Leinster V Castres

Make a new thread yah lazy boll1x

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:the Leinster team I'd like to see this weekend

Healy- best loosehead in the world IMO
Cronin- best option and maybe consistent starts will make him consistent in facets of play
Ross- if fit I think he should play to steady the scrum before Moore comes on for impact
Toner- playing very well
McCarthy- slightly better than Roux IMO
McLaughlin- best option
SOB- best option
Heaslip- best option
Boss- considerably better than Reddan currently I think
Gopperth- has been playing well and can attack so I think should start, with Madigan in early
Kearney- has done well enough so far
Darcy- experienced man in midfield may be necessary for continuity
McFadden- a good outside centre if nothing more, facilitates Fitz on the wing
Fitzgerald- looked really hungry when he came on and hopefully can kick on
Kearney- better game last week but still has a lot to show

Dundon-McGrath-Moore-Roux-Ruddock-Reddan-Madigan-Macken

Don't think Ross is going to make it. Bench at best I'd say. Furlong and Bent out too. Moore is our only fully fit TH.

I think they were planning Benty for a comeback in the B&I cup this weekend, so perhaps he will be on the bench.

Otherwise same as last week. Might leave Macken in at 13 too. Outside (and crazy) chance that they will throw Kirchner in at 13 the way they did with Tuqiri in the Munster game.

Pete wrote:McFadden- a good outside centre if nothing more

Wash your mouth out. He's doing great on the wing.

haha great stuff Jen.

Yeah just heard Ross is looking massively doubtful now, not so worried about Moore it's the cover behind him I guess.

I have to say I think McFadden is a good centre (ok 13 and very good 12) and while he has been playing at wing and playing well which is stronger???

Boss-Goppereth
Darcy-McFadden
Fitz-Kearney-Kearney

or

Boss-Goppereth
Darcy-Macken
Fitz-Kearney-McFadden

Repost -

I know i might be lambasted for saying this, but even if Ross is fit this week I'd go with Moore. He had a baptism of fire against an Ospreys pack with 5 Lions in it, and he not only didn't make a show of himself, but he put the squeeze on excellently a few times. Ross aint going to be playing much longer, no harm to let him recover fully from injury, start Moradze and a new era of homegrown scrummaging at Leinster.

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:haha great stuff Jen.

Yeah just heard Ross is looking massively doubtful now, not so worried about Moore it's the cover behind him I guess.

I have to say I think McFadden is a good centre (ok 13 and very good 12) and while he has been playing at wing and playing well which is stronger???

Boss-Goppereth
Darcy-McFadden
Fitz-Kearney-Kearney

or

Boss-Goppereth
Darcy-Macken
Fitz-Kearney-McFadden

The latter is better than the former. McFadden is not the answer long term at 13, Macken might be, might not be, but he needs the exposure.

Micky mo bhuachaill,

I'd agree with you to an extent on Ross/Moore when you put it like that. Maybe I'm just feeling trepidation but sure go with it perhaps!!!

I think the first backline is considerably better than the 2nd for this game. Macken has looked sharper than in previous seasons but not that much sharper. If EOM was still around it would be a no-brainer but......

I thought Macken looked very good against Scarlets, now he hasn’t set the world alight since but his biggest weakness was always his defense and in fairness that hasn’t been bad, if he becomes confident with his defense and is able to bring his attacking game back up to what it can be we’ll have a quality player on our hands.

Wouldn't mind them putting Kirchener on the bench.
Whatever the team, I want quick ball and the aim being to break their spirits early!

10 Gopperth
11 D Kearney
12 Madigan
13 Darcy
14 McFadden
15 R Kearney

Have Gopperth and Mads played together at 10/12 yet? Don't think Fitz has done enough to displace Kearney.

Submachine wrote:10 Gopperth
11 D Kearney
12 Madigan
13 Darcy
14 McFadden
15 R Kearney

Have Gopperth and Mads played together at 10/12 yet? Don't think Fitz has done enough to displace Kearney.

