Thursday, October 07, 2010
Heineken Cup 2010/2011 Preview
When it comes to passion and fervent support, the Heineken Cup is unmatched as the atmosphere around Europe creates a wonderful experience for the rugby fan. Unlike its equivalent down south, Super Rugby, the travel factor is one that makes the European competition unique.
The close proximity means that fans simply need to hop on a train and theyre at their destination within a few hours. For most games, the travelling fans are there in force, both at the ground and in the pubs afterwards, making for a great time for all.
All the drama will be covered here on Rugbydump, so if you see anything you think should be featured, please get in touch. Please bear in mind though that full match highlights from every match will not be shown. Classic games and incidents will be whats covered, as its impossible to keep up otherwise.
If anyone is keen on contributing during the tournament video wise, it would be much appreciated and all you need to do is get in touch via the contact page.
Incidentally you can take a look at the new official matchball that will be used in the tournament on the forum. Its called the Adidas Torpedo Respect, and you can read more about it and see it up close here .
The six pools are as follows. Predictions anyone?
POOL 1: Cardiff Blues, Castres, Edinburgh, Northampton Saints
POOL 2: Leinster, Clermont Auvergne, Saracens, Racing Metro
POOL 3: Munster, Ospreys, London Irish, RC Toulon
POOL 4: Biarritz Olympique, Bath, Ulster, Aironi
POOL 5: Leicester Tigers, Llanelli Scarlets, Perpignan, Benetton Treviso
POOL 6: Toulouse, London Wasps, Glasgow Warriors, Newport-Gwent Dragons
This is a pretty cool preview from Sky Sports to get you in the mood for the next few weeks.
Time: 01:03
Posted at 8:45 pm | 39 comments
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Viewing 39 comments
shaz13 October 08, 2010 12:38 am
Getting excited!
I can see Munster topping pool 3, but it will not be easy.
I can see Munster topping pool 3, but it will not be easy.
Ian Humphrey's beard October 08, 2010 2:17 am
Pool 3 is going to be interesting. Munster have been a bit...lacking...in their back line attack - as we saw last week against Leinster. They've beaten the Ospreys already in the ML, but who's to say it'll be that way again? Toulon have been like Munster - only in place of ROG, they've got Wilkinson who's been on fire as of late.
Pool 2 might be even tougher, though, but I'm hoping the London Saffas can pull through though and either top it or come in second.
And an upset from a Scottish or Italian side would be fantastic...
Yeah, I'm excited!
Pool 2 might be even tougher, though, but I'm hoping the London Saffas can pull through though and either top it or come in second.
And an upset from a Scottish or Italian side would be fantastic...
Yeah, I'm excited!
shaz13 October 08, 2010 3:12 am
Yeah, Munster have not been delivering, but in my opinion they always concentrate more on the HC rather than the ML. They can come off the back of a dismal game in the ML and then go off and beat Europe's finest the next match.
Time will tell, Im just excited to see some good rugby lol
Time will tell, Im just excited to see some good rugby lol
Chris October 08, 2010 6:35 am
This fails at being epic. Typic pseudo-professional Sky Sports work.
Can't believe the Heineken cups come back around so fast again. I must be getting old
Can't believe the Heineken cups come back around so fast again. I must be getting old
Anonymous October 08, 2010 6:57 am
Pool 2 is group of death. I fancy Leinster to top it just ahead of Clermont, with Sarries and Racing battling it out for 3rd. I think most teams will take points of each other in that group.
Pool 3 is tough also, I think the Munster era is over, and I think the Toulon era is about to begin.
Pool 3 is tough also, I think the Munster era is over, and I think the Toulon era is about to begin.
Hendrick October 08, 2010 8:21 am
Anybody know were we can catch it in the United States?
Anonymous October 08, 2010 8:40 am
as a Leinster fan I would dearly love an Irish team to have a good run in this, Leinster first and foremost. I will of course be shouting loud and proud for Munster and Ulster aswell.
Flooz October 08, 2010 9:08 am
Groups 2 or 3 are the most solids!
Personnaly, i'm looking forward the return of the wasps, the newbies racing and toulon, and the promesses of good game with bath or ospreys.
But the traditionals favorites are for me: Munster, Toulouse, Leicesterand maybe Leinster
Personnaly, i'm looking forward the return of the wasps, the newbies racing and toulon, and the promesses of good game with bath or ospreys.
But the traditionals favorites are for me: Munster, Toulouse, Leicesterand maybe Leinster
Nathan D. October 08, 2010 10:21 am
Pool 2 will be the most difficult one.
People not following the Top 14 may not realize but Racing has pulled of a very good beginning of championship.
I'm a Clermont fan and I really hope we get through but I am not sure we'll manage.
I'd say The 2 French clubs will be battling for first and second position. Leinster finishing 3rd and the Sarries fourth.
Cardiff or Norhtampton in pool 1.
I'd say Munster will do fine in pool 3 though it is a tough one too.
Biarritz should get through in pool 4.
