European Rugby Thread

[sockwithaticket]

Honestly I just woke up from an unplanned nap. From the comments and scoreline it doesn't seem that I missed much.

[ASMO]

Honestly I just woke up from an unplanned nap. From the comments and scoreline it doesn't seem that I missed much.

If the blonde bumblecunts premiership was a rugby game, this would be it.

[Torquemada 1420]

Honestly I just woke up from an unplanned nap. From the comments and scoreline it doesn't seem that I missed much.

Rusty needles in your eyes would have been preferable to this as a spectacle. Can't wait for Bernol's evisceration of this performance.

[Torquemada 1420]

Ulster will arse ream these clowns next week.

TTFT. 100 mins of my life I'm not getting back.

[ASMO]

Just had a look at the Connaught v Leicester ending, Aki really should get hit with a strong sanction for that.

[Kawazaki]

Just had a look at the Connaught v Leicester ending, Aki really should get hit with a strong sanction for that.

Is it online or had you recorded it?

[Bullet]

[Un Pilier]

Just had a look at the Connaught v Leicester ending, Aki really should get hit with a strong sanction for that.

Yeah, he’s apologised but it was pretty disgraceful imo.

[TheFrog]

Looks like Clermont, despite stuttering their rugby as usual, made it.

[TheFrog]

Watching UBB-Scarlets at the moment.

Impressed with the young kids at UBB.

Bielle-Biarrey (18!) didn't pale in comparison with a Liam Williams who had a poor game. Young Cros pretty efficient. Moefana clean.

Quite liked Vergne at 7 who also had a good game.

[TheFrog]

Watching UBB-Scarlets at the moment.

Impressed with the young kids at UBB.

Bielle-Biarrey (18!) didn't pale in comparison with a Liam Williams who had a poor game. Young Cros pretty efficient. Moefana clean.

Quite liked Vergne at 7 who also had a good game.

Should add that Cordero had an amazing game in a position that is not his. And a conversion!

(And almost a try).

[TheFrog]

I see that Saint-Andre, after recording the worst loss for a French team in a world cup (and the first in a quarter final) is now the holder of the worst loss of a French club in the Champions Cup.

Not bad for a manager.

[assfly]

This competition is so weird. The matches I caught were either outstanding or terrible. Nothing in between.

Ulster looking very good. Lowry must be close to an Ireland call up.

[Torquemada 1420]

Looks like Clermont, despite stuttering their rugby as usual, made it.

Gibbes needs to quit. That was one of the most clueless "performances" I've ever seen from a Fre club in Europe. Utterly embarrassing lack of basic skills, tactical nous and discipline. The English commentators were practically laughing at how dim Clermont were during Sale's yellow card. Truth is, were it not for Penaud and then Parra adding some pragmatism in taking points the only way his side looked like scoring in the 2nd half, they would be out of Europe already. As it is, they'll lose by plenty next week.

I said at back end of last season that the rot had set in at Michelin and it's become a sea of mould now.

[Torquemada 1420]

I see that Saint-Andre, after recording the worst loss for a French team in a world cup (and the first in a quarter final) is now the holder of the worst loss of a French club in the Champions Cup.

Not bad for a manager.

Did you see his interview with L'Equipe?

[Torquemada 1420]

Watching UBB-Scarlets at the moment.

Impressed with the young kids at UBB.

Bielle-Biarrey (18!) didn't pale in comparison with a Liam Williams who had a poor game. Young Cros pretty efficient. Moefana clean.

Quite liked Vergne at 7 who also had a good game.

They are not the perfect item yet (but compare them with Clermont...): they waste a lot of ball with poor kicking options which is something Jalibert needs to sort out. Especially when they are so good with ball in hand. Reminded me of Toulouse circa 2004. They recycle quickly. All players looks to stay on their feet and keep the ball alive (including the front row). All players look to accelerate into contact and into space BETWEEN defenders. Support play is excellent. Their fitness is good which means when they don't have ball, their line speed is good.

