Ospreys v Leinster 02/09/11

by Cari Thu 01 Sep 2011, 1:00 pm

The team to face Leinster this weekend in the Ospreys first game of the new Pro-12 is as follows:

15 Richard Fussell
14 Kristian Phillips
13 Andrew Bishop
12 Ashley Beck
11 Hanno Dirksen
10 Dan Biggar
9 Rhys Webb

1 Duncan Jones
2 Mefin Davies
3 Cai Griffiths
4 Ian Gough
5 Ian Evans
6 Tom Smith
7 Justin Tipuric (Capt)
8 Jonathan Thomas

Replacements

16 Matthew Dwyer
17 Ken Dowding
18 Joe Rees
19 James King
20 Morgan Allen
21 Tom Isaacs
22 Matthew Morgan
23 Sonny Parker

We're missing a few key players who are all on international duty - and some off with injuries. If anyone's got the Leinster team, please post it in reply. Smile

by Gibson Thu 01 Sep 2011, 1:13 pm

Leinster team for Ospreys:

From PRO12 site.
"Kevin McLaughlin makes his 50th Leinster appearance and starts in a back-row which includes Dominic Ryan and Rhys Ruddock who leads the side. There are competitive debuts for the half-back pairing of John Cooney and Mat Berquist while second row Damian Browne also comes in for his first start. Browne locks down with Ireland international Devin Toner with Heinke van der Merwe named in the front row alongside Richardt Strauss and Jamie Hagan.

Luke Fitzgerald partners Eoin O'Malley at centre with David Kearney, Fionn Carr and Isa Nacewa forming the back three.

There are six recent Leinster Academy graduates on the replacements bench, amongst them Cillian Willis who re-joined the province this summer having made the last of his 12 appearances in the 2007/08 season."

Leinster team:
15: Isa Nacewa
14: Fionn Carr
13: Eoin O'Malley
12: Luke Fitzgerald
11: David Kearney
10: Mat Berquist
9: John Cooney

1: Heinke van der Merwe
2: Richardt Strauss
3: Jamie Hagan
4: Damian Browne
5: Devin Toner
6: Kevin McLaughlin
7: Dominic Ryan
8: Rhys Ruddock CAPTAIN

Replacments:
16: Aaron Dundon
17: Jack McGrath
18: Jack O'Connell
19: Mark Flanagan
20: Leo Auva'a
21: Cillian Willis
22: Ian Madigan
23: Brendan Macken

Fitzy at inside centre. Is that the future? Its a strong squad considering we have lost 14 to Ireland and 3 injured. One retired. I love watching these lads come through. Who needs BOD and Darcy? Dying to see young Macken(19) get a run. Our pack is strong. 4 Ireland internationals in it and a few more to come from it. Strauss & Hagan should be in with a shout post RWC. Im confident we can win this one.

http://www.rabodirectpro12.com/news/10921.php

by Mickado Thu 01 Sep 2011, 1:20 pm

Will have to find a pub that a) has BBC Wales and b) is showing this at the same time as the Ireland v Slovakia football match.

by red_stag Thu 01 Sep 2011, 1:21 pm

Kevin McLaughlin is making his 50th appearance for Leinster this weekend but it is the selection of Luke Fitzgerald at 12 that is intriguing me.

Leinster XV v Ospreys in RaboDirect Pro 12 at the Liberty Stadium on Friday, 2 September, kick-off 7.05pm:

15 Isa Nacewa, 14 Fionn Carr, 13 Eoin O'Malley, 12 Luke Fitzgerald, 11 David Kearney, 10 Mat Berquist, 9 John Cooney

1 Heinke van der Merwe, 2 Richardt Strauss, 3 Jamie Hagan,
4 Damian Browne, 5 Devin Toner, 6 Kevin McLaughlin, 7 Dominic Ryan 8: Rhys Ruddock (Capt)

Replacements: 16 Aaron Dundon, 17 Jack McGrath, 18 Jack O'Connell, 19 Mark Flanagan, 20 Leo Auva'a, 21 Cillian Willis
22: Ian Madigan, 23 Brendan Macken

A good team despite missing a lot of names.

by D24tress Thu 01 Sep 2011, 1:25 pm

very excited to see how this goes and to see leo2 in full flow
Interesting that cause he is signed from the AIL he is not considered NIQ

by Thomond Thu 01 Sep 2011, 1:25 pm

That is a very decent team. Nice to see Luke at 12 don't think he has played there since the beginning of Deccies reign. I think it could be a viable option for a guy who has a good kicking game,decent defence and is not blessed with great pace.

by Davie Thu 01 Sep 2011, 1:30 pm

Merging another thread in here as requested by the thread starter

by Gibson Thu 01 Sep 2011, 1:32 pm

Would be a good move Mick.

