Comments on: O’Driscoll: Champions Cup could increase friction in Irish game

By: Jeepers

Jeepers — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 12:10:45 +0000

The Irish Provinces generally try and organise a difficult Pro12 game the week before Heineken Cup games – for instance, Munster v Leinster is usually the week before the start of the Heineken Cup and both teams put out their best players for both games.

In the Heineken Cup semi between Toulon v Munster – Toulon had 4 players that started against Perpignam and started against Munster.

Its forgotten as well that quite a few of the Irish provincial teams play international rugby – much more demanding than any Top 14 or Aviva Premiership tie. While Brian O’Driscoll or Paul O’Connell might not have played every Pro12 game, they played about 8-12 international games instead per season.

By: Jacob

Jacob — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 15:46:44 +0000

Agree with you first point, less so on your second.

I think the point being made here is that the IRU have more control over playing time for the top players. For example, whilst it is not ideal, French and English players can play their top stars in a big league match one week, and a big european match the following week. Whereas, the Irish sides will be restricted here. This is kind of the point BOD is making – conflict may arise when this situations happen. The provinces will want to play their top stars two weeks in a row, the IRU probably won’t let that happen.

By: Fearless Fred

Fearless Fred — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 14:48:51 +0000

Couple of points, Jamie:

“Will the dilution from 24 to 20 teams really lead to a better tournament?” I think you mean concentration instead of dilution!

“The new qualification system throws up some interesting questions, then. If it gets to the business end of the season, and a province is facing an away trip to Toulon in the Champions Cup and a battle to qualify for next season’s tournament in the Guinness PRO12, what do they do?”
Exactly. This is what the teams from France and England have had to contend with. It’s time enough indeed that all faced the same parallel domestic and european struggles at the same time.