Scarlets v Leinster.....It begins.

by St John The Enforcer Mon Sep 02, 2013 9:16 am

Finally. Another season is upon us.

What's the gossip in Scarletville? John Barclay fit? Any concerns? Feelig confident? How did your pre season friendlys go?

Leinster have a bad record in opening games, having won just 1 of the last 10 or so.

Hoping a new coach can turn that around. We will be missing our 5 remaining Lions, and a few more returning from injury.

We lost both our friendlies but played well with a mainly academy side out.

Bring it on. Let's go.

by ScarletSpiderman Mon Sep 02, 2013 11:18 am

Preseason, lost to Exeter at home, drew with London Welsh in Oxford, and lost to Gloucester at Kingsholm. But I we did seem to try lost of different combinations etc in those games.

Injury list looks like Gareth Maule and Barclay, with Foxy looking likely to still be rested (maybe on the bench).

I am not too confident that we will be able to win like we did last season, but I am quietly confident that we should be able to walk away with four points. The main thing we need to do this season is nail down a pecking order for the positions asap. Last season we were disturbed around November time with the likes of Snyman, Adriaanse and Vallejos arriving, and Jake Ball finding some fitness, which then lead to some chopping and changing in the scond row to see who work best with who.

I think taking injuries etc into account I would be pretty happy to see the Scarlets feild a side long the lines of

Li Williams, Aa Warren, Sc Williams, Ad Warren, J Williams, R Priestland, Rh Williams;
R Evans, K Owens, S Lee, G Earle, J Snyman, A Shingler, J Turnbull, R McCusker
(bench-: K Myhill, Rh Jones, J Adriaanse, J Ball, C Price; G Davies, S Shingler, J Davies)

by thebandwagonsociety Mon Sep 02, 2013 1:17 pm

Can't see anything other than a Scarlets victory but hoping the guys manage a LBP.

by Jhamer25 Mon Sep 02, 2013 4:29 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Preseason, lost to Exeter at home, drew with London Welsh in Oxford, and lost to Gloucester at Kingsholm. But I we did seem to try lost of different combinations etc in those games.

Injury list looks like Gareth Maule and Barclay, with Foxy looking likely to still be rested (maybe on the bench).

I am not too confident that we will be able to win like we did last season, but I am quietly confident that we should be able to walk away with four points. The main thing we need to do this season is nail down a pecking order for the positions asap. Last season we were disturbed around November time with the likes of Snyman, Adriaanse and Vallejos arriving, and Jake Ball finding some fitness, which then lead to some chopping and changing in the scond row to see who work best with who.

I think taking injuries etc into account I would be pretty happy to see the Scarlets feild a side long the lines of

Li Williams, Aa Warren, Sc Williams, Ad Warren, J Williams, R Priestland, Rh Williams;
R Evans, K Owens, S Lee, G Earle, J Snyman, A Shingler, J Turnbull, R McCusker
(bench-: K Myhill, Rh Jones, J Adriaanse, J Ball, C Price; G Davies, S Shingler, J Davies)

Pretty much the same team I would put out but Dan Thomas instead of Turnball.
Your right as well I think Jake Ball will be needed for Racing Metro and Clermont because if his grunt size and carrying skills, he is only young and has loads of potential; he needs to be tied down to Wales now before the Aussies sees his talent. George ans Snyman are our leading locks at the moment but he will be our enforcer before long.
I f he cuts down the penalties and gains that experience he will be great. A bit of Bakkies Botha about him I think.

by Guest Tue Sep 03, 2013 1:24 am

Hopefully a season older means a season wiser for the Scarlets, because I think the make up of the squad as a whole is weaker than it was last season.

I'd like to think home advantage will keep the Scarlets in the game long enough for a win to be a possibility going into the final 10 minutes.

by international197 Tue Sep 03, 2013 2:45 pm

News: Scarlet Gareth Maule unavailable for Friday.

