Pro 14 2019/2020 Season

First topic message reminder :

From a Dragons fan perspective looking ahead into the new season and which sides I would like to catch early in the Pro14 due to players having gone to the World Cup.

Obviously Hill, Dee & Moriarty will be big misses for us during this period. I think we may have Wainwright available (if they end up picking Shingler to cover Lock/Blindside). Think Brown probably wont make the cut either.

So hopefully our starter lineup will look like this:
1. Bevington 2. Hibbard 3. Brown/Fairbrother 4. Nansen 5. Screech 6. Wainwright 7. Griffiths 8. Evans
9. Williams 10. Davies 11. Rosser 12. Dixon 13. Morgan 14. Howells 15. Williams

Now looking at the other sides in the competition it would be great if we could catch some of the league powerhouses early. My Breakdown of the other teams:-

1. Scarlets - Look weak in the front 3. Possibly a weakness at outside centre as well. Would imagine they will be playing Asquith at 12 during this period. McNicholl will probably be the star man on this team opening rounds.

2. Blues - On paper even without the internationals they look a seasoned well rounded team. Probably dangerous for any team in the league during the opening rounds. Halaholo is my star man pick but the entire Blues 8 are extremely experienced (although I don't rate Gill much). Also unclear if Ellis will recover from injury or if he will end up parachuted into Wales WC Squad. If not he will just add to that fairly experienced pack.

3. Ospreys - Will have a fairly competitive pack assuming Bradley doesn't make the cut for the World Cup. The real weakness for them is in the backline. At 9 currently they will be playing rookies and 13 potentially as well unless they opt to play Hook at 12 and move Allen to 13. Giles will probably end up on the wing as well and while he has potential - defensively they may struggle against experienced backlines. That said they probably have enough upfront to power over most teams in the league. Star Man will be Bradley Davies if he doesn't make the world cup.

4. Munster - Probably going to missing around 11 players on World Cup duty. To me Tighthead and at 8 they look particularly weak. To me the backline also looks a little short on quality although granted they do have some potential in the backline.Personally I would like to catch them at Rodney Parade early. I'm still not sure away would be a banker for us. Reckon their key man will be Bleyendaal in the opening part of the season for his experience.

5. Leinster - Now I don't know if they still have the rule of not being able to select 2 non irish players in their starting 15's or if they are allowed exceptions in the early part of this season. Even taking into consideration that they can start Fardy, Gibson-Park, Lowe and Tomane the real problem for them is in the pack. They look seriously underpowered and inexperienced. They probably are hoping Smidt doesn't take Ruddock to the WC. Personally getting these in R2 or R3 away would be perfect. I think we can take them early doors before the return of their internationals. Star Man: Lowe

6. Ulster - For me probably the biggest Irish threat early. Only place they might be a little short on experience will be at 5 and 14. Pack on paper looks extremely strong and along with Cardiff both these sides should be fairly confident into the early rounds. Star Man: McCloskey
Would like to avoid these early doors altogether.

7. Connacht - Not really disrupted to much for internationals like us. Good experienced team. Always going to be dangerous at home. Star Man: Roux Another side I would like to see us avoid early doors but if we have to a home draw that wouldn't be the worst fixture start for us.

8. Edinburgh - Cockerill has done a amazing job with them. Surely even he can't cover 14 players at the world cup. Still managed to assemble a big pack for this period though so it's clear they wont be beaten upfront easily. 9, 10 and 15 look like the real problem area for him. Getting them at home would suit me fine. Star Man: Socino

9. Glasgow - Probably losing at least 13 players if not more. They still have a lot of experience in that squad. On paper probably have to much for us home or away. If we have to though a home draw would be better. Star Man: Lee Jones

10. Treviso - Backline looks very experienced for the league. Upfront a different story altogether. Can see them taking a bit of a battering upfront early doors. Star Man: Ioane
Don't mind if we get them early home or away

11. Zebre - Same story with them. Losing key personnel to the WC. Upfront looks very inexperienced. Backline will also be inexperienced. Can they get Boni back in time for the start of the season. The Centre was a powerhouse before his long term injury and would also have made the Italian squad if he wasn't out of action. Star Man: Walker (reckon he's going to surprise a few in the Pro14)

12. Kings - Not going to be missing any internationals. But they still lack quality for compete at this level. No signings of note in the off season. Could be a long season for them again? Personally I expect us to beat them home and away. Would be a waste to draw them during the World Cup period. Star Man: Catrakilis

13. Cheetahs - Same story as the Kings. To many lost star after their first season in the Pro14. They do have a better record than the kings and at home they will win games. Prefer to not draw them either in the opening rounds. Star Man: Nche

How do you fancy your teams chances and what teams would you like to draw early or avoid during the World Cup?

