[2013/14 Pro12] Semi-Finals

[iINDOMINUSxx]

munster's defence was solid aswell, coming in with big hits we only broke through a few times, i hope glasgow goes on to win the finals for scotlands rugby's benefit

 

[munstermuffin]

munster's defence was solid aswell, coming in with big hits we only broke through a few times, i hope glasgow goes on to win the finals for scotlands rugby's benefit

100% Munster will be behind ye. Not because it against a rival more that it'd be great for the game and Pro12. Great scenes at end. Our defense was good BUT we defended too much.

 

[Will]

Just to add here. IF Glasgow were to get "home" final against Ulster it will be played in Ravenhill as they couldn't find any suitable venue

That would seem strange seeing as Ibrox Stadium is currently being set up for the rugby 7's for the Commonwealth Games here. That would seem ideal. Hampden Stadium has been turned into an athletics stadium for the competiton and so wouldn't be available. I've heard that Celtic Park may be an idea, or even Rugby Park in Kilmarnock.

And a great result for Glasgow last night and a brilliant atmosphere at the ground. My voice still hasn't fully returned.

And as for the reason for Hogg's admission, there are rumours that he's looking to leave Glasgow with a year left on his contract. Only rumours at this stage which have been dismissed by Glasgow of course, but we'll see.

 

[Peat]

He's certainly looking to leave - approached Ulster, but Ulster said no.

 

[Will]

He's certainly looking to leave - approached Ulster, but Ulster said no.

Citation needed.

 

[Peat]

Citation needed.

Its on the Ulster forums from one of the more reliable posters. Saying that, another of them reckons Hogg just wants to bump his contract offer up.

 

[munstermuffin]

That would seem strange seeing as Ibrox Stadium is currently being set up for the rugby 7's for the Commonwealth Games here. That would seem ideal. Hampden Stadium has been turned into an athletics stadium for the competiton and so wouldn't be available. I've heard that Celtic Park may be an idea, or even Rugby Park in Kilmarnock.

And a great result for Glasgow last night and a brilliant atmosphere at the ground. My voice still hasn't fully returned.

And as for the reason for Hogg's admission, there are rumours that he's looking to leave Glasgow with a year left on his contract. Only rumours at this stage which have been dismissed by Glasgow of course, but we'll see.

Regards alternative venues they must be over 18000 but the final is fixed for Sat 31st at an exact time and I believe all 3 venues are unavailable at that time.

Reported on rumours page but strong rumours Hogg to Munster. But I can't see it

 

[Will]

All three grounds I mentioned are over 18,000, and given the football season is over (and Ibrox is being set up specifically for the rugby 7's during the commonwealth games) I can't see why they'd be unavailable.

However, it may all we'll prove to be a mute point. Let's see how today's game ends up first.

 

[munstermuffin]

All three grounds I mentioned are over 18,000, and given the football season is over (and Ibrox is being set up specifically for the rugby 7's during the commonwealth games) I can't see why they'd be unavailable.

However, it may all we'll prove to be a mute point. Let's see how today's game ends up first.

Celtic Park is closed as from end of season in preparation for opening ceremony.
Rugby Park must be unavailable due to some event
Ibrox was said to be unavailable too.
Yes they're all over 18000 but my point is they're unavailable

 

[Will]

"Some event" - Brilliant.

Well you've said they're unavailable so I guess that must mean they're unavailable.

 

[Big Ewis]

wow, just read Glasgow beat Munster ! Congrats to the Scottish fans, a spot in the final now...
I just learned the other semi is tonight, will try my best to check it out...

 

[Groundhog]

Munster were awful last night. A game we could have won if we didn't have so many passengers on the team.
Im a fan of Felix Jones, he's extremely brave and committed but he's not up to it and will never up his game if he gets no competition. We need to let a young winger like O'Mahony/O'Dea concert because our wings are packed anyway. Zebo might also be an option but he was poor yesterday too.
The one man who seriously impressed me was Ian Keatley. His running game has really come on and he kept the backline moving, bringing Downey into the game like he rarely is. And on that, Downey was outstanding. His hits and carries were both huge.

 

[munstermuffin]

"Some event" - Brilliant.

Well you've said they're unavailable so I guess that must mean they're unavailable.

Well why would Pro12 move it so? I don't know reasons but maybe Glaswegian fans may have more info?

Here Will:

Organisers of the competition will confirm later on Thursday if Celtic Park is the nominated ground of the Scottish region should they defeat Munster on Friday in the first of the semi-finals.

Ulster travel to the RDS, Dublin, on Saturday evening, to take on table toppers and defending champions, Leinster.

RaboDirect PRO12 determine the venue for the Grand Final, however the team finishing highest in the league stage competing in the final is able to propose a venue within its own Union’s jurisdiction (which may include the team’s own ground) to host the Final, provided that the venue meets certain commercial criteria and has capacity for a minimum of 18,000 spectators.

If Leinster win they will, because they finished top of the table at the end of the regular season, have the right to stage the final at the RDS.


But if Ulster defeated them, the option to stage the final would go to the next highest finisher to qualify.

