Heineken Cup
Saturday , May 1
Toulouse vs Leinster
Sunday , May 2
Biarritz vs Munster
So France take on Ireland once again, this time in the Heineken Cup, and France are favourites again. Toulouse look like the far stronger side so Leinster will really have their work cut out. The one thing you have to admire about Leinster and coach Michael Cheika is their ability to play smart, to come up with a good game plan and execute it well. It’s going to be really difficult against this team of superstars, especially away from home and I think this is one adventure too far for Leinster.
Munster meanwhile have to go San Sebastian to play Biarritz. The Ospreys showed that you can hurt Biarritz with exciting backline play, but that is not really Munster’s forte. But having said that, while they may lack the tactical nous of Leinster, there’s not a more streetwise team in Europe, and I can’t tell you how they’ll do it even without Paul O’Connell but I’m going for a Toulouse/Munster final.
Super 14
Team Points 30th 7th 14th
Bulls 39 Sharks Crusaders Stormers
Stormers 34 Crusaders Sharks Bulls
Crusaders 34 Stormers Bulls Brumbies
Reds 34 Brumbies Canes Highlanders
Waratahs 33 Highlanders Chiefs Canes
That’s how they line up for the next three weeks. Bulls vs the Sharks is going to be an old fashioned SA derby, no quarter taken or given, expect the stretcher bearers to be busy, and the Bulls pulling through. Stormers and Crusaders pits two sides that both lost last weekend – Stormers to come good at home. Reds and the Brumbies could be the match of the weekend – and having been wrong two weeks in a row, I still think the Reds will lose this time. And the Waratahs will thump the Highlanders.
Amlin Challenge Cup
Much as I’d like Connacht to win, Toulon have such a wealth of talent I just can’t see them losing, even away from home. Wasps, meanwhile, look to have aged greatly recently, and the Cardiff Blues are one mean side when they get going, to Wasps to lose out.
"We're not playing tiddlywinks here, mate - this is a contact sport!" -- Tana Umaga
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
What about the Reds? Super 14, Magners League, Guinness Premiership 25th April 2010
Super 14
Well, those bloody Reds (see what I did there) have totally messed up my predictions with a hard fought victory over the Stormers, sending them back home with their tail between their legs, and adding some much needed unpredictability to the competition. And woe are the Crusaders(and New Zealand rugby?) as the Force came from behind to record a notable victory. The Lions were duly slaughtered by the Bulls, and poor Chiefs fans were made to sweat as the Cheetahs nearly recorded their first overseas victory. These are the kind of matches profanities were made for. The ‘Tahs are keeping themselves nicely in contention, by edging the Brumbies. The top of the league has an unusually SA/Aus feel to it.
This is the run in for the finals, looks like the ‘Tahs and the Reds can make up a bit of ground:
Team Points 30th 7th 14th
Bulls 39 Sharks Crusaders Stormers
Stormers 34 Crusaders Sharks Bulls
Crusaders 34 Stormers Bulls Brumbies
Reds 34 Brumbies Canes Highlanders
Waratahs 33 Highlanders Chiefs Canes
Guinness Premiership
Bath and Saracens are coming good at exactly the right part of the season with good wins over Wasps and the Saint’s respectively. The Saints , London Irish and Wasps meanwhile are losing form just when they want to be peaking. Bath have had a fairy tale come back with Olly Barley and Joe Maddock in good form in their win over Wasps. Is it just me or are Wasps starting to look old? Worcester, meanwhile go down after 6 years in the top flight after losing out to Leeds.
Magners League
Leinster and Munster both lost out this weekend, but Leinster weren’t any kind of team you could recognize as they rested players ahead of their big match to come, with Connacht losing out also with a second string team. Ulster had a good result against Glasgow, and not before time as they scramble to avoid missing out on Heineken Cup Rugby next year. Munster won’t have enjoyed losing to the Ospreys as the final positions in the league start to shape up.
Well, those bloody Reds (see what I did there) have totally messed up my predictions with a hard fought victory over the Stormers, sending them back home with their tail between their legs, and adding some much needed unpredictability to the competition. And woe are the Crusaders(and New Zealand rugby?) as the Force came from behind to record a notable victory. The Lions were duly slaughtered by the Bulls, and poor Chiefs fans were made to sweat as the Cheetahs nearly recorded their first overseas victory. These are the kind of matches profanities were made for. The ‘Tahs are keeping themselves nicely in contention, by edging the Brumbies. The top of the league has an unusually SA/Aus feel to it.
