Munster in the Aviva, August 22nd, 7.35pm KO

[Oldschoolsocks]

What? You are suggesting bluestalk employ some experts and get rid of those three losers?

It just wouldn't be the same....

wouldn't be the same without wiz

[riocard911]

What? You are suggesting bluestalk employ some experts and get rid of those three losers?

It just wouldn't be the same....

I had thought I maybe should write (sic) after "expert analysis", but I was afraid it might be taken the wrong way!!!

[ronk]

We have 3-4 matches to get up to speed for Saracens. I imagine we’re going to want to get the expected match day squad up to speed for that. We also don’t want to flog them when bodies haven’t adapted so that means targeting shorter games. Easy for the front rows.

Unusual build up for us. Probably will feel more like a Lions tour.

Our intensive training may leave us relatively well prepared.

[johng]

Interestingly they start much earlier than us and have 4 games in August with a break from the 31st to our game on the 19th.

We have 2 x interpros then a semifinal and potentially a final the following week (12th) then straight into Sarries on the 19th.

Will they go off the boil with a break or will we be heavy legged without a break? Possibly neither, we'll see.

[mildlyinterested]

Possible side?

1. Cian Healy
2. Ronan Kelleher
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Scott Fardy
5. Devin Toner
6. Ruddock
7. JVDF
8. Conan
9. Luke McGrath
10. Jonathan Sexton
11. James Lowe
12. Robbie Henshaw
13. Garry Ringrose
14. Dave Kearney
15. Jordan Larmour
16. Sean Cronin
17. Ed Byrne
18. Andrew Porter
19. Ross Molony
20. Leavy
21. JGP
22. Ross Byrne
23. ROL

[cormac]

I'd be very surprised if Leavy was selected for this one. Not sure we'll see much of him until the new season starts.

[mildlyinterested]

I'd be very surprised if Leavy was selected for this one. Not sure we'll see much of him until the new season starts.

McBryde seemed to indicate he'd be available in august..

[Theleinsterlad]

Yeah mcBryde has said Leavy’s in contention to play against Munster. Also really interesting that both coaching teams from Leinster and crusaders got together over a month of zoom calls sharing information. Management continue to show their willingness to improve and not stand still

[riocard911]

From tomorrow we're no longer counting down months and weeks, but mere days.... Next Friday first team selection at 12.00 in yonks. Can't effin' wait!!!

[mildlyinterested]

it's not next friday...

[riocard911]

it's not next friday...

Correct! It's from next Friday the countdown in days begins!! Mea culpa. My excitement is clouding my thinking obviously...

[LeRouxIsPHat]

it's not next friday...

Correct! It's from next Friday the countdown in days begins!! Mea culpa. My excitement is clouding my thinking obviously...

A week too soon...

I never thought I'd miss seeing those words but after 6 months it's comforting to see them again

[Dave Cahill]

it's not next friday...

Correct! It's from next Friday the countdown in days begins!! Mea culpa. My excitement is clouding my thinking obviously...

A week too soon...

I never thought I'd miss seeing those words but after 6 months it's comforting to see them again

6 months! f%~k me! It's only when you say it...

[riocard911]

And if we're good little boys and girls, Santa might even bring us an episode of Blues Talk TV to preview season restart!!!

[Morf]

Possible side?

1. Cian Healy
2. Ronan Kelleher
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Scott Fardy
5. Devin Toner
6. Ruddock
7. JVDF
8. Conan
9. Luke McGrath
10. Jonathan Sexton
11. James Lowe
12. Robbie Henshaw
13. Garry Ringrose
14. Dave Kearney
15. Jordan Larmour
16. Sean Cronin
17. Ed Byrne
18. Andrew Porter
19. Ross Molony
20. Leavy
21. JGP
22. Ross Byrne
23. ROL

Interesting you think Deegan and Doris may both miss out.

Shows the strength of the squad they can reasonably be omitted.

[elephantman]

I thought Cian Kelleher was showing signs of real improvement before lockdown.

I’d expect to see him really challenge David Kearney for the right wing spot when the season gets back up and running.

[riocard911]

I thought Cian Kelleher was showing signs of real improvement before lockdown.

I’d expect to see him really challenge David Kearney for the right wing spot when the season gets back up and running.

At the four minute mark into the highlights from the Kings vs Connacht match during the 2018/2019 season Cian Kelleher puts in an absolute bone-shattering tackle on one of their dudes, who's in full flight, and stops him dead!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymWRAVcIETc

[elephantman]

I thought Cian Kelleher was showing signs of real improvement before lockdown.

I’d expect to see him really challenge David Kearney for the right wing spot when the season gets back up and running.

At the four minute mark into the highlights from the Kings vs Connacht match during the 2018/2019 season Cian Kelleher puts in an absolute bone-shattering tackle on one of their dudes, who's in full flight, and stops him dead!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymWRAVcIETc

Jaysis, that was a prop too!

I thought he would play a bit more before lockdown tbh. He always impressed me whenever he plays. Proper pacey winger who clearly doesn’t shy away from tackling.

I wouldn’t be surprised if our first choice back three is eventually Larmour, Kelleher and Lowe.

[LeinsterLeader]

Possible side?

1. Cian Healy
2. Ronan Kelleher
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Scott Fardy
5. Devin Toner
6. Ruddock
7. JVDF
8. Conan
9. Luke McGrath
10. Jonathan Sexton
11. James Lowe
12. Robbie Henshaw
13. Garry Ringrose
14. Dave Kearney
15. Jordan Larmour
16. Sean Cronin
17. Ed Byrne
18. Andrew Porter
19. Ross Molony
20. Leavy
21. JGP
22. Ross Byrne
23. ROL

That would be pretty much our strongest available side. Would it not make sense to play about half that team in the first game and the other half in the second game? I mean Munster are pretty much gonna have to play their strongest team as they need wins so should they beat us in the first game out with our strongest side out, it doesn't give us a lot of room for manoeuvre personnel wise. Also, it gives Munster a good look at us at full tilt before a semi.

Certainly there are benefits to playing your strongest team straight out of the blocks but I think a half and half approach over the two games might be more beneficial. Just a thought!

[riocard911]

In the42's article yesterday bout the Crusaders-Leinster info exchange, Robin McBride was quoted as follows:

“We’re looking at it as a World Cup in terms of playing against different opposition of a very high standard, some quality opposition, over the first six weeks or so in particular.

“You’re going straight into games where there are no second chances. We’ve got the two inter-provincial games, so that’s going to be mighty tough for us and we feel like we’ve got a bit of a target on our backs, everyone is going to be gunning for us.

“Then it’s going to be hopefully kicking on to the [Pro14] semi-final and final, then you’ve got the Champions Cup. There’s no place for any slip-ups so we’ve got to make sure we hit the ground running.”

(...)

“We’re still striving for perfection, [even though] it’s pretty impossible. As someone has said in the past, you’ll never get perfection but excellence is about as close to that as what you’ll get."



https://www.the42.ie/leinster-crusaders ... 3-Aug2020/