Glasgow V Leinster Saturday 18:00

The Leinster team to face the Glasgow Warriors in Saturday evening's RaboDirect PRO12 clash in Firhill (KO: 6pm, LIVE TG4) has been named...
Isa Nacewa, who has now scored 105 points in 12 PRO12 games so far this season, continues in the back three alongside Fionn Carr and David Kearney, with Brendan Macken resuming his centre partnership with Colm O'Shea who started the 42-8 victory over Benetton Treviso two weeks ago.

At half back, Ireland international Isaac Boss again partners Ian Madigan who is the tournament's second top try scorer this season with 6.

Meanwhile, Heinke van der Merwe joins Richardt Strauss and Nathan White in the front row with Mullingar second row Mark Flanagan set to earn his sixth Leinster cap when he lines up alongside Damian Browne at lock. Shane Jennings leads the team and is joined by Dominic Ryan and Leo Auva'a in the back row.

Andrew Conway takes his place amongst a replacements bench which also includes the likes of Eoin O'Malley and Devin Toner.

LEINSTER:

15: Isa Nacewa
14: David Kearney
13: Brendan Macken
12: Colm O'Shea
11: Fionn Carr
10: Ian Madigan
9: Isaac Boss

1: Heinke van der Merwe
2: Richardt Strauss
3: Nathan White
4: Damian Browne
5: Mark Flanagan
6: Dominic Ryan
7: Shane Jennings CAPTAIN
8: Leo Auva'a

Subs

16: Aaron Dundon
17: Jack McGrath
18: Jamie Hagan
19: Devin Toner
20: Jordi Murphy
21: John Cooney
22: Eoin O'Malley
23: Andrew Conway

REFEREE: John Lacey (IRFU), ASSISTANT REFEREES: Andrew McMenemy, Graeme Marshall (both SRU), TMO: Jim Yuille (SRU)

Glasgow

15 Peter Murchie
14 David Lemi
13 Alex Dunbar
12 Troy Nathan
11 Colin Shaw

10 Ruaridh Jackson
9 Henry Pyrgos

1 Ryan Grant
2 Pat MacArthur
3 Mike Cusack
4 Nick Campbell
5 Tom Ryder
6 Rob Harley (captain)
7 Chris Fusaro
8 Ryan Wilson

Subs

16 Dougie Hall
17 Jon Welsh
18 Gordon Reid
19 Rob Verbakel
20 Calum Forrester
21 Scott Wight
22 Federico Aramburu
23 Tommy Seymour

Am surprised that Welsh is benched for Grant. A Cusack and Welsh front row could really test the Leinster scrum, although might be a little on the static side in open play.

Am pleased that Dunbar is getting a chance, Glasgow could really use him stepping up. Also a big chance for Nick Campbell - at 6ft 7 and over 19 stones he has the frame to be an important player for Glasgow next season in Gray's absence.

I'm not expecting much from Glasgow here, but I've said that a few times this season. A losing bonus point would be a pretty good outcome.

Still no SH cover for Glasgow on the bench (presumably Lemi moves there if Pyrgos gets crocked), and good to see young Nick Campbell gettin a run out - high hopes for the lad. As has been said else where, these are the games where the likes of Murchie and Dunbar really need to be showing what they've got. Jon Welsh gets a well deserved rest with the return of Mike Cusack to tighthead

Not considered for selection due to injury: Rob Dewey (shoulder), Moray Low (knee), DTH van der Merwe (shoulder).

Where on earth is Johnnie Beattie?

Toner and O’Malley benched with O’Shea and Flanagan starting is an odd call. No sign of McLaughlin or Ruddock either….

Fitzgeralds injury just keeps going and going, must be bloody frustrating.

Great to see Conway back anyway, looking forward to this game more than the Ireland one unfortunately.

Mickado wrote:Toner and O’Malley benched with O’Shea and Flanagan starting is an odd call. No sign of McLaughlin or Ruddock either….

Fitzgeralds injury just keeps going and going, must be bloody frustrating.

Great to see Conway back anyway, looking forward to this game more than the Ireland one unfortunately.

