Former England lock Dave Sims dies aged 52

South African teams are traditionally terrible in wet conditions.

Overall I think Leinster will play the tight situations smarter than the Bulls.

But those days are gone, yet plenty seem to reminisce and can’t see the reality that Barrett is not the Barrett of the past. NZR recruits being one of those fans blind to his decay.

I doubt the Crusaders are trembling too much. They have good experienced forwards who will know if they take away BB’s time and space, he will gladly kick away the ball aimlessly all game.

All bets are off! He’ll be equally bad for both teams so it actually keeps it even.

Rainy with a breeze brings the set piece into it which probably suits the Bulls more.

If Leinster getting going early with a decent lead I’d back back them to just about hold on. If it’s close going down the last 15 min, I think Bulls will kick on and nick it.

The only issue against France is that their backrow is pretty massive and with the trio above you lose lineout height

You can re jig but that would be unlikely until the second half - unless you are saying he comes off the bench?

Maybe yeah …

Personally I would like a big 6 like Parker or maybe Blackadder

Then Lakai on the bench who covers all well

Leinster will target the Bulls in the lineouts & unsettle the Bulls early.

Leinster will be confrontational at the breakdown and try to disrupt any rhythm the Bulls are looking for.

Overall I think Leinster will play the smarter rugby and if you at the Starting 15, it’s basically a fully internationally capped side, so they SHOULD come out on top - comfortably.

I am curious to see where he goes next, what comes after this spell at Bath. Of course, there will one day be a Rassie successor and this debate is so hotly contested in SA. Many seem to think that Nienaber will be back after his stint in Ireland, even as soon as RWC’27, but maybe the Boks need a different thinker to keep progressing? Could they work together, are their brains compatible? Needless to say, SA depth is incredible - in both players and coaches. Now it just needs a stop to this 12 month season madness…

I agree Blues have the game and power to win even though Crusaders are the kryptonite, but sad to say you won’t see the Crusaders so one dimensional as the Chiefs this weekend which is probably going to tactically be enough to win with their backline.

That you also think the Blues will win the final despite you saying they will lose to the Crusaders also reflects perfectly the level of comprehension you seem to have when it comes to sport.