Leinster 2014-15

by thebandwagonsociety Mon Jul 14, 2014 11:04 am

Haven't seen a 14-15 thread for Leinster so thought I'd set one up. What are peoples predictions for the current year?

Preseason Games wrote:
23/08 14:30 Northampton Saints (33) v (21) Leinster Rugby Franklin's Gardens
30/08 16:00 Leinster Rugby v Ulster Rugby Tallaght Stadium

Pro12 Games (September) wrote:
05/09 PRO12 Glasgow Warriors v Leinster Rugby Scotstoun Stadium
12/09 PRO12 Leinster Rugby v Scarlets RDS Arena
19/09 PRO12 Connacht Rugby v Leinster Rugby Sportsground
26/09 PRO12 Leinster Rugby v Cardiff Blues RDS Arena

European Pool 2 wrote:
Leinster
Castres
Harlequins
Wasps

The Squad wrote:
The Squad
Loosehead
Michael Bent[28][2016]
Cian Healy[26][2016] Central Contract
Jack McGrath[24][2016]
Sean McCarthy[23][2015]

Ed Byrne[20][Year 3]
Peter Dooley[20][Year 2]

Hooker
Aaron Dundon[32][2015]
Richardt Strauss[28][2015]
Sean Cronin[28][2015]
James Tracy[23][2015]

Bryan Byrne[20][Year 3]

Tighthead
Mike Ross[34][2015] Central Contract
Martin Moore[23][2015]
Tadhg Furlong[21][2016]

Second Row
Mike McCarthy[32][2016]
Devin Toner[28][2015]
Tom Denton[26][2015]
Kane Douglas[25][2017]
Ben Marshall[24][2015]

Tadhg Beirne[22][Year 3]
Gavin Thornbury[20][Year 3]
Ross Molony[20][Year 2]

Backrow
Shane Jennings[33][2015]
Jamie Heaslip[30][2017] Central Contract
Kevin McLaughlin[29][2015]
Sean O'Brien[27][2016] Central Contract
Dominic Ryan[24][2015]
Rhys Ruddock[23][2016]
Jordi Murphy[23][2015]
Jack Conan[22][2016]

Josh Van Der Flier[21][Year 3]
Dan Leavy[20][Year 3]
Peadar Timmins[20][Year 1]

Scrumhalf
Isaac Boss[34][2015]
Eoin Reddan[33][2015]
Luke McGrath[21][2016]

Nick McCarthy[19][Year 1]

Outhalf
Jimmy Gopperth[31][2015]
Ian Madigan[25][2016]

Cathal Marsh[21][Year 3]
Steve Crosbie[21][Year 2]
Ross Byrne[19][Year 1]

Centre
Gordon Darcy[34][2015]
Noel Reid[24][2016]
Colm O'Shea[23][2015]
Brendan Macken[23][2015]

Jordan Coghlan[21][Year 3]
Tom Daly[21][Year 2]
Tom Farrell[20][Year 2]
Rory O'Loughlin[20][Year 1]
Harrison Brewer[19][Year 1]
Gary Ringrose[19][Year 1]

Back Three
Zane Kirchner[30][2015]
Rob Kearney[28][2015] Central Contract
Fergus McFadden[28][2015]
Darragh Fanning[28][2015]
Luke Fitzgerald[26][2015]
Dave Kearney[25][2016]
Sam Coghlan Murray[22][2015]

Adam Byrne[20][Year 2]
Billy Dardis[19][Year 2]
Cian Kelleher[20][Year 1]
Ian Fitzpatrick[20][Year 1]

Elsewhere
John Cooney[24][2015] - Loaned to Connacht
Quinn Roux[23][2015] - Loaned to Connacht

What are your thoughts?

