Preview games weekend December 20th/21st

After another wonderful weekend of Heineken Cup rugby it’s back to the bread and butter of league rugby. Christmas cheer will be hard to find at some of the grounds across the country and strangely given the proximity to Xmas there are not that many games to savour. Blues vs. Ospreys should rouse the senses but on a cold Friday night in Cardiff? In the Aviva, Saracens vs. Leicester could be a blockbuster. The game of the weekend is deep in southern France, the Mediterranean derby, RC Toulon vs. Montpellier.

Ospreys come to Cardiff’s plastic pitch in reasonable form, and reinforced by the inclusions of AWJ and Adam Jones, and should enjoy the security of the Arms Park’s excellent surface. The Blues have to show that their wins over Glasgow are the start of something, a rebirth of the Blues as a top team and they need to confirm that by dealing with the challenge of the Ospreys. It will certainly have plenty of spice and there are interesting match ups, all over the field. It will be the Ospreys looking forward to the game the most as it’s all about the Pro12 for them; they have nothing else to go for. This game gives them the chance to put down a significant marker.

Prediction: Ospreys by 3 – 5 points

Saracens adore playing at the Aviva Stadium and they have turned it into a fortress, they fear no-one there and the Tigers will be well aware that to get anything from the game they will have to play very well. The Tiger’s unbelievable victory at Montpellier could make their season, Cockerill’s men probably now feel unbeatable. On the other hand Saracens’ easy victories over the miserable Zebre will not have been the best preparation for such a hard challenge. The Saracens are too canny to underestimate the Tigers and will be fired up for this game, it is their first meeting of the season and they will be doing their best to put Leicester in their place. Saracens will be too much for the Tigers this Saturday, and will seek to move the Tigers around and attack from all over the field, and as Montpellier has shown the gaps will inevitably appear.

Prediction: Saracens by 10+ points

Preview: RC Toulon vs. Montpellier

Toulon boosted by the resigning of Delon Armitage and Mermoz will be relishing the visit of Montpelier, as 3^rd plays 6^th in the Top14. It is a cliché but with RCT’s abundance of talent that any side Laporte chooses will be formidable. Peculiarly at home Toulon has at times looked very uncomfortable and there have been several closer games than the Pilou Pilou would have expected or liked. Perhaps, it is the level of expectation that is inhibiting the quality of performance or the amount of mileage on the clock for certain members of the squad is beginning to show itself. Also, team are fired up going there, they are easy to motivate with the chance of putting one over the galacticos of the Top14. What is true that during the season RCT have given some underwhelming performances and Fabien Galthie will be making sure that his men go onto the field inspired and not to take a backward step.

Montpellier play a fluid high octane game coupled to an abrasive experience pack of forwards. After the sickening defeat against Leicester last week the massive Georgodze and his acolytes will be viewing this game as a chance at redemption. Toulon equally have selected a massive experienced tough pack that will bring an “edge” to every physical confrontation, Botha, Williams and the roly-poly Armitage will fling themselves into the breakdown with no concern for their own safety. The axis of Wilkinson and Giteau is the game-changer though, and means that RCT will play the game in those parts of the field they want to and at their pace. Montpellier will need to up their concentration and focus from last week and rein in their urge to run everything and play percentage rugby instead of pressing for the opportunity wait for it to come but critically take it.

Prediction: RC Toulon to win by 3 – 5 points

Italy 2013 @ the crossroads

The autumn internationals provided further evidence that Italian rugby is sleepwalking into a crisis that could become terminal. The results, given the country’s performance in the 2013 6 Nations were a massive disappointment, and the win over an imploding Fiji should not be allowed to paper over the widening cracks. Italy is an ageing creaking outfit that without the inestimable Sergio Parisse would be in even more trouble. His durability and courage has been remarkable, he and several of his colleagues are now the wrong side of thirty and there is little sign of them being adequately replaced. Foreign imports litter the international Italian team and in the Treviso side. Zebre, it’s other “flagship side”, where the bulk of the squad are Italian internationals or Italian qualified languishes at the foot of the Rabo Pro12. The lack of success of a home based team makes it very difficult to build a meaningful fan base, who can the Italian kids watch play at home, to look up to or better still to emulate? Worse, Treviso and Zebre have both performed abjectly in the Heineken Cup damaging the ethos and credibility of the completion, as the interminable rows about its future continue. The poor Italian performances do nothing to support the notion that they are worthy of their automatic place in the Heineken Cup

 

Yet, the Italians beat both France and Ireland in the 6 Nations 2013 but, away from home were very disappointing. The Italian team has failed to establish a style, an easily identifiable form of characteristic coherent play. The autumn internationals started well against the Wallabies in Turin. The Stadio d’ Olimpico Turin was bouncing, when Luke Mclean scored against his home country, for his adopted one. The try was indeed well crafted but the Azzurri were soon brought to heel. It was to be their last piece of cogent play for the rest of the match that the Italians had entered optimistically. Italy coach Jacques Brunel admitted the Azzurri's usually strong defence simply did not turn up. "Our defence just wasn't at its usual level and when you're up against a team known for their speed, you can't let that happen, but we gave away errors cheaply and at the end of the day our defence certainly wasn't up to the job." Against Fiji, Italy won the game because Fiji lost their composure and then launched such a tremendous fightback, that the Italians were relieved to flop over the line. Argentina sent over their worst side to tour Europe for many a year but, comfortably despatched the Italians in the Stadio d’ Olimpico in Rome.

