Good afternoon and welcome to our coverage of the 2024 All-Ireland senior camogie final between defending champions Cork and Galway.
Cork are looking to retain the O’Duffy Cup for the first time since their back-to-back success of 2017 and 2018. Meanwhile, Cathal Murray’s Galway are out to avenge for the 12-point defeat they suffered at the hands of Cork in June, and end a three-year wait for All-Ireland success.
We’ll have team news for you in the next few minutes as we edge towards the 5.15pm throw-in.
Here’s how Cork are named to line out:
1. Amy Lee (Na Piarsaigh)
2. Meadbh Murphy (Ballinora), 3. Izzy O’Regan (Ballygarvan), 4. Pamela Mackey (Douglas)
5. Hannah Looney (Killeagh), 6. Laura Treacy (Killeagh), 7. Laura Hayes (St Catherines)
8. Aisling Thompson (Milford), 9. Aoife Healy (Aghada)
10. Saoirse McCarthy (Courcey Rovers), 11. Fiona Keating (Courcey Rovers), 12. Cliona Healy (Aghabullogue)
13. Amy O’Connor (St Vincent’s), 14. Katrina Mackey (Douglas), 15. Orlaith Cahalane (St Finbarrs)
And here is how Galway have been named to line out:
1. Sarah Healy (St Thomas)
2. Rachael Hanniffy (Oranmore Maree), 3. Roisin Black (Oranmore Maree), 4. Dervla Higgins (Athenry)
5. Annmarie Starr (Killimor), 6. Aine Keane (St Thomas), 7. Ciara Hickey (Davitts)
8. Niamh Hanniffy (Oranmore Maree), 9. Niamh Kilkenny (Pearses)
10. Aoife Donoghue (Mullagh), 11. Niamh McPeake (Liam Mellows), 12. Olwen Rabbitte (Athenry)
13. Carrie Dolan (Clarinbridge), 14. Niamh Mallon (Sarsfields), 15. Ailish O’Reilly (Oranmore Maree)
Cork have just won the intermediate All-Ireland final after an absorbing contest with Kilkenny. Earlier today, Tipperary hit a late winner against Laois to capture the Junior crown.
The players are doing the usual pre-game handshakes. Throw-in is just a few minutes away.
Throw-in! Cork v Galway
1 min: Cork 0-1 Galway 0-0
Katrina Mackey gives first blood to the All-Ireland champions with a nice point that started with a fine catch from wing back Laura Hayes.
2 mins: Cork 0-2 Galway 0-0
Aisling Thompson wins a free near the middle of the pitch, allowing Saoirse McCarthy to make full use of the breeze behind them and send the ball between the posts.
3 mins: Cork 0-2 Galway 0-1
Carrie Dolan settles things for Galway with a free to get them on the board.
4 mins: Cork 0-2 Galway 0-1
Great defensive work from Galway to turnover the ball in front of their own goal and get the ball down as far as midfielder Niamh Hannify. But Laura Treacy is alert to an attempted pass in and a free is the result which Laura Hayes will take from distane.
6 mins: Cork 0-2 Galway 0-2
Galway backs deal with another Cork attack and build the passes out to the hands of Niamh Kilkenny. She sends the ball across to Niamh Mallon which draws a free from Laura Hayes.
Dolan takes and scores to bring the teams level.
8 mins: Cork 0-2 Galway 0-2
Laura Hayes almost intercepted by Ailish O’Reilly, and that could have been disastrous for Cork. But she gets away with it.
A move up the other end results in a shot by Amy O’Connor but it’s the first wide of the game.
9 mins: Cork 0-3 Galway 0-2
Referee Liz Dempsey awards a free to Cork for a chop down by Aoife Donoghue. It’s right in front of the posts at the Davin End and Amy O’Connor taps it over to restore the lead for Cork.
10 mins: Cork 0-3 Galway 0-3
Ailish O’Reilly with a great response for Galway and we’re level again for the second time after just 10 minutes.
