[Olyy]

Starting XV:
15. Joe Carpenter, 14. Tom Roebuck, 13. Rob du Preez, 12. Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, 11. Tom O’Flaherty, 10. George Ford, 9. Gus Warr; 1. Si McIntyre, 2. Ethan Caine, 3. Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 4. Ernst van Rhyn ©, 5. Ben Bamber, 6. Jacques Vermeulen, 7. Sam Dugdale, 8 Dan du Preez.

Replacements:
16. Alfie Longstaff, 17. Ralph McEachran, 18. James Harper, 19. Reuben Logan, 20. Jos Gilmore, 21. Dom Hanson, 22. Marius Louw, 23. Alex Wills.


Two DuPreez brothers returning is a boost,
No McElroy, as predicted in the other thread, and still no Burrow or Andrews

[RinTin]

We had a good run. Hopefully this game doesn't end in embarrassment.

[LJK]

Yes better team than I feared ......great that AOF is available, as there seemed to be some doubt on him during the week. It's still going to be a massive task but Edinburgh did threaten the outcome last week, so who knows. No pressure on the Sale boys, so go and play ........

[Olyy]

Leinster:
15. Hugo Keenan (78)
14. Tommy O’Brien (57)
13. Garry Ringrose (144)
12. Jamie Osborne (69)
11. Rieko Ioane (10)
10. Harry Byrne (86)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (166)
1. Alex Usanov (5)
2. Dan Sheehan (82) CAPTAIN
3. Tadhg Furlong (162)
4. Joe McCarthy (59)
5. James Ryan (104)
6. Ryan Baird (89)
7. Josh van der Flier (168)
8. Jack Conan (173)

Replacements:
16. Rónan Kelleher (88)
17. Jerry Cahir (10)
18. Thomas Clarkson (71)
19. Max Deegan (153)
20. Scott Penny (100)
21. Luke McGrath (250)
22. Ciarán Frawley (117)
23. Robbie Henshaw (116)

[RinTin]

Leinster beat Edinburgh comfortably. All the stats were overwhelmingly in Leinster's favour except for 'interceptions made'.

Can you please change the name of this thread to Team vs Ireland?

[RinTin]

https://www.planetrugby.com/news/matt-w ... y-leinster

What utter tripe. I've never liked Williams.

I don't think he can comprehend the need for squad rotation, or that some squads don't have the depth or financial security of Leinster.

I hope Axe shows the lads this and we give them a hell of a game.

[Yareet]

Few points, Mr Williams:

it is a fact that under the old six game pool system, Sale would not have qualified for a quarter-final.

Very true. But we’re not using that system any more

There is an old saying in rugby that if you disrespect your opponent, you are inviting disappointment into your life.

Is there? Care to show an example of anyone else saying that ever?

Clubs, like Sale, that game the system cannot be allowed to benefit from their cynical actions.

Because Leinster would never, ever (especially under your leadership) have picked a weaker side for a URC/Magners/Celtic League game

[Flumpty]

i can't see much in that Ireland/Leinster 23 that'll give us to much bother.

[RinTin]

Few points, Mr Williams:

it is a fact that under the old six game pool system, Sale would not have qualified for a quarter-final.

Very true. But we’re not using that system any more

There is an old saying in rugby that if you disrespect your opponent, you are inviting disappointment into your life.

Is there? Care to show an example of anyone else saying that ever?

Clubs, like Sale, that game the system cannot be allowed to benefit from their cynical actions.

Because Leinster would never, ever (especially under your leadership) have picked a weaker side for a URC/Magners/Celtic League game

Ironically it appears something like 11 or 12 of the lads who played for us vs Toulouse are playing tomorrow vs Leinster.

[Halifaxshark]

He knows that’s the best 23 we can put out doesn’t he? We haven’t picked those players for the banter. Idiot!

[DavenportSharky]

Leinster Rugby v Sale Sharks
Referee: Pierre Brousset (Fra)
ARs: Gianluca Gnecchi (Ita) & Filippo Russo (Ita)
TMO: Tual Trainini (Fra

[Lord Elpus]

Huge sigh of relief in Perth. Those dollars will still never see the light of day.

[DavenportSharky]

Odds to win

Ireland 1/14
Draw 66/1
Immoral, indecent, disrespectful and cynical 2nd XV 20/1

[poyntonshark]

Huge sigh of relief in Perth. Those dollars will still never see the light of day.

The sigh of relief is some 400+km South of Perth, @ledzepsfr in Perth may be bemoaning that he will have to pay the exhorbitant Perth price for a pint. (I suppose it's not impossible that I might win the lottery before my next trip up there)

[ledzepsfr]

Huge sigh of relief in Perth. Those dollars will still never see the light of day.

The sigh of relief is some 400+km South of Perth, @ledzepsfr in Perth may be bemoaning that he will have to pay the exhorbitant Perth price for a pint. (I suppose it's not impossible that I might win the lottery before my next trip up there)

400kms? where are you Poyntonshark?

