Leinster v Scarlets

Possibility we may see the return of Leo Cullen for this.

McGrath
Dundon
Moore
McCarthy
Cullen/Denton
Ruddock
Jennings
Murphy

Boss
Gopperth
Tuqiri
Madigan
Fitzgerald
D Kearney
Kirchner

Cronin
Bent
Furlong
Roux
McLaughlin
Reddan
Macken
Hudson

None of the well tractor tyre marked Internationals likely to feature after their efforts 6 days previous to this game. (Down side of having 17 out of 23 in the Ireland squad)

How do you Scarlets feel with a fair bit of your backline and 1 forward missing to Wales?

Can't see anything but a Leinster win here given Wales have an international

Shame there was no thread about it, but if stats are to be believed, Scarlets made 200 tackles against Connacht which is quite possibly the highest i have ever seen. Makes Scotland's performance against Ireland last 6N looks like an offensive display!

Expect a lot of bruised bodies at the RDS!

I'd probably stick Gopperth at outhalf and move Tuqiri out to the wing. But other than that, the team looks solid  

Is it true Leinster are looking to keep Tuquiri for the whole season?

If he isn't costing the world I wouldn't be against holding onto Lote for a season.
The Bent-Dundon-Moore front row played well the last two games. McGrath should add a little something to the front row as well (possibly the skill of sealing off right infront of the referee).
If Cullen is back that would be great, but can't risk him for 80 minutes in his first game, maybe 50 at the top end.
Is Jordi fit? That would be great news, otherwise Auvaa could be back in the lineup.
Gopperth probably needs a rest at this stage, give Madgo the run out at OH.
Looking forward to some home fixtures for Leinster. We have played 5 away and only 3 at home so far this season.

Golden wrote:Is it true Leinster are looking to keep Tuquiri for the whole season?

Goodman out for a long time might swing it. New hooker coming too. To replace Strauss.

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

Golden wrote:Is it true Leinster are looking to keep Tuquiri for the whole season?

Goodman out for a long time might swing it. New hooker coming too. To replace Strauss.

Don't know about the new hooker, I reckon that Dundon could step up and take the opportunity. Cronin for top line games, Dundon for remainder of Rabo with the academy holding the bench when needed (can't think of the kids name, but remember he hit his men with perfect darts in the Saints game pre-season).

Tracey. He is a recently converted loose head. Good guy but personally I don't want to worry if any of the 3 guys slip in the shower. We would need someone in a hurry then. only other hooker on the books is 1st year academy.

I really hope you don't put a team like that out. Gatlands to stubborn to realese the players he isn't even using and that's half our squad

Jhamer25 wrote:I really hope you don't put a team like that out. Gatlands to stubborn to realese the players he isn't even using and that's half our squad

In fairness the team I named is missing 10 of our internationals. Likely to have that many out despite having no Intl game this weekend.

Enforced rest by the IRFU. Which they earned with their hard work on Sunday.

Good to see that the reports that BOD was kept from returning to the field because of concussion.  How many times in the past has he been laid out during a game only to play on.  More of these calls are required.

Gats has released Jordan Williams and Emyr Phillips to us.

So I have a feeling we will field a side looking something like-:

Owen, Climo, Maule, Warren, Williams/Reynolds, A Thomas, G Davies;
John (capt), E Phillips/Myhill, Adriaanse, Ball, Snyman, Shingler Snr, Barclay, Timani
(Myhill/E Phillips, Hopkins, Pugea, Turnbull, Dan Thomas; A Davies, Shingler Jnr, Reynolds/Williams)

with it depending on how much time Phillips and Williams get with the squad.

Any chance the hooker were looking to sign might be one Andrew Hore?

I heard they were looking at a kiwi

That would be a great signing.  But from an Irish perspective do we want to be bringing in a player ahead of Cronin in the pecking order at Leinster when Best is out with a broken arm/wrist/hand/something for Ireland?

thebandwagonsociety wrote:That would be a great signing.  But from an Irish perspective do we want to be bringing in a player ahead of Cronin in the pecking order at Leinster when Best is out with a broken arm/wrist/hand/something for Ireland?

Would he have to be ahead of Cronin, or just a really good bench option to keep things fresh, and more than capable cover for during the 6Ns.

Golden wrote:Any chance the hooker were looking to sign might be one Andrew Hore?

no

Golden wrote:
I heard they were looking at a kiwi

yes

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
Would he have to be ahead of Cronin,

No

ScarletSpiderman wrote:or just a really good bench option to keep things fresh, and more than capable cover for during the 6Ns.

Definitely

Is it who we spoke about Jen?

Mickado wrote:Is it who we spoke about Jen?

Ritchie McCaw? No.

I take it you know who it is Jen? I've heard a rumour but not sure if it's true...

