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#Post#: 62174--------------------------------------------------
Champions Cup Round of 16
By: RCG Date: April 2, 2023, 12:53 pm
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Enthralling, compelling and in places both breath taking and
heart stopping the Champions Cup reached its KO stages. In the
end no great shocks with all 8 home teams progressing but there
was plenty of good rugby, lots of jeopardy and a few decent
refereeing performances.
Mathieu Raynal performed really well at Leicester v Edinburgh,
controlling a compelling game well, rarely making a mistake and
only involving himself where necessary - back to his best? I
expect to see him @ Exeter in the QFs
Wayne Barnes, likewise appeared very relaxed in S Africa, well
respected and on top of his game - with only 1 QF not involving
an English team I think WB will be in Challenge Cup action next
week.
Pierre Brousset flatters to deceive, in the main he gets most
decisions right but I felt he had no handle on the break down,
which resulted in a bit of chaos - I suggest a trip as AR to
Raynal
Mike Adamson made some very good decisions and then baffled most
the very next play. This lack of consistency is holding him
back. His management is good but he has to work hard to keep the
players with him.
I have yet to finish watching Leinster v Ulster but from what I
have seen Luke Pearce set his stall out early, particularly
penalising Leinster for break down offences and was being very
consistent. I expect him to be in Toulouse next weekend.
Andrew Brace unfortunately had a mare. Badly assisted by TMO
Neville I think they got 2 or 3 big decisions wrong. The RC for
me was never a dominant tackle, contact was minimal and a YC
would suffice. To disallow a try for knock on when the Exeter
player handled in the ruck, pulling the ball onto his opponents
hand was iffy at best. In other areas he was very inconsistent
and I just felt was a second or two off the pace. Depending on
how the Challenge Cup refs have performed AB may have a rest
week, Chal Cup QF at most
Nika Amashukelli was very good at Saracens, initially thought he
was over penalising Ospreys but watching it back saw he was spot
on. He has a real presence and his decision making is good.
Growing in confidence, handled an emotional, competitive game
well. I would give him Leinster v Leicester on Friday
Matt Carley had a relative stroll in the park, managed the game
well, communicated his decisions and appeared well respected.
Chal Cup QF or wing man to Luke Pearce
Predictions:
Leinster v Leicester
N Amashukelli with Welsh or French ARs/TMO
Toulouse v Cell C Sharks
Luke Pearce
Exeter v DHL Stormers
Mathieu Raynal
La Rochelle v Saracens
Jaco Peyper
#Post#: 62203--------------------------------------------------
Re: Champions Cup Round of 16
By: RCG Date: April 3, 2023, 9:24 am
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2 out of 4, not bad
Also got WB in Chal Cup correct
#Post#: 62571--------------------------------------------------
Re: Champions Cup Round of 16
By: Alfie75 Date: April 10, 2023, 7:49 am
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Thanks RCG, I's agree with those summaries and thought Brace was
poor, Mike Adamson was his usual self as inconsistent as ever
and thought Raynal yet again was impressive. English refs in the
main did well with Nika performing to his high standards.
Didn't see much of the quarters I'm afraid but it seems Barnes
had busy evening!
I did manage to catch a bit of the Saracens game who were on the
wrong side of Brace from the off (didn't watch enough to give a
summary).
Interesting semi's - I'd go for the following:
Leinster v Toulouse - Pearce or Barnes (probably Pearce as he
had Benetton in the last QF)
La Rochelle v Exeter - Amashukeli (possibly Scottish or Irish
AR's)
Scarlets v Glasgow - Raynal
Toulon v Benetton - Barnes or Brace (I'd go with Barnes based
on seniority)
Final's
Exeter v Leinster: Raynal - Everything else Carley.
Benetton v Scarlets or Glasgow: Raynal - Everything else
Amashukeli
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