NPR

assfly wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 5:54 am So sorry for Quins, but given their recent run of form it was always going to be a tough one.

They looked like a different team today, they look so much more dangerous with Smith back. Also good to see Lewies and Morris back too.

I wonder what their plan will be going forward. Concentrate on the premiership?

Kawazaki wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 9:12 am I'm a big fan of Smith but as I said elsewhere, he needs to do the prosaic as well as he does the spectacular. Quins really should have won that game and I suspect if they'd had a certain other 10 playing for them they would have closed it out.

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 9:23 am

Kawazaki wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 9:12 am I'm a big fan of Smith but as I said elsewhere, he needs to do the prosaic as well as he does the spectacular. Quins really should have won that game and I suspect if they'd had a certain other 10 playing for them they would have closed it out.

Quins were fortunate in two things, one was Racing being so profligate whilst two players to the good and failing to score from an attacking position, and two, Finn showing his Hyde side in dropping a regulation high ball and donating 7 points in the shape of a penalty try.

Racing should have had the game well won by the time Russell stuffed up.

Smith almost single-handedly got Quins back into the game in a period of the second half when it looked very bleak for them

Kawazaki wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 9:12 am I'm a big fan of Smith but as I said elsewhere, he needs to do the prosaic as well as he does the spectacular. Quins really should have won that game and I suspect if they'd had a certain other 10 playing for them they would have closed it out.

assfly wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 5:31 am

OomStruisbaai wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 4:23 am South Africa's team debuting well in the Heineken Cup. The Bulls the only team that may struggle playing Lyon away this weekend. Sharks and Stormers heading for home games in the round of 16.

Lions and Cheetahs not so good in the Challenge Cup.

After the round of 16, all games are in Europe. I think we could struggle if we make it that far.

OomStruisbaai wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 10:19 am

assfly wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 5:31 am

OomStruisbaai wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 4:23 am South Africa's team debuting well in the Heineken Cup. The Bulls the only team that may struggle playing Lyon away this weekend. Sharks and Stormers heading for home games in the round of 16.

Lions and Cheetahs not so good in the Challenge Cup.

After the round of 16, all games are in Europe. I think we could struggle if we make it that far.

Nope.

In a report by Ireland publication The42, the EPCR [European Professional Club Rugby] confirmed the three South African teams will be able to earn home round-of-16 and quarter-final games.

If two South African teams are drawn against each other in the final four, the EPCR said that “this position may be reviewed”.

OomStruisbaai wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 4:23 am South Africa's team debuting well in the Heineken Cup. The Bulls the only team that may struggle playing Lyon away this weekend. Sharks and Stormers heading for home games in the round of 16.

Lions and Cheetahs not so good in the Challenge Cup.

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 10:43 am

OomStruisbaai wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 4:23 am South Africa's team debuting well in the Heineken Cup. The Bulls the only team that may struggle playing Lyon away this weekend. Sharks and Stormers heading for home games in the round of 16.

Lions and Cheetahs not so good in the Challenge Cup.

LOU are unpredictable but the Sharks have the hardest task at Quins surely?

Paddington Bear wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 10:35 am

OomStruisbaai wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 10:19 am

assfly wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 5:31 am

After the round of 16, all games are in Europe. I think we could struggle if we make it that far.

Nope.

In a report by Ireland publication The42, the EPCR [European Professional Club Rugby] confirmed the three South African teams will be able to earn home round-of-16 and quarter-final games.

If two South African teams are drawn against each other in the final four, the EPCR said that “this position may be reviewed”.

There’s an extent to which this is only fair, but part of the excitement of this competition for fans has always been being able to jump on a plane and watch your team play in another country. There’s been some cracking atmospheres at these knockout games and this kills that off.

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 13, 2023 9:58 pm

petej wrote: ↑Fri Jan 13, 2023 9:54 pm Clermonts coaching team must be the worst in Europe to not get more out of that squad.

