Fantasy Aviva Premiership Season 4 homepage

First topic message reminder :

Welcome to the Aviva Premiership Season 4

---

---

Teams

Bath RFC	InTheFastLane
Exeter Chiefs	Driver - RIP 606
Gloucester	Anonmattyt
Harlequins	Steven_Sharks
Leicester Tigers	LukeLovesLuka
London Irish	stnick88
London Wasps	Arry
Newcastle Falcons	Sgt_Pooly
Northampton Saints	Dammit_Chris
Sale Sharks	SirJohnnyEnglish
Saracens	LDCPete
Worcester Warriors	prop_lyd

---

Links
Rules
Fixtures
Aviva Premiership League Table
European Homepage
LV Cup homepage
Budgets
Domestic Confirmations
Transfer Homepage
Foreign Transfers
Press Releases

---

Waiting List
1. Sam
2. pullthestrings
3. Bathite

Lund is the better player. I like Hazell though, solid AP openside.

Cheers for the opinion.

Do people see Lund as an out-and-out 7, or verstaile back rower?

I see him as a versatile back rower mate.

Looking for a creative centre lads.

For me i would say tough call. Hazell was one of gloucesters best players last year and is an out and out 7 lund is a 6 and 7

Lund more a 7 for me, decent 6

Here is my team of players made up solely of player I lose to the World Cup. 21 players in total, not a bad side really.

15. Isaia Toeava
14. Mark Cueto
13. Seilala Mapusua
12. Ma'a Nonu
11. Digby Ioane
10. Francois Trinh-Duc
9. Morgan Parra

1. Alex Corbisiero
2. Bismarck du Plessis
3. Adam Jones
4. Lionel Nallet
5. Victor Matfield
6. Tom Wood
7. Thierry Dusautoir
8. Alessandro Zanni

16.
17. Tendai Mtwarira
18. Jannie du Plessis
19.
20.
21. Francois Hougaard
22. Patric Lambie
23. Seilala Mapusua/Jonathon Davies

If your looking for sympathy from me....your not getting any!!

And nor will you get any when our sides meet!

Basically my entire first team...

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Stephen Moore
3. Dan Cole
4. Nathan Hines
5. James Horwill
6. Tom Croft
7. David Pocock
8. Nick Easter

09. Ben Youngs
10. Toby Flood
11. Aurélien Rougerie
12. Damien Traille
13. Brian O'Driscoll
14. Vincent Clerc
15. Cory Jane

16. Ben Franks
17.
18. Cencus Johnston
19. Brad Thorn
20. John Barclay
21. Dimitri Yachvili
22. David Skrela
23. Alesana Tuilagi

Oh cry me a freaking river you two....some of us aren't that lucky to have those sort of players to return

mine will be with the 5 EQ coming back

1.Cian Healy
2.John Smit
3.Euan Murrey
4.Simon Shaw
5.George Skivington
6.Carl Fearns
7.Shane Jennings
8.Rapheal Lakafia
9.Nick Phipps
10.Steven Myler
11.Adam Thompstone
12.EFS
13.Regan King
14.Luke Fitzgerald
15.George Pisi

1. steenkamp
2. Swarzeski
3. Mas
4 bakkies
5 Palmer
6 Ferris
7 Burger
8 Harinordoqouy
9 Genia
10 Carter
11 Guildford
12 Barnes
13 Kahui
14 dagg
15 Muliana
16
17Gray
18 Bonnaire
19 Alberts
20 Lawson
21 Hape
21 Habana

Had to leave out rousouw etc not too bad

I'm waiting to see whether Messam is going to get called up to NZ if Read and Thompson dont make it!

Have we all agreed that players in a WC squad cant be used at all until their team is knocked out?

Also what are people going to do when players come back, can backs instantly slot back in, and how long before forwards are deemed fit enough again?

I'm hoping Italy and Wales fail to make the knockouts as would then be with:

1. Domingo
2. Webber
3. Hayman
4. Davies
5. Attwood
6. Messam
7. Abbott
8. Parisse
9. Phillips
10. Beauxis
11. Siviatu
12. Giteau
13. Lualala
14. Halpenny
15. Cipriani

Guys who has Dan Ward-Smith? He has had to retire due to a back injury, shame as he is a bit of a machine, if he didnt dislocate his knee 4-5 years ago then I'm sure he'd be starting for England at this WC....

Chris

I think I've said before that it all depends. If players like Joe Simpson and Alasdair Strokosch for example go to NZ and don't play much rugby then they could come straight back into sides in my eyes. But say a player such as Tom Croft, Sam Warburton or POC, who I expect will play a lot of rugby during the WC would need a few weeks off and would get heavily marked down.

I'm not gonna make any distinction between backs and forwards

Players to watch 2011/2012

Bath

Heartbeat of the Club: Steffon Armitage - how England could do with an out and out openside in the shape of Steffon Armitage, a player who is surely going to rock opposition defences for the whole of the season. He could be a major influence for Bath during the World Cup and could form a lethal partnership with Beau Robinson.

