Champions Cup Pool 5: RC Toulon v Leinster, 13 December

           
RC Toulonnais v Leinster Rugby
Sunday 13 December 2015
KO: 16:15
Stade Félix Mayol, Toulon

Live on FR2 / Sky Sports / beIN Sports

Referee Nigel Owens (Wales)
Touch Judge 1 Gwyn Morris (Wales)
Touch Judge 2 Wayne Davies (Wales)
Fourth Official Derek Bevan (Wales)
TMO Derek Bevan (Wales)
Assessor John Sheehan (Ireland)
Citing Commissioner John Byett (England)

A. Head to Head

2 Played 2
2 Wins 0
0 Losses 2
0 Draws 0
54 Points 34

B. Recent Form

19 April 2015
Toulon 25 - 20 Leinster

6 April 2014
Toulon 29-14 Leinster:

C. Teams

RC Toulonnais

15. Delon Armitage; 14. Bryan Habana, 13. Mathieu Bastareaud, 12. Ma'a Nonu, 11. Drew Mitchell; 10. Matt Giteau, 9. Eric Escande; 1. Florian Fresia, 2. Guilhem Guirado, 3. Matt Stevens, 4. Samu Manoa, 5. Romain Taofifenua, 6. Mamuka Gorgodze, 7. Steffon Armitage, 8. Duane Vermeulen

16. Anthony Etrillard, 17. Xavier Chiocci, 18. Levan Chilachava, 19. Juan Smith, 20. Tom Taylor, 21. Maxime Mermoz, 22. Anthony Meric, 23. Jocelino Suta

Leinster Rugby

15. Rob Kearney; 14. Fergus McFadden, 13. Ben Te'o, 12. Luke Fitzgerald, 11. Isa Nacewa; 10. Johnny Sexton, 9. Isaac Boss; 1. Cian Healy, 2. Richardt Strauss, 3. Mike Ross, 4. Devin Toner, 5. Mike McCarthy, 6. Rhys Ruddock, 7. Josh Van Der Flier, 8. Jamie Heaslip

16. Sean Cronin, 17. Jack McGrath, 18. Martin Moore, 19. Tom Denton, 20. Jordi Murphy, 21. Eoin Reddan, 22. Ian Madigan, 23. Dave Kearney

Agreed Pot.

Does fascinate me how little people seem to give a poop about the Euro tournament this year.

It's certainly true that the Irish were commenting more when they were doing well.

Only sing when you're winning?

I think interest has dropped due to the Franglo axis killing the competition. We'll all have a renewed love affair with the Pro12

George Carlin wrote:Agreed Pot.

Does fascinate me how little people seem to give a poop about the Euro tournament this year.

The tournament has lost its charm since ERC has gone and it seems Irish sides have stopped to care about it at well.

Cyril wrote:It's certainly true that the Irish were commenting more when they were doing well.

Only sing when you're winning?

I'd tweak that to sing when you believe you've a chance of winning. Not this match.
The English sides are still an easy touch though...

Pot Hale wrote:

Cyril wrote:It's certainly true that the Irish were commenting more when they were doing well.

Only sing when you're winning?

I'd tweak that to sing when you believe you've a chance of winning. Not this match.
The English sides are still an easy touch though...

Shame that you've given up. I thought only French sides gave up on away games?

These things go in cycles. I'm sure you Irish fans will be able to support winning sides again in a few years. Until then it sounds an awful lot like sour grapes and the very thing you criticise Chunky etc for making comments on the Pro12 situation. I hope it's not hypocrisy.

RC Toulon
15. Delon Armitage; 14. Bryan Habana, 13. Mathieu Bastareaud, 12. Ma'a Nonu, 11. Drew Mitchell; 10. Matt Giteau, 9. Eric Escande; 1. Florian Fresia, 2. Guilhem Guirado, 3. Matt Stevens, 4. Samu Manoa, 5. Romain Taofifenua, 6. Mamuka Gorgodze, 7. Steffon Armitage, 8. Duane Vermeulen
16. Anthony Etrillard, 17. Xavier Chiocci, 18. Levan Chilachava, 19. Juan Smith, 20. Tom Taylor, 21. Maxime Mermoz, 22. Anthony Meric, 23. Jocelino Suta


Leinster Rugby
15. Rob Kearney; 14. Fergus McFadden, 13. Ben Te'o, 12. Luke Fitzgerald, 11. Isa Nacewa; 10. Johnny Sexton, 9. Isaac Boss; 1. Cian Healy, 2. Richardt Strauss, 3. Mike Ross, 4. Devin Toner, 5. Mike McCarthy, 6. Rhys Ruddock, 7. Josh Van Der Flier, 8. Jamie Heaslip
16. Sean Cronin, 17. Jack McGrath, 18. Martin Moore, 19. Tom Denton, 20. Jordi Murphy, 21. Eoin Reddan, 22. Ian Madigan, 23. Dave Kearney

Why is this even being brought up on this thread? There are numerous match threads with a rather low post count from various teams. You are just using this opportunity to get in a few sly digs. I certainly hope this isn't going to be a running theme with you every time an Irish team is playing, believe me we have enough posters doing the same.

