Leinster Branch Rugby - 2018/19

Leinster fans - we're a fickle bunch.

As soon as the club gets any kind of success, the fans all disappear from here being far too busy scouring the shops for the new 'four-star' top and associated scarf, hat, rain-jacket (light weather), heavy parka (for visiting Limerick in winter), alternate dayglo away strip with fur-lined collar (for out West), and up to date badges and paraphernalia for the beemer, car-seat, and nappy-bag 3-in-1 holdall/pram/kiddy thingy.

Despite that, Leo and his merry men, have been busy sizing up the latest batch of academy starlets with a number of them being signed on Development contracts to the senior squad.  The departures last season of a few old hands through injury/retirement was accompanied by two high-profile transfers and a number of academy/development players who didn't make the grade moving on or being released:

Departed
Jordi Murphy to Ulster and Joey Carbery to Munster
Jamie Heaslip, Isa Nacewa and Richardt Strauss retired
Oisin Heffernan to Nottingham
Cathal Marsh and Peadar Timmins released

Incoming
Isa Nacewa's dressing-room seat was still warm when newcomer, Australian international, Joe Tomane, was announced as the new Non-Irish Eligible player for the squad.  He's played with Montpelier for the last couple of seasons, and will look to tie down a regular starting slot at wing or centre during the season.  He's of Samoan/Cook Island descent so won't be included in the "two foreign player" limits in the PRO14 and Heineken Cup.

Promoted from Academy: Jordan Larmour (fullback), Vakh Abdaladze (prop), Caelan Doris (No 8), Josh Murphy and Will Connors (flankers)
Joe Tomane from Montpellier - wing/centre.

Squad and Coaching
That makes a 44-strong senior squad and a further 19 players in the Academy including 8 new players starting their first year.

Unlike the other provinces, Leinster now don't have any SA-born players in their squad with just 2 NIE players - Fardy/Tomane (Aus) and 2 NIQ players Gibson-Park/Lowe (NZ) in their ranks.  Vakh Abdaladze, born in Georgia, moved to Ireland at age 5/6, and encouraged by his father, a former No.8 for Georgia, switched from soccer to rugby, and from centre to loosehead prop, and finally to tighthead.  He made it onto the Ireland U20s squad for the World Cup and was part of the team that beat New Zealand before losing to England in the final alongside Ryan, Porter and Stockdale.

On the coaching front, Leo and Stuart still head the bill, with former Leinster No 10 and highly popular Argentina test player/captain, Felipe Contemponi, replacing the departed Girvan Dempsey as Backs Coach.

Upcoming Fixtures
Leinster play Montauban in France and Newcastle at Energia Park in Donnybrook for their pre-season games, before kicking off their PRO14 Championship title defence with a cross-conference game against Cardiff at the Arms Park on August 31.   They stay in Wales to meet Conference B rivals, Scarlets, in Llanelli, the following week.  Their first home game is against Dragons at the RDS on 15 Sept.  They've only one away game in SA this season, against Kings on Sunday, 4 November.  

The first interpro derby is in Galway against Connacht on 29 Sept, followed a week later by the annual Leinster/Munster knees-up at Lansdowne Road on 6 October - good prep for the first two rounds of the Heineken Cup (it's back!) against Pool One rivals Wasps, or Toulouse or Bath during October.

Developments
Coaching has been a big part of summer activities at the club with the usual summer camps being held for kids of all ages sold out around the province and a particular target being met of developing coaches - men and women's - across the 12 counties in the province.  

In the background, planning permission extension is still underway for the planned demolition and redevelopment of the Anglesea Stand next season which will add another 4,000 approx to the RDS Arena for hosting the various public events (including de rugby) during the year.    It's not known at this stage what that's going to mean for ticket prices, particularly for ST holders in Anglesea Stand, but it's likely there'll be some news on the stadium development towards the back-end of the season in 2019.

With a large number of the senior squad on restricted player management, Leinster are going to find their first few matches tough, particularly away in Wales in rounds 1 & 2.   Looking forward to seeing how they get on.

The Academy squad who normally feature in the British & Irish Cup will now be playing in the new U23 comp set up between IRFU and WRU and some will continue to play for Ireland Sevens squad during the season.

