Heineken Semi Finals

[tigerburnie]

Good luck to Clertmont and Munster, but I fear neither will win away from home, not sure I could stomach a Sorries v Toulon final as they both seem to represent what is not the best of how the game could be going.

[Logorrhea]

Not sure. If Clermont finish like they did against the Tigers they will lose, but I think that scare may put them in the right frame of mind to do it away to Sarries. They are still a big ass physical team and Sarries have always struggled against those kind of teams.

As for Munster, if anyone could do it it could be Munster, but I don't think they will have enough. Toulon are a damn good team and the fact they are home will probably sway it.

[tigerburnie]

Whilst the semis are not actually at the "home sides ground", Toulon will have most of the crowd behind them I would guess, same for the Sorries(who will probably rent a crowd from somewhere................................)

[simonno6]

anyone know how many munster fans are travelling?

[offshorerules]

I came to a very sad conclusion today. Previously if Leinster weren't playing I would support any other Irish side that was. I don't mean that I would just want them to win I mean I would sometime turn up for the match in person and cheer them on as if they were my side. When I couldn't justify buying a ticket and or travelling I would watch the match and cheer them on, very vocally, wherever I was. This year however, and being a Liverpool fan, I will not watch the Munster match as it clashes with Liverpool v Chelsea. It's not that I particularly want to see the soccer it just that I am apathetic when it comes to Munster. I can't figure out why though. It might be because of the section of their supporters that are so vitriolic in their hatred of anything from Leinster. Or it might be down to them choosing to support Leicester in 2009. But for whatever the reason I just can't be bothered even watching them this weekend. Sad really.

[simonno6]

I came to a very sad conclusion today. Previously if Leinster weren't playing I would support any other Irish side that was. I don't mean that I would just want them to win I mean I would sometime turn up for the match in person and cheer them on as if they were my side. When I couldn't justify buying a ticket and or travelling I would watch the match and cheer them on, very vocally, wherever I was. This year however, and being a Liverpool fan, I will not watch the Munster match as it clashes with Liverpool v Chelsea. It's not that I particularly want to see the soccer it just that I am apathetic when it comes to Munster. I can't figure out why though. It might be because of the section of their supporters that are so vitriolic in their hatred of anything from Leinster. Or it might be down to them choosing to support Leicester in 2009. But for whatever the reason I just can't be bothered even watching them this weekend. Sad really.

They are our biggest rivals after all...

[Vamos los azules]

Whilst the semis are not actually at the "home sides ground", Toulon will have most of the crowd behind them I would guess, same for the Sorries(who will probably rent a crowd from somewhere................................)

They're not allowed to rent a crowd in ERC competitions. Unless they're up to something that isn't obvious from the interactive seat map on Ticketmaster then there aren't going to be many in Twickenham at the weekend.

[fourthirtythree]

Whilst the semis are not actually at the "home sides ground", Toulon will have most of the crowd behind them I would guess, same for the Sorries(who will probably rent a crowd from somewhere................................)

They're not allowed to rent a crowd in ERC competitions. Unless they're up to something that isn't obvious from the interactive seat map on Ticketmaster then there aren't going to be many in Twickenham at the weekend.

Sh!t! Is the tiny Tempah gig cancelled? What about the strictly x factor finalists doing.... whatever it is those people are supposed to do? And the massed voices of the Largest Choir in The World given free tickets and a crappy tshirt to wear singing "stand up for the saffacens"?

Over to the ticket thread with me. Any takers?

[Munsterboy]

I came to a very sad conclusion today. Previously if Leinster weren't playing I would support any other Irish side that was. I don't mean that I would just want them to win I mean I would sometime turn up for the match in person and cheer them on as if they were my side. When I couldn't justify buying a ticket and or travelling I would watch the match and cheer them on, very vocally, wherever I was. This year however, and being a Liverpool fan, I will not watch the Munster match as it clashes with Liverpool v Chelsea. It's not that I particularly want to see the soccer it just that I am apathetic when it comes to Munster. I can't figure out why though. It might be because of the section of their supporters that are so vitriolic in their hatred of anything from Leinster. Or it might be down to them choosing to support Leicester in 2009. But for whatever the reason I just can't be bothered even watching them this weekend. Sad really.

A perceived slight from 5 years ago? A somewhat delayed reaction then...

You sure you're not a bit guilty of vitriolic hatred yourself?

