Champions Cup; and the other one if someone wants to comment

First topic message reminder :

Couldn't see another thread on a quick look so sorry if I've missed it.

This weeks fixtures as follows (lifted from the beeb):

Friday
POOL 1
Connacht v Bordeaux Bègles
20:00

POOL 3
Glasgow Warriors v Northampton Saints
20:00

EUROPEAN CHALLENGE CUP
POOL 3
ASM Clermont Auvergne v Edinburgh
20:00

....Guernsey vs Bury St Edmonds as well which is a biggy

Saturday
POOL 1
Bulls v Saracens
17:30

Bristol v Lyon
20:00

POOL 2
Bath v Ulster
15:15

Toulouse v Cardiff Rugby
15:15

POOL 3
Toulon v Exeter Chiefs
13:00

Munster v Bayonne
17:30

EUROPEAN CHALLENGE CUP
POOL 1
Zebre v Cheetahs
13:00

Sharks v Pau
15:15

Dragons v Oyonnax
20:00

POOL 2
Ospreys v Benetton
17:30

POOL 3
Black Lion v Gloucester
13:00

Castres v Scarlets
15:15

Sunday
POOL 2
Racing 92 v Harlequins
17:30

POOL 4
Sale v Stade Francais
13:00

La Rochelle v Leinster
15:15

Leicester Tigers v Stormers
15:15

EUROPEAN CHALLENGE CUP
POOL 2
Perpignan v Lions
13:00

Newcastle Falcons vMontpellier
15:15

Wow....that should have been given..

What a bloody try!!

Connacht cruising v Bristol.

tigertattie wrote:Bloody stupid. Every other game is on an English language channel. By all means have it on a Welsh language channel but either give us an English commentary option or allow tnt sports or via play show it too (like they show the other games)

Nothing wrong with watching the game in Welsh mun. I do it all the time for Wales football matches. Scarlets taking a pasting then. To be expected in Europe.

Glasgow looking dominant now

Johnny Mathews for once makes a try instead of scoring

19-5 Glasgow

doctor_grey wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:Bristol in trouble with sir already. Caulfield red carded for a stamp on the head of Bealham, even though it looked an accident. Sinckler binned for team offences conceded by Bristol even though the try was scored. Refs normally let it go if the try is scored but clearly the ref wasn't impressed with the Bristol discipline.

I'm watching Glasgow-Toulon and Warriors seems to be bringing just that bit more energy and go-forward, even in lousy weather.  Do you think Brizzle has a chance to come back based on how they have played so far?

I stopped watching Bristol were on the ropes after the red card. Having checked the score I'm surprised they aren't further behind.

Caulfield probably should have been a yellow card for being careless. Red felt harsh considering he wasn't looking at the player and then fell over after making contact.

Shuggy!!!!

That's the game, Tonnie take note


24-5 Glasgow - that should be the game

And he got a boot in the face himself causing it.

tigertattie wrote:Bloody stupid. Every other game is on an English language channel. By all means have it on a Welsh language channel but either give us an English commentary option or allow tnt sports or via play show it too (like they show the other games)

That is weird.  I just checked and my stream has the usual English language commentators.  

Glasgow were just that much better than Toulon in all facets.  Not a terribly exciting game, but the two tries as well as most of the pressure in each half is a good reflection on the score.  24-5 to Warriors at the moment with 70 mins gone.

Kyle Rowe makes it 5 in dead time

29-5 Glasgow at FT

Glasgow into the quarter finals, we were always going to be happy with that in this group.

Odd call for a penalty try in the Scarlets game. Edinburgh physically dominated them tonight though, that was impressive.

Could do without Ulster players waving imaginary cards, it isn't football...

Have the Ulster team put a large bet on quin's today? As we seem to be doing everything we can to help them score

Comedy rugby from Ulster. Keystone cops wouldn't have a look in.

Problem for Ulster now is that they look to be playing into a pretty strong wind, Quins are already getting noticeably more distance on their clearances than in the first half.

I'll be out for most of the Tigers vs Leinster game. Which I'm thankful for if anything.