Leinster Senior Squad 2018/19 - 44 players

Hookers: Bryan Byrne, Sean Cronin, James Tracy
Props: Vakh Abdaladze, Michael Bent, Ed Byrne, Peter Dooley, Tadgh Furlong, Cian Healy, Jack McGrath, Andrew Porter
Locks: Scott Fardy, Mick Kearney, Ross Molony, Ian Nagle, James Ryan, Devin Toner,
Flankers: Will Connors, Dan Leavy, Josh Murphy, Seán O'Brien, Rhys Ruddock, Josh van der Flier,
Number 8s: Jack Conan, Max Deegan, Caelan Doris
No 9s: Jamison Gibson-Park, Nick McCarthy, Luke McGrath
Out-halves: Ross Byrne, Jonathan Sexton
Midfielders: Tom Daly, Robbie Henshaw, Rory O'Loughlin, Noel Reid, Garry Ringrose
Wings: Adam Byrne, Barry Daly, Dave Kearney, James Lowe, Fergus McFadden, Joe Tomane
Full-backs: Rob Kearney, Jordan Larmour.

Leinster Academy Squad for Hiberno-Welsh U23 Competition and Ireland 7s. - 19 players

Hooker: Ronan Kelleher (year 2) Hooker
Props: Jack Aungier (year 2), Michael Milne (year 1)
Locks: Ryan Baird (year 1), Oisin Dowling (year 2), Jack Dunne (year 1)
Flanker: Scott Penney (year 1)
Scrum-half: Hugh O'Sullivan (year 2), Patrick Patterson (year 1),
Fly-half: Harry Byrne (year 1)
Midfield: Ciaran Frawley (year 2), Gavin Mullin (year 2), Conor O'Brien (year 3), Jimmy O'Brien (year 3), Tommy O'Brien (year 2)
Wings: Hugo Keenan (year 3), Jack Kelly (year 3), Aaron O'Sullivan* (year 1)
Full-back: Michael Silvester (year 1)

Do you think Vakh will get more game time this year?. I remember him playing for the u20s a few years back and he looked a bit of a beast

Watched Tomane play a fair bit for Montpellier over the last two seasons and he aint no Nacewa. He wasn't even the best or second best centre at Montpellier. Dont think he is quick enough for the wing, except in some easier Pro 14 fixtures. So he wont provide the same class or versatility as Isa did for so many seasons. Although with a few good, young wingers establishing themselves in the first team squad he probably wont be required to play out wide very often.

Have you lads managed to pin down precisely where it all went wrong?

George Carlin wrote:Have you lads managed to pin down precisely where it all went wrong?

I think it was that moment during the match against Benetton at the RDS when one player looked at another and said sheeite were going to lose this.

The shameful hiding out west followed.

Still, the Heino is back this season, and so is Contemponi, so there’s hope yet.....

I'd see Frawley in the academy as more of an outhalf and Tomane being used in the centres.

There are reservations around Contepomi. Argentina and the Jaguars haven't had create backs play during his time so the popular assumption that he'll be more creative than Girve the Swerve might not turn out to be true. I really think we've left a class coach slip away in letting Dempsey go overseas.

With the world cup being the end of the summer, I'll presume that the controlling of test player minutes will ramp up further. Leinster will be drawing on their academy more often.

Trip to SA for a single match the week before the November internationals are on, I can't see any potential Irish squad player or starter being put on a plane and flown round the world the week before a series of test matches.

Pot Hale wrote:Leinster fans - we're a fickle bunch.

As soon as the club gets any kind of success, the fans all disappear from here being far too busy scouring the shops for the new 'four-star' top and associated scarf, hat, rain-jacket (light weather), heavy parka (for visiting Limerick in winter), alternate dayglo away strip with fur-lined collar (for out West), and up to date badges and paraphernalia for the beemer, car-seat, and nappy-bag 3-in-1 holdall/pram/kiddy thingy.

Good writing has gotta be praised... loved that chunk of the stuff Pot

I have all that stuff already...some of it on the black market of course .... everything that is except the 'gold dust' Four Star Calvin Klein blue boxers that haven't been even negotiated yet. Oh I look forward to that day when I can push my jeans down to Noughties Heaslip levels and expose that lovely Band of Elitist Exclusivity!

SecretFly wrote:

Pot Hale wrote:Leinster fans - we're a fickle bunch.

As soon as the club gets any kind of success, the fans all disappear from here being far too busy scouring the shops for the new 'four-star' top and associated scarf, hat, rain-jacket (light weather), heavy parka (for visiting Limerick in winter), alternate dayglo away strip with fur-lined collar (for out West), and up to date badges and paraphernalia for the beemer, car-seat, and nappy-bag 3-in-1 holdall/pram/kiddy thingy.

Good writing has gotta be praised... loved that chunk of the stuff Pot

I have all that stuff already...some of it on the black market of course   .... everything  that is except the 'gold dust' Four Star Calvin Klein blue boxers that haven't been even negotiated yet.  Oh I look forward to that day when I can push my jeans down to Noughties Heaslip levels and expose that lovely Band of Elitist Exclusivity!

