The final of the Rabo Direct Pro 12 is on at the RDS this weekend, with both Leinster and the Ospreys having recently smashed an Irish Province. I’ll do my best to not stray too much into hyperbole when I talk about Leinster, but they certainly were in record making form last weekend. It’s pretty miraculous that the Ospreys are here at all. They suffered an exodus of stars at the end of last season not matched since Moses lead his people of Egypt. Then they shed their coach mid season, and possibly face a further downsizing for next season as all the Welsh sides economise. Well, Munster would have been happy to see a bit of that upheaval when they were being spanked in the semis, where the Ospreys were definitely the form team out of all four. They are full of Welsh stars, anaiming to end their season on a high. Leinster’s team in fairness was bit cobbled together that weekend, with one eye on the HCup. They have a full team to pick from this weekend, and massive depth on the bench. The Ospreys have a bit of talent on the bench but not too much. Both teams are fairly evenly matched in style of play, and the difference could easily be home advantage. Plus , you know the way they say the crowd gives you anextra 5%? Well, I’M going, so that’s an extra 6%at least. It’s going to be a forward battle and backline contest par excellence, where the 6% will tell, and Leinster will win!
The final of the Aviva Premiership is on Saturday, and pits Quins against Leicester. Hard to see how Quins are going to match the physical power of the tigers, so Tigers it is for me.
The Ba Ba’s take on what must an England Lite side on Sunday, which could be a fun match to watch.
Finally, what a massive cock up the RFU have made of the promotion/relegation this year! If I saw on their CV that they had given marital advice to Tiger Woods and financial advice to the Greeks, I wouldn’t be surprised. Imagine if they got to run a World Cup? Oh…
RaboDirect PRO12 Sunday , May 27 Leinster vs Ospreys
Here are few tips on looking after your heart – don’t smoke, exercise regularly, watch what you eat, try some of yogurt health drink things, and here’s a little known fact – apples are really good for cholesterol. But whatever you, don’t support Leinster because they will kill you stone dead. I thought they were going to beat Glasgow, they did beat Glasgow, but for about half an hour, they only had a 6 point lead, and they weren’t going anywhere. Then eventually, when they felt like it, they quit buggering around, scored a try, and put the game to bed – still letting Glasgow score two late trys though. I know it was a bit of a mixed up team, and I know we had our injuries (see section on heart care above) but still I expected more. I’m of course not giving Glasgow the credit they deserve for taking the game to Leinster, and making it awkward for them as only Glasgow can. Anyway, job done at the end of the day, and into the final.
I hope they Leinster lads caught the Ospreys/Munster match, because they would have seen the form side this weekend smash Munster. I was impressed with the confidence and physicality of the Ospreys, and frankly amazed at the way Munster imploded- they missed Paul O’Connell unbelielably, not just for his play, but for his leadership too. The one player I thought stood out for Munster was Simon Zebo, whose head never dropped, and who worked his backside off all over the park. Rob Penney has big task on his hand, cutting out the deadwood, and re-instilling that winning way. Leinster v Ospreys it is.
Elsewhere, I saw Quins pip the Saints in the first semi – Conor O’Shea must have aged 10 years at the end there, and Tigers, with George Ford in impressive form, saw off the Saracens.
It’s semi final time in the Pro 12 and the Premiership, with some season defining moments on the way.
Munster and the Ospreys get things going on Friday night at the Liberty Stadium. The Ospreys are a pretty formidable team – they have a great pack of forwards, and some talented backs to back them up , so to speak. They also have the Welsh grand slam momentum. Justin Tupuric is in doubt which is good news for Munster. Munster arrive without Paul O’Connell – It’s like the army arriving without their heavy artillery. What I’m hoping is that Munster take a few selection chances – leave DOC on the bench, go with younger players like Tommy O’Donnell, play a midfield that can create something ( and not put Earls there) , and that they stand up and fight! I’m going with the Ospreys with home advantage though.
On Saturday, Leinster will welcome Glasgow to the RDS. It’s been a great season for Glasgow, their form players of Grey, Hogg and Weir have given them a cutting egde. It’s been an awesome season for Leinster thus far. But, having said that, we’ve won nothing yet, and shouldn’t be taking anything for granted. The weather looks like it may suit a running game, which is where we want to keep it, and not get dragged down into an arm wrestle. This is Leinster’s to lose, they have all the assets, with Sexton, Kearney, Nacewa, Heaslip and Healy in the form of their lives, and will surely win unless they completely underestimate the Scots.
