RaboP12 (Round 2): Leinster 45 vs Dragons 25 k/o - 18:15 Sat, 8 September 2012 (RDS)

Leinster's first home game of the Rabo season. Time to dust the cobwebs off the seats at the RDS. Can't wait for some live rugby! But a strange kick off time.

LEINSTER:15: Isa Nacewa 14: Andrew Conway 13: Brendan Macken 12: Noel Reid 11: Fionn Carr
10: Ian Madigan 9: John Cooney

1: Jack McGrath 2: Sean Cronin 3: Jamie Hagan
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN 5: Quinn Roux
6: Ben Marshall 7: Shane Jennings 8: Leo Auva'a

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Tom Sexton 17: Heinke van der Merwe 18: Martin Moore 19: Devin Toner 20: Jordi Murphy 21: Luke McGrath 22: Colm O'Shea 23: Darren Hudson

Dragons teamDan Evans, Will Harries, Pat Leach, Andy Tuilagi, Tom Prydie, Steffan Jones; Jonathan Evans; Nathan Williams, Sam Parry, Nathan Buck, Ian Nimmo, Adam Jones, Hywel Stoddart, Jevon Groves (c), Toby Faletau

Replacements
Hugh Gustafson, Aaron Coundley, Tim Ryan, Lewis Evans, Tom Brown, Liam Davies (Bedwas), Ashley Smith, Hallam Amos.

Dragons rotating a few. No need to risk injuries before the Blouse game against this mob.

Dragons by 20.

Risca - that would be with a bonus point and all? I think it will depend on whats up with Leinster injury-wise.

Anyone ideas who will availbale for Leinster

I know Cullen is back for the game, think all the other Internationals are still being pampered by the IRFU

Dragons to ring the changes

We'll be changing our winning squad around a bit to rotate players and keep things fresh.

Part of me thinks throw caution to the wind, send the same team out and see if we can claim our first win against Leinster at the RDS.

Sensible part of me thinks this is a good idea as its a huge derby agaisnt the Blues who will have their star players returning

Munkian - so the dragons are throwing the match?

Looks like Boss and Ryan are out, with Strauss, Carr and Dundon lloking like they should make it back.

I wouldn't say that Spider

We have a smaller squad this season and need to rotate.

I think aiming to win our homegames, especially agaisnt the other regions, is a must.

Did you actually read the article ?

Munkian - yeah i skimmed it (Stodds in for Lydiate, Parry in for Steve Jones), it was more of a joke at the 'leinster match throwing' nonesence on other threads. To be honest if you are going to be chasing the 3rd HEC spot then it is about identifying games where you could sneak a win, games where you could sneak a bonus point, and games that are no hope. All home games are in the first catagory, most away games are in the second, and Leinster/Munster away are in the third.

Fair enuff butty

If you take to the field thinking you can't win, guess what happens every time?

Leinster only have Cronin back from the intl squad so a 2nd row might have to play 6 Perhaps Quinn Roux or Denton. Otherwise Jordi Murphy from the Academy. A decent player to be fair. Paper thin squad this week. 24 players missing. Dragons best chance of a win in a while.

I hope they take SS's advice and go out believing they can't win.

Jen - I didn't mean it to come across like that, more that they should ensure they nail the home games, and games that they should, and ensure that they have the best possible side out for those matches.

Just marking this...

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Just marking this...

Like a dog and a post box?

Exactly like that. You should see the state of my laptop!

Soooo. Any adventurous souls from Gwent joining us in the RDS?

Id love to but skint

Not a massive change in the squad it seems

Dragons squad for Leinster

Backs
Dan Evans, Hallam Amos, Tom Prydie, Will Harries, Andy Tuilagi, Ashley Smith, Pat Leach, Lewis Robling, Steffan Jones, Wayne Evans, Jonathan Evans,

Forwards
Tom Brown, Toby Faletau, Hywel Stoddart, Lewis Evans, Jevon Groves, Ieuan Jones, Adam Jones, Ian Nimmo, Tim Ryan, Nathan Buck, Nathan Williams, Aaron Coundley, Hugh Gustafson, Sam Parry,.