[RinTin]

Looking forward the Sale Supporters of Australia group being set up.

[poyntonshark]

Huge sigh of relief in Perth. Those dollars will still never see the light of day.

The sigh of relief is some 400+km South of Perth, @ledzepsfr in Perth may be bemoaning that he will have to pay the exhorbitant Perth price for a pint. (I suppose it's not impossible that I might win the lottery before my next trip up there)

400kms? where are you Poyntonshark?

This could get confusing. I'm in Denmark.

[Olyy]

So many spiral bombs on/around the 22

Why are we kicking directly to their 15, who has three others around him, with only a backrower on the chase?

[The Back Row]

27 points down. George ford kicks for territory. Get these paint-by-numbers people out of our club. It’s abysmal.

[Olyy]

What an embarrassing ending to the game


Defence and effort in the first 50 was good,
Scrum good, lineout woeful
Attack completely non existent other than for the try - like actively negative, just dire dire stuff


About as expected, really

[45jumper]

A dreary watch. We expected to lose and there was no lack of heart in defence, but deary me: the adject poverty of our 'attack' is staggering. Ford has been shocking since the 6N (and during!) and I'm not really seeing what his brother really offers as a coach so far.

[Bronzbronx]

Playing the Ireland team, it was never going to competitive, especially with our injury situation. I don't hink we got as battered as I thought we would.

[Evo]

Wow, playing a quasi Irish 15 with the injuries we have, think we did okay.
Some silly, IMHO, comments re how we played but with the squad and our limitations but I would will be really interested in those that criticise in what solutions they offer...

[The Back Row]

Solution. Don’t box kick/ Garryowen every time you have a ball in hand. That’s my ‘solution’.

Go down swinging. Enjoy having a go. Believe in yourself. Try.

[45jumper]

Wow, playing a quasi Irish 15 with the injuries we have, think we did okay.
Some silly, IMHO, comments re how we played but with the squad and our limitations but I would will be really interested in those that criticise in what solutions they offer...

There's nothing wrong with favouring a kicking game but the refusal to even try anything else was stark. Ford belting the ball down the Lions Fullback's throat 3 times in the opening exchanges said all you needed to know - it was a negative tactic with no heads up thinking.

[LJK]

Stupidly at half time I felt we would make a game of it, but it was a false dawn provided by Leinster's mistakes (some under pressure from us).
Alex said our strengths were set piece..yes, the scrum did very well at first as did the lineout, but then the latter went to pieces as usual and think two attacking line outs lost.
The attack only flowed towards the end, but maybe by then Leinster felt the game was clearly theirs, and were operating in 3rd gear. Hanson looks quick and Si Mcintyre and AOF should take a bow for a great effort.
I was expecting a scoreline at least as bad as it was. We aren't in the same league as the other 7 quarter finalists, and it showed

[Olyy]

Thought SiMac was very good, up against one of the best tightheads in the game and put in some nice passes too (even from the base of the ruck - maybe a future at 9 for him)

If not for the yellow I might have him as our MOTM (think I'd probably go with Vermeulen, all told)

[Bucks1861]

An independent view from the Telegraph

“ Leinster 43 Sale Sharks 13

Nothing was expected of the Sale challenge against locked-and-loaded Leinster, but during an underwhelming season which has left the Sharks needing a miracle to qualify for the Prem play-offs, they showed the meaning of northern heart and soul in Dublin.

Leinster emerged victorious, scoring six tries to one, but that will come as a surprise to no one. What might do is how Leinster’s feathers were ruffled by the side sitting seventh in the Prem, missing a third of their starting XV, including two British and Irish Lions.

The Irish giants, having not won the Champions Cup since 2018, will host Toulon in the semi-finals but require significant improvements if they are serious about lifting this trophy for a fifth time. Neither Bordeaux nor Toulouse will be quaking in their boots having watched Sale bloody Irish noses for an hour.

The scoreline flatters hugely Leinster.

Of course, the Irish province deserve credit for their patience in navigating choppy waters and ultimately pulling away, but the half-time score of 7-3 was a far more truthful précis of events in the Aviva. In the first half especially, Leinster, sitting in fourth in the United Rugby Championship after an inconsistent campaign, looked miles off title contenders.

The best player on the pitch was Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, the centre leading the physical tone for the visitors, who almost cut the revered Garry Ringrose in two with one first-half tackle. Ma’asi-White had what must surely rank as his best day in a Sale shirt to date, although Dan Sheehan, captaining Leinster in the absence of the concussed Caelan Doris, was impressive in an otherwise middling cause.

Etc.

[ledzepsfr]

The sigh of relief is some 400+km South of Perth, @ledzepsfr in Perth may be bemoaning that he will have to pay the exhorbitant Perth price for a pint. (I suppose it's not impossible that I might win the lottery before my next trip up there)

400kms? where are you Poyntonshark?

This could get confusing. I'm in Denmark.