I agree with all of that. No idea why we haven't put out some of our other lads that you have mentioned. Good to see Conway back getting very suspiscous of what we are being told about Luke now however.

I am also looking forward to this game more

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Still no SH cover for Glasgow on the bench (presumably Lemi moves there if Pyrgos gets crocked), and good to see young Nick Campbell gettin a run out - high hopes for the lad. As has been said else where, these are the games where the likes of Murchie and Dunbar really need to be showing what they've got. Jon Welsh gets a well deserved rest with the return of Mike Cusack to tighthead

Not considered for selection due to injury: Rob Dewey (shoulder), Moray Low (knee), DTH van der Merwe (shoulder).

Where on earth is Johnnie Beattie?

Maybe he can't get motivitated again, there seems to be alot of it around. Barclay is in the papers today saying that he could not be bothered with Rugby after the World Cup, but we should all be happy as he can be bothered now.

These guys should really try living in the real world.

As for the game tomorrow, Glasgow will need to really improve to get close to Leinster.

Dorothy_Mantooth wrote:

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Still no SH cover for Glasgow on the bench (presumably Lemi moves there if Pyrgos gets crocked), and good to see young Nick Campbell gettin a run out - high hopes for the lad. As has been said else where, these are the games where the likes of Murchie and Dunbar really need to be showing what they've got. Jon Welsh gets a well deserved rest with the return of Mike Cusack to tighthead

Not considered for selection due to injury: Rob Dewey (shoulder), Moray Low (knee), DTH van der Merwe (shoulder).

Where on earth is Johnnie Beattie?

Maybe he can't get motivitated again, there seems to be alot of it around. Barclay is in the papers today saying that he could not be bothered with Rugby after the World Cup, but we should all be happy as he can be bothered now.

These guys should really try living in the real world.

As for the game tomorrow, Glasgow will need to really improve to get close to Leinster.

Ah will you stop it with that "trying to be the underdog" shyte.

You are at home in a ground where we struggled to gain our 1st victory EVER with our full HC team out a month ago.

I reckon we will be poxed lucky to get anything in Firhill.

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

Dorothy_Mantooth wrote:

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Still no SH cover for Glasgow on the bench (presumably Lemi moves there if Pyrgos gets crocked), and good to see young Nick Campbell gettin a run out - high hopes for the lad. As has been said else where, these are the games where the likes of Murchie and Dunbar really need to be showing what they've got. Jon Welsh gets a well deserved rest with the return of Mike Cusack to tighthead

Not considered for selection due to injury: Rob Dewey (shoulder), Moray Low (knee), DTH van der Merwe (shoulder).

Where on earth is Johnnie Beattie?

Maybe he can't get motivitated again, there seems to be alot of it around. Barclay is in the papers today saying that he could not be bothered with Rugby after the World Cup, but we should all be happy as he can be bothered now.

These guys should really try living in the real world.

As for the game tomorrow, Glasgow will need to really improve to get close to Leinster.

Ah will you stop it with that "trying to be the underdog" shyte.

You are at home in a ground where we struggled to gain our 1st victory EVER with our full HC team out a month ago.

I reckon we will be poxed lucky to get anything in Firhill.

Fact. Although i think our front row will have the advantage we just don't seem to ever play well in Scotland, particularly in Glasgow.

What the heck is the deal with Fitzgerald? Did the Leinster medical staff accidentally kill him and are just trying to keep quiet about it and hope nobody notices?

Feckless Rogue wrote:What the heck is the deal with Fitzgerald? Did the Leinster medical staff accidentally kill him and are just trying to keep quiet about it and hope nobody notices?

He's alive, i saw him last week at the Scarlets game...

...unless that was a body double.

It's such a frustrating injury run though, they keep pushing his return back week by week.

And he was playing so well. He was in the form of his life.

We were lucky to come away with a draw. Thought Warriors wanted it more. It was great to see Dom Ryan and Conway make their returns and get through it. 2 key squad members back. Now, for Fitzgerald next week.

Unbeaten in 19 games now, in all comps. Good run.

And Madigan has started sharing place-kicking at last. His missed 2 x pens(as did Nacewa) , one of them from the halfway line and got a conversion. But, I dont care. Its the only way he'll get better. In competitive games.

