Leinster Academy 2021-22

[Keith]

Aungier was right to go at the time, there is no doubt about that.

Why was Aungier right to go but Salanoa wrong? They're both at the exact same point in their careers. Could it be that one went to Munster and one didn't?


Somehow I doubt Stephen Archer will be a barrier to anyone, young player or opposition loosehead alike

Aungier was behind Salanoa was he not? Of course Archer is a barrier, no matter what you may think of his ability, Salanoa will have to do a lot to get ahead of him in the pecking order especially in the eyes of Van Graan.

[wixfjord]

Given the exposure he's getting and how comfortable he has looked starting for Connacht Jack Aungier looks much more like'the one who got away' than Salanoa.

Was that a Leinster Management mis-judgement?

Very small sample size though right? I mean there's clearly a reason why Salanoa was ahead of Aungier and why he's rated so highly.

In the short term Aungier is clearly more ready for top level tightheading, but from what we've seen so far, probably isn't going to be a test level player.

In the long term Salanoa looks like the type of athletic freak that, if he can learn the basics, could be have a huge upside.

[wixfjord]

Aungier was right to go at the time, there is no doubt about that. But Bent is 34, Furlong and Porter are always going to be away for large chunks of the season with Ireland as opposed to Ryan and Archer (irish internationals) who are available for Munster all season, provided Furlong isn't injured. That's not to mention Knox, who is further on in his development than Salanoa you'd imagine. That is some bad agency work and that is without even looking at the respective records for bringing through academy players. If Leo is saying that he was shocked that Salanoa left, then it's pretty safe to assume that he would have happily stayed.

What?!

So instead of being stuck behind 32 year old John Ryan and Stephen Archer and Knox, Salanoa should've chosen to be behind Furlong, Porter and Bent?

That doesn't make sense if Salanoa has any ambition to play in green.

[Dave Cahill]

Aungier was behind Salanoa was he not?

Not really, Augnier had marginally more minutes in marginally more games - but they're very small numbers. Nothing in it really

[Xanthippe]

Aungier was behind Salanoa was he not?

Not really, Augnier had marginally more minutes in marginally more games - but they're very small numbers. Nothing in it really

Aungier made 5 appearances (81 minutes) including both games against Glasgow and away against Ospreys and Munster
Salanoa made 3 appearances (52 minutes) all of which were ho e games - v Ulster, Connacht and Cheetahs

[Keith]

Aungier was right to go at the time, there is no doubt about that. But Bent is 34, Furlong and Porter are always going to be away for large chunks of the season with Ireland as opposed to Ryan and Archer (irish internationals) who are available for Munster all season, provided Furlong isn't injured. That's not to mention Knox, who is further on in his development than Salanoa you'd imagine. That is some bad agency work and that is without even looking at the respective records for bringing through academy players. If Leo is saying that he was shocked that Salanoa left, then it's pretty safe to assume that he would have happily stayed.

What?!

So instead of being stuck behind 32 year old John Ryan and Stephen Archer and Knox, Salanoa should've chosen to be behind Furlong, Porter and Bent?

That doesn't make sense if Salanoa has any ambition to play in green.

How doesn't it make sense? Ryan and Archer could still go on for another 3+ seasons and are available all year round. Like I just said Furlong and Porter are gone for large chunks of the season leaving loads of room for game time. Salanoa still hasn't proven himself in the pro 14 let alone international level, it's a bit premature to say the least to be talking about the green jersey.

[Keith]

Aungier was behind Salanoa was he not?

Not really, Augnier had marginally more minutes in marginally more games - but they're very small numbers. Nothing in it really

Fair enough I hadn't realised Aungier had played that many games.

[wixfjord]

Aungier was right to go at the time, there is no doubt about that. But Bent is 34, Furlong and Porter are always going to be away for large chunks of the season with Ireland as opposed to Ryan and Archer (irish internationals) who are available for Munster all season, provided Furlong isn't injured. That's not to mention Knox, who is further on in his development than Salanoa you'd imagine. That is some bad agency work and that is without even looking at the respective records for bringing through academy players. If Leo is saying that he was shocked that Salanoa left, then it's pretty safe to assume that he would have happily stayed.

What?!

So instead of being stuck behind 32 year old John Ryan and Stephen Archer and Knox, Salanoa should've chosen to be behind Furlong, Porter and Bent?

That doesn't make sense if Salanoa has any ambition to play in green.

