THE FORM BOOK reads well. A magnificent seven wins from seven so far this season. And no less than seven try-scoring bonus points make it a perfect score for Leinster.
Had they not embarked on that run a mere fortnight after a severe reality check from Saracens ended their 2019/20 season they might be lulled into thinking that they are as untouchable as the 35 points from 35 suggests.
A glance across the Pro14 conferences is enough to keep them honest heading into Europe. Irish teams currently occupy the top two berths in both conferences and only Connacht have tasted defeat in a competition forced to stutter on with the pandemic as a backdrop.
Losing games in a tougher league doesn’t put a team in a better frame of mind, but Montpellier will be bullish when they welcome the 2018 champions to their own patch. Not least because they switch competitions after Fulgence Quedrago and Yacouba Camara helped them to win away in Clermont last weekend.
As was the case when Felipe Contepomi signalled how coaches would choose between internationals and prospects who helped to build the Pro14 form in tight selection calls, bridging the gap in standard comes down to efforts in training.
”It goes back to the standards in training that we hold ourselves accountable to,” says Luke McGrath.
“We’re well aware that it’s a huge step up this week and that’s why this week’s training… and even last week when the guys were away in camp – we were in for a bit last week and we’re well aware of the challenge that awaits us.
“It’s important that we have a huge training week this week, so when the lads came back from camp there were a lot of meetings, getting them up to scratch with detail today and tomorrow we’ll have a big session. So it’s just a big week’s training and firing into it then on Saturday.”
He adds: “It’s just trying to keep those standards in training consistent at the highest level and that’s what we’ve been trying to do every day. And, yeah, we’ve been getting the performances but it’s a different challenge this week, Montpellier are a huge team, a huge pack and have a very exciting backline.
“So it will be a massive challenge ahead but one we’re looking forward to.”
The scrum-half soon underlines the need to hit the ground running given this year’s truncated tournament format. The six-game rhythm of the Champions Cup pool will be missed this year with teams given just four matches against two opponents to stake their claim for the knockout rounds.
With the new regime, every single point counts so be confident going over there but understand the threats that they have.”
“There’s no margin for error. That’s the one thing we spoke about in the meeting, it’s a very different format under the circumstances that we’re in today, so every single point counts.
“So it’s important that we go over to France with an attacking mindset and look to start well, because if you give Montpellier a start then it’s very hard to get it back.
“They’ll be high in confidence after the win in Clermont as well. So it’s going to be a huge test for us, but one we’re ready for.”
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COYBIB
Such a joy to watch ulster this week compared to Munster. So much variety in their play. Mathewson sniping, passing, kicking. Forwards carrying with impact but also offloading when appropriate. Much more effective. Hume and McCloskey look great in the centre.
Let’s go Leinster!! Big day out for Ringrose
@gabs90: ya, biggest day of his career
Leinster lineouts are keeping Ulster in the game
Looking forward to a good game and hopefully no injuries for both sides for next week. . Super selection from Leinster and what a bench. Leinster by 10+ for me.
Leinster will win
I see Van Der Flier is Liam Tolands man crush this week
He’s a gas man. Giving Stockdale grief for crawling with the ball. But sure it was perfectly fine when a Leinster player did it to score against Munster.
Half time and the leinster lineout is easily the worst in professional rugby.
@Chris Mc: I think we need to end the hype that’s been surrounding Kelleher right now. Cronin is a better lineout thrower and that’s saying something!
@David Finn: his throwing is pants but he’s a massive present arround the pitch
@Chris Mc: yeah good around the pitch but on that performance about Irish no 4. He needs time.
@Trevor Johnston: the leinster lineout has been too complicated for a good few seasons now. Far too many moving parts. Most of the balls lost yesterday came without any real presure from Ulster, lifters missed the jumper, some times the jumper didn’t even jump. A lineout should be very simple, your jumper gets into the air before theirs or get higher than theirs. Your hooker throws the ball to the big guy been lifted by 2 other big guys. All the dummies, moving arround and decoys just allows the line to close and the lifters to be obstructed or miss their position or timing.
Game on great try
It’s good to see Ulster taking a leaf out of the Leinster playbook. Holding opposition players in nearly every ruck and starting to milk some penalties.
Another trophy the invincibles
Leinster Congratulations
People effuse about this morphing Leinster game plan, kicking on their terms and their love for defending but Ulster have been playing the better rugby for the majority of the game. I know Leinster are still winning but as a Leinster fan I expected a good bit more from Leinster tonight in preparation for Saracens. Doris has been quiet, Conan was petulant in the first half and it is not a day for Kelleher at line-out time. There have been moments when Leinster have shown good running rugby but the last phase fizzles out with an attacking penalty or picking the wrong option. We’ll need a better performance against Saracens, even without Farrell and Mako.
@Dan Finlay: and moments after posting Doris goes and scores.
@Dan Finlay: Conan coughed up three penalties. Can not afford that against saracens.
Atrocious lineout from Leinster.
Great response.
Brilliant try.
Great try! Very well worked. Come on ulster!
Would be grand if Brace actually reffed Leinster. Let’s them away with murder at the breakdown
@Andrew Taz Donohoe: fussy but fair
Here he comes. The Boss.
Great try …..game over ..joking
Anyone know if tg4 are showing this live or is it just discussions about the game starting at that time and the kick off being shown later on?
@Rudiger McMonihan: I’m pretty sure it’s live
Ulster happy to be in final, same as Heineken cup a few years back they failed to throw a punch… embarrassing
@Nathan Fulham: you can only play as well as you are allowed. Leinster in total control.
SUFTUM
Terrible commentators