11 mins: Cork 0-3 Galway 0-3
Dervla Higgins and Orlaith Cahalane battle for possession along the sideline. The sequence ends in a sideline cut for Galway but they can only deliver it as far as Cork full-back Izzy O’Regan.
13 mins: Cork 0-4 Galway 0-4
Katrina Mackey picks up her second point of the game, and it’s a peach of a score from a tricky angle under pressure from her marker Róisín Black.
The lead doesn’t last long though as Aoife Donoghue points from the resultant puckout and we’re all square once more.
15 mins: Cork 0-4 Galway 0-5
Niamh Kilkenny earns a free after winning the ball in midfield. She was under ferocious attention from Aisling Thompson, and the referee felt she was fouling and awards the free.
Dolan converts her third free from three placed balls, and now Galway have the initiative.
17 mins: Cork 0-4 Galway 0-5
Saoirse McCarthy tries a tricky shot from near the sideline but her effort doesn’t have enough distance in it, and Sarah Healy calmly gathers the dropping ball.
Cork come again though through Hannah Looney. She tries to deliver a pass into Katrina Mackey but Róisín Black gets out in front to win possession first time and get a free.
19 mins: Cork 0-5 Galway 0-5
Galway deal with a serious Cork goal chance. Mackey sent Amy O’Connor through with a quick pass but she was swarmed and Galway cleared the ball away.
But there was only brief respite from that as Orlaith Cahalane came storming through to hit the equaliser.
21 mins: Cork 0-5 Galway 0-6
Niamh Mallon with her first point of the game. She was under a lot of pressure from Laura Hayes, who had dropped her hurl but threw herself on the shot anyway. Mallon did well to angle her strike between the posts.
Galway in front once more.
22 mins: Cork 0-6 Galway 0-7
Cliona Healy brings the sides back on terms again briefly with a well struck point after a surging run through the middle by Hannah Looney.
Ailish O’Reilly then gets on the ball to thump it high and accurately at the posts. Brilliant scoring return form both teams.
24 mins: Cork 0-7 Galway 0-7
McCarthy steps up with a score again. Both sides are putting on a clinic with their shot execution.
25 mins: Cork 0-7 Galway 0-8
Ailish O’Reilly wins a free for a high challenge from Izzy O’Regan. Dolan goes 4/4 from frees to nudge Galway back in front.
Super contest so far.
28 mins: Cork 0-8 Galway 0-9
Fiona Keating with the reply for Cork. But Galway have a free from scoreable position. Dolan needs some treatment for the challenge by Laura Treacy but she looks ok, and lobs the ball over.
Treacy ends up with a yellow card.
29 mins: Cork 0-8 Galway 0-9
Brilliant defending by Ciara Hickey to get a block on Cliona Healy and her work is rewarded with a sideline for Galway.
31 mins: Cork 0-9 Galway 0-9
Amy O’Connor wins a free just before half-time and levels the game for the eighth time. Two minutes of added time announced.
32 mins: Cork 0-9 Galway 0-10
Lovely shot from Aoife Donoghue. She took a second to compose herself before winding up for a mighty hit.
Half-Time! Cork 0-9 Galway 0-10
Cork 0-9 Galway 0-10
We could all do with a break after that ripper of a first half. Exceptional stuff from both sides both defensively and offensively.
Every score is hard earned, and the scoring efficiency is very impressive. Whoever wins today will only do so by the slightest of margins.
Galway take a one-point lead into half-time in an entertaining All-Ireland senior camogie final
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) August 11, 2024
COR 0-09 GAL 0-10
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Second Half: Cork 0-9 Galway 0-10
31 mins: Cork 0-11 Galway 0-10
Áine Keane hits the first wide of the game after trying a free from way out of the pitch. That’s an incredible stat, but it’s a reflection of the accuracy of both teams.
