Heineken Cup ¼ Finals

[An Tarbh]

<div align=\'center\'>

Munster v Northampton Saints

Biarritz v Ospreys

Stade Toulousain v Stade Français Paris

Leinster v Clermont Auvergne</div>

 

[munstermuffin]

Leinster vs Clermont is interesting with the new coach coming from Clermont and both teams like to play.
But will French travel or fold, Although I happy because Clermont have made it clear of their desire to win Heineken Cup from the start.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (An Tarbh @ Jan 24 2010, 04:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div align=\'center\'>

Leinster v Clermont Auvergne

[/b][/quote]
I hope it's played here:

Reduce ticket prices and turn it into a big event. Leinster may lose home advantage but the majority of the squad have played there on quite a few occassions and the benefit outweighs the loss of home advantage in the longer term - if more potential fans can be reached, Leinster will make more money in the long haul.

Munster, Ospreys, Toulouse and Leinster is my prediction.

 

[An Tarbh]

I think the game will only be moved if they don't get a possible home draw for the semi-finals. I'm not being arrogant but if Leinster have the possibility of a home semi-final they're less likely to move the game from the RDS, if they're to be away from home then they might well look to cash in on Croker.

 

[munstermuffin]

Leinster wont make profit as they'd have to pay a €1m rental to GAA before a profit is suggested.
But I just excited as both teams like to play.

 

[An Tarbh]

The ERC as far as I know would pay part of the costs, but even cutting prices compared to a Six Nations match and even if they have to pay the rent, which is €1.5 million as far as I know, if they fill Croker they'll still make a hefty profit.

 

[munstermuffin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (An Tarbh @ Jan 24 2010, 05:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

The ERC as far as I know would pay part of the costs, but even cutting prices compared to a Six Nations match and even if they have to pay the rent, which is €1.5 million as far as I know, if they fill Croker they'll still make a hefty profit.[/b]

But can you honestly see them selling 80,000 tickets like I'd say 40,000-50,000 max

 

[monkeypigeon]

Semi Final:

Tolouse/Stade vs Leinster/Clermont

Biarritz/Ospreys vs Munster/Northampton.

 

[An Tarbh]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Jan 24 2010, 05:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (An Tarbh @ Jan 24 2010, 05:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The ERC as far as I know would pay part of the costs, but even cutting prices compared to a Six Nations match and even if they have to pay the rent, which is €1.5 million as far as I know, if they fill Croker they'll still make a hefty profit.[/b]

But can you honestly see them selling 80,000 tickets like I'd say 40,000-50,000 max
[/b][/quote]

I can easily see them selling out Croker, and making a 7 figure profit in the process, there'll be big interest in the game, it's the first home quarter final since 2005, Leinster crowds have been on the rise over the last number of years. We sold out Lansdowne for any knockout games we had and given how rugby has grown in the province I don't think it's too much of an ask to fill Croker.

 

[Jockstap]

All Ireland final in Paris

 

[elgringoborracho]

I think of all the clubs Clermont is the one that has the best chance to win at Leinster. Would be sweet

 

[dullonien]

Very very happy from an Ospreys perspective. possibly the easier away quarter final imo. Biarritz are a good team, but their not up there with Clermont, Tolouse, Paris, Leinster or Munster. I can see us going out there and getting the win, then it's a home semi (hmm, think I've heard this before!).

Munster should be ok against Northampton, and Tolouse will probably turn over Paris at home.

The toughest one to decide is Leinster v Clermont. Clermont are the best team in Europe imo (have we heard that before too?), and could dominate Leinster up front. Clermont are capable of getting the win, it all depends on how they travel and on their mental toughness.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jockstrap @ Jan 24 2010, 05:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

All Ireland final in Paris[/b]

No, as I think Clermont will beat Leinster, and Munster will go out in the Semi's.

 

[King_D'Arcy]

See you in Paris, Munster!

 

[Jockstap]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (dullonien @ Jan 25 2010, 06:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Very very happy from an Ospreys perspective. possibly the easier away quarter final imo. Biarritz are a good team, but their not up there with Clermont, Tolouse, Paris, Leinster or Munster. I can see us going out there and getting the win, then it's a home semi (hmm, think I've heard this before!).

Munster should be ok against Northampton, and Tolouse will probably turn over Paris at home.

The toughest one to decide is Leinster v Clermont. Clermont are the best team in Europe imo (have we heard that before too?), and could dominate Leinster up front. Clermont are capable of getting the win, it all depends on how they travel and on their mental toughness.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jockstrap @ Jan 24 2010, 05:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

All Ireland final in Paris[/b]

No, as I think Clermont will beat Leinster, and Munster will go out in the Semi's.
[/b][/quote]

Nah I reckon Biarritz or Ospreys shouldn't be a problem.

 

[dullonien]

Fair enough, but Leinster will never make it to the final. Even if they beat Clermont, they then have an away semi to Tolouse or Stade. I wouldn't give any team much chance to get through those two matches.

 

[monkeypigeon]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (dullonien @ Jan 24 2010, 05:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Very very happy from an Ospreys perspective. possibly the easier away quarter final imo. Biarritz are a good team, but their not up there with Clermont, Tolouse, Paris, Leinster or Munster. I can see us going out there and getting the win, then it's a home semi (hmm, think I've heard this before!).