One that knows that discussions to create a b and I league aren't at an advanced stage?

If anything the Premship is trying to be more like the Pro 12 with no relegation and heavily subsidized by the Union.

As Covid has shown some of the Premership teams might not outlast the restrictions.

Having a B&I League isn't going to happen as the club's and Unions can't agree it.
SRU would rightly demand their two teams in the top division and the IRFU would look for 4.  All on merit would deserve to be there.  The Celtic Nations aren't going to sacrifice the FIR and SARU to get into bed with the PRL (It wouldn't be with the RFU)

The Pro 16 if the 4 SA teams are added will have teams as good or better than the Premership and T14.

The top 10 teams would be in no order
Leinster
Munster
Ulster
Glasgow
Edinburgh
Scarlets
Stormers
Lions
Bulls
Sharks

Each of these would want/expect/hope to make the quarters of the Champions Cup.  If SA does join a Pro 14 the Champions Cup will go back to 24 teams of 10 Pro16 and 7 each from the other two.  The Challange would then have 18/20 teams. Or they might just go straight 32 for the Champions Cup and winner takes all

Conferences would only be an issue in Pro 14/16 if we followed Super Rugby.  Imagine if last year the quarters had been Bennetton v Munster and Ospreys v Ulster because ever nation deserves a home knockout game.  Then there would be issues which is what happened with Super Rugby. Connacht would rather play all three Irish teams twice and be at a disadvantage then only play each team in the league once.

If we go to a Pro16 I would like to see 4 blocks Ire, Wal, Sa and Sco/Ita and rotate the blocks each year.  That way you only get a crack at some teams once every 3 years.  Yes once ever 3 years you would have Ire & Sa together and wal, Sco & Ita together but it would improve the Irish and SA teams no end as no game would be easy while also giving teams like Benetton and Blues a shot at a playoff spot that they might not be given otherwise. As the above list of 10 teams 4 of those wouldn't even make the playoffs. That would be some unbelievable standard for the league.

From an international point of view having a block of the 5 Nations and 15 votes means that for some things we wouldnt have to rely on England and France as much and you could see 3 blocks emerge of Pro16 Nations, EngFraJap & client states (currently Fiji and Samoa), the fina ondl being the Rest.with the 5 Nations plus three other T1 unions they would get a win more or lesz

If the SRU, WRU and IRFU had to choose between being tied to the South Africa and Italy or the PRL I am confident that those 3 unions would choose the two unions.

Italian teams are improving and are starting to see their younger player development improving the squad quaility across both teams.

South Africa is a big market and their teams are as good as the Premership top 4 which is all TV cares about.

If the Celtic Unions formed/joined a B&I league it would be 50+% owned and run by PRL (13 teams v 10 teams) not the RFU.  Each union would be expected to sink 50% of their teams into the lower division (If it was conferences why would you bother merging the leagues). Wage caps would either be brought in for the unions (not going to happen) or no wage cap at all.  If no wage cap all the best players would be at Sarries, Bath, Bristol and Leinster (richest province, can easily get 5-10 benefactors on board over night).

Regardless of money what PRL team (outside of the 3 rich ones) will vote for having their best players lost every year to 3/4 clubs.  Irish and Newcastle have gone through it.  I doubt current mid table teams would vote for it regardless of money.  Add in then that the English teams would be facing 10 new teams who whose wage bill could grow by 50% overnight.

As the Pro12 showed with changes in European qualification they are well able to change and adapt.  If a B&I league happened each Pro12 team would have an extra 1-3 million to spend a year (If they just brought in as much as the PRL do now from TV and sponsership) while the Prem teams would see their travel increase and gates reduced.

No 7&1/2 wrote:One that knows that discussions to create a b and I league aren't at an advanced stage?

No, one that is Trumpian. Calls everything he doesn't like "fake news"

If SA does join the Pro whatever then I would prefer two pools, double round robin in the pools which makes for a 14 week round robin, then qf’s, semi’s and final.

