Preseason: Leinster 33 vs Gloucester 22 (Tallaght Stadium)

by thebandwagonsociety Mon 13 Aug 2012, 4:35 pm

Taken from Leinster site
A young Leinster side kicked off their campaign with a fine 33-22 victory over Gloucester in Saturday's Bank of Ireland friendly in Tallaght Stadium...
After an early spell of territorial pressure, Gloucester full-back Rob Cook kicked the visitors into an early 3-0 lead when he slotted home a penalty after three minutes.

Leinster defended well and regained the initiative and when a penalty opportunity arose for the hosts after nine minutes inside the visitors’ half, Ian Madigan opted to find touch which he did deep inside the Gloucester 22.

From the ensuing lineout the forwards drove deep inside the Gloucester 22 and John Cooney eventually found number eight Leo Auva’a who crashed over to score the game’s opening try.

Madigan slotted home the straightforward conversion to push his side into a 7-3 lead after 10 minutes.

In the 18th minute Gloucester regained the lead when left winger Ian Clark broke through the defence to touch down near the corner, with Cook adding the extras and give the English side a 10-7 advantage.

Leinster pressed and on the half hour mark Madigan capitalised on an overthrown Leinster lineout to scoop, gather and sprint clear of the Cherry and White’s rearguard to touch down under the posts. The out-half added the points to push the hosts into a 14-10 lead.

Gloucester threatened the Leinster line as the exciting first half drew to a close but the Leinster defence withstood the late pressure to take a four point lead into the half time interval.

The hosts began the second half brightly with Fionn Carr starting a good move which saw sub Dominic Ryan almost steal a try in the corner. But from the ensuing phase of play Madigan delivered an inch perfect cross-field kick to the hands of the onrushing Andrew Boyle who ran under the posts and touched down at the Square end of the ground, with Madigan again converting.

The topsy-turvy nature of the contest continued with flanker Peter Buxton touching down in the 48th minute after a wave of Gloucester pressure, though out-half Tim Taylor’s conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

As several substitutes prepared to enter the fray on the hour mark winger Carr almost got his name on the score-sheet when he kicked ahead and sprinted, but the Gloucester covering defence prevented the try.

Tom Denton, making his first competitive start since his summer move from Leeds Carnegie, soared to steal a lineout and from the resulting move – involving the likes of Carr and Madigan among others - Ryan eventually crossed the line for Leinster’s fourth try of the evening.

Moments later Darren Hudson scored the province’s fifth try when he darted clear to score to make it 33-15 and though sub prop Dan Murphy added a try with five minutes remaining – converted by Taylor – Leinster held on to seal a fine victory in an entertaining ground-breaking contest in Tallaght.
LEINSTER SCORERS: I. Madigan (1 try, 4 conversions), L. Auva'a, A. Boyle, D. Ryan, D. Hudson (1 try each)

GLOUCESTER SCORERS: I Clark, P. Buxton, D. Murphy (1 try each), R. Cook (1 penalty, 1 conversion), T. Taylor (1 conversion)

LEINSTER:

15: Darren Hudson (Luke McGrath, 76 mins)
14: Andrew Boyle (Sam Coghlan-Murray, 58 mins)
13: Collie O’Shea (Brendan Macken, 70 mins)
12: Noel Reid
11: Fionn Carr
10: Ian Madigan
9: John Cooney

1: Jack McGrath (Jack O'Connell, 58 mins)
2: Aaron Dundon (Tom Sexton, ht) (Jack McGrath, 79 mins)
3: Jamie Hagan (Martin Moore, 58 mins)
4: Damian Browne (Ben Marshall, 55 mins)
5: Tom Denton
6: Ben Marshall (Dominic Ryan, ht)
7: Shane Jennings CAPTAIN (Jordi Murphy, 64 mins)
8: Leo Auva’a

REPLACEMENTS NOT USED: Cathal Marsh, James Tracy

GLOUCESTER:

Rob Cook; Shane Monahan, Tim Molenaar, Billy Twelvetrees, Ian Clark; Tim Taylor, Dave Lewis; Yann Thomas, Darren Dawidiuk, Shaun Knight; Tom Savage, Alex Brown CAPTAIN; Peter Buxton, Andy Hazell, Sione Kalamafoni

REPLACEMENTS: Koree Britton, Dan Murphy, Dario Chistolini, Will James, Rob Langley, Gareth Evans, Dan Robson, Martyn Thomas, James Simpson-Daniel

REFEREE: Alain Rolland (IRFU), ASSISTANT REFEREES: Paul Haycock, Nigel Correll (both IRFU)

by thebandwagonsociety Mon 13 Aug 2012, 4:38 pm

Didn't make it to the game myself, anyone 606v2ers take their lives in their hands and venture beyond the M50!