It must also be noted that a lot of Leinster/Irish fans who used to post frequently are rarely on these boards anymore. I wonder why...

LondonTiger wrote:RC Toulon
15. Delon Armitage; 14. Bryan Habana, 13. Mathieu Bastareaud, 12. Ma'a Nonu, 11. Drew Mitchell; 10. Matt Giteau, 9. Eric Escande; 1. Florian Fresia, 2. Guilhem Guirado, 3. Matt Stevens, 4. Samu Manoa, 5. Romain Taofifenua, 6. Mamuka Gorgodze, 7. Steffon Armitage, 8. Duane Vermeulen
16. Anthony Etrillard, 17. Xavier Chiocci, 18. Levan Chilachava, 19. Juan Smith, 20. Tom Taylor, 21. Maxime Mermoz, 22. Anthony Meric, 23. Jocelino Suta


Leinster Rugby
15. Rob Kearney; 14. Fergus McFadden, 13. Ben Te'o, 12. Luke Fitzgerald, 11. Isa Nacewa; 10. Johnny Sexton, 9. Isaac Boss; 1. Cian Healy, 2. Richardt Strauss, 3. Mike Ross, 4. Devin Toner, 5. Mike McCarthy, 6. Rhys Ruddock, 7. Josh Van Der Flier, 8. Jamie Heaslip
16. Sean Cronin, 17. Jack McGrath, 18. Martin Moore, 19. Tom Denton, 20. Jordi Murphy, 21. Eoin Reddan, 22. Ian Madigan, 23. Dave Kearney

This is an enormous test for Josh van der Flier. It is also a great opportunity to prove that he is capable at the highest level, although this is probably too much too soon. Toulon possess one of the most impressive and physical back row units in world rugby.

This game should be an annihilation of Leinster by Toulon.


LEINSTER:

15. Rob Kearney
14. Fergus McFadden
13. Ben Te'o
12. Luke Fitzgerald
11. Isa Nacewa CAPTAIN
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Isaac Boss
1. Cian Healy
2. Richardt Strauss
3. Mike Ross
4. Devin Toner
5. Mike McCarthy
6. Rhys Ruddock
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Jamie Heaslip

16. Sean Cronin
17. Jack McGrath
18. Marty Moore
19. Tom Denton
20. Jordi Murphy
21. Eoin Reddan
22. Ian Madigan
23. Dave Kearney

Why the pessimism? They've got Matt Stevens at prop so you should be well able to get on top there.

I look at that Toulon pack and see a lot of power, but bugger all work rate.

Cyril wrote:

Pot Hale wrote:

Cyril wrote:It's certainly true that the Irish were commenting more when they were doing well.

Only sing when you're winning?

I'd tweak that to sing when you believe you've a chance of winning. Not this match.
The English sides are still an easy touch though...

Shame that you've given up. I thought only French sides gave up on away games?

These things go in cycles. I'm sure you Irish fans will be able to support winning sides again in a few years. Until then it sounds an awful lot like sour grapes and the very thing you criticise Chunky etc for making comments on the Pro12 situation. I hope it's not hypocrisy.

The bickering on this site will leave it with one sole poster shouting themself on never ending pr'o12-welsh clubs-damn the top14-aren't the english clubs great-thread

No 7&1/2 wrote:Why the pessimism? They've got Matt Stevens at prop so you should be well able to get on top there.

Nigel never likes the way Irish LHs scrummage so the best there will be even.

LT - they'll have the motivation of playing at home though which usually lifts a litargic pack.

And Boss is the scrumhalf... nuf said

More bashing of the refs, gets boring.

Cyril wrote:

Pot Hale wrote:

Cyril wrote:It's certainly true that the Irish were commenting more when they were doing well.

Only sing when you're winning?

I'd tweak that to sing when you believe you've a chance of winning. Not this match.
The English sides are still an easy touch though...

Shame that you've given up. I thought only French sides gave up on away games?

These things go in cycles. I'm sure you Irish fans will be able to support winning sides again in a few years. Until then it sounds an awful lot like sour grapes and the very thing you criticise Chunky etc for making comments on the Pro12 situation. I hope it's not hypocrisy.

There is a sour taste in the mouth alright after the English moneymen hijacked it. Personally I think the Pro 12 sides should concentrate on that and send the B teams to play in this competition.

thebandwagonsociety wrote:This game should be an annihilation of Leinster by Toulon.


LEINSTER:

15. Rob Kearney
14. Fergus McFadden
13. Ben Te'o
12. Luke Fitzgerald
11. Isa Nacewa CAPTAIN
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Isaac Boss
1. Cian Healy
2. Richardt Strauss
3. Mike Ross
4. Devin Toner
5. Mike McCarthy
6. Rhys Ruddock
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Jamie Heaslip

16. Sean Cronin
17. Jack McGrath
18. Marty Moore
19. Tom Denton
20. Jordi Murphy
21. Eoin Reddan
22. Ian Madigan
23. Dave Kearney

Why play the form players when you can play dads army.

Toulon backline looks rubbish.

Easy win for the ladyboys.

That Toulon back row is ridiculous. Gorgodze and Vermuelen in tandem!!

