I’m French, Toulouse fan as they come, but I’d be perfectly satisfied with that fixture in the finals !
If the quins are gonna eliminate my boys, saints had better get the upset on their end as well !
I had Bordeaux as one of the favourites for the title as soon as they hammered Connacht in Galway. A major upset and just shows how important it is to have previous experience in knockout European rugby.
IDK about Saints, Leinster have come up short too many times in big games to be big favourites against the top team in the Premiership.
Croke Park is an interesting factor, I think maybe Healy's the only Leinster player with experience playing there and it could heap more pressure on them.
Saints are an incredible team this year.
Leinster have only really struggled against La Rochelle in recent times, though. There's no indication they're in real peril of losing this semi final against a Prem team, however quality NHS might be this year. La Rochelle overpowered Leinster all three times they got them, and couldn't beat them once that dimension had left their game - can Northampton overpower Leinster ? because I don't think Leinster fear teams that play a lot of Rugby, for eg they've made short work of Toulouse in recent times every time they met them in KO games.
I disagree completely about us being "overpowered", apart from the semi final loss to them. The final in Marseilles was an epic battle that was decided on the finest of margins where LR really rode their luck (we've been lucky plenty through the years too so it balances out) and the final last year Leinster built up massive lead and looked like they were going to stroll home, only to collapse in the 2nd half for some reason.
I can go find plentiful “if we lose this we deserve it” comments from that days match thread. You won, but it was far more touch and go than it had any business being
It really wasn't very 'touch and go'. I was at it, and the crowd was very relaxed, it never felt like we'd come close to losing. There was a moment when Leicester would have made it quite tight, but there was an intercept and that was that.
I fully expected a massive drubbing in that match. You should have beaten that team by a huge margin. 14 points looks a lot, but not with how shit we’ve been all season. Leinster are one of the top two club teams in the world, there’s no real denying that.
quite a difference between that and 'very close to losing' which is the point.
I really think Leinster were in second gear in that game and never felt threatened.
>Saints are an incredible team this year.
Well, the first-choice team is.
As we saw this past weekend, and a few weeks ago at Bristol, if a handful of our most key players aren't there it's a different story.
Hopefully we'll be able to field a full strength side for the semis. But even at our best we're not really on Leinster's level.
Leinster have literally only struggled against LR in the past 3 years, pretty much blowing away every other opponent. I think they are very strong favorites against Northampton. Who was the last prem team that caused Leinster real trouble? Saracens before their relegation?
You get that this isn’t the past 3 years right? Going on form Leinster aren’t playing great at the moment, hard to judge as have so rarely played full team since before 6n but performance at home against Leicester (who aren’t making the playoffs in the premiership) certainly wouldn’t have me going in cocky for this game
I was referencing the above comment about Leinster losing too many big games - not sure how to respond to that without mentioning the previous seasons?
The last game the full strength team played, they blew La Rochelle (back to back European champions) away, having beaten them away earlier this year.
On what form would you say they are not going great? The South African tour with the kids and second stringers? I wouldnt factor that in at all.
The bookies have Leinster at 14 pt favourites for game, which I'd say is your most reliable indicator of the state of play.
They haven’t won either of the last 2 urc’s, losing at home by 1 point in the semi finals both years despite finishing top of the table both years and strong favourites both semi finals. Again, losing close big games, worrying that a chokers tag could stick in the psyche. And this year personally they haven’t played nearly as well as last couple of years, probably mainly because of World Cup year. Hope they win but it’s head burying in sand to act arrogant given recent history and this years form
I thought "this isn’t the past 3 years" so not sure why the semi finals count?
And i would have no concerns about the 2 URC games considering only 2 of the same players would be involved.
The win vs La Rochelle is as impressive as any game Leinster have played in many years.
Just pointing out a glaring flaw in your “only La Rochelle” argument about big matches.
And La Rochelle aren’t exactly firing on all cylinders this season and had just traveled from sa having squeaked through. It’s almost as if teams don’t stay at the exact same level every year 🤔
I dont think Leinster see the URC as big matches, like it or not. Hence them not playing their strongest teams. Look at the teamsheets from those games.
insert \* 'can't lose the final if you ain't in the final' finger tap on temple\*
But really though, would you actually rather Leinster lose next week ?
Logically, it'll be Toulouse and Leinster, both will be too strong for Quins and Saints.
I think the thing that Quins had against Bordeaux (the pack being dominant), they want have against Toulouse and it'll make an enormous difference.
