Rugby Union 2008

**joeSoap** · 06/10/2008, 2:15 PM

Originally Posted by Aberdonian Stu

Nacewa is the starting out half while fit, he's currently recovering from a little matter of a broken arm.

This 'progress' as you put it was pointed out in the earlier post I made. He's made two knockout phases of the Heineken Cup and won one Magner's League in 3 years, that's a substantial step forward and far more consistent performance than his predecessors.

Nacewa is by no means guaranteed to be the starting Out Half when fit. Cheika has always alluded to that, and even if he is I don't believe he is the answer to the problems in that area. Either way, he's out til at least December, so it's immaterial.

While winning the Magners League last season was an achievement, the gap between Magners and Heineken is huge when you take into perspective what you need to do to win it. Leinster are still a million miles away from that level imo.

In three seasons in charge, Leinster have won three away games in the Heineken Cup, none at all last season, and the mighty Glasgow and Agen were two of those victories. It would be criminal if a side with Leinsters individual talents and money invested don't make the knock-out stages every season. This season, they'll struggle to get any kind of away victory as they go to Wasps, Edinburgh and Castres. These are teams they will beat at home, but their lack of leadership on the pitch, which was very evident last night, will cost them dearly away, and ruin their chances of qualifying.

I hope I'm wrong, but don't think so. Cheika is coming to the end of his cycle as a coach at Leinster. It's hard to re-invent yourself from within. 3-4 seasons in charge at any one team is pushing it. We saw how the national side became predictable and tired looking after 4 of Eddie's six seasons. Even Munster broke their ties with Kidney for a period, and I think thats why Connacht aren't progressing as they might also, although money is a big problem there.

**Jofspring** · 10/10/2008, 12:00 PM

HEINEKEN CUP kicking off tonight in "Thomond Park Stadium" as it now likes to be called, can't wait, Off to a good start for Munster with a Bonus point win tonight i hope, tries from earls, tipoki and two from the forwards

**pete** · 10/10/2008, 12:20 PM

Difficult game for Leinster as I believe Edinburgh are a bogey side for them.

Munster should get easy 4 points if not 5.

Don't give Ulster any hope against Stade Francais who have won 7 out of 7 in France. Will they wear their new jersey?

**joeSoap** · 13/10/2008, 10:32 AM

Leinster surprised me. I still stand over my statement that they are weak at 10, and will never give you a totally dedicated 80 minutes, but they looked like the Leinster of old for 20 minutes on Saturday, and in those 20 minutes they clinically put Edinburgh to bed. O'Driscoll was awesome, and having Fitzgerald beside him at centre has helped his game no end. Thats the future centre partnership for Leinster, Ireland and maybe even the Lions next summer I reckon. Rocky Elsom is a big big player and he proved his worth on Saturday. What I was most impressed with was the way they killed the game while Dr. Phil was in the bin. O'Driscoll was the one responsible and great credit is due to him for this.

Munster were a disaster. They can blame the conditions, blame the French tactics, they can blame what they want...they were putrid. O'Gara seemed to have his mind on his book signings in Easons the following day, and all Munster seemed pre-occupied with was running in 4 tries for the bonus. Thay're in big trouble next weekend in Sale if they repeat this type of performance, big names or no big names.

Connacht produced an amazing result in France, totally overwhelming Dax. Hats off to Bradley and all involved there, and hopefully it will spur them on to finish ahead of Ulster in the Magners so they can play Heineken next year. Ulster are shocking...nothing short of a disgrace. Enough said.

**Macy** · 13/10/2008, 11:22 AM

Originally Posted by joeSoap

What I was most impressed with was the way they killed the game while Dr. Phil was in the bin. O'Driscoll was the one responsible and great credit is due to him for this.

And you couldn't possibly give credit to the current captain...

**pete** · 13/10/2008, 12:12 PM

Not having a pop at Leinster but I think the scoreline flattered them due to breakaway tries. That said Edinburgh are a serious bogey team for them & it was 5 good points for them.

Munster played terrible but still won. Will be a very difficult group after Sale getting bonus point in France. Likely only 1 team out from that group now.

The new seeding system does not seem to have worked as has lead to Glasgow & Newport (2 of the worse Celtic teams) alongside Toulouse & Bath which almost assures two teams qualifying from that group.

**Dodge** · 13/10/2008, 12:22 PM

Originally Posted by pete

Not having a pop at Leinster but I think the scoreline flattered them due to breakaway tries. That said Edinburgh are a serious bogey team for them & it was 5 good points for them.

Well the game was won so they didn't have to play any better. Nothing wrong with that

**Macy** · 13/10/2008, 12:23 PM

A bonus point win is a bonus point win, but still far to early to really judge. The Leinster result is the type they should be getting.

Sale's form nearly as much a concern for Munster as their own at this stage.

**joeSoap** · 14/10/2008, 9:59 AM

Originally Posted by Macy

And you couldn't possibly give credit to the current captain...