[P.S. all the leagues are entertaining and have their positive and negative aspects. Of course money is an issue but it is an issue for discussion on other threads.]

by thebandwagonsociety Mon Jul 14, 2014 11:14 am

Current squad, per Leinster website, is set out for the season as;

Surname First name
Bent Michael
Boss Isaac
Conan Jack
Cronin Sean
D'Arcy Gordon
Denton Tom
Dundon Aaron
Fanning Darragh
Fitzgerald Luke
Furlong Tadhg
Gopperth Jimmy
Healy Cian
Heaslip Jamie
Jennings Shane
Kearney Dave
Kearney Rob
Kirchner Zane
Macken Brendan
Madigan Ian
Marshall Ben
McCarthy Mike
McFadden Fergus
McGrath Jack
McGrath Luke
McLaughlin Kevin
Moore Marty
Murphy Jordi
O'Brien Sean
O'Shea Colm
Reddan Eoin
Reid Noel
Ross Mike
Ruddock Rhys
Ryan Dominic
Strauss Richardt
Toner Devin
Tracy James

by Golden Mon Jul 14, 2014 11:34 am

Kane Douglas was actually confirmed wasnt he?

Interesting to hear about the RDS redevelopment the other day. Do people think 25,000 might be a tad too big for current support? Also is this work been done with one eye on the World cup bid?

by Submachine Mon Jul 14, 2014 12:05 pm

Just read this on the Irish Times site.
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/luke-fitzgerld-hopes-to-play-in-september-1.1863808

Judging from the comments there are a lot of supporters who feel that Lukes fitness problems are somewhat self inflicted. Likes to party a bit too hard is the general tone.
I'd never heard anything like this levelled at him before. I would have though Joe and MOC are not the type of coach to put up with a bad attitude. Anyone got any insights?

by GoodinTightSpaces Mon Jul 14, 2014 1:58 pm

surprised to hear that about luke. i thought he didnt drink. i suppose this highlights that perhaps none of us know whats going on with a player.

by thebandwagonsociety Mon Jul 14, 2014 2:00 pm

hmmm, so is Luke teaching Madigan the tricks of the trade?

by MBTGOG Mon Jul 14, 2014 2:03 pm

GoodinTightSpaces wrote:surprised to hear that about luke. i thought he didnt drink. i suppose this highlights that perhaps none of us know whats going on with a player.

Exactly, so probably best not to comment on it unless we know for sure and even then...

by LeinsterFan4life Mon Jul 14, 2014 2:09 pm

That Ben Teo rumour has come back up again. You would always be worried about rugby league converts, not sure if we should be taking risks like that.

by thureb Mon Jul 21, 2014 3:00 am

The academy panel has been announced for this year:

Year 1:

Harrison Brewer, Ross Byrne, Ian Fitzpatrick, Cian Kelleher, Nick McCarthy, Rory O'Loughlin, Garry Ringrose, Peadar Timmins

Year 2:

Adam Byrne, Steve Crosbie, Thomas Daly, Billy Dardis, Peter Dooley, Thomas Farrell, Ross Molony

Year 3:

Tadhg Beirne, Bryan Byrne, Ed Byrne, Jordan Coghlan, Daniel Leavy, Cathal Marsh, Gavin Thornbury, Josh Van Der Flier

Wasnt sure if this got posted elsewhere but who do you guys think will get some Pro12 action this year? Leavy looked good in the U-20's last year and Ringrose looked good this year, do you think either will be given a chance due to the gap at 13? Also interested in seeing what people think about Coghlan. He took a positional shift into the center after U-20's due to the log jam at flanker. Will it pay off for him?

by boomeranga Mon Jul 21, 2014 11:34 am

I think Douglas will prove to be a good signing. He isnt flash and isnt Etsebeth or Whitelock, but Cheika has bought him a long way in a couple of seasons. Personally I think his departure is a big blow for both the Tahs and the Wallabies. Everyone here has gotten all excited about Skelton and Potgieter, but while they have been blowing up after 50 mins with the speed the Waratjs have been playing, Kane has been lasting the 80. He's a good tough, durable player.

by **profitius** Mon Jul 21, 2014 3:31 pm

thureb wrote:The academy panel has been announced for this year:

Year 1:

Harrison Brewer, Ross Byrne, Ian Fitzpatrick, Cian Kelleher, Nick McCarthy, Rory O'Loughlin, Garry Ringrose, Peadar Timmins

Year 2:

Adam Byrne, Steve Crosbie, Thomas Daly, Billy Dardis, Peter Dooley, Thomas Farrell, Ross Molony

Year 3:

Tadhg Beirne, Bryan Byrne, Ed Byrne, Jordan Coghlan, Daniel Leavy, Cathal Marsh, Gavin Thornbury, Josh Van Der Flier

Wasnt sure if this got posted elsewhere but who do you guys think will get some Pro12 action this year? Leavy looked good in the U-20's last year and Ringrose looked good this year, do you think either will be given a chance due to the gap at 13? Also interested in seeing what people think about Coghlan. He took a positional shift into the center after U-20's due to the log jam at flanker. Will it pay off for him?

