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

[Flash Gordon]

Looking at their fan forums their supporters seem a little too overwhelmed and happy to be here. I'm sure the coaching team will have them prepared but experience matters and mental strength can win or lose games - as we saw against both Saracens and Exeter.

[wixfjord]

If tournament and big match experience counts for anything (which I believe it does) then we should have an edge there, particularly if we have JS starting.

I know this is a home game, but without fans and with a Euro heavyweight coming to town that has to count for something.

As a collective, this LAR team have nowhere near the European pedigree or collective knowledge that our lads have.

Let's remember that this season they've only beaten Edinburgh, Glos and Sale in Europe too.

[hugonaut]

If tournament and big match experience counts for anything (which I believe it does) then we should have an edge there, particularly if we have JS starting.

I know this is a home game, but without fans and with a Euro heavyweight coming to town that has to count for something.

As a collective, this LAR team have nowhere near the European pedigree or collective knowledge that our lads have.

Let's remember that this season they've only beaten Edinburgh, Glos and Sale in Europe too.

I absolutely agree. They look like a very good side – lots of really good individuals in the side, pace, size and well-coached – but the knock-out end of European rugby is a sticky business. They have home advantage, but as we have seen in the recent past, that advantage doesn't really count for much when there's no fans there to spur you on.

Edinburgh were terrible this season and Gloucester are 10th in the Premiership. Sale are a decent side this season, but no better than decent – they typically finish mid-table and haven't won a trophy in 15 years.

[riocard911]

Having the pedigree is good. Assuming the greater muscle memory will get us over the line, however, could lull us into a false sense of security. We wanna be 100% on the money to beat LAR. That RO'G fella is shmart too, don't forget....

[mildlyinterested]

Leinster Rugby Head Coach Leo Cullen has issued an injury update ahead of Sunday’s Heineken Champions Cup game against La Rochelle in the Stade Marcel Deflandre (Kick Off: 3.00pm (Irish time) and live on BT Sport & RTÉ Radio).

After the game against Munster Rugby at the weekend Cullen reported a clean bill of health for a number of players returning from injury as James Ryan, Garry Ringrose, Scott Penny and Tommy O’Brien all came through the game with no issues.

Ciarán Frawley was a late withdrawal from the game as a precaution with a minor hamstring concern but he is expected to return to training this week.

Caelan Doris was also a late withdrawal from the starting XV but requires further assessment on the calf issue that forced his withdrawal before a final decision is made on his availability.

It’s the same situation for Jamison Gibson-Park who is still being managed with a hamstring injury and will be further assessed this week ahead of selection.

Harry Byrne was replaced early in the game against Munster Rugby with a hamstring injury and will be further assessed this week.

There was positive news for Jimmy O’Brien (hamstring) and Rowan Osborne (hand) as both players will enter the final stages of their return from injury this week and will be assessed as the week progresses.

Unfortunately captain Johnny Sexton continues to be unavailable and will continue to train and be assessed as part of the Graduated Return to Play process.

There was no new injury update on the following players:

Jack Dunne (ankle), Adam Byrne (quad), Dan Leavy (knee), Conor O’Brien (knee) and Max Deegan (knee)

[desperado]

https://www.leinsterrugby.ie/cullen-iss ... to-france/

Reading between the lines; JS a major doubt.

[erskinechilders]

https://www.leinsterrugby.ie/cullen-iss ... to-france/

Reading between the lines; JS a major doubt.

I think that's more reading exactly what was said as opposed to reading between the lines!

[arsebiscuits1]

https://www.leinsterrugby.ie/cullen-iss ... to-france/

Reading between the lines; JS a major doubt.

Unfortunately captain Johnny Sexton continues to be unavailable and will continue to train and be assessed as part of the Graduated Return to Play process.

Damn Leinster and their ambiguity

[Jonny tight lips]

https://www.leinsterrugby.ie/cullen-iss ... to-france/

Reading between the lines; JS a major doubt.

Unfortunately captain Johnny Sexton continues to be unavailable and will continue to train and be assessed as part of the Graduated Return to Play process.

Damn Leinster and their ambiguity

https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/ori ... 83/350.png

So your telling me there’s a chance

[riocard911]

Dreading this weekend's Captain's Run........

[arsebiscuits1]

Dreading this weekend's Captain's Run........

Starting to think they should just rename Captains run to "The Gauntlet"

[Barry]

OTB saying that sexton is out

Sent from my VOG-L09 using Tapatalk

[RoboProp]

The42 has Johnny out and Ross to start

[LeRouxIsPHat]

Not going to reveal my source but I believe Johnny may be out.

[wixfjord]

Wow, big big focus on McGrath and Ross B now.

Sounds like JGP is touch and go to bench.

LR have clearly taken a new stance on head injuries in the last few months with Doris, JR and JS all training but not being risked for big games, which is commendable.

[RoboProp]

Not going to reveal my source but I believe Johnny may be out.

Is it Col Mustard in the library?

[wixfjord]

I wonder might we see a 6/2 bench split with Tracy, Byrne, Porter, Baird, Fardy, Penny/Doris, JGP, ROL

[mildlyinterested]

I dunno about Fardy... he's been poor in his last two appearances

[wixfjord]

No mention of Will Connors at all in injury updates.

[LeRouxIsPHat]

Not going to reveal my source but I believe Johnny may be out.

Is it Col Mustard in the library?

I think mustard is a condiment, not a source.