Leinster v Newport-Gwent Dragons Scrum V Live

As the sun sets on the other side of the globe today, New Zealand

showed the rugby world they mean business. Now, as the sun sets in

the northern hemisphere, European champions Leinster welcome the

Dragons to Dublin. Both sides struggled without their World Cup

stars in the opening round of the pro 12. Both lost away from home.

Both will be desperate to get back on track tonight.

It could not be a tougher start to It could not be a tougher start to

the season for the Dragons. Two away game us. Last week, the

defending league champions and tonight, the European champions.

Darren Edwards hoping he can turn narrow defeat last week into

narrow defeat last week into narrow defeat last week into

victory tonight. Good evening and a warm welcome to Scrum V Live. I am

joined by Matthew Rees and Jonathan Davies. Great to see you, Matthew.

It has been a tough few months. You have had surgery on a neck injury.

How is the recovery going? I think the operation was a great success.

Three-and-a-half weeks now since they operation. I'm doing some neck

training this week. Hopefully, I will be playing again in October.

Fantastic. Jonathan, tonight's game, the Dragons and Leinster. This

fixture has been played eight times in Dublin. Do you see the Dragons

breaking Leinster's run? It is a tough one. A lot of their big

players are missing. I do not think the Ospreys have done the Dragons

any favours. Leicester -- Leinster played poorly. Their forwards

showed how strong they were, but no cutting edge. A few changes tonight,

but I would like to see Leinster winning tonight. They hung in

against Munster. Unfortunately, they did not get over the line.

Fingers crossed. We can cross live to Dublin. Phil Steele is with Paul

Wallace. Good evening from Dublin. A couple

of changes in the Dragon side. Great to see Martyn Thomas back at

fullback, starting for the first time since his second horrendous

leg injury. Look out for a character on the left wing called

Mike Poole, a former cage fighter. His tackling could stop a tractor.

Upstart, it will be left to the likes of Tom Willis and Gavin

Thomas in the back row. Paul Wallace, they looked pretty

ordinary last week, Leinster. What have they done to the side? They

have changed the half-backs. They did not play too well last week,

but a lot of that was down to the Leinster pack not performing. If

they do they tonight, they have a lightning back three with Kearney,

and Carr. If they can create the space, they will be great on the

attack. They need to play fast attack. They need to play fast

football. 7000 season tickets, for Leicester this season. Always a

great atmosphere. Tonight is no exception.

The kick-off is nearly upon us. Don't forget that the red zone

ricochet is joined by Gareth later on tonight, talking about the World

Cup and everything else. You can also get Welsh-language commentary

on the Red Button. For now, let us join Stuart Davies and Nick Webb.

Is it time for the Dragons to break the voodoo of Dublin? Eight visits

without a win. Almost a complete team of Ireland stars against them,

a pale shadow of the European champions' line-up. The Dragons,

without five Wales players, ran Munster close recently, but could

not hold on to the ball when it mattered. Have they the killer

instinct and self-belief? We will find out over the next hour-and-a-

half. Andy Macpherson of Scotland is the referee this evening. The

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

World Cup with Fiji but opted to offloads. The Dragons Defence's

for a moment. You can see the intent from Leinster. Isa Nacewa

figuring strongly. Moving onto the ball at pace. Good angles. A couple

of desperate cover tackles from the Dragons breathe again. A timely

penalty. A chance to regroup and perhaps a few words. REFEREE: I

will watch for it. Do not speak to Dublin. -- a mostly. A bit of rain

South Africa. -- for words duty. Not the kind of Wissman -- not the

kind of mistake we would expect from them. That was a strong run in

the centre. He fell, looking for that dropped ball. The gap was

there but he got past him. Richard Strauss, one of two South Africans

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

lively. Pat Leach is causing problems. That was one of their

problems and Munster. They missed a few tackles in the first half. Just

allowed the Irish to get the bit sales are between 13 and 14,000. We

have had a late flurry of to his credit. He does not usually

kick when Johnny Sexton is in town but he is on the other side of the

he makes no mistake. Paul Wallace, you said it is a different site

this week compared to last week. What did you mean two you look at

the intensity. Browne, taking it very direct. When they have got the

ball, they are looking to offload. If they are a run a front for it.