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Scarlets-centre-Gareth-Maule-weeks/story-19745032-detail/story.html#axzz2dpw1Wnc1

Fortunately, as far as I know, Scarlets centre options Gareth Owen, Steven Shingler, Adam Warren, Scott Williams, Nick Reynolds, Jonathan Davies (although he may be rested), Chris Keenan, Iolo Evans, Dylan Morgans, Matthew Jacobs and possibly others are available for next Friday night's game against Leinster. (Although Chris Keenan, Iolo Evans and Matthew Jacobs do not feature officially under the 2013/2014 Scarlets 'squad' on the Scarlets website, all three have been capped by the Scarlets and all three are playing for Scarlets feeder clubs, therefore I assume they are possible centre options for the Scarlets, if required). Dylan Morgans was on the bench last month for the Scarlets' match against London Welsh, although I'm not sure whether he came on or not, I know he's a Carmarthen Quins player and is down on their website as a centre.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Tue Sep 03, 2013 3:22 pm

Ah. Good old Darth Maul. Wasn't he rumoured to be signing for Munster?

by international197 Tue Sep 03, 2013 3:29 pm

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:Ah. Good old Darth Maul. Wasn't he rumoured to be signing for Munster?

Yes, it's mentioned on the fourth page of this thread.

https://www.606v2.com/t41519p150-welsh-regions-signings-departures-rumours-2013-scarlets-set-to-offer-james-cub-davies-a-contract

by red_stag on Wed Mar 27, 2013 12:15 pm wrote:Whats Gareth Maule like? Apparently Munster are looking at him as a centre option now that Luke Fitzgerald deal has fallen through. His is out of contract at end of year and Scarlets are said to be holding out on any committment with finding a number 8 their biggest priority. Nothing remotely close to confirmed but its doing the rounds in Limerick.

Fortunately, I believe he's now tied, as is Scott Williams and Adam Warren, to the Scarlets, until the end of the 2014/2015 season (I think it could be the end of the 2015/2016 season). It was announced by the Scarlets on the 14th April 2013 that he's signed a new contract.

http://www.scarlets.co.uk/eng/5713.php

by ScarletSpiderman Tue Sep 03, 2013 3:30 pm

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:Ah. Good old Darth Maul. Wasn't he rumoured to be signing for Munster?

Yeah he was meant to be going to London Irish as part of the deal to bring Steve Shingler home too. And about 50% of internationals list of players (not too sure I stop reading after the third or fourth name) were linked with moves away too. But thankfully they all stayed.

by international197 Thu Sep 05, 2013 10:50 am

I'm under the impression that Kristian Phillips may start on the wing, or at least feature in the 23, for the Scarlets tommorrow night. Easterby speaks highly of him in this article, dated today.

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Easterby-Players-step-mark/story-19753430-detail/story.html#axzz2e0go10X0 wrote:
Phillips, another former Osprey, will be hoping he can hit the ground running having struggled for regular first-time rugby in his first season in Llanelli.

"Kristian has trained and conditioned particularly well this summer," added Easterby.

"His challenge is to get some game time and take the opportunities.

"He is a fabulous athlete and he has shown that in a couple of pre-season games already.

"His task is to show how good an athlete he really is."

by ScarletSpiderman Thu Sep 05, 2013 10:53 am

international197 wrote:I'm under the impression that Kristian Phillips may start on the wing, or at least feature in the 23, for the Scarlets tommorrow night. Easterby speaks highly of him in this article, dated today.

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Easterby-Players-step-mark/story-19753430-detail/story.html#axzz2e0go10X0 wrote:
Phillips, another former Osprey, will be hoping he can hit the ground running having struggled for regular first-time rugby in his first season in Llanelli.

"Kristian has trained and conditioned particularly well this summer," added Easterby.

"His challenge is to get some game time and take the opportunities.

"He is a fabulous athlete and he has shown that in a couple of pre-season games already.

"His task is to show how good an athlete he really is."

Hopefully that bit in bold means that he will either be a bench player or not included.

by international197 Thu Sep 05, 2013 11:01 am

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Hopefully that bit in bold means that he will either be a bench player or not included..