Across the water, Quins and Northampton are up first, with Quins’ flair coming up against the power game of the Saints. I think Harlequins day is coming and that home advantage will see them through. Leicester Saracens is a real heavyweight bout. It’s likely to be a cross between rugby and combat. Sarries seem to have fallen off the pace a little, while the Tigers have timed their run to perfection, as usual. To me, the Tigers have more structure to their game, and will use their home advantage to set up a final against Quins.
RaboDirect PRO12 Friday , May 11 Ospreys vs Munster 19:35 Saturday , May 12 Aviva Premiership Saturday , May 12 Harlequins vs Northampton 14:45 Leicester vs Saracens 17:30
How Munster are going to play is a lot harder to predict. I’d pinpoint their loss to Quins as a hugely influential factor for them. Thomond Park has been a fortress for them now just about forever, so to lose there to a team they don’t rate, has hit their confidence hard. Then on top of that, the lady boys of Leinster go and win the Heienken Cup! I think a mixture of uncertainty in their own ablilty, and undoubted respect for Leinster’s achievements are going to play with their heads for the match. I have a lot of respect for Munster, they have a very talented players, and are fearsome at home. Leinster are going to need to give them that respect as well if they want to beat them. For Munster, I’d like to see them give their promising youngsters their head, player like Felix Jones and Connor Murray need to be brought into the game as much as possible, those are the sparks that can ignite them. And at the end of the day, if things don't work out, second to Leinster is no disgrace is it? Couldn't help myself there!
For the sake of my heart, if you it’s Ok with you lads, I know the comeback against Northampton was amazing, but would mind beating Munster without too much drama this weekend?
Aviva Premiership
Twickenham is the venue as last year’s finalists Leicester and Saracens get to lock horns again. I don’t get to watch a huge amount of Premiership rugby, partly because the TV rights are fragmented, and partly because there’s so much other rugby on. When I do get to watch, London Irish are my team, but I also like to watch the Saints, who, in my mind, play some of the most attractive looking rugby in the league, with Bath and Quins also up there. Attractive isn’t the first word that springs to mind when I think of Leicester or Saracens, brutally efficient is closer to the mark. Saracens seem to live off their defense, and hit teams on the counter attack, while the Tigers put the opposition through a cement mixer and then drive over them with a tank, which can be enjoyable in it’s own way. I don’t really see anyone except the Tigers winning this, they have the players, have the confidence and finished top because they are the most consistent team in the tournament. Would have loved to have seen an Irish/Saints final, but there you go.
The Baa Baa’s match looks like it could be a bit of fun.
Shark Bite
The Sharks have a go at the Waratahs this week – hmmm, I wonder what’s going to happen there? The men from Sydney are going to be straight off the plane, so this could be an opportunity for the Sharks to keep working on their play off place. The Sharks could be level with the Crusaders if they do well! I think they’ll win but not with a bonus point.
Heineken Cup Quarters - 24 into 8 won’t go – so they took it outside…and only the biggest, baddest meanest mutha’s made it big in for the quarters ( sporting the odd scrape /black eye). Fantastic weekend for Ireland as Leinster, Munster , Ulster and Connacht rode out like the four horsemen of the apocalypse
And this is how they finished :
Heineken Cup Quarter-Finals:
(Matches to be played over April 8/9/10)
Northampton v Ulster
Leinster v Leicester
Perpignan v Toulon
Biarritz v Toulouse
Heineken Cup Semi-Final Draw:
Leinster/Leicester v Biarritz/Toulouse
Northampton/Ulster v Perpignan/Toulon
So four from France and two each from Ireland and England, real pity for Wales. The draw mwans only two French teams can progress to the Semis.
Amlin Challenge Cup Quarter-Finals:
(Matches to be played over April 8/9/10)
Stade Francais v Montpellier
Brive v Munster
La Rochelle v Clermont Auvergne
Harlequins v London Wasps
Amlin Challenge Cup Semi-Final Draw:
Stade Francais/Montpellier v La Rochelle/Clermont Auvergne
Brive/Munster v Harlequins/London Wasps
That’s 5 French, 2 English and one Irish, again, incredibly no Welsh team, and at least one Scottish team should have made it. The French are in the ascendancy.
