Leinster v Llanelli European semi

[neiliog93]

Isa's best position at this stage is definitely 12, he's been outstanding. But we have one of the best test-level centre partnerships around and Isa can still do a job on the wing, even though he's nearly 36 (while I agree he has lost a bit of zip, he still seemed quite quick in that break vs Saracens). And we can't pick James Lowe. All of this to me makes Isa going to the wing seem the right call.

[OTT]

This.

Can't remember which article it was but one of the media stated a few weeks back that Scarlets will find European Leinster a very different prospect than Pro 14 Leinster.

That would be our very own DC on Bluestalk.
In fairness he uses that line every year, just before we get knoked out.

Brilliant!

I am so frickin excited for this game right now.

Scarlets are some team but so are we.

C'mon Leinster!!

[domhnallj]

Isa's best position at this stage is definitely 12, he's been outstanding. But we have one of the best test-level centre partnerships around and Isa can still do a job on the wing, even though he's nearly 36 (while I agree he has lost a bit of zip, he still seemed quite quick in that break vs Saracens). And we can't pick James Lowe. All of this to me makes Isa going to the wing seem the right call.

Exactly, also important to remember they'll be going nose-to-nose with the Wales centres. Plus, Scarlets may be forced to select Varndell (fingers crossed) on one of their wings so it might be a case of wiley old foxes rather than speed merchants.

[wixfjord]

An auld Isa blindside hit special on Scott Williams would do nicely from the wing.

Reckon he'll be grand for speed as will likely be facing Halfpenney or a converted centre on his side.

It's MCF against Steff Evans that's the bigger concern. At least Ferg won't bite in like Adam Byrne last year though.

[Dave Cahill]

We need full on berserker-mode Ferg!

[wixfjord]

Need someone to slap forward's arses too with Lowe out. Step up Fergie.

[outcast eddie]

We need full on berserker-mode Ferg!

I'm struggling to think of two harder tackling wingers than Ferg and Isa in world rugby. Suggestions?

[LeRouxIsPHat]

It's MCF against Steff Evans that's the bigger concern. At least Ferg won't bite in like Adam Byrne last year though.

Famous last words but I don't think Evans has been in great form recently, seemed to lose a bit of confidence with Wales. Then again, Ferg isn't making the same impact as a few months ago either.

[bluemagic]

No Ross Byrne in Leinster A side. Please don’t tell me J10 isn’t making it....

[fourthirtythree]

Marsh needs an A game more than Byrne does... I'd say he's with the squad for Lansdowne Rd.

[curates_egg]

Isa's best position at this stage is definitely 12, he's been outstanding. But we have one of the best test-level centre partnerships around and Isa can still do a job on the wing, even though he's nearly 36 (while I agree he has lost a bit of zip, he still seemed quite quick in that break vs Saracens). And we can't pick James Lowe. All of this to me makes Isa going to the wing seem the right call.

Exactly, also important to remember they'll be going nose-to-nose with the Wales centres. Plus, Scarlets may be forced to select Varndell (fingers crossed) on one of their wings so it might be a case of wiley old foxes rather than speed merchants.

32 is not old! Would've thought Varndell was faster than Isa, who was never really a speedster, at their respective peaks.
Saw him turn on the burners for Bristol a few times at the start of this season.

[curates_egg]

No Ross Byrne in Leinster A side. Please don’t tell me J10 isn’t making it....

He was running the tees for the QF, so presumably in the break-in-case of emergency extended squad.

[OTT]

Isa's best position at this stage is definitely 12, he's been outstanding. But we have one of the best test-level centre partnerships around and Isa can still do a job on the wing, even though he's nearly 36 (while I agree he has lost a bit of zip, he still seemed quite quick in that break vs Saracens). And we can't pick James Lowe. All of this to me makes Isa going to the wing seem the right call.

Exactly, also important to remember they'll be going nose-to-nose with the Wales centres. Plus, Scarlets may be forced to select Varndell (fingers crossed) on one of their wings so it might be a case of wiley old foxes rather than speed merchants.

32 is not old! Would've thought Varndell was faster than Isa, who was never really a speedster, at their respective peaks.
Saw him turn on the burners for Bristol a few times at the start of this season.

Was he running away from making a tackle?

SHOTS FIRED!

[arsebiscuits1]

No Ross Byrne in Leinster A side. Please don’t tell me J10 isn’t making it....

Sexton is always a concern though.

Of all the players you need cover for in case they drop in the warm up, your 10 is the most important.

Not worth that risk sending Ross to England.

Sexton will be fine however

[arsebiscuits1]

Sexton captains but Isa starts 11. BIzarre

https://twitter.com/leinsterrugby/statu ... 9780578304

[curates_egg]

Leinster Rugby (caps in brackets):

15. Rob Kearney (194)
14. Fergus McFadden (168)
13. Garry Ringrose (46)
12. Robbie Henshaw (22)
11. Isa Nacewa (181)
10. Johnny Sexton (145) CAPTAIN
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (48)
1. Cian Healy (186)
2. Seán Cronin (148)
3. Tadhg Furlong (80)
4. Devin Toner (213)
5. James Ryan (11)
6. Scott Fardy (18)
7. Dan Leavy (51)
8. Jordi Murphy (103)

16. James Tracy (61)
17. Jack McGrath (128)
18. Andrew Porter (25)
19. Ross Molony (62)
20. Jack Conan (69)
21. Nick McCarthy (24)
22. Joey Carbery (33)
23. Jordan Larmour (17)



Only surprise is Molony on the bench over Deegan.
That is both a surprise and a mistake in my opinion.

[arsebiscuits1]

Only surprise is Molony on the bench over Deegan.
That is both a surprise and a mistake in my opinion.

I think they're hoping for 80 minutes from Dev, Ryan and Fardy so. And going to keep it tight

[Kinger83]

Sexton captains but Isa starts 11. BIzarre

https://twitter.com/leinsterrugby/statu ... 9780578304

French referee and Sexton speaks French is probably part of the reason.

[curates_egg]

Scarlets have gone with Jones at 10, Patchell 15 and Halfpenny on the wing.

[wixfjord]

Molony does not deserve to be there on current form.
However, they started Molony last year against Scarlets, I wonder do they see something in him for their particular challenge?

I would be using Deegan too, but I presume this means they want Fardy at 6 for the full 80.

Still, good energy and carrying to come from that bench.