No 7&1/2 wrote:More bashing of the refs, gets boring.

Thanks 7.5, considering the scrum is a bit of a dark art with all parties operating in the grey of the rules, chances are Owens is correctly blowing against the LH. Thanks for the bickering though

How long is McGrath out for?

Surprised Healy is starting we really need to be going after their scrum.

Cyril wrote:

Pot Hale wrote:

Cyril wrote:It's certainly true that the Irish were commenting more when they were doing well.

Only sing when you're winning?

I'd tweak that to sing when you believe you've a chance of winning. Not this match.
The English sides are still an easy touch though...

Shame that you've given up. I thought only French sides gave up on away games?

These things go in cycles. I'm sure you Irish fans will be able to support winning sides again in a few years. Until then it sounds an awful lot like sour grapes and the very thing you criticise Chunky etc for making comments on the Pro12 situation. I hope it's not hypocrisy.

Who said anything about giving up? It's only one match against Toulon, after that there's still Bath and Wasps to play - the future looks very positive actually. Not sure where your comment about sour grapes comes from by my giving a harsh but realistic assessment on a team's chances in one particular match. I didn't apply it to the whole cup.

Pot Hale wrote:
Who said anything about giving up?  It's only one match against Toulon, after that there's still Bath and Wasps to play - the future looks very positive actually.  Not sure where your comment about sour grapes comes from by my giving a harsh but realistic assessment on a team's chances in one particular match.  I didn't apply it to the whole cup.  

Lose this game though and Leinster are all but out of the competition surely?

LondonTiger wrote:

Pot Hale wrote:
Who said anything about giving up?  It's only one match against Toulon, after that there's still Bath and Wasps to play - the future looks very positive actually.  Not sure where your comment about sour grapes comes from by my giving a harsh but realistic assessment on a team's chances in one particular match.  I didn't apply it to the whole cup.  

Lose this game though and Leinster are all but out of the competition surely?

No. That's the kind of negative thinking that Cyril is talking about.

They still have three games they could win with injuries improving and keeping their heads high.

Wasps and Bath are eminently beatable as recent results have shown.

Golden wrote:How long is McGrath out for?

Surprised Healy is starting we really need to be going after their scrum.

Golden, McGrath is on the bench and will probably face Chilachava (who i rate very highly) later in the game.

Pot Hale wrote:

LondonTiger wrote:

Pot Hale wrote:
Who said anything about giving up?  It's only one match against Toulon, after that there's still Bath and Wasps to play - the future looks very positive actually.  Not sure where your comment about sour grapes comes from by my giving a harsh but realistic assessment on a team's chances in one particular match.  I didn't apply it to the whole cup.  

Lose this game though and Leinster are all but out of the competition surely?

No. That's the kind of negative thinking that Cyril is talking about.

They still have three games they could win with injuries improving and keeping their heads high.

Wasps and Bath are eminently beatable as recent results have shown.

3 wins though extremely unlikely to be enough should they arrive at the halfway stage with just a single pool point.

Also bearing in mind the thrashing at the RDS how would you see Wasps as eminently beatable? (I agree they are beatable, but based on actual results hard to genuinely argue that they are eminently beatable)

Well Leinster draw first blood from a penalty at the scrum.

0-3

0-6

Johnny has his kicking boots on today

Very difficult game for Leinster but I do hope they put in a performance.

Toulon are savage at the breakdown but they are living a charmed life with Owens.

Leinster are looking much more effective with ball in hand in this game. Hopefully they can capitalise, but I fear that is where they will fall. McFadden and Nacewa aren't exactly the most dangerous finishers around. Especially in contrast to Toulon.

Goodbye Cian Healy. What a moron. You have just lost the game for your team.

Very fortunate that was just a yellow card.

Cian Healey... That could be red...

Are you kidding me? This is what rugby is coming to...

Very lucky to only be a yellow card...

How is that not a red if its judged to be intentional?

Total stupidity from Healy

Healy showing his frustration for his dramatic loss of form. He is firmly behind McGrath in the pecking order.

Josh van der Flier is looking totally at home in this game so far. He is absolutely throwing himself into every tackle and ruck.

Luke Fitz is putting in an excellent defensive effort so far.

What did Healy do?

(Unable to watch as game not on any of the channels I get)

Toulon always seem to have a player lying on the wrong side of the ruck to prevent the clear-out, and the fetcher is rarely supporting his own bodyweight.

Jeez Sextons kicking out of hand is awful

Sextons kicking from hand has been very poor today. 3 times he's kicked away possession.

Leinster have played the ten minutes very well though

brennomac wrote:Jeez Sextons kicking out of hand is awful

So far his kicking has been pretty awful.

Mcquilkan has been earning his bread anyway. Defence looks much improved this year

LondonTiger wrote:What did Healy do?

(Unable to watch as game not on any of the channels I get)

He was arriving at a ruck, but there was a Toulon player just beside it and he basically ran in and kneed him in the face. He was attempting to clear him out, which I think saved him from the red. He wasn't even part of the ruck though. Whether or not the knee was intentional, only he will know. It certainly looked dubious.

VDF and Ruddock are immense.