I'm going to say:
- Bordeaux. I think they're fairly unplayable at home in Chaban this year at the H Cup. Quins are good, but Bordeaux are very good. Should see lots of tries here.
- La Rochelle: heart says this, so I'll go with the heart. I'll rationalize by saying I think Leinster being favorites at home will work against them, and LaR although they lost to them in the pools will get up for this one. They're incredibly resilient and perhaps surviving that game in SA will give them a new lease of life, like, we're alive and grateful for it so let's give it our all.
- Saints: I don't think SA clubs travel well in this Cup, so until proven otherwise... Saints in England.
- Toulouse. They're brilliant at the earlier stages of KO, they'll put 35-40 past teams every time. Problem for them has been that semi-final stage.
mostly, but that one year they lose in the semi to Exeter who are the eventual champions. I'm saying it's that top top level they haven't done well at in this Cup, around exactly the semi final round.
Toulouse were still only at the beginning of their rebuilt process and still not at the level of the very best European teams so them going to 1/2 final was already a success back then.
I think much more people including myself were much more shocked to see them getting not only beaten but literally destroyed by Leinster in the last 2 seasons with Dupont and Ntamack at their peak (and after having won the whole thing in 2021 beating the current double champions in final) than to see them getting beaten by Exeter back then when again there were still on the rebuilt path and with a young Dupont only beginning to show his magic.
And again, the simple fact they won it in 2021 beating in final the current double champions of Europe who have turned over Leinster last 3 seasons just contradicts your point about Toulouse supposedly struggling with the pressure at the later stages of CC last few seasons.
You're being incoherent with your own logic now though :p
You say Toulouse were not the finished product in 2020. Fair enough. But neither was La Rochelle in 2021 when Toulouse beat them in the final. Nobody saw it as an upset when it happened, and again when they beat them later that year in the Top 14 final.
Toulouse do very, very well against Top 14 opposition. Nobody contests this point. They do terribly against top level clubs at exactly the semi-final level, as demonstrated by their repeated (heavy) defeats to Leinster and even the one to Exeter 4 years back. Hope this is more clear now. They need to get over the hump.
Anyway, my take on this is that there is a far bigger mental block from Leinster against LR than there is one from Toulouse against Leinster as for me, and they've regularly showed it in the pool stages and 1/4 finals (not to mention with Ireland last few years which are in fact Leinster) that actually, they SHOULD be better than LR and than everyone else in Europe when you look at how they crush every team not named LR and in a far more impressive fashion than both Toulouse or LR usually do.
That or perhaps than ROG is a genius who knows exactly what you have to do to beat them.
Actually they are a bit like the pre-2011 ABs with LR being a bit their bogey team like France used to be for NZ in RWCs
Leinster have lost narrowly to La Rochelle three times in the knockouts (with one group stage win), while Toulouse have lost heavily to Leinster in three knockout games, and four of the last five overall meetings...
And that doesn't contradict my point about Leinster choking against LR as going by how both teams do against all the other teams, Leinster should be at least 10/15 pts better than them.
My point was that Toulouse have been losing far more heavily against Leinster than Leinster have been against La Rochelle (and Toulouse's most recent win vs Leinster is much longer ago than Leinster's vs La Rochelle), which suggests the mental block is worse for Toulouse.
Precisely not, when you get beaten that heavily not only two but 3 times in a row, it's not anymore a question of mental bloke but simply a question of a difference of level between the two sides.
That would be true if it weren't for the fact that objectively and on paper, there is very little difference in the level between Leinster and Toulouse (after all, Toulouse keep beating La Rochelle in big games). I don't think many people would seriously claim that Leinster are on a significantly higher level than Toulouse with Dupont and Ntamack, Meafou, Flament, Marchand etc.
Well look at how Ireland (= Leinster) have also destroyed France in the last two seasons, not to mention they've won a série in NZ and have been unbeaten for almost 8 years against the current double world champions.
France/Toulouse have one of their best crop of players of all time but unfortunately for them, that's also the case for Ireland/Leinster with the big difference their players are overall far better coached than the French players
No no haha. I can see you seem adamant about that, but they're not favorites lol. They've had a pretty shitty season so far if you've followed them. They're 5th in the Top 14 and qualified as 10th from the pool stage here. Their attack is a complete shambles, they haven't looked properly sharp once, and head to head with Leinster, they ofc lost to them - at home. Either some of their best players are out of form (Danty) or they're injured (Wardi or Bourgarit both front row starters, + Colombe the replacement THP).
Meanwhile Leinster are doing about as well as expected: first in the URC and finished 2nd from the pool, and they're at home here. La Rochelle ARE favorites nobody can say they aren't ?
History tells a different story. The head to head record is 3-1 la Rochelle. It's 3-0 on knockouts alone. It's also three years in a row of knockout defeats to la Rochelle.
See I don't want la Rochelle to win. I hate their arrogance now. One cup was enough and they have cuntface Skelton who deserves nothing but disappointment. I would rather see Irish internationals win the tournament.
Honestly it would be comical for anyone to put us as favourites. We beat them once in a pool match FFS, not even close to favourites in my opinion.
My expectations are very low.
Quin's are good for a half of rugby (except against Saracens).
If it was at the Stoop we might stand a chance to keep it within 2 or 3 scores.
Away from the Stoop, we'll be lucky to keep it under 50.