Players not selected through injury;

Joe Bedford (shoulder), Adam Hughes (hamstring), Tonderai Chavhanga (knee), Jamie Smith (ankle), Matthew Pewtner (hamstring), Dan Watchurst (leg break), Darren Waters (knee), Rob Sidoli (Calf), Andrew Coombes (Knee), Dan Lydiate (sternum), Mike Poole (knee)


Lydiate should be back for Cardiff game apparently

I am looking for Dan Evans to have another stormer like last week, come on DAN.

Leinster to turn out with Savlon on their ar$es from the kicking they received for last week's poor show.

Cronin back won't be a match turner. An improved attitude and super glue Cow Gum on their hands would help enormously.

Boss could be out for up to 6 weeks! Injuries are crippling us.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Boss could be out for up to 6 weeks! Injuries are crippling us.

Bad choice of words there.

I guess if you are going to have to go through a rough patch injury-wise maybe at the start of the season is better than at the end when your really needing to keep that momentum.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Boss could be out for up to 6 weeks! Injuries are crippling us.

Bad choice of words there.

I guess if you are going to have to go through a rough patch injury-wise maybe at the start of the season is better than at the end when your really needing to keep that momentum.

why is it a bad choice of words?...

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Boss could be out for up to 6 weeks! Injuries are crippling us.

Bad choice of words there.

I guess if you are going to have to go through a rough patch injury-wise maybe at the start of the season is better than at the end when your really needing to keep that momentum.

why is it a bad choice of words?...

Injuries and Cripples (non politically correct I know)?

Scarlets had a similar size injury crisis a few seasons ago.

This is a massive opportunity for the Dragons.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Boss could be out for up to 6 weeks! Injuries are crippling us.

Bad choice of words there.

I guess if you are going to have to go through a rough patch injury-wise maybe at the start of the season is better than at the end when your really needing to keep that momentum.

why is it a bad choice of words?...

Injuries and Cripples (non politically correct I know)?

what? Sorry im not following.

You said

'injuries are crippling us'

and I commented it was a poor choice of words as a very poor little throw away, non pc, joke on my part because if a player were to pick up a serious leg injury (or heaven forbid a neck or spine injury) they could end up disabled, or as it is also know crippled. So the injury would literally be crippling.

Like I said cheap throw away joke in rather bad taste.

maestegmafia wrote:Scarlets had a similar size injury crisis a few seasons ago.

This is a massive opportunity for the Dragons.

This is probably their best ever chance! Dragons should go into this full of confidence. Dan lydiate is a big loss for them though.

Leinster are still strong favourites, let's not kid ourselves here.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:You said

'injuries are crippling us'

and I commented it was a poor choice of words as a very poor little throw away, non pc, joke on my part because if a player were to pick up a serious leg injury (or heaven forbid a neck or spine injury) they could end up disabled, or as it is also know crippled. So the injury would literally be crippling.

Like I said cheap throw away joke in rather bad taste.

Ah ok Ye were in a bit of an injury crisis because i think dom ryan could miss this game aswell.

I wouldn't say Leinster are strong favourites on last weeks showing. They are lacking the resources. Dragons looked good.

It's a home game for Leinster so yes they are favourites but this game is a close call.

You have to take our respective opponents from last weekend into account too, Maes.

As a dragons fan I'd take a loosing bonus. We are set to make a few changes as the blues game is far more important and rightly so.

It's never an easy place to go and they are bringing in a few players who didn't feature vs the Scarlets. If we do get a LB it will be our first one up there.
Then beat the blues 10 points in 3 games? I'll be happy.

This will be a tight one.

We dont like losing at home but the Dragons did look good last week and are dangerous.

I wouldnt be surprised either way, but I hope Leinster dont pick up any more injuries.

50- 50 game .......

younguns

Beat the blues??? How dare you!!!

losing bonus point would be our best ever away game to them

I don't think I should watch this in the same room as my Dublin born Mrs, shed batter the head off me

dom ryan out for 10-12 weeks this is getting rediculous.

