Glasgow Warriors vs Leinster - game 5, pool 3, Heino

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Sun Jan 08, 2012 3:33 pm

Pos Team Pl W D L Pts
1 Leinster Rugby 4 3 1 0 16
2 Glasgow Warriors4 2 1 1 10
3 Bath Rugby 4 1 0 3 6
4 Montpellier HRC 4 0 2 2 6

Leinster will be keen to ensure a home fixture for the quarters with two wins in the final matches, but Glasgow are first up to stand in their way. Taught a lesson at the RDS, hopefully the Warriors will be keen to exact some revenge at Firhill, with the lure of going thru as a best qualifier for the first time ever to the quarters (or at least ensuring an Amlin Cup QF spot)

by Mickado Tue Jan 10, 2012 8:02 am

Hopefully the result in the league in the RDS is in the front of the Leinster players mind, Glasgow are tough at home, haven't lost there in months, we need to exorcise any complacency before we step onto the pitch. Scotland was never a happy hunting ground for us.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Tue Jan 10, 2012 8:45 am

Think you did plenty of exorcising in round 2, Mick, no need for any more - gie us this one, you can take points of Montpol at home, you've got a Heino qf home berth and we'll progress tae the Amlin qfs - all sounds fair to me

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Tue Jan 10, 2012 8:47 am

In truth, the loss of Jackson and Low is bad news, but at least wee Duncy and Cusack provide more than adequate replacement. Tbh, I'm more concerned if Lineen goes for some bonkers selection that involves either of Morrison or Dewey Yikes

by Mickado Tue Jan 10, 2012 8:49 am

We won’t be giving anyone anything, but Glasgow are well capable of taking it from us. Didn’t they do a double over Toulouse a few years ago?

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Tue Jan 10, 2012 8:52 am

Nah, lost at home, but won away from home against the odds! Bliwdy contrary weegies!

by Mickado Tue Jan 10, 2012 8:53 am

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Nah, lost at home, but won away from home against the odds! Bliwdy contrary weegies!

'Zactly!

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Tue Jan 10, 2012 3:10 pm

From scottishrugbyblog.co.uk:

"As Edinburgh and Glasgow go searching for success in the Heineken Cup this weekend it is important to understand that both teams must go to the extremes of their outlay if they are to keep their European fate in their own hands. They have pulled off some fantastic results, but as the old adage goes “one swallow does not make a summer”...

As for Glasgow, they face a more frightening prospect. They are only just in a playoff position in the Pro12 and their pool in the Heineken Cup is finely balanced. Any one of the four teams could still progress. Glasgow must perform in both remaining games and they start off against Leinster at Firhill. Yes, the same Leinester that have cruised to the top of the Pro12 and invariably kick into a higher gear for a bigger European audience.

Glasgow were blown away last time these two sides met and despite being at home Glasgow will not be favourites. They need to go to their extremes. There will be talk of scoring tries, yes, and making line-breaks, yes, and disrupting set-piece, yes, but really the Warriors must bludgeon their opponents in defence. They must stifle and kill play, because otherwise their classier opponents will offload around them at breakneck speed.

The truth is that Glasgow must hold this game close or it will get away from them, and then they must go to Bath and pull off a win at the Rec. It is doable and Bath are in lowly form right now, but in the Heineken Cup you would not want to be hunting down a victory away from home in the last pool game in order to survive. There may be uncertainty ahead, but Glasgow can make it less of a stress if they get a bonus point at the very least.

Of course they could win and of course they could score tries. However, a realist or a tactician would have to say that Glasgow must stay within 5 points for 80 minutes if they are to have any chance of progressing from Pool 3.

It will be another good weekend for Scottish rugby if Edinburgh are at their positive best and Glasgow are at their negative best. An unprecedented Heineken Cup run beckons if both teams play to their strengths."

by Mickado Tue Jan 10, 2012 4:16 pm

The Leinster squad trained in UCD on Monday afternoon ahead of Sunday's Round 5 Heineken Cup encounter against Glasgow Warriors in Firhill (KO: 12.45pm) with a number of players set to return to the panel after missing the 23-19 victory in Cardiff on Saturday...

