Saracens vs Munster, Sat 20th April, 3pm

BoardsMember

irishbucsfan wrote: »

I’ve no real problem with booing Vunipola, unpopular players have been booed since the sport began. But that lad thinking it’s alright to run on the pitch at a player or yer man calling Farrell a prick when he was lining up his kick were both terrible moments that let the team down.

For all the moral superiority people have gotten from (rightfully) criticising the coverage of Vunipola, there was some shameful stuff from the Munster fans yesterday. Between that and sectarian abuse from Leinster fans I’d hope the teams start properly addressing shocking behavior from Irish rugby fans.

It's probably no worse, and maybe a lot better, than the vile abuse from the sidelines that teams from Leinster used to get when visiting Limerick teams back in the day

salmocab

Faugheen wrote: »

This for me. He was rightfully booed but stepping onto the pitch to confront him crosses the line for me.

Agree completely, people are more than entitled to let vunipola know what they think of him and his beliefs but stepping into the pitch is just wrong.

Burkie1203

Sarra elgan really let herself down yesterday
BT as a whole were really poor too

Austin Healey is just a cnut.

theoneeyedman

salmocab wrote: »

Agree completely, people are more than entitled to let vunipola know what they think of him and his beliefs but stepping into the pitch is just wrong.

So, 'people' (ie the mob) can say what they think about vunipola, but he can't say what he thinks.... Got it.

Completely counterproductive in any case, the boos sounded hollow during the game as Billy bullied the Munster players and ran the game.

salmocab

theoneeyedman wrote: »

So, 'people' (ie the mob) can say what they think about vunipola, but he can't say what he thinks.... Got it.

Completely counterproductive in any case, the boos sounded hollow during the game as Billy bullied the Munster players and ran the game.

Surely as he has the right to express his views as do the ‘mob’. Your argument suggests only one side can say what they think. I didn’t see the match but I’m thinking the boos aren’t the reason sarries won

Burkie1203

theoneeyedman wrote: »

So, 'people' (ie the mob) can say what they think about vunipola, but he can't say what he thinks.... Got it.

Completely counterproductive in any case, the boos sounded hollow during the game as Billy bullied the Munster players and ran the game.

Billy V made statement supporting Folau. Munster (any) fans are entitled to boo him if they disagree with his viewpoint. Billy V wasn't free speech. It was hate speech.

Erik Shun

theoneeyedman wrote: »

So, 'people' (ie the mob) can say what they think about vunipola, but he can't say what he thinks.... Got it.

Completely counterproductive in any case, the boos sounded hollow during the game as Billy bullied the Munster players and ran the game.

Billy V has said what he wanted though...he got a formal warning...and then came out and stood over his post....he's bringing the game into disrepute and the RFU haven't the balls to bring him to book

c.p.w.g.w

Erik Shun wrote: »

Billy V has said what he wanted though...he got a formal warning...and then came out and stood over his post....he's bringing the game into disrepute and the RFU haven't the balls to bring him to book

If it were wigglesworth who did that he'd probably get a ban from the RFU because his not needed for the national team.

Find it amazing the Billy V is able to finish so many games with the amount he carries and big hits he takes...maybe he made a deal with "god".

Also someone calling Farrell a pr!ck while taking a kick, it's not so bizarre. His a player who in the last 18 months has gotten away with so many ridiculous no arm, high tackles it's beyond a joke. Especially when you look at the cipriani red card in Thomond before Xmas, it was predestion when compared to some of Farrell's no calls.

Commentary was very odd last night. Seemed to be a bit of tension between the varying commentators. Not sure what to make of the motm to be honest, seemed like Healy and the broadcasters were doing a bit of PR for the player and RFU.

Very disappointing result, thought Munster would have patches through the second half but Saracens were fitter and more structured in their play and it was a fairly one sided contest.

Squatter

Former Former wrote: »

A Sarries fan wearing a Munster jersey.

The Munster press officer actually said that. That's awful.

It's very much in the traditions of the Munster Press Officer! Indeed I suspect that the late and much lamented Pat Geraghty would be very proud of his successor for uttering such words of quality, top-notch whataboutery!

Squatter

c.p.w.g.w wrote: »

If it were wigglesworth who did that he'd probably get a ban from the RFU because his not needed for the national team.

Find it amazing the Billy V is able to finish so many games with the amount he carries and big hits he takes...maybe he made a deal with "god".