Back to you. -- they are on the going off their feet and yielding

another soft penalty. Isa Nacewa was standing on his post. He has

been the most prevalent of the Leinster players. He runs out, and

they are on the attack again. It's not working at the moment for the

Dragons. Andrew Coombs and Pat Leach, judged to have offended at

the ruck. It is another chance for Isa Nacewa. Former Auckland Blues,

born in Auckland. Played just a couple of minutes of international

rugby for Fiji at the two dozen of three World Cup. And he was then

somewhat disappointed to discover It remains 3-0 in Leinster's favour.

-- struck that one. The Dragons have to get their hands on the ball

and keep it for a while to settle things down. It has been a

difficult opening. They have not had any possession. It has been all

is well Matt. The double tackle turns him. Can the Dragons get a

foothold in opposition territory. - -? Passing the lion mascot. You can

just see the control that Isa Nacewa is trying to exert from the

back there on his colleagues. Tom Willis could do with a bit of

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

Leinster piling over, illegally so, and a chance for that Dragons to

have a go at call. Bedford almost Played some club rugby for

Leicester before being spotted by scores. The Dragons really needed

that one. Yes, some encouragement for them. From the attacks that we

have seen, those from Leinster have the back, as they have so often

That is good defensive work. Willis is very quick at the base of these

rucks. He does not want the ball there any longer than it needs to

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

has previously played for, and Leinster for the time being. --

his man out at the moment. It is the trouble with the double banking.

It can be very effective but it can look horrible if you get it wrong.

It can cause defenders to pick the wrong man but it does make life

difficult for the man throwing the the track and still on terms. Just

managing to turn things around a little bit after being under the

Phil Steele. How do you see the early forward battle going? Dragons

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

the side fought Leinster, nearly 19 That is quality. A scrum in their

own 22. That is a far more effective kick. He gets the penalty.

That is really good play from ball down the line. Tactically,

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

the narrow side. REFEREE: Knock-on. Blue scrum. Leinster trying a

little bit too hard to play fancy rugby in the crowded spaces at

times. They like the tempo. They You have to get your elbows

straight down. It was difficult for him to get the elbow down because

it was being tracked down by Hagan. brought through by the Dragons

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

Patient, but can they create the on the attack but not quite

succeeding. Still just the two penalties on the scoreboard as we

go into the second quarter. Martin Thomas, a fantastic comeback after

what he has been through. Case second leg break virtually on the

side of the first one. They had to take the plate paid from the first

operation to do the second one. -- is the first thing he has done

wrong in 20 minutes. The Dragons are having a go at the Leinster set

piece. They have done well in the scrum and the last few lineouts

from Leinster have gone astray, so some encouragement in the set

engage! And the Dragons front row in a little bit of trouble,

possibly for the first time. right decision. It is Willis that

feels the pressure in the middle. Probably the combined effort from

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

the tight-head and Hawker on the that crossing in midfield? I think

the Dragons have clung on. A double whammy from Willis. His hands were

on the ball so it was not offside. The home crowd getting going, for

just a little bit too early. It is a penalty for taking him out in the

air. Interesting, because the ball had come down. He jumped to gather

that. Very clever. He drew him into that one. Pure instinct. He saw the

ball come down, so it is not a classic Up and Under. Surely there

will not be a card for it. A quick word, a sensible decision. He has

worked out why he has had the penalty against him. He is clever

far for Leinster. Still the Nacewa shares and avoid him for a

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

little while, the Dragons. -- Isa tackles in in this opening half-

hour at the Rds. A finite for rugby. from the scrum-half, working them

think. The Gavin Thomas does well there. He is wrapped around. He

does not allowed a clean delivery. Just leaving his hands there.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

Technically, he has to release them yellow card coming before too long?

The crowd giving voice. Has he got there? Tremendous work by the

winner. They will go upstairs to the TML. Sidole was trying the

corner. They gave in the step. -- they gave him. Doing his best, he

has still got the ball. Marlton- Thomas, under the Fair. Fantastic

work. -- underneath there. He cannot give it on that. Somehow, he

turns them, and get the arm underneath. Despise Madigan's best

efforts to clear up the ball, the referee cannot say it. I do not

think that can be given. Great work. REFEREE: It is inconclusive.

Inconclusive is the word. REFEREE: I have spoken to them. Penalty.