Amongst the players set to return to contention are Leo Cullen, Luke Fitzgerald, Shane Jennings, Ian Madigan, Eoin O'Malley, Rhys Ruddock and Richardt Strauss who were each given a rest, while Damian Browne (illness) should also be in the frame after his late withdrawal from the Cardiff game.

It is thought that Ireland duo Gordon D’Arcy (ribs) – who requires one more try to become only the fifth player to reach 25 Heineken Cup tries - and Jonathan Sexton (cramp) who were both withdrawn as precautions during the match will also be available. Centre D’Arcy is set to be further monitored this week ahead of the Friday lunchtime team announcement.

Sexton, meanwhile, is the competition’s joint top scorer so far this year with 60 points.

The win in the Welsh capital marked Mullingar second row Mark Flanagan’s first competitive start for the province when he locked down, somewhat fittingly, alongside his cousin Devin Toner.

The Official Leinster Supporters Club (OLSC), in association with Bank of Ireland, have published an away guide for the several hundred supporters travelling to Glasgow this weekend which can be downloaded from www.leinsterrugby.ie this week.

Meanwhile, there are less than 100 tickets now remaining for the final Round 6 game against Montpellier in the RDS on Saturday week, 21st January. With the game set to be a sell out, supporters can still purchase tickets from www.leinsterrugby.ie, the Leinster Rugby Store (Donnybrook), Spar (Donnybrook) and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

by funnyExiledScot Tue Jan 10, 2012 5:49 pm

Glasgow have been a big surprise package this season and this one is not beyond them. Leinster will need to have an off day, but plenty very good teams have had off days at Firhill.

Looks like Leinster have a few players coming back from injury, so there may be some rustiness there to exploit. Need a big game from young Weir, he needs to have his kicking boots on for this one.

by Morgannwg Tue Jan 10, 2012 7:23 pm

I like how the Glasweigans are playing this year, very well with some promising Scottish players. But in this match, I think they will be lucky to lose by 7 or less, Glasgow's opponents will also get 5 points Vs Montepellier in the final round. Leinster are the best team in Europe by some margin and my money is on them to retain the Heineken Cup.

by Rava Tue Jan 10, 2012 9:23 pm

As much as I am a fan of Glasgow I just cannot see the Leinster machine letting up. Close game for 60/65 minutes and then Leinster to put it to bed.

by 123skelm Tue Jan 10, 2012 9:48 pm

If Glasgow can keep the score within 9 points with 20mins to go then I think they could sneak it, as this is the time the forwards seem to start to really dominate and we get quicker ball.

Just another typical game for us this season, so whats wrong with that?

by Mickado Wed Jan 11, 2012 7:39 am

Irish Times reporting that Jackson and Low could miss this one with injury...

by funnyExiledScot Wed Jan 11, 2012 10:04 am

Yes, that's what I had heard as well.

The loss of Low is frustrating as he was just getting back into the swing of things. Cusack is still the better scrummager, but Low offers so much more around the park, and Glasgow will miss his impact.

Jackson wouldn't have started in any event, but similarly he was being used as an impact sub to bring on a plan B, assuming Weir isn't making things click. He's a more expansive and creative 10 than Weir, and the option of bringing him on will be missed.

by Mickado Wed Jan 11, 2012 10:12 am

funnyExiledScot wrote:Glasgow have been a big surprise package this season and this one is not beyond them. Leinster will need to have an off day, but plenty very good teams have had off days at Firhill.

Looks like Leinster have a few players coming back from injury, so there may be some rustiness there to exploit. Need a big game from young Weir, he needs to have his kicking boots on for this one.

Sexton and Darcy both came off in the last game, but they both played past half time and they’ve played a good few games this season so I’m not sure they’ll be rusty.

