It was only a couple of weeks ago since Saracens triumphed in Newcastle to lift the Heineken Champions Cup but the Heineken Champions Cup tournament organizers are keen to start discussions about the new season in earnest with the completion of the European Cup draws this afternoon. Hawkeye Sidekick reflects on the pool match ups.

Pool 1: Leinster Rugby can have little complaints

A satisfactory draw for Leinster Rugby on reflection. The pool opposition comes in the form of Lyon who showed little regard or attention span for this tournament last season. It remains highly unlikely that the French side track record in this competition will change next season. A talented squad but the priority is elsewhere: domestic success is paramount.

Northampton Saints will look to profit from Lyon’s lack of interest in this pool. The Franklin Gardens’ outfit have marquee players in the pack with Hartley and Lawes in the ranks. The emergence of Mallinder to orchestrate the back line evolved as last season progressed and should continue for upcoming season.

Benetton Rugby were the revelation of the Guinness Pro14 last season and should have taken the scalp of Munster Rugby in the playoffs only for lack of experience to close out the contest. Astute signings like Ian Keatley will boost the squad depth chart and expect the Italians to be uncompromising opposition for all their pool opponents this term.

Verdict:

Leinster Rugby should be looking to run away with this pool. The long term goal is to secure a top two seed for the quarter finals. Given the opposition, they should achieve this aim with ease. Northampton Saints potentially may sneak the runner up spot here despite good cameos from Benetton Rugby.

Pool 2: Evenly poised pool

On paper, a pool which looks quite close to call. The main talking point being the return of Stuart Hogg back to Scotstoun with his new club Exeter Chiefs. It was bound to happen that Glasgow Warriors and Exeter Chiefs would lock horns and so it has proved given this backdrop.

What to expect from this pool? I am rather interested in how La Rochelle evolve this season with Ronan O’Gara now the head coach. The French side’s expansive, attacking approach was so easy on the eye but it also resulted in the side conceding too many points to opponents. Can O’Gara address the concerns on the defensive side of the ball while not tampering with the fabric and attacking ethos of the club? The results could be a mixed bag initially.

Glasgow Warriors come into the new season with renewed determination to right the wrongs of last season. This pool does not have Saracens so the Scottish side can to be looking at top spot here but there have been key personnel losses and whether the new recruits can bring the same quality is too early to judge early doors. The jury is out on the Warriors for the new season.

Exeter Chiefs have bolstered their squad with the acquistion of Stuart Hogg, a full back with devastating attacking line ability and a big boot to execute the kicking game. The side continue to evolve but their pack is the cornerstone and it will continue to be in their set piece and attacking maul. Glasgow Warriors have been warned! Devoto, Slade and Nowell are quality back line options.

Sale Sharks are the mysterious side of this pool. They have potent attacking options. Strauss, De Klerk, McGinty and Ashton can provide key cameo moments and then you add the versatility of Beaumont in the back row at the breakdown and this is a side to be fully respected. AJ Bell Stadium is a tough place to go and get a result; expect a couple of teams to get turned over by Sale Sharks.

Verdict:

Great opportunity for Exeter Chiefs to stamp their authority early on this pool given the personnel and coaching changes in Glasgow and La Rochelle. Sale Sharks have the potential to turn over any one of these sides at home. Exeter Chiefs impressed me massively last season, they are primed for a good run in this competition this year and suspect that they will target this competition given this pool. Exeter Chiefs and potentially La Rochelle to advance.

Pool 3: Can ASM Clermont Auvergne deliver on the road?

This pool is intriguing for a number of reasons. ASM Clermont Auvergne make a welcome return to this competition; their squad is stacked with talent and quality. Their home form imperious but there are question marks on their form on the road still, something that the other pool opponents will look to exploit.

Ulster Rugby come into this season with renewed heart, a complete transformation from twelve months prior where there was doom and gloom. Dan McFarland, coaching staff and playing staff should be commended for last season; competitiveness restored and on another day could have taken the scalp of Leinster Rugby in the quarter final of this competition.

Ulster Rugby will be only too aware that they will need the likes of Rob Herring to step up big this season given the imminent retirement of Rory Best. The pack platform with Coetzee and the continued improvement of O’Sullivan and Moore in the pack is required for Ulster Rugby to unleash their exciting back line.

