Leinster v Saints Sat 5.15 Aviva

[wixfjord]

Rory Hutchinson out for them too. That's a fair injury list including the two Franks bros.

Their 12 Symons is 6'5 and a bit of a journeyman. Would be interesting to see if we can get Larmour and Ringrose one on one with him in a bit of space.

Having said that, with him and Nayarovoro in the backline there could be a few of our lads bruised on Monday!

[johng]

Lawes is out til new year with hamstring injury. Tom Collins is a big loss for them. He was very dangerous last week!

England secondrow Courtney Lawes will miss Saturday’s Heineken champions Cup clash against Leinster at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday and is only rated 50-50 for the return encounter at the Aviva stadium the following week.

[Laighin Break]

Toner and Porter are the only non-enforced replacements. Northampton have gone strong too. Definitely not planning on rolling over.

McGrath in for JGP too.
I think most people probably expected rotation in these positions. Interesting that Rob benches again - I could imagine the plan originally was to start Larmour at 15 one week and Rob the other week but that Larmour has now held on to the 15 jersey after last week's performance.

[Twist]

I dont think Saints could’ve gone any stronger to be honest. I don’t expect this to be straightforward

[johng]

I dont think Saints could’ve gone any stronger to be honest. I don’t expect this to be straightforward

Resting several top players including Harrison, Collins and Reinach and replacing them with kids?

[wixfjord]

Reinach is injured in fairness.

But I agree there is a hint of towel throwing in there.

[johng]

Reinach is injured in fairness.

Ah. Didn't know that

[blockhead]

Not available for selection:
Alex Mitchell (knee), Reece Marshall (hamstring), Reuben Bird-Tulloch (hand), Henry Taylor (thumb), Ben Franks (elbow), David Ribbans (back), James Fish (head), Owen Franks (hand), Courtney Lawes (hamstring), Alex Moon (head) and Cobus Reinach (knee).

[johng]

Who else do they have at scrum half? 5 SHs listed for them. Did they need to go to a 20 year old? Or is he the best thing since fried bread? Don't get to see prem rugby much these days.

[wixfjord]

Who else do they have at scrum half? 5 SHs listed for them. Did they need to go to a 20 year old? Or is he the best thing since fried bread? Don't get to see prem rugby much these days.

James Mitchell is the only other option I believe. He's ex Connacht.

So not a huge amount of difference.

[johng]

No relation to Alex Mitchell their other SH?

[wixfjord]

No relation to Alex Mitchell their other SH?

Yep, the Mitchell bros!

[johng]

https://www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/person/henry-taylor

[wixfjord]

Their second row Coles is 20 years old and under 17 stone according to the Saints site.

Scott Fardy licking his lips I'd say...

[johng]

They also have a hooker called Reece Marshall. No relation to Munster's kiwi (now IQ) hooker Rhys Marshall. Same name same position. Different spelling different nationality

[Serb]

The implication that Northampton are throwing the game by picking some 20 year olds is a bit ridiculous considering the same players were good enough to play in the game last week.

It’s rotation. It’s that kind of attitude that caught us out when we lost 18-9 at home a few years ago.

[johng]

Should be safe enough. I'm not playing this week so my attitude shouldn't affect the players.

[carlow man]

Lawes is out til new year with hamstring injury. Tom Collins is a big loss for them. He was very dangerous last week!

England secondrow Courtney Lawes will miss Saturday’s Heineken champions Cup clash against Leinster at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday and is only rated 50-50 for the return encounter at the Aviva stadium the following week.

So he's injured then.

[johng]

Yes. But according to that he was 50/50 for this week. Which was feeding my "bad attitude" narrative.

[blockhead]

Should be safe enough. I'm not playing this week so my attitude shouldn't affect the players.

A week too soon?