2022/23 Champions/Challenge Cup

[Paddington Bear]

Going to Toulon for a Quins game is one of my favourite sporting memories, even though we did eventually lose heavily. Great place, great trip, great sets of fans, great atmosphere, great food.

Nous les terribles guerriers du Pilou-Pilou qui descendons de la Montagne vers la Mer!

Similar. Great memories of trips to Toulon, Gloucester, Northampton, Dublin, Montpellier watching Edinburgh. Wouldn’t go to South Africa, too expensive, too much time. Those trips generally cost me a couple of hundred quid plus beer. South Africa would be four times that at least.

Going over to Dublin this weekend just gone I think cost something like:
Flight £75
Hotel £80
Ticket £25
Pints [redacted]

This is the attraction of the tournament and you'd have thought the organisers would understand that.

[Simian]

Going to Toulon for a Quins game is one of my favourite sporting memories, even though we did eventually lose heavily. Great place, great trip, great sets of fans, great atmosphere, great food.

Nous les terribles guerriers du Pilou-Pilou qui descendons de la Montagne vers la Mer!

Absolutely. Toulon has been my favourite away trip too.

[inactionman]

Shame, the poor little souls. You can land in CT in less than a day, with less than no jetlag. They no longer need to catch a ferry down de-Nile.
You English have been complaining about something or another since the beginning of whatever this comp is called now. I don't think you'll ever be completely happy with it. Perhaps it's the dreary weather that makes you such grumpy fucks.

Ah yes the 24 hours spent on flights for an away game, at a casual 1.5k - 2 grand in Economy. Unless you want to spend actual days in the air.

This tournament has been mortally wounded by the introduction of the Saffer sides that's led to an absolutely batshit insane format and this sort of ridiculous anti-fan fixture that excludes only the richest fans or those few who live in the local area to begin with. I'm sure you wouldn't begin to argue that the fans aren't a huge part of European rugby.

Garbage tournament, garbage decisions. And it'd be the same regardless of which European side was having to travel to Cape Town. I guess unlike the French, we might actually send a first XV, more's the pity.

I think Joe was maybe referring to the players, that's how I read it, not away fans (which aren't really a thing in SA).

I can't see anyone/many going to SA for a knockout game as I've posted previously. But your numbers aren't accurate, I found return tickets on SkyScanner from London to CT covering Friday 31st March/Saturday 1st April/Sunday 2nd April for under £800, and on at least one of the flights it's 13-ish hours. Sure it means taking a few days off work flying out midweek, but it's half the numbers you're posting. You can get return tickets from the UK to SA under £500 (but not covering these dates from what I can see), £2k is way out.

The equation changes a bit with non-knockout fixtures if someone basically wants to go on holiday and see their team too, as it can be planned more in advance. If anyone is spending the money, they're far better off spending it on two weeks rather than a weekend.

It's still mad amounts of money for most folk to spend on one game, and I'd be amazed if the fans who do turn it into a holiday do it more than once - unquestioningly the exception rather than the rule. Even then, most people are locked into using leave for school holidays which, unsurprisingly, doesn't line up with away games in the early rounds.

Its a pipe dream for me. As is Bath actually getting into knockout phases of European competition, but that's something else.

[inactionman]

Going to Toulon for a Quins game is one of my favourite sporting memories, even though we did eventually lose heavily. Great place, great trip, great sets of fans, great atmosphere, great food.

Nous les terribles guerriers du Pilou-Pilou qui descendons de la Montagne vers la Mer!

Similar. Great memories of trips to Toulon, Gloucester, Northampton, Dublin, Montpellier watching Edinburgh. Wouldn’t go to South Africa, too expensive, too much time. Those trips generally cost me a couple of hundred quid plus beer. South Africa would be four times that at least.

How much did you drink?!

[Paddington Bear]

Shame, the poor little souls. You can land in CT in less than a day, with less than no jetlag. They no longer need to catch a ferry down de-Nile.
You English have been complaining about something or another since the beginning of whatever this comp is called now. I don't think you'll ever be completely happy with it. Perhaps it's the dreary weather that makes you such grumpy fucks.

Ah yes the 24 hours spent on flights for an away game, at a casual 1.5k - 2 grand in Economy. Unless you want to spend actual days in the air.

