Scarlets V Leinster 20/10/12

by Jenifer McLadyboy Mon 15 Oct 2012, 4:45 pm

Leinster Rugby wrote:The Leinster squad trained in UCD on Monday afternoon with the Leinster management reporting no fresh injury concerns ahead of Saturday's Round 2 Heineken Cup trip to face the Scarlets in Parc y Scarlets (KO: 1.35pm)...

Fergus McFadden, Richardt Strauss and Heinke van der Merwe all required stitches for head wounds following Saturday’s 9-6 victory over Exeter, but all three players are expected to take a full part in training this week.
Leo Cullen and Cian Healy both came through their respective comebacks from injury and will be available for selection again this weekend, while Gordon D’Arcy and Rob Kearney are also likely to be available for selection.

In a further fitness boost, international scrum-half Isaac Boss successfully came through the last half hour of Leinster ‘A’s opening round British & Irish Cup victory over Leeds Carnegie on Saturday night following his recent arm injury.

David Kearney and Rhys Ruddock are making progress on their injuries and they have both stepped up their rehabilitations. It is hoped that they could be in contention for the province’s B&I Cup trip to Pontypridd this weekend.

Darren Hudson damaged his shoulder in the closing moments of the Leeds game and the Academy full-back is in doubt for this weekend.

Travelling in Hope rather than Expectation. Hope Darce makes it. From what I heard initially of Rob Kearney's injury I'll be amazed if he even benches. They are all undercooked anyway.

Only positive I can see is thatwe know the Scarlets pretty well at this stage.

If they lose they are pretty much gone, if we lose we are depending on Exeter to take points off Clermont and Scarlets

by Guest Mon 15 Oct 2012, 4:53 pm

I thought Kearney was supposed to be out for like 12 weeks?

A blessing for you guys is that for us Shingler, John Davies, Scott Williams and Liam Williams all went off injured, with the first three looking like rather bad leg/knee injuries.

We've had no news as to how they are but I wouldn't be at all surprised if all three are missing which will give you guys the edge for sure.

If we play like we did against Clermont first half though (2nd half you can't really take too much on under the circumstances) I think we should have enough to beat you. Will take a phenomenal effort again from our lads though but again, depends on how many of our lads are fit, and how much the Clermont game took out of us (I would say a lot)

by red_stag Mon 15 Oct 2012, 5:09 pm

rugbydreamer wrote:

If we play like we did against Clermont first half though (2nd half you can't really take too much on under the circumstances) I think we should have enough to beat you. Will take a phenomenal effort again from our lads though but again, depends on how many of our lads are fit, and how much the Clermont game took out of us (I would say a lot)

What happened. I didnt see the game

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Mon 15 Oct 2012, 5:15 pm

Stoddart I think got red carded and there were the injuries.

I hope Darcy makes it on to the bench just to boost our options there. Our bench has grown much weaker since last year due to the injuries it used to be one of our amazing strengths.

Great to hear K2 and Ruddock could be playing some rugby this weekend coming

by LeinsterFan4life Mon 15 Oct 2012, 5:23 pm

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Stoddart I think got red carded and there were the injuries.

I hope Darcy makes it on to the bench just to boost our options there. Our bench has grown much weaker since last year due to the injuries it used to be one of our amazing strengths.

Great to hear K2 and Ruddock could be playing some rugby this weekend coming

Thats the best news ive heard all season. We need dave kearney back asap! I hope he gets back to last years form.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Mon 15 Oct 2012, 5:24 pm

rugbydreamer wrote:I thought Kearney was supposed to be out for like 12 weeks?

3 weeks is like 12 weeks.....Well quite like it anyway. 1 and 2 are 3 after all.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Mon 15 Oct 2012, 6:15 pm

Glad he is ok. Sucks we won't see him on the bench for some HCup action we really could use him. Sad

by Guest Mon 15 Oct 2012, 6:44 pm

red_stag wrote:
rugbydreamer wrote:

If we play like we did against Clermont first half though (2nd half you can't really take too much on under the circumstances) I think we should have enough to beat you. Will take a phenomenal effort again from our lads though but again, depends on how many of our lads are fit, and how much the Clermont game took out of us (I would say a lot)

What happened. I didnt see the game

Stoddart got two yellow cards for technical offences so we played 50 mins and the whole second half with 14 men, and what sucks was that we were leading at the 37 min mark Sad

by Submachine Tue 16 Oct 2012, 3:24 pm

Great to see D Kearney back in the picture. Is it just me or does Conway look extremely average?

