Sat 7th October 2pm Leinster v Munster (Aviva Stadium)

[matt]

Need Henshaw, Larmour, Adam Byrne, Conan and Van Der Flier to start if we are to have any chance of improvement on dreadful displays from Cardiff game on. Pity Ringrose and Leavy not fit and a bit strange Lowe not yet available and has to complete NZ commitments.

Line out will be of particular concern. Will James Ryan be fit for the bench.

Current pessimism is well founded let's hope we look back after the 2 European games and have a laugh about how we all overreacted to early season form.

[simonokeeffe]

+ 1

Hooker, left wing, and who is less of a GICT out of Reid and ROL the big calls. Pity Isa isnt fit

JVDF v Murphy for no20 a good problem to have

[wixfjord]

Is Isa definitely out?

My team would be something like
McGrath, Cronin, Furlong, Toner, Fardy, Ruddock, VDF, Conan, McGrath, Sexton, DK, Reid, Henshaw, Byrne, Carbery

Healy, Tracy, Bent, Molony/Ryan, SOB, JGP, Byrne, MCF

Big call is probably back row and centres. Don't think you can start ROL on this form, particularly against Farrell.

I'd have Ruddock in for some more ballast and lineout.

[simonokeeffe]

I think SOB is assuredly starting

Not to split hairs but I thought statement/media heavily implied Isa is out/not expected back

[riocard911]

If Isa won't be making it back, how about starting Carbery at 10, Sexton at 12 and Larmour at 15?

[simonokeeffe]

If Isa won't be making it back, how about starting Carbery at 10, Sexton at 12 and Larmour at 15?

We'd love it

Joe and Johnny on the other hand...

[wixfjord]

If Isa won't be making it back, how about starting Carbery at 10, Sexton at 12 and Larmour at 15?

We'd love it

Joe and Johnny on the other hand...

I certainly wouldn't love it!

Playing your most important player out of position?
Has Sexton ever played 12 for us?

Larmour at 15 against Munster would also be a big call. He'd be peppered with high ball.

[riocard911]

And the good news in Conference B is that the all-conquering Ultonians have been beaten by lowly Zebre 27-23. The long faces in the BBC NI studio were pretty amusing. Conor O'Shea left the stadium with a huge grin, according to the commentators....

[curates_egg]

Taute injured. If he stays that way, it would make our dodgy centre defence a bit less of a concern. Still a massive concern though.

[Hippo]

Taute injured. If he stays that way, it would make our dodgy centre defence a bit less of a concern. Still a massive concern though.

Honestly that combo is a massive concern against anyone.

[simonokeeffe]

Taute injured. If he stays that way, it would make our dodgy centre defence a bit less of a concern. Still a massive concern though.

Honestly that combo is a massive concern against anyone.

Scannell and Farrell would still make yards

[scentofgunpowder]

Taute injured. If he stays that way, it would make our dodgy centre defence a bit less of a concern. Still a massive concern though.

Honestly that combo is a massive concern against anyone.

Scannell and Farrell would still make yards

Thought they were very good going forward today but vulnerable in defence, don't think Farrell is as comfortable in Munster's defensive system as Taute is. He has a lovely pass though.

[simonokeeffe]

Thought you meant Reid and ROL for a second. Our boys will give up soaky yards youd fear but aye, both those Munster boys like to shoot, Farrell especially, and not always successfully

[TerenureJim]

I'd fancy whatever team we line out to seriously up the concentration as we move from traditional September pre season hangover towards the real games. The big stadium match will focus any player looking to make an impact for himself, big game here and all past indiscretions are forgotten by the media, and for Munster if a lad has a big game here it means possible push for November honours which our lads won't like/can't allow.

With Europe also imminent the phoney war has stopped and we'll begin to see some proper tactics.

[Aussiedub]

I'd be happy if we could just win our own lineouts for a change

[outcast eddie]

I find it very difficult to regard this fixture with any kind of anticipation these days; it's been a lacklustre affair for a few years now.

[wixfjord]

The lineout issue is infuriating alright.

In a team with Fardy, Toner and Ruddock, along with Murphy/VDF or Conan we should have more than enough defensive, never mind offensive options.

The aim of the game on Sat will be keeping the ball away from POM.

I wouldn't be surprised also if Fardy got himself stuck into a few of the Munster pack. Seems to be a lad who, like POM, loves a bit of afters.
His angry face isn't as good though.

[wixfjord]

Isa is out for this and Montpellier. Reid is 50/50 for Sat too.

We've big trouble in the centre now.

I would've gone for Reid/Henshaw, but looks like it'll be Henshaw/ROL.

Taute out might help somewhat there, but I don't like ROL defending against Farrell tbh.

[riocard911]

I'd be happy if we could just win our own lineouts for a change

+1

[LeRouxIsPHat]

I'm sure the doubt around Noel is because of concussion but I'm hoping that we rushed him back from his hand injury and that that explains why his defence has regressed.

Nervous about this one, just don't think there's any part of our game that's in good shape.

This fixture last year was the last one that Foley was involved in, hard to believe it's nearly been a year.