This is the run in for the finals, looks like the ‘Tahs and the Reds can make up a bit of ground:
Team Points 30th 7th 14th
Bulls 39 Sharks Crusaders Stormers
Stormers 34 Crusaders Sharks Bulls
Crusaders 34 Stormers Bulls Brumbies
Reds 34 Brumbies Canes Highlanders
Waratahs 33 Highlanders Chiefs Canes
Guinness Premiership
Bath and Saracens are coming good at exactly the right part of the season with good wins over Wasps and the Saint’s respectively. The Saints , London Irish and Wasps meanwhile are losing form just when they want to be peaking. Bath have had a fairy tale come back with Olly Barley and Joe Maddock in good form in their win over Wasps. Is it just me or are Wasps starting to look old? Worcester, meanwhile go down after 6 years in the top flight after losing out to Leeds.
Magners League
Leinster and Munster both lost out this weekend, but Leinster weren’t any kind of team you could recognize as they rested players ahead of their big match to come, with Connacht losing out also with a second string team. Ulster had a good result against Glasgow, and not before time as they scramble to avoid missing out on Heineken Cup Rugby next year. Munster won’t have enjoyed losing to the Ospreys as the final positions in the league start to shape up.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
22nd April 2010
Super 14
The match of the weekend has to be the Reds against the Stormers, the best attack against the best defense. Who’s it going to be? I’m going with the Stormers by not underestimating the Reds. See what the Reds have done with a decent coach? Is this not something teams like the Sharks and the ‘Canes should be thinking about? After that the all Australian derby of ‘Tahs and Brumbies looks to produce some fireworks, where the ‘Tahs at home are going to trying to ‘bring the pain’ and should tame those Brumbies. The Sharks should see off the Blues, and the Lions would probably wish they were doing something safer than playing the Bulls, like bungee jumping or swimming with sharks.
Magners League
Connacht came up with a good win against Leinster on Wednesday, which will give their Heineken Cup hopes a shot in the arm. What kind of quality of rugby are we going to see with this kind of fixtures list, that’ll be three games in a week for Connacht and Leinster by the end of the weekend? The Ospreys vs Munster looks good, while Leinster vs Glasgow should still have a bit of an edge from the 6 Nations
Guinness Premiership
Saints and Saracens at Franklin Gardens will be the showpiece this weekend and a real test for both teams. The Saints look as hungry as anything and with Dylan Hartley who has England captain written all over him (if you’re reading Mr. Johnson) leading from the front this could be a bit of a meltdown for the Saracens. Wasps vs Bath looks pretty good too although I can’t see Wasps losing, and at the bottom Sale and Newcastle, and then Leeds and Worcester are all walking a tight rope. How did Sale get down there? Newcastle and Leeds I think.
News
Sounds like there is going to be a shake in the South African coaching set up, with Pieter De Villiers unhappy about rumours he’s not really in charge still circulating. If you judge PDV on his results, he’s a pretty good coach, but if you judge him on what he says then all I can tell you is that east is west and that up is down. Ricky Flutey is going back to Wasps after an unhappy stay at Brive.
The match of the weekend has to be the Reds against the Stormers, the best attack against the best defense. Who’s it going to be? I’m going with the Stormers by not underestimating the Reds. See what the Reds have done with a decent coach? Is this not something teams like the Sharks and the ‘Canes should be thinking about? After that the all Australian derby of ‘Tahs and Brumbies looks to produce some fireworks, where the ‘Tahs at home are going to trying to ‘bring the pain’ and should tame those Brumbies. The Sharks should see off the Blues, and the Lions would probably wish they were doing something safer than playing the Bulls, like bungee jumping or swimming with sharks.
Magners League
Connacht came up with a good win against Leinster on Wednesday, which will give their Heineken Cup hopes a shot in the arm. What kind of quality of rugby are we going to see with this kind of fixtures list, that’ll be three games in a week for Connacht and Leinster by the end of the weekend? The Ospreys vs Munster looks good, while Leinster vs Glasgow should still have a bit of an edge from the 6 Nations
Guinness Premiership
Saints and Saracens at Franklin Gardens will be the showpiece this weekend and a real test for both teams. The Saints look as hungry as anything and with Dylan Hartley who has England captain written all over him (if you’re reading Mr. Johnson) leading from the front this could be a bit of a meltdown for the Saracens. Wasps vs Bath looks pretty good too although I can’t see Wasps losing, and at the bottom Sale and Newcastle, and then Leeds and Worcester are all walking a tight rope. How did Sale get down there? Newcastle and Leeds I think.