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Tue 16 Oct 2012, 4:34 pm

Submachine wrote:Great to see D Kearney back in the picture. Is it just me or does Conway look extremely average?

I'm with you Submachine, he looks to have up-ed his defence but only looked dangerous in attack when he scored that try against Glasgow.

by LeinsterFan4life Tue 16 Oct 2012, 6:28 pm

Submachine wrote:Great to see D Kearney back in the picture. Is it just me or does Conway look extremely average?

Too early to judge him yet. None of our backs are playing well, so its unfair to single out him.
He is a good player, just give him time.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Wed 17 Oct 2012, 9:19 am

Anyone got any score predictions?

I'm gonna say Leinster by 2

by Guest Wed 17 Oct 2012, 10:58 am

Need to wait and see with our injuries before I can predict but I'll go out on a limb and wmsay it will be a closer scoreline than the rabo match Wink

by SecretFly Wed 17 Oct 2012, 12:19 pm

Leinster - if they can't find that extra gear now that they seem to be missing since the very start of the season, then they're not going to find it this season.

Despite the low scoring game against Exeter, I did for the first time this season see something to suggest that they might be coming out of their slumber/general bad form. I think minds are finally becoming involved when perhaps there was a lethargy of mood there that they could glide on low power for a while and not suffer too much.

In a sense that has indeed happened in that they're still not sunk in either Pro12 or HC but I think they all now realise it's time to step up mentally and physically.

We'll of course see if they are actually capable of it but at least for me I saw them begin, if only tentatively, to look like they at least want to play.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed 17 Oct 2012, 1:03 pm

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Anyone got any score predictions?

I'm gonna say Leinster by 2

I would snap your hand off at the armpit for that result. AND suffer the torture of standing on the terrace clenching and crossing everything for 80 mins.

Hard one to call. Darce and Rob touch and go for us. Davies and Shingler looking the least likely for them.

Hope we can do it, and buy some time to build a bit of form and fitness before the next rounds.

What's it they like to say over there... Squeaky bum time.

by Smirnoffpriest Wed 17 Oct 2012, 1:14 pm

Fingers crossed most of our injured players make it.

I really worry that we won't be able to reach the same intensity/work rate as the the Clermont game - or if we do we'll get even more injuries as a result.

But if we can then I reckon Scarlets by less than a score.

by Golden Wed 17 Oct 2012, 1:23 pm

How long does Stoddart have to sit out for after getting a red card?

by Guest Wed 17 Oct 2012, 1:27 pm

Stodds has a disciplinary hearing today but if he gets a ban it would be farcical . It was two techincal offences that saw him get two yellow cards, no foul play at all. I would hope they adjudge the red he received as sufficient punishment

Foxy apparently deffo out, Scott is 50/50.

Losing one of them is bad enough but to lose both....deffo swings the game in Leinsters favour. Especially foxy, he was superb out in Clermont.

by munkian Wed 17 Oct 2012, 1:50 pm

JD is a massive loss to any team, he can cut defenses to ribbons and has a nice pass on him too.

by Golden Wed 17 Oct 2012, 2:30 pm

Oh I thought a red was automatically a ban.

Davies is a huge blow especially when scotts doubtful too. What would the centres look like if they were out? would it be Warren and Maule?

by Guest Wed 17 Oct 2012, 3:28 pm

Golden - am not sure about a straight ban. Knew there would be a hearing though and i think they can decide that a red card was sufficient (as with Ian Evans earlier in the season)

by Mickado Wed 17 Oct 2012, 3:29 pm

rugbydreamer wrote:Golden - am not sure about a straight ban. Knew there would be a hearing though and i think they can decide that a red card was sufficient (as with Ian Evans earlier in the season)

I believe you're right there RD. It's an automatic hearing, not an automatic ban.

by Guest Wed 17 Oct 2012, 3:30 pm

And yep I'm thinking warren and maule. They are both good and Warren played hec rugby last year, but they haven't been paired together so far this season, so a bit of a risk.

by Smirnoffpriest Wed 17 Oct 2012, 3:33 pm

Yeah I think one/either would be fine, but losing both of JD2 and SW would be a big blow regardless of how good Warren/Maule are.