Seems strange that Jack McGrath came on as a hooker replacement at the end of the game, hope no serious injuries. Also, the bench for the backs seems a bit off to see that Luke McGrath had to come on as replacement for a full back also.

Looking forward to the season starting but feels like ages before Leinster will play in the RDS.

by LeinsterFan4life Mon 13 Aug 2012, 4:38 pm

The Players that impressed me the most were auva'a and hudson. Also leinster seem to have another promising prop coming through in jack o connell. He got like 3 turnovers in 15 mins and his srumaging was impressive.

by **rodders** Mon 13 Aug 2012, 4:43 pm

Sounds like Madigan had a good game. 1 try, 1 assist and 4 conversions? Get that man an Ireland tracksuit guinness

.

by thebandwagonsociety Mon 13 Aug 2012, 4:53 pm

I think this season when he starts as 10, he deserves at this stage to get the responsibility to be the primary kicker.

Last season it was Sexton, McFadden, Nacewa, Madigan. Which was pretty much in order of likelihood of being on the pitch (if you assume McFadden & Nacewa are 50:50 call in order). Madigan also started pre-season as 3rd choice behind Berquist last year.

This season, I think it is safer to believe that if Sexton isn't starting, then Madigan is nailed on as first choice replacement. Joe should increase the kids responsibilities accordingly.

by thebandwagonsociety Mon 13 Aug 2012, 5:01 pm

Is the Leinster site now accurate with this being the full senior squad?

2012-2013 Played - Points
Leo Auva'a Played 19 - Points 25
Michael Bent Played 0 - Points 0
Isaac Boss Played 51 - Points 40
Damian Browne Played 21 - Points 0
Fionn Carr Played 21 - Points 25
Andrew Conway Played 19 - Points 15
John Cooney Played 6 - Points 5
Sean Cronin Played 23 - Points 25
Leo Cullen Played 174 - Points 20
Gordon D'Arcy Played 202 - Points 299
Tom Denton Played 0 - Points 0
Aaron Dundon Played 9 - Points 0
Luke Fitzgerald Played 103 - Points 125
Mark Flanagan Played 7 - Points 0
Andrew Goodman Played 0 - Points 0
Jamie Hagan Played 19 - Points 5
Cian Healy Played 96 - Points 45
Jamie Heaslip Played 147 - Points 130
Shane Jennings Played 149 - Points 65
Dave Kearney Played 39 - Points 40
Rob Kearney Played 120 - Points 185
Brendan Macken Played 12 - Points 10
Ian Madigan Played 49 - Points 104
Fergus McFadden Played 74 - Points 289
Jack McGrath Played 20 - Points 5
Kevin McLaughlin Played 75 - Points 20
Isa Nacewa Played 102 - Points 368
Sean O'Brien Played 71 - Points 70
Brian O'Driscoll Played 158 - Points 276
Eoin O'Malley Played 49 - Points 25
Eoin Reddan Played 65 - Points 5
Mike Ross Played 66 - Points 0
Quinn Roux Played 0 - Points 0
Rhys Ruddock Played 41 - Points 10
Dominic Ryan Played 38 - Points 25
Jonathan Sexton Played 92 - Points 794
Tom Sexton Played 2 - Points 0
Richardt Strauss Played 65 - Points 15
Devin Toner Played 97 - Points 10
Heinke VDM Played 62 - Points 15

by thebandwagonsociety Mon 13 Aug 2012, 5:05 pm

Also, Leinster Academy for 12/13 from site;

