Michael Cheika

barney · Post by **barney** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 2:09 pm

Went along to a Leinster supporters evening last night where Michael Cheika was introduced to the fans.

He came across very well, answering questions submitted in advance as well as several from the floor. Most of them would be of relatively little interest here, but it was refreshing to hear them being answered clearly and coherently. He seems pretty down to earth with a good sense of humour but I get the impression he's not a guy who will tolerate any nonsense.

Word coming out of the Leinster camp is that training has been more intense than the players have experienced before and that they have responded well to it. Of course that is what we might expect to hear, so it will be interesting to see if it translates into performances.

Donnybrook has been resurfaced with a similar surface to that used at Lansdowne Road so hopefully it will stand up a bit better than last season.

Gordon D'Arcy was also there for the Q&A session but it was made clear that we wouldn't be getting any Lions-related controversy. He's due back in training in around 3/4 weeks.

The chief executive bridled a bit when asked if the Celtic League would be taken seriously this year. Judging by his response, the Leinster branch are none too enamoured by the prospect of the 7 week training camp either.

cjp · Post by **cjp** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 3:10 pm

Lets just say After Gordon's Lions tour he wasn't fatigued and he doesn't like SCW. As for our esteemed captain that is another story

colinh · Post by **colinh** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 7:12 pm

Barney

I think Leinster have unearted a coule of gem stones in the Aussie duo act and I would expect performaces to reflect that. Ill be down as often as I can if Ulster are playing away or Leinster on a Sat.

Colin

barney · Post by **barney** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 7:53 pm

Colin

the sense I got is that they feel they have got the right guys. David Knox (who wasn't there last night) is very highly thought of and it will be interesting to hear from him when he is introduced at the next event.

Still a question over the outhalf position, seems that Warner will take over from Holwell. Will be a hard act to follow mind you.

cjp · Post by **cjp** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 1:44 pm

Eoighan Hickey is a talented young OH as well. Warner I doubt is up to it. Leinster have always had poor half backs and that has been there problem. Knox comes from the same school of thought as Howard, an ex Brumbie and very inventive and created in the backs. Where it seems as Chieka is a no nonsense hard nosed B@st@rd that Leinster need.

Just a note Rob Kearney with a hat trick on debut, glad to see him get a chance.

Freddie Benson · Post by **Freddie Benson** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 6:43 pm

Holwell cam in last season as Warner had proved that he previously wasn't up to the job at CL level never mind ERC (which the D4s seriuosly thought they could win)

Freddie Benson · Post by **Freddie Benson** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 9:36 am

Cheika has made 'Magical' captain of the Ladyboys this season.
Sorry but wtfigo?
Even without his injury he was only going to play about 6 games for them (ERC pool games); now that's more likely 4.
Cheika has announced several vice-captains (O'Kelly, Contepomi, Easterby, Dempsey). Who's in charge down there?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_u ... 203066.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_u ... 201582.stm

colinh · Post by **colinh** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 9:43 am

I think it is normal to name several vice captains. But he could be making a rod for his own back by including a few people with notoriously bad attitude. But on the otherhand responsibility is maybe what some of them are after. But BOD and him could have an interesting relationship.

Colin

Rooster · Post by **Rooster** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 10:00 am

Making BOD captain sounds like a no brainer, or D4 influence/toys out of pram, decision

He won't be back till after Christmas then will not play coming up to 6 nations, as Freddie says 4 games probably

The decision is comparable to McCall naming Jonny Bell as captain up here

colinh · Post by **colinh** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 9:17 pm

But then again given his profile what choice did he really have and there are plenty of other seasoned soles to stand in during his absences.

Colin

barney · Post by **barney** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 9:59 pm

They badly need some leadership in the pack.

I'm suprised that Gleeson wasn't named as one of the vice-captains.

From what I've seen and heard of Cheika so far I don't think he will suffer any nonsense from his "stars".

I'm sure he would love to have a Harrison type character in the side

colinh · Post by **colinh** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 11:11 pm

From what I've seen and heard of Cheika so far I don't think he will suffer any nonsense from his "stars".

Glad to see it Barney. With all that talent it is about time someone gripped them and sorted them out.

Colin

barney · Post by **barney** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 10:24 am

I think there's an acceptance down here that the moment has passed for the Leinster team of the last couple of seasons.

I would expect the next season or two to be a re-building of sorts, with the priorities being a S/H, O/H and a pack leader. Could well be a few new recruits making their way up from the southern hemisphere?

barney · Post by **barney** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 10:27 am

Colin wrote:

But BOD and him could have an interesting relationship

I think Cheika and EOS could have an interesting relationship as well