Leinster v Glasgow

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21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:Leinster lads want to start a match thread for this ?

Jasus youse Scottish lads are very slow to start new threads. Afraid it will cost you money or something?

Top of the table clash with Ulster likely to benifit from a home win. Glasgow to perhaps to stay top with an upset.

LEINSTER:
15: Isa Nacewa
14: David Kearney
13: Eoin O'Malley
12: Gordon D'Arcy
11: Andrew Conway
10: Ian Madigan
9: Isaac Boss
1: Heinke van der Merwe
2: Sean Cronin
3: Michael Bent
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN
5: Quinn Roux
6: Kevin McLaughlin
7: Shane Jennings
8: Jordi Murphy
REPLACEMENTS:
16: Aaron Dundon
17: Jack McGrath
18: Jamie Hagan
19: Devin Toner
20: Dominic Ryan
21: John Cooney
22: Brendan Macken
23: Fionn Carr

Glasgow Warriors team to play Leinster in Round 18 of the RaboDirect PRO12, RDS, Saturday 23 March (kick-off, 7.45pm):

15 Peter Murchie
14 Tommy Seymour
13 Alex Dunbar
12 Peter Horne
11 DTH Van der Merwe
10 Duncan Weir
9 Niko Matawalu

1 Moray Low
2 Dougie Hall
3 Ed Kalman
4 Tom Ryder
5 Al Kellock (Captain)
6 Rob Harley
7 John Barclay
8 Josh Strauss

16 Pat MacArthur
17 Gordon Reid
18 Jon Welsh
19 James Eddie
20 Ryan Wilson
21 Henry Pyrgos
22 Ruaridh Jackson
23 Sean Lamont

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:Warriors prospective team :-

15 Murchie
14 Matawalu
13 Dunbar
12 Horne
11 DTH VDM
10 Jackson
9 Pyrgos
8 Wilson
7 Harley/Barclay
6 Strauss
5 Swinson
4 Ryder
3 Low/Cusack
2 MacArthur
1 Welsh

BTW Ladyboy that cliched joke was about as funny as watching Fitz go off injured 2 minutes after coming on on Saturday!

Playing your scrum half on the wing to confuse us. Hmmmm. Or just run out of back three without Maitland and Hogg.

I think my sense of humour is slightly different to yours. Years of listening to Robert Fripp guitar solos has fried your brain. You should just have come back with a crack about drinking excessively and fighting.

Jen. That was sweet man.

Do not adjust your sunglasses.

Glasgow Warriors team to play Leinster in Round 18 of the RaboDirect PRO12, RDS, Saturday 23 March (kick-off, 7.45pm):

15 Peter Murchie
14 Tommy Seymour
13 Alex Dunbar
12 Peter Horne
11 DTH Van der Merwe
10 Duncan Weir
9 Niko Matawalu

1 Moray Low
2 Dougie Hall
3 Ed Kalman
4 Tom Ryder
5 Al Kellock (Captain)
6 Rob Harley
7 John Barclay
8 Josh Strauss

16 Pat MacArthur
17 Gordon Reid
18 Jon Welsh
19 James Eddie
20 Ryan Wilson
21 Henry Pyrgos
22 Ruaridh Jackson
23 Sean Lamont

Not available for selection through injury:
M Cusack (shoulder), C Fusaro (groin), F Gillies (neck), S Hogg (knee), S Maitland (leg injury), R Lamont (ankle), C Cusiter (shoulder)


Slightly surprising to see Weir not rested, Kalman starting in place of Welsh and Swinson dropping out of the squad with two back rowers on the bench. But overall a strong side. Unfortunately Cusiter has suffered a "setback" and may require shoulder surgery, but at least Glasgow are strong at scrum half.

Also Ofa has signed for Worcester for next season.

Real shame for Cusiter, would have been great to have had his experience and class towards the end of the season.

Hope Townsend gives Bennett a few more chances before the end.

Not happy at all with the props, Low isn't a loosehead and Welsh isn't a tighthead ffs, also still no Cusack.

Looks a good Glasgow team. Are you guys happy with it?

I really don't get why they have decided to swap Low and Welsh's positions, but it seems to be a permanent change now so will just have to get used to it. I'd still have Welsh starting ahead of Kalman. Cusack isn't far from returning anyway and Grant will be first choice loosehead once he's had a wee rest.

If Swinson isn't listed as injured I guess he must be needing a rest too, as he's been the form lock recently. I'd still have him or Campbell on the bench instead of two back rowers though.

The back row looks excellent and the backs are pretty strong too - Hogg and Maitland are top class players but Murchie and Seymour have proved themselves very able replacements.

