OK folks, its a feast of rugby this weekend and on the menu we have:
Friday 18th October 2013
Saracens v Toulouse 19:45
Leicester v Treviso 20:00
Saturday 19th October 2013
Leinster v Castres 15:40
Cardiff Blues v Toulon 13:35
Zebre v Connacht 13:35
Scarlets v Racing Metro 92 18:00
Montpellier v Ulster 15:40
Munster v Gloucester 18:00
Sunday 20th October 2013
Northampton v Ospreys 12:45
Glasgow v Exeter 14:00
Clermont Auvergne v Harlequins 15:00
Perpignan v Edinburgh 12:45
My response would tend to be the Mr Creosote-esque "I'll have ze lot" as there's not a bad game there. Saracens - Toulouse should be a cracker and with Sky's super Ulsterman commentator at Wasps last night, hopefully he'll be there tonight
Zebre - Connacht could be a dark horse for an exciting open game, Montpellier - Ulster is well balanced then Muster - Gloucester shoudl be good (if horrifically nerve wracking for me), both Northampton and the Ospreys almost have to win already, and I think Glasgow - Exeter could be great after seeing the Chiefs - Cardiff game when they just did things to Cardiff in the first 30 minutes that can't be written on here
For me its probably Saracens - Toulouse, but what about you and for those of you like me with other halves and children, how much will you be allowed to get away with - with neccesary alcohol to relieve the tension and food to keep you supplemented, then desperately clutching the groin to make it to half time before a dash to the toliet that would make Usian Bolt look like a sloth (and the prayer that there's not that much injury time as it will be a choice of watch it and go to A&E with a busted bladder or miss out on the vital last bit)
Game of the weekend
posted on 23/10/13
ARSS
Silly question really
The most important game is the one featuring your own club - in my case the Saints.
Mind you, that would leave S&P very confused, following Quins AND Wasps. That just doesn't compute. Would make for a very impartial (boring, dispassionate) game when they paly each other.
posted on 23/10/13
Yeah I'm weird with club rugby...because I came to it relatively late I don't have the die hard loyalty you lads will have.
I always liked Wasps but these days I either go to watch Quins or London Irish regularly so I found my loyalties drifting.
To be honest as long as Leicester and Sarries lose I'm usually happy.
posted on 24/10/13
Sporty,
I read today that London Irish are interested in James O’Connor who has just been bounced out of Ozzy rugby due to disciplinary problems.
Good or Bad?
posted on 24/10/13
Definitely good. Hes a very talented guy who will bring in the punters. Id be very happy if that happened
posted on 24/10/13
What I really like about rugby is it doesn't have the hatred that seems to be involved in football. Gloucester are my side and I want them to win, but I really like watching other games and for me a good game between two other sides is better than a bad game involving Gloucester - there's also not the emotional involvement which I find makes the games more relaxing and easy to watch, whilst still being gripping - Saracens - Toulouse for example or Clermont - Harlequins
Ding - I see if O'Driscoll plays all 3 autumn games for Ireland he equals O'Gara's caps record
posted on 24/10/13
NIce.
Another question! as your the resident scrum guru
Kian Healy was this week quoted saying the new laws (or correct application of the old ones) Has made life easier for him. Saying as a loosehead he can now compete on a more level playing field with the opposing tight head. He said now its all about technique and strength and not about size and weight now that the engage and the hit are gone.
Whats your thoughts?
posted on 24/10/13
Ye SARS. but he certainly wont play the first game against Samoa. That said. he will most likely play all 5 Six Nations games. Barring of course injury. All that said. It is his wind down season. Im sure he will give it 100% as always. But we really need to be looking at a new 13. I mean start bringing some of the others on the fringes in. Because how the hell can we expect to slot a lad in there and wear that Jersey next year. The expectation will be too much pressure.
Going forward if Luck Fitzgerald continues his comeback on pace, im certain he will be the short term replacement for Brian.
posted on 24/10/13
Ding from my limited experience this season he's spot on. There is very little hit now and it's very easy to get your feet and back in the optimum position.
The real proof is that me and my tight head met up the day after our last match and both of us could move our necks.
I love the new rules and I'm sure they will benefit Kian massively
posted on 27/10/13
I know the square root of effall about the front row, but listening to those who do suggests that that the 'new' scrum laws - good point Ding - are definitely a good thing.
The technician can now look in the other prop's eyes and say, "I don't give a feck how big you are, I'm better than you. Bring it on pal."
posted on 28/10/13
Good technical Loose heads just became very valuable! Which of course has made good technical tight heads even more important!