Just thinking WTF, did we let Paul O'Donahoe go to Connacht for? Havent seen Cooney play... Ive seen Willis. So I'll reserve judgement. I know Schmidt knows what he's doing. Believe.

by Thomond Thu 01 Sep 2011, 1:34 pm

Mick,if you're willing to head to Cork,I know a place! Wink

Seriously though,best of luck!

by Mickado Thu 01 Sep 2011, 1:35 pm

Gibson wrote:Would be a good move Mick.

Just thinking WTF, did we let Paul O'Donahoe go to Connacht for? Havent seen Cooney play... Ive seen Willis. So I'll reserve judgement. I know Schmidt knows what he's doing. Believe.

I honestly think we let him go because nobody thought Reddan and Boss would be going to the world cup.

by Gibson Thu 01 Sep 2011, 1:38 pm

Mickado wrote:
Gibson wrote:Would be a good move Mick.

Just thinking WTF, did we let Paul O'Donahoe go to Connacht for? Havent seen Cooney play... Ive seen Willis. So I'll reserve judgement. I know Schmidt knows what he's doing. Believe.

I honestly think we let him go because nobody thought Reddan and Boss would be going to the world cup.

Yeah man. We knew Reddan would make it, but Boss earned it too in the end.

by Mickado Thu 01 Sep 2011, 1:45 pm

Thom, i know Koiley's will have their priorities straight so i'll probably just head there.

Yeah Gibbo, he was a quality buy for us. Really earned his crust against the best. Well deserved spot on the plane. At the end of the season I wanted our two lads with Murray on the plane but honestly never thought i'd see it, so fair play to Dek.

Keep an eye on this Berquist fella, supposed to be a very classy footballer. Carr will score on his competitive (re)debut, i can feel it!

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Thu 01 Sep 2011, 1:55 pm

Hopefully will see ya there Mickado. Can't think of many places that will show it so I'm gonna call them tomorrow just to be sure they are.

Very strong team consdiering we are missing 15 players or so

by Gibson Thu 01 Sep 2011, 1:56 pm

Yeah, Notch was at the pre-season game and said he was a bit special. Great hands, vision and a solid kicker. Imagine being Dan Carters backup though? I'm sure that guy will really want to put pressure on Sexton for a HC spot. I hope he really does tbh. Sexton needs that.

by Rava Thu 01 Sep 2011, 1:59 pm

Gibson wrote:Yeah, Notch was at the pre-season game and said he was a bit special. Great hands, vision and a solid kicker. Imagine being Dan Carters backup though? I'm sure that guy will really want to put pressure on Sexton for a HC spot. I hope he really does tbh. Sexton needs that.

Would much prefer if it was one of your young Irish players Wink

Ah wait a mo, there's Jackson and McKinney so no problem. Forget I mentioned it lads. Very Happy

by D24tress Thu 01 Sep 2011, 2:00 pm

We should be able to bbc wales on sky digital i hope

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Thu 01 Sep 2011, 2:03 pm

He is a good player, game management may be suspect however.
He will definitely test defences.

The lad Auva'a is an absolute monster, he came on against Saints and off a scrum threw a 9 out of his way boshed a 6, rode throught the tackle of a 13 drew the 14 and passed away. he could be good I'm thinking! Age?

by caoimhincentre Thu 01 Sep 2011, 2:04 pm

its an exciting young leinster team. looking forward to seeing the back row and back line in action.
Fitz at centre will be interesting. has been tried before briefly before but might get an extended run there during the world cup

by greybeard Thu 01 Sep 2011, 2:06 pm

Gibson wrote:Would be a good move Mick.

