Committed foot-soldiers of the 12-county army convene once more to discuss the province’s fortunes…
Blue-Rinse & Hairspray
A public house, Friday afternoon, somewhere in south Dublin...
Z: So, Cardiff. What do you reckon?
RK: That was some performance from the boys. We've been waiting for something like that since pre-season.
Z: It was a great performance from ourselves and most importantly we looked sharp and passes went to hand, but Jesus the Blues were inept.
RK: Their defence was a complete shambles in the first half. It seemed to firm up in the last 30, but as we seemed to take the foot off the gas at that stage it's hard to say which was the cause & which was the effect.
Z: Exactly, and for a team with a purported shoe-in for Lions captain it was a disgrace
RK: It was as purposeless an effort as I ever remember watching in the first half. Have the Welsh given up on their club sides as anything more than national squad training? Anyway, besides a very positive team performance from the lads, a fair few individuals stepped up their game didn't they?
Z: Most definitely. I was very impressed with Jordi; nice to have good cover coming through.
RK: Absolutely. I was concerned about him before the match, with Cardiff's three opensides on the pitch, but we had no trouble at the breakdown and he was everywhere in the loose. He's really come along. Jenno's a great teacher obviously!
Z: Indeed it would appear that way. However let's not get ahead of ourselves. Carr would have looked like Shaggy in his prime against them. The Hairsprays will be a better test.
RK: Too true. Even at that they'll be stripped of their internationals. It's certainly an opportunity to poach an away game against them.
Z: Also worth noting that they still have decent depth in their squad so it's unlikely to be a total walkover. And that we still have Mad-dog. I suppose it's the one plus of Kidney's Munster love affair.
RK: We've got problems too of course.
Z: Oh there's no denying that there are problems there.
RK: No Drico, no Luke, no Kearney Sr, no Seanie, and no Isa!
Z: But Jenno should be back, & to be honest we have been playing for a while now without them anyway.
RK: And look at the season so far...
Z: True, true. But we have been hit harder by withdrawals for "training camps" than most of our opposition to date.
RK: Not as badly this year, except that they keep taking all our front row forwards. Even the ones who haven't even gotten their first cap with us yet.
Z: It's fucked up when you look at it, but it's also a good show of our strength in depth.
RK: It was great to see Dave Kearney get such a good run. He's looking sharp on the wing.
Z: I was delighted to see him back. The boy's got real class.
RK: We've been a little callow on the wing to be honest; it's a relief to see him hit the ground running.
Z: It's great to know that it won’t be as soft an area as it has been so far, but the real question is, who do we play at centre?
RK: Macken and O'Malley seem most likely for this weekend. Goodman may well get a run at centre off the bench.
Z: Yes most likely to start. We will need Mad-dog to be on form too for defensive backup.
RK: Absolutely. Jenno's been on top defensive form this season; he will be on for the full 80. It's a necessity! And as we speak here's the teamsheet for Sunday. So, Goodman right in there with a start, and no Bent! He has to be on the first team sheet for Ireland now.
Z: Most definitely, otherwise there will be uproar. Great to see Goodman getting a start also, he will be needed.
RK: I've heard great things about him as a playmaker down south. I hope he transitions quickly.
Z: Ditto. In his preferred position too. This is squaring up to be an intriguing match.
RK: It'll tell us an awful lot about the state of play with some of the younger players. It's an entirely untested centre pairing which makes me nervous, as does Carr starting on the wing. I'd put a tenner now on Jennings or Madser being Leinster MOTM.
Z: Carr makes me more nervous! [laughs] But definitely money on Jennings. Maybe Browne to double up!
RK: If it's tight & brutal all the way, then Jenno's a lock-in. But if they can open it up early on & get in a few scores it could well go Madigan's way. It would need to be an equivalent of last week's team-performance though.
Z: Indeed that would be impressive.
RK: I can see us having difficulties. Especially since Carr's marking Hanno Dirksen. He's a bit of a pocket rocket.
Z: Ugh; that’s not going to be pretty.
RK: He will get inside Carr with a step-in. Just better be sure we've got a covering tackler.
RK: Dave Kearney's at full back; quite happy with that actually. Madser's back at outhalf. I can see Madigan & Boss making quite an aggressive running partnership actually. Throw in a bit of Auva'a and you've got your gainline breaks there.
Z: Madigan & Boss would be a cracking partnership, especially at the breakdown. Mmm, tasty. And Van der Merwe for a bit of bosh if needed. I’m happy with Kearney at 15 too.
RK: Yep. Down to our 3rd choice hooker though. Still, good to have *a* Sexton on the pitch.