Racing Metro 92 11 - 36 Leinster
Leinster went to Paris and came back with more than an Eiffel Tower miniature replica and some perfume for their girlfriends. They only went and smashed one of the current top teams in France with another sublime performance. I really wish the quarters were being played straight away so they could take some of this momentum into the next round. After Leinster’s shaky start in the Magners League, you have to pinch yourself when you see how far they’ve come this season. I’ve said it before, but what has made the difference this season is the way the replacements have stood up, none more so than Sean O’Brien, Strauss and Ross. SOB was in full cry again and birthday boy Brian O’Driscoll celebrated with a typically well taken try. Racing were no pushover either, making Leinster defend for long, long periods.
Leinster are now going to take on Leicester at home which is going to be an ultra tough match, Tigers progressing after dispatching Treviso with ease. Jordan Crane scored three, and Leicester are going to be a tough nut to crack in Dublin. But Leinster can play the Nutcracker if they need to… Whoever wins here gets a home semi.
Aironi Rugby 6 - 43 Ulster
Pedrie Wannenburg was man of the match with his two tries as Ulster qualified for the quarters of the Heineken Cup for the first time since 1999. It was a fantastic result for Ulster, a big team effort, Ian Humphries was on song with the boot and they were full value for their 5 trys. Ulster investment in players has paid off handsomely, and it’s a brilliant boost for rugby in the province. Last time they got to a quarter final they won it…
They get to take on Northampton, who got six out of six in the pool stages. Saints increasingly look like they should be the backbone of the England team, and to me they are Leinster’s main threat. Winner here also get a home semi. Stand up Ulster, stand up!
Munster 28 - 14 London Irish
There was no score at half time here, although it was pretty miraculous that Munster hadn’t got at least one try as the TV ref had a busy afternoon. Munster got into the lead, then basically handed London Irish two tries on a plate. Their pack, the formerly fearsome engine room of the team, has lately resembled more of a day center for OAP’s. The second Exiles try stung them into action and once more the capacity crowd cheered on the marauding Munster forwards, sweeping forward in wave after irrisistable wave, scoring three tries, nabbing the bonus point and making clear who was boss. Munster now face Brive away, and if they win that (which they will if they play like they did in the last 10 minutes) then they get a home semi too.
Connacht rounded off a fantastic weekend for Irish rugby with a 12 try romp over hapless Cavalieri Prato, with Brian Touhy scoring a hat trick of trys.
The Ospreys at least finished with a flourish taking out one of the French guns Toulon at home, Perpignan made it look easy against the Scarlets, and Wasps pooped Toulouse’s party with a last minute try to snatch a win and take away Toulouse’s home draw.
This is Florian Fitz's red card and aftermath - I just got the one red card I think hes' trying to say!
4 from 4 Nah nah nah nah nah! We’re the kings of the castle and you’re the dirty rascals! Well they are the King’s of the castle at the moment
Australia
3 from 4 They were down! They were up! Like a rollercoaster. Some of their fans threw up after the England game
South Africa
3 from 4 Strange tour, looked rubbish apart from the last game but only lost once. Are they old and tired and past it or are they going to pull a rabbit out of the hat next year?
Scotland
2 from 3 Appalling against the AB’s, gritty and victorious against the Boks, so so against Samoa. Will the real Scotland stand up please?
England
2 from 4 Looked like they were building until the Boks ran them over. Lots of potential, on the up at eh moment.
Ireland
2 from 4 Slipped up against the Boks, did OK otherwise. Can at least blame missing personnel. New Zealand match gave the country something to take their minds off the economy.
Wales
1 1/2 from 4 Have to be disappointed if you’re Welsh, should have got the Boks, should have beaten Fiji. Should be doing better.
