Leinster V Clermont....Part 2 The Return

by Jenifer McLadyboy Tue 11 Dec 2012, 3:59 pm

First topic message reminder :

Leinster Website wrote:The Leinster squad have stepped up their preparations for Saturday afternoon's Heineken Cup Round 4 clash against ASM Clermont Auvergne in the Aviva Stadium (KO: 3.40pm) with a training session in UCD on Tuesday afternoon...
Following Sunday’s bruising encounter in France, in a game which marked Andrew Goodman’s European debut, there are a number of bumps and bruises in the squad which will be monitored by the medical team. Amongst them is Kevin McLaughlin who took a heavy knock towards the end of the game but thankfully walked from the field afterwards.

His availability for selection will be decided later in the week, ahead of Friday’s lunchtime announcement. Sean O’Brien’s next appearance will be his 75th for the province in all competitions.

David Kearney and Eoin O’Malley could return to the panel this weekend as both continue to work hard on their respective rehabilitations, alongside another outside back Luke Fitzgerald who remains on course for a possible return to action over the Christmas interprovincial games against either Ulster away (December 21st) or Connacht in the RDS (December 29th).

In a boost to Leinster’s preparations this week, the attendance figure for Saturday’s game looks set to eclipse last year’s previous Irish pool record of 46,365 which was set by Leinster against Bath in the corresponding round last season. It will also be the biggest game of the Pool stages across Europe so far this season.

Over 46,000 tickets have already been sold for the ‘Christmas Craictacular’ in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday and tickets are selling fast ONLINE HERE, the Leinster Rugby Store (Donnybrook), Spar (Donnybrook) as well as Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

LEINSTER:

15: Ian Madigan
14: Fergus McFadden
13: Gordon D'Arcy
12: Andrew Goodman
11: Isa Nacewa
10: Jonathan Sexton
9: Eoin Reddan

1: Heinke van der Merwe
2: Richardt Strauss
3: Mike Ross
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN
5: Damian Browne
6: Sean O'Brien
7: Shane Jennings
8: Jamie Heaslip

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Sean Cronin
17: Cian Healy
18: Michael Bent
19: Devin Toner
20: Kevin McLaughlin
21: Isaac Boss
22: Andrew Conway
23: Dave Kearney

ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE:

15: Lee Byrne
14: Sitiveni Sivivatu
13: Aurélien Rougerie CAPTAIN
12: Wesley Fofana
11: Napolioni Nalaga
10: Brock James / David Skrela
9: Morgan Parra

1: Raphael Chaume
2: Benjamin Kayser
3: Davit Zirakashvili
4: Jamie Cudmore
5: Nathan Hines
6: Julien Bonnaire
7: Julien Bardy
8: Damien Chouly

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Ti'i Paulo
17: Vincent Debaty
18: Daniel Kotze
19: Loic Jacquet
20: Alexandre Lapandry
21: Ludovic Radoslavjevic
22: David Skrela / Benson Stanley
23: Regan King

by Cari Sat 15 Dec 2012, 5:20 pm

Awh SCHITT!!!! I've lost my stream, just when he was announcing thelikely pool table results. furious

by Hookisms and Hyperbole Sat 15 Dec 2012, 5:20 pm

I have to say I am impressed one again with Bent when he has come on. Ross is surely on his way out of the side at a rate of knots.

by thebluesmancometh Sat 15 Dec 2012, 5:21 pm

Rory_Gallagher wrote:
thebluesmancometh wrote:WOW overreact much Hook and Rory???

Not at all, two tries in the entire tournament so far is very poor by Leinster's standards. That was scored from a rolling maul also. Where is the inventiveness and creativity we are so used to seeing from Leinster?

I really hope they will pull this back though but I don't think they can.

Or theyve played above themselves for the last 3 years and now starting to get to where they were when Kidney ruled the Irish club game.

by eirebilly Sat 15 Dec 2012, 5:21 pm

We all have rose tinted glasses on when it comes to teams from our own country Wink

by eirebilly Sat 15 Dec 2012, 5:21 pm

Cari wrote:Awh SCHITT!!!! I've lost my stream, just when he was announcing thelikely pool table results.

