Heineken Cup Semi-Final Draws

[King_D'Arcy]

I'd agree with that Snoop. It's a tough enough draw for Leinster but in the form they're in I can't see anyone beating them at home.

 

[Feicarsinn]

There's lots of time left for us to mess up, or just get beaten. Let's see what shape we're in after the boys come back from the 6 nations. The trouble with having so many internationals is that were more than likely to pick up a few injuries.


And yes, the game most likely will be in the Aviva. Third game we'll have played there this year I believe.

 

[Conal]

do ulster have any chance of beating saints at the gardens ???

 

[CCCakumbra]

Everyone is writing off Ulster, I am happy with the Saints draw. Northampton won't have seen too much of Ulster and I think will underestimate the Ulster men. If they have their full squad fit expect a shock! SUFTUM!!

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Don't think underestimating will come into it,
Northampton could go up against the Ulster U8s and put out their strongest team and go as hard as they can for the full 80 - they won't be underestimating them at all

However I do believe an upset could possibly happen, but it'd be slim slim odds

 

[coonor]

Leinster may have to play a tough game against the Tigers but at least they can play at home in the semis if they win. Although we have to do it the hard way I think if we make the final we will win it as we will have already faced tough tests and had the experience to win the final. Still some big IFs there.

My predtictions

Northampton v Ulster (home win)
Leinster v Leicster (home win)
Perpignan v Toulon (home win)
Biarritz v Toulouse (away win)

All could change though

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Northampton are a better team than Ulster but I think Ulster will concentrate all their efforts on mounting a challenge for the Heineken Cup at the expense of their Magners League form. I also think Northampton's brand of rugby is to try bully teams into submission by beating them up in the pack. The problem for Saints is that style plays into Ulster's hands as they're also a forward dominated, 10 man team- to beat Ulster you've to challenge their outside backs. If Humphreys brings his kicking boots Ulster could cause a shock. It'll be harder than Northampton think and could be very tight for 60-70 minutes but the home teams strength in depth should tell.

 

[Nielsch]

So two quarter finals are probably gonna be played in Spain if I'm correct...

USA Perpignan vs Toulon @ Estadio Anoeta in San Sebastian
Biarritz vs Toulouse @ Lluis Companys in Barcelona
Northampton vs Ulster @ Gardens, MK or Ricoh
Leinster vs Leicester Tigers @ RDS or Aviva in Dublin

 

[veux]

Northampton are a better team than Ulster but I think Ulster will concentrate all their efforts on mounting a challenge for the Heineken Cup at the expense of their Magners League form. I also think Northampton's brand of rugby is to try bully teams into submission by beating them up in the pack. The problem for Saints is that style plays into Ulster's hands as they're also a forward dominated, 10 man team- to beat Ulster you've to challenge their outside backs. If Humphreys brings his kicking boots Ulster could cause a shock. It'll be harder than Northampton think and could be very tight for 60-70 minutes but the home teams strength in depth should tell.

Foden/Ashton/Rehanna should be enough of a challenge for their outside backs - Northampton's style at the moment is forward dominated, but Chris Ashton wasn't the top try scorer in the premiership for no reason last season, they can play running rugby when they want to. Myler staying available is key though, as Saints will need someone who can get their goals + put them into a good position.

 

[Teh Mite]

Well according the 606 Ulster and Leinster are already in the final.

 

[franklin]

thats a great draw for saints.

in my opinion the only thing stopping saints getting to cardiff is the fact the 2 games could be played away from the gardens.

on that issue does anyone know if the games are definately away from the gardens?

 

[Peat]

I think both Northampton and Ulster have got the best draw they could hope for. Ulster at home was about the nicest draw you could get - however, once we had to go away to someone else, far better to go to Northampton than Tolouse or Leinster!

This is doable. Not probable, but with a fair wind and a big performance we can take them.

 

[munstermuffin]

An Irish Double in Cardiff

That Heineken Cup is over rated it's all about the Amlin

 

[munstermuffin]

There's lots of time left for us to mess up, or just get beaten. Let's see what shape we're in after the boys come back from the 6 nations. The trouble with having so many internationals is that were more than likely to pick up a few injuries.


And yes, the game most likely will be in the Aviva. Third game we'll have played there this year I believe.

agreed 100%
Irish Duty could effect players as when Leinster hammered Munster showed. We were unreal beating Ospreys in QF but that was helped by Ospreys been very poor.
I think it could be a bad thing if Irish team had a large number of Leinster players from a Leinster point of view also but hope to see a Leinster Saints final as that could be the best game for neutral

 

[Teh Mite]

I've said it enough times in the past: You have to be a ******* idiot to write off Tigers. Ever.

 

[Feicarsinn]

agreed 100%
Irish Duty could effect players as when Leinster hammered Munster showed. We were unreal beating Ospreys in QF but that was helped by Ospreys been very poor.
I think it could be a bad thing if Irish team had a large number of Leinster players from a Leinster point of view also but hope to see a Leinster Saints final as that could be the best game for neutral

Nah, we were just way better than you guys

 

[munstermuffin]

Bullitt I agree with that too and they are masters of dogging out a result.

And feic I agree Leinster were better a deservedly beat us but if you look at our pack and fact alot of them had alot of games played and the International games do take alot out of guys it can take it's tolls and some guys can have confidence lifted or hurt in these games. And add in the risk of injury

 

[Feicarsinn]

Bullitt I agree with that too and they are masters of dogging out a result.

And feic I agree Leinster were better a deservedly beat us but if you look at our pack and fact alot of them had alot of games played and the International games do take alot out of guys it can take it's tolls and some guys can have confidence lifted or hurt in these games. And add in the risk of injury

Was just messin' with ya.

 

[King_D'Arcy]

After 2005 I will never underestimate Leicester again. They kicked the living crap out of us in Lansdowne road. It was so embarrassing!

I do think Leinster should win though. But it'll be very tight. I would not be even slightly surprised if they lose.

 

[munstermuffin]

No thing was though Feic lads in Munster camp had played too much rugby and well some guys who were with Irish camp and not getting game time were bit drained from morale from just holding tackle bags and our training standard dropped due to a lack of quality and well despite winning the grand slam we suffered where as Leinster had their pack mostly fresh and it helped. I know you were messing but did have a point.
I think backs aren't as bad but still there only so much top rugby a body will take.

As in Bullit might help me here but Saint only loose 3 players (Ashton, Foden and Hartley). 2 of them are backs and well they should be ok as they are in positions that have least chance of been in physical battles alot. Hartley is their own real risk but also means they won't loose much quality from their sessions and can maintain a standard