Official United Rugby Championship thread

[FalseBayFC]

I'm OK with the losses. As with the Bok losses. It can only serve to force our approach to change if we are to compete. Too long we've been in our comfort zone. We have an entire generation of youngsters who will be educated in this competition. My only hopes for this season were that. Our woes at Bok level are underpinned by domestic weakness and stifled thinking. It almost feels like re-emerging from isolation again.

[OomStruisbaai]

I'm afraid that all the SA teams need more than their returning Bok$ to get up to speed in this competition.

I am sure we would beat Benneton if we had fat Frans, Kitshoff and Orie in our pack.

[FalseBayFC]

I'm afraid that all the SA teams need more than their returning Bok$ to get up to speed in this competition.

I am sure we would beat Benneton if we had fat Frans, Kitshoff and Orie in our pack.

The Irish teams looked better conditioned than us. But we have had non-stop rugby for some time now and our boys haven't really had a decent break for a while.

[Sards]

We will definitely improve. I hope Everett has asked for clarity on some of the problems we need to sort out....just wish Fassi and our other players can return now

If JN is going to pick the same Bok team, I would love to see Fassi, Ox, etc. flown straight to wherever the Sharks are based.

My feelings exactly.

[Sards]

I'm afraid that all the SA teams need more than their returning Bok$ to get up to speed in this competition.

The emerging...non utilized....can return home as far as I am concerned. I dread the damage that will be done to a player like Fassi who will become a kick and chase Zombie under Rassie and Nienaber

[Sards]

Yes I was also completely confused by his interpretation. Seemed to ping the Sharks and reward Munster for the same thing

Maybe one of the NH posters can clarify

That was a problem at all our matches. Ironically the closer to the end , the quicker the penalty comes against our teams. It was a joke.

We need clarity on this asap.

[Chilli]

I'm OK with the losses. As with the Bok losses. It can only serve to force our approach to change if we are to compete. Too long we've been in our comfort zone. We have an entire generation of youngsters who will be educated in this competition. My only hopes for this season were that. Our woes at Bok level are underpinned by domestic weakness and stifled thinking. It almost feels like re-emerging from isolation again.

As a Freestate supporter I'm more used to losses than most, however I understand that the Freestate is not always the best team.

As a Bok supporter I expect them to win every game. We have the best, or almost the best, players in almost every position.

We just need to pick them, and coach them.

This string if losses says more about the coaches and managers than the players.

Sarel Van Der Merwe said " show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser"

[Sards]

Surely Van Der Merwe said " show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser"

Profound.....

We just need to work out what it needs to overcome the interpretation of the law and build on that

[OomStruisbaai]

I'm afraid that all the SA teams need more than their returning Bok$ to get up to speed in this competition.

I am sure we would beat Benneton if we had fat Frans, Kitshoff and Orie in our pack.

The Irish teams looked better conditioned than us. But we have had non-stop rugby for some time now and our boys haven't really had a decent break for a while.

We,ll get a break December.

[lemonhead]

The one interpretation I am struggling with was the over the ball one. I thought our boys made some great steals yet were penalized...still trying to wrap my mind around that. What exactly was the refs interpretation of that

Yes I was also completely confused by his interpretation. Seemed to ping the Sharks and reward Munster for the same thing.

Cloete caused havoc. Another example of a fairly average player leaving SA and becoming a much better player with the right coaching and management.

Just had a quick skip through highlights. Number of things look hot for the ref panel this weekend in general.

Besides rolling, crawling, latch player going off feet the decisions on competition for the ball seem to be even quicker, presumably so jackalers don't sustain big hits or injury.

When ball seems clearly lost whistle sounds straight away, likewise if defender goes off feet, elbows hit the floor or flop over the player on the ground with their knees. Aside from home teams often getting rub of the green the Sharks didn't help themselves at times, especially in the lead up to De Toit's YC. Maybe that paints a picture in the refs mind.

Definitely were a few lenient calls on Munster attacking ball where Sharks looked to have the steal, couldn't spot many in return, would need to rewatch. POM had a turnover penalty mid second half but was supporting body weight, likewise Sharks had a lovely counter ruck on 66mins & went through us like a steam train so didn't get the impression ref wasn't allowing competition. Kok also got away with a beaut 5m out not rolling away where quick hands is almost a certain try for us.

You'd expect in Kings Park these calls reverse a bit. Also reckon Sharks will play a lot better.

