Dragons v Leinster Saturday 3.15 Sky Sports

[riocard911]

Re COYBIB's "I thought Fardy was immense on his debut. His counter rucking was top class, he was driving people back in the tackle, his clearing out was great...it was one of those muscular, enforcer type performances in the row we haven't seen since the likes of Hines or Thorn were in blue. Very promising, I think we need one of those really physical and busy second rows to complement Toner. Hopefully James Ryan picks up a lot from him during his time here, but really hope Fardy can fill that role for us."

Agree. But it wasn't just Fardy. I was struck throughout the whole match by the intent of our whole pack, the way they tackled, hit rucks etc., to put the opposition eight seriously under the cosh. The ability to do this has been missing the last few seasons, IMO. If we can raise this aspect of our game, then we are serious contenders for silverware and there'll be no rolling over at home to likes of the effin' Scarlets!!!!

[artaneboy]

Excellent start. Nearly everyone had a useful to good game. Exceptions being ROL and the replacement front row. Fardy, Deegan and Healy were prominent early and made the physical statement needed. Isa and JGP kept the pace up and they payed off in drawing the traditional Dragons sting over there. Good to get the max points away from home.


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RO'L made a few mistakes but I thought he was close numerous times to opening up the Dragons defence.

I think ROL is a very good player, but it just didn't work for him on Saturday. It was a good platform for him, but while he was close on a few occasions; it was ultimately no cigar.


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[riocard911]

Full match: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGp_PNPczSk

[MelbourneRebel]

Was Carbery injured?

[arsebiscuits1]

I've made reference to VDF and his 80 minute engine before. But it really is impressive.

He's clearly tasked with leading the defensive line and the speed in which he got up was great, when he wasn't making the hit he was pressuring them into a poor pass.

Conan a class above at times. The way he released Ryan for his 50m gain was deadly and the little sleight of hand to give Leavy his try was lovely to watch

[wixfjord]

I've made reference to VDF and his 80 minute engine before. But it really is impressive.

He's clearly tasked with leading the defensive line and the speed in which he got up was great, when he wasn't making the hit he was pressuring them into a poor pass.

Conan a class above at times. The way he released Ryan for his 50m gain was deadly and the little sleight of hand to give Leavy his try was lovely to watch

VDF's speed over the first 5 yards is incredible. Must be one of the quickest in the squad. Very aggressive too, he gave Henson a bit of a mare a few times.

[COYBIB]

I'm not sure this was discussed, maybe others wont share the opinion, but the replacement front row had a rough old time against Dragons replacement front row.

Unfortunately for the likes of Porter, as great a player as he is, and he would be an international level loose head in no time, Healy count your blessings, but it's going to be long road to become an international tight head. I hope he sees a lot of game time in the league this season. It's hard to fathom Michael Bent is our second choice tight-head, so there is a big gap there that needs filling and a big opportunity for him. I think just seeing what an athlete he is and the power he poses, it's just a matter of technique and game minutes, so I think he deserves a lot of patience.

It's rough to say, but I'm not sure if I'm convinced by either of the Byrne brothers. I know they've both had disruptions with injury, but I think they came with a level of hype and I've just never really been blow away. I think Healy coming back into form will be one thing, but Ian Porter looks to have a bit more potential already.

Tracy I was probably unconvinced by for a while, but he's growing on me, not sure if he'll ever become top class, but at least a solid squad player. Shame Strauss seems to be struggling. Maybe his previous condition has had a lasting effect, would be a terrible shame, be he never seems to have found his form again since coming back, it makes Cronin such a crucial player for us now and to keep fit, I don't think we have quality back-up.

[riocard911]

I'm not sure this was discussed, maybe others wont share the opinion, but the replacement front row had a rough old time against Dragons replacement front row.

