2018-2019 Champions Cup

razorblunt wrote: »

They've improved for sure and there's a real grit to them now under Cockerill but I think they're flattering to deceive somewhat.

They can be got at, especially at 9 and 10, I still don't know why teams don't blitz Van Der Walt, he takes an age to pass, Goosen spotted in on Saturday and should really have had a breakaway interception.

They play with a lot of depth. VDW often sits well back and they put a lot of width on the ball from there. To blitz him would mean you're leaving a big gap in behind and you're not likely to reach him anyway given his position. He's very handy at little grubbers and chips which Edinburgh have scored a few tries off in the pool stages.

Their distribution isn't even that good as the near intercept showed on Friday along with a general lack of breaks but they will try to get a mismatch and their back three are all able to beat guys one on one.

It would be interesting to see what back row they'd go with if all were fit. It's hard to drop any of the current starters but surely a fit John Barclay goes straight in somewhere.

errlloyd wrote: »

I'm happy for Cockeril tbh. I get the feeling it's quite rewarding coaching in the Pro14. I'm not sure what actually happened at Leicster, but he's clearly a handy coach.

Well for a start, there's quite a bit of travelling involved, so it's always a bit more interesting. Even if Ireland or Wales don't float your boat, there's Italy and SA. And that means getting a look at different coaching methods and playing styles. Then there's the conference system which gives you a good chance of getting into the knockouts at the end of the season. And of course no relegation.

Eod100 wrote: »

Aviva I'd say judging by Munster v Saracens match season before last.

Would only ever be Aviva
Never not been semi in Ireland not in Aviva except when it wasnt available during reconstruction

EPCR confirm sf pairings. Not sure why they couldn't release potential sf venues now. Especially when there's only 6 different outcomes at let fans take a chance. Guess kos would still need to be confirmed but usually 1 match Sat, 1 Sun for sfs. Dunno what happens if Edinburgh or Glasgow get through, couldn't be at either ground presumably? Guess Leinster and Aviva a bit different.. https://www.epcrugby.com/2019/01/20/heineken-champions-cup-semi-finals/

Eod100 wrote: »

EPCR confirm sf pairings. Not sure why they couldn't release potential sf venues now. Especially when there's only 6 different outcomes at let fans take a chance. Guess kos would still need to be confirmed but usually 1 match Sat, 1 Sun for sfs. Dunno what happens if Edinburgh or Glasgow get through, couldn't be at either ground presumably? Guess Leinster and Aviva a bit different.. https://www.epcrugby.com/2019/01/20/heineken-champions-cup-semi-finals/

Actually 5 scenarios cos presumably a Toulouse win would see either Leinster or Ulster host then in Aviva.

From EPCR Website;

Following confirmation of the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final line-up, the possible semi-final pairings will be as follows:
SEMI-FINAL 1 – winner of QF 1: Saracens v Glasgow Warriors will play the winner of QF 2: Edinburgh Rugby v Munster Rugby
SEMI-FINAL 2 – winner of QF 3: Leinster Rugby v Ulster Rugby will play the winner of QF 4: Racing 92 v Toulouse
The semi-final matches will be played at venues designated by EPCR, and the following clubs will have home country advantage in their respective matches:
SEMI-FINAL 1
If Saracens (ranked No 1) and Edinburgh Rugby (ranked No 4) win their quarter-finals, Saracens will have home country advantage
If Saracens (ranked No 1) and Munster Rugby (ranked No 5) win their quarter-finals, Saracens will have home country advantage
If Edinburgh Rugby (ranked No 4) and Glasgow Warriors (ranked No 8) win their quarter-finals, the semi-final will be played in Scotland
If Munster Rugby (ranked No 5) and Glasgow Warriors (ranked No 8) win their quarter-finals, Munster will have home country advantage
SEMI-FINAL 2
If Racing 92 (ranked No 2) and Leinster Rugby (ranked No 3) win their quarter-finals, Racing 92 will have home country advantage
If Racing 92 (ranked No 2) and Ulster Rugby (ranked No 6) win their quarter-finals, Racing 92 will have home country advantage
If Leinster Rugby (ranked No 3) and Toulouse (ranked No 7) win their quarter-finals, Leinster will have home country advantage
If Ulster Rugby (ranked No 6) and Toulouse (ranked No 7) win their quarter-finals, Ulster will have home country advantage
Semi-finals: 19/20/21 April
2019 Heineken Champions Cup final: Saturday, 11 May; St James’ Park, Newcastle (17.00)