Funny that they have 3 centres and didn't select peter Robb.

by thebandwagonsociety Mon Jul 21, 2014 4:28 pm

Probably shows them feeling confident in Reid and Macken on the fringes of the main squad.

Daly needs to kick on this season but I'd love acouple of those year 1 kids to really put their hands up.

by ChequeredJersey Mon Jul 21, 2014 7:40 pm

Look forward to playing you guys in Europe, will be at both matches if my rota works out for it, as my girlfriend supports Leinster and has a house in Ireland for the away match !

by thebandwagonsociety Tue Jul 22, 2014 10:32 am

They should be entertaining games between Quins-Wasps-Leinster. I'm thinking Castre will be more attritional.

Leinster usually move the home group game in December into Lansdowne Road, I wonder will that happen this year?

by **profitius** Tue Jul 22, 2014 12:29 pm

thebandwagonsociety wrote:Probably shows them feeling confident in Reid and Macken on the fringes of the main squad.

Daly needs to kick on this season but I'd love acouple of those year 1 kids to really put their hands up.

I can't see Macken lasting too long more in Leinster. He is not good enough IMO and I'm sure the Leinster coaches don't really rate him either. Reid is a good player though.

by asoreleftshoulder Tue Jul 22, 2014 5:33 pm

If Macken is going to make it'll be as a winger,he was tried there at the end of last season and showed some promise but your right he isn't good enough as a centre and I have my doubts that he can transition to wing.

by Hound of Harrow Tue Jul 22, 2014 11:06 pm

thebandwagonsociety wrote:They should be entertaining games between Quins-Wasps-Leinster. I'm thinking Castre will be more attritional.

Leinster usually move the home group game in December into Lansdowne Road, I wonder will that happen this year?

Given how much influence the broadcasters have on the fixture schedule, I am guessing Leinster v Quins will be the back to back games in December.

Anyone in the pool can win their home games. As per in Europe getting an away win and bagging bonus points will be crucial.

Happy travelling folks.

by thebandwagonsociety Tue Jul 29, 2014 9:49 am

LeinsterFan4life wrote:That Ben Teo rumour has come back up again. You would always be worried about rugby league converts, not sure if we should be taking risks like that.

It's back in today's Indo - they must have had a blank space in the sport section and grabbed a random clipping from the floor. Though come to think of it, do the Indo always look to have a Munster article and a Leinster article on the same page or opposite page. Wouldn't put it past them.

by **Notch** Tue Jul 29, 2014 11:28 am

Ben Te'o eh? Matt O'Connors secret project for Leinster is coming together.

Codename; Operation Average Antipodean.
Objective; Pack the halfbacks and midfield with SH journeymen
Outcome; Mildly antagonise the clientele of Kielys

by thebandwagonsociety Tue Jul 29, 2014 11:40 am

Notch wrote:Ben Te'o eh? Matt O'Connors secret project for Leinster is coming together.

Codename; Operation Average Antipodean.
Objective; Pack the halfbacks and midfield with SH journeymen
Outcome; Mildly antagonise the clientele of Kielys

It's an evil plan by the PRL, where Tigers agreed to send over a coach to 'improve' Leinster's dangerous backline and first phase attacking play. Such a dasterly plan we didn't even see it coming.

by thebandwagonsociety Tue Jul 29, 2014 11:42 am

If he comes to Ireland that name has to change to O'Te surely, a good strong midlands name if I ever heard it..... wait he has already represented Samoa, never mind.

by Sin é Tue Jul 29, 2014 11:56 am

Looks like Leinster have come to the same conclusion as Munster looking at having a brawny outside centre as well to deal with the Bausterauds of this world.

