European Cup Semi-Final: Away to La Rochelle, Sunday 2nd of May 3pm

[cormac]

Be great to see an auld drop goal, can’t remember last time I seen us score a drop. I’m 09 we got a drop in the semi and a couple on the final.

We haven't scored a drop goal since April 2017. Ross Byrne with a match-winner in the league away to the Ospreys.

[Blue not red blood]

Be great to see an auld drop goal, can’t remember last time I seen us score a drop. I’m 09 we got a drop in the semi and a couple on the final.

We haven't scored a drop goal since April 2017. Ross Byrne with a match-winner in the league away to the Ospreys.

Did Rob not get one in Bordeaux against Clermont in 2012 ?

[Twist]

I've been a bit disappointed with the build up too. There's less sport on than usual for this time of year so you'd think it'd get more coverage. In particular, the rugby podcast Ive been listening to have largely eschewed it in favour of moot Lions selection debates and coverage of the Munster game in the Rainbow Cup (the far more entertaining Ulster v. Connacht seems to have been missed).

But then again, the Ulster semi final is barely getting a mention so maybe we should be happy with what we've got.

[Jonny tight lips]

Be great to see an auld drop goal, can’t remember last time I seen us score a drop. I’m 09 we got a drop in the semi and a couple on the final.

We haven't scored a drop goal since April 2017. Ross Byrne with a match-winner in the league away to the Ospreys.

That’s a fair auld gap, be gas if we got one the weekend

[riocard911]

Personally, I hate Leinster away games being on a Sunday, as every away victory on the Friday or Saturday in the tournament reduces our statistical chances of winning and makes me even more nervous.

[Hornet]

Be great to see an auld drop goal, can’t remember last time I seen us score a drop. I’m 09 we got a drop in the semi and a couple on the final.

We haven't scored a drop goal since April 2017. Ross Byrne with a match-winner in the league away to the Ospreys.

Did Rob not get one in Bordeaux against Clermont in 2012 ?

He did. An absolute cracker of a DG.

[cormac]

Be great to see an auld drop goal, can’t remember last time I seen us score a drop. I’m 09 we got a drop in the semi and a couple on the final.

We haven't scored a drop goal since April 2017. Ross Byrne with a match-winner in the league away to the Ospreys.

Did Rob not get one in Bordeaux against Clermont in 2012 ?

He did but 2012 is five years before 2017.

[bluemagic]

Personally, I hate Leinster away games being on a Sunday, as every away victory on the Friday or Saturday in the tournament reduces our statistical chances of winning and makes me even more nervous.

That is not how statistics work.....

Away wins are more likely than ever now though with COVID

[Dexter]

Personally, I hate Leinster away games being on a Sunday, as every away victory on the Friday or Saturday in the tournament reduces our statistical chances of winning and makes me even more nervous.

That is not how statistics work.....

Away wins are more likely than ever now though with COVID

Agree totally but I know what he means... I get the same jitters if it happens, even though it makes no sense!

[blockhead]

Personally, I hate Leinster away games being on a Sunday, as every away victory on the Friday or Saturday in the tournament reduces our statistical chances of winning and makes me even more nervous.

That is not how statistics work.....

Away wins are more likely than ever now though with COVID

Agree totally but I know what he means... I get the same jitters if it happens, even though it makes no sense!

Don't worry young Dexter. We're going to tear them a new one.

[Theleinsterlad]

I've been a bit disappointed with the build up too. There's less sport on than usual for this time of year so you'd think it'd get more coverage. In particular, the rugby podcast Ive been listening to have largely eschewed it in favour of moot Lions selection debates and coverage of the Munster game in the Rainbow Cup (the far more entertaining Ulster v. Connacht seems to have been missed).

But then again, the Ulster semi final is barely getting a mention so maybe we should be happy with what we've got.