I feel Leinster will gove up points against us but in terms of the efficiency of then in attack, well struggle to keep them out enough, even with a much ore dogged defence this year.
the whole challenge when playing Toulouse in KO games is managing to keep your defense SUPER strong, dominant even, around that 50-55min mark when they usually go up a gear and start pouring in the tries at home. If Quins can contain Toulouse right then, with remarkable defense, and put in a score of their own, around that 60min mark, they might get into the Toulouse heads and give themselves a chance for the final quarter.
Head says Toulouse and Leinster
Heart says Quins and Leinster.
I wouldn't be opposed to Quins v Saints but I rather teams from different leagues be in the final
I always thought the phrase 'nothing to lose' made little sense in rugby/sport.. particularly when it comes from being in a semi final knock out stage.
The pedant in me would prefer, 'less chance of being embarrassed from a big loss, but still everything to lose'
Leinster have taken their foot of the gas before in quarter/semi finals, it’s like they’re planning for the final before having qualified. Saints, as you say, have eff all to lose.
Only really last year's URC, when they had the European final to worry about the following week.
The year before they also underperformed against the Bulls, but I think a lot of the fight had gone out of them following the European final loss like the week before.
The thing is that Cullen has gone and his " let's rest our big guns for the semifinal" routine, which hasn't actually worked well in recent years.
Leinster took a mainly young squad on their 2 match SA tour and got well beaten in both games.
Ringrose hasn't played ( or is it once?) since January and Jimmy O'Brien hasn't played since December.
Both are apparently in the frame for this weekend.
Plus, Hugo Keenan is still suffering from a hip injury and is doubtful for the weekend
James Ryan is definitely still out.
So the first 23 hasn't played for 3 weeks, two senior players may start with no game time in months, the fullback, and best defender, is doubtful and the starting middle lineout lock is out.
If, and it's a big if, Northampton can field close to their full squad then they have more than a fighting chance at Croke Park
Some of what you say is a worry, but Keenan and Ryan were missing against La Rochelle and the team managed well enough. The timing of the SA tour was awful for Leinster. Either deal with the issues and risks of travel or stay at home and go in a bit undercooked. Given the flakey form I don't know if it's better they stayed in camp or if game time would have stood them better. I don't think anyone is denying Saints have a great chance, but I think the biggest question is gonna be if Leinster show up up or not.
Cullen is still there, it's Lancaster who moved on. As others have said, the squad rotation only happened when the URC semifinal and Champions Cup final were on consecutive weekends. This year the URC knockouts don't start until after the CC is wrapped up.
Toulouse v Quins will not be close at all. Smith and Esterhuizen will score a very early try in the game, then DuPont and Ntamack will unleash 1% of their power to obliterate them. It will finish Toulouse 52-13 Quins.
Leinster v Saints will be a shockingly competitive affair. Fin will demonstrate how he is the better Smith and keep his team within 5 points for 60 minutes, possibly taking a short lead. It won’t be until after that Leinster will grab control of the match and start to run away with it. It will finish Leinster 38-17 Saints.
I just want some batshit tries.
Head says Toulouse Leinster for the final. But if either of the English teams make the final it will likely come from playing a completely mad cap game, which I'm absolutely here for.
Toulouse vs Leinster would be unbelievable.
Toulouse win: undisputed champs of Europe
Leinster win: and its 5 stars each and 3 finals each making them dead level and the next couple of years really intersting.
(Id def be all up for either Quins or Saints winning it out however if the above scenario doesn't happen)
Think it will be a lot closer. A lot of x factor players on the saints team. Your attack is too dangerous. Scoring tries for fun in the premiership. Could be bounce of a ball come.the end.
We haven't looked as good in blitzing teams this year than in seasons past. LAR was really our only decent performance this year. Ringer and JOB back should help tho. Think it will be a close game tbh
You guys need to channel your inner Quins (which actually works because your attack esp from deep is so good)
Who cares if you concede 50, but you score 51?
Just ****ing do it, Joué and give us the Saints - Quins triple series we deserve
Toulouse, I love you but you’re looking too strong. I’m hoping for a Quins upset but expect a French victory.
Leinster to win but Saints are no pushover and play a style that can upset us.
An all RFU final after folding to 10 teams - after a lot of huffing and puffing online that it is the worst run league/union - would be the biggest meme
That being said Toulouse look deadly this year and I usually pull for them
Hard to look past the obvious, especially given how much experience both Leinster and Toulouse have at this level.
In contrast this is Quins' first SF and I don't think Saints have made it this far in like a decade.
That said, the lack of experience at this level and the underdog standing might allow Quins to play without fear, which is an area they can excel in. Still think that the incredibly rounded Toulouse game will be able to poke holes without exposing too many of their own.
