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Parc y Scarlets, Wales - 20/10/2012 (13:35 Local Time)
TV: Sky Sports
The Scarlets should win this. Unlike against Clermont, the Leinster forwards won't be able to bully the Scarlets meaning the Scarlets backs should be in the game. Nothing silly this week though!
Either way, should be a cracking game with both sides usually looking to play a fast open game.
Wonder if Stoddart will be picked again, or if Easterby will punish him for his stupidity last week and select Fenby.
I still feel that the Scarlets have missed a trick by not giving gametime to young Daniel Thomas at openside at the beginning of the season. Turnbull isn't consistent enough, and nor is he a genuine 7, and this hurts the Scarlets far too often imo. With a genuine fetcher in the team their backs could be even more dangerous countering off turnover ball.
Apparently D'arcy is back and Kearney's out much rather it the other way round. Hope they keep McFadden at 12 as I think he's been pretty good.
I'd also like to echo Feic's sentiments about the pack.
Hmm, debatable that. While normally I'd passionately disagree, our pack isn't at it's best at the moment. That said, we still have 3 international back rows, two very physical second rows (I expect Cullen and Browne to start) and a very mobile front row, especially if Healy manages to make it through. Our pack was able to go toe to toe with Clermont's last year, so it's by no means a weak unit. I expect us to be on top there, if not to dominate out right.
That said, I think we should have the wide game to match Scarlets. We have a better half back combo and our centres are probably as good. If Rob can make it through then we have as good a back three too.
It's a game we need to win. I can't see us getting a bonus point, but I do feel we should get a result. I'd be a lot happier if Boss was fully match fit however.
If D'arcy is back I'd put him at 12. McFadden has played well, but I think we'd be far stronger with Nacewa at 15, which moving McFadden to the wing could accommodate. Ideally we'd be looking at:
11) McFadden
12) D'arcy
13) O'Driscoll
14) Conway
15) Nacewa
I'd agree just annoyed McFadden can't get a good run at 12 with Sexton and B'OD either side of him.
Needs must mate, were we playing with a full deck I'd give him a shot, but he's a more effective winger than Madigan is a full back. Also, considering we're going to have North and Davies running down the midfield all day it's no harm to have a bit of experience in there.
Still North, not that I don't rate McFadden's defense D'arcy and Bod are very strong as a partnership. Also while I like the idea of Madagin and Sexton on the part I don't think that he's the safest option at 15, so on that bases I wouldn't mind McFadden at 11 and Nacewa at 15.
Agree with this. Leinster peaked last season. Clermont seem to be reaching their peak. I can see ASM edging the back to back games 5-4 on points and topping the pool.On the showings so far this season, Clermont are going to stroll this group unless Leinster seriously ups their game, which is always doable. Still think that Leinster are nowhere near the level of previous seasons at the moment.
Did nobody watch this one then? Rhys Priestland surely can't start internationals after that.