Official United Rugby Championship thread

[assfly]

I wish there was an easy solution for Ellis Park, unless that side of the city gets redeveloped they are always going to be screwed with crowds, specially in the evening. People only seem to dare that side of town during Bok matches.

I wish they'd bite the bullet and ditch Ellis Park.

Even a small 15-20,000 seater stadium elsewhere in Joburg (in a nicer area) would be great for the Lions. I bet they would fill that up pretty quick.

[fishfoodie]

So they had a discussion yesterday after all the matches were done that all the 3 SA teams need to move up 1 position in the log then all 3 would make it into the European competition next year.

Well all your teams should get European competition; don't forget while the Top 8 go in the Champions Cup, the next 4 go into Challenge Cup, which isn't a bad Tournament either, as winning it gets you into the next years Champions Cup.

Champions Cup

United Rugby Championship (8): The four pool winners and the next four highest-ranked clubs in the final league table.

Challenge Cup

TIER 1 (6 clubs)
TOP 14 clubs ranked 9th and 10th
Premiership clubs ranked 9th and 10th
URC clubs ranked 9th and 10th

TIER 2 (6 clubs)
TOP 14 clubs ranked 11th and 12th
Premiership clubs ranked 11th and 12th
URC clubs ranked 11th and 12th

[Sards]

I wish there was an easy solution for Ellis Park, unless that side of the city gets redeveloped they are always going to be screwed with crowds, specially in the evening. People only seem to dare that side of town during Bok matches.

I wish they'd bite the bullet and ditch Ellis Park.

Even a small 15-20,000 seater stadium elsewhere in Joburg (in a nicer area) would be great for the Lions. I bet they would fill that up pretty quick.

Ellis Park is great for tests....

Really a pity its gone to the dogs around it

[OomStruisbaai]

So they had a discussion yesterday after all the matches were done that all the 3 SA teams need to move up 1 position in the log then all 3 would make it into the European competition next year.

Well all your teams should get European competition; don't forget while the Top 8 go in the Champions Cup, the next 4 go into Challenge Cup, which isn't a bad Tournament either, as winning it gets you into the next years Champions Cup.

Champions Cup

United Rugby Championship (8): The four pool winners and the next four highest-ranked clubs in the final league table.

Challenge Cup

TIER 1 (6 clubs)
TOP 14 clubs ranked 9th and 10th
Premiership clubs ranked 9th and 10th
URC clubs ranked 9th and 10th

TIER 2 (6 clubs)
TOP 14 clubs ranked 11th and 12th
Premiership clubs ranked 11th and 12th
URC clubs ranked 11th and 12th

Thanks broer. In short the bottom 4 teams miss out on European competitions next year.

The Wales lot won't be happy.

[OomStruisbaai]

So they had a discussion yesterday after all the matches were done that all the 3 SA teams need to move up 1 position in the log then all 3 would make it into the European competition next year.

Looking at the current log (dunno how to paste it here) there is already a 9 point diff between the Sharks 8th and Connacht & Scarlets 9th.

Also 6 point diff between Lions (12th) and Benneton (13th).

[OomStruisbaai]

Dankie Jens

Leinster (15/55) - Sharks (A), Stormers (A), Munster (H)
Ulster (15/50) - Munster (H), Edinburgh (A), Sharks (H)
Glasgow (15/50) - Stormers (A), Bulls (A), Edinburgh (A)
Munster (15/47) - Ulster (A), Cardiff (H), Leinster (A)
Edinburgh (15/44) - Zebre (H), Ulster (H), Glasgow (H)
Stormers (14/43) - Bulls (H), Glasgow (H), Leinster (H), Scarlets (A)
Bulls (14/42) - Stormers (A), Benetton (H), Glasgow (H), Ospreys (A)
Sharks (14/41) - Lions (H), Leinster (H), Connacht (H), Ulster (A)
Connacht (15/32) - Lions (A), Sharks (A), Zebre (H)
Scarlets (13/32) - Cardiff (A), Dragons (H), Dragons (A), Ospreys (A), Stormers (H)
Ospreys (14/30) - Cardiff (A), Scarlets (H), Dragons (H), Bulls (H)
Lions (14/30) - Sharks (A), Connacht (H), Benetton (H), Dragons (A)
Benetton (14/24) - Zebre (H), Bulls (A), Lions (A), Cardiff (H)
Cardiff (12/23) - Scarlets (H), Ospreys (H), Munster (A), Dragons (A), Zebre (A), Benetton (A)
Dragons (12/11) - Scarlets (A), Scarlets (H), Zebre (A), Ospreys (A), Cardiff (H), Lions (H)
Zebre (13/2) - Edinburgh (A), Benetton (A), Cardiff (A), Dragons (H), Connacht (A)

[OomStruisbaai]

Looking at the fixture list the Bulls have the easiest run in to business end and favorite to top the SA log.