So yes, as a casual armchair supporter and no real expert, I am pretty happy with the team.

Was hoping to see Coo back in the mix. As for Low/Welsh they must be doing something right in those positions in training.

Horne back to centre from 10. He really needs to find his jersey and stick with it. I feel he is being moved around too much (4 different positions now). Anyone know where he feels happiest?

Bennett I felt was looking good with the game time he was getting, pity he is not included.

I like Strauss at 6, but no issue seeing him at 8. Assume Swinson is being rested. Other than all that, happy with the selection and looking forward to a good game.

I think Welsh was moved to TH as there is a lot of competition at LH now especially with Gordy coming through. Muzza has always played both sides and seems to feel that LH is his best position now.

Surprised to see Dunc in but expect Jacko on at 60 mins for impact

Tim has played 80 mins in 3 of the last 4 games and needs a rest. Jedi is decent cover, although not ideal.

Johnny Gray and Mark Bennett are being rested after the U20's 6N.

Also that's a bloody destructive back row!

Ah well. At least we're at home......

Does the Ulster bit of you want us to win to put you back on top? Or does the Glasgow bit of you want them to win anyway?

I'm conflicted Jen... Bit of both. In truth as long as Ulster and Glasgow both have home semi's I'll be happy. So a win for each!

I was licking my lips at the prospect of having Welsh the strongest scrummaging LH with Cusack at TH, this would have been one of the finest prop combination in the league...

Jenifer - we don't like to speak too much about UiG's Judas Iscarriot impression which he does convincingly twice a season. It's an indulgence we allow him.

Team is fairly strong, I guess - not our best combinations but you have to allow for resting players after their international rigours.

Props are strange but as has been mentioned above, this is definitely a coaching thing. Welsh is strong enough and technically very good so he is as good a bet as any to make the move across. Kalman will have shot his bolt by about 50 minutes so Jon will come on then and kick some behind. Both he and MacArthur coming on together is a very strong substitution combo.

That backrow is as perfectly balanced (in terms of specialists) as I've seen - should be beautifully complementary.

Am happy with Horne and Dunbar - great footballers with gas and a step. Always forget how good Tommy Seymour is - a great squad man to come in for games like this. If he's struggling at all, then it's Henry on at 9 and Niko with his bag of tricks to the wing.

When is the Leinster team up?

Not planning on adding much to this thread other than 'mon the weedge!!

Yes. Back row pretty awesome looking

The best thing about Glasgow at the moment is that every time a team is picked I look at it and think that's very very strong and then I remember the players who are missing and it gets even better.
From the players not playing they could pick a very competitive side:
15. Hogg
14. Maitland
13. Bennett
12. Lamont
11. Lamont
10. Jackson
9. Cusiter
8. Wilson
7. Fusaro
6. Eddie
5. Swinson
4. Campbell
3. Cusack
2. MacArthur
1. Grant

Leinster team will be up bang on midday tomorrow.

LEINSTER:
15: Isa Nacewa
14: David Kearney
13: Eoin O'Malley
12: Gordon D'Arcy
11: Andrew Conway
10: Ian Madigan
9: Isaac Boss
1: Heinke van der Merwe
2: Sean Cronin
3: Michael Bent
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN
5: Quinn Roux
6: Kevin McLaughlin
7: Shane Jennings
8: Jordi Murphy
REPLACEMENTS:
16: Aaron Dundon
17: Jack McGrath
18: Jamie Hagan
19: Devin Toner
20: Dominic Ryan
21: John Cooney
22: Brendan Macken
23: Fionn Carr

To be fair that's a pretty strong Leinster side as well - although I can't claim to know anything about Michael Bent or Jordi Murphy. Any pointers?

On paper these sides are pretty even, but then there's home advantage to consider. I reckon Leinster will shade this, but I think there'll be a LBP in it for Glasgow.

funnyExiledScot wrote:To be fair that's a pretty strong Leinster side as well - although I can't claim to know anything about Michael Bent or Jordi Murphy. Any pointers?

On paper these sides are pretty even, but then there's home advantage to consider. I reckon Leinster will shade this, but I think there'll be a LBP in it for Glasgow.

Bent was the lad who came off the plane from NZ straight into the Irish camp in the Autumn, got capped for Leinster before he played for Leinster. He's not been a "stellar" player so far but he's improving his scrummaging with every game and puts himself around the park very well. Murphy is our latest young backrow to burst onto the scene, can play across the backrow but IMO 8 is where he's going to end up. Got a MOTM against Cardiff (i think) this year. Fine player.