 

A country famous for its élan and flair finds itself with very little to cheer itself with. The quick fix of foreign players, coaches and the occasional 6 Nations victory has singularly failed to ignite the imagination of the Italian public. There is much for the F.I.R. to ponder over, and for Coach Jacques Brunel and his staff to work on for the next 6 Nations campaign, and with games in Cardiff and Paris he knows he is very much in the firing line. The appointment of Giampiero De Carli as forwards coach from Brunel’s old club Perpignan could be seen as a step in the right direction. Yet, he cannot join the country until at least June 1^st and so nothing can fundamentally change. This is the time for the F.I.R. to show active and purposeful leadership and even this crucial appointment seems to emphasis their muddled thinking. Perhaps, they should consider whether Rome is the right place for the Italian team to play. The Stadio d’ Olimpico is a fabulous stadium in an iconic city but it is a long and expensive journey from the game’s heartland in the North. Often the stadium is half full, or the diehard Italian fans find themselves in the minority. There are excellent potential venues in the North; Turin, Milan and Florence this would mean full houses full of atmosphere and noise more akin to the other venues of the 6 Nations and hopefully a more fervent Italian atmosphere.

 

The dearth of home grown talent is a growing concern and emphasises that the structures below Treviso and Zebre are failing to deliver. This is exemplified by the new kid on the block, a Scot, who currently plays for Perpignan, “Tommaso – or “Tommy” – Allan”, who qualifies for Italy thanks to the fact that he was born in Vicenza to an Italian mother, Paola, when father William was living and playing rugby in Italy. Just to rub salt into Scottish wounds, the 20-year-old playmaker was pictured on the Italian Rugby Federation’s (FIR) website sporting the Scotland Under-20s shirt that he wore just last season” (Scotsman 17/10/13). But how was the incumbent Italian u20’s fly half feeling about all Allan’s selection? The Italian u20’s are struggling and without a meaningful “A” team competition the Italians cannot build any depth or indeed prepare players for the intensity of international play. Quality coaching across the game and player development does not appear to be a priority for the F.I.R. as they spend time trawling other countries for players with Italian heritage or encouraging qualification through residency. On the other hand if they are feeling the need to look abroad then perhaps they should examine the performance of the Italian team in the recent Rugby League World Cup. There they counterattacked superbly, basic skill sets were well drilled and generally remained solid under pressure and crucially their defence was well organised and powerful. Errors were kept to a minimum and many of the players had learnt their trade in the brutal pressure cooker of the ARL. A player the F.I.R. could do well to approach is Anthony Minichiello; of the Sydney Roosters he would bring a real freshness to the Italian team. So many sides employ ex rugby league players and coaches, it is time Italy does the same.

 

Italy now has the obligations of a Tier one IRB nation and the quality of the team’s performances, both on and off the field, rightly subject to scrutiny. Even junior teams are sponsored and the sponsor demands immediate results or next year’s budget could be endangered. Thus, clubs are almost obliged to produce teams that win competitions rather than trying to develop players. This means that most clubs look to create effective squads who are able to win, but may consist of advanced physical specimens who simply are stronger than their opponents. This state of affairs is not helped by the FIR, who insists that the primary consideration for a youth international is that he should be big and strong, even though his rugby background may be almost non-existent. How does the FIR, therefore, support the clubs? In each region, the equivalent of a county in England, there will certainly be at least one regional technical officer who is paid by the FIR. At present given the problems in producing competitive sides at junior level the clubs appear unsure how to interact with these people. It is quite possible that they have hardly ever played rugby and almost certainly they will not have a sports development background, as sports development is not considered worthy of a university course in Italy; such a background is not even recognised as a minimum requirement. This has to change.

 

 If the debacle of this autumn is repeated in the 6 Nations how will the F.I.R react? They could though look to provide real leadership so that the game could get a firmer grip on the Italian people. Italy is not just a soccer nation; it has a long tradition of handling games, from roman times. Watch “Calico Fiorentina, on www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOzuZ_O96F4‎,and you will see a game with all the hallmarks of rugby and maybe another potential source of domestic recruits for the beleaguered F.I.R. You cannot buy tradition, legend or history it has to be earned, and the F.I.R. should stop shopping indiscriminately for short term success and grow it from the roots and stock it has available and accept that with the obligations of playing at the highest levels of the game comes accountability. The 6 Nations needs a strong Italy, the rugby world needs it, but Italy itself needs to first put its own house in order.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heineken Cup round 4 What next?

