Leinster v Treviso, Sat 15.00

[simonokeeffe]

I hope to heck we avoid Wasps from tier 2, Montpellier from tier 4 too

Sale and or Scarlets would be lovely, Italian side would be asking for too much

[cormac]

I'm pretty certain the last place in Tier 2 is rotated between the three leagues over three seasons. Pro12 got it in 2015 so can't get it this season meaning Ulster will be in Tier 3 next season.

If true. That means that both Leinster and Connacht are guaranteed top seeds.

In 2014 the two second seeds drawn into Tier 1 were Northampton and Glasgow with Castres placed into Tier 2. Of the three 4th seeds, Racing Metro were placed in Tier 2 with Harlequins and Ulster in Tier 3.

In 2015 the two second seeds drawn into Tier 1 were Clermont and Bath with Glasgow placed into Tier 2. Of the three 4th seeds, Ulster were placed in Tier 2 with Toulouse and Leicester in Tier 4.

It would seem to be the turn of the English 2nd and 4th seeds to be placed in Tier 2 this year.

[The Doc]

Nope. It's drawn each time

[Xanthippe]

I hope to heck we avoid Wasps from tier 2, Montpellier from tier 4 too

Sale and or Scarlets would be lovely, Italian side would be asking for too much

It's highly unlikely to be Montpellier - in fact having looked at the table again that final position will definitely go to the 7th placed team who at the moment would be (Ian Madigan's) Bordeaux!!!!

[simonokeeffe]

I hope to heck we avoid Wasps from tier 2, Montpellier from tier 4 too

Sale and or Scarlets would be lovely, Italian side would be asking for too much

It's highly unlikely to be Montpellier - in fact having looked at the table again that final position will definitely go to the 7th placed team who at the moment would be (Ian Madigan's) Bordeaux!!!!

Bordeaux, the media build up would be unbearable

[curates_egg]

I hope to heck we avoid Wasps from tier 2, Montpellier from tier 4 too

Sale and or Scarlets would be lovely, Italian side would be asking for too much

It's highly unlikely to be Montpellier - in fact having looked at the table again that final position will definitely go to the 7th placed team who at the moment would be (Ian Madigan's) Bordeaux!!!!

Bordeaux gave Montpellier a bit of a scare last weekend in Montpellier. This weekend they play Brive at home in a 7th v 8th match, which they need to be winning. Win that and they nail down 7th.
They play Toulon in their final game, so are unlikely to make the barrage...unless Castres lose their last two games, which is unlikely (Oyonnax away and Stade Francais at home).
Long story longer, Bordeaux looking likely to finish 7th.

I'll be down that way in September, and definitely plan on catching a match. They'll have a stronger squad next year, regardless of Madigan, so should be challenging for the barrage.

[neill_m]

Montpellier in "theory" could be in pot 4 as Top 14 6th - but for that to happen, they would have to come 4th - then both themselves and the 3rd placed side lose at home in the wildcard round of the barrage making them worst placed wildcard loser.

All a bit unlikely - they are currently tied on pts with Toulon - battling for 2nd and avoiding the above mentioned wildcard round. Current standings with 2 rounds to go:

Clermont 83
Toulon 77

Montpellier 77
Racing 92 73
Toulouse 70
Castres 63

Bordeaux 62
Brive 57
La Rochelle 54

[neill_m]

Zebre are a perfect Pot 4 opponent - brilliant away trip and what should be 10 pts from the 2 games. The other possible Pot 4 sides will be a lot tougher, teams will want to avoid Munster, Sale etc.

[simonokeeffe]

Zebre are a perfect Pot 4 opponent - brilliant away trip and what should be 10 pts from the 2 games. The other possible Pot 4 sides will be a lot tougher, teams will want to avoid Munster, Sale etc.

shame we cant get Munster, would sell a few tickets

Brive or La Rochelle would be handy (depending on fixture list) as they wont give a hoot about Europe

[Xanthippe]

Again, I know its the wrong place but as its where we've been talking about it so far - here's the updated seedings for the ERCC draw for next season

[Oldschool]

Again, I know its the wrong place but as its where we've been talking about it so far - here's the updated seedings for the ERCC draw for next season

The way these things work, we're sure to get Bordeaux.

[simonokeeffe]

if they were the only French team we got that would be a good draw

I dare say the other teams will be delighted if they get us or Connacht as top seeds in their groups