Heineken Cup 2013
- Thread starter Bardon
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KevinO
Geoff Shaw (53)
Would swap Toulouse with Ulster and agree with you. Clermont are the team to beat, but still a long way to go.
KevinO
Geoff Shaw (53)
Looks like Ulster will be the only Irish team through to the knockout stages, will be a change from the last few years of Irish domination in Europe.
Bardon
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Ulster first team into the knock out stages with a 23-6 win against Glasgow. They still don't look like potential champions though as there's still some vulnerabilities on show. Paddy Jackson was poor and they went to sleep at the start of the 2nd half when a better team would have turn the game around against them. Still a win next week against Castre who are out now would set up a home Quarter Final and then Ulster at Raven Hill will be a team for everyone to avoid.
KevinO
Geoff Shaw (53)
It's surprising how tight the two highest runners up positions are, 5 out of 6 groups still had a team in contention before this round started.
Did watch Ulster last night, but seeing Nick Williams playing well surprises me,watched a few Ulster games this season. He was very poor back in the days he played for Munster and didn't look like he would ever really claim a starting place at a top side.
Did watch Ulster last night, but seeing Nick Williams playing well surprises me,watched a few Ulster games this season. He was very poor back in the days he played for Munster and didn't look like he would ever really claim a starting place at a top side.
Bardon
Peter Fenwicke (45)
The dog ate my homework sir (or in this case passport) has actually happen to Jason Tovey and now he'll miss playing in today's Toulon v Cardiff Blues HEC game.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-20990965
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-20990965
Bardon
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Very entertaining day in the HEC. Watched 3 games live.
First up was Harlequins 47 Connacht 8. Despite the onesided scoreline it was pretty entertaining. Connacht's weren't afraid to have a go and run the ball even when they were down to 12 players at one point. For 30 seconds of the game it was actually 14 against 12. Quins are showing signs this year that they are much better prepared to deliver at this level. They play an attractive attacking game that has them in a good position for a home quarter final. Still need to see how the cope with a higher quality side in a tight low scoring affair. But they'll fancy themselves against anyone in a high scoring open game.
Next it was Racing Metro 28 Saracens 37. Racing started at 100 miles an hour scoring 3 tries in quick succession. Saracens really found it hard to live with Imhoff out wide and it looked like Racing were on their way to a bonus point victory. But Farrell boot kept Saracens in touching distance and despite being completely out played then went in only 7 points behind at half time.
In the second half Racing collapsed. Sarries had everyone's favourite winger Chris Ashton sin-binned for striking but still managed to land a penalty and score a try within 2 minutes of the restart to give Sarries a 3 point lead. Racing got back level with a penalty of their own. But the number of scrum penalties combined with Hernandez having a melt down at fly half meant Sarries were able to ease away from the hosts. The final insult being a final penalty at the death from Farrell to deny them a losing bonus point. At one point during commentary they described Hernandez as being at one time the best full back in the world and now being the most over rated fly half in the world. On his showing today it was hard to argue with that assessment.
Sarries are looking really strong and have a mental toughness that's been missing from the English club sides in recent years. It's very interesting to contrast their rise with that on Quins on the European stage, with Sarries emulating Munster of old by building on a strong pack and grinding out their results. They have a very accurate flyhalf who will keep the scoreboard ticking over. On the other hand Quins are similar to Leinster in that the skills are clearly their for them to score lots of tries especially if the opposition try to play an open game. But their are doubts about the mental toughness especially if their pack is physically dominated. It took Leinster a number of years to turn obvious potential into actual success at HEC level and it may be the same for Quins.
The last game I watched was Leinster 33 Scarlets 14. Leinster up to today had only scored 1 try in this years HEC and they need a bonus point win to retain a slim hope of making the knock out stages. With both Luke Fitzgerald and Rob Kearney back in the starting team after long layoff they looked a lot sharper then in their previous 4 pool games. Their first 2 tries came through the forwards with Healy and Jennings going over and by half time they had 3 of the 4 needed after Fitzgerald also went over. Leinster ended up with 5 tries but it could have easily been a lot more if they were a little more clinical. Kearney got the 4th crucial try.
Brian O'Driscoill returned to the team from the bench and looked sharp creating a few breaks with his footwork and offloads. Ian Maddigan, who I feel is under rated went over for Leinster's 5th try. One of the most impressive performances was from Rhys Ruddock who was a late replacement for Sean O'Brien who had to withdraw from the starting line up due to illness. Rhys has been at Leinster for a few years now and had looked very promising but has found it hard to get game time at HEC level due to the amount of back row talent at the provence.
Although mathematically Leinster still have a slim chance of sneaking into the quarter finals, if other results go their way, they would be in a much better position if their return to form happened one round earlier.