Pool 1

Leinster would have expected this pool to be done and dusted but Saints’ revitalising and comprehensive victory at the Aviva has left the vaunted Dublin side stunned and made the pool a far from foregone conclusion. Castres is next up for Leinster, who will need to use the Festive season to retune their spluttering classic engine, get Sean O’Brien fit and somehow succeed in giving Heaslip a chance to rediscover some consistent form. But, for the Saints this much needed victory will give them hope and regain the momentum their season was enjoying before the Leinster visit. Ospreys will not be an easy match; they will sniff a chance to spoil the party and will need no second bidding to put one over the Saints. Qualification will now come down to very small margins and Leinster’s huge win at the Gardens makes them slight favourites to win the group, but it will come down to the wire.

Pool 2

After the debacle of the Blues’ opening game against the Chiefs for the Blues to be lying second in this very tough group is close to a miracle. The game against Toulon will now decide the fate of this group, but the Chiefs’ “never say die performance at the Stade Mayol should give Phil Davies’ men food for thought and the Blues are well capable of getting something out of the game. Toulon under the pragmatic Laporte will not panic and know that their last game against a despondent Glasgow should give the champions sufficient points to squeeze through.

Pool 3

Despite the Saracens’ comprehensive conquest of the hapless Zebre Toulouse’s gutsy and clinical performance in Galway gives them in reality total control of the group. Toulouse’s game with the Saracens will decide their fates but, with Toulouse facing the wretched Zebre in their last game; Saracens could well have reasons to rue their loss Toulouse at Wembley.

Pool 4

Clermont’s comfortable victory over the Scarlets leaves their destiny in their own hands. But, Vernon Cotter’s team will know that their match at the Stoop against the impressive Harlequins will be a significant test of their European aspirations. Friday 10^th January will be marked in red in the respective changing rooms. Harlequins are playing with such power, precision and belief that the two earlier losses in this campaign are looking like complete aberrations.

Pool 5

It is a cliché but you write Leicester off at your peril, the culture of self-belief and sheer bloody mindlessness was exemplified by their securing a last minute victory at Montpellier when to all intents and purposes the game was lost. The Tigers’ have rediscovered their European “mojo”. Ulster will have noted the quality of Leicester’s performance and will start to plan for a shoot-out at what will be a packed and raucous Welford road.

Pool 6

Munster has to go to the once foreboding and intimidating Kingsholm to secure this group before the final round of matches and they will be fancying their chances. The nature of their last gasp win at Perpignan can make a season and Munster will do all they can to harness the momentum. They have melded to the traditional Munster pragmatism a flexible, skilful and pacey approach that is paying considerable dividends. Gloucester’s European dream was shattered at a wet and deflated Kingsholm.

Wales in 2013 So much promise.................

Wales are facing a potentially difficult and divisive 2014 domestically, but internationally the outlook is on the whole a positive one. Despite the continued loss of players from Wales it can still be regarded as likely winners of the Six Nations 2014. With so many top players leaving, the regions have had to blood young players and given the recent success of the Wales u20’s this is no bad thing. The retention of the Six Nations was the highlight of 2013 with the championship culminating in the conclusive victory over England at a delirious Millennium Stadium. Then, there was the huge Welsh contribution to the Lions in Australia, this should have set Wales up for a successful autumn series, sadly it was not to be.

When South Africa swept up the field to score their superb opening try they left the field littered with wounded and deflated Welsh players dealing them a blow they never recovered from. The severe injury to the glittering Jonathan Davies gave the ‘Boks an opening they exploited brutally, taking full advantage of a stunned and disorientated Welsh side. As the series of matches rumbled on, Welsh centres in particular became an endangered species and when the Wallabies came to town they ruthlessly targeted the callow Welsh midfield. Wales tried hard to spin positives out of yet another defeat to Australia, but the unpalatable truth was that they were outplayed for large periods of the match. Wales might have learnt a great deal but, untried youngsters simply could not make up the gulf necessary in terms of experience and intensity for these test matches. The lack of an “A” team looks more and more like a poor long term decision, with Gatland all too often being forced to throw untried players into the crucible of the international arena before they are ready.

Disappointments of 2013

The continued underperformance of the Welsh line-out; the apparent lack of variety in attack “Warrenball” cannot defeat the better sides alone; losing to Ireland first up in the Six Nations 2013. But, probably the most disappointing aspect of 2013 for Wales would be their continued inability to beat one of the top SH sides; in particular the Wallabies, worryingly it is not about skillsets, size, fitness or technical back up rather it’s the lack of mental strength, belief and making the correct decision under pressure.

Successes of 2013

The winning the Six Nations, after three consecutive away victories that culminated in that fantastic occasion at the Millennium Stadium, with England being humbled by a rampant Welsh display, and the fantastic efforts of the Welsh players and coaches for the Lions of 2013.

