Rugby Union 2013-14

[paul_e]

Technically this is Rugby 2014-15 but I can't be bothered to start a new thread whilst the NZ tour is still on, therefore:

Champions cup (Heineken replacement) draw

Pool 1 - Saracens; Munster; Clermont; Sale Sharks
Pool 2 - Leinster; Castres; Harlequins; London Wasps
Pool 3 - Toulon; Leicester; Ulster; Scarlets
Pool 4 - Glasgow; Montpellier; Bath; Toulouse
Pool 5 - Saints; Racing Metro; Ospreys; Treviso

1 and 3 look brutal, will be some special games in there, saints will be disappointed with less than 23-24 points in their pool and really should be aiming for the top seeding in the quarters.

In the 2nd tier Challenge cup

Pool 1 - Cardiff Blues; London Irish; Grenoble; FIRA-AER 1 (qualifier)
Pool 2 - Exeter Chiefs; Bayonne; Connacht; La Rochelle
Pool 3 - Stade Français; Dragons; Newcastle Falcons; FIRA-AER 2 (qualifier)
Pool 4 - Edinburgh; Bordeaux Begles; London Welsh; Lyon
Pool 5 - Gloucester; Brive; Zebre; US Oyonnax

Only really pool 2 stands out as having any great quality and Glaws really only have Brive of any threat.

[lovejoy]

Its fair to say Sale will be doing well to win this!
Just deciding whether we go to Parma or stay in Bordeaux and drive to Brive.

[paul_e]

Its fair to say Sale will be doing well to win this!
Just deciding whether we go to Parma or stay in Bordeaux and drive to Brive.

Sale have had the shitty end of the stick, that's for sure, 3 clubs who'll all go into it thinking they can win it in the same group, but they'll all be thinking they need 9-10 points from Sale to get out of the group, should be fun.

[PaulWinch again]

Hmm strange selection, the backs massively changed and the forwards barely touched. I guess Parling has earned another shot, but I think Lawes is the better player. Morgan was outstanding last week, so Billy will be a good impact option. I just don't like the idea of Tuilagi on the wing, it's a classic case of trying to fit a player in. He's either centre or not in the team for me, but we shall see.

[PaulWinch again]

I suppose the good thing is that this week the bench can make a big impact.

[Dr Butler]

Hmm strange selection, the backs massively changed and the forwards barely touched. I guess Parling has earned another shot, but I think Lawes is the better player. Morgan was outstanding last week, so Billy will be a good impact option. I just don't like the idea of Tuilagi on the wing, it's a classic case of trying to fit a player in. He's either centre or not in the team for me, but we shall see.

I remember reading that Tuilagi has played on the wing before ?  and in my opinion Parling deserves another go but as you say Lawes is the better player, and yes the bench makes better reading.
Saturday should be a good day sports wise......Rugby, the Test match and then World Cup !! 

[PaulWinch again]

Yeah I was thinking that, and no Villa to ruin it at the moment!

[taylorsworkrate]

Yeah I was thinking that, and no Villa to ruin it at the moment!

Just wait until the announcement of Nicky Barmby's medical

[JD]

Hmm strange selection, the backs massively changed and the forwards barely touched. I guess Parling has earned another shot, but I think Lawes is the better player. Morgan was outstanding last week, so Billy will be a good impact option. I just don't like the idea of Tuilagi on the wing, it's a classic case of trying to fit a player in. He's either centre or not in the team for me, but we shall see.

Is Tuilagi playing opposite Junior Savea? If so it's a good move as they may cancel each other out. Savea is a beast as well.

[lovejoy]

I never understand the point of picking players out of position. Square pegs and round holes and all that.

[nordenvillain]

I never understand the point of picking players out of position. Square pegs and round holes and all that.

Do you mean just in Rugby Union or in all sports ? If the latter, then I'll raise you Kenny Swain, who arrived at VP as a forward and became a European Cup winning right back.

[cheltenhamlion]

Humphreys in as the new Director of Rugby at Gloucester then.

[PaulWinch again]

I think Manu played as a wing at youth level, which I didn't realise. So I'm willing to give it a chance,

[lovejoy]

Humphreys in as the new Director of Rugby at Gloucester then.

...yes but we await who is going to be head coach. Apparently. Humph is a hands off, strategy man.

[paul_e]

Good start but we need to keep it solid in defence now