ASM
Exeter
Leinster

by eirebilly Sat 15 Dec 2012, 5:22 pm

LBP paramount for Leinster now

by Hookisms and Hyperbole Sat 15 Dec 2012, 5:23 pm

Oh dear from McFaddan and Madigan. Very poor

by Cari Sat 15 Dec 2012, 5:23 pm

Thanks Billy. I missed the binning as well.

Four minutes to go...Clermont are a man down but well ahead. They'll dawdle now...

by Rory_Gallagher Sat 15 Dec 2012, 5:24 pm

thebluesmancometh wrote:
Rory_Gallagher wrote:
thebluesmancometh wrote:WOW overreact much Hook and Rory???

Not at all, two tries in the entire tournament so far is very poor by Leinster's standards. That was scored from a rolling maul also. Where is the inventiveness and creativity we are so used to seeing from Leinster?

I really hope they will pull this back though but I don't think they can.

Or theyve played above themselves for the last 3 years and now starting to get to where they were when Kidney ruled the Irish club game.

You don't play above yourself 3/4 years in a row.. come on now.

by eirebilly Sat 15 Dec 2012, 5:24 pm

TRY LEINSTER!!!!!!!!!

by thebluesmancometh Sat 15 Dec 2012, 5:25 pm

From what Ive seen no chance the Scarlets are going to nick the other game for you, LBP will do nicely!!

by eirebilly Sat 15 Dec 2012, 5:25 pm

Well played Sexton in drawing the man clap

by thebluesmancometh Sat 15 Dec 2012, 5:26 pm

Rory_Gallagher wrote:
thebluesmancometh wrote:
Rory_Gallagher wrote:
thebluesmancometh wrote:WOW overreact much Hook and Rory???

Not at all, two tries in the entire tournament so far is very poor by Leinster's standards. That was scored from a rolling maul also. Where is the inventiveness and creativity we are so used to seeing from Leinster?

I really hope they will pull this back though but I don't think they can.

Or theyve played above themselves for the last 3 years and now starting to get to where they were when Kidney ruled the Irish club game.

You don't play above yourself 3/4 years in a row.. come on now.

Well the Blues have underperformed for 2 seasons now, and it'll probably lead into a third, so why not

by Rory_Gallagher Sat 15 Dec 2012, 5:26 pm

MCFADDEN!

That was an absolutely wonderfully delayed pass by O'Brien. Outstanding.

by Cari Sat 15 Dec 2012, 5:26 pm

FEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERG!!!!!!!!

He could well have nicked the LBP for Leinster. Good boy!

by Hookisms and Hyperbole Sat 15 Dec 2012, 5:26 pm

Really good play from Sexton and O'Brien there. Such an important try. I still don't see them getting out of the group, but at least they have a chance.

by eirebilly Sat 15 Dec 2012, 5:26 pm

21-28

by JigsQ Sat 15 Dec 2012, 5:26 pm

The score flatters Leinster. Clermont were superb.

by Cari Sat 15 Dec 2012, 5:26 pm

21-28 FT.

Great game. clap

Para is MOTM.

by Rory_Gallagher Sat 15 Dec 2012, 5:27 pm

Lucky to get the LBP. They didn't really deserve it.

by wales606 Sat 15 Dec 2012, 5:38 pm

Ouch, from Champions to dumped out in the pool stages, that woudl hurt. They will have to be pretty lucky in the next 2 games and hope the other pools help them out.

Ospreys have done Leinster a favour by narrowing the field in pool 2, as have Connacht by beating Biarritz. Ulster and Quins helping out by dominating their groups.

