1
The greatest test of courage on earth is to bear defeat without losing heart
Expect Irish rugby to return to business as usual this weekend after a difficult Six Nations, with the return of Champions Cup Rugby. Three Irish provinces are in the quarter-finals on Saturday of the main event, with Munster traveling to Edinburgh and Leinster hosting Ulster. Whilst Connacht are at Sale on Friday night flying the flag for Irish Rugby in the European Challenge Cup.
ADVERTISEMENT
Of course, four from four simply isn’t possible this weekend, but don’t rule out three from three. These clubs are vastly experienced at this level with Munster and Leinster consistently amongst European Rugby’s elite in recent seasons. Both Leinster and Munster have been semi-finalists in each of the last two seasons whilst Connacht, although losing quarter-finalist last season, have grown their depth and quality this season.
Of course, the tie of the round for Irish rugby fans has to be Ulster’s trip to Dublin. Only but the most optimistic of Ulster fans would concede that they do not expect to win – yet the question remains, is an upset possible?
Ulster’s forwards are unquestionably more abrasive and competitive this season, and the set piece has improved under Dan McFarland. But is that enough? Some of Leinster’s players have lost a little form through the Six Nations, but the depth of options available to Leo Cullen is beyond that of many if not all his rivals.
The Belfast team won comfortably in the end against the Southern Kings in the Pro 14 last weekend with talismen Stuart McCloskey and Marcell Coetzee once again to the fore. But they picked up injuries to add to injuries, and may be light at outside centre come Saturday, unless Luke Marshall finds himself not only match ready but away to Leinster European Cup quarter-final match ready.
They also need to have some returnees in the forwards, most notably Eric O’Sullivan, Rory Best, Iain Henderson and Jordi Murphy.
In contrast, Leinster lost at Edinburgh last Friday night, but only the most casual observer would read anything of substance into that result. Leinster have dominated both their Pro14 conference and their European Champions Cup Pool. They remain massive home favourites this weekend.
ADVERTISEMENT
Yet there is always hope. Ulster have a growing number of young players who hold belief and little fear. Robert Baloucoune grows by the week, Rob Lyttle seems equally deadly kicking or finishing, Michael Lowry may be the true heir to David Humphreys, Eric O’Sullivan is the one who got away and Jacob Stockdale – for the time being at least – is the jewel in the crown.
Saturday may prove to be a window on the future balance of Irish provincial rugby. Ulster remain the biggest and best supported rugby side in Ireland – and in the quiet opinion of many Ulster fans – it’s only a matter of time before their return to the top again.
I always liked to be the underdog, it brought out the best in me, let’s hope it brings out the best in them.
If there be no enemy there’s no fight. If no fight, no victory and if no victory there is no crown.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comments on RugbyPass
pure fire
1 Go to commentsA very well thought out summary of all the relevant complications…agree with your ”refer the Cricket Test versus 20/20 comparison”. More also definitely doesn't necessarily mean better!
1 Go to commentsMust be something when you are only 19 y.o and both NZ and France want you. Btw he wasn’t the only new caledonian in french U20 as Robin Couly also lived in Noumea until 17. Hope he’s successful wherever he chooses to play.
7 Go to comments“Several key players in the Stade Rochelais squad are in their thirties” South Africans are going to hate the implications of that comment!
5 Go to commentsI know Leinster did a job on La Roche but shortly after HT Leinster were 30-13 ahead of them and at a similar time Toulouse were trailing Exeter. At 60 mins Leinster were 27 ahead but after 67 mins Toulouse were only 19 ahead before Exeter collapsed. That’s heavier scoring by Leinster against the Champions. I think people are looking at Toulouses total a little too much. I also think Northhampton are in with a real chance, albeit I’d put Leinster as favourites. If Leinster make the final I expect them to win by more than ten and with control.