[fishfoodie]

If I squint really hard, I can see Connacht getting 10 pts from their last three games, but that won't be enough. Losing so many games in the last 10-15 mins has ruined this season for them

[OomStruisbaai]

Munster corrected. They are actually 4th.

[OomStruisbaai]

All the teams play. Leinster will win it.

[OomStruisbaai]

If I squint really hard, I can see Connacht getting 10 pts from their last three games, but that won't be enough. Losing so many games in the last 10-15 mins has ruined this season for them

$hark$ should be an easy 5 pointer for Connacht.

[fishfoodie]

If I squint really hard, I can see Connacht getting 10 pts from their last three games, but that won't be enough. Losing so many games in the last 10-15 mins has ruined this season for them

$hark$ should be an easy 5 pointer for Connacht.

After two weekends of getting pumped by Leinster in the Champions, God knows what shape they'll be in heading South

[weegie01]

Despite y original misgivings, I have enjoyed this season, but I think next season will be quite different.

Now that there is more familiarity with the teams, the conditions, the travel etc there will be more wins by SA teams in the north, and by NH teams in SA. I have not checked, but I assume there will also be a different profile of internationals available to the different teams which will also make a difference.

[Sards]

If I squint really hard, I can see Connacht getting 10 pts from their last three games, but that won't be enough. Losing so many games in the last 10-15 mins has ruined this season for them

$hark$ should be an easy 5 pointer for Connacht.

Get over yourself and the Sharks....

Worry more about being pumped this weekend by the Bulls and dropping a few spots......

[Sards]

So are the Stormers going to end on a run of 2 weeks as top of the pops....or are they going to match the Sharks on 3 weeks as top of the pops

[OomStruisbaai]

Despite y original misgivings, I have enjoyed this season, but I think next season will be quite different.

Now that there is more familiarity with the teams, the conditions, the travel etc there will be more wins by SA teams in the north, and by NH teams in SA. I have not checked, but I assume there will also be a different profile of internationals available to the different teams which will also make a difference.

Next year our teams will play in the European leagues. It's going to be hectic

[OomStruisbaai]

So are the Stormers going to end on a run of 2 weeks as top of the pops....or are they going to match the Sharks on 3 weeks as top of the pops

You don't have to worry. The Bulls will take the lead and keep it till the end.

According to you everybody beat the Lions, so a very easy 5 pointer for the fancy $hark$.

[Sards]

The Capetonians started the war of words on Sunday by asking if the Pretoria side is making any more “motivational videos” ahead of Saturday’s clash.

This was in reference to a video the Bulls produced ahead of a clash between the two teams in Pretoria in January. The one minute 23-second clip showed three “recovering Stormers fans” deciding to support the Bulls in the build-up to that January 22 match.

The Stormers eventually won that match 30-26.

In response to Sunday’s tweet, the Bulls savagely responded by saying: “Sorry for not responding sooner, we were still recovering from our unassisted win over Ulster.”

Love it

Stormers definitely have a reputation now with Marius and Quinton

[Chilli]

The Capetonians started the war of words on Sunday by asking if the Pretoria side is making any more “motivational videos” ahead of Saturday’s clash.

This was in reference to a video the Bulls produced ahead of a clash between the two teams in Pretoria in January. The one minute 23-second clip showed three “recovering Stormers fans” deciding to support the Bulls in the build-up to that January 22 match.

The Stormers eventually won that match 30-26.

In response to Sunday’s tweet, the Bulls savagely responded by saying: “Sorry for not responding sooner, we were still recovering from our unassisted win over Ulster.”

Love it

Stormers definitely have a reputation now with Marius and Quinton

Very funny

[fishfoodie]

Despite y original misgivings, I have enjoyed this season, but I think next season will be quite different.

Now that there is more familiarity with the teams, the conditions, the travel etc there will be more wins by SA teams in the north, and by NH teams in SA. I have not checked, but I assume there will also be a different profile of internationals available to the different teams which will also make a difference.

Next year our teams will play in the European leagues. It's going to be hectic

Got to agree with weegie, this season has been enjoyable (albeit with the taffs stinking the place up).