Munster should be ok against Northampton, and Tolouse will probably turn over Paris at home.

The toughest one to decide is Leinster v Clermont. Clermont are the best team in Europe imo (have we heard that before too?), and could dominate Leinster up front. Clermont are capable of getting the win, it all depends on how they travel and on their mental toughness.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jockstrap @ Jan 24 2010, 05:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

All Ireland final in Paris[/b]

No, as I think Clermont will beat Leinster, and Munster will go out in the Semi's.
[/b][/quote]

Ospreys vs Munster Semi-final would be fun.

I don't want an all French final. You need to countries represented or it's boring and I don't fancy Leinster to get through that side of the draw. so hopefully Biarritz won't manage to keep on going with the easy draw in the pools and then matches in France all the way to the final (if they get there).


I think Munster, Ospreys and Northampton all have the beating of Biarritz though.

 

[dullonien]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Monkeypigeon @ Jan 24 2010, 05:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Ospreys vs Munster Semi-final would be fun.[/b]

That would be a good match, especially with 40+ thousand watching in the Millenium Stadium!

 

[welshgazza1992]

It's looking good!!!

Roll on April!!!

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Jan 24 2010, 05:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Leinster wont make profit as they'd have to pay a €1m rental to GAA before a profit is suggested.[/b]

It depends on how you look at it. Leinster could reduce prices, pay the GAA the going rate for Croke Park and come out with roughly the same profit as they would have made by playing in the RDS but the added benefit of letting an extra 60,000 fans through the gate is increased merchandise sales and growing the Leinster brand which leads to more sponsorship.

Roughly speaking, 18500 fans through the gate at the RDS paying 25 quid per ticket on average would bring in E500k or so. 83000 fans at Croke Park paying 18 quid per ticket (and the GAA getting E1m) would bring in the same profit. Market the game properly and there would be no problem selling it out.

 

[SaintsFan Webby]

Glad everyone is writing off Saints already. Just the way we like it. If we play properly this time round then everything is possible come April.

 

[monkeypigeon]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (SaintsFan Webby @ Jan 24 2010, 08:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Glad everyone is writing off Saints already. Just the way we like it. If we play properly this time round then everything is possible come April.[/b]

What're you talking about. You guys are definitely the favourites.

 

[Olyy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (SaintsFan Webby @ Jan 24 2010, 08:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Glad everyone is writing off Saints already.[/b]

I'm not, i reckon they'll win, Not neccesarily the whole thing, but possibly make the finals

 

[durbutter]

They blew they're chance the last day. They had the beating of Munster and failed to deliver when they needed to.

I can't see Munster letting themselves get embarrassed like that again at home. i just can't.

 

[kicklikeaprop]

A repeat of the 2008 final me thinks
the two best teams in the final

I would have backed lenister but they have two serious games that i cant see them winning

 

[King_D'Arcy]

I think Leinster will beat Clermont. They havent travelled well in this competition. I think Toulous will probably be their downfall. Only time will tell

 

[munstermuffin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (snoopy snoopy dog dog @ Jan 24 2010, 07:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Jan 24 2010, 05:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Leinster wont make profit as they'd have to pay a €1m rental to GAA before a profit is suggested.[/b]

It depends on how you look at it. Leinster could reduce prices, pay the GAA the going rate for Croke Park and come out with roughly the same profit as they would have made by playing in the RDS but the added benefit of letting an extra 60,000 fans through the gate is increased merchandise sales and growing the Leinster brand which leads to more sponsorship.

Roughly speaking, 18500 fans through the gate at the RDS paying 25 quid per ticket on average would bring in E500k or so. 83000 fans at Croke Park paying 18 quid per ticket (and the GAA getting E1m) would bring in the same profit. Market the game properly and there would be no problem selling it out.
[/b][/quote]
Well if they do decide that i'll be happy as it will create an extra bit of atmosphere for a game that i think will be the game of the quarters and well it a game where i'll be happy whoever wins as Clermont are a team that didn't prioritise top 14 over Heineken Cup and won a very hard group. And well Leinster are Irish but also playing great stuff and I all for having rugby raise even higher in Ireland and more trophies will do that.

And Dullonien if it Munster v Ospreys in Cardiff wont that be a Munster home draw As that our 2nd home and 40k+ .... I think that a game that may sell out or be close to it

 

[dullonien]

I am be worried that the travelling Musnter fans would almost turn the Millenium into a home ground. Was being conservative with 40,000, but I doubt it would be a 75,000 sell out, but would be awesome if it was.

Anyway, getting ahead of ourselves, as both teams have difficult draws (as the quarters always are). Northampton showed they can beat Munster, even in Thomond, and the Ospreys must go to Biarritz as underdogs.

Whatever happens, I can see a French team winning it this season, especially with the final in France.

 

[MunsterMan]

Northampton did not show they could beat Munster in Thomond.

Northampton will pick Best at 6 and Myler at 10 in April, but Munster will have Leamy at 8 and Flannery at 2, which would mean a much improved lineout and contact area. The odds of the tie getting a 3rd f***ing french referee in a row will hopefully be pretty slim as well.

Basically, it's going to be f***ing epic, but I still don't see Northampton winning.

 

[kicklikeaprop]

what are the chances of this game being on a sunday

 

[MunsterMan]

Hopefully pretty good!