Ruckedtobits wrote:The number and frequency of substitutions in the second half made this more of an opposed training session than a competitive game, in the second forty.
The first half was a contest and barring our line-outs, Leinster threatened everywhere but Bath were much more cohesive in defence than Gloucester last week.
Our back three were very focused and each did good things although Larmour was well marked with few opportunities to shine. The O'Brien mid-field combination was excellent and the only pity is they didn't get toswork with Carbury.
JGP shaded McCarthy in distribution but Nick Mc is a much better kicker. Ross Byrne was efficient and distributed well.
Ed Byrne had an excellent half in scrum and loose and his footwork adds real line breaking ability to any Leinster pack. Ml Bent had another good workhorse outing. Mick Kearney gave 40 mins of top level work including some good carries.
The back-row of Doris, Connors and Deegan were superb and Connors in his 40 mins certainly shaded Jordi Murphy's second-half contribution.
But the stars of the eveningg were undoubtedly Joey Carbury and James Ryan. Both were as good, or better, than promised last season and they both represent individual reasons to buy a Season Ticket. Descriptions do not do them justice but think of what you expect from a world class outhalf or second -row, and both these players can perform to that standard. Hyperbole, certainly. Unwarranted, not IMO.
Weaknesses? Our line-out yet again looked sloppy. Our defensive maul was schooled on a couple of occasions. Our defensive exits are higher risk than need be.
But going forward, creating line-breaks, clearing out, clever offloads, supporting runners. These were the skills that Leinster demonstrated with elan. Defensively we tackled and hit like a mean machine. Fascinating season ahead.
Agree with 95% of that....excellent synopsis
But thought our lineout was much improved second half, we didn't lose 1 if I'm not mistaken
Thought connors certainly shaded Murphy alright but like Cronin, who I thought showed some nice touches ( beautiful line and offload to James Ryan for break) Murphy has played 40 mins in 9 months
It's border line outrageous our back row stocks...Doris I'll say it now will play for Ireland in next 3 years!!!!..thought he was brilliant