The four proud HEC provinces

First topic message reminder :

So for the first time ever we have a full compliment in the HEC. How are we feeling, one and all?

Personally, even though Montpellier have no HEC pedigree they worry me. They stormed into qualification last year. They've never cared about the Amlin, even to the point of being fined by the ERC after not registering the likes of Trinh Duc. But as a group I'd say it's less evil than last year.

Ulster, without Pienaar, are up against it. Clermont (ouch) and Tigers (ouch-ouch), how are the northerners feeling about this? Would qualification for the Amlin knock-outs be a good or bad thing, in terms of realistic silverware?

Munster, well the fans probably won't wake up until the knock out stages Lets hope the team does. WC hangovers and all that. Leinster are likewise suffering. The derby was not exactly Inviticus, now was it? Actually it was, awful film.

Harlequins and Gloucester yo-yo between the Amin and the HEC. In fact, in Connacht's group, Toulouse are the only team that weren't in the Amlin last year. The group of snooze in terms of TV coverage, I fear.

But still, the first time we've had all four and that's something to celebrate. And Connacht's HEC shirt is, once again, a thing of beauty.

Spoiler:

The beard-stroking verdict: Lots of beer.

Time for the IRFU to lobby for HEC qualification to be Pro12 standings based, instead of a quota per union?

greybeard wrote:

Glas a du wrote:Do you have a book of inappropriate haikus Greybeard?

Beside the toilet

Thought so. Your secret is safe with me

I didn't even watch that but I feel inspired. Really thinking seriously about heading down to cheer Connacht on against Toulouse.......

Here's hoping for a great weekend for the other provinces

greybeard wrote:Time for the IRFU to lobby for HEC qualification to be Pro12 standings based, instead of a quota per union?

Totally agree. Meritocracy should replace pre-defined Quota.

Sod merit, it's about the wonga!

roddersm wrote:I didn't even watch that but I feel inspired. Really thinking seriously about heading down to cheer Connacht on against Toulouse.......

Here's hoping for a great weekend for the other provinces

Bandwagon fan



Sold I think. Or close to.

Do it Rodders. Do it. A lot of Leinster fans will too. As will the ex Connacht, temporary - Munster fans, after tomorrow. Watch their fan-base grow exponentially.

Not sure about some Connacht fans though. Not orsed unless there is sex involved..

[quote="Gibson"][quote="greybeard"]Time for the IRFU to lobby for HEC qualification to be Pro12 standings based, instead of a quota per union?[/quote]

Totally agree. Meritocracy should replace pre-defined Quota.[/quote]

It might suit the IRFU but what about the other 3 nations? Dont think they would like it apart form many Wales.

Gibson wrote:Do it Rodders. Do it. A lot of Leinster fans will too. As will the ex Connacht, temporary - Munster fans, after tomorrow. Watch their fan-base grow exponentially.

Not sure about some Connacht fans though. Not orsed unless there is sex involved..

We let them breed!!!!?

That was a fantastic performance from Connacht. I think they will play a major part in the outcome of this group.

It was great for fans but Elwood still needs to push harder. No points will be remembered, not the peformance.

Elwood was visibly distraught at that last pen. Cant blame him. Superb performance. Stuff to build on.

Connacht have proved they have it in them. 2 players sort of a team that could really affect things.

greybeard wrote:

roddersm wrote:I didn't even watch that but I feel inspired. Really thinking seriously about heading down to cheer Connacht on against Toulouse.......

Here's hoping for a great weekend for the other provinces

Bandwagon fan

Absolutely! SUFTCM!

SUFTProvincesM

Rava wrote:SUFTProvincesM

Gibson wrote:Elwood was visibly distraught at that last pen. Cant blame him. Superb performance. Stuff to build on.

Connacht have proved they have it in them. 2 players sort of a team that could really affect things.

Or maybe 4. A hooker, a tighthead, an out half and a winger...

But seriously, JOC out for a month and Andrew Browne still out are the big losses. Ofisa going off was a problem, too.

Jeez everyone is feeling warm and fuzzy this evening...you would think someone won...

Connacht is like that woman you met on the way. Never quite managed to roide her, but will always hauld that naughty dream for her, close to your heart and groin.

Gibson wrote:

greybeard wrote:Time for the IRFU to lobby for HEC qualification to be Pro12 standings based, instead of a quota per union?

Totally agree. Meritocracy should replace pre-defined Quota.

Let's show em we have the balls to do it. Then our league will be the best, no doubt.

Irish Curry wrote:

Gibson wrote:

greybeard wrote:Time for the IRFU to lobby for HEC qualification to be Pro12 standings based, instead of a quota per union?

Totally agree. Meritocracy should replace pre-defined Quota.

It might suit the IRFU but what about the other 3 nations? Dont think they would like it apart form many Wales.

Scotland want two teams on, they better Finnish top 8 then, simple. Also it would improve the Amlin, make it more meaningful in the earlier stages.

Gibson wrote:Connacht is like that woman you met on the way. Never quite managed to roide her, but will always hauld that naughty dream for her, close to your heart and groin.

Maybe still have the smell of her on yer fingers

Happen to be over in Galway this weekend and there's Connacht rugby flags everywhere! Seem to be making a big effort to generate support. More strong performances like last night will make it easier.
Love to see an upset win down here for them over Toulouse, however unlikely, that'd be magic. I'll pray for a dirty windy night next week to upset those southern frenchies.