Northampton Saints
Saints v Leinster 3rdMay 2024 - Teams up
By Saint Ted
May 3 2024
This is the Leinster v Northampton Saints Euro semi final match day thread
Who: Leinster v Northampton Saints
Where: Croke Park
When: Saturday 4th May; 17:30
How do I watch: TNT 2/Discovery +
Tickets: SOLD OUT
Saints take: Saints O'ffy
Leinsters take: Leinster O'ffy
Officials:
Referee: Mathieu Reynal (Fra)
Assistant referees: Pierre Brousset and Luc Ramos (both Fra)
TMO: Thomas Charabas (Fra)
| Northampton Saints | Leinster Rugby | |
| George Furbank | 15 | Ciarán Frawley |
| James Ramm | 14 | Jordan Larmour |
| Tommy Freeman | 13 | Robbie Henshaw |
| Fraser Dingwall | 12 | Jamie Osborne |
| George Hendy | 11 | James Lowe |
| Fin Smith | 10 | Ross Byrne |
| Alex Mitchell | 9 | Jamison Gibson-Park |
| Alex Waller | 1 | Andrew Porter |
| Curtis Langdon | 2 | Dan Sheehan |
| Trevor Davison | 3 | Tadhg Furlong |
| Alex Moon | 4 | Ross Molony |
| Alex Coles | 5 | Joe McCarthy |
| Courtney Lawes (c) | 6 | Ryan Baird |
| Sam Graham | 7 | Josh van der Flier |
| Juarno Augustus | 8 | Caelan Doris (C) |
| Replacements: | ||
| Sam Matavesi | 16 | Rónan Kelleher |
| Emmanuel Iyogun | 17 | Cian Healy |
| Elliot Millar Mills | 18 | Michael Ala’alatoa |
| Temo Mayanavanua | 19 | Jason Jenkins |
| Angus Scott-Young | 20 | Jack Conan |
| Tom James | 21 | Luke McGrath |
| Tom Litchfield | 22 | Harry Byrne |
| Tom Seabrook | 23 | Jimmy O’Brien |
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StumbleuponSaints v Leinster 3rdMay 2024 - Teams up
Discussion started by Marching On , 03/05/2024 14:28
Marching On
03/05/2024 14:28
03/05/2024 14:28
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:05:09:11:05:16 by Saint Ted.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:05:09:11:05:16 by Saint Ted.
Looks great. That XV looks š arguably improved only by the inclusion of Pearson at 7 and Sleigtholme on the wing? even so their replacements are excellent players.
Good luck.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:05:03:12:44:33 by OldMarovian.
Good luck.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:05:03:12:44:33 by OldMarovian.
And Ludlam missing
But a good strong side. Hopefully we can start strong and at least but some pressure on Leinster, after that who knows
But a good strong side. Hopefully we can start strong and at least but some pressure on Leinster, after that who knows
Leinster Rugby (caps in brackets)
15. CiarƔn Frawley (83)
14. Jordan Larmour (103)
13. Robbie Henshaw (87)
12. Jamie Osborne (42)
11. James Lowe (77)
10. Ross Byrne (157)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (137)
1. Andrew Porter (117)
2. Dan Sheehan (58)
3. Tadhg Furlong (142)
4. Ross Molony (178)
5. Joe McCarthy (31)
6. Ryan Baird (65)
7. Josh van der Flier (138)
8. Caelan Doris (78) CAPTAIN
Replacements
16. RĆ³nan Kelleher (58)
17. Cian Healy (274)
18. Michael Alaāalatoa (66)
19. Jason Jenkins (36)
20. Jack Conan (142)
21. Luke McGrath (207)
22. Harry Byrne (65)
23. Jimmy OāBrien (76)
15. CiarƔn Frawley (83)
14. Jordan Larmour (103)
13. Robbie Henshaw (87)
12. Jamie Osborne (42)
11. James Lowe (77)
10. Ross Byrne (157)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (137)
1. Andrew Porter (117)
2. Dan Sheehan (58)
3. Tadhg Furlong (142)
4. Ross Molony (178)
5. Joe McCarthy (31)
6. Ryan Baird (65)
7. Josh van der Flier (138)
8. Caelan Doris (78) CAPTAIN
Replacements
16. RĆ³nan Kelleher (58)
17. Cian Healy (274)
18. Michael Alaāalatoa (66)
19. Jason Jenkins (36)
20. Jack Conan (142)
21. Luke McGrath (207)
22. Harry Byrne (65)
23. Jimmy OāBrien (76)
Quote:CullyChief
Good luck from Exeter, will be supporting you and Quins all the way.
Thanks
No great surprises. Solid team with a tough assignment. Relieved to see a 5:3 bench as I think our forwards are much fresher than our backs at this point in time.
be brave
show now fear
be the best that you can be and the result will take care of itself
show now fear
be the best that you can be and the result will take care of itself
Would be a great game to win. A Quins Saints final would be very unlikely but good for us. I think on another day we could win that one.
Just the small matter of Leinster and their inexperienced kids first....
Just the small matter of Leinster and their inexperienced kids first....
Quote:AlexC
Leinster Rugby (caps in brackets)
15. CiarƔn Frawley (83)
14. Jordan Larmour (103)
13. Robbie Henshaw (87)
12. Jamie Osborne (42)
11. James Lowe (77)
10. Ross Byrne (157)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (137)
1. Andrew Porter (117)
2. Dan Sheehan (58)
3. Tadhg Furlong (142)
4. Ross Molony (178)
5. Joe McCarthy (31)
6. Ryan Baird (65)
7. Josh van der Flier (138)
8. Caelan Doris (78) CAPTAIN
Replacements
16. RĆ³nan Kelleher (58)
17. Cian Healy (274)
18. Michael Alaāalatoa (66)
19. Jason Jenkins (36)
20. Jack Conan (142)
21. Luke McGrath (207)
22. Harry Byrne (65)
23. Jimmy OāBrien (76)
Pity those numbers aren't ages!
