Committed foot-soldiers of the 12-county army convene once more to discuss the province’s fortunes…
#4 : The Auld Enemy
A public house, Friday afternoon, somewhere in south Dublin...
RK: That was some hiding in the Sportsground last weekend.
Z: It was definitely a dark day for Leinster. They looked tired and out of ideas.
RK: A lack of organisation in defence and attack seemed to be the main stem of the problem. The heads dropped something rotten though didn't they?
Z: Yes, they sure did, there seemed to be a total lack of confidence. It was very disappointing.
I know I have said it before but Carr had another off day, but so did the rest of them too. The one thing to be said at least; the season only really starts tomorrow!
RK: Jaysus, how long are we going to put off the start of the season for. Carr is starting to look like more of a liability than an asset. He's going to become a target for one-off runners, as his one-on-one tackling is just atrocious. Radge can't tackle, but at least he tries, and Carr just doesn't even seem to be trying. He needs to sort his head out quick-smart or he'll be looking for a bench spot in the English second tier for his next contract.
Z: Totally agree with you with regards to Carr but there is nothing new in that argument at all.
RK: No, and I'm getting tired of making it. He needs to start meeting his potential.
Z: With regards to the slow start; I think in part that it may be down to the end of last season’s Rabo. Why bother finishing top and securing a home draw if it's of no real benefit to the team? It has seemed to play against them if anything, especially in choice of referees and their decision making. I really do think that there may be an element of prioritising finishing in the top 4, above Munster and let's concentrate on Europe. Also there was talk last month of Joe extending his contract but there has been no movement since as far as I know.
RK: I think you're right there. They've won games this season, but done just about enough to do so. We haven't seen any more than mere glimpses of what these lads are capable of since last season. They need to click, and this could be the match to do it on Saturday. The ‘auld enemy’, the palindrome, a severe booting last week. It could be just what's needed. Or it could be a disaster of more wishy-washy play, which Munster will not let them get away with.
Z: I really feel that when the big matches come around the real team will stand up, my only real concerns are the injuries we are carrying, and who starts at 11. I really hope that it's not Carr. I can think of at least 4 other players I would rather see there. Munster are coming together nicely at the minute, excluding their performance against the hairsprays which could be indicative of having their eyes on this weekend’s match. Which may also be the same for us.
RK: It’s a possibility. We were also both badly affected by the Ireland training camp. I think my major concerns for this weekend are Carr, the lack of an experienced scrum-half, and the psychological fug that seems to be hanging over the camp.
Z: Yes it's going to be tougher than usual. The scrumhalf issue is problematic but not insurmountable. And just as we bring up the contract issue, a confirmation from Leinster Rugby that Joe’s signed on for another year. What a fillip going into the match!
RK: That could be the very thing. He seems to be very well regarded by just about everyone linked to Leinster; players, fans and management alike. Is it time to start the montage and play ‘Eye of The Tiger’?
Z: I reckon so. All in all it's fantastic news to see Joe extend his contract & hopefully that will be reflected in the team's performance.
RK: Absolutely. I see the teams have just been announced now too. Glad to see that Reddan is fit and starting, McFadden is at 12 & Carr is on the bench. I know he’s played the position in the past, but I wonder how Mad-dog at 15 will do?
Z: I'm happy with that team, and I think Mad-dog at 15 will work out okay. He's got a massive boot on him so from a clearing the lines perspective I think we are good. The high-ball may be a problem but he's a tough little bugger and will offer a hell of a lot more in a defensive role if needed.
RK: He played fullback against Treviso didn't he? Shame I never got to see how he actually played. I think that putting him there & Isa on the wing is the right combination. I’d love to see Isa bust out one of the jinking line-breaks that he does so well.
Z: Oh yeah, that would be some sight. He did play at 15 against Treviso and did alright from what I can recall. Again, not our best showing that night either. He only played 50 minutes too.
RK: Interesting actually, it's the same starting XV as the away Treviso match, but with Isa in for Carr.
Not our finest hour, no. Still, it was a first game back for a few of the lads. I am worried by the lack of experience on the bench though.
Z: Yes the bench is very light. We really have to hope we can get a good 60 to 70 out of those on the pitch and a good lead built up too.
RK: And hope we don't have any more catastrophic injuries. The sword of Damocles is hanging over us here. So, no Paulie for Munster. That has to be good news for us in the set piece?
Z: Indeed, fingers crossed on the injury front. In terms of Paulie it is good news that he's out, however let's hope it's not used as an excuse if they lose. Set piece-wise it's still a tough ask. Toner will definitely have to up his playing level.
RK: Ours has certainly been creaking alright. Darts & lifts will have to be spot on.
Z: Oh and in the first 5 put Jennings/McLaughlin on O'Gara watch. If the space and time is there, barrel into him. Legitimately, of course. That and Two-step [Murray] should give us a chance in the middle.
RK: It worked well for Ulster in the closing minutes of their match, should work here too. Speaking of the middle, what do you think of the BOD/McFadden Earls/Laulala match up?
Z: It's going to be fun! All I can say is: rush Earls and he'll screw up.
RK: I think it may be as well for us that Downey's not in & Laulala is playing his less preferred position.
Z: Laulala is going to be a threat. It will be interesting to see how Ferg handles him. To be honest if I were Penney I would have Earls out at 11 with Downey and Laulala in their preferred spots but Deccie is calling the shots there I reckon.
RK: Nail on the head there boss. Welcome to Irish rugby politics 101 Penney. So, what's your reckoning on the final score difference?
Z: If both teams turn up and play well I reckon we will do it, but I think they will get a losing BP.
If both carry their recent form through, it's not even going to be pretty and it will be a crapshoot at that. And let’s not even think of the worst.
RK: You're reading my mind there. And of course, if it's us by less than 3 with 5 minutes left on the clock...
Z: If there are 5 left RO'G won't be on the pitch - but Keatley has been doing the old DG routine to a tee recently. So much so that RO'G blew it the last time. Chickened out.
RK: Ulster's excellent work in line-speed was a massively contributing factor there in fairness. Good to see Jamie getting the captaincy again. Still unbeaten as captain I think. Clinging onto that as a positive, I must be getting superstitious in my old age!
Z: [laughs] Right, pint?
A transcript from @RugbyKino in conversation with Leinster supporters whose identities have been anonymised for their own protection. All opinions given and players nicknames are the individual’s own, almost definitely whilst under the influence.