I believe he [Kristian Phillips] faces fierce competition from the likes of Kyle Evans, Aaron Warren, Liam Williams, Jordan Williams, Chris Knight, Nick Reynolds and others for the Scarlets wing berths, I obviously don't know who will start on the wings for the Scarlets tommorrow night, maybe Kristian Phillips will start, maybe he'll be on the bench, maybe he won't be in the matchday squad... That's why I say he 'may start on the wing'. However, I think it's clear that Easterby thinks that he [Kristian Phillips] has great potential.

by ScarletSpiderman Thu Sep 05, 2013 11:02 am

Beeb Website wrote:RaboDirect Pro12: Scarlets v Leinster
Venue: Parc y ScarletsDate: Friday, 6 SeptKick-off: 19:05 BST
Coverage: Live on BBC Two Wales and online, updates on BBC Radio Wales; live scores online

Scarlets will opt to rest their British and Irish Lions centre Jonathan Davies for their opening Pro12 game at home to Leinster on Friday.

His centre partner Gareth Maule is out with knee trouble, while Scotland flanker John Barclay is not yet fit after shoulder surgery.

Leinster may opt to switch Luke Fitzgerald to outside centre as Brian O'Driscoll is not fully fit.

Prop Martin Moore could be handed his first competitive start for Leinster.

The defending Pro12 champions are set to welcome Gordon D'Arcy, Luke Fitzgerald, Fergus McFadden, Devin Toner and Kevin McLaughlin back to action.

Ireland scrum-half Eoin Reddan made his first start since March in last week's pre-season game against Northampton Saints and could play some part at Parc y Scarlets.

TEAMS
Scarlets: TBC

Leinster: TBC

Referee: John Lacey (IRFU)

Assistant Referees: Ian Davies, Jon Mason (both WRU)

Citing Commissioner: Russell Howell (WRU)

TMO: Derek Bevan (WRU)

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu Sep 05, 2013 11:15 am

By "not fit" they mean that he is still in preseason.

I don't think Bod has any issues having sat behind him last friday. He was never going to feature until game 4 or 5.

The rest looks promising. Darragh rumoured to be starting on the wing could mean Fitz or McFadden moving in ok.

Team will be named in 45 mins.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu Sep 05, 2013 11:20 am

Sorry. That's Darragh Fanning. Tall red haired winger has played in the 2 pre season games. Didn't look out of place marking north last Friday.

Then again North didn't look too bothered, as he often doesn't at club level.

Fanning is mainly an AIL player. Had a season with Connacht and I believe played club rugby in NZ this year.

by ScarletSpiderman Thu Sep 05, 2013 11:24 am

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:Sorry. That's Darragh Fanning. Tall red haired winger has played in the 2 pre season games. Didn't look out of place marking north last Friday.

Then again North didn't look too bothered, as he often doesn't at club level.

Fanning is mainly an AIL player. Had a season with Connacht and I believe played club rugby in NZ this year.

That's harsh he is just tired from a hard Lions series etc....oh hang on he ain't a scarlet any more, yeah he is a lazy sod who only cares about the international game.

Scarlets team should be named in the next 30-90mins. I am really looking forward to this match, and have my two excuses for a loss lined up already. Its either going to be a bent Irish ref, or the fact it is gonna be pishing it down which killed out attacking game.

by international197 Thu Sep 05, 2013 11:28 am

ScarletSpiderman wrote:I am really looking forward to this match, and have my two excuses for a loss lined up already. Its either going to be a bent Irish ref, or the fact it is gonna be pishing it down which killed out attacking game..

Forecast seems ok according to the below link. Showers is not exactly 'pishing it down'. Hopefully it will stay dry for the 80 minutes, also a dry pitch before the game starts.

http://www.metcheck.com/UK/today.asp?zipcode=llanelli

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu Sep 05, 2013 11:36 am

Biased Irish ref? Lacey used to play on the wing for Munster. I would be worried about the opposite......