The irish podcasts and radio have been very poor when you consider 2 irish teams have reached the near peak of a major sport in Europe. I’ve got used to the cr@p coming out about Munster every time Leinster is mentioned but in fairness I think it’s been really harsh on Ulster getting little or no coverage for their game. I’m personally looking forward to the game on Friday as well and hope SUFTUM do the business m. Would be great to possible see two irish Pro12 teams in the finals

[Ruckedtobits]

For all those 'nervous nellies' like me, there is partial alleviation available in watching the Q/F against Chiefs again. Yes, we have very different opponents but it was a joy to watch (and also to listen to two knowledgeable co-commentators) Leinster grow throughout a game after 0-14 within 10 minutes.

Really enjoyed it and it has calmed the nerves a bit. Remember, this was also without Ringer, James Ryan and JGP and coming after successive weekends of England and Munster for 11 players in our Squad.

The reaction after that scrum penalty for Ross to push our score to 34 was like a watch spring uncoiled - tension dissipating before your eyes. COYBIB

[wixfjord]

No team leaks knocking around yet?

[Serb]

Only poster I’ve seen with reliable pre-announcement info is Lock9541, maybe they have some insider knowledge?

[blockhead]

I've been a bit disappointed with the build up too. There's less sport on than usual for this time of year so you'd think it'd get more coverage. In particular, the rugby podcast Ive been listening to have largely eschewed it in favour of moot Lions selection debates and coverage of the Munster game in the Rainbow Cup (the far more entertaining Ulster v. Connacht seems to have been missed).

But then again, the Ulster semi final is barely getting a mention so maybe we should be happy with what we've got.

The irish podcasts and radio have been very poor when you consider 2 irish teams have reached the near peak of a major sport in Europe. I’ve got used to the cr@p coming out about Munster every time Leinster is mentioned but in fairness I think it’s been really harsh on Ulster getting little or no coverage for their game. I’m personally looking forward to the game on Friday as well and hope SUFTUM do the business m. Would be great to possible see two irish Pro12 teams in the finals

So funny if we could do a Double Paddy.

[Blue not red blood]

We haven't scored a drop goal since April 2017. Ross Byrne with a match-winner in the league away to the Ospreys.

Did Rob not get one in Bordeaux against Clermont in 2012 ?

He did but 2012 is five years before 2017.

Thought we are talking HC games

[blockhead]

What about sexto against LIrish in the last minute?

[Homer]

Presume team will be something like this:

15. Keenan
14. Larmour
13. Ringrose
12. Henshaw
11. Lowe
10. Byrne
9. McGrath
8. Conan
7. Van der Flier
6. Ruddock
5. Ryan
4. Toner
3. Furlong
2. Kelliher
1. Healy
16. Tracey
17. Byrne
18. Porter
19. Fardy
20. Baird
21. O’Sullivan??
22. Frawley
23. Kearney

[Blue Man]

Agree that the build up has been very low key. Also, the ROG vs Leinster narrative is lazy and boring.
Presume we’ll try to move their big pack around. It’s vital that we don’t give away soft tries in the 3/4s and hopefully Ringer coming back will improve the defensive cohesion.
I think Kearney may get in ahead of Larmour as a more reliable defender. I’m praying that JGP recovers as HOS isn’t a credible player at this level. Replacement fly half also interesting and we need either Harry (unlikely) or Frawley (can he get through a warm up?!!) to be fit.
I’m nervous about their scrum where we really need to gig in but think line out will go well and we’ll be more dynamic in the loose. I think we’ll need to score tries and the forecast is for dry, cool weather, perfect for phase rugby.
I think we have the engine through a really well drilled pack and try scorers in Lowe and Ringer. We just need the half backs to manage the game and if they do, we’ll win. Can’t wait!!

[blockhead]

Presume team will be something like this:

15. Keenan
14. Larmour
13. Ringrose
12. Henshaw
11. Lowe
10. Byrne
9. McGrath
8. Conan
7. Van der Flier
6. Ruddock
5. Ryan
4. Toner
3. Furlong
2. Kelliher
1. Healy
16. Tracey
17. Byrne
18. Porter
19. Fardy
20. Baird
21. O’Sullivan??
22. Frawley
23. Kearney

What if Doris is fit? Would you drop Fardy?