Pro14 Final Leinster v Scarlets Sat 6PM Aviva Stadium

[Dave Cahill]

Anyone think a certain 13 year old saw this and practiced it in his back garden?

[Oldschool]

Anyone think a certain 13 year old saw this and practiced it in his back garden?

Not quite but it does explain where Drico got the idea from.

[Hippo]

The whole performance looks even better on a second viewing. From the time Conan picks and goes from the base of the scrum to Dev touching down is 3 minutes of uninterrupted (by either the Scarlets or the ref) continuity, absolutely magnificent.

[domhnallj]

Go raibh maith agat!

Anyone know if there's a link for the full game up yet? I quite fancy another go around.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

Le do thoil: https://rugbylist.blogspot.de/p/260518- ... rlets.html

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[fourthirtythree]

Anyone think a certain 13 year old saw this and practiced it in his back garden?

I was thinking that yesterday. I was also thinking that in the preseason in Templeville Road when he chipped and then fly hacked to score a try.

[alanair]

Anyone think a certain 13 year old saw this and practiced it in his back garden?

I was thinking that yesterday. I was also thinking that in the preseason in Templeville Road when he chipped and then fly hacked to score a try.

Indeed... I was lucky enough to be there for that one too... really the first glimpse of the talent that was to show itself several times this season... notably at Christmas & yesterday ....

[blockhead]

OOPS

[blockhead]

Sorry folks, only 1/2 awake

“Of all the players I have coached he is probably the best and I have obviously coached some pretty good players with England,” Stuart Lancaster said afterwards.

“His ability to see the game, his knowledge of the game and his ability to inspire others to get the best out of them, his desire to achieve things…it’s a challenge but I love the challenge.

“There were some massive moments in the game that he contributed to. The James Lowe try on the short side was exceptional with his hands and the vision to see it. The kick to the corner for the maul try was a huge, huge moment. The conversion of the try on half-time.”

A challenge?

Lancaster explains: “It’s his knowledge, a challenge in a good way. He has been coached by great coaches and he is always wanting to get better. When I came in I brought in some different ideas for him to think about which he has been broad minded enough to accept. And his game has developed accordingly. His drive to be the best that he can be is what sets him apart.”

The reception Sexton received when he was replaced by Joey Carbery was testament to his influence, and then again when he was announced as man of the match, the roof came off the Aviva Stadium again.

His worth to this team cannot be underestimated and the leading role he has played in both Ireland and Leinster’s success this season is worth noting over and over again, particularly when you think his form was questioned towards the end of last season heading to New Zealand.

Since the first Lions Test last summer, Sexton has won all 19 of the games he has been involved in for Ireland and Leinster and his form has been absolutely pivotal in everything that has been achieved this season.

“Everyone is delighted. It’s been a tough season, a long season,” he said, with another medal around his neck.

“To do the double off the back of the Six Nations success is a dream come true.

Jonathan Sexton celebrates with fans after the game Sexton says he will look to quickly refocus ahead of the summer tour of Australia. Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

“I was thinking beforehand that we have left four finals behind us. Some of us have never lost a European final, we’ve won five out of five European finals (including one Challenge Cup) but only had two league victories and we’ve left four behind us.

“That weighed on me heavily and we’ve learned a lot.”

Sexton continued: “One year, Girvan Dempsey and Malcolm O’Kelly were retiring after the Ospreys game and Michael Cheika made it all about them — rightly so because they gave so much to the club.

“But I remember feeling overwhelmed by trying to send those guys off with a victory and we forgot we had to go and play a game of rugby and play well.

“We spoke about that — wanting Isa (Nacewa) to finish on a high wasn’t going to be enough, we had to go out and play really well and execute the game plan.

“I thought we did that really well.”

While the Leinster squad have been able to enjoy the end-of-season celebrations, the focus for Sexton and many of his team-mates will quickly turn to Ireland’s tour of Australia when Joe Schmidt’s squad convene in Carton House.

For now, however, Sexton will allow himself to savour a dream double.

“For the next couple of days anyway, we’re definitely going to enjoy it. What we have achieved has been remarkable,” he added.

“Like I said, to come off the back of the Six Nations and to stay motivated, everyone staying on top of their bodies, and to stay motivated to come back and do well for the club has been outstanding.

“You do have to enjoy it. We’re all delighted in there. It will take a couple of days to sink in I’m sure but it’s been an incredible season.”

