2018-2019 Champions Cup

Burkie1203

Flincher wrote: »

I don't know if anyone is seriously suggesting it's within Leinster's control. However, semi finals have always been played in neutral venues. Leinster certainly have an advantage by getting to play in one of their home grounds.

If Racing won today Leinster would be travelling to the La Defense Arena, Racing's actual stadium. EPRC dictate the venues.

Biarritz played SFs in San Sebastian. They moved regular season games there too but there was no ****storm about it.

Burkie1203

Flincher wrote: »

I don't know if anyone is seriously suggesting it's within Leinster's control. However, semi finals have always been played in neutral venues. Leinster certainly have an advantage by getting to play in one of their home grounds.

https://twitter.com/neilfissler/status/1112391154216173569?s=19

Bridge93

Any rugby journalist worth reading knows the what’s going on. Your man is either not very good of being purposefully obtuse

errlloyd

Leinster are admittedly fortunate that the rules changed this year. I've been consistent on the message that I think the semi final situation is the only problem with this competition in general.

With specific reference to Leinster, I think we are obviously more comfortable in the Aviva than Sarries will be in the Ricoh, but we are also definitely more comfortable in the RDS than in the Aviva. So I think the fact we give away teams a better chance in the quarter somewhat compensates. If we'd played Ulster in the RDS they'd have had 1,500 fans not 15,000

Burkie1203

errlloyd wrote: »

Leinster are admittedly fortunate that the rules changed this year. I've been consistent on the message that I think the semi final situation is the only problem with this competition in general.

With specific reference to Leinster, I think we are obviously more comfortable in the Aviva than Sarries will be in the Ricoh, but we are also definitely more comfortable in the RDS than in the Aviva. So I think the fact we give away teams a better chance in the quarter somewhat compensates. If we'd played Ulster in the RDS they'd have had 1,500 fans not 15,000

But if Toulouse had lost today the SF would be in Racing's home ground and none of the bitching and moaning would be happying.

Just seen a post from Will Kelleher there. Of the last 21 KO games Leinster have had in Europe only 11 of them were in Dublin.

Leinster have played every home knockout they've had in Lansdowne I'm fairly sure, bar when it was being rebuilt. I don't know why this comes up again and again like it's something new.

Dave_The_Sheep

Bridge93 wrote: »

Any rugby journalist worth reading knows the what’s going on. Your man is either not very good of being purposefully obtuse

Unfortunately, we're in a world where actual accuracy is not worth a lot and just riling people up is more important.

I'm being sarcastic but many will take it as being important.

errlloyd

Juan Magnificent Locomotive wrote: »

Leinster have played every home knockout they've had in Lansdowne I'm fairly sure, bar when it was being rebuilt. I don't know why this comes up again and again like it's something new.

That Clermont quarter where Brock James melted down was in the RDS

errlloyd

Burkie1203 wrote: »

But if Toulouse had lost today the SF would be in Racing's home ground and none of the bitching and moaning would be happying.

Correct, but under last years rules Leinster would be away to Toulouse as well.

Burkie1203

errlloyd wrote: »

Correct, but under last years rules Leinster would be away to Toulouse as well.

The narrative seems to be these decisions are made to keep Leinster happy.

Was it 2010 Leinster had to play Toulouse in Toulouse ?

We know the deal at the start of every season. It's amazing how it only becomes an issue when it's Leinster playing in Aviva after the QF weekend 8-9 months later.

If Saracens were playing at Wembley or Twickenham none if them would be whinging despite Sarries using both for home games previously.

troyzer

Burkie1203 wrote: »

The narrative seems to be these decisions are made to keep Leinster happy.

Was it 2010 Leinster had to play Toulouse in Toulouse ?

We know the deal at the start of every season. It's amazing how it only becomes an issue when it's Leinster playing in Aviva after the QF weekend 8-9 months later.

If Saracens were playing at Wembley or Twickenham none if them would be whinging despite Sarries using both for home games previously.

Realistically, if EPCR decided that you couldn't use a stadium you had already used that year.

Where the hell would this match be played? Thomond?

That would be utterly bizarre.

Shefwedfan

Burkie1203 wrote: »

Bitching on Twitter, mostly from Wales, because Leinster play Toulouse in Dublin. Like Leinster must have had a say in how today's game went to make this happen

Welsh fans still bitter over the hammering last year

Anyway, in reality ireland teams over the years seem to draw the short straw the majority of times....a lot of semis in France over the years

Dave_The_Sheep

I suppose the question is, when was the last time a Welsh team had to play an (unjust) semi final in an away grounds. Or an unjust semi on a home ground. Or any grounds for that matter.

Actually, let's call it for quarter finals. When was the last time a Welsh team felt hard done by in a quarter at home. Or away. Or was even in a quarter.