Not sure what you mean by that.

I credit O'Driscoll for it because he was the one calling the shots from what I saw on television, he was the one who had to tell the current captain to go down and feign injury to run down the clock, and his defence was awesome. His experience finally came to the fore is all I'm saying.

**Macy** · 14/10/2008, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by joeSoap

Not sure what you mean by that.

I credit O'Driscoll for it because he was the one calling the shots from what I saw on television, he was the one who had to tell the current captain to go down and feign injury to run down the clock, and his defence was awesome. His experience finally came to the fore is all I'm saying.

I thought it was the hatred of all things Leo Cullen. Apologies...

**joeSoap** · 14/10/2008, 10:25 AM

No...not at all....but now that you mention it...

**joeSoap** · 16/10/2008, 2:13 PM

Sale 23-18 Munster.

Leinster 30-9 Wasps.

Harlequins 35-6 Ulster

Connacht 12-25 London Irish

I'm predicting a bleak weekend for Irish sides with the exception of Leinster. Munster have been winning games in a flattering style lately, and I believe they won't get away with this on Saturday. Sale have the bit between their teeth, are in decent form as last weeks result proves, and there is the revenge factor. I hope I'm wrong, particularly as I've slated the English Premiership lately, but I have a sneaky feeling for Sale.

Leinster should be able to develop upon lat weeks morale booster, and Wasps won't like coming to the RDS. I predict a comprehensive Leinster victory.

Ulster are pure muck and I'm not gonna even try and talk about them.

Connacht face their biggest test yet. This London Irish team nearly got to the Heineken Final last year and are playing good rugby at home this season. If they re-produce that into their away form, I cant see them beaten by Connacht.

**ifk101** · 19/10/2008, 2:19 PM

Hats off to Munster today.

**tetsujin1979** · 19/10/2008, 4:43 PM

Munster came back and showed character when they needed it, O'Gara was robbed for the penalty that hit the top of the post.
When Sale drew level, I genuinely feared the worst. They were in the ascendancy, had far more territory and possession, but Munster did what Munster do, dug in, started winning the ball and building from a strong forward line. Mafi being sent to the sin bin could have spelt disaster, a fantastic interception late on to regain possession meant the game finished with a deserved win.
Auvergne away will be another test, in what is already a tight group. For me, the bonus point loss in France last year was one of the defining moments of the competition, another result like that and I wouldn't complain.

**shakermaker1982** · 19/10/2008, 7:17 PM

two awesome performances by Leinster and Munster this weekend. Both games were edge of the seat encounters. Things are looking up for our national side if these guys can keep the momentum going.

**hula4** · 19/10/2008, 8:56 PM

i have to say that it struck me today that munster never really had to get out of third gear. they dominated 75% at least of the game

i know sale had their 15 minutes after half time but every team gets their spells. after that munster rallied very well and closed the game out

i thought it was a throughly competant performance and they were by far the better side.

nice to see a bit of a return to the old boot, bollock and bite. im all for running rugby but last week they tried running without ever really having "fronted up" first. as the old adage goes forwards win games, backs by how much

**joeSoap** · 21/10/2008, 2:17 PM

Originally Posted by joeSoap

Sale 23-18 Munster.

Leinster 30-9 Wasps.

Harlequins 35-6 Ulster

Connacht 12-25 London Irish

I'm predicting a bleak weekend for Irish sides with the exception of Leinster. Munster have been winning games in a flattering style lately, and I believe they won't get away with this on Saturday. Sale have the bit between their teeth, are in decent form as last weeks result proves, and there is the revenge factor. I hope I'm wrong, particularly as I've slated the English Premiership lately, but I have a sneaky feeling for Sale.

Leinster should be able to develop upon lat weeks morale booster, and Wasps won't like coming to the RDS. I predict a comprehensive Leinster victory.

Ulster are pure muck and I'm not gonna even try and talk about them.

Connacht face their biggest test yet. This London Irish team nearly got to the Heineken Final last year and are playing good rugby at home this season. If they re-produce that into their away form, I cant see them beaten by Connacht.

3 out of 4 ain't too bad, and boy am I glad to be wrong with the Munster prediction. That was one of the most physical games I have seen in a long long time. Super battling performance.

**pete** · 21/10/2008, 3:37 PM

Sale v Munster was the best game of the weekend as I felt both teams had their periods & overall standard was very high & very physical.

**Dodge** · 21/10/2008, 7:48 PM

Originally Posted by pete

Sale v Munster was the best game of the weekend as I felt both teams had their periods & overall standard was very high & very physical.

Bunch of girls

**joeSoap** · 04/11/2008, 9:09 AM

Autumn Internationals start at the weekend with Thomond Park hosting Ireland v Canada. Should be a rout.

Congratulations to Keith Earls, who will make his debut at full-back in this game, should he stay injury free between now and Saturday. (Or so I have been reliably informed).