Think the weather conditions will have a big say in this game, can't see it being a high scorer. Home advantage to sneak it for us I reckon. Oh and expect the stadium to lift off the ground if Nacewa so much as touches the ball.

Sorry lads. I was in a meeting. Just getting a chance of some nosebag now.

Our team is the absolute best we can field. Concerned that Goodman could have a knock. As he would make more sense on the bench than Macken.

Prepare for immediate and terrible war Glasgow. As Lloyd George said to Michael Collins.

I take it Glasgow are not to worried about losing Ofa Fainga'anuku next season.

Looks like yous have better SQ players there already and it opens up a NSQ spot to add a top player where you need it.

Where do you need it by the way, I can't really see a weakness in the Glasgow squad?

Honestly, at the minute I don't think they need any other NSQ players at Glasgow.

With Matawalu, Strauss, DTH, Paris and Cusack (especially as Cusack and Strauss become SQ if they aren't capped by Eng/SA) They have cover everywhere and probably don't need to recruit massively in the summer. The only real areas of weakness are probably hooker (with only Hall and McArthur at the minute, especially with Finlay G on the long term list) and wing (with Tay Paris on long term 7's duty, Ramont on the long term sick list and SLamont/Seymour/Maitland all on Scottish duty)

Maybe only 2nd row could be a weakness after the loss of McDonald, but with Campbell and Jonny Gray coming up nicely it should be ok.

Jen - are you going to update the OP to reflect the fact that Glasgow are sending a team up? There's a good lad/laydee.

Never heard the Leinster massive so quiet. How do you rate your chances? Backline looks fair enough in the circumstances. Always look forward to seeing Madigan play. Shame Bennett is not playing. We could have got both nations' prodigies on the paddock at the same time.

Really looking forward to this game. My team, playing v the team I respect most in the PRO12.

Both strong looking teams. Both in hot form before the break.

The PRO12 Semi-final between us was tight last year at the RDS. I expect this one to be another War-of-attrition.

O Malley really needs to push on and show off more of his latent brilliance. He really is an incredible player. Himself and Madigan, in the same side, will only lead to rugby porno. Dont let yer kids watch this. They'll think its like that all the time. Dont spoil em.

Backrow tussle will be immense and it will decide the game imo. Jennings is back to bring his skull-duggery to the breakdown . Mclaughlin and Murphy are beasts. Its a really well balanced and powerful backrow.


Bring it On.

Good to hear from you Gibbo ! BTW Barclay is a reknowned skullduggerist too

And Isa is back. Devastated he is leaving us this season.

What a player. What a man.

I put him in the same bracket as Felipe. Gave Leinster their best years, heart and soul.

Be nice to send him off with another couple of medals.

Hows Georgie C?

George Carlin wrote:Jen - are you going to update the OP to reflect the fact that Glasgow are sending a team up? There's a good lad/laydee.

Never heard the Leinster massive so quiet. How do you rate your chances? Backline looks fair enough in the circumstances. Always look forward to seeing Madigan play. Shame Bennett is not playing. We could have got both nations' prodigies on the paddock at the same time.

Sorry George

Just caught me before I head off to see if Embra can do us both a favour.

Personally I think the packs are about even. We trump you in the backs, but not sure that will make much difference in the conditions. Speaking of which I have a 20k drive so see yah.

Howya Schizoid mo chara?

Man, should be some fight at the breakdown. Ja, Barclay is the very reason Im well glad Jenno is playing. They are both on-the-edge, feicers. Whoever wins that particular cheat-fest, helps win the game.

Proper 7's.

My money is on Jenno. He loves it.

Barcs is playing for a big fat Euro cheque from France though !

I reckon Jenno would be a complete kant for nuthin. I mean his guru was Neil Back forfeicsake.

Saw them live, 'king years ago.

Excellent.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujIbpt-CCTY

Bench to Glasgow

Edinburgh just done you both a favour! Never saw that coming....

Come on Glasgow, finish the job!

This game has become a battle for the top of the table.

funnyExiledScot wrote:Edinburgh just done you both a favour! Never saw that coming....

Come on Glasgow, finish the job!

weekend of the home wins. (bar the zebras)

All I'm gonna say Glasgow is you're welcome!

Gibson wrote:I reckon Jenno would be a complete kant for nuthin. I mean his guru was Neil Back forfeicsake.

Saw them live, 'king years ago.

Excellent.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujIbpt-CCTY

How is it that I missed Schitz's name being a music reference? I mean, I live for this stuff. God I feel deflated.

RDW_Scotland wrote:All I'm gonna say Glasgow is you're welcome!