Seriously though. He is a fair and decent ref.

by ScarletSpiderman Thu Sep 05, 2013 11:40 am

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:Biased Irish ref? Lacey used to play on the wing for Munster. I would be worried about the opposite......

Seriously though. He is a fair and decent ref.

Come on why does an excuse need to include any truth?

by ScarletSpiderman Thu Sep 05, 2013 11:42 am

international197 wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:I am really looking forward to this match, and have my two excuses for a loss lined up already. Its either going to be a bent Irish ref, or the fact it is gonna be pishing it down which killed out attacking game..
Forecast seems ok according to the below link. Showers is not exactly 'pishing it down'. Hopefully it will stay dry for the 80 minutes, also a dry pitch before the game starts.

http://www.metcheck.com/UK/today.asp?zipcode=llanelli

Good old UK weather forcasting eh? According to the met office we have "Periods of heavy and persistent rain are likely to affect parts of England and Wales during Friday and Saturday. The public should be aware that there is a risk of localised disruption due to flooding", I guess it will be wait and see.

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/?regionName=wl

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu Sep 05, 2013 11:57 am

Oh it certainly doesn't. Sometimes both teams come away feeling that the ref was against them.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu Sep 05, 2013 12:05 pm

::
Match Preview by Editor
Leinster team to face the Scarlets...
The Leinster team to face the Scarlets in Friday night's opening game of the RaboDirect PRO12 season in Parc y Scarlets (KO: 7.05pm, LIVE rte.ie / BBC Wales) has been named...
The province are boosted by the timely return of several senior players for the trip to Llanelli. Jimmy Gopperth will make his senior debut at half back alongside Eoin Reddan - fresh from his successful return last weekend against Northampton Saints to make his 80th Leinster appearance.

Gordon D'Arcy returns to the starting line up after missing the PRO12 and Amlin Challenge Cup victories in May and the Wexford man (who makes his 222nd appearance) will form a centre partnership with Fergus McFadden.

Luke Fitzgerald - who will make his first appearance since March - forms an exciting back three with Dave Kearney and the backline's second debutant, St. Mary's College captain Darragh Fanning.

Up front, Shane Jennings leads the team and is one of four Ireland internationals in the pack, with two Leinster Academy prop graduates Jack McGrath and Martin Moore named in the front row, while Mike Ross and summer signing Mike McCarthy named on the bench.

The Official Leinster Supporters Club (OLSC) can confirm the following international broadcast arrangements this weekend: There will be LIVE match updates from Parc y Scarlets via the Leinster Twitter account @leinsterrugby

UK & Ireland - Live rte.ieand BBC Wales from 7.05pm Friday (Replay on RTE2 from 12.35am Saturday)
USA - Live on Fox Soccer Plus from 2.00pm ET Friday
Asia - Live on Setanta Sports from 2.00am HKT Saturday
Australia - Live on Setanta Sports Plus from 4.05am Saturday (Replay on Setanta Sports at 8.10am)
Middle East/South Africa/Japan/New Zealand/Canada - No coverage
Audio: Updates on BBC Radio Wales

The OLSC bases in London (Philomena's in Covent Garden), Birmingham (Oh Velvet), Dubai (McGettigans) and New York (Madhatter Saloon) will be showing the game LIVE. Our new home in Sydney (PJ Gallagher's on Pitt Street) will be showing the game from 8.10am on Saturday morning.

LEINSTER:

15: Dave Kearney
14: Darragh Fanning
13: Fergus McFadden
12: Gordon D'Arcy
11: Luke Fitzgerald
10: Jimmy Gopperth
9: Eoin Reddan

1: Jack McGrath
2: Sean Cronin
3: Martin Moore
4: Tom Denton
5: Devin Toner
6: Rhys Ruddock
7: Shane Jennings CAPTAIN
8: Jordi Murphy

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Aaron Dundon
17: Jack O'Connell
18: Mike Ross
19: Mike McCarthy
20: Dominic Ryan
21: Isaac Boss
22: Noel Reid
23: Brendan Macken

