Just before we get ready to [avoid] the hoards of festive shoppers, sit back and enjoy the latest from ‘In the Bin’ rugby pod. Better than the proverbial chestnuts roasting on an open fire.
As the Champions Cup reaches the halfway point, the Pool tables are starting to take shape. Some teams already look set for the knockout stages and some are still well and truly in the balance!
Paddy and Andy are back to talk you through the weekends action and our favourites to go through.
Big Story Roundup
Only one place to start today with some breaking news! The patience of Saints only goes so far, as Northampton part company with Jim Mallinder after eight straight defeats
Jim Mallinder get's sacked.
Meanwhile over in Dublin, Stuart Lancaster on his iPhone:
"Siri, what's the best airport to fly to for Northampton?"#rugbyunited @RugbySaints @RugbyLeinster_ pic.twitter.com/sl8lYL8jmY— #RUGBYSTIG (@rugbystig) December 12, 2017
Champions Cup review
In the weekend’s European action, there was plenty to cheer about for In the Bin rugby podcast. However, it was a dirty half dozen for Premiership sides, as they went 0/6 for the round.
Leinster once again underlined their elite credentials in a brilliant and physical display that left Exeter high and dry at Sandy Park. Munster made pussycats out of Tigers, with a dominant performance as Peter O’Mahony showed he can ‘negotiate a turnover better than a new contract’.
La Rochelle swatted aside Wasps using power and pace, like a ghost of French rugby’s Christmas past.
Ever seen a 150kg tighthead throw a one-handed offload inside the opening 90 seconds? La Rochelle are a breath of fresh air. pic.twitter.com/1Knm1RfLKr
— Charlie Morgan (@CharlieFelix) December 10, 2017
Chris owes an Ash-‘tonne’ of thanks to his Toulon teammates for bailing him out, in a come from behind win against Bath.
And it was Boom-Shaka-Raka for Clermont who took out their fixture rearrangement frustrations on a disappointing and barely recognisable Sarries side.
‘In the Bin’ Rugby Pod regular features
Plenty of choice for try of the week, hit of the week (including a missed meeting with Brian O’Driscoll!) and Bin Juice.
Future fixtures, and Predictions
Not the best weekend for our predictions, but a draw means Paddy remains unbeaten in the past month! We’ll both try to do much, much better for next weekend’s games!
“Main photo credit”
Embed from Getty Images