[Slick]

Here we go

[OomStruisbaai]

[Sandstorm]

Good looking table.

[Sards]

Our teams were ambushed. We really have been in the wilderness of NH rugby. Hell. I hardly know any of the opposition. I suppose the same applies to them.
Give it some time. The cream will rise to the top.
Only the Lions had the pleasure of an easy game this past weekend.

But it's going to be great getting to know different teams and players

[OomStruisbaai]

I expect it to get harder in the next 3 rounds. Any log point will be valuable.

ROUND 2

1 October 2021
20:35 SAST | 18:35 GMT: Scarlets v Emirates Lions - Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli (Wales)

20:35 SAST | 18:35 GMT: Connacht v Vodacom Bulls - The Sportsground, Galway (Ireland)


2 October 2021
14:00 SAST | 12:00 GMT: Benetton v Edinburgh - Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Treviso (Italy)

16:00 SAST | 14:00 G: Glasgow v Cell C Sharks - Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow (Scotland)

18:15 SAST | 16:15 GMT: Zebre v Ulster - Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma (Italy)

20:35 SAST | 1835 GMT: Ospreys v Cardiff - Liberty Stadium, Swansea (Wales)

20:35 SAST | 18:35 GMT: Munster v DHL Stormers - Thomond Park, Limerick (Ireland)


3 October 2021
15:00 SAST | 13:00 GMT: Dragons v Leinster - Rodney Parade, Newport (Wales)

[Sards]

I expect it to get harder in the next 3 rounds. Any log point will be valuable.

ROUND 2

1 October 2021
20:35 SAST | 18:35 GMT: Scarlets v Emirates Lions - Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli (Wales)

20:35 SAST | 18:35 GMT: Connacht v Vodacom Bulls - The Sportsground, Galway (Ireland)


2 October 2021
14:00 SAST | 12:00 GMT: Benetton v Edinburgh - Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Treviso (Italy)

16:00 SAST | 14:00 G: Glasgow v Cell C Sharks - Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow (Scotland)

18:15 SAST | 16:15 GMT: Zebre v Ulster - Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma (Italy)

20:35 SAST | 1835 GMT: Ospreys v Cardiff - Liberty Stadium, Swansea (Wales)

20:35 SAST | 18:35 GMT: Munster v DHL Stormers - Thomond Park, Limerick (Ireland)


3 October 2021
15:00 SAST | 13:00 GMT: Dragons v Leinster - Rodney Parade, Newport (Wales)

Stormers will best Munster

[assfly]

That was a shitload of rugby on the weekend. Hard to balance family life with matches on Friday night, all day Saturday and Sunday night!

[Sards]

That was a shitload of rugby on the weekend. Hard to balance family life with matches on Friday night, all day Saturday and Sunday night!

Hear hear...
I think I only managed the boks the past weekend.

[OomStruisbaai]

That was a shitload of rugby on the weekend. Hard to balance family life with matches on Friday night, all day Saturday and Sunday night!

I try to watch all the SA teams and Man U. Saturday end up a vokken depressing day if I included Man U missing that penalty in extra time.

[Uncle fester]

That was a shitload of rugby on the weekend. Hard to balance family life with matches on Friday night, all day Saturday and Sunday night!

Great to have it back, isn't it.

[GrahamWa]

I expect it to get harder in the next 3 rounds. Any log point will be valuable.

ROUND 2

1 October 2021
20:35 SAST | 18:35 GMT: Scarlets v Emirates Lions - Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli (Wales)

20:35 SAST | 18:35 GMT: Connacht v Vodacom Bulls - The Sportsground, Galway (Ireland)


2 October 2021
14:00 SAST | 12:00 GMT: Benetton v Edinburgh - Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Treviso (Italy)

16:00 SAST | 14:00 G: Glasgow v Cell C Sharks - Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow (Scotland)

18:15 SAST | 16:15 GMT: Zebre v Ulster - Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma (Italy)

20:35 SAST | 1835 GMT: Ospreys v Cardiff - Liberty Stadium, Swansea (Wales)

20:35 SAST | 18:35 GMT: Munster v DHL Stormers - Thomond Park, Limerick (Ireland)


3 October 2021
15:00 SAST | 13:00 GMT: Dragons v Leinster - Rodney Parade, Newport (Wales)

We are still in British Summer Time until the end of October. Even though it's not very "summery" out there today.

[robmatic]

I expect it to get harder in the next 3 rounds. Any log point will be valuable.