Also someone calling Farrell a pr!ck while taking a kick, it's not so bizarre. His a player who in the last 18 months has gotten away with so many ridiculous no arm, high tackles it's beyond a joke. Especially when you look at the cipriani red card in Thomond before Xmas, it was predestion when compared to some of Farrell's no calls.

Don't blame the next Irish Coach's boy for that, blame the referees with balls of candy floss.

irishbucsfan

Burkie1203 wrote: »

There was one clown removed from Aviva 3 weeks ago after he was reported to stewards/gardai

Was there any other incident.?

And one clown jumped on the pitch yesterday. It needs sorted completely. If Munsters reaction is to try sweep it under the rug then we’re going down a very dodgy road.

Squatter

Deleted User wrote: »

Commentary was very odd last night. Seemed to be a bit of tension between the varying commentators. Not sure what to make of the motm to be honest, seemed like Healy and the broadcasters were doing a bit of PR for the player and RFU.

If they were, it wasn't a patch on the nauseating bowlfull of vintage Steve Jones hagiography in today's Sunday Times.

The slobbering Jones makes Eamon Dunphy look like a Pulitzer prize winner.

eagle eye

Deleted User wrote:

Commentary was very odd last night. Seemed to be a bit of tension between the varying commentators. Not sure what to make of the motm to be honest, seemed like Healy and the broadcasters were doing a bit of PR for the player and RFU.

Which would you have given the man of the match to?
If Vunipola isn't in the discussion then you are delusional.
I think the try got him the award butbhec as brilliant.

Former Coach

Squatter wrote: »

If they were, it wasn't a patch on the nauseating bowlfull of vintage Steve Jones hagiography in today's Sunday Times.

The slobbering Jones makes Eamon Dunphy look like a Pulitzer prize winner.

Link, or copy of piece?

Glenomra

I thought the behaviour of the Munster fans yesterday was dire, a big blow to their wonderful reputation. Little point in being so respectful to kickers etc in Thomond Park and then ruining it all by yesterday's vile abuse. Pity

irishbucsfan

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Commentary was very odd last night. Seemed to be a bit of tension between the varying commentators. Not sure what to make of the motm to be honest, seemed like Healy and the broadcasters were doing a bit of PR for the player and RFU.

Very disappointing result, thought Munster would have patches through the second half but Saracens were fitter and more structured in their play and it was a fairly one sided contest.

I think it’s fairly telling that a lot of that commentary doesn’t seem to be up on social media any more...

A bizarre decision from them. Very little to gain and a lot to lose. Not the right hill to die on.

eagle eye

eagle eye wrote: »

Which would you have given the man of the match to?
If Vunipola isn't in the discussion then you are delusional.
I think the try got him the award butbhec as brilliant.

I didn't say he didn't deserve it albeit I would have given it to Farrell personally.

What I did say was that the commentary was odd and the commentary specifically relating to the MOTM award took the tone of "oh hasn't he had a tough week, this will cheer him up".

And f**k that noise to be honest. Gay people have had a tough week. They get to see this hate go mainstream and then have to listen about poor Billy Vunipola and his views.

Wasn't impressed to be honest. Wasn't impressed with the supporter going after him either. A disappointing evening for sport.

irishbucsfan

Former Coach wrote: »

Link, or copy of piece?

It’s behind a paywall isn’t it?

Squatter

irishbucsfan wrote: »

It’s behind a paywall isn’t it?

Yep.

But here's an extract: "The occasion was diminished by constant abuse by Munster fans of Billy Vunipola. He had a tangential part in the Israel Folau affair last week, but gradually his reaction has been better understood. So whether the shocking abuse of a great player was just a reaction to Vunipola being way too good for them, or whether it was a stand by Munster people against homophobia — something of which Vunipola has never been guilty — then it was distasteful. So too shouts and general noise when Owen Farrell was preparing for kicks at goal, so too the idiot who ran on to the field after Vunipola did a TV interview, waving his hands in the face of the big man. The fool was later detained."

Erik Shun

I'm sorry, but Vunipola supported Folau...he stands by his views...he is a homophobe..of that I have no doubt

Squatter

Erik Shun wrote: »

I'm sorry, but Vunipola supported Folau...he stands by his views...he is a homophobe..of that I have no doubt

I'll tell Billy. No doubt he'll include you in his prayers - he already prays regularly for the souls of all adulterers and gays, so adding in a couple of snowflakes won't be too much of a problem for him. (here, I'm assuming that snowflakes have souls, whether or not they admit to it!)

