Leinster vs Ospreys match thread

[pete (buachaill on eirne)]

Hey all,

Thanks god club rugby is back (from an Irish perspective!) needed this.

Seems to be a lot happening Leinster's side of things, with BOD looking like he will come back into the team and the same being said for Cullen. Huge experience re-entering the team after youth has been keeping us more than just a float for a number of months. Very healthy to see. It will interesting to see where they slot in and (if they are on the bench as I imagine they will) who they will be paired with.

Thorn also looks set to make his Leinster debut giving the 3 players mentioned a run up of this game and the Munster derby in Thomond to the HCup 1/4 final.

From an Ospreys side of things, munster losing to Aironi a week back has given them a huge lifeline and they now have a chance to fight for 2nd place and a home semifinal which would prove invaluable I am sure. Bowe has decided he is leaving and there does seem to be an exodus of sorts coming from the Wlesh clubs who together have created a fantastic Grand slam winning team? Will anyone come back from that squad and play a part on Friday.

What are your score perdictions?
What team would you like to see?
If Ospreys were to win how big an impact could it have on the top 3?
Where can either team win it?

LEINSTER:

15: Isa Nacewa
14: David Kearney
13: Brian O'Driscoll
12: Fergus McFadden
11: Luke Fitzgerald
10: Ian Madigan
9: Isaac Boss

1: Heinke van der Merwe
2: Richardt Strauss
3: Nathan White
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN
5: Brad Thorn
6: Rhys Ruddock
7: Dominic Ryan
8: Leo Auva'a

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Sean Cronin
17: Jack McGrath
18: Jamie Hagan
19: Damian Browne
20: Kevin McLaughlin
21: John Cooney
22: Eoin O'Malley
23: Fionn Carr

OSPREYS:

15: Richard Fussell
14: Hanno Dirksen
13: Andrew Bishop
12: Ashley Beck
11: Eli Walker
10: Dan Biggar
9: Kahn Fotuali'i

1: Paul James
2: Richard Hibbard
3: Aaron Jarvis
4: Ryan Jones
5: Alun Wyn Jones CAPTAIN
6: Tom Smith
7: Justin Tipuric
8: George Stowers

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Scott Baldwin
17: Ryan Bevington
18: Adam Jones
19: Ian Evans
20: James King
21: Rhys Webb
22: Matthew Morgan
23: Tom Isaacs

As an aside: I have 1 southstand ticket to the game for sale. €22. PM if you're interested.

[gowales]

Easy leinster win

[ScarletSpiderman]

The likes of Ryan Jones, Ian Evans, AW Jones, and Adam Jones will most likely require resting, but Paul James and Co. should be back.

I think this will be the match where the Ospreys either put their season back on track or start to slip down the table.

[pete (buachaill on eirne)]

What do you reckon you're team will look like guys?

There are a lot of Leinster guys who will need to be rested too. I'd expect this team

VDM-Strauss-White
Toner-Thorn
McLaughlin-Avuav'a-Jennings (c)
Cooney-Madigan
McFadden-O'Malley
Fitzgerald-Nacewa-Kearney Jr

Cronin-McGrath-Hagan-Cullen-Ryan/Ruddock-McGrath-BOD-Carr

I think Boss has sick familly at home. heard that somewhere.

I agree that for you guys this is a bit make or break and you will also be really hoping that we can deny Munster a win next week too. How is your run in for the last few games of the season looking?

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

Word is Cullen expected to just miss out. Boss will be back I think. Redan could bench, and Berquist will be in the squad somewhere.

Leinster (63 pts): Ospreys (h); Munster (a); Edinburgh (h); Ulster (a); Dragons (a).

Munster (52): Connacht (a); Leinster (h); (Warriors (h); Scarlets (a); Ulster (h).

Ospreys (49): Leinster (a); Treviso (h); Blues (a); Dragons (h); Aironi (a).

Warriors (47): Aironi (h); Blues (h); Munster (a); Treviso (a); Connacht (h).

Ulster (46): Treviso (a); Aironi (h); Connacht (a); Leinster (h); Munster (a)

Scarlets (45): Blues (a); Edinburgh (a); Aironi (a); Munster (h); Blues (h).

Blues (45): Scarlets (h); Warriors (a); Ospreys (h); Edinburgh (h); Scarlets (a).