ROUND 2

1 October 2021
20:35 SAST | 18:35 GMT: Scarlets v Emirates Lions - Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli (Wales)

20:35 SAST | 18:35 GMT: Connacht v Vodacom Bulls - The Sportsground, Galway (Ireland)


2 October 2021
14:00 SAST | 12:00 GMT: Benetton v Edinburgh - Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Treviso (Italy)

16:00 SAST | 14:00 G: Glasgow v Cell C Sharks - Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow (Scotland)

18:15 SAST | 16:15 GMT: Zebre v Ulster - Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma (Italy)

20:35 SAST | 1835 GMT: Ospreys v Cardiff - Liberty Stadium, Swansea (Wales)

20:35 SAST | 18:35 GMT: Munster v DHL Stormers - Thomond Park, Limerick (Ireland)


3 October 2021
15:00 SAST | 13:00 GMT: Dragons v Leinster - Rodney Parade, Newport (Wales)

Thomond Park will be tough for Stormers. I'd expect the others to be more even.

[fishfoodie]

The South African teams will also get to see another positive of the new comp; the greatly reduced travel.

The Bulls face a whole two hour drive from Dublin to Galway, this week ...

[FalseBayFC]

The South African teams will also get to see another positive of the new comp; the greatly reduced travel.

The Bulls face a whole two hour drive from Dublin to Galway, this week ...

I'd love to be there for a few Guinesses. My trips to Ireland have been the most enjoyable and exhausting travel experiences of my life. I was younger then and now I would take it a bit easier.

[SaintK]

The South African teams will also get to see another positive of the new comp; the greatly reduced travel.

The Bulls face a whole two hour drive from Dublin to Galway, this week ...

What's the weather forecast like for Friday night?

[FalseBayFC]

The South African teams will also get to see another positive of the new comp; the greatly reduced travel.

The Bulls face a whole two hour drive from Dublin to Galway, this week ...

What's the weather forecast like for Friday night?

Looks chilly, wet and windy. Our boys are going to have to learn to deal with that. Especially the front rowers. I've noticed that all the props and hookers who have spent time playing up North have come back as better players. I noticed in the Sharks - Munster match that the turf was being churned up, or maybe it was the Bulls match. Forget which. Its quite an art scrumming in those conditions. I played a season in Aberystwyth as a visiting student. The first couple of matches I really struggled with my footing in the front row.

[PCPhil]

The South African teams will also get to see another positive of the new comp; the greatly reduced travel.

The Bulls face a whole two hour drive from Dublin to Galway, this week ...

What's the weather forecast like for Friday night?

Anything more than 48 hours is a long term forecast ….. but it might rain, could be sunny, and a chance of wet or dry conditions.

[SaintK]

The South African teams will also get to see another positive of the new comp; the greatly reduced travel.

The Bulls face a whole two hour drive from Dublin to Galway, this week ...

What's the weather forecast like for Friday night?

Anything more than 48 hours is a long term forecast ….. but it might rain, could be sunny, and a chance of wet or dry conditions.

I was wondering more about the wind!

[OomStruisbaai]

Thomond Park will be tough for Stormers. I'd expect the others to be more even.

Yep Stormers will be lucky to keep it under 40.

[Uncle fester]

The South African teams will also get to see another positive of the new comp; the greatly reduced travel.

The Bulls face a whole two hour drive from Dublin to Galway, this week ...

By the time the saffer teams get home, they'll be after 4 rounds of getting kicked about the place.
I'm sure they'll look to return the favour in the run up to xmas before they come back for round 2 next year.

[OomStruisbaai]

The South African teams will also get to see another positive of the new comp; the greatly reduced travel.

The Bulls face a whole two hour drive from Dublin to Galway, this week ...

By the time the saffer teams get home, they'll be after 4 rounds of getting kicked about the place.
I'm sure they'll look to return the favour in the run up to xmas before they come back for round 2 next year.

I think they like this after been in locked down for so long.

[Sards]

The South African teams will also get to see another positive of the new comp; the greatly reduced travel.

The Bulls face a whole two hour drive from Dublin to Galway, this week ...

By the time the saffer teams get home, they'll be after 4 rounds of getting kicked about the place.
I'm sure they'll look to return the favour in the run up to xmas before they come back for round 2 next year.

I think they like this after been in locked down for so long.

