European Champions Cup 2017/18: Pool 3

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Leinster Rugby (caps in brackets):

15. Jordan Larmour (12)
14. Fergus McFadden (162)
13. Robbie Henshaw (20)
12. Isa Nacewa (177) (CAPTAIN)
11. James Lowe (3)
10. Johnny Sexton (143)
9. Luke McGrath (86)
1. Jack McGrath (123)
2. Seán Cronin (143)
3. Tadhg Furlong (76)
4. Devin Toner (209)
5. Scott Fardy (12)
6. Jordi Murphy (97)
7. Josh van der Flier (58)
8. Jack Conan (65)

16. Bryan Byrne (20)
17. Cian Healy (182)
18. Andrew Porter (20)
19. James Ryan (8)
20. Dan Leavy (47)
21. Nick McCarthy (17)
22. Ross Byrne (39)
23. Rob Kearney (191)

Some bold selection calls. Larmour for Kearney could be a changing of the guard. Leinster risk putting McCarthy in in order to get Lowe in the team.

Really exciting looking team.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Smart selection with an eye towards next week. This should be a handy win and I'd guess there'll be at least 4 changes in the 23 next week at the Altrad.

 

[Leinster Fan]

Apparently the indo was right.

Cullen and Lancaster have made some big calls in dropping Kearney and Gibson-Park but I'd say they've got it right. Glasgow's back might expose us in the absence of Kearney and Nacewa in the back three but McFadden does bring that experience so there's that. Lowe and Larmour playing together again should be great. Apparently SOB is probably injured until at least the six nations so while that's a pity it does give vdf and possibly Leavy if he can get fully fit a chance to make another big impact and keep making a claim for a regular starting spot.

 

[Leinster Fan]

Apparently the indo was right.

Cullen and Lancaster have made some big calls in dropping Kearney and Gibson-Park but I'd say they've got it right. Glasgow's back might expose us in the absence of Kearney and Nacewa in the back three but McFadden does bring that experience so there's that. Lowe and Larmour playing together again should be great.

Apparently SOB is probably injured until at least the six nations so while that's a pity it does give vdf and possibly Leavy if he can get fully fit a chance to make another big impact and keep making a claim for a regular starting spot.

 

[Triple Exe]

Exeter
15 Lachie Turner
14 Ian Whitten
13 Henry Slade
12 Sam Hill
11 Olly Woodburn
10 Gareth Steenson (capt)
9 Nic White
1 Ben Moon
2 Luke Cowan-Dickie
3 Harry Williams
4 Mitch Lees
5 Jonny Hill
6 Dave Ewers
7 Don Armand
8 Sam Simmonds

16 Jack Yeandle
17 Alec Hepburn
18 Tomas Francis
19 Toby Salmon
20 Matt Kvesic
21 Will Chudley
22 Joe Simmonds
23 Phil Dollman

An entirely EQP starting pack.

Much hinges on Glasgow this weekend.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Leinster definitely have taken a calculated risk in their selection anticipating Glasgow would be weakened due to injuries and being out of contention. Larmour and Lowe suggests a wide, attacking game plan chasing a bonus point. The replacement forwards can all lift the pace too. With a six day turnaround to Montpellier, I expect Kearney, Leavy and Healy will come into the starting team, with Gibson Park and Bent coming onto the bench.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Nige choosing not to penalise high tackles today,
Chiefs have put two in now that Nige said are fine

 

[TommiG88]

Nige choosing not to penalise high tackles today,
Chiefs have put two in now that Nige said are fine

Questionable reffin indeed. The assistant called offside but Nige went against it

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Greedy greedy Cowan-Dickie.

 

[TommiG88]

Greedy greedy Cowan-Dickie.

Bit of a choke hold though

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Bit of a choke hold though

If it's not forehead height it's not high

 

[TommiG88]

If it's not forehead height it's not high

Is that out of the Owens Rulebook?

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

TBH I'm just watching so I can see and hear some quaility Nige Banter.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I printed out a photo of Nige and stuck it over my t.v. for the game, I don't need to see any of this rugby nonsense as long as the bants keep flowing

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

LOL that drop kick.

The kind of drop kick the prop does before the pre game warm up.

 

[ratsapprentice]

Can understand why LCD went for it.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Nigel hasn't been one of the best refs for a while.

 

[Groundhog]

Think Owens is having a howler to be honest. Made some straight up wrong calls so far. Not his biggest fan to be honest. His idea of how the game should be are not always consistent with the rules.

 

[TommiG88]

Exeter lack a decent back 3.

**** poor telegraphed attack their that led to giving away a penalty