Good afternoon rugby fans and welcome to the final day of the regular Guinness Pro12 season. We’re following all the action from around the grounds as the four provinces all hope to finish with a flourish.
There is so much at stake and it promises to be an afternoon of high drama. All six games kick-off at 3pm.
Before we begin our buildup, lets take a look at the six games down for decision today.
- Connacht v Glasgow
- Edinburgh v Cardiff Blues
- Leinster v Treviso
- Munster v Scarlets
- Ospreys v Ulster
- Zebre v Dragons
The top two, Glasgow and Connacht, meet in Galway with the winner securing a home semi-final.
Leinster are hot on their tails in third and Leo Cullen’s side entertain Treviso at the RDS knowing a bonus-point win would be enough for them to earn a home semi-final.
Ulster are clinging onto the final play-off berth and are in Swansea to face Ospreys. The northern province will be hoping Munster can do them a favour by beating Scarlets in Limerick.
We have reporters at the RDS, Thomond Park, the Sportsground and the Liberty Stadium to bring you the best coverage of this Pro12 ‘Super Saturday’.
Get in contact by leaving a comment below, emailing ryan@the42.ie or tweeting @rugby_ie.
The scene is set in Limerick, where Munster will wear their alternative black kit against Scarlets.
It’s been a season to forget down south but Anthony Foley’s men can seal a Champions Cup place with a win this afternoon.
Anthony Foley has kept faith with the same starting XV that saw off Edinburgh last week.
Munster (v Scarlets)
15. Simon Zebo
14. Andrew Conway
13. Francis Saili
12. Rory Scannell
11. Keith Earls
10. Johnny Holland
9. Conor Murray
1. Dave Kilcoyne
2. Niall Scannell
3. Stephen Archer
4. Dave Foley
5. Billy Holland
6. Dave O’Callaghan
7. Tommy O’Donnell
8. CJ Stander (c)
Replacements:
16. Mike Sherry
17. James Cronin
18. John Ryan
19. Robin Copeland
20. Jack O’Donoghue
21. Duncan Williams
22. Ian Keatley
23. Ronan O’Mahony
The equation for Leinster is simple: beat Treviso with a bonus point and they’ll have a home semi-final at the RDS to look forward to.
The rain has relented in the capital and Leo Cullen will be hoping his side can take advantage of the conditions to play some attacking rugby.
The hosts have been forced into a late change with Devin Toner dropping out through illness. Ross Molony comes into the second-row alongside Mick Kearney.
Leinster (v Treviso):
15. Rob Kearney
14. Isa Nacewa (Capt)
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Ben Te’o
11. Dave Kearney
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Eoin Reddan
1. Jack McGrath
2. Richardt Strauss
3. Mike Ross
4. Ross Molony
5. Mick Kearney
6. Rhys Ruddock
7. Jordi Murphy
8. Jamie Heaslip
Replacements:
16. Sean Cronin
17. Peter Dooley
18. Tadhg Furlong
19. Hayden Triggs
20. Dominic Ryan
21. Luke McGrath
22. Cathal Marsh
23. Noel Reid
It’s another big day out west. Connacht will look to finish with a flourish and secure a home semi with victory over league leaders Glasgow.
It’s a tall order against the reigning champions but Pat Lam has been able to recall Bundee Aki, Matt Healy and AJ MacGinty for the game. Robbie Henshaw also starts in midfield.
Connacht (Glasgow):
15. Tiernan O’Halloran
14. Niyi Adeolokun
13. Robbie Henshaw
12. Bundee Aki
11. Matt Healy
10. AJ MacGinty
9. Kieran Marmion
1. Ronan Loughney
2. Tom McCartney
3. Finlay Bealham
4. Ultan Dillane
5. Aly Muldowney
6. Sean O’Brien
7. Jake Heenan
8. John Muldoon (Capt.)
Replacements:
16. Dave Heffernan
17. JP Cooney
18. Rodney Ah You
19. Quinn Roux
20. Eoin McKeon
21. John Cooney
22. Shane O’Leary
23. Peter Robb
Finally, Les Kiss and Ulster are in Wales to face Ospreys knowing that a bonus-point win would guarantee them a top-four finish.