News
Sounds like there is going to be a shake in the South African coaching set up, with Pieter De Villiers unhappy about rumours he’s not really in charge still circulating. If you judge PDV on his results, he’s a pretty good coach, but if you judge him on what he says then all I can tell you is that east is west and that up is down. Ricky Flutey is going back to Wasps after an unhappy stay at Brive.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
18th April 2010
News
I see Deon Carstens is moving over to Saracens next year – he’s still a reasonable player, but there must several empty old age homes in the Republic with all the SA pensioners playing their trade in the Premiership. Is that Faan Rautenbach and Danie Coetzee playing for Irish - surely they must qualify for a bus pass by now?
Super 14
The Reds kept it interesting at the top with a win over the Bulls, who, with having lost to the Blues and the Reds might get back to some consistency now they have no more colours to play. I caught the ‘Saders looking efficient if not particularly inspiring as they outran the Cheetahs. The poor Chiefs, run over by the Bulls last week, came staggering back into the road to be run over by another 18 wheeler in the form of the Stormers, and look to be roadkill at this stage. Things are looking up for the Sharks and the Canes but too little too late.
Magners League
Leinster scraped past the Ospreys at the RDS, thanks to a second half try by Shaun Berne who looked pretty handy coming in for Sexton. Leinster had another gear to fall back on whereas the Ospreys’ gear box was smoking and bits were falling out all over the place by the end. Ulsters’ appalling recent form continued as they went down to Glasgow. Munster beat Connacht, ending their 8 match home winning streak, but it didn’t sound like vintage stuff.
Guinness Premiership
The Saints looked really good, going top and deserving to be there. I watched the Saracens clinically dismembering the headless looking ‘Quins. Sarries look really confident, and seem to be peaking at exactly the right time. Leicester went top again on Sunday with an easy victory over Newcastle, while London Irish stepped on a giant banana skin in the shape of Leeds – nothing like a bit of desperation to give you inspiration is there?
I see Deon Carstens is moving over to Saracens next year – he’s still a reasonable player, but there must several empty old age homes in the Republic with all the SA pensioners playing their trade in the Premiership. Is that Faan Rautenbach and Danie Coetzee playing for Irish - surely they must qualify for a bus pass by now?
Super 14
The Reds kept it interesting at the top with a win over the Bulls, who, with having lost to the Blues and the Reds might get back to some consistency now they have no more colours to play. I caught the ‘Saders looking efficient if not particularly inspiring as they outran the Cheetahs. The poor Chiefs, run over by the Bulls last week, came staggering back into the road to be run over by another 18 wheeler in the form of the Stormers, and look to be roadkill at this stage. Things are looking up for the Sharks and the Canes but too little too late.
Magners League
Leinster scraped past the Ospreys at the RDS, thanks to a second half try by Shaun Berne who looked pretty handy coming in for Sexton. Leinster had another gear to fall back on whereas the Ospreys’ gear box was smoking and bits were falling out all over the place by the end. Ulsters’ appalling recent form continued as they went down to Glasgow. Munster beat Connacht, ending their 8 match home winning streak, but it didn’t sound like vintage stuff.
Guinness Premiership
The Saints looked really good, going top and deserving to be there. I watched the Saracens clinically dismembering the headless looking ‘Quins. Sarries look really confident, and seem to be peaking at exactly the right time. Leicester went top again on Sunday with an easy victory over Newcastle, while London Irish stepped on a giant banana skin in the shape of Leeds – nothing like a bit of desperation to give you inspiration is there?
Thursday, April 15, 2010
16th April 2010
Super 14
The Chiefs and the Stormers should be a good match, can the Stormers keep their standard up from last week? The Chiefs will be expecting them to be good, but the Chiefs have been too inconsistent this year, and the Stormers should pull through. The Brumbies and the Hurricanes is last chance saloon for both clubs – probably an illusion as neither is like to get into the top four this year. The Canes should steal this though, good to see Aaron Crudden getting another chance to start at fly half. The Bulls against the Reds is the match of the weekend. On paper, the Reds are going to struggle, after a long trip back from SA, being a young team and playing the champs. Their one hope will be that the Bulls try to throw the ball around a bit to match the Reds. When they do that, they look like a bear trying to breakdance. For Bulls fans, let’s hope they leave their dancing shoes at home and stick to their normal brutal formula.
