Official United Rugby Championship thread

[Tichtheid]

We'll just ignore the no arms tackle by 21 then

Fuck it must be frustrating try to figure out mistakes from the ref.

Check the scoreboard and stay frustrated.

The frustration comes from the double standard of a TMO doing his damndest to favour one side. There was no consistency in the interventions in that match.

However, it's the prerogative of the victor and their supporters to ignore whatever they like.

[Blake]

Jaden Hendricks is as bad as Hershelle Jantjes.

Hendrikse is really good, but his decision making isn't consistently top quality yet, only 22 years old could develop into a really excellent player could also not. Entirely depends on his mindset, if he's windgat at all he won't maximize his potential.

Emotional win given the flooding disaster. I reckon this Sharks side needs another season though, and maybe some signings too, shouldn't have been that close.

Everything I’ve seen of him seems to indicate that that is indeed the case. He seems like a bit of a poes, and more so than an average scrumhalf is supposed to be.

[_Os_]

Jaden Hendricks is as bad as Hershelle Jantjes.

Hendrikse is really good, but his decision making isn't consistently top quality yet, only 22 years old could develop into a really excellent player could also not. Entirely depends on his mindset, if he's windgat at all he won't maximize his potential.

Emotional win given the flooding disaster. I reckon this Sharks side needs another season though, and maybe some signings too, shouldn't have been that close.

Everything I’ve seen of him seems to indicate that that is indeed the case. He seems like a bit of a poes, and more so than an average scrumhalf is supposed to be.

He's lost it a few times, he can't keep doing that if he wants a master a technical position like 9. Thought he was okay today.

[assfly]

I'll take the win, but it's so unsatisfying. Like we have been all season.

Great to see Fassi back, and also Mapimpi getting some ball. Even Bosch looked decent tonight, when he stops kicking everything.

Our pack looks solid, but another fairly anonymous performance from Kolisi. Perhaps time to give James Venter the 6 jersey.

Some pretty awful officiating tonight. I ended up feeling quite sorry for the ref, he looked totally out of his depth.

[OomStruisbaai]

Paul Roos vs Bishops had less kicking then our top level rugby.

To much scrumhalf force to kick in rugby these days. .

Leinster is a well coached team and try to play ball in hand. That's the difference to other teams.

Even this B or C team play with confidence.

Big win for the Sharks.

Looking forward to next week game between the Stormers and Leinster.

[fishfoodie]

Paul Roos vs Bishops had less kicking then our top level rugby.

To much scrumhalf force to kick in rugby these days. .

Leinster is a well coached team and try to play ball in hand. That's the difference to other teams.

Even this B or C team play with confidence.

Big win for the Sharks.

Looking forward to next week game between the Stormers and Leinster.

The guys on comms last night made a good point about Leinster being entitled to be a bit pissed about the URC announcing that the leaders at the end of the season would get the home draw .... but only after Leinster had picked their squad & headed South.

They might have only made 3-4 changes, but that might have been enough this evening. The kids did well enough tonight, but they needed more beef in the lineup.

[Tichtheid]

Paul Roos vs Bishops had less kicking then our top level rugby.

To much scrumhalf force to kick in rugby these days. .

Leinster is a well coached team and try to play ball in hand. That's the difference to other teams.

Even this B or C team play with confidence.

Big win for the Sharks.

Looking forward to next week game between the Stormers and Leinster.

The guys on comms last night made a good point about Leinster being entitled to be a bit pissed about the URC announcing that the leaders at the end of the season would get the home draw .... but only after Leinster had picked their squad & headed South.

They might have only made 3-4 changes, but that might have been enough this evening. The kids did well enough tonight, but they needed more beef in the lineup.

How many of tonight's 23 would be in the squad for a final, if everyone was fit?

Porter and Ruddock?

Genuine question as I'm a bit of of touch with Leinster this season.

[fishfoodie]

Paul Roos vs Bishops had less kicking then our top level rugby.

To much scrumhalf force to kick in rugby these days. .

Leinster is a well coached team and try to play ball in hand. That's the difference to other teams.

Even this B or C team play with confidence.

Big win for the Sharks.

Looking forward to next week game between the Stormers and Leinster.

The guys on comms last night made a good point about Leinster being entitled to be a bit pissed about the URC announcing that the leaders at the end of the season would get the home draw .... but only after Leinster had picked their squad & headed South.

They might have only made 3-4 changes, but that might have been enough this evening. The kids did well enough tonight, but they needed more beef in the lineup.

How many of tonight's 23 would be in the squad for a final, if everyone was fit?

Porter and Ruddock?

Genuine question as I'm a bit of of touch with Leinster this season.