Unfortunately for the likes of Porter, as great a player as he is, and he would be an international level loose head in no time, Healy count your blessings, but it's going to be long road to become an international tight head. I hope he sees a lot of game time in the league this season. It's hard to fathom Michael Bent is our second choice tight-head, so there is a big gap there that needs filling and a big opportunity for him. I think just seeing what an athlete he is and the power he poses, it's just a matter of technique and game minutes, so I think he deserves a lot of patience.

It's rough to say, but I'm not sure if I'm convinced by either of the Byrne brothers. I know they've both had disruptions with injury, but I think they came with a level of hype and I've just never really been blow away. I think Healy coming back into form will be one thing, but Ian Porter looks to have a bit more potential already.

Tracy I was probably unconvinced by for a while, but he's growing on me, not sure if he'll ever become top class, but at least a solid squad player. Shame Strauss seems to be struggling. Maybe his previous condition has had a lasting effect, would be a terrible shame, be he never seems to have found his form again since coming back, it makes Cronin such a crucial player for us now and to keep fit, I don't think we have quality back-up.

A fair assessment of the current situation in the front row, IMO. Great to see Ciano getting back to his former self. Was impressive on the IRL summer tour and continued vs Dragons where he left off in Japan. Go Church!!!!

[Ruckedtobits]

I'm not sure this was discussed, maybe others wont share the opinion, but the replacement front row had a rough old time against Dragons replacement front row.

Unfortunately for the likes of Porter, as great a player as he is, and he would be an international level loose head in no time, Healy count your blessings, but it's going to be long road to become an international tight head. I hope he sees a lot of game time in the league this season. It's hard to fathom Michael Bent is our second choice tight-head, so there is a big gap there that needs filling and a big opportunity for him. I think just seeing what an athlete he is and the power he poses, it's just a matter of technique and game minutes, so I think he deserves a lot of patience.

It's rough to say, but I'm not sure if I'm convinced by either of the Byrne brothers. I know they've both had disruptions with injury, but I think they came with a level of hype and I've just never really been blow away. I think Healy coming back into form will be one thing, but Ian Porter looks to have a bit more potential already.

Tracy I was probably unconvinced by for a while, but he's growing on me, not sure if he'll ever become top class, but at least a solid squad player. Shame Strauss seems to be struggling. Maybe his previous condition has had a lasting effect, would be a terrible shame, be he never seems to have found his form again since coming back, it makes Cronin such a crucial player for us now and to keep fit, I don't think we have quality back-up.

Possibly under-rating Bent who has consistently worked on his scrummaging and handling since he arrived in Ireland. Always well rated by Feek and nobody gets any change from his scrum. Got a lousy press when he arrived, as Irish qualified by family, but NZ developed to NPC standard as a 23 year-old. He is a quality operator who survived behind Rossy and never shirked a challenge but helped Tadgh improve to Lions quality.

Inclined to agreement about the Byrne brothers to date but its early days yet for front-row forwards of their youthful vintage.

[leinsterforever]

I'm not sure this was discussed, maybe others wont share the opinion, but the replacement front row had a rough old time against Dragons replacement front row.

Unfortunately for the likes of Porter, as great a player as he is, and he would be an international level loose head in no time, Healy count your blessings, but it's going to be long road to become an international tight head. I hope he sees a lot of game time in the league this season. It's hard to fathom Michael Bent is our second choice tight-head, so there is a big gap there that needs filling and a big opportunity for him. I think just seeing what an athlete he is and the power he poses, it's just a matter of technique and game minutes, so I think he deserves a lot of patience.

It's rough to say, but I'm not sure if I'm convinced by either of the Byrne brothers. I know they've both had disruptions with injury, but I think they came with a level of hype and I've just never really been blow away. I think Healy coming back into form will be one thing, but Ian Porter looks to have a bit more potential already.

Tracy I was probably unconvinced by for a while, but he's growing on me, not sure if he'll ever become top class, but at least a solid squad player. Shame Strauss seems to be struggling. Maybe his previous condition has had a lasting effect, would be a terrible shame, be he never seems to have found his form again since coming back, it makes Cronin such a crucial player for us now and to keep fit, I don't think we have quality back-up.