Penalty against Joe Bedford on the other side of the field. And Dan

you sort of thing that is an advantage. If it was that close to

a score. REFEREE: What is Dragons might be fairly relieved to

get away with just conceding three from that period of pressure.

was a good attack. This was a fantastic pass and he makes the

most of that, in fairness. That is great running. From there, we have

seen how swiftly he released the The distance should not be a

touchline. You mentioned at the back three before the game. They're

doing a bit of damage. The a Sir to lay our. Carr ran on to it, and you

can see that cheeky move. Leinster need to move up the speed of the

game, because when it opens up under his pace in the game, they

are very good runners. And the Dragons? Just keep tackling?

Defensively, they have been very good. Leinster had been making some

wrong decisions of the physicality of the Dragons, this early on in

the season, very impressive. has put on some weight during his

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

rehabilitation, which is probably him, he can do something. He also

operates well on outside centre. With Aled Brew. Hughes could get an

treatment. Just penalties on the board so far. We could do with a

try. Entering the final minutes of this first period. The Dragons

doing reasonably well in terms of territory. They do not look quite

A fingertip it was all he could do. That was a good kick, well worth a

try. Highly unlikely it is going to land on its end and come back to

him. Not much in that. I think it Willis kicked. Leinster, getting

Isa Nacewa, given all the time in the world. I think that is a lack

of communication. On the 22, underneath the sticks, you kick the

ball to the fullback. It is as good a position as they have been in for

a long time. And they aimlessly surrendered it. The Dragons have to

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

build from the ten-metre line. was impeded illegally, and he took

it quickly. The Dragons could have chosen a penalty and brought the

scores level. They should have done so. Leinster defending well and the

Dragons are offside. I am all for tempo but it is three minutes

before half time, just take the territory of the Dragons. The

forwards have put in a lot of hard work in the last five or 10 minutes

without much response. They got into a good position but it was

kicked away by Bedford. Then the penalty was awarded and Bedford

no chance for Kearney. He was trying to free his hand from the

tackle from Ellis. But failed to do so. More running repairs as we

approach half time. Willis with a few problems there. I am not sure

if he has had a bang in the eye, Phil Steele. Was that at the right

decision by Bedford at the penalty? No! Certainly, the way it turned

has not been a spectacular affair. The dragon still very much in touch,

still in the game, but needing to the front rows. A perennial problem

for most referees. REFEREE: Crouch, blind eye on that occasion. The

last time before the half-time again the Dragons are said back on

their heels. -- set pack. It was a great pass from Sidoli and then

rather than try to attack a disorganised defence there is a

slow ball and Leinster up able to reorganise. The first time we have

seen the Dragons get behind the defensive line and they did not

capitalise on it. So, the first half the tale of penalties. Two

from Nacewa and 1 from Tovey. The dragon still very much in it. We

cope to the touchline and Paul Wallace and Phil Steele. Stop there

must be some sort shoulders on the Dragons as they have put in a lot

of tackles. Both sides defending very well, nobody really breaking

the game line. Leinster dominant at the start and the end. I think the

side that can get territorial dominance will win this game.

second half could go one of two ways, Leicester could get the

tackle and then get away with it. All it the Dragons can keep up with

their kicking. Leinster need to tie up the Dragons defence. Sometimes

they're just going wide for the sake of it. If they can create a

bit of space and momentum and get the ball out then they can win this

game. Plenty of food of Thought for Leinster came out looking sharp

after their disappointment against the Ospreys last week. Nacewa with

the first kick and Tovey replied to level the score. The one and only

chance to bridge the line but Kearney was held up by a tackle

from Thomas. Then Nacewa with A low-scoring first half. Jonathan,

and Leinster looked sharp, completely opposite to Ospreys last

week, but the Dragons are still in the game. The dragon started poorly

defensively but after 10 minutes they hung on in there and improved

-- the Dragons. Here you see the The scrambling defence is very good.

They get back in numbers. Here, Sidoli has jumped out of the line.

They were at sixes and sevens, and that was the problem. There's not

much to choose between these two packs. Definitely, very even at the

moment but it is a question of how long do track and can hold out. The

pack that Leinster have but the moment is -- at the moment is very

strong. What did you think of Isa Nacewa? He could be lining up for

Fiji age Wales! Thankfully he is not going to play for them. He has

kicked well. He had a lucky bounce there and he took it. So far he has

all the time. He was very quiet last week. Again, there is the

money poll. He just checks a little We will go back to that near try

because that is possibly the and the Mehmet were the line was

breached and it was a heroic tackle He stopped him from scoring just

before half-time. It is great The forwards are going well, they

are hanging in there, but on 37 minutes they had a penalty and the

scrum-half took a quick tap. They are under the cosh, they have

fought their way back. This is where the old heads have to say,

hang on a minute, we can go in level here, and it was an easy kick.