[gowales]

It's pretty hard to predict who the Ospreys will select, the management tend to pick players out of position half of the time. But from looking at the past few selections this is what i think they'll pick:

1.James
2.Hibbard
3.Jarvis
4.Gough
5.AW Jones
6.T Smith (crap player)
7.Tipuric
8.Bearman
9.Webb
10.Biggar
11.Walker
12.Beck
13.Bishop
14.Dirksen
15.Fussell

16.Baldwin/Bennett
17.Bevington
18.Joe Rees
19.J Thomas
20.Stowers
21.Fotuali'i
22.Morgan
23.Watermayer

[PenfroPete]

A losing bonus point would, quite literally, be a bonus. 4 losses out of the last 5 in the Rabo

[gowales]

We'd be lucky to get that mate. Im expecting a 4 try bonus point win to Leinster

[ScarletSpiderman]

We'd be lucky to get that mate. Im expecting a 4 try bonus point win to Leinster

I wouldn't be so negative about the Ospreys chances. They are not a bad side, and maybe the players will be out to prove they deserve to keep their shirts when the others return, or show that they should have had more game time during the 6Ns in the case of the returning internationals. Personally I would not rule out a losing bonus point. Leinster are a very good side, but they can be pushed out in Dublin. So if they Ospreys go into the game with the right attitude (not the we should win easy enough attitude that they played with against Aironi/Glasgow) they shouldn't let themselves down.

[pete (buachaill on eirne)]

Word is Cullen expected to just miss out. Boss will be back I think. Redan could bench, and Berquist will be in the squad somewhere.

Leinster (63 pts): Ospreys (h); Munster (a); Edinburgh (h); Ulster (a); Dragons (a).

Munster (52): Connacht (a); Leinster (h); (Warriors (h); Scarlets (a); Ulster (h).

Ospreys (49): Leinster (a); Treviso (h); Blues (a); Dragons (h); Aironi (a).

Warriors (47): Aironi (h); Blues (h); Munster (a); Treviso (a); Connacht (h).

Ulster (46): Treviso (a); Aironi (h); Connacht (a); Leinster (h); Munster (a)

Scarlets (45): Blues (a); Edinburgh (a); Aironi (a); Munster (h); Blues (h).

Blues (45): Scarlets (h); Warriors (a); Ospreys (h); Edinburgh (h); Scarlets (a).

Thanks for the info there Jen.
Sad to hear Cullen may miss out but good that Berq is back too. Fingers crossed we get a good team together. You have any idea what the deal with boss was? Ireland could have done with him.

The more and more I look at it the more and more precarious the Ospreys are in terms of their top 4 spot.
As penfro says that Rabo record over the last few games is very poor

[PenfroPete]

We'd be lucky to get that mate. Im expecting a 8 try bonus point win to Leinster

Fixed that for you GO

SPIDER - appreciate your kind words but the O's are on a 1:2 slippery slope that's just had an oil tanker over turn on it

[PenfroPete]

Ospreys (49): will get to 55 points

Leinster (a) lose by at least 20 pts;
Treviso (h); win by 3 pts scoring 2 tries at best
Blues (a); lose by at least 10 pts
Dragons (h) lose by less than 7 pts
Aironi (a) lose by less than 7 pts

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

Leinster never beat the Ospreys by much at home. You have to go back 5 years before there is more than a score in it.

Having said that. I won't be sad if Bod comes on and runs amok.

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

Ospreys (49): will get to 55 points

Leinster (a) lose by at least 20 pts;
Treviso (h); win by 3 pts scoring 2 tries at best
Blues (a); lose by at least 10 pts
Dragons (h) lose by less than 7 pts
Aironi (a) lose by less than 7 pts

I think they will beat Aironi and pick up a few BPs. But will it be enough to stay ahead of Glasgow and Ulster?

I think it will be tight between these 3 for the 2 away places.

Realistically, unless they beat Leinster they will not get a home semi. Wouldn't write them off though.

You may think they are unlikely to beat Leinster, but it is a short few years ago since they came over to the RDS and (deservedly) stole our cup. It could happen again this week. Leinster could come in over confident and get mugged. (I hope not)

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

You have any idea what the deal with boss was? Ireland could have done with him.

His Da was not well. Don't know any more than that. But unless he is very very bad (hope not for his sake quit apart from Rugby) He should make it back.

He would not have been expecting to feature for Ireland when he made his plans to go south.

[gowales]

Ospreys (49): will get to 55 points

Leinster (a) lose by at least 20 pts;
Treviso (h); win by 3 pts scoring 2 tries at best
Blues (a); lose by at least 10 pts
Dragons (h) lose by less than 7 pts
Aironi (a) lose by less than 7 pts

I think they will beat Aironi and pick up a few BPs. But will it be enough to stay ahead of Glasgow and Ulster?

I think it will be tight between these 3 for the 2 away places.

Realistically, unless they beat Leinster they will not get a home semi. Wouldn't write them off though.

