Clermont vs Leinster thread and how to delay a plane...

[pete (buachaill on eirne)]

First topic message reminder :

So this is the big one, huge one, massive one!
Some are calling this the unofficial final.

Two powerhouses in European Rugby and arguably the best two teams in the competition coming together.

Recent tussles have favoured Leinster who beat Clermont in the Aviva convincingly enouugh and in the RDS by the skin of their teeth with James missing a good few kicks at goal. Clermont beat Leinster in France but the visitors managed to get a crucial LBP.

Huge match ups all over the field.

The entire front rows
Hines vs Thorn
Sexton vs James
Rougerie vs O'Driscoll
Kearney vs Byrne

Home advantage sees Clermont the slight favourites but they have moved the game to Bordeaux.

Thoughts on who can win it?
Team you want to see?
Where the game can be won for each side?
Ref?
Rant?

Let it all come out here.

I have a tiny bit of a huge problem here also:
I (like a fool) decided to go to Budapest this weekend. My return flight leaves at 17:25 Hungarian time (also French time).
My question is...how do I delay a plane......?

[whocares]

OK I'm off to Bordeaux. Enjoy the match.

Que le meilleur gagne...

have a good trip and apologies for the crap weather you will get down there !

[GunsGerms]

Lots of "wills" in the Leinsterbaby. Sounds like you are trying to convince yourself.

Whatever works I suppose. Bu there are other ways of looking at it if you want a spin contest...

1. It;s not at their fortress. French teams historically have come a cropper when they basically thrown home advantage away by playing (or having to play) in a stadium which is not their own... Bordeaux, Clermont makes no difference its a home tie.

2. On the ref. He is a biased ref, granted, but he will be wise to and looking out for Hines and Cudmore more than anyone. They have form and reputation. Clermont are statistically the cleanest team in the top 14. Got the least yellows and penalties.

3. Whist a good player, James IS second choice and I think he can be flakey if rattled. And we will rattle him. He will not take the kicks therefore more pressure on Sexton.

4. They are inexperienced compared to Leinster. 1st SF and all that. They have plenty of international experience at top level.

5. They are under more pressure than us, being a "home" fixture" and the fact that it's their centenary year.... Only one team has back to back Heineken cups. This brings other pressures.

6. Schmidt knows ASM. Cotter less so of Leinster, obviously. Hines has been filling them all in.

...I could go on but I guess you see what I am doing. There's a positive and negative spin you can put on most things.

Bookies cant call it. Pundits cant call it.

It's 50.5 - 49.5 in our favour I'd say (but only cause they play in yellow)

Not trying to convince anyone. Being realistic. Cant see it happening. If I make a fair assesment of all factors I believe that we are not favorites.

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

Have we ever beaten Clermont in France?

Yes. Played them 5 times in the HC. Won 4 lost 1 (The last game we lost in the HC. Dec 2010)

Beat them back to back in 02/03. Beat them in the QF in the RDS April 2010. LASHED them out of it in Lansdowne rd in minus 18 temp Dec 2010

[Gibson]

Jenno is in. Best backrow unit in Europe is assembled and ready to dominate the breakdown.

Thorn will put Hines his pocket. Leo... Captain MY Captain! has too much nous and intelligence for Cudmore. Expect a yellow for either Hines and/or Cudmore. Kearney and Nacewa in the form of their lives. Fitzy getting back to his best.

BOD has been priming himself for this one. Expect a WC performance from the Master. He has been doing this for years now. When will people ever learn this? Darcy has been in great form, back to a coach who knows how to play rugby.

Healy, Ross(with Thorn playing the piano behind him) & Strauss, will kill them up front. Sorted.

And besides... It's OUR Cup. We are the best team in Europe by far. Just come try to get it off us, you over-hyped, mega-rich, cocky Frogs.

Can't wait for Twickers.

Believe

Gibbo out. Have a great one.

[rodders]

Jenno is in. Best backrow unit in Europe is assembled and ready to dominate the breakdown.

Thorn will put Hines his pocket. Leo... Captain MY Captain! has too much nous and intelligence for Cudmore. Expect a yellow for either Hines and/or Cudmore. Kearney and Nacewa in the form of their lives. Fitzy getting back to his best.

BOD has been priming himself for this one. Expect a WC performance from the Master. He has been doing this for years now. When will people ever learn this? Darcy has been in great form, back to a coach who knows how to play rugby.

