So it’s around this time of year where I get completely over excited and my expectations for the coming season are being set too high…my own fault, I never learn.
Anyway I was wondering what the expectations of other fans are for the coming season? What would you class as a successful season?
The range of outcomes is absolutely massive. We can have an objectively worse season in terms of results but make progress because our squad is so thin and so sensitive to injuries.
It may also prove that our fixture list is much harder.
I would say the minimum expectations would be qualification for the folllowing years Champions Cup. Failure to do that would mean we are moving backwards. In terms of Europe itself a lot will depend on injuries but I would be happy if we got one of the Challenge Cup slots for the knockout as a result of our pool performance. Looking at the league itself we are not yet close to Leinster or Munster but I don't see any other of last years pro 14 sides we should not be confident of winning more times than we lose given modest luck with injuries. The wild card is how often the Saffer sides will be at full strength and who plays who in the international windows..
I have been surprised we have not strengthened the coaching group in the off season. Our defence looked very suspect last season and our breakdown play was not great.
@Jake Bullet I think being competitive in the URC and not getting whacked in the Champion's Cup will be a good season. Injuries will determine how well we do.