No, they've played together but Madigan was at 15 when Darren Hudson was injured and D.Kearney went to the wing.

Don't understand people going with Gopperth, he's playing very well but Maddog is still clearly no.1.

Maddog would have ripped the O's to shreds last week.

Fitz starting is a no brainer, class player.

I'd like to see a centre combo of McFadden and Macken. Macken's been good this season and looked dangerous v Ospreys.

Ruddock, Moore, Roux, deserve some game time aswell IMO.

Team I'd like to see : Healy,Cronin,Moore,Toner,Roux,Ruddock,SOB,Heaslip,Boss,Madigan,Fitz,McFadden,Macken,Kearney,Kearney

Kirchner on the bench.

Wow Gleeson, we don't seem to agree much.  

On the 10 shirt. My heart says Madigan, but my head says Gopperth. Mads to come on at 50 to show his stuff. Can't fault Gopperth at all on his game last week. his tactical kicking will be needed to move a big Castres pack around in the first half.

Darce had a v good game last week no way I would shove him out to 13 (as a previous poster said) or drop him either.

Kev McLaughlin had a BELTER of a game so I would keep him too. Back row worked really well as a unit.

Ask yourself which of the Ospreys back row had a good game...... That's right. Ryan Who? Twopricks is one of my favourite players, but he was the 4th best back row last week for sure.

I agree about Macken. He is the best option imho with Ferg moving to 13 for Luke on the wing as the 2nd best.

Moore will start at 3 as he is the ONLY fit TH in the squad. Ross or Bent may be patched up enough to sit on the bench.

With Macken at 13 it is a hard choice for the 11, 14 & 23. Does Kirchner get a go? Does Luke get an upgrade? If so at the expense of whom?

Personally I would keep the status quo and leave Kirchner's debut until next week.

But I would be happy enough with any 2 of Fitz, Ferg and Dave K on the wings.

Team
Healy
Cronin
Moore
McCarthy
Toner
McLaughlin
O'Brien
Heaslip

Boss
Gopperth
D Kearney
Darce
Macken
McFadden
R Kearney

Dundon
McGrath
Ross/Bent
Roux
Ruddock
Reddan
Madigan
Fitzgerald

Does SOB and toner go without saying?

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:Wow Gleeson, we don't seem to agree much.  

On the 10 shirt. My heart says Madigan, but my head says Gopperth. Mads to come on at 50 to show his stuff. Can't fault Gopperth at all on his game last week. his tactical kicking will be needed to move a big Castres pack around in the first half.

Darce had a v good game last week no way I would shove him out to 13 (as a previous poster said) or drop him either.

Kev McLaughlin had a BELTER of a game so I would keep him too. Back row worked really well as a unit.

Ask yourself which of the Ospreys back row had a good game...... That's right. Ryan Who? Twopricks is one of my favourite players, but he was the 4th best back row last week for sure.

I agree about Macken. He is the best option imho with Ferg moving to 13 for Luke on the wing as the 2nd best.

Moore will start at 3 as he is the ONLY fit TH in the squad. Ross or Bent may be patched up enough to sit on the bench.

With Macken at 13 it is a hard choice for the 11, 14 & 23. Does Kirchner get a go? Does Luke get an upgrade? If so at the expense of whom?

Personally I would keep the status quo and leave Kirchner's debut until next week.

But I would be happy enough with any 2 of Fitz, Ferg and Dave K on the wings.

Team
Healy
Cronin
Moore
McCarthy
McLaughlin
Heaslip

Boss
Gopperth
D Kearney
Darce
Macken
McFadden
R Kearney

Dundon
McGrath
Ross/Bent
Roux
Ruddock
Reddan
Madigan
Fitzgerald

Throw in SOB and Toner and that will probably be the team.

thebandwagonsociety wrote:Throw in SOB and Toner and that will probably be the team.

 
I was just keeping you on your toes/leaving out the obvious ones/being a cabbage. (you choose)

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

thebandwagonsociety wrote:Throw in SOB and Toner and that will probably be the team.