2012-2013
Surname First name Snr Apps
Beirne Tadhg 0
Boyle Andrew 0
Byrne Bryan 0
Byrne Edward 0
Coghlan Jordan 0
Coghlan Murray Sam 0
Conan Jack 0
Doyle David 0
Furlong Tadhg 0
Gilsenan Conor 0
Hudson Darren 1 +4
Leavy Dan 0
Marsh Cathal 0
Marshall Ben 0 +1
McGrath Luke 0
Murphy Jordi 1 +5
O'Connell Jack 0 +2
O'Shea Colm 2
Reid Noel 2 +4
Sherlock Mikey 0
Thornbury Gavin 0
Tracy James 0
van der Flier Josh 0

by LeinsterFan4life Mon 13 Aug 2012, 9:27 pm

Madigan will be with the ireland squad this year so we will be in a bit of trouble. Noel reid is gonna have to step up big time in the rabbo.

by Rory_Gallagher Mon 13 Aug 2012, 10:30 pm

Will Auva'a get a shot with Ireland this season possibly? I think he is a very good player, and would offer a real physical option to the pack (something we seemed to lack in NZ).

Also, nice to see Ryan score. I expect a big season from him.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Mon 13 Aug 2012, 10:56 pm

thebandwagonsociety wrote:Is the Leinster site now accurate with this being the full senior squad?

Yep. Has been up for over a month now.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Mon 13 Aug 2012, 11:03 pm

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Will Auva'a get a shot with Ireland this season possibly? I think he is a very good player, and would offer a real physical option to the pack (something we seemed to lack in NZ).

Also, nice to see Ryan score. I expect a big season from him.

I would be surprised if he ever gets capped for Ireland. Great ball carrier, big strong guy, great at the flashy stuff, but not so keen to do the nuts and bolts.

He has never even played a minute of HC rugby.

Don't get me wrong I love him, and he is a lovely guy, but Rabo and injury cover in the HC is about his level. He spent 3 years playing for Belvo in the Ail and looked great but was severely unfit until Leinster got hold of him.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Mon 13 Aug 2012, 11:03 pm

Also. Back row is probably Ireland's strongest suit

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Mon 13 Aug 2012, 11:08 pm

Nice to see Marshall return to the game at lock where he started playing rugby and has much more chance than at 6.

Cooney looked good from the small highlights.

I am very excited about Madigan. I just don't know how we are going to get he and Sexton on the pitch for the big games or is Madigan just going to have to make due with coming off the bench in those games. It would be nice to have them shift and swap between 10 and 12 but I think Darcy is more important than we give him credit for (had a bit of a revolution a few weeks ago about that, we'll have to see if he will be playing well this season as he has dipped but he still makes a lot of yards in contact)

Very excited for Ryan too I think he has a big chance now with both SOB and Ruddock out

by Jenifer McLadyboy Mon 13 Aug 2012, 11:20 pm

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Nice to see Marshall return to the game at lock where he started playing rugby and has much more chance than at 6.

Cooney looked good from the small highlights.

I am very excited about Madigan. I just don't know how we are going to get he and Sexton on the pitch for the big games or is Madigan just going to have to make due with coming off the bench in those games. It would be nice to have them shift and swap between 10 and 12 but I think Darcy is more important than we give him credit for (had a bit of a revolution a few weeks ago about that, we'll have to see if he will be playing well this season as he has dipped but he still makes a lot of yards in contact)

Very excited for Ryan too I think he has a big chance now with both SOB and Ruddock out

Marshall started at 6 and only came back on in the 2nd row when Browne hurt his knee. Joe sees him as a 4/6 player. Funny to see him in the row with Denton as neither of them are tight head scrumagers.

Also we had a full academy front row. Marshall in the 2nd row and Jordi Murphy in the back row for the last 20 or so. That's 5 out of 8 forwards from the academy, and we did not get killed in the scrum.

Madigan did some stunning stuff with the ball in hand, but kicking from hand was mixed (goalkicking 4 from 5 in fairness) and a few defensive lapses.

Not sure he will feature at 12 (or Sexton for that matter) Good news is that Collie O'Shea looks like a young Darce, and Reid had a decent enough game at 12 (Goodman will probably play there too)

I was very impressed with the academy players in general, lots of guys pushing for places and very few of them would let us down in the Rabo.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Mon 13 Aug 2012, 11:47 pm

I think Marshall is 6'3" no? He may be a bit small for lock (taking a leaf out of a different posters book) we'll see I guess. I liked him as a lock at school level.

You can see Madigan (or Sexton) being used as a super sub then Jen? Or maybe if we need to open the game up put Sexton at 12 for Darce with Madigan at 10?????