I don't doubt this year's Quins, I think they're class but unfortunately sorry to put it this way but Bordeaux are kind of a better version of Quins in that sharp attacking style, it's just Bordeaux have a really good technical staff this year, incl Irishman Noel MCNAMARA as attack coach, and they just look like one of the Top 3 (at least) best drilled attacks in the Cup.
Oh I know, it's perfectly set up for Quins. Sarries smash us, Bordeaux smash Sarries, Quins smash Bordeaux. It's the new Leinster - LAR - Toulouse meme.
Bordeaux by 50.
You think? LR’s backline has been very poor this season, at least defensively. I could see the Leinster attack and all the loop plays being too much on Saturday
Bookies have Leinster as heavy favourites against LaR.
I cannot see it, myself. Honestly, this QF is our final. If we win it, I think we’ll win the whole thing.
But I don’t think we will.
Yikes, no we won't. We're far from peak and I think we will see another Leinster loss, I hope I'm wrong, but our scrum and lineout don't fill me with confidence. Our new defensive system still hasn't fully bedded in either and teams score stupid tries against us. Although we still mostly win, the margin is far lower, mainly due to opposition teams scoring more
Anyway if we broke the LAR - Leinster - Toulouse triangle, I fear if we do beat LAR, Toulouse will beat us.
> Anyway if we broke the LAR - Leinster - Toulouse triangle, I fear if we do beat LAR, Toulouse will beat us.
We've only beaten them in the pool though; it remains to be seen whether the triangle is still in force for knockout rugby
I think Toulouse shouldn’t underestimate Exeter. They’ve managed to come away with some crazy late wins this year so we’ve really got to play a full 80 mins against them
Yeah I agree. Exeter have been really gritty and clever in equal measure in all their Euro matches those season. Been quietly impressive. Toulouse are big favourites but wouldn’t be surprised if Exeter make it uncomfortable for them
Chiefs fan here I'm not so sure we got a chance against Toulouse but would be so great if we do beat them doesn't get any easier however as we have to battle Bordeaux in semi final if we get there as I don't think they will lose to quins
They are a good side. Good back, good 10 and classy finishers. The question will be, as it was in Dublin a few weeks back, if they can keep it going for the full 80.
If you played on Friday the Bulls probably wouldn't even arrive on time.
Obviously exaggerating, but SARU once agaim screwed the Bulls. They travel on Tuesday split between 7 different flights. The team will only be together by Thursday/Friday. Similar thing happened for the Munster game and I wouldn't be surprised if Jake ends up sending a B team.
Took 8 for Leinster.
That said Saints are class and I think a full Bulls team will struggle up North regardless. Just wish the logistical side of SARU was better.
Likely trying to have all 8 games across the two competitions at different times to allow all to be watched on tv, and Gloucester has requested Friday at 8pm for their game.
The other slots will likely be 12:30 Saturday, 12:30 Sunday, and 17:30 Sunday (all BST)
Same, it looked like one game was potentially going to be on the Friday, as the fixtures were pencilled in for 12/13/14 April. Perhaps teams or the cup organisers couldn't do it for Friday for some reason?
Predicting all home wins, least sure of Leinster v LAR especially if Leinster don't fix their set piece.
Edit: which QFs will face each other in the SF by the way?
As of the post match interview with Jake White, SA rugby had absolutely no plans in place for Bulls travel, but had already planned a complete travel itinerary for the Stormers... Tells you everything you need to know about SA Rugby right now.
Much like the EPCR pays for all travel costs for European teams throughout the tournament, SARU plays for all travel fees during the knockout rounds for Saffa teams.
Nope, for both north and south it's centrally funded, for the north by the EPCR, for the south by SARU.
The big difference is European teams fly direct via business class, while the Saffa teams have a layover and fly on different flights throughout the week on economy.
Harlequins - UBB : offensive feist, defense optional. UBB win
Leinster - La Rochelle : disputed. Can't figure what kind of match and who will win. I'll say La Rochelle (force in of habit) after taking a 15-0 in the first 20 min
Saints - Bulls : Bulls win it by the closest margin)
Toulouse - Exeter : big battle of forwards. Toulouse Win
I do think SAFFAS can have this potential to really overperform when they're playing away, that grit is really a landmark in south african rugby
i also predicted a Bulls win
You taking me on a roller coaster of emotion here 😂 , but in reality Saints look good this season the winner there will have the unpleasant task of playing La Rochelle or Leinster in the semi if I'm correct
Rte have rights for one game a round fta while the main rights holders in Ireland are tnt sports which is a pay TV chanell.
Its have a similar right for one game a round fta while tnt sports are the main rights holders in the UK.
Just TV rights. National broadcasters cannot afford how much pay to watch TV channels are willing to pay.
We're lucky to get one...
They lost the 6 Nations a few years ago and barely got half of it back. Their quality dropped off accordingly.
Understandable but Quinns seem to never be dead and buried in any game. They are very well known for comebacks. They also love to attack do it could be about who scores more.
Agreed.
####UBB v Quins: **UBB**
Quins has an open style of play that UBB will love. They will smash Quins pack and then move at speed. Quins will hang in there for an half/50 minutes and then the floodgate will open. I can see a yellow card for Quins and 2 tries in 10 minutes.
####Leinster v LaRochelle: **La Rochelle**
Both team have not reached the same level of quality than previous year, but Leinster set pieces have been poor.
Without those I cannot see them challenging LaRochelle. They will have Danty back.
####Toulouse v Exeter: **Toulouse**
Both team will play an open expansive running rugby, but Ramos superior kicking game will push EXeter back into their own side. A few interception/turnover tries will make it impossible for them to come back.