Weekend Preview
South Africa v the Barbarians
First up, I’m impressed to see they’ve found some barbarians who don’t play for South Africa. Ohh, it’s the Barbarians, not the barbarians, now I get it! I love this fixture, open rugby tries and the spirit of rugby. It doesn’t always live up to that, of course, there are just about no Northern Hemishpere players because it’s outside the Autumn window. And the Bok team has a youthful look about it too, and there’s been far too many 3 pointers in the last few encounters. The Spirit of Rugby is now Heineken or Guinness I guess. But I’m still looking forward to it, sounds like the coaches are preparing the teams for entertainment, and weather permitting it should be great. Here’s a few snaps from training: http://blogs.sport24.co.za/frg/scrumming-with-the-boks http://blogs.sport24.co.za/frg/now-this-was-a-special-day
Magners League
Scarlets vs Leinster
The Magner’s League didn’t stop in August, it just felt like that, now the spotlight returns as Leinster visit the Parc y Scarlets – the only teams in the league hard enough to take the cold tonight! It’s a decent looking Leinster side even with a few stars missing, and most of the firepower for the Scarlets seems to be on the bench, so I’m going with Leinster.
The other tough teams in the league (what is it with other lightweights, scared of a bit of snow?) match up at Thomond Park. It’s an impressive looking Munster squad, excellent to see O’Connell and O’Leary back in the frame. No news yet on The Blues team but If Australia can’t win at Thomond I can’t see the blues doing it either, Munster by 8
This looks like an excellent match. I haven’t seen the teams yet – I’ll have to have a look on Wikileaks as they seem to be treated with the utmost of secrecy right up until the match. I fancy Irish are going to put some manners on the Tigers, but we’ll see. Actually I won’t as I’ll be watching the Ba Ba’s.
The premier rugby competition in the South closed up in Sowetu of all places, as the Bulls and Stormers went to war at Orlando stadium. Last year the Bulls absolutely smashed the Chiefs, so badly they still haven’t recovered a year later. This time it was the Stormers stepping up to the plate. The tournament prides itself on running rugby, the rules favour the attacking team and there are normally tries galore. This was no free running affair though, more like two tanks engaged in mortal combat. The score at the end was pretty close , but from about 20 minutes in there only looked like there was going to be one winner as wave after wave of relentless Bulls attack and defense smashed the Stormers back. This wasn’t rugby for the feint of heart, and there are bound to be a few frosty moments when the players meet up in the Bok camp. It was carnage on the field and carnage on the ears as the vuvulezi droned on at an unbelievable volume. The Bulls look like they are laying the foundations of a dynasty to rival that of the Crusaders.
Guinness Premiership
You have to hand it to the Tigers, much as I would have loved to see a new name on the Premiership trophy, you have bow down to the canniness of Leicester as they delivered the sucker punch and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Saracens will be absolutely kicking themselves (well Brendon Venter will probably doing that for them quite well) as they hauled themselves back out of the abyss and came within a whisker of a famous victory, only for it all to turn to ashes in their mouths as one lapse in attention let the Tigers in for back to back premiership titles. It was a good advert for the Premiership, and for rugby in general, tries drama and a heartbreaking end.
Magners League
Now I don’t want to boast – much – but that is three out of three predictions as the Ospreys went on a smash and grab in Dublin. It seems a long long time ago that Irish rugby was standing on the pinnacle of European rugby with the Grand Slam, the Heineken Cup and the Magners League all in the cabinet. There’s going to be quite a bit of soul searching in the off season, and maybe a chance in the tour down under for them to rediscover their mojo. Welsh rugby took another step forward as the Ospreys turned on the style, scored the tries and made it look all too easy as they downed Leinster at home at the RDS. It’s hard to put your finger on what’s wrong with Leinster, it just looks like the self belief is gone.
Leicester vs Saracens 17:30
Bulls vs Stormers 17:00
Leinster vs Ospreys 18:00
Sunday 30th May
England vs Barbarians 17:00
Super 14
It’s back to Orlando Stadium for the finals of the Super 14, where either the Bulls or the Stormers will be crowned king of the southern hemisphere. Is the meanest defense in the tournament going to be able to survive the onslaught the Bulls are surely going to bring? It could come down to the gamebreakers – Fourie du Preez, Morne Steyn, Pierre Spies, Bryan Habana, Schalk Burger, Jaques Fourie. It could also come down to 15 large gentleman from Pretoria jumping on the heads on the Stormers, and this is the most likely outcome. The Bulls managed to pinch it at home from the Sharks in Durban in 2007, but although they are going to get bloody trying, it’s hard to see the Stormers winning this.
