Discussion
C'mon you Exiles.....I'm still glowing. I watched the game in my new local, pretty much by myself as the rest of the place was watching the darts. 
I'm so pleased for the team. This game showed beyond doubt that London Irish have properly grown up in the last couple of seasons, that they can now face up to the big boys of European rugby and even beat them in their own back yards. It has been an absolute pleasure supporting them recently after years of mediocrity.
I don't think London Irish, (who have always been a rag tag team of mongrels from around the world), managed to get over Leinster's (Heineken Cup holders and a team full of Grand Slam winning and Lions players) 22 line all game, but used grunt and guile to grind out a win against the odds.
I'd say that the cornerstone of this success is the pack, with a lethal back row, awesome second row and essentially two front rows they can rotate at half time. The backs aren't too shabby, even with some key people missing with injury and suspension, but it's the forwards who are winning the ball and disrupting the opposing team's possession.
I wasn't quite sure after the first game of the season against Saracens, but after last night's performance, they are definitely the team to watch out for this season both at home and in Europe.
I'm so pleased for the team. This game showed beyond doubt that London Irish have properly grown up in the last couple of seasons, that they can now face up to the big boys of European rugby and even beat them in their own back yards. It has been an absolute pleasure supporting them recently after years of mediocrity. I don't think London Irish, (who have always been a rag tag team of mongrels from around the world), managed to get over Leinster's (Heineken Cup holders and a team full of Grand Slam winning and Lions players) 22 line all game, but used grunt and guile to grind out a win against the odds.
I'd say that the cornerstone of this success is the pack, with a lethal back row, awesome second row and essentially two front rows they can rotate at half time. The backs aren't too shabby, even with some key people missing with injury and suspension, but it's the forwards who are winning the ball and disrupting the opposing team's possession.
I wasn't quite sure after the first game of the season against Saracens, but after last night's performance, they are definitely the team to watch out for this season both at home and in Europe.
Wonderful game last night at Franklin Gardens, I dont think Munster expected Saints to put up such a performance.
Gerraghty really showing his ability at the moment and Courtney Lawes going toe to toe with PoC. I do keep telling people to watch out for Lawes, he is going to be centre point of the England Pack for the next 10 years.
Gerraghty really showing his ability at the moment and Courtney Lawes going toe to toe with PoC. I do keep telling people to watch out for Lawes, he is going to be centre point of the England Pack for the next 10 years.
DJC said:
Wonderful game last night at Franklin Gardens, I dont think Munster expected Saints to put up such a performance.
Gerraghty really showing his ability at the moment and Courtney Lawes going toe to toe with PoC. I do keep telling people to watch out for Lawes, he is going to be centre point of the England Pack for the next 10 years.
oh Gerraghty really showing his ability at the moment and Courtney Lawes going toe to toe with PoC. I do keep telling people to watch out for Lawes, he is going to be centre point of the England Pack for the next 10 years.
I've been going down the gardens for the best part of 17 years, and last night goes down as one of the best games I've ever seen there. 110% from the boys for the full 80 minutes. I saw Mr Johnson before the game, I'll be very disappointed if Shane doesn't get picked for all the autumn internationals.And Courtney, what can I say, a man mountain that can only go from strength to strength.
COME ON YOU SAINTS!!!
DJC said:
Well played Irish, what a cracking match!
I was there, it was fantastic! It may not have been the prettiest, most flowing match in the world, but an away win against the HC cup champions is an awesome effort. Leinster are a very passionate bunch, but changing the scoreboard to 14-12 at the end was a bit unsporting in my opinion!
Just seen to Saints highlights, impressive win. Good to see Geraghty finally reaching his true potential, was disappointed to see him leave Irish, but he just wouldn't get the opportunities there, so good on him.
Interesting to see how Saints would play without him though, seems to be the centre of everything.......
BigMans197 said:
I was there, it was fantastic! It may not have been the prettiest, most flowing match in the world, but an away win against the HC cup champions is an awesome effort.
Leinster are a very passionate bunch, but changing the scoreboard to 14-12 at the end was a bit unsporting in my opinion!
Very tense game, heart rate going like crazy towards the end - replay showed it wasn't a high tackle so the booing was also unfounded. Would have loved to have been there Leinster are a very passionate bunch, but changing the scoreboard to 14-12 at the end was a bit unsporting in my opinion!
I have a good feeling about the Exiles again this year (the good feeling lasted all the way to Twickenham last year
) how much are tickets for the Paris HC final 
?Edited by Jinx on Monday 12th October 13:01
Jinx said:
Very tense game, heart rate going like crazy towards the end
Tell me about it! When Hewat kicked the ball dead and then sliced a clearance I thought that was it. Ryan lamb was certainly calmer than me at the end, thats for sure.Still don't get Leinster saying they thought the Ref was playing advantage it was quite clear that the Ref put his hands in the air to say play on. Still good banter with the Leinster fans in the hotel bar though.
Win our home games and get a few bonus points on the road and we should be through the group...........
It was a good weekend for England.
Gerraghty showing he can play a big match controlling performance.
Courtney Lawes showing he is continuing his improvement. (The Times made him the headline of their Northampton coverage)
Twelvetrees! Get in there lad, what a performance
Bodes well for the future. And young Dani has seemingly shut his mouth and got back to playing rugby properly, getting his hands dirty and learning to play coalface rugby again.
The only bad news was that borthwick will be fit to play in the Autumn Internationals
Bugger.
Gerraghty showing he can play a big match controlling performance.
Courtney Lawes showing he is continuing his improvement. (The Times made him the headline of their Northampton coverage)
Twelvetrees! Get in there lad, what a performance
Bodes well for the future. And young Dani has seemingly shut his mouth and got back to playing rugby properly, getting his hands dirty and learning to play coalface rugby again.
The only bad news was that borthwick will be fit to play in the Autumn Internationals
Bugger.
k had Berdos and the linesmen been drinking before the Sale - Blues game?!? 
#Gassing Station | Sports | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff