European Rugby Thread

[Margin__Walker]

Something I've never seen before in the LI v Edinburgh game earlier. Scuffle off the ball was looked at by the TMO and Creevy shown a yellow card for a hand to the face. He complained so much about what had happened before and the ref actually told the TMO to look at it again.


At which point he unearthed pictures of Creevy headbutting an Edinburgh player and he was red carded instead.

And still Ed contrived to lose.....

I didn't see the game but I'm told the ref bottled it at the last scrum in front of LI's posts on 80 mins, LI front row folded but got the penalty.

Shit happens.

Swings and roundabouts. LI under slightly more pressure, but first movement down was from the Edinburgh LH. Could have been collapsing from Ed or hinging from LI.

Jamie Ritchie got away with an upright head on head tackle on Rogerson that drew blood earlier. Apparently looked at by the TMO. Not sure what was said as they were speaking Italian, but amazed he got away with it.

[Tichtheid]

Bristol are going well tonight.

When Radradra is playing like this you have to think everyone needs a Semi,

ahem

Don't read too much into that. Hard to fathom how Quesda still has a job at Paris. Highest budget in T14 I think and been playing like drains for 2 years. Lumpy recently got the top award with Sopaga as the "biggest flops" this season to date. In a relegation battle when they field their 1st team. This is something less than that and it's clear those on the pitch aren't even trying.

I'm not reading anything into it, I take these games at face value because I don't have the time anymore to follow the other leagues like I used to.

[sockwithaticket]

Bristol are going well tonight.

When Radradra is playing like this you have to think everyone needs a Semi,

ahem

Bristol's performances have generally been on an upward trajectory since around the Christmas period. This could be a good one to help build their confidence even if Stade aren't the stiffest of opposition.

[Tichtheid]

And still Ed contrived to lose.....

I didn't see the game but I'm told the ref bottled it at the last scrum in front of LI's posts on 80 mins, LI front row folded but got the penalty.

Shit happens.

Swings and roundabouts. LI under slightly more pressure, but first movement down was from the Edinburgh LH. Could have been collapsing from Ed or hinging from LI.

Jamie Ritchie got away with an upright head on head tackle on Rogerson that drew blood earlier. Apparently looked at by the TMO. Not sure what was said as they were speaking Italian, but amazed he got away with it.

I looked for the highlights but they didn't show the last scrum.

There were some complaints about Creevy obstructing for the second LI try, I can see both points of view on it, he does commit Bradbury to an off the ball tackle because of his obstructing line, Bradbury's man was the one who scored, but then Bradbury did tackle Creevy without the ball.

[Torquemada 1420]

Awful option by Sanchez results in a try

[Margin__Walker]

I've definitely seen them given on the Creevy obstruction

[sockwithaticket]

Randall with a nice little solo dart against a sleepy Stade defensive line.

[Torquemada 1420]

All so lazy and sloppy. Sanchez half arsed and then fwds want a nap.

[sockwithaticket]

Veinau fucked that. Should've just kept running rather than putting it on the toe.

[Torquemada 1420]

That says it all. Total lack of fitness by Veainu for what should have been a stroll at this time. Compare that with some other T14 teams which have finally got their fitness in some order and you see why this lot are nowhere.

[Tichtheid]

Risky, but good decisions in the end from Bristol

[Torquemada 1420]

Had Brizzle by 18 and I'm going to be a mile out.

[sockwithaticket]

Thought Morahan might've bollocksed that up, but he got the offload away.

[sockwithaticket]

There're vestiges of life in Stade after all.

[Kawazaki]

I see flashes from Radradra, but overall he's overhyped.

[Torquemada 1420]

I see flashes from Radradra, but overall he's overhyped.

Not as much as Sanchez.

[sockwithaticket]

I see flashes from Radradra, but overall he's overhyped.

Not as much as Sanchez.

Oh I don't know, his cheerleaders in the BT broadcast team have done quite the job on over-hyping him over the last couple of years.

[mos_eisely_]

And still Ed contrived to lose.....

I didn't see the game but I'm told the ref bottled it at the last scrum in front of LI's posts on 80 mins, LI front row folded but got the penalty.

Shit happens.

Swings and roundabouts. LI under slightly more pressure, but first movement down was from the Edinburgh LH. Could have been collapsing from Ed or hinging from LI.

Jamie Ritchie got away with an upright head on head tackle on Rogerson that drew blood earlier. Apparently looked at by the TMO. Not sure what was said as they were speaking Italian, but amazed he got away with it.

So if it was looked at by TMO and Ref then it's hardly got away with, and more, nothing to see here then.

The ref really needed to crack down on the amount of appealling from the LI players, it was embarrassing at points

[Tichtheid]

I think sometimes because players like Radradra or Russell don't play every single minute of every single game as the best player that has ever donned a rugby shirt, they get the "over-hyped" tag thrown at them.

In a team sport that is impossible anyway, in solo sports peak Michael Johnson, Ed Moses or Usain Bolt or people of that ilk can be that person, and part of that is because they don't have to rely on others.

On the one hand you have players like Brad Barritt, the beating heart of a team, players who are consistent week in week out over what seems like decades. They never let you down, you can build an entire team around them because you know what they will bring to the table. They set the culture, they lead by example, they are the epitome of what it is to be a professional rugby player.

Radradra is another type of player altogether. You hear about some players having higher ceilings than others, and certainly Radradra can do things that other players can only really dream about.

There is a place for both players in a good team, one facilitates the other, but that is no insult to the Brad Barritts, on the contrary, the genius can't do the genius things without the players around him.

For me Radradra is a bit like Parisse, a lot is expected of these guys.

[Kawazaki]

I think sometimes because players like Radradra or Russell don't play every single minute of every single game as the best player that has ever donned a rugby shirt, they get the "over-hyped" tag thrown at them.

In a team sport that is impossible anyway, in solo sports peak Michael Johnson, Ed Moses or Usain Bolt or people of that ilk can be that person, and part of that is because they don't have to rely on others.

On the one hand you have players like Brad Barritt, the beating heart of a team, players who are consistent week in week out over what seems like decades. They never let you down, you can build an entire team around them because you know what they will bring to the table. They set the culture, they lead by example, they are the epitome of what it is to be a professional rugby player.

Radradra is another type of player altogether. You hear about some players having higher ceilings than others, and certainly Radradra can do things that other players can only really dream about.

There is a place for both players in a good team, one facilitates the other, but that is no insult to the Brad Barritts, on the contrary, the genius can't do the genius things without the players around him.

For me Radradra is a bit like Parisse, a lot is expected of these guys.

Leave that flowery shit to the hacks in the broadsheets who have to knock out 1500 words a week.

Radradra isn't anywhere near the value of a player like Barritt and it has nothing to do with ceilings either. Don't get me wrong, Radradra could be that valuable but at the moment he's nowhere near. He just makes too many errors, often unforced errors.

If I was a DoR, I'd be interested in Purdey.

[Tichtheid]

I think sometimes because players like Radradra or Russell don't play every single minute of every single game as the best player that has ever donned a rugby shirt, they get the "over-hyped" tag thrown at them.

In a team sport that is impossible anyway, in solo sports peak Michael Johnson, Ed Moses or Usain Bolt or people of that ilk can be that person, and part of that is because they don't have to rely on others.

On the one hand you have players like Brad Barritt, the beating heart of a team, players who are consistent week in week out over what seems like decades. They never let you down, you can build an entire team around them because you know what they will bring to the table. They set the culture, they lead by example, they are the epitome of what it is to be a professional rugby player.

Radradra is another type of player altogether. You hear about some players having higher ceilings than others, and certainly Radradra can do things that other players can only really dream about.

There is a place for both players in a good team, one facilitates the other, but that is no insult to the Brad Barritts, on the contrary, the genius can't do the genius things without the players around him.