Bath Rugby and Harlequins will be eyeing up this pool with interest too. The West Country side showed good cameos in the competition last season but there were too many lapses, none more so than Freddie Burns try cock up against Toulouse at home. A managerial change in direction should provide renewed focus to a squad who have the talent but whether they have the consistency to deliver for an entire pool campaign remains unanswered.

Harlequins. A strong second half to the Gallagher Premiership season, a club with tradition and noted for their cohesive attacking play. A youthful side with the likes of Marchant and Smith looks potentially mouth watering and expect plenty of quality attacking cameos from the London side.

Verdict:

ASM Clermont Auvergne with their home form look odds on to qualify but there is hope for the other three in the pool. Ulster Rugby may profit from the two English sides cancelling each other. Home form and loser road trip points will be huge. 50/50 whether a second team comes out of this pool.

Pool 4: Pool of Death

No other words for it. Munster Rugby fans were forewarned after the seeding draw this week but the pool was not kind. Saracens, Racing 92 and Ospreys means six titanic pool games in store.

A pool like this has to be embraced by all sides. The pool fixtures will be immense and the players and coaching staff teams will relish pitting their wits against each other.

Saracens will obviously enter the pool as favorites. They are the reigning champions. They are the side to be knocked off their perch. Quality squad depth and numerous match winners in the pack and back line. Owen Farrell leadership at half back continues to impress.

Racing 92. A team who left plenty of regret this past season. Undoubted talent and scoring prowess but were opened up far too easily at times. A return for Simon Zebo back to Thomond Park, bound to be an emotional return as well for Donnacha Ryan as well.

Ospreys. The sole Welsh side in the competition will look to impress early. Jones’ leadership along with Tipuric in the pack will need to set the tone for a side who have had a number of notable player departures. Interesting to see how Allen Clarke gels the side; early Guinness Pro14 momentum required.

What of Munster Rugby? Coaching personnel appointments in recent weeks; excitement from the supporters on what Rowntree and Larkham will bring to the table. The pressure is now on the playing squad, the skill set has to evolve and improve. The acid test will be answered sooner than in previous campaigns.

Verdict:

Tough pool. Tough fixtures. Home form is paramount and also the objective of not given pool opposition any points from these fixtures could separate the victors from the vanquished. Early fixture results will be crucial, cannot be behind the eight ball early in this pool. Saracens with their squad have to be favored to progress, prospect of another side coming from this pool looks remote. Bonus point try wins look problematic.

Pool 5: French teams hold the key

Toulouse and Montpellier are paired in this final pool. Toulouse’s recent domestic league success will only bring on the likes of Dupont and Ntamack. A side who impressed with their attacking play last season. Huget and Medard will look to stamp their authority on proceedings early.

Montpellier. A true enigma. The squad depth is incredible. The coaching ticket world class but they have not been able to deliver in this competition. Ruan Pienaar’s departure looks a massive void. The domestic focus becomes a factor here and Montpellier will look to rotate their squad on the road trips which provides hope for the other non-French sides in the pool.

Step forward Gloucester Rugby and Connacht Rugby, two sides who have the attacking capability and home confines to make their French juggernaut opponents feel very uncomfortable. The fixture between these two sides will be key to seeing if either one of them are involved in the shakeup. Danny Ciprani holds the keys of the Kingsholm side. If he fires, the side are on it.

Connacht Rugby for me need to embrace this pool, play without fear and look to execute their uptempo attacking game plan in these fixtures. The pack platform may be problematic to establish but excited to see how Andy Friend’s side fare; expecting a couple of marquee results here.

Verdict:

Toulouse have unfinished business with this competition after this past season. Their pack and attacking play should see them advance as pool winners and potentially a top two seed. Montpellier are a side whose interest could wane quickly. Gloucester Rugby and Connacht Rugby potentially could be the shakeup for the final best runner up spot, too hard to call.

Early Predictions:

Pool Winners: Leinster Rugby, Exeter Chiefs, ASM Clermont Auvergne, Saracens and Toulouse

Best Runners Up: Northampton Saints, Ulster Rugby and La Rochelle

After the many months of fierce competitive action, the two playoff semi-finals last weekend confirmed that the two Conference teams in the regular season are head and shoulders above the opposition in the league.

Glasgow Warriors and Leinster Rugby lock horns in a final at the majestic Parkhead where attacking rugby should be in plentiful supply on Saturday evening.

Will it be a final game to savior for Stuart Hogg before departing Glasgow Warriors for Exeter Chiefs or will Leinster Rugby’s experience and overall quality prevail? Hawkeye Sidekick previews the final action.

