Cardiff Blues vs Leinster TEAMS ANNOUNCED

First topic message reminder :

CARDIFF BLUES

Blues:
15. Gavin Henson
14. Leigh Halfpenny
13. Casey Laulala
12. Gavin Evans
11. Tom James
10. Dan Parks
9. Lloyd Williams

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Marc Breeze
3. Scott Andrews
4. MacCauley Cook
5. Michael Paterson
6. Maama Molitika
7. Sam Warburton (capt)
8. Xavier Rush.

Replacements: Rhys Williams, John Yapp, Sam Hobbs, Matthew Screech, Josh Navidi, Richie Rees, Ceri Sweeney, Richard Mustoe.

Not available due to injury

Alex Cuthbert - groin
Ryan Tyrell - hamstring
Paul Tito - head
Chris Czekaj - hamstring
Jamie Roberts - knee
Dafydd Hewitt - hamstring
Thomas Rhys Thomas - neck/shoulder
Taufa'ao Filise - shoulder
James Down - ankle
Andries Pretorius - knee
Deiniol Jones - shoulder
Martyn Williams - arm

Strongest side available, but that's not saying much with that injury list.

Interestingly, Sam Warburton captains the Blues for the first time with Tito injured, he is preferred to usual stand-in captains Gethin Jenkins and Xavier Rush.


LEINSTER:

15: Rob Kearney
14: Dave Kearney
13: Fergus McFadden
12: Gordon D'Arcy
11: Andrew Conway
10: Jonathan Sexton
9: Eoin Reddan

1: Cian Healy
2: Sean Cronin
3: Mike Ross
4: Damian Browne
5: Devin Toner
6: Kevin McLaughlin
7: Sean O'Brien
8: Jamie Heaslip CAPTAIN

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Aaron Dundon
17: Heinke van der Merwe
18: Jamie Hagan
19: Rhys Ruddock
20: Leo Auva'a
21: Isaac Boss
22: Isa Nacewa
23: Fionn Carr

I haven't read back guys but I'm sure I'm not the only one that thinks this ref is having an absolute mare!

maestegmafia wrote:If dan parks tackled ever it would be 6 - 0.

He is a shocking player, isn't he? lol

If you mean Henson not sure - I switched over just as they were talking about him on S4C but it was towards the end when the presenter was trying to get one of the pundits to say that Henson was much more important to the team than Bradley Davies! - needless to say the pundits offered a different view...

First game for the ref but the touch judges are trying to help him out.

Anyone??

Suppose refs have to have their first game sometime, but that bit at the end were he went back for a Blues penalty about 5 seconds after Leinster had got the ball away from the ruck.... then its HT.

One thing Leinster are making abundantly clear is the importance of chasing your kicks. Why have the regions, after years of playing, still not mastered this? They're undoubtedly fit enough, they just can't seem to be bothered trying.

Is Warbs playing? If he is he's being negated either by an excellent Leinster pack or a poor Blues one or maybe a little of both.

maestegmafia wrote:If dan parks tackled ever it would be 6 - 0.

Umm, dont blame Parks for Molitika's abysmal defending.

Parks is having a good game so far.

If the Blues are to win they must get Sweeney on Parks is a mobile open gate and offers no threat going forward, the problem for the Blues they are chasing the game.

Some people have a really thing against Parks when Sweeney is no where near as good atm

Yes, Parks does have some awful games, and I have given his a lot of stick for it.

But, so far this season, he has been well worth his place.


Ill remind you that when Sweeney played against Leinster the score was 52 - 9

I think that's unfair Glam Al, Parks has passed a lot more, got you 3 points from a dg, and the tries where as a result of Molitika's awful defending and coming out of the line.

Besides Sweeney's already had his one good game of the season - you've got to put up with his awful performances for the rest of this one...

Good start blues mastered the art of communication

Smirnof: If you like watching kicking and no tackling he is having a stormer.

Great kick but the Blues need more than long distance kicks, no penetration in attack so far.

If Priestland starts at 10 for Wales should Halfpenney be the kicker? I think his kicking in the last couple of games has been superb and by all accounts he has been putting extra work into it.

Did I see parks make a tackle?

There were about three sin binnings in that latest leinster attack.

That is hilarious. Welsh TMO gives try even though ball was held up

How can that be a try, not from the angles of the cameras unless the ref said any reason not to award the try?

That was a dodgy decision from the TMO, he probably did get the ball down but if you cant see it there is no way you should give it.

A big turnaround there. Conway gives away a pen when Leinster look likely to sew this up. Back come Cardiff and score a try to take it to a one point game. Not so sure the TMO saw a grounding?

glamorganalun wrote:How can that be a try, not from the angles of the cameras unless the ref said any reason not to award the try?

The ref asked "Try or No Try?"

Even the welsh commentator is incredulous about the try and the last penalty...now the ref is just being silly

The ref is suddenly picking up the coming in from the side, Blues getting the luck at the moment.

Seven penalties for the same offence

The Blues don't seem to want to take up and unders, should be another penalty to the blues

This team of officials should never be on a rugby pitch again to be frank.

