Rugby Union 2010

[Charlie Darwin]

I think Leinster will revel in being the underdogs, but I think it's vital that Sexton makes it. Whatever of Sexton's erratic form, I wouldn't trust Berne to hit the target from 10m in front of the posts.

[OneRedArmy]

From an Irish perspective the most worrying thing was seeing Cian Healy being taken to the cleaners in the scrum yet again.

Interesting mumurs too that O'Driscoll was the difference in locking the Munster scrum. Almost impossible to prove of course, but the consistent shove showed Tomas O'Leary in a completely different light. Given space his slow pass was irrelevant and his running, offloading and decision-making skills came to the fore. He, along with O'Gara, was simply brilliant.

I'd favour Munster in the semis, Leinster have a fighting chance with Sexton and Kearney in, and no chance with them out IMO.

[joeSoap]

Munster 22-17 Toulouse. Me hopes.

[hula4]

you that confident of both Munster and Toulouse winning this weekend paul?

[joeSoap]

Sextons absence from the Leinster team is a far greater loss than that of O'Connell to Munster. I have a sneaky feeling that Sexton will play, but if he doesn't then its definitely goodnight to them. If he's not playing then McFadden will have to be accommodated, probably to the detriment of Shane Horgan or Nacewa and that will seriously upset the balance. Otherwise they play the game without a place kicker. Either way I think they're screwed.

O'Connell is not that big a loss. O'Driscoll is a better tight player than him and offers more power in the scrum. Neither scrum or lineout should suffer as a result of his absence so its his leadership and defence (which are unreal) that will be missed. But this is now Munster time...semi-final away from home...and I fancy them to sneak it by about 5.

Predictions:

Munster 26-21 Biarritz
Toulouse 31-13 Leinster.

[hula4]

I wouldnt be too worried about Cheika having to accomdate McFadden because Horgan and Nacewa were shocking in the Clermont game, as a matter of fact I really dont rate Nacewa at all, but I do agree that Sexton playing is crucial to Leinsters chances.

As for Munster, Traille being out is a massive boost and im not one for advocating foul play but Harinordoquy's injury will have to be "tested" as early as possible. BO are still a very good side and a home semi final is worth a few points especially if its typically Spanish weather. My heart says Munster, there is something in my gut that tells me they will do it as well, based on no logic whatsoever so fingers, toes, everything crossed

[joeSoap]

im not one for advocating foul play but Harinordoquy's injury will have to be "tested" as early as possible.

You don't honestly think that the likes of Alan Quinlan or Donncha O'Callaghan would deliberately try and hit a guy in the face that has a broken nose and damaged cheek do you?? Thats shocking!!

[Aberdonian Stu]

Like the Kobra Kai said, Sweep the Leg, Sweep the Leg.

[hula4]

You don't honestly think that the likes of Alan Quinlan or Donncha O'Callaghan would deliberately try and hit a guy in the face that has a broken nose and damaged cheek do you?? Thats shocking!!

of course not, i was thinking maybe james coughlan or wally might run over him, they would never expect that!!

[Schumi]

You don't honestly think that the likes of Alan Quinlan or Donncha O'Callaghan would deliberately try and hit a guy in the face that has a broken nose and damaged cheek do you?? Thats shocking!!

Completely out of character.

[paul_oshea]

anyone know where i could get the connacht game online?

[ifk101]

anyone know where i could get the connacht game online?

http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?ma...9&part=sports#

If you don't have it, download sopcast. Chap on the forum of that site says he'll be showing it on channel sop://broker.sopcast.com:3912/94325 if the above links don't work. Are you shouting for the Connacht or Toulon?

[endabob1]

Bay days at the office for all 3 provinces; Thought Leinster were comprehensively out played. Proves the old adage, forwards win games backs decide by how much.

[joeSoap]

In fairness to Leinster they were always chasing the game, on the back foot and without their decision maker and kicker. Munster were simply diabolical. The absolutely moronic penalties conceded by Flannery (shades of Paris) and Warwick (being too fancy) killed Munster. They didn't get into the Biarritz 22 once on the second half and some of O'Garas tactical kicking and O'Driscolls line out calls were brutal. You reap what you sow in this game, and Munster sowed very little.

[Charlie Darwin]

Biarritz were there for the taking. Toulouse should stroll past them in Paris.

You've have to despair about Munster in the immediate future, even with O'Connell in line to return. They just don't seem to be going anywhere.

[joeSoap]

Biarritz were there for the taking. Toulouse should stroll past them in Paris.

You've have to despair about Munster in the immediate future, even with O'Connell in line to return. They just don't seem to be going anywhere.

I don't agree with you that Toulouse will stroll past Biarritz. Finals are seldom one sided and these boys will know each other inside out. If Traille is back for Biarritz and Harinordiquay fully fit they will put it up to Toulouse.

I do agree with you on the Munster situation sadly. Too many of them now on the wrong side of 30 that will be retiring at the one time. I also don't particularly rate McGahan as a coach. He has made some very strange tactical calls this season. There is emerging talent, but sadly not in the key areas we need it... Thomond Park could easily become a white elephant for a while.

[Aberdonian Stu]

Well the final is going to be influenced by a few factors. The two that jump out to me are Toulouse's involvement in the Top 14 playoffs and Biarritz (correct me if I'm wrong) needing to win this to make next year's Heineken Cup.

[Schumi]

Biarritz (correct me if I'm wrong) needing to win this to make next year's Heineken Cup.

Toulon winning the Challenge Cup would do the job for Biarritz too. They won't want to rely on that though, especially as Toulon will likely be looking ahead to theb Top 14 final the next week.

[Charlie Darwin]

Girvin Dempsey will retire at season's end:

http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/rug...269777066.html

[Aberdonian Stu]

Toulon winning the Challenge Cup would do the job for Biarritz too. They won't want to rely on that though, especially as Toulon will likely be looking ahead to theb Top 14 final the next week.

Interesting, also Cardiff seem to be focussing more on the Challenge Cup than the Magners League run-in, or at least that was what it sounded like around the end of the group phase.