I hope fitz comes back and tries to stake a claim for 12/13. Not sold with McFadden anymore fully but think O'Malley could still be good.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Tue 14 Aug 2012, 12:08 am

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Nice to see Marshall return to the game at lock where he started playing rugby and has much more chance than at 6.

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:I think Marshall is 6'3" no? He may be a bit small for lock (taking a leaf out of a different posters book) we'll see I guess. I liked him as a lock at school level.

You're confusing the bejaysus outa me there Pete. Do you like him in the 2nd row or not? He's 6'4" http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/profiles/academy.php?player=94716&includeref=dynamic which is still a bit small for lock, bit of a Mike McCarthy type player who can cover 4/5/6

I don't see Madigan or Sexton playing 12 for Leinster any time soon (But sure I've been wrong before)

There could be a surprise player there before the season's out. But as it stands there is Darce, McFadden, Goodman, O'Malley, O'Shea, Reid, in roughly that order.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Tue 14 Aug 2012, 12:12 am

Haha sorry bru, I thought he was 6'3" which could be "too small" I liked him as a lock but haven't seen him there in ages but I know the competition for backrow spots at leinster (especially 6) is just mental!

Where would a fit Fitzgerald fit in there?

by Jenifer McLadyboy Tue 14 Aug 2012, 12:25 am

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Haha sorry bru, I thought he was 6'3" which could be "too small" I liked him as a lock but haven't seen him there in ages but I know the competition for backrow spots at leinster (especially 6) is just mental!

Where would a fit Fitzgerald fit in there?

Probably ease him back in at 11. Not sure of his passing off both hands for an inside centre. Buckets of talent though and a good defender perhaps 13 after BOD. Who knows though. McFadden and Fitz (and Earls at Munster) are perhaps victims of their own versatility.

I have a feeling that there will be a scramble to take over from Bod and Darce, with the likes of McF, EOM, Fitz, Macken all in the mix. Perhaps a few more by then.

I like what I have seen of O'Shea in the B&I and the odd Rabo cap. Not so fond of Reid at 12. Could be a surprise package out of left field too.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Tue 14 Aug 2012, 12:41 am

I can't see Reid working for us anyways, he is not the kind of 10 we need and he is not the kinda 12 we need.

by Mickado Tue 14 Aug 2012, 7:33 am

Was at the game, Madigan was good but his kicking from hand wasn't the John West, i'd put that down to preseason rustyness though, his place kicking was good 4/5.

Hudson was good, Carr made some great breaks and was unlucky not to get over the line himself.

Thought Denton was blowing from early on, but give him time, he called the line outs which overall weren't great but Dundons throwing wasn't always great.

Very enjoyable game all round, and great to see a game played in Tallaght!

by LeinsterFan4life Tue 14 Aug 2012, 11:39 am

Mickado wrote:Was at the game, Madigan was good but his kicking from hand wasn't the John West, i'd put that down to preseason rustyness though, his place kicking was good 4/5.

Hudson was good, Carr made some great breaks and was unlucky not to get over the line himself.

Thought Denton was blowing from early on, but give him time, he called the line outs which overall weren't great but Dundons throwing wasn't always great.

Very enjoyable game all round, and great to see a game played in Tallaght!

I was very surprised with how well the stadium is kept. It was really clean and its actually a really nice stadium. Very good day out i was glad i went to it.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Tue 14 Aug 2012, 12:47 pm

LeinsterFan4life wrote:
Mickado wrote:Was at the game, Madigan was good but his kicking from hand wasn't the John West, i'd put that down to preseason rustyness though, his place kicking was good 4/5.

Hudson was good, Carr made some great breaks and was unlucky not to get over the line himself.

Thought Denton was blowing from early on, but give him time, he called the line outs which overall weren't great but Dundons throwing wasn't always great.

Very enjoyable game all round, and great to see a game played in Tallaght!
I was very surprised with how well the stadium is kept. It was really clean and its actually a really nice stadium. Very good day out i was glad i went to it.