Just thinking WTF, did we let Paul O'Donahoe go to Connacht for? Havent seen Cooney play... Ive seen Willis. So I'll reserve judgement. I know Schmidt knows what he's doing. Believe.

We could even ask why we let Dave Moore leave for Connacht via Harlequins, he has apparently outshone POD in the warm-ups. I blame TOL for playing his way out of the Ireland squad.

Lovely looking team to start the season with, very exciting back line.

by Mickado Thu 01 Sep 2011, 2:06 pm

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Hopefully will see ya there Mickado. Can't think of many places that will show it so I'm gonna call them tomorrow just to be sure they are.

Very strong team consdiering we are missing 15 players or so

Harpin' On Rugby (Leinster / Ireland rugby blogger) checked and he confirmed the Leinster match will be on In Keilys. Would happily meet you for a pint! I'll be carrying a newspaper with a red carnation in my pocket! Wink

by Guest Thu 01 Sep 2011, 2:09 pm

Blinking Irish taking over.

Pretty strong Ospreys starting line up there. Is mighty Joe Bearman injured or something. I'd have chosen him over Tom Smith otherwise.

by TBJ9625 Thu 01 Sep 2011, 2:10 pm

Just read the O's have 14 welsh qualified players in the starting line up. That's not bad for a region, especially under the cloud of a RWC. This isn't about braging rights but has any team within this league(or magners) or the AP ever fielded 15 national qualified players?

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Thu 01 Sep 2011, 2:19 pm

I'll be the 5th clown stepping out of the tiny car! Very Happy

Didn't think we could win this but am feeling more confident now. We have the kinda backline that can score with 30% possession. Really excited about the backs which is something I haven't said for a while about Irish rugby.

Very strong backrow also.

by Gibson Thu 01 Sep 2011, 2:22 pm

TBJ9625 wrote:Just read the O's have 14 welsh qualified players in the starting line up. That's not bad for a region, especially under the cloud of a RWC. This isn't about braging rights but has any team within this league(or magners) or the AP ever fielded 15 national qualified players?

Thought we were doing well in that respect, TBJ, That is an excellent boast and one ye should be proud of. The way to go for O's I believe. No more overpaid, under-achieving Super Stars. Please tell us about your future Welsh hopefuls. Need input.

by Gibson Thu 01 Sep 2011, 2:25 pm

TBJ, Leinster have fielded a full Irish Qualified side, I believe. I'll need to verify that though. Actually, just wait for Mickado to post it. Hes our go-to man for Leinster facts and figures.

by Guest Thu 01 Sep 2011, 2:26 pm

TBJ9625 wrote:Just read the O's have 14 welsh qualified players in the starting line up. That's not bad for a region, especially under the cloud of a RWC. This isn't about braging rights but has any team within this league(or magners) or the AP ever fielded 15 national qualified players?

Dragons did 14 last season (15 if you count Dan Way who will WQ in a couple of years).

It is good to see the regions doing it though, as best they can.

by D24tress Thu 01 Sep 2011, 2:29 pm

good to see the opsprey going in the right direction with local and welsh players.

Its good to see too yound sides, infact a young league kicking off this weekend, there should be no shortage of heart and enthusiasm in this and all the games

by Mickado Thu 01 Sep 2011, 2:30 pm

Not quite Gibbo, Berquist and Nacewa aint IQ and neither is Strauss (yet). Technically, although he’s not Irish Auva’a is IQ (by residency) so in the squad of 23 there’s 19 Irish men, 1 IQ non Irish man, 1 soon to be IQ man and 2 non IQ non Irish men. Phew!

by Gibson Thu 01 Sep 2011, 2:30 pm

All copying the Leinster Way now I see, me Welsh oppos. Good move. Whistle

Seriously, Dragons have set the template in Wales, imo. Its why they are my 2nd fav Welsh side. After Sexy Scarlets.

by Gibson Thu 01 Sep 2011, 2:37 pm

Mickado wrote:Not quite Gibbo, Berquist and Nacewa aint IQ and neither is Strauss (yet). Technically, although he’s not Irish Auva’a is IQ (by residency) so in the squad of 23 there’s 19 Irish men, 1 IQ non Irish man, 1 soon to be IQ man and 2 non IQ non Irish men. Phew!

