2022/23 Champions/Challenge Cup

[Torquemada 1420]

Pretty much. You have to stitch together enough sizable TV markets, & enough decent teams, producing a watchable product.

I think the Saffers in European Competition, will be a bit like the French; significantly better at home, than away.

Lyon have never won an away game in Europe, & they came damn close tonight, so getting those away bonus points will be critical.

Sadly, the Celtic leagues ruined that with the Welsh, Italians and Scots serving up dross, season after season.

[Tichtheid]

Exeter with a bit of a lead now. Will Castres fight back or crumble?

Castres look the business when they actually burst into life.

Rucks are an anything goes warzone at the moment. The gate may as well not exist.

It's like going 20 years back in time, but with much uglier jerseys

I actually don'tmind the Exeter Magenta.

Magenta!

I've been mulling over what to call that colour, I got as far as rhubarb

[sockwithaticket]

Exeter with a bit of a lead now. Will Castres fight back or crumble?

It's like going 20 years back in time, but with much uglier jerseys

I actually don'tmind the Exeter Magenta.

Magenta!

I've been mulling over what to call that colour, I got as far as rhubarb

I learnt after telling a friend that it's an alright shade of pink and she informed me it was magenta not pink, accompanied by an eye roll so severe I'm amazed she didn't fall over.

[fishfoodie]

Exeter with a bit of a lead now. Will Castres fight back or crumble?

Castres look the business when they actually burst into life.

Rucks are an anything goes warzone at the moment. The gate may as well not exist.

It's like going 20 years back in time, but with much uglier jerseys

I actually don'tmind the Exeter Magenta.

I'm firmly in cotton jerseys, with collars, & suitable for the middle aged waistline camp

I couldn't give a monkeys about the colours really

[Tichtheid]

Exeter have been way too good for Castres tonight

[sockwithaticket]

BP away victory is a big deal for qualification.

Conversely, for Castres, a home loss without a at least a BP is a massive early obstacle for your campaign.

[fishfoodie]

Pretty much. You have to stitch together enough sizable TV markets, & enough decent teams, producing a watchable product.

I think the Saffers in European Competition, will be a bit like the French; significantly better at home, than away.

Lyon have never won an away game in Europe, & they came damn close tonight, so getting those away bonus points will be critical.

Sadly, the Celtic leagues ruined that with the Welsh, Italians and Scots serving up dross, season after season.

And the Top14, & PRL ruined that by deciding that they could go it alone, & didn't need to have a Champions League type earner !

The dicking around with this Tournament was all done by them, the Celtic leagues just did what they needed to do to survive; I've no doubt that, bringing in the SA sides wasn't their first pick (simply because of the additional costs), but that was what they needed to do !

We all know who the junior partner is in Europe, so blaming them for how things panned out is risible

[Tichtheid]

Becconsall looks about 12, but he did really well to ignore the gamesmanship shite Kockott was heaping on him- well played young lad

[Uncle fester]

It's the older, I actually think the younger has played better when I've seen him

Yeah, I have high hopes for Harry, but he'll probably have to leave Leinster to get the game time he needs.

I'm hoping he can be persuaded to come to Connacht, as Carty's backup

Never fit. If you can change that, you might have a very handy player.

[fishfoodie]

It's the older, I actually think the younger has played better when I've seen him

Yeah, I have high hopes for Harry, but he'll probably have to leave Leinster to get the game time he needs.

I'm hoping he can be persuaded to come to Connacht, as Carty's backup

Never fit. If you can change that, you might have a very handy player.

If it can be made work anywhere, I think it can happen in Connacht !

I ultimately see Hawkshaw, as that, utility back, that coaches love; & I can see him being what England want Faz Jr wanted to be, that 2nd play maker(1), but able to swap inside if needed; & if Harry gets out of Leinster, he also gets out of the situation, where the opposition just decides to smash the oppo OH, because they figure that's the easiest way to stop them; because (1)

[Sards]

Just watched the YouTube highlights on the Sharks match. This old man is up early because he passed out at home after too many charge office coffees. Anyway.
What an outstanding effort from the boys. Can't wait to watch the extended version. Down to 13 men. What absolutely cracker courage. And Andre didn't dissapoint for the Quins. You know I have followed Andre at the Quins. And this will be the first time watching him play against a South African side. What an absolute privilege and thank you for making this possible in a tournament. Thankfully the heart of the Sharks, playing for each other , pulled it off. This is one of the teams I have been worried about. An absolute honor to play against the Quins and to beat them is a fantastic achievement .
My next biggest worry is playing against the Du Preez.
What an honor that is going to be.

Yes I do very much still miss the Kiwis. They play really good and challenging rugby. But I am loving playing against South African legends playing abroad and measuring ourselves against that.

