About v2AP Round 9
+7
dammit_chris
Sgt_Pooly
'Arry Spurs
CJB
Ozzy3213
Driver
SirJohnnyEnglish
11 posters
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AP Round 9
by SirJohnnyEnglish Sun 20 Nov 2011 - 17:35
First topic message reminder :
Team Sheets and tactics due by COB Thur
Predictions open Fri. Results due Sun/Mon
Sale Sharks v Exeter Chiefs
Sunny Intervals, 11 Degrees, 11mph Winds
Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE
16. Lee Imolek 17. Brett Sharman 18. Neemia Tialata 19. Christian Day 20. Victor Vito 21. Shaun Perry 22. Aaron Cruden 23. Jordan Turner Hall
General Game Plan
On attack, we will look to our big carriers to get over the gain line and where possible offload to support runners, breaking the defensive line and keeping our forward momentum going. If running the ball is not on we will look to the boots of Sexton and Hook to put us in the right areas.
On defence, we will use a blitz defence coming up at pace looking to isolate the ball carrier before he gets to the gain line stopping any momentum and allowing us to hit the breakdown hard. Danny Care will act as a sweeper to cover any grubbers behind the line while our back three will sit deep ready to run back any loose kicks.
At the breakdown, if the ball looks available we will look to seriously commit numbers to clear the ruck allowing Thomson and Quedragao to come in and secure us turnover ball. At all other times we will commit 1 or 2 to the breakdown and look to counter ruck slowing down Exeter ball allowing our defensive line more time to set.
We will look to use the set piece as a weapon throughout. We will target the scrum with a technically strong front row looking to get in under to win every hit. With 5 jumping options and a reliable thrower at hook we will look to attack from the lineout. We will look to mix things up bringing the ball down into the maul or playing the ball of the top and spreading it through the backs.
Key Points
• We are unbeaten at home since season two having won every league game here in the last year. Edgeley Park is a fortress and the Chiefs will need to be at their very best to breach it with a passionate crowd cheering us on.
•We are here to play our own game not Exeter’s. We won’t look to get into an arm wrestle but will play our usual style of attacking running rugby looking to move Exeter around the park.
• We have gone with a side full of pace particularly in the back line to really get at the Chiefs. We will be deploying lots of decoy running tying up spare defenders to ensure one on one match ups. We will look to use a full complement of forwards at each lineout allowing one on one match ups in the back line. At scrum time we will look to wheel the Chiefs scrum away from the backline to get some more of these one on one match ups.
• We will look to win the collisions in both attack and defence so we have a target for our forwards to hit when they reach the ruck. We will look to get at the Exeter 10/12 axis from the start and really get on top of the Chiefs here
• As always on defence our back three will sit deep ready for any kicks We expect ROG’s boot to be a big part of Exeter’s attacking game and we want to take it out of play with a pacy and dangerous counter attacking game
Exeter Chiefs
Manager – Driver
16.John Smit 17.Salvator Perugini 18.Dave Wilson 19.James Hudson 20.Declan Danahar 21.Haydn Thomas 22.Steven Myler 23.Adam Thompstone
Tactics
Exeter will look to play a big physical game based around players carrying in the narrow channels around fringes and tie defenders into the contact area. Our pack will look to retain possetion with Byron Kelleher dictating the tempo and keep the Sharks defense honest.
We will look to play the game plan which suits Exeter best and that is to play at a high tempo from the off and really take the game to Sale smashing the ball up the middle with D’Arcy and Bell making head way to create space outwide for the back 3 to exploit or set a platform for ROG to pin Sale inside there own 22.
Moody and Jennings will look to target the breakdown as this is where games can be won or lost.
Pressure is off as we’re not expected to get anything from this so we’ll be pretty relaxed going into this and backing our selves to take points from.
Wilson/Hudson/Myler on at 55 mins to run round and up the tempo and take the game to Sale.
Key Points
1: Hook plays with a lot of individuality , is he really the man to get the best out of Robbie Freaun?
2:Isia Toeava , Luke Fitzgerald and Lee Byrne all have succeeded at the highest level where as Sam Smith and Luke Rooney havn't made the impact most would of expected them to.
3.We have a good attacking backline which can score tries and using front foot ball we will score tries.
Gloucester Rugby v Leicester Tigers
Light Rain, 13 Degrees, 12mph Winds
Gloucester
Manager – anonmattyt
16. Guthro Steenkamp 17. Jamie George 18. Julian White 19. George Robson 20. Julian Bonnaire 21. Dave Lewis 22. Hosea Gear 23. Jonny May
Glaws welcome Leicester to kingsholm and will be looking to really stuff Leicester and send a message through the Ap.
Forwards
Glaws as ever have gone for a hugely physical pack that has great mobility as well as great set piece.
Scrums
We will be looking to really turn the screw with mas targetting Jenkins horribly. We are aiming to sap there energy and force Leicester to bring on london irishs 3.rd choice loosehead Dermody and franks.
We are also looking to our exceptional back 5 to really keep the drive on.
Lineouts
We think we can shred Leicester here and this is an easy win for us. Leicester have no lineout experts and we will pressure with hari palmer bakkies burger and look to destroy their lineout. We have all seen moores darts go under pressure and this will be super pressure.
On our ball we will be looking to catch and drive in our own 22 but after that hit off the top and try and hit runners in midfield and try and move this much slower Leicester pack around.
Breakdown
We see this as a clear advantage to us. They may have pocock but we have a much quicker backrow and hari ferris and burger will be there way before Hines and Waldrom. Burger has played most his rugby at 7 and outperforformed mccaw etc at 7 on occasions. When he was voted best player in the world that was at 7.
Overall.
We are going to play at intensity and not give Leicester the slow game they want. We will look to suck their pack in and move it away again and create the next wave of possession.
We have so many mobile ball carriers and we will change the point of attack and work in pods and move leIcester into positions they dont want to be in.
Defensively we will send numbers in to counter ruck and with our extra pace in back row look to isolate the man and turnover.
Backs
We have the 2 best hbs in the game and they will dictate tempo. Initially we will be looking to kick quick ball in behind their back 3 and win territory battle with Leicester having 2 wings who are not great kickers.
We will also test out Corey Janes positioning as its been a while since he played there .
We have 3 great kicking options which will force Leicester back and make them either kick which means we get the lineout or they try and counter which moves their large pack about even more.
As the game progresses we will up the tempo carter will be looking to hit kahui up and recycle and then hit our ball carrying forwards coming round the corner to set the next phase.
Carter and genia will keep the ball moving from phase to phase looking to eventually create mismatches for us to exploit.
As the game starts to break up our back 3 will counter every kick and quick throw ins etc and break the game up.
Defensively we will blitz wilko who is not the attacking force he was and let 36 have pressure ball.
We see our bench as far
More dynamic and will use as neccesary. Bonnaire will further reinforce our lineout.
Key points
Glaws in form with in form players all over
Far more mobile pack with much better backrow balance. Hines is a second
Row playing 6 for Leicester
Dominant lineout against essentially 3 front jumping locks
More dynamic bench with game breakers every where. If wilko injured who plays 10 nacewa??
All international backline in their right positions.
More kicking options
Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka
16. Clarke Dermody 17. Lee Mears 18. Ben Franks 19. Alex Brown 20. Tom Croft 21. Nick Easter 22. Micky Young 23. Isa Nacewa
Tactics
GENERAL:
- We have picked a huge carrying pack, tactical HB's and an intelligent midfield in an effort to get our back three into positions where they can hurt Gloucester.
- Defensively we will look to blitz, with Yachvilli sweeping behind the line to deal with any short kicks.
- Yachvili to kick all penalties in range. We also have Wilkinson or Twelvetrees if he is having an off day.
- Utilise our powerful 6/2 split bench to win the game for us in the last quarter. Two technical props in Dermody and Franks, big lineout options in A.Brown and Croft, experienced heads in Easter and Mears, and pace and excitement with Young and Nacewa.
FORWARDS:
- We will look to maintain a strong scrum all game, with a great scrummaging hooker who will look to get after Gray, and two massively powerful props in Jenkins and Johnston to get the shove on. Both Jenkins and Johnston are tall props, so they are told to hold their bind and keep their body and back straight in an effort to stop them being done underneath.
- In the lineout, Hines, Horwill and Pape will be our three main jumpers, and we believe we can get real joy in targeting Gray's throws with these big jumpers. With A.Brown and Croft, and also Easter to come on, we will attack the lineout more and more as the game wears on.
- A massive pack, full to the brim of ball carriers, to give us real go-forward. With the ball in hand we want to attack together in groups so as not to become isolated, and if it is on we will look to offload in or just before the tackle. All players are to act as support runners when they can.
- We will target the breakdown massively with Pocock. Gloucester have no out and out 7 in their team, and we feel we can get gain a big advantage here. Pocock is told to hit the breakdown area fast, looking to get his hands on turnover ball. We want to seriously disrupt the quality of the ball Gloucester can get, and steal as much as we can for our own backs to use.
BACKS:
- We will force Gloucester to play from deep - With the rain, the pitch will be wet, and we will use the big boots of Yachvili, Wilkinson and Twelvetrees to pen Gloucester back in their own 22.
- In general attacking play, we will play off 9 with Yachvili our man in charge. We will look to move Gloucester's pack around, release our strike runners and unleash our pacey back three as and when we can.
- If the game is tight and the ball isn't coming quickly, Wilkinson will look to drop into the pocket and keep the scoreboard ticking over with drop goals.
- Waldrom/Jenkins/Johnston/Horwill/Hines to be used off the shoulder of the half backs, inside or out, and look to crash through the defence.
- Twelvetrees can act as our second receiver, and brings another kicking option when we are looking for territory - he can also hit the gain line hard to make yards. BOD to play his natural game, be the leader in our midfield, and look to get our back three into the game.
- In Cory Jane we have one of the safest pair of hands in world rugby. The more Gloucester kick to us, the better.
- Our back three are encouraged to do what comes naturally to all of them - counter attacking and running the ball back. All have good boots to rely on if it isn't on or they are isolated, but the counter is what we ask them to look for.
KEY POINTS:
- In-game form - we have won 6 of our last 7 games, averaging 34 points per game. And we also beat Gloucester with Bakkies Botha, Tom Palmer, Stephen Ferris and Schalk Burger in their pack 32-23, only a few weeks ago.
- We have a much heavier pack than Gloucester (on average nearly a stone per player). Matt will harp on about his ball carrying back row, but we have a much stronger carrying front five than Gloucester, whilst Waldrom is the best carrying 8 in the AP and Pocock was Australia's leading carrier at the World Cup.
- Controlling HB's - Gloucester obviously have dangerous attacking HB's, but we have two of the best tactical HB's in the world. With their tactical ability, we will force Gloucester to play from deep, and pen them back in their own 22. We will look to Yachvili and Wilkinson to use their nous and experience to win the crucial tactical battle.
- Target the breakdown with Pocock - Gloucester have no out and out 7 in their team, and we feel we can get gain a big advantage here. Pocock is told to hit the breakdown area fast, looking to get his hands on turnover ball.
- Team packed full of leaders for a huge away game. Horwill and BOD are our inspirational captain and vice, and then behind them we have Jenkins, Hines, Pocock, Yachvili and Wilkinson, and Easter and Dermody off the bench, who are all natural leaders - which is essential for an important away fixture.
London Irish v London Wasps
White Cloud, 12 Degrees, 9mph Winds
London Irish
Manager – stnick88
16. Jean Baptiste Poux 17. James Buckland 18. Duncan Bell 19. Mouritz Botha 20. Kieren Roche 21. Julien Dupuy 22. Sireli Naqalevuki 23. Marland Yarde
Tactics
We going in to this game full of confidence after gaining 5 points in the HC against Harlequins. The conditions are ok and we will look to stick to our usual high tempo game and attack Wasps from the off.
We are ruthlessly targetting the scrum. Castro will look to tear Freshwater apart and gain us a big upper hand here. Our front row are all very effective in the loose as well and we will look to take Wasps on upfront with a powerful backrow of Kaino Fourie Spies. We will look to dominate possession and territory and make Wasps feed off scraps. We have Fourie to scavenge whereas Wasps lack that natural openside.
