2024/2025 Not Heineken Cup

[ASMO]

Smith and Mitchell pretty much shit the bed, Freeman was poor but got better, Pollock was pretty anonymous. Wont have done of their Lions starting 23 chances any good.

[sockwithaticket]

UBB deserve that overall. Saints made it very difficult and the grit was admirable, but they made too many mistakes of their own whenever Bordeaux's mistakes gave them a lifeline.

[Torquemada 1420]

Ah bollocks
Still amazes me Saints got the final

As per previous, the weirdness/stupidity of the draw meant they avoided the best 5 or 6 sides right up to the semi. And then did us all a favour with a mental performance

[Blackmac]

Too many Saints players were ordinary slash poor, I can only think of Coles who played well. Freeman tried hard but couldn't do it all in his own. Ref rode us hard but no way did we deserve to win, congratulations BB.

Can’t disagree with that

Yeah, Freeman worked exceptionally hard but never in a position to create anything. Mitchell, Smith and Pollock just never had any influence on the game. Really thought Saints could nick it but in the end the score flattered them.

[SaintK]

Smith and Mitchell pretty much shit the bed, Freeman was poor but got better, Pollock was pretty anonymous. Wont have done of their Lions starting 23 chances any good.

Cole’s had a pretty impressive match
Won’t do his Argentina tour chances any harm

[Kawazaki]

Thought the Saints tighthead was one of their best players.

[Jockaline]

I think Hollie has bottled it, there definitely seems to be a directive for refs to not give a red - that was as clear cut as it gets

Massively so but it's not just on her. Adamson agreed with her.

I suppose we know he's shite though.

I don't think she gave him much room to do anything else. She wasn't really looking for his opinion, it was practically rhetorical in the tone she asked if he agreed, to do anything else would have been unseemly and confrontational.

[I like neeps]

Referees have been told to give fewer red cards. The red cards didn't change tackles body height and fans are now paying insane money for tickets and watching a game with the token red card having shelled out is a crap product so the correct decision.

[PornDog]

Referees have been told to give fewer red cards. The red cards didn't change tackles body height and fans are now paying insane money for tickets and watching a game with the token red card having shelled out is a crap product so the correct decision.

Maybe if they gave cunts long bans then it would have changed techniques. World Rugby themselves undermined the process. Now I guess they are doubling down. What could go wrong?

[PCPhil]

On reflection.

Northampton did not have anywhere near their top game. That was against Leinster. But to run the clear best team in the tournament that close, to be level at half time, was not bad. Okay Ubb butchered some chances, so did Saints. It was a fun final.

[OomStruisbaai]

French was on a different level. Deserved winners.

[Hal Jordan]

Referees have been told to give fewer red cards. The red cards didn't change tackles body height and fans are now paying insane money for tickets and watching a game with the token red card having shelled out is a crap product so the correct decision.

Maybe if they gave cunts long bans then it would have changed techniques. World Rugby themselves undermined the process. Now I guess they are doubling down. What could go wrong?

Plentt of prime CTE targets out there with multiple concussions, still leads with the head too often, doesn't seem to want to learn.

[OomStruisbaai]

Referees have been told to give fewer red cards. The red cards didn't change tackles body height and fans are now paying insane money for tickets and watching a game with the token red card having shelled out is a crap product so the correct decision.

Maybe if they gave cunts long bans then it would have changed techniques. World Rugby themselves undermined the process. Now I guess they are doubling down. What could go wrong?

Plentt of prime CTE targets out there with multiple concussions, still leads with the head too often, doesn't seem to want to learn.

The red card is fine but the vokken 6 weeks ban is a joke. It's rugby and sad to see attacking players bend down and just dive a red card.

[Tichtheid]

Referees have been told to give fewer red cards. The red cards didn't change tackles body height and fans are now paying insane money for tickets and watching a game with the token red card having shelled out is a crap product so the correct decision.

Someone I know paid 360 euros for two tickets for the Lions v Argentina game in Dublin. Dublin isn't the cheapest of cities for eating/drinking/accommodation either.

Freakin madness

[bogbunny]

Referees have been told to give fewer red cards. The red cards didn't change tackles body height and fans are now paying insane money for tickets and watching a game with the token red card having shelled out is a crap product so the correct decision.

Someone I know paid 360 euros for two tickets for the Lions v Argentina game in Dublin. Dublin isn't the cheapest of cities for eating/drinking/accommodation either.

