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<blockquote data-quote="Leinster Fan" data-source="post: 972651" data-attributes="member: 76349"><p>Would tend agree with you in the back three, Leinster have always been far happier dropping Kearney than Ireland and if Byrne hadn't gotten injured last season that'd have been a really tight call during the run in (second time in two seasons Kearney got back in due to injuries,Carbery was well ahead of him before the Fijians broke him back in 2017). This is a good time to be starting Larmour at fullback, he's looking better and better there and if we're being honest this is as easy a group as we'll ever get at this level. </p><p></p><p>As you say centre is an easy call (when they're fit, and they never are). Tomane has finally shown up this year, been one of our best players so far. Him and O'Loughlin are probably in more or less a straight shootout for the 23 shirt in a fully fit backline, although it'd probably go to Rob if he doesn't start. </p><p></p><p>Think the whole 3 into 2 has always stopped JGP ever been considered as a potential starter, with that gone it'll be interesting to see how he does against McGrath. I'd still tend towards for Luke because he seems to be a big part of the squad and JGP is probably at his best as an impact sub but if the obvious form call is for Gibson-Park I'd expect us to start him where we probably wouldn't have last season. 10 is pretty easy, Sexton starting, Ross as cover.</p><p></p><p>Reckon we could have done with more Deegan at the end of last year, difficult to get him on the pitch at the same time as Conan (who is rightfully unstoppable at the minute) but he was definitely worth a start at 7 ahead of O'Brien despite it not being his natural position. Brings a real spark to the pitch, Conan's injury is a big chance for him, and to a lesser extent Doris. Josh van der Flier is a nailed on starter for the foreseeable with or without Leavy I think. 6 really just comes down to a personal preference between Fardy and Ruddock. </p><p></p><p>Lock is probably Toner and Ryan, although Dev still doesn't look at his best. If he doesn't find form we could see Fardy starting here. If we do decide to go with Kelleher at hooker though we'll definitely want Toner starting, life should be made as easy for him as possible. </p><p></p><p>Props are easy, Healy should have at least another season or two in him. Dooley has started the season well and could push Byrne (who I really rate). Hooker is the big question. Cronin still has an injury of unclear severity, and Kelleher has really stepped up during the world cup. Tracy and Bryan Byrne are decent but will never be top level, I'd take Kelleher over either. Like you say, tempting to start him even if Cronin is fit. At the end of the day, this is as easy as a group as we'll ever get, hopefully that means we're willing to take risks (not that we aren't normally).</p><p></p><p>Have to say I'm looking forward to going back to supporting a team with the selection policy of actually picking the best performing players regardless of prior experience etc.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Leinster Fan, post: 972651, member: 76349"] Would tend agree with you in the back three, Leinster have always been far happier dropping Kearney than Ireland and if Byrne hadn't gotten injured last season that'd have been a really tight call during the run in (second time in two seasons Kearney got back in due to injuries,Carbery was well ahead of him before the Fijians broke him back in 2017). This is a good time to be starting Larmour at fullback, he's looking better and better there and if we're being honest this is as easy a group as we'll ever get at this level. As you say centre is an easy call (when they're fit, and they never are). Tomane has finally shown up this year, been one of our best players so far. Him and O'Loughlin are probably in more or less a straight shootout for the 23 shirt in a fully fit backline, although it'd probably go to Rob if he doesn't start. Think the whole 3 into 2 has always stopped JGP ever been considered as a potential starter, with that gone it'll be interesting to see how he does against McGrath. I'd still tend towards for Luke because he seems to be a big part of the squad and JGP is probably at his best as an impact sub but if the obvious form call is for Gibson-Park I'd expect us to start him where we probably wouldn't have last season. 10 is pretty easy, Sexton starting, Ross as cover. Reckon we could have done with more Deegan at the end of last year, difficult to get him on the pitch at the same time as Conan (who is rightfully unstoppable at the minute) but he was definitely worth a start at 7 ahead of O'Brien despite it not being his natural position. Brings a real spark to the pitch, Conan's injury is a big chance for him, and to a lesser extent Doris. Josh van der Flier is a nailed on starter for the foreseeable with or without Leavy I think. 6 really just comes down to a personal preference between Fardy and Ruddock. Lock is probably Toner and Ryan, although Dev still doesn't look at his best. If he doesn't find form we could see Fardy starting here. If we do decide to go with Kelleher at hooker though we'll definitely want Toner starting, life should be made as easy for him as possible. Props are easy, Healy should have at least another season or two in him. Dooley has started the season well and could push Byrne (who I really rate). Hooker is the big question. Cronin still has an injury of unclear severity, and Kelleher has really stepped up during the world cup. Tracy and Bryan Byrne are decent but will never be top level, I'd take Kelleher over either. Like you say, tempting to start him even if Cronin is fit. At the end of the day, this is as easy as a group as we'll ever get, hopefully that means we're willing to take risks (not that we aren't normally). Have to say I'm looking forward to going back to supporting a team with the selection policy of actually picking the best performing players regardless of prior experience etc. [/QUOTE]
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