Irish Rugby - Before Blood Is Spilled - Stop And Smell The Roses...

[Jackass]

I dread to think what will be thrown up over the next 2 weeks and 5 days...but I thought before we get into the thick of war, let's take a moment to savour what can only be described as the coming of age in Irish rugby and enjoy it while it lasts...Let's put all of this into perspective and not loose sight of the privaliged times we live in....maybe this is a golden era for Irish Rugby or maybe it's the dawn of decades of domination for Irish rugby, either way, it's pretty special to be here and be a part of it.

We have Munster - The top ranked European team and the current European Champions (twice in 3 years) who are also topping the Magners League and are in a European semi-final...

Their opponents, Leinster, are the current Magners League champions, chomping at the heals of Munster in the league and also, in a European Cup semi-final - and as of yesterdays result, Leinster are now the 4th Ranked team in Europe and are guarenteed a top tier draw next season in the groups.

We will have an Irish team in the final of Europe for the 3rd time in 4 years and before that even happens, 80,000 people will fill Croke Park for the biggest EVER gate at a club rugby match EVER - ANYWHERE - IN THE HISTORY OF THE SPORT.

We have two European heavyweights and arguably one of the best derby rivalries in world rugby.

On top of all of this, the sworn enemies in Blue and Red combined powers in Green to bring home a triple crown (4th in 6 years iirc), the Six Nations Trophy and a Grand Slam title only ever witnessed once before in the history of the game.

We will also more than likely have the Lions share (parden the pun) of the Lions squad and more than Likely a Lions captain for the second time running also (be it BOD or POC - again, the rivalry comes into play).

I yurn to beat Munster and respect them in equal measures, as a rival, they are the toughest and strongest any team could come up against - I look forward to duals like these and trust in my team that we can turn the tide on our neighbours - but either way, I'm glad to have them as the game of rugby just wouldn't be the same with Leinster / Munster. When it comes down to it, I don't think either set of supporters enjoys victory more than over their bitter rival next door.

I hope to see you all in Croke Park and let's hope the rivalry, and sucsess that goes with it, lives long for generations in Irish, European and World rugby, I think both teams are better for having each other.

Micky Dolenz

Good post.

I agree with everything you say. It is amazing that it will be the biggest club rugby attendance.
It is indeed a great time to be a rugby fan on our Island, long may it last.

The rivalry may be maginified here but in reality there is great respect amongest the teams and their supporters.

I watched the Leinster game in a pub in Limerick and all the crowd were cheering on Leinster, except for one old guy who was shouting for Quins. I asked him why, and he simply said " It'll be easier to get tickets for a Quins semi"

The many Munster fans I spoke to about a Munster Leinster semi all agreed that we are due a hiding from our neighbours, but hopefully it won't be this year

There's nothing wrong with a bit of banter aslong as respect is maintained, even in victory/defeat. I wasn't here for '06 so I don't know how bad it got.

I've got my ticket and tomorrow I sort the train and hotel out. It's going be a great three weeks of hype. We have been spoilt with big rugby occasions over the last while, lets enjoy it.

dreamer_ire

I echo the above post... I watched the Leinster match in Shannon RFC on Sunday after the match and at least 90% of the Munster fans there were shouting for Leinster. There will no doubt be numpties on both sides and emotions will run high and whilst I hope we retain the trophy it would be great to think the Grand Slam, 6N, Heineken Cup and Magners League all stay in Ireland until 2010.

May the best team win... and may an Irish team lift the HC in Edinburgh!

maddness

Great Post..

Its not that long ago that Irish rugby fans were the minority.
For years I sat and listened to my friends bore the hell out of me about the latest (insert english premiership club of choice here) match and how important it was to their lives and how rugby was only a private school sport and not a real game like football.
For years I stood in Lansdowne rd and watched Ireland loosing to just about everyone.

Now look at us.....:D

I hope Leinster win but if they dont I will be very happy to chear Munster on to another European cup win because Irish rugby deserves success.

A very proud Irish rugby fan.

duckysauce

very good post

May the best team win, and then win the final as well

Diabhal Beag

Good post. C'MON CONNACHT

Heisenberg.

This post has been deleted.

gosplan

Good post.

The great thing is that regardless of whoever wins or loses in the semi-final, the whole of this island will be cheering on our representatives in the final.*







*apart from the especially bitter and twisted few

Climate Expert

No exaggeration or hyperbole but this game coming up is the biggest match in World Rugby this season. The Grand Slam winning team split in half. The best club team in Europe versus their old enemy. You could probably sell 150,000 tickets.

The_Kew_Tour

ya great year for irish rugby lets hope it continues for long time

thomond2006

Great post m8.

Jackass for President!!! :D:D

God help the mods for the next 3 weeks. Lads, you have my deepest sympathies.

chupacabra

We shouldnt have to devolve every thread into a provincial pissing contest. What will be said has already been said 100 times over and its sad that every conversation ends with a locked thread or a banned user.

Noopti

Great post.

I for one will be completely ignoring any post that begins, or turns into a provinsial pissing contest.