(Answer: other than the scarlets which was totally legit and fair, last year, but still lost)

Who gives a **** what the Welsh say about the Heineken Cup.

The Lost Sheep

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Welsh fans still bitter over the hammering last year

Anyway, in reality ireland teams over the years seem to draw the short straw the majority of times....a lot of semis in France over the years

Munster in 14 semis. 10 away. 2 v Leinster and then 2 others at home. 8 in France.

Welsh are always bitter about something...

salmocab

The Welsh get to play World Cup games in the millennium no matter where the tournament is on

Burkie1203

Dave_The_Sheep wrote: »

I suppose the question is, when was the last time a Welsh team had to play an (unjust) semi final in an away grounds. Or an unjust semi on a home ground. Or any grounds for that matter.

Actually, let's call it for quarter finals. When was the last time a Welsh team felt hard done by in a quarter at home. Or away. Or was even in a quarter.

(Answer: other than the scarlets which was totally legit and fair, last year, but still lost)

Who gives a **** what the Welsh say about the Heineken Cup.

Cardiff Blues played Tigers in the Millenium 10 years ago

Cardiff Blues played Lyon in Challenge Cup last season in the Arms Park.

Exclamation Marc

Saracens would be playing at home if their stadium was big enough. And then we'd be hearing no complaints.

Ireland don't have many big stadiums that are under IRFU control. RDS, Kingspan and Thomond are too small. No hope getting into a GAA ground.

Scottish and Welsh would have the same problem.

It's just another complaint from the increasingly annoying Premiership team supporters who believe their league and teams are front and center of club rugby and Welsh fans who will literally complain about anything.

is_that_so

Exclamation Marc wrote: »

Saracens would be playing at home if their stadium was big enough. And then we'd be hearing no complaints.

Ireland don't have many big stadiums that are under IRFU control. RDS, Kingspan and Thomond are too small. No hope getting into a GAA ground.

Scottish and Welsh would have the same problem.

It's just another complaint from the increasingly annoying Premiership team supporters who believe their league and teams are front and center of club rugby and Welsh fans who will literally complain about anything.

It's no bad thing given the nature of the Saracen's home pitch.

errlloyd

One format gripe I would have time for this weekend is Racing fans complaining about Toulouse. I think it is highly likely that Toulouse intentionally avoid a TBP in their final game so they can go to Racing not Leinster.

daddy pig

Was surprised at Zebo's physique during the Racing game (a nice way of saying he is enjoying his croissants) - i assume that performance will put to bed any notion of him ever playing for ireland again

Buer

errlloyd wrote: »

One format gripe I would have time for this weekend is Racing fans complaining about Toulouse. I think it is highly likely that Toulouse intentionally avoid a TBP in their final game so they can go to Racing not Leinster.

I'm absolutely certain they did. They were 17-3 up against Bath after 30 minutes and absolutely cruising. Went for the posts with penalties in the second half. They had no desire to score 4 tries.

It was a smart decision. I felt Toulouse had a great chance of winning in Paris. An away game in France was always going to be better for them than coming to Dublin.

aloooof

errlloyd wrote: »

Leinster are admittedly fortunate that the rules changed this year. I've been consistent on the message that I think the semi final situation is the only problem with this competition in general.

With specific reference to Leinster, I think we are obviously more comfortable in the Aviva than Sarries will be in the Ricoh, but we are also definitely more comfortable in the RDS than in the Aviva. So I think the fact we give away teams a better chance in the quarter somewhat compensates. If we'd played Ulster in the RDS they'd have had 1,500 fans not 15,000

I kinda see your point, but I guess this is tempered somewhat by the fact that the opposition in the QF is going to be poorer than in the SF. Equally, Leinster could play the QF in the RDS if they wish, I think? Still their call for the QF (I think) but don't for obvious reasons.

Ultimately I think too much is being made of it anyways, due to the lack of alternatives / practicalities of the situation.

clsmooth

So when do tickets for the semis go on general sale?

Exclamation Marc

clsmooth wrote: »

So when do tickets for the semis go on general sale?

Last year they went on general sale eight days before the game.

Season ticket holders usually get 3/4 days priority presale before that.

Everyone knows Toulouse went out of their way to avoid a quarter final in Dublin, including the Leinster team.

I expect it to be a talking point in the build up.

errlloyd

The world's most pointless try of the round poll is up. If you fancy seeing four tries that weren't the best try of the round, they are played before Medard scores at the end.

https://www.epcrugby.com/champions-cup/fanzone/try-of-the-round?fbclid=IwAR1uDO2TBS8OlK4C_pkq30b7pcN7vtNH-8SDHPnk3Gje32sh6F9mcukpFnw

thomond2006

Earls' try would probably win it on any other week!

errlloyd

thomond2006 wrote: »

Earls' try would probably win it on any other week!