From Munster - Best Of Luck tomorrow.
Don't worry about caps or anything in brackets. That Saints team is starting a journey and I feel if, and it a big IF, Fin Smith has his kicking right and can expose Frawley at 15 they ye might find gold. That is an undercooked Leinster pack.
Don't worry about caps or anything in brackets. That Saints team is starting a journey and I feel if, and it a big IF, Fin Smith has his kicking right and can expose Frawley at 15 they ye might find gold. That is an undercooked Leinster pack.
Well the bookies have made a very clear statement, Leinster 1:10 whilst Saints 6:1 makes us well worth a flutter!
Quinns are equally unfancied
Quinns are equally unfancied
Hope the Saints coaches have been studying the England win over Ireland in the 6 Nations.
Main thing I remember is how reliant they are on Lowe for their exits and how flustered he got when put under pressure by Maro & Co.
You rarely meet a poor bookie but those odds for Saints are tempting š¤
Main thing I remember is how reliant they are on Lowe for their exits and how flustered he got when put under pressure by Maro & Co.
You rarely meet a poor bookie but those odds for Saints are tempting š¤
Quote:OldMarovian
Hope the Saints coaches have been studying the England win over Ireland in the 6 Nations.
Main thing I remember is how reliant they are on Lowe for their exits and how flustered he got when put under pressure by Maro & Co.
You rarely meet a poor bookie but those odds for Saints are tempting š¤
All true except that Osborne also kicks left-footed ... arguably even further and more accurately than Lowe.
Maybe he can be flustered too but so far in the last few years he has only really shown the confidence of youth.
Quote:Sir Hector
Well the bookies have made a very clear statement, Leinster 1:10 whilst Saints 6:1 makes us well worth a flutter!
Quinns are equally unfancied
Great news. No one expects us to win. No pressure on Saints. It allows the players to go out and show what they can do. COYS.
Only one win for an away team since 2017 at this stage in the competition.
In the last three campaigns Saints haven't won a game Leinster have made two finals and a semi final.
With more players missing than them this would be the greatest victory ever for the club IMO.
This is a monumental ask.
In the last three campaigns Saints haven't won a game Leinster have made two finals and a semi final.
With more players missing than them this would be the greatest victory ever for the club IMO.
This is a monumental ask.
OK, I think this team can do it.
But looking at that Leinster team, this is a joke. Every single one capped, and not just once or twice. This competition is so skewed it is unreal.
But looking at that Leinster team, this is a joke. Every single one capped, and not just once or twice. This competition is so skewed it is unreal.
Quote:Merlin-k
OK, I think this team can do it.
But looking at that Leinster team, this is a joke. Every single one capped, and not just once or twice. This competition is so skewed it is unreal.
How is the competition skewed if you think either team can win?
I'd love to watch the match with some saints fans, but I'm struggling to find a pub near me that's showing it. Does the club show the match up at Franklin's Gardens?
Tks Coolbawn. I don't watch Leinster enough to be familiar with the options they have outside the Ireland squad in the back three. He sounds like a useful option to have.
Quote:Merlin-k
OK, I think this team can do it.
But looking at that Leinster team, this is a joke. Every single one capped, and not just once or twice. This competition is so skewed it is unreal.
The majority of the team are from Leinster. What's the problem?
It matters not to me where the Leinster players herald from as this to me is a āclubā competition- not some sort of pseudo nationalistic contest. The competition is skewed though as a team that has been unbeaten throughout against opposition from France,Ireland, Scotland and South Africa have to play a semifinal in their opponents back yard.
Good morning Saintly folk.
All the best for today. A win would be an incredible result but I definitely think this team has it in them.
Good luck.
All the best for today. A win would be an incredible result but I definitely think this team has it in them.
Good luck.
Hope all the travelling Saintly ones have a great day. As Dowse always says āwe need to get our game on the pitchā.
May the 4th be with the boys!
May the 4th be with the boys!
Not one line in today's Daily Mail about the semis but three pages about Billy b.. Vunipola.
We're not close enough to London I guess
We're not close enough to London I guess
Pretty typical DM - good article in the Gruniad but unfortunately their photo of Fin Smith is actually Tommy Freeman.....
Cmon Thrupp, both players gave an F in their names. That's practically spot on by Guardian standards!
Here now with Munster Jersey and Saints scarf on. Let's give it well and for 1 night only I'm part of the Shoe Army
Thanks for all the outside support. We might need it.
But its 80 minutes. Play our best and we can win. So let's believe.
But its 80 minutes. Play our best and we can win. So let's believe.
Need to be perfect against this lot. And unfortunately we have started like last week, too many unforced errors.
Error strewn so far and still on the bus. Havenāt seen there half yet in any real pressure
Just really poor basic skills. Leinster aren't particularly flash, just incredibly good at the basics. Massive contrast to our lads at the moment.
We are making so many mistakes but we weathered the storm and started playing a little in the last 10. If we come out strong we have half a chance but if we are less than 100% we are not going to be close.
I just hope we can show a bit more of what we are capable of.
I just hope we can show a bit more of what we are capable of.
Actually still in it considering we are turning the ball over every time we get possession.
We need a massive increase in our precision. Langdon has been out of this world first half.
We need a massive increase in our precision. Langdon has been out of this world first half.
Hope i don't jinx this but i think the officials have been good. The game has flowed. If we could stop dropping the ball we could do well with that situation.
Agree with the summary above, so far.
Officials have been decent (lucky with Ramm).
It's like watching us a couple of years ago re: handling. Have gone into our shell and looked it when we came out... let's hope for some magic.
Officials have been decent (lucky with Ramm).