This tournament has been mortally wounded by the introduction of the Saffer sides that's led to an absolutely batshit insane format and this sort of ridiculous anti-fan fixture that excludes only the richest fans or those few who live in the local area to begin with. I'm sure you wouldn't begin to argue that the fans aren't a huge part of European rugby.

Garbage tournament, garbage decisions. And it'd be the same regardless of which European side was having to travel to Cape Town. I guess unlike the French, we might actually send a first XV, more's the pity.

I think Joe was maybe referring to the players, that's how I read it, not away fans (which aren't really a thing in SA).

I can't see anyone/many going to SA for a knockout game as I've posted previously. But your numbers aren't accurate, I found return tickets on SkyScanner from London to CT covering Friday 31st March/Saturday 1st April/Sunday 2nd April for under £800, and on at least one of the flights it's 13-ish hours. Sure it means taking a few days off work flying out midweek, but it's half the numbers you're posting. You can get return tickets from the UK to SA under £500 (but not covering these dates from what I can see), £2k is way out.

The equation changes a bit with non-knockout fixtures if someone basically wants to go on holiday and see their team too, as it can be planned more in advance. If anyone is spending the money, they're far better off spending it on two weeks rather than a weekend.

Come on, it isn't reasonable to compare an away day within a smallish radius of Western Europe with an inter-continental flight. I'd love to see a Test Match at Newlands but we're talking bucket list, once in a lifetime rather than something I can do and be at my desk again Monday morning.

[Biffer]

Going to Toulon for a Quins game is one of my favourite sporting memories, even though we did eventually lose heavily. Great place, great trip, great sets of fans, great atmosphere, great food.

Nous les terribles guerriers du Pilou-Pilou qui descendons de la Montagne vers la Mer!

Similar. Great memories of trips to Toulon, Gloucester, Northampton, Dublin, Montpellier watching Edinburgh. Wouldn’t go to South Africa, too expensive, too much time. Those trips generally cost me a couple of hundred quid plus beer. South Africa would be four times that at least.

How much did you drink?!

Not as much as the young lad who was in Teague's the night before the game who fell asleep on the table and pissed himself (and when I told the barmaid she said 'again?').

But a considerable amount.

[Biffer]

Shame, the poor little souls. You can land in CT in less than a day, with less than no jetlag. They no longer need to catch a ferry down de-Nile.
You English have been complaining about something or another since the beginning of whatever this comp is called now. I don't think you'll ever be completely happy with it. Perhaps it's the dreary weather that makes you such grumpy fucks.

Ah yes the 24 hours spent on flights for an away game, at a casual 1.5k - 2 grand in Economy. Unless you want to spend actual days in the air.

This tournament has been mortally wounded by the introduction of the Saffer sides that's led to an absolutely batshit insane format and this sort of ridiculous anti-fan fixture that excludes only the richest fans or those few who live in the local area to begin with. I'm sure you wouldn't begin to argue that the fans aren't a huge part of European rugby.

Garbage tournament, garbage decisions. And it'd be the same regardless of which European side was having to travel to Cape Town. I guess unlike the French, we might actually send a first XV, more's the pity.

I think Joe was maybe referring to the players, that's how I read it, not away fans (which aren't really a thing in SA).

I can't see anyone/many going to SA for a knockout game as I've posted previously. But your numbers aren't accurate, I found return tickets on SkyScanner from London to CT covering Friday 31st March/Saturday 1st April/Sunday 2nd April for under £800, and on at least one of the flights it's 13-ish hours. Sure it means taking a few days off work flying out midweek, but it's half the numbers you're posting. You can get return tickets from the UK to SA under £500 (but not covering these dates from what I can see), £2k is way out.

The equation changes a bit with non-knockout fixtures if someone basically wants to go on holiday and see their team too, as it can be planned more in advance. If anyone is spending the money, they're far better off spending it on two weeks rather than a weekend.

But that's entirely the point. I can usually go to an away Heineken Cup game with a Friday afternoon off work at most, for about two hundred quid. It's not in the same ball park.

[average joe]

Yes, yes, we get it. It's nice to go to the south of France and be snugly back in your bed a few hours later, you can still do that if you want. No one's forcing you to part with your hard earned Poundses to fly to SA. You can still support your team from home and have the privilege to watch SA sides. Our teams do travel to your isle too you know.

[Biffer]

Yes, yes, we get it. It's nice to go to the south of France and be snugly back in your bed a few hours later, you can still do that if you want. No one's forcing you to part with your hard earned Poundses to fly to SA. You can still support your team from home and have the privilege to watch SA sides. Our teams do travel to your isle too you know.