Regular Season Run In:

Both sides had different regular season run ins. Leinster Rugby were the form side of Conference B and they clinched their top spot with the minimum of fuss and the last four regular league fixtures saw Leo Cullen rotate his squad.

Glasgow Warriors on the other hand had to go down to the final game of the regular season. After a wobble at the start of the calendar year, they recovered superbly under Dave Rennie to secure numerous bonus point wins.

Once Munster Rugby lost on the road to the Scarlets back in March, Glasgow Warriors strode to the top of Conference A and never looked like relinquishing the place. Worthy top seeds.

Playoff Push:

Leinster Rugby had a potentially difficult banana skin fixture against local rivals Munster Rugby last weekend. After such a tough European Cup loss to Saracens the week before, it was seen as an opportunity for Munster Rugby to upset the side.

However, Leinster Rugby showed their class defensively and with ball in hand to take this fixture away from Munster Rugby in the second half. They were defensively superb; only one line break for Munster Rugby all game and then they broke out to score two superb tries, the first of those which involved the whole front row unit. Cronin crashed over but the setup work from Conan, Healy and Furlong was world class.

Glasgow Warriors had a couple of weeks to prepare for their home semi-final fixture against Ulster Rugby. The performance was outstanding, they exposed Ulster’s sluggish line speed and tentative start to take this game early. Hastings in particular shone in open play and his distribution and timing of the pass allowed his ball carriers to create line break after line break.

It was a performance which showed Glasgow Warriors potent attacking sense. Their clear out work at ruck time was immense, early ball for the half backs to impress. Ulster Rugby never had a prayer. Fifty points scored evidence of their clinical display.

Key Battles:

The post-game comments from Leinster Rugby head coach Leo Cullen have irked Glasgow Warriors supporters and the club given the twits in the hours afterwards from those comments. It has galvanized the Glasgow Warriors and the city of Glasgow and West Scotland for this; everyone is united and determined to win the Guinness Pro14. Not the most opportune comment from Leo Cullen ahead of the final!

The pack battle is going to be interesting to observe. Glasgow Warriors weapons in attack are extensive but as shown by Saracens, a well drilled pack unit can massively expose Glasgow Warriors in the set piece. The maul from Saracens in their European Cup quarter final saw Glasgow Warriors’ hopes evaporated pretty quickly. Can Leinster Rugby front five in particular provide that platform? If they do, then Leinster Rugby have one hand on the trophy.

The half back battle will be a keynote area. Luke McGrath’s performance in particular will be under the microscope after the disappointment of the Heineken Champions Cup final where his contribution at the end of the half saw Saracens create a try scoring opportunity to level the final and provide massive momentum for Saracens who never looked back. Can McGrath provide more assured game management at critical junctures? Sexton and McGrath will look to create in open play but they must pick their moments against this potent Warriors back three.

The Glasgow Warriors back row unit and their ability to turnover and create quick ruck ball could be potentially the story of this final. They have destroyed the Irish provinces this season at home in this facet of play and Leinster Rugby will be fully aware of the dangers if they provide Glasgow Warriors quick ball for the likes of Hogg and Seymour to impress.

Verdict:

I should be going for Leinster Rugby here. Their experience on these final occasions has been on point but there is something about the buildup to this contest which is pointing to a Glasgow Warriors win.

The galvanizing effect that the final has had on Glasgow and Scotland in general is something that cannot be ignored. The Glasgow Warriors have the attacking threat to win this and coupled with an unrepentant work rate to win this home final, they get the nod from me.

I am worried for Leinster Rugby and the wear / tear of the season has had on their marquee players; if they need to come from behind, can the side deliver at the death?

The players and talent in the side are present but the energy levels are questionable given their recent European Cup involvement. Glasgow Warriors are the fresher side here. It should be fireworks central! Let us hope that the final delivers!

Two home games for Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby this weekend as Zebre Rugby and Toyota Cheetahs respectively visit Scotland. Hawkeye Sidekick previews this action. 

Can Edinburgh Rugby put Cheetahs to the sword?

It has being an interesting couple of weeks for Edinburgh Rugby. The home form has continued to hold up as the side have struggled on the road. Last weekend was a major scare to the home record as Benetton Rugby provided more evidence (if required) of their progressive improvement with a thundering display which had Richard Cockerill’s side defending for their lives in the last quarter. 