I don't know much about Teo, but it was Will Chambers (who came on as a sub) who punched the hole for Munster in their epic 100+ phases to a drop goal against Northampton in the Heineken Cup.

I think Will Chambers found the weather hard going when he was here, so maybe teo won't last either!

by Submachine Tue Jul 29, 2014 12:19 pm

thebandwagonsociety wrote:If he comes to Ireland that name has to change to O'Te surely, a good strong midlands name if I ever heard it..... wait he has already represented Samoa, never mind.

His mates will call him "Cup"

by **Notch** Tue Jul 29, 2014 1:14 pm

So this is going to work out one of two ways.

File under; Andy Farrell, Karmichael Hunt, Benji Marshall
File Under; Israel Folau, Sonny Bill Williams

I understand taking the risk if there is the dividend of unearthing a guy who can be a star at test level, but it's a bigger risk with one of just five precious NIQ places.

by thebandwagonsociety Tue Jul 29, 2014 1:51 pm

Submachine wrote:
thebandwagonsociety wrote:If he comes to Ireland that name has to change to O'Te surely, a good strong midlands name if I ever heard it..... wait he has already represented Samoa, never mind.

His mates will call him "Cup"

Pun of the week goes to.....

bravo!!

by thebandwagonsociety Tue Jul 29, 2014 1:56 pm

Just trying to do a bit of a depth chart on senior squad, where do people feel the players align (both for position and priority), here's my list though I'm open for correction on mixing up centres/wings, LH/TH, Backrow/Lock.

Prop (LH)
Healy Cian
McGrath Jack
Bent Michael
McCarthy Sean

Prop (TH)
Ross Mike
Moore Marty
Furlong Tadhg

Hooker
Strauss Richardt
Cronin Sean
Dundon Aaron
Tracey James

Lock
Toner Devin
Douglas Kane
McCarthy Mike
Denton Tom
Marshall Ben

Backrow
Heaslip Jamie
O'Brien Sean
Ruddock Rhys
Murphy Jordi
Jennings Shane
McLaughlin Kevin
Ryan Dominic
Conan Jack

Scrumhalf
Reddan Eoin
McGrath Luke
Boss Isaac

Outhalf
Madigan Ian
Gopperth Jimmy

Centres
D'Arcy Gordon
McFadden Fergus
Reid Noel
Macken Brendan
O'Shea Colm

Wings
Kearney Dave
Fitzgerald Luke
Fanning Darragh
Coughlin-Murray Sam

Fullback
Kearney Rob
Kirchner Zane

Got to say while there are options for centres the depth isn't pretty. It will be novel for Leinster to have pace in midfield compared to recent seasons it's going to open up a load of options in attack which might surprise people. Defensive solidity has to be the issue, would a league star in the midfield help there (presume good one on one tackling but poor positional awareness and poaching ability).

by St John The Enforcer Tue Jul 29, 2014 2:57 pm

You are missing Sean McCarthy and Michael Bent from the props. Sam Coughlan-Murray from wing. Tracy is a hooker. McFadden and Fitzgerald are wingers (who can play in the centre for sure but...)

Here is a full list inc academy http://forum.leinsterfans.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=23398

by thebandwagonsociety Tue Jul 29, 2014 3:14 pm

Is sean mccarthy into the full senior squad? (i was only having the seniors in the depth chart). Sam gets an extra year in the kiddie camp due to injuries doesn't he?

And I just kind of wish we didn't have Bent. (he is a handy LH but a tripe TH).

by St John The Enforcer Tue Jul 29, 2014 3:18 pm

S Mccarthy is 25 or so. No he's not in the academy. Scm has already done 4 years in academy. Benty is fine for th pro12 cover during the 6. Which is when he will play there.

by thebandwagonsociety Tue Jul 29, 2014 5:51 pm

Cheers - that's amended into the OP.

by Hound of Harrow Tue Jul 29, 2014 6:38 pm

thebandwagonsociety wrote:If he comes to Ireland that name has to change to O'Te surely, a good strong midlands name if I ever heard it..... wait he has already represented Samoa, never mind.

As he's only played RL I'm guessing he's been capped by Samoa at RL.

