Clermont v Leinster - European Rugby Champions Cup: Semi Final 2

Didn't see a thread for this unless I am blind... If there is one, please remove this Mod's

Clermont: S Spedding; D Strettle, A Rougerie, R Lamerat, N Abendanon; C Lopez, M Parra, R Chaume, B Kayser, D Zirakashvilli, A Iturria, S Vahaamahina, D Chouly (capt), P Yato, F Lee.

Replacements: J Ulugia, E Falgoux, A Jarvis, P Jedrasiak, A Lapandry, L Radosavljevic, P Fernandez, D Penaud.

Leinster: J Carbery; F McFadden, G Ringrose, R Henshaw I Nacewa (capt); J Sexton, L McGrath, J McGrath, R Strauss, T Furlong, D Toner, H Triggs, R Ruddock, D Leavy, J Conan.

Replacements: S Cronin, P Dooley, M Bent, R Molony, J van der Flier, J Gibson-Park, R Byrne, Z Kirchner.

Anyways, c'mon Leinster.

Not sure what Ringrose was doing there, bad lack of composure and gave Clermont the front foot and now the try...

Horrible start for Leinster. That was an awful kick from Ringrose. Could be a yellow here as well.

Ringrose again... Sexton needs to go and have a chat with him and get some composure in him.

Nacewa, very light but also very stupid = YC. Leinster are already seriously under the cosh.

10 - 0

Wow - Leinster aren't very composed here.

I think that was certainly a deserved yellow. Good on Nigel for giving it so early.

Looks like this will be a running commentary from the two of us on this thread Billy. 

Very likely Rory

Henshaw having to do a lot of work defensively for Ringrose as well...

McGrath and Furlong are the fittest and busiest props around.

This already looks like it for Leinster...

I wonder if this Leinster performance can be described as 'disgraceful anti rugby'

It is certainly looking ominous.

eirebilly wrote:This already looks like it for Leinster...

I wonder if this Leinster performance can be described as 'disgraceful anti rugby'

disgraceful display of lineout throwing for sure

It's been a while since I have seen Leinster destroyed at the breakdown...

It isn't often you see Leinster bossed at the breakdown like that. Flip me.

What are Leinster doing??

Maybe it's just me and I hope he proves me wrong, but I just don't see what everyone else sees in Ringrose. I know he's a good player but can't help feel that people are going overboard about him.

Conan playing well but Toner is having a mare, yet another turnover...

Maine man wrote:Maybe it's just me and I hope he proves me wrong, but I just don't see what everyone else sees in Ringrose. I know he's a good player but can't help feel that people are going overboard about him.

Not just you, many people have said this. He has massive potential and is still learning the trade so I would stick with him without a doubt.

He is a very clever player with bags of pace, he reads the game very well. He definitely has the potential to be an excellent player.

Clermont starting to get a bit over-confident here, may be a bit of a chance for Leinster.

Good example of what Irish teams are missing. Clever offloads, keeping the ball alive, and most of all, pace.

Much better from Leinster, keeping the ball alive. 100% agree Rory.

Toner is pretty useless these days.

Leinster actually look alright with the ball. The last pass is costing us

McFadden, all the time in the world and then that...

Composure seriously lacking today with Leinster.

Is there a load of injuries in the Leinster backline? Just wondering why McFadden is playing?

...as is McFadden.

At least both will feature for another chance with Ireland in the summer.

Maine man wrote:Is there a load of injuries in the Leinster backline? Just wondering why McFadden is playing?

He has a good heart.

Didn't see too much in that to be fair...

Clermont certainly being given far more time at the breakdown than Leinster. I thought that Ringrose was well in for the turnover prior to the penalty and could have won Leinster a penalty...

Phase play in the second half is what is required from Leinster. They are not out of this by any means but they need phase play and composure.
They look so much better when they hold on to the ball.

That was a pretty pathetic waste of advantage. They could have pushed for the try there.

Leadership lacking in this rather inexperienced Leinster team.

Rory_Gallagher wrote:That was a pretty pathetic waste of advantage. They could have pushed for the try there.

Disgraceful anti rugby

Rory_Gallagher wrote:That was a pretty pathetic waste of advantage. They could have pushed for the try there.

Something that Irish teams do a lot for some reason. I'd say Leinster were happy to get into the changing rooms

If Jv/dF is fully fit, I would look to bring him on around the 50min mark. His breakdown work and work in open play may open Clermont up.

McFadden has to be replaced, either Byrne or Kirchner should come on for him.

Now for the big European second half Leinster comeback.

Pete330v2 wrote:Now for the big European second half Leinster comeback.

Wonder if Sexton is making that speech again...

In fairness to Ringrose, he has not had the best game but he starting to look a threat in open play when Leinster keep the ball.

Conan is just excellent.

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Conan is just excellent.

Isn't he. Heaslip has some serious competition with him. He is very much in the CJ mould of #8's

Belief in Leinster, keeping the ball in hand and pushing Clermont. Clermont giving away far too many penalties and should surely be on a warning...

Rugby Fan wrote:

Pete330v2 wrote:Now for the big European second half Leinster comeback.

Wonder if Sexton is making that speech again...

I think he just might have, RF.

Luke McGrath

How many more penalties can Clermont give away without getting a card?

Leinster are wasting a few try scoring opportunities though.

What did I tell ya lads. Comebacks are a Dublin speciality.

What a try

Bollix

No try.

Fair call in fairness and really could have been a YC for cynical play.