Toyota Cheetahs will take some comfort in the manner in which Benetton Rugby were able to create gain line breaks and get back into the contest. Edinburgh have being unable to put teams fully away in the second half and this continued last weekend. They need to be more clinical in the opponent twenty-two when chances are presented this week as European Cup action could be a massive reality check. 

Edinburgh team news sees several player rotated into the side. The back line sees Johnstone, Pablo Socino named in midfield while Darcy Graham gets valuable game time on the wing. Rory Sutherland gets his debut nod at prop. 

Toyota Cheetahs have seen encouraging signs in the last two league games. The 39-39 draw against Ulster Rugby was then followed up by a solid road trip performance against Cardiff Blues despite heading in a loss.

Team news sees Du Toit slots into the hooker position while Basson comes into the second row. Jordaan switches to flanker as Stephen Malan is selected at eight.

Verdict: Edinburgh Rugby

This is a pivotal fixture for Edinburgh Rugby. Toyota Cheetahs will test Edinburgh Rugby defensively with their free flowing offloading style but the hosts pack looks strong and would expect to score a couple of tries from the set piece. An entertaining game beckons but Edinburgh Rugby should secure the win (whether the full performance is seen is another story) in a four point win. No bonus point try win. 

Glasgow Warriors aiming for bonus point win

Glasgow Warriors come into this contest on the back of a 29-13 win over Dragons, a good performance after a shock road trip loss to Isuzu Southern Kings in round four.

The team news looks strong; continuity and aiming to build momentum ahead of European action where Glasgow Warriors need to stand up and deliver. The Guinness Pro 14 promise descended into disappointment last season so points to prove in this competition. 

Zebre Rugby enter Scotstoun with a daunting task ahead of them. They need to pick their game plan and their pack needs to secure a platform early.

Eight changes for this fixture with Balekana making his debut. Ah-Nau and Bello also make their debut in the prop positions. Violi and Brummer at the half-backs with Bisegni coming into the three quarters.

Verdict: Glasgow Warriors (BP Win)

A run of two consecutive losses and with this team selection and the growing injury crisis, hopes are low for the Italians to seriously upset Glasgow Warriors who will look to secure an early bonus point try win and clear the bench to give the squad useful game minutes. A cohesive expansive performance is expected from Dave Rennie’s charges. 

A weekend where the South African Guinness Pro 14 sides enjoyed quite contrasting victories. The Southern Kings securing their first league win of the campaign with a powerful, dominant second half over a haplessly limited Dragons outfit. The Toyota Cheetahs snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a last gasp penalty to beat a gallant Connacht side. Hawkeye Sidekick reflects on the action.

The review must start off with sending on huge congratulations to the Southern Kings. This blog has not being shy to critique the side’s misfortunes this season but it is good this week to focus on the positives. The side answered several key questions during this contest.

The first question was their resiliency after their trouncing to Leinster Rugby in round sixteen. Dragons started the contest on the front foot and were ten points up after twenty-six minutes. 0-10. It backed the Southern Kings into a corner. Would they fight or surrender meekly? The answer was emphatically fightback and the performance thereafter was excellent.

Southern Kings needed leaders to set the example, the man who stepped up was Luzuko Vulindlu whose two tries either side of half time set the foundation for victory. Credit also goes to the Southern Kings pack who decided to take the game by the scruff of the neck and started to dominate the close exchanges.

The opening Luzuko Vulindlu try inspired the side and the second half was emphatic. Vulindlu’s second try was the decisive score. It rocked Dragons back on their heels and the Southern Kings players on duty sensed that the elusive opening league win was within their grasp.

The team produced some excellent passages of play in the second half. The cohesion between pack and back line on point, creating line breaks against an over worked and now visibly tiring Dragons outfit. Banda was a constant menace with ball in hand from full back. Kurt Coleman was managing the game with confidence from ten. His contribution for Vulindlu’s second try cannot be understated; superb work.

A six try haul, five in the second half. This is a result well overdue and hopefully provides confidence and momentum for the franchise. It is imperative that the Southern Kings win a couple of more games before season’s end to attract additional talent in the off-season. Well done to management who stuck with pretty much the same squad who were demolished by Leinster Rugby last week. An excellent turnaround in fortunes!

As the Van Morrison song goes ‘there will be days like this’. Bernard Jackman was at pains to emphasize to the Welsh rugby public last summer that this season was a season of transition for the Dragons, evaluating the current squad and look to build for subsequent seasons. After this 45-13 trouncing on the road,, those words are ringing out loud and clear.