Unfortunately, he just taps and goes. 6-3 at half-time, in Dublin,

is not a bad scoreline. What to do Dragons need to do? They need to

build on the platform of the set pieces which they have done well in

the first half. I think with the back line that went to have at the

moment, the second half means they could cause some damage. So they

need to win clean ball for and get the back line into the game.

Straight after the programme tonight, we have all the build up

The balls will have to front up because they will get a lot of ball

highly pumped up to them. The scrum, but line-out, pose type of things

scrap the energy and that is what the South Africans will be looking

to do. A little bit nervous at the moment. I am thinking, I feel like

we can do really well. It is going to be zero or hero. I'm very well

aware of that. The Welsh are a tough challenge for us on that is

why we just challenge on this coming weekend. They have a good

defence system, they are rushing up quickly and pudding teams are under

pressure. They're putting a lot into the rucks. We have to stick to

what has been working for us and we need to do that even better. The

fall you lovely people in Wales, who went so fond of, but I cannot

see you winning the World Cup this time! New Zealand kicked off in

style this morning with a convincing win. The Campaign for

Wales starts on Sunday. Let us remind ourselves who is in their

Letters have a look at the group Most people agree that it is the

Pool of Death. Late last night, Warren Gatland announced his team

for the first match against South Africa. There were a couple of

surprises. The big talking point is He must be uncertain about that

We are not owed their so we do not have an idea what the thinking was.

I have nothing against Priestland, but, for me, you're taking your

best player out of his strongest position and putting him in his

weakest position. He will not be able to bring the centres into the

game from fullback. I just feel that the preparation that has gone

on, and the warm-up games, does not fit with this. The two big centres

that we have got, we could really worry South Africa, but we need a

guy with a yard of pace to come in and attacked wide and get out side

the centres, and that is not James Hook. That is not his game. Perhaps

they were worried about the defensive high kicks, but they

could put George North there. I'm slightly worried that it is a

negative selection to go and beat the South Africans. We have taken

our best attacking player and put him at fullback. That is not down

to the worries about Priestland, it is the worry about the fullback

He has not had many caps, but is it a risk? I do not think so. He had a

great season last season for Scarlets. I think he deserves his

place on Sunday. Going back to fullback, we have the two best

players on the field. Hopefully, it will cause an upset for the

Springboks. As much as Reece is a young player, he has an old head on

his shoulders. You need that. The other major surprise, the inclusion

of Luke Charteris ahead of Bradley Davies in second row. What was

Warren Gatland's thinking? Luke Charteris has come on leaps and

bounds. He has been great around the park. He has really impressed.

Whether they think that he is a better option because South Africa

have the best line-up in the world, and our line-up have struggled.

Offensively, and defensively, now we might be better with Luke

Charteris. But with two ball carriers in the back row, Bradley

may be is not as significant. It is an interesting selection. We have

our fingers crossed that he will do well. Matthew, you know about how

tough it is to play the Springboks. Can the pack do the job against

them? Definitely. It is important win off by their forwards. -- we

know of five. Disappointing for Brad not to be starting. But it is

great for Luke Charteris. He was outstanding in the warm-up games

and he is worthy of the jersey. Matt Duce said he might be back in

the tour bus? He will keep himself on standby. That is all from the

World Cup. -- Matthew said. Stuart Davies and Nick Webb, back to the

Davies and Nick Webb, back to the game.

As we prepared to restart this game, Leinster leading by six to three.

The Dragons with the prospect of a first ever victory in Dublin. Very

much open to them. Adam Hughes has gone off for some running repairs.

Steffan Jones's on as a temporary replacement. Castle has departed,

and spring it injury. And Dan Way and early entrant to the fray. -- a

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

the moment. Cutting down the options. Leinster, starting the

second half as though they are determined to head up those narrow

channels as they did against the want when you have just come on the

field. At least he was able to recover from it. The kick was too

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

deep for a chase. He knew he had "Advantage over." He had the ball.