Dragons are putting out a second string team to rest players! Ridiculous. We only had a very slim chance as it was with a full strength squad but I think we've blown that now. I understand squad rotation and player management, but 2nd game of the season? What about consistency, building match fitness and picking on form? You can't do that by chopping and changing each week. At least not with only a hand full of 'stars' like the Dragons have.

Leinster by 8.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:You have to take our respective opponents from last weekend into account too, Maes.

True LP but it was a good all round performance.

Very impressed with how Steffan Jones is progressing. Looking very mature, lightening quick too. Might capped ahead of old Tovey at this rate...!

http://thescore.thejournal.ie/isaac-boss-dominic-ryan-injury-586220-Sep2012/?utm_source=shortlink

Boss and Ryan both bollixed...

maestegmafia wrote:

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:You have to take our respective opponents from last weekend into account too, Maes.

True LP but it was a good all round performance.

Very impressed with how Steffan Jones is progressing. Looking very mature, lightening quick too. Might capped ahead of old Tovey at this rate...!

I've said before, I think he'll flourish now he's had the goalkicking duties taken from him and he can just focus on playing. He can be hit and miss but he's got a spark about him, which I always like to see in an outside half.

Ye steffans a game breaker, bags of natural talent. Very skilful.
People question his defence but I really couldn't care if he never made a tackle again! He gets the backs moving, kicks well and is a threat in his own right.

He will tear the blues apart.. Again

If he's going to be an international then he needs to be a consistent goal kicker, so Stef kicking is not a good thing.

Morgannwg wrote:If he's going to be an international then he needs to be a consistent goal kicker

Er, you know Leigh Halfpenny kicks goals for Wales, right?

I actually think he's quite a way off international selection anyway; but he could well be one for the future.

Of course I know that. You clearly didn't pay much attention during the World Cup if you think we'll be fine with just the one kicker in our team. Besides that our Leigh could miss some games. Thought all this would be obvious. Nice brain management Luckless.

Enjoy your day, Mr Agreeable.

Let's agree to disagree.

Good wind up by the Argus writer

"@c_kirwan: Already in Dublin to see the table-topping Newport Gwent Dragons attempt to avoid slipping on a banana skin at lowly Leinster..."

Risca Rev wrote:Good wind up by the Argus writer

"@c_kirwan: Already in Dublin to see the table-topping Newport Gwent Dragons attempt to avoid slipping on a banana skin at lowly Leinster..."

Technically it is a top v bottom of the the table clash, like most Dragons V Leinster encounters but with the boot on the other foot

Should be a real good chance for the Dragons, when they announcing the team?

Steffan is actually a good goal kicker and has had good kicking games for the dragons. Prydie is slightly better and justifies the decistion with his 100% record so far.

Also I actually ment his tactical kicking is very good. Far better than preistlands (than again I could name 4/5 welsh 10s with a better kicking game than Rhys).

Can't see us winning, a loosing bonus will do.

LEINSTER:

15: Isa Nacewa
14: Andrew Conway
13: Brendan Macken
12: Noel Reid
11: Fionn Carr
10: Ian Madigan
9: John Cooney

1: Jack McGrath
2: Sean Cronin
3: Jamie Hagan
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN
5: Quinn Roux
6: Ben Marshall
7: Shane Jennings
8: Leo Auva'a

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Tom Sexton
17: Heinke van der Merwe
18: Martin Moore
19: Devin Toner
20: Jordi Murphy
21: Luke McGrath
22: Colm O'Shea
23: Darren Hudson

Dragons team
Dan Evans, Will Harries, Pat Leach, Andy Tuilagi, Tom Prydie, Steffan Jones; Jonathan Evans; Nathan Williams, Sam Parry, Nathan Buck, Ian Nimmo, Adam Jones, Hywel Stoddart, Jevon Groves (c), Toby Faletau

Replacements
Hugh Gustafson, Aaron Coundley, Tim Ryan, Lewis Evans, Tom Brown, Liam Davies (Bedwas), Ashley Smith, Hallam Amos.