Cork make the brighter start though as Orlaith Cahalane and Aisling Thompson score to put Cork ahead.
33 mins: Cork 0-11 Galway 0-10
Niamh Mallon tries to get the equaliser but it’s signalled wide following a call into Hawk Eye. Still one point separates the teams.
35 mins: Cork 0-11 Galway 0-10
Niamh Kilkenny gets hooked. Galway win the ball back but Cork apply the pressure and Cork get the free out.
Laura Hayes takes and tries to find Cahalane. But Dervla Higgins gets out to win the race. Mallon then strikes the third wide of the game.
GOAL! Cork 1-11 Galway 0-10 (Mackey ’35)
37 mins: Cork 1-12 Galway 0-10
That could be a significant score, as Katrina Mackey produces the first goal of the game. Amy O’Connor engineered the opportunity with a brilliant step and roaring run through the middle. She slips the ball across the square to Mackey who bundles it over the line.
Saoirse McCarthy then clips over her third point, and Cork are starting to work through the gears now. Can Galway respond?
40 mins: Cork 1-13 Galway 0-10
Cork change: Sorcha McCartan comes on for the goal-scorer Katrina Mackey, who is limping off the pitch in a bit of discomfort.
Cork have a free when the play resumes. It’s from a tight angle but Amy O’Connor makes no issue of the challenge and now Cork are six clear.
41 mins: Cork 1-13 Galway 0-11
Carrie Dolan with her first point from play and sixth in total. Galway really needed that after that Cork burst of 1-4 since the restart.
Aisling Thompson given a yellow card.
42 mins: Cork 1-13 Galway 0-12
Dolan adds a free and Galway seem to be motoring a bit now. The free was for Thompson throwing the hurl while Niamh Kilkenny was taking a shot at the posts.
44 mins: Cork 1-13 Galway 0-12
Cliona Healy hits a wayward shot that it’s far off the target.
Cork goal from Mackey. Replays would suggest she may have thrown that into the net?
45 mins: Cork 1-13 Galway 0-13
That’s three on the bounce as Ciara Hickey adds to their rally with a brilliant point. There’s just three points between the sides now.
48 mins: Cork 1-13 Galway 0-14
Galway goal chance ends with free out to Cork. Donoghue broke through well, slipped the ball to Dolan but she was adjudged to have charged into Laura Treacy and Cork have a chance to clear the danger.
However, the play is actually being brought back for a Galway free and Dolan is cooking today. Two between them.
Cork change: Ciara O’Sullivan is in for Cliona Healy.
Galway change: Orlaith McGrath replaces Ailish O’Reilly.
50 mins: Cork 1-13 Galway 0-15
Beautiful strike from Donoghue! And that’s her third of the game. They have revived from that early setback in the second half.
There’s the minimum between them.
50 mins: Cork 1-13 Galway 0-16
EQUALISER!!
Donoghue with a second point in-a-row to bring Galway roaring back into this game. After conceding 1-4 without reply, they’ve hit six without a response from Cork.
53 mins: Cork 1-13 Galway 0-16
Two missed chances for Cork. An attempt at a point comes back out off the crossbar. Laura Treacy then hits a wide. They need something just to settle their bellies after Galway’s comeback.
53 mins: Cork 1-14 Galway 0-16
Substitute Sorcha McCartan puts Cork back in front. It’s their first score since the 40th minute. They certainly needed that.
Cork then get a free for Niamh Kilkenny charging.
55 mins: Cork 1-15 Galway 0-16
Now it’s Cork who have the momentum as Clodagh Finn finds the target. Their bench is making a massive impact. Five minutes of normal time remaining.
57 mins: Cork 1-15 Galway 0-16
Dolan takes a shot from a tight position on the sideline. But it’s wide, and that could be costly.
Sorcha McCartan goes over her ankle while tussling for possession and is down getting treatment.