What were you expecting? Used needles and Condoms everywhere? Discarded robbed handbags? Laugh

Agreed on Hudson Mick. Who knew he could play full back so well? My favourite academy player.

by Feckless Rogue Tue 14 Aug 2012, 2:23 pm

It was clean?? I don't believe you.

by Gibson Tue 14 Aug 2012, 3:33 pm

It will be great to see Madigan given more responsibility. Specially in the HC. With it, he will grow even better and play for Ireland soon. The other side of the coin, is that our success is robbing us of 14/15 players to Ireland. Its great, don't get me wrong, but it will hurt us short-term. We will need Reid to step up - backed up by Goodman. Also need Boss to stay with us and not Ireland.
We also have a raft of injuries that worry me for the season's start though. Added to our Irish Internationals not being available.

Fitzy, may not even make it back by next Jan.
O Malley - November - maybe
SOB - same
Ruddock - same
Dave Kearney?
Any more? Is Conway ok?

If we get any more, in key areas - we could be in trouble.

We badly need, Roux, Denton and Goodman to hit the ground running.

P.S. It was great to see that game being played in Tallaght. A huge catchment area for future players & fans. I also love the Summer training-sessions happening all over Leinster.

We are doing so many things right.

Believe.

by Thomond Tue 14 Aug 2012, 3:37 pm

Have been to Tallaght for a few soccer matches with Cork City. Favorite stadium in the league aside from Turner's Cross. Nice stands lovely pitch and surrounding area has some nice spots for munch and a drink inside too is clean, the jacks are in a good state. The rovers fans had a conniption when they came to Cork at the state of the Toilets, I wouldn't have said they were too bad, high standards.

Suppose you want a clean Jacks when you're injecting, if the needle is contaminated you're feiced Wink

by LeinsterFan4life Tue 14 Aug 2012, 5:56 pm

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:
LeinsterFan4life wrote:
Mickado wrote:Was at the game, Madigan was good but his kicking from hand wasn't the John West, i'd put that down to preseason rustyness though, his place kicking was good 4/5.

Hudson was good, Carr made some great breaks and was unlucky not to get over the line himself.

Thought Denton was blowing from early on, but give him time, he called the line outs which overall weren't great but Dundons throwing wasn't always great.

Very enjoyable game all round, and great to see a game played in Tallaght!
I was very surprised with how well the stadium is kept. It was really clean and its actually a really nice stadium. Very good day out i was glad i went to it.

What were you expecting? Used needles and Condoms everywhere? Discarded robbed handbags?

Agreed on Hudson Mick. Who knew he could play full back so well? My favourite academy player.

i expected it to be like parc tailteann from what i seen of it on tv

by Mickado Wed 15 Aug 2012, 7:25 am

Ah Pairc Talinteann is years old, TS is only open 4/5 years. Yeah, it's in good nick. Mind you, the counsel own it, not Rovers.

by LeinsterFan4life Wed 15 Aug 2012, 10:36 am

Mickado wrote:Ah Pairc Talinteann is years old, TS is only open 4/5 years. Yeah, it's in good nick. Mind you, the counsel own it, not Rovers.

Did u enjoy the game mick? Auva'a is becoming a fan favourite

by thebandwagonsociety Wed 15 Aug 2012, 10:47 am

Definitely think he is a fan favourite at this stage. Mainly because he runs straight, hard lines down the field. Plus when your first name is the same as the captain and mascot, and your second name sounds like part of a Vic Reeves soundbite out of an episode of shooting star, it has to help a little bit also.

by LeinsterFan4life Wed 15 Aug 2012, 11:21 am

thebandwagonsociety wrote:Definitely think he is a fan favourite at this stage. Mainly because he runs straight, hard lines down the field. Plus when your first name is the same as the captain and mascot, and your second name sounds like part of a Vic Reeves soundbite out of an episode of shooting star, it has to help a little bit also.

Did you see when he ran up from the full back postion and caught a high ball. One of best things ive ever seen.

by Feckless Rogue Wed 15 Aug 2012, 11:39 am

He's brilliant. What a player to have as our "2nd string" number 8.

by LeinsterFan4life Wed 15 Aug 2012, 11:46 am

Feckless Rogue wrote:He's brilliant. What a player to have as our "2nd string" number 8.

Would you like to see him play a few HC games?

by thebandwagonsociety Wed 15 Aug 2012, 11:52 am

LeinsterFan4life wrote:
thebandwagonsociety wrote:Definitely think he is a fan favourite at this stage. Mainly because he runs straight, hard lines down the field. Plus when your first name is the same as the captain and mascot, and your second name sounds like part of a Vic Reeves soundbite out of an episode of shooting star, it has to help a little bit also.
Did you see when he ran up from the full back postion and caught a high ball. One of best things ive ever seen.