Anything less and they’ll be looking nervously over their shoulder with Scarlets, who are in Limerick, looking to grab that final play-off spot.
Ospreys also have plenty to play for with three successive bonus-point wins keeping their hopes of Champions Cup qualification alive. They need to collect five points today and hope other results go their way.
Ulster (v Ospreys):
15. Jared Payne
14. Andrew Trimble
13. Luke Marshall
12. Stuart McCloskey
11. Craig Gilroy
10. Paddy Jackson
9. Ruan Pienaar
1. Callum Black
2. Rory Best (capt)
3. Ricky Lutton
4. Pete Browne
5. Franco van der Merwe
6. Iain Henderson
7. Chris Henry
8. Sean Reidy
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring
17. Kyle McCall
18. Andy Warwick
19. Robbie Diack
20. Roger Wilson
21. Paul Marshall
22. Stuart Olding
23. Darren Cave
The heatwave we were promised hasn’t materialised and the weather around the country isn’t great, but it is dry in Dublin for Leinster’s clash with Treviso.
Not long until kick-off around the grounds now. We’ll keep you up-to-date with all the action as it happens right here.
If you’re desperately trawling through the channels to find your province on TV, here is where you can find each of the games:
- Connacht v Glasgow – TG4
- Munster v Scarlets – S4C
- Ospreys v Ulster – BBC NI and Sky Sports 1
- Leinster v Treviso – no broadcaster
We’re underway at the Liberty Stadium, Thomond Park, the RDS and the Galway Sportsground. Strap yourselves in, we’re set for a thrilling afternoon of rugby.
Early opportunity for Glasgow to take the lead in Galway is squandered by Finn Russell. He pushes his penalty wide of the posts.
Early blow for Connacht as Finlay Bealham is forced in the second minute. Rodney Ah You comes on. Meanwhile, Niall Scannell has gone off for a HIA in Limerick.
Ulster under some early pressure at the Liberty Stadium as Sam Underhill makes a break through midfield. The visiting defence just about manages to scramble back and force the mistake. Lively start.
Murray Kinsella is at Thomond Park this afternoon.
Frenetic start in Galway with the weather conditions far from ideal. In Limerick, Scarlets have looked dangerous in the opening exchanges with Tommy O’Donnell forced to make a try-saving tackle after a break from Liam Williams.
We have our first points of the day as Dragons take an early lead against Zebre. Remains scoreless in the games involving the provinces.
TRY! Leinster 5-0 Treviso (Sexton)
Leinster are up and running as Sexton finishes off a sensational running team move. Just three more now for Cullen’s men. The out-half fails to add the extras.
TRY! Ospreys 7-0 Ulster (Biggar)
The hosts’ early pressure is rewarded as Biggar forces his way over before converting his own try.
PENALTY! Munster 0-3 Scarlets (Shingler)
First points of the day in Limerick and it’s the visitors who open their account through Steven Shingler.
It’s been a difficult start for Munster, with Tommy O’Donnell now off for a HIA.
TRY! Munster 7-3 Scarlets (Saili)
Munster click into gear and hit the front through a brilliant score from Saili. Holland converts.
TRY! Ospreys 7-7 Ulster (Jackson)
Brilliant response from Ulster and they’re level as Jackson dots down under the posts. Les Kiss looks far happier in the stands now.
Rob Kearney appears to be in trouble with an ankle injury but the Ireland international is soldiering on.
TRY! Connacht 7-0 Glasgow (Aki)
Clinical from Connacht as they convert their first foray into opposition territory with seven points. Aki forces his way over and MacGinty makes no mistake.
Johnny Sexton’s early try has given Leinster the lead.