Just Porter I'd say, although I really do rate Ruddock, especially for the leadership he brings

[PornDog]

Frawley could be, Penney and Deegan probably not, but would be well worth their inclusion if they were. Tommy O'Brien as well. That'd be it though

Buy yeah, probably only Porter

Oh and Alalatoa

[Cartman]

That break and pass by Brenda was beautiful.
He looks like he packed on some weight too so thats good... was a bit skinny when he started out

[OomStruisbaai]

He was definitely in touch ffs

What are they looking at,?

the foot wrapped in the bandage touched the ground over the line

This 100%, although a scrum is probably better for Leinster.

I'm glad I'm not the only one whose confused how they missed it

Sards was wrong about the Stormers TMO comsparicy.

[FalseBayFC]

Hendrikse is really good, but his decision making isn't consistently top quality yet, only 22 years old could develop into a really excellent player could also not. Entirely depends on his mindset, if he's windgat at all he won't maximize his potential.

Emotional win given the flooding disaster. I reckon this Sharks side needs another season though, and maybe some signings too, shouldn't have been that close.

Everything I’ve seen of him seems to indicate that that is indeed the case. He seems like a bit of a poes, and more so than an average scrumhalf is supposed to be.

He's lost it a few times, he can't keep doing that if he wants a master a technical position like 9. Thought he was okay today.

I'd like to see Fourie du Preez running a scrumhalf camp or master class for our 9s. You hit the nail on the had about technical mastery. Our guys are behind the NH guys when it comes to basic skills. Lots of x-factor but only Morne van der Berg is playing with the level of accuracy and consistency required for the position. Hendrikse is in year 3 with the Sharks and Jantjes in his 6 year with WP and they both lack the control and distribution they should have by now.

[Torquemada 1420]

This

Leinster: Cosgrave; T O'Brien, Osborne, Frawley, O'Loughlin; H Byrne, McCarthy; Porter, McKee, Clarkson, Deeny, Dunne; Ruddock (capt), Penny, Deegan.

Replacements: Barron, Dooley, Ala'alatoa, Murphy, Soroka, Foley, Hawkshaw, Molony.

is just more proof of what has been said for years i.e. the Irish sides get to play 2nd string sides much of the time which means they come into Europe fresh and with fewer injuries.

[OomStruisbaai]

Games left (Games played/Log points):
Leinster (16/61) - Stormers (A), Munster (H)
Stormers (16/52) - Leinster (H), Scarlets (A)
Munster (16/51) - Cardiff (H), Leinster (A)
Sharks (16/51) - Connacht (H), Ulster (A)
Ulster (16/51) - Edinburgh (A), Sharks (H)
Glasgow (16/50) - Bulls (A), Edinburgh (A)
Edinburgh (16/49 - Ulster (H), Glasgow (H)
Bulls (16/48) - Glasgow (H), Ospreys (A)
Scarlets (16/43) - Ospreys (A), Stormers (H)
Connacht (16/36) - Sharks (A), Zebre (H)
Ospreys (15/34) - Scarlets (H), Dragons (H), Bulls (H)
Lions (16/32) - Benetton (H), Dragons (A)
Benetton (15/24) - Lions (A), Zebre (H), Cardiff (H)
Cardiff (14/24) - Munster (A), Dragons (A), Zebre (A), Benetton (A)
Dragons (14/16) - Zebre (A), Ospreys (A), Cardiff (H), Lions (H)
Zebre (14/4) - Dragons (H), Benetton (A), Cardiff (A), Connacht (A)

[OomStruisbaai]

Everything I’ve seen of him seems to indicate that that is indeed the case. He seems like a bit of a poes, and more so than an average scrumhalf is supposed to be.

He's lost it a few times, he can't keep doing that if he wants a master a technical position like 9. Thought he was okay today.

I'd like to see Fourie du Preez running a scrumhalf camp or master class for our 9s. You hit the nail on the had about technical mastery. Our guys are behind the NH guys when it comes to basic skills. Lots of x-factor but only Morne van der Berg is playing with the level of accuracy and consistency required for the position. Hendrikse is in year 3 with the Sharks and Jantjes in his 6 year with WP and they both lack the control and distribution they should have by now.

The real problem is the gameplan forced by coaches on them. Obvious Morne vd Berg have freedom to play his way.

[OomStruisbaai]

This

Leinster: Cosgrave; T O'Brien, Osborne, Frawley, O'Loughlin; H Byrne, McCarthy; Porter, McKee, Clarkson, Deeny, Dunne; Ruddock (capt), Penny, Deegan.

Replacements: Barron, Dooley, Ala'alatoa, Murphy, Soroka, Foley, Hawkshaw, Molony.

is just more proof of what has been said for years i.e. the Irish sides get to play 2nd string sides much of the time which means they come into Europe fresh and with fewer injuries.

