Amlin CC Final: Leinster v Stade Francais

[TRF_Olyy]

RDS,
17/05/2013, 20:00​

 

[big ginger 8]

The real final.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Typical. French team in the final and nobody cares. Damn the Anglo bias on this forum.

 

[Groundhog]

Can't wait to play Spot the Stade fan. I got tickets for this months ago.

 

[munstermuffin]

Best of luck Leinster. Will be delighted for an Irish winner this weekend and hope Sexton and possibly BOD get a fitting finale.
Madigan I presume will be 12

 

[Amobokoboko]

Parisse !!!!! Should be just back from work I hope

 

[psychic duck]

I'm split on who I want to win this. On one hand, Leinster play some great rugby and are very nice to watch when they're at their best. On the otherhand, Leinster winning means Connacht get back in the Heineken Cup.

 

[Groundhog]

On the other other hand, Stade Francais' Jersey.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

I'm split on who I want to win this. On one hand, Leinster play some great rugby and are very nice to watch when they're at their best. On the otherhand, Leinster winning means Connacht get back in the Heineken Cup.

Obviously I want Leinster to win but your point about Connacht gaining entry to the Heineken Cup because Leinster win the lesser European tournament carries a lot of merit.

On one hand, Connacht don't deserve possible Heineken Cup entry, on the other hand Heineken Cup entry over the last couple of seasons has drastically improved rugby's support base in the west of Ireland. While we all want rugby to grow in non-traditional areas as a matter of urgency, growth in traditional countries "outposts" (like Connacht, the north of England, north Wales, Italy and Scottish cities) should also be actively encouraged.

 

[Draggs]

Same thing happened in 2010, Blues got the Turks into the Amlin after becoming conquerors of Europe...
I wish that the other Welsh teams would pick up the slack and get us in the HEC

 

[Groundhog]

Obviously I want Leinster to win but your point about Connacht gaining entry to the Heineken Cup because Leinster win the lesser European tournament carries a lot of merit.

On one hand, Connacht don't deserve possible Heineken Cup entry, on the other hand Heineken Cup entry over the last couple of seasons has drastically improved rugby's support base in the west of Ireland. While we all want rugby to grow in non-traditional areas as a matter of urgency, growth in traditional countries "outposts" (like Connacht, the north of England, north Wales, Italy and Scottish cities) should also be actively encouraged.

Yeah I want Connacht in it though I see yours and Ducks point. Still, Just look at how much Connacht have come one in the last few years. They've got fans, young homegrown players, and now some decent signings.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

@osulli mi
While Connacht have unquestionably benefited from Heineken Cup entry, has the Heineken Cup benefited from Connacht being there? It depends on what you view the purpose of the HCup as being. I view it as a tool to grow the sport which was the original function of the competition.

Rumours are that O'Driscoll is out.

 

[munstermuffin]

Can agree in 1 sense as yea Connacht are getting in by fluke in some areas. Although I will add they are strengthening big time this summer and I think they will be a handful. But as a Connacht man pointed out in the HEC we have (usually) 3 Irish 3 Welsh 2 Italian 2 Scottish and 1 from the extras ie Amlin/HEC winner.
So IF we had qualification for HEC like England and French leagues Connachts 8th spot finish would've meant same scenario even if our league had Top 7 go to HEC. But agree the qualification issue is clouded

 

[munstermuffin]

@osulli mi
While Connacht have unquestionably benefited from Heineken Cup entry, has the Heineken Cup benefited from Connacht being there? It depends on what you view the purpose of the HCup as being. I view it as a tool to grow the sport which was the original function of the competition.

Rumours are that O'Driscoll is out.[/QUOTE]
Rumours I've heard is this is alot worst than is being said and it 50/50 in terms of he might make final Friday but at same time he could easily miss out on Lions tour. Either way I really think he might finish up this season as his body is giving up on him a bit

 

[Groundhog]

Sorry,I know this is off topic. Connact haven't earned their place, fair enough. Still I don't really care, as I'm too happy to see them enjoy some improvement after years of been treated like **** by the IRFU and having all their native fans support Munster and Leinster. I agree it's not fair though. No less fair than a team getting funded by a Sugar Daddy so they can attract the worlds best players, within a few seasons.
EDIT: I really hope BOD gives it another year if he's able for it.

 

[munstermuffin]

Sorry,I know this is off topic. Connact haven't earned their place, fair enough. Still I don't really care, as I'm too happy to see them enjoy some improvement after years of been treated like **** by the IRFU and having all their native fans support Munster and Leinster. I agree it's not fair though. No less fair than a team getting funded by a Sugar Daddy so they can attract the worlds best players, within a few seasons.
EDIT: I really hope BOD gives it another year if he's able for it.

Can agree on both with you it is what it is and if Connacht are in I will be supporting them all the way except against Munster

 

[Tony Manx]

The real final.

So very true as it is the real final of the Amln.......one in which Biarritz were unlucky NOT to be taking part!!

 

[Groundhog]

Can agree on both with you it is what it is and if Connacht are in I will be supporting them all the way except against Munster

Yeah same for me. It goes Munster Connacht Exeter Leinster.
I'm actually looking forward to this so much more than the final. I have never liked the Aviva stadium, and there will be some banter at this match. I'm praying I don't get lumped in with Clermont fans for the HCF or I will get a slagging I'd say.

 

[big ginger 8]

LEINSTER:

15: Rob Kearney
14: Andrew Conway
13: Fergus McFadden
12: Ian Madigan
11: Isa Nacewa
10: Jonathan Sexton
9: Isaac Boss

1: Jack McGrath
2: Sean Cronin
3: Mike Ross
4: Quinn Roux
5: Devin Toner
6: Rhys Ruddock
7: Sean O'Brien
8: Jamie Heaslip CAPTAIN

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Richardt Strauss
17: Cian Healy
18: Jamie Hagan
19: Leo Cullen
20: Shane Jennings
21: John Cooney
22: Andrew Goodman
23: Dave Kearney
STADE FRANCAIS: Jérôme Porical; Jeremy Sinzelle, Geoffrey Doumayrou, Paul Williams, Hugo Bonneval; Jules Plisson, Julien Dupuy; Aled De Malmanche, Laurent Sempere, Rabah Slimani, Scott Lavalla, Gerhard Mostert, David Lyons, Pierre Rabadan, Sergio Parisse CAPTAIN

REPLACEMENTS: Remy Bonfils, Stanley Wright, Jeremy Becasseau, Anton van Zyl, Lei Tomiki, Waisea Nayacalevu, Julien Arias, Paul Warwick

Teams named. Not out strongest team but I have faith in it.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

A risky selection for Leinster but the team should still be good enough to win. It's a massive vote of confidence in Jack McGrath, Quinn Roux, Rhys Ruddock and Andrew Conway. I think this confirms the Pro 12 final is their priority.