It will be interesting to see what kind of side Schmidt picks for this week, so far he’s really gone with 2 teams, the home and the away team. The away team are bigger and slower (VDM, McLaughlin, Boss, Browne) and the home team play with a higher tempo (Healy, Jennings, Reddan, Toner).

I can see him going against his own trend and sending out our home side this week. would love it to happen, the away side is set up to absorb pressure and bludgeon the opposition when we’re on the attack, but I think he’ll look to run Glasgow off the pitch early.

by Artful_Dodger Wed Jan 11, 2012 10:14 am

Glasgow very difficult to breakdown at home in particular, going for a reasonably tight Leinster win here.

by geoff998rugby Wed Jan 11, 2012 10:58 am

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:From scottishrugbyblog.co.uk:

Any one of the four teams could still progress. [/i]"

WRong - there is no way 16 points will secure a QF place and that is the max Bath and Monthpelier can get.

They are both out of the HC

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed Jan 11, 2012 11:01 am

geoff, perhaps the blogger is talking about 'progress' in European competition in general?

by Gibson Wed Jan 11, 2012 11:03 am

Its a real shame that young Jackson and Low are missing for this one. Want to play the opponents best sides possible. Its healthy.

But, tbh, I am still really worried about this one. Warriors have recovered well from the RDS thrashing and beating us would really alter their whole season. We are the biggest target in it. Down us and it all opens up for them. I have no doubt they would follow it up with a win at Bath.

They will tear in tae us at the contact area. Every collision a mini-battle. Bodies will be put on the line. Id be well happy with 4pts at Firhill. Weather will play a major part for this gig. Id bet Glasgow hope it rains and howls and use that equaliser to slow us down. The excellent Jackson missing, compounds this, imo.

by Gibson Wed Jan 11, 2012 11:06 am

Artful_Dodger wrote:Glasgow very difficult to breakdown at home in particular, going for a reasonably tight Leinster win here.

Very true. Leinster really need Jennings for this one. Its made for him.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed Jan 11, 2012 11:14 am

Mickado wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote:Glasgow have been a big surprise package this season and this one is not beyond them. Leinster will need to have an off day, but plenty very good teams have had off days at Firhill.

Looks like Leinster have a few players coming back from injury, so there may be some rustiness there to exploit. Need a big game from young Weir, he needs to have his kicking boots on for this one.

Sexton and Darcy both came off in the last game, but they both played past half time and they’ve played a good few games this season so I’m not sure they’ll be rusty.

It will be interesting to see what kind of side Schmidt picks for this week, so far he’s really gone with 2 teams, the home and the away team. The away team are bigger and slower (VDM, McLaughlin, Boss, Browne) and the home team play with a higher tempo (Healy, Jennings, Reddan, Toner).

I can see him going against his own trend and sending out our home side this week. would love it to happen, the away side is set up to absorb pressure and bludgeon the opposition when we’re on the attack, but I think he’ll look to run Glasgow off the pitch early.

Mick, you could well be right there, pal - if Leinster play their normal 'away' side, then it would be very much like-for-like tactically - strong defense, absorb pressure, work off opponents' mistakes. It could well serve Leinster better to play a 'home' side against the Warriors. Glasgow's tactics should be fairly evident from whomever they select at 12 - Morrison = tight, territorial game (as above), Nathan = more expansive option.

by geoff998rugby Wed Jan 11, 2012 11:20 am

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:geoff, perhaps the blogger is talking about 'progress' in European competition in general?

He may well have done but I would be surprised if 16 points will be enough to qualify for the Amlin either.

To be honest if Leinster beat Glasgow this will be the group where the 2nd placed team goes nowhere.

by Standulstermen Wed Jan 11, 2012 11:31 am

Can't see anything other than a Leinster win. That's not a slight on Glasgow who are performing admirably but rather just stating that Leinster once again look like the best side in Europe.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed Jan 11, 2012 11:51 am

geoff998rugby wrote:
AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:geoff, perhaps the blogger is talking about 'progress' in European competition in general?