Well the four star jerseys are out. I just love the blurb that comes from the designers for these.

The new green alternate strip could be the fashion must have for 2018/19.

That's not just green, that's Survivalist, Military Fatigues Kkaki Green!

Oh BOY! We're going to War. Armageddon is upon us!!!! Trump is going to press the button and we're going to win it by four straight tries!!!!

I love the smell of Adidas in the morning.

I like the new blue Leinster top, not sure about the green.

Just a shame you guys will start the season with a loss

Loss has been written out of Leinster contracts this season! They're chewing razor blades as toothpaste.

gcBlues wrote:I like the new blue Leinster top, not sure about the green.

Just a shame you guys will start the season with a loss

Probably 2. I'd say the Scarlets will fancy a crack at us without our internationals

Leinster without their Internationals. Methinks that'll be the norm this season. Without a shadow of a doubt it's a season for other teams to do the honours - unless the Leinster rookies really knuckle down and decide they're going to carry the load with serious intent.

Yep - they’ll drip feed them in.

At a guess, the available players will be
Bent, Abdaladze, Dooley, E Byrne, maybe Porter
Tracy, B Byrne
Kearney, Nagle, Fardy, Molony
Josh Murphy, S O’Brien, Ruddock, Connors, Doris, Deegan
L McGrath, Gibson-Park, McCarthy
R Byrne, N Reid, Frawley
T Daly, O’Loughlin, Tomane
A Byrne, B Daly, Lowe, D Kearney, McFadden

Hopefully, there’ll be an opportunity to field a Leinster side with
O’Brien, O’Brien, O’Brien, O’Brien, Byrne, Byrne, Byrne, Byrne, Byrne, Kearney, Kearney, Kearney, Daly, Daly, McGrath, McGrath, O’Sullivan, O’Sullivan.

I'd say you're on the money there Pot.

Squad travelling to the Montauban game;

LEINSTER: James Lowe; Adam Byrne, Rory O’Loughlin, Joe Tomane, Barry Daly; Noel Reid, Nick McCarthy; Peter Dooley, Bryan Byrne, Michael Bent; Ross Molony, Ian Nagle; Josh Murphy, Rhys Ruddock (capt), Max Deegan.

Replacements: James Tracy, Ed Byrne, Vakh Abdaladze, Mick Kearney, Will Connors, Jamison Gibson-Park, Jimmy O’Brien, Dave Kearney, Oisín Dowling, Conor O’Brien, Tom Daly, Jack Kelly, Gavin Mullin.

Looks like the core squad for the league this season.

Could be round 4/5 (Connacht/Munster) before we get Test players back (they are barely into preseason routine at this stage)

Also, Leinster's trip to SA for a single game is the week before the November internationals. Can't see us taking ryan/leavy/sexton/furlong or any key test player half way round the world and back the week before they're needed for Ireland.

Glasgow and Ulster in the final two rounds of the season. If we are to make the playoffs we need to have it locked up prior to those two games.

On the positive side, the odd fixture is at home this season, last year we had to contend with a 10-11 home-away split.

thebandwagonsociety wrote:I'd say you're on the money there Pot.

Squad travelling to the Montauban game;

LEINSTER: James Lowe; Adam Byrne, Rory O’Loughlin, Joe Tomane, Barry Daly; Noel Reid, Nick McCarthy; Peter Dooley, Bryan Byrne, Michael Bent; Ross Molony, Ian Nagle; Josh Murphy, Rhys Ruddock (capt), Max Deegan.

Replacements: James Tracy, Ed Byrne, Vakh Abdaladze, Mick Kearney, Will Connors, Jamison Gibson-Park, Jimmy O’Brien, Dave Kearney, Oisín Dowling, Conor O’Brien, Tom Daly, Jack Kelly, Gavin Mullin.

Looks like the core squad for the league this season.

Could be round 4/5 (Connacht/Munster) before we get Test players back (they are barely into preseason routine at this stage)

Also, Leinster's trip to SA for a single game is the week before the November internationals. Can't see us taking ryan/leavy/sexton/furlong or any key test player half way round the world and back the week before they're needed for Ireland.

Glasgow and Ulster in the final two rounds of the season.  If we are to make the playoffs we need to have it locked up prior to those two games.

On the positive side, the odd fixture is at home this season, last year we had to contend with a 10-11 home-away split.

Interesting lineup but purely a trial runout. I see Leo has included Oisin Dowling, Jimmy & Conor O’Brien, Jack Kelly and Gavin Mullin from the academy in the squad for tonight’s game.   Useful bit of experience and an early dip for the young lads.   Looking forward to seeing them run out in Donnybrook.

