The Leinster thread

[munstermuffin]

BG8. It was O'Malley who made that big hit IIRC.

But as for back line next year IF we had full selection or even minus internationals doubt it'll be an all Leinster ever. But big talk is Luke wants to be a centre and we are prepared to give it to him. Don't know was it on this thread or another but I remember saying 18months or so ago and crying out for Luke at 12. He has the talent and skill set but I think defensively he is so solid and if he can learn positional sense I believe he could rival skylander (regardless of where he plays Munster/Leinster).
As for McGrath he is a superb talent but Sheridan is too and well while McGrath is better I don't mind either way.
And tonight I thought Conway was excellent and is a player I really am excited about.

But IF both arrived our strongest back line next year IMHO:
15. Conway (Jones will have battle now)
14. O'Dea
13. Laulala/Fitzgearld
12. Fitzgearld/Downey/Hanrahan
11. Earls
10. Keatley
9. Murray

21. McGrath
22. Hanrahan/ROG
23. Plenty of options.

As for Leinster I know they have a few ready to step up but I predict they must have 2/3 big names in pipeline.

 

[Groundhog]

Just realised if these (horribe) rumours come true Munster could field a backline of:

15. Jones
14. Conway
13. Fitzgerald
12. Downey
11. Muphy
10. Keatley
9. McGrath

Wonder where they're from?

Serious injuries by the looks of it

 

[big ginger 8]

BG8. It was O'Malley who made that big hit IIRC.

But as for back line next year IF we had full selection or even minus internationals doubt it'll be an all Leinster ever. But big talk is Luke wants to be a centre and we are prepared to give it to him. Don't know was it on this thread or another but I remember saying 18months or so ago and crying out for Luke at 12. He has the talent and skill set but I think defensively he is so solid and if he can learn positional sense I believe he could rival skylander (regardless of where he plays Munster/Leinster).
As for McGrath he is a superb talent but Sheridan is too and well while McGrath is better I don't mind either way.
And tonight I thought Conway was excellent and is a player I really am excited about.

But IF both arrived our strongest back line next year IMHO:
15. Conway (Jones will have battle now)
14. O'Dea
13. Laulala/Fitzgearld
12. Fitzgearld/Downey/Hanrahan
11. Earls
10. Keatley
9. Murray

21. McGrath
22. Hanrahan/ROG
23. Plenty of options.

As for Leinster I know they have a few ready to step up but I predict they must have 2/3 big names in pipeline.

Was only messing with the backline.

I've seen the thing about wanting to play centre but to me that doesn't make sense as he's said his favorite position is 15 and he prefers wing to centre. Schmidt has also shown he's willing to play him centre.

Sheridan is 24, why's he only playing now?

You'd rate O'Dea over Zebo? I really rate him and intially at least preferred him but haven't seen many with that opinion.

 

[munstermuffin]

Nah it's ok I left Zebo in reserve
But if it were true Penney will have learnt from Schmidt in having actual squad for instance.
9. Murray McGrath Sheridan
10. Keatley ROG Hanrahan
11. Zebo O'Dea Hurley
12. Fitzgearld Downey Dineen
13. Laulala Earls
14. Murphy O'Mahony
15. Jones Conway

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

BG8. It was O'Malley who made that big hit IIRC.

But as for back line next year IF we had full selection or even minus internationals doubt it'll be an all Leinster ever. But big talk is Luke wants to be a centre and we are prepared to give it to him. Don't know was it on this thread or another but I remember saying 18months or so ago and crying out for Luke at 12. He has the talent and skill set but I think defensively he is so solid and if he can learn positional sense I believe he could rival skylander (regardless of where he plays Munster/Leinster).
As for McGrath he is a superb talent but Sheridan is too and well while McGrath is better I don't mind either way.
And tonight I thought Conway was excellent and is a player I really am excited about.

But IF both arrived our strongest back line next year IMHO:
15. Conway (Jones will have battle now)
14. O'Dea
13. Laulala/Fitzgearld
12. Fitzgearld/Downey/Hanrahan
11. Earls
10. Keatley
9. Murray

21. McGrath
22. Hanrahan/ROG
23. Plenty of options.

As for Leinster I know they have a few ready to step up but I predict they must have 2/3 big names in pipeline.