Munster lead Scarlets but they’ve been forced into two early changes.
TRY! Leinster 10-0 Treviso (Kearney)
Try number two for Leinster as Dave Kearney crosses from a powerful lineout maul.
Big let-off for Munster.
Finn Russell is struggling to find his radar in the driving rain in Galway. The Glasgow out-half has now missed two kickable penalties and it remains 7-0 to the hosts.
Tommy O’Donnell has been forced off early, but Munster lead in Limerick.
As we reach the 25 minute mark, lets take a check on the latest scores:
- Connacht 7-0 Glasgow
- Leinster 10-0 Treviso
- Munster 7-3 Scarlets
- Zebre 17-3 Dragons
- Edinburgh 12-0 Cardiff
- Ospreys 7-7 Ulster
TRY! Ospreys 7-14 Ulster (Best)
Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Ulster take the lead in Wales for the first time as Best powers his way through the Ospreys defence from yards out to complete a first half turnaround for his side. Jackson adds the extras.
TRY! Leinster 17-0 Treviso (Strauss)
Strauss in on the act now and Leinster are cruising. Sexton makes no mistake with the conversion this time.
TRY! Munster 12-6 Scarlets (Scannell)
It’s all happening. Munster pull clear with their second try of the day through Rory Scannell.
Bundee Aki’s try is currently the difference at a very wet Sportsground.
Rob Kearney has hobbled off at the RDS after failing to shake off that ankle injury. Noel Reid is on in his place with Garry Ringrose moving to the wing.
PENALTY! Munster 14-9 Scarlets (Shingler)
Three from three for Shingler at Thomond Park.
Frustration growing for Connacht with Ian Davies on the receiving end of some heavy criticism from the Sportsground crowd. Pat Lam side’s knocking on the door.
TRY! Ospreys 14-14 Ulster (Matevesi)
It’s been an entertaining affair in Swansea and Ospreys hit back through Josh Matevesi. Biggar has the simple task of leveling proceedings from the tee.
By all accounts, Treviso have been pretty awful so far and it has been a stroll in the park for Leinster. They shouldn’t have any problem in wrapping up the bonus point now.
Brilliant from Marmion as he scythes through the Glasgow defence, only for the visitors to turn it over yards from their own line.
TRY! Ospreys 14-21 Ulster (Trimble)
Right on the stroke of half-time, Ulster take the lead. The bounce of the ball falls Trimble’s way and he does brilliantly to sprint home from 40 yards out. Jackson’s conversion goes over via the upright.
Paddy Jackson has scored one of Ulster’s three first-half tries.
PENALTY! Munster 14-12 Scarlets (Shingler)
Munster’s indiscipline is costing them as they concede their sixth penalty and Shingler reduces the deficit to just two points.
The Munster medical staff have been busy.
It’s been an intensely physical battle in Galway.
Still playing at Thomond Park.
Here are the half-time scores:
- Connacht 7-0 Glasgow
- Leinster 17-0 Treviso
- Munster 14-12 Scarlets
- Zebre 23-3 Dragons
- Edinburgh 17-7 Cardiff
- Ospreys 14-21 Ulster
Back underway at the RDS and Liberty Stadium. As it stands, Connacht and Leinster have home semi-finals and Ulster lie in fourth. It can all change very quickly though.
PENALTY! Ospreys 14-24 Ulster (Jackson)
Ulster start the second period just as they finished the first. Brilliant break from Gilroy and he wins the penalty, with Jackson converting.
Pretty poor crowds at Munster and Leinster today.
Treviso have started the second half brightly in Dublin and while Leinster are in complete control, they’ve been far from their best and will want to seal the deal sooner rather than later.
Nacewa almost secures the bonus point but the captain just can’t force his way over.
TRY! Leinster 24-0 Treviso (Jack McGrath)
And there it is. Leinster guarantee themselves a home semi-final as Jack McGrath scores the all-important fourth try.
