Needs a big game: ROG
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The top two provinces in Ireland will collide at Thomond Park on Saturday as Munster and Leinster face-off in the Magners League Grand Final.
Home advantage will be the former's this week and rightly so after finishing at the summit in what's been a rather up-and-down 2010/11.
First in the campaign they were but their usual European exploits did not materialise, with their rivals from Dublin now kings of the Heineken Cup.
Subsequently, this game has extra flavour thrown in as Munster will be fresh from two weeks off while Leinster may have an emotional hangover.
Obviously they will have partied in Cardiff but not too heavily as the prospect of completing a 'double' is an opportunity that doesn't come often.
For that possible trophy double, Joe Schmidt has made three changes in all to the starting XV from last weekend, with the ever-improving centre Fergus McFadden in for an injured Gordon D'Arcy.
Jonathan Sexton - who has now scored 228 points in 18 games this term - links up with Eoin Reddan, with Luke Fitzgerald, Shane Horgan and Isa Nacewa in the back three.
In the pack, Heinke van der Merwe will make his 31st appearance of the season and is one of two forward changes as Shane Jennings comes in to link up with Sean O'Brien and Jamie Heaslip in what is a strong back-row. Some readers are backing this trio for Ireland.
Leo Cullen skippers alongside Nathan Hines, while the province can call upon three Ireland internationals off the bench in Cian Healy, Kevin McLaughlin and Devin Toner.
Meanwhile, David Wallace will win his 200th Munster cap in an unchanged starting XV from the home side. The matchday 23 shows just one change from the squad that saw off the Ospreys in the semi-final, with Johne Murphy named on the bench.
Otherwise it's as you were for McGahan's side as they chase a title they last captured in 2009. Wallace, playing in his 17th game of the season becomes just the sixth Munster player to reach 200 caps, having made his debut against Connacht in August 1997.
Head-to-head: After a man-of-the-match performance in Cardiff, Jonathan Sexton this week pits himself against Irish fly-half rival Ronan O'Gara. Leinster maestro was in superb form against Northampton and his personal duel with ROG, despite Declan Kidney's World Cup selection being pretty clear, should be of interest. O'Gara will want to put one over his younger international team-mate, thus sending a message that he is not finished just yet.
Form: Munster's 24-23 victory over Leinster at Thomond Park in April ended a five game losing run against their great rivals. Leinster's only victory in Limerick since 1995 was 16-15 in the Magners League on 2 April 2010. Munster topped the Magners League table ever since round two and disposed of Ospreys in the Play-Offs. The Munstermen are chasing a third league title following their successes in 2003 and 2009. Munster have won their last nine Magners League encounters and another victory will leave only Leinster with a better winning run in league history, when they won their first eleven matches in 2001-2002. Munster have won all 12 home games they have played in the Magners League this campaign. Leinster, the new European Champions, are now seeking a league and European Cup double, something that has only been achieved on four previous occasions (by Toulouse, Leicester - twice and Wasps). Leinster have been league champions twice before (2001 and 2008) and have won their last seven matches in all competitions.
Magners League Final Betting Odds: Munster 6/5, Draw 16/1, Leinster 8/11
Prediction: Close one, but Leinster by 3 points!
The teams:
Munster: 15 Felix Jones, 14 Doug Howlett, 13 Danny Barnes, 12 Lifiemi Mafi, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Ronan O'Gara, 9 Conor Murray, 8 James Coughlan, 7 David Wallace, 6 Donncha Ryan, 5 Paul O'Connell (capt), 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 John Hayes, 2 Damien Varley, 1 Marcus Horan.
Replacements: 16 Mike Sherry, 17 Wian du Preez, 18 Stephen Archer, 19 Denis Leamy, 20 Niall Ronan, 21 Peter Stringer, 22 Paul Warwick, 23 Johne Murphy.
Leinster: 15 Isa Nacewa, 14 Shane Horgan, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Fergus McFadden, 11 Luke Fitzgerald, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Eoin Reddan, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Shane Jennings, 6 Sean O'Brien, 5 Nathan Hines, 4 Leo Cullen (capt), 3 Mike Ross, 2 Richardt Strauss, 1 Heinke van der Merwe.
Replacements: 16 Aaron Dundon, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Stan Wright, 19 Devin Toner, 20 Kevin McLaughlin, 21 Paul O'Donohoe, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Eoin O'Malley.
Date: Saturday, May 28
Kick-off: 17:05
Venue: Thomond Park
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Assistant referees: Tim Hayes (Wales), David Jones (Wales)
Television match official: Nigel Whitehouse (Wales)
Timekeeper: Andrew Baird
By Adam Kyriacou
Comments
carpelone says...
I feel that Hook international career at 10 was put on hold by Welsh management choice, since they have an excellent fly-half in Jones.
I like very much the way Sexton is progressing, he may still have some points to prove at Test Match level (his game at Cardiff against Wales was disappointing).
Let's see how he defends against SA's and NZ's centers.