Healy, Ross(with Thorn playing the piano behind him) & Strauss, will kill them up front. Sorted.

And besides... It's OUR Cup. We are the best team in Europe by far. Just come try to get it off us, you over-hyped, mega-rich, cocky Frogs.

Can't wait for Twickers.

Believe

Gibbo out. Have a great one.

+ 1

Best of luck lads! See yous at twickers!

[GunsGerms]

Have we ever beaten Clermont in France?

Yes. Played them 5 times in the HC. Won 4 lost 1 (The last game we lost in the HC. Dec 2010)

Beat them back to back in 02/03. Beat them in the QF in the RDS April 2010. LASHED them out of it in Lansdowne rd in minus 18 temp Dec 2010

Beating them in 02/03 is great but probably too far back to have any significance.

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

Have we ever beaten Clermont in France?

Yes. Played them 5 times in the HC. Won 4 lost 1 (The last game we lost in the HC. Dec 2010)

Beat them back to back in 02/03. Beat them in the QF in the RDS April 2010. LASHED them out of it in Lansdowne rd in minus 18 temp Dec 2010

Beating them in 02/03 is great but probably too far back to have any significance.

Ah now, you never said it had to be recent. You just asked did we ever beat them in France.

[GunsGerms]

In fairness if we are looking for omens from the 02/03 season. We topped the pools stages as first seed, won our quarter at home then lost to an underdog french team in the semis. Sounds familiar except we lost to Perpignan at home.

Clermont away will be Leinsters biggest test in the last three years in my opinion. I actually dont think Leinster have really been tested yet this year and as good as our run was last year all big games were at home. We lost away to Clermont and only just beat Sarries away.

This year we were very close to losing to Montpellier away. Our away record in recent years isnt good enough to be considered favorites for this one in my opinion.

[GunsGerms]

I also think some Leinster fans and pundits are underestimating Clermont a little.

[Captain Charisma]

Leinster to perish like they did in Toulouse in 2010.

Not there fault but they won't have the set piece to get enough ball.

Clermont by 5

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

Leinster to perish like they did in Toulouse in 2010.

Not there fault but they won't have the set piece to get enough ball.

Clermont by 5

Not where fault?

[GunsGerms]

Leinster's set piece is a strength. I think the Clermont scrum could be a weakness. Leinster could be out muscled at the breakdown though.

[Rava]

Jenno is in. Best backrow unit in Europe is assembled and ready to dominate the breakdown.

Thorn will put Hines his pocket. Leo... Captain MY Captain! has too much nous and intelligence for Cudmore. Expect a yellow for either Hines and/or Cudmore. Kearney and Nacewa in the form of their lives. Fitzy getting back to his best.

BOD has been priming himself for this one. Expect a WC performance from the Master. He has been doing this for years now. When will people ever learn this? Darcy has been in great form, back to a coach who knows how to play rugby.

Healy, Ross(with Thorn playing the piano behind him) & Strauss, will kill them up front. Sorted.

And besides... It's OUR Cup. We are the best team in Europe by far. Just come try to get it off us, you over-hyped, mega-rich, cocky Frogs.

Can't wait for Twickers.

Believe

Gibbo out. Have a great one.

You know I've read this with interest. He is right in most aspects but you know there could be a massive weakness in the middle of the field. D'Arcy hasn't been playing all that well in spite of what Gibbo says and BOD looked to be a bit off pace last week in Belfast. This will be very close. I hope Leinster have enough in the tank to win. My call is that James' performance at 10 will be crucial. If he gets his centres on the front foot then that could be the key.

Come on you Boys in Blue!!

[Gibson]

Leinster's set piece is a strength. I think the Clermont scrum could be a weakness. Leinster could be out muscled at the breakdown though.

Dont be silly lad. Jenno is in there. That's why Schmidt (unlike Elmer Fudge) picked him over SOB at 7 and SOB moved to 6. We will dominate the breakdown and will win the game on that platform.
Jesus. I have to educate all the bleedin Leinster kids round here.

[whocares]

Without Vosloo and Bardy, Clermont should struggle at the breakdown. In fact they wont commit too many players in the ruck and keep the defense tight so Leinster will have to show a bit more than counterrucking and ball slowing. Not worried about the scrum and line out though. Rava is right, if BJ can repeat the performance he had against Saracens specially the place kicking it will become very interesting.

[GunsGerms]

Leinster's set piece is a strength. I think the Clermont scrum could be a weakness. Leinster could be out muscled at the breakdown though.

