Amlin CC Final: Leinster v Stade Francais

[lynam1104]

Clearly targeting the Pro12 but they should still be strong enough to beat Stade, will be closer then some expect I'd say.

 

[munstermuffin]

A risky selection for Leinster but the team should still be good enough to win. It's a massive vote of confidence in Jack McGrath, Quinn Roux, Rhys Ruddock and Andrew Conway. I think this confirms the Pro 12 final is their priority.

While I agree it a risk I'm happy to see Schmidt have the balls to not be cautious despite it being a European final. And the boost it gives them players on a way getting the nod it great. Addin the bench for Leinster is pretty impressive up front although I think backs on bench are average

 

[Tony Manx]

For what it is worth, I think Stade will do a job on them tonight and walk away winners after seeing those missing from the Leinster team although it should still be close!

One point.....the French get blasted when they field weakened teams for european conmpetitions!!

 

[psychic duck]

For what it is worth, I think Stade will do a job on them tonight and walk away winners after seeing those missing from the Leinster team although it should still be close!

One point.....the French get blasted when they field weakened teams for european competitions!!

With good reason too. Racing-Metro's showing at Thomond Park was pathetic and it was that (alongside Edinburgh playing like Zebre) which knocked out the second/third best team in Europe in Leinster.

 

[Amiga500]

The mexicans are ripping ze frenchies apart right now!

 

[munstermuffin]

This is a poor Stade but on other side Madigan a good 10 but Leinster are really going to miss Sexton when he's gone

 

[Amiga500]

I'm split on who I want to win this. On one hand, Leinster play some great rugby and are very nice to watch when they're at their best. On the otherhand, Leinster winning means Connacht get back in the Heineken Cup.

Yer just jealous 'cos the other regions are too **** to get the dragons into the HEC. :lol:

 

[Tribesmen-ce-123]

Leinster completely putting Stade to the sword here, 3 tries by Cronin, Kearney and Madigan, doing the simple things well and finishing all their chances with only 32% possession, Sexton and Boss pulling strings and playing well.

21-3 Leinster

 

[Tribesmen-ce-123]

Yer just jealous 'cos the other regions are too **** to get the dragons into the HEC.

And Connacht >>>>>> Dragons, even though they probably only have half the budget of Newport

 

[Draggs]

And Connacht >>>>>> Dragons, even though they probably only have half the budget of Newport

I really wouldn't be too sure. Connacht are a development team, so the IRFU are probably rather involved. Also having a few consecutive seasons of HEC rugby helps a shedload bringing in money. We have other Welsh teams/France picking away. Also, we have a moving bloody bridge, it's class.

Madigan is a good little player. Future at standoff or centre?

 

[Amiga500]

I really wouldn't be too sure. Connacht are a development team, so the IRFU are probably rather involved. Also having a few consecutive seasons of HEC rugby helps a shedload bringing in money. We have other Welsh teams/France picking away. Also, we have a moving bloody bridge, it's class.

IRFU are not too involved with the westies, they have beaten quins and biarritz in the last couple of years... not bad going.

Madigan is a good little player. Future at standoff or centre?

Almost certainly 10 - unless Leinster find themselves short a 12 next year (unlikely with McFadden, D'Arcy and Goodman about the place) and play Gopperth at 10 with Madigan at 12.

 

[Tribesmen-ce-123]

I really wouldn't be too sure. Connacht are a development team, so the IRFU are probably rather involved. Also having a few consecutive seasons of HEC rugby helps a shedload bringing in money. We have other Welsh teams/France picking away. Also, we have a moving bloody bridge, it's class.

Madigan is a good little player. Future at standoff or centre?

Really? Dont NGD get the same budget as the rest of the regions though, I might be wrong but i think its significantly more than Connacht get?

 

[Tribesmen-ce-123]

I think Madigan's good enough to play at 12 on a more permanent basis, provided he got significant experience in the position. His future at Leinster is probably at 10 though, they have enough depth in center for next year anyways.

 

[Draggs]

Really? Dont NGD get the same budget as the rest of the regions though, I might be wrong but i think its significantly more than Connacht get?

Yeah, but I'd hazard a guess and say that the other regions have bigger backers elsewhere. Blues have EADS, Ospreys RWE, Turks Dyfed Steels.

 

[Feicarsinn]

Hehe, I like the idea of being able to say we'd be Amlin and Heineken Cup champions at the same time, albeit for a day.

 

[Draggs]

Hehe, I like the idea of being able to say we'd be Amlin and Heineken Cup champions at the same time, albeit for a day.

Conquerors of Europe x2!

 

[big ginger 8]

Sean O'Brien holding Williams up deserves a mention...so here it is.

 

[Draggs]

Sean O'Brien holding Williams up deserves a mention...so here it is.

I was waiting for a GIF or something. I'll never get those three seconds back.

 

[big ginger 8]

I was waiting for a GIF or something. I'll never get those three seconds back.

Oh sorry now for a gif to express my sorrow it takes a while to come up...

 

[big ginger 8]

Leo Cullen's 200th Leinster game and Sexton breaking 1000 club points. Seems we can't be bothered anymore.