September 2017 Doubleheader in South Africa

[cormac]

That pack should have more than enough to get us on top. Interesting to see Rhys benching for 2nd row.

I'd be slightly worried about JGP starting, would prefer a more structured 9 for this type of game. The only way we can lose this imo it by playing into their hands with loose play and bad kicking.

Reid at 13 will be interesting, don't remember him ever playing there before. He certainly can cut a line.

Good to see B Daly getting a start, he's a good player.

I thought Reid played a few games at 13, before Ringrose became our BOD-successor. Not sure if he started, but recall he came on/ moved there in matches. So it's a couple of seasons ago really- and he's come on a good bit since. At that stage he seemed a bit light for the role, but had the skills. Thus could be interesting.


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This will be Reid's first start at 13.

[limecat]

Match Preview

Leinster got part one of their South African tour done last week with their third bonus point win of the season. It fit the pattern of the season so far, a poor first-half followed by a more clinical second. The Kings were game, especially at the breakdown but Leinster eventually realised their basic tackling was hopeless and powered through for a number of soft tries. The Kings weren't expected to be competitive and the local crowd stayed well away from it. The official attendance was three thousand, but they were lucky if there was five hundred people in the stands of the massive stadium.

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[simonokeeffe]

@Egg that involves a lot of throwing to the tail which is loading the dice

[curates_egg]

Just realised this will (presumably) be Dooley's first game of the season. Hopefully, he can recapture the form of the season before last. He had jumped above Healy then, in terms of performances. Seemed very quiet in comparison when he played last season - maybe struggling with some injury?
With everyone fit and firing, we've some depth at loosehead. As good as most national sides.

[the spoofer]

Just realised this will (presumably) be Dooley's first game of the season. Hopefully, he can recapture the form of the season before last. He had jumped above Healy then, in terms of performances. Seemed very quiet in comparison when he played last season - maybe struggling with some injury?
With everyone fit and firing, we've some depth at loosehead. As good as most national sides.

Have to disagree, he played 16 times (7 starts) for Leinster last year as a 22 year old LH. That's fairly spectacular. He had a number of really good performances but there is obviously a major drive to get Healy back to where he was from an Irish perspective.

Dooley will see a lot of game time this season with both Healy and McGrath away with Ireland. I still fancy my bet that Dooley will be in the Irish squad for Japan 19.

[Ruckedtobits]

What a great Squad player Michael Bent has proved to be. The original unsung hero who has seamlessly slipped into position as our go to THP when the Lions and Internationals players need their rest. Never worried about our scrum when I see him at No 3 and his tackling and handling improve each season.

[jimbobjoe]

What a great Squad player Michael Bent has proved to be. The original unsung hero who has seamlessly slipped into position as our go to THP when the Lions and Internationals players need their rest. Never worried about our scrum when I see him at No 3 and his tackling and handling improve each season.

+1. No nonsense player, keeps his head down and works incredibly hard in a similar way to Aaron Dundon. I'd say a lot of casual fans wouldn't even know who he is.

He's incredibly valuable to have in the squad.

[molloyjh]

What a great Squad player Michael Bent has proved to be. The original unsung hero who has seamlessly slipped into position as our go to THP when the Lions and Internationals players need their rest. Never worried about our scrum when I see him at No 3 and his tackling and handling improve each season.

+1. No nonsense player, keeps his head down and works incredibly hard in a similar way to Aaron Dundon. I'd say a lot of casual fans wouldn't even know who he is.

He's incredibly valuable to have in the squad.

100% agree. Unsung hero is the perfect term for the guy.

[simonokeeffe]

Hes also worked on his game/improved markedly in his time here

And he doesnt just wait for a 9 at a ruck, which I love

[Dexter]

What a great Squad player Michael Bent has proved to be. The original unsung hero who has seamlessly slipped into position as our go to THP when the Lions and Internationals players need their rest. Never worried about our scrum when I see him at No 3 and his tackling and handling improve each season.