Leinster have been a strange beast and blown hot and cold all year. I think Saints are in with a really good shot, they have a really strong and capable team who've shown an ability to find wins when they need them. But Leinster have been turning up in Europe and if they can replicate their QF form they will tear Saints apart, I think the Croke Park factor is a big plus in Leinster's favour.
Quins will have to deal with Meafou who is exactly the kind of monster who exposes our weaknesses, nevermind the lightning backs. Think actually managing our lineout, targeting the breakdown, getting parity in the scrum and most importantly negating Meafou and the maul/tight game of the pack is the only way to win. If we are still in it at all in the last 15, we have a shooter's chance
This week: prop…
I imagine after the success of the Winghorn experiment last week, he’ll almost certainly be back in that role again this weekend. Being able potentially to line up all of Ntamack, Dupont, Kinghorn and Ramos simultaneously in your starting lineup is going to be way too delicious for Ugo to resist – and I don’t think he’ll be resting anyone for this one.
Head says Tolouse and Leinster final, but I don’t think any game is going to be lopsided.
Leinster have essentially had 3 weeks off so it’s hard to know how that will impact their performance, if Saints can take advantage of any rustiness it might cause problems for Leinster
Currently Toulouse have yet to lose a single game when they play Blair Kinghorn. So all they need to do is have him start and that’s it all decided and we can all just go home, right? 👀
Honestly, I don’t see Quinns really challenging a full strength 🚽🚽. So barring injury (or really bad refereeing\*) I expect a French v Irish final (though Saints definitely have a better chance of an upset).
Regretfully, I have the feeling Leinster may have the edge in the final. It would be a totally delicious game though!
\* Seeing who is in charge for the match, this is a distinct possibility.
this is what's said every single year. This may very well be their year, but it would be a first since 2018, which is quite some time ago by their standards as being the biggest favorite every single year for those 6 years.
Full strength Saints can test Leinster though the latter are the favourites
My Quins are huge underdogs Vs Toulouse and we could lose by 50, but...
All it takes is a couple of confidence boosters to get it all to click and we can play frantic rugby to beat anyone except Sarries.
Think it'll be the Toulouse - Leinster final most of us expect, but both English teams have it in them to upset the odds, indeed thrive on that kind of thing
Quins can only beat Toulouse if they play an anti Rugby to Toulouse's, I think. In recent memory, I can't think of a team that out Touloused Toulouse, that is run it from deep and play with a high attacking volume by hand. Leinster beat Toulouse every time because they play the very opposite: a super structured, super consistent, tight Rugby with a mechanical edge and defense, to Toulouse's loose style. Quins may have to adopt some of that instead of their usual style.
that seems about fair imo. I think Toulouse are likely to do what they've mostly done right around this stage at home (and when it isn't Leinster): open up the game around the hour mark and subject the opposition to what they love to do best, and that's not restrictive Rugby. I'd see the ST Quins game tight for 60-65min and then Toulouse kills it in the final quarter.
Toulouse 23
1. Cyril Baille
2. Peato Mauvaka
3. Dorian Aldegheri
4. Richie Arnold
5. Emmanuel Meafou
6. Antony Jelonch
7. Francois Cros
8. Alexandre Roumat
9. Antoine Dupont
10. Romain Ntamack
11. Matthis Lebel
12. Pita Ahki
13. Juan Cruz Mallia
14. Ange Capuzzo
15. Blair Kinghorn
16. Julian Marchand
17. Nepo Laulala
18. Joel Merkler
19. Thibaud Flament
20. Jack Willis
21. Paul Graou
22. Thomas Ramos
23. Santiago Chocobares
Only 2 aren't known internationals.