For me Radradra is a bit like Parisse, a lot is expected of these guys.

Leave that flowery shit to the hacks in the broadsheets who have to knock out 1500 words a week.

Radradra isn't anywhere near the value of a player like Barritt and it has nothing to do with ceilings either. Don't get me wrong, Radradra could be that valuable but at the moment he's nowhere near. He just makes too many errors, often unforced errors.

If I was a DoR, I'd be interested in Purdey.

You've no poetry in you whatsoever

There is beauty in sport, you seem to miss that

[Slick]

I think you've asked me this before, but no, not off hand, but then I did leave when I was 18 and have an appalling memory for names.

Ahh OK, sorry. Just i thought I saw him in the crowd but I also thought he was dead

Are we all just letting them NG this pass without comment

It was a bit of a shock

[Kawazaki]

I think sometimes because players like Radradra or Russell don't play every single minute of every single game as the best player that has ever donned a rugby shirt, they get the "over-hyped" tag thrown at them.

In a team sport that is impossible anyway, in solo sports peak Michael Johnson, Ed Moses or Usain Bolt or people of that ilk can be that person, and part of that is because they don't have to rely on others.

On the one hand you have players like Brad Barritt, the beating heart of a team, players who are consistent week in week out over what seems like decades. They never let you down, you can build an entire team around them because you know what they will bring to the table. They set the culture, they lead by example, they are the epitome of what it is to be a professional rugby player.

Radradra is another type of player altogether. You hear about some players having higher ceilings than others, and certainly Radradra can do things that other players can only really dream about.

There is a place for both players in a good team, one facilitates the other, but that is no insult to the Brad Barritts, on the contrary, the genius can't do the genius things without the players around him.

For me Radradra is a bit like Parisse, a lot is expected of these guys.

Leave that flowery shit to the hacks in the broadsheets who have to knock out 1500 words a week.

Radradra isn't anywhere near the value of a player like Barritt and it has nothing to do with ceilings either. Don't get me wrong, Radradra could be that valuable but at the moment he's nowhere near. He just makes too many errors, often unforced errors.

If I was a DoR, I'd be interested in Purdey.

You've no poetry in you whatsoever

There is beauty in sport, you seem to miss that

Rugby is simpler of you just say what you see.

[sockwithaticket]

I think sometimes because players like Radradra or Russell don't play every single minute of every single game as the best player that has ever donned a rugby shirt, they get the "over-hyped" tag thrown at them.

In a team sport that is impossible anyway, in solo sports peak Michael Johnson, Ed Moses or Usain Bolt or people of that ilk can be that person, and part of that is because they don't have to rely on others.

On the one hand you have players like Brad Barritt, the beating heart of a team, players who are consistent week in week out over what seems like decades. They never let you down, you can build an entire team around them because you know what they will bring to the table. They set the culture, they lead by example, they are the epitome of what it is to be a professional rugby player.

Radradra is another type of player altogether. You hear about some players having higher ceilings than others, and certainly Radradra can do things that other players can only really dream about.

There is a place for both players in a good team, one facilitates the other, but that is no insult to the Brad Barritts, on the contrary, the genius can't do the genius things without the players around him.

For me Radradra is a bit like Parisse, a lot is expected of these guys.

Two things can be true. Expectations of someone like Radrada can be higher than of other players and BT can still have managed to go overboard with the hype.

[Uncle fester]

Fuck off Aki, ought to cop a ban for that. Graceless one eyed pricks

Has apologized in fairness.

[Tichtheid]

I think sometimes because players like Radradra or Russell don't play every single minute of every single game as the best player that has ever donned a rugby shirt, they get the "over-hyped" tag thrown at them.

In a team sport that is impossible anyway, in solo sports peak Michael Johnson, Ed Moses or Usain Bolt or people of that ilk can be that person, and part of that is because they don't have to rely on others.