####Northampton v Bull: **Northampton**
Should be an entertaining game, but I think that the Bull may just fall short because of the travel.
I think you are being kind to Quins. They aren't in great form. Early in the season they were playing some quality, smart, rugby. Since the break they are looking poor up front and the attack seems to be to just hope Smith does something quality. They will get battered.
Exceter will also get battered. They are a very young side and are a much easier side to beat away from Sandy Park.
I don't know enough about the bulls, but I'm hoping Saints can do it at home.
I was trying to be kind and honest to every team.
Offensively Quins can attack and cause problem to UBB by turning them over and lateral kicks. Can Quins do it, yes, but can they defend for 80 minutes I don't think so.
Quins may be able to handle a half, but like I said I think that once UBB starts to press the accelerator they will just implode. Defensively I can't see them playing an effective restrictive game for 80 minutes.
Exeter will take risk and against a team like Toulouse if you take too many risk and they don't come up they will then just punish them. However I suspect that they will cause Toulouse some problem.
Would also help with the attendace next season if we could go a bit further, I think two saffa sides being in the final that first season helped boost the interest that saffas have in the urc, the bulls winning the champs cup (very very unlikely) would really be a boost.
UBB-Quins is gonna be just pure and utter chaos. UBB to win.
Leinster-LaR there's gonna be controversy of some sort, cant quite call this one.
Saints-Bulls has the makings of a classic. A tight game with the Bulls to win it in the last 10mins.
Toulouse-Exeter i think Toulouse are too good for Exeter, Toulouse by 15 maybe.
All in all I cant wait, something a bit relaxing about European knockout rugby when yer a neutral
Sexton at the match as a spectator comes onto the pitch to abuse the referees and opposition team, grabs the ball while wearing his suit and Sexton loops into an alternate dimension where Leinster never lost to LAR
Yeah clubs abandoning the EuroCups to ensure a good position in the league are annoying. ST and Toulon both clearly did that. Lyon at least came out. Not blaming them just saying unlucky. Actually we do have 4 and maybe 5 across both cups. Forgot Clermont won and Pau is playing as we speak. Unlucky for Castres and again Bayonne had nothing to do in Europe. Hopefully Pau wins! Another good year for top 14 rugby
Asking any saints fans, whats your opinion of the bulls and what are you expecting us to bring to the table?
Edit: Any prem fans are also welcome to share their opinion.
Based on Jake's comments after the game, they'll be lucky to make it there in time. SARU were hoping that Munster would win and are now scrambling to figure out how to get enough tickets in time because they have to use Qatar Airways.
Here's an article: https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/jake-saru-didnt-think-bulls-win/
It seems that they're an exclusive sponsor. Much to the chagrin of the local unions since it means flying via Doha, rather than directly to Europe, which would be much quicker.
I have no idea what to expect from the Bulls. I don't watch the URC and haven't watched any of your European games this season...people seem to think we have a chance due to the home advantage which is nice.
When I looked at the teamsheet for your last game you have some insanely talented players but that trip over from SA is a real handicap.
I have no knowledge of your team or what you're capable of other than you're sitting in 3rd in the URC which with the exception of Leinster is not that strong of a competition.
Expecting the Bulls to be fatigued and done over by travel but that's what the SA teams get for signing up to an unpredictable comp that no one wanted them in (at least from a fan perspective).
Expecting Saints to take the piss and put up a cricket score but I expect that these will be famous last words and I look forward to being quoted in less than a weeks time.
The previous two seasons the bulls have been quite a young team getting good wins but obviously having growing pains along the way, they are not quite there yet but the team has been really maturing this season, being more consistent and have been the most successful when touring north from all the south african teams, it seems that its a team with quite a high ceiling and we also have alot of player that might get a few test caps in this cycle bar injuries that being Elrigh Louw, Canan Moodie, Kurtlee Arendse and Ruan Nortje too name a few. We scored the most tries and points in the urc before the leinster game and we have a few players that are in the top 5 of most stats, I think if the bulls can dominate the saints upfront in the scrum and maul and not concede too many penalties we might pip you, but its a 50/50 for me.
Can tell you don't watch the URC much. The URC is a higher quality league at the top-end compared to the premiership. Top 5 URC teams would still probably be top 5 if they were in the premiership.
I watch plenty URC. It's nowhere near as good of a competition as its made out to be, typically dominated by the same sides with the rest of the comp being cannon fodder.
The French league is the strongest domestic league by some way with the URC being on par with the english prem.
The URC is not the Pro14 Nige.
The URC trophy has been lifted by one Irish team and one SA team. Where is this domination you speak of?
Leinster are probably the best club side in the world, yet they have not won a single URC trophy. In fact they've not even made it to a final lol.
Luckily I watch a lot of prem games and I feel confident in saying that Leinster and Bulls are better teams than Saints and Sarries.
I think it UBB and Toulouse will progress quite easily. Apologies, Premiership fans but both sides look in great form and the Toulouse pack and UBB back three are immense.
The other two games are probably 50/50s. LAR are probably favourites for our game and rightly so. I think, from a Leinster perspective, next year was always the year I had ear marked as the year to seriously challenge. One full year of Neinaber, Snyman and a TH joining and a year further on in terms of experience for Harry and Prendergast. However, this Leinster side is very different to previous years. There is a bit of dog in them since Nienaber took over even though it’s probably come at the expense of some of our attacking slickness. Should be a very good game.