Well done to the South African sides who pulled off a magnificent round to not embarrass ourselves in this competition

[Sards]

Geez that Bulls match looks a cracker too. Bold from White with his selections but wow....Nizaam Carr is thriving at the Bulls. And the scrumhalf. If that is the Bulls B team. Lots of good performances ahead . Going to keep an eye on them.

[OomStruisbaai]

I love the URC & Heineken leagues. No time waisting , the next round is a few days away.

Very happy for the Cheetahs, getting an important away win. Haven't watched their game but suppose an important win for them. Hawwies is a good coach.

[Jim Lahey]

Jeez the Bulls game was the best game I've seen in terms of excitement in a long time. Seriously fun to watch.

[Sards]

I am worried Ox gets some match bans. Thomas is already in the bin.
That's our starting props gone

[FalseBayFC]

Pretty much. You have to stitch together enough sizable TV markets, & enough decent teams, producing a watchable product.

I think the Saffers in European Competition, will be a bit like the French; significantly better at home, than away.

Lyon have never won an away game in Europe, & they came damn close tonight, so getting those away bonus points will be critical.

Sadly, the Celtic leagues ruined that with the Welsh, Italians and Scots serving up dross, season after season.

I have pretty realistic expectations about our chances in the competion. As a Saffer I'm pretty excited about participation in the Champions and Challenge cups. It gives our teams a chance to build depth and expose newer players to a very high level of competition. Wing Sibongile Novuka was a Varsity cup star and looked great last night. He hasn't played much Currie Cup or URC at all. Its a purely selfish view though and I can see how our playing in the tournies could cause friction and unhappiness. If it doesn't work I'd be happy enough if it was cut after a couple of seasons.

[Sards]

Pretty much. You have to stitch together enough sizable TV markets, & enough decent teams, producing a watchable product.

I think the Saffers in European Competition, will be a bit like the French; significantly better at home, than away.

Lyon have never won an away game in Europe, & they came damn close tonight, so getting those away bonus points will be critical.

Sadly, the Celtic leagues ruined that with the Welsh, Italians and Scots serving up dross, season after season.

I have pretty realistic expectations about our chances in the competion. As a Saffer I'm pretty excited about participation in the Champions and Challenge cups. It gives our teams a chance to build depth and expose newer players to a very high level of competition. Wing Sibongile Novuka was a Varsity cup star and looked great last night. He hasn't played much Currie Cup or URC at all. Its a purely selfish view though and I can see how our playing in the tournies could cause friction and unhappiness. If it doesn't work I'd be happy enough if it was cut after a couple of seasons.

Agreed. Maybe a return to Superrugby.
The URC is like Currie Cup of old. The Championship Cup like Superrugby

[assfly]

I stopped watching the Bulls game after 30 minutes as it looked like it was going to be a walkover

[sockwithaticket]

Pretty much. You have to stitch together enough sizable TV markets, & enough decent teams, producing a watchable product.

I think the Saffers in European Competition, will be a bit like the French; significantly better at home, than away.

Lyon have never won an away game in Europe, & they came damn close tonight, so getting those away bonus points will be critical.

Sadly, the Celtic leagues ruined that with the Welsh, Italians and Scots serving up dross, season after season.

I know the Irish like to chirp about French and English clubs ruining the tournament by insisting on some changes, but doing away with automatic qualification based on nationality rather than league finish was a great thing. Too many times teams would qualify because they picked up easy bonus points from beating up the Italian team in their group.

It's a change that's been undermined recently by including too many teams. We don't need the 7th and 8th placed Prem teams, for example, in the same competition tier as the playoff makers from the URC, Top14 and Prem.

[OomStruisbaai]

Sadly, the Celtic leagues ruined that with the Welsh, Italians and Scots serving up dross, season after season.

I have pretty realistic expectations about our chances in the competion. As a Saffer I'm pretty excited about participation in the Champions and Challenge cups. It gives our teams a chance to build depth and expose newer players to a very high level of competition. Wing Sibongile Novuka was a Varsity cup star and looked great last night. He hasn't played much Currie Cup or URC at all. Its a purely selfish view though and I can see how our playing in the tournies could cause friction and unhappiness. If it doesn't work I'd be happy enough if it was cut after a couple of seasons.

Agreed. Maybe a return to Superrugby.
The URC is like Currie Cup of old. The Championship Cup like Superrugby

There will be no return to super rugby. What a kak competition. It killed our rugby. Superrugby was like urc. Heineken Champions Cup between test and super rugby

[bok_viking]

Jeez the Bulls game was the best game I've seen in terms of excitement in a long time. Seriously fun to watch.

It was great being in the stadium watching the game. Got a bit nerve wrecking at the end. But overall must say I was pleasantly surprised by how the Bulls team played. When I saw the team announced I was not confident at all that we would be able to get the win. It ended up being a good mix between old heads and some young energy. But they got so close to throwing away a good start

The crowd was bigger than I thought it would be for December as most people from up here tend to head towards the coast or the national parks for the school holidays. The atmosphere was great.
At this stage it looks like the Bulls built some decent depth in the squad, more depth than I thought there was. Some exciting young under 20's in the wings as well.