Freakin madness

Like the Open this year, everything going through the roof price wise.......... all about the money, sod the fans.

[Slick]

I had no internet connection in the hotel last night, so late to this party.
1) LOU are a team where the sum of the individuals is less than the parts. No way they were winning and probably not against even 14 men.
2) This is NOTHING to do with female refs.

Davidson is a joke. I remember when she started with 6N U20 games and the women's 6N. At the same time there was a female Fre ref who was brilliant. No idea what happened to the Fre lady but Davidson is consistently sh*te. No game should be used for ref selection to make a PC point, and certainly not a show-piece final. Yet another piece of abject crap by her and presumably player safety becomes a casualty, again.

She needs to be stood down from all professional games permanently.

BTW, it was Underhill who was done for the same against Luc (Pau) a few weeks back? And it was Davidson who redded him then? Maybe she didn't want to be accused of picking on him? Meantime, serial offenders like Farrell and Underhill need much longer bans until they cease endangering other players' healths and careers.

[Slick]

Just watched the game back after missing it this afternoon.

Have to say, that was one of the most difficult games to ref I have seen in a long while, thought he did OK under the circumstances.

I actually thought Pollock was OK, none of the magical stuff but did his job decently enough. Fin Smith is a good player but I still don’t think he is all that to be honest.

Anyway, a good final, best team won but Northampton did really well under the circumstances and should be pretty proud

[I like neeps]

Referees have been told to give fewer red cards. The red cards didn't change tackles body height and fans are now paying insane money for tickets and watching a game with the token red card having shelled out is a crap product so the correct decision.

Maybe if they gave cunts long bans then it would have changed techniques. World Rugby themselves undermined the process. Now I guess they are doubling down. What could go wrong?

I'm all in favour of a yellow card sub and long ban. But the red cards for head contact changed nothing and ruined specticals.

[Punter15]

I had no internet connection in the hotel last night, so late to this party.
1) LOU are a team where the sum of the individuals is less than the parts. No way they were winning and probably not against even 14 men.
2) This is NOTHING to do with female refs.

Davidson is a joke. I remember when she started with 6N U20 games and the women's 6N. At the same time there was a female Fre ref who was brilliant. No idea what happened to the Fre lady but Davidson is consistently sh*te. No game should be used for ref selection to make a PC point, and certainly not a show-piece final. Yet another piece of abject crap by her and presumably player safety becomes a casualty, again.

She needs to be stood down from all professional games permanently.

BTW, it was Underhill who was done for the same against Luc (Pau) a few weeks back? And it was Davidson who redded him then? Maybe she didn't want to be accused of picking on him? Meantime, serial offenders like Farrell and Underhill need much longer bans until they cease endangering other players' healths and careers.

It’s like Bimbo and Toga had a lovechild and then just let it eat sweets for every meal.

[Biffer]

Referees have been told to give fewer red cards. The red cards didn't change tackles body height and fans are now paying insane money for tickets and watching a game with the token red card having shelled out is a crap product so the correct decision.

Someone I know paid 360 euros for two tickets for the Lions v Argentina game in Dublin. Dublin isn't the cheapest of cities for eating/drinking/accommodation either.

Freakin madness

Like the Open this year, everything going through the roof price wise.......... all about the money, sod the fans.

How much were Open tickets this year? Seem to remember it being £100 last year for Thursday or Friday, but more at the weekend. I reckon that’s a decent price for ten or more hours of all of the best players in the world.

[Blackmac]

Someone I know paid 360 euros for two tickets for the Lions v Argentina game in Dublin. Dublin isn't the cheapest of cities for eating/drinking/accommodation either.

Freakin madness

Like the Open this year, everything going through the roof price wise.......... all about the money, sod the fans.

How much were Open tickets this year? Seem to remember it being £100 last year for Thursday or Friday, but more at the weekend. I reckon that’s a decent price for ten or more hours of all of the best players in the world.

I think it's £180 for the weekend. That's if you get a sniff in the ballot. Crazy when you think about 10 years ago it was pitch up at the gate and hand over £40.

[Slick]

Like the Open this year, everything going through the roof price wise.......... all about the money, sod the fans.

How much were Open tickets this year? Seem to remember it being £100 last year for Thursday or Friday, but more at the weekend. I reckon that’s a decent price for ten or more hours of all of the best players in the world.

