Hooker options going forward

[riocard911]

Dan's off the ball stuff, his tackling, breakdown work, counter-rucking, latching etc. was also seriously impressive.

[hugonaut]

A very decent debut for Sheehan but not every game will be as well set-up for him. He has a lot of skills but he will need to really become a hard-nosed scrumagger to put on the big green jersey. Coaches don't mind a hooker who keeps getting on the score-sheet, but they very rarely select them for that reason.

Coaches at top level pick hookers because they can scrummage and can throw the ball accurately into a line-out, regardless whether they have a strong or weak unit.

Sheehan has shown an appetite for hard work and self-improvement. He and Kelleher could spend a lot of time in associated 2 and 16 jerseys over the next decade if they both focus on continuing that level of workload.

Absolutely. They would be a great 1-2 punch in the same way that Cian Healy and Jack McGrath were for us. Obviously James Tracy will have something to say about that as well though!

Dan looks very young in terms of training age compared to Kelleher. Kelleher basically looked like a pro as a teenager [pic: https://www.sportsfile.com/id/1384813/ ]; Dan has some catching up to do.

[mildlyinterested]

5 years ago, if someone said leinster would have someone as big as Ruddock playing hooker..

[Oldschool]

5 years ago, if someone said leinster would have someone as big as Ruddock playing hooker..

He could be an option in the lineout then.

[mildlyinterested]

interesting to hear Bernard Jackman mention on the 42 podcast, that he heard that Leinster might converting Bobby Sheehan to tighthead prop.

[Ruckedtobits]

Has been discussed for at least two years. No easy route or answer.

[Oldschoolsocks]

interesting to hear Bernard Jackman mention on the 42 podcast, that he heard that Leinster might converting Bobby Sheehan to tighthead prop.

What’s your opinion on this mildly? Not so long ago you laughed at the idea of anyone except John Smit converting from Hooker to Tighthead...

[mildlyinterested]

interesting to hear Bernard Jackman mention on the 42 podcast, that he heard that Leinster might converting Bobby Sheehan to tighthead prop.

What’s your opinion on this mildly? Not so long ago you laughed at the idea of anyone except John Smit converting from Hooker to Tighthead...

skeptical he'll reach Smit's level as a prop but worth a shot as a project.

nothing ventured, nothing gained.

[mildlyinterested]

Lee Barron has been putting in work in the sub-academy:

[curates_egg]

Cronin joint 7th all time try scorer, drawing level with Rob last night.
Also in the top ten appearances.

Has been delivering for us for a decade now. Great to see him have such a good game last night.

[backrower8]

Given the chat and evidence of poor throwing from our panel of hookers, it is interesting to watch Brian Byrne throw consistently excellent and varied darts so far for Bristol at Exeter. One try from a 5m lineout so far (watching a delayed recording).

[mildlyinterested]

Byrne couldnt throw consistently when with Leinster at various levels, I remember he had a horror showing in an AIL final against Cork Con for Clontarf, he looks a good bit heavier for Bristol too I think.

You wouldn't mind leinster 's scrum coach and his predecessor were pro hookers, so leinster's inability to develop this skill to a high level throughout the province is baffling.

You wonder if Cronin does leave, might Leinster look at bringing BB back.

[leinsterforever]

Is it just coincidence that Ulster started contesting as soon as Tracy came on? - or did they spot weakness there?

[backrower8]

Is it just coincidence that Ulster started contesting as soon as Tracy came on? - or did they spot weakness there?

They also competed on a few of Cronin’s throws

[leinsterforever]

Is it just coincidence that Ulster started contesting as soon as Tracy came on? - or did they spot weakness there?

They also competed on a few of Cronin’s throws

Did they? I'd have to watch back.

[mildlyinterested]

by the sound of things this will be Cronins final season with Leinster.

Sean Cronin(35)
James Tracy(30/Newbridge/UCD)
Ronan Kelleher(22/St. Michaels/Lansdowne)
Dan Sheehan(22/Clongowes/Lansdowne)
John McKee(21/Campbell/Old Belvedere) - Academy Yr 1

Lee Barron(U20/St. Michaels/DUFC)
Ronan Loughnane(U20/Birr RFC-Roscrea/UCD)
Levi Vaughan(U20/Terenure/Terenure)
Barry Gray(U19/Carlow RFC/Clontarf)

Barron looks pretty likely to join the academy this summer IMO.

* ages as of start of next season

[D4surfer]

Watching Bristol Bears v Bath and Bryan Byrne has scored a try. He’s playing really well. His throwing is good too.

[mildlyinterested]

Watching Bristol Bears v Bath and Bryan Byrne has scored a try. He’s playing really well. His throwing is good too.

always comes down to his throwing.. have heard mixed reports.

just had an excellent throw there and scored a try off the maul.

[D4surfer]

Watching Bristol Bears v Bath and Bryan Byrne has scored a try. He’s playing really well. His throwing is good too.

Make that 2 tries.

[mildlyinterested]

bring BB back!!