I'm interested to see how Conway gets on in Munster, he's nowhere near good enough to start at the moment in my opinion. I've never been impressed with him.

 

[munstermuffin]

Was only messing with the backline.

I've seen the thing about wanting to play centre but to me that doesn't make sense as he's said his favorite position is 15 and he prefers wing to centre. Schmidt has also shown he's willing to play him centre.

Sheridan is 24, why's he only playing now?

You'd rate O'Dea over Zebo? I really rate him and intially at least preferred him but haven't seen many with that opinion.

Well Zebo is best attacking player we have but thing I like is Earls Fitzgearld Conway O'Dea Zebo Murphy Hurley and Hanrahan are all versatile.
I agree Sheridan should've been in sooner but some of delay was his fault and some management but still a very good player

 

[munstermuffin]

I'm interested to see how Conway gets on in Munster, he's nowhere near good enough to start at the moment in my opinion. I've never been impressed with him.

I think with games he could get confidence and is good enough to be a starter. Tonight he was good but I think his style attracts a lot of injuries

 

[big ginger 8]

I'm interested to see how Conway gets on in Munster, he's nowhere near good enough to start at the moment in my opinion. I've never been impressed with him.

Shame on you.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Hagan transfer from rumours thread confirmed.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/rabo-...78356-hagan-leaves-leinster-for-london-irish/

I've mixed feelings on this. It's better that Leinster don't lose either Martin Moore or Tadhg Furlong but Jamie Hagan is a higher quality player than Michael Bent in my opinion. This will benefit Ireland in my opinion since it'll see more tightheads playing more regularly.

Idle speculation time: are Leinster dumping a lot of salary with the aim of bringing in a couple of high quality players and promoting a few kids?

 

[munstermuffin]

Will it though in terms of he could become best TH in Europe at LI but IRFU will be stubborn about picking him but agree that Bent is the issue here and still think he will be like Borlaise

 

[big ginger 8]

Idle speculation time: are Leinster dumping a lot of salary with the aim of bringing in a couple of high quality players and promoting a few kids?

I've thought about this or just simple budget cuts but if you look at the confirmed depatures they do make sense.

Hagan: Fighting for a bench spot more likely to start for LI and possibly better money.

Van Der Merwe: The I.R.F.U.'s poilicy regarding foreign players. Hasn't been as great this year anyway more time for McGrath and O'Connell. McGraths ready.

Tom Sexton: 4th choice hooker no big loss.

Browne: Offset by McCarthy coming good player but nothing huge in the great scheme of things.

Jonathan Sexton: Big loss but gone for the huge money offer.

Carr: Wasn't getting anywhere regressed since leaving Connacht, wants more gametime.

Conway: Probably sees a bigger role for himdown south. Also probably feeling regretful with Carr and Nacewa now definitely gone.

Nacewa: Huge loss. Retiring for family reasons which could be anything and is understandable.

The most worrying thing about these transfers is that both Conway and Hagan were mid contract.

Hopefully the rumours about Fitzgerald are false. Losing him and BO'D and/or Cullen would be devestating.

All this I know realise is off from your original question.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

@bg8
I agree with most of that. Piece by piece:

Hagan: Fighting for a bench spot more likely to start for LI and possibly better money.

Good move for Hagan since he'll get more game time. Good move for Ireland since it's another tighthead playing more frequently. Good long term move for Leinster since it's one less blockage for Martin Moore and Tadhg Furlong to overcome.

Van Der Merwe: The I.R.F.U.'s poilicy regarding foreign players. Hasn't been as great this year anyway more time for McGrath and O'Connell. McGraths ready.

van der Merwe gets paid. Ireland have more options at 1. McGrath isn't too far behind vdM right now. Makes sense.

Tom Sexton: 4th choice hooker no big loss.

Not likely to usurp Richardt Strauss or Sean Cronin any time soon. He needs to play. Great move for him.

Browne: Offset by McCarthy coming good player but nothing huge in the great scheme of things.

Browne was useful but McCarthy is a step up.

Jonathan Sexton: Big loss but gone for the huge money offer.

Helps Ireland since another flyhalf (Madigan) develops. Can't blame Sexton for taking the money.

Carr: Wasn't getting anywhere regressed since leaving Connacht, wants more gametime.