Leicester in P5 and Toulouse of course in P6
People not following the Top 14 may not realize but Racing has pulled of a very good beginning of championship.
I'm a Clermont fan and I really hope we get through but I am not sure we'll manage.
I'd say The 2 French clubs will be battling for first and second position. Leinster finishing 3rd and the Sarries fourth.
Cardiff or Norhtampton in pool 1.
I'd say Munster will do fine in pool 3 though it is a tough one too.
Biarritz should get through in pool 4.
Leicester in P5 and Toulouse of course in P6
Anonymous October 08, 2010 10:24 am
thought last years promotrailer was way better
ConnachtFan October 08, 2010 10:36 am
Ulster as dark horse, worth a look at 50-1 , they look like they have the right combinations and depth this year, also there pool is ok. I hope an Irish province wins so Connacht get in next year!!
Willy13 October 08, 2010 10:51 am
The importance of this season's European Cup is huge - a great run of performances in the competition in a typical season is a sure fire way of getting a slot in the international set up. The fact that this is a World Cup season magnifies that immensely. That extra player motivation coupled with some epic group stage tussles is going to make for captivating viewing this weekend because nobody wants to lose on matchday 1... Bring it on!
From an Irish point of view, O'Connell-less Munster and (despite victory last weekend) below-par Leinster will be feeling the pressure to live up to their deserved reputations. Ulster are talking the talk and have by far the easiest group of the three Irish provinces so this season's competition is massive if they want to claw back some ground at home and in Europe!
From an Irish point of view, O'Connell-less Munster and (despite victory last weekend) below-par Leinster will be feeling the pressure to live up to their deserved reputations. Ulster are talking the talk and have by far the easiest group of the three Irish provinces so this season's competition is massive if they want to claw back some ground at home and in Europe!
Anonymous October 08, 2010 12:03 pm
it would be savage if Connaught got in next year, be great for Duffy, Carr, Cronin to name but a few
NiWiTa October 08, 2010 12:29 pm
As am England supporter I'd like London Irish to have a good run - I really like their attacking style of play amongst the backs and hope they are rewarded for their adventure. Unfortunately I am not sure they will get out of such a tough group....
I reckon Toulon are probably the favourites....
I reckon Toulon are probably the favourites....
WelshOsprey October 08, 2010 12:38 pm
Ospreys have put out probably our strongest team available. If we cant beat Toulon now we never will.
misterrugby October 08, 2010 12:39 pm
The Pool 2 with Leinster, Racing (T14 leader) Clermont (T14 champion) and the Sarraboks seems... interesting !!!
misterrugby October 08, 2010 12:43 pm
my favourites are Leinster, Munster, french clubs (but I think it will be hard for Castres). May be a first trophee for a welsh club ?
NiWiTa October 08, 2010 1:07 pm
@WelshOsprey - would be really good for the group if you did beat Toulon...might give the other teams more belief in their ability to challenge them!
@Misterrugby is probably right though with irish and french clubs dominating (although I must admit I am not much of an expert on the French league/game).
@Misterrugby is probably right though with irish and french clubs dominating (although I must admit I am not much of an expert on the French league/game).
Anonymous October 08, 2010 1:19 pm
I wouldnt count London Irish out - incredible free flowing rugby game
Anonymous October 08, 2010 2:23 pm
@ WelshOsprey
Do ya sing "Tommy, Tommy Bowe, Tommy, Tommy Bowe" to the tune of Daddy Cool by any chance? You should.
Do ya sing "Tommy, Tommy Bowe, Tommy, Tommy Bowe" to the tune of Daddy Cool by any chance? You should.
NiWiTa October 08, 2010 3:02 pm
PS had a look at the new flashy competition ball to be used (mentioned in the article), looks dead good.
Had to laugh though as there were all this comments underneath about which style (Gilbert, Adidas etc) was better for kicking, passing....at my level of rugby we are just happy to have a ball of the approximately correct shape!
Had to laugh though as there were all this comments underneath about which style (Gilbert, Adidas etc) was better for kicking, passing....at my level of rugby we are just happy to have a ball of the approximately correct shape!
Leeners93 October 08, 2010 6:10 pm
The seedings for this tournament are an absolute joke.just compare biarritz' group with either or munster or leinster's,and you'll see that there's something wrong.sort it out IRB.
Anonymous October 08, 2010 8:17 pm
Je suis devant Castres Northampton l'arbitrage maison commence. Il me tarde dj que le Top 14 reprenne ses droits.
Anonymous October 08, 2010 8:22 pm
Un essai castrais refus sans aucune raison valable ! Une cravate norme de Northampton qu'aucun des 3 arbitres ne voit. Une pnalit contre les Castrais pour une erreur de l'arbitre assistant.
Josh October 08, 2010 10:04 pm
European rugby is so boring! Who on earth cares. I can't even be bothered watching replays, even the replays just display penalty kicks and boring tactics.
Anonymous October 09, 2010 11:50 am
josh son what you doing commenting on this video if the HK is boring? i presume your from the 3rd world? you need a tv to watch this live mate...
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