Player of the year

There are, after such a good season several contenders; AWJ, Sam Warburton, Dan Biggar, George North, Halfpenny, Richard Hibbard, and Justin Tirpuric are all worthy of consideration. But two others stand out; Toby Faletau and Jonathan Davies both have been outstanding for Wales and the Lions. Jonathan Davies deserves this accolade by the smallest of margins, for after his dismal performance against the Irish he went on to make himself a match winner for Wales, and then to go on to be the outstanding centre on the Lions tour; and by its conclusion he was universally regarded, both as a world class and dignified model professional player.

Emerging players

Once again there are several contenders worthy of mention; Liam Williams, Scott Williams, Rhodri Jones and Ken Owens. But the player who made the most of his opportunity, and played with a calmness and authority of a much more experienced international, emerging from this season as arguably Wales first choice no.10 and could go on to be a long term international player, is Dan Biggar.

 

Hopes for 2014

Wales and Gatland will need to focus on what they can control and leave the domestic fracas to sort itself out and aim to fulfil the group’s stated target of winning the Six Nations for the third time, consecutively. He will need a fully fit squad. If Wales are able to play their first choice 23 then they are a match for any side in the NH, home or away. With three games at home, the matches at Twickenham and Dublin could well decide the fate of the trophy. You can bet, that certain Irish players will be anticipating with relish their game with the Welsh on Saturday 8^th February. The tour to South Africa and the recently published autumn internationals mean that Wales are playing the top three countries in 2014, they must win at least two of these games to be considered as contenders for the RWC 2015. At the moment that feels like a tall order unless Gatland can strengthen his squad, keep the players healthy and look to introduce some flexibility to the Welsh game plan.

 

Heineken Cup Round 4

Ospreys vs. Castres Friday December 13^th, Liberty stadium; K.O.8.00pm

The Ospreys have a proud record at the Liberty of no French team has won there since 2004 and they will be determined to keep that record intact after losing to Leinster in their opening game. They will have reluctantly had to accept that the European dream is over and now they need to concentrate on the Rabo Pro12. With that in mind going into the Xmas period of local derbies they will want to do so with a win over the French champions as a positive sign of intent. The selection of Sam Davies at full back is a sign of confidence in a very promising player as is the decision to rest AWJ. Ospreys should have too much for a disinterested Castres at a wet and cold Liberty. Castres have made several changes and the side has a lop sided feel to it.

Prediction

Ospreys by 5+

Glasgow vs. Cardiff Blues Friday December 13^th, Scotstoun Stadium; K.O. 8.00pm

The weather forecast is for a “Dreich night” and that will suit a Glasgow side smarting at their defeat last Friday. Changes have been to the side that have strengthened the team with players with a point to prove. While the Blues have had to rejig their side, with match winner Rhys Patchell having to move to centre Phil Davies will learn much more about his players by how they front up to the challenge Glasgow will certainly present.

Prediction

Glasgow by 10+

Connacht vs. Toulouse Saturday December 14^th, Galway Sportsgrounds; K.O. 18.00pm

Toulouse will be grateful to have this chance for revenge to come around so soon. Connacht will know what to expect and they will need to be at their very best to withstand what is sure to be an onslaught of brutal beauty. Their greatest ally could be the weather but Toulouse should emerge from the contest as victors but their chances of securing a much needed bonus point victory would be unlikely.

Prediction

Toulouse by 3+

Saracens vs. Zebre Saturday December 14^th, Allianz Park K.O. 15.00pm

A return to the comforts of home will suit the Saracens buoyed up by their comprehensive victory last week in Padua and the surprise defeat of Toulouse the group is now wide open again. Saracens will play with passion, precision and pace and the Zebre will be scattered to all corners of the Saracens’ plastic pitch.

Prediction

Saracens by 15+

Treviso vs. Ulster Saturday December 14^th, Stadio Comunale di Monigo K.O. 13.35

Ulster are on the march playing with a brutal intelligence their forwards playing with unbridled belligerence and Ruan Piennar pulling the strings they will be too much of a handful for Treviso. Treviso are a good team at home and always play with courage and ability but Ulster have the look of champions about them and they will sweep Treviso aside.

 

Prediction

Ulster by 15+

Toulon vs. Exeter Saturday December 14^th, Stade Mayol K.O. 13.35

Back to the Stade Mayol, back into the welcoming arms of the raucous Pilou Pilou. Toulon will be relishing being back at home and after the hard won victory at Sandy Park will be determined to put on a show for their fans. The disappointment of last week will be equally felt by Exeter who will not fear the trip to the South of France, they have won many games when declared the rank outsiders and like nothing better than to spoil a party. But Toulon will have been piqued by the opprobrium heaped upon them as not playing like the champions of Europe and they will be looking to impose themselves on the competition.

Prediction

Toulon by 15+

Scarlets vs. Clermont Saturday December 14^th, Parc y Scarlets K.O. 15.40

Clermont will be targeting this game, knowing that they want to try and put some daylight between themselves and ‘Quins. Scarlets will not bend at the knee for these French rugby aristocrats but they will need to play at their best to hold them, and Clermont will need to play badly for the Scarlets to win.