It's like watching us a couple of years ago re: handling. Have gone into our shell and looked it when we came out... let's hope for some magic.
Quote:Deesaint
Playing like we are star struck
Need someone to get some focus
Very star struck and seem to be affected by occasion and setting, a bit like last week. Haven't controlled any part of the game. Unforced errors crippling us.
3rd try had crossing and forward pass in build up?
Also Furbank taken in air
And one strip in tackle which should have been saints pen.
Seems like officials have lost their way in 2nd half
Also Furbank taken in air
And one strip in tackle which should have been saints pen.
Seems like officials have lost their way in 2nd half
Quote:northampton_lad
3rd try had crossing and forward pass in build up?
Also Furbank taken in air
And one strip in tackle which should have been saints pen.
Seems like officials have lost their way in 2nd half
Not sure the officials have been in any way the difference, did think Baird had a lot of space created somehow however and there have been some very 'flat' passes on occasion...
You can thank me for that try because, as usual, I was doing toilet when it happened.
BB
BB
That is hard to swallow.
We made a rod for our own backs, and I donāt think this will go down well but Leinster were no way near their best. We handed them that game.
We made a rod for our own backs, and I donāt think this will go down well but Leinster were no way near their best. We handed them that game.
Well, quite frankly I'm amazed we got that close, given how many errors we made. Can't fault the efforts, running arguably the best side in Europe very close in Ireland is impressive. Just leaves a lingering 'coulda' given how inaccurate we were in the first half, and at key points in the second.
Hard luck Saints.
That was one of the most one sided, awful refereeing performances you will ever see. Reynard might as well have had a blue shirt on given what he gave Leinster's way and allowed them to get away with.
That was one of the most one sided, awful refereeing performances you will ever see. Reynard might as well have had a blue shirt on given what he gave Leinster's way and allowed them to get away with.
We did let them in by silly mistakes in the firsthalf
But this will be a huge lesson for the team
Can only benefit going forward
FFS
We could have won that
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:05:04:19:32:25 by Deesaint.
But this will be a huge lesson for the team
Can only benefit going forward
FFS
We could have won that
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:05:04:19:32:25 by Deesaint.
If only we had been on song for 80 minutes.
As Healy said, āplayed 5000 minutes less this season, and about 5 times the salary capā
Incredibly proud of the Saints, the effort and how they have improved.
Onwards , COYS!!!!
As Healy said, āplayed 5000 minutes less this season, and about 5 times the salary capā
Incredibly proud of the Saints, the effort and how they have improved.
Onwards , COYS!!!!
Quote:Dorset Boy
Hard luck Saints.
That was one of the most one sided, awful refereeing performances you will ever see. Reynard might as well have had a blue shirt on given what he gave Leinster's way and allowed them to get away with.
Some iffy decisions, personally didn't think he was that bad, seen a lot worse. Couple of key penalties at times but didn't think he was the ultimate difference.
Robbed again by some awful referee decisions.
Saints I am so proud of you even though you lost. We so nearly beat the Ireland team.
When will we get a decent referee in important games (some unbiased commentary team members).
Raise yourheads high yuou deserve to.
Saints I am so proud of you even though you lost. We so nearly beat the Ireland team.
When will we get a decent referee in important games (some unbiased commentary team members).
Raise yourheads high yuou deserve to.
Great effort we just lacked the precision throughout but what amazing spirit.
To put up a fight like that is a huge credit to all involved. We hadn't won a game in Europe in the last three campaigns that is how far we have come.
That will be a huge experience boost for the team.
To put up a fight like that is a huge credit to all involved. We hadn't won a game in Europe in the last three campaigns that is how far we have come.
That will be a huge experience boost for the team.
Unlucky.
Big Match nerves in the first half?
Leinster got away with Murder at the breakdown.
Team will take massive learnings from this.
Big Match nerves in the first half?
Leinster got away with Murder at the breakdown.
Team will take massive learnings from this.
Bad luck, Saints. Beaten by an incredible Leinster team and a one eyed Frenchman.
Onwards and upwards in the Premiership.
Onwards and upwards in the Premiership.
When you canāt reliably win your line outs or scrums and get into double digit(?) knock ons, youāre gonna have a tough day against Leinster. Canāt knock the effort from our gutsy team with 5000 minutes more in their legs, but our basics were not good enough. Refās lack of interest in reffing didnāt help. Itās a deeply frustrating loss when you think about how off pace we were. Absolutely couldāve won that.
Should have been a famous Saints win. A Leinster choke was well on the cards there. Some terrible calls by Reynal gifted Leinster 6 and Furbank and Ramm butchered a likely try. That alone could have been the difference.
Biggest issue was nerves and lack of leadership on field for me. Both will be better for this experience I feel and with the general age profile of the team still hugely exciting times ahead.
A performance to be proud of but definitely a what could have been ...
Biggest issue was nerves and lack of leadership on field for me. Both will be better for this experience I feel and with the general age profile of the team still hugely exciting times ahead.
A performance to be proud of but definitely a what could have been ...
Quote:tigersimon
Leinster got away with Murder at the breakdown
They did but that was totally predictable. Less so was Saints decision to just concede the breakdown a few Lawes nibbles aside. Clearing was generally poor too.
As you say, all valuable lessons.
Leinster allowed to go into rucks from wherever they wished and even go straight past and clear out players not even competing - officiating of the breakdown was woeful.
French ref doesnāt have any interest in the breakdown shocker!
We hardly competed at the breakdown giving them an easy ride and didnāt learn.
We arenāt a big side for jacking. But we canāt really complain.
We lost that by our errors.
Still a lot of guys getting good experience in the big games, how nice is it to be thinking weāre up there with the best and what could have been!
We hardly competed at the breakdown giving them an easy ride and didnāt learn.
We arenāt a big side for jacking. But we canāt really complain.
