Episode 3239: Leinster Lose Their Minds And Lose The Game, The Galactico Model, Nienaber’s Defence, Jordie Benched
From the moment we saw the team-sheets, right through to the final moments when they chose not to kick at goal, this was a baffling display by the coaching staff and players, and it all ended with a defeat that will have repercussions far beyond the province of Leinster.
Rúaidhrí O’Connor: Leinster held all the aces but ultimately chokedhttps://t.co/NhLTgWNldG
— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) May 3, 2025
We chat to Shane Horgan and Ruaidhrí O’Connor about the mental state of the players for this Northampton game, the starting team chosen, the Nienaber defensive system, the funding model in Irish rugby, and where this latest defeat leaves Leo Cullen.
©INPHO/Billy Stickland
And we try to define what it means to “choke”, and if it was arrogance, overthinking or panic that caused the team to not kick that penalty on 75 mins to level the scores.
They’ll never say it but clearly Leo wasn’t allowed start Jordie B. No sane coach would not start JB. So there’s plenty to throw at Leo and Nien but that selection isn’t one.
— Simon Hick (@hicksimon) May 3, 2025
Plus there’s Pollock power, Prendergast pawing, and trying to place this defeat in the pantheon of Irish sporting failures.
©INPHO/Billy Stickland
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