Leinster v Glasgow Warriors, 23 October

              
Leinster Rugby v Glasgow Warriors
23 October 2015
KO: 19:45
RDS Arena, Dooblin

Live on Sky Sports

Referee: Ian Davies (WRU, 36th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Leo Colgan, Olly Hodges (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: Eugene Ryan (IRFU)
TMO: Dermot Moloney (IRFU)

A. Head to Head

30 Played 30
18 Wins 9
9 Losses 18
3 Draws 3
69 Tries 56
51 Conversions 37
87 Penalties 58
1 Drop Goals 3
711 Points 537
24 Avg. Age 24

B. Form

Sat 6 Sep 2014
Glasgow Warriors 22 - 20 Leinster Rugby

Fri 27 Mar 2015
Leinster Rugby 34 - 34 Glasgow Warriors

C. Teams

Leinster Rugby

15. Isa Nacewa (captain)
14. Garry Ringrose
13. Ben Te'o
12. Noel Reid
11. Fergus McFadden
10. Cathal Marsh
09. Luke McGrath

01. Michael Bent
02. Aaron Dundon
03. Marty Moore
04. Ross Molony
05. Mike McCarthy
06. Rhys Ruddock
07. Josh van der Flier
08. Jack Conan

16. James Tracy
17. Peter Dooley
18. Tadhg Furlong
19. Dominic Ryan
20. Daniel Leavy
21. Isaac Boss
22. Ross Byrne
23. Cian Kelleher

Glasgow Warriors

15. Sean Lamont
14. Taqele Naiyaravoro
13. Richie Vernon
12. Fraser Lyle
11. Rory Hughes
10. Duncan Weir
09. Mike Blair

01. Alex Allan
02. Pat MacArthur
03. Zander Fagerson
04. Tim Swinson
05. Scott Cummings
06. Rob Harley (Captain)
07. Simone Favaro
08. Ryan Wilson

16. Kevin Bryce
17. Jerry Yanuyanutawa
18. Mike Cusack
19. Greg Peterson
20. Adam Ashe
21. Hugh Blake
22. Grayson Hart
23. Rory Clegg

As this is at the RDS we need to start strongly - something we have (tended) not to do. I'm popping over to Dublin for this one and looking forward to it. My team :-
Hughes
Junior B
Big T
Dunbar
Lyle
Clegg - running out of options but this guy can play with the right tactics - i.e. no pointless kicking !
Blair/Price - enough with Hart thank you !

Back row: Blake, Ashe, Fusaro/Favaro
Locks: Harley, Cummings/Petersen/ Big Naka if available
Front Row: Allan, MacArthur/Scott, Fagerson

Surely they need to give Naka another week off, he has been playing non stop since the end of the last season!

Will SOB play a part in this now?

VinceWLB wrote:Will SOB play a part in this now?

As long has he promises not to punch us.

It will be interesting how the Irish players get brought back into the fold. I'd guess anyone who was starting regularly won't be playing for a fortnight possibly. Though you could say that the frustration of going out in the QFs would mean any of the guys on the bench or periphery of the rwc squad might get a start to let out some frustration. (same applies for Scottish players of course)

George Carlin wrote:

VinceWLB wrote:Will SOB play a part in this now?

As long has he promises not to punch us.

Calm down George. Remember that it wasn't a "dangerous" punch. Not like the horrific "neck shattering" spear delivered by Ross Ford.

Will be interesting to see which Scotland players come back.

The players will be travelling back home today and, given that Glasgow will have to fly to Dublin on Thursday, that would only leave 2 days training back for Glasgow.

The only players who might be involved I reckon would be Bryce and Weir - neither were involved at the weekend. Pyrgos might be itching or a game having sat on the bench several weekends in a row.

The main performers for Scotland certainly need a couple of weeks off!

Agree. We really don't want to be rushing players back otherwise we risk serious end of season fatigue. The Scotland players will be tired and deflated.

Anyway - we can afford to give them a break at Edinburgh, as our replacement team is unbeaten

I am assuming all Scotland players get 2 weeks off at least unless you were a specialist sub who wasn't used all that much (Pyrgos, Bryce) or you were rubbish at rugby (Weir).