Do people reckon Kearney will play?

by Mickado Wed 17 Oct 2012, 3:45 pm

I think the squad update on Monday said it was “likely” but then the rumour on the LF’s website is that he’s not going to make it.

I think Darcy is more important to the way we play though, getting Darcy back in could free up McFadden to go to the wing with Nacewa going to fullback. Ideally we’d get both but I think a Kearneyless team has a better balance than a Darcyless one.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Wed 17 Oct 2012, 6:56 pm

I can see us putting out the same team minus Browne just in terms of continuity. If darce was to start I'd be worried he

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Wed 17 Oct 2012, 6:57 pm

I can see us putting out the same team minus Browne just in terms of continuity. If darce was to start I'd be worried he Only has 50mins of rugby r so in him

by maestegmafia Thu 18 Oct 2012, 10:27 am

Easterby seems quite up beat in interview regarding inuries to Scott jd2 McCusker and Shingler.

The Scarlets are going to need at least three of those to be fit and on form this weekend.

by ScarletSpiderman Thu 18 Oct 2012, 10:29 am

I must be honest I am not as worried about losing Foxy or Scott (just not both please) as I am about possibly losing Liam Williams and Stodds. We could potentially end up going from an all welsh international backline to a case of having to play people out of position just to plug gaps.

In the pack Shingler and McCusker could be a loss, but realistically we have Vallejos, Murphy, Timani and Johnathan Eds in the squad so theoretically whilst it may be a slight step down in quality, there is still enough cover there.

by maestegmafia Thu 18 Oct 2012, 10:35 am

Williams and Stoddart would be a big loss. Good point. Wouldn't fancy risking Jordan Willams at fifteen just yet.

by Smirnoffpriest Thu 18 Oct 2012, 10:40 am

According to the sage that is Twitter D'Arcy is fit but Kearney still a doubt.

Liam would be a big loss and is such a great attacking and defensive option. While Stodds is very, very good and a dangerous player and would be a loss we do have Fenby whose been in great form.

Is Vallejos fit enough/integrated enough to play yet? I agree though we have a few players who could slot into the backrow.

by Gibson Thu 18 Oct 2012, 10:49 am

Any of ye V2 Scarlets going to the game Priest? We are hitting Llanelli on Sat morn for it. Pints in the Barn!

Man this is going to be tense. Both our seasons direction depend on this one.

by Smirnoffpriest Thu 18 Oct 2012, 10:59 am

Don't - I'm gutted I'm not going, but have a funeral the day before and will be looking after my missus on the Sat becoz of it. No way I can justify slipping off for half/most of a day to Llanelli.

Will try and catch it in a pub, but may not even be able to do that!

by Gibson Thu 18 Oct 2012, 11:04 am

Ah that´s tough Priest. Hope all is ok with the missus man.

I am really looking forward to staying in a farmhouse in Ammanford. Heard there were lots of pretty sheeps up there.

Id expect us to play the same team as last week. With the exception of Toner for Browne. Must win our lineouts.

by tatterd Thu 18 Oct 2012, 1:06 pm

who is the ref?

by Smirnoffpriest Thu 18 Oct 2012, 1:12 pm

Apparently Stoddart has been cleared to play - which is great news!!!

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2012/10/18/scarlets-star-morgan-stoddart-cleared-to-play-against-leinster-after-red-card-91466-32057683/

by red_stag Thu 18 Oct 2012, 1:35 pm

If you are a Scarlets fan you should be hoping for your team to go hell for leather and take advantage of Leinsters injuries and their bad form.

Scarlets are at home

Scarlets have already put 40 points on Leinster earlier this season

Leinster have looked a shadow of themselves this season

Leinster have got some key guys missing and got more key guys lacking game fitness

If Scarlets players have any convictions about qualifying they need to be thinking 100% about a win. Last year I felt they showed Munster too much respect when they had the beating of them both in Llanelli and Limerick. They lost both games.

by SecretFly Thu 18 Oct 2012, 1:38 pm

Thanks for that Leinster pep talk, Stag. I feel so much better now!

I think we might be better just throwing this game and hope to conserve energy until our form improves.

Hersh 'ill like hearing me say that.

by Smirnoffpriest Thu 18 Oct 2012, 1:48 pm

I'm not sure about showing Munster too much respect, I think it was more to do with Munster being a lot more savvy and playing the ref better, we still have a lot to (see Ospreys game this season).