Unless the RL caps now prevent a player qualifying for another country at union, he would already be eligible for NZ (birth), Samoa (parents) and Australia (residency).

by ChequeredJersey Tue Jul 29, 2014 7:12 pm

League is a different sport, should have no effect, Mo Fa'asalavu played League for GB no?

by St John The Enforcer Tue Jul 29, 2014 9:07 pm

Here is a list of recent league converts who played League for one country and Union for another.

Then you have the Riki Flutey who played for and against the B&I Lions

Va'aiga Tuigamala RWC New Zealand v USA 1991 Gloucester RLWC Western Samoa v France 12 Oct 1995 Cardiff Back
Henry Paul RL Test New Zealand v France 1995 Auckland RU England v France 2 Mar 2002 Saint-Denis Back
Michael Horak RL South Africa v ? 1997? RU England v Argentina 22 June 2002 Buenos Aires Back
Lote Tuqiri RLWC Fiji v Russia 2000 1st RU Test Australia v Ireland 7 June 2003 Perth Winger
Coenraad Breytenbach RLWC South Africa v Tonga 2000 Russia v Georgia 2002 Centre
Brad Thorn RL Australia v New Zealand [7] 1997 Sydney RU New Zealand v Wales 21 June 2003 Hamilton Forward
Maurie Fa'asavalu Rugby Union Samoa v South Africa 6 July 2002 Pretoria RL Test Great Britain v New Zealand 27 Oct 2007 Huddersfield Forward
Lesley Vainikolo RL ANZAC Test New Zealand v Australia [7] 1999 Sydney RU England v Wales 2 Feb 2008 London Wing
Craig Gower SL Test Australia v New Zealand[7] 1997 Sydney RU Test Italy v Australia 13 June 2009 Canberra Stadium Fly-half / five eighth
Shontayne Hape RL Tri-Nations Test New Zealand v Great Britain 20 Nov 2004 Hull RU Test England v Australia 12 June 2010 Perth Back
Tasesa Lavea RL ANZAC Test New Zealand v Australia 2000 ? RU Samoa v Ireland 13 Nov 2010 Dublin Back
Cooper Vuna RL Tonga v ?? 2008 ? RU Australia v Wales 09 Jun 2012 Brisbane Back

by brennomac Wed Jul 30, 2014 5:53 pm

Just some thought on the RDS redevelopment. For the life of me I can't figure why Leinster need a 25k capacity stadium, capacity is 18k now with about 13k season ticket holders. Only time RDS is full is for derby matches v Irish provinces and the home European matches, with the Munster home league match and the home match of the back to back European match being played in the Aviva.
So when are Leinster going to need a 15k capacity stadium when run if the mill league games get attendances of 13-15k with the odd game going above 15k. I've no problem with the Anglesea stand being ripped down cos it's a tip, and am assuming that Leinster are aiming to build corporate boxes and all that stuff to boost revenues.
Purely on the basis of attendance can't see why we need 25k stadium so maybe it's part of a World Cup bid plan by the IRFU.
Hope the cost of all this isn't going to jack up ticket prices and no doubt Leinster and the RDS will use it as a pretext to jack up the already outrageous beer prices,

by thebandwagonsociety Wed Jul 30, 2014 6:23 pm

I can only really see two bits of logic to it. The first being part of the RWC bid plan. The second bit of logic would be the increased venue size for concerts and gigs. With the Point refurbished and pulling in a decent capacity and then the likes of Marley Park squeezing at the other end, there is probably a niche in having a stadium that can take 25k seated/stands or 30k(ish) for concerts with people on the pitch.

End of the day, RWC only happens once (if even) and Leinster are only tenants. The RDS need to see it being a long term deal. Though to be honest the Anglesea probably doesn't pass a decent health and safety inspection any more. The grandstand, while it looks good, is also just a semi-temporary structure (like the stands either end) and possibly doesn't have a remaining life of more than 2-4 years. Anyone in the first two rows of that stand that have seen the floor literally give way under cheering fans are all well too aware of that.

The RDS ground is also a bit strange in that there are more actual seats behind each goal than in the stands along each side line.