Favaro and Petersen played against the Dragons, mind you.

If that's the mentality, then hopefully Big Naka will get a canter too.

I suspect Weir will go straight in given that Clegg will be leaving soonish.

Bennett, Seymour and Hogg should be given a proper break somewhere exotic - perhaps Largs.

Sounds like both teams will be dealing with similar selection restrictions due to RWC returns and resting. Reckon it will be within a score and also Glasgow to pick up an away victory.

To be honest I am not sure he should be picking any of the WC squad. They have all been away from home for ages and probably just need a week or so at home now before getting back down to the day job again. Toonie would not have factored any of them being back this week so he may as well give them a rest and carry on. We have been doing ok without them and should probably start phasing them back in over the next few weeks depending on how much they have played.

We might see Big Naka or the Tongan prop, but even they could probably do with another week off. Its a long season!

funnyExiledScot wrote:I suspect Weir will go straight in given that Clegg will be leaving soonish.

Bennett, Seymour and Hogg should be given a proper break somewhere exotic - perhaps Largs.

Fact. There is nothing better than knickerbocker glory from a legendary establishment:
http://www.nardinis.co.uk/

More than 10,000 posts and that is the first time I have managed to get the word 'knickerbocker' in there.

Winning.

George Carlin wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:I suspect Weir will go straight in given that Clegg will be leaving soonish.

Bennett, Seymour and Hogg should be given a proper break somewhere exotic - perhaps Largs.

Fact. There is nothing better than knickerbocker glory from a legendary establishment:
http://www.nardinis.co.uk/

More than 10,000 posts and that is the first time I have managed to get the word 'knickerbocker' in there.

Winning.

You know what, that place doesn't look too bad. If I ever find myself in Largs (and that's a big if), I shall partake.

I see that Junior was released to play a game for the Army against the South African defence force on Monday. He scored 3 tries but that might also mean that he's rested for this game which would be a shame.

George Carlin wrote:I see that Junior was released to play a game for the Army against the South African defence force on Monday. He scored 3 tries but that might also mean that he's rested for this game which would be a shame.

Lee Jones will cover, never you fear.

When the feck are the fecking teams out for fecks sake?

BigGee wrote:
We might see Big Naka or the Tongan prop, but even they could probably do with another week off. Its a long season!

He could do with a season off to be honest, terrible player. Glasgow missed a trick with Manasa Saulo the Fijian tighthead, great scrummager as Joe Marler and Gethin Jenkins can attest.

They also let Brian Mujati move to Sale, a club which shows every chance of being cannon fodder again this season.

Sean Lamont, Richie Vernon, Duncan Weir, Tim Swinson, Ryan Wilson and Kevin Bryce all dropped from the Scotland RWC squad straight into this game:

15. Sean Lamont
14. Taqele Naiyaravoro
13. Richie Vernon
12. Fraser Lyle
11. Rory Hughes
10. Duncan Weir
09. Mike Blair
 
1. Alex Allan
2. Pat MacArthur
3. Zander Fagerson
4. Tim Swinson
5. Scott Cummings
6. Rob Harley (Captain)
7. Simone Favaro
8. Ryan Wilson

16. Kevin Bryce
17. Jerry Yanuyanutawa
18. Mike Cusack
19. Greg Peterson
20. Adam Ashe
21. Hugh Blake
22. Grayson Hart
23. Rory Clegg

Schlong at 15. The Tombola is back, baby.

Ladyboys:

Lamont at 15!

Much stronger Glasgow team - they're going for it.

Forwards bench completely comprised of internationals and is hugely strong. Backs bench consists of diddies with about as much punch as a wet tissue. And then there's Huge, the new Richie Vernon.

Lamont at 15?

Well at least he has blistering pace and impeccable positioning going for him....

George Carlin wrote:Forwards bench completely comprised of internationals and is hugely strong. Backs bench consists of diddies with about as much punch as a wet tissue. And then there's Huge, the new Richie Vernon.