Star Player: Kurtley Beale - on his day one of the best attacking players in world rugby, fortunately for Bath he is usually 'on his day'. Could well be the player of the 2011/2012 Aviva Premiership, will be the spark that could push Bath close to a top 4 finish. He will be missed during the World Cup, who will step up in his absence?

One to watch: Chris Cook - a very productive summer for the England u20's, Cook could be thrust into first team action earlier than expected if Bath opt to play him instead of James Grindall. A quick thinking, fleet footed attacker could be the ideal foil for halfback partners Charlie Hodgson or Brock James.

Doing more of these Chris?

Players to Watch 2011/2012 Exeter Chiefs

Heartbeat of the Club: John Smit - one word 'legend' - Smit has been one of the best captains of any team and although his performances might have dropped off no one can question his leadership abilities, which will be vital if Exeter are to avoid the drop this season. A true inspiration and a leader of men.

Star Player: Max Evans - this choice could raise a few eyebrows, but Evans has it all, plays with intelligence and is tremendous in defence. Comfortable on either wing or 13, Evans could prove the creative spark that the Exeter backline need and playing outside Regan King could see the step up to world class. Scotland's star back will set the Aviva Premiership alight - could be one of the top try scoring backs this year.

One to watch: Carl Fearns - Fearns has changed club four times in four seasons but seems to have fully settled in Exeter. We would not be surprised if Fearns secures a first team starting position for the beginning of the season, his ability to play all across the backrow could prove invaluable. His work at the breakdown will be an asset.

That answer your question Driver?

Players to Watch 2011/2012 Gloucester

Heartbeat of the Club: James Simpson-Daniel - Simpson-Daniel is Gloucester rugby team. Some would say the talented winger was unlucky to be dropped from the England squad, but Gloucester wont see it like that. He is capable of ripping up any rivals defence with a moment of magic and will be a key figure for the Gloucester backline next season, which will be missing players like Genia, Carter, Muliana, Dagg, Barnes and Hape. Expect Simpson-Daniel to start at 13 on the opening day.

Star Player: Dan Carter - is there any need to say more - Carter is the true definition of world class and gives Gloucester a 10 point head start in nearly every game he plays, if Gloucester can keep him injury free and aren't too badly effected during the World Cup then they will win the Championship.

One to Watch: Charlie Sharples - described as a young Simpson-Daniel, no one could have predicted the meteoric progress of Charlie Sharples, from fringe team player to narrowly missing out on World Cup selection for England. Pace, power and a rugby brain could potentially see Sharples edging out world class players, especially if he impresses in the first few weeks of the season.

Players to Watch 2011/2012 - Harlequins

Heartbeat of the Club: Schalk Brits - just watch the way Brits involves himself in every one of Harlequins attacks, his positional play is exceptional and time and time again he punishes teams that kick the ball to him. He is at the heart of everything good about Quins. His setpiece has improved and the only concern is whether he can contribute the same in the blindside shirt.

Star Player: Quade Cooper - THE most exciting player in world rugby, who is capable of producing things on the rugby pitch that no other player could even imagine. If Cooper can iron out some of his flaws he will push Carter all the way for the title of world's best '10'. A genius.

One to Watch: Joe Marler - with so many exciting young players in the Quins academy (George Lowe, Charlie Matthews, Jamie Gibson, Sam Jones the picks) it was difficult to pick a young player to watch - however, Joe Marler stands out and not just for his haircuts...Marler is a man mountain and will cause a lot of problems in both the tight and the loose for many Premiership packs next year. Reminds us a lot of Andrew Sheridan in terms of power, but if he continues to develop he could surpass Sheridan's achievements.

Looking for some deals!

Anybody happen to have a link to DL the inbetweeners movie went to see it when it first came out and it was pure quality! I'm going to Tunisia on sunday for the week and need some movies for the flight!

Good work on these chris....Worcester soon

Stopped before Leicester

Players to Watch 2011/2012 - Leicester

Heartbeat of the Team: Ernst Joubert - with so many Tigers travelling to New Zealand they are in need of a talented leader to drive them forward - step forward Ernst Joubert, a tough tackling backrower that plays with the intelligence of a 'ten'. Joubert could be a key figure over the next two months and very influential in a young Tigers team.

Star Player: David Pocock - referred to as the next Richie McCaw tells you all you need to know. The king of the breakdown and his turnovers win penalties, win quick ball and win games. Now if he can just use this season to work on his open play...

One to Watch: Micky Young - not many teams could replace a player of the quality of Ben Youngs with an exciting, young English scrumhalf of the calibre of Micky Young. He has an old head on young shoulders and his game management is exceptional for someone with so few Aviva Premiership games.

Will do some more when I get the time! Trying to get 200 tickets sold for the Premiere, which is now just two weeks away. Will be SO glad to get this out the way...

Good little article, some obvious/not so obvious:

http://www.fanatix.com/news/players-to-watch-at-the-rugby-world-cup-405/

Players to Watch 2011/2012 - London Irish

Heartbeat of the Club: Joe Worsley - after 15 years of being a professional rugby player Joe Worsley is still a formidable road block in any opposition attack. Throw him in front of a train and he'd tackle it. A rock that the London Irish defence is built around, may not have the gas anymore but thumping hits inspire team mates and he will be invaluable to Irish on and off the field this season.