You're missing the point. The tournament is worse off for not having travelling fans.

[inactionman]

Similar. Great memories of trips to Toulon, Gloucester, Northampton, Dublin, Montpellier watching Edinburgh. Wouldn’t go to South Africa, too expensive, too much time. Those trips generally cost me a couple of hundred quid plus beer. South Africa would be four times that at least.

How much did you drink?!

Not as much as the young lad who was in Teague's the night before the game who fell asleep on the table and pissed himself (and when I told the barmaid she said 'again?').

But a considerable amount.

To be fair to the residents of the city, they are pretty good at the drinking.

Gloucester at the Rec in Bath was always interesting, most were really good company but there were always a few where you'd try not to end up too near them on the terraces.

Never went to Castle Grim though, I used up all my credit with the wife just on the season ticket so the suggestion of a day out to Gloucester wouldn't have been well received.

[average joe]

Ah yes the 24 hours spent on flights for an away game, at a casual 1.5k - 2 grand in Economy. Unless you want to spend actual days in the air.

This tournament has been mortally wounded by the introduction of the Saffer sides that's led to an absolutely batshit insane format and this sort of ridiculous anti-fan fixture that excludes only the richest fans or those few who live in the local area to begin with. I'm sure you wouldn't begin to argue that the fans aren't a huge part of European rugby.

Garbage tournament, garbage decisions. And it'd be the same regardless of which European side was having to travel to Cape Town. I guess unlike the French, we might actually send a first XV, more's the pity.

We don't want your grumpy arse over here anyways, your team is welcome though.

Like I've said, you Brits have been moaning about this comp for eons. Long before we Saffas were even a feature.
I get it, we are the flavour of the season now. We spoil everything for you. You can't even go and watch a game in France anymore because of us.

How many times have you changed this comp now? And you're still not fokon happy.
You'll never be fokon happy, because you're a Brit and that's just how it is.

[inactionman]

Ah yes the 24 hours spent on flights for an away game, at a casual 1.5k - 2 grand in Economy. Unless you want to spend actual days in the air.

This tournament has been mortally wounded by the introduction of the Saffer sides that's led to an absolutely batshit insane format and this sort of ridiculous anti-fan fixture that excludes only the richest fans or those few who live in the local area to begin with. I'm sure you wouldn't begin to argue that the fans aren't a huge part of European rugby.

Garbage tournament, garbage decisions. And it'd be the same regardless of which European side was having to travel to Cape Town. I guess unlike the French, we might actually send a first XV, more's the pity.

We don't want your grumpy arse over here anyways, your team is welcome though.

Like I've said, you Brits have been moaning about this comp for eons. Long before we Saffas were even a feature.
I get it, we are the flavour of the season now. We spoil everything for you. You can't even go and watch a game in France anymore because of us.

How many times have you changed this comp now? And you're still not fokon happy.
You'll never be fokon happy, because you're a Brit and that's just how it is.

You sound happy.

[average joe]

Yes, yes, we get it. It's nice to go to the south of France and be snugly back in your bed a few hours later, you can still do that if you want. No one's forcing you to part with your hard earned Poundses to fly to SA. You can still support your team from home and have the privilege to watch SA sides. Our teams do travel to your isle too you know.

You're missing the point. The tournament is worse off for not having travelling fans.

Who said you can't have traveling fans?

[Biffer]

Yes, yes, we get it. It's nice to go to the south of France and be snugly back in your bed a few hours later, you can still do that if you want. No one's forcing you to part with your hard earned Poundses to fly to SA. You can still support your team from home and have the privilege to watch SA sides. Our teams do travel to your isle too you know.

You're missing the point. The tournament is worse off for not having travelling fans.

Who said you can't have traveling fans?

Read the previous fucking page you twat.

150 travelling fans doesn't create any atmosphere. Normally Munster would have five or ten thousand fans going away for a Euro knockout game. You'll get a few hundred but it's not the same.

I don't expect you to understand this because as has been pointed out, there's not many travelling fans even in domestic games for you. You've just never experienced a tournament like that.

[Slick]

Ah yes the 24 hours spent on flights for an away game, at a casual 1.5k - 2 grand in Economy. Unless you want to spend actual days in the air.

