Leinster vs Treviso

This game is being played on Thursday night, not sure when the team will be named but I expect us to win this but not by much.

Treviso have improved hugely and are granted missing some players but they are a physical bunch and have started winning more and more importantly more away games.

Will post the teams when they are up.

Anything to say about the game?
Looking forward to seeing some of the lesser known guys?
What would your team look like?
Anyone going to the game?

My team for Treviso would be:

VDM-Dundon-White
Browne-Toner
Ruddock-Avuav'a-Jennings
Boss-Madigan
Macken-O'Malley
Conway-Nacewa-Hudson

Would hope that our backrow can win us a lot of ball and slow them down and that O'Malley, Nacewa and Madigan can penetrate and create some scores.

What are the chances Luke Fitz will be fit?

I would put him in if he's ready and hope to see him put his hand up for the Ireland squad.

I read this morning he was ready for this game in one paper and then that he wasn't in another paper.

I'd say he will get bench or wait til next week.

Dominic Ryan apparently is coming back too as well as McLaughlin and Berquist too.

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:My team for Treviso would be:

VDM-Dundon-White
Browne-Toner
Ruddock-Avuav'a-Jennings
Boss-Madigan
Macken-O'Malley
Conway-Nacewa-Hudson

Would hope that our backrow can win us a lot of ball and slow them down and that O'Malley, Nacewa and Madigan can penetrate and create some scores.

Great team. And THIS time Schmidt, let Madigan place-kick. ROG is near-finished and Sexton (and Ireland) need talented backup. So he misses a few? We can afford it. He is on record saying he's ready to do so. So let him. Huge kick on him too. And what a play-maker.

Not sure if Conway is ready to play yet, btw Pete. McLoughlin is near it. As is Ryan. Great news. We'll need em.

http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/newsroom/9376.php

Id have Strauss and Carr playing and maybe Hagan

McLaughlin is available. Got to get him back, up and running. Id put him on the bench and give him a run. I reckon Strauss will play with Dundon on the bench. Fitz may be ready this week and more sure for next.

Lookin good goys, roysh. I need something to lift the gloom that is Team Ireland.

Please dont discuss it here. A Safe Haven is required.

Treviso do have 16 players away with Italy and they werent to great during the World Cup. Leinatser will win with a decent chance of a bonus point I think.

I hear Damo Browne is a doubt. We'd have to bring Flanagan into the second row, no harm. He played a blinder in his first start.

Make the impending Brad Thorn news even more crucial.

Yikes forgot about Strauss and Carr.
Thought Conway was back and know Fitz is touch and go.

I assume team being announced today???

I'm with Gibbo on all of that I gotta say, let's leave Ireland out of here as it can get very frustrating/depressing.

Also re: Madigan place kicking, yeah let him have it if he isn't doing great bring in Nacewa.

McLaughlin could take lock if Browne is out too.

Damo Browne - ready to go.
McLaughlin - ready to go.
Fitz - next week. He's ok, but they want to give him another week. IRFU had input.
Dom Ryan - maybe, but definitely next Friday v Scarlets.
Conway - not ready yet. Maybe next week.

http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/mdtv/play/media/id/10798

Sweet thanks for the heads up Gib.

I had really high hopes for Dom ryan this year hope he can start producing some good displays like he did at times last year.

We actually have a very strong team still in Leinster with the Irish boys away. Any idea who Treviso will put out?

15: Isa Nacewa
14: Darren Hudson
13: Brendan Macken
12: Colm O'Shea
11: Fionn Carr
10: Ian Madigan
9: Isaac Boss

1: Heinke van der Merwe
2: Richardt Strauss
3: Nathan White
4: Damian Browne
5: Devin Toner
6: Kevin McLaughlin CAPTAIN
7: Shane Jennings
8: Leo Auva'a

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Tom Sexton
17: Jack McGrath
18: Jamie Hagan
19: Mark Flanagan
20: Jordi Murphy
21: John Cooney
22: Noel Reid
23: Andrew Boyle

Does that mean o malley is with the Irish squad? Anyone know about colm o Shea? He any good?