Prediction

 Clermont by 10

Perpignan vs. Munster December 14^th, Stade Aimé Giral K.O. 15.40

Perpignan are a different and difficult prospect back in Catalonia and Munster are developing they have yet to discover the mongrel of old. Perpignan are aware that they need to rediscover their home form otherwise a top 6 place in the French championship could be beyond them. So, they will want to win this game and will seek to blow Munster off the park and on their day they are more than capable of doing so. It will be a tough and close match but Perpignan will just shade it.

Prediction

Perpignan by 3-5

Harlequins vs. Racing Metro December 15^th, Twickenham Stoop K.O. 12.45

Racing has to stop the rot, they have lost too many games and this expensively constructed side appears to have lost its way. Last week they were torn apart by an excellent ‘Quins side who will fancy their chances of a repeat performance. Yet Racing has the returning Roberts to bolster midfield, Philips will relish his battle with Danny Care and up front the Racing pack has plenty to offer. But, ‘Quins will not be complacent and will be well prepared. They can play a fast and open game as well as mix it when needed. Evans and Brown will pull the strings and Easter and Robshaw will keep the Racing pack honest.

Prediction

Harlequins by 7

 

Gloucester vs. Edinburgh December 15^th, Kingsholm K.O. 15.00

Gloucester needed that win last week and they showed that they are a team to fear. Kingsholm has seen far too many defeats this season and the Gloucester faithful will be phlegmatically optimistic about this game. Gloucester has the pack to dominate Edinburgh and from that platform Burns et al should be able to cut loose. If Gloucester can score early on then Edinburgh will crumble and the Kingsholm faithful will be able to enjoy themselves.

Prediction

Gloucester by 15+

Montpelier vs. Leicester December 15^th, Stade Yves-du-Manoir K.O. 15.00

Arguably the game of the weekend, where for Leicester, a defeat would be disastrous; and they would probably fail to qualify for the knock out stages. Montpellier will be determined to make up for the errors that last week cost them a losing bonus point after pulling themselves back into a game that the Tigers were dominating. Certainly Leicester coach Richard Cockerell is under no illusions and expects it to be a fiery and hard encounter. Montpellier is playing well in the Top14 and their home record is formidable, Leicester will need to play a canny game to get anything there. Ulster went there and took Montpellier by surprise and went toe to toe winning the game by a good margin. It is debatable whether Leicester has the firepower to emulate that approach. This game could well be decided by narrow margins and Leicester’s discipline at the breakdown in particular will need to be at his best and Flood will need to put recent the speculation behind him and kick his goals.

Prediction

Leicester by 3 or less

Round up of Heineken Cup Round 3

Once again the Heineken lives up to expectations.

What a feast of rugby served up at the weekend, all the matches offered something to the connoisseur, the neutral or the committed fan. Several would be contenders had their hopes dashed and others were able to make significant statements of intent. Three performances stand out: Leinster’s demolition of a much vaunted Northampton side, Cardiff Blues’ exhilarating defeat of a competent and confident Glasgow team and the astonishing victory of Connacht over the European giants Toulouse. It really does whet the appetite for next week’s return fixtures.

Cardiff played with a confident, exciting and accurate style that left Glasgow all too often shaking their heads at how they had been beaten. On several occasions the Blues opened up under the shadow of their own posts and backed their ability and pace and deservedly reaped the rewards for such adventure. Patchell, Halfpenny and Cuthbert were outstanding and led the way. Williams was outstanding at scrum half and the young Cardiff pack never took a step back. The new pitch played its part providing a reliable surface for playing rugby “on the top of the ground”. The contrast with the aged Castres stadium and its poor surface contributing to a largely uninspiring game as the Ospreys’ downturn continued, was very marked. Toulon and Exeter provided an exciting match but not a gripping one despite both sides’ wholehearted application. Harlequins did a complete number on Racing Metro with Nick Evans and Nick Easter outstanding. Their clash with Clermont will probably decide the fate of this group following Clermont’s comfortable victory over the Scarlets. Perhaps, the biggest winners of the week were the Saracens. They accomplished the bonus point victory over Zebre they would have set as a minimum target but Connacht’s astonishing win at Toulouse leaves the group wide open. Munster and Ulster can feel very satisfied with their respective positions. Leicester’s unconvincing win over Montpelier means that Leicester will need big wins in the next three games to have any chance of progressing.

Leinster swept into Franklins Gardens and totally demolished an optimistic but ultimately abject Northampton. They turned the much hyped Saints into, “An embarrassment” as Tom Wood described his team’s performance. In truth Northampton were fortunate to keep the score to 40-7 as Leinster did miss several chances. It was such a complete performance that Leinster could be nominated “en bloc” as the team of the week. But two unheralded players were magnificent and shone on the night as brightly as any of Leinster’s great stars, Rhys Ruddock and Sean Cronin Northampton simply had no answer to the impact these two had. Leinster must surely now be installed as favourites for the competition. Gloucester’s win in Edinburgh on any other weekend would be regarded as a great victory but Connacht’s amazing win outshines them.

