Comments on: Best Of The Weekend: ECC Set Alight, But Sombre Event Dims Flame

By: GKDA

GKDA — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 22:55:13 +0000

That was supposed to go in a reply thread, my bad.

By: GKDA

GKDA — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 22:53:54 +0000

I can’t actually see a French team winning it this year, other than maybe Clermont (maybe Racing as I haven’t seen them play). They’re all too big, and slow, and IMO they lack the fitness and creativity to keep up with the better English/Pro 12 teams. And I feel that once a lot of them hit the first major obstacle, they’ll focus on their league instead. Yeah, Connacht have had so many injuries that when O’Hallaran went over his knee my heart was in my mouth. Especially because I’d like to see him start there vs Canada, or at least come on. Ringrose too. And I agree, if I was Zebre and targeting a game, it would be in Italy against Toulouse, and just try to grind them at their own game.

By: Cathal

Cathal — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 22:09:50 +0000

Sadly thats how French rugby has gone, Clermont aside has any French side this weekend played any different? Also Connacht have a horrendous injury list, high teens to 20 players out including there top try scorer from last season. Plus with the way Toulouse play I wouldn’t even be surprised if Zebre give them a game in Parma, yes they where awful against Wasps but they know themselves they won’t be able to live with the way Connacht and Wasps play so they might keep there powder dry for Toulouse. If Toulouse are out come round 6 its very hard to see past Connacht as they will have players back and will be full of confidence.

By: Rich

Rich — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 21:53:11 +0000

I don’t disagree in that case so I’ll go back to being annoyed it wasn’t explained by the pundits. I’m still giving the ref the benefit of the doubt as he used the TMO well generally I thought so must have been happy. The movement / “block” was very obvious, including arms up to make sure it was seen. Feel like we’re missing something…

In any event, impressive stuff from Claremont and disappointing from Exeter. I was hoping for another English win there despite the form book.

By: GKDA

GKDA — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 20:14:55 +0000

What is pleasing for Leinster is that the old man of their 10-12-13 channel is Henshaw, at a geriatric 23. If they can keep that together, that’s a big positive for both them and Ireland.

By: GKDA

GKDA — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 20:10:55 +0000

If I remember correctly it was a defensive lineout just outside their own 22 that they turned over. And watching that game, if I was from out Wesht, I’d be very hopeful of getting something in France. Connacht didn’t play as well as they could, and still had all of the imagination and creativity. Toulouse never even looked like they’d try anything other than run into people, and they just couldn’t keep up with the pace. It seemed like every penalty had at least one of them down, trying to catch their breath.

By: Cathal

Cathal — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 19:01:24 +0000

What makes it even more impressive is it came from a defensive line out five metres (or something like that) out from there own try line.

By: Joe Large

Joe Large — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 16:45:27 +0000

I apologise about my choice of try of the week. That one definitely deserved it!

By: Dazza

Dazza — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 14:43:31 +0000

Totally agree with you on this one. The ball carrier does nothing wrong but his team mate moves alongside him and blocks the Exeter player from making a tackle.

By: Dazza

Dazza — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 14:38:47 +0000

George just seemed to be everywhere. Kruis was equally as impressive as well. Throwing dummies and running through the defence. His pass to Itoje for Wyles’s try was something to behold.

By: Pablito

Pablito — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 14:16:59 +0000

Just watched it again on the highlight link above. If he is behind the ball carrier then it is a matter of centimetres. But to refresh my memory, I looked up the rules and 10.1.c surely applies irrespective of where the ‘obstructing’ player is;

http://laws.worldrugby.org/?law=10&language=EN

” Blocking the tackler. A player must not intentionally move or stand in a position that prevents an opponent from tackling a ball carrier. ”

There is no doubt in my mind that the Exeter player was blocked from making the tackle

By: Rich

Rich — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 13:38:43 +0000

I moaned about the commentators not explaining that as it was a good decision, just not an obvious one. In my opinion, hopefully correctly, the “obstructing” player was behind the ball (just) so can’t cause offside / obstruction. If that’s not the case, then I’m as puzzled as you are…