Interesting that mcloughlin is captain ahead of Jennings

McLaughlin captain ahead of Jennings and Boss.......wow that's an interesting call I must say.

Wow Hagan should have stayed with Connacht if he'd known about White, poor lad.

No idea about O'Shea and guess that means O'Malley is with Ireland and Fitz is still out.

Would love to know everything about Browne's injury and if he needs surgery or not on it etc.

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:McLaughlin captain ahead of Jennings and Boss.......wow that's an interesting call I must say.

Wow Hagan should have stayed with Connacht if he'd known about White, poor lad.

No idea about O'Shea and guess that means O'Malley is with Ireland and Fitz is still out.

Would love to know everything about Browne's injury and if he needs surgery or not on it etc.

O'Malley Ruddock and D Kearney still with Ireland.

Hagan got loads of starts during the WC, He had a HC start in the last game. We didn't sign White just for the B&I cup. He's a crackin player and I'd hope to see him stay on next year.

O'Shea is decent, and has played with Macken in the B&I but it's a big ask to step up. Hope he prospers. Williams at 11 for Treviso is a great player and will have to be watched closely.

Not too many familiar names for them otherwise. They have the bulk of the Italian squad, and are hit very hard during the 6N

I'd say Jeno is not captain because he was away with Ireland until Monday

Nathan White is a quality TH and hasn't started in a good while, can see why Hagan isn't getting the start.

Looks like a strong starting XV, bench is a little callow though.

I understand that it is good to have that quality replacement in White and I agree with it but from Hagans perspective he could have been starting most pro 12 games with Connacht and 6 HCup games.

Williams is unbelievable, IMO he and Visser are the best wingers in the Pro12 at the moment the guy is an utter sicko

Hagan could have started most pro12 and the 6 HCup games for Connacht this year, but then next year it may well have been most pro12 and amlin games. Being around Ross and White should help bring him on as a player also.

Pack for the thursday looks very strong. The backs look a bit light, great experience in Isa and Boss but all the experience out in the corners. Madigan will have to step up on the responsibility front but I'd have concern a lot of the defensive line in the backs is niave at this level.

That's true he will have gained experience.

Nothing like playing top level HCup rugby though against the most successful club in Europe.

Look forward to seeing more of Hudson. Could be our next Shaggy-esque winger.

Not seen O'Shea at all yet (haven't seen the A's play), can't wait for this game now. Very selfish to say but I love a Thursday kickoff.

I like it too actually it's different.

This game being televised yes?

Not sure I'd rate hudson that strongly Mick, he definitely has a lot to prove anyway but then again has performed well when called up to the seniors most of the time

Jesus lads, but that's a very strong pack right here. In the middle of a 6-N and with 15-odd players away with Ireland?

To think we could also have had Fitz and Conway in the mix too.

Man. This makes me smile an inner-smug smile of smugness.

Whats the story with our Shagster lads? Is it lookin bad? I love Shaggy. In a manly way like. Love im.

Least we forget:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DINPoJWOXw4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu_2NmTDH-E

But this...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW7HgpvlLFs

Three things Those clips remind me Gibson

1. Ireland used to be way more positive and fearless.
2. Horgan is a legend and I don't think he was appreciated enough in his prime
3. Ditto for ROG.

Will the match be televisionized on TG4?

Feckless Rogue wrote:Three things Those clips remind me Gibson

1. Ireland used to be way more positive and fearless.
2. Horgan is a legend and I don't think he was appreciated enough in his prime
3. Ditto for ROG.

Will the match be televisionized on TG4?

RTE

http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/matchcentre/results_and_fixtures_leinster.php

1. So true. In hindsight - Eddie was a revelation. We played sexshy rugby back then. Now, we play like Munster. Maybe he should come back?
2. Yeah true. But those who know. Know. Shaggy is up there, with Hickie and Geoghegan, in Irish Rugby History. And thats saying something.
3. Very true. O gara at his imperious best. The pass was perfection. GAA style lob and catch. His conversion, to take the game away from England, from way out on the touchline, under huge pressure - was ice cool. He really loves pressure does ROG. Feeds on it. Brilliant. He was at his peak then.