Completely agree with this. Couldn't have said it better. The very definition of the "unsung hero".

[olaf the fat]

Bent copped a lot of abuse for the way he was capped by Deccie, and is now still underrated because of this. Completely unfair to the player, fair dues to him for keeping the head down and progressing into the player he is today.

[LeRouxIsPHat]

What a great Squad player Michael Bent has proved to be. The original unsung hero who has seamlessly slipped into position as our go to THP when the Lions and Internationals players need their rest. Never worried about our scrum when I see him at No 3 and his tackling and handling improve each season.

I've been critical of us being so reliant on him in the past because I felt that we needed to aim higher if we were going to get back to winning European cups but you're right he's been great and is a really valuable player to have in the squad. Himself and Porter are pretty much perfect back up to have for Furlong.

Speaking of tightheads reminds me of how much Marty Moore is wasting his potential. Benched for Ireland during two successful 6N championships (he was only 22 at the start of the 2014 tournament and tuned 23 near the end) and now he's nowhere near the Ireland squad, benching for Wasps, and looking pretty poor when he does play. I know he's had injuries but it's such a pity that nobody can improve his attitude and unlock his potential. I don't see it happening at this stage but perhaps the prospect of a much lesser contract in 2019 (think that's when his Wasps deal is up) will light a fire under him.

[Peg Leg]

What a great Squad player Michael Bent has proved to be. The original unsung hero who has seamlessly slipped into position as our go to THP when the Lions and Internationals players need their rest. Never worried about our scrum when I see him at No 3 and his tackling and handling improve each season.

He's not the hero Leinster deserves, but the one we need.

[simonokeeffe]

What a great Squad player Michael Bent has proved to be. The original unsung hero who has seamlessly slipped into position as our go to THP when the Lions and Internationals players need their rest. Never worried about our scrum when I see him at No 3 and his tackling and handling improve each season.

He's not the hero Leinster deserves, but the one we need.

chapeau

[paddyor]

An inspiration to the new players who need to learn how to tackle.

[molloyjh]

What a great Squad player Michael Bent has proved to be. The original unsung hero who has seamlessly slipped into position as our go to THP when the Lions and Internationals players need their rest. Never worried about our scrum when I see him at No 3 and his tackling and handling improve each season.

I've been critical of us being so reliant on him in the past because I felt that we needed to aim higher if we were going to get back to winning European cups but you're right he's been great and is a really valuable player to have in the squad. Himself and Porter are pretty much perfect back up to have for Furlong.

Speaking of tightheads reminds me of how much Marty Moore is wasting his potential. Benched for Ireland during two successful 6N championships (he was only 22 at the start of the 2014 tournament and tuned 23 near the end) and now he's nowhere near the Ireland squad, benching for Wasps, and looking pretty poor when he does play. I know he's had injuries but it's such a pity that nobody can improve his attitude and unlock his potential. I don't see it happening at this stage but perhaps the prospect of a much lesser contract in 2019 (think that's when his Wasps deal is up) will light a fire under him.

I was under the impression he really didn't want to move but was angling for a better deal here. Played it a little too close to the line and ended up getting caught out. Didn't he try to get out of the Wasps deal when the last Irish one came through? I wonder if he's just not happy there and regretting the move? Add that to the injuries....

It would be nice to get back the guy who left if it was on. But he'd have to accept that he'd be fighting for 2nd string with Porter at best.

[the spoofer]

I wouldn't take Marty Moore over either Bent or Porter.

It looks to me like we dodged a bullet there.

[LeRouxIsPHat]

He signed the pre contract deal thinking that he could get out if it...he couldn't.

I wouldn't take him back either, just lamenting the fact that such a talented player is basically wasting his talents. He should really be a world class tighthead by now, but I reckon he'll end up having a similar career to Jamie Hagan once his Wasps deal is up.

[riocard911]

Agree. Porter is coming along in leaps and bounds. The Experiment, his move from loose- to tight-head, seems to be working out.

[arsebiscuits1]

I'd say Marty's agent f%~ked him over