Erik Shun

Squatter wrote: »

I'll tell Billy. No doubt he'll include you in his prayers - he already prays regularly for the souls of all adulterers and gays, so adding in a couple of snowflakes won't be too much of a problem for him. (here, I'm assuming that snowflakes have souls, whether or not they admit to it!)

Ah no don't, I'm quite happy to go to hell

Squatter

Erik Shun wrote: »

Ah no don't, I'm quite happy to go to hell

Full of gays and a wide range of miscellaneous other degenerates from what Israel tells me - but don't worry, you'll fit in grand!

mfceiling

irishbucsfan wrote: »

It’s behind a paywall isn’t it?

Most of Jone's writing would be more at home on a toilet wall.

twinytwo

is_that_so wrote: »

Yeah, Garces was selective in what he spotted! For a neutral it was a pulsating match but not really the best quality. Saracens were dropping the ball over the place and disjointed at times, but had the game plan and the players to implement it.

Garces has always been like that though. Its like he decides what he is going to penalise before the game. So long as you don't do what he has decided to call you can get away with an awful lot.

AbusesToilets

mfceiling wrote: »

Most of Jone's writing would be more at home on a toilet bowl.

FYP

leakyboots

Not just an observation on yesterday but generally - is it just me or are lineouts allowed to go any which way now? Maybe it was the angle on TV but a load of Sarries seemed to go straight down their side and nowhere near the middle

Seems to be more commonplace to just let the game flow now

MikeCork2009

leakyboots wrote: »

Not just an observation on yesterday but generally - is it just me or are lineouts allowed to go any which way now? Maybe it was the angle on TV but a load of Sarries seemed to go straight down their side and nowhere near the middle

Seems to be more commonplace to just let the game flow now

I was at the game. Sitting on half way and was in line with/close to a couple and they definitely did not look straight. I thought I was just been overly critical.

leakyboots

MikeCork2009 wrote: »

I was at the game. Sitting on half way and was in line with/close to a couple and they definitely did not look straight. I thought I was just been overly critical.

Yeah and I don't think it's limited to yesterday, I've been noticing it all season. The throw is straight but it's going straight to the attacking team's side, not down the middle. Refs dont seem to penalise it anymore

twinytwo

leakyboots wrote: »

Yeah and I don't think it's limited to yesterday, I've been noticing it all season. The throw is straight but it's going straight to the attacking team's side, not down the middle. Refs dont seem to penalise it anymore

At least i know im not going crazy now.....

jacothelad

mfceiling wrote: »

Most of Jone's writing would be more at home on a toilet wall.

I think you meant 'on a piece of used bog roll.'

TCM

Congratulations to Saracens great performance yesterday. Vunipola was majestic and deservedly won MoTM performance. What a man. It's a pity that only 16000 pepple turned up to see a "European cup" semi-final.

Squatter

Interesting perspective on the Folau (and by extension BV) affair from believer Ugo Moyne.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2019/apr/18/israel-folau-lifestyle-choice-rugby-union-ugo-monye

Squatter

Squatter wrote: »

Interesting perspective on the Folau (and by extension BV) affair from believer Ugo Moyne.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2019/apr/18/israel-folau-lifestyle-choice-rugby-union-ugo-monye

Didn't he miss his first ever edition of his BBC live podcast to avoid having to discuss his views on this on air?

Erik Shun

Squatter wrote: »

Interesting perspective on the Folau (and by extension BV) affair from believer Ugo Moyne.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2019/apr/18/israel-folau-lifestyle-choice-rugby-union-ugo-monye

I gave up reading once he started going on about the disrespect towards his faith and his condescending attitude....not the brightest votive candle in the church imo

shootermacg

I have no problem with religion, but fundamentalism in the very definition of intolerance. How can we respect a person's right to freedom, while affording the same rights to dogma that would eradicate it.

If a religion is guilty of intolerance, then it should face financial penalties.

PetKing

I'm so sick of talking about Falou and Billy V

sliabh 1956

After watching Leinster to day I am much more concerned about how far Munster have fallen behind them in nearly every facet of the game rather than worrying about the Ref. Billy V. and Farrell to me posters are avoiding the really important
question are Munster rugby at a point where it is no longer competitive at the business end of Europe and Pro 14 after this weekend I think there is cause for concern.

troyzer

sliabh 1956 wrote: »

After watching Leinster to day I am much more concerned about how far Munster have fallen behind them in nearly every facet of the game rather than worrying about the Ref. Billy V. and Farrell to me posters are avoiding the really important
question are Munster rugby at a point where it is no longer competitive at the business end of Europe and Pro 14 after this weekend I think there is cause for concern.