Dreadful game in miserable conditions.

Tom Ryder got a deserved MOTM for Warriors.

Well done Warriors. Back in the Top 4 and the playoff positions.

Why didn't Glasgow opt to kick the penalty they were awarded in Leinster's 22 with a few minutes left on the clock?

Usually I applaud the ambition of a team that opts for a scrum, but with the scores tied and time running out, surely you have to go for the 3 points.

Thoughts?

I didn't see the game maky, but that sounds like a strange decision. Maybe the condition meant the kicker didn't fancy his chances.

Incredible decision - it was neither long nor really wide, Lineen must have been fuming.

Think we were lucky to get the draw too. Still leaves us doing pretty well and it was an away game.

Since the Ospreys lost this extends our lead in the league to 11. Massive game, to be 7 points down with a man in the bench and still claw back a draw is a great sign. Aironi now this Friday, short turnaround for them, let's hope Luke is back in the mix.

Feckless Rogue wrote:What the heck is the deal with Fitzgerald? Did the Leinster medical staff accidentally kill him and are just trying to keep quiet about it and hope nobody notices?

He was doing pitch side reports for the BBC on saturday. Says he'll be back next week.

Mickado wrote:Since the Ospreys lost this extends our lead in the league to 11. Massive game, to be 7 points down with a man in the bench and still claw back a draw is a great sign. Aironi now this Friday, short turnaround for them, let's hope Luke is back in the mix.

Not the Ospreys we have to worry about. It's munster. Have a look at their run in. The only top seven team they are away to are Scarlets, and they have us, Ulster and Glasgow at home. So they can put a dent in all 3. AND they've a game in hand.

We'll just have to go down there next month and give them lackery. It's the only way..... Trust me.

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

Mickado wrote:Since the Ospreys lost this extends our lead in the league to 11. Massive game, to be 7 points down with a man in the bench and still claw back a draw is a great sign. Aironi now this Friday, short turnaround for them, let's hope Luke is back in the mix.

Not the Ospreys we have to worry about. It's munster. Have a look at their run in. The only top seven team they are away to are Scarlets, and they have us, Ulster and Glasgow at home. So they can put a dent in all 3. AND they've a game in hand.

We'll just have to go down there next month and give them lackery. It's the only way..... Trust me.

Let's say they win their game in hand (Aironi away) with a BP, that would put them 7 points behind us. We've Ospreys and Edinburgh at home and Ulster and Dragons away. We should be able to put enough points between us and them to make it safe enough. But you're right, they're the ones to watch out for.

Mickado wrote:

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

Mickado wrote:Since the Ospreys lost this extends our lead in the league to 11. Massive game, to be 7 points down with a man in the bench and still claw back a draw is a great sign. Aironi now this Friday, short turnaround for them, let's hope Luke is back in the mix.

Not the Ospreys we have to worry about. It's munster. Have a look at their run in. The only top seven team they are away to are Scarlets, and they have us, Ulster and Glasgow at home. So they can put a dent in all 3. AND they've a game in hand.

We'll just have to go down there next month and give them lackery. It's the only way..... Trust me.

Let's say they win their game in hand (Aironi away) with a BP, that would put them 7 points behind us. We've Ospreys and Edinburgh at home and Ulster and Dragons away. We should be able to put enough points between us and them to make it safe enough. But you're right, they're the ones to watch out for.

I would not like to have to win at Ravenhill or Dave Parade. Nice to be able to rotate at that point in the season. Beat the lads with the nervous sisters. Problem solved. Or.... someone else could volunteer to do it for us.......Dragons were one of only 3 games they lost last year.

Didn’t they lose to the Dragons in Thomond in the last few seasons too?

It should also be noted that at the start of the season people were going crazy about Harlequins managing 14 games unbeaten. We’ve now managed 19.

Mickado wrote:Didn’t they lose to the Dragons in Thomond in the last few seasons too?

It should also be noted that at the start of the season people were going crazy about Harlequins managing 14 games unbeaten. We’ve now managed 19.

Don't remember that. Dragons have a shyte away record.