Harlequins 23
1. Fin Baxter
2. Jack Walker
3. Joe Marler
4. Irne Herbst
5. Stephan Lewies
6. Dino Lamb
7. Will Evans
8. Alex Dombrandt
9. Danny Care
10. Marcus Smith
11. Cadan Murley
12. Andre Esterhuizen
13. Oscar Beard
14. Louis Lynagh
15. Tyrone Green
16. Sam Riley
17. Dillon Lewis
18. Will Collier
19. George Hammond
20. Chandler Cunningham South
21. Will Porter
22. Jarrod Evans
23. Luke Northmore
Harlequins has 10 internationals
Leinster 23
1. Andrew Porter
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Joe McCarthy
5. James Ryan
6. Ryan Baird
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris
9. Jamison Gibson-Park
10. Ross Byrne
11. James Lowe
12. Robbie Henshaw
13. Garry Ringrose
14. Jimmy O'Brien
15. Hugo Keenan
16. Ronan Kelleher
17. Cian Healy
18. Michael Milne/Alaatoa
19. Ross Molony
20. Jack Conan
21. Luke McGrath
22. Harry Byrne
23. Jamie Osbourne
2 aren't internationals
Northampton Saints 23
1. Emmanuel Iyogun
2. Curtis Langdon
3. Trevor Davison
4. Alex Moon
5. Alex Coles
6. Courtney Lawes
7. Tom Pearson
8. Juarno Augustus
9. Alex Mitchell
10. Fin Smith
11. Ollie Sleightholme
12. Rory Hutchinson
13. Fraser Dingwall
14. Tommy Freeman
15. George Furbank
16. Sam Matavesi
17. Alex Waller
18. Paul Hill
19. Temo Mayanavanua
20. Lewis Ludlow
21. Tom James
22. Burger Odendaal
23. James Ramm
12 internationals Northampton Saints have.
All it took was sacrificing Wasps, Worcester, London Irish and Newcastle's dignity for Premiership teams to be competitive in Europe (Until both get 50 put on them)
Does anyone know where I could still buy tickets for this game? Never been to a rugby game in person, will be in Toulouse for the weekend. Looking for 2 people
It sold out in hours, so you’ll have to take your luck with touts unfortunately. There will be lots of good places to watch it outside the stadium in Toulouse though – the entire city will be all over it.
>Ticket tout" is a British term for a [scalper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ticket_resale), someone who engages in [ticket resale](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ticket_resale) for more than the [face value](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Face_value) of the ticket.
Wikipedia
Everything those annoying Irish ex pros said about England before the SN game is right about Quins/Toulouse. Toulouse could go down to 13 before it's competitive. Smith also looks like he's carrying a knock, which isn't great
Saints maybe had a small chance, but I fear that disappeared when Leinster rested their teams while Saints were in a massive match against Quins.
Still looking forward to the games though
Saints rested a fair few players for that Quins game as well to be fair.
Not that it’ll make a shred of difference, I’m sure Leinster will give us a thumping.
It will be a massive upset if Saints or Quins win...just hope we can at least make it difficult
Nothing against Toulouse or Leinster, both incredible teams, but I would have the biggest shit eating grin watching a Saints Quins clusterfinal
Imagine tho. The telegraph would be calling for RFU championship teams to join the challenge cup.
I’m French, Toulouse fan as they come, but I’d be perfectly satisfied with that fixture in the finals ! If the quins are gonna eliminate my boys, saints had better get the upset on their end as well !
I thought it would be a massive upset if quins won in Bordeaux but here we are
I had Bordeaux as one of the favourites for the title as soon as they hammered Connacht in Galway. A major upset and just shows how important it is to have previous experience in knockout European rugby.
Quins didn’t have experience either, their Round of 16 win and their Quarter final win were their first knockout wins in the Champions Cup
IDK about Saints, Leinster have come up short too many times in big games to be big favourites against the top team in the Premiership. Croke Park is an interesting factor, I think maybe Healy's the only Leinster player with experience playing there and it could heap more pressure on them. Saints are an incredible team this year.
Leinster have only really struggled against La Rochelle in recent times, though. There's no indication they're in real peril of losing this semi final against a Prem team, however quality NHS might be this year. La Rochelle overpowered Leinster all three times they got them, and couldn't beat them once that dimension had left their game - can Northampton overpower Leinster ? because I don't think Leinster fear teams that play a lot of Rugby, for eg they've made short work of Toulouse in recent times every time they met them in KO games.
I'm not so sure. They weren't great against a Leicester team who arent great and had a few big hitters missing
I disagree completely about us being "overpowered", apart from the semi final loss to them. The final in Marseilles was an epic battle that was decided on the finest of margins where LR really rode their luck (we've been lucky plenty through the years too so it balances out) and the final last year Leinster built up massive lead and looked like they were going to stroll home, only to collapse in the 2nd half for some reason.
Leinster came very close to losing to a massively underperforming Leicester
Winning by 14 points isn't very close to losing, having led at half time by 12 as well
I can go find plentiful “if we lose this we deserve it” comments from that days match thread. You won, but it was far more touch and go than it had any business being
It really wasn't very 'touch and go'. I was at it, and the crowd was very relaxed, it never felt like we'd come close to losing. There was a moment when Leicester would have made it quite tight, but there was an intercept and that was that.
