To be honest, I reckon our biggest bet for being in the HEC next year is a province winning the Amlin, the HCup final might be too tough for all but Ulster this year.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking, Diom, it would be interesting to see how three potential matches would square up against one (a run in the Amlin v a HEC QF). It would be amazing to see Connacht in the HEC quarters, but a run to the final of the Amlin could be fantastic - and a Dublin final too...

Droptheclaw wrote: Gloucester are going good guns in the Premiership here - it would be a cracker of a match if we ended up with them. We owe them for stealing the win at Kingsholm. Their boy Freddie Burns is a cracking player.

What would mean more for us in financial terms - a QF in the HEC, or a run to the semis/final of the Amlin?

I would imagine the TV money from a QF of the HEC would only be matched by the Final (if that) of the Amlin.

ummm, wrote:

Creedence wrote: I love the way qualification for the group stages of the HEC is considered the prize and not being crowned winners of the Amlin!

Financially it probably is, and the sponsors would probably prefer HEC exposure as well.

Not my point at all, though an entirely valid one.

From a player retention point of view, does a shot at silverware in the Amlin or HEC group stages participation work better? We all know the answer to that one.

Creedence wrote: I love the way qualification for the group stages of the HEC is considered the prize and not being crowned winners of the Amlin!

Financially it probably is, and the sponsors would probably prefer HEC exposure as well.

Gloucester are going good guns in the Premiership here - it would be a cracker of a match if we ended up with them. We owe them for stealing the win at Kingsholm. Their boy Freddie Burns is a cracking player.

What would mean more for us in financial terms - a QF in the HEC, or a run to the semis/final of the Amlin?

salmson wrote:

Benji wrote: To get to the quarters of the Heineken would be dreams but I'd be delighted to get into the amlin if it happened.

Would it heretical to suggest that getting through to the Amlin quarters would be a better result, given that winning it is our best (and damn near only) chance of plsying HEC rugby next year?

And while we're at it, maybe that's the real reason Macca signed for Leinster, he knows we'll probably be back in the amlin next season...

:lol: I love the way qualification for the group stages of the HEC is considered the prize and not being crowned winners of the Amlin! Given a choice between the two, I'd take the silverware, thanks very much.

Qualifying for the Amlin will be tricky enough from what I could see looking at the tables. And if we were to get in there there are a lot of decent sides, and the premiership teams seem to be dominating the groups. I'd like another crack at Gloucester though. Probably the biggest disappointment I have regarding last season was not beating them in either game.

Benji wrote: To get to the quarters of the Heineken would be dreams but I'd be delighted to get into the amlin if it happened.

Would it heretical to suggest that getting through to the Amlin quarters would be a better result, given that winning it is our best (and damn near only) chance of plsying HEC rugby next year?

And while we're at it, maybe that's the real reason Macca signed for Leinster, he knows we'll probably be back in the amlin next season...

To get to the quarters of the Heineken would be dreams but I'd be delighted to get into the amlin if it happened.

Time to put all my focus into this game.
A win here, and we should be at least guarenteed an Amlin Cup quarter final place.
The forwards need to show the hunger from last week, and if Parks keeps the backs moving like he did in Galway, we have a chance.

Come on Connacht

It is certainly a move I would consider. The best argument for having George in the second row is to add some heft. Connacht do not lose much with Kearney or Browne in there in his stead. He is much more valuable to the team at the back of the scrum. Of course there are some game situations where I could see putting him in the second row while keeping Browne and McKeon in positions where they appear more comfortable, but in general I like George at No. 8

RogueXV wrote: It would be harsh on any of Loughney, Kearney or McKeon to be dropped to the bench after the shift each put in on Friday, but Biarritz at home will be a different prospect and going by Yachvili's comments they'll be looking to keep the ball tight so it makes sense to have the leadership and experience of both White and George from the get go. I also have the feeling Harinordoquy will start and will be looking to stir things up not unlike he pulled with Marmion when he came on as a replacement. One thing I will say is that George is wasted when used in the second row. I'm glad someone else gets paid to make these decisions.

Should McCarthy or Kearney have to go off, would you prefer to see George at 8, with Browne going in second row and McKeon going to 6?

It would be harsh on any of Loughney, Kearney or McKeon to be dropped to the bench after the shift each put in on Friday, but Biarritz at home will be a different prospect and going by Yachvili's comments they'll be looking to keep the ball tight so it makes sense to have the leadership and experience of both White and George from the get go. I also have the feeling Harinordoquy will start and will be looking to stir things up not unlike he pulled with Marmion when he came on as a replacement. One thing I will say is that George is wasted when used in the second row. I'm glad someone else gets paid to make these decisions.

Porterbelly wrote: George and White to the bench. White for JP Cooney, Georgie for Faloon, JOC to start

I agree with this. I think a straight swap between Faloon and JOC. George to be included on the bench as backrow second row cover (he is only just back from injury and all). Possibility of Grace on the bench? McKeon is not a 7, and with Faloon out, JOC is going to need cover. With Browne and George in the wings should any second row or number 8 replacements be required.

If we are in contention with 30 mins to go, White, Buckley and George to come off the bench would be great.

If its not broke don't fix it, JOC for Willie, White for JP and George coming in for JOC on the bench.
That would be my thinking.

JOC was shagged 15 minutes into the second half against Edinburgh, so surely it'd be better starting on the bench? Though obviously the same could apply to George just back from injury.

Doubt Kearney will be dropped to the bench after his performance. Whatever way the selections go we should have a full set of dogs on the bench.