Anywho, thank you Edinburgh. There, I said it. You've got a lovely castle and a half-way decent university. Sure, they didn't see the obvious promise in a 17-year-old IanBru and he had to settle for lovely Southampton, but old reekie still has its charms.

The Scott Monument is really tall.

Gibson wrote:And Isa is back. Devastated he is leaving us this season.

What a player. What a man.

I put him in the same bracket as Felipe. Gave Leinster their best years, heart and soul.

Be nice to send him off with another couple of medals.

Hows Georgie C?

Grand, Gib my boy. This game should be excellent and I cannot choose a winner.

Surely you should have some kind of testimonial for Isa? He's been so important to the club. Your own Eric Cantona. Except not as mad.

Boys, boys it's all starting to get really, really interesting. Winners top the league, Munster have probably blown their chances of the play offs- they might squeeze in but not with a home berth- a Glasgow win makes a home play off almost certain and would mean Leinster battling with the Welshwalians for third place.
Munster are still in the Heino and will prioritise that, which should help Glasgow, but no amount of common sense will allow them to lie down to Leinster next week. After that match both of them could be out of contention!
But the really, really interesting thing is the game within the game. As numbers said, Glasgow have a very strong XV not playing so in effect EVERYONE is playing for their jersey. Kellock, Swinson, Ryder, Gray. You could argue all day about which two to start and who to bench. Hogg, Maitland, Jackson- just back from an excellent, a solid and a frustrating 6N but sitting behind Murchie,Horne,Dunbar, Seymour who are all in on form and deservedly so. Then there's the Messiah and wee Dunky.And at least two excellent front rows! It may be lack of knowledge on my part but I can't see any team in the Rabo with such strength in depth or competition for places.
Play off predictions;
Ulster will stagger across the line and a home semi might help them make the final on a wing and a prayer, but they look shot.
Leins/Munster are locked in a death embrace and will drag each other down (if Glasgow win tonight)
Ospreys/ Scarlets 3rd and 4th Could be buoyed by post 6N high and surprise us.
A win tonight will go a long way to making a lot of people with gutteral accents and an inclination towards strong drink very happy. Get tore in boys!

Crack open the Bucky

I've a feeling you have mixed up the words Munster and Ulster in a few places in that post Jimbo.
Anyway. Leinster to win their next 2 home games and go into the last three in control of their own destiny.

Be good to deny glasgow an lbp tonight and give us a bit of breathing space.

Should be an exciting run in.

Love it Jimbop. This is where Warriors want to be. And man, how they've earned it. It will be a packed-house. 15,000 tickets sold and the rest will go at the gates. Should be some atmosphere.

Believe.

P.S. We have Ulster at the RDS next week.

As, when up in Edinburgh for the Wales game we were on the airport bus to Ocean Terminal and son was saying how nice the capital looked on a Friday night just as we reached the foot of Leith Walk. Old Woman staggers on to the platform, exhausted by the effort she remains kneeling in front of driver waving her hand, clutching bus pass, vaguely in the direction of the scanner. Driver refuses to move so there is a longish interlude until she wakes up and remembers how to attain upright status.
Next stop a guy in a hoodie gets on who could be youngish forties or haggard twenties. When he turned round he had the half drunk bottle of Bucky poking out of the back pocket of his jeans. As i said to the boy Glasgow wouldn't be half as entertaining.

Classic

Gibson, thanks for pointing out my misreading of the fixtures, I apologise but I have one eye on the snow as son and I should be playing this afternoon, no chance methinks.
RDS next week should be a titanic struggle . You will miss BOD, we'll all miss him soon enough.

jimbopip wrote:As, when up in Edinburgh for the Wales game we were on the airport bus to Ocean Terminal and son was saying how nice the capital looked on a Friday night just as we reached the foot of Leith Walk. Old Woman staggers on to the platform, exhausted by the effort she remains kneeling in front of driver waving her hand, clutching bus pass, vaguely in the direction of the scanner. Driver refuses to move so there is a longish interlude until she wakes up and remembers how to attain upright status.
Next stop a guy in a hoodie gets on who could be youngish forties or haggard twenties. When he turned round he had the half drunk bottle of Bucky poking out of the back pocket of his jeans. As i said to the boy Glasgow wouldn't be half as entertaining.

Now your first mistake there was deciding to go near Leith walk! Can't think of any other street which has they city gay district at the top of the street and the scummy hooker filled jakey area from middle to bottom!

Whats all this about Fitz moving to Munster???

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Whats all this about Fitz moving to Munster???

That would make no sense for Leinster or for Munster

I know apparently its a done deal. Its all over leinsterfans and munsterfans.