The Magners League so far...discussion thread

thomond2006

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/tables/4777185.stm

We're halfway through and I don't think anyone predicted that Glasgow would be top after 9 games. They had a good win against Edinburgh today to go top.

Looking at the table, you could only dismiss Scarlets and Connacht (the bottom two) for a top four berth. Both Cardiff and Ulster are capable of stringing a few wins together and climbing the table.

Bar today's collapse against Cardiff and the trip to Munster, the Dragons' ML campaign has been very successful. They finished last season with 33 points, they already have 22 this season. Their problem is squad depth though, a few injuries could cripple their chances.

Once again, Connacht languish at the bottom and look set to remain there till the end of the season.

I think Munster, Leinster, Ospreys and one of Glasgow/Edinburgh/Ulster will finish in the top 4. For the purposes of the poll, I voted Edinburgh.
It could be any of the top 8 at this stage though.

The league carries extra significance for the Welsh regions this season; only the top 3 Welsh sides qualify for the Heineken Cup, the Celtic/Italian play-off is no more.

I think all roads point to an All-Ireland Final.

Coriolanus

Cardiff Blues

Munster Leinster Ulster Ospreys I think.

durkadurka

Edinburgh

I think it depends on the heino. If len or mun get to the final in paris they wont be too fussed in the sf of the magners... I still think this is the one you want to win if you get knocked out of the heino

Sundy

Ospreys

durkadurka wrote: »

I think it depends on the heino. If len or mun get to the final in paris they wont be too fussed in the sf of the magners... I still think this is the one you want to win if you get knocked out of the heino

i disagree, its Cheika's ambition to win both this year

Cardiff Blues

Its interesting no doubt.Hard to see Munster or Leinster missing out on the top 4 or indeed the top 2 spots,Ospreys should get in given their squad depth and I'm undecided between Glasgow and Edinburgh for the 4th spot but I reckon Glasgow might nick it only to be comfortably beaten by Leinster away in the semi.

Of the others Ulster just haven't been consistent enough despite some top performances.They need to make a statement next Saturday if they're serious about the play offs.

Cardiff have some ground to make up but since they're pretty much out of the hc they may put their minds to it. Given the fact so many teams are taking points off each other they may get themselves back in the reckoning.

Dragons have been found out a bit recently,Llanelli look a mess at the moment and I'm afraid ourselves in Connacht have as much chance of making the top 4 as there is of Antrim winning the All Ireland Hurling in 2010.

durkadurka

Edinburgh

Sundy wrote: »

i disagree, its Cheika's ambition to win both this year

But the semi final of the magners is the week before the heino final. If leinster are in the final, cheika mightn't put everything into the magners. I wouldn't if i were him....

KELTICKNIGHTT

Leinster

munster too win and maybe win heino

thomond2006

Cardiff Blues

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

munster too win and maybe win heino

You are supposed to pick 4 teams on the poll..:rolleyes:

KELTICKNIGHTT

Leinster

dont see where it says you have too:D but here anyways
MUNSTER
ULSTER
GLASGOW
EDINBURAGH

be nice too see a scottish team do well but still number one Munster

sock puppet

Cardiff Blues

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

dont see where it says you have too:D but here anyways
MUNSTER
ULSTER
GLASGOW
EDINBURAGH

be nice too see a scottish team do well but still number one Munster

I don't want to sound cocky, but I can't see Leinster not making the top 4, and they probably have the best chance of finishing top 2. They've already played O's, Ulster and Edinburgh away so they've an easy enough run in bar the Munster game.

I think it'll finish

1. Leinster
2. Munster
3. Glasgow
4. Ospreys

The Ospreys still have to play 3 games in Ireland which I don't think they'll win. So I don't think they'll make the top 2

danthefan

Cardiff Blues

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

dont see where it says you have too:D but here anyways
MUNSTER
ULSTER
GLASGOW
EDINBURAGH

be nice too see a scottish team do well but still number one Munster

You honestly don't think Leinster will make the playoffs?

KELTICKNIGHTT

Leinster

sock puppet wrote: »

I don't want to sound cocky, but I can't see Leinster not making the top 4, and they probably have the best chance of finishing top 2. They've already played O's, Ulster and Edinburgh away so they've an easy enough run in bar the Munster game.

I think it'll finish

1. Leinster
2. Munster
3. Glasgow
4. Ospreys

The Ospreys still have to play 3 games in Ireland which I don't think they'll win. So I don't think they'll make the top 2

you cocky,never

think its time for another team too win mags cup,but still think munster will as leinster will be looking for heino if they win it

scottish rubgy seems too be in bad way so be nice too see them win mags
irsh rubgy will do well in 2010 on current form

KELTICKNIGHTT

Leinster

danthefan wrote: »

You honestly don't think Leinster will make the playoffs?

they probly will but i picked 4 in hope 2 scottish teams do well
like too see some underdog do well

thomond2006

Cardiff Blues

The poll is for the four teams you think will make the top 4, not the four teams you would like to see in the top four.