How doesn't it make sense? Ryan and Archer could still go on for another 3+ seasons and are available all year round. Like I just said Furlong and Porter are gone for large chunks of the season leaving loads of room for game time. Salanoa still hasn't proven himself in the pro 14 let alone international level, it's a bit premature to say the least to be talking about the green jersey.

Sure they could. It's unlikely they'll both go to 35, and if Salanoa can't get ahead of them at that stage then it's all irrelevant anyway right?

They may be gone for 'large chunks', but for important games they'll be the two in the 23.

It may be premature to be talking about green jersey, but I've no issue with a guy backing himself and he's clearly highly rated. The path is far clearer in Munster with Ryan, Archer and Knox ahead of him than it is with Furlong, Porter and Bent. I mean you can't be seriously arguing otherwise.

[Keith]

What?!

So instead of being stuck behind 32 year old John Ryan and Stephen Archer and Knox, Salanoa should've chosen to be behind Furlong, Porter and Bent?

That doesn't make sense if Salanoa has any ambition to play in green.

How doesn't it make sense? Ryan and Archer could still go on for another 3+ seasons and are available all year round. Like I just said Furlong and Porter are gone for large chunks of the season leaving loads of room for game time. Salanoa still hasn't proven himself in the pro 14 let alone international level, it's a bit premature to say the least to be talking about the green jersey.

Sure they could. It's unlikely they'll both go to 35, and if Salanoa can't get ahead of them at that stage then it's all irrelevant anyway right?

They may be gone for 'large chunks', but for important games they'll be the two in the 23.

It may be premature to be talking about green jersey, but I've no issue with a guy backing himself and he's clearly highly rated. The path is far clearer in Munster with Ryan, Archer and Knox ahead of him than it is with Furlong, Porter and Bent. I mean you can't be seriously arguing otherwise.

I'm not arguing that at all, simply that it was the wrong time for him to move at the very least. But anyway it's done now, hopefully it works out for the best for him.

[ronk]

You have to get in at Pro14 level before you can prove yourself for the big games.

Whatever else about the standard at Pro14 level there’s no shortage of tough experienced front rows who still know how to push. That’s one of the reasons props have a harder time breaking through young. Leinster get try bonus points more often than they dominate at scrum time.

Either of those lads would have recent starts under their belt and would be breaking through but obviously the injury to Vak changes things even more.

[mildlyinterested]

It will be interesting to see who the next tighthead to join the academy is.. pretty difficult to forecast that right now.

Possibly Ben Griffin(u20) or if they convert Bobby Sheehan(u21)

[Oldschoolsocks]

Aungier was right to go at the time, there is no doubt about that. But Bent is 34, Furlong and Porter are always going to be away for large chunks of the season with Ireland as opposed to Ryan and Archer (irish internationals) who are available for Munster all season, provided Furlong isn't injured. That's not to mention Knox, who is further on in his development than Salanoa you'd imagine. That is some bad agency work and that is without even looking at the respective records for bringing through academy players. If Leo is saying that he was shocked that Salanoa left, then it's pretty safe to assume that he would have happily stayed.

What?!

So instead of being stuck behind 32 year old John Ryan and Stephen Archer and Knox, Salanoa should've chosen to be behind Furlong, Porter and Bent?

That doesn't make sense if Salanoa has any ambition to play in green.

Makes you think he probably should have sought out tighthead legend Dai Young. Learning at the feet of a master...

[mildlyinterested]

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/this-is- ... nextgenxv/

NextGenXV are specialists in schoolboy rugby content, and after many hours of deliberation and discussion, they have picked this team as their schoolboy XV for 2020.

15) Ajay Faleafaga (St Peters/New Zealand)
14) Curwin Gertse (Paarl Gim/South Africa)
13) Jack Howarth (Brisbane Boys/Australia)
12) Mambo Mkhize (Westville/South Africa)
11) Joseph Suaalii (Kings Parramatta/Australia)
10) Sacha Mngomezulu (Bishops/South Africa)
9) Noah Hotham (Hamilton Boys/New Zealand)
8. Carwyn Tuipulotu (Sedbergh/Wales)
7) Emeka Ilione – (Rugby School/England)
6) Zac Hough (Brisbane Boys/Australia)
5) Allen Craig (St Kents/New Zealand)
4) Connor Evans (Bishops/South Africa)
3) Fin Baxter (Wellington/England)
2) Archie Vanes ( Brooksby Melton College/England)
1) Jack Boyle (St Michaels/Ireland)
16) Finau Halafihi (Auckland Grammar/New Zealand)
17) Phil Brantingham (RGS Newcastle/England)
18) Seb Lombard (Paarl Boys/South Africa)
19) Christ Tshizuna (Whitchurch/Wales)
20) Ben Muncaster (Rugby School/Scotland)
21) Nico Steyn (Glenwood/South Africa)
22 Charlie Atkinson (Abingdon/England)
23) Dan John (Millfield/Wales)