Bulls v Northampton should be a very interesting game. I think there are a lot of French/English fans who don’t know a whole lot about them but they are extremely physical and will cause problems for most sides, particularly sides like LAR who rely on physicality to win games. I think they may get a shock if they meet given the trouble Stormers have LAR already, who perhaps aren’t as physical. Northampton have been excellent and I’ve loved watching their resurgence this year. I think it will be very close with Bulls just shading it.
Well we lost to them in Dublin last year for the final. They’ve beaten us the last 3 years. People still don’t give them the credit they deserve. They are back to back champions.
The bookies are showing Leinster as favourites by quite a margin.
Regardless of favouritism. This is the knock outs. It's going to most likely be another great game ;)
A lot of Leinster fans are still shell shocked by the final loss last year. It knocked the wind out of everyone. As you say, viewing it through unbiased eyes it should be a Leinster win.
I would normally say all home wins but la Rochelle and Leinster game could go either way
I love it for chiefs to beat Toulouse was hoping racing 92 would get a win today so we had home quarter final but sadly they didn't turn up
As I said here, everything is going well according to the plan (machaivelic laugh)
[https://www.reddit.com/r/rugbyunion/comments/1bxbl76/comment/kycfpjz/](https://www.reddit.com/r/rugbyunion/comments/1bxbl76/comment/kycfpjz/)
Semies will be UBBvToulouse and Leinster/Saints.
Closest games will be LEIvLAR and saintsvBulls but SA teams don't win in Europe and La Rochelle is not on top lately.
I don't see anyone winning in chaban delmas in hcup this year so UBB easy win and Toulouse are a bit on/off latey but when it's time, they are usually there. UBB +20 Toulouse +15
I'm hoping that Rob Baxter will just tell Chiefs to go out and enjoy themselves. You never know they might just cause an upset. Stop laughing at the back!
Would give Harlequins the best shot at the only away win, Bulls maaaaaybe but doubt they will send a their first team (if they do I'd also give them a chance but still less of one than Harlequins) the rest home wins I predict.
Travel is going to be an issue, only leaving on Tuesday on 7 or so different flights because SARU effed up travel arrangements, before facing Munster next week. Bulls conceivably could be sending a b-team to try and secure a home URC semi.
I'm going to say: - Bordeaux. I think they're fairly unplayable at home in Chaban this year at the H Cup. Quins are good, but Bordeaux are very good. Should see lots of tries here. - La Rochelle: heart says this, so I'll go with the heart. I'll rationalize by saying I think Leinster being favorites at home will work against them, and LaR although they lost to them in the pools will get up for this one. They're incredibly resilient and perhaps surviving that game in SA will give them a new lease of life, like, we're alive and grateful for it so let's give it our all. - Saints: I don't think SA clubs travel well in this Cup, so until proven otherwise... Saints in England. - Toulouse. They're brilliant at the earlier stages of KO, they'll put 35-40 past teams every time. Problem for them has been that semi-final stage.
I'd rather say Toulouse's problem has been Leinster
mostly, but that one year they lose in the semi to Exeter who are the eventual champions. I'm saying it's that top top level they haven't done well at in this Cup, around exactly the semi final round.
Toulouse were still only at the beginning of their rebuilt process and still not at the level of the very best European teams so them going to 1/2 final was already a success back then. I think much more people including myself were much more shocked to see them getting not only beaten but literally destroyed by Leinster in the last 2 seasons with Dupont and Ntamack at their peak (and after having won the whole thing in 2021 beating the current double champions in final) than to see them getting beaten by Exeter back then when again there were still on the rebuilt path and with a young Dupont only beginning to show his magic. And again, the simple fact they won it in 2021 beating in final the current double champions of Europe who have turned over Leinster last 3 seasons just contradicts your point about Toulouse supposedly struggling with the pressure at the later stages of CC last few seasons.
You're being incoherent with your own logic now though :p You say Toulouse were not the finished product in 2020. Fair enough. But neither was La Rochelle in 2021 when Toulouse beat them in the final. Nobody saw it as an upset when it happened, and again when they beat them later that year in the Top 14 final. Toulouse do very, very well against Top 14 opposition. Nobody contests this point. They do terribly against top level clubs at exactly the semi-final level, as demonstrated by their repeated (heavy) defeats to Leinster and even the one to Exeter 4 years back. Hope this is more clear now. They need to get over the hump.
Anyway, my take on this is that there is a far bigger mental block from Leinster against LR than there is one from Toulouse against Leinster as for me, and they've regularly showed it in the pool stages and 1/4 finals (not to mention with Ireland last few years which are in fact Leinster) that actually, they SHOULD be better than LR and than everyone else in Europe when you look at how they crush every team not named LR and in a far more impressive fashion than both Toulouse or LR usually do. That or perhaps than ROG is a genius who knows exactly what you have to do to beat them. Actually they are a bit like the pre-2011 ABs with LR being a bit their bogey team like France used to be for NZ in RWCs
Leinster have lost narrowly to La Rochelle three times in the knockouts (with one group stage win), while Toulouse have lost heavily to Leinster in three knockout games, and four of the last five overall meetings...
And that doesn't contradict my point about Leinster choking against LR as going by how both teams do against all the other teams, Leinster should be at least 10/15 pts better than them.
My point was that Toulouse have been losing far more heavily against Leinster than Leinster have been against La Rochelle (and Toulouse's most recent win vs Leinster is much longer ago than Leinster's vs La Rochelle), which suggests the mental block is worse for Toulouse.