Ah, but I mean didnt we have a full Irish side at one stage in the ML last year? Not starting, but on the field at one stage? Strauss and Nacewa hardly missed a game last year... soo as per... you are probably right. It wont be long before we do though.

I have a dream, that ONE day, Leinster will win the HC with a full Irish XV. That would be the ultimate for me.

by Mickado Thu 01 Sep 2011, 2:40 pm

Gibson wrote:
Mickado wrote:Not quite Gibbo, Berquist and Nacewa aint IQ and neither is Strauss (yet). Technically, although he’s not Irish Auva’a is IQ (by residency) so in the squad of 23 there’s 19 Irish men, 1 IQ non Irish man, 1 soon to be IQ man and 2 non IQ non Irish men. Phew!
Ah, but I mean didnt we have a full Irish side at one stage in the ML last year? Not starting, but on the field at one stage? Strauss and Nacewa hardly missed a game last year... soo as per... you are probably right. It wont be long before we do though.

I have a dream, that ONE day, Leinster will win the HC with a full Irish XV. That would be the ultimate for me.

We might not have started one. But i'm nearly positive we did have one on the feild at one time. Don't forget John Fogarty played at the start of the season before he retired. It was only then Strauss came into his own.

by greybeard Thu 01 Sep 2011, 2:43 pm

We certainly could if we wanted:

Kearney,
Fitz,
BOD,
Darce,
Carr,
Sexton,
Reddan
Healy
Cronin,
Hagan,
Toner,
Cullen,
SOB,
Jennings,
Heaslip.

Apart from losing Strauss and Nacewa that team would be good enough for a HC pool match.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Thu 01 Sep 2011, 2:46 pm

Not really sure what the standard of scrums will be too many unknowns.

Who do people think will do better in the scrums?

by Smirnoffpriest Thu 01 Sep 2011, 2:50 pm

Didnt the scarlets have at least 14 a few times?

by Mickado Thu 01 Sep 2011, 2:54 pm

Anyone know when Nathan White arrives? Also, anyone know if he’s any use? All I’ve seen of him is a digging match he got into on youtube…

by **rodders** Thu 01 Sep 2011, 2:55 pm

Gibson wrote:TBJ, Leinster have fielded a full Irish Qualified side, I believe.

Big deal. Ulster have managed to field an all south african side numerous times Wink

.

by Gibson Thu 01 Sep 2011, 3:03 pm

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Not really sure what the standard of scrums will be too many unknowns.

Who do people think will do better in the scrums?

VD Merwe is proven quality. Much more so with Strauss. Hagan was really good in pre-season. Want to see how that front-row goes. Not sure on our 2nd-row. Jury still out on Toner. And dont know enough about Browne yet. But, our backrow is mighty. Dom Ryan's season to shine and show why he will replace Jenno and stake his claim for Ireland at 7. Ruddock is a born leader and its only a matter of time for him. Mclaughlin has been userped by SOB, but is still international class, imo.

by greybeard Thu 01 Sep 2011, 3:06 pm

roddersm wrote:
Gibson wrote:TBJ, Leinster have fielded a full Irish Qualified side, I believe.

Big deal. Ulster have managed to field an all south african side numerous times .

Leinster have fielded an all-Irish team. Ulster an all South African and Munster once fielded a team with all their own front teeth. Connacht are still waiting to field a team of 15 rugby players.

by greybeard Thu 01 Sep 2011, 3:07 pm

Gibson wrote:
pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Not really sure what the standard of scrums will be too many unknowns.

Who do people think will do better in the scrums?

VD Merwe is proven quality. Much more so with Strauss. Hagan was really good in pre-season. Want to see how that front-row goes. Not sure on our 2nd-row. Jury still out on Toner. And dont know enough about Browne yet. But, our backrow is mighty. Dom Ryan's season to shine and show why he will replace Jenno and stake his claim for Ireland at 7. Ruddock is a born leader and its only a matter of time for him. Mclaughlin has been userped by SOB, but is still international class, imo.