I think it's £180 for the weekend. That's if you get a sniff in the ballot. Crazy when you think about 10 years ago it was pitch up at the gate and hand over £40.

As I said on the Scottish thread, my debentures at Murrayfield for the France and England game just before COVID were £40/45, this year £120

[Torquemada 1420]

I had no internet connection in the hotel last night, so late to this party.
1) LOU are a team where the sum of the individuals is less than the parts. No way they were winning and probably not against even 14 men.
2) This is NOTHING to do with female refs.

Davidson is a joke. I remember when she started with 6N U20 games and the women's 6N. At the same time there was a female Fre ref who was brilliant. No idea what happened to the Fre lady but Davidson is consistently sh*te. No game should be used for ref selection to make a PC point, and certainly not a show-piece final. Yet another piece of abject crap by her and presumably player safety becomes a casualty, again.

She needs to be stood down from all professional games permanently.

BTW, it was Underhill who was done for the same against Luc (Pau) a few weeks back? And it was Davidson who redded him then? Maybe she didn't want to be accused of picking on him? Meantime, serial offenders like Farrell and Underhill need much longer bans until they cease endangering other players' healths and careers.

You know, you don't have to be the stereotypical Scot and take everything that doesn't state Sco as the greatest in the world as an insult. She is sh*t AND Scottish. The latter really is irrelevant........... except seemingly to a nation which has a chip on its shoulder stretching so far back, they still sing about Edward I.

[Torquemada 1420]

One more groove for the broken record, anyone left thinking Ntamack offers more than Jalibert needs a sanity assessment.

[Biffer]

I had no internet connection in the hotel last night, so late to this party.
1) LOU are a team where the sum of the individuals is less than the parts. No way they were winning and probably not against even 14 men.
2) This is NOTHING to do with female refs.

Davidson is a joke. I remember when she started with 6N U20 games and the women's 6N. At the same time there was a female Fre ref who was brilliant. No idea what happened to the Fre lady but Davidson is consistently sh*te. No game should be used for ref selection to make a PC point, and certainly not a show-piece final. Yet another piece of abject crap by her and presumably player safety becomes a casualty, again.

She needs to be stood down from all professional games permanently.

BTW, it was Underhill who was done for the same against Luc (Pau) a few weeks back? And it was Davidson who redded him then? Maybe she didn't want to be accused of picking on him? Meantime, serial offenders like Farrell and Underhill need much longer bans until they cease endangering other players' healths and careers.

You know, you don't have to be the stereotypical Scot and take everything that doesn't state Sco as the greatest in the world as an insult. She is sh*t AND Scottish. The latter really is irrelevant........... except seemingly to a nation which has a chip on its shoulder stretching so far back, they still sing about Edward I.

It’s funny though, how of all the potential red card decisions that we’ve all been commenting on recently, where it looks like there’s an instruction for them to avoid reds wherever possible, it was the woman that you went off on a rant about.

But it’s not about her being a woman, obviously, you say that so it must be true.

[Blackmac]

You know, you don't have to be the stereotypical Scot and take everything that doesn't state Sco as the greatest in the world as an insult. She is sh*t AND Scottish. The latter really is irrelevant........... except seemingly to a nation which has a chip on its shoulder stretching so far back, they still sing about Edward I.

It’s funny though, how of all the potential red card decisions that we’ve all been commenting on recently, where it looks like there’s an instruction for them to avoid reds wherever possible, it was the woman that you went off on a rant about.

But it’s not about her being a woman, obviously, you say that so it must be true.

Yeah. Of all the shocking refereeing displays we have seen over that last few years, this one barely raises an eyebrow.

[Prembore]

Sounds like the UBB players acted like a bunch of graceless wankers after the final whistle

[Uncle fester]

Sounds like the UBB players acted like a bunch of graceless wankers after the final whistle

Yeah, there's a photo of them pulling the piss out of the pulse taking thing.

[SaintK]

Sounds like the UBB players acted like a bunch of graceless wankers after the final whistle

All very odd. TV cameras didn't pick anything up.TRP saying one of the UBB non playing reserves ran on and grabbed Pollock by the throat. No photos though
Hopefully all move on and nothing in it

Northampton have urged tournament officials to launch an investigation into a post-game fracas involving England’s Henry Pollock after Bordeaux’s Champions Cup final victory. It is understood Saints will make a citing complaint if the incident does not lead to an official disciplinary probe.
Phil Dowson, Saints’ director of rugby, said the 20-year-old had been the victim of “foul play” by a Bordeaux player. The meleé was initially sparked by an altercation between the Northampton captain, Fraser Dingwall, and the French international fly-half Matthieu Jalibert, before several other Bordeaux players became involved.