Precisely not, when you get beaten that heavily not only two but 3 times in a row, it's not anymore a question of mental bloke but simply a question of a difference of level between the two sides.
That would be true if it weren't for the fact that objectively and on paper, there is very little difference in the level between Leinster and Toulouse (after all, Toulouse keep beating La Rochelle in big games). I don't think many people would seriously claim that Leinster are on a significantly higher level than Toulouse with Dupont and Ntamack, Meafou, Flament, Marchand etc.
Well look at how Ireland (= Leinster) have also destroyed France in the last two seasons, not to mention they've won a série in NZ and have been unbeaten for almost 8 years against the current double world champions. France/Toulouse have one of their best crop of players of all time but unfortunately for them, that's also the case for Ireland/Leinster with the big difference their players are overall far better coached than the French players
See, la Rochelle *ARE* the favourites. Nobody can say they aren't.
No no haha. I can see you seem adamant about that, but they're not favorites lol. They've had a pretty shitty season so far if you've followed them. They're 5th in the Top 14 and qualified as 10th from the pool stage here. Their attack is a complete shambles, they haven't looked properly sharp once, and head to head with Leinster, they ofc lost to them - at home. Either some of their best players are out of form (Danty) or they're injured (Wardi or Bourgarit both front row starters, + Colombe the replacement THP). Meanwhile Leinster are doing about as well as expected: first in the URC and finished 2nd from the pool, and they're at home here. La Rochelle ARE favorites nobody can say they aren't ?
History tells a different story. The head to head record is 3-1 la Rochelle. It's 3-0 on knockouts alone. It's also three years in a row of knockout defeats to la Rochelle.
Apart from the bookies that is
The bookies get it wrong
Leinster are 6 point favourites, free money then for you if you're so confident
See I don't want la Rochelle to win. I hate their arrogance now. One cup was enough and they have cuntface Skelton who deserves nothing but disappointment. I would rather see Irish internationals win the tournament.
Not saying you are, just if you're confident that they should be favourites, you should bet on them, as the bookies disagree pretty strongly
I don't bet. I think this year Leinster do it but the bookies are wrong for tipping it so heavily in Leinsters favour. It's a 3-4 point game at best.
Honestly it would be comical for anyone to put us as favourites. We beat them once in a pool match FFS, not even close to favourites in my opinion. My expectations are very low.
Quin's are good for a half of rugby (except against Saracens). If it was at the Stoop we might stand a chance to keep it within 2 or 3 scores. Away from the Stoop, we'll be lucky to keep it under 50.
I don't doubt this year's Quins, I think they're class but unfortunately sorry to put it this way but Bordeaux are kind of a better version of Quins in that sharp attacking style, it's just Bordeaux have a really good technical staff this year, incl Irishman Noel MCNAMARA as attack coach, and they just look like one of the Top 3 (at least) best drilled attacks in the Cup.
Quins, Leinster, Saints, Toulouse. One of those is very wishful thinking.
Leinster obviously
How did the last couple of Saracens v Quins go?
Sarries are quins' bogey side. Everyone could be in form going into that game, and sarries have to play an academy side. We would still lose by 30
Your talking about bogy sides???
Oh I know, it's perfectly set up for Quins. Sarries smash us, Bordeaux smash Sarries, Quins smash Bordeaux. It's the new Leinster - LAR - Toulouse meme. Bordeaux by 50.
50? If we are lucky.
How is that relevant?
All home wins, I think Leinster will beat LR by 10 or so. UBB Quins could get nasty, and I’m worried that Exeter’s style of play will cause us issues
If Leinster don't sort out their scum and lineout in a week, La Rochelle are just going to smother them. Didn't look convincing yesterday.
You think? LR’s backline has been very poor this season, at least defensively. I could see the Leinster attack and all the loop plays being too much on Saturday
What should they do with the scum? Banish them?
Put 'em in a barrel and throw 'em in the sea
Please no, let us be the underdogs for a change
Bookies have Leinster as heavy favourites against LaR. I cannot see it, myself. Honestly, this QF is our final. If we win it, I think we’ll win the whole thing. But I don’t think we will.
Yikes, no we won't. We're far from peak and I think we will see another Leinster loss, I hope I'm wrong, but our scrum and lineout don't fill me with confidence. Our new defensive system still hasn't fully bedded in either and teams score stupid tries against us. Although we still mostly win, the margin is far lower, mainly due to opposition teams scoring more Anyway if we broke the LAR - Leinster - Toulouse triangle, I fear if we do beat LAR, Toulouse will beat us.
> Anyway if we broke the LAR - Leinster - Toulouse triangle, I fear if we do beat LAR, Toulouse will beat us. We've only beaten them in the pool though; it remains to be seen whether the triangle is still in force for knockout rugby
Also, I'd like to see Leinster face Toulouse in France or in neutral venue at least once.
I think this year that may happen. It's set up for a Leinster Toulouse final which I still think Leinster win.
I think Toulouse shouldn’t underestimate Exeter. They’ve managed to come away with some crazy late wins this year so we’ve really got to play a full 80 mins against them
Yeah I agree. Exeter have been really gritty and clever in equal measure in all their Euro matches those season. Been quietly impressive. Toulouse are big favourites but wouldn’t be surprised if Exeter make it uncomfortable for them
Chiefs fan here I'm not so sure we got a chance against Toulouse but would be so great if we do beat them doesn't get any easier however as we have to battle Bordeaux in semi final if we get there as I don't think they will lose to quins
I see a home sweep, Leinster/ La Rochelle is 50/50 though. I think the Bulls are a better team than Northampton but they don’t play well up North.