With Sexton down receiving treatment, Nacewa steps up and adds the extras.
Munster come out of the blocks quickly.
Glasgow are just beginning to exert a bit more pressure and a rolling maul results in a penalty for the visitors. Russell has missed his first two attempts and this time he goes for the corner.
TRY! Leinster 31-0 Treviso (Nacewa)
Leinster running riot now as Nacewa scores his side’s fifth try of the afternoon.
TRY! Connacht 7-7 Glasgow (Reid)
The Sportsground falls silent as Glasgow make their pressure count to draw level through Gordon Reid.
It’s all level in Galway with 32 minutes remaining.
Munster far from home and try. Scarlets are giving it a real go.
Connacht looking for an instant reply and they win the penalty. MacGinty goes for the corner and tempers are just beginning to flare. Ian Davies consults with his touch judge and the outcome is that we’re going upstairs to have a look at that last passage of play.
RED! The replay is damning and Puafisi is shown red by Ian Davies for leading with the head on Marmion. Moment of madness from the Glasgow prop and the natives have found their voices again.
Treviso are also down to 14 men at the RDS with Filo Paulo sent to the bin. Leinster pushing for a sixth try.
TRY! Ospreys 14-31 Ulster (Henry)
Brilliant from Ulster. The northern province have now secured a bonus point of their own through Chris Henry and they’re pulling clear of Ospreys.
Connacht looking to make their numerical advantage count as they go through the phases in Glasgow’s 22. Pat Lam’s men continue to knock on the door but there’s no way through just yet.
Sickening clash of heads and Rodney Ah You is forced off after coming on in the third minute. JP Cooney on.
TRY! Leinster 36-0 Treviso (Kearney)
Mick Kearney scores his first Leinster try but is then forced off with a head injury. Hayden Triggs is on in his place.
Steven Shingler’s boot has kept Scarlets in touch with Munster.
TRY! Leinster 36-7 Treviso (Lazzaroni)
The Italians register their first points of the day with Hayward converting.
It has been a brilliant day for Ulster.
TRY! Leinster 43-7 Treviso (Reid)
Noel Reid comes to the party with a wonderful individual score.
Frustration for Munster. The hosts opt to kick for the corner after winning the penalty but a crooked throw from Sherry sees the chance come and go.
Here’s a check on the latest scores:
- Galway 7-7 Glasgow
- Leinster 43-7 Treviso
- Munster 14-12 Scarlets
- Zebre 47-10 Dragons
- Edinburgh 17-14 Cardiff
- Ospreys 14-34 Ulster
Injury problems for Connacht as Ronan Loughney the latest prop to hobble off. As the game restarts, Marmion dashes down the right and as the ball goes through the hands, it eventually breaks down with a knock-on from Healy.
TRY! Ospreys 19-34 Ulster (Grabham)
Are Ospreys launching a late comeback?
Conor Murray has been struggling with his quad over the last few minutes and the Ireland scrum-half has to make way. Duncan Williams on in his place. It’s still Munster 14-12 Edinburgh.
It’s been an easy afternoon for Leinster, with Noel Reid scoring their latest try.
TRY! Ospreys 19-41 Ulster (Olding)
But Ulster find the perfect response through Stuart Olding. That’s surely game over now with 11 minutes remaining.
TRY! Connacht 14-7 Glasgow (O’Halloran)
Perseverance pays off for Connacht. They win a penalty for obstruction and take full advantage as Shane O’Leary’s cross-field kick is gathered by O’Halloran and he bundles over the line.
Sila Puafisi’s moment of madness looks like costing his side dearly.
Not long left in Wales. It has been a stellar performance from Ulster.
TRY! Leinster 43-12 Treviso (Muccignat)
After returning to their full complement, Treviso score their second of the day through Matteo Muccignat.
TRY! Ospreys 26-41 Ulster (Grabham)
Grabham grabs his second and Ospreys pull another one back. Five minutes remaining.
