Rabbo Pro 12 Final thread(Teams included)

First topic message reminder :

Right, now, we know the teams, we know the venue, how do we think this one will pan out ? Although there is less at stake, I think that this game will be a lot better than HC final, and with Leinster having home advantage, it is hard to look past a Leinster win, but the Ospreys have been to the RDS this season and won so they will not fear going to Dublin, also Tandy has come in and breathed fresh air into the squad, but I still think Leinster will win but it will be very close, probably just a score in it. So I am going for Leinster by 3pts.

LEINSTER:

15: Rob Kearney 14: Fergus McFadden 13: Brian O'Driscoll 12: Gordon D'Arcy 11: Isa Nacewa 10: Jonathan Sexton 9: Eoin Reddan

1: Heinke van der Merwe 2: Sean Cronin 3: Mike Ross 4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN 5: Devin Toner 6: Kevin McLaughlin 7: Shane Jennings 8: Jamie Heaslip

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Richardt Strauss 17: Cian Healy/Jack McGrath 18: Nathan White 19: Brad Thorn 20: Dominic Ryan 21: John Cooney 22: Ian Madigan 23: David Kearney

OSPREYS:

15 Richard Fussell
14 Hanno Dirksen
13 Andrew Bishop
12 Ashley Beck
11 Shane Williams
10 Dan Biggar
9 Rhys Webb
1 Paul James
2 Richard Hibbard
3 Adam Jones
4 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)
5 Ian Evans
6 Ryan Jones
7 Justin Tipuric
8 Joe Bearman
Replacements:
16 Scott Baldwin
17 Ryan Bevington
18 Aaron Jarvis
19 James King
20 Tom Smith
21 Kahn Fotuali'i
22 Matthew Morgan
23 Tom Isaacs[/quote]

A sudden and worrying wave of optimism is creeping up on me. Maybe its because I was worried Adam was injured.

Gees Leinster are going for this anyway.... will picking BOD and co backfire a week after the HEC final??

This will be a cracker .

I think the Ospreys are going to dominate up front, I just hope their backs can cope with Leinsters backs. If they can I am confident of an Ospreys win.

Dominate.... hmmmm

Voyons..

Very impressed with Dom Ryan for getting into the Leinster 23 ahead of Avuav'a and Ruddock

Strange that people think that Toner and Reddan are a weakness.
What is the rationale behind that thinking do you mind me asking?

Good to see they've kept Stowers out of the 23. He's fecking useless

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Strange that people think that Toner and Reddan are a weakness.
What is the rationale behind that thinking do you mind me asking?

Shane Williams will push Toner back in loose play - The lads a bean pole and a liability in the contact area IMO, nice lad but for me a poor mans Charteris.

Reddan - If Reddan was half decent he would have the 9 jersey for Ireland by now. 9 is a weak area for Ireland all round IMO and they have suffered since the unfashionable Stringer was doing the business. If he keeps it simple he will be fine, if he starts sniping and kicking from hand I think it will help the O's. His service is also poor for me.

For what it's worth the O's have more weaknesses with the FB, Bishop, Biggar and Bearman all potentially weak in key areas. Still its a team game and it should be a cracker; probably won by a last minute try by Reddan diving in the corner after an offload from Toner as he is driven backwards by Shane

Ruby, I can see why you would have formed that opinion of Toner, but not on this years form. He has got his technique right and he’s an asset when he carries now.

As for Reddans poor service, well I don’t think that Leinsters game plan of quick ball at the ruck and accurate passing from all 15 players would be as successful if it wasn’t for a scrum half with good service. The reason he hasn’t nailed down the Ireland starting position is that Kidney insists on picking Conor Murray (Irelands 4th best scrum half this season on form).

RubyGuby wrote:

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Strange that people think that Toner and Reddan are a weakness.
What is the rationale behind that thinking do you mind me asking?

Shane Williams will push Toner back in loose play - The lads a bean pole and a liability in the contact area IMO, nice lad but for me a poor mans Charteris.

Reddan - If Reddan was half decent he would have the 9 jersey for Ireland by now. 9 is a weak area for Ireland all round IMO and they have suffered since the unfashionable Stringer was doing the business. If he keeps it simple he will be fine, if he starts sniping and kicking from hand I think it will help the O's. His service is also poor for me.

For what it's worth the O's have more weaknesses with the FB, Bishop, Biggar and Bearman all potentially weak in key areas. Still its a team game and it should be a cracker; probably won by a last minute try by Reddan diving in the corner after an offload from Toner as he is driven backwards by Shane

Remember when Bishop ran a crisp line past O'Driscoll to score a try last time? Let's hope that happens again.

Mickado wrote:Ruby, I can see why you would have formed that opinion of Toner, but not on this years form. He has got his technique right and he’s an asset when he carries now.