I wonder if the player management schedule will change a bit this season as there’s no SH June tests. Prep for RWC instead in July and August. So maybe an opportunity to start test players a week sooner than normal.

Mind you, if you’re a standard player for Connacht, Dragons, etc you could be finishing in early May and then wait for new global season start in late September.

Good result for the Boys in Blue winning 17-18 against US Montauban in France. Tracy and O’Loughlin the try scorers and penalties from Noel Reid and a conversion from Tom Daly. Montauban narrowly failed to get promoted last season and were tough opposition for the full 80 minutes.

Next week, it’s Newcastle Falcons at Energia Park in Donnybrook. Wonder how many from this week make the side. Lowe went very well at full-back and might be tried there more often if Kearney and Larmour are test-tied. O’Loughlin and Tomane could be a great alternate pairing for the PRO14 in place of Henshaw and Ringrose.

David Nucifora’s concluding phase to his current contract is not going according to plan.

Nucifora and other IRFU managers have proposed a new structure for the third tier of Irish rugby to link in with the start of the new U23 comp between Irish and Welsh sides (and hopefully Scottish for 2019/20 season).

The proposal is to abandon the current all-Ireland AIL league based on performance and promotion/relegation by artificially creating two top divisions (8 in each instead of current 10) and do away with limits on the number of semi-pro/contracted players who can participate. The four provincial branches have reacted negatively to what they see as the Union trying to usurp their power and control of the grassroots club game. With the largest amount of clubs across the 12 counties, the Leinster branch has been to the fore in seeking to reject the proposals. Ulster, Munster and Connacht are biding their time to see what occurs.

The IRFU hoped to postpone an executive branch committee meeting this week in Leinster but were unable to prevent it going ahead and decision being made against the change due to no promotion/relegation, reduction in club numbers, clubs in divisions based on location rather than performance, professional players taking the place of amateurs in squads.

The ball is now back in Nucifora’s court to see if a solution can be found and if not, where he can play the lower rank contracted players not involved in PRO14 or European games.

Leinster take the head to head with Bath at Christmas.
Looking forward to these fixtures


2018/19 Heineken Champions Cup – Pool 1 Fixtures (all times local)

Round 1
Friday, 12th October
Leinster v Wasps, RDS Arena (KO 7.45pm, BT Sport)
Saturday, 13th October
Bath v Toulouse, The Recreation Ground (KO 1pm, TV3/Channel 4/BT Sport)

Round 2
Saturday, 20th October
Wasps v Bath, Ricoh Arena (KO 3.15pm, BT Sport)
Sunday, 21st October
Toulouse v Leinster, Stade Ernest Wallon (KO 4.15pm, BT Sport)

Round 3
Saturday, 8th December
Bath v Leinster, The Recreation Ground (KO 3.15pm, BT Sport)
Wasps v Toulouse, Ricoh Arena (KO 5.30pm, BT Sport)

Round 4
Saturday, 15th December
Leinster v Bath, Aviva Stadium (KO 5.30pm, BT Sport)
Toulouse v Wasps, Stade Ernest Wallon (KO 4.15pm, beIN Sports)

Round 5
Saturday, 12th January
Leinster v Toulouse, RDS Arena (KO 1pm, TV3/Channel 4/BT Sport)
Bath v Wasps, The Recreation Ground (KO 3.15pm, BT Sport)

Round 6
Sunday, 20th January
Toulouse v Bath, Stade Ernest Wallon (KO 4.15pm, BT Sport)
Wasps v Leinster, Ricoh Arena (KO 3.15pm, BT Sport)

The new U19 teams that replaced schools and club interpro comp have been announced for the upcoming U19 interprovincial series that starts next week.