PENALTY! Munster 19-15 Scarlets (Shingler)
Shingler on target again to bring the Welsh side within four points.
TRY! Leinster 43-19 Treviso (Bacchin)
A late rally from the Italians and Leo Cullen won’t be pleased with this.
TRY! Ospreys 26-46 Ulster (Reidy)
Ulster finish with a flourish as Reidy gets over for a sixth try of the afternoon. Jackson unable to steer his effort between the posts.
Isa Nacewa is named man of the match at the RDS and it’s all smiles for Ulster in Swansea. Just two minutes remaining in that one.
TRY! Leinster 50-19 Treviso (Ringrose)
Ringrose is rewarded for another exciting performance with a try at the death.
TRY! Munster 24-15 Scarlets (Stander)
And that should do it for Munster. Fourth try for Foley’s men scored by the captain, CJ Stander.
It’s 14 v 14 in Galway. Another injury, this time to Cooney, means Connacht are down a man. The hosts wanted to bring Quinn Roux on but Glasgow kicked up a fuss.
Thrilling game at the Liberty Stadium and a fantastic win for Ulster.
Eight minutes remaining out west, where it is very tense.
Bundee Aki with a terrific kick and chase there to relieve the pressure on the hosts.
Cooney is back on the field again and Connacht are back to 15. Glasgow throwing everything at the home side with five minutes remaining.
Drama in Galway. Glasgow going through the phases, throwing the ball wide in search of a breakthrough. Heroic defence from Connacht and they force the mistake. What a game.
The Clan Terrace is in full voice as ‘The Fields of Athenry’ echoes around the Sportsground. Just three minutes remaining for Connacht to hold on. Last push.
TRY! Munster 31-15 Scarlets (Scannell)
It’s Rory Scannell again and Munster finish with a try.
Full-time: Connacht 14-7 Glasgow
Bonus-point wins for Leinster, Ulster and Munster on the final day of the regular season while Connacht earn a hard-fought victory over Glasgow in Galway.
A thrilling afternoon of rugby.
The final standings:
…a gradual changing of the guard is certainly needed, but we also need to add natural ball carriers in the backrow. Watching Savea, Sititi, and Lakai when he came on carrying, stepping offloading like backs makes Caelan Doris look a lone figure for Ireland. It’s all very fine stressing defences, but getting forwards through the holes that can see and deliver a pass needs work. Importantly, I think we have both the players(in the wider squad) and coaches to do the job. We have too many prophets of doom on here calling for heads and wholesale changes.
@Michael Murray: Doris used to do that so hopefully he’ll get it back.
@James Murphy: Good lord it was 2 games and we’re talking like it’s a distant memory before that. This place would exhaust you
@Michael Murray: the Beirne at 6 move, hasn’t been a success as it has left Doris alone as a ball carrier in the BR. We’ve also missed Conan’s impact off the bench. Beirne back to the 2nd row, Izuchukwu type athlete to come in at 6 and add more destructive ball carrying. Is the rest of his game up to required level? Could also really do with blooding a LH prop (and giving Porter a rest) but Boyle has hardly played for Leinster. AF has been known to ignore provincial hierarchy if he thinks a player is ready
@Michael Corkery: 100%!!….. and tbh, I was an advocate of Beirne at 6. With ‘superhuman’ JVDF playing more like a 6 than a 7 you can afford a more open take on the no6 role. Cormac is the perfect fit. LH needs development for sure, but I’d also be saying JGP is a done deal at 9 and developing competition for Casey as back up/ heir apparent…..and think it’s gone under the radar how good Furlong’s footballing skills are and he is missed for that , never mind pinning the scrum.
@PJ Smith: 100 percent
@Michael Murray: Ah didnt new zealand lose
@Michael Murray: That’s a pretty doom post
@Michael Murray: jack conan is missed. I am not saying he should be brought back for the 6 nations but he’s the type of player we need to find. Izzy maybe, baird again maybe but we do need a ball carrier in the pack, doris is now getting marked a bit like CJ was a few years ago.
