans out. He'll take longer to get back to match fitness at the start of the season and, whilst doing so, he'll be embarking on the toughest season of his career which will more than offset any benefit of the break, I'd reckon. If he wants to get through the season in one piece, his minutes will need to be managed to the extent where he's only a part time Leinster player, I'd suggest.

    If we look at the current proposals floating about, the Pro14, 6N and Champions Cup still aim to finish. That's 2 test matches, 2 interpros and 5 knock out games before the 2020/21 season even commences which is going to be condensed into a much tighter schedule than normal. And this season culminates in a Lions tour (which he may or may not be going on).


  • Options
    #5325
    errlloyd
    Registered Users Posts: 12,600 ✭✭✭✭errlloyd


    sydthebeat wrote: »
    If he's good enough, he gets the contract.
    If he's not, he doesnt... Simple as.

    A 35 year old Brian o driscoll was still the countries best center when he retired.

    No reason currently that the same can't be said for Johnny

    ROG went off a cliff though. Think it was mentally more than physically.


  • Options
    #5326
    thomond2006
    Registered Users Posts: 45,433 ✭✭✭✭thomond2006


    Buer wrote: »
    I don't think the money will be a key factor for him. After his trip to France and his top up deal over the past 5 years, I'd imagine things are pretty comfortable in the Sexton household.

    I reckon he could take a 50% pay cut and still be on more money than some of his test level colleagues.

    That was my point. It's going to take an unrealistic offer for him to lace up his boots elsewhere. The English clubs are talking about eliminating the marquee player space in their cap which would rule out a crazy offer from there and I imagine the French clubs will be scared away after Sexton's snake bitten time at Racing. Given everything he's achieved I would be surprised to see him move to another club.


  • Options
    #5327
    Clegg
    Registered Users Posts: 16,670 ✭✭✭✭Clegg


    errlloyd wrote: »
    ROG went off a cliff though. Think it was mentally more than physically.

    It was a gradual decline and then a sudden, steep drop off imo. ROG was dreadful in the 07 World Cup. Most our our players were, but he was a standout in that regard. He was very poor in 09 as well. He's remembered for the drop goal against Wakes, but less talked about is BOD having to bail him out after his terrible performance off the tee against England. He was poor for a few years until 2011 when he game just evaporated.


  • Options
    #5328
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    errlloyd wrote: »
    ROG went off a cliff though. Think it was mentally more than physically.

    I think RoG's lack of conditioning started to show towards the end of his career and he was playing behind an Ireland pack that wasn't all that bothered.

    If you are in very good shape you can make up for the eventual drop offs but for RoG he started resorting to hail mary's and that's when the game is up.


  • Options
    #5329
    Scottmactom
    Closed Accounts Posts: 490 ✭✭Scottmactom


    Sextons form was.. eh.... patchy in 2019.


  • Options
    #5330
    sydthebeat
    Subscribers Posts: 40,989 ✭✭✭✭sydthebeat


    Scottmactom wrote: »
    Sextons form was.. eh.... patchy in 2019.

    Agreed.

    That's why the start of the next season is vital for him (end of last season)

    If he can pull out top end performances in the HC run in and 6Ns, he'll be in a lot stronger position to renew his contract.

    Poor showings could take the choice from him


  • Options
    #5331
    Clegg
    Registered Users Posts: 16,670 ✭✭✭✭Clegg


    Scottmactom wrote: »
    Sextons form was.. eh.... patchy in 2019.

    True.

    But he was the best player in the World in 2018. With this enforced break it can give him time to heal up and hopefully rediscover his best form.


  • Advertisement
  • Options
    #5332
    Bazzo
    Registered Users Posts: 7,047 ✭✭✭Bazzo


    irishbucsfan wrote: »
    Completely depends on the player. It can be the exact opposite of what you need if you have a debilitating problem. I've a friend who is in that position now and is having to do external work with a specialist regularly just to ensure they can come back at all. There's lots of athletes from all kinds of sports in that position now.

    If he's not doing full contact drills with the Mrs in the garden then he's clearly not dedicated enough


  • Options
    #5333
    Buer
    Registered Users Posts: 24,176 ✭✭✭✭Buer


    Scottmactom wrote: »
    Sextons form was.. eh.... patchy in 2019.

