May as well start a new thread I think.
Ireland squad announced: http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/rug...287908800.html
At last the woeful Tony Buckles has been dispensed with. Hopefully Ross is given a chance.
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May as well start a new thread I think.
Ireland squad announced: http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/rug...287908800.html
At last the woeful Tony Buckles has been dispensed with. Hopefully Ross is given a chance.
Surprised Tomas O'Leary was left out. If Ross gets a chance and Flannery can get fit we may have a chance. Our chances in the tournament are based on how competitive our front row can be. I think it could be a competitive group this year with 4 wins probably being enough to win it.
Ross has to be first choice tighthead - if the thinking is that he's limited in the loose, compare the peno count of Buckley or Hayes at scrum time. Cullen should be in the second row with O'Connell for the same reasoning - sort out the set pieces and a lot of the rest looks after itself.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr A
Bit surprised at O'Leary missing - you'd think it's because of lack of game time, but then he picks Flannery...
Agree about Cullen, can't understand why he isn't in the squad.
Cullen is in the squad. Whether he gets into the matchday squad is another matter.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr A
In O'Leary's case, and possible Buckley's too, I think it's a motivational tactic. There are only two scrum halfs (usually 3 are chosen) and four props (typically 5 are chosen) in the squad.Quote:
Originally Posted by Macy
Disappointed McFadden was only picked for the Wolfhounds and Carr was omitted entirely.
doesn't seem to be a Heineken Cup thread so I'll post that Leinster have qualified for a home QF after an away win against Racing Metro in Paris.
Leinster look seriously impressive. Just hoping Ulster don't get them in the quarters!
I don't think they can? Aren't teams from the same country kept apart until the semi-finals?Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr A
No the quarters are seeded, if Leinster are seeded 2 and Ulster are seeded 7 they will meet in the quarters, probably in the Pallindrome.
Euro draws:
Heineken Cup quarter-final draw:
(Ties to be played 8-10 April.)
Northampton v ULSTER
LEINSTER v Leicester
Perpignan v Toulon
Biarritz v Toulouse
Heineken Cup semi-finals:
(Ties to be played 30 April/1 May.)
LEINSTER/Leicester v Biarritz/Toulouse
Northampton/ULSTER v Perpignan v Toulon
Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-final draw:
(Ties to be played 8-10 April.)
Stade Francais v Montpellier
Brive v MUNSTER
La Rochelle v Clermont
Harlequins v Wasps
Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final draw:
(Ties to be played 30 April/1 May.)
Stade Francais/Montpellier v La Rochelle/Clermont Auvergne
Brive/MUNSTER v Harlequins/Wasps
How long before someone corrects the thread title?
Leinster now 2/1 favorites with Paddy Power. If Ulster can somehow win away in Northampton, then they (like Leinster) will be home for the SF. Two matches at the Aviva seems a possibility. If Munster reach the final of the Amlin, and its a long shot, but there could be 3 Irish teams in Cardiff under such a scenario.
This would also mean that Connacht would enter next years Heineken Cup for the first time. Good for Irish rugby we'll all agree. Go on Ulster!
It's if Munster win the Amlin that all four provinces qualify for the European Cup, as far as I'm aware. If Munster can be arsed, they'd be in with a shout anyway.
Or if Ulster or Leinster win the Heineken Cup.Quote:
Originally Posted by Macy
Really ??Quote:
Originally Posted by Schumi
Irish teams have won the HC 4 times in the past but Connacht haven't been in the HC yet. Have the rules changed ?
I would have said Munster don't have a chance of winning the Amlin before the weekend, but the draw has worked out really well. Brive look fairly beatable, they are in the bottom 2 in the top 14 and a home draw then makes them favourites to get though in the bottom section.
New rule from last year afaik.Quote:
Originally Posted by Real ale Madrid
I think that only applies to English / French teams. The only way Connacht have of getting into HC is Munster winning the Amlin.Quote:
Originally Posted by Schumi
Not according to this.Quote:
Originally Posted by Real ale Madrid
Can Leinster use the Aviva for the semi?
I was told they cant cos they used it as a home venue in the group stages
Have I been told a load a ****e or is it true