[SaintK]

Sounds like the UBB players acted like a bunch of graceless wankers after the final whistle

Yeah, there's a photo of them pulling the piss out of the pulse taking thing.

In the changing room where they were celebrating

[PornDog]

Sounds like the UBB players acted like a bunch of graceless wankers after the final whistle

Yeah, there's a photo of them pulling the piss out of the pulse taking thing.

Ah that would explain the 'throat grabbing', probably just trying to take his pulse. Still a complete dickhead (and stupid) thing to be doing, especially after the final whistle, but not as bad as I first thought it might have been (again....still fucking stupid wankery though)

[Rhubarb & Custard]

One more groove for the broken record, anyone left thinking Ntamack offers more than Jalibert needs a sanity assessment.

I think one might make the argument Jalibert is a better player, I don't agree merely I can see why it could be made, but Ntamack is far better at controlling play as a 10. I don't know Jalibert is better at running, nor how much the injury is affecting Ntamack still, but likely Jalibert is happier running the ball in much looser style, and is happier running for himself than Ntamack is.

I'd pick Ntamack, but depending on what you want (and that might even just be what you enjoy watching) I can see why some would be more enticed by Jalibert.

[Slick]

I had no internet connection in the hotel last night, so late to this party.
1) LOU are a team where the sum of the individuals is less than the parts. No way they were winning and probably not against even 14 men.
2) This is NOTHING to do with female refs.

Davidson is a joke. I remember when she started with 6N U20 games and the women's 6N. At the same time there was a female Fre ref who was brilliant. No idea what happened to the Fre lady but Davidson is consistently sh*te. No game should be used for ref selection to make a PC point, and certainly not a show-piece final. Yet another piece of abject crap by her and presumably player safety becomes a casualty, again.

She needs to be stood down from all professional games permanently.

BTW, it was Underhill who was done for the same against Luc (Pau) a few weeks back? And it was Davidson who redded him then? Maybe she didn't want to be accused of picking on him? Meantime, serial offenders like Farrell and Underhill need much longer bans until they cease endangering other players' healths and careers.

You know, you don't have to be the stereotypical Scot and take everything that doesn't state Sco as the greatest in the world as an insult. She is sh*t AND Scottish. The latter really is irrelevant........... except seemingly to a nation which has a chip on its shoulder stretching so far back, they still sing about Edward I.

It’s fine, you’re allowed to criticise her, but everything is just comically over the top

[Slick]

Sounds like the UBB players acted like a bunch of graceless wankers after the final whistle

Yeah, there's a photo of them pulling the piss out of the pulse taking thing.

Ah that would explain the 'throat grabbing', probably just trying to take his pulse. Still a complete dickhead (and stupid) thing to be doing, especially after the final whistle, but not as bad as I first thought it might have been (again....still fucking stupid wankery though)

If you are going to hand it out you’ve got to be able to take it. I hate it all, and little sympathy for the individuals

[Slick]

You know, you don't have to be the stereotypical Scot and take everything that doesn't state Sco as the greatest in the world as an insult. She is sh*t AND Scottish. The latter really is irrelevant........... except seemingly to a nation which has a chip on its shoulder stretching so far back, they still sing about Edward I.

It’s funny though, how of all the potential red card decisions that we’ve all been commenting on recently, where it looks like there’s an instruction for them to avoid reds wherever possible, it was the woman that you went off on a rant about.

But it’s not about her being a woman, obviously, you say that so it must be true.

And the fact it was about not sending off the same bloke she sent off earlier.

[shereblue]

Sounds like the UBB players acted like a bunch of graceless wankers after the final whistle

All very odd. TV cameras didn't pick anything up.TRP saying one of the UBB non playing reserves ran on and grabbed Pollock by the throat. No photos though
Hopefully all move on and nothing in it

Northampton have urged tournament officials to launch an investigation into a post-game fracas involving England’s Henry Pollock after Bordeaux’s Champions Cup final victory. It is understood Saints will make a citing complaint if the incident does not lead to an official disciplinary probe.
Phil Dowson, Saints’ director of rugby, said the 20-year-old had been the victim of “foul play” by a Bordeaux player. The meleé was initially sparked by an altercation between the Northampton captain, Fraser Dingwall, and the French international fly-half Matthieu Jalibert, before several other Bordeaux players became involved.