This tournament has been mortally wounded by the introduction of the Saffer sides that's led to an absolutely batshit insane format and this sort of ridiculous anti-fan fixture that excludes only the richest fans or those few who live in the local area to begin with. I'm sure you wouldn't begin to argue that the fans aren't a huge part of European rugby.

Garbage tournament, garbage decisions. And it'd be the same regardless of which European side was having to travel to Cape Town. I guess unlike the French, we might actually send a first XV, more's the pity.

We don't want your grumpy arse over here anyways, your team is welcome though.

Like I've said, you Brits have been moaning about this comp for eons. Long before we Saffas were even a feature.
I get it, we are the flavour of the season now. We spoil everything for you. You can't even go and watch a game in France anymore because of us.

How many times have you changed this comp now? And you're still not fokon happy.
You'll never be fokon happy, because you're a Brit and that's just how it is.

We used to be delighted with it, 2nd only to the 6N IMO. True they started to fuck with it before the SA teams were involved but this is even worse.

[OomStruisbaai]

[average joe]

You're missing the point. The tournament is worse off for not having travelling fans.

Who said you can't have traveling fans?

Read the previous fucking page you twat.

150 travelling fans doesn't create any atmosphere. Normally Munster would have five or ten thousand fans going away for a Euro knockout game. You'll get a few hundred but it's not the same.

I don't expect you to understand this because as has been pointed out, there's not many travelling fans even in domestic games for you. You've just never experienced a tournament like that.

Can Thomond Park even accommodate 10000 traveling fans?
I've watched Curry Cup games at Loftus where it was packed to the rafters. 52000 strong with a fair mix. Granted, I have not seen that since pre 2019 though.

[Paddington Bear]

Ah yes the 24 hours spent on flights for an away game, at a casual 1.5k - 2 grand in Economy. Unless you want to spend actual days in the air.

This tournament has been mortally wounded by the introduction of the Saffer sides that's led to an absolutely batshit insane format and this sort of ridiculous anti-fan fixture that excludes only the richest fans or those few who live in the local area to begin with. I'm sure you wouldn't begin to argue that the fans aren't a huge part of European rugby.

Garbage tournament, garbage decisions. And it'd be the same regardless of which European side was having to travel to Cape Town. I guess unlike the French, we might actually send a first XV, more's the pity.

We don't want your grumpy arse over here anyways, your team is welcome though.

Like I've said, you Brits have been moaning about this comp for eons. Long before we Saffas were even a feature.
I get it, we are the flavour of the season now. We spoil everything for you. You can't even go and watch a game in France anymore because of us.

How many times have you changed this comp now? And you're still not fokon happy.
You'll never be fokon happy, because you're a Brit and that's just how it is.

We used to be delighted with it, 2nd only to the 6N IMO. True they started to fuck with it before the SA teams were involved but this is even worse.

Rugby does seem to have a habit of tinkering with absolutely everything, and almost always making it worse in the process. Hopefully this has been a warning shot to the 6N

[average joe]

Nice full stadium? They must have been playing in Bloem. Strange weather for Bloem this time of year, must be climate change.

[Biffer]

Who said you can't have traveling fans?

Read the previous fucking page you twat.

150 travelling fans doesn't create any atmosphere. Normally Munster would have five or ten thousand fans going away for a Euro knockout game. You'll get a few hundred but it's not the same.

I don't expect you to understand this because as has been pointed out, there's not many travelling fans even in domestic games for you. You've just never experienced a tournament like that.

Can Thomond Park even accommodate 10000 traveling fans?
I've watched Curry Cup games at Loftus where it was packed to the rafters. 52000 strong with a fair mix. Granted, I have not seen that since pre 2019 though.

Thomond Park takes over 25,000. But Munster don't play away games there. I've seen them bring 6,000 to Murrayfield before, not for a knockout game. For semifinals etc they've easily taken five figures.

And the Currie Cup thing is key, I don't understand why you need an international club competition. If you just had that, with test players, it's a great time zone for sales to European TV, Potentially a league equivalent to English Premiership and French Top14.

[Sandstorm]

FFS can we just have 1 single, measly thread where it doesn't degrade into a "Insert random country here" vs Saffer travel whinge-fest?

For the love of God, people!!!! Just concentrate on the fucking rugby.

[Biffer]

FFS can we just have 1 single, measly thread where it doesn't degrade into a "Insert random country here" vs Saffer travel whinge-fest?