You may think they are unlikely to beat Leinster, but it is a short few years ago since they came over to the RDS and (deservedly) stole our cup. It could happen again this week. Leinster could come in over confident and get mugged. (I hope not)

Problem is we're playing terrible rugby this year. The only try bonus point we've had this year was against Aironi and it wasn't a convincing performance at all. Past results don't really mean anything either.

[PenfroPete]

The only try bonus point we've had this year was against Aironi .

We are worse than that GO - no TBP's at all - TABLE

[gowales]

My oh my... flippin ek

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

I was thinking you could get an LBP v us and the Blues. Statistically you have to get at least 1 try bonus in a season

[Gibson]

We'd really need to win this and win it well, to seal a home SF spot. But. Never happens v O's. It is traditionally always a close game.

O's have a nice run-in too (with the exception of Blues away). Win this and they are on the pigs back. Even a LBP would be well handy.

Leinster have both Munster & Ulster away. Huge games.

Be just fantastic to see His BODliness back on board over the next few weeks. Perfect timing for the run-in. Leo and Thorn will really add some nous & grunt to the 22.

[pete (buachaill on eirne)]

Yeah would be great to have them both back. I think if Leinster can win either this or the Munster game we are in the clear for a SF I think.

[pete (buachaill on eirne)]

home semi final

[Golden]

Any word on how serious Rosses injury is and how long he'll be out for?

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

Not too serious. Could be back for Munster. (he was never going to play this week anyway) otherwise he will have to slot in for the QF with no run out for Leinster.

[Golden]

Ah right cheers Jen thats good to hear.

[pete (buachaill on eirne)]

Everything is going according to plan! Mwahaha!

[Cari]

If the O's do bring back the likes of AWJ, Ianto et al from international duty (unlikely so soon?), surely Tommy would be at 14, no?

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

If the O's do bring back the likes of AWJ, Ianto et al from international duty (unlikely so soon?), surely Tommy would be at 14, no?

AWJ did not start every game. That could be why he is being talked about. Also because Welsh regions are not as closely linked with the WRU as our provinces are with the IRFU blah blah etc.

I would say all the Welsh lads will be on the lash after their GS anyway. Dunno about Tommeh. Are you only coming over if he plays?

[pete (buachaill on eirne)]

I cant see the majority of them playing tbh.

This is gonna be a humdinger I just can feel it

[LeinsterFan4life]

i hope brad thorn starts and BOD's on the bench

[gowales]

I think AWJ will play because he's been out injured since November! He needs more game time! Ianto, Ryan and co. will be rested.

[eirebilly]

Its going to be a close match i feel but Leinster will have that little bit too much, plus having the home ground advantage

[gowales]

Don't be so modest billy. You know you're going to win big

[eirebilly]

I am a Munster fan Gowales and to be honest, i would not be comfortable playing the O's. I think that its going to be alot closer than people think.

[Mickado]

I can't remember the last time BOD came off the bench for Leinster. There will be some roar if/when that happens.

Would be surprised if we started with an all Irish front row in this one, just to show that we can...

McGrath - Cronin - Hagan
Toner - Thorn
Ryan - Ruddock - Jennings (c)
Boss - Madigan
Conway - Macken - O'Malley - Fitzgerald
D. Kearney

VDM - Struass - White - Browne - Auva'a - Cooney - Berquist - BOD

That would be my favoured 23 man squad.

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

I can't remember the last time BOD came off the bench for Leinster. There will be some roar if/when that happens.

Would be surprised if we started with an all Irish front row in this one, just to show that we can...

McGrath - Cronin - Hagan
Toner - Thorn
Ryan - Ruddock - Jennings (c)
Boss - Madigan
Conway - Macken - O'Malley - Fitzgerald
D. Kearney

VDM - Struass - White - Browne - Auva'a - Cooney - Berquist - BOD

That would be my favoured 23 man squad.

January the 2nd 09 v Connacht in the RDS apparently. Roar for shoar!

You reckon he will rest Isa? If so you could be close enough there.

[Mickado]

Hmmm, Odd. I’m 99% sure I was at that game but I can’t remember it. who am I to question the ubernerds though.

Well Isa hasn’t played for a few weeks but he’s got a lot of miles on the clock this season. I think we can assume he could do with a rest and that Kearney could benefit from some game time too.

Are you heading down to Limerick next week?

[ScarletSpiderman]

If the O's do bring back the likes of AWJ, Ianto et al from international duty (unlikely so soon?), surely Tommy would be at 14, no?

I would have thought that they would probably chuck Tommy straight into the squad, as they don't have to worry about the IRFUs opinion on it, and also they don't need to worry about whether or not it will effect Bowe's fitness/moral as come the end of the season he is gone. IMO they should probably flog him as much as possible til the end of the season to get their moneys worth out of him (and I hope the Scarlets do the same with Morgan and Lamont too).

