On the Road – Winning in France has become notoriously difficult. Even in the Top 14, French teams struggle to pick up domestic away wins. So it’s as impressive as it is crucial to pick up points in the away fixtures of the pool stage of the ERC Cup, especially as points base the seeding for quarter finals, and who wants an away one in France? The home French sides of week 1; Toulon, Toulouse and Racing Metro all picked up wins. Leinster beat Castres away last season, before falling away to Toulon in France, who also vanquished Munster. Harlequins and Wasps may provide a bit more quality in their ranks, but both provide difficult away trips too. However, the capture of 4 points now and not when Castres find it impossible to qualify and thus focus their attentions towards the league, as French teams historically do, could be crucial.
Captain Fantastic – Jamie Heaslip impressively led from the front today. His credentials are unquestionable, but without O’Driscoll in the team, he has taken on more responsibility, and flourished. The twice-Lion has shown his attacking brilliance, along with defensive stability. With fellow Lion Sean O’Brien injured, as well as Jordi Murphy, who provides solid back row cover for both, he has become a ball carrying machine. 19 carries last week was outstanding but he topped even that with 23 today. If he can carry this form into the November internationals, Ireland will have a great chance of beating Australia or South Africa, and trying to take a place in the top 4.
No Star Castres – It is notable that with all the money and superstars floating around the Top 14, Castres currently do not seem to have the lions share. They’ve lost plenty of their big names, Brice Dulin and Antonie Claasen joined Racing over the summer and Remi Tales is set to join them. The big signing of Sitiveni Sivivatu has been injured and star man Rory Kockott, soon to be French international, was ruled out. There is a need to stem the drain of talent from Castres. After all, they won the top 14 in 2012 and reached the final in 2013. But they have lost 6 of 9 games this season, a point over the drop zone. It is likely they will focus on the domestic competitions now, as European Rugby won’t make up for relegation.
Beyond The Walls 