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu Sep 05, 2013 12:12 pm

Have at ye Varlets.....Eh I mean Scarlets

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu Sep 05, 2013 12:15 pm

Scarlets Team v Leinster; Friday September 6th 2013 kick off 7.05pm at Parc y Scarlets; 15 Gareth Owen; 14 Liam Williams; 13 Scott Williams; 12 Steve Shingler; 11 Kristian Phillips; 10 Rhys Priestland; 9 Gareth Davies; 1 Phil John; 2 Ken Owens; 3 Samson Lee; 4 George Earle; 5 Jo Snyman; 6 Aaron Shingler; 7 Josh Turnbull; 8 Rob McCusker (capt).

Replacements: 16 Emyr Phillips, 17 Rob Evans, 18 Jacobie Adriaanse, 19 Jake Ball, 20 Craig Price, 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Adam Warren, 23 Jordan Williams.

by ScarletSpiderman Thu Sep 05, 2013 12:15 pm

Scarlets wrote:The Scarlets will open their RaboDirect PRO12 season at home this Friday with a big fixture against the reigning champions Leinster at Parc y Scarlets (kick off 7.05pm).

It will be a warm welcome back to the starting line-up in front of a lively and supportive home crowd for the region's 22-cap international outside half Rhys Priestland who has appeared 111 times for his region with 772 points to date.
Priestland impressed last weekend in his second half performance off the bench away at Gloucester; following more than 18 months out of play after his Achilles injury in December 2011.

The Scarlets new signing Steve Shingler moves from the 10 jersey to centre in partnership alongside Wales international Scott Williams. Scarlets centre Gareth Maule is out with an injured knee (4 weeks).

Otherwise the starting XV looks the same as last weekend with captain Rob McCusker leading a strong Scarlets team with plenty of depth on the bench and is only without British Lions centre Jon Davies (rested) and new signing Scotland flanker John Barclay.

The Scarlets will be looking for another strong start to their PRO12 campaign and with it a repeat of last season's opening fixture of the new season when they took the champions to task with a strong performance to secure a 45-20 win at home.

Scarlets Team v Leinster; Friday September 6th 2013 kick off 7.05pm at Parc y Scarlets;
15 Gareth Owen;
14 Liam Williams;
13 Scott Williams;
12 Steve Shingler;
11 Kristian Phillips;
10 Rhys Priestland;
9 Gareth Davies;

1 Phil John;
2 Ken Owens;
3 Samson Lee;
4 George Earle;
5 Jo Snyman;
6 Aaron Shingler;
7 Josh Turnbull;
8 Rob McCusker (capt).

Replacements:
16 Emyr Phillips,
17 Rob Evans,
18 Jacobie Adriaanse,
19 Jake Ball,
20 Craig Price,
21 Rhodri Williams,
22 Adam Warren,
23 Jordan Williams.

Simon Easterby Coach said: "We need a strong start - a good result and performance like last year's opening game gave us real momentum going into the next series of fixtures and that proved to be important in the end in helping us reach the top four.

"Resting some of the Lions players does affect them slightly more than us, as they have six but we know that Leinster are always going to be competitive. They are very effective and efficient with ball in hand and will be a challenge to us.

"All teams are looking for form in their opening game and want to hit the ground running in their opening game - regardless of how long the season is.

"We're in a very positive place as a group, fitness wise we've been able to pick from a near full strength squad so that's a bonus and the boys are eager to get going.

"It's a great fixture for us to have first up at home for our supporters and everyone's in a positive and upbeat mood so hopefully it will be a lively night at Parc y Scarlets. We feel fairly confident and are really looking forward to getting our season started now after a lot of hard work in the background on our pre-season preparations."

Easterby said the new Leinster coach, Matt O'Connor would probably not look to change too much given Leinster's success and added that going into his second season as Head Coach of the Scarlets, it was all about having a strong team around you.

Easterby said: "For me, its all about the environment you create, having the right people around you and that the players buy into what you are looking to achieve and maintaining a positive atmosphere.