    In green, he was very hit and miss and well below his performances of 2018 which, in fairness, might never be matched again by an Irish 10 in our lives.

    He was still, by a distance, the best outhalf at provincial level. His performances in the pool stages of the Champions Cup were excellent and he was probably Leinster's best player in those opening 3 games.


  • Options
    #5334
    Scottmactom
    Closed Accounts Posts: 490 ✭✭Scottmactom


    Outhalves playing pro rugby from Leinster with a senior cap for a province:

    Jonathan Sexton(34/St. Marys/St. Marys) - Leinster
    Ian Keatley(33/Belvedere/Clontarf) - Zebre
    Ian Madigan(31/Blackrock/Blackrock) - Ulster
    Ian McKinley(30/St. Columba's/Lansdowne) - Benetton
    AJ MacGinty(30/Blackrock/Blackrock) - Sale
    Noel Reid(30/St. Michaels/Clontarf) - Leicester
    Cathal Marsh(28/St. Michaels/St. Marys) - RUNY
    Ross Byrne(25/St. Michaels/UCD) - Leinster
    Joey Carbery(24/Athy RFC-Blackrock/Clontarf) - Munster
    Ciaran Frawley(22/Skerries RFC/UCD) - Leinster
    Conor Dean(22/Blackrock/St. Marys) - Connacht
    Harry Byrne(21/St. Michaels/Lansdowne) - Leinster

    Bold = Played for Leinster

    Academy outhalves:

    David Hawkshaw(U21/Belvedere/Clontarf)
    Tim Corkery(U19/Kilkenny RFC/UCD)


  • Options
    #5335
    El_Duderino 09
    Registered Users Posts: 19,948 ✭✭✭✭El_Duderino 09


    Podge_irl wrote: »
    Why would there be an inevitable falling out?

    Because he has been the man for so long that he won't like being replaced and he might have Influence enough to prevent himself being replaced. I really think we need to move on from sexton at Ireland level. He's the best right now but if we're not careful he could be the top man in 2/3 years time as we approach the next world cup.

    It would be terrible to have a 38 year old fly half at a world cup. But to plan to have a 38 year old fly half at a world cup is to plan a complete disaster. Didn't we learn anything from the Rory best experience last year?


  • Options
    #5336
    Quin_Dub
    Moderators, Politics Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 14,993 Mod ✭✭✭✭Quin_Dub


    El_Duderino 09 wrote: »
    Because he has been the man for so long that he won't like being replaced and he might have Influence enough to prevent himself being replaced. I really think we need to move on from sexton at Ireland level. He's the best right now but if we're not careful he could be the top man in 2/3 years time as we approach the next world cup.

    It would be terrible to have a 38 year old fly half at a world cup. But to plan to have a 38 year old fly half at a world cup is to plan a complete disaster. Didn't we learn anything from the Rory best experience last year?

    I'd agree - This coming season should really be the last one where Sexton is a guaranteed starter . By all means have him in the squad and so on , but who ever is the next in line , whether that's Carbery , R. Byrne or someone else needs to be starting the bigger games. They need to be starting against in Twickenham or Paris.

    When Sexton does retire having the next guy in line only having ever started against Italy or Samoa and only have played the last 20 minutes in a bunch of other games is pointless.

    The same applies to all positions to be honest , but half-back is the one where we rarely seem to take that risk.


  • Options
    #5337
    Clegg
    Registered Users Posts: 16,670 ✭✭✭✭Clegg


    Quin_Dub wrote: »
    I'd agree - This coming season should really be the last one where Sexton is a guaranteed starter . By all means have him in the squad and so on , but who ever is the next in line , whether that's Carbery , R. Byrne or someone else needs to be starting the bigger games. They need to be starting against in Twickenham or Paris.

    When Sexton does retire having the next guy in line only having ever started against Italy or Samoa and only have played the last 20 minutes in a bunch of other games is pointless.

    The same applies to all positions to be honest , but half-back is the one where we rarely seem to take that risk.