[Torquemada 1420]

I know the Irish like to chirp about French and English clubs ruining the tournament by insisting on some changes, but doing away with automatic qualification based on nationality rather than league finish was a great thing. Too many times teams would qualify because they picked up easy bonus points from beating up the Italian team in their group.

It's a change that's been undermined recently by including too many teams. We don't need the 7th and 8th placed Prem teams, for example, in the same competition tier as the playoff makers from the URC, Top14 and Prem.

This is a mixed bag for me. The joy and genius of the early versions of the comp was that international aspect to every game. Once you start playing the same teams as you do in your own league, frankly, it's a bit of a bore. Unfortunately, the Welsh and Scots got worse and worse whilst the Italians were too poor for too long so the money men saw fit to wreck the format.

Absolutely agree that too many games and teams has the same reduction in quality that was always going to undermine Soup.

ERC has never found a way to make the Mickey Mouse (2nd tier) comp work properly. Admittedly undermined by Fre sides fielding Espoirs most of the time. Right at the outset of the comps I suggested that no sides should see a penny of money in either comp except based upon results (exceptions for developing nations: Italy, Georgia etc). You pick up no wins, you get no money however, sides should have the option to opt out of the comps too.

[sockwithaticket]

I know the Irish like to chirp about French and English clubs ruining the tournament by insisting on some changes, but doing away with automatic qualification based on nationality rather than league finish was a great thing. Too many times teams would qualify because they picked up easy bonus points from beating up the Italian team in their group.

It's a change that's been undermined recently by including too many teams. We don't need the 7th and 8th placed Prem teams, for example, in the same competition tier as the playoff makers from the URC, Top14 and Prem.

This is a mixed bag for me. The joy and genius of the early versions of the comp was that international aspect to every game. Once you start playing the same teams as you do in your own league, frankly, it's a bit of a bore. Unfortunately, the Welsh and Scots got worse and worse whilst the Italians were too poor for too long so the money men saw fit to wreck the format.

Absolutely agree that too many games and teams has the same reduction in quality that was always going to undermine Soup.

ERC has never found a way to make the Mickey Mouse (2nd tier) comp work properly. Admittedly undermined by Fre sides fielding Espoirs most of the time. Right at the outset of the comps I suggested that no sides should see a penny of money in either comp except based upon results (exceptions for developing nations: Italy, Georgia etc). You pick up no wins, you get no money however, sides should have the option to opt out of the comps too.

One thing I will give the current format is that there aren't any same league fixtures which helps to maintain the flavour of the competition.

[Torquemada 1420]

Sale going for double movement tries

[Torquemada 1420]

Ulster asleep there.

[sockwithaticket]

Sale pretty dominant so far.

[Torquemada 1420]

Sale pretty dominant so far.

Only weak aspect has been white line fever. This could easily have been 3rd one chalked off.

[sockwithaticket]

Sale pretty dominant so far.

Only weak aspect has been white line fever. This could easily have been 3rd one chalked off.

It's why I'm in favour of the goal line drop out for being held up, it should encourage teams to do something other than continually batter away with one out carries. If you're not willing to spread the ball, perhaps you don't deserve to score.

[Brazil]

Could be a red

[Torquemada 1420]

Red card and game over.

[fishfoodie]

Should be a red card for Tuilagi

[Brazil]

WTF Raynal?!

[Torquemada 1420]

WTF Raynal?!

Just bizarre.

[sockwithaticket]

That's an incredible interpretation of the framework. I was prepared to be annoyed with it being talked down to a yellow, but nothign at all?!

[Torquemada 1420]

That's an incredible interpretation of the framework. I was prepared to be annoyed with it being talked down to a yellow, but nothign at all?!

No attempt to get low which is precisely what the laws are trying to compel tacklers to do. Rugby makes an arse of itself again.

[ASMO]

Raynal is a cretin, there is no other explanation for that decision. The TMO or so called assistant referees are equally complicit.

[sockwithaticket]

That's an incredible interpretation of the framework. I was prepared to be annoyed with it being talked down to a yellow, but nothign at all?!

No attempt to get low which is precisely what the laws are trying to compel tacklers to do. Rugby makes an arse of itself again.

No attempt to get low after having had plenty of time to adjust his height, Tuilagi was coming from quite a way out and didn't change his own height to any appreciable degree. Managing to get head on head with him is at best a level of laziness that endangered both players.

[Stranger]

It was a terrible decision. There have been reds for far less.

[Brazil]

Slightly underwhelming end to the half. Hopefully Axe will gee them up and we'll get the first score of the second half.

[sockwithaticket]

Bit of a keystone cops try that, but desperately trying to knock the ball backwards like the Ulster winger did always has the potential to backfire badly.