We lost that by our errors.
Still a lot of guys getting good experience in the big games, how nice is it to be thinking weāre up there with the best and what could have been!
Well proud
We held our own against an international side and could have won -
If only
We held our own against an international side and could have won -
If only
Iām never sure focussing on how the referee performed does anything to help the team perform better
As a matter of interest we had 17 turnovers against Quins but then the focus simply sat with the ref
Once again we turned the ball over far too easily which meant we lost continuity
That is where the focus needs to be notā it was the refereeās faultā
If we hadnāt have played like keystone cops for the first try and controlled our game we would have won
Just fed up hearing
It was the ref
As a matter of interest we had 17 turnovers against Quins but then the focus simply sat with the ref
Once again we turned the ball over far too easily which meant we lost continuity
That is where the focus needs to be notā it was the refereeās faultā
If we hadnāt have played like keystone cops for the first try and controlled our game we would have won
Just fed up hearing
It was the ref
Watched the game in Cov in a good rugby pub,.
Losing is never great but I believe that a young Saints team will come out of the Croke Park crucible stronger. Nice to give Leinster some outcome jeopardy in front of circa 80k of their own. Fine margins at this level is not something to be ashamed of, posted in isolation, not inadvertantly refering to anyone else six pints in but on balance still smiling
Losing is never great but I believe that a young Saints team will come out of the Croke Park crucible stronger. Nice to give Leinster some outcome jeopardy in front of circa 80k of their own. Fine margins at this level is not something to be ashamed of, posted in isolation, not inadvertantly refering to anyone else six pints in but on balance still smiling
Great comeback saints, almost grabbed a shock win but oh so close. Donāt feel down, pick yourselves up and apply this to finish the season strong and prove youāre the best team in England! Shoe army!
The ref was decent. Not perfect but that is impossible. But he let the game flow in a way i like to watch and favours the saints. Our issues were our own. Lineout was poor and we dropped a lot of ball. We have to own that because the season is not over and we need to learn from our mistakes.
We need to take this experience, hold on to it an know we can win the prem.
We need to take this experience, hold on to it an know we can win the prem.
Raynal seemed to have very little interest in awarding us any penalties unless he absolutely had to.
However, we threw it away in the first half with poor ball retention which meant Sir's refusal to blow didn't cost us the game. That was of our own doing.
However, just losing to the Ireland side at home by 3 points is an achievement in itself. Factor in the wage bill, the workload and every other factor loaded heavily in Leinsters favour and this little English town has done pretty well.
To be honest, you've got to earn your place in European Cup finals. Perhaps we hadn't had the years of earning this time but we will learn from this. The side will never play in such a stadium against such odds.
The season's not over. Let's use this loss and take any frustrations out on the Premiership.
Next year Rodders....
However, we threw it away in the first half with poor ball retention which meant Sir's refusal to blow didn't cost us the game. That was of our own doing.
However, just losing to the Ireland side at home by 3 points is an achievement in itself. Factor in the wage bill, the workload and every other factor loaded heavily in Leinsters favour and this little English town has done pretty well.
To be honest, you've got to earn your place in European Cup finals. Perhaps we hadn't had the years of earning this time but we will learn from this. The side will never play in such a stadium against such odds.
The season's not over. Let's use this loss and take any frustrations out on the Premiership.
Next year Rodders....
Quote:herbie85
Imagine if we had turned up in the first half too!
Exactly !!!
Given that was effectively an away game against an experienced, rested and pretty much all International 23 man squad, Saints getting so close is a massive achievement. (Especially after being so far behind.)
Can't remember the last time I watched a game with so little TMO involvement, but i don't think the Ref was the difference between the 2 sides. Saints early nerves and Leinsters big game experience were more telling.
I think we will learn from the experience and be much better for it.
Can't remember the last time I watched a game with so little TMO involvement, but i don't think the Ref was the difference between the 2 sides. Saints early nerves and Leinsters big game experience were more telling.
I think we will learn from the experience and be much better for it.
Quote:Deesaint
Iām never sure focussing on how the referee performed does anything to help the team perform better
As a matter of interest we had 17 turnovers against Quins but then the focus simply sat with the ref
Once again we turned the ball over far too easily which meant we lost continuity
That is where the focus needs to be notā it was the refereeās faultā
If we hadnāt have played like keystone cops for the first try and controlled our game we would have won
Just fed up hearing
It was the ref
Totally agree our precision early on today and against Quins simply wasn't good enough, nothing to do with the ref.
Our defence is lightyears ahead of where it was but we need to improve handling under pressure and game management against top teams. There box kicks were always contended ours seldom were, line-out struggled other than to the front, little things.
This is a very inexperienced set of players and coaches they will learn huge amounts from this.
Deesaint fair point and it's an admirable view to take but even the best sides need the rub of the green on occasion.
Was the game there for the taking even with how it was refereed? Absolutely, which is hugely encouraging but also frustrating as it would have taken very little to get you over the line.
The breakdown issue, for me, isn't Saints jackalling but not clearing and securing properly. It allowed Leinster to slow the ball at will and nick quite a bit.
Was the game there for the taking even with how it was refereed? Absolutely, which is hugely encouraging but also frustrating as it would have taken very little to get you over the line.
The breakdown issue, for me, isn't Saints jackalling but not clearing and securing properly. It allowed Leinster to slow the ball at will and nick quite a bit.
Quote:Deesaint
Iām never sure focussing on how the referee performed does anything to help the team perform better
As a matter of interest we had 17 turnovers against Quins but then the focus simply sat with the ref
Once again we turned the ball over far too easily which meant we lost continuity
That is where the focus needs to be notā it was the refereeās faultā
If we hadnāt have played like keystone cops for the
first try and controlled our game we would have won
Just fed up hearing
It was the ref
100% this, we lost this game ourselves, I personally don't think Leinster were all that and we got caught up in the hype of the occasion.