Pienaar and Bowden will pull the strings, with Bowden being the main play maker and creating the space for SBW and Fourie. We have instructed SBW only to offload when it is on, and not to try the impossible. Fourie and Tait will look to gather these offloads.
JMH to kick all pens for goal, if not go for touch to use Kennedy, Garvey, Kaino and Spies at the lineout. Kennedy will disrupt as much opposition ball as possible.
We will use our big ball carriers, Tonga'uhia, Kaino, Garvey, Spies, Fourie to smash over the gainline and suck in defenders before spreading the ball for Bowden to work his magic and get SBW, Fourie, Tait etc involved.
We will make Wasps ball as scrappy as possible (legally) so that service to Gopperth is limited. He is not the most creative 10 and we will look to pressurise him and really put him on the back foot. We want to keep our own ball alive and moving as Wasps forwards are not as dynamic as ours and we will look to move them around and spot mismatches.
London Wasps
Manager – ‘Arry
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau 17. Charlie Beech 18. CJ Van Der Linde 19. Richard Birkett 20. Tom Johnson 21. Mike Blair 22. Rory Clegg 23. Mike Tindall
Tactics
We have picked a gritty, powerful and physical forward pack which will work very hard at rucks and winning us set piece ball at scrum time and lineout. We feel that if we can assert ourselves physically and win the forward battle, providing our backs with a solid platform we will be able to come away from London Irish with a hard fought victory. We are really up for the battle and feel we have a great chance of winning. We have several players who are in great form in real life and are on a superb winning run with plenty of momentum.
Our game plan is based around using the power we have in our team to set out a platform for our backs to be able to attack from. We will look to use the set piece as a platform for attacks. Our front row is a very good scrummaging unit and we will hopefully be able to build attacks from there and earn some penalties for Gopperth to make use of. Our pack will be physical and relentless up front, we will play with controlled aggression. We will look to our forwards to get us onto the front foot by attacking in groups with some grunt and powerful carrying, getting us over the gain line. We will start as we mean to go on with a high intensity, hitting the collision area hard and driving our players over the gain line. We will look to recycle the ball efficiently within the pack taking the ball through plenty of phases to wear London Irish down.
We have two excellent kicking options in Gopperth and McAlister we will look to kick in behind the London Irish wingers and keep them pinned back where we will look to isolate and pressurize them into making mistakes in their own half. We will look to hit the rucks hard and compete when we can, any turnovers we do make we will look to get the ball out wide and attack the space available. We will look to make a nuisance of ourselves at the breakdown and spoil the quality of the Irish ball with good counter rucking. At rucks on our own ball we will look to secure the ball by coming from low to high to present Burgess with clean, quick ball and get our forwards running onto the ball at different angles to pierce the Irish defence.
In the forwards we will look to drive our carriers over the gain line and really look to win the collisions. We have plenty of dynamic carriers including the explosive and in form James Haskell. Gopperth will look to bring in our strike runners in McAlister and Roberts. If it is on we will look to offload the ball to the supporting players and keep Irish working off the ball in defence. We will look for the in form Roberts to run plenty of good lines and stay strong in the contact area and either offload if he wins the collision, or the support players will keep driving him on, building up momentum and speed in our attacks. So long as our ball carriers have the support, we will look to pierce gaps in the Irish defensive line and offload to supporting players, keeping the ball alive as much as possible.
With the ball in hand we will look to our strike runners to attack gaps and half gaps in their defence targeting the outside shoulder of the Irish players and will look to attack the fly half channel in the Irish defence and put Bowden off his game, hopefully opening them up. When possible we will look to get our offloading game going to alternate the point of attack and keep Irish working off the ball in defence and pierce the gaps we have created. With quick ball and offloading we will look to create and expose mismatches in the midfield. Our mobile and dynamic back row will look to support our ball carriers, taking offloads and powerfully driving forward. We will ensure our ball carriers have plenty of support in each phase, so they we can continue to play an offloading game. Any loose kicks our back three get will be returned with interest. We have plenty of pace in our back three and will look to use them when we can.
At lineouts we will look to exert as much pressure as possible on the Irish throws with Wentzel looking to steal some opposition throws. On our own throw we will use Wentzel as our main go to man but will mix it up by using Chisholm, Haskell and Wilson. From there we will look to slowly sap the energy out of London Irish by using the rolling maul. We will look to suck in as many London Irish defenders to open up spaces elsewhere for us to attack. We’ll look to really target the set piece and create a platform, we feel that we can gain an advantage here, if we get a nudge on we will look to keep them going backwards. Our back row will look to really get in Bowden’s face and put him off of his game. We will ensure our discipline is exemplary. We will play hard rugby but ensure we play by the rules, discipline will be key. We feel that if our forwards can get us onto the front foot we have the half backs who will keep their cool and manage our game.
We will look to attack in numbers, we have plenty of powerful and dynamic carriers in our pack who will get us over the gain line and set us out a solid platform to build from. We have plenty of grit in our team and feel that if we can push London Irish onto the back foot by winning the forward battle we will be able to unsettle them. We want to continue our winning ways and feel that if we can play at a high tempo and push the Irish onto the back foot we will be able to do this. Our gritty forwards will set the tone with huge carrying and from there we will look to get our offloading game going and bring our strike runners into the game. We have plenty of impact to call upon from the bench to continue our high levels of intensity and power. We have purposefully selected a bench full of impact players who can come on and make a difference.
Harlequins v Newcastle Falcons
Sunny Intervals, 12 Degrees, 9mph Winds
Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks
16. Rob Vickers 17. Joe Marler 18. Brian Mujati 18. James Gaskell 19. Carl Fearns 20. Tomas O'Leary 21. Quade Cooper 22. Freddie Burns
Tactics
We welcome Newcastle and are fully confident that we are going to get a win at the Stoop. We have picked a very experienced side which has 523 international caps in the starting XV. We have picked a forward pack which will be a force both at the set piece and the loose and a backline which will be able to control the tempo of the game and the part of the field in which it will be played. We also have very threatening runners out wide who will score tries given the chance. On the bench we have got one of the best impact players you could wish for in Quade Cooper who will strike fear into a tired Newcastle when he comes on.
Game Plan
Our game plan is to play a patient game in which we build phases and tie in Newcastle defenders. We have picked a side with which we think will control the game for us. We will use our forwards to carry the ball until we get quick ball and have the chance to spread the ball wider to our backs when they have space to cause damage. We have specifically picked 8 forwards who are strong carriers and will take the ball at pace, carry in numbers and most importantly look to win the collision and then keep driving the legs to make ground and get us over the gain line. We want the forwards to attack spaces not faces and run at the gaps. When we get the chance we will look for the offload but we won’t be throwing miracle balls. Offloads are key to a flowing attacking game as its keeps the pace of the attack up. We will be looking for our forwards to carry of 9, 10 and 12 and each to be picking a different line to keep the Newcastle defence guessing.
We will look to use the kicking abilities of our 9, 10, 11, 12 and 15 to our advantage and if we are struggling to build up momentum then we will ping the ball into spaces. We will be careful to kick behind players or to find touch, unless we are using attacking kicks such as up and unders, cross field kicks or grubbers. We will only kick the ball away when we are in our 22 or there is an obvious opportunity such as poor positioning.
If we are to get turnover then we want to make it count by really increasing the tempo and hurting and disorganised defence. We will look to get our big runners involved and look to keep our game flowing. We have the players to hurt Newcastle with ball in hand.
Forwards
As stated in our game plan our forwards are going to be doing a lot of carrying and we want specific players to carry in different areas. We want our front row to be primary carriers of 9, with the locks occasionally doing it. We want our locks and back row carrying of 10 and our back row also to carry in the midfield. We will be looking to put 2, 3 or 4 men into a ruck depending on how easily the ball can be recycled. When the backs want quick ball we will commit as many men as it takes to get this quick ball. We want our forwards to really fly out of the blocks in this game and get on top of Newcastle in the first 20 mins. We have strong forwards coming off of the bench all off which are impact players who will look for get involved should they be required. We aren’t looking to bring players on unless we need to take players off.
Set Piece
At the set piece we are going to really look to pressure Newcastle ball. We are going to have Sharpe and Skivington competing at every lineout and we are going to look for our strong front row to turn the screw at the scrum. We have the Auckland Blues pair making their debut together as a unit at Quins and in between them is the very experienced Matthew Rees. We can’t see them taking a step backwards. We will use 5 man lineouts between the two 22 m lines and will have longer or shorter lines in to give us the option of mauling or getting the ball away quickly when we are close to either try line.
Backs
We will look for our half backs to control the game. They will look for the runners who offer themselves and will look to speed up or slow down the game to suit our game plan. We have deliberately picked a 12 who can control our game and Contepomi will also step in as first receiver when he is required and will be the extra set of eyes to see when Newcastle are short of defenders or disorganised. We will look for George Lowe to continually run lines cutting back infield so as to commit defenders. Contepomi will then look to slide behind him and when he is given the ball he will look to feed one of the back three who will be picking lines and coming from deep. Our blindside winger will be looking to come off his wing for work and Kearney will look to join the line and inject some pace whenever possible.
Defence
In defence we will play with a very quick line speed and aim to put huge pressure on the Newcastle 10 and other decision makers. Our back row will look to hunt him as a pack and make his day miserable. When we can we will look for 2 men to make the tackle with one taking the man’s legs and the other looking to get onto the ball and cause a turnover. We will look to put huge pressure on Newcastle’s ball carriers but we are all aware of not being caught offside.
At rucks we will look to have 2 men compete either by trying to legally turnover the ball or by adopting a good low body position and rucking Newcastle off the ball. Warburton will look to do what he does as well as anybody in the world by getting over the ball and getting us penalties or turnovers.
We will look for our back 3 to stay deep when we don’t have the ball so we can be ready to counter attack when the loose kicks come in.
Key Points
• Build pressure on Newcastle by playing patient rugby, retaining possession, being aggressive in defence and maintaining our discipline.
• Use forwards to punch holes in defence and get us quick ball before using backs against and disorganised defence.
• Win collisions in attack and defence. This will build/halt momentum which will benefit our game.
• Kick only when it’s on or to clear our lines to touch. We certainly don’t want to kick aimlessly.
• Let Warburton loose on the Newcastle 10 and the breakdown. Key player in this game and perhaps the form player in the world in his position.
• When we get turnovers we want to run at a disorganised Newcastle defence which won’t have time to re-align. If that isn’t an option then kick to the spaces which will be there.
• We have some great impact subs to come on and add to our game.
• Kick the points when on. Whilst we want to score tries we know that a win is more important than a few tries.
• We’ve given our key players a good rest. Fatigue will not be an issue for us at any stage.
• Current form: Preistland and Heaslip got MoM in the HC last weekend and Warburton was in the team of the week with Kearney and Marler also being mentioned and they are players in key positions for us so it’s great that they are in good form.
Points based on opposition side/tactics
- There has only been one manager talking about last years result and that's Pooly. You could say that this obsession with last years results is causing complacency in the Newcastle camp and this is an attitude we will look to punish. These comments will go up on the changing rule wall. Made a team talk very very easy.
- We see ourselves as having the much better game managers in our side. We have players who excel in this skill at 9, 10 and 12.
- We really want to target the Lineout. Sharpe and Skivington are both excellent lineout forwards and we will really look to put huge pressure on Parling.
- Our back row will really out huge pressure on Evans. He doesn't have another kicking option outside him and will do the majority of the decision making. We get to him then Newcastle won't function. Also put huge pressure on Youngs and pressure him to ship scrappy ball.
- They can put as many high balls up as they like as Rob Kearney is as good as you get under the high ball and he will take the ball every time. Solid as a rock.
Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Sgt Pooly
16. Tom Lindsay 17. Owen Franks 18. Boris Stankovich 19. Paul O’Connell 20. Chris York 21. Jonny Arr 22. Toby Flood 23. Drew Mitchell
Tactics
Second half pack:
1. Barcella
2. Servat
3. Franks
4. Thorn
5. POC
6. Robshaw
7. McCaw
8. Read
General play - It's all about a high tempo and controlling the ball.. If 3 point is on we'll look to take it and until we have a clear lead. Evans will pull the strings at 10 and keep us playing in the right areas of the pitch. Our main aim this week will be getting control in the forwards and getting good ball for our extra quality in the backline to attack Quins. With Youngs and Evans at halfback pulling the strings with good ball we feel we can really get at Quins, especially through the centre channel. Evans will look to test out Joseph and Roko early on with a few Gary Owens with Barritt looking too put some big hits in to set the tone.
