Champions Cup 15/16 - Rd 6 Pool 1 (Oyonnax, Saracens, Toulouse, Ulster)

[Mumbles119]

Really not sure. If we get Racing or Toulon I think we really should beat them but won't. Too me I think it's that we don't believe we'll win.

As @gaston le gaff said: the quarter finalist groups 1+2 play each other in the semi final. So I would bet on:

Q1 Saracens beating Northampton and Q2 Wasps beating Exeter, making Semi-final 1; Saracens v Wasps.
Q3 Racing 92 beating Toulon and Q4 Leicester beating Stade Francais, making Semi-final 2; Racing 92 v Leicester.

As much as I would love Wasps to succeed, my head tells me the final will be Racing 92 vs Saracens, with Racing 92 the probable winners.

However, the final is right at the end of very long season (more so for Top 14 clubs), so Saracens chances may well be improved with the squad rotation and depth they have. Racing 92 showed their 'b team' this weekend is very ordinary when missing the likes of Carter, Charteris etc...

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

It is odd that no team has yet to have a perfect European cup run.

 

[Amiga500]

nor Kearney at 15 as they can't understand how much they contribute to Ireland's success because they aren't doing the most unsubtle of plays. Kearney at fullback is one of the best defensive fullbacks in the world (in terms of both tackling and defensive positioning), great aerial threat and is a great attacker with ball in hand.

Who?

Have Leinster signed some other Kearney that I'm unaware of?


I rate Dave well above Rob. Not the best player in the world, but at least he can make yards in traffic.

 

[Mumbles119]

It is odd that no team has yet to have a perfect European cup run.

Cynical thinking would suggest the reason could be the old Heineken version allowed teams easier routes and the option to throw away pool games with a 'b team', therefore protecting their squad more for later more difficult games. This newer Champions version seems a tougher competition so should be less of that now.

I still think that Racing 92 will be probable winners for this year, but with the new Champions version the 6-0 curse will be broken sooner than later.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Rob's positioning is great, his tackling leaves a lot to be desired and he hasn't shown his normal ariel prowess this year either. Seeing him dropped wouldn't disappoint me at all, especially for a possible game winner at 12.

 

[munstermuffin]

Rob's positioning is great, his tackling leaves a lot to be desired and he hasn't shown his normal ariel prowess this year either. Seeing him dropped wouldn't disappoint me at all, especially for a possible game winner at 12.

The biggest issue hurting is ariel skills are fact his back is problematic. He suffers every so often with injury to it and I'd say that has been part of it.

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

Hey Leinster, you had enough yet?

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Bad thread? Nah, bad you!

 

[big ginger 8]

So apparently now Sexton didn't fail the concussion assessment the medical staff just wanted to be extra cautious.

Good news on both counts if true.

 

[Peat]

The biggest issue hurting is ariel skills are fact his back is problematic. He suffers every so often with injury to it and I'd say that has been part of it.

I am preserving this post for the next time the Dubbyas come round and you claim to be a reformed man.

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

The biggest issue hurting is ariel skills are fact his back is problematic. He suffers every so often with injury to it and I'd say that has been part of it.

Peat's right; this post will break the next TRFies Dubya award.

...but you're right - Ariel does indeed struggle under the high ball. It just doesn't make any sense, given her physical atributes...

 

[Amiga500]

So apparently now Sexton didn't fail the concussion assessment the medical staff just wanted to be extra cautious.

Hmmm.


Given Cullen apparently said twice after the match that he failed the HIA, you really gotta wonder.

I'd like to think the doctors aren't getting bullied into corners, but I've got to admit, this stinks.

 

[munstermuffin]

Peat's right; this post will break the next TRFies Dubya award.

...but you're right - Ariel does indeed struggle under the high ball. It just doesn't make any sense, given her physical atributes...

Isn't it obvious - The legs aren't built enough

Ah Peat I was only testing ye lol

Amiga you are right and well I must say reading about Shontayne Hape - it is comparable with Sexton. I just hope the player realises if it is serious he must stop too. He has a 2nd child on the way and life is to precious to gamble.

 

[Tony Manx]

Hmmm.


Given Cullen apparently said twice after the match that he failed the HIA, you really gotta wonder.

I'd like to think the doctors aren't getting bullied into corners, but I've got to admit, this stinks.

All I would say is the doctor in Quins Bloodgate was, I believe, found to have been pressured.........

 

[munstermuffin]

All I would say is the doctor in Quins Bloodgate was, I believe, found to have been pressured.........

I have seen first hand. Doctors here know who pays their wages and do bow to pressure. I know people will say they're professional and so on. Look I've do tests with players on fitness and am the same I've signed players good I never should have. Simply because you know the importance.
Alan Quinlan before the 08 HEC final was found collapsed in his kitchen the Friday morning before. He should've been sent to a hospital for every check when it was brought to medics attention Saturday morning. It was overlooked and Quinny had a great game. Everything worked out. My point is we gambled and put winning before the players health. He did eventually get checked and cleared but we didn't know what was up when he took the field just accepted he wanted to play.

 

[Tony Manx]

I have seen first hand. Doctors here know who pays their wages and do bow to pressure. I know people will say they're professional and so on. Look I've do tests with players on fitness and am the same I've signed players good I never should have. Simply because you know the importance.
Alan Quinlan before the 08 HEC final was found collapsed in his kitchen the Friday morning before. He should've been sent to a hospital for every check when it was brought to medics attention Saturday morning. It was overlooked and Quinny had a great game. Everything worked out. My point is we gambled and put winning before the players health. He did eventually get checked and cleared but we didn't know what was up when he took the field just accepted he wanted to play.

Can understand it from all sides but it ain't right! One day, one day...........!!

 

[gaston le gaff]

This sort of problem has been going on for longer than people think, its about time that independant doctors were brought in to replace doctors retained by the club on match days especially for concussion. We are playing with the well being of players here and sometimes the results will been found out only years later and obviously too late. Hape was just one case of many, where his life could have been ruined completely!!!! Winning is very important but players health must come first, all unions should abide by the same legislation. eg Figallo could not get his license to play in France after multiple back injuries but he is allowed to play in the UK ?????

 

[Amiga500]

This sort of problem has been going on for longer than people think, its about time that independant doctors were brought in to replace doctors retained by the club on match days especially for concussion.

Absolutely correct.


Doctors care for players shouldn't be put in a position where medical opinion is clouded by other motives.

 

[Groundhog]

Simply refuse to believe that Sexton is okay. Somethings got to give for him. His career or his health.
Also major lol at Heaslip handing Stander his ass and Kearney being the form 15 and a great attacker (even at his best he just sprinted into a pack of forwards on his returns). Dave da Rave has actually had the better of him recently by a mile.

 

[big ginger 8]

Something to note with the hole Sexton thing is that the HIA's are a load of **** anyway and are generally considered to do no good.

As long has he's still following the RTP's which I believe he is I'm not ready to release my outrage.