The only one who concerns me on the bench is Hart. Given the other returnees, I would have hoped to see Pyrgos.

But Lamont at 15? Tombola is the word!

George Carlin wrote:Ladyboys:

Is there really a player called Van Der Flier??

That's a good Glasgow team. Harley and Favaro on the flanks will take no prisoners, and Ryan Wilson is back where he belongs at 8 in club rugby.

I fancy Glasgow to win this.

Can any Leinster fans fill us soapdodgers in on the relative merits and 'areas for improvement' of Garry Ringrose, Cathal Marsh, Luke McGrath, Aaron Dundon, Ross Molony, Josh van der Flier and Cian Kelleher?

I love to learn.

funnyExiledScot wrote:

George Carlin wrote:Ladyboys:

Is there really a player called Van Der Flier??

Yeah he should have been a winger but will do as a flanker,he's really stepped up to this level so far and looks to have a big future.

George Carlin wrote:Can any Leinster fans fill us soapdodgers in on the relative merits and 'areas for improvement' of Garry Ringrose, Cathal Marsh, Luke McGrath, Aaron Dundon, Ross Molony, Josh van der Flier and ?

I love to learn.

Ringrose is the next big thing for Leinster,the heir to BoD's 13 shirt,he's still a bit light for this level but has shown a real understanding of when to shoot out of the line and make a big hit,he'll be a destructive tackler when he bulks up a bit and is a really strong running threat,I'm not sure what his passing is like but he's getting his starts on the wing for now just to ease him in so it's probably not something we'll see too much of.

Marsh is a pretty handy young OH,he's stepped up well this year after getting next to no gametime last season,I don't think anyone ever expects him to get many international caps but he has surprised me with his performances so far this year.Pretty decent all rounder.

Luke McGrath is another player who we expect a lot from and who got very little gametime last year under MoC,his passing can be suspect and he's a bit small compared to modern scrumhalves but he has a great break,bosses his pack well and captained every underage team he played for with Leinster and Ireland.A little general but has flaws to iron out before he can fulfill his potential.

I don't know much about Molony while van der Flier looks like a real prospect and if he continues his progress he'll get a good few caps for Ireland.

Kelleher is a full back who has a lot of potential,he's already played for Ireland in an uncapped match v the Baa Baa's and has been talked up hugely,I haven't seen much of him but reports have been very positive.He's a real attacking threat.

Oh yeah Dundon is a Kiwi hooker who played club rugby and worked his way up to earn a Leinster contract,he's generally decent but very much a squad player,his throwing can be a bit wobbly at times.

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

George Carlin wrote:Can any Leinster fans fill us soapdodgers in on the relative merits and 'areas for improvement' of Garry Ringrose, Cathal Marsh, Luke McGrath, Aaron Dundon, Ross Molony, Josh van der Flier and ?

I love to learn.

Ringrose is the next big thing for Leinster,the heir to BoD's 13 shirt,he's still a bit light for this level but has shown a real understanding of when to shoot out of the line and make a big hit,he'll be a destructive tackler when he bulks up a bit and is a really strong running threat,I'm not sure what his passing is like but he's getting his starts on the wing for now just to ease him in so it's probably not something we'll see too much of.

Marsh is a pretty handy young OH,he's stepped up well this year after getting next to no gametime last season,I don't think anyone ever expects him to get many international caps but he has surprised me with his performances so far this year.Pretty decent all rounder.

Luke McGrath is another player who we expect a lot from and who got very little gametime last year under MoC,his passing can be suspect and he's a bit small compared to modern scrumhalves but he has a great break,bosses his pack well and captained every underage team he played for with Leinster and Ireland.A little general but has flaws to iron out before he can fulfill his potential.

I don't know much about Molony while van der Flier looks like a real prospect and if he continues his progress he'll get a good few caps for Ireland.

Kelleher is a full back who has a lot of potential,he's already played for Ireland in an uncapped match v the Baa Baa's and has been talked up hugely,I haven't seen much of him but reports have been very positive.He's a real attacking threat.

Oh yeah Dundon is a Kiwi hooker who played club rugby and worked his way up to earn a Leinster contract,he's generally decent but very much a squad player,his throwing can be a bit wobbly at times.

