Zebre at home, 23 Oct. 19:35

[OTT]

Not a good sign for CK, unless he’s injured no point to rest him as we have 10 day turn around.

There was a chance !?

Maybe we are down to the bare bones. Only two backs on the bench, no outside cover.

[mildlyinterested]

Didn't see any of ROL or CK in training content this week

[LeinsterLeader]

Not a good sign for CK, unless he’s injured no point to rest him as we have 10 day turn around.

There was a chance !?

Maybe we are down to the bare bones. Only two backs on the bench, no outside cover.

Think you might be on to something there alright!

[riocard911]

Can anyone explain, why Leavy is 23 and not 20 or 21? Ii's not as if he'll be playing in the centre or the back three.

[Ruckedtobits]

6/2 split indicative of how they view Zebre up front? Hawkshaw covering six positions.

[Pilotman123]

Not a good sign for CK, unless he’s injured no point to rest him as we have 10 day turn around.

There was a chance !?

Who’s CK ?

[mildlyinterested]

6/2 split indicative of how they view Zebre up front? Hawkshaw covering six positions.

or how injured they are in the backs?

ROL/CK missing, status unknown.

[cormac]

Big Dev's 250th appearance

[CiaranIrl]

Not a good sign for CK, unless he’s injured no point to rest him as we have 10 day turn around.

There was a chance !?

Who’s CK ?

Cian Kelleher.

[arsebiscuits1]

Can anyone explain, why Leavy is 23 and not 20 or 21? Ii's not as if he'll be playing in the centre or the back three.

Simple logistics of jersey sizes. Leinster would expect a lot of uses for their match days jerseys and would have them printed well in advance.

Given how rare it is to have a 6-2 split and that all those who would normally wear 21 would take a M or maybe an L size, there isn't much point in having an XL/ 2XL that the likes of Dan might take.

23 would be a much broader requirement as typically you could have either a center or a back 3 in it and they definitely have printed some on XL shirts

[cormac]

Whichever one of Hawkshaw or Parker comes off the bench first will be the 100th player to play for Leinster during Leo's time as head-coach.

[limecat]

Match Preview

Let's be grateful for small mercies first. At least we have rugby to watch this lockdown.

Yes it's Zebre at home on a weekend of a Six Nations championship. But it's still something to pass an evening and chat about with friends on WhatsApp even if we can't stand on a terrace together for the moment.

Read more...

[ronk]

To see Leavy in the 23 is flipping brilliant.

Leavy, Leavy, Leavy

[Blue not red blood]

Terrible shame he wont receive the extended standing ovation he richly deserves.
I have no doubt we will all applaud in our living rooms

[D4surfer]

Not a good sign for CK, unless he’s injured no point to rest him as we have 10 day turn around.

There was a chance !?

Who’s CK ?

Cian Kelleher.

Pilotman, he went to your school and his dad is the principal.

[joooooe]

Big Dev's 250th appearance

That is an outstanding achievement. Just 7 behind D'Arcy now. FWIW, he has 70 Ireland caps to Gordon's 82 (+1 Lions cap).

250 caps in such an attritional game, while having his game time managed, is actually incredible.

[joooooe]

Big Dev's 250th appearance

Also, if Dave Kearney scores a try he will pull level with Rob as the top scoring Kearney brother.

[OTT]

If all the lads get off the bench I make it 44 players that we will have used after only 3 games. Benty the only man to start all three.

[mildlyinterested]

Mick Kearney & Ian Nagle starting for Zebre

[mildlyinterested]

Leavy is on the bench for Leinster tomorrow in a matchday 23 that includes two players making their debut in the starting XV – hooker Dan Sheehan and outside centre Liam Turner – with replacements David Hawkshaw and Ciaran Parker also set for their first caps.

“Dan featured strongly in the Celtic Cup at the start of last season,” said Cullen, while confirming that Sean Cronin has an injury niggle.

“Liam was a key figure in the U20s before the break and he has gone well in training.

“We’re still quite light with players away on international duty but it gives the senior coaches time to work with the academy coaches and players.

“Dave Hawkshaw has had a long injury lay-off too, very similar to Dan in terms of timeframe and he came through the A game against Ulster well.

“Ciaran Parker gives us a little coverage as a short-term signing. We’re thin on the ground in terms of front rowers but Ciaran gives us cover and he has done well.”