Not sceptical, just curious.
Agree that NZ have to pray for DC fitness, they do not have a decent back up, Evans still seems their second best option. Apart from the fly-half, NZ can field 3 XVs of almost same strength.
See you later, mate.
Posted 18:54 28th May 2011
blametheref says...
Great to see solid comment and counter comment, especially about the WC....I'll just say this, NZ hopes rest on the shoulders of one man, Dan Carter, Australia's hopes rest on the shoulders of a few good players but especially Quade Cooper a player who can't defend. South Africa are solid but nothing special. France have huge talent but are a complete enigma. England are strong but totally predicatble. I see comments that Flood and Hook are better othalves than Sexton, keep thinking that because the scoring stats at club and international level totally disprove that, especially in the case of Hook who doesn't even come close. Also, Sexton is a much better defender than these 2....
Posted 15:54 28th May 2011
crunchfit says...
Wouldn't mind O'Malley getting a bit of game time. Especially with BOD as he is right now.
Posted 14:09 28th May 2011
Fastmax13 says...
Hi all,
I must say I have enjoyed reading all the comments it's great to see such interest. I am a huge Leinster supporter and will be shouting for them today but I would just like to add that no matter who wins this game it's great for Irish rugby 2 have munster and Leinster in the final ulster playing so well and Connaught back in The heineken cup COME ON IRELAND
Posted 10:43 28th May 2011
carpelone says...
@ Ripzy007
Our Irish friends are enjoying a good season at club's level (Munster form dropped, but Ulster raised, thanks to Pienaar) and they like to chat and to dream, I think in good spirit.
There are lots of ups and downs in the forum populated by our Irish friends. The final conclusion is that generally they did not win couple or even three RWCs just because of something I never understand (in SA, we call them excuses).
I like chatting with them, although if you do not like the way Ireland play you can be named racist.
Back to rugby. Sexton has improved a lot, but he is not that crack you may think of by reading the lauds in this forum. It is fair to say that he is a good player, personally, I would still pick Hook and Flood ahead of him.
Ireland has a real chance of upsetting Australia because of the chronical lack of class tight 5. Not that Ireland excel in this, but Australia is truly awful. So the combination between the two sides seems to be in favour of Ireland. In the other departments, Ireland can be truly dangerous.
Ireland were generally poor in the 6 Nations (they gave away so many penalties, especially against Italy and France), however Leinster's men attitude in this is much much better. They played very well agianst England, and Sexton was extremely good. Beside that, Sexton's six nation was average.
Pocock could be crucial in forcing breakdown penalties, defensively, whichever 9-10 combination they field, they will suffer in the midfield.
So, Blametheref is not wrong saying that there is ground on paper for an upset.
From saying that they can beat Australia to saying that they can win the World cup, there are many many pints of Guinness in between.
Posted 09:07 28th May 2011
adamk says...
@JoeGlum Sorry to hear that you came across 'bitter' fans. As a Leinster fan, I always try to be a good 'ambassador' to our team, and have always had a great time in Thomand with the Munster support. Munster are known for their amazing support, so in fairness, ye's could probably teach us a thing or two. ;)
@Ripzy007 Oh, yes, quite.. Your points are clear and well explained, and your argument is well thought out. I'd like to subscribe to your newsletter.
Incase you weren't sure, I was being sarcastic. But seriously, when you have a decent, cohesive reason as to why the world number 4 ranked team have "NO CHANCE" to beat the world ranked number 2 team. :P
Posted 23:12 27th May 2011
Ripzy007 says...
@blametheref...what are you smoking? Ireland definitely absolutely NO CHANCE against the Wallabies...But you can still hope and dream that will happen...
Posted 21:31 27th May 2011
blametheref says...
No matter who wins this game, I hope the two teams get together for a few pints after the match and acknowledge that between them and the other 2 provinces et al they have the goods to win the WC by beating Australia and topping their group...can they do it? Yes! How? Just bear in mind that Quade Cooper in particular and Australia hold the record for missed tackles in recent times, so all Ireland need to do is, pick the right team and put in 3 performances after topping their group with the hunger and ruthlessness like they did against England and the cup can be theirs.....If I hear that Ireland's minimum target is to get to the Semi Finals I'll throw up. Did we ever hear that from cup Captains' Martin Johnson or Nick Farr-Jones? No!.......All's there, but is Declan Kidney?
Posted 18:45 27th May 2011
blametheref says...
Sexton played 9 Heineken Cup games and scored 138 points, that averages out at 15.33 points per game which is as good if not better than Dan Carter's average in the Super 15. Dan Carter averages more points per game than any fly half ever in the history of rugby....so keep going Johnny!
Posted 18:12 27th May 2011
blametheref says...
Sexton's 228 points in 18 games, is world class average for an out half. The majority of these games were against top opposition, so the stat is very impressive in world terms
Posted 17:37 27th May 2011
blametheref says...