As for Reddans poor service, well I don’t think that Leinsters game plan of quick ball at the ruck and accurate passing from all 15 players would be as successful if it wasn’t for a scrum half with good service. The reason he hasn’t nailed down the Ireland starting position is that Kidney insists on picking Conor Murray (Irelands 4th best scrum half this season on form).

4th best, that's a load of shoite. Reddan and yes Boss have been better but who else Marshall? Easy to look good in the last 10 minutes when the game is over and you're looking for a bonus.

When I say "weakness" you have to look at the quality of the players on the field - they are all fine players, however those I have listed for both Leincester and the Ospreys for me are the weakest links. That is not to say they won't play well. Toner has improved but for me remains a liability and I can see Tipuric turning him over and Ian Evans getting on top of him. The problem then of course is that you have Mr Thorn on the bench - Not so long ago Charetis was a useless beanpole and he has matured into a strong athletic player, there's no reason why Toner can't follow his example, he has time on his side. I'm fine if you guys disgree, it's just the way I see it. Some O's fans eulogise about Fussell - I panic everytime he gets the ball

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Very impressed with Dom Ryan for getting into the Leinster 23 ahead of Avuav'a and Ruddock

Ruddock's hurt, and Neither Auva'a (when spelling it think of the noise you would make if he hit you) nor Heaslip can play on the flank.

Thomond wrote:

Mickado wrote:Ruby, I can see why you would have formed that opinion of Toner, but not on this years form. He has got his technique right and he’s an asset when he carries now.

As for Reddans poor service, well I don’t think that Leinsters game plan of quick ball at the ruck and accurate passing from all 15 players would be as successful if it wasn’t for a scrum half with good service. The reason he hasn’t nailed down the Ireland starting position is that Kidney insists on picking Conor Murray (Irelands 4th best scrum half this season on form).

4th best, that's a load of shoite. Reddan and yes Boss have been better but who else Marshall? Easy to look good in the last 10 minutes when the game is over and you're looking for a bonus.

Ok then 3rd best. He's potentially miles better than the rest of them, but he's not getting the ball away quick enough.

Agree with that, some of it is not getting good protection, some of it is down to him. Bit of both.

Its going to be emotional. Shane Williams farewell.

red_stag wrote:Its going to be emotional. Shane Williams farewell.

Is he still around?

I think Murray has been awful this season, even TOL has been better in recent months... yes I did say TOL, so 4th best isn't far off the mark.

red_stag wrote:Its going to be emotional. Shane Williams farewell.

Really though? He's had more final hurrah's than the Rolling Stones!

Do the Irish boys see Leinster as having any weaknesses? - It might read better coming from you guys

weak•ness
noun
1.
the state or quality of being weak; lack of strength, firmness, vigor, or the like; feebleness.
2.
an inadequate or defective quality, as in a person's character; slight fault or defect: to show great sympathy for human weaknesses.
3.
a self-indulgent liking or special fondness, as for a particular thing: I've always had a weakness for the opera.
4.
an object of special desire; something very difficult to resist: Chocolates were her weakness.

Based on definition 4, I’d say running rugby.

RubyGuby wrote:Do the Irish boys see Leinster as having any weaknesses? - It might read better coming from you guys

Yes. And when we work out what they are we;; tell you......Maybe

RubyGuby wrote:Do the Irish boys see Leinster as having any weaknesses? - It might read better coming from you guys

Not weaknesses but with Toner in for Thorn the Ospreys will really attack the scrum, even with VDW there. Thorn will be missed at the breakdown, as will Healy and SOB and the latter two will be missed around the park for their carrying.

How fit will BOD and D'arcy be after the HEC final? Both limped off and the Ospreys have very quick backs.

Still a very strong side though and plenty of quality on the bench.

That Leinster side doesn't have many weaknesses ,Cronin can be inconsistent in the lineout but has improved that this year and having Toner and McLaughlin in there gives him options.McFadden is solid on the win but not spectacular..I'd say the main weakness is our pack loses a lot of ball carrying ability with Healy and SoB out.Only Cronin,Toner,McLaughlin and Heaslip would be real threats with ball in hand.

I think our bench is weak at 9 and LH.

RubyGuby wrote:Do the Irish boys see Leinster as having any weaknesses? - It might read better coming from you guys

Ruby surely the Ospreys shouldn't have to ask what Leinster's weaknesses are. You beat them out there in the play-off final two years ago, and also you beat them there this season. I appreciate they were different sides (as such) but that should give the Ospreys a boost.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

RubyGuby wrote:Do the Irish boys see Leinster as having any weaknesses? - It might read better coming from you guys

Ruby surely the Ospreys shouldn't have to ask what Leinster's weaknesses are. You beat them out there in the play-off final two years ago, and also you beat them there this season. I appreciate they were different sides (as such) but that should give the Ospreys a boost.

It was a very different Ospreys side 2 years ago too.