Fixtures

Connacht v Leinster, Saturday, 1st September, Galwegians RFC, KO 1.30pm

Leinster v Munster, Saturday, 8th September, Energia Park, KO 3pm

Ulster v Leinster, Saturday, 15th September, Newforge, Belfast, KO 2pm

Leinster Rugby U19 squad

Adam McEvoy (St Mary’s College)
Andrew Smith (St Michael’s College)
Anthony Ryan (Clongowes Wood College)
Bobby Sheehan (Clongowes Wood College)
Brian Deeney (Wexford Wanderers)
Charlie Byrne (St Gerard’s School)
Charlie Ward (Tullow RFC)
Cian Prendergast (Newbridge College)
Conor Cagney (Belvedere College)
Craig Adams (The King’s Hospital)
Daniel Beggs (Clongowes Wood College)
David Fitzgibbon (Blackrock College)
David O’Brien (St Gerard’s School)
Ed Brennan (Blackrock College)
Ethan Baxter (St Gerard’s School)
Fionn Finlay (St Michael’s College)
Gavin Jones (Blackrock College)
Gavin O’Brien (St Mary’s College)
Harry Noonan (Greystones RFC)
Jack Connolly (Gonzaga College)
Jack Cooke (Terenure College)
Jack Stapleton (Blackrock College)
Jody Booth (St Michael’s College)
John Maher (Clongowes Wood College)
Luis Faria (Wanderers RFC)
Luke Grady (Terenure College)
Luke Thompson (Wicklow RFC)
Marcus Hanan (Clane RFC)
Mark Nicholson (Wicklow RFC)
Mark O’Brien (St Michael’s College)
Matthew Jungmann (Seapoint RFC)
Max O’Reilly (St Gerard’s School)
Mick O’Gara (Pres Bray)
Mikey McGiff (Clontarf RFC)
Paddy McKenzie (Wicklow RFC)
Rory Wilson (St Gerard’s School)
Ross Barron (Blackrock College)
Ryan McMahon (Clongowes Wood College)
Sean O’Brien (Blackrock College)
Shane Murphy (Skerries RFC)
Stephen Keane (St Andrew’s College)
Tom Coghlan (Clongowes Wood College)

SecretFly wrote:

Pot Hale wrote:Leinster fans - we're a fickle bunch.

As soon as the club gets any kind of success, the fans all disappear from here being far too busy scouring the shops for the new 'four-star' top and associated scarf, hat, rain-jacket (light weather), heavy parka (for visiting Limerick in winter), alternate dayglo away strip with fur-lined collar (for out West), and up to date badges and paraphernalia for the beemer, car-seat, and nappy-bag 3-in-1 holdall/pram/kiddy thingy.

Good writing has gotta be praised... loved that chunk of the stuff Pot

I have all that stuff already...some of it on the black market of course   .... everything  that is except the 'gold dust' Four Star Calvin Klein blue boxers that haven't been even negotiated yet.  Oh I look forward to that day when I can push my jeans down to Noughties Heaslip levels and expose that lovely Band of Elitist Exclusivity!

I hope the knickers have the four stars on them!

That's what I'm talking about Sin. Four star boxer or knickers bands! The real deal Urban Ghetto Gangsta Get up! I'm drooling already at the thought.

SecretFly wrote:That's what I'm talking about Sin.  Four star boxer or knickers bands!  The real deal Urban Ghetto Gangsta Get up!   I'm drooling already at the thought.  

They’re available in the shop - ask for a pack of the Four Star Loinstirs. Drives the wimmin wild - allegedly.

Leinster line-up for the match against Scarlets. Good few first-teamers back in the fray:

Leinster Rugby (caps in brackets)

15. Jordan Larmour (22)
14. Fergus McFadden (170)
13. Rory O’Loughlin (43)
12. Robbie Henshaw (24)
11. James Lowe (13)
10. Ross Byrne (50)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (52)
1. Cian Healy (191)
2. Seán Cronin (153)
3. Tadhg Furlong (84)
4. Devin Toner (218)
5. Ian Nagle (18)
6. Josh Murphy (10)
7. Rhys Ruddock (143)
8. Jack Conan (74)

16. James Tracy (67)
17. Peter Dooley (48)
18. Andrew Porter (31)
19. Mick Kearney (36)
20. Max Deegan (22)
21. Luke McGrath (96)
22. Noel Reid (101)
23. Joe Tomane (1)

Should be a good match over there. Scottish ref too.

A little birdie is flying around telling a tale of a well-enough known Irish player and possible substance abuse. Could be in media shortly.

Pot Hale wrote:A little birdie is flying around telling a tale of a well-enough known Irish player and possible substance abuse.  Could be in media shortly.

Any names been mentioned?

Pot Hale wrote:A little birdie is flying around telling a tale of a well-enough known Irish player and possible substance abuse.  Could be in media shortly.

Would it come as a surprise to anyone?

Leinster have fought back well against Scarlets to go in ahead at the break 14-10. I see Gareth Davies led with his knees again as he tried to tackle Lowe going over the line. This is happening too often and seems to be a coached practice by players. It was raised by the Welsh commentator - Eddie Butler - and Warburton said Davies knew what he was doing. This seems to confirm that it’s intentional.

Pot Hale wrote:Leinster have fought back well against Scarlets to go in ahead at the break 14-10.   I see Gareth Davies led with his knees again as he tried to tackle Lowe going over the line.  This is happening too often and seems to be a coached practice by players.  It was raised by the Welsh commentator - Eddie Butler - and Warburton said Davies knew what he was doing. This seems to confirm that it’s intentional.  