Not like I've not been pointing that out for 3+ seasons now alongside Quesada (who seemingly has turned Paris around this season). The squad had aged badly and become complacent but guys like Jedrasiak, Iturria and Fisher are symptomatic: should be pressing for intl selection but more often looking like Pro2 players. Penaud somehow bucked the decline and has decided to do a runner.

SaintK wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 11:54 am

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 13, 2023 9:58 pm

petej wrote: ↑Fri Jan 13, 2023 9:54 pm Clermonts coaching team must be the worst in Europe to not get more out of that squad.

Not like I've not been pointing that out for 3+ seasons now alongside Quesada (who seemingly has turned Paris around this season). The squad had aged badly and become complacent but guys like Jedrasiak, Iturria and Fisher are symptomatic: should be pressing for intl selection but more often looking like Pro2 players. Penaud somehow bucked the decline and has decided to do a runner.

Jonno Gibbes shown the door by Clermont

Paddington Bear wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 10:35 am
There’s an extent to which this is only fair, but part of the excitement of this competition for fans has always been being able to jump on a plane and watch your team play in another country.

Sandstorm wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 12:48 pm

Paddington Bear wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 10:35 am
There’s an extent to which this is only fair, but part of the excitement of this competition for fans has always been being able to jump on a plane and watch your team play in another country.

My choice to be an Expat in Europe of course, but in the first 24 years I lived in the UK, I've seen Stormers play live maybe 4 times at Newlands. I had no chance to see them in NZ or Australia playing Soup.
However in the 12 months, I've seen them in Wales and London already - it's just brilliant!

Not many English fans travel to France or Ireland to see their club teams play ever - if they don't fly to Dublin, then I'm certain that traveling to Pretoria wouldn't ever be on the cards for them either.

Besides we know that the players are enjoying going to SA to play - many club journeyman never get out of Europe or even the UK. Now they have that chance and are relishing it.

Paddington Bear wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 1:06 pm

Sandstorm wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 12:48 pm

Paddington Bear wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 10:35 am
There’s an extent to which this is only fair, but part of the excitement of this competition for fans has always been being able to jump on a plane and watch your team play in another country.

My choice to be an Expat in Europe of course, but in the first 24 years I lived in the UK, I've seen Stormers play live maybe 4 times at Newlands. I had no chance to see them in NZ or Australia playing Soup.
However in the 12 months, I've seen them in Wales and London already - it's just brilliant!

Not many English fans travel to France or Ireland to see their club teams play ever - if they don't fly to Dublin, then I'm certain that traveling to Pretoria wouldn't ever be on the cards for them either.

Besides we know that the players are enjoying going to SA to play - many club journeyman never get out of Europe or even the UK. Now they have that chance and are relishing it.

Your second point is absolutely not true, evidenced by Quins yesterday. I’m talking longer term and I’ve been one of 500+ Sarries fans at places such as Narbonne, Biarritz, Glasgow, and probably a few others that escape me.

OomStruisbaai wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 1:18 pm

Paddington Bear wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 1:06 pm

Sandstorm wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 12:48 pm

My choice to be an Expat in Europe of course, but in the first 24 years I lived in the UK, I've seen Stormers play live maybe 4 times at Newlands. I had no chance to see them in NZ or Australia playing Soup.
However in the 12 months, I've seen them in Wales and London already - it's just brilliant!

Not many English fans travel to France or Ireland to see their club teams play ever - if they don't fly to Dublin, then I'm certain that traveling to Pretoria wouldn't ever be on the cards for them either.

Besides we know that the players are enjoying going to SA to play - many club journeyman never get out of Europe or even the UK. Now they have that chance and are relishing it.

Your second point is absolutely not true, evidenced by Quins yesterday. I’m talking longer term and I’ve been one of 500+ Sarries fans at places such as Narbonne, Biarritz, Glasgow, and probably a few others that escape me.

I think you are on about nothing.Rugby don't have borders.

I saw a lot of Irish, Scottish and England fans in SA stadiums when their teams play here.