Mealamu (sp?)? Surely he would be welcome.

Funkingfullback wrote:I take it you know who it is Jen? I've heard a rumour but not sure if it's true...

Yes but I am not going to answer loads of "Is it x? Is it y? Because there are not that many choices out there and someone will guess it fairly quickly.

Should be announced in the next week when they sort out the paperwork. They have been working on it for several weeks now.

Fairly confident it's not him and i'm sure people will be quick to point out his past indescretion with BOD as a reason he may not be welcomed!!

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Mealamu (sp?)?  Surely he would be welcome.

Leinster fans have long memories. Like over 8 years long. Not me, but plenty of others.

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

Funkingfullback wrote:I take it you know who it is Jen? I've heard a rumour but not sure if it's true...

Yes but I am not going to answer loads of "Is it x? Is it y? Because there are not that many choices out there and someone will guess it fairly quickly.

Should be announced in the next week when they sort out the paperwork. They have been working on it for several weeks now.

No worries mate! Think I can wait the week. Just waiting on a work permit I hear!

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Mealamu (sp?)?  Surely he would be welcome.

Leinster fans have long memories. Like over 8 years long. Not me, but plenty of others.

What are we talking about now, I just can't remember.

Oh yes you can!

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

Funkingfullback wrote:I take it you know who it is Jen? I've heard a rumour but not sure if it's true...

Yes but I am not going to answer loads of "Is it x? Is it y? Because there are not that many choices out there and someone will guess it fairly quickly.

Should be announced in the next week when they sort out the paperwork. They have been working on it for several weeks now.

You started it. 

Mickado wrote:

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

Funkingfullback wrote:I take it you know who it is Jen? I've heard a rumour but not sure if it's true...

Yes but I am not going to answer loads of "Is it x? Is it y? Because there are not that many choices out there and someone will guess it fairly quickly.

Should be announced in the next week when they sort out the paperwork. They have been working on it for several weeks now.

You started it. 

Yeah but Jen's memory ain't so good so it was forgotten.

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

Golden wrote:Any chance the hooker were looking to sign might be one Andrew Hore?

no

Golden wrote:
I heard they were looking at a kiwi

yes

 

F*ck me, it's Gatland, isn't it?

If we can put that strength of team out, missing 10+ internationals, well it really shows we are assembling the required squad-depth to compete on all fronts.  

Id expect to take a TBP if that is the team / squad. No offence, but Scarlets are really weakened with Wales playing.  Its great having half your team in the Welsh squad, but if you don't have the backup ready...

Why are we looking at a hooker? Cronin is in the form of his life and Dundon is as steady as a rock. Plus isn't Strauss back training?

Cronin will be away with Ireland for long spells. What if something happens Dundon? We are phooked. Don't think Strauss will be playing soon. He's out for the season.

So, Im all for it. He's a great bleedin player too.

Whoever this short term player is, the odds for BOD getting a red card in his final game for tip tackling his own player at the breakdown have been frozen by the bookies.

Gibson wrote:If we can put that strength of team out, missing 10+ internationals, well it really shows we are assembling the required squad-depth to compete on all fronts.  

Id expect to take a TBP if that is the team / squad. No offence, but Scarlets are really weakened with Wales playing.  Its great having half your team in the Welsh squad, but if you don't have the backup ready...

We had depth but Wales took them too! They took our two main hookers, and had our third choice train with them too. Also they taken all our wq tightheads. That said it is no excuse, we are atill capable of feilding a pretty solid pack, and have a few internationally capped forwards and backs. Also we owe you for Sept.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

Gibson wrote:If we can put that strength of team out, missing 10+ internationals, well it really shows we are assembling the required squad-depth to compete on all fronts.  

Id expect to take a TBP if that is the team / squad. No offence, but Scarlets are really weakened with Wales playing.  Its great having half your team in the Welsh squad, but if you don't have the backup ready...

We had depth but Wales took them too!  They took our two main hookers, and had our third choice train with them too.  Also they taken all our wq tightheads.  That said it is no excuse, we are atill capable of feilding a pretty solid pack, and have a few internationally capped forwards and backs.  Also we owe you for Sept.

Fair enuf bud. Hope its a great game.

Mickado wrote:

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

Funkingfullback wrote:I take it you know who it is Jen? I've heard a rumour but not sure if it's true...

Yes but I am not going to answer loads of "Is it x? Is it y? Because there are not that many choices out there and someone will guess it fairly quickly.

Should be announced in the next week when they sort out the paperwork. They have been working on it for several weeks now.

You started it. 

I did. I can be a bit of a to$$er that way.

Looks like we may play more of our Ireland players than I thought. Probably in an attempt to get as many HC starters on the pitch together as possible in advance of NH game.

Revised possible team.