Denis was the Master though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFuVyB0R2hU

ROG involved again.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA6vdKNuKro

I hope to get to watch it on a stream. Cant get AarTeeEee over here.
Get all of em online.

Shouldn't have showed me that Hickie try against Toulouse Gibson. Have to go for a cold shower now.

It says on IRFU that 15,600 tickets have been sold is that a realistic number or does it include all the season ticket holders as well? Cant imagine that many people would be going to this game

http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/25570.php

It always includes 13k season tickets. Which is misleading even though it's legit, 15k won't turn up on a Thursday but they can't sell tickets that have been paid for already. We're not an airline.

Hope Shaggy makes it back this season. One of my favourite players ever.

Yeah a seriously strong team when you consider the guys were are missing ON TOP of the Irish Squad.

Conway, Shaggy, Dom Ryan, Sykes (FFS), EOM (BOD injured)

And Fitz Pete.

Yeah crikey! We should be down to the bare bones....but then again we are Leinster!

Score predictions tonight lads, looks wet and nasty in Dublin, perfect for a forward battle, a forward battle I think we should win.

Score prediction… hmmm. The pack will give us a good platform and the backs are a talented bunch, so I’m going to go for a 12 point win. I’ll tell sportguru as much too.

Hudson has Bredon Williams on his wing though, could be a blessing or a curse.

If you watched Schmidt's summary there Pete, Treviso are not to be messed with anymore. Even away now. They beat Ulster, Connacht and Glasgow - away, with the bones of that side.

So anyone expecting a cricket-score, is not watching PRO12 rugby carefully this season.

25-12. If we click.

Yo Leinster fans! What's going on with Dominic Ryan? When is he back? You all rated him highly before his injury if I remember.

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Yo Leinster fans! What's going on with Dominic Ryan? When is he back? You all rated him highly before his injury if I remember.

Back next week for Scarlets, allegedly. Luke Fitz too, allegedly........

He was at the press conference for the game, so he can't be too far off. He was rushed back from a bad ankle injury and got hurt again captaining Leinster A in the B&I in Esher.

Rory, Ryan is ready, he will be back next week. Fitz and Conway too. Its like signing 3 new international-class players, while the bulk of your 1st squad, is away on international duty.

The Leinster Way is getting very close to the Toulouse Way. Makes me so proud. Used dream of this years ago.

Believe.

Rory, he's been out for a good while now and a bit like Fitz we're getting mixed messages about his return. It's been "he'll be ready next week" for a while now. It would really be a perfect timing for him to return now, our next 5 games would be perfect for any player to regain fitness as every team is dealing with a lot of international players missing. I rate Ryan highly, he's an absolute savage tackler.

With their internationals away I think their pack is seriously dented. I'd really be expecting us to get on top of them in that regard, with all respect to Treviso and the huge strides forward they have made, with the main men in their pack missing I fear them less than I normally would.

I expect us to dominate up front.

1: Heinke van der Merwe
2: Richardt Strauss
3: Nathan White
4: Damian Browne
5: Devin Toner
6: Kevin McLaughlin CAPTAIN
7: Shane Jennings
8: Leo Auva'a

I think that is a very strong pack for a pro 12 game especially considering the guys like Healy, O'Brien, Cullen, Ross and Heaslip that we are missing.

I still haven't decided what kinda 7 Ryan is. At times he had great linking skills and filled that void brilliantly at times he became something more of a 6. His skills on the ground aren't his forte but he ain't poor by any means either.

He puzzles me sometimes.
Great player though

Id love to see Ryan slowly displace Jennings and move SOB back to 6 - where he belongs.

Also love to see Madigan place-kicking in every game - at least in the PRO12. He should be ready to take over from Sexton at any given time. He can do everything else required - superbly. He is a class above all the other prospective 10's we have in the country.

Gibson wrote:

Also love to see Madigan place-kicking in every game - at least in the PRO12. He should be ready to take over from Sexton at any given time. He can do everything else required - superbly. He is a class above all the other prospective 10's we have in the country.

