The News Review:
- Heineken Cup gives clue to state of Nations
- Whatever happens that Cup belongs to us
- Biarritz through to Heineken Cup final
Heineken Cup gives clue to state of Nations
Times nline – Feb 4, 2006
It is fantastic for the players on the pitch and fantastic for those watching it. Wales had a superb year in 2005 winning the grand slam but to pick a winner this year I think you have to look at the Heineken Cup. In the quarter-finals there are three French teams three English teams and two from Ireland. That would suggest to me that the match between France and England in Paris next month is the crucial one with maybe Ireland providing some surprises along the way. With no Premiership action this weekend I am looking forward to relaxing and watching some of my Sale Sharks players turn out for their countries. I hope that they all play well.
Whatever happens that Cup belongs to us
Times nline – May 14, 2006
It examines our true purpose in life asks how a person sees himself and what he wishes to achieve. For Munster the reason for their existence over the past 10 years has been easy to nail down. Winning the Heineken Cup. The quest has been an epic one taken us to places we never imagined seeing and churned up our emotions in a way we could never have predicted. It has bonded the team to its supporters in a unique way and created an incredible phenomenon. No prize has ever been more sought after than this… Munster have given their heart and soul to this competition helping to shape its personality. Yet we have been deprived of the ultimate accolade — at times by teams who have given a lot less to the competition than we have. Munster own the Heineken Cup — the only thing they have yet to do is win it. Maybe that sounds arrogant. The truth is that the Heineken Cup would be nothing without Munster. Even the simplest facts bear witness: no player has made more Heineken Cup appearances than Anthony Foley’s 75. In a recent ERC poll he was voted the most influential player in the competition’s history.
Biarritz through to Heineken Cup final
Ireland nline – Apr 22, 2006
Biarritz made it third time lucky after two successive failed semi-final attempts subduing a battling Bath outfit through five Dimitri Yachvili penalties and a Damien Traille drop-goal. French international star Yachvili scourge of England during the past three Six Nations campaigns produced a faultless goal-kicking display in difficult conditions. Although Bath bidding to reach a first Heineken Cup final since they were crowned European champions in 1998 gave it everything they lacked the guile and poise to break down a supremely-organised Biarritz defence.