Mickado wrote:

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

Mickado wrote:Since the Ospreys lost this extends our lead in the league to 11. Massive game, to be 7 points down with a man in the bench and still claw back a draw is a great sign. Aironi now this Friday, short turnaround for them, let's hope Luke is back in the mix.

Not the Ospreys we have to worry about. It's munster. Have a look at their run in. The only top seven team they are away to are Scarlets, and they have us, Ulster and Glasgow at home. So they can put a dent in all 3. AND they've a game in hand.

We'll just have to go down there next month and give them lackery. It's the only way..... Trust me.

Let's say they win their game in hand (Aironi away) with a BP, that would put them 7 points behind us. We've Ospreys and Edinburgh at home and Ulster and Dragons away. We should be able to put enough points between us and them to make it safe enough. But you're right, they're the ones to watch out for.

Hmm that's worrying enough isn't it? We should still be able to hold em off I think but that match in Limerick is going to be crucial isn't it?

I'd like to think we could beat Ospreys and Edinburgh at the very least and if we put out our HCup Team then we should be able to win at least one of the other 2.

Our unbeaten run is nothing short of awesome!!!!!

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:

Hmm that's worrying enough isn't it? We should still be able to hold em off I think but that match in Limerick is going to be crucial isn't it?

I'd like to think we could beat Ospreys and Edinburgh at the very least and if we put out our HCup Team then we should be able to win at least one of the other 2.

Our unbeaten run is nothing short of awesome!!!!!

The Ulster game is the week before a possible HC semi (If we can beat Cardiff) and the Dragons one is the week before an almost certain Pro 12 semi.

Be nice not to HAVE to put out the HC team. (I'm talking ideal world scenario obviously)

With the internationals over we’ll be able to put out very strong teams for the Munster, Edinburgh, Ulster and Dragons games. I’d say they’ll all need at least a week off after the 6nations though, so we could be looking at a similar enough team to this/last weeks against the Ospreys.

Mickado wrote:With the internationals over we’ll be able to put out very strong teams for the Munster, Edinburgh, Ulster and Dragons games. I’d say they’ll all need at least a week off after the 6nations though, so we could be looking at a similar enough team to this/last weeks against the Ospreys.

Plus Brad Thorn.

Ironically you could see Tommy Bowe for the Os but none of our lads.

Just thinking about what teams we might see over the next few weeks…

Team v Aironi – no players returned from international duty

VDM – Strauss – Hagan
Toner – McLaughlin
Ruddock – Auva’a - Ryan
Boss – Madigan
Carr – O’Malley – Macken – D.Kearney
Nacewa

Dundon – McGrath – White – Flanagan – Murphy – Cooney – Reid – Conway

Team v Ospreys – bench players returned from international duty

VDM – Strauss – White
Toner – Thorn
McLaughlin – Auva’a – Ryan
Boss – Madigan
Conway – McFadden – O’Malley – Fitzgerald
D.Kearney

Cronin – McGrath – Hagan – Browne – Ruddock – Cooney – Nacewa – Carr

Team v Munster – all players back available but not to start

VDM – Cronin – Ross
Toner – Thorn
McLaughlin – Auva’a – Jennings
Boss – Madigan
Fitzgerald – McFadden – O’Malley – D.Kearney
Nacewa

Strauss – Healy – White – Browne – O’Brien – Reddan – Sexton – Carr


Obviously a lot is depending on who can stay fit, but I think that kind of blend of internationals returning for league matches will be what we go for.

The four international games in a row does make it that bit tougher for our lads and the fact that so many are involved too. Hope none get hurt in the process.

We do have some serious depth but it would be nice to not have to put out a first choice if we can avoid it in the latter stages of the Pro12. 1st by 1 point is the exact same result as 1st by 6 points.

Too right Pete, a formula one team would not be doing their job right if the engine that they use for the weekend isn't just about to fall apart by the end. If it's not ready for the knackers yard it means they put too much effort in for the same outcome. finishing top by one point would be the perfect ending with the least amount of extra effort. A must if we're realistically looking for a double this year.