60 mins: Cork 1-15 Galway 0-16
Another wide for Galway off the stick of Niamh Hannify. Six minutes of added time announced.
62 mins: Cork 1-15 Galway 0-16
That’s a third wide for Galway as Mallon is off target. It was good build up play by the challengers but the shooting that was so on point in the first half, is failing them now.
63 mins: Cork 1-15 Galway 0-16
Another Galway attack results in no score after a brilliant hook. They’re running out of time.
64 mins: Cork 1-16 Galway 0-16
A second point for McCartan and that could well be the insurance score.
65 mins: Cork 1-16 Galway 0-16
Cork are holding firm here. We’re down to the last few seconds.
Full-Time: Cork 1-16 Galway 0-16
Cork are All-Ireland champions again!
Incredible result for Cork after a truly absorbing match. Galway threw everything at the holders in the closing minutes, but a combination of wides, bad decisions and poor shooting saw them fall short.
Cork pressed on the accelerator at the start of the second half to go 1-4 without reply. Galway won the next period by grabbing six unanswered scores to level matters.
But Cork found another gear to charge on again and retain the O’Duffy Cup.
Well that’s all from us folks. Emma Duffy is our woman on the ground in Croke Park. You can read her match report here. We hope you enjoyed the coverage today, and we hope to have you with us again soon.
Good luck for now!
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A win is a win but that doesn’t inspire confidence
@Jacob: Were you seriously expecting a walkover? Northampton are a good side and this is the semi. Leinster blew away Toulouse in the last two semis but that’s the exception, not the norm. La Rochelle scraped through their semi last year and everyone wrote them off. We all know what happened. Semi finals mean nothing except getting to the final and performing when it matters.
@Conor Lynott: tougher challenges lie ahead. Let’s hope for a Leinster win
@Conor Lynott: Rubbish, the problem is leinster went back to a kicking game second half and gave the ball back to Northampton and their dangerous counter attacking backs. They made the same mistakes the last 2 finals against La Rochelle in panicking and kicking away possession, when in the ascendency. They obviously haven’t learned yet and were incredibly lucky to get away with again today. Abit of better leadership was needed in there, conan was the only one who seemed to be taking it on.
@Jacob: as the man said – semis are for winning. I’d give my right arm for a similar win tomorrow. And a cruise over saints would have been no proper prep for a final
@Jacob: going no further without Keenan starting and Ringrose on the bench at least.
@Jacob: woeful performance, but ironically I’m almost relieved. If they had been as good as the Lá Rochelle game, they’d risk being too cocky for the final. Brings them back to earth big time.
I’m delighted for Leinster. However, the RTE commentary was bordering on arrogance. Our rugby pundits are getting way too far ahead of themselves.
@M D: yep leinster need to fix the issues that let saints back in it
@M D: I couldn’t agree more . They didn’t acknowledge the contest unfolding until the last play. These guys really need to open their eyes and be more neutral in their broadcast and commentate on what is happening on the field rather than these long stories praising every player in a blue jersey .
@M D: even High Cahill kept referring to Leinster as current URC leaders. They didn’t even have his homework done
@M D: Bordering? The border was a speck in the rear view mirror.
@sean o’farrell: ah sure Northampton were only making up the numbers…
@M D: 100% Gone as bad the English soccer punditry during major tournaments. Blinkered and arrogant.
Need to move Frawley to 10 for the final . Ross Byrne has been a great servant but he offers little in attack or defense at this level . Northampton were able to ignore him as a running threat and gain a defender each time he had the ball
@Owen ODonoghue: Ross is the current european hide and go seek champion
@chris mcdonnell: that’s harsh – I think S&C need to take hold of him for 6 months and let him put on some bulk, he adds between 5 and 10kg and he is a different animal
@Owen ODonoghue:…now im disagreeing with you….he’s the accountant vs the entrepreneur, the belt and braces vs the risk taker with the most exciting rugby investment opportunity on the planet. Who do you give it to?….not Ross.