Z: [laughs] It is indeed. I’m more concerned with Conway at 14. We should be safe but who knows. Hagan and Sexton are going to have their work cut out at the scrum, but Van der Merwe should help them out. It will be watched with interest though, and will be great experience for the youth.
RK: Yes, but let's hope that it's not a sacrificed game. We need to keep up the wins at the moment, and this is going to be one of the trickiest of the season. I don't think it'll be much of a spectacle, but I'll be glued to it nonetheless.
Z: Again I keep going back to the top 4 mantra. As long as we are in it we are in with a chance. Not even half-way yet.
RK: If we lose this, Ospreys leapfrog us into 4th on the table. We need to keep the nose in.
Z: Yes, but I reckon we will have more in the tank over the season than them and I can't see Glasgow staying up there either.
RK: It remains to be seen I suppose, but I agree about Glasgow. They seem to be treading water, but the sharks are circling. Not Sale, metaphorical sharks.
Z: I would put this weekend down as a good learning curve but not a disaster if we were to lose. Maybe sneak a losing bonus if we don't click. I reckon we should beat them, but not by much.
RK: I think we've seen too little continuity this season, especially with the internationals away. I think it'll be a BP loss unless they can pull together an 80% team performance. Or a string of career defining individual performances. A mixture of the two would be lovely, and would probably get Schmidty a sainthood/knighthood/Ireland job.
Z: [laughs] He already has that bar the Ireland job!
RK: So what do you think of Michael Bent? Off the plane and onto the Irish squad. And probably the first bench. Not a provincial cap to his name.
Z: I have no problems with this at all. He is Irish qualified and has been playing at a high level. Just because it's not been in Ireland; I don't see the hoo-hah. I actually feel more for the guys who left to go play abroad and were snubbed by the IRFU blazers. I'm all for strengthening our squad with players who are qualified for us, regardless of where they play or come from. It's part and parcel of the modern game.
RK: Succinctly put. It must be slightly bizarre from his Bent's point of view though.
Z: It may also come as a kick in the ass for some provincial players that are sitting on their laurels. It definitely must be weird for Bent, but I do think it's a good thing also. He will get an up close look at the international setup and brought into the fold. I would have preferred if that happened at Leinster, but only if all the squad were together. In my opinion it could be quite disheartening to turn up for your first game and get hammered because 10-15 1st teamers are out. It would be very easy to let that head drop, especially as you would be under enormous pressure to deliver immediately.
RK: Very true. I suppose it's easier to deal with being beaten by the Boks than the Hairsprays.
Z: [laughs] There is that! Pint?
A transcript from @RugbyKino in conversation with Leinster supporters whose identities have been anonymised for their own protection. All opinions given are the individual’s own, almost definitely whilst under the influence.
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.
Committed foot-soldiers of the 12-county army convene once more to discuss the province’s fortunes…
#3 : Home Scot Free
A post-Edinburgh match gathering of six terraced Leinster faithful, on the hallowed grounds of the RDS
RK: OK, so feelings on the night's match?
D: I thought it was a terrible game, I thought the defence was awful. We had at least 8 minutes on the field against 13 players and we got nothing from it other than a soft try that we should have had 20 minutes earlier.
RK: Do you feel it was mostly the defence that was at fault there or do you think that we were lacking in clinical finishing?
D: I think it was an attacking fault, the attacking was soft. It was dropping, it was chasing, it was all wrong
RK: Do you think that the slow burn that has been attributed to Leinster at the start of the Rabo over the past few seasons has worsened?
D: No, I don't think so at all, we've lost a few games at the start of the season for the last few years. That's how we roll. [All laugh] It's a false sense of security for the rest of the league.
M: Attacking-wise I don't think we did enough of them having 13 men on the pitch for the best part of 10 minutes. I think it's a sin that we got 7 points and they got 3, we never should have even let them into our half in that 10, but what can you do?
RK: I have to say I absolutely agree with you, I think a 2 man advantage was squandered.
C: At the end of the day we're only at the start of the season, there are lots of players still to come back to the squad before the Six Nations.
D: I tell you, a lot of that team was very young and inexperienced as well and that's great to see.
C: And at the start of the season you have to get the experience going.
D: Who did we have; Macken got two hard fought tries?
C: This is the part of the season where Leinster develop their new and younger players, and during the Six Nations they consolidate those players, then the more senior players come back, and come the Heineken Cup we're okay. Come the end of the season we're going to have a team to be reckoned with.
M: We're still missing a couple of the key skill-sets that it takes to win a HC. We have a couple of tough games ahead. We have Clermont at home and away; two crunch games right in the middle, we either win them both or we don't go through. It's as plain and simple as that.