Forwards
Set Piece
We'll be looking to use the set piece as a platform to set up attacks. Our tactics during each game may change if we spot a weakness in the oppposition set piece during the 80mins. This is the role of the team captain.
Scrum - We'll be looking to set a platform and use the scrum to get fast ball to out 9/10 axis. Servat, PDJ and Barcella are excellent technical scrummagers who will give us a sound foundation and look to get at their opposite numbers from the off. If a weakness is seen we’ll look to keep the push on and drive the opposition back, taking scrum options at pens if totally on top. If not we’ll be using the scrum as restart and getting the ball in and out so we can attack the opposition 9/10 axis. We think we may get an edge in this week with Barcella and Servat looking to target Afoa throughout the game.
Lineout
Securing lineout ball will be key. Parling will look to lead the line and use Thorn as banker ball from the front and Read, McCaw & Robshaw as a strong options at the middle and back. We shall look to get target opposition ball throughout the game.
Target Breakdown & Rucks
We'll look to commit to rucks to secure our own ball whilst targetting the opposition when it's on. McCaw will look to slow opposion ball down whilst looking for the turnover whilst Robshaw and Read are also excellent on the deck so will look to do this all game.
ISOLATED RUNNERS –Our pack will look to get the contact area asap and join the tackle thus making a maul. With us in control of the tackle area or ruck as it is now, we’ll look to keep the runner up until the ref awards a scrum in out advantage. This is a system we used to success numerous times last season and is especially handy in the damp conditions as forwards look to take the ball up more.
Huge carrying
We have huge carrying options in the pack and we'll look to use them throughout the game to wear the opposition down and give us a point of attack. We'll look to mix this up with Read coming off the scrum and Barcella, Robshaw, Servat, Parling, Thorn, McCaw giving us numerous options in tight and loose. We’ll look to vary the angles of attack with Evans using the reverse ball now and again with Read, Thorn, McCaw and Robshaw coming in. The 9/10 axis will hit early on and if successful will be used to draw the opposition defence in.
Backs
Halfbacks
With a solid platform Youngs will look to snipe around and find gaps in the opposion defense, especially at 2/3rd phase attacks when defenses start to fray. Youngs gives us a massive threat and will look to mix his game up throughgout the game. Evans will play his natural game and come into the line flat. He’ll look to mix the play up with varying passes and look to hit behind the back 3 if on. Youngs will sweep up behind a blitz defense with Barritt leading the line. Youngs will look to deploy the box kick and leave it hanging to test the opposition back 3.
Backline balance
We have numerous running options and the option to mix things up in the backline. Barritt gives Evans go to ball if needed and we'll look to get JOC in as second receiver to give us a different focal point. AAC will look to come off the shoulder of attacks and inject pace into the midfield. Bowe will look to run angles off the backline and finish off moves in opposition 22.
Points to target against opposition
After studying the opposition over a number of weeks we’ll be looking to specifically target these areas:
SCRUM – We feel we have a good edge in the scrum and will target this. Our front row is a serious unit and backed with Thorn will provide serious grunt. Owen Franks will come on at half time and provide a top class TH to attack Woodcock and Marler.
QUINS ENGINE ROOM – With Quins playing two 5’s we feel they might lack a bit of physicality and power in the set piece and around the park. We will look to use the rolling maul and target rucks because of this.
LINEOUT – We have 5 top jumpers starting and feel confident about securing our own ball. POC will come at half time and look to dismantle the Quins set piece.
BREAKDOWN – With MCaw, Read & Robshaw targeting the breakdown we’ll look to get the upper hand here throughout the game
REAL LIFE FORM – We have numerous players right at the top of their game and feel Quins lack a bit of real life form with Skivington, Rees, Dowson, Dickson, Contepomi and Roko not in the best of nick. This is just my opinion though of course.
IN GAME FORM – Top of the table in the AP and Premiership, only beaten once home and away all season
LAST GAME AT THE STOOP – We have no fears about travelling to the Stoop after winning 18-30 last time out…possible mental issues for Quins though?
QUINS MIDFIELD – We’ll look to get at Contepomi who plays much more of his rugby at 10 these days and paired with Lowe we feel Quins could be vulnerable in the 10/12/13 axis. We’ll look to get Read and Thorn running down these channels early on and especially Priestland to test him out.
2nd HALF PACK – We this pack on the park we feel we can really turn the screw on and dominate the forward battle giving Evans plenty of good clean ball.
Northampton Saints v Saracens
Light Rain, 12 Degrees, 7mph Winds
Northampton Saints
Manager – Dammit_Chris
Subs: 16. Rob Webber 17. Matt Stevens 18. Sakari Taulafo 19. Bradley Davies 20. Simon Taylor 21. Sam Harrison 22. Danny Cipriani 23. Manu Tuilagi
Tactics: Overview
Our gameplan revolves around possession, patience, territory and explosive ball carrying to break over the Saracens gainline and provide Simpson and Giteau with front foot ball. It also involves an aggressive defence that will look to clear the breakdown with numbers and power, instead of competing directly for the ball.
Our attack is based on building through the phases, controlling the ball and building momentum. We will use powerful ball carriers, Lawes, Albacete, Messam, Elsom and Parisse, de Villiers to run off the back of mauls & rucks and Giteau to get over the gainline and provide Saints with front foot ball for the backs. We will stand Giteau flat and have runners off him, with Evans at 13 we have a further outlet to control the game and bring the back three into play. We will look to try and utilise any defences frailties between Nonu and Trinder who havent played that many games together.
With power in the forwards and lots of attacking threats in the backline we do have the ability to score tries and will look for Giteau to control the game and when running is not an option he will kick the ball deep and give Halfpenny, Ashton and Evans a target of closing down Homer and test whether he is ready to step up to world class level. We will look to scrag him and close him down and put them under pressure.
In defence we will look to get Lawes rampaging around the pitch looking for big hits, particularly on Sarries half backs. This will be an example of our aggressive approach in defence, which we will use to put pressure on the Sarries team and have Elsom & Messam also putting in big tackles. Special attention will be placed on marshalling Nonu with de Villiers and a backrow coming in to double up. If we stop Nonu getting over the gainline then Sarries wont get over the gainline.
At the breakdown we will look to commit players to clear their Saracens counterparts out of the contact area – instead of going for the ball we will instead focus on putting Sarries under pressure and maintain a good defensive line around the fringes. If we can cause Sarries away from the breakdown area then Simpson will be asked to attack and snipe as much as possible, using his pace to get behind the Sarries defence. This is a different approach to normal and looks to play to our strengths, which is a more physical presence than most other teams – we will ensure Simpson is close to the breakdown so he can get hold of any quick ball and attack.
We will use the set piece to put Sarries under pressure, we have a huge scrum and welcome the return of Domingo. This allows us to play Stevens from the bench who can have a better impact later on in the game. We’ve got a very solid scrummaging unit and with Lawes, Albacete, Elsom, Messam and Parisse we have good lineout options.
Defensively at lineouts that are more than 30 metres from our tryline we will put Simpson in the 5metre channel, add Hartley into the lineout as an extra lifter to allow us to attack the Sarries lineout and then push Elsom in between Giteau and de Villiers as an additional defender to smash into Nonu and stop him crossing the gainline. We hope this will force the Sarries 10 to kick deep.
Game Specific Tactics
• Use powerful runners – we will look to bully Saracens out of the game by playing an aggressive style, which hounds them, forcing mistakes and putting in big hits. We will get our runners on the ball and look to cross the gainline, offload to build forward momentum and get our backline into space to score tries.
• Control possession, territory and tempo – we will aim to control the tempo of the game and use Giteau’s experience to move us into areas where we can force Saracens into mistakes and put them under pressure. We will look to dictate the tempo of the game, building through the phases and then exploding into action, moving ball from left to right and looking for weaknesses in Sarries defence.
• Play Giteau flat – each opportunity we have to get Giteau close to the gainline we will take because he has the hands and ability to take on the Sarries defence and bring runners into the game. He will mix up his game, use forwards and utilise Max Evans as the second playmaker and channel runners into the 13 channel. Kicks will be used to place Tom Homer under pressure and closed down by the chasers, particularly to tackle Saracens usual blitz defence – mixing up his options will create gaps and get Sarries guessing and making mistakes.
• Keep Scoreboard Ticking – we have selected Leigh Halfpenny in this game to give us an extremely good kicking option from long-distance knowing that he will need to keep the scoreboard ticking over and cancel out the threat of a similar kicking game from Homer. With more of a try scoring threat in the Saints team we believe that if we match Sarries on the penalty front we will get more tries.
• Build Pressure – Unbeaten at home, all the big guns back we will be lifted to take the game to Sarries and put the visiting team under a lot of pressure. We have a marauding forward pack that can put in big hits and put Sarries ballcarriers under a lot of pressure. Where possible we will look to keep Sarries off the deck in the tackle and drive them backwards, so our players are instantly going forward in the breakdown battle with players going in to clear out the opposition.
Key Points
• Confidence and Freshness – over the last month the Saints team has been scoring tries for fun and has recorded huge back to back wins with a young team that has lifted confidence. It has also allowed us to rest the front five, none have played more than 60minutes over the last two weeks and purposefully rested to come back flying in the AP (particularly after tough WC).
• Try scoring threat – at home Saints will run the ball and look to score tries out wide and cause Saracens to chase the game. Are Saracens able to score more tries than Saints because with Giteau and Halfpenny Saints will be able to match them on the penalty count.
• Ball carrying and big hits – we will make sure that our pack does a lot of ball carrying and turn this into a really physical game to take Saracens out of their comfort zone and pressurise them at every single opportunity.
• Leadership – Saints have a team packed full of leaders – Hartley, Hayman, Albacete, Elsom, Parisse in the pack (with Davies and Taylor on the bench) and the experience of Giteau and de Villiers in the backline. This is a good mix and allows players like Lawes, Messam, Foden and Ashton to flourish.
Saracens
Manager – Ozzy3213
16. George Chuter 17. Tendai Mtwarira 18. Jannie du Plessis 19. Steve Borthwick 20. Luke Narraway 21. Paul Hodgson 22. Owen Farrell 23. Tim Visser
Tactics
Our generic gameplan revolves around a high intensity attacking and defensive game.
In attack our primary gameplan is always to control possession and run the ball, utilising big carriers attacking gaps in the line, and looking to offload to support runners to continue getting over the gainline and keep the ball alive. If the offload is not on, we will take the contact and look to recycle quickly at the breakdown. If running the ball is not on we will uitilise the kicking game of one of our backs to take us into the right area of the pitch.
In defence we will look to blitz, with our scrum half sweeping behind the defensive line. Key for us is line speed, getting up to make the tackle before the ball carrier hits the gainline, and confidence and trust in the man next to you in the defensive line, meaning we will not jump out or get pulled to far away from the next defender leaving gaps that can be exploited.
At the breakdown, we will not overcommit players. If the ball is not there to be won, then we will commit 1 or 2 players to legally slow it down whilst maintaining a strong defensive line across the pitch. If the ball looks like it is there to be won, we will look to get more numbers there quickly, with the first 1 or 2 players immediately rucking past the ball to clear the opposition players who are trying to get hands on it, and the next man in will then look to get it out quickly for us to counter attack on turnover ball.
We will look to really attack the scrum, both in attack and defence. We will not be looking to drop the scrum at all, and Joe van Niekerk in his role as captain will be talking to the referee constantly to ensure that he is aware that we want to scrummage. We will look to be aggressive in this area throughout.