Not sure what the craic is with that try.. firstly I thought it was just impossible to see if he put it down or not, but on TG4 it shown a magnified close-up and it was definitely held up. Poor by the TMO, and he is welsh? Explains it!

Also SOB is playing better than Warbs imo. He is really suiting the 7 role. Can't wait to see if the Irish pack can do the same vs Wales

Welsh touched judges and TMO did everything to give Blues that match, ah well cheaters never prosper.

Blues never gave up after the poor start.

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Not sure what the craic is with that try.. firstly I thought it was just impossible to see if he put it down or not, but on TG4 it shown a magnified close-up and it was definitely held up. Poor by the TMO, and he is welsh? Explains it!

Also SOB is playing better than Warbs imo. He is really suiting the 7 role. Can't wait to see if the Irish pack can do the same vs Wales

I think the 7 role has restricted SOB as he doesn't seem to be as dynamic as he was last season, he is still a mighty fine player though.

Artful_Dodger wrote:Welsh touched judges and TMO did everything to give Blues that match, ah well cheaters never prosper.

What a ridiculous statement to make.

Well done Leinster a hard fought win.

Artful_Dodger wrote:Welsh touched judges and TMO did everything to give Blues that match, ah well cheaters never prosper.

The kick near the start that was straight out on the full by the Blues was a ridiculous call aswell. It was clearly straight out on the full, but apparently not to the officials eyes. The ref also was diabolical in the rucks the whole game. At least Leinster still won, just shows you can only complain about the ref so much, the better team will still win

Unlucky by the Blues

14 points gifted by Molitika - could have won 19 - 9

The referee made some awful decisions.

The better team deserved the game tonight, big improvement in the blues in the last 30mins Warbs had a poor game by his standards, Parks for me is poor kicking the ball away with 3 mins remaining sums him up clueless going forward he just ships the ball on like Steve Jones for Wales but worse. Mustoe had a great second half but did not see him in the first half.

Bit antagonistic this weather Dodger. Had a terrible link but thought leinster were getting penalised an awful lot. Either way i actually thought the Jenkins score was good but then again with pixels that size it was hard to judge.

mpc28 wrote:

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Not sure what the craic is with that try.. firstly I thought it was just impossible to see if he put it down or not, but on TG4 it shown a magnified close-up and it was definitely held up. Poor by the TMO, and he is welsh? Explains it!

Also SOB is playing better than Warbs imo. He is really suiting the 7 role. Can't wait to see if the Irish pack can do the same vs Wales

I think the 7 role has restricted SOB as he doesn't seem to be as dynamic as he was last season, he is still a mighty fine player though.

Have to disagree with you, I believe the first try and his recent games show he is a much more dynamic player than he ever was last season. His awareness is much better as well. He is not restricted at all. He doesn't make as many rampaging runs, but I think he is a better player for it, and he still wrecks havoc around the pitch. He is best taking the ball at pace, similar to the likes of Faletau, more than being a hard yards player.

Artful_Dodger wrote:Welsh touched judges and TMO did everything to give Blues that match, ah well cheaters never prosper.

That is a ridiculous comment to make.

Artful_Dodger wrote:This team of officials should never be on a rugby pitch again to be frank.

Artful_Dodger wrote:Welsh touched judges and TMO did everything to give Blues that match, ah well cheaters never prosper.

Hang on. A couple of weeks ago you and a few other said the Irish never point the finger at and moan about the officials. It appears this is not the case?

Halfpenny absolute clown.

If there has ever been an instance of gross complacency and arrogance then that missed kick in front of the posts was it.

What a plonk.

I dont think it is - try that shouldnt of been awarded, touch judges telling the ref to award a penalty to Blues at the end of the first half, kicks out on the full apparantly fine - thats what ridiculous.

In fact having 3 Welsh officials and an Italian reffing his first match is really taking the .... in itself.

bigballbag wrote:Halfpenny absolute clown.

If there has ever been an instance of gross complacency and arrogance then that missed kick in front of the posts was it.

What a plonk.

WUM - Idiot.

Morgannwg wrote:

Artful_Dodger wrote:This team of officials should never be on a rugby pitch again to be frank.

Artful_Dodger wrote:Welsh touched judges and TMO did everything to give Blues that match, ah well cheaters never prosper.

Hang on. A couple of weeks ago you and a few other said the Irish never point the finger at and moan about the officials. It appears this is not the case?

No I didnt actaully, maybe you could copy and paste were Ive said that.

By the way theres a difference complaining about the ref when you lose and complaining about the ref when Leinster are 14-0 up as I was at the start of this post and go on to win the match.

I didn't think Halfpennys kick miss in front of the post was a penalty anyway- O'Brien was the tackler and had a right to get up and play the ball from the tackle area- Martin Williams made a career of it.

wales606 wrote:

bigballbag wrote:Halfpenny absolute clown.

If there has ever been an instance of gross complacency and arrogance then that missed kick in front of the posts was it.

What a plonk.

WUM - Idiot.