Both Munster and Leinster are certainties to be in the playoffs, just as Connacht is certain to finish bottom again.

The teams with the best squads will be around come playoff time. Munster managed to get a BP against Connacht having made 13 changes. Eight of those who came in are fully capped internationals.

danthefan

Cardiff Blues

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

they probly will but i picked 4 in hope 2 scottish teams do well
like too see some underdog do well

So you hope Scottish teams do better than an Irish team. Nice.

myflipflops

Ospreys

I'm still deciding on whether the new format is positive or negative. All in all, i think the way it works suits the teams with the better squads and bigger budgets. Munster and Leinster are more likely to compete on 2 fronts now with the format meaning they only have to finish top 4 in the league.

Having said that, the last 2 years has seen 1 province win the Heineken Cup while the other picks up the Magners League anyway!!

KELTICKNIGHTT

Leinster

danthefan wrote: »

So you hope Scottish teams do better than an Irish team. Nice.

just munster

Coriolanus

Cardiff Blues

danthefan wrote: »

So you hope Scottish teams do better than an Irish team. Nice.

I don't see anything wrong with that? We can't play the game on our own and the health of the game in the rest of the islands directly effects us, since without quality opposition, none of our teams can grow.
Arguably Irish Rugby in the east and south doesn't "need" a win in the Heino or Magners, but it would do a world of good for Scottish rugby.
Just take a look at some of the domestic coverage in Australia about their defeat in the AI's. Losing again and again damages the sport at a grassroots level as well as injuring the pride of the pro's playing.

Anyway, I think Cheika will gamble on the semi-Magners, rest a few players but not nearly as many as people will think he should, to field a strong team in the Mag. He wants the double, what a way to end his tenure if they do it?!

dan719

danthefan wrote: »

So you hope Scottish teams do better than an Irish team. Nice.

What's wrong with this? Whys should a Munster fan shout for Leinster or vice versa? Look at all the tribalism from the last two semi final matches, the shouting matches in the streets which occasionally descended into physical violence (and fault lies on both sides for this). Why would you then expect anyone to shout for the other team?

It's rugby, not a f*cking love in.

thomond2006

Cardiff Blues

Back OT, with the playoffs, this is set to be the most competitive run-in since the competition started imo.

wixfjord

Cardiff Blues

dan719 wrote: »

What's wrong with this? Whys should a Munster fan shout for Leinster or vice versa? Look at all the tribalism from the last two semi final matches, the shouting matches in the streets which occasionally defended into physical violence (and fault lies on both sides for this). Why would you then expect anyone to for the other team?

It's rugby, not a f*cking love in.

Exactly its rugby, and not soccer. I and most Leinster fans, I presume, would support an Irish team so long as they are not playing Leinster. I supported and thoroughly enjoyed Munsters 2 Heineken Cup wins, as did many non Munster Irish rugby fans. Supporting a Scottish team over an Irish team is a bit crazy. Although tell that to the two guys dressed in Munster jerseys (to call them Munster fans would be a slight on all real Munster fans) who shouted when Leicester scored the try in Murrayfield last May, called me a West Brit, didnt know what the Pale was and left with twenty minutes left!! Thats what this type of anti anyone but my province breeds.

smurphy29

Cardiff Blues

Oh God, not this again. Anyway...

I think the format has lead to a lack of intensity over the first half of the season. Most teams seem to have adopted the approach of staying roughly in contention over the first half, with a view to pulling away at the sharp end. Hence the very bunched league table right now. For example, in the old format Leinster would never have effectively handed Dragons the points by fielding such a weak side. With only a top four place required, they can probably get away with it. Hopefully we'll get the upside as the run-in gets closer and the games take on greater importance. For starters, next week's game against Glasgow is beginning to look fairly crucial.

Coriolanus

Cardiff Blues

smurphy29 wrote: »

Oh God, not this again. Anyway...

I think the format has lead to a lack of intensity over the first half of the season. Most teams seem to have adopted the approach of staying roughly in contention over the first half, with a view to pulling away at the sharp end. Hence the very bunched league table right now. For example, in the old format Leinster would never have effectively handed Dragons the points by fielding such a weak side. With only a top four place required, they can probably get away with it. Hopefully we'll get the upside as the run-in gets closer and the games take on greater importance. For starters, next week's game against Glasgow is beginning to look fairly crucial.