Toulouse are no longer the giants of French or European rugby they once were. But, not one pundit thought they would lose on Sunday. It is the sort of result that makes the Heineken Cup the great competition it is. Toulouse will be hurting, Guy Noves will beast them all week and they will turn up at the Galway Sportsground thirsting for revenge, but no-one can take away Connacht’s deserved moment in the sun.

Team performances of the week

Leinster, Cardiff blues and Connacht

Players of the week

Sean Cronin, Rhys Patchell, and Brian O’Driscoll

Points to Ponder

Cardiff’s pitch, over use of the TMO and where now for Northampton?

Autumn British and Irish Lions XV

Given the omnipresent addiction for selecting international XV’s based on the autumn internationals I decided to pick a British and Irish Lions XV based on the home nations’ performances. I have picked a squad of 23.

1.    Healey (Ireland)

2.    Hibbard (Wales)

3.    Cole (England)

4.    Lawes (England)

5.    A.W. Jones (Wales), captain

6.    Wood (England)

7.    O’Brien (Ireland)

8.    Faletau (Wales)

9.    Murray (Ireland)

10.  Biggar (Wales)

11.  Halfpenny (Wales)

12.  Williams (Wales)

13.  O’Driscoll (Ireland)

14.  North (Wales)

15.  Brown (England)

16.  James (Wales)

17.  Hartley (England)

18.  Launchbury (England)

19.  Warburton (Wales)

20.  Laidlaw (Scotland)

21.  Carney (Ireland)

22.  Vainikolo (England)

23.  Farrell

Heineken Cup 3^rd round

Preview Northampton vs. Leinster, December 6^th, Franklins Gardens K.O. 18.00

This game has the look of a match to savour, the rematch of the unforgettable 2011 Heineken cup final the chances of a repeat of such a classic game one would expect to be slight yet both teams are playing well at the same time and victory on Saturday night would see the winner in pole position in one of the competition’s toughest pools. Northampton on a run of seven consecutive victories will be relishing the prospect of this game; equally Leinster will not be duly concerned at visiting the Gardens. Their victory at the Liberty stadium at the start of the campaign just one of many tough away games the Dublin province has found a way to win. Leinster has a good game plan, and will be almost at full strength. Northampton have been hurt by injuries to Foden, Wilson and Corbiesero and this could lead to coach Jim Mallinder having to consider a more pragmatic approach.

At their considerable best both sides can play with breath-taking power and panache but on Saturday evening it will be about which side takes their chances, as there will only be a few opportunities. The collisions will be huge, the battle at the breakdown not one for the faint hearted and it will be certainly be played at a ferocious pace, that will test the conditioning both physical and mental of both teams. Leinster has the pedigree, the record that shows that they win more tight games than they lose. Northampton has to take that step up, last season’s loss at Twickenham could be the springboard needed here, to show that as a team the Saints have learnt what is needed to win when your opponents are as determined and capable as you. Both sides have similar no.10’s, Myler and Gopperth both can play in heavy traffic, kick from hand well, distribute well and place kick accurately, and there can be no doubt that penalties could decide this match. It will be bound to be close, tense and potentially tetchy.

Danger man Northampton- Samu Manoa

The Saints possess such a quality squad that to select one player is a difficult task. They have the at their disposal; the mercurial in form George North, the totemic bad boy Dylan Hartley, the tree feller Cortney from the ball is Samu Manoa. He might hail from the laid back West coast of California but he is steeped in the skills and attitude of his Polynesian roots. Manoa has ridiculously quick feet for such a big man, he covers the ground with real pace and this coupled with wonderfully soft hands and a sledgehammer of a hand off. Manoa will cast a considerable shadow over the game and if Leinster fail to shackle him then they could be in for a long bruising evening.

Danger man Leinster – Sean O’Brien

Leinster are very close to being a complete side, they can attack and defend with deadly accuracy. As Northampton their squad has strength in depth, they have the pacey Carney brothers, the tactical nous of Darcy and O’Drisscoll, the belligerence of Healy and Heaslip and the pace of Springbok Kurchener. But at the core of their effort will be the human wrecking ball that is Sean O’Brien. With his Popeye forearms, massive thighs and barrel chest O’Brien will characteristically show little regard for his own personal safety and will be involved from the first whistle. He always displays relentless fortitude and will smash into the opposition until he has completely emptied the tank. It will take all of the Saints’ guile and courage to stop him but, if they don’t the game will be Leinster’s.

Prediction

Very hard to call, both sides present a compelling chance to be able to win but on Saturday I take Northampton to win by 3 or less.

 

Munster vs. Perpignan; Thomond Park, Limerick K.O. 12.45

Munster has regained their mojo in the last few games after the surprise defeat to Edinburgh in their opening game of this Heineken cup campaign. They are now nearly at full strength and playing well. They love playing at Thomond Park and will look to start well to allow the crowd to play their part in subduing the opposition. Perpignan will not be looking forward to this game, injuries have hurt them and they are trying desperately hard to break back into the vital top 6 of the Top14, so this game will not be a priority for the Perpignan powers that be.

