Leinster Vs Benetton Rugby Sat 19.35 TG4

[Oldschool]

An oft forgotten statistic.

SOB played more for the Lions than he did for Leinster in 2017
2018 has been a write off for him, we can’t possibly gamble with him even on the bench next week

It wouldn't be a gamble it would be a bad decision.

[CiaranIrl]

An oft forgotten statistic.

SOB played more for the Lions than he did for Leinster in 2017
2018 has been a write off for him, we can’t possibly gamble with him even on the bench next week

Hes shown nothing to suggest hes worth a spot on the bench.

Who gets on the bench ahead of him then? VDF, Ruddock & Conan are injured. Assume it's the same team as Sarries. Deegan + who on the bench? Timmins? Maloney? If we had an alternative, fine, but we don't. We can count on him for 20 minutes of impact.

[lummix]

Very little control at half back. Also pack was very lightweight in the tight exchanges. We should look at signing a large tight head journeyman second row for next season ala Damien Browne from a few years back as that pack really lacked punch.

[CiaranIrl]

Very little control at half back. Also pack was very lightweight in the tight exchanges. We should look at signing a large tight head journeyman second row for next season ala Damien Browne from a few years back as that pack really lacked punch.

What's Mark Flanagan at in Saracens? Seems like a better option than Mick Kearney.

[Ruckedtobits]

Very little control at half back. Also pack was very lightweight in the tight exchanges. We should look at signing a large tight head journeyman second row for next season ala Damien Browne from a few years back as that pack really lacked punch.

Half-back control is almost totally a function of the quality of ball being presented by the men up front. After the first 15 mins last night we hardly cleared out one breakdown. Initially my sense was that we just weren't physical enough and didn't have enough forwards getting to breakdowns. As the game progressed I became more convinced that they were too physically strong and we were too high in our contact. That was confirmed by our poor high body positions at every second-half maul.

Although there will a different set of players next Saturday, if we don't get lower and hit harder, we'll be handed our hoops by a very aggressive Scarlets pack.

[Oldschool]

Very little control at half back. Also pack was very lightweight in the tight exchanges. We should look at signing a large tight head journeyman second row for next season ala Damien Browne from a few years back as that pack really lacked punch.

Half-back control is almost totally a function of the quality of ball being presented by the men up front. After the first 15 mins last night we hardly cleared out one breakdown. Initially my sense was that we just weren't physical enough and didn't have enough forwards getting to breakdowns. As the game progressed I became more convinced that they were too physically strong and we were too high in our contact. That was confirmed by our poor high body positions at every second-half maul.

Although there will a different set of players next Saturday, if we don't get lower and hit harder, we'll be handed our hoops by a very aggressive Scarlets pack.

Good point on poor body position point.

[Oldschool]

An oft forgotten statistic.

SOB played more for the Lions than he did for Leinster in 2017
2018 has been a write off for him, we can’t possibly gamble with him even on the bench next week

Hes shown nothing to suggest hes worth a spot on the bench.

Who gets on the bench ahead of him then? VDF, Ruddock & Conan are injured. Assume it's the same team as Sarries. Deegan + who on the bench? Timmins? Maloney? If we had an alternative, fine, but we don't. We can count on him for 20 minutes of impact.

I doubt we can count on SOB for anything.
He needs to be allowed to get over his injuries properly. He needs the rest of the season off, including the tour to OZ.
A fit Deegan is a way better option than SOB is at the present moment.
So it's any 4 from Nordi, Leavy, Fardy and Deegan with Josh Murphy as the backup and lets pray Conan gets back before the end of the season.
It's a big call but I'd start with Nordi, Leavy, Deegan in the BR, Ryan, Fardy in the SR and Dev on the bench.

[riocard911]

Having just rewatched the match,I'm pleased to announce one positive that can be taken from it: we defended well at the end to prevent them scoring another try and thereby secured a losing bonus point. Hopefully the Monday match review at Leinster Towers will be a salutary experience for all involved!!!

[olaf the fat]

Seeing as it has not really done us any harm, its a good outcome this time of year because it really focuses the mind. No more slip ups.

[Hippo]

A feeble effort pretty much all round but hats off to Benetton for taking full advantage, it was an undeserved lbp for us.

Almost as importantly, what happened Leo the Lion? Injured by a ballboy??

[the spoofer]

Sean O'Brien injured again seemingly.

[arsebiscuits1]

Is it just me or does Mick Kearney drop at least one ball in a promising position every game he plays?

[wixfjord]

Is it just me or does Mick Kearney drop at least one ball in a promising position every game he plays?

His handling is unbelievably bad. He looks like some random big fit lad from the gym with feck all rugby experience that they’ve brought on for a trial.

Incredible how far he has fallen from Connacht days.

[Raydollard]

We brought in these guys. This is happening for years and is a lousy waste of scarce resources. Who is responsible - no one it seems.

[A16]

Is it just me or does Mick Kearney drop at least one ball in a promising position every game he plays?

His handling is unbelievably bad. He looks like some random big fit lad from the gym with feck all rugby experience that they’ve brought on for a trial.

Incredible how far he has fallen from Connacht days.

He seems to give away a lot of penalties as well, along with the handling which has been mentioned. His future at the club will have to be seriously assessed, as will a few other players’.