Guinness Premiership
It’s going to be a big day at Twickenham as Leicester Tigers defend their title against Saracens. Coach Brendan Venter conducts himself with good old fashioned South African charm and diplomacy and this has rubbed off on the Saracens – they play a no nonsense direct style of rugby, featuring several large South African men. Brendan is going to have to watch the match on TV due to his ban.The Tigers are the perfect foil for Saracens, they do all the simple things well and grind teams into the dust before really letting rip. Saracens have never won a league title, is that going to change this Saturday? Self confidence doesn’t seem to be a problem for them, but Leicester are old hands at this finals game, and that should help them claim back to back titles.
Magners’ League
This looks to be a really good match, Ireland’s finest taking on the Opreylians at the RDS. Leinster have had a good Magners League this year after falling short in the Heineken Cup. The Opreys have been ticking along nicely this year, they will feel unlucky to have lost to Biarritz in the Heineken Cup and would love to claims some silverware. Normally I’d be backing Leinster all the way and home advantage is formidable, but without Leo Cullen I think they could struggle – so I’m going for the Ospreys to join Cardiff with a cup of their own.
That was a clean sweep of predictions this weekend, OK you didn’t have to be Sherlock to spot half of them but pretty good anyway.
Super 14
The Hurricanes look disorganized and nervy, more like a summer breeze as the ‘Tahs (narrowly defeating the Cheetahs in the competition for the ugliest jersey) rolled up their sleeves and ground out the victory. Their prize is a trip back to the Republic to take on the Stormers who had few problems getting 5 points against an understrength Bulls team – all very cosy to keep it in the family. The final semi position went to the Crusaders as they overcame the Brumbies to book their date with the Bulls to be played in Sowetu stadium because of the upcoming World Cup. The Reds capped an excellent season by beating the Highlanders to come in a very creditable 5th. Things are looking up for the SA and Aussie teams, but not so good for the Kiwis.
Magners League
Glasgow would have to feel aggrieved by the shambolic manner by which they were denied a home semi, with the Ospreys being deducted 4 points next season for failing to fulfill an earlier fixture. But the smart money would have been on the Ospreys wherever they played. They made short work of the Warriors anyway. Munster’s woeful season continued as Leinster overpowered them to book their date in the final in Dublin. The old man of Europe is showing his age – time for a firesale of all the wrinklies and a big infusion of new blood.
Guinness Premiership
The first encounter on Sunday was fast paced and exciting, the lead swinging backwards and forwards several times. Brendan Venter may be famous for his SA style diplomacy i.e. none but he has got Saracens in to the final where anything could happen. Northampton just lost it at the end, where was the drop goal attempt? Leicester swept in to their umpteenth final in fine form. Not the most interesting match mind you, but they have a kind of ruthless efficiency that is admirable if not exciting. Watching Butch James temper fray as Bath were pinned back repeatedly in their 22 was the highlight of the match.
This is going to be a great tussle for the remaining places in the play off. Some of the Kiwis and the Aussies are kicking up a fuss about the Bulls fielding a second string side for their final match. Of course the Bulls are going to do whatever suits them, including letting the Stormers in if they feel like it’s a good tactical move. The teams that are whinging should have beaten the Bulls in the first place (OK the Crusaders probably did but that’s another story). So this is how I see it panning out: the Crusaders should tame the wild horses of the Brumbies, working through the travel fatigue and the dodgy loss to the Bulls. Tah’s and Canes – this is tricky one, both on a bit of a roll but home advantage should tell as the Tah’s blow the Canes out of town. Bulls and Stormers: well I reckon even the orange peeler and the scorer for the Bulls are pretty big guys so the Stormers won’t have it all their own way but should win and claim second spot, followed by the ‘Tahs and the Crusaders.
Magners League
First up is the Ospreys taking on Glasgow. Practically the whole Osprey team – apart from Jerry Collins and Marty Holah who are All Blacks – have played for Wales so at home they are just going to way too strong. The Ospreys always play attacking entertaining rugby so it should be a good match. Then it’s the Irish derby, Leinster vs Munster at the RDS. Neither side is firing on all cylinders, but Munster seem to have developed serious engine problems that only a whole of new parts is going to fix, and not in time for this weekend – Leinster as the tide turns for them.