In the other results that I didn't watch, RaboDirect Champions Cardiff Blues continue to disappoint at this level losing 45-25 to Toulon. Clermont continued their impressive form and extended their amazing home record with a 46-3 win against Exeter and whipping boy Zebre got thumped at home 32-6 by Biarrtz.
This year, for me anyway, is the hardest is a while to pick the eventual winners. There are so many teams impressing in their pools, obviously home draw in the Quarter Finals will be key and those with serious designs on going all the way will tie those up next weekend. The HEC is rather reflect of the November internationals with the French looking the most impressive overall. The English are a mixed bag with the highs being seriously impressive. The Irish being down against expectations but with some bright sparks. The Welsh being very disappointing while the Scots fail to raise their game like they did last year. The Italians continue to be under dogs but when they're up for it they can give a higher rated team a bloody nose.
Although it's unlikely my team will make the knock out stages I'm really looking forward to seeing what match ups the knock out stages gives us. I think at least 6 of the 8 Quarter Finalist will believe they have a genuine chance of winning the whole thing.
First up was Harlequins 47 Connacht 8. Despite the onesided scoreline it was pretty entertaining. Connacht's weren't afraid to have a go and run the ball even when they were down to 12 players at one point. For 30 seconds of the game it was actually 14 against 12. Quins are showing signs this year that they are much better prepared to deliver at this level. They play an attractive attacking game that has them in a good position for a home quarter final. Still need to see how the cope with a higher quality side in a tight low scoring affair. But they'll fancy themselves against anyone in a high scoring open game.
Next it was Racing Metro 28 Saracens 37. Racing started at 100 miles an hour scoring 3 tries in quick succession. Saracens really found it hard to live with Imhoff out wide and it looked like Racing were on their way to a bonus point victory. But Farrell boot kept Saracens in touching distance and despite being completely out played then went in only 7 points behind at half time.
In the second half Racing collapsed. Sarries had everyone's favourite winger Chris Ashton sin-binned for striking but still managed to land a penalty and score a try within 2 minutes of the restart to give Sarries a 3 point lead. Racing got back level with a penalty of their own. But the number of scrum penalties combined with Hernandez having a melt down at fly half meant Sarries were able to ease away from the hosts. The final insult being a final penalty at the death from Farrell to deny them a losing bonus point. At one point during commentary they described Hernandez as being at one time the best full back in the world and now being the most over rated fly half in the world. On his showing today it was hard to argue with that assessment.
Sarries are looking really strong and have a mental toughness that's been missing from the English club sides in recent years. It's very interesting to contrast their rise with that on Quins on the European stage, with Sarries emulating Munster of old by building on a strong pack and grinding out their results. They have a very accurate flyhalf who will keep the scoreboard ticking over. On the other hand Quins are similar to Leinster in that the skills are clearly their for them to score lots of tries especially if the opposition try to play an open game. But their are doubts about the mental toughness especially if their pack is physically dominated. It took Leinster a number of years to turn obvious potential into actual success at HEC level and it may be the same for Quins.
The last game I watched was Leinster 33 Scarlets 14. Leinster up to today had only scored 1 try in this years HEC and they need a bonus point win to retain a slim hope of making the knock out stages. With both Luke Fitzgerald and Rob Kearney back in the starting team after long layoff they looked a lot sharper then in their previous 4 pool games. Their first 2 tries came through the forwards with Healy and Jennings going over and by half time they had 3 of the 4 needed after Fitzgerald also went over. Leinster ended up with 5 tries but it could have easily been a lot more if they were a little more clinical. Kearney got the 4th crucial try.
Brian O'Driscoill returned to the team from the bench and looked sharp creating a few breaks with his footwork and offloads. Ian Maddigan, who I feel is under rated went over for Leinster's 5th try. One of the most impressive performances was from Rhys Ruddock who was a late replacement for Sean O'Brien who had to withdraw from the starting line up due to illness. Rhys has been at Leinster for a few years now and had looked very promising but has found it hard to get game time at HEC level due to the amount of back row talent at the provence.
Although mathematically Leinster still have a slim chance of sneaking into the quarter finals, if other results go their way, they would be in a much better position if their return to form happened one round earlier.
In the other results that I didn't watch, RaboDirect Champions Cardiff Blues continue to disappoint at this level losing 45-25 to Toulon. Clermont continued their impressive form and extended their amazing home record with a 46-3 win against Exeter and whipping boy Zebre got thumped at home 32-6 by Biarrtz.
This year, for me anyway, is the hardest is a while to pick the eventual winners. There are so many teams impressing in their pools, obviously home draw in the Quarter Finals will be key and those with serious designs on going all the way will tie those up next weekend. The HEC is rather reflect of the November internationals with the French looking the most impressive overall. The English are a mixed bag with the highs being seriously impressive. The Irish being down against expectations but with some bright sparks. The Welsh being very disappointing while the Scots fail to raise their game like they did last year. The Italians continue to be under dogs but when they're up for it they can give a higher rated team a bloody nose.
