For the first time this season I am not fully confident of a Leinster win. It is Black Friday I guess that might have something to do with it.
This lot have won their last 5 games, they have a mean defence, they are at home and we have a full team missing with Ireland or injured with from playing with Ireland.
Now that's out of the way I do think we will win but this will be a real test. I like the pack and the backline is exciting if a bit raw but they will have had the Benefit of training together for the past two weeks or so. Some of the younger players getting a real chance to step up.
I'd like to give a big up to Michael Bent, playing tighthead tonight. He had been a fantastic servant for us and while he has never hit the heights we would have loved, he has never the less got us out of many's a hole. He's covered both tight and loose and not many can do that. He is better at loose but then again most props are. Anyway give it socks tonight Michael.
Another player playing today is kinda in the same boat as Bent and that's Dom Ryan. Another who has watched younger players coming through and passing him by in the pecking order but is always ready to do his job when called on. I hope both have stormers today and give Leo some real selection problems when the internationals come back.
I find writing much easier when I have something to give out about but I have to say Leo, stu and girv are doing a really good job this season so credit where's it's due.
A win would be great tonight, a loss with a bonus would be ok, getting beat without a bonus not good but if we win with a bonus then we need to move to a new league. (maybe a topic for another day).
Chris McDonnell - 47 years old, 32 years of playing rugby union and 12 playing rugby league, I have started a rugby match in every position apart from 9. Find myself as a tighthead prop these days. Leinster fan first and foremost but will watch Munster if they’re on the telly.
*****
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