Defensively we were better than we have been in recent weeks but in attack? Well what can I say (apart from the last 10 minutes)?
I find it really frustrating on how many times the coaches and players say "if we put our game on the pitch then any team will struggle to live with us" and then go on to do anything but.
Sorry just been a very disappointing couple of weeks.
On the plus side I thought Hendy and Augustus were good and the ever stoic Lawes. How we will miss him next season.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:05:04:20:21:13 by jimusjones.
[quote jimusjones][quote Deesaint]
I find it really frustrating on how many times the coaches and players say "if we put our game on the pitch then any team will struggle to live with us" and then go on to do anything but.
Sorry just been a very disappointing couple of weeks.
[/quote]
Agreed.
I find it really frustrating on how many times the coaches and players say "if we put our game on the pitch then any team will struggle to live with us" and then go on to do anything but.
Sorry just been a very disappointing couple of weeks.
[/quote]
Agreed.
Quote:ajack
Great effort we just lacked the precision throughout but what amazing spirit.
To put up a fight like that is a huge credit to all involved. We hadn't won a game in Europe in the last three campaigns that is how far we have come.
That will be a huge experience boost for the team.
Absolutely. How far we have come these past couple of seasons?
Boyd laid the foundations, now Dowson + team are building on them.
Hopefully no injury worries, and we can get our heads back into the Premiership race.
We were masters of our own downfall.
Admittedly under pressure from Leinster, we made far too many basic mistakes. Whilst our defence was pretty solid, those errors and schoolboy mistakes kept giving the advantage back to the home team. The incessant box kicking with an indifferent chase was also pretty brainless as well.
All a bit too rushed when in possession in the first half. I think Mitch tried to do too much himself with an absence of TCUP.
But....but.....to come that close in front of 80,000 Leinster fans in Dublin was pretty decent and we just need to iron out the silly mistakes to become really great.
Now...... where's my Toulouse beret?
Admittedly under pressure from Leinster, we made far too many basic mistakes. Whilst our defence was pretty solid, those errors and schoolboy mistakes kept giving the advantage back to the home team. The incessant box kicking with an indifferent chase was also pretty brainless as well.
All a bit too rushed when in possession in the first half. I think Mitch tried to do too much himself with an absence of TCUP.
But....but.....to come that close in front of 80,000 Leinster fans in Dublin was pretty decent and we just need to iron out the silly mistakes to become really great.
Now...... where's my Toulouse beret?
Augustus magnificent and was impressed again by Smith. Intercept was poor but even so he was remarkably calm, coped well both with the aggressive Leinster defence and defending himself. Lovely kicks from our wide too that never looked like they'd miss and drew the defence a couple of times only to put in lovely passes behind them. Should be on the bench, minimum, for England.
Who will your Captain be next season do you think?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:05:04:21:02:06 by OldMarovian.
Who will your Captain be next season do you think?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:05:04:21:02:06 by OldMarovian.
Quote:OldMarovian
Who will your Captain be next season do you think?
I imagine Furbank but I would hope Dingwall.
As mentioned a few issues of our own making. Shame we didnāt put marker down and show the best of ourselves in the first half. 2nd half however we showed up. Great character and great experience moving forward. Should put us in a good place for bigger games in the future
Leinster were @#$%& at the end, put the proper frighteners on them. Earnt some respect there I think. Fair play lads.
Leinster were @#$%& at the end, put the proper frighteners on them. Earnt some respect there I think. Fair play lads.
So close, the fact that Lowe has played 80 minutes of league rugby this season, according to the tv crew, says it all.
You came very close to upsetting the apple cart and I suspect youāll be less star struck next time round.
You came very close to upsetting the apple cart and I suspect youāll be less star struck next time round.
If only[/quote]
If only seems to have taken over from why not us.
Not fond of either to be honest.
If only seems to have taken over from why not us.
Not fond of either to be honest.
Unlucky Saints - showed some real guts to be in it until the final whistle, despite taking a while to settle into the game. It feels like Leinster have every advantage that rugby can throw at them (massive budget, never playing away from home, the ability to constantly rotate their squad And an all black style carte blanche to serially offend at the breakdown) and you stayed with them until the end - Real shame you couldnāt quite finish it off, I imagine most of England were behind you
Quote:LongersQuote:ajack
Great effort we just lacked the precision throughout but what amazing spirit.
To put up a fight like that is a huge credit to all involved. We hadn't won a game in Europe in the last three campaigns that is how far we have come.
That will be a huge experience boost for the team.
Absolutely. How far we have come these past couple of seasons?
Boyd laid the foundations, now Dowson + team are building on them.
Hopefully no injury worries, and we can get our heads back into the Premiership race.
100 % agree with these comments .
Evening all from the banks of the Liffey.
Trying to stay sober and get p***ed at the same time is tricky. Forgive my post accordingly.
My thoughts
Firstly incredible experience to have been at Croke Park. Let's not forget Saints are the first ever non Irish team there. That's zero on the win board but it really, really does matter.
Secondly. We could easily have been 28 points down at HT. Their offloading was incredible, and we did some amateur defending. Could have been game over then.Nowt to do with Reynauld.
Thirdly. The fact we came back and nearly nicked it is testament to the strengths of this team. Talent, speed, handling. Wonderful. Many Leinster fans on way back to town said "wow" at our attack.
Of course I wish it was a different result, but really proud to be a Saint tonight.
Trying to stay sober and get p***ed at the same time is tricky. Forgive my post accordingly.
My thoughts
Firstly incredible experience to have been at Croke Park. Let's not forget Saints are the first ever non Irish team there. That's zero on the win board but it really, really does matter.
Secondly. We could easily have been 28 points down at HT. Their offloading was incredible, and we did some amateur defending. Could have been game over then.Nowt to do with Reynauld.
