From the tournament that is far too competitive for a Grand Slam - Pro 14 - R.18

[Amiga500]

There are too many mediocre passengers in that Ulster team. Stockdale, Piutau, Hendo and Cooney shouldn't have to do it all on their own.

Stockdale's tackling is extremely ropey.

At least two of the tries came from him f**king up a relatively set defensive position.

 

[Groundhog]

Was a good performance last night and we should have gotten that bonus point with room to spare. The renaissance of Robin Copeland is....... unfortunately timed. I never wanted him to go to be honest, but since it was confirmed he's off he hit the form we signed him for. Connacht are getting a baller. Arnold is a top player and had a great game. Both wings, Nash and Wootton are seriously physical in the tackle and great runners. Halfbacks had some serious brainfarts kicking from hand, but in general ran the game very intelligently and played in the right areas of the field. Harte isn't afraid to step into the defensive line either.
Good to see Ryan and Kilcoyne dominating the scrum again. Don't recall a sloppy line out either. If we execute these things well against Toulon I'd have us as favourites, but the injuries are very worrying. Plenty of depth in the back three, but down our two specialist 7s sucks. Not sure who steps in, but I'd love to see Copeland involved in some shape or form. I know that wouldn't make for the most balanced back row, but he's too good recently. O'Callaghan was good when he came on.
Hanrahan had a really shaky start at 15, but grew into the game and showed some real flashes, especially on his break.
Not going to go into the ref much. I think he and the TMO were straight up incompetent. That's all.

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

Conference B is getting exciting.
Only 5 points between 1st and 3rd and only 1 point between 4th and 5th.

What does the Pro 14 go on equal points? Wins (Like the prem) or TBP and Points difference?


although looking at Leinster games remaining they should walk it.
Zebre (Home) - 5 points
Connacht (Away) - 4/5 points
Treviso (Home) - 5 points

Scarlets have
Glasgow (Home)
Edinburgh (Away)
Dragons (Away)

Edinburgh
Ulster (Home)
Scarlets (Home)
Glasgow (Home)

Edinburgh have the toughest run in but all home.

(Look at me getting all excited about the pro 14 I feel dirty)

I dont know how ties are settled I'm afraid. Looking at those fixture seats we can't rule out Edinburgh finishing second (and Leinster in Connacht isn't a gimme). That would be huge as it'd mean a home QF against the Cheetahs or Blues rather than away to Munster.

I think the Cheetahs have been a good addition but I hope they miss out on the playoffs. The SARU has treated the Pro14 as second class by taking away Rhule, Mapimpi, Craig Barry and Pietersen having them move to other SA sides mid-season.

I can't blame the SARU for permitting that but I don't want to see it rewarded.

Quite a big away win for Benneton to an improving Kings. Doesn't sound like much but that is a game they would have lost in previous years.

And welcome to the Pro14 Ospreys, nice of you to finally join us.

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

High tackle on shingler gets ignored and deliberate slowing down of the ball ! Munster got the ref in their pocket.

Romanian refs are like buses. You wait ages for allegations of corruption and then two come along at once.