There is your advantage. It could have been a try for Martyn Thomas

at the other end. The Dragons are plenty of options on the bench. --

have plenty of options. The Jamie Smith, fullback from Ulster. Jones

has been given the nod for the time being but we expect Adam shoes to

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

Wales over the summer. Probably the first try of the game. In the 5th

minute of the second period. Carr made it. O'Malley finished it. The

game needed it and the Dragons did not. Not one of their kicks would

have allowed them to put the receiver under pressure. This is

beautiful running. That pass was magnificent. He is under pressure

and he is coming off a strong run. He has to know where his man is.

And he puts it right in the bread bin. The momentum there takes him

over. Right on the front. He found the corner. A great counter-attack,

but made all the easier from the Dragons' poor kicking. Eoin

O'Malley looking to establish himself as one of the heirs

It remains 11-3 in Leinster's favour. Phil Steele is on the

touchline. After all hard work and possession, it is ironic that at

strike came from a free ball from the Dragons. Good decision-making.

Fionn Carr went for it. That pass to O'Malley, great vision. I think

the Dragons would be upset about how easy they let that in. Some

great play by Leinster. dangerous now afford the Dragons?

They will have to chase the game. - - how dangerous now for the Dragons.

You have to keep chasing it, wherever it goes. You have to keep

the line together, especially with runners like that. They will come

to a part of the defensive line is not right. Munster's lead Glasgow

66-6. A superb run from Ian Madigan. He has gone all the way.

finishes it off. And the floodgates could be opening for Leinster. Two

tries in the space of a couple of minutes. That was a superb piece of

solo scale. That came from a quick penalty. -- so low scale. They

seized the momentum. You do for running. Balanced, pacy, evasive.

Despite the best efforts of the defence. That is a great individual

against it. It is almost the same position they were in against

Munster last week. Look at the running. Ball in two hands. 1 C is

behind the defence, he knows he has to go. He has got the momentum, the

bounce, the slide and a touchdown. Good score. And, really, the game

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

it was the men in Blue who provided Dragons pack. -- in the pack.

what we have seen so far, it is hard to see what the response from

the Dragons is going to come from. Whereas the spark? -- where is the

spark? Lewis Evans and Wayne Evans. The side very much on the back foot

offence. That did not go down too well with the home crowd. It did

not look like a lot. Gavin Thomas missed there, the quick feet did

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

him. Carr looks like her right blood injury. And that was the last

think that Dragons wanted, to give away another potential three points.

I'd think they will go for the corner. I think they have one but

match in their minds. They know they are on top. But Nacewa ambles

forward and asks for it. I would have thought they would have wanted

other half backs a run. John Cooney and Mat Berquist, who both started

against the Ospreys. They will do well to maintain the tempo that

Willis has achieved. He has had a very good came, the scrum-half. --

good game. Straight enough and long court just solo try. We can go to

pitch side to Phil Steele. Dragons team manager is with me.

What is your best chance of getting back into the game? I think we have

every chance of getting back into it. We have made a couple of

mistakes and paid heavily. We need good field position and get some

points on the board. Any thoughts about the kickable penalty just

before half time? It is easy to have hindsight but if we had scored

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

it we would have got in in the lead their confidence restored --

match. Jason Tovey finishes it off for the try. A nice finish, but it

is the work he does immediately that the penalty is given that

deserves the credit. He sees what is on. That is a textbook, then the

inside supporting run. He picks the right man and Tovey is there to

finish it. Good football from the Dragons. This time it is the quick

tap that does pay off. Weighing Evans, the replacement scrum-half,

who sparked that move. -- Wayne Evans. I can understand the team

manager being positive. He will be Adam Jones, who was himself a

replacement. That is an interesting spring in the step off the track

and? -- is there a bit more spring in their step of the Dragons.

Steffan Jones was an injury replacement at half time and after

less than 20 minutes he has left. Perhaps it was prompted by

thoughts and was not allowed to do so. The referee is correct. Coming

up towards the hour and Leinster at just about in control of this game.

But the try by Tovey will give the visitors some heart. Nacewa with

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

faith -- we have a programme on the sides and the track and with a lot

of work to do to get anything from this game. And here comes a yellow

card. Willis, the skipper, is the man who pays the penalty for too

many penalties collectively against his side. That is the last thing

that they needed. Has he got any justifiable complaint? Well, it

looked as though he was trying to with intent on the wrong side of

of aching Polly Polly. Willis was the skipper of the side so he has

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

tackling to do in some phases of this game. -- have had. Again, good

defence from the Dragons. But it is all hands to do pump up the moment.