@chris mcdonnell: Tasteless comment. Give it a rest and enjoy the win.
@chris mcdonnell: Chris, you’re a knowledgable poster, but I dislike the personal attacks on certain players, mainly Ross Byrne. Not his best game but he was POTM against La Rochelle last time out.
@Michael Murray: Hahha some description !
@Kenjo: agree 100% – no need for personal attacks , he’s been a great player for us and it just wasn’t his day today
@Owen ODonoghue: So… let’s deal with this scapegoating of Ross Byrne. 1 bad performance and a certain few are out for his head… and guess what? This wasn’t even a bad performance and you are still out for his head. I’ll never understand it. After the La Rochelle game, where you on these pages telling everyone how good he was and how he should be given the 10 shirt indefinitely? No. Nor would I want you to. So why after this game are you calling for him to be dropped?
@Owen ODonoghue: That is the least of his problems, putting on abit of weight, though it would be no harm. His defence, lack of pace and more importantly not taking the ball flat to the line, sitting too deep and slow delivery is a huge problem. People are being too harsh on him here, however he should only be a very good back up option off the bench for a team of Leinster stature and looking to win champions cups.
@Paul Ennis: never called for him to have the jersey indefinitely – he performed better than I expect against LAR and i owned that but his performance dropped significantly today and it’s due to the same reasons that have come up since the 2019 World Cup . The issues that hold him back are solvable but never seem to have been addressed in that time . I sincerely hope he plays a stormer in the final but its hard to see that after todays game
@Owen ODonoghue: Why would anyone call for him to have it indefinitely… that’s my point. But by the same logic, why take it off him after 1 game. Should Larmour be dropped too… or Osbourne. Both were quiet. Ross Byrne’s intercept of Finn Smiths pass lead to a crucial try. Will Northampton fans be calling for him to be dropped? You pointed to Byrnes missed kicks as one of your reasons! He is normally very reliable from the tee and every kicker has an off day every now and again. Byrne doesn’t have 2 in a row. At least he had it on a day that we won, and hopefully you are right and he plays much better in the final.
@Paul Ennis: maybe it was hubris after the LAR win but Ross doesn’t have enough credit in the bank to let this performance go – remember this is his first season as Leinster starting 10 and he is under pressure from 3 challengers – needs to perform at a high level consistently
For the others – yes I see Osborne being dropped for Ringrose and Larmour for O’Brien
@Paul Ennis: its unfortunate that when a player gets a bad rep, that when they play and average game people then ponce on them, but a player with a good rep will get a by ball for an average game. Ross isn’t a bad player, just isn’t JS. For European OHs he’s still prob in top 10. But Leinster normally have top 3-5 in every position.
@Kingshu: This is the problem I think. It’s a bit like Keatley following O’Gara. People need to give him a break and let him play… the team is strong enough to support him
@Paul Ennis: it’s an apt comparison, Munster persisted with Keatley and they dropped down a level. I think with Ross we’ve seen enough to be convinced we should have a better outhalf
@Owen ODonoghue: No… Munster should have backed him in the same way Kidney backed Sexton… he wasn’t O’Gara, but then nobody was nor has anyone been since… not even Sexton. They were 2 completely different 10s and RB has to play his own game as best he can. I wonder would a trophy shut people up for a while. Maybe we can at least share that hope – for the trophy that is.
@Paul Ennis: lol a trophy would help ! Agree if Ross leads them to a trophy or two this season and performs on SA tour all these doubts will go away
@chris mcdonnell: Chris McDonell is the current European snidey comment champion.
Well done Leinster but you’ll need to be much better in the final to beat Toulouse.
@Kenjo: or Harlequins
@Kevin Dillon: won’t even be close Kevin, Toulouse are a different animal.