Agree with the FB. He looked really composed.

I noticed that even Brive has started to try and play this sort of rugby in the last few weeks. The only sides clinging to the turgid sh*t are Montpellier and Pau and, to a lesser extent, USAP and BO.

[Torquemada 1420]

Should add that Cordero had an amazing game in a position that is not his. And a conversion!

(And almost a try).

That made me laugh because Maryladorian pointed out that he was starting as 3rd choice SH and I pointed out that he was a better player than Lesgourgues anyway!

[iarmhí]

Montpellier threw that match.

Reminded me of Bourgogne all those years ago.

I'll tell you who I feel sorry for : Exeter

They will now face the good Montpellier next week who will be angry.

[Torquemada 1420]

Montpellier threw that match.

Reminded me of Bourgogne all those years ago.

I'll tell you who I feel sorry for : Exeter

They will now face the good Montpellier next week who will be angry.

No sh*t. But as has been pointed out with Cardiff's effort against Toulouse, PSA's excuses over player availability is no defence for not playing with some pride. Only Guirado made any effort in that farce. I was at the biggest throw of all time: Ebbw Vale v Agen in 2002 but at least then Agen were penalised for it. MH should be thrown out of next year's competition. ERC should be made to note that Agen "only" lost 59-10 and copped a 2 year ban.

Exeter will murder them. MH play the same game style as the Chiefs but a 4th rate version. It will show.

[sockwithaticket]

Montpellier threw that match.

Reminded me of Bourgogne all those years ago.

I'll tell you who I feel sorry for : Exeter

They will now face the good Montpellier next week who will be angry.

Will they, though? I get the sense Montpellier just couldn't give a fuck about Europe. Might not be able to do much about the squad selection either given Saint-Andre's claims that the team was the result of covid cases (of course he'd never admit to overtly throwing the game...)

Exeter have duffed up a better Montpellier side in their own backyard before and they'll be riding a high after gutting Glasgow like they did. First proper performance in a while and keen to follow it up.

[Uncle fester]

This competition is so weird. The matches I caught were either outstanding or terrible. Nothing in between.

Ulster looking very good. Lowry must be close to an Ireland call up.

He'll be capped and rightly so but his size means a sustained international career will probably be beyond him.

[sockwithaticket]

This competition is so weird. The matches I caught were either outstanding or terrible. Nothing in between.

Ulster looking very good. Lowry must be close to an Ireland call up.

He'll be capped and rightly so but his size means a sustained international career will probably be beyond him.

I'm genuinely intrigued to see how he'd get on against Freddie Steward in a high ball contest.

[GogLais]

Can a referee card after a game has ended?

[Kawazaki]

Can a referee card after a game has ended?

Yes, I'm sure they can. He can certainly report Aki in his match report.

[SaintK]

Can a referee card after a game has ended?

Yes. I've seen a player red carded and reported for abusing a referee in the clubhouse

[TheFrog]

I see that Saint-Andre, after recording the worst loss for a French team in a world cup (and the first in a quarter final) is now the holder of the worst loss of a French club in the Champions Cup.

Not bad for a manager.

Did you see his interview with L'Equipe?

No. I can imagine the crying PSA with that terrible tone we have been accustomed to during his years at the helm of the French team.

One guy who impresses me as a coach is Urios. He has been successful with a "small" team, he is now quite successful with stars. Looks like he knows his rugby and how to manage players.

[Torquemada 1420]

Interesting. I had not heard the exchange until video above was posted. Raynal says "It is not on the line. You will apologise".

[TheFrog]

Montpellier threw that match.

Reminded me of Bourgogne all those years ago.

I'll tell you who I feel sorry for : Exeter

They will now face the good Montpellier next week who will be angry.

Will they, though? I get the sense Montpellier just couldn't give a fuck about Europe. Might not be able to do much about the squad selection either given Saint-Andre's claims that the team was the result of covid cases (of course he'd never admit to overtly throwing the game...)