RK: Leinster are obviously a huge target now in both the Heineken Cup and the Rabo Pro 12, do you think at this stage we'll be able to cope on two fronts?
C: Last year was a prime example of coping on every front...
RK: But we did lose the final.
M: It's notoriously difficult to win a cup and league together. We're talking about professional rugby players here. Two years ago, won the Heineken Cup and then went and played [the Magners final] in Munster and in fairness it was a bit of a jolly. Everyone had a hangover; players, fans, the lot, and that was all fine. The novelty should have worn off now, we've won our third, [for last season's final] we played at home, in the RDS, and whatever about the referee, we were outclassed on the pitch. The Ospreys were the better team. If we're going to talk about doubles, even if we're just talking about winning the Rabo, we have to focus beyond the Heineken Cup.
C: We have to do the double to be declared a truly excellent team.
D: We had a lot of youth and inexperience on the team, but I don't think that that's any excuse for not using that two man advantage. It's not good enough; to be good enough to play for Leinster you have to be able to take advantage of those situations when they arise, or a double is going to be out of the question.
C: It's called practise. These new guys...
RK: If it wasn't good enough for BOD [at a Q&A earlier that night] why would it be good enough for you?
C: He wants to get the new guys out, he wants to bring the young fellas on, and he is trying the mentor them and pass on his experience, as he said tonight. He's an unbelievable player for Leinster and Ireland.
RK: And on a worldwide scale. Tonight, we saw an improvement in defence, but still nothing compared to what we've come to expect from a Leinster side...
C: It's early season. You can't compare these games to a Heineken Cup final, or the qualifiers for that matter.
RK: To put it in context, before the match tonight the number of points we'd conceded wasn't reached until most of the way through game six last season.
M: We've been leaking so many points this season. It's been a hallmark of Leinster rugby at least since Joe took over that we have a very organised defence that's absolutely mean, it's Cork mean. [All laugh] It's absolutely miserly in how many points it's let out, and then all of a sudden we're haemorrhaging tries. I don't buy into this whole Newcastle offence.
RK: Are we in danger of turning into a southern hemisphere club side?
M: If we were turning into a southern hemisphere side, I would die inside.
RK: This is the thing; are we trading off defence for tries?
S: No, we're just rusty.
RK: How long do we have to be rusty for?
M: This time 2 seasons ago nobody had any faith in Joe Schmidt. And here we are this season, we've played what is traditionally a banana skin game away [Treviso] and won convincingly, and played at home twice and won well, and we've played against a team [Scarlets] that, being honest, given the players we had available to play at the time we were highly unlikely to beat.
RK: George fucking North. I think it's fair to say that we've mixed feelings at best about the match tonight despite the win, but what about Connacht next week? They traditionally save their best game of the season for Leinster at the Sportsground, every sodding year.
S: They're dying to beat us!
D: I've been to the derbies in there three times over the last five years and I'm yet to come home from a win.
RK: They love to tear strips out of us when we're there.
M: It's a banana-skin game for all the provinces, they save their best for the home derbies.
D: Tonight's game was sloppy and didn't give the fans much to shout about, and nothing to really give us hope for next week. I think we're going to win, but I'm not going to strut into the Sportsground, that's for sure.
RK: I don't think anyone really struts into the Showground. Even Toulouse were put to the sword for a while there. Predictions?
C: Leinster by 10.
D: Leinster by 3.
S: If the weather's bad it'll be a tight match, and we could come out the wrong side.
M: Bonus point loss.
RK: And for the record I reckon on Leinster by 5. Right, pints?
A transcript from @RugbyKino in conversation with Leinster supporters whose identities have been anonymised for their own protection. All opinions given are the individual’s own, almost definitely whilst under the influence.
Both committed foot-soldiers of the 12-county army, RK & Z convene to ponder the province’s fortunes…
#2 = ENTER THE DRAGONS
A public house, post-match, somewhere in south Dublin...
RK: So, that was some improvement on last week anyway!
Z: Any kind of showing would have been an improvement on that disaster. Unfortunately it has to be said that the Dragons were fairly toothless too. It was good to see the young pups holding their own. I thought the scrum was really solid on the whole, so I was well impressed with them.
RK: I was happy with the scrum, given the size of the Dragon's pack I thought the young fellas did pretty well. Young Hago looks like he's been hitting the bench rather than Nando's over the summer.
Z: Yes, I was very impressed with how much he has come on. I guess he really sees that there is a path to the green now open to him and he's putting in the required work.
RK: Good to see him making good use of his transfer back from Connacht. I hope Carr does the same this season.