Game Specific Tactics
Key Points
Worcester Warriors v Bath Rugby
Light Rain, 13 Degrees, 11mph Winds
Worcester Warriors
Manager – prop_lyd
16. Chris Fortey 17. George Porter 18.Chris Budgen 18. Kearnen Myall 19. Ben McCalman 20. Eion Reddan 21. Morne Steyn 22. Sam Vesty
Tactics
Forwards
We have picked a strong scrummaging front row with a heavy engine room to trouble all the scrums and intimidate the opponents up front. Our lineouts will be key as we look to catch and drive alot of ball and we have jumpers all over the back 5. The front 5 will do the donkey work creating quick ball and disrupting the opposition's defence. The back row have players who can make an impact both come the breakdown and in open play. Jones and Higs will look for turnover ball and Morgan will use his form to make the breaks from the back of the scrum and the 12-13 channel.
Backs
We have pace all over our backline and we will look to use it as much as possible. Robinson will receive quick ball from Peel and any slow ball will go to the forward on his shoulder. McCabe will run the backs giving Robinson the simple decision of to kick or pass, we will look to pin them back when in our own half but will look to run when in theirs. Clarke is a powerful runner and McCabe can create the gaps for our back 3 who are loaded with pace and form. We will look to play attractive rugby in good conditions and trouble them with a variety of kicks to touch and bomb's with 3 chasers.
Defence
Lead by McCabe, hard and rush defence looking to prevent the ball getting past 12. The back 5 in the pack will look to tackle the ball so long as another is around the legs. Peel will sweep with O.Morgan to counter attack.
Overall
*Attractive rugby,
*Hard hitting upfront to dominate and put them off their game,
*Big impact bench which will be used to test tired legs,
*Backs to look to run this show when in the opposition's half,
*Slow ball is forwards ball,
*Pressure Bath and intimidate them into mistakes,
*Robinson to go for goal when nothing is on from the penalties,
*Continue our excellent development and gain a massive victory.
Bath Rugby
Manager – inthefastlane
16 Cian Healy 17 Joe Ward 18 Petrus Du Plessis 19 Rob Simmons 20 Dan Lydiate 21 Richard Wigglesworth 22 Anthony Allen 23 Tom Varndell
Tactics
General
We'll look to control territory and only play in the right areas of the pitch in the slippery positions. Hodgson will keep us ticking over with Steyn's kicking being vital. We'll look to control the ball and keep the offloading to a minimum. Lobbe will act as chase man and really put pressure on Garvey.
We'll look to use the bench in the second to keep up pack control.
Set Piece
We have some of the on form scrummagers in the world and will look to use the scrum as a platform. We feel we can really use this to advantage in the latter part of the game where the props on our bench can use their advantage. We feel a big part of our game will be the lineout. Lobbe and Whitelock are our main jumpers while Deacon offers a strong banker ball if needed. Simmons will maintain our dominance from the bench. Look to put pressure on the Warrior jumpers forcing turnovers.
Kicking
Francois Steyn will be our main kicker. He will look to take on penalties in front of halfway as this is easily within his range. He will look for drop goals if there isn’t a lot on. Beale, FDP and Hodgson are also useful kickers who can be utilised. We will look to test Marcel Garvey in the wet, he is not good on the turn so we will be looking to put balls in behind him.
Other points
- Conservative rugby but if there is a chance to get my back three going then let them run at defenders
- Look to slow Worcester ball down with Armitage looking to create turnovers
- Go through phases with big carries from the likes of SOB
Team Sheets and tactics due by COB Thur
Predictions open Fri. Results due Sun/Mon
Sale Sharks v Exeter Chiefs
Sunny Intervals, 11 Degrees, 11mph Winds
Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE
| 01. Marcos Ayerza | 09. Danny Care |
| 02. David Paice | 10. Johnny Sexton |
| 03. Luc Ducalcon | |
| 04. Romain Millo Chluski | 11. David Strettle |
| 05. Andries Bekker | 12. Jame Hook |
| 06. Adam Thomson | 13. Robbie Freuen |
| 07. Fulgence Quedragao | 14. Sam Smith |
| 08. Louis Picamoles | 15. Luke Rooney |
16. Lee Imolek 17. Brett Sharman 18. Neemia Tialata 19. Christian Day 20. Victor Vito 21. Shaun Perry 22. Aaron Cruden 23. Jordan Turner Hall
General Game Plan
On attack, we will look to our big carriers to get over the gain line and where possible offload to support runners, breaking the defensive line and keeping our forward momentum going. If running the ball is not on we will look to the boots of Sexton and Hook to put us in the right areas.
On defence, we will use a blitz defence coming up at pace looking to isolate the ball carrier before he gets to the gain line stopping any momentum and allowing us to hit the breakdown hard. Danny Care will act as a sweeper to cover any grubbers behind the line while our back three will sit deep ready to run back any loose kicks.
At the breakdown, if the ball looks available we will look to seriously commit numbers to clear the ruck allowing Thomson and Quedragao to come in and secure us turnover ball. At all other times we will commit 1 or 2 to the breakdown and look to counter ruck slowing down Exeter ball allowing our defensive line more time to set.
We will look to use the set piece as a weapon throughout. We will target the scrum with a technically strong front row looking to get in under to win every hit. With 5 jumping options and a reliable thrower at hook we will look to attack from the lineout. We will look to mix things up bringing the ball down into the maul or playing the ball of the top and spreading it through the backs.
Key Points
• We are unbeaten at home since season two having won every league game here in the last year. Edgeley Park is a fortress and the Chiefs will need to be at their very best to breach it with a passionate crowd cheering us on.
•We are here to play our own game not Exeter’s. We won’t look to get into an arm wrestle but will play our usual style of attacking running rugby looking to move Exeter around the park.
• We have gone with a side full of pace particularly in the back line to really get at the Chiefs. We will be deploying lots of decoy running tying up spare defenders to ensure one on one match ups. We will look to use a full complement of forwards at each lineout allowing one on one match ups in the back line. At scrum time we will look to wheel the Chiefs scrum away from the backline to get some more of these one on one match ups.
• We will look to win the collisions in both attack and defence so we have a target for our forwards to hit when they reach the ruck. We will look to get at the Exeter 10/12 axis from the start and really get on top of the Chiefs here
• As always on defence our back three will sit deep ready for any kicks We expect ROG’s boot to be a big part of Exeter’s attacking game and we want to take it out of play with a pacy and dangerous counter attacking game
Exeter Chiefs
Manager – Driver
| 01. Andrew Sheridan | 09. Byron Kelleher |
| 02. Ben Kayser | 10. Ronan O’Gara |
| 03. Davit Zirkashvilli | |
| 04. Simon Shaw | 11. Luke Fitzgerald |
| 05. Juillian Pierre | 12. Gordan D’Arcy |
| 06. Lewis Moody | 13. Chris Bell |
| 07. Shane Jennings | 14. Isia Toeava |
| 08. Ben Skirving | 15. Lee Byrne |
16.John Smit 17.Salvator Perugini 18.Dave Wilson 19.James Hudson 20.Declan Danahar 21.Haydn Thomas 22.Steven Myler 23.Adam Thompstone
Tactics
Exeter will look to play a big physical game based around players carrying in the narrow channels around fringes and tie defenders into the contact area. Our pack will look to retain possetion with Byron Kelleher dictating the tempo and keep the Sharks defense honest.
We will look to play the game plan which suits Exeter best and that is to play at a high tempo from the off and really take the game to Sale smashing the ball up the middle with D’Arcy and Bell making head way to create space outwide for the back 3 to exploit or set a platform for ROG to pin Sale inside there own 22.
Moody and Jennings will look to target the breakdown as this is where games can be won or lost.
Pressure is off as we’re not expected to get anything from this so we’ll be pretty relaxed going into this and backing our selves to take points from.
Wilson/Hudson/Myler on at 55 mins to run round and up the tempo and take the game to Sale.
Key Points
1: Hook plays with a lot of individuality , is he really the man to get the best out of Robbie Freaun?
2:Isia Toeava , Luke Fitzgerald and Lee Byrne all have succeeded at the highest level where as Sam Smith and Luke Rooney havn't made the impact most would of expected them to.
3.We have a good attacking backline which can score tries and using front foot ball we will score tries.
Gloucester Rugby v Leicester Tigers
Light Rain, 13 Degrees, 12mph Winds
Gloucester
Manager – anonmattyt
| 01. Nick Wood | 09. Genia |
| 02. Joe Gray | 10. Dan Carter |
| 03. Nicolas Mas | |
| 04. Bakkies Botha | 11. Sharples |
| 05. Palmer(c) | 12. Berrick barnes |
| 06. Steven Ferris | 13. Richard kahui |
| 07. Schalk Burger | 14. JSD |
| 08. Immanol Harinordoqouy | 15. Israel dagg |
16. Guthro Steenkamp 17. Jamie George 18. Julian White 19. George Robson 20. Julian Bonnaire 21. Dave Lewis 22. Hosea Gear 23. Jonny May
Glaws welcome Leicester to kingsholm and will be looking to really stuff Leicester and send a message through the Ap.
Forwards
Glaws as ever have gone for a hugely physical pack that has great mobility as well as great set piece.
Scrums
We will be looking to really turn the screw with mas targetting Jenkins horribly. We are aiming to sap there energy and force Leicester to bring on london irishs 3.rd choice loosehead Dermody and franks.
We are also looking to our exceptional back 5 to really keep the drive on.
Lineouts
We think we can shred Leicester here and this is an easy win for us. Leicester have no lineout experts and we will pressure with hari palmer bakkies burger and look to destroy their lineout. We have all seen moores darts go under pressure and this will be super pressure.
On our ball we will be looking to catch and drive in our own 22 but after that hit off the top and try and hit runners in midfield and try and move this much slower Leicester pack around.
Breakdown
We see this as a clear advantage to us. They may have pocock but we have a much quicker backrow and hari ferris and burger will be there way before Hines and Waldrom. Burger has played most his rugby at 7 and outperforformed mccaw etc at 7 on occasions. When he was voted best player in the world that was at 7.
Overall.
We are going to play at intensity and not give Leicester the slow game they want. We will look to suck their pack in and move it away again and create the next wave of possession.
We have so many mobile ball carriers and we will change the point of attack and work in pods and move leIcester into positions they dont want to be in.
Defensively we will send numbers in to counter ruck and with our extra pace in back row look to isolate the man and turnover.
Backs
We have the 2 best hbs in the game and they will dictate tempo. Initially we will be looking to kick quick ball in behind their back 3 and win territory battle with Leicester having 2 wings who are not great kickers.
We will also test out Corey Janes positioning as its been a while since he played there .
We have 3 great kicking options which will force Leicester back and make them either kick which means we get the lineout or they try and counter which moves their large pack about even more.
As the game progresses we will up the tempo carter will be looking to hit kahui up and recycle and then hit our ball carrying forwards coming round the corner to set the next phase.
Carter and genia will keep the ball moving from phase to phase looking to eventually create mismatches for us to exploit.
As the game starts to break up our back 3 will counter every kick and quick throw ins etc and break the game up.
Defensively we will blitz wilko who is not the attacking force he was and let 36 have pressure ball.
We see our bench as far
More dynamic and will use as neccesary. Bonnaire will further reinforce our lineout.
Key points
Glaws in form with in form players all over
Far more mobile pack with much better backrow balance. Hines is a second
Row playing 6 for Leicester
Dominant lineout against essentially 3 front jumping locks
More dynamic bench with game breakers every where. If wilko injured who plays 10 nacewa??
All international backline in their right positions.
More kicking options
Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka
| 01. Gethin Jenkins | 09. Dimitri Yachvili (k) |
| 02. Stephen Moore | 10. Jonny Wilkinson |
| 03. Cencus Johnston | |
| 04. Pascal Pape | 11. Tom Biggs |
| 05. James Horwill (c) | 12. Billy Twelvetrees |
| 06. Nathan Hines | 13. Brian O'Driscoll |
| 07. David Pocock | 14. Topsy Ojo |
| 08. Thomas Waldrom | 15. Cory Jane |
16. Clarke Dermody 17. Lee Mears 18. Ben Franks 19. Alex Brown 20. Tom Croft 21. Nick Easter 22. Micky Young 23. Isa Nacewa
Tactics
GENERAL:
- We have picked a huge carrying pack, tactical HB's and an intelligent midfield in an effort to get our back three into positions where they can hurt Gloucester.
- Defensively we will look to blitz, with Yachvilli sweeping behind the line to deal with any short kicks.
- Yachvili to kick all penalties in range. We also have Wilkinson or Twelvetrees if he is having an off day.