If nations like Wales and Ireland want more derbies there is enough time for them to have a little mini comp of six weeks, that gives them a double round robin and twelve more derby matches.

Then Qualification for Champions cup after the Pro whatever.

Where have I used the term fake news? Just said it's not true. It isnt.

If the South African teams are out of the pro14 next season, do the teams miss out on the £6,000,000pa that the South African tv deal brings in?

No 7&1/2 wrote:Where have I used the term fake news? Just said it's not true. It isnt.

You are accusing a Chairman involved in the negotiations of lying. Trumpian stuff.

Go on then post a link. I cant find anything that says your statement is true but you may be sat on something which says otherwise. I'm crossing my fingers for you ita not the story from November er which will prove me correct.

If it's the following or related then sorry you've misunderstood.
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/british-irish-league-set-launch-17339703

If not look forward to reading about these advanced talks.

No 7&1/2 wrote:Go on then post a link. I cant find anything that says your statement is true but you may be sat on something which says otherwise. I'm crossing my fingers for you ita not the story from November er which will prove me correct.

"Ospreys chairman Rob Davies believes a British and Irish league will be launched in 2022-23 after investments from private equity company CVC.

Davies also predicted a more stable financial future for Ospreys and their Welsh rivals after a turbulent period.

CVC has invested in the English Premiership and Davies expects their in-principle £120m for the Pro14 to lead to British and Irish competition.

Davies said talks are "proceeding quite well".

"That is the opportunity and that's what makes it exciting. It [a British and Irish league] will be in 2022.

"With the help of the PRB and others we are making very good progress into achieving our ambition to be a highly competitive region when the British & Irish League commences. All the TV deals are due to expire in two years time: 2022 season."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/50608122

So the same story as I quoted above from November which demonstrates they arent in advanced talks. You re a little behind.

A little context as well https://www.rugbypass.com/news/british-and-irish-league-debate-is-dismissed-as-a-deflection-tactic/

No 7&1/2 wrote:So the same story as I quoted above from November which demonstrates they arent in advanced talks. You re a little behind.

A little context as well https://www.rugbypass.com/news/british-and-irish-league-debate-is-dismissed-as-a-deflection-tactic/

Rugbypass: "it does not mean that Davies was not telling the truth"

Davies :" It [a British and Irish league] will be in 2022."

Would a German side or Georgian side..or some other European team be considered?

GeordieFalcon wrote:Would a German side or Georgian side..or some other European team be considered?

Why on earth would you want them in your league?

Well then yeah he was lying back. Last year. And developments since have shown that that's long in the past with covid and talks re ring fencing the prem now in 'advanced stages'.
Even you must admit you hot a little excited and have exaggerated rugby fan?

RugbyFan100 wrote:

GeordieFalcon wrote:Would a German side or Georgian side..or some other European team be considered?

Why on earth would you want them in your league?

Just thinking outside the box....

No 7&1/2 wrote:Well then yeah he was lying back. Last year. And developments since have shown that that's long in the past with covid and talks re ring fencing the prem now in 'advanced stages'.
Even you must admit you hot a little excited and have exaggerated rugby fan?

I just posted an article. I didn't say the British and Irish League is coming in 2022, and talks are progressing well. A pro rugby club chairman said it.

GeordieFalcon wrote:

RugbyFan100 wrote:

GeordieFalcon wrote:Would a German side or Georgian side..or some other European team be considered?

Why on earth would you want them in your league?

Just thinking outside the box....

The box should be teams that rake in the cash that people want to see on tv. I can't name a German rugby side.

Are you gonig to achieve that with all the teams in the Pro 14?

RugbyFan100 wrote:

No 7&1/2 wrote:Sounds like another reason the b and I wont happen. Would need to be a big uplift in tv rights to cover the pro 14 teams and the loss of europe which would inevitably come.

Definitely. Won't happen if the money isn't there, but the English may be faced with a big question if the B&I League is worth much more than their current league.

Negotiations of a B&I league amongst the people who matter are at an advanced stage, so that's great news.

So you didnt say that negotiations of a B&I league amongst the people who matter are at an advanced stage, so that's great news.

Glad that little side quest was wrapped up.

GeordieFalcon wrote:Are you gonig to achieve that with all the teams in the Pro 14?