@Shawn: they did, but that was more about the respective bench qualities.Their starting XV had by far the better of it before the bulk changes…
@Sea Point: Yes but when ireland lose lots are talking nosence and think their the manager and want this and that and the negitivity is getting on my nose every team gets beaten people need to relax calm down look at england lost 5 in a row and people think their world beaters we lose one game we are finished unreal
@Shawn: Anyway thats my rant done
@Shawn: Dont forget to take your meds and calm down lol
@Teddy O neill: ….not the faintest idea how you can come to that conclusion….explain.
@michael Murray – agree with your comments. We as Irish are getting sucked into the narrative that we need to make whole changes and bring in 20 something players all over the shop.
It’s always worked for SA and France because of the massive pool of players they have to choose from. We forget that Farrell blooded two new caps on Friday night so let him do what he does best as we still have 3 years to the next World Cup.
@Mark Cunney: We as Irish need to stop thinking the media are an authority or expert in what needs to be done. They want clicks, everything else is secondary. We also need to stop thinking online forums like this or social media are in any way a representation of the overall fanbase. They are not.
Sick and tired of people knocking ireland for a small country we have done amazing stuff every f time we dont play well the negitiveity is a joke
They are not unbelievably dangerous, this is just nonsense talk to hype up the opposition. Ireland will beat them by 30 points plus, it’s one of the worst things about rugby that the opposition have to be hyped up before every single game. We get the same in the URC before Leinster face the Dragons etc. Just say nothing and prepare for the game.
@Aidan Farrell: even if they just, ” they can be dangerous”. That annoys me too like this is a turkey shoot and if it’s not then we’re toast.
@Aidan Farrell: One of the worst things is respect for your opponent? You have weird priorities and misunderstand the bedrock of rugby if you truly believe that. Fiji are dangerous, their style of play means they can cut you open. He’s not saying he expects to lose. It’s like some people just go out of their way to find things to complain about instead of just enjoying sport, makes me wonder why they even follow it since it just causes them so much annoyance.
Whatever else, Fiji still pose a physical threat. Look what happened when a promising Ireland out half, who was slightly built at the time, got clattered when given the chance v Fiji, and imo was never the same again. I remember Joey’s exit from that autumn game and would be concerned that the similarly ‘lightly built’ Sam could suffer similar treatment.
@John Morris: Very true
@John Morris: Joey is made of glass, his career would highlight that, not that game. So far despite his supposed frailty, Sam is yet to pick up an injury. He’s definitely a little light yet but that’s accentuated by the fact he’s 6’5”
It’s a bit rich to dish Fiji we as a team are not playing well at the moment, if it had not been for a stupid tackle by Argentina in the first minutes of the game we would have lost that game. Change has to happen we have lost the spark in the forwards we are not breaking tackles and giving to many penalties away I just don’t know what has happened to our discipline. I am at a loss to what’s gone wrong
@Phillip Keohane: The game doesnt work like that we never going to know what would of happend after stupid tackle
@Phillip Keohane: if my auntie had balls… and if Beirne hadn’t dropped the ball in the process of scoring, the game would have been more or less over at half time. You can pick out loads of incidents in a game and say IF
Dangerous, pffffff nonsense, outside World Cups Fiji are useless. Because unlike RWC’s, they don’t get millions from World Rugby, so their players have a month together in camp to prepare. They’re dangerous because Ireland have massively underperformed in consecutive games. Error strewn against NZ and just poor against Argentina, who they made look far better than they are. Farrell is feeling the pressure now to run the same team, because he needs his best players to hit form before we face resurgent Australia. He needs legs on the bench, so Prendergast in for POM (drafting him back in after one club match was nuts. Cian Healy is toast, can’t roll him out for just scrums when you desperately need real impact around the park in last quarter…
@Sea Point: if we were beating all round us, the same folks writing us off would be saying, typical of us to peak between WC’s. there’s this tendency to overreact to a couple of poor performances. Even though, we were probably well below par, we were competitive and our opponents got the benefit of lenient refereeing. If he cut out some of the silly penalty concessions and unforced handling errors, we’re still a top4 side (which is a great achievement given our pop and playing no). That said, there’s clearly a need to transition a few players in/out as mother time is knocking hard on the door of a number of the 30 something’s. Healy, POM, Henderson, maybe even Aki best days are definitely behind them
Will be a tough game
Fiji have some good individuals but have absolutely no structure or control within a game. Almost through the game away on numerous occasions against a Wales team in serious transition. We are no world bearters ourselves currently, but we really ought to be beating fiji.