If you're going to have teams playing the league, the Euro Cups, & Internationals, you'll start to see the same player management issues the rest of us face.

All the players agree that the Euro Games are a step up again from the League, & the closest thing to full on Internationals, so they enjoy them, & they're a great guide to who'll do a job in the National teams.

[Sards]

Look it's growing on me. Only because we are finally seeing competitive rugby. But I am not so sure it's better than the old 10 team Superrugby tournament. Preferred that. These slow fields, wet conditions are still a challenge. And I miss the Kiwi and Aussie rivalry. Every game was tough. Except against the Lions. There's too much of a miss match here.

[OomStruisbaai]

TRC run in the off season. Will be interesting to see if this wil be a benefit to the Springboks.

[Sards]

TRC run in the off season. Will be interesting to see if this wil be a benefit to the Springboks.

We will be OK. The Sharks really have the Kiwis number of all the South African sides. That's the environment our boks will be playing in.

[OomStruisbaai]

TRC run in the off season. Will be interesting to see if this wil be a benefit to the Springboks.

We will be OK. The Sharks really have the Kiwis number of all the South African sides. That's the environment our boks will be playing in.

The Sharks are a heap kak.

[Camroc2]

Dankie Jens

Leinster (15/55) - Sharks (A), Stormers (A), Munster (H)
Ulster (15/50) - Munster (H), Edinburgh (A), Sharks (H)
Glasgow (15/50) - Stormers (A), Bulls (A), Edinburgh (A)
Munster (15/47) - Ulster (A), Cardiff (H), Leinster (A)
Edinburgh (15/44) - Zebre (H), Ulster (H), Glasgow (H)
Stormers (14/43) - Bulls (H), Glasgow (H), Leinster (H), Scarlets (A)
Bulls (14/42) - Stormers (A), Benetton (H), Glasgow (H), Ospreys (A)
Sharks (14/41) - Lions (H), Leinster (H), Connacht (H), Ulster (A)
Connacht (15/32) - Lions (A), Sharks (A), Zebre (H)
Scarlets (13/32) - Cardiff (A), Dragons (H), Dragons (A), Ospreys (A), Stormers (H)
Ospreys (14/30) - Cardiff (A), Scarlets (H), Dragons (H), Bulls (H)
Lions (14/30) - Sharks (A), Connacht (H), Benetton (H), Dragons (A)
Benetton (14/24) - Zebre (H), Bulls (A), Lions (A), Cardiff (H)
Cardiff (12/23) - Scarlets (H), Ospreys (H), Munster (A), Dragons (A), Zebre (A), Benetton (A)
Dragons (12/11) - Scarlets (A), Scarlets (H), Zebre (A), Ospreys (A), Cardiff (H), Lions (H)
Zebre (13/2) - Edinburgh (A), Benetton (A), Cardiff (A), Dragons (H), Connacht (A)

Leinster lead by 10, and are on 60 points.

[OomStruisbaai]

Dankie Jens

Leinster (15/55) - Sharks (A), Stormers (A), Munster (H)
Ulster (15/50) - Munster (H), Edinburgh (A), Sharks (H)
Glasgow (15/50) - Stormers (A), Bulls (A), Edinburgh (A)
Munster (15/47) - Ulster (A), Cardiff (H), Leinster (A)
Edinburgh (15/44) - Zebre (H), Ulster (H), Glasgow (H)
Stormers (14/43) - Bulls (H), Glasgow (H), Leinster (H), Scarlets (A)
Bulls (14/42) - Stormers (A), Benetton (H), Glasgow (H), Ospreys (A)
Sharks (14/41) - Lions (H), Leinster (H), Connacht (H), Ulster (A)
Connacht (15/32) - Lions (A), Sharks (A), Zebre (H)
Scarlets (13/32) - Cardiff (A), Dragons (H), Dragons (A), Ospreys (A), Stormers (H)
Ospreys (14/30) - Cardiff (A), Scarlets (H), Dragons (H), Bulls (H)
Lions (14/30) - Sharks (A), Connacht (H), Benetton (H), Dragons (A)
Benetton (14/24) - Zebre (H), Bulls (A), Lions (A), Cardiff (H)
Cardiff (12/23) - Scarlets (H), Ospreys (H), Munster (A), Dragons (A), Zebre (A), Benetton (A)
Dragons (12/11) - Scarlets (A), Scarlets (H), Zebre (A), Ospreys (A), Cardiff (H), Lions (H)
Zebre (13/2) - Edinburgh (A), Benetton (A), Cardiff (A), Dragons (H), Connacht (A)

Leinster lead by 10, and are on 60 points.

