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The big problem with a soccer style league is that there will be a lot of clubs out of the running early on for finals spots, the longer the season goes on the more meaningless games there are as relegation isn't a factor. Conference systems and playoffs help keep these games to an absolute minimum.

The main issue in Europe is that the English sold a TV deal to a competition they don't own to sell, they've solved the qualification issues but its the TV deals that are causing the problems. I'm sure the money hungry PRL will only be too happy to jump in bed with anyone with a big wallet but I...

I think AIG are pushing it from what I've read, it would make the logistics a but more difficult but the novelty factor alone would make interesting viewing.

Interesting that the US want a pseudo national to compete which has NZ backing (for arguments sake the Eagles), whilst the Australians are favouring a link up with Japan/East Asia (Emperors). Could we see conferences along the lines of: Tahs, Reds, Brumbies, Force, Rebels, Emperors Blues...

This years Super 15 stock in Lovell Rugby is being flogged: http://www.lovell-rugby.co.uk/shop/League/Super-15#page=all Mostly Brumbies, Rebels and Tahs gear available, good value as the postage to Aus is usually around $10. Edit: Brumbies gear isn't half price yet, but once they win/go...

I think the question on everybody's lips is did Link wear a red tie again?

Some speculation in the Australian that To'omua could be lined up to play 15 and defend at 10, obviously journalists have to fill column inches but that was one of the stranger suggestions that I've heard for the Wallaby line up. If Link doesn't pick Mogg or Izzy at 15 I think he'll lose a lot of...

I could not like this enough. ARU get round to his house now, lock the doors and don't let him eat or sleep till you have his signature inked in, also bring your netbank log in details Izzy will need those too.

He isn't listed in the starting XV, but I can't find the full 22 anywhere so maybe he is in line to come off the bench

Not sure where to put this, but if your a Bulls, Ponies, Crusaders or Chiefs fan this should be on your radar (if it goes ahead) http://balls.ie/news/match-between-heineken-cup-and-super-xv-winners/

Crowds can get into the game without booing, go to an Ireland England game in Landsdowne Road you'll hear plenty of noise and very little booing (usually just reserved for when Chris Aston swallow dives). If the fans boo everytime McCaw gets away with something it probably translates to the...

He is the one player that the WRU should pull out the stops for to keep in Wales. Always gives 110% for Cardiff and is probably the most marketable player left in Wales to try and get some punters through the gates.

Probably more a cultural thing, the French love to chant and cheer as their kicker lines up a goal whilst us Irish prefer to stay deathly silent. In Wales and England it depends which team your playing some crowds boo others don't. What I have noticed in the NH is that it is reenforced at every...

Scarlets are probably the best Welsh team but got an absolute stinker of a draw. Ospreys are next in line but they've got a tough draw and will probably travel to the RDS needing to win in their last game, also their away form has been woeful for a number of years I don't think they've won away...

Leicesters two record defeats in the Heino have both been in Belfast, the memory of seeing Paddy Wallace dumping Tom Croft into touch will stay with me for a long time. Stephen Ferris is a huge loss for Ulster but I'd be confident enough that they can navigate this one, I wouldn't under estimate...

McFadden looked like he was being lined up as Leinsters long term 12 around the end of 2011/start of 2012, then injury struck the Leinster back line and he was required on the wing. A similar thing happened last year as well, if Leinster can keep their outside backs injury free I think we'll see...

Caution: Missing Link just discovered

I think its crucial that Link gives all squad members a clean slate, that means at the very least these two blokes should be in any training party. Right now however I'd struggle to find a space for either of them in the 15 unless a utility back was required on the bench. As big headed pricks as...

Although Earls has played probably about 60% of his Munster career in the centre I still think his best position is 15 or 11. Thats when he has looked most dangerous on the international stage and has scored some crucial tries for Ireland there. Still not convinced he has the awareness to play...

Robbie Deans, wins 60% of the time, every time