"On the whole, the players here are happy with the way we want to play, and that we want to have an expansive game. We're certainly going in the right direction. We showed last weekend if we keep our discipline and keep hold of the ball we can be really effective and I was pleased with how our set-piece play went last weekend - that was a real positive for us."

International, fair play you spotted it with the K Phillips thing

I guess my 'reading between the lines' could do with some fine tuning

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu Sep 05, 2013 12:17 pm

Looking forward to young Moore against Phil John. He didn't disgrace himselv against Lord and saviour Corbisiero last week.

Is the Scarlets bench a bit week or is it just that I don't know them?

by ScarletSpiderman Thu Sep 05, 2013 12:23 pm

I think it is you just don't know them, as IMO it is pretty strong

Replacements:
16 Emyr Phillips - Welsh international hooker (capped in the summer)
17 Rob Evans - Part of the same U20s team as Samson Lee, which beat the baby blacks
18 Jacobie Adriaanse - Saffer tighthead, say no more
19 Jake Ball - Evil evil man that injured Nial Ronan
20 Craig Price - Solid openside, better No.8 than McCusker
21 Rhodri Williams - Electric Wales U20s scrum half, shone in the JWC
22 Adam Warren - Welsh international centre
23 Jordan Williams - Electric Wales U20s fullback, shone in the JWC

Personnally I am really looking forward to this game now, and am starting to get excited. It should be a good game, and IMO it will be far closer than this time last sason.

by ScarletSpiderman Thu Sep 05, 2013 12:24 pm

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:Looking forward to young Moore against Phil John. He didn't disgrace himselv against Lord and saviour Corbisiero last week.

So it could be a long day for Phil John!!

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu Sep 05, 2013 12:33 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:I think it is you just don't know them, as IMO it is pretty strong

Replacements:
16 Emyr Phillips - Welsh international hooker (capped in the summer)
17 Rob Evans - Part of the same U20s team as Samson Lee, which beat the baby blacks
18 Jacobie Adriaanse - Saffer tighthead, say no more
19 Jake Ball - Evil evil man that injured Nial Ronan
20 Craig Price - Solid openside, better No.8 than McCusker
21 Rhodri Williams - Electric Wales U20s scrum half, shone in the JWC
22 Adam Warren - Welsh international centre
23 Jordan Williams - Electric Wales U20s fullback, shone in the JWC

Personnally I am really looking forward to this game now, and am starting to get excited. It should be a good game, and IMO it will be far closer than this time last sason.

Ah! Looks a lot better when you put it like that. Didn't know Warren had caps. Japan?

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu Sep 05, 2013 12:34 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:Looking forward to young Moore against Phil John. He didn't disgrace himselv against Lord and saviour Corbisiero last week.
So it could be a long day for Phil John!!

Your lips to god's ears mate.

by **profitius** Thu Sep 05, 2013 12:36 pm

Surprising Leinster team. Good to see Luke Fitz back! Hopefully from an Ireland point of view Moore has a good season.

by ScarletSpiderman Thu Sep 05, 2013 12:40 pm

Warren was capped back in 2011! Cough...Barbarians match...cough only capped match for Martyn Willaims to win his 100th cap.....cough. But Warren has been with the Welsh squad training since, and toured to Japan (can't remember him playing though)

by The Saint Thu Sep 05, 2013 1:39 pm

Price was a Sevens team regular too SS. So he's a big guy that can move. My initial thought was that it's a good Scarlets team, then I got to the back-row and seen how average it is. Then I got to the bench; it's a strong looking bench full of guys with the potential to be Wales regulars.
I don't really know that Leinster team, are they capable of getting a win?

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu Sep 05, 2013 1:48 pm

Yep. Leinster side is way stronger than expected. Having said that The likes of Fitzgerald, McFadden, D'Arcy, Ross, McCarthy, Toner, Boss have zero minutes in pre season games.