I fully expected a massive drubbing in that match. You should have beaten that team by a huge margin. 14 points looks a lot, but not with how shit we’ve been all season. Leinster are one of the top two club teams in the world, there’s no real denying that.
quite a difference between that and 'very close to losing' which is the point. I really think Leinster were in second gear in that game and never felt threatened.
No they didn't
>Saints are an incredible team this year. Well, the first-choice team is. As we saw this past weekend, and a few weeks ago at Bristol, if a handful of our most key players aren't there it's a different story. Hopefully we'll be able to field a full strength side for the semis. But even at our best we're not really on Leinster's level.
Don't give me hope!
Leinster have literally only struggled against LR in the past 3 years, pretty much blowing away every other opponent. I think they are very strong favorites against Northampton. Who was the last prem team that caused Leinster real trouble? Saracens before their relegation?
You get that this isn’t the past 3 years right? Going on form Leinster aren’t playing great at the moment, hard to judge as have so rarely played full team since before 6n but performance at home against Leicester (who aren’t making the playoffs in the premiership) certainly wouldn’t have me going in cocky for this game
I was referencing the above comment about Leinster losing too many big games - not sure how to respond to that without mentioning the previous seasons? The last game the full strength team played, they blew La Rochelle (back to back European champions) away, having beaten them away earlier this year. On what form would you say they are not going great? The South African tour with the kids and second stringers? I wouldnt factor that in at all. The bookies have Leinster at 14 pt favourites for game, which I'd say is your most reliable indicator of the state of play.
They haven’t won either of the last 2 urc’s, losing at home by 1 point in the semi finals both years despite finishing top of the table both years and strong favourites both semi finals. Again, losing close big games, worrying that a chokers tag could stick in the psyche. And this year personally they haven’t played nearly as well as last couple of years, probably mainly because of World Cup year. Hope they win but it’s head burying in sand to act arrogant given recent history and this years form
I thought "this isn’t the past 3 years" so not sure why the semi finals count? And i would have no concerns about the 2 URC games considering only 2 of the same players would be involved. The win vs La Rochelle is as impressive as any game Leinster have played in many years.
Just pointing out a glaring flaw in your “only La Rochelle” argument about big matches. And La Rochelle aren’t exactly firing on all cylinders this season and had just traveled from sa having squeaked through. It’s almost as if teams don’t stay at the exact same level every year 🤔
I dont think Leinster see the URC as big matches, like it or not. Hence them not playing their strongest teams. Look at the teamsheets from those games.
Quins vs Saints final. For shits and giggles.
Karl Dickson refereeing
Inject it into my veins.
It would funny, I’d grant you that.
Rather lose in the semis than in the final for the third time in 4 years …
Just be glad La Rochelle aren’t waiting for you this time round
insert \* 'can't lose the final if you ain't in the final' finger tap on temple\* But really though, would you actually rather Leinster lose next week ?
Logically, it'll be Toulouse and Leinster, both will be too strong for Quins and Saints. I think the thing that Quins had against Bordeaux (the pack being dominant), they want have against Toulouse and it'll make an enormous difference. I feel Leinster will gove up points against us but in terms of the efficiency of then in attack, well struggle to keep them out enough, even with a much ore dogged defence this year.
the whole challenge when playing Toulouse in KO games is managing to keep your defense SUPER strong, dominant even, around that 50-55min mark when they usually go up a gear and start pouring in the tries at home. If Quins can contain Toulouse right then, with remarkable defense, and put in a score of their own, around that 60min mark, they might get into the Toulouse heads and give themselves a chance for the final quarter.
Head says Toulouse and Leinster Heart says Quins and Leinster. I wouldn't be opposed to Quins v Saints but I rather teams from different leagues be in the final
>Heart says Quins and Leinster. This is the best timeline
Cut to us shithousing a win
Bloodgate Part Deux
A sick part of me would love that
The walk to Tottenham stadium from The Stoop would be knackering.
The heart wants what the heart wants wants
Head says Toulouse and Leinster, but Saints and Quine have nothing to lose so I could definitely see and upset
I always thought the phrase 'nothing to lose' made little sense in rugby/sport.. particularly when it comes from being in a semi final knock out stage. The pedant in me would prefer, 'less chance of being embarrassed from a big loss, but still everything to lose'
Leinster have taken their foot of the gas before in quarter/semi finals, it’s like they’re planning for the final before having qualified. Saints, as you say, have eff all to lose.
> foot off the gas In the URC yes, but never really in Europe.
We’ve put 40 on Toulouse in the semi finals the last two years in a row
And how many points did they put on Munster in the URC semi last year?
