Heineken Cup 2013/14 Pool 1, Round 2

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

If that is the case it is the game plan itself I am worried about.

As am I. Gopperth hoisted the ball far too often for it be an off the cuff thing. I think Leinster's gameplan revolved around keeping Castres penned in their half and trying to force turnovers.

I can't think of a single good backline move all game.

 

[jcahill1]

The only good back line break did not involve Gopperth. I was also worried by the fact that towards the end of the first half, after it had become clear the game plan was not working, we did not adapt. To be honest i felt like the ref gave us a get out of jail free card on a number of occasions.

 

[lynam1104]

As many have said no a very good performance and we'll need a little more to get out of the pool. Next week we should give Fitzy, Madagin and Reddan starts to see if they can up the tempo which is something that seems to be lacking. Goppert is good at what hes good at and that game management and place kicking, but I think with Madagin we get something more. Along with that I feel that hes being held back for a poor performance against munster with MOC perhaps thinking hes not quite got the cool head game management to run a high pressure game yet, but at the end of last season he showed that he dose and can do it very well. I'd like to see some more faith shown by MOC in players who can make something out of nothing.

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

It's alright. I didn't want to ever see the Ospreys win the Heineken anyway. It's a cup for jokers. Fourth in the league is what all the big teams target. If the All Blacks played in Europe, that's what they'd do.

Oh, and Rolland, mun. Rolland. Bloody Rolland.

 

[UlsterRugby2012]

I've never seen more pathetic rucking at the very end of the half by the number 4 in Northampton's 22.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Don't know who I hate more: Clarke or Hartley.
They're both scum and it's embarrassing to have them in/around the England squads.

 

[lynam1104]

Don't know who I hate more: Clarke or Hartley.
They're both scum and it's embarrassing to have them in/around the England squads.

I think Clarke is worse that bloody arm break thing 2 years ago was just vile.

 

[Bluemoon]

Northampton's intense defence has really stopped the Ospreys playing in the second half. The Ospreys didn't really look like breaking it.

 

[lynam1104]

Close to the perfect result for us there, was hoping for a draw but there was little chance in that.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

That's the Ospreys as good as gone. Good news for Leinster in week 6.

Leinster's back to back mettings with Northampton should decide the pool. I can't see Castres winning in the Liberty Stadium or Franklin's Gardens. If Leinster split the games and come out with a 5-4 points lead, a home quarter final is possible.

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

Mumble mumble mumble

 

[Packman]

Leinster are purring right now but I think Northampton may have focused their minds with their awesomely brutal demolition of the Ospreys pack.

I loved it, this is the ospreys we're talking about, and a fired up ospreys ready to unleash the mother of all backlashes as is the wont of rugby teams that get thumped the week before. Courtney Lawes first hit of the game said it all. England place booked. Hartley was brilliant and tom wood was smashing rucks like he was playing New Zealand again. Lancaster will be very happy. As a Leicester fan, i loved it, style wise, I loved it as far as England Autumn Test go, but I think The Tigers need to up it big time because our rivals have put down a pretty monstrous marker.

People are going on about no 4th try? That's slightly disrespectful to the ospreys, who weren't allowed to play but certainly didn't roll over. its also very glass half empty. I'd also say that if the Saints pack keep that bench mark then they'll not lose another game this season. They woulda smacked the All Blacks around on Sunday. (He typed cheekily)

as for the ospreys, BEWARE. banana skin in road. Approach with caution.