Riskymove wrote: »

In the event of Leinster, Munster or Ulster it will be Aviva so three are covered

In Scotland Edinburgh are playing at Murrayfield this season while building a new smaller venue. Not sure if that means Murrayfield is out

I presume Hamden as alternative?

That only leaves racing and Sarries

sarries will be twickers probably as Spurs have been using wembley and they may not want it used so much

Only Q is Racing really - last time they went to Bordeaux but who knows

That looks pretty spot on. Not sure why Racing couldn't play closer to home say, Stade's ground but maybe there's some EPCR criteria..

Buer wrote: »

Just coming back to this, I believe that was almost certainly the case. They got a comfortable lead in the bag in the first half and coasted They chose to go for the posts rather than the corner when given a penalty with 10 minutes to play so I don't think the BP was their concern at all and they knew the permutations.

It did nearly come back to bite them as they conceded two tries in the final quarter but I reckon they know they've a very decent chance of beating Racing in Paris and know them inside out.

The dress rehearsal is on February 16th for those interested. Toulouse won the first match between the sides 30-17 in September. Tie of the round, for me.

Yeah risky enough strategy. Think they would have gone to Saracens if they'd lost?

Eod100 wrote: »

Yeah risky enough strategy. Think they would have gone to Saracens if they'd lost?

I would say they'd rather go to Saracens than Leinster purely based on having already gone there the previous week so they didn't see it as the worst case scenario.

Buer wrote: »

I know his original intention was to play some part in the 6N but there doesn't appear to be any news on his progress whatsoever so I would imagine that isn't a runner at the moment.

Edinburgh would be better just trying to make sure that Hamish Watson can get back in time. If he was out, it would be a massive boost to Munster.

Crosbie has been called up to Scotland now.

Riskymove wrote: »

In the event of Leinster, Munster or Ulster it will be Aviva so three are covered

In Scotland Edinburgh are playing at Murrayfield this season while building a new smaller venue. Not sure if that means Murrayfield is out

I presume Hamden as alternative?

That only leaves racing and Sarries

sarries will be twickers probably as Spurs have been using wembley and they may not want it used so much

Only Q is Racing really - last time they went to Bordeaux but who knows

Parkhead for Edinburgh I'd imagine given the Pro14 final is on there a few months later anyway.

F.nelson wrote: »

Was the rule not always home advantage but you couldn't play in your own ground. The reason Leinster have the rds as their home ground

That was my thinking. Guess it is a bit vague when Leinster play an interpro, CC game and now a home qf there but it's known that RDS is main ground. Bit like Dublin and Croker. :P Dunno would Edinburgh get a pass cos it's not their usual home ground but I was thinking as it was this season it counts..

Former Former wrote: »

I think that rule went out with the demise of the old Heineken Cup. It's not an issue for most teams as nearly all 'home' grounds are too small, but I don't think there's any reason why it couldn't be Murrayfield.

Yeah I think it's home country advantage now as you say grounds may not be big enough. Wording is just "The semi-final matches will be played at venues designated by EPCR, and the following clubs will have home country advantage in their respective matches." Guess that leaves EPCR with a bit of leeway about sf venues.

nc6000 wrote: »

Yes, I was thinking yesterday that it can't be too hard to get teams to nominate a venue for their potential semi-final well in advance.

tbf we knew where the SFs would be before QFs last year but the issue is its only 2 weeks to make arrangements