Z: I have to say though, Carr was brutal against Scarlets. It was an improved performance tonight; he actually put in a few hits and held them. I’ll be looking for more of that as the season progresses.
RK: As I've said before, he's got the skills, I'm just not sure he's got the mental. Speaking of skills and mental, what did you think of Mad-dog's [Madigan] outing?
Z: We touched on this last season also; the kid's got talent and he brought it to the fore today. He’s one of the best directional kickers I have seen for some time and he has clearly spent a lot of time studying Sexton. It wouldn't surprise me if we saw a few Sexton at 12, Mad-dog at 10 or vice versa outings this year.
RK: It's possibly the least objectionable way of getting Mad-dog some proper big game time. Not sure J10 would be massively pleased with it though if he was getting shovelled to 12, or that Madser's big enough to stop a random Tuilagi at centre.
Z: [laughs]
RK: I seriously love his defensive work rate though. He'd stick his head where most backs would fear to tread. That's some serious balls.
Z: Yeah, you gotta love that. He definitely has the skills and cojones to play 12. As you say though the Tuilagi factor could be an issue.
RK: Goddamn bosh-merchant English League. And the French too. I can't believe what they're doing to their game.
Z: I was just about to say the same. And they wonder why they don’t make any real headway in the Heineken. Nothing to do with squads or places, all to do with mismanagement.
RK: Absolutely. Trying to bludgeon a camel-sized centre through the eye of a needle.
Z: Couldn't have said it better. That’s why I feel there is hope for mad-dog at 12. He has the skills to evade the boshers. It will be interesting to see how McFadden fits in.
RK: Yes, but they take some stopping if they do have the ball, as evidenced by the yet-again soft centre-field we saw earlier on. I think McFadden is a centre, and I think Joe builds teams based on positional merit rather than shoe-horning people on just so they're on the pitch. Leave that to Uncle Deccie.
Z: We could at some point see McFadden, Sexton and Mad-dog at 13, 12 and 10 though for Leinster, maybe against the likes of Zebre or Exeter. Though it has to be said Reid, Macken and Conway did well.
RK: That they did. The trial by fire seems to be working out for them.
Z: The only shame being they will probably be split up this weekend. Would like to see them getting a bit more of a run together and Treviso would offer more of a challenge.
RK: That move off the restart from Reid was something else.
Z: Yes it sure was, it was nice to see them give as good as they got.
RK: You wouldn't want to expect to see that too often from the young fellas!
Z: [laughs]. I dunno it's been the hallmark of a few of the older heads - reckon it's probably rubbing off.
RK: I certainly hope so. Cooney has come on a long way too. Looks to be turning into a quality scrumhalf if he keeps it up. Nice physicality to him too.
Z: All in all I have to say I was very satisfied with the pack. Take Cronin, Jenno and Leo out and it was very wet behind the ears, but it impressed a lot. Was interesting to see Roux also; a quiet enough performance, but on his debut it’s for the best I guess.
RK: Aye. Ben Marshall had an excellent game at blindside, I'd expect to be seeing more of him over the season.
Z: Yep he did indeed, definitely one for the future and a great backup to have on the bench when we get deeper into the season
RK: Looking a bit rosier after a win now isn't it? How about next weekend though.
Z: Well there is talk of bringing some of the mainstays back.
RK: They should be being released back out of the mandatory player management commitments at this stage, so I'd imagine we'll see a few. Who'd you like to see on yourself?
Z: To be honest I would like to see McFadden, O’Driscoll and Heaslip back in alongside Reddan, not necessarily all at the same time. I think keep the pack as is - maybe swap Strauss for Cronin but add Heaslip at the back and alternate between McFadden, O’Driscoll, Reid & Macken. Make sure one of Reid/Macken is on the pitch with Ferg/BOD. Treviso are a big team and I would like to see how Carr handles it.
RK: I think you're spot on about the centres there, we need bolstering, but we need to develop the young fellas too. A split rotation is probably the way to do it. Other than at centre I'd like to see no more than a sprinkling of internationals at any one time. We're going to need to step up the defence big time for the Italians; centres are going to be crucial.
Z: Yep - and for me it's important the youth get a bit of experience dealing with big centres now. Also see how the scrum holds out against a big unit. As far as I recall we had a fair bit of weight on Dragons.
RK: Why is it that Italian packs are always massive? Would suggesting that it's all the pasta be a bit racist?
Z: It's not the pasta it’s their mother's cooking!
RK: It's as well they can't find a decent fly half of Italian blood or we'd be in serious trouble.
Z: Indeed. Instead they will opt for another SH passport jobbie.
