Exeter vs Wasps - Prem Final -Saturday 6 pm

[Digby]

There's little evidence clubs don't want test standard English players, typically they're paying more for that. The problem with squad filler is most players aren't test standard.

Still not amused with Minozzi after he gave himself little chance of defending Slade, there are French fullbacks who'd doff their cap to that defensive line

[Puja]

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/chiefs-o ... y-england/


He's a miserable prick at times, not sure what to make of this at all tbh. On the one hand he's saying there's too many Internationals and then wanting there to be a World Club Championship however that might be done, assuming it would be National Winners to keep everyone interested. Dont know how that would be good for player welfare but still...
The question though is if there was a NH v SH match in 2 weeks time Exeter Chiefs v Crusaders everyone fit and healthy WHO'D WIN? My money is on the Crusaders tbh. I think Chiefs would give it a good crack but I dont think they are quite at that level tbh.

On paper, Crusaders every day of the week. However, that is what I said about Toulouse and Racing - Exeter are more than the sum of their parts and I'd fancy them to possibly spring an upset.

It's laughable how he talks about the RFU being "greedy" and "very quick to run the other way when we need money" - Exeter might have been turning a profit before COVID, but the only reason they were doing that is because of the massive amounts of financial support that the RFU gives the clubs as part of the Long Form Agreement. Club rugby is not self-sufficient, internationals make the money that supports them, QED.

I can't really see a huge value in a World Club Championship. Would it sell out Twickenham/Millenium/Stade de France and cause a huge new value in a television deal? Possibly, but I am reminded of the rejigging of the European Cup that was due to make so much money and has ended up doing pretty much the same.

Puja

[Doorzetbornandbred]

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/chiefs-o ... y-england/


He's a miserable prick at times, not sure what to make of this at all tbh. On the one hand he's saying there's too many Internationals and then wanting there to be a World Club Championship however that might be done, assuming it would be National Winners to keep everyone interested. Dont know how that would be good for player welfare but still...
The question though is if there was a NH v SH match in 2 weeks time Exeter Chiefs v Crusaders everyone fit and healthy WHO'D WIN? My money is on the Crusaders tbh. I think Chiefs would give it a good crack but I dont think they are quite at that level tbh.

On paper, Crusaders every day of the week. However, that is what I said about Toulouse and Racing - Exeter are more than the sum of their parts and I'd fancy them to possibly spring an upset.

It's laughable how he talks about the RFU being "greedy" and "very quick to run the other way when we need money" - Exeter might have been turning a profit before COVID, but the only reason they were doing that is because of the massive amounts of financial support that the RFU gives the clubs as part of the Long Form Agreement. Club rugby is not self-sufficient, internationals make the money that supports them, QED.

I can't really see a huge value in a World Club Championship. Would it sell out Twickenham/Millenium/Stade de France and cause a huge new value in a television deal? Possibly, but I am reminded of the rejigging of the European Cup that was due to make so much money and has ended up doing pretty much the same.

Puja

See I think the Crusaders are the ultimate at being more than the sum of their parts. They had the saying a "A Champion Team Will Beat A Team Of Champions". It would be an interesting clash though. I agree regarding clubs needing International rugby more rather than the other way round to survive. I cant see a World Club Championship happening tbh.

[loudnconfident]

Particularly when it would be a roof that really isn’t needed ...

I genuinely can’t think of any other major sporting stadia with a roof like The Millennium Stadium.

Have they fixed the turf problem in Cardiff? Grass needs wind and sun to thrive, closed roof stadia with smaller roof areas have major pitch surface issues. I believe Japan fixed the problem by having pitches that swung out under the stands to the open car parks, But I cant see that retrofitted..

[twitchy]

That storm was completely out of the ordinary. I have been working outside for the last few weeks and it has actually been just autumnal but pleasant. It was just bad luck that it coincided with the game. It's not a usual occurrence.

[16th man]

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/chiefs-o ... y-england/


He's a miserable prick at times, not sure what to make of this at all tbh. On the one hand he's saying there's too many Internationals and then wanting there to be a World Club Championship however that might be done, assuming it would be National Winners to keep everyone interested. Dont know how that would be good for player welfare but still...
The question though is if there was a NH v SH match in 2 weeks time Exeter Chiefs v Crusaders everyone fit and healthy WHO'D WIN? My money is on the Crusaders tbh. I think Chiefs would give it a good crack but I dont think they are quite at that level tbh.

On paper, Crusaders every day of the week. However, that is what I said about Toulouse and Racing - Exeter are more than the sum of their parts and I'd fancy them to possibly spring an upset.

Puja

Who the ref was would have a huge impact on the game.

You'd think most southern hemisphere refs would take one look at Exeter's ruck "technique" when protecting their own ball and just ping them off the park.

[Digby]

You'd also think Exeter would adapt faced with different reffing