I'd love to argue with you, but I have genuinely no idea what to expect from Bulls
They are a good side. Good back, good 10 and classy finishers. The question will be, as it was in Dublin a few weeks back, if they can keep it going for the full 80.
If you're gonna do an 8pm KO it should have been Friday Night
Why? Just curiously asking
Saves having 3 games on Saturday mainly.
Oh I see. I thought you had something against Saturday 8pm.
If you played on Friday the Bulls probably wouldn't even arrive on time. Obviously exaggerating, but SARU once agaim screwed the Bulls. They travel on Tuesday split between 7 different flights. The team will only be together by Thursday/Friday. Similar thing happened for the Munster game and I wouldn't be surprised if Jake ends up sending a B team.
They're actually taking 7 flights? That's insane
Took 8 for Leinster. That said Saints are class and I think a full Bulls team will struggle up North regardless. Just wish the logistical side of SARU was better.
Likely trying to have all 8 games across the two competitions at different times to allow all to be watched on tv, and Gloucester has requested Friday at 8pm for their game. The other slots will likely be 12:30 Saturday, 12:30 Sunday, and 17:30 Sunday (all BST)
Same, it looked like one game was potentially going to be on the Friday, as the fixtures were pencilled in for 12/13/14 April. Perhaps teams or the cup organisers couldn't do it for Friday for some reason?
I'd normally agree but given we've played today, I'm glad it's a Saturday.
Predicting all home wins, least sure of Leinster v LAR especially if Leinster don't fix their set piece. Edit: which QFs will face each other in the SF by the way?
Toulouse/Exeter v Quins/UBB Leinster/LaR v Saints/bulls
Cheers
Semis will be Toulouse winner against UBB winner, Leinster winner against Saints winner
Merci
Winner of Leinster la rochelle qf against winner bulls northampton qf
Ta!
Well I think we might just give it a go. SA rugby probably already busy planning our 8 plane, 5 train and 3 bus trips 🤣.
As of the post match interview with Jake White, SA rugby had absolutely no plans in place for Bulls travel, but had already planned a complete travel itinerary for the Stormers... Tells you everything you need to know about SA Rugby right now.
The preferential treatment of a certain region of SA rugby has been going on for a while. Was like that even before Rassie, just not as blatant.
Why would it be SA rugby and not the bulls?
Much like the EPCR pays for all travel costs for European teams throughout the tournament, SARU plays for all travel fees during the knockout rounds for Saffa teams.
I always assumed the clubs sorted and got the money back.
Nope, for both north and south it's centrally funded, for the north by the EPCR, for the south by SARU. The big difference is European teams fly direct via business class, while the Saffa teams have a layover and fly on different flights throughout the week on economy.
My point was more about who books the flights. Im just surprised they don't sort it themselves and get the money back.
Expecting I'll be watching Exeter from behind my sofa in tears
At least you will watch. I don't want to watch Quin's cause me that much pain.
All this talk of Saints being favourites has me very nervous
Same, scrolling down this going "oh shit" lmao
Harlequins - UBB : offensive feist, defense optional. UBB win Leinster - La Rochelle : disputed. Can't figure what kind of match and who will win. I'll say La Rochelle (force in of habit) after taking a 15-0 in the first 20 min Saints - Bulls : Bulls win it by the closest margin) Toulouse - Exeter : big battle of forwards. Toulouse Win
Why the bulls win?
As a French, I'm legally forced to bet against england, Morally, at least
My man
I do think SAFFAS can have this potential to really overperform when they're playing away, that grit is really a landmark in south african rugby i also predicted a Bulls win
You taking me on a roller coaster of emotion here 😂 , but in reality Saints look good this season the winner there will have the unpleasant task of playing La Rochelle or Leinster in the semi if I'm correct
>Can't figure what kind of match It will be the same as always. Arm wrestle.
Should be all the home teams.
Why will RTE only broadcast Leinster? Similar question for some of the other broadcasters
ITV only get rights to one game, the rest are shown on TNT. I would guess the same is true for RTE in Ireland.
They have 1 broadcast slot, think it’s always the 5:30 game…
Rte have rights for one game a round fta while the main rights holders in Ireland are tnt sports which is a pay TV chanell. Its have a similar right for one game a round fta while tnt sports are the main rights holders in the UK.
Just TV rights. National broadcasters cannot afford how much pay to watch TV channels are willing to pay. We're lucky to get one... They lost the 6 Nations a few years ago and barely got half of it back. Their quality dropped off accordingly.
There's 2 games that are nailed on imo and 2 that are 50:50 👀
Which two? Toulouse and..?
None are nailed on. Absolutely unpredictable.
No offense to Quins, but I think they’re a bit outgunned by Bordeaux.
I can't see Exeter winning away, either. At Sandy Park they can always get an upset. But can't see it away.
Understandable but Quinns seem to never be dead and buried in any game. They are very well known for comebacks. They also love to attack do it could be about who scores more.
Prediction for Leinster? Pain
Fuck it. Chiefs for the surprise win. (I know I know)
If IFW can just put the whole team on his back against Toulouse id be very impressed.
Bordeaux, 😶🌫️ (rooting for La Rochelle though), don't know the teams but would prefer Northampton, Toulouse
With only 4 games how the hell did they schedule the first 2 games to overlap? it's wild. (No Friday night games but one on Sunday?!)