Herring did it last night when Edinburgh scored. I fecking hate it. In my eyes it's a dirty cheap shot and should be an instant red.
Your going in knees first on someone who is completely defenceless.
If your going arms first at least you may be trying to get the ball. Knees your just trying to hurt them.
It's cheap it's cowardly and should be stamped out

carpet baboon wrote:

Pot Hale wrote:Leinster have fought back well against Scarlets to go in ahead at the break 14-10.   I see Gareth Davies led with his knees again as he tried to tackle Lowe going over the line.  This is happening too often and seems to be a coached practice by players.  It was raised by the Welsh commentator - Eddie Butler - and Warburton said Davies knew what he was doing. This seems to confirm that it’s intentional.  

Herring did it last night when Edinburgh scored. I fecking hate it. In my eyes it's a dirty cheap shot and should be an instant red.
Your going in knees first on someone who is completely defenceless.
If your going arms first at least you may be trying to get the ball. Knees your just trying to hurt them.
It's cheap it's cowardly and should be stamped out

Completely agree, but not a new thing. Rory Underwood once said the hardest thing about scoring a try was the cheap shots delivered afterwards.

On a separate note, all the best to Dominic Ryan as he settles into retirement.

Ref has been decent but it's a bit weak TMOing everything.

LondonTiger wrote:

carpet baboon wrote:

Pot Hale wrote:Leinster have fought back well against Scarlets to go in ahead at the break 14-10.   I see Gareth Davies led with his knees again as he tried to tackle Lowe going over the line.  This is happening too often and seems to be a coached practice by players.  It was raised by the Welsh commentator - Eddie Butler - and Warburton said Davies knew what he was doing. This seems to confirm that it’s intentional.  

Herring did it last night when Edinburgh scored. I fecking hate it. In my eyes it's a dirty cheap shot and should be an instant red.
Your going in knees first on someone who is completely defenceless.
If your going arms first at least you may be trying to get the ball. Knees your just trying to hurt them.
It's cheap it's cowardly and should be stamped out

Completely agree, but not a new thing. Rory Underwood once said the hardest thing about scoring a try was the cheap shots delivered afterwards.

On a separate note, all the best to Dominic Ryan as he settles into retirement.

3 broken ribs from it 15 years ago, so I really do agree with Underwood.

And I only just read about Ryan today. All the best to him

Tight, tight game and scarlets nick it 23-21.  

Congrats to Scarlets, hard luck Leinster.  They’ll get better.  

Ian Nagle is a bit weak in the lock department, the scrums didn’t go that well whilst he was on.

carpet baboon wrote:

Pot Hale wrote:Leinster have fought back well against Scarlets to go in ahead at the break 14-10.   I see Gareth Davies led with his knees again as he tried to tackle Lowe going over the line.  This is happening too often and seems to be a coached practice by players.  It was raised by the Welsh commentator - Eddie Butler - and Warburton said Davies knew what he was doing. This seems to confirm that it’s intentional.  

Herring did it last night when Edinburgh scored. I fecking hate it. In my eyes it's a dirty cheap shot and should be an instant red.
Your going in knees first on someone who is completely defenceless.
If your going arms first at least you may be trying to get the ball. Knees your just trying to hurt them.
It's cheap it's cowardly and should be stamped out

Yeah, I noticed McFadden turned inside for his try rather than go out wide and leave himself exposed - that’s how he got injured in his last match against Scarlets and had to go off. Conway received one in the Australia series in June - a hip pointer injury that put him out.

Thought Ross Byrne got found out a bit as well. Aside from the missed place kicks he didn't real orchestrate things.

Artful_Dodger wrote:Thought Ross Byrne got found out a bit as well.  Aside from the missed place kicks he didn't real orchestrate things.

True - to an extent. But the pack wasn’t getting great front foot ball either. He did seem to be playing within himself though. Didn’t see much of him barking orders.

And one other thought. Why did we hire Joe Tomane?

Social media full of Leinster fans crying over the ref as usual. I read a lot of Irish claims that the ref was too influenced by a one-eyed crowd - that made me laugh.

mikey_dragon wrote:Social media full of Leinster fans crying over the ref as usual. I read a lot of Irish claims that the ref was too influenced by a one-eyed crowd - that made me laugh.

Social media never refused ink, Mikey. And full of XXX fans usually means 5 or 6 moaners for whoever. Wouldn't worry about it. Complaining about ref is a waste of time.

Did any Irish fans happen to see 21 yr old Paul Boyle playing No 8 for Connacht against Zebre? Might be one to watch - interesting to see how he goes against more quality sides. Edinburgh up next - like the look of him.