Glasgow finished second and, provided they defeated Munster on Friday, could then stage the final at a nominated ground of their choice.

Glasgow’s home ground, Scotstoun, is too small and with Murrayfield, Ibrox (Rangers FC), Hampden Park, Firhill (Partick Thistle FC) and Rugby Park (Kilmarnock FC) all unavailable for various reasons, the 60,000-plus capacity Celtic Park is the only other option available at this stage.

The News Letter understands that Glasgow have been in discussions with Celtic FC - the Scottish Premier League Football champions - but there may be a football tournament due to be taking place the following day.

Last week there was speculation the new Ravenhill Stadium could host the final provided Glasgow and Ulster were in the final.

However, the News Letter also understands that at this stage if Celtic Park was not available the organisers would tell Glasgow the final would be played in Belfast.

That may seem unfair to the Scots, but a precedent was set last year.

Ulster finished top during the regular season but had to nominate the RDS, Dublin, as their venue for the final if they progressed.

Having defeated Scarlets at Ravenhill in the semi-final, Ulster went through to ironically meet Leinster, who defeated Glasgow in their semi, in the final.

It gave Leinster home advantage for the showdown and they went on to lift the ***le.

Of course there may be no debate over the issue as Munster could still win in Glasgow and that would at least give them a 50 per cent chance of staging the final at Thomond Park, Limerick - that option would probably rest easier with Ulster fans.


So maybe you can fill me in what events are. You said Ibrox is free yet it's not?? Rugby Park booked too and since this article it's came out Celtic Park closed. Don't get me wrong I want this to be held in Scotland if Glasgow earned it as it'll be great for league. But where is the stadium to host it

 

[munstermuffin]

Munster were awful last night. A game we could have won if we didn't have so many passengers on the team.
Im a fan of Felix Jones, he's extremely brave and committed but he's not up to it and will never up his game if he gets no competition. We need to let a young winger like O'Mahony/O'Dea concert because our wings are packed anyway. Zebo might also be an option but he was poor yesterday too.
The one man who seriously impressed me was Ian Keatley. His running game has really come on and he kept the backline moving, bringing Downey into the game like he rarely is. And on that, Downey was outstanding. His hits and carries were both huge.

Wings are there. Van Den Heever, Conway who I thought had superb end to season. Zebo (can go 15) Earls and O'Dea. O'Mahony won't make it.
Downey was used in way he was built for and showed what an asset he is when used correct. But agree regards Keatley, since January he's been our best player and really learnt on his feet

 

[Will]

Thank you for providing a link to where you were getting your information from Munstermuffin. It's generally good form to do so when tying to state things as fact.

So maybe you can fill me in what events are. You said Ibrox is free yet it's not?? Rugby Park booked too and since this article it's came out Celtic Park closed. Don't get me wrong I want this to be held in Scotland if Glasgow earned it as it'll be great for league. But where is the stadium to host it

At no point did I say Ibrox was free as I have no idea of the events calander at Ibrox. I said that I felt it would be an ideal place for the final (should Glasgow even have the option) given that the stadium was being set up for the Commonwealth Games Rugby 7's tournament.

 

[munstermuffin]

Thank you for providing a link to where you were getting your information from Munstermuffin. It's generally good form to do so when tying to state things as fact.




At no point did I say Ibrox was free as I have no idea of the events calander at Ibrox. I said that I felt it would be an ideal place for the final (should Glasgow even have the option) given that the stadium was being set up for the Commonwealth Games Rugby 7's tournament.

As I said I hope it can be kept in Scotland if possible. But at same time you mentioned Ibrox is being used for 7s but if it Commonwealth related it won't be released for nothing that's guaranteed.

 

[Feicarsinn]

Why would they go for Ravenhill though? If it were up to me I'd pick practically any other venue in the league than the opposition's home ground.

Do they get a large cut of the gate as designated home team?

 

[munstermuffin]

Why would they go for Ravenhill though? If it were up to me I'd pick practically any other venue in the league than the opposition's home ground.

Do they get a large cut of the gate as designated home team?

Well I don't know how cut works exactly as the league are "hosting" and not home club. So I presume both teams in final get similar financial packages.

Regards going to Ravenhill, the league are basically saying if Glasgow can't meet requirements well then you forfeit to the next in line.
With going neutral, would they get the demand if it was held in Wales I presume and Liberty or Cardiff Arms would be only realistic neutral place

 

[Thingimubob]

Well I don't know how cut works exactly as the league are "hosting" and not home club. So I presume both teams in final get similar financial packages.

Regards going to Ravenhill, the league are basically saying if Glasgow can't meet requirements well then you forfeit to the next in line.
With going neutral, would they get the demand if it was held in Wales I presume and Liberty or Cardiff Arms would be only realistic neutral place

Arms Park is too small I think, Liberty should be free however with the Welsh trial game the day before.

 

[iINDOMINUSxx]

to be honest i dont see why hogg would leave glasgow, wants to get away from matawalu ? na if hogg leave's glasgow i see him moving to either the aviva premiership or the top 14 i dont see him going to another pro 12 team