Heineken Cup Round 6 - The Other Games

[Shan]

I think your lads are favourites Shan. I don't see Racing putting up a fight if the red machine starts to roll. Just as long as they don't do what we did today and try to keep the opposition in the game as long as possible.

Hope you are right mate. And if you are watching you will be able to enjoy a Munster game without your best pal on the field....although I'm sure the cameras will give a close up of him at some point.

[Bart S]

Shan - Is this being billed down your way as a big opportunity for Keatley to lay a claim to the starting 10 jersey or do people just seeing him borrowing ROG's jersey for a week regardless?

[BaggyTrousers]

Will go down castor in Munster if they can be the ones to show Mexico the exit door. Mind you I reckon Quins will be praying for a Munster 5 pointer.

Not sure if I think Munster are able for it. Too much booze at present.

[BaggyTrousers]

Feckin' mobile

[Shan]

Shan - Is this being billed down your way as a big opportunity for Keatley to lay a claim to the starting 10 jersey or do people just seeing him borrowing ROG's jersey for a week regardless?

I think those who know what way the IRFU run things know he is only borrowing the jersey at this point. The remainder's opinion really doesn't matter as the IRFU dictate everything rugby related on this island as I'm sure you know.....and Bart I am not being smart here as that is not my way.

However if the question was differently phrased along the lines of "Do people think this may be Keatley's opportunity to show he could step into the 10 shirt comfortably going forward?" my experience is that the majority would say Yes.

I think a number of people are a bit nervous about Keatley having to step up in such an important game without ROG there just in case. That is fairly understandable given ROG's record. You know though I am not worried about this at all. We need to score 4 tries and really we won't get that with our current lineout by good tactical kicking. I am struggling to see what else ROG has over Keatley at this stage of his career. Indeed I would be one of the ones(despite my respect for ROG over the years as a player) who would quite happily have Keatley in the 10 position for all the big games now if that was allowed.

Now though, and I know you didn't ask this, but imagine if something did happen to Keatley early in this game and young JJ had to step up. Now although I would prefer this doesn't happen for various reasons I don't think I'd actually worry too much about JJ who looks a born natural, although one would have to accept he will make errors at his age / experience level.

[Shan]

Will go down castor in Munster if they can be the ones to show Mexico the exit door. Mind you I reckon Quins will be praying for a Munster 5 pointer.

Not sure if I think Munster are able for it. Too much booze at present.

Away with ya Baggy. Quins are shaking at the thoughts of facing the mighty men of Munster.

Sending Leinster out would mean a double celebration for many down here alright. Luckily I don't engage in such w-nkology myself. Munster getting through would be more than enough to give me all the cheer I desire in the world of professional club rugby.


BELIEVE brother Baggy.

[againstthehead]

supporting Munster tomorrow. Basically, Leinster are the bigger threat and I'd have them back as favourites if they get through. Munster are above average so we'll take them in the semi-final .

Munster might just do it. Is earls playin 13?

[Dublin4]

First, heartiest congratulations to Ulster today on an historic win in France.
I hope you get the home quarter but I really don't know the permutations with Sarries.

I am gutted for our guys in Leinster as they gave it their all. The fifth try would have made the difference but you must credit Exeter for turning up. If old ROG was playing tomorrow I reckon we'd have a chance but Keatley playing will probably ensure Munster get the four tries and knock us out.

I imagine Conor O'Shea is relieved tonight as he must fancy Quins to beat Munster in the quarters whereas I think he would have been apprehensive about Leinster.

Here's still hoping.

[Dublin4]

The slagging of Leo Cullen on here is quite unfair.
He had a class game tonight.
Immense workrate and leadership and a try making pass.
Not bad for a 35 year old.

[Bart S]

I take your point Shan. Different keetle of fish I guess but I know we've seen Ryan over DOC and a while ago TOLover Strings for Munster when the pecking order was reversed at Ireland, hence the question.

Young JJ does look good though.

[Bart S]

Cullen has been a key factor in Leinster's success over the past few years. Often gets overlooked for some of the big names but he's helped to add some steel to the pack. Has limitations at international level but a very fine servant for Leinster.

[Thelaw]

Will go down castor in Munster if they can be the ones to show Mexico the exit door. Mind you I reckon Quins will be praying for a Munster 5 pointer.

Not sure if I think Munster are able for it. Too much booze at present.

Lol glad I ready that last sentence because I have totally too much beer and have no idea what that means

[Shan]

I take your point Shan. Different keetle of fish I guess but I know we've seen Ryan over DOC and a while ago TOLover Strings for Munster when the pecking order was reversed at Ireland, hence the question.

Young JJ does look good though.

Those are fair points / examples Bart. I suppose it is possible but I think it is a little bit of a different situation. Stringer was scapegoated for Ireland unfairly. Now I was in favour ultimately of TOL pushing on when he did as he was, at that time, a vital component of successful Munster and Ireland teams but it doesn't change that some individuals appear to have had it in for Stringer at that time. Of course TOL was a Dolphin man too which didn't hurt his cause with the then Munster coach and current Ireland coach.

The DOC / Ryan one was a bit funny though because strangely Ryan was playing for Munster but then DOC was still being selected for Ireland. I know that changed eventually but it is unusual.

I suppose it is possible but I see it as highly unlikely given that ROG is part of the inner sanctum in the way the other two wouldn't really ever have been.

However next season I expect things to be different. Even the numbskulls in the IRFU come up for air a few times a year and wash the sand from their eyes.

It would be great if JJ, just like all the other very promising youngsters and youngish players across the provinces could develop into the class players they have the potential to become.

[ruckover]

I presume if Sarries get a home QF it'll be at Vicarage Road? They couldn't fill Wembley.

Fair play to Leinster, did all they could do. Munster will do the job tomorrow though, Racing's side is a 2nd string.

[againstthehead]

Munster are pretty toothless going forward though. But yes, Munster should do it.

What might help us, is the fact that Sarries must win. Never mind a BP, they have to win or they go out. That mean rather than kick for corners they will hopefully take their penalties to establish a lead. If the playing surface is poor then that might help us in terms of their TBP.