 
I was just keeping you on your toes/leaving out the obvious ones/being a cabbage. (you choose)

Once they keep focused, I can see this being a very good game.  We just can't give Castre anything early to keep their interest in the game.

I know they are the French Champs, have won their 1st game v Saints and have a huge pack. But, I fully expect us to effectively  end this game in the 1st half. We need to blow them away. Come straight out of the blocks and malafuster them.

That's what I wanted from these first 2 games. 9 points. Get that and we roll on to the Saints double-header at Franklin Gardens and then at Lansdowne. I would expect at least another 8 pts from those 2 games.
I don't see Saints  beating us.

I want to see Madigan play at 12 in this one. Macken at 13. Dorce on the bench.

9. Boss
10. Gopperth
11. D. Kearney
12. Madigan
13. Macken
14. Fitz
15. R. Kearney

That backline, given a decent platform,  would destroy Castres.  

But, it wont happen, not at 1st anyway. Id like to see it happen in future games.

This, for me, is our optimal, attacking,  backline:
9. Reddan
10. Madigan
11. D. Kearney
12. McFadden
13. Macken
14. Fitzgerald
15. R. Kearney

It should be our 1st-choice backline, coming to the end of this season. BOD and Dorce will be gone. And its all-Irish. Could do with Cooney coming through.

Agree with Mick on Moore. Now is his time and he just needs to be backed & trusted. Given a chance to grow stronger in his position. As did Healy at LH, after a few early schoolings by better players, he is now in the top 3 LH's on the Planet. Its the only way to progress. And specially  for a TH. Need to see more of McGrath too. Cronin looks like MOC is doing him a power of good also.

Healy(26), Cronin(27) and Moore(22). Average frontrow age there is 25. Nae bad.

Add McGrath(24) and Strauss(27) and it kind of shows that the IRFU directive is working.  I slag them off enough, but the proof is in the Irish frontrow puddins coming through.

What do people think of Dundon? I just haven't seen enough of him to make a call. Seems solid enough, but is he part of the future? He's 31. I think that answers that one.

Also not sure about Bent. Hasn't had the chance with injuries, in all fairness. Hope he comes through.

Moore starts. Madigan benching.

Jen got it pretty much spot on. I think we could see Madigan at 12 at some point.

Team
Healy
Cronin
Moore
McCarthy
Toner
McLaughlin
O'Brien
Heaslip

Boss
Gopperth
D Kearney
Darce
Macken
McFadden
R Kearney

Dundon
McGrath
Bent
Roux
Ruddock
Reddan
Madigan
Fitzgerald

That's a bloody great lineup.

And when I see the likes of Madigan, Fitz and Reddan ready to spring off the bench, it gives me a warm feeling.  

Bring on de Frogs.

Castres Castrated at the RDS.

Believe.

Whats Garner like as a ref? Hope he handles the breakdown well.  Hope we do too.

That Leinster backrow is really growing as a powerful unit. SOB is getting appreciably better at 7. Locky is back to where he was when SOB was in his wake. Heaslip is playing his best rugby in yonks. Throw in Jenno, Ruddock and Murphy as options.... All good.

I have to say sportzfanz, O Connor is impressing me so far. He's doing it his way and mid transition and disruption,  it is having the required effect.

Most impressed.

From what I've heard about O'C so far he's been placing a really strong emphasis on our new defensive system, which appears to be pretty bloody good, even against Munster that was a positive. But bear in mind he had tigers as the top try scorers in the prem for a couple of years too, and he's more to work with at Leinster, if the standards in attack are brought up to match those of the defense...

Gibbo me oul flower. I can hardly expect to see you for this game no? You over for Saints in December?

Ah Mick, its been a while bud. Miss yer fisog.  

Yes, I'm over for the Saints game in Lansdowne. Our yearly Christmas bash in Cassidys. Its tradition at this stage.  Might go to exotic Northampton too.  Never been to Franklin Gardens.

You getting to any of the away ones pal? Castres is on the list.