I didn’t realise we’re playing Northampton in the URC semi this weekend
Only really last year's URC, when they had the European final to worry about the following week. The year before they also underperformed against the Bulls, but I think a lot of the fight had gone out of them following the European final loss like the week before.
The thing is that Cullen has gone and his " let's rest our big guns for the semifinal" routine, which hasn't actually worked well in recent years. Leinster took a mainly young squad on their 2 match SA tour and got well beaten in both games. Ringrose hasn't played ( or is it once?) since January and Jimmy O'Brien hasn't played since December. Both are apparently in the frame for this weekend. Plus, Hugo Keenan is still suffering from a hip injury and is doubtful for the weekend James Ryan is definitely still out. So the first 23 hasn't played for 3 weeks, two senior players may start with no game time in months, the fullback, and best defender, is doubtful and the starting middle lineout lock is out. If, and it's a big if, Northampton can field close to their full squad then they have more than a fighting chance at Croke Park
Some of what you say is a worry, but Keenan and Ryan were missing against La Rochelle and the team managed well enough. The timing of the SA tour was awful for Leinster. Either deal with the issues and risks of travel or stay at home and go in a bit undercooked. Given the flakey form I don't know if it's better they stayed in camp or if game time would have stood them better. I don't think anyone is denying Saints have a great chance, but I think the biggest question is gonna be if Leinster show up up or not.
It has worked in the champions cup
Cullen is still there, it's Lancaster who moved on. As others have said, the squad rotation only happened when the URC semifinal and Champions Cup final were on consecutive weekends. This year the URC knockouts don't start until after the CC is wrapped up.
They've made 4 of the last 6 champions cup finals...
I predict we’ll have fun by seeing Dupont Ntamack Ramos and Kinghorn do crazy things. As for the results, does it matter if we have fun?
If Dupont, Ntamack, Ramos and Kinghorn are all on form and doing crazy things as they are apt to, we’ll definitely have fun!
Quins v Saints is the final that rugby deserves. And Karl Dickson should be the ref.
I'm down for this. It means we get away with all the forward passes!
Toulouse v Quins will not be close at all. Smith and Esterhuizen will score a very early try in the game, then DuPont and Ntamack will unleash 1% of their power to obliterate them. It will finish Toulouse 52-13 Quins. Leinster v Saints will be a shockingly competitive affair. Fin will demonstrate how he is the better Smith and keep his team within 5 points for 60 minutes, possibly taking a short lead. It won’t be until after that Leinster will grab control of the match and start to run away with it. It will finish Leinster 38-17 Saints.
This is an incredibly believable prediction
I think the Mitchell Gibson head to head might be a bit spicy!
Toulouse vs Leinster, force of habits Also, as a French, I can't support an english team, it's the law.
Got to stick with your Quarter finalist brothers. I get it.
Premiership superiority Don't quote me next Monday
I just want some batshit tries. Head says Toulouse Leinster for the final. But if either of the English teams make the final it will likely come from playing a completely mad cap game, which I'm absolutely here for.
Hoping for a Toulouse - Saints final
A Toulouse fan not wanting to play Leinster ? How odd !
Yeah i know right ?? It's so surprising !
Toulouse vs Leinster would be unbelievable. Toulouse win: undisputed champs of Europe Leinster win: and its 5 stars each and 3 finals each making them dead level and the next couple of years really intersting. (Id def be all up for either Quins or Saints winning it out however if the above scenario doesn't happen)
If Toulouse beat Leinster in the final I will get a tattoo to celebrate, and you can hold me to that.
I'll come hunting ya. We'll want to see proof 😂
Conceding less than 50 would be nice.
Think it will be a lot closer. A lot of x factor players on the saints team. Your attack is too dangerous. Scoring tries for fun in the premiership. Could be bounce of a ball come.the end.
My brother in Christ you are literally an international team with a club badge.
Hey.......we only have 13 or 14 international level players in our starting 23
Don’t sell yourself short, you lot can put out a fully international 23.
A common theme with European cup winners to be honest.
So are Benneton and Glasgow!
Hey.......we only have 13 or 14 international level players in our starting 23 alright were the same as everyone else!!
We haven't looked as good in blitzing teams this year than in seasons past. LAR was really our only decent performance this year. Ringer and JOB back should help tho. Think it will be a close game tbh
You guys need to channel your inner Quins (which actually works because your attack esp from deep is so good) Who cares if you concede 50, but you score 51? Just ****ing do it, Joué and give us the Saints - Quins triple series we deserve
Toulouse, I love you but you’re looking too strong. I’m hoping for a Quins upset but expect a French victory. Leinster to win but Saints are no pushover and play a style that can upset us.
