ERCC Pool 2 Review (Round 1)

So the first weekend is done and dusted and here's how the table stands for Pool 2.

Team                       P W D L PF PA Diff TF TA TB LB Pts Leinster                   1  1  0 0 25 20 +5  3   2   0  0   4 Harlequins                1  1  0 0 25 9  +16 1   0   0  0   4 Wasps                     1  0  0 1 20 25 −5  2   3   0  1   1 Castres Olympique     1  0  0 1 9  25 −16 0   1   0  0   0

Leinster
A pretty flat first half performance against Wasps from a team reportedly lacking much form coming into Europe. They picked up their game in the second half but still no where near their performances of the past years, some big names started showing good form though especially no8 Heaslip and Rhys Ruddock who both spent the entire game demolishing any Wasps player in front of them. Top spot will be firmly in their sights and realistically they'll need two away wins to get that, probably at Castre and 1 other.

Harlequins
Another team who had a first half to forget, Quins spent the first 40 running side to side and throwing the miracle pass a little too often but tightened things up well in the second half. They'll be pleased with how well their scrum went against the French and all of the pack put in better shifts across the park then their league form has indicated. Nick Evans showed some returning class with a well constructed try and 100% from the tee while it was great to see Lowe play so well in his first start after 13 months out. If they can repeat the second half control and clear thinking then Harlequins should expect to be fighting out for the top spot, they should be good for all their home games at least, then it comes down to away wins which might be their undoing.

Wasps
Wasps played almost exactly how every one expected against Leinster, they were very physical, never gave the oppositon a chance to compose themselves and took their chances well. Wade showed some signs of returning stardust, and Andy Goode is one of the oddest looking but best 10's around at the moment. That type of performance is difficult to maintain though and the men in black ran out of steam early in the second half and their bench just isn't strong enough to change that yet. They can expect to win their home games on that performance, and will be targetting at least an away win at Quins who they know well.

Castre
No one was quite sure what to expect from Castre, close to the bottom of the T14 and with a pretty unknown squad they could be forgiven for not taking the comp seriously. But fair play to them they came to London and showed none of the defence issues that have blighted their league season so far. While pretty toothless in attack too they spoilt well and will make life hard for any one they're up against, especially at home.