@Ray Ridge: maybe what the rugby championship should do is change format and have SA,ARG,NZ,AUS,FIJI,Samoa,Tonga,Japan in the championship each year with all teams in one location for a 6 weeks to fight for the trophy…the tier 2 sides will get regular top class rugby and would hopefully improve at a rapid rate to make it very competitive in a couple of years ..funding, resources and top class coaching would need to be involved …and a great way to grow the game …
@Stuart: Not a bad idea Stuart. Not sure how it would fit in with the domestic leagues in said countries. Could it be run off in the same window as the Six nations. Fair play Stuart no more than myself you called France as banker of the weekend. It was much closer than I thought. Thought New Zealand were excellent. They really disrupted that French Scrum and lineout and looked dangerous with ball in hand. Having backed France I was delighted New Zealand kicked those 3 penalties in the last 15 minutes as apposed to kicking to the corner.
@Ray Ridge: yeah ray NZ looked the real deal . Fancied France all along but I’d say the NZ public and razor are very happy with where the side as at ..that was an immense performance from the kiwis .they are getting progressively better under razor , you can really start to see the crusaders coming through. The R championship next year is going to be some tournament ..the boks go to NZ for 2 tests , it’s going to be something else…
@Stuart: They really impressed me Stuart I must say. 3 tough games now against England, Ireland and France. Based on the Autumn performances to date it’s 1. SA 2.New Zealand 3. France 4. England 5. Australia 6. Scotland 7. Ireland 8. Argentina, 9.Fiji 10. Wales. Should Australia beat Wales they go 4th ahead of England. Should Wales win they 5th ahead of Australia. Discuss.
@Ray Ridge: in reality for me the world rankings at the moment would be 1. SA, 2. NZ, 3. IRE, 4, France, 5, England. If the world cup were in AUS tomorrow I’d have it this way to lift the trophy …1. SA, 2. NZ, 3 France, 4 England, 5 Ireland…I just don’t think Ireland have the strength and depth to win a world cup at the moment …
@Stuart: I do think SA and NZ are the best sides in the world at the moment and it’s clear to see..NZ lost a one point game last night into beating all the top sides in the north..imagine if these games were on their home patch.
@Stuart: Oh there’s no doubt SA and New Zealand are the top 2. That’s not even up for questioning or debate. Agree, if World Cup was Starting Monday morning it’s a 4 horse race between SA, New Zealand, France and England. Australia dark horses as they are home nation and have some unreal individual talent. Forget about the rest.
@Ray Ridge: Spoon
@Ray Ridge: You need help
@Ray Ridge: “Ireland are no world beaters” says the oracle, 4 months after we beat S.Africa in Durban.
@Michael Corkery: You don’t become a world beater by winning a one of game in the summer and then falling flat on your ar$e the next 2 games. You become world beaters by winning back to back world cups for example.
@Stuart: least you get it
@Ray Ridge: spoffer attention seeker and silly man
@Ray Ridge: putting scotland aus and eng ahead off us what a complete sasage u are england lost 5 in row scoland havent beaten ire in years we beat everyone you are a annoying troll