Affords players like Dave Kearney, Andrew Boyle, Darren Hudson, Sam Coghlan Murray and Adam Byrne more opportunities. Should be of long term benefit to Leinster.

Conway: Probably sees a bigger role for himdown south. Also probably feeling regretful with Carr and Nacewa now definitely gone.

Good move for him as long of he starts. Helps Ireland in that case.

Nacewa: Huge loss. Retiring for family reasons which could be anything and is understandable.

Nearly 31, hasn't been as good this season as in previous years. Perhaps this is a blessing in disguise.

The most worrying thing about these transfers is that both Conway and Hagan were mid contract.

Doesn't bother me too much. If they wanted out, no point keeping them.

Hopefully the rumours about Fitzgerald are false. Losing him and BO'D and/or Cullen would be devestating.

It would tear the heart out of the team. I await to see who's brought in before passing judgement.

 

[munstermuffin]

Just on Conway, he looked excellent on Saturday but I sure he knew of Nacewa and Carr when he left. It's been said Nacewa decision was around since Christmas and Carr was always on way out.
But think this is huge test for Schmidt (if he's there next season) on how he rebuilds the squad and what personal he can get in

 

[MunsterMan]

Not sure how reputable 98fm's information is, but they are apparently reporting this afternoon that Fitzgerald to Munster is a done deal.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Not sure how reputable 98fm's information is, but they are apparently reporting this afternoon that Fitzgerald to Munster is a done deal.

I don't know but with so many rumors and media attention it must not be too far away.
It's a nightmare for Leinster if it happens he would have been one of our most important players next season.

A backline of:

9. Reddan/Boss/Cooney (this spot is really up for grabs)
10. Madigan/Gopperth
11. D. Kearney
12. D'Arcy
13. O'Malley
14. McFadden
15. R. Kearney

isn't anywhere near what it has been the last four seasons.

 

[big ginger 8]

Dom Ryan to Connacht now doing the rounds.

****.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8AunBU7AuYk?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
This went up last week as well. Leaving?

 

[jcahill1]

I really like Ryan, more so than Ruddock. The thing I find worrying about this is that the pack has up til now been left relatively intact. We can't afford to have the pack and backs decimated in the same transfer window.

 

[munstermuffin]

Luke Fitz not done yet. Remember radios said Bowe signed with us before but talks still on but nothing signed. I think Ryan would be huge loss, he always impressed me and is a tough nut too. Leinster seem to be in a funny scenario and something doesn't seem right there lads. Have heard murmurs of unrest don't think it can be that bad

 

[Feicarsinn]

He's staying! Glorious day!


In all seriousness, Luke will be one of the guys to really tie the back line together next season. Himself and Kearney will be the only true top international class we have there as things stand (that's expecting the worst of course), and while there's buckets of talents there, the guys are still very raw. I'm not adverse to seeing something like this playing next season:

10) Madigan
11) Kearney
12) McFadden
13) O'Malley
14) Fitzgerald
15) Kearney

I get the feeling that people have somewhat forgotten what a quality operator Eoin O'Malley is in recent times. If he gets a good run of games he'll have an eye on a green shirt. Fitzgerald can also cover the centre, as can Goodman and Macken, so we shouldn't be too short there. We do need to bring in a back three player or two mind. Adam Byrne and Darren Hudson are like to get a lot of time, but I'd like someone with real test class for Europe.

To be honest, with the amount of good carriers we have in the pack we can get away with a slightly weedy backline. O'Brien, Healy, Strauss, Heaslip, etc. do love a bit of running and the new crop of back rows are no different. I really hope we can keep hold of Dom Ryan now, that's the next goal.

It's time to trust these guys. All of the names listed save O'Malley have international caps to their names, and he's been in a bit of an awkward position for establishing yourself in the green shirt.

We'll be grand.

 

[lynam1104]

Great news about Fitzy

I agree on EOM Feic, I think he can have a big future ahead of him and will hopefully by this time next season be looking at a green jersey (assuming BOD hangs up the boots) him and Marshal would be a nice center paring for Ireland, slight but so were/are BOD and D'arcy. Don't want to hype him up to much he dose look good though.

On rumors to do with us signing Beal, I'm not really in favor of it hes a talented player for sure but if we sign SH internationals I'd like them to be professionals who take their jobs serisouly and add another level to the squad as whole something Beal over the weekend demonstrated is not true about himself.