We have got the rub of the green from Nige reffing lots in the past so probably our turn to lose the 50-50's. Contentious calls for me were most of their turnovers were won by the tackler competing for the ball despite not disengaging from initial tackle. Fritz Lee got away with a few of these their turnover king as sky would call him, easy to turnover if your playing a different rule to everyone else. Obviously Nige seemed to spot every single dark art that Leinster did on the day but missed a clear and obvious late tackle/hold back on ISA in the second half that led to their first drop goal as mentioned. Clermont got a penalty for a high tackle by Ruddock on Parra that he acknowledges was due to a dip by Parra fair enough second half Leinster get a penalty for a high tackle on Ringrose which he described as "the same as yours" it looked like a clothesline tackle to me at the time will have to review.
The disallowed try was a killer but it was a penalty. Just like every time they were holding our players around the fringes should have been one. There was an example late in the game where they are holding Dev off the ball and he is absolutely belting and trying to kick away the Clermont player to get on with the game. Maybe he should have been more cynical like Rougerie and flapped his arms in the air looking for the penalty, although Nige says he doesn't like players looking for things. How do you play a ref who lets one side do something and the other not?
Ruddock was brilliant and brilliant in both halfs when we were struggling and on top. Delighted for him we are so lucky to have him. Thought JackMc and Tadhg were very good also. Robbie and Garry were great in the second half When we got a bit of ball. Thought Joey was poor first half but was really big for us after the break. Dev seemed to struggle again is he just knackered fter a long season? The game seemed to pass Ferg by I can only remember him getting turned over and putting in an awful sliced kick in first half. Thought Luke and Johnny played decent super covering try saving tackle by Luke in second half.
I'm devastated but also very positive. We have some serious fire power and despite missing some very big players today we could...should? Have won. We are a brave team in the way we try and play and the more we play like that the better we will get. It is an absolute pleasure watching these guys play.
It wasn't to be today but we went out playing some great rugby, we must be in contention for best non try ever! The atmosphere was electric on tv, fair play to all the Leinster fans who made the trip and added to our cause and best of luck to Clermont in the final it will be some ask for them.
Oh and those bloody illuminous yellow jerseys or "green" as Nigel would say. Three games in France wearing them this season 2 defeats and a dodgy draw. I hope I never see them again