From what I've seen of Leinster this season they seem to be in relative transition. Still a fantastic, basically international, team but Nienaber seems to be bedding in new tactics and it isn't quite as smooth as usual. If he can build on the incredible foundations there and add further layers to their game then it may become an ever scarier proposition. Similar to what he did with the Boks really.

That said, I'm still expecting Tigers to receive an unlubed turbofisting. Having the full strength back row available is a big boost. Especially with Martin injured. Matt Scott being fit is also helpful as he is so solid in the all important 13 channel. That's especially necessary against Ringrose. Cole's absence gives Heyes a really good chance to show his best against Porter. Montoya has understandably looked tired though and Pollard has had his worst form for Tigers recently. Both suffering a post RWC come down/hangover I suspect. I'm not expecting much. If our best players can fire then they might keep it tight for the first half. Which could be considered lubrication of sorts, I guess. The same as La Rochelle though, I think the opposition are just too good today.

king_carlos wrote:I'll be out for most of the Tigers vs Leinster game. Which I'm thankful for if anything.

From what I've seen of Leinster this season they seem to be in relative transition. Still a fantastic, basically international, team but Nienaber seems to be bedding in new tactics and it isn't quite as smooth as usual. If he can build on the incredible foundations there and add further layers to their game then it may become an ever scarier proposition. Similar to what he did with the Boks really.

That said, I'm still expecting Tigers to receive an unlubed turbofisting. Having the full strength back row available is a big boost. Especially with Martin injured. Matt Scott being fit is also helpful as he is so solid in the all important 13 channel. That's especially necessary against Ringrose. Cole's absence gives Heyes a really good chance to show his best against Porter. Montoya has understandably looked tired though and Pollard has had his worst form for Tigers recently. Both suffering a post RWC come down/hangover I suspect. I'm not expecting much. If our best players can fire then they might keep it tight for the first half. Which could be considered lubrication of sorts, I guess. The same as La Rochelle though, I think the opposition are just too good today.

 Fantastic turn of phrase! I nearly spat out my sausage sandwich! One to add to the list for future use!

Ulster have been their own worst enemies, they have been caught napping far too many times.

Cumbrian wrote:Ulster have been their own worst enemies, they have been caught napping far too many times.

Yup and it's been like this for at least 18 months.
Something needs to change, but unfortunately I think it's only going to get worse this season

I though that pass was forward, but this is turning into a proper mullering.

I can't believe Chandler Cunningham-South is still only 20! Imagine what his carrying will be like when he gets into his prime...

Looks like I watched the wrong game.  Quins were much more solid than Ulster and did what they do.  Not a typical spectacular performance, but were better and ran out with a nice win.  

Looks like Bulls-Bordeaux was a lot of fun.  Have to take a look at it later.

Good first half in Leicester Leinster game.

That looked a very harsh yellow for Tigers. Not even sure it went forward.

This game defines the expression: There are going to be a lot of sore bodies tomorrow.

Poorfour wrote:That looked a very harsh yellow for Tigers. Not even sure it went forward.

I wasn't sure about that either - likewise the try where the Leinster player got up again without releasing the ball and at least one turnover pen that went the wrong way. Think Tigers were maybe a bit unlucky with the rub of the green ...

Was that really a red or do these incidents get made to look worse in super slowmo?

How much more in from the side could Munster be there to clear-out Lawes? Ridiculous officiating ....

And Munster score from a position they should never be in jeez ...

Fin Smith playing like a 31 year old not a 21 year old. His game management has been outstanding in this second half (not seen the first, been out most the afternoon). Drop goal was class, penalty kick from the halfway line, kicking into the 22 to just put pressure back on Munster.

Unbelievable win for Northampton, really pleased so many of these guys are in the England squad. I thought the red card was harsh. If you slow something down and show it dozens of times whilst the crowds repeatedly cry 'oooh!' it is going to put pressure on the ref.

How do they do it? down nearly all game, down to 14 men for 30 minutes and they can still come back to win. This is the fourth or fifth game where they have come back in the last ten to win. There self belief is just immeasurable.