Only if they merge with another league.

Yet more clamour for a British and Irish league in today's press:

https://www.dai-sport.com/you-need-to-tell-the-english-youre-going-to-quit-the-six-nations-david-moffetts-bold-plan-to-save-rugby-with-a-british-and-irish-league/

With the sport facing potential financial ruin as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, Moffett believes a British and Irish league is the only way forward.

“If I was still chief executive of the WRU, I’d go and storm the barricades of the RFU at Twickenham and I’d say, ‘put your gin and tonics down, boys, we’ve got to have a serious chat here about the future of the game in our countries,” says Moffett.

“I’d remind them it’s not only about England. It’s about the other countries who make it so good for you.

“If you don’t want to do that – don’t want to act in the collective interest – then find yourself another three countries to play in the Six Nations.”

“I see a bleak future without a British and Irish league,” he says.

“There’s talk about the Stormers, Bulls, Sharks and Lions joining the Pro 14, but they are too good for that competition.

“A British and Irish League has got to happen. The only thing stopping it is England being so selfish.

“Why the hell are Italy playing in the Pro 14? They should be part of the French set-up.

With clubs and nations across the globe facing months of income reduction due to the absence of crowds, broadcasting income could be the only thing that keeps the game afloat.

Private equity firm CVC Capital Partners are busy buying themselves into different levels of the game – including the Pro 14 – meaning their strategy of gaining returns from broadcasting deals is likely to require new deals from wider markets.

This is where Moffet sees a viable future for three Welsh teams, at least – through a broad TV deal that involves the top teams playing each other every week, in either a British and Irish league or a European one.

All it needs, he says, are men of vision to seize the day."

Lol.

RugbyFan100 wrote:Yet more clamour for a British and Irish league in today's press:

https://www.dai-sport.com/you-need-to-tell-the-english-youre-going-to-quit-the-six-nations-david-moffetts-bold-plan-to-save-rugby-with-a-british-and-irish-league/

With the sport facing potential financial ruin as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, Moffett believes a British and Irish league is the only way forward.

“If I was still chief executive of the WRU, I’d go and storm the barricades of the RFU at Twickenham and I’d say, ‘put your gin and tonics down, boys, we’ve got to have a serious chat here about the future of the game in our countries,” says Moffett.

“I’d remind them it’s not only about England. It’s about the other countries who make it so good for you.

“If you don’t want to do that – don’t want to act in the collective interest – then find yourself another three countries to play in the Six Nations.”

“I see a bleak future without a British and Irish league,” he says.

“There’s talk about the Stormers, Bulls, Sharks and Lions joining the Pro 14, but they are too good for that competition.

“A British and Irish League has got to happen. The only thing stopping it is England being so selfish.

“Why the hell are Italy playing in the Pro 14? They should be part of the French set-up.

With clubs and nations across the globe facing months of income reduction due to the absence of crowds, broadcasting income could be the only thing that keeps the game afloat.

Private equity firm CVC Capital Partners are busy buying themselves into different levels of the game – including the Pro 14 – meaning their strategy of gaining returns from broadcasting deals is likely to require new deals from wider markets.

This is where Moffet sees a viable future for three Welsh teams, at least – through a broad TV deal that involves the top teams playing each other every week, in either a British and Irish league or a European one.

All it needs, he says, are men of vision to seize the day."

Hes talking about blackmailing the RFU to get a B&I league going. Like that would work.

That world renowned publication Dai Sport leading the way again on breaking news

I love the part where he says

“There’s talk about the Stormers, Bulls, Sharks and Lions joining the Pro 14, but they are too good for that competition

So the English teams are rubbish so we will team up with them. We just aren't good enough to play the South Africans, they want to join but we say no because we are inferior.

I think the big 4 would certainly go very well in the competition, even though they aren't at their strongest right now, but I wouldn't describe them as too good. If you've watched SA schools rugby you'll see they have a conveyor belt of talent, it's only a matter of time before they get better. I'd love to be playing against them regularly, but Scarlets aside our (Welsh) teams are going to have to sort themselves out.

GeordieFalcon wrote:Would a German side or Georgian side..or some other European team be considered?

The Pro 14/16 needs to bring in money so any team joining needs to be competitive and brings in more money than travel etc costs, increaing the pot for everyone, the SA sides do that, if the big 4 joined it would be even more so. German or Georgian sides wouldn't bring in more unfortuntally and the unions couldn't bankroll them, so don't stand a chance.