Yesterday the Stormers had a lot of support.

Paddington Bear wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 1:48 pm Yes I wonder how the Stormers had a lot of support for a game in West London…

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 2:56 pm

Paddington Bear wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 1:48 pm Yes I wonder how the Stormers had a lot of support for a game in West London…

ueues to get beers in most pubs and nobody serving in MuckDonalds.

Paddington Bear wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 3:42 pm

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 2:56 pm

Paddington Bear wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 1:48 pm Yes I wonder how the Stormers had a lot of support for a game in West London…

ueues to get beers in most pubs and nobody serving in MuckDonalds.

Usage of the phrase ‘when we’ was at unprecedented levels in the Brentford area yesterday…

_Os_ wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 4:43 pm Not sure about SA sides being able to get home matches in the knock outs, I'm going to go with it being a bad move other than maybe in the round of 16 to give us a fighting chance. Travel around Europe is very cheap (no idea post-Brexit, but probably a bit less cheap), so if a team makes the knock outs a fan can follow their team on a whim. Anyone that wants to go to SA is going to want to plan that ahead as a full winter (in the NH) holiday, and they will not get the full value if they go for a weekend. Fucking no one is going to SA for a single weekend in the knock outs on a whim, probably some will for the pool matches as part of a pre-planned holiday though.

One of the problems with Super Rugby is/was there's no travelling support because it was too expensive. It's also a cultural thing, in SA provincial rugby travelling support doesn't happen, because it's not like there's a league of 20 teams and constant churn of those teams with different venues appearing and disappearing, all these venues a short rail journey from eachother. A Bulls fan wanting to watch his team against the Stormers in CT faces a big distance and will have to make an entire weekend of it, so it doesn't happen much.

Still amazed we're in these competitions, I think a wiser move would be to not push our luck too far.

_Os_ wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 4:43 pm Not sure about SA sides being able to get home matches in the knock outs, I'm going to go with it being a bad move other than maybe in the round of 16 to give us a fighting chance. Travel around Europe is very cheap (no idea post-Brexit, but probably a bit less cheap), so if a team makes the knock outs a fan can follow their team on a whim. Anyone that wants to go to SA is going to want to plan that ahead as a full winter (in the NH) holiday, and they will not get the full value if they go for a weekend. Fucking no one is going to SA for a single weekend in the knock outs on a whim, probably some will for the pool matches as part of a pre-planned holiday though.

One of the problems with Super Rugby is/was there's no travelling support because it was too expensive. It's also a cultural thing, in SA provincial rugby travelling support doesn't happen, because it's not like there's a league of 20 teams and constant churn of those teams with different venues appearing and disappearing, all these venues a short rail journey from eachother. A Bulls fan wanting to watch his team against the Stormers in CT faces a big distance and will have to make an entire weekend of it, so it doesn't happen much.

Still amazed we're in these competitions, I think a wiser move would be to not push our luck too far.

Sandstorm wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 8:46 pm

_Os_ wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 4:43 pm Not sure about SA sides being able to get home matches in the knock outs, I'm going to go with it being a bad move other than maybe in the round of 16 to give us a fighting chance. Travel around Europe is very cheap (no idea post-Brexit, but probably a bit less cheap), so if a team makes the knock outs a fan can follow their team on a whim. Anyone that wants to go to SA is going to want to plan that ahead as a full winter (in the NH) holiday, and they will not get the full value if they go for a weekend. Fucking no one is going to SA for a single weekend in the knock outs on a whim, probably some will for the pool matches as part of a pre-planned holiday though.

One of the problems with Super Rugby is/was there's no travelling support because it was too expensive. It's also a cultural thing, in SA provincial rugby travelling support doesn't happen, because it's not like there's a league of 20 teams and constant churn of those teams with different venues appearing and disappearing, all these venues a short rail journey from eachother. A Bulls fan wanting to watch his team against the Stormers in CT faces a big distance and will have to make an entire weekend of it, so it doesn't happen much.

