lff12

Tuesday's game was simply amazing - the atmosphere in Thomond Park was rivetting and the gameplay spectacular.  To see Munster academy players line out against what is arguably the greatest international side in the world was just stunning.  I also had the great privelige to sing with the MRSC choir and there are loads more phots here.

In honour of the big game, I've changed my theme to a suitable red/black theme.

My All Blacks ticket arrived today!  SOOO excited.  Can't wait for Tuesday.  And Saturday, as I'm also going to the Ireland/All Blacks game.  Lucky Laura!

After being to and watching a few other ML games this season, I think we've got some patterns forming with the Irish teams:

1. Munster
Very powerful performance so far, including away defeats of Leinster and finally shooting the home bogeyman of Cardiff.
Currently at the top of the league, I would see them finishing in the top 3 or 4, the main obstacle being the "distraction" of European ambitions.
For Heineken cup I would see them making it through the pool stages, Clermont may again big the big challenger if they send a decent tam to Limerick for the game there.

2. Leinster
A mixed season so far after a great Celtic season last year and mediocre Heineken Cup.  Don't be fooled by PR, the real boon of summer hires to this team is Nacewa and his loss will badly impact the European hopes.
I predict, however, they might manage Edinburgh away this time, but foresee a double home/away loss to Wasps.  After an appalling first half against Connaught and a weak home game against Munster, I would see an uphill struggle to even defeat Wasps at home.
Overall I see them finish 2 or 3 in the pool, without enough points to get through.
Magners League I see them finish up in the top half of the table, but well below the number 1 spot.

3. Connaught
Don't see any miracles happening at European level, but they might get above the bottom Irish position in the Magners League this year that might see them into the Heineken Cup next year.

4. Ulster
An ongoing tale of woe.  Heineken Cup ambitions are as an also-ran, very poor form may see them lose their European place to Connaught.  Which is a shame, as like Leinster, they have good players and backroom team that are not delivering to full potential.