- Utilise our powerful 6/2 split bench to win the game for us in the last quarter. Two technical props in Dermody and Franks, big lineout options in A.Brown and Croft, experienced heads in Easter and Mears, and pace and excitement with Young and Nacewa.
FORWARDS:
- We will look to maintain a strong scrum all game, with a great scrummaging hooker who will look to get after Gray, and two massively powerful props in Jenkins and Johnston to get the shove on. Both Jenkins and Johnston are tall props, so they are told to hold their bind and keep their body and back straight in an effort to stop them being done underneath.
- In the lineout, Hines, Horwill and Pape will be our three main jumpers, and we believe we can get real joy in targeting Gray's throws with these big jumpers. With A.Brown and Croft, and also Easter to come on, we will attack the lineout more and more as the game wears on.
- A massive pack, full to the brim of ball carriers, to give us real go-forward. With the ball in hand we want to attack together in groups so as not to become isolated, and if it is on we will look to offload in or just before the tackle. All players are to act as support runners when they can.
- We will target the breakdown massively with Pocock. Gloucester have no out and out 7 in their team, and we feel we can get gain a big advantage here. Pocock is told to hit the breakdown area fast, looking to get his hands on turnover ball. We want to seriously disrupt the quality of the ball Gloucester can get, and steal as much as we can for our own backs to use.
BACKS:
- We will force Gloucester to play from deep - With the rain, the pitch will be wet, and we will use the big boots of Yachvili, Wilkinson and Twelvetrees to pen Gloucester back in their own 22.
- In general attacking play, we will play off 9 with Yachvili our man in charge. We will look to move Gloucester's pack around, release our strike runners and unleash our pacey back three as and when we can.
- If the game is tight and the ball isn't coming quickly, Wilkinson will look to drop into the pocket and keep the scoreboard ticking over with drop goals.
- Waldrom/Jenkins/Johnston/Horwill/Hines to be used off the shoulder of the half backs, inside or out, and look to crash through the defence.
- Twelvetrees can act as our second receiver, and brings another kicking option when we are looking for territory - he can also hit the gain line hard to make yards. BOD to play his natural game, be the leader in our midfield, and look to get our back three into the game.
- In Cory Jane we have one of the safest pair of hands in world rugby. The more Gloucester kick to us, the better.
- Our back three are encouraged to do what comes naturally to all of them - counter attacking and running the ball back. All have good boots to rely on if it isn't on or they are isolated, but the counter is what we ask them to look for.
KEY POINTS:
- In-game form - we have won 6 of our last 7 games, averaging 34 points per game. And we also beat Gloucester with Bakkies Botha, Tom Palmer, Stephen Ferris and Schalk Burger in their pack 32-23, only a few weeks ago.
- We have a much heavier pack than Gloucester (on average nearly a stone per player). Matt will harp on about his ball carrying back row, but we have a much stronger carrying front five than Gloucester, whilst Waldrom is the best carrying 8 in the AP and Pocock was Australia's leading carrier at the World Cup.
- Controlling HB's - Gloucester obviously have dangerous attacking HB's, but we have two of the best tactical HB's in the world. With their tactical ability, we will force Gloucester to play from deep, and pen them back in their own 22. We will look to Yachvili and Wilkinson to use their nous and experience to win the crucial tactical battle.
- Target the breakdown with Pocock - Gloucester have no out and out 7 in their team, and we feel we can get gain a big advantage here. Pocock is told to hit the breakdown area fast, looking to get his hands on turnover ball.
- Team packed full of leaders for a huge away game. Horwill and BOD are our inspirational captain and vice, and then behind them we have Jenkins, Hines, Pocock, Yachvili and Wilkinson, and Easter and Dermody off the bench, who are all natural leaders - which is essential for an important away fixture.
London Irish v London Wasps
White Cloud, 12 Degrees, 9mph Winds
London Irish
Manager – stnick88
| 01. Soane Tonga'uhia | 09. Ruan Pienaar |
| 02. Rory Best | 10. Daniel Bowden |
| 03. Martin Castrogiovanni | |
| 04. Matt Garvey | 11. Paul Sackey |
| 05. Nick Kennedy | 12. Sonny Bill Williams |
| 06. Jerome Kaino | 13. Jaque Fourie |
| 07. Hendrie Fourie | 14. Matthew Tait |
| 08. Pierre Spies | 15. Juan Martin Hernandez |
16. Jean Baptiste Poux 17. James Buckland 18. Duncan Bell 19. Mouritz Botha 20. Kieren Roche 21. Julien Dupuy 22. Sireli Naqalevuki 23. Marland Yarde
Tactics
We going in to this game full of confidence after gaining 5 points in the HC against Harlequins. The conditions are ok and we will look to stick to our usual high tempo game and attack Wasps from the off.
We are ruthlessly targetting the scrum. Castro will look to tear Freshwater apart and gain us a big upper hand here. Our front row are all very effective in the loose as well and we will look to take Wasps on upfront with a powerful backrow of Kaino Fourie Spies. We will look to dominate possession and territory and make Wasps feed off scraps. We have Fourie to scavenge whereas Wasps lack that natural openside.
Pienaar and Bowden will pull the strings, with Bowden being the main play maker and creating the space for SBW and Fourie. We have instructed SBW only to offload when it is on, and not to try the impossible. Fourie and Tait will look to gather these offloads.
JMH to kick all pens for goal, if not go for touch to use Kennedy, Garvey, Kaino and Spies at the lineout. Kennedy will disrupt as much opposition ball as possible.
We will use our big ball carriers, Tonga'uhia, Kaino, Garvey, Spies, Fourie to smash over the gainline and suck in defenders before spreading the ball for Bowden to work his magic and get SBW, Fourie, Tait etc involved.
We will make Wasps ball as scrappy as possible (legally) so that service to Gopperth is limited. He is not the most creative 10 and we will look to pressurise him and really put him on the back foot. We want to keep our own ball alive and moving as Wasps forwards are not as dynamic as ours and we will look to move them around and spot mismatches.
London Wasps
Manager – ‘Arry
| 01. Perry Freshwater | 09. Luke Burgess |
| 02. Steve Thompson | 10. Jimmy Gopperth |
| 03. Carlos Nieto | |
| 04. Mark Chisholm | 11. Lachie Turner |
| 05. Marco Wentzel (c) | 12. Luke McAlister |
| 06. James Haskell | 13. Jamie Roberts |
| 07. Jacques Burger | 14. Tom Williams |
| 08. Roger Wilson | 15. Mike Brown |
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau 17. Charlie Beech 18. CJ Van Der Linde 19. Richard Birkett 20. Tom Johnson 21. Mike Blair 22. Rory Clegg 23. Mike Tindall
Tactics
We have picked a gritty, powerful and physical forward pack which will work very hard at rucks and winning us set piece ball at scrum time and lineout. We feel that if we can assert ourselves physically and win the forward battle, providing our backs with a solid platform we will be able to come away from London Irish with a hard fought victory. We are really up for the battle and feel we have a great chance of winning. We have several players who are in great form in real life and are on a superb winning run with plenty of momentum.
Our game plan is based around using the power we have in our team to set out a platform for our backs to be able to attack from. We will look to use the set piece as a platform for attacks. Our front row is a very good scrummaging unit and we will hopefully be able to build attacks from there and earn some penalties for Gopperth to make use of. Our pack will be physical and relentless up front, we will play with controlled aggression. We will look to our forwards to get us onto the front foot by attacking in groups with some grunt and powerful carrying, getting us over the gain line. We will start as we mean to go on with a high intensity, hitting the collision area hard and driving our players over the gain line. We will look to recycle the ball efficiently within the pack taking the ball through plenty of phases to wear London Irish down.
We have two excellent kicking options in Gopperth and McAlister we will look to kick in behind the London Irish wingers and keep them pinned back where we will look to isolate and pressurize them into making mistakes in their own half. We will look to hit the rucks hard and compete when we can, any turnovers we do make we will look to get the ball out wide and attack the space available. We will look to make a nuisance of ourselves at the breakdown and spoil the quality of the Irish ball with good counter rucking. At rucks on our own ball we will look to secure the ball by coming from low to high to present Burgess with clean, quick ball and get our forwards running onto the ball at different angles to pierce the Irish defence.
In the forwards we will look to drive our carriers over the gain line and really look to win the collisions. We have plenty of dynamic carriers including the explosive and in form James Haskell. Gopperth will look to bring in our strike runners in McAlister and Roberts. If it is on we will look to offload the ball to the supporting players and keep Irish working off the ball in defence. We will look for the in form Roberts to run plenty of good lines and stay strong in the contact area and either offload if he wins the collision, or the support players will keep driving him on, building up momentum and speed in our attacks. So long as our ball carriers have the support, we will look to pierce gaps in the Irish defensive line and offload to supporting players, keeping the ball alive as much as possible.
With the ball in hand we will look to our strike runners to attack gaps and half gaps in their defence targeting the outside shoulder of the Irish players and will look to attack the fly half channel in the Irish defence and put Bowden off his game, hopefully opening them up. When possible we will look to get our offloading game going to alternate the point of attack and keep Irish working off the ball in defence and pierce the gaps we have created. With quick ball and offloading we will look to create and expose mismatches in the midfield. Our mobile and dynamic back row will look to support our ball carriers, taking offloads and powerfully driving forward. We will ensure our ball carriers have plenty of support in each phase, so they we can continue to play an offloading game. Any loose kicks our back three get will be returned with interest. We have plenty of pace in our back three and will look to use them when we can.
At lineouts we will look to exert as much pressure as possible on the Irish throws with Wentzel looking to steal some opposition throws. On our own throw we will use Wentzel as our main go to man but will mix it up by using Chisholm, Haskell and Wilson. From there we will look to slowly sap the energy out of London Irish by using the rolling maul. We will look to suck in as many London Irish defenders to open up spaces elsewhere for us to attack. We’ll look to really target the set piece and create a platform, we feel that we can gain an advantage here, if we get a nudge on we will look to keep them going backwards. Our back row will look to really get in Bowden’s face and put him off of his game. We will ensure our discipline is exemplary. We will play hard rugby but ensure we play by the rules, discipline will be key. We feel that if our forwards can get us onto the front foot we have the half backs who will keep their cool and manage our game.
We will look to attack in numbers, we have plenty of powerful and dynamic carriers in our pack who will get us over the gain line and set us out a solid platform to build from. We have plenty of grit in our team and feel that if we can push London Irish onto the back foot by winning the forward battle we will be able to unsettle them. We want to continue our winning ways and feel that if we can play at a high tempo and push the Irish onto the back foot we will be able to do this. Our gritty forwards will set the tone with huge carrying and from there we will look to get our offloading game going and bring our strike runners into the game. We have plenty of impact to call upon from the bench to continue our high levels of intensity and power. We have purposefully selected a bench full of impact players who can come on and make a difference.
Harlequins v Newcastle Falcons
Sunny Intervals, 12 Degrees, 9mph Winds
Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks
| 01. Tony Woodcock | 09. Lee Dickson |
| 02. Matthew Rees | 10. Rhys Preistland (k) |
| 03. John Afoa | |
| 04. George Skivington | 11. Joe Rokocoko |
| 05. Nathan Sharpe | 12. Felipe Contepomi |
| 06. Phil Dowson | 13. George Lowe |
| 07. Sam Warburton (c) | 14. Jonathan Joseph |
| 08. Jamie Heaslip | 15. Rob Kearney |
16. Rob Vickers 17. Joe Marler 18. Brian Mujati 18. James Gaskell 19. Carl Fearns 20. Tomas O'Leary 21. Quade Cooper 22. Freddie Burns
Tactics
We welcome Newcastle and are fully confident that we are going to get a win at the Stoop. We have picked a very experienced side which has 523 international caps in the starting XV. We have picked a forward pack which will be a force both at the set piece and the loose and a backline which will be able to control the tempo of the game and the part of the field in which it will be played. We also have very threatening runners out wide who will score tries given the chance. On the bench we have got one of the best impact players you could wish for in Quade Cooper who will strike fear into a tired Newcastle when he comes on.