For the love of God, people!!!! Just concentrate on the fucking rugby.

Maybe if there weren't the 'this was all shit before we arrived boet, you should be vokking thanking us' shitposts, it wouldn't happen so much.

[Sards]

FFS can we just have 1 single, measly thread where it doesn't degrade into a "Insert random country here" vs Saffer travel whinge-fest?

For the love of God, people!!!! Just concentrate on the fucking rugby.

Maybe if there weren't the 'this was all shit before we arrived boet, you should be vokking thanking us' shitposts, it wouldn't happen so much.

Who is that......just ignore them.

[JM2K6]

Shame, the poor little souls. You can land in CT in less than a day, with less than no jetlag. They no longer need to catch a ferry down de-Nile.
You English have been complaining about something or another since the beginning of whatever this comp is called now. I don't think you'll ever be completely happy with it. Perhaps it's the dreary weather that makes you such grumpy fucks.

Ah yes the 24 hours spent on flights for an away game, at a casual 1.5k - 2 grand in Economy. Unless you want to spend actual days in the air.

This tournament has been mortally wounded by the introduction of the Saffer sides that's led to an absolutely batshit insane format and this sort of ridiculous anti-fan fixture that excludes only the richest fans or those few who live in the local area to begin with. I'm sure you wouldn't begin to argue that the fans aren't a huge part of European rugby.

Garbage tournament, garbage decisions. And it'd be the same regardless of which European side was having to travel to Cape Town. I guess unlike the French, we might actually send a first XV, more's the pity.

I think Joe was maybe referring to the players, that's how I read it, not away fans (which aren't really a thing in SA).

I can't see anyone/many going to SA for a knockout game as I've posted previously. But your numbers aren't accurate, I found return tickets on SkyScanner from London to CT covering Friday 31st March/Saturday 1st April/Sunday 2nd April for under £800, and on at least one of the flights it's 13-ish hours. Sure it means taking a few days off work flying out midweek, but it's half the numbers you're posting. You can get return tickets from the UK to SA under £500 (but not covering these dates from what I can see), £2k is way out.

The equation changes a bit with non-knockout fixtures if someone basically wants to go on holiday and see their team too, as it can be planned more in advance. If anyone is spending the money, they're far better off spending it on two weeks rather than a weekend.

I also checked SkyScanner before posting those figures, Os. Unless you're willing to accept insane amounts of time travelling - i.e. closer to 24 hours per flight rather than for the whole trip with loads of stops, the absolute minimum figure for direct flights is £2,215. Because we don't know what day it's going to be, this is flying out Thursday and flying back Monday fwiw.

If you're willing to push that to 16hrs out and 14:30 back - over 30 hours of flying and stop overs - you can get it down to £1217. Big woop.

[JM2K6]

Ah yes the 24 hours spent on flights for an away game, at a casual 1.5k - 2 grand in Economy. Unless you want to spend actual days in the air.

This tournament has been mortally wounded by the introduction of the Saffer sides that's led to an absolutely batshit insane format and this sort of ridiculous anti-fan fixture that excludes only the richest fans or those few who live in the local area to begin with. I'm sure you wouldn't begin to argue that the fans aren't a huge part of European rugby.

Garbage tournament, garbage decisions. And it'd be the same regardless of which European side was having to travel to Cape Town. I guess unlike the French, we might actually send a first XV, more's the pity.

We don't want your grumpy arse over here anyways, your team is welcome though.

Like I've said, you Brits have been moaning about this comp for eons. Long before we Saffas were even a feature.
I get it, we are the flavour of the season now. We spoil everything for you. You can't even go and watch a game in France anymore because of us.

How many times have you changed this comp now? And you're still not fokon happy.
You'll never be fokon happy, because you're a Brit and that's just how it is.

The absolute irony of a South African bitching about someone else complaining about tournaments never ceases to amuse me. You should be thanking your lucky stars any union or competition will have you lot.

[Torquemada 1420]

Quins supporters usually turn up in good numbers and good voice, especially as the supporters association usually puts on coaches etc. It can make a real difference in those tough away games.

Wait, what's that skippy? The record from London to Cape Town overland is 13 days?

I don't think a Quins side that will have had their England players back for a grand total of one match - a huge one away to table toppers Saracens at the Spurs stadium - will be in much state to compete against a side of the quality and class of the Stormers having been forced to travel 6,000 miles for the privilege. Absolutely absurd stuff.