19/20 points should be enough, they may even get through on 18 with the way some of the pools are going, but I doubt it.

by TJ1 Sat 15 Dec 2012, 5:43 pm

enjoyed that game

So leinster are probably not going to get into the knockout stages? Quick reduce Irelands participants in the HC to one - they clearly only have one team worth the English clubs playing if that

by TJ1 Sat 15 Dec 2012, 5:44 pm

Cari wrote:21-28 FT.

Great game. Para is MOTM.

Enjoyed the game for sure.

by Morgannwg Sat 15 Dec 2012, 5:44 pm

Good win by the team I've tipped to beat Ulster in the final Very Happy

.

by yappysnap Sat 15 Dec 2012, 5:54 pm

Clermont absolutely immense there, they looked head and shoulders above the opposition. Just need to play for the full 80 and not switch off.

SOB lucky not to get a red earlier as well and Ross very lucky not to get yellowed.

Morgan Parra was immense today, can't wait for the 6N's to see Youngs against him.

Well done to Exeter as well, put the Scarlets away and really impressing.

by LeinsterFan4life Sat 15 Dec 2012, 7:14 pm

Just back from the game. Pretty devestated Sad

Still have trophies to play for though.

by majesticimperialman Sat 15 Dec 2012, 9:50 pm

Is Johnny Sexton over rated as a potential lions 10?

Although he tried well today he didn't look all that inpressive.

by wales606 Sat 15 Dec 2012, 9:57 pm

majesticimperialman wrote:Is Johnny Sexton over rated as a potential lions 10?

Although he tried well today he didn't look all that inpressive.

He has never been hugely impressive with Ireland although he can be brilliant at times for Leinster.

Based on club form, he would be level with the likes of Dan Biggar, Toby Flood and Jonny Wilkinson - he has the advantage of being first choice internationally. If Flood and Biggar get a run in the 6Ns, then either could steal the shirt.

by TJ1 Sat 15 Dec 2012, 10:03 pm

majesticimperialman wrote:Is Johnny Sexton over rated as a potential lions 10?

Although he tried well today he didn't look all that inpressive.

The best of a fairly mediocre bunch IMO - and more than competent today

by LeinsterFan4life Sat 15 Dec 2012, 10:21 pm

wales606 wrote:
majesticimperialman wrote:Is Johnny Sexton over rated as a potential lions 10?

Although he tried well today he didn't look all that inpressive.

He has never been hugely impressive with Ireland although he can be brilliant at times for Leinster.

Based on club form, he would be level with the likes of Dan Biggar, Toby Flood and Jonny Wilkinson - he has the advantage of being first choice internationally. If Flood and Biggar get a run in the 6Ns, then either could steal the shirt.

On club form he's far better than the likes of Biggar and Flood.

by Cari Sat 15 Dec 2012, 10:37 pm

I don't think Sexton is over rated at all, and he really knows how to gee up the players. Why he isn't captain yet I don't know. He definitely has the leadership skills to do it. Unless he's exceptionally bad in the Six Nations, I think Sexton is more than likely to be in the Lions squad.

by TJ1 Sat 15 Dec 2012, 10:42 pm

Cari wrote:I don't think Sexton is over rated at all, and he really knows how to gee up the players. Why he isn't captain yet I don't know. He definitely has the leadership skills to do it. Unless he's exceptionally bad in the Six Nations, I think Sexton is more than likely to be in the Lions squad.

I think he is the likely starter. Nothing flash about his game and Flood might be better on his day - but its not been Floods day recently and Sexton is reliable and honest and has a great head on him.

by wales606 Sat 15 Dec 2012, 10:42 pm

LeinsterFan4life wrote:
wales606 wrote:
majesticimperialman wrote:Is Johnny Sexton over rated as a potential lions 10?

Although he tried well today he didn't look all that inpressive.

He has never been hugely impressive with Ireland although he can be brilliant at times for Leinster.

Based on club form, he would be level with the likes of Dan Biggar, Toby Flood and Jonny Wilkinson - he has the advantage of being first choice internationally. If Flood and Biggar get a run in the 6Ns, then either could steal the shirt.
On club form he's far better than the likes of Biggar and Flood.

