Scarlets v Leinster

[An Tarbh]

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Scarlets v Leinster</div>

The Scarlets go into this match without 4 international players while Leinster will also be without the 4 who started in Rome on Sunday. Cheika will have Gordon D'Arcy available after he featured as a sub in both games.

The Scarlets have Rhys Priestland, Regan King and Gavin Evans available again after injury.

As well as D'Arcy Leinster also have Girvan Dempsey, Shane Horgan, Shane Jennings and Malcolm O'Kelly in their squad.

Since becoming the Scarlets Leinster have only won once in Wales and that came last season so they'll be looking to improve that record.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

I'm looking forward to this one. I noticed that Paul O'Donohue is in the Leinster squad ahead of Chris Whitaker. There's no mention of any injury for the ex-Wallaby. Hopefully POD gets a run at 9 and takes his chance. Simon Keogh is the other 9 in the squad but he's been playing most of his rugby on the wing recently (and playing damn well out wide too).

 

[An Tarbh]

can't say I'd be crying a river if he was injured, there's no reason to rest him really from Cheika's point of view.

 

[MunsterMan]

Scarlets: Morgan Stoddart; Darren Daniel, Regan King, Jon Davies, Matthew Jacobs; Rhys Priestland, Martin Roberts; Iestyn Thomas, Ken Owens, Deacon Manu, Lou Reed, Dominic Day, Vernon Cooper, David Lyons, Simon Easterby (capt).

Replacements: Phil John, Mahonri Schwalger, Josh Turnbull, Rob McCusker, Gavin Cattle, Gavin Evans, Ceiron Thomas.

Leinster: Girvan Dempsey, Shane Horgan, Fergus McFadden, Gordon D'Arcy, Isa Nacewa, Felipe Contepomi, Paul O'Donohoe, Cian Healy, Brian Blaney, Stan Wright; Trevor Hogan, Malcolm O'Kelly; Cameron Jowitt, Shane Jennings (captain), Rocky Elsom.

Replacements: Bernard Jackman, Ronan McCormack, Devin Toner, Stephen Keogh, Simon Keogh, Jonathan Sexton, Gary Brown.

Jowitt? f*** sake why play him when you have O'Brien and Keogh?

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

I'm very happy with that Leinster team. Nacewa moves from outhalf into the back 3 where he'll provide a great counter attacking threat alongside the more solid Dempsey and Horgan. I'm surprised McFadden got the nod at 13 (I thought it would be Dr Phil alongside D'arcy) but he's a damn fine player who deserves his chance. O'Donohoe getting his 1st start beside Contepomi is probably the best combination available at present. Healy was outstanding last week and allows Stan Wright shift across to his best position of tighthead. Blaney has plenty of experience at hooker with Jackman offering impact from the bench. 2nd row is very strong whereas my only gripe is Jowitt at 6 but I assume he's in the team to offer a lineout option. Jennings gets his chance to captain the side ahead of Contepomi. It's a nice blend of youth and experience.

 

[Bluemoon]

Looking at the teams I get the horrible feeling that Leinster have a little to much out wide for the scarlets on this occassion. Also, Contepomi has really impressed me in his last few performances which may also be a telling factor as mr Steven Jones isnt around to run the game.

Regan King is a massive boost for the Scarlets I feel, they have definatly missed him.

Hopefully itll be an open game...

 

[cyRil]

Leinster by 18.

 

[Sir Speedy]

You're a

 

[QLD]

Leinster to dominate with the presence of Rocky Elsom at no.8.

 

[An Tarbh]

Contepomi gets Leinster off to a good start slotting an early penalty, Scarlets pinged in the lineout after Priestland kicked out on the full from a pass back into the 22.

 

[An Tarbh]

Priestland has got some boot on him, great distance on his first 2 penalties, Hook should well take notice.

 

[An Tarbh]

Lovely break from Stoddart, disappointing the way Leinster lost possession though, good tracking back from McFadden after Stoddart skinned Dr Phil.

 

[An Tarbh]

not striking as well off the ground as he has done out of hand, let off for Leinster as Priestland misses the penalty.

 

[An Tarbh]

Scarlets playing the territory game very well so far, pinning Leinster back with some quality kicking.

 

[An Tarbh]

thought we might have had enough advantage there but the ref comes back for it.

 

[An Tarbh]

second penalty for Contepomi makes it 6-0 to Leinster.

 

[An Tarbh]

big loss for the Scarlets there with Regan King going off.

 

[An Tarbh]

well my welsh isn't the best but apparently hamstring is the same in both languages, that seems to be the problem with King.

 

[An Tarbh]

that's a quality try from Leinster, lovely initial break from Elsom, great hands all the way through and finished off well by Nacewa.

 

[An Tarbh]

Leinster pack taking a leaf out of Ireland's book, great to see an effective maul even with this poxy elv.