Thirdly. The fact we came back and nearly nicked it is testament to the strengths of this team. Talent, speed, handling. Wonderful. Many Leinster fans on way back to town said "wow" at our attack.
Of course I wish it was a different result, but really proud to be a Saint tonight.
Some more late half cut post match reflections from Dublin. A great day and a gutsy fight back but a feeling of what might have been. Thatās was winnable if we cut the errors out (handling, line out, catching, silly pens), and with a few tactical changes. Appreciate the occasion was challenging and we seemed overawed first half particularly, even our internationals. I thought we kicked away too much and pretty poorly, plus we seemed happy to concede a lot of breakdowns which gave them easy multiphase and momentum. Other than courts nobody was really attacking the ruck. We really missed Luds and Pearson in that department. Contrast Leinster at ruck time. We also missed sleights round the park generally.
Couldnāt really comment on the reffing which from the stands, only thing Iād say is saints defend quite honestly (onside) whilst Leinster pushed the boundaries a lot. But thatās part of the game and fair play to them, their line speed is relentless, maybe we should be better at the dark arts. I did think they overall won the collisions / physical battles which overall determine the game and on the day were the better team.
I really hope we can shake it off and sharpen up for the prem run in, I feel we have fallen off it a bit. I worry that without courts (irreplaceable as proved today) and Luds, moon next season it will take us more than a couple of seasons to hit the same heights as this season again. We need to cash in before they move on.
Finally, how good was Gibson park today. Truly world class.
Couldnāt really comment on the reffing which from the stands, only thing Iād say is saints defend quite honestly (onside) whilst Leinster pushed the boundaries a lot. But thatās part of the game and fair play to them, their line speed is relentless, maybe we should be better at the dark arts. I did think they overall won the collisions / physical battles which overall determine the game and on the day were the better team.
I really hope we can shake it off and sharpen up for the prem run in, I feel we have fallen off it a bit. I worry that without courts (irreplaceable as proved today) and Luds, moon next season it will take us more than a couple of seasons to hit the same heights as this season again. We need to cash in before they move on.
Finally, how good was Gibson park today. Truly world class.
I watched it on the TV in a land far far away and my comments are as follows: only being 15 - 3 down at HT was testament to something (probably Lee Radford) and the courage to still be going at the end to push it so close is also something we should be proud of.
I'm not going to dwell on the errors and the occasion or moan about rushing things - nobody chooses to over run passes or nervously drop something by trying too hard to off-load in a tackle, but they will all be better for it next week. Someone has commented on the kick/ chase being weak towards the end, and in some ways that's testament to the effort they all put in - it was noteworthy that Seabrook was the only one who got anywhere near a chase at the end because he was the only one not exhausted.
and I'm glad to see nobody is blaming the ref, although the inconsistencies are there for all to see, in this one game alone. It seems that no reffing team can do the same thing every time at the srum and it's the more experienced players that take the result and move on - there were some bemusing calls that were the complete opposite of the exact same call from the exact same "offence" 1 scrum previously (Davidson seemed to be the unfortunate one yesterday) but the older heads just move on without really giving it a second though.
We will have all learnt a lot - the result won't change but what we can learn and use from it is bow important. I'm disappointed, not surprised, bit proud and look forward to the next few weeks with excitement.
I'm not going to dwell on the errors and the occasion or moan about rushing things - nobody chooses to over run passes or nervously drop something by trying too hard to off-load in a tackle, but they will all be better for it next week. Someone has commented on the kick/ chase being weak towards the end, and in some ways that's testament to the effort they all put in - it was noteworthy that Seabrook was the only one who got anywhere near a chase at the end because he was the only one not exhausted.
and I'm glad to see nobody is blaming the ref, although the inconsistencies are there for all to see, in this one game alone. It seems that no reffing team can do the same thing every time at the srum and it's the more experienced players that take the result and move on - there were some bemusing calls that were the complete opposite of the exact same call from the exact same "offence" 1 scrum previously (Davidson seemed to be the unfortunate one yesterday) but the older heads just move on without really giving it a second though.
We will have all learnt a lot - the result won't change but what we can learn and use from it is bow important. I'm disappointed, not surprised, bit proud and look forward to the next few weeks with excitement.
That Leinster team could literally beat any team in the world i.e. SA, NZ, France
To come within 3 points is a remarkable achievement for a club side that does not hit the salary cap in England
To have a chance for a drop goal at the end to make it 20-20 is remarkable (not that it would have necessarily been the right choice)
To do so coming back from 20-3 is remarkable
As is to get so close whilst making a decent number of mistakes
I hope the coaches and players take from this that
- they are good enough to win everything when they play their best
- they don't need luck on their side to win
- they can beat anyone even when a large number of points down
The most important thing is that they genuinely believe this and now know what it takes at the very highest level to succeed. They now need to be laser focused on winning the prem. There can be no excuses of the big stage getting to them. They have now experienced that. They need to be clinical. And I believe they can do it as they have the coaches and players
They need to physically recover from this, get 5 points against Gloucester and do what ever they need to do against Bath to ensure they finish top (if anything).
The mental recovery will be just as hard, but the key is to take the positives from it. Not regret the lost opportunity, but to recognise they have had the first hand experience of what it takes. That is something that cannot be coached or simulated and something that none of the other Prem teams have collectively at the moment. A few Sarries and Quins players have individually, but not the team as a whole.