Nah....just used to playing the same kak sides for a year

[OomStruisbaai]

By the time the saffer teams get home, they'll be after 4 rounds of getting kicked about the place.
I'm sure they'll look to return the favour in the run up to xmas before they come back for round 2 next year.

I think they like this after been in locked down for so long.

Nah....just used to playing the same kak sides for a year

Work opportunities. Getting a big contract from NH clubs.

[OomStruisbaai]

Connacht v Vodacom Bulls – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA
The Sportsground, Galway
Referee: Ben Blain (SRU, 11th league game)
AR 1: Paul Haycock (IRFU), AR 2: Andrew Cole (IRFU),
TMO: Andrew McMenemy (IRFU)
Live on: TG4, SuperSport & Premier Sports 1

Scarlets v Emirates Lions – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA
Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli
Referee: Andrea Piardi (FIR, 16th league game)
AR 1: Elgan Williams (WRU), AR 2: Tom Spurrier (WRU),
TMO: Stefano Penne (FIR)
Live on: BBC Wales, SuperSport & Premier Sports 2

SATURDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER
Benetton v Edinburgh – KO 13.00 IRE & UK / 14.00 ITA & SA
Stadio Comunable Di Monigo, Treviso
Referee: Craig Evans (WRU, 24th league game)
AR 1: Manuel Bottino (FIR), AR 2: Filippo Russo (FIR),
TMO: Jon Mason (WRU)
Live on: Mediaset & Premier Sports 1

Glasgow Warriors v Cell C Sharks – KO 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA & SA
Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow
Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU, 76th league game)
AR 1: Finlay Brown (SRU), AR 2: Dunx McClement (SRU),
TMO: Ian Davies (WRU)
Live on: Premier Sports 1 & SuperSport

Zebre v Ulster – KO 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA & SA
Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma
Referee: Sam Grove-White (SRU, 16th league game)
AR 1: Clara Munarini (FIR), AR 2: Luca Trentin (FIR),
TMO: Wayne Davies (WRU)
Live on: URC TV & Premier Sports 2

Ospreys v Cardiff – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA
Swansea.com Stadium, Swansea
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU, 4th league game)
AR 1: Ben Breakspear (WRU), AR 2: Jason Morris (WRU),
TMO: AJ Jacobs (SARU)
Live on: Premier Sports 1

Munster v DHL Stormers – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA
Thomond Park, Limerick
Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU, 68th league game)
AR 1: Oisin Quinn (IRFU), AR 2: Daniel Carson (IRFU),
TMO: Andrew McMenemy (SRU)
Live on: RTÉ 2 & Premier Sports 2

SUNDAY, 3 OCTOBER
Dragons v Leinster – KO 14.00 IRE & UK / 15.00 ITA & SA
Rodney Parade, Newport
Referee: AJ Jacobs (SARU, 4th league game)
AR 1: Aled Evans (WRU), AR 2: Jason Bessant (WRU),
TMO: Sean Brickell (WRU)
Live on: S4C, RTÉ 2 & Premier Sports 2

[fishfoodie]

The South African teams will also get to see another positive of the new comp; the greatly reduced travel.

The Bulls face a whole two hour drive from Dublin to Galway, this week ...

What's the weather forecast like for Friday night?

Anything more than 48 hours is a long term forecast ….. but it might rain, could be sunny, and a chance of wet or dry conditions.

Very true !

When I checked at the weekend, the forecast looked reasonable; today they're forecasting it'll be pissing rain all day, the temperature will be ~10C, & the wind will be somewhere between 15 & 30km/h.

It's not January weather yet; but the teams will get to test out their handling in the wet; & we'll see if the want to go with the; 'stick the ball up the jumper' tactic; or the 'hoof the ball away & hope for a knock-on', tactic

[OomStruisbaai]

Another black Saturday coming up.

[fishfoodie]

Another black Saturday coming up.

Glasgow against the Sharks could be a good contest; & Connacht v Bulls will be an arm wrestle too.

If the South African teams haven't got a substantially better PD this round than the last; I'll be very surprised.

[lemonhead]

Reckon Bulls may well take the spoils in Galway, can't call Lions game and expecting Stormers to be better in Thomond than last weekend.

Glasgow favourites unless Sharks win a lot more ball.

[fishfoodie]

Reckon Bulls may well take the spoils in Galway, can't call Lions game and expecting Stormers to be better in Thomond than last weekend.

Glasgow favourites unless Sharks win a lot more ball.

[Sards]

There is no expectation for me of any victory this weekend