Exeter have duffed up a better Montpellier side in their own backyard before and they'll be riding a high after gutting Glasgow like they did. First proper performance in a while and keen to follow it up.

Indeed I have the feeling Montpellier will give up the Champions Cup... what a farce.

[Torquemada 1420]

No. I can imagine the crying PSA with that terrible tone we have been accustomed to during his years at the helm of the French team.

One guy who impresses me as a coach is Urios. He has been successful with a "small" team, he is now quite successful with stars. Looks like he knows his rugby and how to manage players.

It's worth it for the laugh at his whining. Even worse given his hypocrisy over the position when the roles were reversed and Leinster were affected by covid.

Yes. Urios clearly has a plan and, critically, his players are following it. Their style does leave them vulnerable to sides who can kick in behind them tactically and physically hustle them out of the game (which is exactly what Leicester did in a mirror of Fra v Eng in RWC03) which is why they need to do a bit of work on their tactical kicking. That said, you look at Jalibert's game management versus Ntamack's at the weekend. The latter was really poor against a side playing with 14 men.

[Jim Lahey]

This competition is so weird. The matches I caught were either outstanding or terrible. Nothing in between.

Ulster looking very good. Lowry must be close to an Ireland call up.

He'll be capped and rightly so but his size means a sustained international career will probably be beyond him.

Unfortunately this will likely be the case. Which is a shame as he's a tough little fecker.

I'd love to see him given a run-out on the wing for Ireland (again massively unlikely to happen). He's got a great kicking game, can tackle, is electric ball in hand and wins his fair share of high balls somehow despite being a midget.

Failing that he'd be a great bench option to have given his skillset, versatility and ability to change the game.

[iarmhí]

That loss for Toulouse means they could be looking at an away 1/4 . Such a stupid performance. They're unbeatable in France and very beatable outside it .

[Torquemada 1420]

That loss for Toulouse means they could be looking at an away 1/4 . Such a stupid performance. They're unbeatable in France and very beatable outside it .

T14 has been weird this season when you consider how the intl side has been doing. I said a few months back that if the clubs played the way they were at start of season, they'd get bummed in Europe. Only UBB has really got its act together. Toulon and Paris (despite the largest budget) are in a relegation battle. Racing has lost 4 of its last 5. MH has won 5 in a row but that is misleading because most of them were against bottom clubs. So, on paper, Toulouse looks good but that really has been misleading too with Dupont papering over cracks. Some of those cracks are injuries with the likes of Marchand and Guitoune being near perma sicknotes but they really haven't put in much by the way of convincing performances this season.

FWIW, UBB really is the only realistic Fre contender. Racing are unlikely because the likes of Leicester, Exeter and Ulster would just beat them up.

[Uncle fester]

This competition is so weird. The matches I caught were either outstanding or terrible. Nothing in between.

Ulster looking very good. Lowry must be close to an Ireland call up.

He'll be capped and rightly so but his size means a sustained international career will probably be beyond him.

I'm genuinely intrigued to see how he'd get on against Freddie Steward in a high ball contest.

Ulster need to start picking him at 10. There's very little chance he'll be worse than Burns.

[Torquemada 1420]

Ulster need to start picking him at 10. There's very little chance he'll be worse than Burns.

Amazes me that Ulster continue to win games with him at the helm.

[Uncle fester]

Got a contract extension and all but across the board, Irish rugby teams can be very slow to let underperforming players go.

[TheFrog]

No. I can imagine the crying PSA with that terrible tone we have been accustomed to during his years at the helm of the French team.

One guy who impresses me as a coach is Urios. He has been successful with a "small" team, he is now quite successful with stars. Looks like he knows his rugby and how to manage players.

It's worth it for the laugh at his whining. Even worse given his hypocrisy over the position when the roles were reversed and Leinster were affected by covid.