I agree we need to go hell for leather from the off and aim to 100% win the game, it's just a question of which of our players are fit and how much the Clermont game took out of us. Fingers crossed both JD2 and Scott and Liam Williams will be fit.

by Smirnoffpriest Thu 18 Oct 2012, 1:49 pm

And Secret Fly - YES I definately think you'd be better throwing this game! Very Happy

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Thu 18 Oct 2012, 1:55 pm

Stag is on the money in all fairness Fly.

If ever there was a time to attack Leinster now is the time. Short a few real top quality players (SOB, Kearney, Fitz) and with a few guys really undercooked (Darcy, Healy, Cullen) now is the time for a team to strike.

That being said we have won our last few games, not well but we have won it. There is also a sense that momentum is building and that with guys coming back in to the squad there are a number of fellas who strengthen our team and/or bench.

by SecretFly Thu 18 Oct 2012, 2:15 pm

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Stag is on the money in all fairness Fly.

If ever there was a time to attack Leinster now is the time. Short a few real top quality players (SOB, Kearney, Fitz) and with a few guys really undercooked (Darcy, Healy, Cullen) now is the time for a team to strike.

That being said we have won our last few games, not well but we have won it. There is also a sense that momentum is building and that with guys coming back in to the squad there are a number of fellas who strengthen our team and/or bench.

pete, - you, Stag, me and the rest of Europe know that Stag is on the money as regards Leinster and their, for want of a better word....form. I was just attempting something called a little self effacing humour. And it's so easy to do this season when you look at how things are going for us.

by tatterd Thu 18 Oct 2012, 3:42 pm

As everyone ignored my question Sad

i looked up the ref on penfro's guide and noticed this;
Assistant referees: Llyr Ap Geraint-Roberts (England), Robin Goodliffe (England)
something doesn't compute!

by maestegmafia Thu 18 Oct 2012, 3:49 pm

So who thinks Scarlets can repeat the last time they played Leinster...???

They need a try bonus point win to get back in this group.

by SecretFly Thu 18 Oct 2012, 4:07 pm

What do you think, maesteg? Always give us an idea of an answer before making us commit to one Wink

Hmmm............... if Leinster get a hiding again then they'll have themselves to blame rather than Scarlets. They've been here before, they know the game is now on, they know they need to up the concentration and effort if they are to do anything this year on that legacy deal they were promising themselves last year.

So that's a bunch of impetus behind them and if they can't get back into gear now, then the dream is over.

They'll know that Scarlets are going to come fast and furious at them to kill any growing confidence in their defensive game that might be growing. If Scarlets can turn that belief into a false dawn early enough in the game then yes, Leinster might very well implode.

But they have so much riding on this year - it is such a potentially BIG year for them if they can find some form.... If they fail, they'll have to fail by fighting the toughest game they have fought all season. With blood up and minds concentrating, I can see them fighting to the end - unlike their early season apathy.

by maestegmafia Thu 18 Oct 2012, 4:37 pm

The HEC is such a tough comp that any team who has lost already this year is very worried for their future fixtures.

Scarlets lost by a TBP margin. They have a lot of catching up to do. Leinster and Exeter look the weaker options than CA.

by mckay1402 Thu 18 Oct 2012, 4:58 pm

tatterd wrote:As everyone ignored my question i looked up the ref on penfro's guide and noticed this;
Assistant referees: Llyr Ap Geraint-Roberts (England), Robin Goodliffe (England)
something doesn't compute!

Seems legit

by Smirnoffpriest Thu 18 Oct 2012, 7:52 pm

I thought it was greg garner from england

by tatterd Thu 18 Oct 2012, 8:38 pm

the ref is greg garner Priest, I was referring to the linesmen. Just remarking on the fact that the gent in question must have the welshest sounding name of any englishman ever! Just though it was quite funny.
On the game - think it will be v tight, but scarlets injuries (and Leinster's pedigree in this competition) make the Irish province favourites for me

by Gibson Thu 18 Oct 2012, 9:50 pm

Leinster will win this one. Why? Because we have to, to hold on to our Cup. That's when we shine. Its an inner-strength and nous built up over so many campaigns. Not deep & technical, but its the Truth.

Leinster by a score, in a tightly controlled game. Weird prediction, seeing as we are the sexiest teams in it. But there is far too much at stake to play it loose. I reckon.

Queue 45-46.

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