[Fireworks]

Not sure I can really see past a rerun of last years final. This time I think the result might be a little clearer as I think Toulon have improved while Clermont have slipped a bit. All of the above is based on my impression rather than any real evidence.

I would love to see Munster win but my head is telling me they will be lucky to keep it respectable.

[offshorerules]

I came to a very sad conclusion today. Previously if Leinster weren't playing I would support any other Irish side that was. I don't mean that I would just want them to win I mean I would sometime turn up for the match in person and cheer them on as if they were my side. When I couldn't justify buying a ticket and or travelling I would watch the match and cheer them on, very vocally, wherever I was. This year however, and being a Liverpool fan, I will not watch the Munster match as it clashes with Liverpool v Chelsea. It's not that I particularly want to see the soccer it just that I am apathetic when it comes to Munster. I can't figure out why though. It might be because of the section of their supporters that are so vitriolic in their hatred of anything from Leinster. Or it might be down to them choosing to support Leicester in 2009. But for whatever the reason I just can't be bothered even watching them this weekend. Sad really.

A perceived slight from 5 years ago? A somewhat delayed reaction then...

You sure you're not a bit guilty of vitriolic hatred yourself?

I could equally have cited the 2011, 2012 finals and pretty much every match in between and since. And no, I'm sure I'm not, apathy is pretty far away from hatred.

[olaf the fat]

It's all geared up for a shock underdog away win. Toulon may very well think it's time for a nice feel good event before their coronation in Cardiff. Munster do seem to be under the radar. Ala the Croke Park SF, few gave us much of a chance that day.

I don't have a problem supporting Munster (sometimes I do find it difficult, but I try my best), I definitely don't hate them. You have to ignore the loons that support a team by hating the opposition.

[ronk]

Munster can win. They're still a team built on miracle performances and they have the self control to go through 50 phases and bore the opposition into submission if that's what it takes to win. I think Toulon are a little more ripe for being caught off guard than they were against us.

They can still play good rugby.

[Fireworks]

Munster can win. They're still a team built on miracle performances and they have the self control to go through 50 phases and bore the opposition into submission if that's what it takes to win. I think Toulon are a little more ripe for being caught off guard than they were against us.

They can still play good rugby.

All true but on form it is a no contest. However this is rugby and stranger things have happened.

[IanD]

For those thinking Munster have a shot.

Paddy Power has Munster at 3/1 to win and 10/1 for Munster to be behind at half time but then to win.

Just saying is all.

[olaf the fat]

Aye, but a long shot is still a shot.

[suisse]

I came to a very sad conclusion today. Previously if Leinster weren't playing I would support any other Irish side that was. I don't mean that I would just want them to win I mean I would sometime turn up for the match in person and cheer them on as if they were my side. When I couldn't justify buying a ticket and or travelling I would watch the match and cheer them on, very vocally, wherever I was. This year however, and being a Liverpool fan, I will not watch the Munster match as it clashes with Liverpool v Chelsea. It's not that I particularly want to see the soccer it just that I am apathetic when it comes to Munster. I can't figure out why though. It might be because of the section of their supporters that are so vitriolic in their hatred of anything from Leinster. Or it might be down to them choosing to support Leicester in 2009. But for whatever the reason I just can't be bothered even watching them this weekend. Sad really.

With Leinster out, the reality is, for me, it is not going to make the slightest difference to my life whoever wins this tournament. However, I would prefer Clermont of the 4 semi-finalists but if they don't do it, I won't really care. Probably make an exception for Saracens but I don't think they have a chance of winning this tournament anyway.

As for Munster, I don't particularly want to see them win the Cup, but if they beat Toulon, good luck to them. I'd day a lot of their fans would feel the same way about Leinster. I don't really wanna support Toulon either so I'll probably watch the game knwoing any result is far from ideal but whatever. There's a lot of players on that Munster side who you'd be happy to see win another medal (individuals over the team).

Despite that, good luck to them. It'll be tough but I reckon they beat Toulon.

[Morf]

Arise Sir Rob of Penney, the anointed one.

[deco]

Munster supporters are bad winners and bad losers. A rare trait in rugby, but they have it.

[Peg Leg]

Munster supporters are bad winners and bad losers. A rare trait in rugby, but they have it.

None of those up here, no sir!
Although they do have one interesting trait- jersey wearing, consistent jersey wearing. Working in Heuston station for a period of 3 months in 2011, every single day (without fail) someone landed on the platform in a Munster jersey, it was almost as if they were afraid of been mistaken for someone other than a Munster fan.