On the one hand you have players like Brad Barritt, the beating heart of a team, players who are consistent week in week out over what seems like decades. They never let you down, you can build an entire team around them because you know what they will bring to the table. They set the culture, they lead by example, they are the epitome of what it is to be a professional rugby player.

Radradra is another type of player altogether. You hear about some players having higher ceilings than others, and certainly Radradra can do things that other players can only really dream about.

There is a place for both players in a good team, one facilitates the other, but that is no insult to the Brad Barritts, on the contrary, the genius can't do the genius things without the players around him.

For me Radradra is a bit like Parisse, a lot is expected of these guys.

Two things can be true. Expectations of someone like Radrada can be higher than of other players and BT can still have managed to go overboard with the hype.

Does it come down to those two things being true?

I think that pundits are told to promote interest in the games and in doing so they pick out individual players who are extraordinary, or "box office", however it's an impossible ask for these players to be the best player in the world every single game.

If Russell puts in his best stuff where he nutmegs a defence and fires lightning passes across a blitz, if he kicks to Thomas running in tries, then he is the maestro. If his pack is under pressure and he kicks one out on the full then Russell is overhyped.

I guess what I'm saying I that I prefer the optimism and hope of the good expectation as opposed to the dreary negativism of those who dismiss a player like Radrada as over-hyped.

So what if the "what the actual fuck" moments are only once every couple of games? It's better than a controlled kick to touch any time, imo

[Niegs]

Watching Bristol v Stade highlights ...

... um, did they steal Quins' idea for a Euro kit, forcing them to go with that ugly moss/khaki thing they've been wearing? This would certainly make for a better one and barely has any hint of Bristol colours.



The socks especially!

[Kawazaki]

I think sometimes because players like Radradra or Russell don't play every single minute of every single game as the best player that has ever donned a rugby shirt, they get the "over-hyped" tag thrown at them.

In a team sport that is impossible anyway, in solo sports peak Michael Johnson, Ed Moses or Usain Bolt or people of that ilk can be that person, and part of that is because they don't have to rely on others.

On the one hand you have players like Brad Barritt, the beating heart of a team, players who are consistent week in week out over what seems like decades. They never let you down, you can build an entire team around them because you know what they will bring to the table. They set the culture, they lead by example, they are the epitome of what it is to be a professional rugby player.

Radradra is another type of player altogether. You hear about some players having higher ceilings than others, and certainly Radradra can do things that other players can only really dream about.

There is a place for both players in a good team, one facilitates the other, but that is no insult to the Brad Barritts, on the contrary, the genius can't do the genius things without the players around him.

For me Radradra is a bit like Parisse, a lot is expected of these guys.

Two things can be true. Expectations of someone like Radrada can be higher than of other players and BT can still have managed to go overboard with the hype.

Does it come down to those two things being true?

I think that pundits are told to promote interest in the games and in doing so they pick out individual players who are extraordinary, or "box office", however it's an impossible ask for these players to be the best player in the world every single game.

If Russell puts in his best stuff where he nutmegs a defence and fires lightning passes across a blitz, if he kicks to Thomas running in tries, then he is the maestro. If his pack is under pressure and he kicks one out on the full then Russell is overhyped.

I guess what I'm saying I that I prefer the optimism and hope of the good expectation as opposed to the dreary negativism of those who dismiss a player like Radrada as over-hyped.

So what if the "what the actual fuck" moments are only once every couple of games? It's better than a controlled kick to touch any time, imo

Nobody is dismissing Radradra. He's a great player who can do great things. Nobody has said he isn't. However, he makes lots of errors as well, often to the detriment of better placed teammates he could have passed to. Those incidents are usually ignored by the commentary and press. You have to judge players by their total contribution, not just pick out the highlights real.

As I said earlier, Purdey is the Bristol back making the most incisive interventions in their recent improved performances. A player valued at a fraction of Radradra.

[Torquemada 1420]

I think sometimes because players like Radradra or Russell don't play every single minute of every single game as the best player that has ever donned a rugby shirt, they get the "over-hyped" tag thrown at them.