This has to be considered the low point for the Dragons season. A contest which had started so well for the Welsh region. Apart from the opening half performance of Dorian Jones who scored all the Dragons points, there is precious little positives for Bernard Jackman and the coaching staff to focus on in video analysis of this contest this week.

The opening period defensive structure was on point for the first thirty minutes of this contest but it all collapsed like a deck of cards as soon as the Southern Kings scored their opening try. Doubts started to creep through the players, first time tackles were being missed, players visibly looking forlorn and tired not able to assist their colleague in defensive duties.

The second half was a horror show. The first minute of the second half set the tone for the rest of the half. Kurt Coleman evaded several Dragons tackles deep in his own half. His line break setup Vulindlu to crash over. From being deep in Southern Kings territory, the ease at which the hosts created massive line breaks was apparent with each passing minute.

The Dragons squad is predominantly young and inexperienced at this level of competition. The work rate and effort cannot be faulted but for some, this game should spell the end of their Dragons careers. For far too long, individual defensive lapses have being punished. The lack of conditioning in a couple of Dragons forwards in the second half was a serious concern.

Bernard Jackman and management have identified recruits for next season. Moriarty and Hibbert are quality signings, provide experience and much needed leadership to the ranks but more recruits are required to increase quality. The back line division have massive potential but again are being let down by sloppy game management.

Jackman may not be under severe pressure now but given the recruitment so far for next season, you can envisage another problematic season next year for the Dragons. The pressure will then surely come on even though the franchise needs a couple more years to bed in, develop the youth in the squad who have shown promised.

The coming weeks are critical for Dragons long term future. The management need to review and cull players who are not hitting the mark. Opportunities have being provided this season for the current squad to impress given the big injury list, some have taken their chance, others have taken stage fright.

Never say die attitude was in full abundance from the Toyota Cheetahs in this round. Connacht Rugby never died and played for the full eighty minutes. Toyota Cheetahs were made to work hard for this victory. An one point victory at home compared to a one point reversal in round sixteen. It shows the fine margins in this league at times.

What worked? Dynamic offloading was seen to good effect at various parts of this contest. Francois Venter again to the fore. His eighty-five meters coming from incisive line breaks, excellent speed and game management. Venter surely must be in Rassie Erasmus’ plans for the national side this year. Venter was ably assisted by the ever dangerous full back Clayton Blommetjies who was constantly probing for line breaks.

Niel Marais was on point with his kicking off the tee and was constantly probing on the gain line looking to launch Venter. His penalty at the death showed massive composure to win this contest. A key win for the Toyota Cheetahs in their pursuit of playoff rugby.

What did not work? Defensive issues were exposed by Connacht Rugby who provided their own expansive style to this contest which was most enjoyable. Nineteen missed tackles testament to this fact. The Irish provinces ability to create and bring recalled Tiernan O’Halloran into the line was key. Matt Healy consistently posing issues for the hosts defensively with ball in hand.

The penalty count for the Toyota Cheetahs was only seven but I have mixed feelings on the officiating on duty. A crucial win which sets up the South African franchise for the rest of the season. The Toyota Cheetahs are a seriously formidable outfit in Bloemfontein and their battle with Munster Rugby for the second place in the conference will be intriguing in the weeks to come.

27-26 loss, utter devastation as Niel Marais’ penalty with the last play of the game secured the victory for the hosts. In this day and age, when you see a penalty count of 7-13 in favor of the hosts; you look to see whether the official crew looked to sanction with yellow cards. No yellow cards in this contest.

A couple of penalty calls at the end on another day looked harsh. The penalty to win the contest, not releasing on the floor was incredibly harsh. The penalty at scrum time. The penalty count in the final quarter was a decisive factor in who won this contest. It would be interesting to see how a NH officiating crew would have interpreted those scenarios.

What worked? Three tries scored, all tries created with incisive passing and movement. Matt Healy had a superb outing, his two tries were well taken but his overall work rate and ball carries caused the Toyota Cheetahs endless issues. Eoin Griffin as well had an excellent outing, a superb try scored after the break which looked to have edged Connacht into a decisive match advantage.

Many teams who have come to Bloemfontein have struggled with their performance in the final quarter of games. Connacht’s work rate was still on point until the last minute. Some will argue that the culminating penalty count was an indicator of Connacht Rugby fatigue and lapses in decision making but I disagree.