However I believe there may be hope, years ago before the SA sides joined there was talk USA/Canada sides, but also of Spanish sides (ones linked with big football clubs that would have the funding). Rugby in Spain has been growing with the HCup final in 2018 being held there, some French Clubs have played games there before, and a domestic cup final got a 30-40,000 crowd a few years ago, it appears that its a growing market. With Jaguares being cut from super rugby there may be room for Argentina and Spain to cooperate to set up a Spainish team or two. Its not the first time Argentina in Spain has been mentioned, before they joined the Rugby championship there was talk that they could join the 6 nations play their home games in Spain. Both share the same langauge so would be a natural home for Argentineans. With thebplayers that Jaguares lost it would take them time to rebuild, and there was some fall out, when they reached the final in super rugby that it was basicaly the national team. 2 Spain based Argentina backed teams could have potential.

The 4 teams will raise the level of the league for sure.

I think it's funny that Moffett thinks that we need a B&I but that better teams that you would assume would improve the league aren't wanted.

Makes no logical sense.

The SA teams are too good for the Welsh regions, but the Irish and Scottish ones would do fine against them. Anyway by Moffett's logic, why wouldn't the English clubs take the superior SA teams and leave the pro 14/12 behind. Anyway, stupid idea, and anyone thinking this is solid reasoning for a B&I league... well...

the-goon wrote:The SA teams are too good for the Welsh regions, but the Irish and Scottish ones would do fine against them. Anyway by Moffett's logic, why wouldn't the English clubs take the superior SA teams and leave the pro 14/12 behind. Anyway, stupid idea, and anyone thinking this is solid reasoning for a B&I league... well...

I would expect Scarlets and Ospreys* to turn them over. I think Blues are hopeless with this coach but they have the talent. Dragons are reliant on a LH and Lock signing coming through and I expect we'll be a lot better.


*that is if they continue to improve under Booth and Webb stays fit. Let's face it, they couldn't not improve from where they were.

SA no longer part of Super Rugby

Well it seems SA is confirmed to move north. SARU has also confirmed it will reduce the number of Franchises to four, although the Cheetahs’ situation remains problematic.

Would hope that Cheetahs still have a role to play in pro rugby. SA have the depth to fill 6 top flight teams easily, but perhaps not the cash... Biltong, where will Bloemfontein's best players' be going?

Sharks have recruited many Cheetahs over the years, but you will find Free State players all over the globe.

SARU will make a big mistake if Cheetahs don’t have an international competition to play, it has been a hive of talent production.

mikey_dragon wrote:Would hope that Cheetahs still have a role to play in pro rugby. SA have the depth to fill 6 top flight teams easily, but perhaps not the cash... Biltong, where will Bloemfontein's best players' be going?

South Africa have the depth to have about 4 fully pro divisions, they really do produce pro players for fun. It's a shame that they can't hold onto their players though and it's only going to get tougher with the new league in america already signing foreign players on multi year contracts ( Erich de Jager just recently joined the New England free jacks from Cheetahs on a two year deal) and the new full professional Japanese league is supposed to kick off in 2021/2022 with reportedly huge sums of money available to the teams in it. Tough times ahead.

Old Man wrote:SA no longer part of Super Rugby

Well it seems SA is confirmed to move north. SARU has also confirmed it will reduce the number of Franchises to four, although the Cheetahs’ situation remains problematic.

Going by the Cheetahs, I can only see the SA franchises playing in front of empty stadiums in the pro 16?. The days of the Bulls and Stormers having the highest average attendance in club rugby are long gone now.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

Old Man wrote:SA no longer part of Super Rugby

Well it seems SA is confirmed to move north. SARU has also confirmed it will reduce the number of Franchises to four, although the Cheetahs’ situation remains problematic.

Going by the Cheetahs, I can only see the SA franchises playing in front of empty stadiums in the pro 16?. The days of the Bulls and Stormers having the highest average attendance in club rugby are long gone now.

Only reason stadiums became empty was due to Super Rugby format and the competition becoming stale.

I think attendances will increase with a new format and comp.

Old Man wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

Old Man wrote:SA no longer part of Super Rugby

Well it seems SA is confirmed to move north. SARU has also confirmed it will reduce the number of Franchises to four, although the Cheetahs’ situation remains problematic.

