Yesterday Leinster stormed to a European Champions Cup semi-final place, dumping the defending champions out in the process. It was an effective and dominant performance by Leo Cullen's men at the Aviva Stadium and a timely reminder to the other three of what they are capable of.
Attention now turns to a semi-final clash with Scarlets in just under three weeks. That fixture is also scheduled for the Aviva Stadium, with all matches played at venues designated by EPCR. Because Leinster Rugby (ranked 1) and Scarlets (ranked 4) both won their quarter-finals, Leinster are given home country advantage.
However, Scarlets fans have been quick to vent their frustration at the venue given it is perceived as home stadium advantage as well. It is not as if Leinster are spoilt for choice, with the only other venue in the capital capable of hosting the fixture being Croke Park. Nevertheless, complaints were forthcoming.
So, Leinster and Scarlets both win groups, both won home q-fs but semi is at Aviva. Not fair. A major flaw in credibility of the Champions Cup.
— Delme Parfitt (@delmeparfitt) April 1, 2018
So, it's Leinster v Scarlets at the Aviva Stadium 🏟️. How's that working as a neutral venue, then?
— Owain Jones (@OwainJTJones) April 1, 2018
How did Leinster end up back at the Aviva https://t.co/wHD9vpsepW
— Phil Riley (@radioriley) April 1, 2018
Ah yes, the old home country advantage in a neutral venue unless you’re Leinster chestnut. How convenient. Not that they’ll need it! 😂#LEIvSAR
— Aedín (@minisandmum) April 1, 2018
I know a few have posted already but bonkers that Leinster can play a home Quarter Final at the Aviva, and then the semi final, which is supposed to be played on a "neutral" ground in Ireland, gets played at.....The Aviva. Nothing neutral about that 🏉
— Matthew Lloyd (@statto10) April 1, 2018
Being accused of whingeing about Champions Cup s-f but why is it beyond the wit of rugby to have neutral venues? Pool seeding argument is nonsense. Knock-outs are knock-outs.
— Delme Parfitt (@delmeparfitt) April 1, 2018
Can't blame Leinster for doing it, Cardiff would(will?) do same, but bit jammy getting Aviva for both home quarter and 'neutral' semi. Maybe better to stipulate a different city from the teams playing. #LEIvSAR
— Rhodri Morris (@MorrisRhodri) April 1, 2018
In fairness, the point was also made that there is little alternative.
RE Leinster playing at the Aviva in the Semi Final. They have to have home country advantage as per the rules. Where else can they play? Thomand Park (good luck with that), Croke Park? (still Dublin).
— Iain Miles (@BRSTLDRGN) April 1, 2018
In the other semi-final, Racing 92 have home country advantage but the fixture will take place in Stade Chaban-Delmas, Bordeaux.