Magners League
Leinster and the Ospreys will be the match of the weekend on Friday as first and second meet. This will be the Ospreys third match in 7 days and they are going to be absolutely cream crackered after this game. Looks like Leinster have gone for a full squad, and with home advantage and a week’s rest they should take this. Munster and Connacht could be good too, with Munster coming out on top.
Guinness Premiership
Northampton vs Gloucester looks good on Saturday, Northampton will want to bounce back after last weekend and Gloucester are going to feel the pain of their wrath. Saracens and Harlequins also looks pretty interesting, with Sarries likely to take the spoils.
Enjoy the rugby.
The Chiefs and the Stormers should be a good match, can the Stormers keep their standard up from last week? The Chiefs will be expecting them to be good, but the Chiefs have been too inconsistent this year, and the Stormers should pull through. The Brumbies and the Hurricanes is last chance saloon for both clubs – probably an illusion as neither is like to get into the top four this year. The Canes should steal this though, good to see Aaron Crudden getting another chance to start at fly half. The Bulls against the Reds is the match of the weekend. On paper, the Reds are going to struggle, after a long trip back from SA, being a young team and playing the champs. Their one hope will be that the Bulls try to throw the ball around a bit to match the Reds. When they do that, they look like a bear trying to breakdance. For Bulls fans, let’s hope they leave their dancing shoes at home and stick to their normal brutal formula.
Magners League
Leinster and the Ospreys will be the match of the weekend on Friday as first and second meet. This will be the Ospreys third match in 7 days and they are going to be absolutely cream crackered after this game. Looks like Leinster have gone for a full squad, and with home advantage and a week’s rest they should take this. Munster and Connacht could be good too, with Munster coming out on top.
Guinness Premiership
Northampton vs Gloucester looks good on Saturday, Northampton will want to bounce back after last weekend and Gloucester are going to feel the pain of their wrath. Saracens and Harlequins also looks pretty interesting, with Sarries likely to take the spoils.
Enjoy the rugby.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
11th April 2010
I’m 100% on my predictions this week (polishes nails). This weekend I caught the Leinster match, the Crusaders, part of the Brumbies, part of the Connacht, Biarritz, Munster, and even a bit of Toulon. And before you wonder if I have a black belt in Marital Arts, no, my wife’s away. And I put some curtains up walked the dogs, did the shopping! Apologies for my April fools blooper about the Lions.
Heineken Cup
This was all vintage stuff, a serious cut above any of the Super 14 I caught, OK it’s a knockout competition but it was still a lot lot better. Leinster squeaked through, Clermont looked the better team for long stretches but couldn’t take their kicks. BOD played through a lot of pain, but I think the only time he goes off is when his leg actually comes off and the medics hide it. The welsh leek nearly made it out of the heat of the San Sabastian cauldron but failed by a whisker, two one point matches that were hugely entertaining. Then Munster provided a master class in winning rugby. Where was the Saints scrum, where was Shane Geraghty? Not to get too carried away, but what team isn’t going to be put off by Thomond Park, the noise (apart from when the kicks are taken) and the signs ‘Stand up and Fight’ and ''To the brave and faithful, nothing is impossible”. The Saints can hold their heads up though, never giving up. Good to see a spot of full blown concussion wasn’t going to put Jerry Flannery off. Toulouse then steamrollered Stade to take up the final semi spot.
Amlin Cup.
Connacht got a good win. It looks like a different class to the Heineken cup though.Wasps and Toulon are also looking good.
Super 14
The Bulls and the Stormers had good away wins. The Crusaders beat the Waratahs but it wasn’t pretty or interesting to watch. And the Cheetahs – why do they bother? Why don’t they try? They don’t deserve to win anything anyway with that hideous jersey.
It’s not looking too good for New Zealand teams at the moment, with only the Crusaders to fly the flag at the top.