[curates_egg]

To put in a performance of that ambition, pace and skill, executed as well, after what has gone before was stunning.
For them to get themselves to that pitch for the league final, having already won a Grand Slam and Champions Cup, is a real testament to where this squad is at.
What a super group of players. What a real pleasure to support Leinster.
Someone asked above if it is our best season. I think it very well could be.

We can't replace Isa, but hopefully his spirit will live on, not only on days like today, but when we are playing in Rodney Parade in February.

[Xanthippe]

Will this be the year Sexton’s finally recognised by World Rugby with the Player of the Year award?

Show Spoiler:

Probably not!!!

[Oldschool]

Will this be the year Sexton’s finally recognised by World Rugby with the Player of the Year award?

Show Spoiler:

Probably not!!!

He is an Irish Rugby player - no chance.

[limecat]

Carbery: https://streamable.com/6jrtn

[mildlyinterested]

Carbery: https://streamable.com/6jrtn

[LeRouxIsPHat]

Great game, great day.

Thought that Aviva/Ballsbridge were bizarrely quiet before the game and was worried that the game and atmosphere would be a bit flat but the players really did brilliantly to rouse themselves after the last few weeks.

Loved the patience and variety we had to our game. The only time I thought the Scarlets could trouble us was when Furlong gave away the penalty under the sticks. That was a yellow card all day long and can't believe the ref didn't give it. When we actually did concede the first try I felt like that was more from just switching off rather than the Scarlets looking dangerous, and we had a real confidence about us when we had the ball. I wasn't sure what to expect from the Scarlets but certainly didn't expect to see Halfpenny struggle under a couple of high balls like he did.

They may not have put as much pressure on us as Munster did but still very impressed with how we improved our lineout and the maul.

Conan was MOTM for me, he was everywhere. Himself and James Ryan were a great double act in defence and seemed to be trying to outdo each other. Everyone played well really but special mention for ROL again, would never have picked him out as a 12 but he looks great there. Thought Luke was good too and actually covered a few missed tackles from leavy which were quite important.

Larmour's try is one of the great Leinster moments...I think the whole crowd knew he was going to try it, and the anticipation and then the joy of it were just brilliant.

Unfortunately, it was also the worst day ever because of Isa. Glad he signed off the way he did though!

[joooooe]

Will this be the year Sexton’s finally recognised by World Rugby with the Player of the Year award?

Show Spoiler:

Probably not!!!

I think Richie McCaw's performances so far in 2018 have it sewn up.

[Peg Leg]

Great game, great day.

Thought that Aviva/Ballsbridge were bizarrely quiet before the game and was worried that the game and atmosphere would be a bit flat but the players really did brilliantly to rouse themselves after the last few weeks.

Loved the patience and variety we had to our game. The only time I thought the Scarlets could trouble us was when Furlong gave away the penalty under the sticks. That was a yellow card all day long and can't believe the ref didn't give it. When we actually did concede the first try I felt like that was more from just switching off rather than the Scarlets looking dangerous, and we had a real confidence about us when we had the ball. I wasn't sure what to expect from the Scarlets but certainly didn't expect to see Halfpenny struggle under a couple of high balls like he did.

They may not have put as much pressure on us as Munster did but still very impressed with how we improved our lineout and the maul.

Conan was MOTM for me, he was everywhere. Himself and James Ryan were a great double act in defence and seemed to be trying to outdo each other. Everyone played well really but special mention for ROL again, would never have picked him out as a 12 but he looks great there. Thought Luke was good too and actually covered a few missed tackles from leavy which were quite important.

Larmour's try is one of the great Leinster moments...I think the whole crowd knew he was going to try it, and the anticipation and then the joy of it were just brilliant.

Unfortunately, it was also the worst day ever because of Isa. Glad he signed off the way he did though!

All of this, said similar to paddyor b4 j10 was announced as MOtM

[Grumpy Old Man]

Have a look at Conan in the lead up to Devs try. He makes the initial break from the scrum, he is on hand to assist Furlong on his break and he helps get Dev over the line. His support work is excellent (and has helped him to tries in our last two games).

[curates_egg]

Carbery: https://streamable.com/6jrtn

Warning mods. Porn alert. Serious, hardcore porn.

[joooooe]

Carbery: https://streamable.com/6jrtn

Warning mods. Porn alert. Serious, hardcore porn.

Me watching Hadleigh Parkes' face after grabbing (twice) at thin air:

[jimbobjoe]

Carbery: https://streamable.com/6jrtn

Warning mods. Porn alert. Serious, hardcore porn.

Me watching Hadleigh Parkes' face after grabbing (twice) at thin air:

+1

It's amazing - Carbery never even looks at Parkes. Schrodinger's inside centre!