Also their first ever win on Thomand Park

Cumbrian wrote:Unbelievable win for Northampton, really pleased so many of these guys are in the England squad.  I thought the red card was harsh.  If you slow something down and show it dozens of times whilst the crowds repeatedly cry 'oooh!' it is going to put pressure on the ref.

Especially when the ref is weak ...

formerly known as Sam wrote:Fin Smith playing like a 31 year old not a 21 year old. His game management has been outstanding in this second half (not seen the first, been out most the afternoon). Drop goal was class, penalty kick from the halfway line, kicking into the 22 to just put pressure back on Munster.

So pleased that he is going to play for us rather than Scotland, he looks superb.

What I like about Northampton is that they don't really show any fear. Down to 14 men in the p1ssing rain at Thomond Park, no problem, just play. Part of my concern for England over the last few years is how many of them have been scarred by previous experiences. It is so refreshing to see an English side play without fear.

Well done Saints - incredible result to beat Munster away with men down and some decidedly average officiating.

Cumbrian wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:Fin Smith playing like a 31 year old not a 21 year old. His game management has been outstanding in this second half (not seen the first, been out most the afternoon). Drop goal was class, penalty kick from the halfway line, kicking into the 22 to just put pressure back on Munster.

So pleased that he is going to play for us rather than Scotland, he looks superb.

I'd start him Vs Italy. Mitchell will be at 9 so there will be that understanding there between the two of them.

Just as a matter of interest, what's the law on the kick timer? Do you need to start your run or actually kick the ball before the clock hits zero?

kick the ball

aka Farrell, not doing so

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Cumbrian wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:Fin Smith playing like a 31 year old not a 21 year old. His game management has been outstanding in this second half (not seen the first, been out most the afternoon). Drop goal was class, penalty kick from the halfway line, kicking into the 22 to just put pressure back on Munster.

So pleased that he is going to play for us rather than Scotland, he looks superb.

I'd start him Vs Italy. Mitchell will be at 9 so there will be that understanding there between the two of them.

Yes, not just to get him captured (but that is also a consideration) but also because he deserves a shot. He has to be in the 22 at least. I'm a fan of Ford, but boring name has the 10 jersey at the moment.

Just as an aside, I don't think it was a fluke either. Saints dominated the first 30 minutes, things went a bit mental 10 minutes either side of half time (cards excepted) and then they looked the better team for the lat 10-15 minutes.

WELL-PAST-IT wrote:kick the ball

So one of Munster's kicks should have been struck off too then ... assuming what was on the TV screen was accurate

Heaf wrote:Was that really a red or do these incidents get made to look worse in super slowmo?

Very bizarre, seemed like a Rugby play to me. The red was clearly pandering to the TMO or the crowd. I hope the Munster player is OK.

Cumbrian wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Cumbrian wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:Fin Smith playing like a 31 year old not a 21 year old. His game management has been outstanding in this second half (not seen the first, been out most the afternoon). Drop goal was class, penalty kick from the halfway line, kicking into the 22 to just put pressure back on Munster.

So pleased that he is going to play for us rather than Scotland, he looks superb.

I'd start him Vs Italy. Mitchell will be at 9 so there will be that understanding there between the two of them.

Yes, not just to get him captured (but that is also a consideration) but also because he deserves a shot.  He has to be in the 22 at least.  I'm a fan of Ford, but boring name has the 10 jersey at the moment.

I'm a big Ford fan but he's not been in form and has struggled with injury this season. If Ford was fit and in form I'd opt for him but he isn't so why not give the kid who's playing like a 50 cap international a go. Such a mature and well rounded skillset is extremely unusual at 21. Probably haven't seen that since Ford and early days he had issues with place kicking.

Just checked the scores and at the half Lyon (13th place in the Top 14) are up 5-17 on Saracens.  Sarries are still a talented bunch and are surprised they are that far behind at home.

Farrell just isn't woth it mentally....

And Joel Kpoku out Maroing Maro....

Geordie wrote:Farrell just isn't woth it mentally....

Just because he was charged down twice in the same sequence about 30 seconds apart?

The first Lyon try was an interception from Lyon's half.

formerly known as Sam wrote:The first Lyon try was an interception from Lyon's half.

But not from Farrell. That was on the scrum half, van Zyl.