McGrath
Dundon
Moore
Denton
McCarthy
Ruddock
Jennings
Murphy

Boss
Madigan
Tuqiri
D'Arcy
Fitzgerald
D Kearney
Kirchner

Cronin
Healy
Ross
Roux
McLaughlin
Reddan
Gopperth
Macken

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:Looks like we may play more of our Ireland players than I thought. Probably in an attempt to get as many HC starters on the pitch together as possible in advance of NH game.

Revised possible team.

McGrath
Dundon
Moore
Denton
McCarthy
Ruddock
Jennings
Murphy

Boss
Madigan
Tuqiri
D'Arcy
Fitzgerald
D Kearney
Kirchner

Cronin
Healy
Ross
Roux
McLaughlin
Reddan
Gopperth
Macken

Still no Cullen... Still do, that's some team for this time of year.

Mickado wrote:
Still no Cullen...

He is there or thereabouts. Not sure if he will be there at the weekend or not. Denton playing surprisingly well. Cullen takes his place if fit.

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:Looks like we may play more of our Ireland players than I thought. Probably in an attempt to get as many HC starters on the pitch together as possible in advance of NH game.

Revised possible team.

McGrath
Dundon
Moore
Denton
McCarthy
Ruddock
Jennings
Murphy

Boss
Madigan
Tuqiri
D'Arcy
Fitzgerald
D Kearney
Kirchner

Cronin
Healy
Ross
Roux
McLaughlin
Reddan
Gopperth
Macken

The only thing there I would change is rest Darcy after the NZ game last week.  But then he didn't play against Oz so they might think it fine to start him here.  I presume it means we will have a very depleted team travelling away at christmas or towards the very end of the season if the internationals are featuring this weekend.

It will be great to be back in the RDS for rugby, feels like an age since I was there last.

Ditto on the RDS.

On Darce, Could bring Gopperth on and move Mads to 12 at some stage or Macken on and Luke to 12.

IRFU Player resting gives player names, blocks of games and number of minutes to be played per individual player.

This block is from now to the end of the HC pool games in Jan.

We have Edinburg game which we can rest those playing this weekend and Connacht game where we can mix and match as needed.

Decisions will be made when we see how many points we get out of the Back to back games with NH.

Players like Drico, Toner, Kearney, Heaslip etc who do not feature will have minutes to use in those later games.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Gats has released Jordan Williams and Emyr Phillips to us.

So I have a feeling we will field a side looking something like-:

Owen, Climo, Maule, Warren, Williams/Reynolds, A Thomas, G Davies;
John (capt), E Phillips/Myhill, Adriaanse, Ball, Snyman, Shingler Snr, Barclay, Timani
(Myhill/E Phillips, Hopkins, Pungea, Turnbull, Dan Thomas; A Davies, Shingler Jnr, Reynolds/Williams)

with it depending on how much time Phillips and Williams get with the squad.

Scarlets Team Official

Owen, Reynolds, Maule, Warren, Climo, Thomas, G Davies;
John(Capt), Myhill, Adriaanse, Ball, Snyman, Shingler,. Barclay, Timani
(Bench -: Phillips, Evans, Pungea, Kelly, Turnbull; A Davies, Lewis, J Williams)

Not bad guessing by me, Steve Shingler has not made his fitness race and Rob Evans has been released back to us.

15: Zane Kirchner
14: Lote Tuqiri
13: Brendan Macken
12: Gordon D'Arcy
11: Luke Fitzgerald
10: Ian Madigan
9: Eoin Reddan

1: Jack McGrath
2: Aaron Dundon
3: Martin Moore
4: Leo Cullen
5: Mike McCarthy
6: Rhys Ruddock
7: Shane Jennings CAPTAIN
8: Jordi Murphy

REPLACEMENTS:
16: Sean Cronin
17: Michael Bent
18: Mike Ross
19: Tom Denton
20: Dominic Ryan
21: Luke McGrath
22: Jimmy Gopperth
23: Darragh Fanning

Happy with that. Esp Madigan at 10. Hope he gets the gig v NH next week.

Leo!
Leo!
Leo!
Leo!
Leo!

Yay, bit of focus back for the pack.  I'm liking that team.
Strong tight five, and a dangerous front row to come off the bench.
Solid backrow, Jordi and Shane should do well.
The starting halfbacks should be up for the game, Madigan coming off of AI experience and wanting to seize the chance of getting ahead of Gopperth.  I like that Luke McGrath is on the bench, hopefully he will get decent minutes, a great prospect.
That starting backline is dangerous.

We should have the pack to win this game, and we have the backline to score tries if the Scarlets lose focus or intensity.

ZK is very classy.

Amazing lenght of the field try from the Scarlets.

Damn, that second Scarlets try was sensational