Do you think that's a good thing or a bad thing, just curious?

sock puppet

Cardiff Blues

smurphy29 wrote: »

Oh God, not this again. Anyway...

I think the format has lead to a lack of intensity over the first half of the season. Most teams seem to have adopted the approach of staying roughly in contention over the first half, with a view to pulling away at the sharp end. Hence the very bunched league table right now. For example, in the old format Leinster would never have effectively handed Dragons the points by fielding such a weak side. With only a top four place required, they can probably get away with it. Hopefully we'll get the upside as the run-in gets closer and the games take on greater importance. For starters, next week's game against Glasgow is beginning to look fairly crucial.

Leinster did the same thing last season too. They played a similar team against the Dragons. Last season also played weakened teams in many of their away games. For example the squad for Connacht looks a lot stronger than last seasons. The Glasgow game is important for both teams. Glasgow will probably lose next week and another loss would leave them in a bad position. They'll be hit hard during the Six Nations too.

Amazotheamazing

Ospreys

Munster and Leinster will definately make the top four. the other two teams could be anyone really, it's a pretty tight league, with the exception of Scarlets and Connacht. I hope the other two teams are Ulster and Edinburgh, but it'll probably be Cardiff and the Ospreys.

Don't think play-off's work in a league with only 10 teams and no relegation. There's only so many times you can care about playing the same teams over and over.

dan719

wixfjord wrote: »

Exactly its rugby, and not soccer. I and most Leinster fans, I presume, would support an Irish team so long as they are not playing Leinster. I supported and thoroughly enjoyed Munsters 2 Heineken Cup wins, as did many non Munster Irish rugby fans. Supporting a Scottish team over an Irish team is a bit crazy. Although tell that to the two guys dressed in Munster jerseys (to call them Munster fans would be a slight on all real Munster fans) who shouted when Leicester scored the try in Murrayfield last May, called me a West Brit, didnt know what the Pale was and left with twenty minutes left!! Thats what this type of anti anyone but my province breeds.

There is no rule in rugby that states you have to support teams from you're country. And many would argue that the rivalry between soccer teams in the likes of the EPL is what makes the game great.

I don't see what's crazy about it. And in your example, Leinster had beaten Munster in the Semis, did you expect them to be decked in blue and singing Sexton's praises?:rolleyes: Having a bit of pride in your team, and taking a defeat badly is not a terrible thing.

And if it makes you feel better, I sat in a pub in 2008 surrounded by leinster fans who wanted nothing more than Munster to lose. To the extent they started a row in the smoking area in the post match celebrations.

gcgirl

Newport Gwent Dragons

Munster
Leinster
Hairsprays
EDINBURGH

KELTICKNIGHTT

Leinster

wixfjord wrote: »

Exactly its rugby, and not soccer. I and most Leinster fans, I presume, would support an Irish team so long as they are not playing Leinster. I supported and thoroughly enjoyed Munsters 2 Heineken Cup wins, as did many non Munster Irish rugby fans. Supporting a Scottish team over an Irish team is a bit crazy. Although tell that to the two guys dressed in Munster jerseys (to call them Munster fans would be a slight on all real Munster fans) who shouted when Leicester scored the try in Murrayfield last May, called me a West Brit, didnt know what the Pale was and left with twenty minutes left!! Thats what this type of anti anyone but my province breeds.

like the way you turn things,didnt say i support scottish rubgy,said be nice too see but munster always comes first,but i wont support leinster ,have experience like other munster fans where leinster fans care concerned which decided it for me, only support munster rubgy,all the way;),happy new year too all

siltirocker

Ospreys

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

like the way you turn things,didnt say i support scottish rubgy,said be nice too see but munster always comes first,but i wont support leinster ,have experience like other munster fans where leinster fans care concerned which decided it for me, only support munster rubgy,all the way;),happy new year too all

Been a rugby fan for long?

KELTICKNIGHTT

Leinster

siltirocker wrote: »

Been a rugby fan for long?

here we go
why,have you
long enough
over 22 yrs

siltirocker

Ospreys

Well what did you expect, a pat on the back. Im not going to bait and im sorry if it was a bit strong. But I can't believe you wouldn't support your Irish compatriots & neighbours because of a petty, let me see 5/6 year rivalry. Great shame that that is your frame of mind IMO.

dan719

siltirocker wrote: »

Well what did you expect, a pat on the back. Im not going to bait and im sorry if it was a bit strong. But I can't believe you wouldn't support your Irish compatriots & neighbours because of a petty, let me see 5/6 year rivalry. Great shame that that is your frame of mind IMO.

Why would he want a pat on the back? You tried to make him look stupid, it backfired. How long have you been following rugby?

