Leinster - 2011/2012 Season

First topic message reminder :

A review looking at Leinster's chances in the new season. Last season they didn’t do themselves justice in the League but given their HC cup run the last 2 years it’s not totally unexpected. In fairness to them though they did well and last season Munster just took the league by storm on the back of some very good second string performances and Leinster still managed to reach the playoffs.

New players this season:-
Sean Cronin – Hooker
Jamie Hagan – Prop
Steven Sykes – Lock
Damien Browne – Lock
Matt Berquist – Fly Half
Fion Carr – Wing
Nathan White - Prop

With Hines heading to France they have hedged their bets by bringing in Browne and Sykes. Browne provides some real bulk and grunt (in the Style of Hines). I don’t know much about Sykes but they must be looking at him as a predominant lineout caller to possibly rest Cullen at times. Cronin and Carr are probably the best of the signings in terms of performances from last season (although I am surprised they only offered Carr a single year contract). Most of these signings will likely feature in the Rabbo heavily this year. With it being a WC year I’m guessing we may not see the starting 15 lineup often due to the enforced rest periods. If we do see them its likely to be during home fixtures. Leinsters Fans will create another strong atmosphere at home and I don't see them giving many points away at home. That said reaching the top 4 will be how they fair away.

Here’s my guess at the side most likely to feature in the league for them this year:-

1. van der Merwe
2. Strauss
3. Hagan
4. Browne
5. Cullen
6. McLaughlin / Ruddock
7. Jennings
8. Heaslip / McLaughlin

9. Reddan
10. Berquist
11. Carr
12. D’arcy / McFadden
13. McFadden / O’Malley
14. Horgan
15. Nacewa

So looking at the key players for them Jennings and Cullen have never really been favoured by Ireland. Both give Leinster great leadership and experience. I’ve always been a big fan of Jennings and he is just a workhorse at the breakdown. I would imagine Berquist will place himself into the starting spot more often than not in the Rabbo. One thing is for sure though as they are going to be solid in Defence and the pack will stand up well. Leinster seem to be going from strength to strength in what was considered their weakest area a few seasons ago. In the backs I expect Carr to show up very well again this year and it’s the genuine pace they have in the backline coupled with some power as well which will make them to hot to handle for most of the Rabbo teams.

Prediction – I’m totally torn on this one. Statistics suggest they will walk into the top 4 this year again and with a full compliment of players available they will challenge in the playoffs. That said with it being a World Cup year and most of the star names not featuring heavily (except at home), the key question becomes “Will the away side pick up enough points to bag a top 4 spot?” My logic here is that I do expect them to fair very well in the HC this year and get out of their group without to much fuss. Throw in the 6 Nations and I just don’t see O’Driscoll and co to feature to often. This could leave them a little thin on the ground and might cost them a top 4 spot. That said the signings appear to be astute and I think the second string will be good enough to make the top 4, just. I don’t think they will win the league though as I could see them slide in at 3rd or 4th post this year and Home advantage could be crucial in the Semi Final Playoffs. Prediction – 4th.

I'd like to hear from Leinster fans on this one....

More Irish sides to follow this week.....

I admire your optimism D, but there’s a Stan Wright shaped hole in that squad…
…and in my heart…

I'd agree with you there D24!

The academy is still spitting backrows at us too and the machine that makes props seems to be working better than 5 years ago.

Really glad we have Cillian Willis would have been fooked without him!

Mick-
I'm still getting over the loss of Ollie Le Roux.

Browne is defnitely a bruiser. At 6'5 and tipping the scales at nearly 20stones (19st 13lbs) he's not a great lineout jumper but instead similar to Hines in what he will offer in the breakdown. A bruiser in every sense of the word. Leinster can at times field a absolute giant pack if they choose too. I see Sykes and Browne competing for the 4 shirt and Toner and Cullen at 5 (as the lineout callers). Either way looks like Leinsters second 8 will still be a pretty heavy pack on paper.

We also signed Tom Sexton at hooker (forgot about him).
He was with the academy, I believe the Aussie union were looking to take him to a S15 franchise as he was born there.
Not sure how good he is but it’s another one for front row cover anyway.

Pete, you just had to open up that scar didn’t you!
Stan – Jackman – Ollie
What a front row!

I think we will never get over any of this leinster front row of
ollie jackman stan
3 of the biggest cult hereos in leinster

throw in big mal and keith gleeson aswell
To our cult hero pack

Legends all of them!

In the backs I think we have some pretty good talent too

Willis-Berquist
Other 9-Madigan/McKingley

Fitzgerald-O'Malley
Sheridan-Macken

Carr-Nacewa-Horgan
???-Kearney-Conway

Pretty ok if you ask me!

Does anyone know when the team for Friday gets announced?

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Does anyone know when the team for Friday gets announced?

Thursday Lunchtime

I hear Luke is definitely starting and another RWC contender which I assume means McLaughlin since Jennings played a match more recently