Champions Cup 2024

PTH2009

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122016575#Comment_122016575

Booking the table to avoid the 'northsider boozers' ?

lawrencesummers

the (slim) possibility of 3 english teams and one Irish remaining in the competition at dinnertime today is fascinating considering budgets and squads.

The possibility if Two english, one french and one Irish is equally interesting in the context of their leagues, resources and ability to attract marquee players.

pickarooney

Yeah. The Premiership teams get written off a lot but 2/4 semi finalists is a great return and Exeter, if they don't win, will go down swinging against a sporting and financial behemoth in Toulouse.

pickarooney

Looking at Bordeaux v Quins. Both sides fantastic to watch yet full of players who don't quite have it at international level.

Could be some great games left in this tournament and any of them could win really.

lawrencesummers

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122017200#Comment_122017200

the amazing thing about exeter is their ability to stay compeditive while losing so many influential and excellent players. They really are a well run club both on field and off field.

pickarooney

Are the rules different in club and international rugby as regards on field decisions?

Throughout the 6N it was repeatedly stated that refs had to give a decision, even if unsighted. In the CC refs are not making decisions in the same situation and waiting for the TMO.

fitz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122017974#Comment_122017974

Have noticed the same in Super Rugby, refs saying they don't have a decision...I thought they needed to make a yes/no decision? Have they brought in a new option?

pickarooney

I hope they have. 'Prove my stab in the dark wrong' is an awful premise.

tanko

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122016949#Comment_122016949

Ah no, just wondering.

fitz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122018073#Comment_122018073

As long as it's a clearly defined process, I'd agree...but we shouldn't go back to refs not making any decisions on field and everything being fobbed off on the TMO. A prescribed wording to go to the TMO with when they didn't see what happened - sure. Use the wording to force them to only use that option when they and the assistant are unsighted, otherwise they'll just play it safe like they used to.

Onfield - try, onfield - no try, onfield - no view, or something like that. I think the clear and obvious standard applied against the onfield decisions is a good framework, and wouldn't like to see that lost.

AdamD

Game on in Toulouse..

KH25

Exeter have started very well.

pickarooney

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122018419#Comment_122018419

That sounds almost too sensible to consider!

lawrencesummers

Cant see busby getting the freedom of the city of Toulouse anytime soon.

great game.

gneel

Incredible to have Ramos on the bench

Burkie1203

Clearout needs looking at

AdamD

This is one complicated decision for the ref, clear out looks dodgy too.

lawrencesummers

looks like penalty try to me

lawrencesummers

good call. Blue knock on.

fitz

Dunno how that clear out is considered legal.

pickarooney

Who are people cheering for here? I'd like Toulouse gone and I love a good underdog win and Exeter have been going great… but three English teams in the last four just seems wrong!

lawrencesummers

exeter getting every single decision going their way.

AdamD

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122018649#Comment_122018649

Currently I'm team Busby, he clearly doesn't like Toulouse and gives zero fvcks!

I'd probably lean towards Exeter, get rid of Toulouse.

lawrencesummers

The amount of off feet at the breakdown is gas, both sides getting away with it all the time

Boscoirl

that was too easy!

50HX

Is the hear goin to be a factor for Exeter in the 2nd half I wonder

pickarooney

Bit of a sickener seeing French and English u20 players going straight into Champions Cup and international games and looking right at home while our lads basically disappear into the AIL for 3 years.

pickarooney

Toulouse just shifted up a gear and I don't see Exeter having an answer. But they've done it before...

fitz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122018897#Comment_122018897

They're just having the craic now.

Exeter looking more and more disorganised.

Clegg

Jesus.

Toulouse have ripped Exeter to shreds in these ten minutes.