Dont be silly lad. Jenno is in there. That's why Schmidt (unlike Elmer Fudge) picked him over SOB at 7 and SOB moved to 6. We will dominate the breakdown and will win the game on that platform.
Jesus. I have to educate all the bleedin Leinster kids round here.

Are you Jennings agent? Hes not that good.

[Rava]

Leinster's set piece is a strength. I think the Clermont scrum could be a weakness. Leinster could be out muscled at the breakdown though.

Dont be silly lad. Jenno is in there. That's why Schmidt (unlike Elmer Fudge) picked him over SOB at 7 and SOB moved to 6. We will dominate the breakdown and will win the game on that platform.
Jesus. I have to educate all the bleedin Leinster kids round here.

Are you Jennings agent? Hes not that good.

Jeez Leinsterbaby where the Phook have you been. Don't you know Gibbo is Jenno's DA

[GunsGerms]

Wouldnt surprise me.

[rodders]

I also think some Leinster fans and pundits are underestimating Clermont a little.

I think you are underestimating your own team!

Man up Leinsterbaby!

If Leinster get a platform from the tight 5 and Mr Piano man and Gibbo's lovechild do their stuff at the breakdown you'll take Clermont to the cleaners!

BELIEVE!

[Gibson]

Leinster to perish like they did in Toulouse in 2010.

Not there fault but they won't have the set piece to get enough ball.

Clermont by 5

Not where fault?

Dare fault.

[Gibson]

Baby,
Are you not aware of the dork orts of a proper 7? A down and dirty, scaveging, 7?

Jenno has no peers in the HC at that craic. We have won 2 Finals with his influence. I know. I was at them. He was in a Final, playing with Tigers before and knows all the tricks. He learnt them from Neil Back. He alows SOB and Heaslip to play to their strengths. He frees them up to do damage. And secures the ball so well. He links well and organises his defence so well. Its a perfectly balanced backrow. Key to this game. The French, and Cotter, will not like this. Believe me.

The ASM and Toulouse fans I have talked to on tour, rate him so highly. Then again, they know their rugby down dare.

Crucial chess move by Schmidt. As is Boss.

Bring it ON!

[Gibson]

Leinster's set piece is a strength. I think the Clermont scrum could be a weakness. Leinster could be out muscled at the breakdown though.

Dont be silly lad. Jenno is in there. That's why Schmidt (unlike Elmer Fudge) picked him over SOB at 7 and SOB moved to 6. We will dominate the breakdown and will win the game on that platform.
Jesus. I have to educate all the bleedin Leinster kids round here.

Are you Jennings agent? Hes not that good.

Jeez Leinsterbaby where the Phook have you been. Don't you know Gibbo is Jenno's DA

Do you want a row Ulstermon?
Jenno is not my son. Its all SUN conjecture.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zi_XLOBDo_Y&ob=av2e

I shaaaged Sexton's Ma instead. Now that's my boy.

Sexton is the best standoff in the NH. Bar none. No one even near him right now.

Bock The Flake James? Pah!

[Captain Charisma]

This thread should be shut down due to enormous amounts of Poopie talk............

[Rava]

Ah young Captain, you've stumbled across the senile convos of de aul Gibbo and Rav.

Sit back young fella, say nothing and learn.

We've educated lots of young fellas these last few years - Notch, Stag, Munsty, Dreamer, Prop, and many others.....

[Gibson]

This thread should be shut down due to enormous amounts of Poopie talk............

Hmmmm. Limerick eh?

OK. I understand now. Must hurt eh? Its ok man.

[Gibson]

Ah young Captain, you've stumbled across the senile convos of de aul Gibbo and Rav.

Sit back young fella, say nothing and learn.

We've educated lots of young fellas these last few years - Notch, Stag, Munsty, Dreamer, Prop, and many others.....

Shussh, forgive them Rava.
Its an ongoing process. Some make it. Some dont. Its Evolution.

This one's for BOD. Watch him alter it all on Sunday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EjMLfa-13w

Leinstuuur. Leinstuuur. Leinstuuur.

[pete (buachaill on eirne)]

Gibbo, Mick, jen-

First time iv had Internet here. Is there any chance u cud text me the team haven't seen it so far which is weird since it's sat no?

Also any chance u cud send me a link for streaming if you guys get the chance on the off chance I need it before my flight.