Pot Hale wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Social media full of Leinster fans crying over the ref as usual. I read a lot of Irish claims that the ref was too influenced by a one-eyed crowd - that made me laugh.

Social media never refused ink, Mikey.  And full of XXX fans usually means 5 or 6 moaners for whoever.  Wouldn't worry about it.  Complaining about ref is a waste of time.

Happens fairly often though and then you guys always say the Welsh do it in the same breath!

I enjoyed the game. It was tough, very physical. Scarlets definitely missed Jake Ball all the times they played Leinster last season. I hope both teams can be closer to their full contingent in the return fixture as that’ll be a great game.

With 34 players used so far, the 10 returning senior squad players still to feature this season in upcoming PRO14 matches are:

Valhi Abdaladze, James Ryan, Josh van der Flier, Sean O'Brien, Dan Leavy, Will Connors, Nick McCarthy, Johnny Sexton, Tom Daly, Garry Ringrose, Rob Kearney.

Tom Daly had to undergo ACL surgery after injury in the Perpignan pre-season game.  
Will Connors is also out for a few weeks after a pre-season game.
James Ryan should be ready to go this week.  VdF is back in training so should be in the selection mix.  
Who knows with SOB - is he nearly, nearly ready?  He can't go in half-cooked into Heineken Cup so he needs to feature in at least one of the interior derbies and one of the next two home games against Dragons or Edinburgh.  
Not sure about fitness of Leavy if he's ready yet.
Nick McCarthy has another week or so to go to recover wrist injury, so Cullen will still have to toss the coin between Lowe and Fardy as Gibson Park will have to either start or bench for at least the next two rounds.
Sexton will likely appear for one of the next two home games before the interpros start against Connacht.
Garry Ringrose got back into training in the first week of the season, so all going well he should be featuring shortly.   Ditto Rob Kearney.

You named 11 there. Abdaladze and Daly started for the A team up in Ulster on Friday. Daly's ACL was in pre season a year ago. Connors got badly injured in pre season v Newcastle. McCarthy got injured in training a few weeks ago. But Hugh O'Sullivan could get his debut off the bench next week so not a straight shootout between Fardy and Lowe. The other 7 internationals should all feature this month.

Edit: Sorry. Just heard that Daly did his MCL on Friday. Not sure if it is the same leg. Also Jack McGrath has a knee issue

mikey_dragon wrote:Social media full of Leinster fans crying over the ref as usual. I read a lot of Irish claims that the ref was too influenced by a one-eyed crowd - that made me laugh.

The only team in the league that boo the ref more than the one eyed Turks are...... The Dragons. So not surprised you are laughing.

Pot Hale wrote:The new U19 teams that replaced schools and club interpro comp have been announced for the upcoming U19 interprovincial series that starts next week.

Fixtures

Connacht v Leinster, Saturday, 1st September, Galwegians RFC, KO 1.30pm

Leinster v Munster, Saturday, 8th September, Energia Park, KO 3pm

Ulster v Leinster, Saturday, 15th September, Newforge, Belfast, KO 2pm

Leinster Rugby U19 squad

Adam McEvoy (St Mary’s College)
Andrew Smith (St Michael’s College)
Anthony Ryan (Clongowes Wood College)
Bobby Sheehan (Clongowes Wood College)
Brian Deeney (Wexford Wanderers)
Charlie Byrne (St Gerard’s School)
Charlie Ward (Tullow RFC)
Cian Prendergast (Newbridge College)
Conor Cagney (Belvedere College)
Craig Adams (The King’s Hospital)
Daniel Beggs (Clongowes Wood College)
David Fitzgibbon (Blackrock College)
David O’Brien (St Gerard’s School)
Ed Brennan (Blackrock College)
Ethan Baxter (St Gerard’s School)
Fionn Finlay (St Michael’s College)
Gavin Jones (Blackrock College)
Gavin O’Brien (St Mary’s College)
Harry Noonan (Greystones RFC)
Jack Connolly (Gonzaga College)
Jack Cooke (Terenure College)
Jack Stapleton (Blackrock College)
Jody Booth (St Michael’s College)
John Maher (Clongowes Wood College)
Luis Faria (Wanderers RFC)
Luke Grady (Terenure College)
Luke Thompson (Wicklow RFC)
Marcus Hanan (Clane RFC)
Mark Nicholson (Wicklow RFC)
Mark O’Brien (St Michael’s College)
Matthew Jungmann (Seapoint RFC)
Max O’Reilly (St Gerard’s School)
Mick O’Gara (Pres Bray)
Mikey McGiff (Clontarf RFC)
Paddy McKenzie (Wicklow RFC)
Rory Wilson (St Gerard’s School)
Ross Barron (Blackrock College)
Ryan McMahon (Clongowes Wood College)
Sean O’Brien (Blackrock College)
Shane Murphy (Skerries RFC)
Stephen Keane (St Andrew’s College)
Tom Coghlan (Clongowes Wood College)

Another 4 O'Briens coming through. Wont be long before we could put out a full XV of them.