Why do the French teams don't do the same?

[GrahamWa]

This

Leinster: Cosgrave; T O'Brien, Osborne, Frawley, O'Loughlin; H Byrne, McCarthy; Porter, McKee, Clarkson, Deeny, Dunne; Ruddock (capt), Penny, Deegan.

Replacements: Barron, Dooley, Ala'alatoa, Murphy, Soroka, Foley, Hawkshaw, Molony.

is just more proof of what has been said for years i.e. the Irish sides get to play 2nd string sides much of the time which means they come into Europe fresh and with fewer injuries.

Why do the French teams don't do the same?

Torque will know better but I'm sure the French send 2nd strings to away games because the home game win is still paramount. I don't see a difference.

[GrahamWa]

There looks to be bigger crowds at the games this weekend. Is there a reliable site for attendance numbers in SA?

[Torquemada 1420]

This

is just more proof of what has been said for years i.e. the Irish sides get to play 2nd string sides much of the time which means they come into Europe fresh and with fewer injuries.

Why do the French teams don't do the same?

Torque will know better but I'm sure the French send 2nd strings to away games because the home game win is still paramount. I don't see a difference.

Some truth in that but it comes down to
1) Much longer season. That is absolutely the fault of France's own system.
2) The intensity of the competition. There are no easy games in France.
3) Relegation.

For the record, I am not blaming the Irish sides for the position: just pointing out what a benefit advantage it is for them.

[fishfoodie]

Why do the French teams don't do the same?

Torque will know better but I'm sure the French send 2nd strings to away games because the home game win is still paramount. I don't see a difference.

Some truth in that but it comes down to
1) Much longer season. That is absolutely the fault of France's own system.
2) The intensity of the competition. There are no easy games in France.
3) Relegation.

For the record, I am not blaming the Irish sides for the position: just pointing out what a benefit advantage it is for them.

The central contracting, means the IRFU get to call the shots on the International players, & because we've only 4 teams, versus 14 in France, there's always going to be these players rested after the 6N, & Autumn Internationals.

[assfly]

There looks to be bigger crowds at the games this weekend. Is there a reliable site for attendance numbers in SA?

The Sharks finally pulled their finger out and put on a music concert, food market, etc. to get the crowds in and it worked.

[OomStruisbaai]

Torque will know better but I'm sure the French send 2nd strings to away games because the home game win is still paramount. I don't see a difference.

Some truth in that but it comes down to
1) Much longer season. That is absolutely the fault of France's own system.
2) The intensity of the competition. There are no easy games in France.
3) Relegation.

For the record, I am not blaming the Irish sides for the position: just pointing out what a benefit advantage it is for them.

The central contracting, means the IRFU get to call the shots on the International players, & because we've only 4 teams, versus 14 in France, there's always going to be these players rested after the 6N, & Autumn Internationals.

That's no difference to what the All Blacks and Springboks are doing.

[GrahamWa]

Torque will know better but I'm sure the French send 2nd strings to away games because the home game win is still paramount. I don't see a difference.

Some truth in that but it comes down to
1) Much longer season. That is absolutely the fault of France's own system.
2) The intensity of the competition. There are no easy games in France.
3) Relegation.

For the record, I am not blaming the Irish sides for the position: just pointing out what a benefit advantage it is for them.

The central contracting, means the IRFU get to call the shots on the International players, & because we've only 4 teams, versus 14 in France, there's always going to be these players rested after the 6N, & Autumn Internationals.

I don't think relegation has anything to do with it and saying there are no easy games in the T14 is BS. When the top dogs play Brive or Perpignan they expect to batter them. In reality the relegation fight is always between 3 or in strange seasons 4 teams, if the URC does move to two divisions it will never impact the Irish. It is up to the others to get to the level where 2nd stringers can't be sent to away games because the outcome doesn't matter.

[weegie01]

Second to eighth on the table all within 4 points. With two rounds to go it is tight and competitive within that group.

[OomStruisbaai]

Second to eighth on the table all within 4 points. With two rounds to go it is tight and competitive within that group.

Only Munster, Sharks and Bulls have one game out of the top 8.

[FalseBayFC]

There looks to be bigger crowds at the games this weekend. Is there a reliable site for attendance numbers in SA?

The Sharks finally pulled their finger out and put on a music concert, food market, etc. to get the crowds in and it worked.

They've just tweeted that attendance was 22 000 at Kings Park.

[OomStruisbaai]

Newlands usually had the best crowds. Moving to Cape Town Stadium and lock down plus the competition will take hard work to get the faithfull (who 40% support the Crusaders) back. We ll have a Welsch test which obviously will help.