Yes, it is. This will be a debut for Rhys Buckley. That is because

of the yellow card took the skipper, Tom Willis. The Dragons have

already made a century of tackles in this game and we still have 17

minutes to go. That is big numbers. Sometimes statistics can be

deceiving but that does really tell relief for the Dragons. From here

on, they have nothing to lose. Two converted tries behind, they need

to give the ball a bit of air and see if they can track one bag. --

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

something magical, surely. A crowd groans. They are expectant now,

opening -- hopeful for the bonus point. A couple of penalties in key

positions going against the home side. Another good one there. A

the moment for the Dragons, on the back for it. Aaron Dundon is the

latest replacement for Leinster, wearing 16. Promoted to the

regional squad. Richardt Strauss to parts. -- departs. Virtually a

complete team of players with something. Flashes of hope with

Leach and Tovey combining for the try. Bad-boy Willis, in the bin.

carrying out there. Leinster giving away the third penalty in quick

succession. A quick word to whoever has taken over as captain. I think

there will be. I doubt they will go for the corner with Willis in the

bin. He is a bit like Tom James, Michael Poole, on the left wing.

missed most of last season through injury. The top try-scorer in the

Principality Premiership a couple very clean. The opportunity is lost

with 13 minutes ago. The thing about their kick, it is one minute

on the clock. No protection at the base. You have to admire the

ambition, but seven against eight, in the forward exchanges.

attendance here has just been announced as over 14,000, which is

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

great sense of occasion. A great first Dragons opportunity. Speaking

of fly-halves and fullbacks, your thoughts on the Wales election?

is a massive call. It is informed by what to expect from the

opposition. The fullback decision had all to do with what is expected

from the Springboks. It is a big occasion, a big tournament. Hook

must be wondering what he needs to The Dragons with a scrum on halfway.

Approaching the final 10 minutes, V from the pitch-side team.

minutes ago. Is there any way back, Phil Steele? I think they might

have blown the last of their chances. Some pressure on the

Leinster line but fumbling the ball when they should have had a clean

go. If they can get a bonus point, they have to keep going. It is

early on the season. Leinster will be pushing for the bonus point?

think so. Loss of substitutions. The Dragons are down one player.

Back to full con woman now. Both sides may be lacking some

cohesiveness. -- full complement He was temporarily replaced. It

seems that Buckley, the youngster, will get the chance to play out the

remaining 11 minutes. Instead of Tom Willis. 19 is Mark Flanagan for

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

Leinster. Jack McGrath is on in the the flow of replacements is

disrupting any sort of momentum. -- it is the stage. Isn't it just?

That momentum was with Leinster and they have got off the boil. There

have been some poor A6 skill levels on both sides. -- basic skill

decision, but there are -- there is a lot of whistles. Dragons might be

hoping that sooner rather than later Andy Macpherson brandishes a

yellow card upon the home side. They have given away quite a lot of

penalties in the last 10 or 15 minutes. They have had a quiet word

to the acting skipper. The home crowd getting going to try to

intention. The Carr crash was in the middle here. You ask your

Waggers to run hard. They certainly did that. -- the winners. It was

well met, but at a cost. I wonder if that is a move from his cage

fighting days? He gave it up a couple of years back, but he might

be itching to have another go if Phil Steele is willing to meet him.

That explains a lot. He does not little bit. Leinster have used up

all their replacements. Jack O'Connell, prop forward, is the

only man left. Poole, suffering slightly in that contact. O'Connell

going to have to play in the back line of. That is always fun.

momentum. I wonder if he will step part to the fly-half position? He

has done virtually everything this evening. -- stack up. You can feel

the crowd left. They have not seen Leinster in Dragons' territory for

moment. The 14,600 have not had a Williams is coming on. He made a

couple of replacement appearances for if Llanelli Scarlets at eight

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

years ago. He has been playing with mostly for,. -- for Connact. The

wind is getting up in the commentary box -- box at the moment.

Coming in from behind us. I am glad without most of their first team is

an impressive attendance. -- league grateful to get back to their home

beautiful side step and try number three for Leinster. Auv'a is a lump

and they did not want him. That is too easy. It is a nice finish. Very

difficult for Martin Thomas, covering there. He has room to work

Horgan has scored many for Leinster over the years. Three minutes to go.