They're not the only ones. Other teams like Glasgow are good teams who can't beat the best teams when it matters.

This final is between the two strongest teams in the competition and in both of their respective semi finals, they comfortably handled their opposition. They're a class apart and Munster needs to figure out how to get there.

On another note, Barry Murphy is going into meltdown on twitter and it's pretty funny

Burkie1203

sliabh 1956 wrote: »

After watching Leinster to day I am much more concerned about how far Munster have fallen behind them in nearly every facet of the game rather than worrying about the Ref. Billy V. and Farrell to me posters are avoiding the really important
question are Munster rugby at a point where it is no longer competitive at the business end of Europe and Pro 14 after this weekend I think there is cause for concern.

Munsters tight 5 are miles behind Leinsters. The Lowe try, the forwards handling was immense especially the front row. Toner acting as a link man in midfield etc. James Ryan is just a freak.

Leinsters backrow offer far more too. They can do all the flashy stuff but they can do the dirty work to grind teams down, the mauls etc.

As a collective the Leinster pack has more creativity, invention and variation. None of the Leinster forwards are one dimensional. Bent is about the only one who would been seen that way possibly


I also think Munster are being poorly coached. The back 3 is quite good but too often they are on the back foot getting the ball. Saracens negated Munsters maul yesterday by simply not kicking the ball out, trusted their defence to be solid but didn't give Munster the opportunity to maul. If that's all it takes to totally negate Munster then that is a big issue

Burkie1203

troyzer wrote: »

On another note, Barry Murphy is going into meltdown on twitter and it's pretty funny

Some of that stuff is pathetic.

The Beirne decision looks wrong tho.

shootermacg

Burkie1203 wrote: »

Some of that stuff is pathetic.

The Beirne decision looks wrong tho.

A lot of that stuff is spot on. But to even it out, we should never have gotten our try after getting owned in the scrum.

irishbucsfan

Burkie1203 wrote: »

Some of that stuff is pathetic.

The Beirne decision looks wrong tho.

Ah yeah it’s nearly all wrong but it’s a delicious alcohol infused rage spiral, and in reality it’s what we all deserve

Burkie1203

shootermacg wrote: »

A lot of that stuff is spot on. But to even it out, we should never have gotten our try after getting owned in the scrum.

The problem is the one sided nature of it.
No mention of the scrum before Munster score or the Stander pen which IMO was 50-50. If your going to call out a ref for his performance then be balanced with it.

IMO Garces was fine. Breakdown was how he usually allows it to be (Leinster take heed as he is possibly to be Final ref)

Go through yesterday's game, like any other and I'd say there was multiple infringements which were let go both ways.

shootermacg

Burkie1203 wrote: »

The problem is the one sided nature of it.
No mention of the scrum before Munster score or the Stander pen which IMO was 50-50. If your going to call out a ref for his performance then be balanced with it.

IMO Garces was fine. Breakdown was how he usually allows it to be (Leinster take heed as he is possibly to be Final ref)

Go through yesterday's game, like any other and I'd say there was multiple infringements which were let go both ways.

Yeah but regardless, that's poor refereeing. You can't say it's fair reffing if, he's equally bad for both sides. Of course he's biased, but I'm sure if the shoe was on the other foot, we'd be looking at a Sarries' Twitter feed.

troyzer

shootermacg wrote: »

Yeah but regardless, that's poor refereeing. You can't say it's fair reffing if, he's equally bad for both sides. Of course he's biased, but I'm sure if the shoe was on the other foot, we'd be looking at a Sarries' Twitter feed.

Saracens did what Munster of old did best: ****housed from start to finish.

It's the sign of a great team.

Burkie1203

shootermacg wrote: »

Yeah but regardless, that's poor refereeing. You can't say it's fair reffing if, he's equally bad for both sides. Of course he's biased, but I'm sure if the shoe was on the other foot, we'd be looking at a Sarries' Twitter feed.

Only solution is TMO every call. Then we have games decided by Penalties over about 4 hours.

We didn't see the same level of scrutiny over 2 huge calls that went Munsters way in the QF

ScrubsfanChris

I think Barry Murphy has had a few pints tonight going by his colour commentary on yesterday's game via Twiter :pac:

[url]Https://twitter.com/BarryMurphyHG?s=09[/url]

Dave_The_Sheep

That's allowed.