Thirdpartyview says...

There should be a decent sized ban for o brien, Leinster outclassed and now destined to not reach the quarters, with munster not reaching the knock outs either, there will only be ulster.

Posted 23:47 15th December 2012

makemehappy says...

As last year, Clermont deserved their win. Unlike last year they actually had it. A very flattering score for Leinster.

I thought Barnes certainly kept Leinster in that game. Their scrum was stuffed and some of the penalties against Clermont were an utter joke. Could you believe their yellow card LOL! And what about the "swimming" offence against Hines. Legal when bound, and then not legal when bound - utter bollocks!

Don't think even the most biased Leinster fan could say they deserved to win that game, and unless some of their very talented stars return soon, they don't look like getting through to the next round.

Key message though - well done Clermont for making sure that the result was the correct one, unlike last year (and before anyone says otherwise, I actually support Irish teams after the Welsh ones, I just don't like seeing daft decisions - just my opinion of course).

Posted 22:49 15th December 2012

Dannyboy says...

As a Leinster fan, all I can say is Well done Clermont, you did your homework. And you would be worthy champions.

To extract what little positives there are for Irish sides, at least this means, combined with the Ulster result, is that it's now far more unlikely that Leinster will meet Ulster in the Quarters.......some consolation!

Again, well done the Les Jaunes, and while I'm at it, congrats to the Saints, you learnt your lesson well. Kudos to Jim Mallinder, a man that never gives up!

Posted 20:48 15th December 2012

lacroix says...

@curates egg- Barnes wasn't biased against leinster...he didnt have a great game i agree but there were decisions which looked suspect which hurt both teams. for a start the penalty at 78mins which allowed leinster to score at the close was extremely doubtful. leinster got pinged at the breakdown a lot in the second half and rightly so- they had to try something and slowing down or killing clermonts ball was about their only hope.

as toulousain says leinster arent quite out of it yet but even if they get out of the pool they're likely to struggle on this showing...a long season ahead though.

Posted 19:55 15th December 2012

curates_egg says...

Clermont totally deserved winners and deserve to finally kick on and win the thing. I'll be cheering for Ulster or them.

Strange to have the season effectively over at such an early stage. Just surprised/annoyed I didn't see it coming: all the signs were there throughout the season, with last weekend's performance from Leinster seemingly a blip.

It had no influence on the outcome but Wayne Barnes was extremely biased against Leinster. He should not be allowed to ref Leinster again.

Posted 19:18 15th December 2012

lacroix says...

Clermont thumped them. the scoreline seriously flatters leinster who were outplayed from 1 to 22. thorougly undeserved losing bonus point but thats only a little consolation when they've been outplayed so comprehensively.

the signs were there last week when a seriously misfiring Clermont beat them all the same. leinster often looked ragged today and were out - thought as well as out -muscled. a few of their 'stars' are giving the lie to their reputations.

o brien could (should?) have been red carded for that offence- and he has previous form for that sort of thing. not edifying and left a bad taste. but a great game of rugby all the same.

Posted 18:12 15th December 2012

Rosbif says...

Wow melkdave, you must have been watching with your laptop!

I wouldn't be so sure that Leinster won't win it again, if they can only get out of this group. ASM know this, so went for the kill, but in traditional ASM style they kind of butchered it by giving away the losing bonus point (how important that might be!). Remember Leinster in April is a very different proposition. And ST, RCT and ASM might look powerful now, but they will be over the hill and trending downwards come the Spring.

Thought Cronin having to come on so early was going to have a big impact. But then Byrne coming off was more significant imo. (N.B. Byrne and Malzieu leaving early pretty much lost ASM the game last season in Bordeaux). This time, they just about managed with Rougerie at 15, because Sexton didn't have enough front foot ball to test him.

PS. We might have to change Fofana's knick-name from "butter-fingers" to "telescope arm"

PPS. a citing for SOB or just bad timing/execution?

Posted 17:56 15th December 2012

melkdave says...

Aaccomplished performance by both sides,but you have to say Clearmont,where the better team.Had Leinster beaten in the forwards and set piece for most of the game,and showed justhow much of contenders they are this year.Good fightback by Leinster,and showed they arnt going to give up the title without a fight.,but this year they dont look like they will retain it imo.

Posted 17:33 15th December 2012