The Leinster thread

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

According to Peter O'Reilly in the Sunday Times, Isa Nacewa is returning on a one year contract next season. After two years retirement and a subpar final season (by his own high standards) I wonder if this is the best possible move.

Looking at it more positively, having a player as skillful as Nacewa around should have a positive effect on the likes of Cian Kelleher, Billy Dardis, Adam Byrne, Tom Farrell, Garry Ringrose, Cathal Marsh and Ross Byrne.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

According to Peter O'Reilly in the Sunday Times, Isa Nacewa is returning on a one year contract next season. After two years retirement and a subpar final season (by his own high standards) I wonder if this is the best possible move.

Looking at it more positively, having a player as skillful as Nacewa around should have a positive effect on the likes of Cian Kelleher, Billy Dardis, Adam Byrne, Tom Farrell, Garry Ringrose, Cathal Marsh and Ross Byrne.

Setting himself up for a coaching role? I reckon it'll be a disappointing marriage as we have seen already when creativity is mixed with MO'C! As for those players named above I really hope we see Kelleher, Ross Byrne, Ringrose and Dardis get some substantial game time next year, those boys have the potential to bring Leinster some European glory in 6-7 years time.

 

[big ginger 8]

I think Kirchner is leaving at the end of the season so could be a decent signing to bring that experience during the WC. He will only be 33 but with two years out and him having left for family reasons, as much as I'd like it for nostalgic reasons I'd consider it unlikely.

 

[lynam1104]

As others have said I'd love to him back purely for nostalgia, but I don't know what sort of playing quality he could bring. Player/coach mentor role would be the only way I could see it working well.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

I think Kirchner is leaving at the end of the season so could be a decent signing to bring that experience during the WC. He will only be 33 but with two years out and him having left for family reasons, as much as I'd like it for nostalgic reasons I'd consider it unlikely.

We'd be better served with an NIQ 9 but I think MO'C tried and failed, settling for Strings. If Cronin and Strauss go to the World cup we could do with a short term 2 as well. The squad we have has very few weaknesses, the coach definitely being the biggest. Friday against the O's was pathetic really!

 

[munstermuffin]

Would be a waste of a NIQ in playing terms. But great coaching the rest.

 

[big ginger 8]

We'd be better served with an NIQ 9 but I think MO'C tried and failed, settling for Strings. If Cronin and Strauss go to the World cup we could do with a short term 2 as well. The squad we have has very few weaknesses, the coach definitely being the biggest. Friday against the O's was pathetic really!

I have no idea how the hell you can say that first sentence. We have no idea about any real transfer dealings. We clearly are looking for a NIQ nine/ten but it'll be hard to get anyone above Andrew Goodman standard. Getting an NIQ hooker would be a waste of a spot. The players we have may not be the best ever but with: Byrne, Dundon, Tracey and McCarthy we have enough hookers around.

 

[Peat]

Devil's advocate maybe...

Finding reliable players for the World Cup's going to be hard. I don't think Nacewa will sparkle, but I doubt he's lost his knack for being in the right place, for being calm, for directing those around him. That'll be pretty valuable for a raw team. Physically, I don't know how much training he's been doing in his retirement, but he's only 33 and those two years out of the game will have been great for him.

More I think about it, more I reckon he's worth a punt unless you've got a very good player lined up - and where would ye be getting one of those for the World Cup?

 

[munstermuffin]

Is it possible Nacewa will just sign a 3 month deal to cover RWC. And then transfer that NIQ slot to a marquee guy who'll arrive after RWC. Can't see ye sign a 9 until 2016-2017 as ye will have Reddan and Boss who are on books as well as younger guys

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Gopperth ****e, Douglas lazy, it could be a long day... At least Kirchner is looking good.

 

[big ginger 8]

Gopperth ****e, Douglas lazy, it could be a long day... At least Kirchner is looking good.

Whaaat?

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

That's the sextets thing we've done in 15 months. What a line Te'o!

 

[big ginger 8]

Time to break out the old X cuts better lines than Matt Stevens now for Ben Te'o. Maybe I should change the seond part for Karmichael Hunt?

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Back to playing ****e! Gopperth can't kick the ball, Kirchner took a turn for the worse. Leinster won't make the playoffs this year and if that happens MO'C has to go because that would be pathetic.

 

[ruggabee]

That was Kearney-esque.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Quite fitting that Jimmy Gopperth is being sent to Coventry, dear Christ.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Despite having the best player pool in both their ECC pool and the pro 12 Leinster are 13 from 23 this season. That's a 56% win rate, this is quite clearly a system problem. Leinster kick the ball more than any other side despite not having a top class tactical kicker, they can't score tries when their in opponents 22s and they make a horribly low number of line breaks (it's bad when your 10 is the leading line breaker). MO'C needs to go, it's simply not good enough we had 17 internationals in our squad today ffs.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Let's start with the positives. Improvements Leinster have made under Matt O'Connor listed below:




















Now the negatives:
1. From the top passing side in Europe under Joe Schmidt, Leinster have gone to **** in this area.
2. Kicking the ball (badly) is the best form of attack because line breaks and innovative passing moves are a thing of the past.
3. The pack look devoid of ideas. Was it the best call to promote Leo Cullen to forwards coach straight away when someone like John Fogarty has earned his stripes at A level?
4. Inability to get the best out of the backups. Leinster have won back to back B&I Cups playing scintillating rugby and provide the bulk of players to Ireland underage teams. The talent is there but isn't performing for the coach.
5. Painfully slow and inaccurate clearouts at the breakdown.
6. Persistence with players who aren't performing at a high enough level.

I give up.

 

[lucky number 7]

We've gone to ****.

Luke Fitzgerald is the shining light.
Few handy players floating around the pack but not clicking either.

When does Matt O'Conner leave.

 

[Conal]

matt o'connor new 3 year contract
geroge hook is being signed as team psychologist aswell