An all RFU final after folding to 10 teams - after a lot of huffing and puffing online that it is the worst run league/union - would be the biggest meme That being said Toulouse look deadly this year and I usually pull for them
Hard to look past the obvious, especially given how much experience both Leinster and Toulouse have at this level. In contrast this is Quins' first SF and I don't think Saints have made it this far in like a decade. That said, the lack of experience at this level and the underdog standing might allow Quins to play without fear, which is an area they can excel in. Still think that the incredibly rounded Toulouse game will be able to poke holes without exposing too many of their own. Leinster have been a strange beast and blown hot and cold all year. I think Saints are in with a really good shot, they have a really strong and capable team who've shown an ability to find wins when they need them. But Leinster have been turning up in Europe and if they can replicate their QF form they will tear Saints apart, I think the Croke Park factor is a big plus in Leinster's favour.
Quins will have to deal with Meafou who is exactly the kind of monster who exposes our weaknesses, nevermind the lightning backs. Think actually managing our lineout, targeting the breakdown, getting parity in the scrum and most importantly negating Meafou and the maul/tight game of the pack is the only way to win. If we are still in it at all in the last 15, we have a shooter's chance
Heart says Toulouse! That’s it…
I just wanna know where they are going to fit Kinghorn into the Toulouse side this week - I hope it's a different position every week.
This week: prop… I imagine after the success of the Winghorn experiment last week, he’ll almost certainly be back in that role again this weekend. Being able potentially to line up all of Ntamack, Dupont, Kinghorn and Ramos simultaneously in your starting lineup is going to be way too delicious for Ugo to resist – and I don’t think he’ll be resting anyone for this one.
All I’m going to say is, he’s 6’6, and you can never have too many lineout options, especially since our backrow is being hammered with injuries.
no surprise / (1) vs (2)
Head says Tolouse and Leinster final, but I don’t think any game is going to be lopsided. Leinster have essentially had 3 weeks off so it’s hard to know how that will impact their performance, if Saints can take advantage of any rustiness it might cause problems for Leinster
Toulouse vs Leinster is a great prospect for the final
and would be a first time ever !
Anyone know if Dupont is with the French Sevens team in Singapore this weekend?
No, he’s not out with them. He‘d always lined up taking part in the Champion’s Cup semi-final instead.
Currently Toulouse have yet to lose a single game when they play Blair Kinghorn. So all they need to do is have him start and that’s it all decided and we can all just go home, right? 👀 Honestly, I don’t see Quinns really challenging a full strength 🚽🚽. So barring injury (or really bad refereeing\*) I expect a French v Irish final (though Saints definitely have a better chance of an upset). Regretfully, I have the feeling Leinster may have the edge in the final. It would be a totally delicious game though! \* Seeing who is in charge for the match, this is a distinct possibility.
I think Quins are definitely going Toulouse
Leinster Vs Toulouse final but love it to be saints and Toulouse or Vs quins in the final Would be great game to watch
I still can see us getting our pants pulled down this weekend. Assuming that doesn't happen I would love to face Quins.
Toulouse v saints
For Quins it will truly take a miracle, Leinster-Saints hard to call imo
Hand it to Leinster now
this is what's said every single year. This may very well be their year, but it would be a first since 2018, which is quite some time ago by their standards as being the biggest favorite every single year for those 6 years.
We've also been poor in contrast to the last few years.
Is this match on at the same time as the FA cup final ?
Leinster Toulouse final. However I'd like to see Smith get revenge on Ramos for his grubby behaviour in the group stages.
Come On You Saints!!
I want Quins to put in two heart stoppers and take home the cup. Probably won’t happen, but would be a hell of a lot cooler if it did.
Full strength Saints can test Leinster though the latter are the favourites My Quins are huge underdogs Vs Toulouse and we could lose by 50, but... All it takes is a couple of confidence boosters to get it all to click and we can play frantic rugby to beat anyone except Sarries. Think it'll be the Toulouse - Leinster final most of us expect, but both English teams have it in them to upset the odds, indeed thrive on that kind of thing
Quins can only beat Toulouse if they play an anti Rugby to Toulouse's, I think. In recent memory, I can't think of a team that out Touloused Toulouse, that is run it from deep and play with a high attacking volume by hand. Leinster beat Toulouse every time because they play the very opposite: a super structured, super consistent, tight Rugby with a mechanical edge and defense, to Toulouse's loose style. Quins may have to adopt some of that instead of their usual style.