I havent seen much of Flood, but on club form, Biggar is playing better. Biggar also has a habit of outplaying Sexton when they meet, which doesn't help Sexton's claim.

by TJ1 Sat 15 Dec 2012, 10:49 pm

Id want to see a good six nations from Biggar.

by LeinsterFan4life Sat 15 Dec 2012, 10:52 pm

wales606 wrote:
LeinsterFan4life wrote:
wales606 wrote:
majesticimperialman wrote:Is Johnny Sexton over rated as a potential lions 10?

Although he tried well today he didn't look all that inpressive.

He has never been hugely impressive with Ireland although he can be brilliant at times for Leinster.

Based on club form, he would be level with the likes of Dan Biggar, Toby Flood and Jonny Wilkinson - he has the advantage of being first choice internationally. If Flood and Biggar get a run in the 6Ns, then either could steal the shirt.
On club form he's far better than the likes of Biggar and Flood.

I havent seen much of Flood, but on club form, Biggar is playing better. Biggar also has a habit of outplaying Sexton when they meet, which doesn't help Sexton's claim.

Watch the 2011 HC final.. Enough said.

by wales606 Sat 15 Dec 2012, 10:55 pm

LeinsterFan4life wrote:
wales606 wrote:
LeinsterFan4life wrote:
wales606 wrote:
majesticimperialman wrote:Is Johnny Sexton over rated as a potential lions 10?

Although he tried well today he didn't look all that inpressive.

He has never been hugely impressive with Ireland although he can be brilliant at times for Leinster.

Based on club form, he would be level with the likes of Dan Biggar, Toby Flood and Jonny Wilkinson - he has the advantage of being first choice internationally. If Flood and Biggar get a run in the 6Ns, then either could steal the shirt.
On club form he's far better than the likes of Biggar and Flood.

I havent seen much of Flood, but on club form, Biggar is playing better. Biggar also has a habit of outplaying Sexton when they meet, which doesn't help Sexton's claim.
Watch the 2011 HC final.. Enough said.

Watch the 2012 Pro12 final, or the 2010(?) one.

Also, how are you commenting on current form based on a game form a year and a half ago?

by TJ1 Sat 15 Dec 2012, 10:58 pm

year and a half ago Laidlaw was the best Lions 10 Whistle

He ain't now

by wales606 Sat 15 Dec 2012, 11:02 pm

TJ wrote:year and a half ago Laidlaw was the best Lions 10 He ain't now

A year ago it was Rhys Preistland after the WC censored

by LeinsterFan4life Sat 15 Dec 2012, 11:04 pm

wales606 wrote:
LeinsterFan4life wrote:
wales606 wrote:
LeinsterFan4life wrote:
wales606 wrote:
majesticimperialman wrote:Is Johnny Sexton over rated as a potential lions 10?

Although he tried well today he didn't look all that inpressive.

He has never been hugely impressive with Ireland although he can be brilliant at times for Leinster.

Based on club form, he would be level with the likes of Dan Biggar, Toby Flood and Jonny Wilkinson - he has the advantage of being first choice internationally. If Flood and Biggar get a run in the 6Ns, then either could steal the shirt.
On club form he's far better than the likes of Biggar and Flood.

I havent seen much of Flood, but on club form, Biggar is playing better. Biggar also has a habit of outplaying Sexton when they meet, which doesn't help Sexton's claim.
Watch the 2011 HC final.. Enough said.

Watch the 2012 Pro12 final, or the 2010(?) one.

Also, how are you commenting on current form based on a game form a year and a half ago?

Then watch the semi final or final in the 2012 HC. There are many HC games sexton has been sublime in.

by wales606 Sat 15 Dec 2012, 11:04 pm

In the 2011 HC final Sexton was magnificent, and he is consistently good for Leinster and fairly good for Ireland. However, unless he can reproduce that 2011 performance a few times next year he won't be an awe inspiring Lions FH.