Heineken Cup
This was all vintage stuff, a serious cut above any of the Super 14 I caught, OK it’s a knockout competition but it was still a lot lot better. Leinster squeaked through, Clermont looked the better team for long stretches but couldn’t take their kicks. BOD played through a lot of pain, but I think the only time he goes off is when his leg actually comes off and the medics hide it. The welsh leek nearly made it out of the heat of the San Sabastian cauldron but failed by a whisker, two one point matches that were hugely entertaining. Then Munster provided a master class in winning rugby. Where was the Saints scrum, where was Shane Geraghty? Not to get too carried away, but what team isn’t going to be put off by Thomond Park, the noise (apart from when the kicks are taken) and the signs ‘Stand up and Fight’ and ''To the brave and faithful, nothing is impossible”. The Saints can hold their heads up though, never giving up. Good to see a spot of full blown concussion wasn’t going to put Jerry Flannery off. Toulouse then steamrollered Stade to take up the final semi spot.
Amlin Cup.
Connacht got a good win. It looks like a different class to the Heineken cup though.Wasps and Toulon are also looking good.
Super 14
The Bulls and the Stormers had good away wins. The Crusaders beat the Waratahs but it wasn’t pretty or interesting to watch. And the Cheetahs – why do they bother? Why don’t they try? They don’t deserve to win anything anyway with that hideous jersey.
It’s not looking too good for New Zealand teams at the moment, with only the Crusaders to fly the flag at the top.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
8th April 2010
News
I see Jake White and Eddie Jones have teamed up to take over at the Lions in South Africa after Dick Muir was fired. What’s the point? It would take a come back to rival Lazarus at this point in the season, and the Lion’s many problems start with lack of continuity of players and coaches.
Super 14
Chiefs vs Bulls should be an interesting match, can the Bulls bounce back? I’d say yes they can, they won’t be happy with last week’s performance. Blues and Stormers should be good too, and I think the Stormers are going to come to the fore, they are a different team this year and the Blues could easily underestimate them. The pick of the weekend though is the Crusaders against the Waratahs, where I think the ‘Tahs are going to come unstuck against some New Zealand steel. They’ve been riding their luck for a while, and I think it’s about to run out round about now.
Heineken Cup
Looking at the finalists, we have four French teams, two Irish, one English and one Welsh, which meant it was a pretty good litmus test for the 6 Nations. And looking at the stats, England Could Do Better with only one team when Ireland have only 4 four provinces and two of them in the finals. In the top 14 at the moment, Clermount Auvergne are 4th, Toulouse are 5th, Biarritz are 7th and Stade Francaise are 9th. Leinster and Munster are 1st and 2nd in the Magners League, the Ospreys are 5th with a game in hand that would send them 2nd if they win it, and Northampton are 2nd with a game in hand over Leicester.
The first match up pitches champions Leinster up against the nearly men of French Rugby. Clermont have made the finals of the French Championship 10 times but never won it. Clermont are one mean team stuffed with stars like Parra, Bonnaire, Rougerie, Ledesma, Malzieu, Baby, Nalaga – the list goes on and on. No wonder French rugby is so strong at the moment. They also have the best Australian fly half – in the world- in Brock Harris. Leinster have their stars too with BOD, Heaslip, Carney, and Van Der Linde. French sides are iffy when they play away – victory at home is non negotiable, but anything can happen away, so I reckon Leinster will take this in a tight match.
On Saturday, Biarritz will take on the Ospreys in San Sebastien. Biarritz have the normal contingent for French teams of top players like Barcella, Thion, Harinordiquy, Traille and the blistering pace of Takudzwa Ngwenya, as well as Englishmen Lund, Erinle and Balshaw. The Ospreys have talent like Adam Jones, Ryan Jones, Holah, Collins, Phillips, Bowe, Byrne and Williams and have underperformed in this tournament. Facing Biarritz at home looks a step too far for them though, so I’m going with home advantage.
Also on Satruday and my pick of the weekend is Munster up against Northhampton. Munster’s talents (and recent failings) are well known, but they will be a different side with Earls and O’Connell back, and they take the Heineken Cup a lot more seriously than the Magners League. The Saints have plenty of stars in the making, and with a bit more adventurous management England should look a lot more like them. They beat Munster at Franklin Gardens and nearly did the double at Thomond Park. But I think there’s still another lesson to be ditched out by the Old Master yet, and Munster should squeak through this one.