Lovely part of the State and great fishing in Walpole

[SSR]

Only saw the short highlights but looking at the yellow cards and the timings of the tries,
it looks like the two yellows killed us off. DDP had a couple of woeful attempts at tackles as
did TOF being outrun by the 8. At one point a Sale player was lying clutching his face on
the middle of the pitch, don't know what that was about.
Score does look like it flattered Leinster, but no shame in losing in Ireland.

[Olyy]

At one point a Sale player was lying clutching his face on
the middle of the pitch, don't know what that was about.

Friendly fire in a double tackle

[SSR]

Are any of the youngsters getting enough time off the bench to form any impression of them
at the higher level?

[Olyy]

Probably only Burrow and Wills

Burrow the pick of the two, could do with a couple more Kg in his frame but that'll come naturally as he matures - shame he's missed the last few weeks and we've had no update as to why/when we can expect him back

Wills looks good but I question his top end pace - I wouldn't want a wing pairing of him and Roebuck together

[Lord Elpus]

Probably only Burrow and Wills

Burrow the pick of the two, could do with a couple more Kg in his frame but that'll come naturally as he matures - shame he's missed the last few weeks and we've had no update as to why/when we can expect him back

I thought both Burrow & Andrews were not in the XXIII

[Olyy]

Ah, I read it as in general not specifically yesterday

If just yesterday then only Wills, who was lively off the bench, and took his try well
Hanson showed some spark/promise too - hope he gets a solid chunk of game time while Raffi is out

Didn't notice Gilmore (did he come on?)
Logan had a few strong carries, but Leinster were in the ascendancy at that point so it was really just running into brick walls (though I liked his fight in the contact)
Didn't notice either front rower replacement tbh, though I don't think there was a noticeable improvement in the lineout after the swap

[SSR]

I did mean in general, as 10 mins max in one game seems a bit of a throwaway.
I am not able to view any games now so rely on the reports. Would love to know that
one or two youngsters are putting their hands up whenever they get a chance, no matter
how short.

[DavenportSharky]

Ambitionless Sale Sharks not helping to attract much needed Gen Z fans

https://www.thetimes.com/article/e2f7e9 ... 958e433dcf

Fair comment from Barnes

[RinTin]

Standard from us in big European games in recent seasons (Toulouse last year, Racing a few seasons back, now Leinster) - in the hunt at half time, but completely collapsing thereafter.

Carps going off killed us as there was a real back 3 disconnect immediately. Within a couple of minutes Leinster exposed Wills side and scored a try. I don't see with Wills what others do. Ford has lost it completely and needs the summer to sort himself out.

Positives - Gilmore and Logan looked handy and put themselves about. Flats has really stepped up in recent weeks, RMW looks a real class act. Scrum was phenomenal on Saturday. Si Mac and Asher, take bows.

Hooker - I don't understand why ours can't throw?? It's not like a prop where you are going directly up against someone and your success rate is influenced by the man opposite.... throwing is throwing. You know the call, know where to put the ball and just need to get timing right. It's the the first thing expected of the guys in that position. Why can't we do it?

[SSR]

Why can't we do it?

Like all things, not enough practice ?

[AndaleManito]

Ambitionless Sale Sharks not helping to attract much needed Gen Z fans

https://www.thetimes.com/article/e2f7e9 ... 958e433dcf

Fair comment from Barnes

Hard to disagree with anything he's said there. I do find it a bit odd (and extremely frustrating) in a season where there's no relegation, and with a load of injuries meaning that realistically we're not going to beat Leinster, we don't just have a go? There's no real downside to losing this season (IIUC), so you might as well go down playing something good to watch. Especially when we're hardly filling the stadium.

For all his trolling/deliberate winding up, I do have to agree with The Back Row to some extent. Though I don't think we need to chuck out the bath with the bathwater, but we do need to change this constant box kicking...

Hoping to start a family soon and I can't see how I'd get a son/daughter interested in Sale if this is the future.

With our box kicking, I appreciate that it might "statistically" lead to some good outcomes. But it's clearly not working. Maybe if our entire squad is fit and available, its something that might work (still boring though). But our squad has a load of injuries and we seem to just have the same game plan. Surely we need to adapt our plan to the players we have available, rather than just plodding on with the same old dross?

To quote a certain Anton - If the rule you followed brought you to this, of what use was the rule?

[ledzepsfr]

TBH it's hard to disagree with anything Stuart Barnes says in this article.

[Olyy]

TBH it's hard to disagree with anything Stuart Barnes says in this article.

Yeah, feels dirty saying it but he's bang on

[RinTin]

https://www.planetrugby.com/news/invest ... nster-star

We got 3 honourable mentions! I will take that. Si Mac, Asher and RMW doing us proud.

[dinogyro]

Ambitionless Sale Sharks not helping to attract much needed Gen Z fans

https://www.thetimes.com/article/e2f7e9 ... 958e433dcf

Fair comment from Barnes

At least we know The Back Row's real name now.

[The Back Row]

Rumbled.