Still amazed we're in these competitions, I think a wiser move would be to not push our luck too far.

It’s not about the fans in the stadiums, it’s about the TV Monies.

Sards wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 5:23 am

OomStruisbaai wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 4:23 am South Africa's team debuting well in the Heineken Cup. The Bulls the only team that may struggle playing Lyon away this weekend. Sharks and Stormers heading for home games in the round of 16.

Lions and Cheetahs not so good in the Challenge Cup.

Let's be honest. The quality of the sides in the challenge cup is seriously sub par. This is when I can say that I miss Superrugby.

It's no fun watching a team get beaten so soundly every game. I switch off half time in most cases

And beating the same teams home and away is not pleasant. Why not play against all the sides rather.

Chilli wrote: ↑Tue Jan 17, 2023 8:25 am

Sards wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 5:23 am

OomStruisbaai wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 4:23 am South Africa's team debuting well in the Heineken Cup. The Bulls the only team that may struggle playing Lyon away this weekend. Sharks and Stormers heading for home games in the round of 16.

Lions and Cheetahs not so good in the Challenge Cup.

Let's be honest. The quality of the sides in the challenge cup is seriously sub par. This is when I can say that I miss Superrugby.

It's no fun watching a team get beaten so soundly every game. I switch off half time in most cases

And beating the same teams home and away is not pleasant. Why not play against all the sides rather.

Did you watch the 2 games involving the SA teams?

Lions lost by 10, but played some good rugby.
Cheetahs lost by 3 in the last few moments, also played some good rugby.

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 3:21 pm Castres were awful yesterday. They look very unfit. A French mate of mine really doesn't like them, calls them anti-rugby.

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 17, 2023 9:33 am

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 3:21 pm Castres were awful yesterday. They look very unfit. A French mate of mine really doesn't like them, calls them anti-rugby.

Mehhh. There is a lot of anti-Castres sentiment in France because they won the 17-18 season. It's basically motivated in jealousy because a tiny club with small resource punches above its weight: which CO always does. I hear it all the time:
- "they don't try in Europe so their players are rested"
- "they throw some away games to rest players"
- "they don't have intls so aren't affected by the 6N and RWCs"

It's true they tend to play a very gritty style of rugby (although I've seen them play some real flair stuff occasionally) and I guess all of these aspects of criticism are true to the extent that's how they max their resources. They are not like MH who really are rugby cancer when they have a choice. Anyway, Castres don't make the rugby laws and the game is meant to be one for all types.

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Tue Jan 17, 2023 9:41 am
Maybe, but that isn't my friend's motivation for disliking them, it's purely on the boring style of rugby, if anything he's more likely to be on the side of the under dog.

Castres were really blowing after half an hour, I expected more from them to be honest.

Camroc2 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 16, 2023 12:29 am

Brazil wrote: ↑Sun Jan 15, 2023 5:13 pmQuins robbed.

Working class Manc in London posh-boy transformation horror !

OomStruisbaai wrote: ↑Tue Jan 17, 2023 4:10 pm

Marylandolorian wrote: ↑Wed Jan 18, 2023 12:44 pm

European Cup

Nation Winners—Runners-up
France -10……….16
England-10———5
Ireland—7———-5

OomStruisbaai wrote: ↑Wed Jan 18, 2023 2:23 pm

Marylandolorian wrote: ↑Wed Jan 18, 2023 12:44 pm

European Cup

Nation Winners—Runners-up
France -10……….16
England-10———5
Ireland—7———-5

Wales/Scotland?

Jim Lahey wrote: ↑Wed Jan 18, 2023 4:09 pm

OomStruisbaai wrote: ↑Wed Jan 18, 2023 2:23 pm

Marylandolorian wrote: ↑Wed Jan 18, 2023 12:44 pm

European Cup

Nation Winners—Runners-up
France -10……….16
England-10———5
Ireland—7———-5

Wales/Scotland?