Finally on Sunday, Toulouse will take on Stade Francais. Stade Francais are better known these days for their flash but they have their quality too with players like Szarzewski, Marconnet, Roncero, Beaxis and Bastareaud as well as Palmer and Haskell. Toulouse have a staggering array of stars including Servat, Albecete, Dusaurtoir, Nyanga, Picamoles, Kellerher, Michalak, Skrela, Fritz, Jauzion, Clerc, Heymans, Poitrenaud the list goes on and on. The French home team normally triumphs, and Toulouse just look too strong anyway, even if Stade have the carrot of the final in Paris
Amlin Challenge Cup
Wasps vs Gloucester on Sunday looks to be a pretty entertaining match, as will Newcastle vs Cardiff, with Wasps and Cardiff probably edging it. Connacht vs Bourgoin will be a test for the Irish province, but as Bourgoin are 12th in the Top 14, it should be fine French dining for Connacht.
I see Jake White and Eddie Jones have teamed up to take over at the Lions in South Africa after Dick Muir was fired. What’s the point? It would take a come back to rival Lazarus at this point in the season, and the Lion’s many problems start with lack of continuity of players and coaches.
Super 14
Chiefs vs Bulls should be an interesting match, can the Bulls bounce back? I’d say yes they can, they won’t be happy with last week’s performance. Blues and Stormers should be good too, and I think the Stormers are going to come to the fore, they are a different team this year and the Blues could easily underestimate them. The pick of the weekend though is the Crusaders against the Waratahs, where I think the ‘Tahs are going to come unstuck against some New Zealand steel. They’ve been riding their luck for a while, and I think it’s about to run out round about now.
Heineken Cup
Looking at the finalists, we have four French teams, two Irish, one English and one Welsh, which meant it was a pretty good litmus test for the 6 Nations. And looking at the stats, England Could Do Better with only one team when Ireland have only 4 four provinces and two of them in the finals. In the top 14 at the moment, Clermount Auvergne are 4th, Toulouse are 5th, Biarritz are 7th and Stade Francaise are 9th. Leinster and Munster are 1st and 2nd in the Magners League, the Ospreys are 5th with a game in hand that would send them 2nd if they win it, and Northampton are 2nd with a game in hand over Leicester.
The first match up pitches champions Leinster up against the nearly men of French Rugby. Clermont have made the finals of the French Championship 10 times but never won it. Clermont are one mean team stuffed with stars like Parra, Bonnaire, Rougerie, Ledesma, Malzieu, Baby, Nalaga – the list goes on and on. No wonder French rugby is so strong at the moment. They also have the best Australian fly half – in the world- in Brock Harris. Leinster have their stars too with BOD, Heaslip, Carney, and Van Der Linde. French sides are iffy when they play away – victory at home is non negotiable, but anything can happen away, so I reckon Leinster will take this in a tight match.
On Saturday, Biarritz will take on the Ospreys in San Sebastien. Biarritz have the normal contingent for French teams of top players like Barcella, Thion, Harinordiquy, Traille and the blistering pace of Takudzwa Ngwenya, as well as Englishmen Lund, Erinle and Balshaw. The Ospreys have talent like Adam Jones, Ryan Jones, Holah, Collins, Phillips, Bowe, Byrne and Williams and have underperformed in this tournament. Facing Biarritz at home looks a step too far for them though, so I’m going with home advantage.
Also on Satruday and my pick of the weekend is Munster up against Northhampton. Munster’s talents (and recent failings) are well known, but they will be a different side with Earls and O’Connell back, and they take the Heineken Cup a lot more seriously than the Magners League. The Saints have plenty of stars in the making, and with a bit more adventurous management England should look a lot more like them. They beat Munster at Franklin Gardens and nearly did the double at Thomond Park. But I think there’s still another lesson to be ditched out by the Old Master yet, and Munster should squeak through this one.
Finally on Sunday, Toulouse will take on Stade Francais. Stade Francais are better known these days for their flash but they have their quality too with players like Szarzewski, Marconnet, Roncero, Beaxis and Bastareaud as well as Palmer and Haskell. Toulouse have a staggering array of stars including Servat, Albecete, Dusaurtoir, Nyanga, Picamoles, Kellerher, Michalak, Skrela, Fritz, Jauzion, Clerc, Heymans, Poitrenaud the list goes on and on. The French home team normally triumphs, and Toulouse just look too strong anyway, even if Stade have the carrot of the final in Paris
Amlin Challenge Cup
Wasps vs Gloucester on Sunday looks to be a pretty entertaining match, as will Newcastle vs Cardiff, with Wasps and Cardiff probably edging it. Connacht vs Bourgoin will be a test for the Irish province, but as Bourgoin are 12th in the Top 14, it should be fine French dining for Connacht.