Thanks guys and if ur too busy at/watching the game no worries.

[pete (buachaill on eirne)]

Sorry I just saw it there. Boss and jenno on the pitch together seems like contrasting tactics no?

[Thomond]

Pete, quite frankly I'm quite insulted you didn't ask me for links

Sent them on anyway, save them.

[Comfort]

could anyone pm a link for the game?

[Gibson]

PM for Comfort.

[Portnoy]

PM for Comfort.

If Leinster win this and the next game Gibbo, can you promise to hand the trophy back appropriately cleaned and polished to it's rightful owners?

[Gibson]

Fair enough Portnoy. If we win 3, Id be happy to share it out. Like in a European charidee type way.

You do know where next year' s Final is ja?

[Portnoy]

Melton Mowbray apparently. On a cow pat pasture next to a pork pie factory.

Crowd limited to fifty to maximise TV revenues.

[Gibson]

Spot on! Tiger

[LeinsterFan4life]

im already starting to feel the nerves... cant wait!!!

[21st Century Schizoid Man]

C'mon Leinster and then blooter those skanks from Ulster

[LeinsterFan4life]

bit harsh but thanks for the support anyway...

[Gibson]

Dont need that kind of support, thank you.

[Mcgavin Sean]

Hi fellahs, I am new to 606v2 and as i live in Denmark and cant get to a bar on Sunday for the game, can you send me a link so as i can watch on my laptop.

Thanks in Advance

Mcgavin

[Rava]

Welcome McGav. At the top you will see a link for private messages. I suggest you send one to Thomond. He should be able to sort one for you.

Big day Leinster Fans. Just want to wish you guys all the best for it.
London will rock in three weeks with two Irish teams. Of course there is also the guaranteed HC spot for Connacht.

Come On You Boys In Blue/SUFTUM

[Portnoy]

Many a slip twixt cup and lip.

Don't count you chickens before they hatch.

Kinnock's not so finest hour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TOgB3Smvro

[SecretFly]

Many a slip twixt cup and lip.

Don't count you chickens before they hatch.

Kinnock's not so finest hour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TOgB3Smvro

I think this thread has been a prime example of infinitely more eggs than chickens from the very cautious Leinster guys. But thanks for the warning all the same, just in case some of us lose the run of ourselves completely and blustering claim that we have a chance.

[dublin_dave]

just out of the scratcher off for the fry now. absolutely sh1tting it i have to say. this is a massive game and is going to be an absolutely brutal game, in a good way. we are slight favourites, the stats do not lie.

However if they get any kind of squeeze on us up front we are bang in trouble. that backline with front foot ball will be very hard to stop.

if we get parity up front i think we will do it in a cliffhanger.

dont let me down lads. have tickets and flights booked for twickers regardless. please please please let it be an Irish derby.

Come on Leinster!!!!

[Mickado]

Just fInished breakfast.

May not be able to keep it down. Hands are shaking as I type, and this is NOT. The DTs in case you're wondering.

[dublin_dave]

might fire on the old firm take my mind of things for a few hours.

ive never been more nervous before a leinster game. hate semi finals. think i will be hiding behind the couch for the last 10 minutes. cant do the pub for this

[Gibson]

Today is the day, we prove beyond all doubt, that we are the best side ever seen in European Rugby. We are. Just need to prove it in the hardest way possible. We did that last year. It will be Hell in Bordeaux, but we can do it again today.

Believe.

[Mcgavin Sean]

Welcome McGav. At the top you will see a link for private messages. I suggest you send one to Thomond. He should be able to sort one for you.

Big day Leinster Fans. Just want to wish you guys all the best for it.
London will rock in three weeks with two Irish teams. Of course there is also the guaranteed HC spot for Connacht.

Come On You Boys In Blue/SUFTUM

Thanks Rava. I am not too sure how to navigate around the site and i am having difficulty locating the link for private messages re. Thomond. computers are not my thing. I followed the Ulster game on the radio yesterday but would sure like to see the Leinster game today.

[Thomond]

You rang?

Sean I sent you a PM there, the messages button is second in from the right at the very top of the screen, next to the log out button, go into messages, you will have one from me. In there are plenty of places you should be able to watch the game. Unfortunately, I won't be online for the game, but the likes of Gibson and EireBilly should be able to help you out if they're around.

[Gibson]

PM for Sean. Check it/read it (Messages), at the top of page (just beside Log Out). Enjoy the game bud.

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