Handbags in the aftermath of a big game is nothing unusual. The on-pitch norm however is also a bit of mutual respect. Indeed young Pollock, like his teammates, and the UBB lads were exchanging handshakes when it all calmed down. None of us is in a position to make a balanced take. If correctly reported, I'd suggest Dowson follows the example of his precocious young starlet and moves on. It is rugby, after all.

[SaintK]

Yeah, there's a photo of them pulling the piss out of the pulse taking thing.

Ah that would explain the 'throat grabbing', probably just trying to take his pulse. Still a complete dickhead (and stupid) thing to be doing, especially after the final whistle, but not as bad as I first thought it might have been (again....still fucking stupid wankery though)

If you are going to hand it out you’ve got to be able to take it. I hate it all, and little sympathy for the individuals

Evidently it was to do with something that appeared on social media (and the press?) attributed to Pollock saying that Saints were basically a home grown team and that UBB weren't.
UBB thought that was deeply direspectful!
Liked Fin Smith's reaction along the lines of I'm not sure why some of them decided to pick a fight with a 20 year old kid rather than celebrate the biggest win in their history with their team mates!

[SaintK]

Sounds like the UBB players acted like a bunch of graceless wankers after the final whistle

All very odd. TV cameras didn't pick anything up.TRP saying one of the UBB non playing reserves ran on and grabbed Pollock by the throat. No photos though
Hopefully all move on and nothing in it

Northampton have urged tournament officials to launch an investigation into a post-game fracas involving England’s Henry Pollock after Bordeaux’s Champions Cup final victory. It is understood Saints will make a citing complaint if the incident does not lead to an official disciplinary probe.
Phil Dowson, Saints’ director of rugby, said the 20-year-old had been the victim of “foul play” by a Bordeaux player. The meleé was initially sparked by an altercation between the Northampton captain, Fraser Dingwall, and the French international fly-half Matthieu Jalibert, before several other Bordeaux players became involved.

Handbags in the aftermath of a big game is nothing unusual. The on-pitch norm however is also a bit of mutual respect. Indeed young Pollock and the UBB lads were exchanging handshakes when it all calmed down. None of us is in a position to make a balanced take. If correctly reported, I'd suggest Dowson follows the example of his precocious young starlet and moves on. It is rugby, after all.

Loved seeing Lucu going round the Saints players including Pollock commiserating with them
Yes, Dowson should move on...............quickly!

[Slick]

Ah that would explain the 'throat grabbing', probably just trying to take his pulse. Still a complete dickhead (and stupid) thing to be doing, especially after the final whistle, but not as bad as I first thought it might have been (again....still fucking stupid wankery though)

If you are going to hand it out you’ve got to be able to take it. I hate it all, and little sympathy for the individuals

Evidently it was to do with something that appeared on social media (and the press?) attributed to Pollock saying that Saints were basically a home grown team and that UBB weren't.
UBB thought that was deeply direspectful!
Liked Fin Smith's reaction along the lines of I'm not sure why some of them decided to pick a fight with a 20 year old kid rather than celebrate the biggest win in their history with their team mates!

There was a mention in the commentary of Lucu sending Pollocks opposite number a picture of him every day last week to get him wound up .

As Sherblue said, it was all fine afterwards, but if Pollock wants to make himself a target he has to accept the comeback

[Slick]

Ah that would explain the 'throat grabbing', probably just trying to take his pulse. Still a complete dickhead (and stupid) thing to be doing, especially after the final whistle, but not as bad as I first thought it might have been (again....still fucking stupid wankery though)

If you are going to hand it out you’ve got to be able to take it. I hate it all, and little sympathy for the individuals

Evidently it was to do with something that appeared on social media (and the press?) attributed to Pollock saying that Saints were basically a home grown team and that UBB weren't.
UBB thought that was deeply direspectful!
Liked Fin Smith's reaction along the lines of I'm not sure why some of them decided to pick a fight with a 20 year old kid rather than celebrate the biggest win in their history with their team mates!

20 year old kid is a little disingenuous. Anyway, I’m not particularly bagging Pollock, I like him, just don’t like the footie style wind ups