He may well have done but I would be surprised if 16 points will be enough to qualify for the Amlin either.

To be honest if Leinster beat Glasgow this will be the group where the 2nd placed team goes nowhere.

Indeed, even two wins might not be enough for Glasgow without BPs

by RuggerRadge2611 Wed Jan 11, 2012 12:17 pm

Seems Moray Low is out for 8 weeks, Jacko is responding well to treatment but may be out for a while too.....

http://www.scottishrugby.org/content/view/2434/2/

by SecretFly Wed Jan 11, 2012 12:49 pm

Standulstermen wrote:Can't see anything other than a Leinster win. That's not a slight on Glasgow who are performing admirably but rather just stating that Leinster once again look like the best side in Europe.

Easy Stand! We're not there yet (looking like the best side)... haven't really been tested yet in a kitchen-sink game. No, I'm still a little edgy. The guys can play the sweet stuff and when they get their tails up they can look like wasps assaulting a kid with a icepop, but I'd like more evidence that we can withstand a constant barrage of belligerent spleen from a highly rated side that could cut off the supply to the Ferraris at the rear.

Best in their group. That's as far as I'd go for now.

by Gibson Wed Jan 11, 2012 1:03 pm

Id agree with that Fly. Warriors will leave nothing behind on their own field. Except for maybe some crocked & dejected Leinstermen.

Also, if we do get through and get a top seed, ASM and Toulouse could be in a dangerous position in the seedings for all concerned. Lower down.

Anyone going to the game lads? From Warriors or Leinster?

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed Jan 11, 2012 1:25 pm

Hoog and I talked about it, Gib, but he starts his new job on Monday and I've got to take eldest back to Bristol that day Sad

by Mickado Wed Jan 11, 2012 1:33 pm

Even if we do finish as number 1 seeds, we could well have to play the giant killing Quins in the QFs. A different prospect from anyone we’ve faced so far.

by Gibson Wed Jan 11, 2012 1:36 pm

Hard luck As. Would have been a nice trip for ye 2. Priorities are spot on.

Yeah Mick. Quins. Back to the future. Far better team now and bloody dangerous. They wouldnt sit back, they'd go at us. Be a great QF.

Anyway, long way off.

by dublin_dave Wed Jan 11, 2012 1:56 pm

a narrow leinster win for me. 19-16. Will be a tough game but we do have the ability to grind out results.

by Rugby_Girl Wed Jan 11, 2012 3:53 pm

I think this game will be close, Leinster are playing well but Glasgow have hit some good form and haven't lost at home since September and Leinster haven't won at Firhill for a while now

Hopefully Glasgow will pull off another shock victory Smile

by Feckless Rogue Wed Jan 11, 2012 4:08 pm

I'd like to see the Scottish sides make the quarters. This'll be close either way.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed Jan 11, 2012 5:54 pm

From the unoffy site: "RaboDirect PRO12 have announced that a disciplinary hearing for Glasgow Warriors back-row forward Robert Harley.
Rob has accumulated three yellow cards in the competition this season. The heraing will be held on Friday afternoon." Hope this doesn't rule him out of Heino action, particularly when the most recent one against Scarlets was harsh in the extreme mad

by 21st Century Schizoid Man Thu Jan 12, 2012 5:31 pm

Thats a bummer for Young Rob Harley who is anything but a dirty player. Anyhoo nearly a sell out for Sunday so c,mon the Warriors Yahoo

by thebandwagonsociety Thu Jan 12, 2012 6:14 pm

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:Thats a bummer for Young Rob Harley who is anything but a dirty player. Anyhoo nearly a sell out for Sunday so c,mon the Warriors

A sell out...... in Scotland..... that would amazing.

For the game itself, I see them fielding almost the same side that played Bath away.

by sexton_style Thu Jan 12, 2012 6:51 pm

If Glasgow have the injuries that you have mentioned, im sure us Leinster boys will win on away soil.