Really, Ali Price's was also deeecent.

realhorrorshow

That pass from N'tamack was sensational.

Onecoolcookie

Exclamation Marc wrote: »

Last year they went on general sale eight days before the game.

Season ticket holders usually get 3/4 days priority presale before that.

Should be a decent number going on general sale, yes?

Exclamation Marc

Onecoolcookie wrote: »

Should be a decent number going on general sale, yes?

Well they made public sale last time and I believe didn't sell out.

It'll sell very well in the presale but will certainly be a good whack of seats available in the general sale.

finbarrk

Lottery open now for MRSC members for Coventry. General sale next Tuesday from the Stadium.
https://www.ricoharena.com/whats-on/saracens-v-munster/

Riskymove

Sarries members can buy up to 8 tickets!!

Eod100

Riskymove wrote: »

Sarries members can buy up to 8 tickets!!

Would imagine the allocation is still 50% though?

Cookiemunster

Riskymove wrote: »

Sarries members can buy up to 8 tickets!!

That's cause there aren't that many of them. They probably still won't sell their allocation.

stephen_n

Riskymove wrote: »

Sarries members can buy up to 8 tickets!!

So that’s about 2000 tickets then :pac:

Exclamation Marc

Riskymove wrote: »

Sarries members can buy up to 8 tickets!!

Same for Leinster STH in the Aviva.

errlloyd

Exclamation Marc wrote: »

Same for Leinster STH in the Aviva.

Yeah but the stadium is close to twice the size. To be fair, I'd say an MRSC lottery for tickets is a bit of false demand situation (wasn't it last year?). The Leinster Strategy is sell a **** load in pre-sale so that regular buyers think the demand was very high. I'd also say ST holders get a decent kick out of their mates asking them for tickets and it's the kinda thing that helps in ST renewal season!

Riskymove

errlloyd wrote: »

To be fair, I'd say an MRSC lottery for tickets is a bit of false demand situation (wasn't it last year?).

There are more members than the allocation so they have to start with a lottery. They also prefer to be able to offer at least 2 per member, especially to travel away

based on initial demand and returns they will open it up I'd say

Eod100

Looks like there will be a public sale of any remaining tickets next Tuesday so say most people who want tickets should get them

https://www.epcrugby.com/2019/04/03/saracens-v-munster-rugby-ticketing-information/

Synode

Is it weird that they're putting the Leinster game on Easter Sunday. It's going to be hard for people to get away from the family

Burkie1203

Synode wrote: »

Is it weird that they're putting the Leinster game on Easter Sunday. It's going to be hard for people to get away from the family

QF last year was sold out on Easter sunday

Synode

Burkie1203 wrote: »

QF last year was sold out on Easter sunday

It was a pain then too

clsmooth

Do people not look for a reason to get out on Easter Sunday? Mass doesn't count.

Eod100

Synode wrote: »

Is it weird that they're putting the Leinster game on Easter Sunday. It's going to be hard for people to get away from the family

Well 1 match had to be. French tv seems to favour Sunday matches so dunno if that was a deciding factor. At least yers is at home!

clsmooth

clsmooth wrote: »

Do people not look for a reason to get out on Easter Sunday? Mass doesn't count.

I actually don't know anyone that even pretends anymore, Religion seems on the bring of extinction here but either way I've no doubt it will be capacity for all the games. Both sides of the draw are fairly box office this year - lot's of history.

Eod100

thomond2006 wrote: »

Current situation for 2019/20:

Guinness PRO14 (7):
Leinster, Glasgow, Munster, Ulster, Connacht, Benetton, Cardiff or Edinburgh

TOP 14 (6):
Toulouse, Clermont, Lyon, Racing, Castres, Bordeaux

Gallagher Premiership Rugby (6):
Exeter, Saracens, Gloucester, Harlequins, Northampton Saints, Sale Sharks

Update for 20th spot, teams in bold still in Champions Cup. Spot goes to winner if not already qualified, goes to next team due to qualify from winner's league if all the Challenge Cup criteria aren't met.

Teams underlined still in Challenge Cup plus La Rochelle (7th).
Winner, losing finalist, losing semi-finalist/play-off with 2 losing semi-finalists if neither qualified.

3 league rounds left in Pro 14, 5 in Premiership and 5 in Top 14.

Riskymove

Deleted User wrote: »

Religion seems on the bring of extinction here but either way I've no doubt it will be capacity for all the games. Both

it's not really religion that is the impediment but the fact that there tends to be family gatherings

we would often be travelling at Easter but we are staying for rugby this time

finbarrk

Synode wrote: »

Is it weird that they're putting the Leinster game on Easter Sunday. It's going to be hard for people to get away from the family

Weird? I don't see it as weird.

sydthebeat

finbarrk wrote: »

Weird? I don't see it as weird.

Perfect excuse to get away from the family