Munster v Leinster

First topic message reminder :

Here we go again.

Travelling in hope but not expectation. Would be great to win this one, but I would settle for a LBP and no (more) injuries.

Apparently there is hope on Mike Ross and Jamie Hagan. No word on White. They usually release an injury update on Mondays at lunchtime.

Don't fancy facing DuPreeyahhh and Botha with Jack McGrath at th. It was a credit to him as a first year LOOSE head prop that he did not get injured in those scrums against some serious experience and power

Ultimately though, I hope to see a future Leinster half-back partnership of McGrath and Madigan. Looking forward to that one

Sexton took the ball deep against Munster because we had a pretty clear tactic to pass the ball laterally, make a break if it was on (which it rarely was) but try to keep the Munster defence honest and tire them out. Was reading this morning that we kicked almost nothing after 20 minutes. Plus we had a noticeable injection of pace when the bench was emptied and we looked to take Munster on at that stage. I think it was all just a patience game, not exciting to watch, but effective.

As for Madigan’s (now immanent!!) usurpation of Sexton, I think this season will see Johnny starting the remaining big games with Madigan offering an excellent bench option, interestingly JS never moves Sexton to 12 when Madigan comes on, only Kidney. Can’t see that trend being bucked unless word comes down from “upstairs”.

The bench was the key difference really. Leinster knew they could motor along for 50/60 minutes and then use the bench to finish Munster off.

Mickado wrote:I’ve said it before and been laughed at but what about Madigan at 9?

Unreal passer of the ball, great at making breaks, good kicker, good vision etc.

Why stick to the Irish paradigm of having 9’s who are 9’s and 10’s who are 10’s when you look at the French or even Saffers. Pienaar can seamlessly slip between 9 and 10, maybe Madigan could fill the same role….?

I am liking that thinking outside the box there Micko. He is a livewire anytime he gets near the ball. Like Isa in fact. Darting around the fringes, I can see him being a major headache there. Also in his passing and vision for a break. Due to his size also, I think 9 would suit him better than 10. Sextons defence is superb. Very strong. As his kicking, as is his vision, as is his passing.

It is a specialist skill though and he would be have to be honed for it. Cant see it happening with Boss & Reddan there. Maybe Joe has thought about it. He is some talent to have waiting on the bench.

I'm not buying this Sexton to 12 stuff I must say.

Seems to be a Munster idea rather than a Leinster one they want Sexton out!

Leinster fans have faith that when our coach does something tactical, it's probably for the best. Ireland fans don't. So to be honest I'm shocked that so many people are thinking it's a viable option.

It's like RTE, they said that all the messing in the scrums was Marcus Horans fault, now i'm no expert on what's going on in the scrum so i could take them at their word, but i also know they said that Madigan should move to Munster to get more gametime. Which is one of the most rediculous statements i've heard in a while, so i don't know who to believe.

They are right about Horan being at fault. Madigan would see more gametime at Leinster, I suppose he would be more likely to see gametime in the HC at Munster, Ulster would probably be the best option, if Munster fast track Hanrahan.

Oooh Mafi. Dont get me started. One durty player. Seems to have calmed down a bit in his auld age tho.

Yeah Dave, we always looked like we were going to break thro and did on few occasions. What we did after it... ? I fully expect it to improve next Sat. It will. It always does round this time of year. We were threatening to score tries the whole game and shook off a lot of rust. It's coming.

Good thing is that BOD, Thorn and Leo are now match fit. We will see the real Leinster next Sat. The timing of it all has been superb.

Good man Joe.

We'll take Madigan lads, no bother! Anything to help out a fellow province!

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Seems to be a Munster idea rather than a Leinster one they want Sexton out!

Well kopped Rory. It says it all. Sure they were the same with Humphreys. Who was a far better player back then, when ROG threw his toys out of the pram and EOS capitulated.

No change there then ...

Sexton has 655 mins this season.
Madigan has 1200 mins this season.

but gibbo sexton cannot boss a game run a backline etc etc ad nauseum

Gibson wrote:

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Seems to be a Munster idea rather than a Leinster one they want Sexton out!

Well kopped Rory. It says it all. Sure they were the same with Humphreys. Who was a far better player back then, when ROG threw his toys out of the pram and EOS capitulated.

No change there then ...

You're a smart man Gibbo

dublin_dave wrote:but gibbo sexton cannot boss a game run a backline etc etc ad nauseum

He doesn't have a brain.........

small stork like head - small brain.

sexton out. will be playing for the Cornish Pasties in the English 2nd division by 2014

Will then do a stint at Aeroni, Dax and end up at Connaught for his 30th birthday

Thomond wrote:

dublin_dave wrote:but gibbo sexton cannot boss a game run a backline etc etc ad nauseum

He doesn't have a brain.........

He has a bleedin huge head tho.

Yeah Dave, its all indirect compliments. Bless em.

They are the same about Jenno. And we all know why...

Dave bud u dont have a clue what your on about.sexton is still a fantastic fly half as he has shown in the HC...did u not see his performance against bath? it was the best performance ive ever seen by any fly half anywhere...it was nearly perfect

dublin_dave wrote:small stork like head - small brain.

sexton out. will be playing for the Cornish Pasties in the English 2nd division by 2014

Will then do a stint at Aeroni, Dax and end up at Connaught for his 30th birthday

If... he's lucky that is.

LeinsterFan... read Dave's posts again... and put yer tongue firmly in yer cheek.

Man, its soooo tough at the very Top...

whooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooosh : )

just fishing a bit for a bite. not subtle hope i dont get one.

Cornish Pirates should have been a give away

I thought Cornish Pasties was a nice touch...

ha ye dave ya got me i should have known better

Sexton v Bath...yes he was very good...but the UCD Minor C team would have given Bath a game that day.

Sexton v Munster (every time)
Sexton v ASM
Sexton v Toulouse
Sexton v Tigers
Sexton v Saints
Sexton v Sarries...

Sexton v ROG? Is well and truly over now lads. Lets move on to something new shall we?

Sexton v Wales, Sexton V England. He is our best option but by no means is he bulletproof.

Not bullet-proof. Still getting there. Still growing into a WC 10 (like ROG had to). Just needs to be let play in a team with some or ANY game plan and direction. Then - he's brilliant.

Spot the difference?

Sexton has yet to take a game by the scruff of the neck at international level, adapting on the rugby pitch is key. He and the Ireland team haven't done that.

Nothing about ROG Gibson...sure he should be playing but he isnt close to being how good ROG was in 06/07/08 or going further back as good as D Humphries was.

Madigan is the coming man...next year...wait and see.

Sexton is a great 10 in an attack minded team and on top of that he is one of the most defensively sound 10's around still playing the game. He is pretty well rounded can kick both distance and accuracy, run the ball, create space for others and has a good range and variation of passes.

Anyone any info on this Michael Bent that Leinster have signed from Hurricanes? IQ and can play both sides of the scrum. He any good?