He got outplayed by an Australian FH today... Whistle

by wales606 Sat 15 Dec 2012, 11:09 pm

Having watched both a fair amount over the last 3 years, I would say that Biggar and Sexton are very similar players.

Both broke through at their clubs at a young age but struggled to breakthrough internationally (Biggar only starting too now)

Both are calm under pressure and capable of brilliant performances

Both are pretty consistent now (not always been the case with Biggar)

Biggar started off as more of a kicking FH and Sexton as more of a running FH - they have now both improved their skillset and are equally well rounded players who actually play a very similar style.

You could reverse the two and it would make very little difference to the performance of either team.

by LeinsterFan4life Sat 15 Dec 2012, 11:22 pm

wales606 wrote:In the 2011 HC final Sexton was magnificent, and he is consistently good for Leinster and fairly good for Ireland. However, unless he can reproduce that 2011 performance a few times next year he won't be an awe inspiring Lions FH.

He got outplayed by an Australian FH today...

James did nothing. It was all Parra who was brilliant. Don't know how he isn't starting for France.

by LeinsterFan4life Sat 15 Dec 2012, 11:23 pm

wales606 wrote:Having watched both a fair amount over the last 3 years, I would say that Biggar and Sexton are very similar players.

Both broke through at their clubs at a young age but struggled to breakthrough internationally (Biggar only starting too now)

Both are calm under pressure and capable of brilliant performances

Both are pretty consistent now (not always been the case with Biggar)

Biggar started off as more of a kicking FH and Sexton as more of a running FH - they have now both improved their skillset and are equally well rounded players who actually play a very similar style.

You could reverse the two and it would make very little difference to the performance of either team.

Good assesment. I just think Sexton has done it on the bigger stage.

Biggar should definately be starting for Wales. He always saves his best for Leinster though.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Sun 16 Dec 2012, 8:34 am

Very disappointed. Really thought that we would win this one. We were beaten in almost all facets of play.

Excellent performance from clermont

by **George Carlin** Sun 16 Dec 2012, 9:59 am

Watched the highlights - that Clermont pack is a bunch of monsters and unfortunately for Leinster, Hines was at the heart of it. Must have been an absolute pisser to lose a player like him, particularly as he made no bones about the fact that he didn't want to go.

by rosbif Sun 16 Dec 2012, 11:06 am

Saw the Chiefs against ASM the first half was even but they blew them away in the second they have so much talent in the backs . Think Exeter will beat Leinster at Sandy Lane but lose away in France so Leinster to keep second place in the group and Amlin cup qualification

by Morgannwg Sun 16 Dec 2012, 2:01 pm

I think Leinster will beat Exeter and get a try bonus point against the Scarlets. The loss will be a kick up the ass and if that's the target Leinster set themselves then they'll exceed it.

by kunu Sun 16 Dec 2012, 3:24 pm

Completely agree, Leinster needed a reality check. Haven't played with the intensity of the past two years this season.

To those claiming Sexton was outplayed - yes, he certainly was, but the Leinster pack were giving him absolutely rubbish ball. Dan Carter showed against England what that can do to you. Put a lions test pack in front of Sexton and he'll run the show.

by dublin_dave Sun 16 Dec 2012, 6:03 pm

an insipid performance against a decent side.

we are going to have to do it the hard way now but wouldn't write us off
just yet. We need a 2nd row drastically though, leo is on the wane and browne lets be honest is not good enough. no idea why richie gray is spoofing about with Sale. Hop on a plane Richie and come over to Dublin.

Goodman and Darcy as a combination will not see us score 8 trys in our remaining pool games. mc fadden in midfield please if Drico is not back. Hopefully Kearney is back too.

We have dug ourselves out of bigger holes than this.

by GunsGerms Mon 17 Dec 2012, 8:38 am

Pity Irish teams arent doing well with HC in Dublin this year. Mind you winning the Rabo or Amlin in the RDS would be very sweet.

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