Guinness Premiership
Wha a weekend as the Premiership nears the end. Saturday’s matches start with Northampton taking on Saracens. This is incredibly hard to call, the Saints should take it at home but Saracens have been in a rich vein of form. I’d love the Saints to win because of their exciting style, but I think Sarries are on a roll so I’m going for an upset for them. Then it’s Leicester and Bath slugging it out in the other semi. Leicester are creaking a bit, whereas bath are 10 from the last 11 – the one loss to…Leicester. Home advantage pays here as Leicester pull the plug.
The big encounter of the weekend was the Bulls taking on the Crusaders. The result was either a fair reward for the Bulls persistence or a travesty of justice depending where you hail from. A fairer result would have been a draw. It’s dropped the Crusaders to 6th and leaves them with a pretty faint chance of qualifying. The Bulls are sitting pretty on home semis now. The Stormers and Reds both seem to falling by the wayside at the last hurdle, while the Tah’s, Brumbies and Canes are all well placed for the final four. From a national perspective it would be great if the Sharks could save their best performances for teams from other countries. It’s good news for the format of the Super 15 though, where all the teams play local leagues to decide who gets in to the second round, as some of the best recent matches have been local derbies. The Lions will never have to travel overseas again!
This is next week’s matches
Team Points P/D Opposition
1 Bulls 47 119 Stormers
2 Stormers 39 166 Bulls
3 Waratahs 38 81 Canes
4 Brumbies 37 85 Crusaders
5 Hurricanes 37 51 Tahs
6 Crusaders 36 75 Brumbies
7 Reds 34 56 Highlanders
Magners League
Well there were a few heart attacks as Leinster had to come from behind to beat Edinburgh, but they did what they had to do to book a date with … Munster who also came up with bonus point they needed to keep their hopes alive. It should be a good match, I wonder if the new Aviva stadium will get to host it? The Opreys looked imperious as they trounced the Dragons, to book adate at home in the semis with Glasgow. connachts recent dismal form continued as they rolled over to Ulster.
Guinness Premiership
The big shock result was the mighty Leicester losing out to Sarries. I guess they had the home semi in the bag already, but nobody enjoys losing and it will give Saracens hope if they reach the finals. To do that, though they are going to have to beat the resurgent Saints in the pick of the semis. Northampton took down London Irish easily enough, with Mike Catt getting the man of the match award – surely just for pitching up. Bath make up the quartet, that’s 10 wins out of the last 11 matches, could there be some surprises in store?
This is how it lines up for the last two weeks:
Team Points 7th 14th
1 Bulls 43 Crusaders Stormers
2 Stormers 38 Sharks Bulls
3 Crusaders 34 Bulls Brumbies
4 Reds 34 Canes Highlanders
5 Waratahs 33 Chiefs Canes
6 Brumbies 32 Highlanders Crusaders
7 Hurricanes 32 Reds Tahs
It’s all to play for as the play off’s loom large. First up, the Reds got Caned in Wellington, and easy with the score handy now, but I was going for the Canes on their recent run of form, while the Reds looked really tired last week. Next up is the Bulls and the Crusaders, both wanting the win, the Crusaders desperately so. But these Crusaders are going to get gored, Bulls all the way. The Tah’s can’t afford to slip up again, they looked really ropey in their last outing, really hard to call as the Chiefs luck has to turn sometime – but not this weekend, ‘Tahs to win. The Brumbies should take down the Highlanders, with the last big match being Sharks at home to the Stormers. Looks like another bruising SA derby with a high body count – I’ll take a punt on the Stormers being last man standing.
Guinness Premiership
Two BIG matches her e, first of all Leicester take on Saracens, and I’m sorry Leicester fans but I think Sarries are in tiger taming form and will want to lay down a marker for the semis, Sarries to take a close match. London Irish vs the Saints is the other big match. Neither teams are in great consistent form but The Saints just look hungrier and I’m going for them to spoil Mike Catt’s farewell.
Magners League
In the games that matter, the Ospreys will thump the Dragons, Glasgow could sweat a bit but should sort out the Scarlets, Munster will have to watch out for the red hot Blues but should make it home, and Leinster face the giant banana skin of Edinburgh , and beat them well after the bitter disappointment of lasts weeks result. Connacht and Ulster should be a good dust up too, cruelly I think Connacht are down and out now so Ulster should claim the spoils.
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?
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.
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.