[Jonny tight lips]

Aungier was right to go at the time, there is no doubt about that. But Bent is 34, Furlong and Porter are always going to be away for large chunks of the season with Ireland as opposed to Ryan and Archer (irish internationals) who are available for Munster all season, provided Furlong isn't injured. That's not to mention Knox, who is further on in his development than Salanoa you'd imagine. That is some bad agency work and that is without even looking at the respective records for bringing through academy players. If Leo is saying that he was shocked that Salanoa left, then it's pretty safe to assume that he would have happily stayed.

What?!

So instead of being stuck behind 32 year old John Ryan and Stephen Archer and Knox, Salanoa should've chosen to be behind Furlong, Porter and Bent?

That doesn't make sense if Salanoa has any ambition to play in green.

Makes you think he probably should have sought out tighthead legend Dai Young. Learning at the feet of a master...

and his bags of cash

[Jonny tight lips]

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/this-is- ... nextgenxv/

NextGenXV are specialists in schoolboy rugby content, and after many hours of deliberation and discussion, they have picked this team as their schoolboy XV for 2020.

15) Ajay Faleafaga (St Peters/New Zealand)
14) Curwin Gertse (Paarl Gim/South Africa)
13) Jack Howarth (Brisbane Boys/Australia)
12) Mambo Mkhize (Westville/South Africa)
11) Joseph Suaalii (Kings Parramatta/Australia)
10) Sacha Mngomezulu (Bishops/South Africa)
9) Noah Hotham (Hamilton Boys/New Zealand)
8. Carwyn Tuipulotu (Sedbergh/Wales)
7) Emeka Ilione – (Rugby School/England)
6) Zac Hough (Brisbane Boys/Australia)
5) Allen Craig (St Kents/New Zealand)
4) Connor Evans (Bishops/South Africa)
3) Fin Baxter (Wellington/England)
2) Archie Vanes ( Brooksby Melton College/England)
1) Jack Boyle (St Michaels/Ireland)
16) Finau Halafihi (Auckland Grammar/New Zealand)
17) Phil Brantingham (RGS Newcastle/England)
18) Seb Lombard (Paarl Boys/South Africa)
19) Christ Tshizuna (Whitchurch/Wales)
20) Ben Muncaster (Rugby School/Scotland)
21) Nico Steyn (Glenwood/South Africa)
22 Charlie Atkinson (Abingdon/England)
23) Dan John (Millfield/Wales)

Makes you wonder why he didn’t make the academy this year

[mildlyinterested]

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/this-is- ... nextgenxv/

NextGenXV are specialists in schoolboy rugby content, and after many hours of deliberation and discussion, they have picked this team as their schoolboy XV for 2020.

15) Ajay Faleafaga (St Peters/New Zealand)
14) Curwin Gertse (Paarl Gim/South Africa)
13) Jack Howarth (Brisbane Boys/Australia)
12) Mambo Mkhize (Westville/South Africa)
11) Joseph Suaalii (Kings Parramatta/Australia)
10) Sacha Mngomezulu (Bishops/South Africa)
9) Noah Hotham (Hamilton Boys/New Zealand)
8. Carwyn Tuipulotu (Sedbergh/Wales)
7) Emeka Ilione – (Rugby School/England)
6) Zac Hough (Brisbane Boys/Australia)
5) Allen Craig (St Kents/New Zealand)
4) Connor Evans (Bishops/South Africa)
3) Fin Baxter (Wellington/England)
2) Archie Vanes ( Brooksby Melton College/England)
1) Jack Boyle (St Michaels/Ireland)
16) Finau Halafihi (Auckland Grammar/New Zealand)
17) Phil Brantingham (RGS Newcastle/England)
18) Seb Lombard (Paarl Boys/South Africa)
19) Christ Tshizuna (Whitchurch/Wales)
20) Ben Muncaster (Rugby School/Scotland)
21) Nico Steyn (Glenwood/South Africa)
22 Charlie Atkinson (Abingdon/England)
23) Dan John (Millfield/Wales)

Makes you wonder why he didn’t make the academy this year

he only turned 18 in May.