Star Player: Sonny Bill Williams - could be about to grab the inside-centre birth from Nonu in time for the Would Cup. An absolute monster of a man, with an offloading ability that defies belief - its his ability to suck in defenders and bring his own teammates into attack that makes Sonny Bill stand out. He will be a lynch pin for Irish and they will want him back from New Zealand as soon as possible.

One to Watch: Guy Armitage - the youngest of the Armitage brothers to play for London Irish and is expected to get more first team action this season, especially in the first two months. It is Armitage's power that makes him stand out and his ability to feel at home as either centre or wing. Given the chance he will come out of the blocks flying and could make a similar impact as Manu Tuilagi last year.

Interestign article Pooly. Who do we think will start Yachvilli or Parra??

Personally i prefer Parra and think he is a really good player. Sometimes wish he was a bit more urgent but then that is the french.

Would expect Parra, but then ML played Yach with FTD, and Parra with Skrela in their most recent games...?

It's always very difficult to call what Mad Marc is going to do seletion wise but I would be surprised if it isn't Parra and Trinh-Duc to face the All Blacks.

For all we know with France it'll be 9. Barcella and 10. Servat.....anyone thinking crash ball?!

I'd rather have Parra start and the experience of Yachvilli on the bench to steady it when he comes on.

I really like both, think Parra is a little more snappier and keeps a nice tempo which brings more of a running game. Yach seems to like to be a lot more involved and plays more like a 9/10 than a proper 9.

I'd start Parra myself, only scrum half that could
get near Genia at the minute.

I think it will be Parra and Trinh-Duc as ML believes strongly in past performances repeating themselves. I.e Dimitri Yachvilli against England this year after he had a stormer at HQ a few years before

who does everyone think will be the stars of the WC?

i like how the English only had one p;layer in that list of players to watch! Would have added Lawes and Ashton there and the world class 12 that is Mr Mike Tindall!

Lawes will need to up his game from recent performances where he has been short of his best form.

Think Foden could have a good WC. Not sure about Ashton, he's not looked great since people have sussed him out. I'm hoping he's not a one trick pony for Englands sake!

LAwes is and always be a stupid rugby player. he is not a natural and gives away frequent stupid penalties.

He is a good rugby player and may go onto be one of our best but it will be due to his athleticism and strength. He is not what you would call a clever player.

For me he is at the point where if he does not develop any further he will get over taken. There are lots of players who have not succeeded at the very top level because of that missing top 2 inches and i am hoping Lawes is not one of those.

He goes from dominating a match one week to anonomous the next week. personally i would start him every match but he needs to kick on and deliver on his extraordinary potential

Pooly

I have to say I don't think it is possible for people to stop Ashton completely as his tracking is just so good. Only time I've seen him play poorly is HC final

I hope you're right Steve, really not sure though.

I don't think Lawes will kick on if I am totally honest Mat. As you have said the strengths in his game all centre around his physical prowess and athleticism which I don't see as being able to get much better than it already is.

He will mature and other aspects of his game will improve naturally with experience, but he will always be a penalty magnet and I do not see him being an intelligent enough player to really make that step up to being World Class.

I see your point on Lawes but I think he's quality, already right up there. Looks much better alongside Palmer though.

I kind of meant in the same way that Grewcock who was always a fantastic player who let himself and his team down on occasions.

Lawes is 21 years old, not sure how you can say he wont get much better - he will get better and better the more games he plays, the more chances he gets to be managed by martin johnson etc.

think he will mature into a great player, look at how much his lineout has improved for England already - shaping into a very good player.

Imagine him and Richie Gray as the Lions partnership in a few years - could be one of the best going...

Ashton has more than tracking - he's a very intelligent player, his positional play means that people wont always be able to track his runs.

I'm hoping Hartley continues to improve, I've been in Wales for last few days and the Welsh hate him, which means they think he's a good player!

I'm hoping that Cole, Croft and Haskell put in a great WC and that Youngs recaptures his form. Just wish we had a more threatening wing than Cueto, who doesnt really seem to have the pace anymore at this level - good defensively but if England have two crash ball centres you need another wing with pace...

what do people think of Callum Black the Ulster prop? I signed him when he was at Worcestor, but dont know much about him, signed him as he reckons he will end up playing for Ireland, any forwards know much about him?

I just don't see him adding much more intelligence to his play Chris.

He will always be a very physical player and a good international, just not convinced he can elevate himself to being 'world class'

Bakkies Botha isnt intelligent, constantly infringes etc - yet he's world class...

Modern rugby players are changing, turning into atheletes - I get to go and wathc a lot of Saints games and Lawes handling/offloading is very good.

Yes he does give away penalties, but he's 21 - he will only get better!

I wouldn't say Bakkies is unintelligent he runs some pretty good lines for a tight 5 forward. At the same time Chris Ashton's try vs Australia was only possible because Lawes held the man and stood him up to give Ashton that extra second to unload his pace and score