Monday, April 5, 2010
5th April 2010
Super 14, Magners League, Guiness Premiership
Super 14
The news of the weekend has to be the Blues ending the Bulls unbeaten run and doing it in some style too (32-17). But those boys in blue have been creaking the last couple of weeks and they don’t like to stray too far away from mom’s home cooking. The Blues in 8th place probably hold the last chance of making the play offs – anyone beneath them is toast. The Reds are top class in the entertainment stakes running the Sharks close and getting two losing bonus points with a 28-30 loss. The other noteworthy result was the Canes nearly showing us what they’re capable of with a 26 all draw against the Crusaders.
Magners League
Connacht and Edinburgh (22-21) looked like a good match, more revenge for the Irish if any was needed, and Connacht look like hitting some form in time for the Amlin Challenge Cup. But the talk of the town has to be Leinster tuning over Munster in their own back yard! I would have put my house on Munster pulling through – this feels like a seismic change in the Irish provinces, Munster weren’t at full strength but then neither were Leinster. Munster always seemed indestructible, take away one cog and another stepped forward to do the job just is well, but they are looking pretty vulnerable at the moment. They need Paul O’Connell back, and in top form ASAP. Meanwhile, the Ospreys are quietly easing themselves into contention for a play off spot.
Guinness Premiership
Leicester looked pretty emphatic against Bath didn’t they, cantering to a 43-20 win at Welford Road to stay top, albeit with a game in hand. At Kingsholm, Gloucester squeaked home against Saracens (29-28), while Wasps looked the business against London Irish at Adams Park. That sets up both Gloucester and Wasps well for when they meet in the Amlin Challenge Cup next weekend.
Super 14
The news of the weekend has to be the Blues ending the Bulls unbeaten run and doing it in some style too (32-17). But those boys in blue have been creaking the last couple of weeks and they don’t like to stray too far away from mom’s home cooking. The Blues in 8th place probably hold the last chance of making the play offs – anyone beneath them is toast. The Reds are top class in the entertainment stakes running the Sharks close and getting two losing bonus points with a 28-30 loss. The other noteworthy result was the Canes nearly showing us what they’re capable of with a 26 all draw against the Crusaders.
Magners League
Connacht and Edinburgh (22-21) looked like a good match, more revenge for the Irish if any was needed, and Connacht look like hitting some form in time for the Amlin Challenge Cup. But the talk of the town has to be Leinster tuning over Munster in their own back yard! I would have put my house on Munster pulling through – this feels like a seismic change in the Irish provinces, Munster weren’t at full strength but then neither were Leinster. Munster always seemed indestructible, take away one cog and another stepped forward to do the job just is well, but they are looking pretty vulnerable at the moment. They need Paul O’Connell back, and in top form ASAP. Meanwhile, the Ospreys are quietly easing themselves into contention for a play off spot.
Guinness Premiership
Leicester looked pretty emphatic against Bath didn’t they, cantering to a 43-20 win at Welford Road to stay top, albeit with a game in hand. At Kingsholm, Gloucester squeaked home against Saracens (29-28), while Wasps looked the business against London Irish at Adams Park. That sets up both Gloucester and Wasps well for when they meet in the Amlin Challenge Cup next weekend.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Friday 2nd April
News
Rugby World Cup tickets go on sale on the 27th of April…Jake White, the former Springbok coach, has been linked with two Australian clubs…John Mitchell, former All Black coach currently with the Force may be heading the other way after he finishes his contract as he is apparently looking at an offer in the Republic…Just a thought now, but both of these men could do a job for England, Jake White, massive ego aside has an impeccable record. Is it better to be average and patriotic? Having said that, both Toby Booth and Jim Malinder could both do a pretty good job, better than Mr Johnson anyway.