Dazzler0911, all the back rows you name will go to the WC, fitness permitting. Jennings is a contender for the WC as he's a true 7, besides Warburton for Wales there's few "old style" 7's in NH International rugby. But in the SH it's a different story with the likes of Broussow and Pocock, that's why for certain WC matches he'll be invaluable. He's on against Munster to get in ROG's face early on and counteract Coughlin. It's obvious from the selection, that Leinster intend to turn up the tempo to 10 in the last 15/20 mins with players like Healy and McLoughlin being called to add their ball carrying abilities. Leinster to do the business, but it is Munster and it is Thomond and Nigel Owens is the ref!
Posted 17:14 27th May 2011
JoeGlum says...
As Munster were in 2008, Leinster are now clearly the best side in Europe. They fully deserve their success. Munster have not moved forward at all since Mcgahan took over. Backrow, half back and centres need to be completely redone. Leinster have some real quality coming through and look to be here to stay We(munster) were destroyed by a mid table prem side at home in the Amlin - we had absolutely nothing to challenge them. The Ospreys were already on the beach and we scraped past them. The only thing that will save us from a 20 point drubbing is the fact that the players know each other so well and this will help cancel out some of Leinsters advantage.
Unlike the childish bitterness that flowed from a sizeable portion of the Leinster fans back in 2008 when we were clearly the better team most of the Munster fans acknowledge the Leinster lads superiority and dont begrudge them their success - they merit it and good luck to them. It would be great if we gave em a bloody nose on Saturday but sadly I cant see it and even if we did they are still 2-3 years ahead of us.
Posted 15:48 27th May 2011
adamk says...
@rockman I agree with you there, it was peculiar to see thomand half empty for an amlin cup semi. But as far as I know there was a lot of mitigating factors to why that match was so empty. I think it can be put down to a freak occurance, as Munster have filled the stadium for all their other home games.
On a side note, 6,500 'confirmed' Leinster fans are travelling to Thomand for this sold out match, that number alone is the highest amount of Leinster fans ever to travel away to an interprovincal derby in the league. With tickets being sold via other methods, it's possible that number will be greater, perhaps up towards the region of 10,000. The stadium only holds 26,500, so should be a great atmosphere...
Posted 14:51 27th May 2011
leinster_goy says...
i've a feeling that munster will edge this, they've more motivation to get some silverware this season plus its it thomond. leinster will probably be shattered after last week plus one or two players might be mentally on holiday. leinster are also a bit light on the bench in terms of backs, real pity isaac boss isn't fit, he's been impressive this season and his experience would have been invaluable in the last 20 mins. munster can call upon warwick, stringer and murphy. munster win
Posted 14:43 27th May 2011
TheDazzler0911 says...
Who is backing Shane Jennings for the world cup? I would of thought Stephen Ferris, David Wallace and Kevin McLaughlin would all be ahead of him in the pecking order
Posted 14:39 27th May 2011
Carpelone says...
I say Munster, physical and mental freshness will pay off, it is too important in professional rugby. Munster will take the lead early and Leinster will catch up in the second half, falling a little short..
Posted 14:18 27th May 2011
adamk says...
Interesting front row selection for both teams. Hayes to start? I see Heinke making life difficult for the bull. But why isn't Cian Healy starting? Interesting tactics here, I'd say the scrum will go each way for the first 40, and then the winning team will only get the push on after the bench is used in the second half.
Looking forward to see Isa vs Jones too.. It's also crucial that Reddan stays match fit for 80, cuz I don't see Paul O'D getting much interest in this game, especially that he's already signed to the west.
Too close to call I feel. Munster will have the pride of being first to beat the European Champions... But this particular Leinster selection has seen it all in the past 8 months, they'll know what do, so long as they aren't drawn into a slug fest and tempers flare....
Posted 14:04 27th May 2011
rockman says...
I don't think you can ever write off Munster in Thomond but judging by the semi against Ospreys much has changed down there. They always prided themselves as having the best and most loyal support in the world yet once they get knocked out of both the Heineken cup and the Amlin cup their fans deserted them? Traditionally tickets were like gold dust foir Thomond yet they didn't even open the terraces for the semi. Proves how loyal the "Red army" are. Deserters and glory supporters the lot of them. The team needs its support the most when they are loosing. I hope they turn out tomorrow for what will be an Epic encounter.
Posted 14:01 27th May 2011
howrtings says...
@ Blue Lion - as a Munster fan - it pains me to say that I agree with you. Leinster on recent form are clearly the favourites to come out on top this weekend. But like all games between these two great rivals - nothing is certain. I hope Munster can go to the well once more and remind us all why they are considered a great team. Munster have triumphed many a time against teams that are superior on paper, hopefully they can do it again.
Can't wait for the match - may the best team win.....
Posted 13:58 27th May 2011
papachinzo says...
This is going to be an awesome game!! hope Felix and Barnes have a good game, I'd like to see them in Green very soon!! In terms of a match, Leinster all the way. look at the front and back rows like...
Posted 13:41 27th May 2011