5 Go to commentsHey Nick, your match analysis is decent but the top and tail not so much, a bit more random. For a start there’s a seismic difference in regenerating any club side over a test team. EJ pretty much had to urinate with the appendage he’d been given at test level whereas club success is impacted hugely by the budget. Look no further than Boudjellal’s Toulon project for a perfect example. The set ups at La Rochelle and Leinster are like chalk and cheese and you are correct that Leinster are ahead. Leinster are not just slightly ahead though, they are light years ahead on their plans, with the next gen champions cup team already blooded, seasoned and developing at speed from their time manning the fort in the URC while the cream play CC and tests. They have engineered a strong talent conveyor belt into their system, supported by private money funnelled into a couple of Leinster private schools. The really smart move from Leinster and the IRFU however is maximising the Irish Revenue tax breaks (tax relief on the best 10 years earnings refunded at retirement) to help keep all of their stars in Ireland and happy, while simultaneously funding marquee players consistently. And of course Barrett is the latest example. But in no way is he a “replacement for Henshaw”, he’s only there for one season!!! As for Rob Baxter, the best advice you can give him is to start lobbying Parliament and HMRC for a similar state subsidy, but don’t hold your breath… One thing Cullen has been very smart with is his coaching team. Very quickly he realised his need to supplement his skills, there was talk of him exiting after his first couple of years but he was extremely shrewd bringing in Lancaster and now Nienaber. That has worked superbly and added a layer that really has made a tangible difference. Apart from that you were bang on the money… 😉😂
5 Go to commentsNot sure exactly what went wrong for him at Glasgow but it’s pretty clear he ain’t Franco’s cup of tea. Suspect he would have been better served heading out of Scotland around the same time as Finn, Hoggy and Jonny!
1 Go to commentsBulls disrespected the Northampton supporters and the competition. Decide quickly, fully in or out.
25 Go to commentsI wonder if Parling was ever on England’s radar as a coach? Obviously Borthwick is a great lineout coach, but I do worry he might be taking on too much as both head coach and forwards coach.
1 Go to commentsJason Jenkins has one cap. When Etzebeth was his age he had over 80 caps. Experience matters. He will never amount to what Etzebeth has because he hasn’t been developed as an international player.
2 Go to commentsSays much about the player picking this gig over the easier and bigger rewards offered to him in Japan. Also says a lot about the state sanctioned tax benefits the Irish Revenue offers pro rugby players, with their ten highest earning years subject to an additional 40% tax relief and paid as a lump sum, in cash, at retirement. Certainly helps Leinster line up the financial ducks in a row to fund marquee signings like this!!! No other union anywhere in world rugby benefits from this kind of lucrative financial sponsorship from their government…
5 Go to commentsTrue Jordie could earn a lot more in Japan. But by choosing Leinster he’ll be playing with 1 of the best clubs in the world and can win a champions cup and URC…..
6 Go to commentsThanks for that Marshy, noticed you didn't say who is gonna win it. We know who ain't gonna win it - your Crusaders outfit. They've gone from having arguably the best Super Rugby first five ever, to having a clutch of rookies. Hurricanes all the way!
1 Go to commentsGeez you really have to question the NRLs ability to produce players of quality. Its pathetic. Dont the 25mil in Aus produce enough quality womens players. Sad.
1 Go to commentsBulls fan here, and agree 100% with the conclusion (and little else) of this article. SA sides should absolutely f-off from the champs cup until we get fair scheduling, equal support for travel arrangements and home semis. You know, like all the european teams get.
25 Go to commentsI’m yet to see why Grace would be an ABs contender. He’s pedestrian and lacks the dominance required of a top flight 8.
11 Go to commentsGee my Highlanders were terrible. They have gone backwards since the start of the season. The trouble began when we left Millar behind to prep as the 10 against the Brumbies and he was disconnected from the team that came back from Aussie. We rested Patchell for that game and we blew an avalanche of ball in good attacking positions in the 1st half. Against the Rebels we seem to of gone into a pod system with forwards hanging off from the breakdown leaving Fakatava to secure our ball!
80 Go to commentsPot Kettle, the English and French teams have done it for years.
25 Go to commentsHas virtually played every minute of previous games. Back row of Li Lo Willie , Grace and Blackadder would be the 1. Crusaders issue is a very average 1st 5 who cannot run. Kicking in general play is also below par They need to put Yong Kemara in. He must have so.e talent for them to bring him down from Waikato. Hoehepa would struggle to play in so.e club sided
11 Go to commentsI hope this a good thing making all these changes!
3 Go to comments