Going by the Cheetahs, I can only see the SA franchises playing in front of empty stadiums in the pro 16?. The days of the Bulls and Stormers having the highest average attendance in club rugby are long gone now.

Only reason stadiums became empty was due to Super Rugby format and the competition becoming stale.

I think attendances will increase with a new format and comp.

I really hope so, but I can't see this comp capturing imaginations in SA. I'll be delighted to be proven wrong though.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

Old Man wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

Old Man wrote:SA no longer part of Super Rugby

Well it seems SA is confirmed to move north. SARU has also confirmed it will reduce the number of Franchises to four, although the Cheetahs’ situation remains problematic.

Going by the Cheetahs, I can only see the SA franchises playing in front of empty stadiums in the pro 16?. The days of the Bulls and Stormers having the highest average attendance in club rugby are long gone now.

Only reason stadiums became empty was due to Super Rugby format and the competition becoming stale.

I think attendances will increase with a new format and comp.

I really hope so, but I can't see this comp capturing imaginations in SA. I'll be delighted to be proven wrong though.

I think post Covid there will be a rise in sport attendances across all codes, whether it will remain that way is unlikely. In SA rugby got a boost due to the RWC win, which in my view will bring new supporters to the grounds.

The black community has really embraced this Springbok team due to its representation diversity.

And in all fairness your black players in the team seem to be there on merit rather than quota’s. 

Maybe SA can have their currie cup when Europe has the RCC? The franchise players should play, it will attract more fans and spread top flight rugby around the country a bit. Then they return to the franchises for Pro16 rugby, and so on. Just an idea. Get your big names in the big teams playing over here and I imagine they will attract the South Africans living around the UK.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

Old Man wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

Old Man wrote:SA no longer part of Super Rugby

Well it seems SA is confirmed to move north. SARU has also confirmed it will reduce the number of Franchises to four, although the Cheetahs’ situation remains problematic.

Going by the Cheetahs, I can only see the SA franchises playing in front of empty stadiums in the pro 16?. The days of the Bulls and Stormers having the highest average attendance in club rugby are long gone now.

Only reason stadiums became empty was due to Super Rugby format and the competition becoming stale.

I think attendances will increase with a new format and comp.

I really hope so, but I can't see this comp capturing imaginations in SA. I'll be delighted to be proven wrong though.

They'll have competitive games for the most part. If there are 4 teams then chances are they'll have at least 2 decent (competitive ) games per round.


The league is stop start due to the season layout but a more global season will help there.


They'll see plenty of their own countrymen in the league.


Practically the same time zones which is a big bonus. No early morning games.


Its not going to be like the original super rugby but it'll be better than super rugby of the last few years. If their media get behind it then the fans might.

If Munster just get a LBP then do they make the play-offs ahead of Scarlets ?

I guess so. Not going to happen anyway, with the side that Connacht have put out.

The usual suspects who cry Pro'14 are not happy

Not much attacking intent from Ospreys so far. It’s clear to see who Welsh Rugby Champions Cup teams are .

RiscaGame wrote:I guess so. Not going to happen anyway, with the side that Connacht have put out.

The usual suspects who cry Pro'14 are not happy

I’m quoting this from an Irish fan “Did the IRFU pick these teams?”

Didn’t see Munster vs Connacht 2nds, but Connacht had 2 red cards and ended up getting battered.

mikey_dragon wrote:

RiscaGame wrote:I guess so. Not going to happen anyway, with the side that Connacht have put out.

The usual suspects who cry Pro'14 are not happy

I’m quoting this from an Irish fan “Did the IRFU pick these teams?”

The Irish fan doesn't have a clue since Andy Friend said from the outset that he was going to give every player in the squad with test aspirations a run out and to give game time to other players who wouldn't be playing again until start of new season.

Losing two players to red cards is what did them in - otherwise the result would have been a lot closer.

Anyway, the semifinalists are now lined up for next weekend:

Leinster v Munster at Lansdowne
Edinburgh v Ulster at Murrayfield

Looks like a Leinster v Edinburgh final from performances to date.

I’d agree that will probably be the final. Which I can’t see past Leinster winning no matter what team they put out.

Agree with the finalists and winner should be pretty obvious aye ha.