The Dragons may be glad to hear is whether Leinster can score a 4th

bonus drive. It will be three minutes of action as they come from

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

everywhere in pursued of the bonus. relief for the Trident. Carr has

few more lessons tonight. Yes, you are right. O'Malley get the man of

the match reward. Surprise, surprise! By a street, I should

depth of this Leinster's squad. They are not European champions for

nothing. We have seen some new faces tonight as well who have

impressed. We all knew Nacewa could offer something this evening and he

has not disappointed. No surprise seen him as man of the match. Head

and shoulders above everyone else. Some of the crowd beneath us are

leaving early to beat the rush and they will be very satisfied with

their team's work this evening. The Dragons still to get off the mark

after two visit to Ireland. -- end to the second half misery for

the Dragons. Conceding three tries. Jason Tovey was the only response

for the Dragons. Their team trooping off, well beaten. Nacewa

was brilliant and Carr had a but the game exploded into life in

the second half with Leinster scoring twice. Tovey did manage to

claw one back for the Dragons. But Leinster at the fastest car on the

pitch, Fionn Carr put in the final nail in the coffin. We can go

straight down to the touchline and Where do you think it went wrong?

think with those 14 points they put the judge alert into wasn't as hard

come back from there. -- the jugular into us. The breakdown were

caused pretty clinical and gave the momentum. It is something we can

learn from. On the positive side, at the tackle count was phenomenal

and the defence, for most of the night, was pretty good. There was a

great spell where we managed to resist them. They tend to sever but

in the second half. At least you have the two, in theory, hardest

games out of the way. Arguably, but we're disappointed we did not come

away with something. But we're looking forward to getting back to

our home ground and taking some points finally. Jonathan, you could

argue that game was lost in that two-minute career just after half-

time. It is something they have to work on because I did not think

that Leicester created frame much chase, which is poor. It was a

simple ball and an easy try. There was nothing on them but a poor kick

and chase. Again, short on the blind side and Tom Willis gets

caught out against Madigan. It is a great step and he gets outside the

fullback and that is a great individual try. The defence was

very solid for most of the game but kick and chase, you are cut open

easily. And if you're caught short on the blind side. They have to

work a lot on their defence because they showed a lot of endeavour or

but their organisation a round the ruck was very poor. Matthew, at the

Dragons have had two very tough How have you rated than so far? It

is always hard to go to Ireland and play well. But in the second half

there was a lot of errors which cost them. It is always could be a

tough place to go but I would say with the crowd there as well,

they're up against it after they went a few tries down. More than

14,000 there tonight, a great attendance for a Friday-night game.

When you go a couple of schools behind in an atmosphere like that

it is psychologically difficult. Definitely. Leinster are well

supported side. The couple of tries early on in the second half really

hit the Dragons. But as move back to the World Cup. Jonathan, a

couple of days until the big one against South Africa. If Wales can

pull off the win against South Africa it will send a real message.

As usual, we are very optimistic but also pessimistic. I think the

clip from Warren Gatland earlier on said it all. We are all fingers

crossed that we can beat them. It is a massive jump from some of the

Test matches. But in previous years we have been close to South Africa

and we have been close to Australia. So the gap is closing. Now, it is

just get out there and it is the belief. They have to think, bright,

letters just play. The South Africans are ageing. They are not

going to change their tactics. They're going to try to assume up

because that is the way that they play. They are going to, to Auld

game and you have to be physical in defence. That has been our strength

so hopefully we will surprise them with our physicality and then

surprise them with our play as well. It would be a fantastic start.

will be an emotional one for you, you have issue wish you were out

there with the boys. If you were there, what would you say it in

those few minutes before kick-off? The great thing for us is that

there are a lot of players out there that featured in that last

Lions Test and got a result. We have played the mother number of

times in the last few years and run them close. The biggest thing for

us is that we have to be clinical and make sure that when we create

opportunities that we finish them off. We know that Wales are fit and

not on form with two great victories in the warm-up matches.

We hear morale is good as well. What is the feeling in the camp?

few of the boys have text did me. They are really looking for to the

game. They are in a tough group. One of the things we have done his

work on of physicality and we can match anyone on our day. Jonathan,

what is your prediction for Sunday? I think the bookies are saying was

30, but I think it will be a lot closer. If you look at hour back

line, we have massive players. We are as big as any back line in the

world. But, if we can show that we're as physical as anyone else,

then we will show Fiji and her legs what we are worth and fingers

crossed we will get a result -- and Samoa. A deadly think it is a win

for us. The boys have been outstanding during the summer with