Bliksem. That's why they will send their D team to fuck over the $hark$

[Slick]

There is a URC survey floating about on social media, and I guess on the website, if you want a say.

Even have a new section on refs for the Saffas. And an opportunity to moan about Irish pundits, so something for everyone

[OomStruisbaai]

There is a URC survey floating about on social media, and I guess on the website, if you want a say.

Even have a new section on refs for the Saffas. And an opportunity to moan about Irish pundits, so something for everyone

Nothing about cockroach supporters?

[Slick]

There is a URC survey floating about on social media, and I guess on the website, if you want a say.

Even have a new section on refs for the Saffas. And an opportunity to moan about Irish pundits, so something for everyone

Nothing about cockroach supporters?

Just a link to this thread

[ia801310]

Bulls have just owned the Stormers

[OomStruisbaai]

There is a URC survey floating about on social media, and I guess on the website, if you want a say.

Even have a new section on refs for the Saffas. And an opportunity to moan about Irish pundits, so something for everyone

Nothing about cockroach supporters?

Just a link to this thread

no more.

[bok_viking]

Bulls have just owned the Stormers

Love the social media banter between the 2 clubs recently. Hopefully the Stormers can get a sizable crowd in on the weekend as well, could be a cracker of a game. They should have challenged the Stormers related to the crowd and R25 tickets to see if they could get a big crowd in

[Sards]

Interesting...watch Willemse holding back the defender on the tryline......how was this allowed.
Cheating cnut.

The linesman and ref was right there to see it.....................who were these officials.....
Marius I think

[OomStruisbaai]

Chilli sent you that clipp. Just show how sad this place is, posters using personal whatsups to troll other posters on the board. I,m done with this place. It's getting way to personal. Cheers.

[Sards]

Chilli sent you that clipp. Just show how sad this place is, posters using personal whatsups to troll other posters on the board. I,m done with this place. It's getting way to personal. Cheers.

Noone mentioned you you old tart......but thanks for the reaction....
No comment on the officials and the infingement?????

To me its looking very clear that the officials are cheating for the Stormers.

[Chilli]

Interesting...watch Willemse holding back the defender on the tryline......how was this allowed.
Cheating cnut.

The linesman and ref was right there to see it.....................who were these officials.....
Marius I think

Blatant cheating.

[Sards]

Interesting...watch Willemse holding back the defender on the tryline......how was this allowed.
Cheating cnut.

The linesman and ref was right there to see it.....................who were these officials.....
Marius I think

Blatant cheating.

Its sad that the Stormers and officials have to get to this point to get victories for the Stormers....

We need a full investigation.

Seems the Bulls have made their feelings very clear on this

[Sards Conscience]

Interesting...watch Willemse holding back the defender on the tryline......how was this allowed.
Cheating cnut.

The linesman and ref was right there to see it.....................who were these officials.....
Marius I think

Blatant cheating.

Its sad that the Stormers and officials have to get to this point to get victories for the Stormers....

We need a full investigation.

Seems the Bulls have made their feelings very clear on this

Can you please just stop suppressing me with that stuff you smoke or we're not going to make any progress.

[bok_viking]

Glad to see the Bulls are now actively trying to tie down their top young players in long term contracts. Elrich Louw already committed to a new 5 year deal and they are busy negotiating with Arendse and Tambwe, although he might be heading to France. Also talks about a new deal for Goosen, though his injuries tend to make him a half season player. He would be perfect for this backline if he somehow can stay injury free for a while. If they can keep most od the young players for the next 5 years or so, this team can develop into something special with 1 or 2 additions.

Also saw that Arendse has the most line breaks in the URC and 2nd most meters gained, Tambwe has the most meters gained in the URC. Tambwe has improved a lot, when he first got to the bulls he was very suspect under the high ball and made loads of handling errors, now he is quite dangerous under the high ball and those handling errors came down a lot.

[Chilli]

Interesting...watch Willemse holding back the defender on the tryline......how was this allowed.
Cheating cnut.

The linesman and ref was right there to see it.....................who were these officials.....
Marius I think

Blatant cheating.

Its sad that the Stormers and officials have to get to this point to get victories for the Stormers....

We need a full investigation.

Seems the Bulls have made their feelings very clear on this

This made Oom flounce...................................................he asks that you please don't follow him to PR and troll him there.