Although it's unlikely my team will make the knock out stages I'm really looking forward to seeing what match ups the knock out stages gives us. I think at least 6 of the 8 Quarter Finalist will believe they have a genuine chance of winning the whole thing.
KevinO
Geoff Shaw (53)
Big game for Munster tonight, results have gone there way so far this weekend. A bonus point win is going to be needed and than a win at home against racing next weekend.
Hope Ospreys can do them a favor tonight. Pool 2 is tight and could end up having a epic final day clash to qualify next weekend. Toulouse vs Leicester next weekend.
Hope Ospreys can do them a favor tonight. Pool 2 is tight and could end up having a epic final day clash to qualify next weekend. Toulouse vs Leicester next weekend.
Dan54
David Wilson (68)
Enjoyed the Leinster game Bardon, quite a few good players in that team, I like the way Leo Cullen plays as captain and lock.
Sarries got a pretty good line up, certainly a bit pedestrian at times and could do with a bit of imagination on attack, but they certainly ground Racing down, who looked like running away with it early.
Sarries got a pretty good line up, certainly a bit pedestrian at times and could do with a bit of imagination on attack, but they certainly ground Racing down, who looked like running away with it early.
kronic
John Solomon (38)
The above didn't eventuate, insomnia.
What the 1/4s look like, based on current standings:
1. Harlequins (Q) (P5, 24pts)
2. Toulon (q) (P5, 23 pts)
3. Clermont Auvergne (Q) (P5, 23pts)
4. Ulster (Q) (P5, 19pts)
5. Toulouse (P5, 18pts)
6. Saracens (P5, 18pts)
+++++++++++++++++++
7. Montpellier (P5, 18pts)
8. Leicester (P5, 16pts)
What the 1/4s look like, based on current standings:
1. Harlequins (Q) (P5, 24pts)
2. Toulon (q) (P5, 23 pts)
3. Clermont Auvergne (Q) (P5, 23pts)
4. Ulster (Q) (P5, 19pts)
5. Toulouse (P5, 18pts)
6. Saracens (P5, 18pts)
+++++++++++++++++++
7. Montpellier (P5, 18pts)
8. Leicester (P5, 16pts)
KevinO
Geoff Shaw (53)
Fixtures for the final round:
Biarritz v Harlequins
Connacht v Zebre,
Castres v Ulster
Glasgow v Northampton
Cardiff Blues v Sale,
Montpellier v Toulon
Exeter v Leinster
Scarlets v Clermont Auvergne
Munster v Racing Metro 92
Saracens v Edinburgh
Leicester v Toulouse
Treviso v Ospreys
Teams in bold have a chance at a runner up spot, the bold underlined games are to decide who qualify's top of the group still.
Stayed up and watched the Munster game last night, they where dreadful. They have there tactics all wrong and didn't even look like getting the 4 try's they really needed against a poor Edinburgh side.
Biarritz v Harlequins
Connacht v Zebre,
Castres v Ulster
Glasgow v Northampton
Cardiff Blues v Sale,
Montpellier v Toulon
Exeter v Leinster
Scarlets v Clermont Auvergne
Munster v Racing Metro 92
Saracens v Edinburgh
Leicester v Toulouse
Treviso v Ospreys
Teams in bold have a chance at a runner up spot, the bold underlined games are to decide who qualify's top of the group still.
Stayed up and watched the Munster game last night, they where dreadful. They have there tactics all wrong and didn't even look like getting the 4 try's they really needed against a poor Edinburgh side.
Italophile
Alfred Walker (16)
Tigers got out of jail big time. I don't know how many points Biggar left out there - hit the woodwork three times, missed another two completely. That, and a bit of Ben Youngs magic saved Tigers' backsides. Next week should be fascinating. Toulouse are looking very scratchy, Tigers at home.
Italophile
Alfred Walker (16)
I think so. Snide little effort it was, too.
the plastic paddy
John Solomon (38)
According to a poll I started on Munsterfans that would be very popular with the fans; 77% wanted Keatley to start the Edinburgh game. Cox is an absolute tool but ROG's action was that of a petulant kid, unfortunately ROG could be tarnishing his reputation if he carries on too much longer. Still haven't heard about any citing though.
the plastic paddy
John Solomon (38)
ROG cited and Estebanez for hitting Strettle. Personally I would rather Penney had not had his hand forced by the citing commissioner but I am pleased that Keatley will be starting and young JJ Hanrahan, one of the nominees for U20 player of the year, will be on the bench. I still fancy us to get the 4 try BP, especially if Estebanez is out for Racing which I think he will be. So we need Toulouse to beat leicester and Toulon to beat Montpellier with Munster and Leinster to get TBPs, easy!?!
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