Didn't manage to get to Tallaght for the game. I remember watching him against Saints the pre-season of last year. Leinster scrum under pressure deep in own 22 in front of the posts. He picks up the ball, bumps flanker to the floor, pushes over the scrum half, uses the outhalf as a turnstile on the edge of the 22, grabs one of the centres at the leinster 10m pushing him back till the halfway line when he just threw the poor centre to the floor, then looks around for support (waiting for what seemed like an age to pop the ball to someone else as he was knackered). The entire play didn't go more than 2 metres either side of the posts. Had my vote right there and then.

by Feckless Rogue Wed 15 Aug 2012, 12:08 pm

LeinsterFan4life wrote:
Feckless Rogue wrote:He's brilliant. What a player to have as our "2nd string" number 8.
Would you like to see him play a few HC games?

I don't think he's ever played a HC game. Maybe there's a reason for that. I've heard people mention his fitness in the past. I'm no rugby expert. But he looks brilliant to me. He's just raw power. He scored a fair few tries in the PRO12.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed 15 Aug 2012, 12:47 pm

Feckless Rogue wrote:
LeinsterFan4life wrote:
Feckless Rogue wrote:He's brilliant. What a player to have as our "2nd string" number 8.
Would you like to see him play a few HC games?

I don't think he's ever played a HC game. Maybe there's a reason for that. I've heard people mention his fitness in the past. I'm no rugby expert. But he looks brilliant to me. He's just raw power. He scored a fair few tries in the PRO12.

I'm no rugby expert either.and I don't want to sound like I have a downer on Big Leo or suggest that I think I know more than any other posters.

He is all you describe a fantastic ball carrier and all round good guy.

It just happens that his good points are there to see for all people of all levels of knowledge.

The genetics that make him big and strong and able to toss fully grown men out of his way like they were rag dolls also contribute to a posslble lack of stamina and tendency to put on (a lot of and quickly) weight of the not good kind.

He has struggled with fitness in the past, but was in good shape last season.

His faults are that he (understandably) wants to play to those strengths and hop up off the back of a scrum and devistate people, which makes him less effective at the dirty stuff in rucks, set pieces etc. What some call the "unseen work"

Not saying that he shirks it or anything, just that "playing to his strengths" sometimes leaves him unavailable to perform it. Any possible lack of fitness would also not help there.

by LeinsterFan4life Wed 15 Aug 2012, 12:54 pm

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:
Feckless Rogue wrote:
LeinsterFan4life wrote:
Feckless Rogue wrote:He's brilliant. What a player to have as our "2nd string" number 8.
Would you like to see him play a few HC games?

I don't think he's ever played a HC game. Maybe there's a reason for that. I've heard people mention his fitness in the past. I'm no rugby expert. But he looks brilliant to me. He's just raw power. He scored a fair few tries in the PRO12.
I'm no rugby expert either.and I don't want to sound like I have a downer on Big Leo or suggest that I think I know more than any other posters.

He is all you describe a fantastic ball carrier and all round good guy.

It just happens that his good points are there to see for all people of all levels of knowledge.

The genetics that make him big and strong and able to toss fully grown men out of his way like they were rag dolls also contribute to a posslble lack of stamina and tendency to put on (a lot of and quickly) weight of the not good kind.

He has struggled with fitness in the past, but was in good shape last season.

His faults are that he (understandably) wants to play to those strengths and hop up off the back of a scrum and devistate people, which makes him less effective at the dirty stuff in rucks, set pieces etc. What some call the "unseen work"

Not saying that he shirks it or anything, just that "playing to his strengths" sometimes leaves him unavailable to perform it. Any possible lack of fitness would also not help there.

I hope that he is working on that in pre season. I did see him make a turnover in that game so maybe he is being told to hit rucks more.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed 15 Aug 2012, 1:07 pm

As I said. It's not that he shirks it. He is good at hitting rucks and making turnovers. Just that he can't be doing that, and hanging back in defence for kicked balls, and making barnstorming runs all at the same time.

by Gibson Wed 15 Aug 2012, 3:04 pm

I really love Leo A's attitude. Every game Ive seen him, he is always there. Always involved. Ive seen him hit many a ruck, as well as the barn-storming runs.