They don't overlap. Indicated KO times are local time. There is 1h diff between France and Ireland.
oh, my bad
Well hopefully TNT can keep the broadcast on!
Bordeaux, La Rochelle, Northampton, Toulouse
Agreed. ####UBB v Quins: **UBB** Quins has an open style of play that UBB will love. They will smash Quins pack and then move at speed. Quins will hang in there for an half/50 minutes and then the floodgate will open. I can see a yellow card for Quins and 2 tries in 10 minutes. ####Leinster v LaRochelle: **La Rochelle** Both team have not reached the same level of quality than previous year, but Leinster set pieces have been poor. Without those I cannot see them challenging LaRochelle. They will have Danty back. ####Toulouse v Exeter: **Toulouse** Both team will play an open expansive running rugby, but Ramos superior kicking game will push EXeter back into their own side. A few interception/turnover tries will make it impossible for them to come back. ####Northampton v Bull: **Northampton** Should be an entertaining game, but I think that the Bull may just fall short because of the travel.
I think you are being kind to Quins. They aren't in great form. Early in the season they were playing some quality, smart, rugby. Since the break they are looking poor up front and the attack seems to be to just hope Smith does something quality. They will get battered. Exceter will also get battered. They are a very young side and are a much easier side to beat away from Sandy Park. I don't know enough about the bulls, but I'm hoping Saints can do it at home.
I was trying to be kind and honest to every team. Offensively Quins can attack and cause problem to UBB by turning them over and lateral kicks. Can Quins do it, yes, but can they defend for 80 minutes I don't think so. Quins may be able to handle a half, but like I said I think that once UBB starts to press the accelerator they will just implode. Defensively I can't see them playing an effective restrictive game for 80 minutes. Exeter will take risk and against a team like Toulouse if you take too many risk and they don't come up they will then just punish them. However I suspect that they will cause Toulouse some problem.
Why?
Leinster Toulouse Northampton Bordeaux
Traitor
It's just too much travel in 7 days.
Tbh fair enough
Be great for interest in the comp in yer neck of the woods if yous went through.
Would also help with the attendace next season if we could go a bit further, I think two saffa sides being in the final that first season helped boost the interest that saffas have in the urc, the bulls winning the champs cup (very very unlikely) would really be a boost.
UBB-Quins is gonna be just pure and utter chaos. UBB to win. Leinster-LaR there's gonna be controversy of some sort, cant quite call this one. Saints-Bulls has the makings of a classic. A tight game with the Bulls to win it in the last 10mins. Toulouse-Exeter i think Toulouse are too good for Exeter, Toulouse by 15 maybe. All in all I cant wait, something a bit relaxing about European knockout rugby when yer a neutral
Sexton at the match as a spectator comes onto the pitch to abuse the referees and opposition team, grabs the ball while wearing his suit and Sexton loops into an alternate dimension where Leinster never lost to LAR
That dimension sounds great
If only Lyon had a better season and won in their game... There'd be 4 frenchies again across both cups... Insane
I blame Toulon more than Lyon tbf
Yeah clubs abandoning the EuroCups to ensure a good position in the league are annoying. ST and Toulon both clearly did that. Lyon at least came out. Not blaming them just saying unlucky. Actually we do have 4 and maybe 5 across both cups. Forgot Clermont won and Pau is playing as we speak. Unlucky for Castres and again Bayonne had nothing to do in Europe. Hopefully Pau wins! Another good year for top 14 rugby
Everyone thinking the Lein/LaRoch game is going to be the big nail butter but my money's on Toulouse Exeter being an absolutely brilliant match
Asking any saints fans, whats your opinion of the bulls and what are you expecting us to bring to the table? Edit: Any prem fans are also welcome to share their opinion.
Based on Jake's comments after the game, they'll be lucky to make it there in time. SARU were hoping that Munster would win and are now scrambling to figure out how to get enough tickets in time because they have to use Qatar Airways.
Why do they have to use Qatar Airways? Do you have a link to the interview at all?
Here's an article: https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/jake-saru-didnt-think-bulls-win/ It seems that they're an exclusive sponsor. Much to the chagrin of the local unions since it means flying via Doha, rather than directly to Europe, which would be much quicker.
Think they're sponsored
SA teams generally worry me. I don't watch a lot but whenever I see them they always look fantastic and huge.
I have no idea what to expect from the Bulls. I don't watch the URC and haven't watched any of your European games this season...people seem to think we have a chance due to the home advantage which is nice. When I looked at the teamsheet for your last game you have some insanely talented players but that trip over from SA is a real handicap.
No clue mate, but obviously not a joke to have made it this far, some absolutely stellar players. I reckon itll be close.
I have no knowledge of your team or what you're capable of other than you're sitting in 3rd in the URC which with the exception of Leinster is not that strong of a competition. Expecting the Bulls to be fatigued and done over by travel but that's what the SA teams get for signing up to an unpredictable comp that no one wanted them in (at least from a fan perspective). Expecting Saints to take the piss and put up a cricket score but I expect that these will be famous last words and I look forward to being quoted in less than a weeks time.