[Mickado]

If the O's do bring back the likes of AWJ, Ianto et al from international duty (unlikely so soon?), surely Tommy would be at 14, no?

I would have thought that they would probably chuck Tommy straight into the squad, as they don't have to worry about the IRFUs opinion on it, and also they don't need to worry about whether or not it will effect Bowe's fitness/moral as come the end of the season he is gone. IMO they should probably flog him as much as possible til the end of the season to get their moneys worth out of him (and I hope the Scarlets do the same with Morgan and Lamont too).

Yep, like a rental suit, you get as much wear out of it as possible, then you cram in thought the 24 hour return slot.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Yep, like a rental suit, you get as much wear out of it as possible, then you cram in thought the 24 hour return slot.

Thats my thinking, even though Tommy has been a great player of the Ospreys, and he should be treated with respect, it is the business end of the season, and results are important which means the best players available need to be feilded.

[Mickado]

I agree. But i don't hink he'll be played any more than he would if he was staying on next season. There's no point in putting a tired or injured player out on the pitch, the O's will maximise his use to them, and that's the way to do it, but he won't be flogged, that's just counter productive.

[pete (buachaill on eirne)]

I can't see how him not being there really changes anything too much. They could ignore the IRFU anytime they wanted anyways!

I'd hope we have White in there I think Mick just to sure everything up in the first 60. Otherwise I'd be game with that!

[Mickado]

You're probably right Pete. Hagan played last week v Connacht A so White probably needs the game time more.

Plus (in keeping with the current tone) we can flog him till the end of the season anyway!

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

Hmmm, Odd. I’m 99% sure I was at that game but I can’t remember it. who am I to question the ubernerds though.

Well Isa hasn’t played for a few weeks but he’s got a lot of miles on the clock this season. I think we can assume he could do with a rest and that Kearney could benefit from some game time too.

Are you heading down to Limerick next week?

Yup. Limerick on the Lash. Hoping to take a 21 game unbeaten run down for testing in Fortress Thomond.

I was at the game too and don't remember it either. Hope you're not calling me an ubernerd.

[BlueMuff]

Hmmm, Odd. I’m 99% sure I was at that game but I can’t remember it. who am I to question the ubernerds though.

Well Isa hasn’t played for a few weeks but he’s got a lot of miles on the clock this season. I think we can assume he could do with a rest and that Kearney could benefit from some game time too.

Are you heading down to Limerick next week?

Yup. Limerick on the Lash. Hoping to take a 21 game unbeaten run down for testing in Fortress Thomond.

I was at the game too and don't remember it either. Hope you're not calling me an ubernerd.

Should be a cracking game. Looking forward to seeing our full strenght pack including BJ, POC if fit, Donnacha Ryan, POM, and Wally if fit. Also looking forward to seeing Zebo run in another couple of tries

A back 3 of Felix Jones, Denis Hurley and Zebo - nice

[Mickado]

You are an Ubernerd, but I wasn’t calling you that.

BM – should be a belter alright. Both teams looking to blow off the cobwebs of the Irish camp and get up to speed for the HC quarter finals.

Possible Leinster team:

Healy – Strauss – Ross
Thorn – Cullen
O’Brien – Heaslip – McLaughlin
Reddan – Sexton
Fitzgerald – McFadden – O’Driscoll – Nacewa
R.Kearney

Cronin – VDM – White – Toner – Jennings – Boss – Madigan – D.Kearney

That’s a spicy meatball!

[pete (buachaill on eirne)]

You are an Ubernerd, but I wasn’t calling you that.

BM – should be a belter alright. Both teams looking to blow off the cobwebs of the Irish camp and get up to speed for the HC quarter finals.

Possible Leinster team:

Healy – Strauss – Ross
Thorn – Cullen
O’Brien – Heaslip – McLaughlin
Reddan – Sexton
Fitzgerald – McFadden – O’Driscoll – Nacewa
R.Kearney

Cronin – VDM – White – Toner – Jennings – Boss – Madigan – D.Kearney

That’s a spicy meatball!

That's a very spicy meatball!!
Munster don't necessarily need to win that game but losing it could put their top2 hopes in some serious jeapordy

[maestegmafia]

Ospreys havent lost to an Irish Province home or away in the Rabbo yet this year have they?

[pete (buachaill on eirne)]

I know they beat us in the first game anyways. Sad time that we got mullered

[Mickado]

They lost to Ulster

http://www.rabodirectpro12.com/matchcentre/13304.php

[Sponsored content]