He will only improve after his 1st year with us. All players do. Also, 5 tries in 19 games last season, shows he is no slouch. He is a more than able replacement for Jamie. Far better player than Ruddock - who disappears in games.

And, its his 28th birthday tomorrow. Happy Birthday big man.

by Feckless Rogue Wed 15 Aug 2012, 3:09 pm

I'm not a big Ruddock fan either.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed 15 Aug 2012, 3:11 pm

Feckless Rogue wrote:I'm not a big Ruddock fan either.

Not a fan of him at 8, and he didn't have a great season last year, but he has bags of talent on the flank and he is still only 21

by Gibson Wed 15 Aug 2012, 3:25 pm

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:
Feckless Rogue wrote:I'm not a big Ruddock fan either.
Not a fan of him at 8, and he didn't have a great season last year, but he has bags of talent on the flank and he is still only 21

Fair comment Jen, a better 6 imo, but he'd want to start making a real impression all the same. I think he may be let go to one of the other provinces.

McLaughlin, SOB, Jenno, Heaslip, Auva'a, Ryan. Gilsenan - when he gets back from injury, looks like a serious prospect. Coghlan & Conan de Barbarian too. Rhys had want to be getting his skates on.

P.S. I really want to see Josh Van Der Flier make it. Just for the name and the prospective headlines.

by **rodders** Wed 15 Aug 2012, 3:40 pm

Feckless Rogue wrote:I'm not a big Ruddock fan either.

Aye good shout he's for nothing all right. Send him up to Belfast sure you'll not even miss him.... Whistle

by Feckless Rogue Wed 15 Aug 2012, 3:45 pm

Josh Van De Flier. What a brilliant name!

Rodders, the thing is we wouldn't really miss him. I wouldn't be against him going. But then again, there has been a bit of hype about him for years so he must have talent, that people with more knowledge than me have seen. When I watch him the only stand out thing is that he's really really big. But he doesn't even use his size well.

by Rory_Gallagher Wed 15 Aug 2012, 6:21 pm

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:As I said. It's not that he shirks it. He is good at hitting rucks and making turnovers. Just that he can't be doing that, and hanging back in defence for kicked balls, and making barnstorming runs all at the same time.

Yes, but you ignore the fact that he is either defending where he will have to do more of the donkey work, or his team is attacking where he will get more opportunities to carry. People often seem to forget this when they talk about ball carriers and tacklers etc. It depends on whether or not your team has the ball. If he is defending then he obviously can't use the ball carrying excuse.

by Gibson Wed 15 Aug 2012, 6:45 pm

Rocky Elsom could all of it. At the same time. Attack being the best form of defence.

I think he gave the best & rest of his career to Leinster that year. Hasn't been the same since.

by Feckless Rogue Wed 15 Aug 2012, 7:33 pm

Or maybe Leinster just used him better than his current teams do. Or maybe European rugby just suited him more.

I remember thinking he would be a devastating loss to Leinster when he moved home. But if he was looking to move north again now we probably wouldn't even try and sign him back. We don't really need him. We probably wouldn't have won the 09 HC without him. But we've actually gotten better since he left.

Hopefully we'll replace BOD just as seamlessly in a few years. Fingers Crossed

by Gibson Wed 15 Aug 2012, 8:22 pm

Rocky certainly lifted SOB to new heights. I wonder if BOD is having the same effect on O Malley, Macken and Mcfadden?

I don't think he has been. He wants it all for himself.

Controversial. But true imo. I want this to be his last year at the top. If he makes the Lions as backup - grand. But then move on Brian. You are rich enough now. You will do far more damage if you stay too long.

Move aside and give the kids a break. And help them do it. That would be a real legacy.

by Rory_Gallagher Wed 15 Aug 2012, 9:17 pm

So do you think that it is time for BOD to make way, Gibson? I agree, but to be honest unless he makes the decision himself, nobody will have the balls to replace him with anyone. Which isn't good.

by Rory_Gallagher Wed 15 Aug 2012, 9:19 pm

Plus Ireland should already have backups ready to replace him. Look at NZ, they have Cruden for Carter and now Cane/Todd for McCaw. Ireland wait until the very last minute, when the player retires. Which also isn't good.

by Scrumdown Wed 15 Aug 2012, 10:00 pm

When Brian o'driscoll learns how to pass he'll be a very good player for ireland.

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