LeRouxIsPHat wrote: ↑October 3rd, 2020, 3:40 pm Keenan was always a solid all rounder but now he’s becoming excellent in most areas. I couldn’t get over his work rate last night, especially his kick chase. There was one where he came from the opposite side of the pitch to put pressure on the Dragons near the corner, made me tired just watching it.
He really is. He makes very, very few mistakes but he isn't a conservative player either.
One of the most enjoyable parts of following Leinster is seeing young players step up their level of performance to push for selection in the biggest games, and we have actually had a glut of it in 2020 – Ronan Kelleher, Ryan Baird, Will Connors, Caelan Doris and now Keenan.
There will be more of them over the next six months. Harry Byrne is right on the cusp, and I think both Jack Dunne and Tommy O'Brien are poised to really start challenging.
wixfjord wrote: ↑October 3rd, 2020, 6:33 pm
He's deceptively powerful is Keenan.
Sort of has this gliding run, but he hits a line very hard.
Hugo has many skills and strengths but I believe his biggest asset is his ability to appreciate what and where is team-mates are doing. Whether it's putting somebody through a gap or running a support line or chasing and competing for a kick, he is exceptional. Over 2020 only Shane Daly has been as impressive at 15 from an Irish Province.
Ruddock should be in the team at 6 every time, especially against the big English and french teams, he gives us that bit of dog in the pack.
He just smashes people. Him leavy and dorris the future Leinster backrow imho.
lummix wrote: ↑October 3rd, 2020, 9:51 pm
Ruddock should be in the team at 6 every time, especially against the big English and french teams, he gives us that bit of dog in the pack.
He just smashes people. Him leavy and dorris the future Leinster backrow imho.
In fairness Connors did nothing wrong in the sarries game and if anything followed through on his ability to stop players at source. With the new rules a player like Connors tackling behind the line will be hugely valuable and will have a say on our backrow
lummix wrote: ↑October 3rd, 2020, 9:51 pm
Ruddock should be in the team at 6 every time, especially against the big English and french teams, he gives us that bit of dog in the pack.
He just smashes people. Him leavy and dorris the future Leinster backrow imho.
In fairness Connors did nothing wrong in the sarries game and if anything followed through on his ability to stop players at source. With the new rules a player like Connors tackling behind the line will be hugely valuable and will have a say on our backrow
The only fault in Connors game that day was playing meerkat instead of driving at scrum time which is where the match was lost.
In saying that his tackling is a huge asset to his game and to the team in general
lummix wrote: ↑October 3rd, 2020, 9:51 pm
Ruddock should be in the team at 6 every time, especially against the big English and french teams, he gives us that bit of dog in the pack.
He just smashes people. Him leavy and dorris the future Leinster backrow imho.
In fairness Connors did nothing wrong in the sarries game and if anything followed through on his ability to stop players at source. With the new rules a player like Connors tackling behind the line will be hugely valuable and will have a say on our backrow
The only fault in Connors game that day was playing meerkat instead of driving at scrum time which is where the match was lost.
In saying that his tackling is a huge asset to his game and to the team in general
Twist wrote: ↑October 3rd, 2020, 3:52 pm
Fingers crossed for Max Deegan. Thats a pretty severe injury toll to ship in a 30 point win.
Baird looks so impressive though. His conditioning work over the lockdown period is really paying off. I didn't think he'd have the power to play second row at the highest level but he's putting himself about like Itoje (who he's slightly taller than) recently
Twist wrote: ↑October 3rd, 2020, 3:52 pm
Fingers crossed for Max Deegan. Thats a pretty severe injury toll to ship in a 30 point win.
Baird looks so impressive though. His conditioning work over the lockdown period is really paying off. I didn't think he'd have the power to play second row at the highest level but he's putting himself about like Itoje (who he's slightly taller than) recently
Baird / Ryan ..... awesome combination ....
If we can get Jack Dunne to put on 10-12kg or so we should be set for second rows for the next decade!
Ross M only 26 too and more than good enough to lead in the league. Plus Charlie Ryan.
If we can get Jack Dunne to put on 10-12kg or so we should be set for second rows for the next decade!
Ross M only 26 too and more than good enough to lead in the league. Plus Charlie Ryan.
I think Dunne is already the heaviest of our young locks.
Aye but he has plenty of space to pack more mass on. We need at least one 19/20st lock imo. The only danger with Baird/Ryan is they it might be a little bit light for the odd game against a huge French pack.
Ryan looks to have filled out this year and is man-handling fellow second rows with ease. I think it won’t be long before he is the same Size as George Kruis or AWJ.
backrower8 wrote: ↑October 4th, 2020, 5:45 pm
Ryan looks to have filled out this year and is man-handling fellow second rows with ease. I think it won’t be long before he is the same Size as George Kruis or AWJ.
One of the few bright moments in the Sarries game was Ryan running over Maro Itoje. Although, I don't think we have any second-rows in our current stock who can be a truly world class 'big man enforcer' tighthead second-row. Think Etzebeth, Simon Shaw, Skelton etc.
"This is breathless stuff.....it's on again. Contepomi out to Hickie,D'Arcy,Hickie.......................HICKIE FOR THE CORNER! THAT IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
backrower8 wrote: ↑October 4th, 2020, 5:45 pm
Ryan looks to have filled out this year and is man-handling fellow second rows with ease. I think it won’t be long before he is the same Size as George Kruis or AWJ.
He'll need to put on about a stone if he wants to do that.
backrower8 wrote: ↑October 4th, 2020, 5:45 pm
Ryan looks to have filled out this year and is man-handling fellow second rows with ease. I think it won’t be long before he is the same Size as George Kruis or AWJ.
“I’m about 113 (kg) and that’s where I see my optimum weight. Usually I’m about 112 so this period has allowed me to put on a small bit of size”
backrower8 wrote: ↑October 4th, 2020, 5:45 pm
Ryan looks to have filled out this year and is man-handling fellow second rows with ease. I think it won’t be long before he is the same Size as George Kruis or AWJ.
“I’m about 113 (kg) and that’s where I see my optimum weight. Usually I’m about 112 so this period has allowed me to put on a small bit of size”
backrower8 wrote: ↑October 4th, 2020, 5:45 pm
Ryan looks to have filled out this year and is man-handling fellow second rows with ease. I think it won’t be long before he is the same Size as George Kruis or AWJ.
“I’m about 113 (kg) and that’s where I see my optimum weight. Usually I’m about 112 so this period has allowed me to put on a small bit of size”
backrower8 wrote: ↑October 4th, 2020, 5:45 pm
Ryan looks to have filled out this year and is man-handling fellow second rows with ease. I think it won’t be long before he is the same Size as George Kruis or AWJ.
“I’m about 113 (kg) and that’s where I see my optimum weight. Usually I’m about 112 so this period has allowed me to put on a small bit of size”