Letting go of Hagan was a huge mistake. I wouldn't mind but he seems to be 3rd choice for LI. Even with Aulika injured he still isn't starting over there.

I don't think it's a huge mistake given the emergence of Moore. If furlong can have a similar impact at some point this season (even towards may) Leinster will be well set

This is the first time O'C is doing it all his way... and yes, Schmidt was the same.  

But the jury is definitely out on O'C so far for me.  He had a ragin' bull passion-guy as boss over at Leicester who I'm sure buried team identity into the player's heads and I'm sure gave them the extra few ounces of effort they needed in each game to keep the Leicester brand alive.

I know some Leicester fans were mildy pleased to see the back of O'C when he went - they weren't exactly signing petitions to have him change his mind.  So we're still working out how good O'C might be on his own terms.

This is kinda the point now where he needs to show us he has true calibre HC coaching ability; and that means using some of his ways but with big chunks of the already Leinster winning way.  (The larger part of perfecting his way should be kept to Pro12) The Leinster players have as much to teach him as he might think he can give to the players.

Leinster have to be much more beligerent in points scoring.  They must engender fear again.  They must be more identifyable as Leinster again. I'm not sure anything I've seen so far is close to good enough yet.

Gibson wrote:Ah Mick, its been a while bud. Miss yer fisog.  

Yes, I'm over for the Saints game in Lansdowne. Our yearly Christmas bash in Cassidys. Its tradition at this stage.  Might go to exotic Northampton too.  Never been to Franklin Gardens.

You getting to any of the away ones pal? Castres is on the list.

No immediate plans to travel yet Gibbo, although I've been to a pre-season and a Rabo away game so far this season, albeit still in Ireland. But stranger things have happened, had a bit of good news in work recently so maybe the post Christmas slump won't hit me as hard this time around

You've been to Limerick too. That not count?

Munster drop James Cawlin :-0

How can that be!? Shouldn't he be ahead of Heaslip?

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:You've been to Limerick too. That not count?

Munster drop James Cawlin :-0

How can that be!? Shouldn't he be ahead of Heaslip?

Yeah, i did say a pre season and a Rabo away.

Remember the shouts from the Thomond terrace of "f88k off jamie, you're sh1ite, f88k off home" "GWAN JAMES CAWLIN YE LIGIND".

Perspective eh...?

Mickado wrote:

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:You've been to Limerick too. That not count?

Munster drop James Cawlin :-0

How can that be!? Shouldn't he be ahead of Heaslip?

Yeah, i did say a pre season and a Rabo away.

Remember the shouts from the Thomond terrace of "f88k off jamie, you're sh1ite, f88k off home" "GWAN JAMES CAWLIN YE LIGIND".

Perspective eh...?

Sorry I read it wrong. Thought it was pre season rabo away.

Then 2 mins later yerman shouting. Have ye focked off yet Jamie?  

They secretly fancy him, but can't come to terms with their own suppressed homosexuality.

I like the rugby MOC has us playing but not selecting Madigan just grinds my gears. This was meant to be his season. Also not selecting Fitz is madness. With Zebo out, if Fitz gets some game time I can see him starting in the AI's. I mean McFadden and D Kearn are nothing special by any means.

I have to say Locky and Jamie are beginning to win me over, thought they were both on their last legs after last season. I still think tho that with a bit of gt, Murphy, Ryan, Ruddock, and Leavy, could over take them.

I'm surprised none of our back rows moved to Connacht, would have benefited them and irish rugby in general.

Still not convinced about toner but he dose provide a nice target for Cronin's improving darts.

gleesonisgod wrote:I like the rugby MOC has us playing but not selecting Madigan just grinds my gears. This was meant to be his season. Also not selecting Fitz is madness. With Zebo out, if Fitz gets some game time I can see him starting in the AI's. I mean McFadden and D Kearn are nothing special by any means.

I have to say Locky and Jamie are beginning to win me over, thought they were both on their last legs after last season. I still think tho that with a bit of gt, Murphy, Ryan, Ruddock, and Leavy, could over take them.

