Leinster A vs Connacht A result. Brad Thorn's debut. Mat Berquist's return

Leinster A 50 - Connacht A 0

Good game. Sunny afternoon in Belvo rugby club.

Most of the 1st team there to spectate. Joe Schmidt and Jono Gibbes turned up.

Brad played the 1st half at a fairly relaxed pace. Mat got an hour. Kicked 3 conversions out of 4 and a peno.

Big Leo Auva'a got 2 tries. Macken got a hat trick. Daren hudson and Dominic Ryan got 1 each, and Noel Reid completed the scoring with 3 out of 3 conversions.

Team look in rude health before the B&I cup game v Munster on Good Friday.


YES I DID PUT THE SCORE IN THE TITLE. But it was not televised.

How did Thorn go?

roddersm wrote:How did Thorn go?

Just easing himself in. Looks comfortable and happy, if a bit stiff at first. Didn't stress himself to much.

Happy is good as far as I'm concerned.

Scrum was a total weapon. I'm sure he was a major force there.

I didn't know Connacht had an A side!

AlynDavies wrote:I didn't know Connacht had an A side!

They don't play in the B&I because their squad is too small. But they play interpros.

AlynDavies wrote:I didn't know Connacht had an A side!

Well, not everyone is as cash strapped as the WRU apparently are

Notch wrote:Well, not everyone is as cash strapped as the WRU apparently are

It wasn't an insult Notch, I really didn't know. As mentioned above I have never seen them in the B&I Cup.

Another example of Leinster using their 'A team' very intelligently. WRU take note, this is how you run Regional Rugby.

I think Fitzgerald could have benifitted with a run in this game. Even just 40 mins, he looked (understandably) rusty against Aironi last week.

Delighted Thorn got out there and that Ryan got another game under his belt.

Gutted I'm missing the B&I match on good Friday...

Where are you gonna be Mick?

I think Fitzy was with the Ireland squad there was a pick of he and ROG together, so....

Could have benefited from the run out though.

It would be better for him to have a game in the Leinster set up rather than just holding tackle bags. Plenty of internationals were at the match so they seemed to have the time off.

I’m going visiting my girlfriends family in Liverpool. Head = wrecked.

It would be better for him to have a game in the Leinster set up rather than just holding tackle bags. Plenty of internationals were at the match so they seemed to have the time off.

I’m going visiting my girlfriends family in Liverpool. Head = wrecked.

Mickado wrote:It would be better for him to have a game in the Leinster set up rather than just holding tackle bags. Plenty of internationals were at the match so they seemed to have the time off.

I’m going visiting my girlfriends family in Liverpool. Head = wrecked.

gonna miss the cardiff game too? Ah Jasus. That's cruel and inhuman punishment.

yes, yes I am.

Of all the places, Liverpool. Got to be one of the least rugbyish cities in all of the UK…

Nice scrum from the match here...


https://youtu.be/pEA5pGLO1eQ

And here's one of the tries.

https://youtu.be/px-a1Uh_Upw

You cool cats going to the Ospreys game? If so, drinks before/after?

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:You cool cats going to the Ospreys game? If so, drinks before/after?

So you changed your mind and you ARE going?

I'll be at the O's game alright. Defo see ya for a scoop Pete.

I've missed 1 home game in 4 years, so I'll be there. Might have too many mothers wives and children with me to go on the lash though.

We'll see. I could give Pete his B&I tickets.

Awesome!!! Managed to win tickets in work today!

Today is a good day!

So yes jen in short! Happy out!

Still thinking of heading to Belfast if anyone is game!

Will see how I'm fixed Pete. It's an awkward kickoff time, would have to take a half day from work. Not ruling it out though.

Depends on if we have Wembley, Bordeaux, or nowhere, to go to the following week. Will decide after Easter.

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:Depends on if we have Wembley, Bordeaux, or nowhere, to go to the following week. Will decide after Easter.

Good point.

Hoping for Wembley. For numberous and fairly obvious reasons...

Can't imagine Wembely will be cheap. Would much prefer Sarries to Clermont. Can't put into words how much more I'd prefer Sarries.

Cheaper than Bordeaux either way. There are loads of airports in London to fly into, plus i've a floor/couch to kip on when i get there. Some craic on the train out of Wembley last year. MickyT armwrestled an oul wan

The question everyone wants answered is did he win?!

Bordeaux is a bitch to get to but the experience would be something else, would love to go at some stage.

He beat her 2-1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCWppZJRLgM&list=UUc3pSBedYoPQbNcc0l1JYxQ&index=1&feature=plcp

Love it!

Off topic and all but......

the team I wanna see for the O's tie:

VDM-Strauss-White
Toner-Browne
McL-Avuav'a-Jennings
Boss-Madigan
McFadden-O'Malley
Fitzgerald-Nacewa-Kearney Jr

McGrath-Hagan-Cronin-Thorn-Ryan-Cooney-O'Driscoll-Carr/Conway

I would say start Thorn. But other than that it looks good.

Imagine the roar if BOD almighty comes on as a sub. I can't remember the last time that's happened....

There was a nice interview with Thorn in the IT after this game. Not sure if anyone has seen it. Great player, great pro.

I read it Rodders, he has a fantastic attitude. Willing to help "on or off the paddock".

I can definitely see him starting against Munster anyways.

When is Leo due back?

Mickado wrote:I read it Rodders, he has a fantastic attitude. Willing to help "on or off the paddock".

Yup, Thorn has done it all and then some. I hope every member of the Leinster squad tap this guy for as much knowledge as they can get while he's here. It's a great opportunity to learn from a modern day legend. If they can subsequently pass on a few tips to their Ulster muckers all the better

Mailed my kiwi mate there the other day, he used to work here but he's now back in NZ.

Me - "yo, Leinster signed some fella called Brad Thorn, never heard of him, is he any use?"

Him - "Nah brah, he's used to play League, he'll be lucky to get a game"



Pete, Leo was due to be back for Cardiff, haven't heard an update in a while though.

Leo was out for 6 to 8 weeks starting around the 23rd of January.

Makes him potentially available for next week.

Brown was carrying a knock though.

We may see Thorn and Cullen play a half each beside Toner. Or one of them with Kev taking over.

Give Browne a rest and play him and Flanagan v Embra, Ulster or Dragons

Hey I wonder if Thorn will line out against Ulster? Might head down to see Tuohy take the auld fella back to school.....

I'd say Brad will, in a very respectful and humble way, kick the livin fock outa him.

Cracker I'll have to get down to give him a bit of stick from the sidelines!