Prediction

Munster by 10+

Edinburgh vs. Gloucester; Murrayfield Stadium K.O. 13.00

Edinburgh’s current Rabo12 position does not do them any justice; they are capable outfit who on their day are a match for most sides in the league. Gloucester are very similarly placed they have worked very hard this season for very little reward despite making significant contributions to the quality of most of the games they have played. Nigel Davies’s men need a big win to reboot their season and will see the visit to Murrayfield as a real chance to do that.

Prediction

Gloucester by less than 5

Leicester vs. Montpellier; Welford Road K.O. 15.00

Leicester despite their lengthy injury list has the talent to win this match, but it will not be easy. Montpellier is a capable side and will not shirk their responsibilities. They can attack fluidly and with great ace and in Trinh-Duc, despite what Saint Andre thinks the best outside half in France they will trouble the Tigers. Leicester will need to be at their belligerent best and carry on the form they showed at Kingsholm to put Montpellier away, if they are able to do that then the Tigers will have too much for the men from the Med.

Prediction

Leicester by 5+

Toulouse vs. Connacht; Stade Ernest-Wallon, K.O. 15.00

The wheels appear to have come off at Connacht and Pat Lam has some serious damage limitation work to do and this visit to the intimidating Stade Ernest-Wallon comes after their humiliating crushing defeat suffered by Connacht at Edinburgh last week. Guy Noves and his team will be scenting blood and in such a close pool and will not be satisfied by anything less than a bonus point win.

Prediction

Toulouse by 15+

Heineken Cup 3^rd round

Preview Northampton vs. Leinster, December 6^th, Franklins Gardens K.O. 18.00

This game has the look of a match to savour, the rematch of the unforgettable 2011 Heineken cup final the chances of a repeat of such a classic game one would expect to be slight yet both teams are playing well at the same time and victory on Saturday night would see the winner in pole position in one of the competition’s toughest pools. Northampton on a run of seven consecutive victories will be relishing the prospect of this game; equally Leinster will not be duly concerned at visiting the Gardens. Their victory at the Liberty stadium at the start of the campaign just one of many tough away games the Dublin province has found a way to win. Leinster has a good game plan, and will be almost at full strength. Northampton have been hurt by injuries to Foden, Wilson and Corbiesero and this could lead to coach Jim Mallinder having to consider a more pragmatic approach.

At their considerable best both sides can play with breath-taking power and panache but on Saturday evening it will be about which side takes their chances, as there will only be a few opportunities. The collisions will be huge, the battle at the breakdown not one for the faint hearted and it will be certainly be played at a ferocious pace, that will test the conditioning both physical and mental of both teams. Leinster has the pedigree, the record that shows that they win more tight games than they lose. Northampton has to take that step up, last season’s loss at Twickenham could be the springboard needed here, to show that as a team the Saints have learnt what is needed to win when your opponents are as determined and capable as you. Both sides have similar no.10’s, Myler and Gopperth both can play in heavy traffic, kick from hand well, distribute well and place kick accurately, and there can be no doubt that penalties could decide this match. It will be bound to be close, tense and potentially tetchy.

Danger man Northampton- Samu Manoa

The Saints possess such a quality squad that to select one player is a difficult task. They have the at their disposal; the mercurial in form George North, the totemic bad boy Dylan Hartley, the tree feller Cortney from the ball is Samu Manoa. He might hail from the laid back West coast of California but he is steeped in the skills and attitude of his Polynesian roots. Manoa has ridiculously quick feet for such a big man, he covers the ground with real pace and this coupled with wonderfully soft hands and a sledgehammer of a hand off. Manoa will cast a considerable shadow over the game and if Leinster fail to shackle him then they could be in for a long bruising evening.

Danger man Leinster – Sean O’Brien

Leinster are very close to being a complete side, they can attack and defend with deadly accuracy. As Northampton their squad has strength in depth, they have the pacey Carney brothers, the tactical nous of Darcy and O’Drisscoll, the belligerence of Healy and Heaslip and the pace of Springbok Kurchener. But at the core of their effort will be the human wrecking ball that is Sean O’Brien. With his Popeye forearms, massive thighs and barrel chest O’Brien will characteristically show little regard for his own personal safety and will be involved from the first whistle. He laws displays relentless fortitude and will smash into the opposition until he has completely emptied the tank. It will take all of the Saints’ guile and courage to stop him but, if they don’t the game will be Leinster’s.

Prediction

Very hard to call, both sides present a compelling chance to be able to win but on Saturday I take Northampton to win by 3 or less.

Blues vs. Glasgow Warriors;  Cardiff arms Park, December 6^th K.O. 8:00pm

Glasgow are in form, playing with confidence and verve. They possess an excellent and well drilled defence in attack they have shown how to mix their approach and in Hogg they have an attacking player of the highest class. They also, significantly have the advantage of having a game with their returning internationals last week, a morale boosting comeback victory over the Ospreys at the Liberty. Whereas Cardiff might have Warburton and Halfpenny back they could well still be feeling the effects of last Saturday’s Welsh game. Glasgow will not fear a young Cardiff side who are having an indifferent season and could well enjoy the sure footing of the Cardiff plastic pitch to put the match out of Cardiff’s range very early.