+1

Can't believe Kidney started Keatley in the Wolfhounds game

Agree Gibbo, think the start of the season we were looking to make sure we won every game. we needed consistent goal kicking and Madigan wasn’t trusted to provide that, but now we’ve a 9 point gap, we’re at home 3 out of the next 5 games and we’re away to Aironi and Glasgow. I think we can afford to take the risk of letting Madigan kick everything from now on.

I agree, Isa is a good kicker for sure I jsut wish Mads was given a bash really. He can't be that much worse IMO and will only get better too.

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:I agree, Isa is a good kicker for sure I jsut wish Mads was given a bash really. He can't be that much worse IMO and will only get better too.

I don't think kicking will be a problem with him.He has taken the odd kick and looks capable to me but obviously needs experience,I think it was very astute of Schmidt to ease him in so he's now comfortable playing at 10 before he has to also worry about placekicking and I wouldn't mind if he doesn't give Madigan the kicking tee until next season.

Schmidt is a genius in my eyes.

He really has transformed us as a club on a lot of levles.
Hopefully he can get the win tonight in rainy Dublin

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:I agree, Isa is a good kicker for sure I jsut wish Mads was given a bash really. He can't be that much worse IMO and will only get better too.

I don't think kicking will be a problem with him.He has taken the odd kick and looks capable to me but obviously needs experience,I think it was very astute of Schmidt to ease him in so he's now comfortable playing at 10 before he has to also worry about placekicking and I wouldn't mind if he doesn't give Madigan the kicking tee until next season.

I disagree Sore. That's what held Sexton back for years. Schmidt must show more faith in him, than Cheika did in Sexton. When he had to, in the 2009 HC SF, the look on his face when Sexton just took up Felipe's mantle. He was blown away and he shouldnt have been. Best do it the games coming up. Best time to do it. Not in a HC knockout, if Sexton gets injured (I didnt say that right?)

I know Isa is brilliant at them. As is McFadden. But its not helping the lad's development as a complete player, imho. Just in the PRO12 mind. For now.

His kicking out-of-hand is possibly better than Sextons. Even now. I think he's ready. Only one way to find out.

Gibson wrote:

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:I agree, Isa is a good kicker for sure I jsut wish Mads was given a bash really. He can't be that much worse IMO and will only get better too.

I don't think kicking will be a problem with him.He has taken the odd kick and looks capable to me but obviously needs experience,I think it was very astute of Schmidt to ease him in so he's now comfortable playing at 10 before he has to also worry about placekicking and I wouldn't mind if he doesn't give Madigan the kicking tee until next season.

I disagree Sore. That's what held Sexton back for years. Schmidt must show more faith in him, than Cheika did in Sexton. When he had to, in the 2009 HC SF, the look on his face when Sexton just took up Felipe's mantle. He was blown away and he shouldnt have been. Best do it the games coming up. Best time to do it. Not in a HC knockout, if Sexton gets injured (I didnt say that right?)

I know Isa is brilliant at them. As is McFadden. But its not helping the lad's development as a complete player, imho. Just in the PRO12 mind. For now.

His kicking out-of-hand is possibly better than Sextons. Even now. I think he's ready. Only one way to find out.

The difference is that if Madigan came on in a HC semi he wouldn't have to take the kicks Nacewa or McFadden (if he's playing) would do it.Schmidt has already shown huge faith in Madigan,he's had far more gametime in the HC than could possibly have been expected and I like how he's handled himself.Cheika dropped Sexton every chance he got whereas Schmidt has used every oppportunity he could to blood Madigan,I suspect he's been surprised at how quickly he's come on seeing as Berquist would have been in his place if not for injury.

I wouldn't have a problem if he does hand the kicking tee to Madigan but equally I trust that he knows what he's doing and is balancing the needs of the player with the needs of the team brilliantly.

Sore,
NO arguments on how he is handling the squad's devolopment. He has introduced and entrusted in more players than Marc Lièvremont on acid. And he has done it brilliantly. Man's a genius at it. Hes doing it again tonight in O' Shea and Hudson.

I just have to have a little moan. Ya know.

Can anyone tell me anything about O Shea and Hudson? Have to be honest and say Ive never seen them play. They must have played in the B&I Cup, no?