We have performed to our expectations again, and despite a shabby draw I believe we will come out on top and get a home tie.

by Gibson Thu Jan 12, 2012 7:01 pm

A Leinster man in Cork. Lovely stuff. It's one back for us, considering most all Munster fans live in Dublin. Grand. Welcome.

by Adam D Fri Jan 13, 2012 11:29 am

15 Rory Lamont
14 Tommy Seymour
13 Stuart Hogg
12 Graeme Morrison
11 Colin Shaw
10 Duncan Weir
9 Chris Cusiter
1 Jon Welsh
2 Pat MacArthur
3 Ed Kalman
4 Richie Gray
5 Al Kellock (captain)
6 Rob Harley
7 Chris Fusaro
8 John Barclay
SUBSTITUTES
16 Dougie Hall
17 Gordon Reid
18 Ryan Grant
19 Tom Ryder
20 Johnnie Beattie
21 Colin Gregor
22 Troy Nathan
23 Scott Wight

Glasgow team announced.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Fri Jan 13, 2012 12:02 pm

Adam D wrote:15 Rory Lamont
14 Tommy Seymour
13 Stuart Hogg
12 Graeme Morrison
11 Colin Shaw
10 Duncan Weir
9 Chris Cusiter
1 Jon Welsh
2 Pat MacArthur
3 Ed Kalman
4 Richie Gray
5 Al Kellock (captain)
6 Rob Harley
7 Chris Fusaro
8 John Barclay
SUBSTITUTES
16 Dougie Hall
17 Gordon Reid
18 Ryan Grant
19 Tom Ryder
20 Johnnie Beattie
21 Colin Gregor
22 Troy Nathan
23 Scott Wight

Glasgow team announced.

Looks like Cusack is out injured, and I'm surprised that we're trying to shoe-horn Barclay and Fusaro into the same side - we need a backrower with quality ball-carrying, so one of Beattie or Wilson needed to start at 8

by the-goon Fri Jan 13, 2012 12:12 pm

LEINSTER:

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

1: Cian Healy
2: Sean Cronin
3: Mike Ross
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN
5: Devin Toner
6: Sean O'Brien
7: Shane Jennings
8: Jamie Heaslip

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Aaron Dundon
17: Heinke van der Merwe
18: Nathan White
19: Damian Browne
20: Rhys Ruddock
21: Isaac Boss
22: Ian Madigan
23: Eoin O'Malley

by Adam D Fri Jan 13, 2012 12:13 pm

and for completeness sake!

REFEREE: Nigel Owens (WRU), ASSISTANT REFEREES: Gwyn Morris, Jon Mason (both WRU), 4th OFFICIAL: Gus Tweedale (SRU), 5th OFFICIAL: Tom McNicol (SRU), TMO: Derek Bevan (WRU)

by Mickado Fri Jan 13, 2012 12:15 pm

It's the "home team" and it's an all Irish pack. Yahoo

by **rodders** Fri Jan 13, 2012 12:15 pm

McFadden at 13 again....looks like you guys have been Kidneyed! Wink

by Adam D Fri Jan 13, 2012 12:16 pm

Mickado wrote:It's the "home team" and it's an all Irish pack.

I also believe its an all Scottish Glasgow starting line up too.

by the-goon Fri Jan 13, 2012 12:17 pm

no fitz, anyone know what's going on there?

by Feckless Rogue Fri Jan 13, 2012 12:22 pm

No mention on the Leinster site of why Fitzgerald isn't playing. He must be injured, because he's not on the bench either.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Fri Jan 13, 2012 12:23 pm

Don't know anything about Dundon?

by Feckless Rogue Fri Jan 13, 2012 12:24 pm

David Kearney will do fine I'd say. he's done really well in the League this year. We could have done with Fitzgerald's ability to create something from nothing though. Because I'd say this'll be a tight game.

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