To come within 3 points is a remarkable achievement for a club side that does not hit the salary cap in England
To have a chance for a drop goal at the end to make it 20-20 is remarkable (not that it would have necessarily been the right choice)
To do so coming back from 20-3 is remarkable
As is to get so close whilst making a decent number of mistakes
I hope the coaches and players take from this that
- they are good enough to win everything when they play their best
- they don't need luck on their side to win
- they can beat anyone even when a large number of points down
The most important thing is that they genuinely believe this and now know what it takes at the very highest level to succeed. They now need to be laser focused on winning the prem. There can be no excuses of the big stage getting to them. They have now experienced that. They need to be clinical. And I believe they can do it as they have the coaches and players
They need to physically recover from this, get 5 points against Gloucester and do what ever they need to do against Bath to ensure they finish top (if anything).
The mental recovery will be just as hard, but the key is to take the positives from it. Not regret the lost opportunity, but to recognise they have had the first hand experience of what it takes. That is something that cannot be coached or simulated and something that none of the other Prem teams have collectively at the moment. A few Sarries and Quins players have individually, but not the team as a whole.
In terms of the Prem it will be fascinating to see how this result spurs Saints on.
Quote:Riverlodge
Let's not forget Saints are the first ever non Irish team there. That's zero on the win board but it really, really does matter.
England played Ireland at Croke Park in 2007 6Ns and lost 43-13 and there were numerous other non Irish teams in both rugby and a variety of sports. It was while Lansdowne Road was becoming the Aviva.
Courageous attempt against the Ireland team though.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:05:05:09:10:28 by Who Knew??.
Quote:Im
To come within 3 points is a remarkable achievement for a club side that does not hit the salary cap in England
To have a chance for a drop goal at the end to make it 20-20 is remarkable (not that it would have necessarily been the right choice)
I think getting the 3 at the end could have worked from either a DG or getting the Penalty that should have been awarded.
IMVHO if the Match had gone to extra time Saints would have won it!
Cullen post match said his players were fatiguing in the closing stages from not been match hardened! My little Violin š» did come out although an ex-Tiger I did think serves you right for resting them then!
Quote:Im
That Leinster team could literally beat any team in the world i.e. SA, NZ, France
To come within 3 points is a remarkable achievement for a club side that does not hit the salary cap in England
To have a chance for a drop goal at the end to make it 20-20 is remarkable (not that it would have necessarily been the right choice)
To do so coming back from 20-3 is remarkable
As is to get so close whilst making a decent number of mistakes
I hope the coaches and players take from this that
- they are good enough to win everything when they play their best
- they don't need luck on their side to win
- they can beat anyone even when a large number of points down
The most important thing is that they genuinely believe this and now know what it takes at the very highest level to succeed. They now need to be laser focused on winning the prem. There can be no excuses of the big stage getting to them. They have now experienced that. They need to be clinical. And I believe they can do it as they have the coaches and players
They need to physically recover from this, get 5 points against Gloucester and do what ever they need to do against Bath to ensure they finish top (if anything).
The mental recovery will be just as hard, but the key is to take the positives from it. Not regret the lost opportunity, but to recognise they have had the first hand experience of what it takes. That is something that cannot be coached or simulated and something that none of the other Prem teams have collectively at the moment. A few Sarries and Quins players have individually, but not the team as a whole.
Excellent post and reflects a lot of the post-match chat our group had on the way back from Dublin yesterday night. The first half we did seem a bit nervy, forced things too much and Leinster preyed on our mistakes. They are a brilliant side, their line speed, handling and discipline are all impressive, so we did reasonably to go in only 12 points down.
Second half was way better and we seemed to have Leinster somewhat rattled in the final 20 mins. Very proud of the comeback, what fantastic resolve. We should all be proud of this young team and what the coaches have built. As others have said to go from a long run of losses in Europe to losing by 3 to Leinster in Dublin in the semis is some progress.
We now need to go and secure that home semi and we need to keep the faith in the stands and the Gardens rocking. I thought Croke Park was a brilliant experience and pretty loud at times, but the noise at FG over the last 4 weeks has been much more continuous. Let's learn from yesterday and go and win the prem. COYS.
It will be interesting to see how Gloucester treat next weekends match at the Gardens - they are stuck in ninth place regardless of how they fare in their last couple of games. With a European Final not very far away, they might be temptedā¦ā¦ā¦..
I wonder if Gloucester supporters would prefer their season with possibly 2 trophies but 9 the position or ours with possibly a prem ship final?
I suspect that we will be resting quite a few Mitchell looked shot, Freeman didnāt seem his usual self. Ramm and furbank Courtney a nod Dingwall may all need a rest?
I suspect that we will be resting quite a few Mitchell looked shot, Freeman didnāt seem his usual self. Ramm and furbank Courtney a nod Dingwall may all need a rest?
I guess the question is IF you were to get nothing from the Glaws game how confident would you be about getting 4 or 5 away to Bath to secure top 2?
I'd tend to go full noise for Glaws knowing a win there makes the Bath game irrelevant. As a Sarries supporter I hope you do it the other way round though!!
I'd tend to go full noise for Glaws knowing a win there makes the Bath game irrelevant. As a Sarries supporter I hope you do it the other way round though!!
At this stage we need to get the job done
Resting players against Gloucester
Why ?
4 more games
Then the guys can go and lay on a beach
Resting players against Gloucester
Why ?
4 more games
Then the guys can go and lay on a beach
I would expect a bit of a mixed side certainly protecting anyone in real need. However a win against Glaws who have nothing to gain from the match at home would seem a much easier proposition than an away win against Bath who may well need the win themselves.
Agree with the thought Saints need to put out the best healthy 23 players against Gloucester. Then if Saints do indeed win then will have earned being in the position to rest players against Bath.
Muck it up against Gloucester with a heavily rotated/rested team and Bath suddenly becomes a lot more problematical.
Go full bore against Gloucester. 5 points and guarantee a home semi, review the table and decide which team we would prefer to play in the semi at the Gardens. I would be more confident beating Sarries at HQ rather than Bristol or Quins.
