Pro 14 - General Thread

[Ruckedtobits]

Watched a lot of coverage of the first weekend. Missed any coverage of Connacht v Glasgow but saw something of every other game including full Ulster, Munster, Leinster and Scarlets games.

Our southern arrivals are both undercooked for Pro14 at present. Despite the 35-0 second half, Southern Kings impressed me the more with good ball carriers in their back-row, incisive mid-field runners and really quick back three.

Cheetahs frankly were a disappointment. Their front five flattered to decieve and their mid-field were pretty naive defensively. Again, great pace in their back three but they'll need more to make any impression in either Conference.

Of the regular occupants, Scarlets impressed most after a very error-strewn opening 5 minutes. Kiwi McNicolls started like an explosive NFL wide-receiver and continued as the most dynamic and elusive winger in the competition. Their front five was hard, efficient and mobile, with a middle five of intelligent attacking players who will dominant MOTM awards along the way. Very impressive coaching performance to have them in this state on day 1, after their surprise win last Season.

Ulster, Munster and Leinster all, probably, satisfied their supporters. Munster's rapid accumulation of tries overwhelmed their poor opponents.

Ulster's tit-for-tat start against Cheetahs was worrying. Piteau looked a limited defender whilst mid-field shuffled across eating up space. The back-row, however, were carrying well and looking very significant. Ultimately, Cheetahs porous defence against straight runners was totally inadequate. Ulster's new half-backs eventually began to combine and dominate and may well prove to be the cornerstone of a good season.

Munster's muscular performance gifted tries to almost their entire backline. Conway and Sweetnam in particular were impressive. Too early to be certain but Felix could have a big coaching impact.

As for my team, Leinster were impressive on the scoreboard and individually, but not yet quite convincing as a team. Despite the Penalty try, the maul is not yet effective. The line-out work is heading in the right direction and Fardy and Deegan were both significant in their roles. Defence against oppositon line-outs needs work but we should have the tools. Backrows were all good, but never looked like a unit, compared to Scarlets subsequent display.

Isa looks at home at 12. RO'L tried very hard but was not as effective as a year ago. RK looked so secure in the back but less certain coming forward. Byrne and Larmour offer differing talents and need contrasting involvements to optimise those talents.

Overall, a pleasing result but want to see our acrum, maul and line-out dominate opponents, before satisfaction will descend.

Finally, pleased for JGP, Nick McCarthy, James Ryan and Scott Fardy. Concerned whether Ed Byrne or Barry Daly will make the grade. Delighted to see Nugget Cronin 'explosions' all over the pitch. Early days but the signs augur well.

[wixfjord]

What grade exactly do Ed Byrne and Barry Daly need to make?
Byrne is our 4th choice LH and Daly is about our 7th choice winger.

Both are more than good enough for those roles.
They may be usurped at some stage by better talents, but so far in their career they've shown more than enough to warrant contracts, and have time to improve too.

[blockhead]

A Saffer's view on round 1
http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/PRO14/sa ... 4-20170905

[ronk]

It must be much harder for the SA teams to adapt to our league and style of play. We're used to Sanzar players coming here and have loads of internationals who've played and prepared for years.

Imagine doing the reverse.

[sunshiner1]

by blockhead

A Saffer's view on round 1
http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/PRO14/sa ... 4-20170905

Cheers for that

[blockhead]

WOW! Good on them.

Free tickets for Cheetahs' PRO14 home debut
2017-09-06 09:21
Bloemfontein - The Cheetahs have announced that tickets for their first home game in the PRO14 will be free of charge.

The Cheetahs’ first home game is against Italian side Zebra on Saturday, September 16 (19:30 kick-off).

A press statement released by the union on Tuesday read:

“With the compliments of our remarkable and loyal sponsor, Toyota SA, this will also be our annual Toyota Day and all tickets will be free of charge.

“Apart from the excitement brought by a global competition like the PRO14, Toyota Stadium will have the Toyota Warrior Race team and the likes of Richard Stirton and Arno Jordaan performing as part of the festivities. For the food enthusiasts, come and enjoy Italian and South African and cuisine.

"The Cheetahs invite all their supporters to be part of this campaign by attending the match in Toyota Stadium on Saturday, 16 September 2017.”

While the tickets will be free of charge, the union stressed that fans would still need a physical ticket to gain access to the stadium and that tickets will be limited to 10 per person.

Tickets can be collected from one of the designated collection points:

- Ticket office, Toyota Stadium
- Online at www.fscheetahs.co.za
- Toyota dealerships across the Free State

The Cheetahs started their PRO14 campaign with a 42-19 loss to Irish club Ulster in Belfast last Friday and their next match is against Munster at Thomond Park in Limerick this Saturday (kick-off 18:15 SA time).

[simonokeeffe]

good idea

scoring a million tries in their first home Pro14 game will hopefully get a few rubes hooked (I mean that in a positive way)

Dan Biggar to Saints next season confirmed, 600k a year
Might be silver lining of having to play Davies at 10 all the time will suit their lightweight, I mean talented young backline

[blockhead]

Biggar joining the Northampton Saints next season.

[ronk]

People should really only need one ticket

[ronk]

600k! that's MADigan money

[simonokeeffe]

Saints fans seem to be positively underwhelmed

[domhnallj]

Saints fans seem to be positively underwhelmed

Probably because it will take them ages to cobble that wedge together...

[simonokeeffe]

Saints fans seem to be positively underwhelmed

Probably because it will take them ages to cobble that wedge together...

Ah they have that Picamoles money gathering dust

[dropkick]

Eurosport to show pro14 matches in Europe and Asia.
http://www.pro14rugby.org/2017/09/07/eu ... hB43V0O.99

[TerenureJim]

No one pick up on the Toyota Warrior Race? That's a bit lethal weapon 2 nes't pas?

[blockhead]

Big win for Edinburgh 35-18 agin Dragons. Cockers has them off to a flyer. I was thinking that our conference was a dead cert 1,2,3 for Scarlets, Ulster and ourselves but maybe not. The Scottish derbies should be fun too.

[neill_m]

Big win for Edinburgh 35-18 agin Dragons. Cockers has them off to a flyer. I was thinking that our conference was a dead cert 1,2,3 for Scarlets, Ulster and ourselves but maybe not. The Scottish derbies should be fun too.

Watched a good bit of it. Edinburgh were good in bits, but got the job done. Fruean was v good. I agree they have a shot for the POs if teams slip up. Moving to Myreside is a big help for them.

[simonokeeffe]

Tbf Edinburgh have only played Dragons and Cardiff

[Xanthippe]

Tbf Edinburgh have only played Dragons and Cardiff

[blockhead]

Ulster were 0-21 up before Treviso came back with 2 tries of their own and nearly got a 3rd.