Could be a close one.

by thebandwagonsociety Thu Sep 05, 2013 1:54 pm

Fairly strong team for Leinster consider what's available. My only potential worry would be how the backs on the bench can be brought on. Usually prefer to have a back3 player on the bench with the option of putting moving someone into centre. Looks like Reid to cover 10-12. Macken can cover 12-13 and McFadden to cover the rest of the positions (with Boss on the wing in a worse case scenario). Did Reid play 10 in either preseason games? Don't like that potential switch.
Fanning looked decent in the last pre-season game, surprisingly tall for a Leinster winger (a welcome change).
Looking forward to the front row battle and the backrow battle. Second row should hold parity (I hope).

Still think a tight win for Scarlets (hoping for a LBP).

by ScarletSpiderman Thu Sep 05, 2013 2:13 pm

The Saint wrote:Price was a Sevens team regular too SS. So he's a big guy that can move. My initial thought was that it's a good Scarlets team, then I got to the back-row and seen how satanic. Then I got to the bench; it's a strong looking bench full of guys with the potential to be Wales regulars.
I don't really know that Leinster team, are they capable of getting a win?

Fixed that for you boss.

The sooner Barclay is fit the better IMO, the whole devil's backrow thing wasn't the best last season, although Turnbull was nursing a shoulder injury for most of the season, so fingers crossed he is going to be back on form now after his summer op.

The Leinster team looks more 'full strength' than I was expecting, but there are a few chinks in there that I think we can target, and like TheBandWagonSociety said some key players have not been feilded since the end of last season, so hopefully there will be some ring rust there too. I am really looking forward to the last 20 or so when Jordan Williams will be coming on against tiring legs, I think he will cause chaos in the backline.

by Guest Thu Sep 05, 2013 8:58 pm

Very happy with the scrum half selection, surprised Rhodri has had an opportunity so early in the seson, but it's a welcome surprise.a

by Gibson Fri Sep 06, 2013 12:14 am

Far stronger Scarlets squad. Still, new coach in from the dogged Tigers. These guys need to impress. So ya never know.

Really excited to see a lot of that New Leinster side play.

Led by Jenno. What could possibly go wrong?

It will be close I reckon. These two sides just love to play open rugby. Always a joy to watch.

Bring it on I say.

by Cari Fri Sep 06, 2013 7:17 pm

Evening All...

Not a great start for Leinster. Mini Chilli sent off after a high tackle on Scott Williams. shame really, Williams would've been in there with the first try. Scarlets go for another penalty anyway.

6 - 0 at 06:45

by The Saint Fri Sep 06, 2013 7:18 pm

I don't think that should have been a yellow. What you lot think?

by Cari Fri Sep 06, 2013 7:19 pm

I think a yellow was fair enough. It was a high tackle - maybe not intended, but it was high.

by LeinsterFan4life Fri Sep 06, 2013 7:25 pm

Doesnt ground it lol

by wales606 Fri Sep 06, 2013 7:25 pm

Looks like the same Scarlets that started last season, not the ones that ended it.

Preistland is back by the looks of it.

Don't know why the TMO is needed, looked clear enough to me

by wales606 Fri Sep 06, 2013 7:26 pm

The Saint wrote:I don't think that should have been a yellow. What you lot think?

Pretty clear yellow imo

by Breadvan Fri Sep 06, 2013 7:27 pm

Def yellow. Wrapped round his neck. Shingler looking good at 6. Dream team points!

by Cari Fri Sep 06, 2013 7:28 pm

Fairy tale start for the Scarlets wih McCusker scoring their first try of the season. 13-0 after 15 minutes. i can't see it staying that way...

by Coleman Fri Sep 06, 2013 7:28 pm

11 Missed Tackles in 14 mins. Someone at Leinster is getting a shouting at!

by wales606 Fri Sep 06, 2013 7:28 pm

Scarlets just look bigger than all these Leinster 2nds.

by VinceWLB Fri Sep 06, 2013 7:29 pm

McCusker very very lucky lol

by The Saint Fri Sep 06, 2013 7:29 pm

Maybe it was just me who thought it was harsh, I didn't think it was dangerous. They probably would have let him off with a warning in the S15.

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