Now you ARE showing your age.

[Torquemada 1420]

This tournament has been mortally wounded by the introduction of the Saffer sides that's led to an absolutely batshit insane format and this sort of ridiculous anti-fan fixture that excludes only the richest fans or those few who live in the local area to begin with. I'm sure you wouldn't begin to argue that the fans aren't a huge part of European rugby.

Garbage tournament, garbage decisions. And it'd be the same regardless of which European side was having to travel to Cape Town. I guess unlike the French, we might actually send a first XV, more's the pity.

ROG on Sat said he felt the comp was on its knees. You can see why so many of the Fre sides have gone back to the bad old days of not giving a sh*t. Although Toulouse are still putting in the full shift, Dupont came out and stated he categorically disagreed with the changes.

[JM2K6]

Yeah but what does ROG know about what makes European rugby a success? Has he not spoken to some gutteral bellend from a shanty town at the bottom of the world?

[Torquemada 1420]

Going to Toulon for a Quins game is one of my favourite sporting memories, even though we did eventually lose heavily. Great place, great trip, great sets of fans, great atmosphere, great food.

Nous les terribles guerriers du Pilou-Pilou qui descendons de la Montagne vers la Mer!

Even when all hated Mourad, you had to be impressed. The only more intimidating crowd noise I've heard has been intls held at Marseille (witness the SA game in the AIs).

[Biffer]

Yeah but what does ROG know about what makes European rugby a success? Has he not spoken to some gutteral bellend from a shanty town at the bottom of the world?

[Torquemada 1420]

Yeah but what does ROG know about what makes European rugby a success? Has he not spoken to some gutteral bellend from a shanty town at the bottom of the world?

You have to assume he does from his Munster days. Regardless, this is heading SOUP direction where we all lose interest and the thing disappears up its own arse.

[OomStruisbaai]

This tournament has been mortally wounded by the introduction of the Saffer sides that's led to an absolutely batshit insane format and this sort of ridiculous anti-fan fixture that excludes only the richest fans or those few who live in the local area to begin with. I'm sure you wouldn't begin to argue that the fans aren't a huge part of European rugby.

Garbage tournament, garbage decisions. And it'd be the same regardless of which European side was having to travel to Cape Town. I guess unlike the French, we might actually send a first XV, more's the pity.

ROG on Sat said he felt the comp was on its knees. You can see why so many of the Fre sides have gone back to the bad old days of not giving a sh*t. Although Toulouse are still putting in the full shift, Dupont came out and stated he categorically disagreed with the changes.

Mola Toulouse coach

"South Africans teams have turned things upside down," Mola told reporters.

"You may as well play them as they're here. I can't wait," he added.

[Biffer]

Yeah but what does ROG know about what makes European rugby a success? Has he not spoken to some gutteral bellend from a shanty town at the bottom of the world?

You have to assume he does from his Munster days. Regardless, this is heading SOUP direction where we all lose interest and the thing disappears up its own arse.

I know English isn't your first language, but man, that's a big woosh.

[JM2K6]

Stirring stuff. "May as well play them while they're here." Feel the enthusiasm.

[Chilli]

Quins supporters usually turn up in good numbers and good voice, especially as the supporters association usually puts on coaches etc. It can make a real difference in those tough away games.

Wait, what's that skippy? The record from London to Cape Town overland is 13 days?

I don't think a Quins side that will have had their England players back for a grand total of one match - a huge one away to table toppers Saracens at the Spurs stadium - will be in much state to compete against a side of the quality and class of the Stormers having been forced to travel 6,000 miles for the privilege. Absolutely absurd stuff.

Shame, the poor little souls. You can land in CT in less than a day, with less than no jetlag. They no longer need to catch a ferry down de-Nile.
You English have been complaining about something or another since the beginning of whatever this comp is called now. I don't think you'll ever be completely happy with it. Perhaps it's the dreary weather that makes you such grumpy fucks.

Ah yes the 24 hours spent on flights for an away game, at a casual 1.5k - 2 grand in Economy. Unless you want to spend actual days in the air.

This tournament has been mortally wounded by the introduction of the Saffer sides that's led to an absolutely batshit insane format and this sort of ridiculous anti-fan fixture that excludes only the richest fans or those few who live in the local area to begin with. I'm sure you wouldn't begin to argue that the fans aren't a huge part of European rugby.