We got the wrong Browne I think, his brother sounds like the real deal.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Thu 01 Sep 2011, 3:13 pm

Yeah that's what I thought too our front row is pretty handy but you need the second row adding the grunt. Pretty sure Toner and Browne = a heacy second row pairing however, whatever about leg drive and body position

by Mickado Thu 01 Sep 2011, 3:14 pm

Bare in mind Browne is considered as a replacement for Trevor Hogan who we spend most of last season without. He's fulfil the role he's been given. The brother does seem to be a better player though.

by MBTGOG Thu 01 Sep 2011, 3:15 pm

greybeard wrote:
roddersm wrote:
Gibson wrote:TBJ, Leinster have fielded a full Irish Qualified side, I believe.

Big deal. Ulster have managed to field an all south african side numerous times .

Leinster have fielded an all-Irish team. Ulster an all South African and Munster once fielded a team with all their own front teeth. Connacht are still waiting to field a team of 15 rugby players.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu 01 Sep 2011, 3:16 pm

Mickado wrote:Anyone know when Nathan White arrives? Also, anyone know if he’s any use? All I’ve seen of him is a digging match he got into on youtube…

You can see him Captaining Waikato in the ITM Cup Final Live on Sky on Saturday morning.

I have downloaded all their games from acrossthetasman.com Only watched a couple but he is the real deal. Starts for the chiefs too in the S15. He would probably be ahead of Tony Buckley if he was Irish. Too old to be a project player though.

Anyone know for sure whether he is going home after the WC or he is here for the season?

Leinster have 4 injured BTW. Horgan, Sheridan,Sykes and Conway. 14 at the WC, and 1 retired yesterday.

That's nearly a matchday squad missing.

by wales606 Thu 01 Sep 2011, 3:19 pm

greybeard wrote:
roddersm wrote:
Gibson wrote:TBJ, Leinster have fielded a full Irish Qualified side, I believe.

Big deal. Ulster have managed to field an all south african side numerous times .

Leinster have fielded an all-Irish team. Ulster an all South African and Munster once fielded a team with all their own front teeth. Connacht are still waiting to field a team of 15 rugby players.

by MBTGOG Thu 01 Sep 2011, 3:21 pm

greybeard wrote:
Gibson wrote:
pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Not really sure what the standard of scrums will be too many unknowns.

Who do people think will do better in the scrums?

VD Merwe is proven quality. Much more so with Strauss. Hagan was really good in pre-season. Want to see how that front-row goes. Not sure on our 2nd-row. Jury still out on Toner. And dont know enough about Browne yet. But, our backrow is mighty. Dom Ryan's season to shine and show why he will replace Jenno and stake his claim for Ireland at 7. Ruddock is a born leader and its only a matter of time for him. Mclaughlin has been userped by SOB, but is still international class, imo.

We got the wrong Browne I think, his brother sounds like the real deal.

Maybe so, but Damien will provide good cover and also decent experience as he'll probably play a lot when a lot of the senior players are away.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Thu 01 Sep 2011, 3:26 pm

Don't mean to sound arrogant but our backline looks unreal compared to theirs in every position except possibly 9

by Cari Thu 01 Sep 2011, 3:30 pm

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Don't mean to sound arrogant but our backline looks unreal compared to theirs in every position except possibly 9

Our backline's bigger than yours! raspberry

Am really looking forward to this. I'll be watching it in a pub for the first time in yonks. thumbsup

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Thu 01 Sep 2011, 3:31 pm

Yeah probably Cari good point but you can't really deny how much more quality we have.

This is before you add Horgan and Conway to the mix as well.

by Cari Thu 01 Sep 2011, 3:36 pm

Ah, I was just being silly Pete. I'd like to see us win though. Get the Rab off to a good start.

by ScarletSpiderman Thu 01 Sep 2011, 3:36 pm

Risca Rev wrote:
TBJ9625 wrote:Just read the O's have 14 welsh qualified players in the starting line up. That's not bad for a region, especially under the cloud of a RWC. This isn't about braging rights but has any team within this league(or magners) or the AP ever fielded 15 national qualified players?

Dragons did 14 last season (15 if you count Dan Way who will WQ in a couple of years).

It is good to see the regions doing it though, as best they can.

Scarlets did have a few times in the LV=, and I believe we did have an all welsh 23 (if you count Ben Morgan, who is time serving) once in a proper match

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