@Kenjo: Heard that song today, didn’t play out that way
Leinster stopped playing when it went to 20-10, like they did in final last year. Insert that famous Einstein quote with this current Leinster team every year. Ross Byrne hasn’t the bottle for the big place kicks, was no problem for young Fin Smith and Crowley also is very good at them. It’s like the 2009 Barcelona team with Peter Crouch at striker. Give young Prendergarst the jersey for the final, you won’t see that lad hiding like Byrne when the pressure comes on
@Eoin H: What is Ross Byrnes % this year… or any year? Do you know?
@Paul Ennis: Way above what it was today. Hopefully he’ll be back to his normal stats on the day of the final. For Leinster to win imo he’ll need to be.
@Eoin H: would be crazy to go SP for final even though I agree he is the next generational outhalf Ireland have. For final it depends on who we get . Leo picks Ross if it’s Quins, if it’s Toulouse I think he may want that extra physicality and running threat at 10 and so he’ll go Frawley or even Harry.
That was far too tight, just didnt turn up in the second half but fair play to Northampton. Can’t see us beating Toulouse with Alatoa as replacement tighthead. He can’t even lock out a scrum
@Dave Moran: We’ve blown away Toulouse the last two times we played them and Ala’alatoa was on the bench both times so that’s rubbish.
@Conor Lynott: Past counts for nothing, ask ROG
@PJ Smith: Exactly. So people shouldn’t read too much into a semi-final. It’s all about the final. Like you said, semi final is in the past, on to Toulouse or Quins now
@Conor Lynott: Your not terribly smart are you?
@Conor Lynott: Toulouse had an extra time game the week before against Munster in the first of those. More importantly they’ve a stronger squad this year. Also those games were at the Aviva not a neutral venue.
@Dave Moran: It’s called using an opponent’s own words against them. Classic debating tactic. You should try it sometime, You didn’t know that? I’m not surprised. You probably couldn’t understand a word, so went straight for the personal attack. Boring and predictable. If in doubt, play the man haha.
Jenkins did well off the bench, the rest were poor. Frawley is not a full back, he’s not fast enough and doesn’t know how to cover space. Keenan, Ringrose and James Ryan have to come back or they haven’t a hope vs Toulouse
@Eoin H: Ryan’s out till next year I believe. Keenan 100% agree
Time to give Prendergast a run. Ross Byrne isn’t a first cousin of an international 10.
@Brian Flynn: yeah absolutely. Definitely time to give him a run in the biggest game of the year. Will never and should never happen.
@Kevin Dillon: How old is Northampton ‘s 10?
@Mary Corrigan: 21
Far too close. Leinster need to change their SA tour strategy. At least play one of the teams with a full side and give it the respect the tour deserves. They need to be more battle hardened.
@Darren: URC needs to cop on and cut the nonsense of South Africa tours before Champions Cup knockout games.
@teuO6nLS: How many of the team went to SA?
@Lulu: how many of the other semi-finalists were asked to travel to South Africa for the 2 weeks before the game? The URC needs to sort out the scheduling because no one in their right mind will send their full team to South Africa for meaningless games before a semi-final. No reason they can’t have the SA sides playing each other during that window instead
@teuO6nLS: So change the entire system to suit Leinster, yeah?
@teuO6nLS: LoL URC cant be blamed, unless you think that when URC set out the fixtures they should have no teams tour SA before the R16, Q final, or semi final and Final as the URC don’t know whos going to be playing knock out games (in Hcup and Challange Cup), before the season starts. Guess we need to add 8 weeks to the season to accommodate your approach, but then guess you’ll complain about player rest and welfare esp with summer tours and say, actually, URC was right, and I was wrong.
@teuO6nLS: yep agree, let the saffas at it against one another in SA on chanel 63 while the real sides compete in the semis/final of the “Champions cup” on TNT 1..
@Lulu: no, not at all. Imagine it was Munster or Ulster in a European semi final and they were asked to go to South Africa for the two weeks before. Think they’d send their full squad down?