Mickado wrote:Just thinking about what teams we might see over the next few weeks…

Team v Aironi – no players returned from international duty

VDM – Strauss – Hagan
Toner – McLaughlin
Ruddock – Auva’a - Ryan
Boss – Madigan
Carr – O’Malley – Macken – D.Kearney
Nacewa

Dundon – McGrath – White – Flanagan – Murphy – Cooney – Reid – Conway

Team v Ospreys – bench players returned from international duty

VDM – Strauss – White
Toner – Thorn
McLaughlin – Auva’a – Ryan
Boss – Madigan
Conway – McFadden – O’Malley – Fitzgerald
D.Kearney

Cronin – McGrath – Hagan – Browne – Ruddock – Cooney – Nacewa – Carr

Team v Munster – all players back available but not to start

VDM – Cronin – Ross
Toner – Thorn
McLaughlin – Auva’a – Jennings
Boss – Madigan
Fitzgerald – McFadden – O’Malley – D.Kearney
Nacewa

Strauss – Healy – White – Browne – O’Brien – Reddan – Sexton – Carr


Obviously a lot is depending on who can stay fit, but I think that kind of blend of internationals returning for league matches will be what we go for.

Mickado for Leinster Assistant Coach. Good thought put into that. Covers all the angles well.
The game time management and readiness of, all our key squad players - is crucial for success in the HC. Conway, Dom Ryan and Fitzy coming back, is really good news.
Schmidt will have to carefuly plan every game from here on in, with this in mind. He will need to utilise and still keep competitive, the complete squad and backup - to the max.
He has proven to be a Master at this.

An extended squad, which contains 29 Leinster Way Academy graduates. This fact, makes me well happy.

Dont forget, that 2 of our best players, of all time - are still in the wings waiting to come back. BOD, could yet make the HC Final - if we make it. Shaggy, I dunno yet. But Id love to see it happen. One last hurrah for the Shagster. Love im.

I would bet that no other club in the World, has that luxury and at this level.

Believe.

Yeah our depth is quite amazing tooting own flute and all that but ah well!

I think the "second string" guys are going to need to really work hard over the next 4 weeks or so to beat teams who are going to be putting our first choice teams in an attempt to make playoff spots.

I think it is safe to say that no teams second string would stand anywhere near as good a chance at doing this as Leinster but still it is a tough ask.

Could really do with getting Thorn in asap anyone know what the jazz is?
When is Berq back too?

Mick I'll vote for ya for assistant coach if you could put me in a good word for me as scrumhalf cover!

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Yeah our depth is quite amazing tooting own flute and all that but ah well!

I think the "second string" guys are going to need to really work hard over the next 4 weeks or so to beat teams who are going to be putting our first choice teams in an attempt to make playoff spots.

I think it is safe to say that no teams second string would stand anywhere near as good a chance at doing this as Leinster but still it is a tough ask.

Could really do with getting Thorn in asap anyone know what the jazz is?
When is Berq back too?

Mick I'll vote for ya for assistant coach if you could put me in a good word for me as scrumhalf cover!

It's a deal Pete. We need cover since Willis has left and I'm not sure Cooney is up to it yet

Berquist is expected back this week so he could be on the bench on Friday. Thorn has his last game in Japan this weekend and the only date i've heard touted is March 5th. Here's hoping.

Yeah that lad isn't great I'm much better!

We could do with Thorn sooner rather than later. He will be here for a good few games but would like him nice and bedded in for the 1/4 final and Munster game. Good thing is that as soon as he arrives he will be paired with Toner who is available to us at the moment at least.

Can Berq cover anywhere else?

He can play at inside center i believe.

Ok that's good to know. I had a feeling he could play 15 too.

A backline of

Boss-Madigan
Berquist-Macken
Fitzgerald-Íosa-D.Kearney

is beyond tasty IMO.

Any idea when the team for Aironi is announced. A bonus point would be ever so lovely

It's Friday kickoff so i'd be guessing on Wednesday or Thursday.

There's 2 problems though, it's on at 6pm and it's not on tv. Pain in the hole.

A feck why is it not being broadcasted?
The Italians always seem to release highlights at least. They did last year.

Ah well can't win em all.
Thank god for the Ireland France game so