Yes. Urios clearly has a plan and, critically, his players are following it. Their style does leave them vulnerable to sides who can kick in behind them tactically and physically hustle them out of the game (which is exactly what Leicester did in a mirror of Fra v Eng in RWC03) which is why they need to do a bit of work on their tactical kicking. That said, you look at Jalibert's game management versus Ntamack's at the weekend. The latter was really poor against a side playing with 14 men.

I thought Bordeaux lacked efficiency for a long time until they scored that amazing try through an inspiration, out of a move initially fumbled.

I haven't been able to watch Toulouse, so can't compare both fly-halves but will take your word for it. I remember that Jalibert came within a tenth of an inch to be intercepted and giving the first try to the Scarlets.

The young full back running lines were amazing, although I think his first try was generously granted by the ref.

Vergnes, in the backrow, impressed me. Surprised he is not on Galthie's radar.

I read that there is a young lock at La Rochelle who is slowly rising to the forefront, Picquette. Did you watch him? Is he close to challenge the likes of Willemse or Tao as a powerful lock? We lack quality in the second row, and a bit of competition would be welcome.

[fishfoodie]

Ulster need to start picking him at 10. There's very little chance he'll be worse than Burns.

Amazes me that Ulster continue to win games with him at the helm.

They seem to have created a game plan; where the OH isn't critical; & with Cooney, (& from the look if it Doak), as a 9.5; it works for them !

I think Leinster should do something similar; to offset the drop in standard when Sexton hangs up his boots.

[Jim Lahey]

He'll be capped and rightly so but his size means a sustained international career will probably be beyond him.

I'm genuinely intrigued to see how he'd get on against Freddie Steward in a high ball contest.

Ulster need to start picking him at 10. There's very little chance he'll be worse than Burns.

I agree and disagree.

I agree that he'd probably do a better job at 10 than Burns, although to be fair Billy Boy had a reasonable game yesterday.

I disagree that Lowry should play 10. He's playing great rugby at 15 and offers a threat running from deep that we would struggle to replace with our current squad.

Burns when he is playing with confidence is a good URC/competent ERC-level player. The best use of resources is keeping him as our starting 10 imo, and giving him a boot up the arse/arm around the shoulder to keep the brainfarts away.

[Torquemada 1420]

I thought Bordeaux lacked efficiency for a long time until they scored that amazing try through an inspiration, out of a move initially fumbled.

I haven't been able to watch Toulouse, so can't compare both fly-halves but will take your word for it. I remember that Jalibert came within a tenth of an inch to be intercepted and giving the first try to the Scarlets.

The young full back running lines were amazing, although I think his first try was generously granted by the ref.

Vergnes, in the backrow, impressed me. Surprised he is not on Galthie's radar.

I read that there is a young lock at La Rochelle who is slowly rising to the forefront, Picquette. Did you watch him? Is he close to challenge the likes of Willemse or Tao as a powerful lock? We lack quality in the second row, and a bit of competition would be welcome.

Yes. That is true. Until they started their running game, it was all pretty aimless. Which kinda is my point about Jalibert growing up with his game management.

I had not seen Picquette before but he had an excellent game. Definitely one to watch because lock still concerns me that the best option is still 2 safas.

[Uncle fester]

I'm genuinely intrigued to see how he'd get on against Freddie Steward in a high ball contest.

Ulster need to start picking him at 10. There's very little chance he'll be worse than Burns.

I agree and disagree.

I agree that he'd probably do a better job at 10 than Burns, although to be fair Billy Boy had a reasonable game yesterday.

I disagree that Lowry should play 10. He's playing great rugby at 15 and offers a threat running from deep that we would struggle to replace with our current squad.

Burns when he is playing with confidence is a good URC/competent ERC-level player. The best use of resources is keeping him as our starting 10 imo, and giving him a boot up the arse/arm around the shoulder to keep the brainfarts away.

Do you not have other options at 15? McIlroy will probably do a job for you there until Addison comes back to full fitness (and stays there for 15 mins before breaking again).
If he has international ambitions, he's going to need to play 10 a bit more.