The loss is disappointing but the performance was very good. They were a couple of defensive line break lapses but Toyota Cheetahs with their offloading game will never be quiet for long periods. Their tries were well worked but did expose mismatches in the Connacht Rugby defensive line.

The set piece at times was a little inconsistent. The line out had a number of malfunctions. The restarts again were a source of concern. Venter was unlucky to knock on when Dillane and lifters misjudged horribly a restart late in the opening period. The altitude a potential factor but it has being a facet of play under the microscope this season. Video analysis required to address these issues ahead of their crunch Gloucester Rugby clash.

An open training session for Ireland Rugby at the Aviva Stadium, a chance for the supporters and players to meet and greet. A training session which should not have had any consequence saw a massive injury blow as Ireland’s man of the match against Wales Chris Farrell twisted his knee. Pending a scan, it looks like the Munster center’s Natwest 6 Nations tournament is over. Hawkeye Sidekick looks at the options available for Joe Schmidt to fill the much coveted thirteen jersey.

Jinxed position?

With injuries to Robbie Henshaw and now the unfortunate training incident with Chris Farrell, some people would think that the thirteen jersey is jinxed. Joe Schmidt has emphasized squad depth and this tournament will certainly reveal the strength in depth in the pivotal back line position. Several candidates have stayed patient in recent weeks and now the injury news today will be vying for a role in the Ireland squad in the last two rounds of the competition.

Ringrose Factor

Gary Ringrose would look to be in pole position to resume in the three quarters. Ringrose has endured a frustrating season; several niggling injuries have prevented the player from getting valuable game minutes. His talent and skill set are undoubted; his cameo against the Southern Kings last week was a timely reminder of what he brings to the table. His ability to create line breaks, his ball carrying ability to create for others also to the fore.

His defensive side has evolved and improved since his debut with Ireland last season. Joe Schmidt will be confident that the player will produce for Ireland against Scotland despite the lack of game minutes in recent months. A player who will provide fresh energy in midfield and I am personally excited to see how Ringrose gels with Aki in the three quarters in March.

Rory Scannell

Scannell is a twelve and if there were unexpected issues with Gary Ringrose not to start against Scotland, Ireland management could decide to move Aki to thirteen and recruit the Munster player at twelve. The player’s versatility is his key asset; his ability to link play and keep opposition off balance are his strengths.

The Cork native processes an excellent kicking game which has helped Ian Keatley enormously this season. Scannell has being part of the national team training squad this season. He knows the system well. Schmidt knows the player and this is another option for Ireland management.

No mention of Keith Earls here as I think Ireland management will keep the Munster player out on the wing where he has impressed this season.

Luke Marshall

The forgotten man of the Ireland setup. Luke Marshall a couple of seasons ago look destined for a lengthy international stay but a series of concussions and injury issues have resulted in the player falling down the pecking order.

What does Luke Marshall bring to the table? Excellent attacking game, good defender and ability to create for others with slick passing. The history of concussions appears to behind the player and I would be very surprised if Luke Marshall does not get the call to join the squad in Carton House this week.

Sam Arnold

Chris Farrell has had an impressive season with Munster Rugby but his season has also seen a couple of injury niggles which provided Sam Arnold an opportunity to stake a claim for the province. The former Ulster Rugby recruit has taken his chance superbly with some eye catching performances.

His line break ability has being excellent, his defensive work and tackling has being on point. Yes, there was that red card against his former employers at the start of the year but this was one negative in a series of promising performances for Munster.

Sam Arnold may not feature in this tournament but I would expect the player to feature in the Australian tour this summer. Arnold looks destined to play a key role for Munster Rugby given this latest injury blow for Chris Farrell. An assignment to negate and dominate Bastareaud in a ERC quarter final will be the task assigned for Arnold.

Connacht Angle

This would be a left field move from Joe Schmidt but two other players who are on the outer fringes of the national squad would be Eoin Griffin and Tom Farrell. Griffin has produced a couple of standout moments in Europe this season and his performance against Benetton Rugby last weekend was on point. Well experienced, Griffin’s ability to learn the Schmidt system would be an intriguing side note.

Tom Farrell has being the standout back line player for Connacht this season. The number twelve can play the thirteen position as well. A player whose ability to find gain line meters has being to the fore this season. Furthermore, his leadership qualities in several provincial and European games means that the player surely is in the thoughts of Ireland management long term (dare I say 2019 RWC!).