Blood & Mud

It's EDF Energy Cup time! Please try and stay awake

The EDF Energy Cup, that jumps into the fixture list like an unwelcome uncle drunkenly falling off his stool at a christening, is a strange beast full of contradictions.  It is quite low profile yet it manages to displace an entire weekend of Premiership fixtures to midweek kick-offs; it is a domestic cup that has a stupid Euro-style group stage; and no-one really gives a shit about it, despite it being quite a decent money-spinner with the added pot of gold that is a Heineken Cup place for the winner.

This is the final year the tournament will exist in its current format, with Premier Rugby talking about moving it to run simultaneously with the two major international windows in the season - autumns and Six Nations.  So, when the ties take place all of the major players in the big teams will be off playing for their countries, leaving squad players and youngsters to contest the Anglo-Welsh cup. Thus the organisers have ensured it officially becomes the second-rate competition we already know it to be.

Still, this weekend the group stage starts.  Fixtures plus our previews and predictions are after the jump.  What are your views on the EDF?  Is it worthwhile, or a waste of elite players' time?  Give it to us with both barrels in the comments.

Friday, 03 October 2008
Newport-Gwent Dragons v Newcastle, 19:05.  This one is like that film Clash of the Shitans.  Toss a coin and see who is least rubbish.  We're going with Newport by 10 as they are at home.

Saturday, 04 October 2008
Bath v Leicester, 14:15  Bath looked sharp against Wasps, but Leicester's squad depth in this busy week could have the edge.  Leicester by 3.

Gloucester v Wasps, 14:30  Spluttering start by Gloucester this year, paralysed start by Wasps.  Cipriani will be on the bench, and Shaun Edwards has said Wasps are taking the competition seriously this year.  Wasps by 5.

Northampton v Bristol, 15:00 Saints have finally found a kicker, are playing at home and Bristol are garbage.  Northampton by 10

Sale v Cardiff Blues, 15:00  Sale will be smarting after having their arse handed to them by Irish this week, but should still have enough at home to see off the Blues.  Sale by 7.

Sunday, 05 October 2008
Ospreys v Harlequins, 15:05  Quins have been mighty impressive so far this season, but so have the ever classy Ospreys, who have also picked a very strong team and are at home.  Ospreys by 10.

Saracens v Scarlets, 15:00  Newly-monikered Scarlets are in somthing of a transitional stage this term, and you never know which Saracens team will turn up week to week.  But we reckon the winning one will be in attendance at Vicarage Road.  Sarries by 5.  

Worcester v London Irish, 15:00  Irish will be riding the crest of a wave after the clinical dismantling they executed against Sale on Wednesday, and Worcester still have a depleted backline due to injuries.  Exiles by 10.

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It's EDF Energy Cup time! Please try and stay awake

The EDF Energy Cup, that jumps into the fixture list like an unwelcome uncle drunkenly falling off his stool at a christening, is a strange beast full of contradictions.  It is quite low profile yet it manages to displace an entire weekend of Premiership fixtures to midweek kick-offs; it is a domestic cup that has a stupid Euro-style group stage; and no-one really gives a shit about it, despite it being quite a decent money-spinner with the added pot of gold that is a Heineken Cup place for the winner.

This is the final year the tournament will exist in its current format, with Premier Rugby talking about moving it to run simultaneously with the two major international windows in the season - autumns and Six Nations.  So, when the ties take place all of the major players in the big teams will be off playing for their countries, leaving squad players and youngsters to contest the Anglo-Welsh cup. Thus the organisers have ensured it officially becomes the second-rate competition we already know it to be.

Still, this weekend the group stage starts.  Fixtures plus our previews and predictions are after the jump.  What are your views on the EDF?  Is it worthwhile, or a waste of elite players' time?  Give it to us with both barrels in the comments.