    Sexton's injury problems have allowed Ross Byrne the chance to amass plenty of experience in crucial European games for Leinster. In terms of experience he's way ahead of Carbery at this stage. Lack of dynamism will hurt his chances at the highest level level though.

    Carbery's move to Munster hasn't panned out the way he or the IRFU would have liked. His own injury woes and a lack of quality coaching have set him back.

    Carry and Billy Burns are the other starting 10's. But neither strike me as good enough to excel at test level.

    The answer? Strap a rocket to Harry Byrne and watch him go.


  • Options
    #5338
    Quin_Dub
    Moderators, Politics Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 14,993 Mod ✭✭✭✭Quin_Dub


    Clegg wrote: »
    Sexton's injury problems have allowed Ross Byrne the chance to amass plenty of experience in crucial European games for Leinster. In terms of experience he's way ahead of Carbery at this stage. Lack of dynamism will hurt his chances at the highest level level though.

    Carbery's move to Munster hasn't panned out the way he or the IRFU would have liked. His own injury woes and a lack of quality coaching have set him back.

    Carry and Billy Burns are the other starting 10's. But neither strike me as good enough to excel at test level.

    The answer? Strap a rocket to Harry Byrne and watch him go.

    All fair points - The Who isn't really that important right now, fundamentally Ireland need to get better at succession planning.

    One of thing things the All-Blacks do very well is blood players in big games, even when there's a "super-star" incumbent.

    We tend to hang on , particularly in key positions like half-backs and the next guy up , even though they might have 30+ caps when the incumbent retires they will likely only a bare handful of starts in Big games and even then only in the event of injury.

    Why for example , can't we have Sexton on the bench for the 6N's and have one of the others start the games ?

    Topic for another thread though...


  • Options
    #5339
    El_Duderino 09
    Registered Users Posts: 19,948 ✭✭✭✭El_Duderino 09


    Quin_Dub wrote: »
    I'd agree - This coming season should really be the last one where Sexton is a guaranteed starter . By all means have him in the squad and so on , but who ever is the next in line , whether that's Carbery , R. Byrne or someone else needs to be starting the bigger games. They need to be starting against in Twickenham or Paris.

    When Sexton does retire having the next guy in line only having ever started against Italy or Samoa and only have played the last 20 minutes in a bunch of other games is pointless.

    The same applies to all positions to be honest , but half-back is the one where we rarely seem to take that risk.

    We do it at out half because we've had some great out halves. We did it at 13 when o driscoll was there too. Did it at Hooker when best was there. I think the temptation is there any time there's a great player and you're afraid to replace them. The sooner they build towards replacement, the better.

    It's nothing personal against the incumbent. Rory best is a great guy and I'd recommend my sister to marry him, but he was the wrong man for the job in the world cup. He kept his place because of lack of a replacement. I hope the se thing does happen with sexton.


  • Options
    #5340
    aloooof
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 10,221 Mod ✭✭✭✭aloooof


    Clegg wrote: »
    Carbery's move to Munster hasn't panned out the way he or the IRFU would have liked. His own injury woes and a lack of quality coaching have set him back.

    You can keep saying this, but I'll keep repeating that he's started exactly one game since Larkham has come in. It's far more the former than the latter.


  • Advertisement
  • Options
    #5341
    aloooof
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 10,221 Mod ✭✭✭✭aloooof


    Quin_Dub wrote: »
    All fair points - The Who isn't really that important right now, fundamentally Ireland need to get better at succession planning.

    One of thing things the All-Blacks do very well is blood players in big games, even when there's a "super-star" incumbent.

    We tend to hang on , particularly in key positions like half-backs and the next guy up , even though they might have 30+ caps when the incumbent retires they will likely only a bare handful of starts in Big games and even then only in the event of injury.

    Why for example , can't we have Sexton on the bench for the 6N's and have one of the others start the games ?

    Topic for another thread though...

    I suspect it's largely because NZ have greater strength in depth. It's easier replace, say, Dan Carter with Beauden Barrett. Since Carter retired Barrett, Mounga, Sopoaga and Cruden have all had caps. We don't have anywhere near that quality.


This discussion has been closed.
Advertisement