I do like some of the uniqueness though with the RDS that will disappear, having a hedge with the old (not old style, but straight up old) railing is a nice touch that the venue isn't just another H&S by the numbers mechano set stadium.

by Feckless Rogue Fri Aug 01, 2014 1:31 am

They should definitely keep the hedge.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Sat Aug 09, 2014 4:17 pm

Anyone know anything about fitzgeralds fitness currently? Also where he and moc see him playing this year?

by St John The Enforcer Tue Aug 12, 2014 10:13 am

Ben Te'o no longer a rumour. Pity he won't be playing his mate Sam Burgess in Europe.

by St John The Enforcer Tue Aug 12, 2014 10:13 am

http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/news/12236.php#.U-nMhsk1jqA

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Tue Aug 12, 2014 1:34 pm

We do need cover there IMO so I'm glad that position has a new addition although iv never seen him play

by Jenifer McLadyboy Tue Aug 12, 2014 1:43 pm

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Anyone know anything about fitzgeralds fitness currently? Also where he and moc see him playing this year?

He will be back in September (not sure how early, he had surgery) and start on the wing. Him moving inside seems that little bit less likely with Te'o signed.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed Aug 20, 2014 1:34 pm

https://youtu.be/ZSLvP6OID_M

Get your appetite going. First friendly on Saturday

by ChequeredJersey Wed Aug 20, 2014 6:17 pm

Anyone know how much tickets for Leinster-Quins at the Aviva will cost?

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed Aug 20, 2014 6:29 pm

Between 30 and 75 juros normally.

They sometimes have special offers like "hour of power" when you can get tickets for a tenner.

by ChequeredJersey Wed Aug 20, 2014 8:17 pm

No worries, anywhere I should look at going if I head to the rugby on a weekend away with the girlfriend? After years of student poverty I have the luxury of actually having a decent salary to spend on treats and little time to waste it

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Wed Aug 20, 2014 9:25 pm

Heaslip captain with seanie and rob as vices

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed Aug 20, 2014 11:53 pm

ChequeredJersey wrote:No worries, anywhere I should look at going if I head to the rugby on a weekend away with the girlfriend? After years of student poverty I have the luxury of actually having a decent salary to spend on treats and little time to waste it

Ah. That old chestnut.

Avoid the north stand. (Small bit behind the posts) Avoid the lowest 6 rows anywhere in the stadium. (Too low) Premium level (Level 3 and 4) is a bit stuffy and quite dear. Avoid the corners in the upper tiers. Most of the rest is fine.

I like the lower tier (East and West stands) between the 22s although the south stand (Behind the posts) is fine too as long as you are not too low down.

The upper tiers are fine too as long as you are not too high up.

Complex eh? You will get as many opinions as the number of people you ask. It is a beautiful stadium to look at, but there are a surprising number of not so beautiful views. Avoid the worst in paragraph 1 and you will be fine.

by Mickado Thu Aug 21, 2014 9:29 am

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:
ChequeredJersey wrote:No worries, anywhere I should look at going if I head to the rugby on a weekend away with the girlfriend? After years of student poverty I have the luxury of actually having a decent salary to spend on treats and little time to waste it
Ah. That old chestnut.

Avoid the north stand. (Small bit behind the posts) Avoid the lowest 6 rows anywhere in the stadium. (Too low) Premium level (Level 3 and 4) is a bit stuffy and quite dear. Avoid the corners in the upper tiers. Most of the rest is fine.

I like the lower tier (East and West stands) between the 22s although the south stand (Behind the posts) is fine too as long as you are not too low down.

The upper tiers are fine too as long as you are not too high up.

Complex eh? You will get as many opinions as the number of people you ask. It is a beautiful stadium to look at, but there are a surprising number of not so beautiful views. Avoid the worst in paragraph 1 and you will be fine.

Looks like ol CJ is looking for things to do in Dublin, so that was indeed confusing advise!

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu Aug 21, 2014 10:40 am

A good reason you should never stay up late drinking on a Wednesday night. Or at least if you do....... Put that internet down you might break it. Laugh

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu Aug 21, 2014 10:41 am

I'll leave the "what to do in Dublin" to you young folk. zen

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