Prediction

Glasgow Warriors by 10+

Exeter Chiefs vs. Toulon; Sandy Park, December 7^th K.O. 13.35

Exeter will delight in the occasion of welcoming the star studded Toulon to a sold out Sandy Park, but as hard as they try to turn their ground into a Devonian “House of pain” the bigger sides seem to be able to win there. Toulon chastened by the heavy defat in Paris last week and no doubt the tongue lashing they have endured from Laporte will be in no mood to be taking Exeter lightly and will be determined to make amends to the disappointed “Pilou, pilou”. Exeter will be combative and determined, but in the end Toulon’s quality will tell.

Prediction

Toulon by 5 – 10

Zebre vs. Saracens; XXV Aprile Stadium, Parma, December 7^th K.O. 13.35

Saracens are the juggernaut team of the Aviva, crushing all before them with a huge and talented squad. But, they are becoming fed up of being labelled the “Rich kids” and their underachievements in Europe are definitely becoming a source of frustration. Last time out Toulouse mugged them at Wembley and ruined the Saracen’s party. They will be targeting two bonus victories over the weak Zebre outfit and will take the field in Parma determined to score as man points as possible.

Prediction

Saracens by 15+

Clermont Auvergne vs. Scarlets; Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin, December 7^th K.O. 13.35

Last week’s heavy defeat in Dublin will have done nothing to bolster the Scarlet’s fragile confidence and the last thing they probably needed was to go to the raucous Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin where Clermont defend their unbeaten record. The Scarlet’s marvellous win over the Harlequins in October is in danger of becoming a nonsequiture; no doubt they will give of their best but lack the quality to threaten the powerful Les Jaunards.

Prediction

Clermont by 15+

 

Racing Metro 92 vs. Harlequins;  Stade Olympique Yves-du-Manoir, December 7th K.O. 15.40

This has now become a huge match between two big city clubs that need to reignite their seasons. Racing has spent huge amounts of money and need to see a return on their investment and Harlequins are desperate to show that they are not a team in decline. Racing’s signing of Mike Phillips will certainly give the game an edge, and it is time for him and Sexton, with their reunited Lions partnership to achieve a victory on the European big stage. Harlequins on the other hand will be approaching this match with confidence and resolve and feel that with the in form Mike Brown they will have what it takes to secure another famous win in Paris.

Prediction

Harlequins by 3 or less

Ulster vs. Treviso; Ravenhill, December 7th K.O. 18.00

Ulster knows Treviso very well from the Rabo Pro12, and will not underestimate their tough Italian rivals. Yet the Ravenhill faithful will have nothing to fear; Ulster despite the severe loss to injury of Tommy Bowe will simply have too much for a limited Treviso side.

Prediction 

Ulster by 10+

 

Friday 6^th December 2013

K.O. 8:00pm @ Stade Pierre-Antoine, Castres Olympique

Ospreys have a glut of returning bruised and battered international players to bolster them for this very testing game. Steve Tandy of the Ospreys is bemoaning the lack of quality preparation time, yet this fixture and Wales’s lucrative match against the Wallabies has been on the fixture list since July. Castres at their old fashioned Stade Pierre-Antoine are formidable opposition. They love it there, and their passionate fans make it a bear pit of an arena. Clermont were relived to leave there with a draw and Bayonne was smashed last week. As unheralded champions of the Top14 they have in several respects evolved their game and added to the no-nonsense pragmatism of last season, onto it has been grafted a fluid attacking approach based on pace, clever running lines of support and Kockoff’s superb distribution which has seen the Castres side rack up some very big scores. With playing at home as well, they will be full of confidence; they are in form and will have targeted this game.

The Ospreys do not lack the ability or talent to take “something” positive from the match but, their form has dropped off of late with several disappointing and damaging losses; and they are in danger of losing the momentum they garnered from the positive start to their season.

Castres

Danger man- Rory Kockoff

The SA scrum half is clearly enjoying life in his adopted homeland, and the pacey scrum half has become the heartbeat of his side. It is Kockoff that makes Castres tick, controlling the pace of the game and direction of attack with a mature and astute vision allied to his deadly goal kicking. No wonder that Saint Andre is monitoring him so closely, with Parra injured, and with the SA becoming eligible for France in 2014. Working with his fellow SA, French international, no.8 Classens, they give Castres a momentum that is very hard to disrupt.

Ospreys

 Danger man- Justin Tirpuric

The Ospreys dynamic open side is the talisman for the side, when he plays well so do the Ospreys. He is a complete player and can create a devastating attack from anywhere on the field of play. This combined with his clever and powerful defence make him a thorn in any opposition’s side. But, Castres will target him, knowing that if they keep him quiet they will control the game. Tirpuric has endured a frustrating autumn series, and this game could well the occasion he needs to remind the Welsh coaches just how good he is.

Prediction

Castres to win by 10.