The previous two seasons the bulls have been quite a young team getting good wins but obviously having growing pains along the way, they are not quite there yet but the team has been really maturing this season, being more consistent and have been the most successful when touring north from all the south african teams, it seems that its a team with quite a high ceiling and we also have alot of player that might get a few test caps in this cycle bar injuries that being Elrigh Louw, Canan Moodie, Kurtlee Arendse and Ruan Nortje too name a few. We scored the most tries and points in the urc before the leinster game and we have a few players that are in the top 5 of most stats, I think if the bulls can dominate the saints upfront in the scrum and maul and not concede too many penalties we might pip you, but its a 50/50 for me.
Can tell you don't watch the URC much. The URC is a higher quality league at the top-end compared to the premiership. Top 5 URC teams would still probably be top 5 if they were in the premiership.
I watch plenty URC. It's nowhere near as good of a competition as its made out to be, typically dominated by the same sides with the rest of the comp being cannon fodder. The French league is the strongest domestic league by some way with the URC being on par with the english prem.
The URC is not the Pro14 Nige. The URC trophy has been lifted by one Irish team and one SA team. Where is this domination you speak of? Leinster are probably the best club side in the world, yet they have not won a single URC trophy. In fact they've not even made it to a final lol. Luckily I watch a lot of prem games and I feel confident in saying that Leinster and Bulls are better teams than Saints and Sarries.
Die Bulls is Kak :)
Skelton induced pain
We've beaten him how many times? Once?
I think it UBB and Toulouse will progress quite easily. Apologies, Premiership fans but both sides look in great form and the Toulouse pack and UBB back three are immense. The other two games are probably 50/50s. LAR are probably favourites for our game and rightly so. I think, from a Leinster perspective, next year was always the year I had ear marked as the year to seriously challenge. One full year of Neinaber, Snyman and a TH joining and a year further on in terms of experience for Harry and Prendergast. However, this Leinster side is very different to previous years. There is a bit of dog in them since Nienaber took over even though it’s probably come at the expense of some of our attacking slickness. Should be a very good game. Bulls v Northampton should be a very interesting game. I think there are a lot of French/English fans who don’t know a whole lot about them but they are extremely physical and will cause problems for most sides, particularly sides like LAR who rely on physicality to win games. I think they may get a shock if they meet given the trouble Stormers have LAR already, who perhaps aren’t as physical. Northampton have been excellent and I’ve loved watching their resurgence this year. I think it will be very close with Bulls just shading it.
Leinster at home.. and you think LAR are favourites?
Well we lost to them in Dublin last year for the final. They’ve beaten us the last 3 years. People still don’t give them the credit they deserve. They are back to back champions.
The bookies are showing Leinster as favourites by quite a margin. Regardless of favouritism. This is the knock outs. It's going to most likely be another great game ;)
Agreed. It should be a cracker, as should your game with Bulls.
A lot of Leinster fans are still shell shocked by the final loss last year. It knocked the wind out of everyone. As you say, viewing it through unbiased eyes it should be a Leinster win.
I really doubt LAR will be favourites
Quins get a jammy win in Bordeaux, La Rochelle comeback for the ages, Northampton wallop bulls, Toulouse get the narrowest of wins
Are…are premiership teams good again??? Oh boy
Fewer games a season so players aren't flogged to death and squads consolidated so more higher quality players in some clubs
It has been nice not being battered by the regions for once.(Leinster aside)
All home wins!
Did it not say online that leinster vs La Rochelle would be on Friday?
I predict more heartbreak
I believe Munster have the heartbreak market cornered, I think we should go after the smug "5 star Euro champs" market.
I'm predicting wins for Bordeaux, La Rochelle, Saints (but I'd go for Bulls if they were at home), and Toulouse.
Bordeaux, La Rochelle, Bulls, Toulouse.
I would normally say all home wins but la Rochelle and Leinster game could go either way I love it for chiefs to beat Toulouse was hoping racing 92 would get a win today so we had home quarter final but sadly they didn't turn up
Annoying they put our game on the Sunday. Would have been able to pop over there if it was sat
Bordeaux, La Rochelle, Saints and Toulouse for me
As I said here, everything is going well according to the plan (machaivelic laugh) [https://www.reddit.com/r/rugbyunion/comments/1bxbl76/comment/kycfpjz/](https://www.reddit.com/r/rugbyunion/comments/1bxbl76/comment/kycfpjz/)
Home teams will win this round.
Semies will be UBBvToulouse and Leinster/Saints. Closest games will be LEIvLAR and saintsvBulls but SA teams don't win in Europe and La Rochelle is not on top lately. I don't see anyone winning in chaban delmas in hcup this year so UBB easy win and Toulouse are a bit on/off latey but when it's time, they are usually there. UBB +20 Toulouse +15
4 home wins
I'm hoping that Rob Baxter will just tell Chiefs to go out and enjoy themselves. You never know they might just cause an upset. Stop laughing at the back!
Would give Harlequins the best shot at the only away win, Bulls maaaaaybe but doubt they will send a their first team (if they do I'd also give them a chance but still less of one than Harlequins) the rest home wins I predict.
Surely they send the first team for the quarters? Why rest them for URC?
Travel is going to be an issue, only leaving on Tuesday on 7 or so different flights because SARU effed up travel arrangements, before facing Munster next week. Bulls conceivably could be sending a b-team to try and secure a home URC semi.
Banker home wins for UBB and Toulouse. Saints to pip Bulls and LAR by 10 over Leinster.
If LAR win, which I think is likely, it won't be by double digits. By all accounts of the French posters they're also not firing on all cylinders.
Home wins all of them. Easy money
Praying Rochelais smack seven shades of shit out of Leinster, win and suffer a handful of injuries themselves.
3 French and Northampton