Magners League
Ulster and Cardiff looks like it could be interesting. But the best match is the one that was so good that they had to change the licensing laws for it. Yes, people all over Limerick will be raising a glass tomorrow (on Good Friday!) as Munster take on Leinster. There’s so much recent history here, Munster must still be smarting after their 30-0 drubbing, then there was the Heineken Cup last year…they’re still without Paul O’Connell too. Leinster don’t have BOD, and have gone for Nathan Hines on the flank which I don’t think is their best move. It’s going to be a battle of Biblical proportions, and with home advantage I can see the mighty wrath of Munster smiting Leinster.
Guinness Premiership
Gloucester and Saracens could be pretty entertaining. Wasps and London Irish should be fairly similar to Wasps last match against the Saints, but at home they’ll probably shade it this time. I reckon Leicester and Bath is going to be the most entertaining, Leicester are the pace setters but Bath’s season is starting to rumble again and I think they’ll run Leicester really close at Welford Road.
Super 14
There a couple of very interesting match ups this weekend. First up is the Hurricanes versus the Crusaders, an all New Zealand derby that could be the match of the weekend. The Crusaders are looking good but they are coming off a bye which can upset the rhythm of the team sometimes. The Hurricanes meanwhile have been pretty dire over the last couple of weeks but will be desperate to find some kind of form in front of their home fans and get themselves up the table. It’s hard to see them winning though.
The Sharks versus the Reds is a pretty intriguing sounding match, the Reds have shown a lot of promise, and this is going to be a test for their playoff credentials. The Sharks forwards are starting to look really good but they don’t have too much going on behind them. The Reds have it all going on at the back and are decent enough up front. The Shark’s home advantage and experience should take them through this even if they are tired from the trip back..
Finally, the Blues and the Bulls are going to slug it out. The Blues will probably rightly think they were robbed last week, while the Bulls were not at their best but had just got off the plane. They both have reasonably leaky defences, but I’d rate the Blues better on attack. The Bulls have been riding their luck a bit the last couple of weeks so I’m going with the Blues in a tight match.
Rugby World Cup tickets go on sale on the 27th of April…Jake White, the former Springbok coach, has been linked with two Australian clubs…John Mitchell, former All Black coach currently with the Force may be heading the other way after he finishes his contract as he is apparently looking at an offer in the Republic…Just a thought now, but both of these men could do a job for England, Jake White, massive ego aside has an impeccable record. Is it better to be average and patriotic? Having said that, both Toby Booth and Jim Malinder could both do a pretty good job, better than Mr Johnson anyway.
Magners League
Ulster and Cardiff looks like it could be interesting. But the best match is the one that was so good that they had to change the licensing laws for it. Yes, people all over Limerick will be raising a glass tomorrow (on Good Friday!) as Munster take on Leinster. There’s so much recent history here, Munster must still be smarting after their 30-0 drubbing, then there was the Heineken Cup last year…they’re still without Paul O’Connell too. Leinster don’t have BOD, and have gone for Nathan Hines on the flank which I don’t think is their best move. It’s going to be a battle of Biblical proportions, and with home advantage I can see the mighty wrath of Munster smiting Leinster.
Guinness Premiership
Gloucester and Saracens could be pretty entertaining. Wasps and London Irish should be fairly similar to Wasps last match against the Saints, but at home they’ll probably shade it this time. I reckon Leicester and Bath is going to be the most entertaining, Leicester are the pace setters but Bath’s season is starting to rumble again and I think they’ll run Leicester really close at Welford Road.
Super 14
There a couple of very interesting match ups this weekend. First up is the Hurricanes versus the Crusaders, an all New Zealand derby that could be the match of the weekend. The Crusaders are looking good but they are coming off a bye which can upset the rhythm of the team sometimes. The Hurricanes meanwhile have been pretty dire over the last couple of weeks but will be desperate to find some kind of form in front of their home fans and get themselves up the table. It’s hard to see them winning though.
The Sharks versus the Reds is a pretty intriguing sounding match, the Reds have shown a lot of promise, and this is going to be a test for their playoff credentials. The Sharks forwards are starting to look really good but they don’t have too much going on behind them. The Reds have it all going on at the back and are decent enough up front. The Shark’s home advantage and experience should take them through this even if they are tired from the trip back..
Finally, the Blues and the Bulls are going to slug it out. The Blues will probably rightly think they were robbed last week, while the Bulls were not at their best but had just got off the plane. They both have reasonably leaky defences, but I’d rate the Blues better on attack. The Bulls have been riding their luck a bit the last couple of weeks so I’m going with the Blues in a tight match.
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