Garbage tournament, garbage decisions. And it'd be the same regardless of which European side was having to travel to Cape Town. I guess unlike the French, we might actually send a first XV, more's the pity.

If it so crap why are you wasting your time and energy on it. Just ignore the competition and focus your energy somewhere else.

[Chilli]

Yes, yes, we get it. It's nice to go to the south of France and be snugly back in your bed a few hours later, you can still do that if you want. No one's forcing you to part with your hard earned Poundses to fly to SA. You can still support your team from home and have the privilege to watch SA sides. Our teams do travel to your isle too you know.

You're missing the point. The tournament is worse off for not having travelling fans.

There were French fans in Cape Town on Saturday.

[Biffer]

Shame, the poor little souls. You can land in CT in less than a day, with less than no jetlag. They no longer need to catch a ferry down de-Nile.
You English have been complaining about something or another since the beginning of whatever this comp is called now. I don't think you'll ever be completely happy with it. Perhaps it's the dreary weather that makes you such grumpy fucks.

Ah yes the 24 hours spent on flights for an away game, at a casual 1.5k - 2 grand in Economy. Unless you want to spend actual days in the air.

This tournament has been mortally wounded by the introduction of the Saffer sides that's led to an absolutely batshit insane format and this sort of ridiculous anti-fan fixture that excludes only the richest fans or those few who live in the local area to begin with. I'm sure you wouldn't begin to argue that the fans aren't a huge part of European rugby.

Garbage tournament, garbage decisions. And it'd be the same regardless of which European side was having to travel to Cape Town. I guess unlike the French, we might actually send a first XV, more's the pity.

If it so crap why are you wasting your time and energy on it. Just ignore the competition and focus your energy somewhere else.

Southern Hemisphere attitude to competitions summed up there. Let's shit on it and toss it to one side, there'll be another one along in a minute. Wait a minute, where have all the fans gone?

[JM2K6]

Shame, the poor little souls. You can land in CT in less than a day, with less than no jetlag. They no longer need to catch a ferry down de-Nile.
You English have been complaining about something or another since the beginning of whatever this comp is called now. I don't think you'll ever be completely happy with it. Perhaps it's the dreary weather that makes you such grumpy fucks.

Ah yes the 24 hours spent on flights for an away game, at a casual 1.5k - 2 grand in Economy. Unless you want to spend actual days in the air.

This tournament has been mortally wounded by the introduction of the Saffer sides that's led to an absolutely batshit insane format and this sort of ridiculous anti-fan fixture that excludes only the richest fans or those few who live in the local area to begin with. I'm sure you wouldn't begin to argue that the fans aren't a huge part of European rugby.

Garbage tournament, garbage decisions. And it'd be the same regardless of which European side was having to travel to Cape Town. I guess unlike the French, we might actually send a first XV, more's the pity.

If it so crap why are you wasting your time and energy on it. Just ignore the competition and focus your energy somewhere else.

Because my team are in it and it has a huge impact on our squad.

But in all honesty, despite the thousand matches available to watch, I have bothered to watch only a handful. The majority were decent to watch but felt largely pointless. My interest in the ever changing tournament has waned in recent years but absolutely nosedived this year. Now it feels like a fancier Premiership Cup, run as a financial and broadcasting exercise first and foremost with a schedule to ensure maximum ROI.

[Chilli]

Ah yes the 24 hours spent on flights for an away game, at a casual 1.5k - 2 grand in Economy. Unless you want to spend actual days in the air.

This tournament has been mortally wounded by the introduction of the Saffer sides that's led to an absolutely batshit insane format and this sort of ridiculous anti-fan fixture that excludes only the richest fans or those few who live in the local area to begin with. I'm sure you wouldn't begin to argue that the fans aren't a huge part of European rugby.

Garbage tournament, garbage decisions. And it'd be the same regardless of which European side was having to travel to Cape Town. I guess unlike the French, we might actually send a first XV, more's the pity.

If it so crap why are you wasting your time and energy on it. Just ignore the competition and focus your energy somewhere else.

Southern Hemisphere attitude to competitions summed up there. Let's shit on it and toss it to one side, there'll be another one along in a minute. Wait a minute, where have all the fans gone?

The stadiums were mostly full on the weekend so I'm not sure of your point.

[JM2K6]

And to be clear - it doesn't matter what I personally feel, there's plenty of Quins fans who do care more about the tournament who are left unable to travel because of this insanity.