@teuO6nLS: Bang on
@teuO6nLS: absolutely agree with you and I’m a Munster fan. The URC are obliged to help their teams in Europe. Sending the serious contenders to cross the world before knock out games can and should be avoided
@Ciaran Kennedy: tell me how it can be avoided, rem theres teams in the Challenge cup knock outs so cant be sending them either? And fixtures are set before the season starts. In truth last 2 season have benefited Leinster where have had top spot sewn up and could send weakened teams and still finish too, this season its been a bit earlier and not suited Leinster as much, but thats just the way the cookie crumbles
State of your man in the crowd wearing a Munster jersey.
@Daniel Murphy: having a sense of humour should be banned.
@brian o’leary: Wearing a Munster jersey is a joke now?
@PJ Smith: in that context, yes.
@PJ Smith: I heard of a nut job once who wore a his celtic jersey under his jacket while watching his team with the home support at Tynecastle, revealing his colours when the away team scored…. completely different context.
@brian o’leary: depends on your perspective really, could be read as Munster fan supporting Leinster but you may not want to hear that.
Biggest issue for me was the change in tactics in the last 30 min or so. They stopped carrying and started box kicking away the ball. That was what let NH back into the game
Wouldn’t instil you with a lot of confidence going into the final.
From start of the season, thought Leinster and Stade Rochelle weren’t as good as they have been in the last two years. Just Stade had declined more. Lot of Leinster fans writing Toulouse off in group stages, saying had beaten them easily last two years so wouldn’t worry them, but Toulouse could beat Stade Rochelle when Leinster couldnt and its forgotten they were the scissors it rock paper scissors. Think in contrast to Stade Rochelle and Leinster Toulouse have improved from last year, if they make the final it will be a very close game, best result for Leinster is that they play Harlequins, as they would be favourites for that Toulouse is more 50/50.
@Kingshu: This is nonsense, Leinster fans would never write off a Toulouse team these days. Unless you’re basing your view on the comments of social media fans who represent nothing. If so, you should know better. LAR, Leinster and Toulouse have been in a game of rock paper scissors for a few years but it’s coincidence, nothing more. Any team could have won those games on a given day. You’re inventing a narrative to suit your personal bias. A final against Toulouse would be absolutely no better than 50/50 but if they’re dominant tomorrow they will be clear favourites.
@PJ Smith: may want to scroll up and tell @Conor Lynott that, not the first time he and some others have written Toulouse off this season because Leinster beat them well last few years. Think as much as Leinster adapted to beat Stade Rochelle, Toulouse may have been doing the same for Leinster? I think Leinster will add the 5th star, but don’t think this teams is as good as last season or seasons before.
@Kingshu: That was in response to a claim that Ala’atoa can’t play off the bench vs Toulouse. Recent history of the fixture shows he certainly can. Do not take my comment out of context.
@Kingshu: That’s why I said social media fans, they’re not a representation of any fan base. You always seemed sensible enough on here so you should know that. I wouldn’t be betting on a 5th star right now, it’s lightyears away at the moment
@Conor Lynott: you did in a previous round, thought its bit early to be counting chickens then too. Maybe it was out of context and a response to moran as well, my bad and apolgies if it was as its fair enough to fight fire with fire when repling to him. @PJ Smith: normally want an Irish team to win Hcup but URC sometimes I don’t. Think at times its better to have someone else win, as it strengthens the URC and hence all provinces in the long run (rather than short term for one), first season Stormers V bulls final was best result for all as it really set the URC of with a bang in SA which benifits everyone now. This year if Ulster don’t win it, want Leinster to, as its poor on the league if the best team in it doesn’t win it for 3 years in a row, and its already cemented its place in SA.