I'm surprised none of our back rows moved to Connacht, would have benefited them and irish rugby in general.

Still not convinced about toner but he dose provide a nice target for Cronin's improving darts.

To quote Kelly McGillis in Top Gun - You're not happy unless you're going mach 2 with your hair on fire.

 

I think we are all a little frustrated on behalf of Mads. But we can't argue with selecting Jimmy on form.

Fitz will get a run off the bench. TBH a big HC game is not the place to start an undercooked player just to give him some gametime

Himself Ross and especially Drico will get a run in the next 2 Rabo games to get something in the legs for the AIs.

Kev and Jamie are legends of the game. Last legs? They are in their 20s
Ruddock Ryan and Murphy are all great players but certainly not at the level of our starting back row. Leavy has phenomenal potential but he has hardly any Rabo time in yet. Year or 2 before he is challenging.

They would walk into many teams across Europe but 2 of our back row are test Lions ffs.

Don't worry about Toner. He does all the right things. Just doesn't look elegant doing them.

He is never going to run through players like Sean O'Brian but he is immensely powerful despite appearances.

Yes, what yerman said. Spot on.  

Mick.  

Mickado wrote:

gleesonisgod wrote:I like the rugby MOC has us playing but not selecting Madigan just grinds my gears. This was meant to be his season. Also not selecting Fitz is madness. With Zebo out, if Fitz gets some game time I can see him starting in the AI's. I mean McFadden and D Kearn are nothing special by any means.

I have to say Locky and Jamie are beginning to win me over, thought they were both on their last legs after last season. I still think tho that with a bit of gt, Murphy, Ryan, Ruddock, and Leavy, could over take them.

I'm surprised none of our back rows moved to Connacht, would have benefited them and irish rugby in general.

Still not convinced about toner but he dose provide a nice target for Cronin's improving darts.

To quote Kelly McGillis in Top Gun - You're not happy unless you're going mach 2 with your hair on fire.

+1

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

Kev and Jamie are legends of the game. Last legs? They are in their 20s

Bad choice of words. Just thought their form, especially Jamie's, was dipping considerably.

Obviously nobody gonna displace SOB, but one could argue that Murphy's form before he got injured was up there with the way Jamie's been playing. I also think its closer between Ruddock and Locky. They're similar players and Ruddock seems to be coming into his own after a few years of nothing. Ryan, well I've been a massive fan ever since I saw him for Zaga in 08 in Donnybrook v Mary's, pretty much a one man team, and he seems to have a knack for scoring.

Why is Dan Leavy rated so highly? Also, is he a 7 only or can he play other positions as well? If SOB is sticking to 7, then he isn't going to get a whole lot of game time for a while. Which would be disappointing if he is as good as everyone is suggesting. Unless he also plays 6/8? Or SOB moves, which is looking unlikely these days.

Where are you getting locky on his last legs from? He was one of our best players at the end of last season.

He literally got us over the line against Glasgow in the semis.

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Why is Dan Leavy rated so highly?  Also, is he a 7 only or can he play other positions as well?  If SOB is sticking to 7, then he isn't going to get a whole lot of game time for a while.  Which would be disappointing if he is as good as everyone is suggesting.  Unless he also plays 6/8?  Or SOB moves, which is looking unlikely these days.

He was one of our best players at the U20 WC this year and is eligible to play in the next one.It's the usual underage hype,he might justify it and he might not but even if he does it'll be another few years before we see him break through.

gleesonisgod wrote:

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

Kev and Jamie are legends of the game. Last legs? They are in their 20s

Bad choice of words. Just thought their form, especially Jamie's, was dipping considerably.

Obviously nobody gonna displace SOB, but one could argue that Murphy's form before he got injured was up there with the way Jamie's been playing. I also think its closer between Ruddock and Locky. They're similar players and Ruddock seems to be coming into his own after a few years of nothing. Ryan, well I've been a massive fan ever since I saw him for Zaga in 08 in Donnybrook v Mary's, pretty much a one man team, and he seems to have a knack for scoring.