I thought Halfpenny was great. Shame he missed that kick, but I thought he didn't even take the short kicks? He was very dangerous all game and took the rest of his kicks beautifully.

Rory_Gallagher wrote:

mpc28 wrote:

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Not sure what the craic is with that try.. firstly I thought it was just impossible to see if he put it down or not, but on TG4 it shown a magnified close-up and it was definitely held up. Poor by the TMO, and he is welsh? Explains it!

Also SOB is playing better than Warbs imo. He is really suiting the 7 role. Can't wait to see if the Irish pack can do the same vs Wales

I think the 7 role has restricted SOB as he doesn't seem to be as dynamic as he was last season, he is still a mighty fine player though.

Have to disagree with you, I believe the first try and his recent games show he is a much more dynamic player than he ever was last season. His awareness is much better as well. He is not restricted at all. He doesn't make as many rampaging runs, but I think he is a better player for it, and he still wrecks havoc around the pitch. He is best taking the ball at pace, similar to the likes of Faletau, more than being a hard yards player.

I dont see how he is a better player for it! is he likely to win european player of of the year again? i doubt it so i dont see how he can be a better player than he was last year. He made his name with his trademark breaks which he is now restricted on because he is trying to be a fetcher, i think he is better suited to the other side of the scrum but i guess we will have to agree to disagree on this one Rory.

Rory_Gallagher wrote:

mpc28 wrote:

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Not sure what the craic is with that try.. firstly I thought it was just impossible to see if he put it down or not, but on TG4 it shown a magnified close-up and it was definitely held up. Poor by the TMO, and he is welsh? Explains it!

Also SOB is playing better than Warbs imo. He is really suiting the 7 role. Can't wait to see if the Irish pack can do the same vs Wales

I think the 7 role has restricted SOB as he doesn't seem to be as dynamic as he was last season, he is still a mighty fine player though.

Have to disagree with you, I believe the first try and his recent games show he is a much more dynamic player than he ever was last season. His awareness is much better as well. He is not restricted at all. He doesn't make as many rampaging runs, but I think he is a better player for it, and he still wrecks havoc around the pitch. He is best taking the ball at pace, similar to the likes of Faletau, more than being a hard yards player.

I dont see how he is a better player for it! is he likely to win european player of of the year again? i doubt it so i dont see how he can be a better player than he was last year. He made his name with his trademark breaks which he is now restricted on because he is trying to be a fetcher, i think he is better suited to the other side of the scrum but i guess we will have to agree to disagree on this one Rory.

bigballbag for somebody who only joined the site today you seem to be very aggressive from the start.
Is this one of your other multiple user-names ?

mpc28 wrote:

Rory_Gallagher wrote:

mpc28 wrote:

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Not sure what the craic is with that try.. firstly I thought it was just impossible to see if he put it down or not, but on TG4 it shown a magnified close-up and it was definitely held up. Poor by the TMO, and he is welsh? Explains it!

Also SOB is playing better than Warbs imo. He is really suiting the 7 role. Can't wait to see if the Irish pack can do the same vs Wales

I think the 7 role has restricted SOB as he doesn't seem to be as dynamic as he was last season, he is still a mighty fine player though.

Have to disagree with you, I believe the first try and his recent games show he is a much more dynamic player than he ever was last season. His awareness is much better as well. He is not restricted at all. He doesn't make as many rampaging runs, but I think he is a better player for it, and he still wrecks havoc around the pitch. He is best taking the ball at pace, similar to the likes of Faletau, more than being a hard yards player.

I dont see how he is a better player for it! is he likely to win european player of of the year again? i doubt it so i dont see how he can be a better player than he was last year. He made his name with his trademark breaks which he is now restricted on because he is trying to be a fetcher, i think he is better suited to the other side of the scrum but i guess we will have to agree to disagree on this one Rory.

Ferris has that sewn up in fairness.

Standulstermen wrote:

mpc28 wrote:

Rory_Gallagher wrote:

mpc28 wrote:

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Not sure what the craic is with that try.. firstly I thought it was just impossible to see if he put it down or not, but on TG4 it shown a magnified close-up and it was definitely held up. Poor by the TMO, and he is welsh? Explains it!

Also SOB is playing better than Warbs imo. He is really suiting the 7 role. Can't wait to see if the Irish pack can do the same vs Wales

I think the 7 role has restricted SOB as he doesn't seem to be as dynamic as he was last season, he is still a mighty fine player though.

Have to disagree with you, I believe the first try and his recent games show he is a much more dynamic player than he ever was last season. His awareness is much better as well. He is not restricted at all. He doesn't make as many rampaging runs, but I think he is a better player for it, and he still wrecks havoc around the pitch. He is best taking the ball at pace, similar to the likes of Faletau, more than being a hard yards player.

I dont see how he is a better player for it! is he likely to win european player of of the year again? i doubt it so i dont see how he can be a better player than he was last year. He made his name with his trademark breaks which he is now restricted on because he is trying to be a fetcher, i think he is better suited to the other side of the scrum but i guess we will have to agree to disagree on this one Rory.

Ferris has that sewn up in fairness.

Love that +1