Game Plan
Our game plan is to play a patient game in which we build phases and tie in Newcastle defenders. We have picked a side with which we think will control the game for us. We will use our forwards to carry the ball until we get quick ball and have the chance to spread the ball wider to our backs when they have space to cause damage. We have specifically picked 8 forwards who are strong carriers and will take the ball at pace, carry in numbers and most importantly look to win the collision and then keep driving the legs to make ground and get us over the gain line. We want the forwards to attack spaces not faces and run at the gaps. When we get the chance we will look for the offload but we won’t be throwing miracle balls. Offloads are key to a flowing attacking game as its keeps the pace of the attack up. We will be looking for our forwards to carry of 9, 10 and 12 and each to be picking a different line to keep the Newcastle defence guessing.
We will look to use the kicking abilities of our 9, 10, 11, 12 and 15 to our advantage and if we are struggling to build up momentum then we will ping the ball into spaces. We will be careful to kick behind players or to find touch, unless we are using attacking kicks such as up and unders, cross field kicks or grubbers. We will only kick the ball away when we are in our 22 or there is an obvious opportunity such as poor positioning.
If we are to get turnover then we want to make it count by really increasing the tempo and hurting and disorganised defence. We will look to get our big runners involved and look to keep our game flowing. We have the players to hurt Newcastle with ball in hand.
Forwards
As stated in our game plan our forwards are going to be doing a lot of carrying and we want specific players to carry in different areas. We want our front row to be primary carriers of 9, with the locks occasionally doing it. We want our locks and back row carrying of 10 and our back row also to carry in the midfield. We will be looking to put 2, 3 or 4 men into a ruck depending on how easily the ball can be recycled. When the backs want quick ball we will commit as many men as it takes to get this quick ball. We want our forwards to really fly out of the blocks in this game and get on top of Newcastle in the first 20 mins. We have strong forwards coming off of the bench all off which are impact players who will look for get involved should they be required. We aren’t looking to bring players on unless we need to take players off.
Set Piece
At the set piece we are going to really look to pressure Newcastle ball. We are going to have Sharpe and Skivington competing at every lineout and we are going to look for our strong front row to turn the screw at the scrum. We have the Auckland Blues pair making their debut together as a unit at Quins and in between them is the very experienced Matthew Rees. We can’t see them taking a step backwards. We will use 5 man lineouts between the two 22 m lines and will have longer or shorter lines in to give us the option of mauling or getting the ball away quickly when we are close to either try line.
Backs
We will look for our half backs to control the game. They will look for the runners who offer themselves and will look to speed up or slow down the game to suit our game plan. We have deliberately picked a 12 who can control our game and Contepomi will also step in as first receiver when he is required and will be the extra set of eyes to see when Newcastle are short of defenders or disorganised. We will look for George Lowe to continually run lines cutting back infield so as to commit defenders. Contepomi will then look to slide behind him and when he is given the ball he will look to feed one of the back three who will be picking lines and coming from deep. Our blindside winger will be looking to come off his wing for work and Kearney will look to join the line and inject some pace whenever possible.
Defence
In defence we will play with a very quick line speed and aim to put huge pressure on the Newcastle 10 and other decision makers. Our back row will look to hunt him as a pack and make his day miserable. When we can we will look for 2 men to make the tackle with one taking the man’s legs and the other looking to get onto the ball and cause a turnover. We will look to put huge pressure on Newcastle’s ball carriers but we are all aware of not being caught offside.
At rucks we will look to have 2 men compete either by trying to legally turnover the ball or by adopting a good low body position and rucking Newcastle off the ball. Warburton will look to do what he does as well as anybody in the world by getting over the ball and getting us penalties or turnovers.
We will look for our back 3 to stay deep when we don’t have the ball so we can be ready to counter attack when the loose kicks come in.
Key Points
• Build pressure on Newcastle by playing patient rugby, retaining possession, being aggressive in defence and maintaining our discipline.
• Use forwards to punch holes in defence and get us quick ball before using backs against and disorganised defence.
• Win collisions in attack and defence. This will build/halt momentum which will benefit our game.
• Kick only when it’s on or to clear our lines to touch. We certainly don’t want to kick aimlessly.
• Let Warburton loose on the Newcastle 10 and the breakdown. Key player in this game and perhaps the form player in the world in his position.
• When we get turnovers we want to run at a disorganised Newcastle defence which won’t have time to re-align. If that isn’t an option then kick to the spaces which will be there.
• We have some great impact subs to come on and add to our game.
• Kick the points when on. Whilst we want to score tries we know that a win is more important than a few tries.
• We’ve given our key players a good rest. Fatigue will not be an issue for us at any stage.
• Current form: Preistland and Heaslip got MoM in the HC last weekend and Warburton was in the team of the week with Kearney and Marler also being mentioned and they are players in key positions for us so it’s great that they are in good form.
Points based on opposition side/tactics
- There has only been one manager talking about last years result and that's Pooly. You could say that this obsession with last years results is causing complacency in the Newcastle camp and this is an attitude we will look to punish. These comments will go up on the changing rule wall. Made a team talk very very easy.
- We see ourselves as having the much better game managers in our side. We have players who excel in this skill at 9, 10 and 12.
- We really want to target the Lineout. Sharpe and Skivington are both excellent lineout forwards and we will really look to put huge pressure on Parling.
- Our back row will really out huge pressure on Evans. He doesn't have another kicking option outside him and will do the majority of the decision making. We get to him then Newcastle won't function. Also put huge pressure on Youngs and pressure him to ship scrappy ball.
- They can put as many high balls up as they like as Rob Kearney is as good as you get under the high ball and he will take the ball every time. Solid as a rock.
Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Sgt Pooly
| 01. Fabien Barcella | 09. Ben Youngs |
| 02. William Servat | 10. Nick Evans |
| 03. Paul Doran-Jones | |
| 04. Brad Thorn | 11. James O’Connor |
| 05. Geoff Parling | 12. Brad Barritt |
| 06. Chris Robshaw | 13. Conrad Smith |
| 07. Richie McCaw(c) | 14. Tommy Bowe |
| 08. Kieran Read | 15. Adam Ashley-Cooper |
16. Tom Lindsay 17. Owen Franks 18. Boris Stankovich 19. Paul O’Connell 20. Chris York 21. Jonny Arr 22. Toby Flood 23. Drew Mitchell
Tactics
Second half pack:
1. Barcella
2. Servat
3. Franks
4. Thorn
5. POC
6. Robshaw
7. McCaw
8. Read
General play - It's all about a high tempo and controlling the ball.. If 3 point is on we'll look to take it and until we have a clear lead. Evans will pull the strings at 10 and keep us playing in the right areas of the pitch. Our main aim this week will be getting control in the forwards and getting good ball for our extra quality in the backline to attack Quins. With Youngs and Evans at halfback pulling the strings with good ball we feel we can really get at Quins, especially through the centre channel. Evans will look to test out Joseph and Roko early on with a few Gary Owens with Barritt looking too put some big hits in to set the tone.
Forwards
Set Piece
We'll be looking to use the set piece as a platform to set up attacks. Our tactics during each game may change if we spot a weakness in the oppposition set piece during the 80mins. This is the role of the team captain.
Scrum - We'll be looking to set a platform and use the scrum to get fast ball to out 9/10 axis. Servat, PDJ and Barcella are excellent technical scrummagers who will give us a sound foundation and look to get at their opposite numbers from the off. If a weakness is seen we’ll look to keep the push on and drive the opposition back, taking scrum options at pens if totally on top. If not we’ll be using the scrum as restart and getting the ball in and out so we can attack the opposition 9/10 axis. We think we may get an edge in this week with Barcella and Servat looking to target Afoa throughout the game.
Lineout
Securing lineout ball will be key. Parling will look to lead the line and use Thorn as banker ball from the front and Read, McCaw & Robshaw as a strong options at the middle and back. We shall look to get target opposition ball throughout the game.
Target Breakdown & Rucks
We'll look to commit to rucks to secure our own ball whilst targetting the opposition when it's on. McCaw will look to slow opposion ball down whilst looking for the turnover whilst Robshaw and Read are also excellent on the deck so will look to do this all game.
ISOLATED RUNNERS –Our pack will look to get the contact area asap and join the tackle thus making a maul. With us in control of the tackle area or ruck as it is now, we’ll look to keep the runner up until the ref awards a scrum in out advantage. This is a system we used to success numerous times last season and is especially handy in the damp conditions as forwards look to take the ball up more.
Huge carrying
We have huge carrying options in the pack and we'll look to use them throughout the game to wear the opposition down and give us a point of attack. We'll look to mix this up with Read coming off the scrum and Barcella, Robshaw, Servat, Parling, Thorn, McCaw giving us numerous options in tight and loose. We’ll look to vary the angles of attack with Evans using the reverse ball now and again with Read, Thorn, McCaw and Robshaw coming in. The 9/10 axis will hit early on and if successful will be used to draw the opposition defence in.
Backs
Halfbacks
With a solid platform Youngs will look to snipe around and find gaps in the opposion defense, especially at 2/3rd phase attacks when defenses start to fray. Youngs gives us a massive threat and will look to mix his game up throughgout the game. Evans will play his natural game and come into the line flat. He’ll look to mix the play up with varying passes and look to hit behind the back 3 if on. Youngs will sweep up behind a blitz defense with Barritt leading the line. Youngs will look to deploy the box kick and leave it hanging to test the opposition back 3.
Backline balance
We have numerous running options and the option to mix things up in the backline. Barritt gives Evans go to ball if needed and we'll look to get JOC in as second receiver to give us a different focal point. AAC will look to come off the shoulder of attacks and inject pace into the midfield. Bowe will look to run angles off the backline and finish off moves in opposition 22.
Points to target against opposition
After studying the opposition over a number of weeks we’ll be looking to specifically target these areas:
SCRUM – We feel we have a good edge in the scrum and will target this. Our front row is a serious unit and backed with Thorn will provide serious grunt. Owen Franks will come on at half time and provide a top class TH to attack Woodcock and Marler.
QUINS ENGINE ROOM – With Quins playing two 5’s we feel they might lack a bit of physicality and power in the set piece and around the park. We will look to use the rolling maul and target rucks because of this.
LINEOUT – We have 5 top jumpers starting and feel confident about securing our own ball. POC will come at half time and look to dismantle the Quins set piece.
BREAKDOWN – With MCaw, Read & Robshaw targeting the breakdown we’ll look to get the upper hand here throughout the game
REAL LIFE FORM – We have numerous players right at the top of their game and feel Quins lack a bit of real life form with Skivington, Rees, Dowson, Dickson, Contepomi and Roko not in the best of nick. This is just my opinion though of course.
IN GAME FORM – Top of the table in the AP and Premiership, only beaten once home and away all season
LAST GAME AT THE STOOP – We have no fears about travelling to the Stoop after winning 18-30 last time out…possible mental issues for Quins though?
QUINS MIDFIELD – We’ll look to get at Contepomi who plays much more of his rugby at 10 these days and paired with Lowe we feel Quins could be vulnerable in the 10/12/13 axis. We’ll look to get Read and Thorn running down these channels early on and especially Priestland to test him out.
2nd HALF PACK – We this pack on the park we feel we can really turn the screw on and dominate the forward battle giving Evans plenty of good clean ball.
Northampton Saints v Saracens
Light Rain, 12 Degrees, 7mph Winds
Northampton Saints
Manager – Dammit_Chris
| 01. Thomas Domingo | 09. Joe Simpson |
| 02. Dylan Hartley | 10. Matt Giteau |
| 03. Carl Hayman | |
| 04. Courtney Lawes | 11. Leigh Halfpenny |
| 05.Patricio Albacete | 12. Jean de Villiers |
| 06. Rocky Elsom | 13. Max Evans |
| 07. Liam Messam | 14. Chris Ashton |
| 08. Sergio Parisse(c) | 15. Ben Foden |
Subs: 16. Rob Webber 17. Matt Stevens 18. Sakari Taulafo 19. Bradley Davies 20. Simon Taylor 21. Sam Harrison 22. Danny Cipriani 23. Manu Tuilagi
Tactics: Overview
Our gameplan revolves around possession, patience, territory and explosive ball carrying to break over the Saracens gainline and provide Simpson and Giteau with front foot ball. It also involves an aggressive defence that will look to clear the breakdown with numbers and power, instead of competing directly for the ball.
