Champions and Challenge Cup Semi-finals - 2024

[ourla]

Just goes to show the best in the Prem can still challenge the best in Europe.

[ourla]

Byrne as a replacement for Sexton is a massive step down. Is there anyone else in the wings?

[TiltonTiger]

Nobody referees Leinster at the breakdown. And they know it.

[mol2]

Just goes to show the best in the Prem can still challenge the best in Europe.

The best in the prem can challenge the Irish national training squad?

All the prem sides are doing is providing match practice and funding for the Irish national side.

It's about time the Premiership and England looked at the bigger picture. Pull out of the the European cup whilst Leinster and Ireland take the mickey and England pull out of the TV agreement that funds Ireland/Scotland/Wales equally and negotiates it's own TV deal in the same way France do.

[sam16111986]

Byrne as a replacement for Sexton is a massive step down. Is there anyone else in the wings?

Byrne's younger brother was on the bench he's a bit more attacking minded but maybe lacks some control. Byrne the younger was preferred by Ireland during the 6N for a squad spot.

Sam Pendergast was the young wonder boy for Irish age grade but there are some questions with him, his kicking for goal for instance is pretty hit and miss. He's a very skillful player but doesn't seem to be bursting through in the way expected. He's quite a big lad at 6ft4 and 14.5 stone so it could be he takes up more of a utility role with Frawley off to Ulster (allegedly). Frawley being another flyhalf option but he's been used as a utility option for club and country as he's equally capable at 15 (where he played yesterday) and centre. He was on the bench for Ireland during the 6N.

Jack Murphy the Irish under 20s flyhalf is supposed to be pretty good but it's likely he'll head to Ulster as his dad is currently the interim head coach there and likely to get the job full time. Ulster are desperate for a flyhalf as well so there's a chance he could break through early (he's only 19) and get quicker exposure.

[Robespierre]

Allez Toulouse!! 31-12 at half time is better expected!

[Lutontiger]

They’re playing with real fervour!

[fentiger]

Marler at his finest

[Robespierre]

That was a bit too close for comfort with Quins winning the second half.

Toulouse will need to play high risk off-loading rugby to get past Leinster and by keeping mistakes to an absolute minimum, but sadly I can't see them winning.

[ourla]

Byrne as a replacement for Sexton is a massive step down. Is there anyone else in the wings?

Byrne's younger brother was on the bench he's a bit more attacking minded but maybe lacks some control. Byrne the younger was preferred by Ireland during the 6N for a squad spot.

Sam Pendergast was the young wonder boy for Irish age grade but there are some questions with him, his kicking for goal for instance is pretty hit and miss. He's a very skillful player but doesn't seem to be bursting through in the way expected. He's quite a big lad at 6ft4 and 14.5 stone so it could be he takes up more of a utility role with Frawley off to Ulster (allegedly). Frawley being another flyhalf option but he's been used as a utility option for club and country as he's equally capable at 15 (where he played yesterday) and centre. He was on the bench for Ireland during the 6N.

Jack Murphy the Irish under 20s flyhalf is supposed to be pretty good but it's likely he'll head to Ulster as his dad is currently the interim head coach there and likely to get the job full time. Ulster are desperate for a flyhalf as well so there's a chance he could break through early (he's only 19) and get quicker exposure.

Cheers and very interesting. I se this as a problem for Leinster and Ireland unless someone steps up.

[ourla]

I thought both semi's were a great watch and I think the final will be too.

Got to say Toulouse look the more likely winners but Leinster will no doubt play a different game to Quins.

[Old Hob]

I thought Brace didn't give Quins the rub of the green. But Marler's penalty was beyond stupid; perhaps he'd thought the game gone.

[sam16111986]

Byrne as a replacement for Sexton is a massive step down. Is there anyone else in the wings?

Byrne's younger brother was on the bench he's a bit more attacking minded but maybe lacks some control. Byrne the younger was preferred by Ireland during the 6N for a squad spot.

Sam Pendergast was the young wonder boy for Irish age grade but there are some questions with him, his kicking for goal for instance is pretty hit and miss. He's a very skillful player but doesn't seem to be bursting through in the way expected. He's quite a big lad at 6ft4 and 14.5 stone so it could be he takes up more of a utility role with Frawley off to Ulster (allegedly). Frawley being another flyhalf option but he's been used as a utility option for club and country as he's equally capable at 15 (where he played yesterday) and centre. He was on the bench for Ireland during the 6N.

Jack Murphy the Irish under 20s flyhalf is supposed to be pretty good but it's likely he'll head to Ulster as his dad is currently the interim head coach there and likely to get the job full time. Ulster are desperate for a flyhalf as well so there's a chance he could break through early (he's only 19) and get quicker exposure.

Cheers and very interesting. I se this as a problem for Leinster and Ireland unless someone steps up.

It'll be interesting to see what they do next season. The side will be no weaker and with some key players like Ryan, Keenan and Ringrose to return the rest of the squad will be excellent. Ryan and Ringrose are the co-captains, they'll be big comebacks. Add in RG Snyman and Jordie Barrett, it's a special squad. Had they signed a Beauden instead it would have made more sense.

[teds]

I thought both semi's were a great watch and I think the final will be too.

Got to say Toulouse look the more likely winners but Leinster will no doubt play a different game to Quins.

Not planning to go myself but the scrum half battle is surely worth the ticket price on its own.

[KiwiTig]

Marler at his finest

Marler was an idiot giving away that penalty by clicking his oppo on the head …commentary team said nothing anyone else would be slaughtered…it was moronic !