Possibly under-rating Bent who has consistently worked on his scrummaging and handling since he arrived in Ireland. Always well rated by Feek and nobody gets any change from his scrum. Got a lousy press when he arrived, as Irish qualified by family, but NZ developed to NPC standard as a 23 year-old. He is a quality operator who survived behind Rossy and never shirked a challenge but helped Tadgh improve to Lions quality.

Inclined to agreement about the Byrne brothers to date but its early days yet for front-row forwards of their youthful vintage.

Seems to me that it was very difficult for Bent when chances were few and far between and he'd get dropped into the team and asked to perform to a high level. He appears to have come on a lot in the scrum, which was/is probably helped a lot by consistent gametime. The nature of the Japan tour allowed the coaches to give a bit more weighting to potential when they were making selections, which meant that Porter got in ahead of him. However, I think Bent is the better option at the moment for Leinster. He's a reliable operator now, whereas before I was a bit concerned if he was in the 23.

Bryan Byrne's progress has stalled a bit. I suppose coaches' preferences play a big part. MOC preferred Byrne to Tracy, whereas under Cullen, Tracy has got the opportunities. Bryne's throwing not being very good has been highlighted, but I suppose we'll have to wait and see how it all plays out.

I think Ed Byrne could have a very high ceiling if he can stay fit. His handling is excellent. It'll be interesting to see how he gets on over the next two or three weeks.

[Lar]

Possibly under-rating Bent who has consistently worked on his scrummaging and handling since he arrived in Ireland. Always well rated by Feek and nobody gets any change from his scrum. Got a lousy press when he arrived, as Irish qualified by family, but NZ developed to NPC standard as a 23 year-old. He is a quality operator who survived behind Rossy and never shirked a challenge but helped Tadgh improve to Lions quality.

Totally agree on Bent - I think he has been very solid for the last few seasons at TH - very reliable in a position where reliability is key.

[mildlyinterested]

Bryan Byrne can't throw, if he was a consistent lineout thrower he might have a chance of progressing, but he isn't and never has been.

[curates_egg]

Bryan Byrne can't throw, if he was a consistent lineout thrower he might have a chance of progressing, but he isn't and never has been.

Can any Irish hookers throw?

[mildlyinterested]

Bryan Byrne can't throw, if he was a consistent lineout thrower he might have a chance of progressing, but he isn't and never has been.

Can any Irish hookers throw?

Scannell can seemingly.

Heard Leinster were trying to bring in a consultant coach from england to help with lineout throwing.

[riocard911]

Sounds like a job for Dylan Hartley. The England & N'hampton captain may have other deficiencies in his game, but his throwing is invariably top notch!!!

[wixfjord]

Wrong thread!

[Peg Leg]

Bryan Byrne can't throw, if he was a consistent lineout thrower he might have a chance of progressing, but he isn't and never has been.

Can any Irish hookers throw?

Scannell can seemingly.

Heard Leinster were trying to bring in a consultant coach from england to help with lineout throwing.

I sincerely hope that's not the reason Ibanez was at training

[COYBIB]

Sounds like a job for Dylan Hartley. The England & N'hampton captain may have other deficiencies in his game, but his throwing is invariably top notch!!!

He usually has a 4 to 6 week window during the season for consultant work.

[blockhead]

Sounds like a job for Dylan Hartley. The England & N'hampton captain may have other deficiencies in his game, but his throwing is invariably top notch!!!

He usually has a 4 to 6 week window during the season for consultant work.

[artaneboy]

Bryan Byrne can't throw, if he was a consistent lineout thrower he might have a chance of progressing, but he isn't and never has been.

Can any Irish hookers throw?

Apparently not. Last night was another smorgasbord of way to chuck it in to mess up what should be on jumping and lifting pods a reliable dominant line out.


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