Jamie's form was fine. He was just doing a lot more grunt work and less super duper flashy carrying for a while. Back row a lot more balanced now since SOB got so good on the deck.

Did you see his steal on halfway that set up the try? Defied the laws of physics. Watched it loads of times and still can't work out how he got that ball.

Ruddock coming on nicely. Perhaps to a point where he can rotate with Locky, like VDM/Healy, Boss/Redan etc.

Ryan had a magnificent season 2 years ago but has never been as good since. Mainly due to injury and not being able to string a run of games together when he comes back. Looks a bit lacking upstairs in his few games this term. Crippling tackler still though

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Why is Dan Leavy rated so highly?  Also, is he a 7 only or can he play other positions as well?  If SOB is sticking to 7, then he isn't going to get a whole lot of game time for a while.  Which would be disappointing if he is as good as everyone is suggesting.  Unless he also plays 6/8?  Or SOB moves, which is looking unlikely these days.

He was one of our best players at the U20 WC this year and is eligible to play in the next one.It's the usual underage hype,he might justify it and he might not but even if he does it'll be another few years before we see him break through.

There's the key. Fab player but only 20. Don't rush him. Should be winding up as Jeno winds down over the next few seasons.

I think Ryan should look to leave as he seems to have stalled a bit. I don't want a player with that much potential be wasted. He needs to get a run of games.

I don't think Connacht would even be a good place to go as he would be competing with Heenan and Faloon. Perhaps London Irish?

Castres team for whoever is interested :

15 Brice Dulin, 14 Romain Martial, 13 Romain Cabannes, 12 Remi Lamerat, 11 Maxwell Evans, 10 Remi Tales (capt), 9 Rory Kockott, 8 Antonie Claassen, 7 Pedrie Wannenburg, 6 Jannie Bornman, 5 Rodrigo Capo Ortega, 4 Richie Gray, 3 Anton Peikrishvili, 2 Brice Mach, 1 Mihaita Lazar.
Replacements: 16 Marc-Antoine Rallier, 17 Karena Wihongi, 18 Saimone Taumoepeau, 19 Christophe Samson, 20 Ibrahim Diarra, 21 Julien Tomas, 22 Geoffrey Palis, 23 Daniel Kirkpatrick,

close to the best they could bring with a couple of players injured. Nice to see Dulin back as well.

The Squashed Goblin is playing for Castres I see.
So they're giving Leinster every chance for a win.

Since Andreu left and Marcel Garvey got injured he certainly increased his gametime.

George Carlin wrote:The Squashed Goblin is playing for Castres I see.
So they're giving Leinster every chance for a win.

Again with the nicknames
Give us a clue george.

Seems that bar Forestier, Bai and Gravey they are at full strength.

Could be tricky Have to hit them early and often.

whocares wrote:Castres team for whoever is interested :

15 Brice Dulin, 14 Romain Martial, 13 Romain Cabannes, 12 Remi Lamerat, 11 Maxwell Evans, 10 Remi Tales (capt), 9 Rory Kockott, 8 Antonie Claassen, 7 Pedrie Wannenburg, 6 Jannie Bornman, 5 Rodrigo Capo Ortega, 4 Richie Gray, 3 Anton Peikrishvili, 2 Brice Mach, 1 Mihaita Lazar.
Replacements: 16 Marc-Antoine Rallier, 17 Karena Wihongi, 18 Saimone Taumoepeau, 19 Christophe Samson, 20 Ibrahim Diarra, 21 Julien Tomas, 22 Geoffrey Palis, 23 Daniel Kirkpatrick,

I'm not being funny or anything, but the French Champs have only one player I actually know. And he's massively overrated.

Oh ja, and Wanennburg. An Ulster reject. Rory Kockott? They are making these names up surely.

Leinster by a shedload.

It ll be not easy for leinster man !

I know mon cherry. It will be a complete basterd of a task to take on Castres. I was just using up some nervous energy.

The HC does that to a ladyboy.