That's his choice. Get over yourself.

thomond2006

Cardiff Blues

dan719 wrote: »

Why would he want a pat on the back? You tried to make him look stupid, it backfired. How long have you been following rugby?

That's his choice. Get over yourself.

Easy mate.

I agree with stilirocker, but to each his own I suppose.

For me, I desperately want Munster to beat Leinster when they play each other, more than any other team. That's out of respect for Leinster, not hate/dislike. However, I also want to see Leinster (Ulster and Connacht too) do well because it's an Irish team and their success will benefit Irish rugby.

I was gutted that Leinster beat us at Croker, but delighted that they did the business at Murrayfield.

I don't think that makes me any less of a Munster fan to be honest.

Anyway, this thread is about the Magners League 09/10, not provincial loyalties.

siltirocker

Ospreys

dan719 wrote: »

Why would he want a pat on the back? You tried to make him look stupid, it backfired. How long have you been following rugby?

That's his choice. Get over yourself.

I didn't try to make him look stupid, regardless of the truth, it's exactly what i & everyone would expect and i apologised for doing so too in my immidiate post after, if you read my post.

Again if you read my post you would see this thing "IMO" too. He put his out there, i put mine. It's the point of these forums.

But i only apologise with my strong statment. My blood is boiling in the thought that some fans would prefer Glasgow lets say, beat Connacht in the ECC final. Because Irish rugby doesn't need the boast but Scotish rugby does, or because "IM MUNSTER only", or "they wouldn't cheer for us", etc. Which is a possibility of play suggested.

KELTICKNIGHTT

Leinster

siltirocker wrote: »

Well what did you expect, a pat on the back. Im not going to bait and im sorry if it was a bit strong. But I can't believe you wouldn't support your Irish compatriots & neighbours because of a petty, let me see 5/6 year rivalry. Great shame that that is your frame of mind IMO.

whats a shame isnt your going on and on about it,get over it,if i dont like or support leinster,i dont,get over it and move on
its same in most sports

Coriolanus

Cardiff Blues

siltirocker wrote: »

But i only apologise with my strong statment. My blood is boiling in the thought that some fans would prefer Glasgow lets say, beat Connacht in the ECC final. Because Irish rugby doesn't need the boast but Scotish rugby does, or because "IM MUNSTER only", or "they wouldn't cheer for us", etc. Which is a possibility of play suggested.

Well, Connaught is one thing, Munster/Leinster is another, as I said. While I'm currently hopeful that Leinster do the double, it will do no real harm to the game in either province if neither don't win anything this year.
Now if it came down to either of those two against a scottish side, yes I'd be cheering for the Irish, but I can definitely see a plus arguement for the scots winning.
Maybe I'm odd, but I'm a fan of Rugby first and foremost.

KELTICKNIGHTT

Leinster

would be nice too see Connaught do well and ulster are another good side like too do well

siltirocker

Ospreys

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

would be nice too see Connaught do well and ulster are another good side like too do well

True you used Leinster as an example but made remarks pluraly about the other provinces on the whole earlier.

Judgement Day

Newport Gwent Dragons

Each to his own I say and it would be a dull world if we were all the same. I am a dedicated Munster supporter despite having no connections with the province - it's the passion with which they play the game that is the attraction for me. I know how Thomond2006 felt after the HC semi-final as it took me a couple of weeks to get over the result but I still was down my local to roar Leinster on against Leicester. However, I have no time for tribal animosity and some of the reports I have heard about the behaviour of so-called 'fans' at recent Leinster/Munster matches is quite worrying. It's all about the game and good natured slagging and banter is where it should be left. As for supporting other sides such as Edinburgh or Glasgow, well I've said it before it would be good for the future of the Magners League/HC and, indeed, Scottish or Welsh rugby if the trophies could be wrested from Irish hands but I don't see it happening and in my heart I don't want it to.

KELTICKNIGHTT

Leinster

siltirocker wrote: »

True you used Leinster as an example but made remarks pluraly about the other provinces on the whole earlier.

im a munster supporter and always will,as i said here and have sadi before,for experiences with leinster supporter both at games and specialy in pubs ,has made me lose what ever little support i had for leinster by the way its supporters acted to me and fellow munster supporters,will support any other irish team but not leinster,dont like ARROGANCE which is also seen

we all support different teams and sports in our own lifes,be dull if we all liked and supported same,i have followed munster way back when they werent as popular as they are now and even played rubgy for years before i got too many injuries that i had to give it up

_blank_

Leinster / Munster :eek:

I'm off to bed, if any other mod wants to re-open this, feel free, I don't want to dish out bans.

Seriously lads.

Calm down