I had not been paying close attention to the European Cup(s), which was probably a good thing for my mental health. Because, while doing the deep and arduous research for this post, I discovered that Ulster’s pool-mates are Bath, Cardiff, Harlequins, Toulouse and Racing 92. (Six in the pool? What’s happened?*)
Well, we’ll probably beat Cardiff.* We might beat Bath and/or Harlequins, but I’d be happier if we weren’t away to them both. Given our form so far this season, I’m not too optimistic. Can only see two French sides going through.
*Apparently what’s happened is that you don’t play all the teams in your pool. We’re not playing Cardiff. Boo! And naturellement, the two French clubs are not playing each other, so won’t have a loss. Who the hell designed this?
If you’d like to frighten yourself about your own favoured side, the pools are here.
Or go here if the Challenge Cup’s your thing.
Onna telly this week
Showing matches that are televised in the UK and Ireland or on popular subscription services. Bold indicates free-to-view. Times are in the UK zone, so adjust as necessary.
Friday 8th December
| Glasgow v Northampton | 20:00 | TNT Sports 1 |
| Connacht v Bordeaux | 20:00 | TNT Sports 2 |
| Clermont v Edinburgh | 20:00 | Viaplay Sports 1 |
Saturday 9th December
| Toulon v Exeter | 13:00 | TNT Sports 3 |
| Black Lion (who they?) v Gloucester | 13:00 | Viaplay Sports 1 |
| Zebre v Cheetahs | 13:00 | epcrugby.com |
| Bath v Ulster | 15:15 | TNT Sports 1 |
| Toulouse v Cardiff | 15:15 | S4C / iPlayer / TNT Sports 3 |
| Castres v Scarlets | 15:15 | epcrugby.com |
| Bulls v Saracens | 17:30 | TNT Sports 1 |
| Munster v Bayonne | 17:30 | RTÉ2 / TNT Sports 3 |
| Ospreys v Treviso | 17:30 | Viaplay Sports 1 |
| Bristol v Lyon | 20:00 | TNT Sports 1 |
| Dragons v Oyonnax | 20:00 | S4C / iPlayer |
Sunday 10th December
| Sale v Stade Français | 13:00 | ITV1 / STV / TNT Sports 1 |
| La Rochelle v Leinster | 15:15 | TNT Sports 1 |
| Leicester v Stormers | 15:15 | TNT Sports 2 |
| Newcastle v Montpellier | 15:15 | Viaplay Sports 1 |
| Racing 92 v Harlequins | 17:30 | TNT Sports 1 |
Ovally Balls 
Some freakish skills in that montage for such a big, powerful man! And great tackling technique as well.
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@Ticht – Very fair-minded response to the situation. He has been really good for Edinburgh.
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In other news I guess I should give a ‘trip to Leeds for heart surgery’ update after the kind well-wishes of the good folk of OB. Sadly the procedure didn’t work yesterday so it will be back to Leeds (grrr) in 6-12 months time for open heart surgery for The Eldest. It was always on the cards though I guess we had all told ourselves it would work, but on we go. Wish the wait wasn’t going to be so long as that’s a really big stress factor for her. Feeling very sorry for the recovering Eldest who at least seems to be taking it very well for now.
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I’m very sorry to hear the procedure didn’t work this time CMW, very best wishes to you all.
Rugby really is irrelevant in the scheme of things, but on the other hand all sport can bring together people who may not otherwise interact.
Again, all the very best for the new year
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Thanks Ticht. She’s at home today and from a very limited range of ‘appropriate’ DVDs (she has a very low threshold for finding things upsetting at the best of times) I’ve managed to persuade her to watch Kind Hearts and Coronets which I think she’s enjoying. I mean she watched Elf first, but I’ve got to try to introduce some variety.
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That is a right bugger, CMW. Hope you can all have a good xmas / solstice / whatever and that the date for the surgery is sooner rather than later.
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Sunak’s finally found some appropriate furniture.
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Heart goes out to you and the Eldest and the whole CMW clan at this time. I hope it’s sooner than 12 months and that the next op is a complete success. Be strong, share love, laughter and a few tears when they’re there and before you know it, it’ll be done and dusted.
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New post on its way.
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Behold, a new post is born.
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