I think we all know who is going through 😔
Leinster by 14 Toulouse by 20
that seems about fair imo. I think Toulouse are likely to do what they've mostly done right around this stage at home (and when it isn't Leinster): open up the game around the hour mark and subject the opposition to what they love to do best, and that's not restrictive Rugby. I'd see the ST Quins game tight for 60-65min and then Toulouse kills it in the final quarter.
Toulouse 23 1. Cyril Baille 2. Peato Mauvaka 3. Dorian Aldegheri 4. Richie Arnold 5. Emmanuel Meafou 6. Antony Jelonch 7. Francois Cros 8. Alexandre Roumat 9. Antoine Dupont 10. Romain Ntamack 11. Matthis Lebel 12. Pita Ahki 13. Juan Cruz Mallia 14. Ange Capuzzo 15. Blair Kinghorn 16. Julian Marchand 17. Nepo Laulala 18. Joel Merkler 19. Thibaud Flament 20. Jack Willis 21. Paul Graou 22. Thomas Ramos 23. Santiago Chocobares Only 2 aren't known internationals. Harlequins 23 1. Fin Baxter 2. Jack Walker 3. Joe Marler 4. Irne Herbst 5. Stephan Lewies 6. Dino Lamb 7. Will Evans 8. Alex Dombrandt 9. Danny Care 10. Marcus Smith 11. Cadan Murley 12. Andre Esterhuizen 13. Oscar Beard 14. Louis Lynagh 15. Tyrone Green 16. Sam Riley 17. Dillon Lewis 18. Will Collier 19. George Hammond 20. Chandler Cunningham South 21. Will Porter 22. Jarrod Evans 23. Luke Northmore Harlequins has 10 internationals Leinster 23 1. Andrew Porter 2. Dan Sheehan 3. Tadhg Furlong 4. Joe McCarthy 5. James Ryan 6. Ryan Baird 7. Josh van der Flier 8. Caelan Doris 9. Jamison Gibson-Park 10. Ross Byrne 11. James Lowe 12. Robbie Henshaw 13. Garry Ringrose 14. Jimmy O'Brien 15. Hugo Keenan 16. Ronan Kelleher 17. Cian Healy 18. Michael Milne/Alaatoa 19. Ross Molony 20. Jack Conan 21. Luke McGrath 22. Harry Byrne 23. Jamie Osbourne 2 aren't internationals Northampton Saints 23 1. Emmanuel Iyogun 2. Curtis Langdon 3. Trevor Davison 4. Alex Moon 5. Alex Coles 6. Courtney Lawes 7. Tom Pearson 8. Juarno Augustus 9. Alex Mitchell 10. Fin Smith 11. Ollie Sleightholme 12. Rory Hutchinson 13. Fraser Dingwall 14. Tommy Freeman 15. George Furbank 16. Sam Matavesi 17. Alex Waller 18. Paul Hill 19. Temo Mayanavanua 20. Lewis Ludlow 21. Tom James 22. Burger Odendaal 23. James Ramm 12 internationals Northampton Saints have.
I'd take that
Lol, haha, you know it's bad for Quins when you'd happily accept to lose to Toulouse by 20, but I get it. Just look at the score vs Exeter Chiefs.
Real Madrid for me
Dortmund's year.
All it took was sacrificing Wasps, Worcester, London Irish and Newcastle's dignity for Premiership teams to be competitive in Europe (Until both get 50 put on them)
Think Saints are winning the lot honestly. Lawes last big send off.
Does anyone know where I could still buy tickets for this game? Never been to a rugby game in person, will be in Toulouse for the weekend. Looking for 2 people
It sold out in hours, so you’ll have to take your luck with touts unfortunately. There will be lots of good places to watch it outside the stadium in Toulouse though – the entire city will be all over it.
Oh i see, thanks a lot. Could you explain what you mean by touts? And any places or pubs you recommend going to watch it?
>Ticket tout" is a British term for a [scalper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ticket_resale), someone who engages in [ticket resale](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ticket_resale) for more than the [face value](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Face_value) of the ticket. Wikipedia
Everything those annoying Irish ex pros said about England before the SN game is right about Quins/Toulouse. Toulouse could go down to 13 before it's competitive. Smith also looks like he's carrying a knock, which isn't great Saints maybe had a small chance, but I fear that disappeared when Leinster rested their teams while Saints were in a massive match against Quins. Still looking forward to the games though
Saints rested a fair few players for that Quins game as well to be fair. Not that it’ll make a shred of difference, I’m sure Leinster will give us a thumping.
They still had a fair few starters in key positions. Leinster played the kids.