Golden wrote:

Pot Hale wrote:The new U19 teams that replaced schools and club interpro comp have been announced for the upcoming U19 interprovincial series that starts next week.

Fixtures

Connacht v Leinster, Saturday, 1st September, Galwegians RFC, KO 1.30pm

Leinster v Munster, Saturday, 8th September, Energia Park, KO 3pm

Ulster v Leinster, Saturday, 15th September, Newforge, Belfast, KO 2pm

Leinster Rugby U19 squad

Adam McEvoy (St Mary’s College)
Andrew Smith (St Michael’s College)
Anthony Ryan (Clongowes Wood College)
Bobby Sheehan (Clongowes Wood College)
Brian Deeney (Wexford Wanderers)
Charlie Byrne (St Gerard’s School)
Charlie Ward (Tullow RFC)
Cian Prendergast (Newbridge College)
Conor Cagney (Belvedere College)
Craig Adams (The King’s Hospital)
Daniel Beggs (Clongowes Wood College)
David Fitzgibbon (Blackrock College)
David O’Brien (St Gerard’s School)
Ed Brennan (Blackrock College)
Ethan Baxter (St Gerard’s School)
Fionn Finlay (St Michael’s College)
Gavin Jones (Blackrock College)
Gavin O’Brien (St Mary’s College)
Harry Noonan (Greystones RFC)
Jack Connolly (Gonzaga College)
Jack Cooke (Terenure College)
Jack Stapleton (Blackrock College)
Jody Booth (St Michael’s College)
John Maher (Clongowes Wood College)
Luis Faria (Wanderers RFC)
Luke Grady (Terenure College)
Luke Thompson (Wicklow RFC)
Marcus Hanan (Clane RFC)
Mark Nicholson (Wicklow RFC)
Mark O’Brien (St Michael’s College)
Matthew Jungmann (Seapoint RFC)
Max O’Reilly (St Gerard’s School)
Mick O’Gara (Pres Bray)
Mikey McGiff (Clontarf RFC)
Paddy McKenzie (Wicklow RFC)
Rory Wilson (St Gerard’s School)
Ross Barron (Blackrock College)
Ryan McMahon (Clongowes Wood College)
Sean O’Brien (Blackrock College)
Shane Murphy (Skerries RFC)
Stephen Keane (St Andrew’s College)
Tom Coghlan (Clongowes Wood College)

Another 4 O'Briens coming through. Wont be long before we could put out a full XV of them.

True. . And another Byrne on the way too. I did also notice that there’s another O’Gara in there....

St John The Enforcer wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Social media full of Leinster fans crying over the ref as usual. I read a lot of Irish claims that the ref was too influenced by a one-eyed crowd - that made me laugh.

The only team in the league that boo the ref more than the one eyed Turks are...... The Dragons. So not surprised you are laughing.

What a sh’t comment. The Irish and French are the only ones who constantly boo legit decisions against their teams - the latter don’t carry a holier than thou attitude over it either.

Give it but can't take it eh? Never a good sign.

If you come trolling on another team's thread you should be thicker skinned.

"The French" don't play in this league. and of "The Irish" that do I'd say Ulster are the worst for booing the ref.

Good to see Mikey juiced up so early in the season! If this increases over the months he'll be well boiled by season's end. Gas Mark 4 and let him rest for 15 minutes when he's done before digging in.

St John The Enforcer wrote:Give it but can't take it eh? Never a good sign.

If you come trolling on another team's thread you should be thicker skinned.

"The French" don't play in this league. and of "The Irish" that do I'd say Ulster are the worst for booing the ref.

I wasn’t trolling, I commented about an observation I made. Only the Irish in this league carry themselves with this attitude. I agree that it’s ulster, and if they’re the worst of the Irish then they’re the worst in the league. I wouldn’t mind if we had a regular home crowd as big and as vocal, so long as they kept it within reason (refraining from racism, homophobic chants, etc). I also doubt they’d be in denial like you.

SecretFly wrote:Good to see Mikey juiced up so early in the season!  If this increases over the months he'll be well boiled by season's end.  Gas Mark 4  and let him rest for 15 minutes when he's done before digging in.