Just to add
I believe there is a weekās break between round 18
and the semi finals
I believe there is a weekās break between round 18
and the semi finals
Quote:Deesaint
Just to add
I believe there is a weekās break between round 18
and the semi finals
Is that the week we just opted out of playing?
A gutsy performance, we looked overawed and nervy, Leinster clinical when given the opportunity. Disappointing that scores were from our errors which were plentiful early on. I think the fact we stayed in it and came close at the end is a testament how this team is evolving, a couple of seasons ago with a start like that we would have panicked and got hammered. They will be better for the whole experience.
Full bore against Gloucester they will be no pushovers, last regular home game and take the Bath game out of the equation. Im sure most that played v Leinster will want to get back to winning ways.
Full bore against Gloucester they will be no pushovers, last regular home game and take the Bath game out of the equation. Im sure most that played v Leinster will want to get back to winning ways.
Quote:Perfect. An additional reason to go hammer and tongs against Gloucester. I think even if Saints put out a heavily rotated squad against Bath in the season finale, that group would still be competitive.Deesaint
Just to add
I believe there is a weekās break between round 18
and the semi finals
Kinda O/T but I just had this thought and it made me smile. No reflection on your quality options at 8 but how good would it have been to see Picamoles with this current team?! (Obv time machine so he was the age he came to you)
Quote:OldMarovian
Kinda O/T but I just had this thought and it made me smile. No reflection on your quality options at 8 but how good would it have been to see Picamoles with this current team?! (Obv time machine so he was the age he came to you)
You tease you.
Actually had this chat (a beer..two) on way out at Luton, i.e. who is your best ever Saints 15 (that you've watched).
For 8 neither of us could sadly justify Rodber (not anywhere in back row tbh). I was pro Roger Wilson but Blowers was a good counter. Then we remembered the brief wonder season of Louis. To me he pretty much held a poor team together that year. You couldn't put him to the floor and he could offload like a South Sea Island player. As OM implies, imagine him with Mitchell at the base.
Interestingly in his recent chat with Youngs and Cole on their podcast Lawes has Manoa at 8 (and Ben Earl at 7) in his best backrow he's played with.
Manoa was a beast but there's just something about Picamoles. Such an incredible player to watch.
Not sure about best XV but for me as brilliant as Ashton was for us he was never able to replicate the understanding he had with Foden so I'd have those two as two of the three back three.
Manoa was a beast but there's just something about Picamoles. Such an incredible player to watch.
Not sure about best XV but for me as brilliant as Ashton was for us he was never able to replicate the understanding he had with Foden so I'd have those two as two of the three back three.
Manoa in at 4 (he often started at lock for us - for instance, in a certain final some 10 years or so ago now) and Picamoles at 8. Solved.
Interesting no one has mentioned Lam or Shelford. Picking our best back row would be a tough call.
Quote:ajack
Interesting no one has mentioned Lam or Shelford. Picking our best back row would be a tough call.
I would definitely have gone with Lam - great player and a truly inspirational leader. Put his body absolutely on the line and without him I doubt we would have won our first , and to date only, European gold star . Shelford was an absolute legend but unfortunately when we really needed him he left us before the end of the season to go back to NZ .
In my time watching Rugby, this would be the best Saints XV. It was difficult to leave Lam & Picamoles out!
Foden
Ashton
Burrell
Bateman
North
Grayson
Dawson
Smith/Tongaāuiha
Hartley
Pearce
Lawes
Bayfield
Rodber
Woods
Shelford
Foden
Ashton
Burrell
Bateman
North
Grayson
Dawson
Smith/Tongaāuiha
Hartley
Pearce
Lawes
Bayfield
Rodber
Woods
Shelford
You've had some cracking LHs. Tom Smith and Corbisero both well worth consideration.
Also your best XV could be coached by Wayne Smith which is something no other Prem teams could claim!
Also your best XV could be coached by Wayne Smith which is something no other Prem teams could claim!
Quote:tigersimon
In my time watching Rugby, this would be the best Saints XV. It was difficult to leave Lam & Picamoles out!
Foden
Ashton
Burrell
Bateman
North
Grayson
Dawson
Smith/Tongaāuiha
Hartley
Pearce
Lawes
Bayfield
Rodber
Woods
Shelford
I'd like to see a match between that XV and this.
Beal
Reihana
Cohen
Pisi
Townsend
Spencer
Fotuali'i
Corbisiero
Thompson
Pagel
Manoa
Kruger
Pountney
Lam
Piccamoles
We really have had some fantastic players at the club over the years.
Can I just suggest - before I start upsetting people again(!) - if you are not old enough to have watched Jeeps and Dawson, PLEASE, do not talk of Saints' "best" XV.
The team you choose may well be a collection of excellent players. But no-one on here is remotely qualified to judge who is "the best".
And what has this to do with the Leinster game, anyway!
The team you choose may well be a collection of excellent players. But no-one on here is remotely qualified to judge who is "the best".
And what has this to do with the Leinster game, anyway!
Quote:Saint Robert
And let's not forget Jeff Butterfield in the centres.
Exactly!
Quote:Longers
The team you choose may well be a collection of excellent players. But no-one on here is remotely qualified to judge who is "the best".
And what has this to do with the Leinster game, anyway!
You can choose the 'best' that you've actually seen personally (not saying I have the right to define a topic - does anyone - but that was my post and the one I responded to) which of course won't necessarily be the best of all time.
And Random digressions are definitely a benefit of the forum š
Quote:riverlodgeQuote:Longers
The team you choose may well be a collection of excellent players. But no-one on here is remotely qualified to judge who is "the best".
And what has this to do with the Leinster game, anyway!
You can choose the 'best' that you've actually seen personally (not saying I have the right to define a topic - does anyone - but that was my post and the one I responded to) which of course won't necessarily be the best of all time.
And Random digressions are definitely a benefit of the forum š
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