Friday, June 19, 2015

Champions Cup optimism for Leinster, and Super Rugby semi semi's!

 The pools for the 2015/16 European Rugby Champions Cup

Starting off with the Champions Cup, funny to see other clubs writing off Leinster’s chances this year before it’s even started, after being drawn in the same pool as Toulon, Wasps and Bath. While WE can remain quietly confident. Right? Can I have an amen? Fair enough, it’s a really tough group. But the Ireland squad is like Leinster lite these days, we have Jonny and Isa on the way back, if we get a half decent coach, we can beat Toulon in the pools, and the rest will take care of itself… Here’s hoping!

Ulster are with Saracens, Toulouse and Oyannax, which I think is pretty reasonable, with Saracens the main challenge. Because there are less pools, it means more quality sides in each pool. And Munster have Stade Francais, Leicester, and Treviso, which is not bad as pools go. Can’t wait! Finally, Connacht are in the pound seats IMO with their draw in the challenge Cup, with Brive, Newcastle Falcons and Enisei-STM from Russia. French sides often aren’t interested in the Champions Cup, never mind it’s younger cousin, Falcons are always more worried about staying up, and the Russian games should be a breathe of fresh air.

In Super Rugby, it’s semi semi finals, with Highlanders and Chiefs the main draw, both play really exciting rugby, and this could be the match of the final stages. The Brumbies go to Cape Town to take on the Stormers, where home advantage should prevail, but with shrewd head coach Steven Larkham, anything could happen.

Super Rugby
Saturday, June 20
Highlanders vs Chiefs    07:35
Stormers vs Brumbies    15:05

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