Our attack is based on building through the phases, controlling the ball and building momentum. We will use powerful ball carriers, Lawes, Albacete, Messam, Elsom and Parisse, de Villiers to run off the back of mauls & rucks and Giteau to get over the gainline and provide Saints with front foot ball for the backs. We will stand Giteau flat and have runners off him, with Evans at 13 we have a further outlet to control the game and bring the back three into play. We will look to try and utilise any defences frailties between Nonu and Trinder who havent played that many games together.
With power in the forwards and lots of attacking threats in the backline we do have the ability to score tries and will look for Giteau to control the game and when running is not an option he will kick the ball deep and give Halfpenny, Ashton and Evans a target of closing down Homer and test whether he is ready to step up to world class level. We will look to scrag him and close him down and put them under pressure.
In defence we will look to get Lawes rampaging around the pitch looking for big hits, particularly on Sarries half backs. This will be an example of our aggressive approach in defence, which we will use to put pressure on the Sarries team and have Elsom & Messam also putting in big tackles. Special attention will be placed on marshalling Nonu with de Villiers and a backrow coming in to double up. If we stop Nonu getting over the gainline then Sarries wont get over the gainline.
At the breakdown we will look to commit players to clear their Saracens counterparts out of the contact area – instead of going for the ball we will instead focus on putting Sarries under pressure and maintain a good defensive line around the fringes. If we can cause Sarries away from the breakdown area then Simpson will be asked to attack and snipe as much as possible, using his pace to get behind the Sarries defence. This is a different approach to normal and looks to play to our strengths, which is a more physical presence than most other teams – we will ensure Simpson is close to the breakdown so he can get hold of any quick ball and attack.
We will use the set piece to put Sarries under pressure, we have a huge scrum and welcome the return of Domingo. This allows us to play Stevens from the bench who can have a better impact later on in the game. We’ve got a very solid scrummaging unit and with Lawes, Albacete, Elsom, Messam and Parisse we have good lineout options.
Defensively at lineouts that are more than 30 metres from our tryline we will put Simpson in the 5metre channel, add Hartley into the lineout as an extra lifter to allow us to attack the Sarries lineout and then push Elsom in between Giteau and de Villiers as an additional defender to smash into Nonu and stop him crossing the gainline. We hope this will force the Sarries 10 to kick deep.
Game Specific Tactics
• Use powerful runners – we will look to bully Saracens out of the game by playing an aggressive style, which hounds them, forcing mistakes and putting in big hits. We will get our runners on the ball and look to cross the gainline, offload to build forward momentum and get our backline into space to score tries.
• Control possession, territory and tempo – we will aim to control the tempo of the game and use Giteau’s experience to move us into areas where we can force Saracens into mistakes and put them under pressure. We will look to dictate the tempo of the game, building through the phases and then exploding into action, moving ball from left to right and looking for weaknesses in Sarries defence.
• Play Giteau flat – each opportunity we have to get Giteau close to the gainline we will take because he has the hands and ability to take on the Sarries defence and bring runners into the game. He will mix up his game, use forwards and utilise Max Evans as the second playmaker and channel runners into the 13 channel. Kicks will be used to place Tom Homer under pressure and closed down by the chasers, particularly to tackle Saracens usual blitz defence – mixing up his options will create gaps and get Sarries guessing and making mistakes.
• Keep Scoreboard Ticking – we have selected Leigh Halfpenny in this game to give us an extremely good kicking option from long-distance knowing that he will need to keep the scoreboard ticking over and cancel out the threat of a similar kicking game from Homer. With more of a try scoring threat in the Saints team we believe that if we match Sarries on the penalty front we will get more tries.
• Build Pressure – Unbeaten at home, all the big guns back we will be lifted to take the game to Sarries and put the visiting team under a lot of pressure. We have a marauding forward pack that can put in big hits and put Sarries ballcarriers under a lot of pressure. Where possible we will look to keep Sarries off the deck in the tackle and drive them backwards, so our players are instantly going forward in the breakdown battle with players going in to clear out the opposition.
Key Points
• Confidence and Freshness – over the last month the Saints team has been scoring tries for fun and has recorded huge back to back wins with a young team that has lifted confidence. It has also allowed us to rest the front five, none have played more than 60minutes over the last two weeks and purposefully rested to come back flying in the AP (particularly after tough WC).
• Try scoring threat – at home Saints will run the ball and look to score tries out wide and cause Saracens to chase the game. Are Saracens able to score more tries than Saints because with Giteau and Halfpenny Saints will be able to match them on the penalty count.
• Ball carrying and big hits – we will make sure that our pack does a lot of ball carrying and turn this into a really physical game to take Saracens out of their comfort zone and pressurise them at every single opportunity.
• Leadership – Saints have a team packed full of leaders – Hartley, Hayman, Albacete, Elsom, Parisse in the pack (with Davies and Taylor on the bench) and the experience of Giteau and de Villiers in the backline. This is a good mix and allows players like Lawes, Messam, Foden and Ashton to flourish.
Saracens
Manager – Ozzy3213
| 01. Alex Corbisiero | 09. Morgan Parra |
| 02. Bismarck du Plessis | 10. Francois Trinh-Duc |
| 03. Adam Jones | |
| 04. Lionel Nallet | 11. Digby Ioane |
| 05. Victor Matfield | 12. Ma'a Nonu |
| 06. Thierry Dusautoir | 13. Henry Trinder |
| 07. Tom Wood | 14. Mark Cueto |
| 08. Joe van Niekerk (c) | 15. Tom Homer |
16. George Chuter 17. Tendai Mtwarira 18. Jannie du Plessis 19. Steve Borthwick 20. Luke Narraway 21. Paul Hodgson 22. Owen Farrell 23. Tim Visser
Tactics
Our generic gameplan revolves around a high intensity attacking and defensive game.
In attack our primary gameplan is always to control possession and run the ball, utilising big carriers attacking gaps in the line, and looking to offload to support runners to continue getting over the gainline and keep the ball alive. If the offload is not on, we will take the contact and look to recycle quickly at the breakdown. If running the ball is not on we will uitilise the kicking game of one of our backs to take us into the right area of the pitch.
In defence we will look to blitz, with our scrum half sweeping behind the defensive line. Key for us is line speed, getting up to make the tackle before the ball carrier hits the gainline, and confidence and trust in the man next to you in the defensive line, meaning we will not jump out or get pulled to far away from the next defender leaving gaps that can be exploited.
At the breakdown, we will not overcommit players. If the ball is not there to be won, then we will commit 1 or 2 players to legally slow it down whilst maintaining a strong defensive line across the pitch. If the ball looks like it is there to be won, we will look to get more numbers there quickly, with the first 1 or 2 players immediately rucking past the ball to clear the opposition players who are trying to get hands on it, and the next man in will then look to get it out quickly for us to counter attack on turnover ball.
We will look to really attack the scrum, both in attack and defence. We will not be looking to drop the scrum at all, and Joe van Niekerk in his role as captain will be talking to the referee constantly to ensure that he is aware that we want to scrummage. We will look to be aggressive in this area throughout.
Game Specific Tactics
- Target the breakdown - we will really target the breakdown as we feel with have definite advantage in this area, with 2 flankers who are very good on the deck and Bismarck du Plessis who is as a monster at the breakdown in our side, whereas we see no specialist 7, or players who are great on the deck in the Saints side.
- Control possession - as per our generic tactics we will look to run the ball and go through the phases unless we are in a really difficult position in our 22. With it being slightly damp, we will shorten up our offloading game, and if necessary take the contact and recycle from the breakdown as per the above tactical point. If we are are really struggling within our own 22 then we will look to find touch and contest the lineout, but our main focus is on keeping possession and recycling the ball. We will not kick direct to the Saints back three.
- Accumulate points and build pressure - Every penalty within 60 yards of the posts we will kick for goal, with Homer easily able to hit the target from that distance. If we can get in front we will keep ticking the scoreboard over and force Saints to have to try things which is likely to cause them to make errors and open up further opportunities for us.
- Play off 9 - Morgan Parra will be our little general and be our primary game controller out there. He does not have responsibilty for goal kicking today, so is free to focus on managing the game for us.
Key Points
- Match Sharpness - We have freshened up with 4 players coming into the side this week, but we are also battle hardened after winning two tough Heineken Cup games. Saints have been in two easy matches and may not be able to automatically raise the level of their game up right at the start of this match.
- Form - As stated we are in good in game form, and sitting second in the table, whereas Saints have been inconsistent and have already dropped points at home this season. We also have players in good real life form, along with world class individuals in our team.
- Pressure/Mental Toughness - Saints are playing this game knowing that they cannot afford to lose if they want to challenge for a play off place. That is pressure to play under and can cause mistakes. We know we have some room manouvere due to our previous form, and being away from home there is no pressure on us to win this so we can play our natural game. Do Saints have the mental toughness to get the job done?
Worcester Warriors v Bath Rugby
Light Rain, 13 Degrees, 11mph Winds
Worcester Warriors
Manager – prop_lyd
| 01. David Flatman | 09. Dwayne Peel |
| 02. Richardt Strauss | 10. Nicky Robinson (k) |
| 03. BJ Botha | |
| 4. Danie Russouw | 11. Shane Williams |
| 05. Jim Hamilton | 12. Pat McCabe |
| 06. Ryan Jones (c) | 13. Jon Clarke |
| 07. Scott Higginbotham | 14. Marcel Garvey |
| 08. Ben Morgan | 15. Ollie Morgan |
16. Chris Fortey 17. George Porter 18.Chris Budgen 18. Kearnen Myall 19. Ben McCalman 20. Eion Reddan 21. Morne Steyn 22. Sam Vesty
Tactics
Forwards
We have picked a strong scrummaging front row with a heavy engine room to trouble all the scrums and intimidate the opponents up front. Our lineouts will be key as we look to catch and drive alot of ball and we have jumpers all over the back 5. The front 5 will do the donkey work creating quick ball and disrupting the opposition's defence. The back row have players who can make an impact both come the breakdown and in open play. Jones and Higs will look for turnover ball and Morgan will use his form to make the breaks from the back of the scrum and the 12-13 channel.
Backs
We have pace all over our backline and we will look to use it as much as possible. Robinson will receive quick ball from Peel and any slow ball will go to the forward on his shoulder. McCabe will run the backs giving Robinson the simple decision of to kick or pass, we will look to pin them back when in our own half but will look to run when in theirs. Clarke is a powerful runner and McCabe can create the gaps for our back 3 who are loaded with pace and form. We will look to play attractive rugby in good conditions and trouble them with a variety of kicks to touch and bomb's with 3 chasers.
Defence
Lead by McCabe, hard and rush defence looking to prevent the ball getting past 12. The back 5 in the pack will look to tackle the ball so long as another is around the legs. Peel will sweep with O.Morgan to counter attack.
Overall
*Attractive rugby,
*Hard hitting upfront to dominate and put them off their game,
*Big impact bench which will be used to test tired legs,
*Backs to look to run this show when in the opposition's half,
*Slow ball is forwards ball,
*Pressure Bath and intimidate them into mistakes,
*Robinson to go for goal when nothing is on from the penalties,
*Continue our excellent development and gain a massive victory.
Bath Rugby
Manager – inthefastlane
| 01. Jon Golding | 09. Fourie Du Preez |
| 02. Kevin Mealamu | 10. Charlie Hodgson |
| 03. Davit Kubrashvilli | |
| 04. Louis Deacon | 11. Ugo Monye |
| 05.Sam Whitelock | 12. Francois Steyn |
| 06. Sean O’Brien | 13. Aurelien Rougerie |
| 07. Steffon Armitage | 14. Maxime Medard |
| 08. Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe | 15. Kurtley Beale |
16 Cian Healy 17 Joe Ward 18 Petrus Du Plessis 19 Rob Simmons 20 Dan Lydiate 21 Richard Wigglesworth 22 Anthony Allen 23 Tom Varndell
Tactics
General
We'll look to control territory and only play in the right areas of the pitch in the slippery positions. Hodgson will keep us ticking over with Steyn's kicking being vital. We'll look to control the ball and keep the offloading to a minimum. Lobbe will act as chase man and really put pressure on Garvey.