[FalseBayFC]

Lions coming to the party with a good package for fans. Kids u18 free. Secure parking and braai facilities for before/after the game. Its going to take some time to rebuild the culture of watching live rugby here. It was already struggling before Covid hit for a number of reasons.

[assfly]

Nothing will change until they move stadiums.

[.OverThere]

Are Leinster playing their strongest team tomorrow?

Nope. Bs & Cs, but a decent team all the same.

In general this sh1t needs to be sorted out. Surely this is the top club competition for them. Shouldn’t be like a Liverpool team for the 4th round of the FA cup.

What on earth makes you think this is the top competition? It was created to develop players for the national teams, and to compete with the best in Europe. The top club competition for the Irish has always been the European Cup. Along the way we do well in the Celtic League, but developing players is still a prime focus.

[Chilli]

The VRYSTAAT selfishness knows no bounds as they donate their Premier hooker to the Stormers.

It proves again that we Blikore are the spiritual guardians of the game in South Africa.

[Chilli]

Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 JJ Kotze, 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain).
Replacements: 16 Wilmar Arnoldi, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Salmaan Moerat, 20 Junior Pokomela, 21 Ben-Jason Dixon, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Juan de Jongh.

Herschel Junkies is so shit

[OomStruisbaai]

Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 JJ Kotze, 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain).
Replacements: 16 Wilmar Arnoldi, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Salmaan Moerat, 20 Junior Pokomela, 21 Ben-Jason Dixon, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Juan de Jongh.

Herschel Junkies is so shit

That's the best match 23 the Stormers had all season.

[Chilli]

Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 JJ Kotze, 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain).
Replacements: 16 Wilmar Arnoldi, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Salmaan Moerat, 20 Junior Pokomela, 21 Ben-Jason Dixon, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Juan de Jongh.

Herschel Junkies is so shit

That's the best match 23 the Stormers had all season.

Oh, they should win by 20 points, but it doesn't change the fact that he is playing crap.

[Slick]

Nope. Bs & Cs, but a decent team all the same.

In general this sh1t needs to be sorted out. Surely this is the top club competition for them. Shouldn’t be like a Liverpool team for the 4th round of the FA cup.

What on earth makes you think this is the top competition? It was created to develop players for the national teams, and to compete with the best in Europe. The top club competition for the Irish has always been the European Cup. Along the way we do well in the Celtic League, but developing players is still a prime focus.

Apart from the 100 years you were utter shite, but most Irish supporters like to think rugby only started a few years ago.

[OomStruisbaai]

Herschel Junkies is so shit

That's the best match 23 the Stormers had all season.

Oh, they should win by 20 points, but it doesn't change the fact that he is playing crap.

1 bonus point will be a bonus in this match.

What need to happen for the SA teams.
1. $hark$ must win.
2. Bulls must win no bonus point for Glasgow.
3. Scarlets no bonus points.

[PornDog]

In general this sh1t needs to be sorted out. Surely this is the top club competition for them. Shouldn’t be like a Liverpool team for the 4th round of the FA cup.

What on earth makes you think this is the top competition? It was created to develop players for the national teams, and to compete with the best in Europe. The top club competition for the Irish has always been the European Cup. Along the way we do well in the Celtic League, but developing players is still a prime focus.

Apart from the 100 years you were utter shite, but most Irish supporters like to think rugby only started a few years ago.

Don't you worry, some of us haven't forgotten - despite my best efforts

[Slick]

What on earth makes you think this is the top competition? It was created to develop players for the national teams, and to compete with the best in Europe. The top club competition for the Irish has always been the European Cup. Along the way we do well in the Celtic League, but developing players is still a prime focus.

Apart from the 100 years you were utter shite, but most Irish supporters like to think rugby only started a few years ago.

Don't you worry, some of us haven't forgotten - despite my best efforts

We share your pain, bro

[Chilli]

Bulls: 15 Canan Moodie, 14 James Verity-Amm, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Cornal Hendricks, 11 Madosh Tambwe, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Arno Botha, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Dylan Smith, 19 Janko Swanepoel, 20 Cyle Brink, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Chris Smith, 23 Harold Vorster.

Date: Friday, April 29
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 19.00 (18.00 UK & Ireland time; 17.00 GMT)
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs (South Africa), Griffin Colby (South Africa)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)

[bok_viking]

Bulls: 15 Canan Moodie, 14 James Verity-Amm, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Cornal Hendricks, 11 Madosh Tambwe, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Arno Botha, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Dylan Smith, 19 Janko Swanepoel, 20 Cyle Brink, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Chris Smith, 23 Harold Vorster.

Date: Friday, April 29
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 19.00 (18.00 UK & Ireland time; 17.00 GMT)
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs (South Africa), Griffin Colby (South Africa)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)

Arendse not being there is a huge loss for broken play.