Let’s see if Leinster coaching team have learned anything from past failures. 3 week break did that team no favours, ran out of steam in the second half. Can’t afford to try protect these players by not playing full strength for the next 3 weeks and building momentum. Ross clearly pulled up in the first half but kept playing and left 7 points behind as a result. Don’t select Harry if you don’t think he can handle it. That performance cost us a championship last year so at least got the win today but the final will be a different beast and Leinster will have to be very different as well. Thank the lord for Jamo!
What is it with us in the 2nd half big games!? This would have been the worst as we were so dominate and they were so nervy and rubbish for 55 mins, I could not believe the phase before Conan/Doris turnover was actually unfolding before my eyes….
Job done but made it far more difficult than necessary. Played Raynal horrifically. He clearly didn’t care about the laws of the game yet we still tried to abide by them and got exposed out wide. Will need Ryan, Ringrose and Keenan back to have any chance against Toulouse
@teuO6nLS: is this just for saints or both sides ?
And we think we are going to go to South Africa and beat the world champions. Spare me please.
@Ray Ridge: will be tough but the Munster contingent are big difference makers with Crowley & Beirne in particular being standouts. Also we have a get out of jail free card with Bundee when in possession
I think Murray from the bench will also be crucial if we have a slender lead going into the last 20
It’ll be a tight series
@Owen ODonoghue: will ye stop hyping up these glorified friendlies, these tours should have a development/ rest remit.
@brian o’leary: I’m looking forward to it more than the European final to be honest – great chance to test ourselves against the world champs in their own back yard – need to go all guns blazing like they will
@brian o’leary: But they are not development or friendlies. It is not how rugby is structured. All nations take the tests very seriously… as seriously as a tournament match. Rugby doesn’t have qualifiers for the top 12 nations, so therefore there has to be a level of competitiveness for the summer and autumn tests.
They (and Ireland) clearly miss Ryan. I never really rated him, but it’s become clear in the last year that he is both Leinster’s and Ireland’s talisman. The were bossing Rochelle, he gets hurt, the game momentum completely turns, and Leinster lose. We lose him for the World Cup Semis and New Zealand eke out a W. They just look jaded and a step slow without him. Leinster better hope he’s healthy for Toulouse. Ireland better hope he and Keenan are healthy for South Africa. Or it’s going to be a long, long, long summer.
@Brian Goldych: Uncle Brian !!
What gives us as Irish supporters the god given right to dish every team we play ,Leinster got the win just. We are slowly getting like the English arrogant and self absorbed with ourselves god help us
Reading these comments, I can’t help feeling you all seem to expect perfect performances every time. That game could have ended in a 20 point victory. A lucky try from a defensive misunderstanding and Leinster relaxing a bit too much in the final 15 minutes. But for 65 minutes Leinster were ruthless, suffocated Northampton’s attacking play and took points very easily. I find it hard to understand all the over-the-top criticism. I am a Munster fan but I was highly impressed for three quarters of this game and I would be proud of my team.
Probably the worst rugby atmosphere I have ever been at where Leinster were playing. Woeful second half. I think Ringrose and Keenan are badly missed.
@Tom Reilly: I was there. Atmosphere was electric. What are you talking about? Aviva pathetic in comparison.
Sorry lads we were on the vino and couldn’t make the game on time thanks for delaying the kick off.
With nothing only respect and credit to Northampton saints,Toulouse will be licking their lips after this evening’s performance but I think we will rise to the occasion in London
@Jb Walshe: rope a dope?
@Jb Walshe: I hope that Toulouse are licking their lips… they should be, but AFTER they have beaten Harlequins. If they are thinking about Leinster already, they won’t make the final themselves.
@Paul Ennis: except that, Leinster are to Toulouse what La Rochelle have been to Leinster.
Leinster fans will be praying for an upset tomorrow.northhampton will be crying when they look back at that.that 1st try was shocking 2 players marking Lowe.
Well, that was pants…
A perfect victory, much better than a 30 nil
@Rugbyanbeer: Yep I think that result will really stand to us. You need an ugly win in a cup run!