Heineken Cup Draw today

[mike]

Last time we went to Ulster we lost 33 - 0 and Deano was sacked shortly afterwards . Omen ?

[Bill W (2)]

With this draw we should win next years HC!

Then again we could lose to Ulster and Clermont away and one of them at home.

[LeicScarlet]

You jammy jammy jammy gits...... the Rugby gods look after Leicester dont they!

Scarlets:- Saints, Munster & Castre........ jeebus! Its never easy is it!

[Bertos]

Foden quote prior to the draw today : "I think we are a good enough side to make sure we are there or thereabouts again next season."
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Pool 1: Munster, Northampton Saints, Scarlets, Castres
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Foden quote after the draw (I'm guessing!) : "Oh Sh*t"

That is a tough group but I wouldn't be surprised to see Saints come out on top. I think Munster are not the team they were, and would think Saints will have enough to beat them at Franklins and run them close in Limerick.
Scarlets have a great backline that is improving all the time but they will need to be a lot better up front than they were against us to get anything fron the Saints games, so I could see Saints winning both of them.
Castres is the interesting one. They were ok in the HC last year but seemed to be a very good side in the Top 14 (based on results, admittedly I didn't see much of the Top 14 other than highlights) If they push on in the HC from last year they could be really tough.
I think Saints could top the group, but that may depend on the games between the other teams. I think only one side will be getting out of that one though.

[sam16111986]

Saints beat Castres this year (home and away I think), we beat the Scarlets home and away last year including handing them a real thrashing at Welford Rd. Munster are always a real challenge but Quinns did beat them at Thomond Park in the Amlin and they never really showed their best rugby in the HEC. Saints will be feeling they might be able to sneak it. Especially if Munster's Irish players have a gruelling RWC.

London Irish in Pool 2 though have it rough. Racing will be pretty awesome and the other two Cardiff and Edinborough will be really tough opposition especially at their home grounds.

[BJ.]

Car hire in Modena could be worth the trip alone.

Exactly. Just how much balsamic vinegar can I get through Customs?

[LeicScarlet]

Steady Bertos,

The Scarlets have been paying particular attention to getting the pack up to strength and in depth. Ben Morgan will be 1ts XV from the start, Rhys & Ieustyn Thomas, McCusker & Turnbil etc....

The back line will be battle hardened by the time the HC comes around... so we will be more of a force in the HC2012

[kpb]

So it's going to be a....

Tigers vs Saints HC final then

[Bill W (2)]

So it's going to be a....

Tigers vs Saints HC final then

I have just looked out of the window.

A pig flew by!

[kpb]

******NEWS FLASH*******

Pigs seen flying in Essex 19/05/2012!!!

[Bertos]

The Scarlets have been paying particular attention to getting the pack up to strength and in depth. Ben Morgan will be 1ts XV from the start, Rhys & Ieustyn Thomas, McCusker & Turnbil etc....

The back line will be battle hardened by the time the HC comes around... so we will be more of a force in the HC2012

Didn't mean to sound dismissive or write your boys off LeicScarlet, I just think they need a big improvement up front if they are to get out of a pool with three very physical sets of forwards.

I hope they do proove to be a force though as I have a soft spot for Scarlets and enjoy watching them play

Think I would have Saints as slight favourites to make it out of there though.

[Smurphswillgetya]

Are the tickets for the Q/F at Welford up for sale yet?

[Bill W (2)]

Are the tickets for the Q/F at Welford up for sale yet?

Why not ask the Ticket Office?

Or Google it?

[Smurphswillgetya]

Are the tickets for the Q/F at Welford up for sale yet?

Why not ask the Ticket Office?

Or Google it?

You nearly got me Bill. I thought it was BJ replying for a second.

[sam16111986]

LeicScarlet if the Scarlets can reinforce their tight five with some real muscle (a second row enforcer should be a priority) there's no reason they can't do well next year. Currently they are going to struggle with what the other teams in their group will bring to the table. Not sure if the backline will be as battle hardened as you make out what with Regan King going, Gareth Maule is supposed to be a good prospect though.