So, Week 1 of the Heineken Cup is done and dusted, with some interesting results, what did you make of it, and even this early what conclusions can we draw?
In Pool 1 Saracens seem in good form with a pounding win, if they won all their home games they'd be on 17pts even with non bonus points, whilst for Edinburgh its hard to hold out much if any hope. Racing & Munster was very tight, but we'll find out more about where these two sit next week, are Racing that good, or are Munster now that bad?
In Pool 2 Leicester will be disappointed with how they caved in, and need something big next week. In what could be an attritional pool Toulouse could be in a very strong position next weekend
Quins big win gives them a strong footing in Pool 3 and with memories of their last trip to the west of Ireland I'm surely they'll be keen to vanquish that memory. It will be tough for Biarritz to get back into the contest now, and they'll need to go all out, which could set up some high scoring games.
Good wins for both Northampton & Ulster and it looks like the Round 3 & 4 matches will decide this one. Will that injury time mistake from Castres be enough to hand Ulster and advantage?
In Pool 5 Leinster may be in a spot of difficulty, just 4 points at home and no bonus point has handed the early advantage to Clermont, and I don't think anyone will underestimate Exeter again. But the chaps in blue aren't mutliple champions for nothing.
A bad weekend for Cardiff and have their hopes gone already? Toulon looked impressive and Wilkinson's kicking looked like something from 10 years ago, especially kicking to touch - maybe Gatland saw something that few else did?
What do you think of the programme so far?
posted on 16/10/12
i agree P3 is a foregone conclusion. That one is about who tops the pool and get a home semi
Not sure about 5. Scarlets on paper look impressive but rarely are in real life. could be Leinster fighting for a runner up place from that pool coming down to the final game against exeter on there ground with leinster looking for a try bonus point..... Mouth watering mmmmmm they have done it before mate!
Don't think it will be pool 1. Racing are lazy gits in this competition but teams still need to travel to paris to play them... and thats not gona be easy for any team. Sarries to top that pool despite losing in paris. Munster.... i fear are gona lose out.
So that leaves 2 Treviso are far better than they use to be. benifits of playing week in week out against the likes of leinster, munster et al. They may take a scalp or two!
Really difficult to call to be honest. i think this is a rare year where all pools are quite evenly balanced!
However im gona nail my guess on Pool 3 as you said and pool 4! The Saints and Ulster to move on. They both have opening 5 point wins to get them on there way. Should be pretty academic from here. Considering Glasgow Warriors and Castres Olympique(another lazy french team) dont look up to a whole lot.
posted on 18/10/12
I must say I'm always quite impressed with the French team names, lobbing in the odd "Stade", "Racing", "Olympique" does give them that certain je ne sais quoi
What's the latest on O'Gara, how long is he out for and will this be his final season?
posted on 20/10/12
Watching the Leinster v Scarlets game, the bloody commentator is dricving me F...........IN NUTS!
Both teams are plays awesome rugby really fast paced attacking etc etc. And the commentator is talking in a discovery channel voice about statistics! and emotive crap about "having to really win this game as they have blaa blaa blaa" He's not even watching the bloody game! Because both teams are doing great things, playing really well and hes not even talking about it. hes driving me crazy! THis is why i f.........................ing hate sky sports!
posted on 20/10/12
Ding
If that commentator drives you nuts, you should try watching rugby on BBC Alba. It's not on every week, but they often have live Magnres (sorry Rabo) League on a Friday night if Glasgow or Edinburgh are playing.
Next weekend they're showing both games at 7 o clock though the Saturday game might be "as live". You should give it a go. I can do a translation if you want.
BTW. It's on Sky, channel 168.
posted on 21/10/12
No mate, its the Heineken cup. exclusive on sky. I watch the Pro12 games on irish tv each weekend.
posted on 21/10/12
Ding
The HC is not as exclusive to Sky as you think
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcalba/programmes/genres/sport/rugbyunion/schedules/upcoming
Copy and paste that into your browser and get the details. Go on, try something new.
posted on 21/10/12
mate thats the pro 12 not the Heineken Cup. BBC alba is the Scottish regional version of bbc. so they have some of the pro12 games, as does bbc wales, and one of the italian tv companies, and also irish tv.
The Heineken cup is exclusive to sky sports only.
posted on 22/10/12
Ding
I bow to your superior knowledge
I also salute your indefatigability.
posted on 22/10/12
energizer bunny over here mate ..... but have to adnit... i needed too look that one up
posted on 24/10/12
So,
What are your thoughts after 2 weeks?
In Pool 1 Saracens have the bit between their teeth, but can Munster mount a comeback - I'd say Munster would need a win and a draw to edge past Sarries now, which will be tough, but not impossible
Pool 2 is fascinating, a walloping Leicester win has given them great hope and it could be anyone of three here, though I can't see more than one getting out of the Pool. Toulouse have the edge, but there may be doubts after they failed to get the BP at an improvign Treviso
Pool 3 looks pretty clear cut with Quins to win - and possibly go in as Number 1 seeds, Biarritz in second
In Pool 4 Ulster have edged ahead and like Pool 1 the next two games will decide this one, though Northampton look a little indifferent and Ravenhill in December will be very tough for the Saints
Pool 5 - like Pool 2 this is watching from behind the sofa material! Clermont have a strong edge and like Munster I think Leinster have to beat Clermont at home and get at least a draw away - a tough ask, but they're not back to back winners for nothing!
Pool 6 is the antithesis of Pools 2 & 5 - Toulon will win with a game to spare, and will probably go in seeded highly
So I reckon:
Pool 1 - Saracens, Munster (8)
Pool 2 - Toulouse (4)
Pool 3 - Harlequins (1), Biarritz (7)
Pool 4 - Ulster (3)
Pool 5 - Leinster (5)
Pool 6 - Toulon (2)
Wild speculation at this stage, but thats the fun of it!!!