He joined the sub-academy like many before him, no need to rush him as he needs to develop physically.

[Jonny tight lips]

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/this-is- ... nextgenxv/

NextGenXV are specialists in schoolboy rugby content, and after many hours of deliberation and discussion, they have picked this team as their schoolboy XV for 2020.

15) Ajay Faleafaga (St Peters/New Zealand)
14) Curwin Gertse (Paarl Gim/South Africa)
13) Jack Howarth (Brisbane Boys/Australia)
12) Mambo Mkhize (Westville/South Africa)
11) Joseph Suaalii (Kings Parramatta/Australia)
10) Sacha Mngomezulu (Bishops/South Africa)
9) Noah Hotham (Hamilton Boys/New Zealand)
8. Carwyn Tuipulotu (Sedbergh/Wales)
7) Emeka Ilione – (Rugby School/England)
6) Zac Hough (Brisbane Boys/Australia)
5) Allen Craig (St Kents/New Zealand)
4) Connor Evans (Bishops/South Africa)
3) Fin Baxter (Wellington/England)
2) Archie Vanes ( Brooksby Melton College/England)
1) Jack Boyle (St Michaels/Ireland)
16) Finau Halafihi (Auckland Grammar/New Zealand)
17) Phil Brantingham (RGS Newcastle/England)
18) Seb Lombard (Paarl Boys/South Africa)
19) Christ Tshizuna (Whitchurch/Wales)
20) Ben Muncaster (Rugby School/Scotland)
21) Nico Steyn (Glenwood/South Africa)
22 Charlie Atkinson (Abingdon/England)
23) Dan John (Millfield/Wales)

Makes you wonder why he didn’t make the academy this year

he only turned 18 in May.

He joined the sub-academy like many before him, no need to rush him as he needs to develop physically.

Fair enough but he wouldn’t of been the first to go straight to the academy and he seems to be very highly rated no more so than by yourself.

Something to look forward to for the future

[Ruckedtobits]

Boyle has some way to go to match Clarkson's basics. Sub-academy is appropriate level.

[mildlyinterested]

Makes you wonder why he didn’t make the academy this year

he only turned 18 in May.

He joined the sub-academy like many before him, no need to rush him as he needs to develop physically.

Fair enough but he wouldn’t of been the first to go straight to the academy and he seems to be very highly rated no more so than by yourself.

Something to look forward to for the future

haven't had some so young join the academy straight from school in 5+ years and that was a back..

[outcast eddie]

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/this-is- ... nextgenxv/

NextGenXV are specialists in schoolboy rugby content, and after many hours of deliberation and discussion, they have picked this team as their schoolboy XV for 2020.

15) Ajay Faleafaga (St Peters/New Zealand)
14) Curwin Gertse (Paarl Gim/South Africa)
13) Jack Howarth (Brisbane Boys/Australia)
12) Mambo Mkhize (Westville/South Africa)
11) Joseph Suaalii (Kings Parramatta/Australia)
10) Sacha Mngomezulu (Bishops/South Africa)
9) Noah Hotham (Hamilton Boys/New Zealand)
8. Carwyn Tuipulotu (Sedbergh/Wales)
7) Emeka Ilione – (Rugby School/England)
6) Zac Hough (Brisbane Boys/Australia)
5) Allen Craig (St Kents/New Zealand)
4) Connor Evans (Bishops/South Africa)
3) Fin Baxter (Wellington/England)
2) Archie Vanes ( Brooksby Melton College/England)
1) Jack Boyle (St Michaels/Ireland)
16) Finau Halafihi (Auckland Grammar/New Zealand)
17) Phil Brantingham (RGS Newcastle/England)
18) Seb Lombard (Paarl Boys/South Africa)
19) Christ Tshizuna (Whitchurch/Wales)
20) Ben Muncaster (Rugby School/Scotland)
21) Nico Steyn (Glenwood/South Africa)
22 Charlie Atkinson (Abingdon/England)
23) Dan John (Millfield/Wales)

Makes you wonder why he didn’t make the academy this year

I've heard number 19 is a bit of a miracle worker.