Amlin semi Finals

[ZeFrenchy]

Toulon are placed third in the Orange Top 14 if I'm not mistaken so they'll play Heineken Cup anyway.

If Toulon win the Amlin, there's an extra spot for the seventh-placed side in the Top 14, which is Paris.

 

[Tony Manx]

If Toulon win the Amlin, there's an extra spot for the seventh-placed side in the Top 14, which is Paris.

That is what I originally thought but the guys down here are certain that they will get it as runners up in Amlin if they get to the final and are beaten by Toulon.......have you got link to rules that dictate what is the fact? Weather forecast for game this pm...............heavy rain now and been so all week and big, big storm breezed through during night....forecast is temperature in low teens today and heavy showers! Game for the forwards!!

 

[welshglory]

It's a shame the final will be at the Stoop, i'm sure if they held it at the Stade Velodrome or something it would attract a massive crowd like it did in the 2010 final.

 

[ZeFrenchy]

That is what I originally thought but the guys down here are certain that they will get it as runners up in Amlin if they get to the final and are beaten by Toulon.......have you got link to rules that dictate what is the fact? Weather forecast for game this pm...............heavy rain now and been so all week and big, big storm breezed through during night....forecast is temperature in low teens today and heavy showers! Game for the forwards!!

If you go to the "Statuts et règlements généraux de la LNR saison 2011-2012", page 134 (http://www.lnr.fr/IMG/pdf/Statuts_et_Reglements_generaux_de_la_LNR_saison_2011-2012.pdf), the order is:
1. Top 14 winner
2. Top 14 finalist
3. H-Cup winner
4. Best-placed semi-finalist
5. 2nd best placed semi finalist
6. Challenge Cup winner

And then, it is ordered by placing in the Top 14. No mention to the Challenge Cup runner-up.

Au cas où la France dispose d"un 7ème club qualifié dans la première Coupe d"Europe, cette place supplémentaire sera attribuée au club classé 5ème du Championnat de France 2011/2012. Cette disposition ne s"applique pas au cas où la 7ème place serait directement attribuée à un club en particulier par application directe des règles de l"ERC.

En cas de doublon ou d"absence de victoire de clubs français en Coupe d"Europe ou en Challenge Européen 2011/2012, il sera tenu compte du classement final du Championnat de France de 1ère division 2011/2012.

 

[Teh Mite]

So once4 again Wilkinson fluffs half a dozen chances (simple penalties and drop goals) to take the lead but is lorded up like royalty in the media when he eventually shots one.

Like calling someone a stud if they get laid by 1 in every 1000 women they try to chat up.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Wilkinson had a great game, though - in open play and kicking.

 

[Teh Mite]

I turned it on at 50-ish minutes and that's all I saw.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

So once4 again Wilkinson fluffs half a dozen chances (simple penalties and drop goals) to take the lead but is lorded up like royalty in the media when he eventually shots one.

Like calling someone a stud if they get laid by 1 in every 1000 women they try to chat up.

Yeah Sky are really bad like that. It's the same with Leinster, Brian O'Driscoll or Johnny Sexton could be playing awful rugby and then they could give one good pass or finish off an easy try and they are man of the match when players like Isa Nacewa one of the best back players in the world doesn't get half as much praise as he deserves.

I like Wilkinson though even though the media make him out to be God at times it's not his fault and he's always very humble in interviews and seems like a nice guy.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Biarritz v Brive was one of the worst matches I can remember seeing.
I actually fell asleep during the 2nd half for half an hour.

 

[Tony Manx]

Biarritz v Brive was one of the worst matches I can remember seeing.
I actually fell asleep during the 2nd half for half an hour.

Totally agree and tried to sleep in the stands but too bloody cold!! However, job done - and never in doubt - so on to the Stoop and Toulon who we have to beat to get to the H Cup next year (thanks Zefrenchy for that clarification).

Just watching the recording of Sky's coverage and, as usual, talking a load of rubbish about Biarritz "not wanting to turn it on with all their talent in the backs" and "just doing enough"!! Having watched every home match and most away games this and last season, at the minimum, I can disagree completely with those views! With only Ngwenya playing consistently to an International level and Traille (when not injured), Hayley Petit and perhaps Balshaw playing to an average club level....the rest have been poor in the main and awful most of the time!! If Toulon and Wilko repeat last night's performance, our "melee" might just do it!!