Much appreciated, SoreLeft.

Ian Davies has reffed four games this season, all home wins.

He has awarded three yellow cards - 1 to the home team and 2 to to the away team.

PhilBB wrote:Ian Davies has reffed four games this season, all home wins.

He has awarded three yellow cards - 1 to the home team and 2 to to the away team.

Loving the stats.

Schlong, tacky and Rory Hughes; now there's a back three with lots of subtlety and invention if I ever saw one.

jimbopip wrote:Schlong, tacky and Rory Hughes; now there's a back three with lots of subtlety and invention if I ever saw one.

Vernon at 13 as well and Fat Kid at 10. That's a fairly bruising set of backs!

jimbopip wrote:Schlong, tacky and Rory Hughes; now there's a back three with lots of subtlety and invention if I ever saw one.

 It is something of a shotgun wedding.

I'm making a lot of assumptions about that Leinster team as I haven't heard of quite a few of them, but that Warriors team might be good enough for a win here.

Big T was lucky not to see red last week but looked quite good in the first half. Hopefully we willl see more of him on the ball. Last week Zander was very impressive so hope for more of the same from him.

To the Leinster folk, I've not seen all that much of him, but Michael Bent seems to have done less than was hoped in the last couple of seasons. Is that fair?

Weegie Wizard wrote:I'm making a lot of assumptions about that Leinster team as I haven't heard of quite a few of them, but that Warriors team might be good enough for a win here.

Big T was lucky not to see red last week but looked quite good in the first half. Hopefully we willl see more of him on the ball. Last week Zander was very impressive so hope for more of the same from him.

To the Leinster folk, I've not seen all that much of him, but Michael Bent seems to have done less than was hoped in the last couple of seasons. Is that fair?

With Lamont at 15 against probably a bunch of players with a pedigree of Gaelic Football?

I wonder what Lamont will be practicing today?

I admit I haven't considered that, but I doubt Nacewa or Te'o had much Gaelic football at their schools growing up.

Lamont at full back is not perfect either in attack or defence but it's a fairly strong team all things considered.

When does Teo qualify for Ireland?

Next year. It doesn't matter anyway, he's heading back to league at the end of this season.

Is Te'o still wearing the cast on his arm?

Weegie Wizard wrote:I'm making a lot of assumptions about that Leinster team as I haven't heard of quite a few of them, but that Warriors team might be good enough for a win here.

Big T was lucky not to see red last week but looked quite good in the first half. Hopefully we willl see more of him on the ball. Last week Zander was very impressive so hope for more of the same from him.

To the Leinster folk, I've not seen all that much of him, but Michael Bent seems to have done less than was hoped in the last couple of seasons. Is that fair?

Perfectly fair. He was poached in as an Irish Qualified tighthead. Actually made an appearance for Ireland as a sub before even having his first start for Leinster.

He is not a tighthead. But he is a handy loosehead option to have on the depth-chart (when you consider he is 3rd behind Jack McGrath and Cian Healy). He'll hold his own at loosehead just about but won't bring much impact anywhere else.

Someone was asking about Molony at lock. He is a real novice but has some great potential once he grows into his frame. Probably been over-played in the last few rounds due to lack of quality options but making all the right moves that you'd hope to get out of a rookie.

Leinster's replacement forwards will all hold their own. Boss will kill the game from a tempo and pace point of view when he comes on (apart from his usual 90 seconds burst of enthuasism which quickly disappears). Ross Byrne has the physique but not the brain to be playing 10 at pro12 level yet. Kelleher is a class replacement - hope to see him get some decent minutes on the field (can be an elusive runner).

Fuvaro throwing himself around already - could be a great signing for Glasgow!

Very strong Glasgow defence - multiple Leinster phases and they got no where!

Doers anyone have a link that won't make my AV go mental?

This is a really good game so far but both teams are miles offside in almost every phase

Power play from Glasgow, an irresistible try

A Simply Mesmeric Try wrote:Doers anyone have a link that won't make my AV go mental?

Sent you a PM!