We were well beaten in the scrum last time out, maybe that’s what the Os are going to attack but we will have different personnel on show on Sunday so who knows…

Yeah but Leinster were tired first time around and it was their 2nd team a few weeks ago

RubyGuby wrote:Yeah but Leinster were tired first time around and it was their 2nd team a few weeks ago

It was the first game of the season?

He's refering to the last play off final and the game a few weeks ago

I said, very quietly mind, that we would beat Ulster by 20+ in the HC Final. It happened.

I am now saying, that we will get the best display ever, from an unfettered Leinster side on Sunday. We will anihilate a very strong O's
The fans who could not make Twickers, are in for a treat. As are all rugby-porno loving fans the World over.

I am not being disrespectful. I really believe it will happen.

Leinster by 25. And lots of wet seats.

to you Gibbo! We'll see...

Leinster will be rampant. The psychological scars on the Welsh side will be so great, that several of their players will immediately retire and never watch rugby again. The rest won't be able to sleep for weeks. Haunted by the manshaming they recieved. The WRU will agree that the Ospreys franchise should be disbanded to keep the dignity of Welsh rugby in tact. No Welsh side will turn up in the RDS again for a decade. They'll be to afraid.

Actually Feckless, provided it's not an absolute drubbing...which it won't be, there'll be no shame in them losing to the European champions given the rubbish season they've had. European champions losing to a lowly Welsh side who bombed out of the Heino early on though....

I detect the same chest thumping on here as we had prior to Wales V Ireland in the world cup and we all know what happened there, this game will be a lot closer than people are predicting.

It will probably be the kick of a ball between us. O's just hammered Munster. Not hard these days, but impressive all the same.

This will be close. Get a large grip on reality Gibbo.

I have a feeling that the O's will give Leinster a cracking game. Close to call this one.

Gibson wrote:It will probably be the kick of a ball between us. O's just hammered Munster. Not hard these days, but impressive all the same.

This will be close. Get a large grip on reality Gibbo.

So you making the trip?

LordDowlais wrote:I detect the same chest thumping on here as we had prior to Wales V Ireland in the world cup and we all know what happened there, this game will be a lot closer than people are predicting.

I wasn't actually serious Lord. I was always more confident of beating Ulster in HC final, than I was beating Ospreys the week after. The scoreline in the Ospreys Munster game speaks for itself. If they bring that form and Leinster bring their HC final form it's anyone's game.

And there is more pressure on us than there is on the Ospreys.

Gibson wrote:I said, very quietly mind, that we would beat Ulster by 20+ in the HC Final. It happened.

I am now saying, that we will get the best display ever, from an unfettered Leinster side on Sunday. We will anihilate a very strong O's
The fans who could not make Twickers, are in for a treat. As are all rugby-porno loving fans the World over.

I am not being disrespectful. I really believe it will happen.

Leinster by 25. And lots of wet seats.

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

Gibson wrote:It will probably be the kick of a ball between us. O's just hammered Munster. Not hard these days, but impressive all the same.

This will be close. Get a large grip on reality Gibbo.

So you making the trip?

Nah mate. Im in Laandahn naaw, innit bruv.

Have you seen the Olympic stadium Gibbo? It's mighty impressive. leinster should win and could do it by more than 10 but it will likely have a score in it.

rodders wrote:

red_stag wrote:Its going to be emotional. Shane Williams farewell.

Is he still around?

I think Murray has been awful this season, even TOL has been better in recent months... yes I did say TOL, so 4th best isn't far off the mark.

Never understand why he was picked in the first place given that Reddan has been in the form of his life.

Leinster have the most impressive back two in Chilli and Ferg. Aesthetically speaking that is . Unfortunately for Leinster this isn't Mr Universe. Nevermind lads, you've got Jedward in Eurovision, so you could still get another win to celebrate

Anyone know whether the game is on TV in Italy?

Im in southern Liguria...

maestegmafia wrote:Anyone know whether the game is on TV in Italy?

Im in southern Liguria...

It's seems Ospreys fans will do anything to avoid actually going to watch their side play

maestegmafia wrote:Anyone know whether the game is on TV in Italy?

Im in southern Liguria...

I've no idea what their rugby coverage is like over there. The match is being covered by RTÉ and S4C. Can't you find a local TV guide online or something to check or have you just said that to show off?

Just a question, is it Rabbo, or RABO?

biltongbek wrote:Just a question, is it Rabbo, or RABO?

It's RABO(Direct Pro 12) because the sponsor is RaboDirect. I guess people just pronounce it as "Rabbo".

Thanks cari.

sugarNspikes wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:Anyone know whether the game is on TV in Italy?

Im in southern Liguria...

It's seems Ospreys fans will do anything to avoid actually going to watch their side play

Actually at a retreat for sufferers of degenerative diseases, my wife suffer from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. As her main carer now that I am retired it is hard to get to all the games I would want to. I would love to be at this one obviously, but my wife will always come first.

Deja vu from some of the Oirish.WC ring any bells?Twill be a close game in which home advantage may just tip the scales.Cannot wait.