RK: The aul ‘Aussie that sticks out like a sore thumb in the team sheet’ move? Yeah, I'd imagine so. Anyhow, they banana-skinned us there 2 years ago, but with a sprinkling of internationals back into the team how do you think we'll do?
Z: It will be tough and if there is only a light sprinkling of international talent, very tight. I reckon we would deny them the losing bonus just - but the main win for us would be the experience.
RK: I'd say you're right. Their tails will be up after their last home win against the hairsprays though. We'll need to take our chances when they're there.
Z: Oh yes. But it's also worthwhile pointing out the hairsprays are more Head & Shoulders these days.
RK: [laughs] I have to ask you by the way, what was up with Leo the Lion? He looked, well, wrong...
Z: Yeah he looked like he had been sucking on the helium too much. Kinda like a bobble head.
RK: I thought it looked like someone had sat on his head. He wasn't his usual self either. We may need to set up a Leo protection society.
Z: Indeed. Hmm. Lions for Leinster?
RK: A Lion's Alliance?
Z: Yep, let’s go with that. Pint?
A transcript from @RugbyKino in conversation with Leinster supporters whose identities have been removed for their own protection. All opinions given are the individual’s own, possibly whilst under the influence.
Both committed foot-soldiers of the 12-county army, RK & Z convene to ponder the province’s fortunes…
#1 : THE 11TH HOUR
A public house, somewhere in south Dublin...
Z: Gonna be interesting tomorrow looking at the teamsheet. I see Hagan is back too.
RK: Yeah, decent looking pack. A lot of youth in the backs & midfield. Will be hard to get a win this weekend methinks.
Z: Indeed. It’ll be interesting to see if Carr has matured at all, as in spent the summer doing weights.
RK: New season, fresh start. He's got the gas, but he needs to concentrate more on his offload & definitely his defence. Isn’t he on North's wing?
Z: Staring down the barrel. Make or break match for him so.
RK: Yup. Big duck to try and break, the traditional losing of the first game.
Z: It can be done! Just not tomorrow.
RK: I've my doubts too to be honest, looking like a strong Scarlets side. I fancy Ulster to squeak it tonight though.
Z: Yeah they should do - depends on how much of a hangover from the Heineken Cup final they have confidence-wise. Munster have it easy in comparison, though it could be interesting, looks like the Edinburgh are actually going to play in the league this year.
RK: I reckon they'll be bucked up by doing as well as they did, even without silverware. All in all it was their most successful season in years, and they'll be looking to build on it. Reckon they could too.
Z: I think it’s more to do with the fallout than anything else. Reckon there may have been words behind the scenes about their attitude to the league.
RK: I was talking about Ulster!
Z: Ah yes could be a great fillip for them. It should help them but will have to wait and see.
RK: But yeah, I reckon there have been words had about Edinburgh’s “selective” focus last year. Can't have a European competition without a domestic one, and Scottish rugby has enough problems as it is.
Z: Indeed. Has to have been it was a disgrace.
RK: I think it was a one season deal. Bradley's smart enough to know he wouldn't get away with it more than once, and it was great for their profile & I’d imagine the players are well set psychologically for the new season.
Z: Have to wait and see, but I reckon so.
RK: Fairly full strength side they're putting out. Certainly a statement of intent.
Z: Most definitely, but it’s also their first home game.
RK: Plus Bradley knows full well to make hay while the sun shines and all the Irish internationals are being 'managed'.
Z: Ha!
Still, Munster have a fairly decent squad going over as is.
RK: True. Not an easy place for a win at the best of times. Will be tight for them at best. Be interesting to see how Dougie gets along with his captaincy.
Z: Yes indeed. Never really seen him as a direct vocal leader, rather as by example.
RK: Never really held much truck with winger captains, but he's got the head for it. And I think a leader by example suits Munster down to the ground. We'll see how he gets on with his ref haranguing skills.
Z: Could well be.
RK: Necessary part of the game these days!
Z: That’s going to be the hardest part. Yeah but the difficulty will be in having to come off the wing every time a move, ruck, scrum is broken down or pinged. Wingers in their nature never too central to the action.
RK: Less than ideal position on the pitch to make calls on alright. Still, closer than the touch judges at least.
Hopefully more vocal too. So, Connacht?
Z: They’ll be fine.
RK: Blues may be there for the taking.
Z: Yep too many players lost. Nice side Connacht are putting together too.
RK: And you do not simply walk into a win at the Sportsground. Could be a surprise win there.
Z: Don’t think it would be much of a surprise win to be honest. More likely you walk into the driving rain and wind at the Sportsground than anything else.
RK: Too true. Pint?
Stay tuned to HarpinOnRugby for more views from the Laighin Pit…