In a team sport that is impossible anyway, in solo sports peak Michael Johnson, Ed Moses or Usain Bolt or people of that ilk can be that person, and part of that is because they don't have to rely on others.

On the one hand you have players like Brad Barritt, the beating heart of a team, players who are consistent week in week out over what seems like decades. They never let you down, you can build an entire team around them because you know what they will bring to the table. They set the culture, they lead by example, they are the epitome of what it is to be a professional rugby player.

Radradra is another type of player altogether. You hear about some players having higher ceilings than others, and certainly Radradra can do things that other players can only really dream about.

There is a place for both players in a good team, one facilitates the other, but that is no insult to the Brad Barritts, on the contrary, the genius can't do the genius things without the players around him.

For me Radradra is a bit like Parisse, a lot is expected of these guys.

There is a difference between someone like Radradra and Russell and it's down to the criticality of their positions. A centre or wing is not likely to have the same amount of influence on a game as a SH or FH. So, when someone like Youngs slows down all Eng's ball or Flake makes poor decisions when his side is on the front foot, the impact is substantial. You can get away with Radradra because his errors (e.g. not passing) aren't likely to be fatal. Unlike someone like Poitre-faut at FB where errors all too frequently cost you points.

Much as we all love a bit of flair, the reality is that in a massively organised team game like rugby, mavericks at 10 or 15 are rarely going to result in net gains.

[npradmin]

Right now, Randall is the best player in Bristol colours by a distance, everything good Bristol do usually starts with him.

[weegie01]

Watching Bristol v Stade highlights ...

... um, did they steal Quins' idea for a Euro kit, forcing them to go with that ugly moss/khaki thing they've been wearing? This would certainly make for a better one and barely has any hint of Bristol colours.

Did you watch the Ospreys game? They have a very similar mud coloured strip to Harlequins.

I just do not understand why on earth teams play in such dull strips. I'd love to see the sales figures for them as I'd be surprised if supporters are keen on them, which is from a different supplier.

[Torquemada 1420]

Watching Bristol v Stade highlights ...

... um, did they steal Quins' idea for a Euro kit, forcing them to go with that ugly moss/khaki thing they've been wearing? This would certainly make for a better one and barely has any hint of Bristol colours.

Did you watch the Ospreys game? They have a very similar mud coloured strip to Harlequins.

I just do not understand why on earth teams play in such dull strips. I'd love to see the sales figures for them as I'd be surprised if supporters are keen on them, which is from a different supplier.

Yeah. Commented on both those "baby diarrhoea" strips earlier. They are an abomination.

[Paddington Bear]

Fuck off Aki, ought to cop a ban for that. Graceless one eyed pricks

Has apologized in fairness.

This will be all the excuse the disciplinary panel need to not ban him. It’s a joke, you don’t behave like that on a rugby pitch full stop and he should still get a ban. He’d acted the prick all day to the ref and no doubt was told to apologise by the people upstairs.

The fact he was clearly and obviously wrong about what he was abusing the ref about would almost make it funny if this wasn’t creeping into the sport. Pity the blokes reffing junior rugby this morning in Connacht.

[fishfoodie]

Right; now I want to see Leinster administer a proper thumping !

If possible, a BP by HT; & Montpellier throwing in the towel at HT to avoid further humiliation.

[Lobby]

So the French team are playing in green, and the Irish in blue. They’re just trying to confuse us aren’t they.

[fishfoodie]

Up your game Leinster; shouldn't have taken 3 minutes to get the 1st try

[Kawazaki]

Montpellier appear to have given up after 3 minutes.

[Torquemada 1420]

Right; now I want to see Leinster administer a proper thumping !

If possible, a BP by HT; & Montpellier throwing in the towel at HT to avoid further humiliation.

This could easily be a 60pt plus margin. PSA is a spoofer.

[Torquemada 1420]

Montpellier appear to have given up after 3 minutes.

I'm surprised it was that long.

[fishfoodie]

Damn; Furlong off, looked like a turned ankle