We'll look to use the bench in the second to keep up pack control.
Set Piece
We have some of the on form scrummagers in the world and will look to use the scrum as a platform. We feel we can really use this to advantage in the latter part of the game where the props on our bench can use their advantage. We feel a big part of our game will be the lineout. Lobbe and Whitelock are our main jumpers while Deacon offers a strong banker ball if needed. Simmons will maintain our dominance from the bench. Look to put pressure on the Warrior jumpers forcing turnovers.
Kicking
Francois Steyn will be our main kicker. He will look to take on penalties in front of halfway as this is easily within his range. He will look for drop goals if there isn’t a lot on. Beale, FDP and Hodgson are also useful kickers who can be utilised. We will look to test Marcel Garvey in the wet, he is not good on the turn so we will be looking to put balls in behind him.
Other points
- Conservative rugby but if there is a chance to get my back three going then let them run at defenders
- Look to slow Worcester ball down with Armitage looking to create turnovers
- Go through phases with big carries from the likes of SOB
Last edited by SirJohnnyEnglish on Fri 25 Nov 2011 - 8:32; edited 3 times in total
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Here are my predictions , i have finished my essay i am going to bed.
by Driver Fri 25 Nov 2011 - 1:42
Gloucester 12 Leicester Tigers 12
Really dull game , both sides look set out with the Italian football approach ‘Win first , then show off’. As much as I like Mas and Grey I can’t say the same about Nick Wood and Luke has a pretty good front row. I’v never really seen Jenkins suffer at the top level at scrum time. Bakkies and Palmer against Pape and Horwill is a 50/50 battle with Horwill running the set piece. Back row is set to a physical encounter Hines at 6 for me is a sign that Luke wants to keep the ball in tight. In Lukes tactics he talks about glaws having no out and out 7 but Schalk Burger seems a pretty good 7 to me. But Pocock should still get some joy here. Hari over Waldrom every day of the week. Half backs are a weird one for me because if I was Matt I would of went Barnes at 10 to boss it for 60 minutes and drain the life out of the game then bring Carter on to turn up the heat so it’s another 50/50 call. BOD needs a monster 12 to be at his best for me Luke and 36 isn’t that man , Barnes and Kahui is ok but Kahui is more of a wing now for me. Back 3 to Gloucester in every position. Benchs fairly even. Lukes tactics are better where Matt just seems to say how good he’s players are.
London Irish 26 London Wasps 20
Big darby this one so I’m gonna predict as if the players are out of there skins for this game but include real world form. Monster battle in the front row with Neito the weakness for Wasps with Tiny giving him some problems. Locks to Wasps by a bit of distance for all Garvey’s potential he is still not as good as Chisholm . Kennedy and Wentzel would be a great battle in the real world. Back row Irish with Kaino best 6 in world at minute. Half backs is tough with Burgess on fire and Goppereth playing Poopie. Bowden can change a game and dictates the attack a lot better so see Irish backs benefiting from this. Centres are both good combos Roberts stand out as he is on fire!!! Back 3s are pretty even with Brown form full back in AP. Good tactics set this one out to be a thriller but home advantage and a bit more form see Irish pull away.
Quins 19 Falcons 20
This was the hardest game for me to predict in the 2 and half years I’v been in this game. I’ll start out by saying brilliant tactics Steve absolutely fantastic best I’v read this season. Great contest up front with Woodcock getting the edge on PDJ and managing to cause a few upsets but Owen Franks solves this problem at half time. Sharpe and Skivington do enough to cause Parling some problems first half but POC steadys ship 2nd half. Back row swings to Quins with Warburton on this form the best 7 in world rugby . Richie is pretty touch and go at the moment and turns up when he wants to. Read vs. Heaslip is titanic. Youngs is a bit hit and miss with his form atm where as Dickson is pretty solid Evans and Preistland both playing well but Priestland just edges it. Centres Conrad Smith will make a fool out of Lowe at points today and this is where Falcons will win the game. More star dust in the Falcons back 3 sees them through.
Great contest guys , Steve your building title contenders right there mate.
Saints 24 Saracens 19
The home pack is set about taking the ball to the Saracens pack , Sarries have an awesome pack to put it bluntly - Matfield will be massive in his last ever game of rugby. Saints have a strong set piece but I would have went Davies above Alba. Sarries better on Flanks parisse better at 8. Parra and FTD control things a bit better than Simo and Giteau and put Sarries in the right areas. Nonu and Trinder are in epic form in the real world. Back 3 to saints who will cause Sarries plenty of problems with counter attacks.
Strong benchs keep this tight till the end with Home advantage and bit more attacking threat see Saint’s snach a late victory.
Worcester 18 Bath 20
Getting better every week prop but the weather plays a big role. FDP/Hodgson/Steyn/Beale all have educated boots and will put the pressure on Warriors back 3 who aren’t blessed under the high ball. Bath have a wet weather pack. Bath might have an edge at the lineout with Worcester having more grunt in the back 5. Good tactics but Forwards win matchs mate unless the weather is sunny and you have the best counter attacking team in the world. If the weather was nice You’d have won by 5 prop mate.
Really dull game , both sides look set out with the Italian football approach ‘Win first , then show off’. As much as I like Mas and Grey I can’t say the same about Nick Wood and Luke has a pretty good front row. I’v never really seen Jenkins suffer at the top level at scrum time. Bakkies and Palmer against Pape and Horwill is a 50/50 battle with Horwill running the set piece. Back row is set to a physical encounter Hines at 6 for me is a sign that Luke wants to keep the ball in tight. In Lukes tactics he talks about glaws having no out and out 7 but Schalk Burger seems a pretty good 7 to me. But Pocock should still get some joy here. Hari over Waldrom every day of the week. Half backs are a weird one for me because if I was Matt I would of went Barnes at 10 to boss it for 60 minutes and drain the life out of the game then bring Carter on to turn up the heat so it’s another 50/50 call. BOD needs a monster 12 to be at his best for me Luke and 36 isn’t that man , Barnes and Kahui is ok but Kahui is more of a wing now for me. Back 3 to Gloucester in every position. Benchs fairly even. Lukes tactics are better where Matt just seems to say how good he’s players are.
London Irish 26 London Wasps 20
Big darby this one so I’m gonna predict as if the players are out of there skins for this game but include real world form. Monster battle in the front row with Neito the weakness for Wasps with Tiny giving him some problems. Locks to Wasps by a bit of distance for all Garvey’s potential he is still not as good as Chisholm . Kennedy and Wentzel would be a great battle in the real world. Back row Irish with Kaino best 6 in world at minute. Half backs is tough with Burgess on fire and Goppereth playing Poopie. Bowden can change a game and dictates the attack a lot better so see Irish backs benefiting from this. Centres are both good combos Roberts stand out as he is on fire!!! Back 3s are pretty even with Brown form full back in AP. Good tactics set this one out to be a thriller but home advantage and a bit more form see Irish pull away.
Quins 19 Falcons 20
This was the hardest game for me to predict in the 2 and half years I’v been in this game. I’ll start out by saying brilliant tactics Steve absolutely fantastic best I’v read this season. Great contest up front with Woodcock getting the edge on PDJ and managing to cause a few upsets but Owen Franks solves this problem at half time. Sharpe and Skivington do enough to cause Parling some problems first half but POC steadys ship 2nd half. Back row swings to Quins with Warburton on this form the best 7 in world rugby . Richie is pretty touch and go at the moment and turns up when he wants to. Read vs. Heaslip is titanic. Youngs is a bit hit and miss with his form atm where as Dickson is pretty solid Evans and Preistland both playing well but Priestland just edges it. Centres Conrad Smith will make a fool out of Lowe at points today and this is where Falcons will win the game. More star dust in the Falcons back 3 sees them through.
Great contest guys , Steve your building title contenders right there mate.
Saints 24 Saracens 19
The home pack is set about taking the ball to the Saracens pack , Sarries have an awesome pack to put it bluntly - Matfield will be massive in his last ever game of rugby. Saints have a strong set piece but I would have went Davies above Alba. Sarries better on Flanks parisse better at 8. Parra and FTD control things a bit better than Simo and Giteau and put Sarries in the right areas. Nonu and Trinder are in epic form in the real world. Back 3 to saints who will cause Sarries plenty of problems with counter attacks.
Strong benchs keep this tight till the end with Home advantage and bit more attacking threat see Saint’s snach a late victory.
Worcester 18 Bath 20
Getting better every week prop but the weather plays a big role. FDP/Hodgson/Steyn/Beale all have educated boots and will put the pressure on Warriors back 3 who aren’t blessed under the high ball. Bath have a wet weather pack. Bath might have an edge at the lineout with Worcester having more grunt in the back 5. Good tactics but Forwards win matchs mate unless the weather is sunny and you have the best counter attacking team in the world. If the weather was nice You’d have won by 5 prop mate.
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Re: AP Round 9
by Ozzy3213 Fri 25 Nov 2011 - 13:31
Sale Sharks 24 Exeter Chiefs 18
Contrast of styles in this one a bit, and I think SJE is right in setting his team out to play their game and not get into an arm wrestle with Exeter. If the conditions were grotty, I would see more of a sway towards the Chiefs pack, but on a sunny afternoon I think Sale have parity int he set piece and bit more around the park. ROG in good form and will keep Cheifs in touch but I cannot see their backline unlocking the Sale defence enough to run in tries and their score will end up being divisible by 3.
Gloucester 30 Leicester Tigers 29
That is a serious backline for Gloucester, which if given decent ball could tear teams to shreds. Berrick Barnes showed all his class towards the end of the World Cup, and is the key man her for me for Gloucester. I see Tigers as being tough and turning this into a real war, and there not being anything in the set piece battle or the all important breakdown area. The difference for me is in what the backs can do with the ball, and I see more tries in the Gloucester side than in Leicester's where I think a lot of points will come from the boot. Close, but Gloucesters backline quality edges it to them for me, although I will point out that Dermody is Irish club captain in real life Mat and it's a toss up between him and Corbs as to who is first choice loosehead.
London Irish 27 London Wasps 23
Battle royale here with some real lumps in both sides. My main problem having read the tactics is that Wasps seem to be all about big runners, and don't really have a huge threat out wide, or a 10 to make something happen. Now that is ok if you are up against a side where they are little bit lighter and you can bully them, but that is a seriously beefy Irish pack with 2 big centres as well. They also have more threat outside, and a half back pairing that can and will make things happen. Wasps will hang in there for a LBP, but Irish too powerful to be bullied and have the quality to put points on the board for the win.
Harlequins 27 Newcastle Falcons 23
Battle of the 10's. The most in form 10 in the Rabo against the best 10 in the AP (in real life). Huge match ups all over in the pack, with no real give in most areas, although if I had to sway one way on it I would marginally fall on the Falcons side. I like that Quins are going to try to keep the ball and only kick if they need to. I am not convinced on the gang tackle on isolated runners for Falcons in this one. It can work, and has worked in real life (for Ireland), but can also fail spectacularly if your opponents get bodies there and drive on, or if the ball carrier manages to offload. I see the Quins side as havign enough powerful players to drive on, and this could cause problems for Newcastle defensively. I also have a slight issue with the Falcons 'second half pack'. That says to me that unless there are injuries they will not use Lindsay, Stankovich or York, which given the intensity that this will be played at will see some pretty tired legs out there in the final quarter. It also gives the impression of a lack of confidence in the rest of the bench, whereas the Quins bench looks strong to me. I think this is even stevens for 60 to 70 minutes, but I can see Quins taking it in the last 10 minutes, with quality and game breakers to bring off the bench.
Worcester Warriors 19 Bath Rugby 28
Grafting pack for Worcester, and a half back paring that will look to play attcaking rugby with ball in hand. The problem they have is I really like the balance in the Bath back row, and think they will dominate the breakdown in theis one. If that happens which I think it will, then they have the half pack pairing to really bring their exciting backline into play. Monye has the best tries per minutes on the pitch strike rate in the real AP this season, and Medard and Beale can run it in from anywhere. Steyn was right up there with the best 12's in the world at the World Cup, and I can see them really causing problems for Worcester in defence. I'm really sorry prop, but I have to call it as I see it and I can really see Bath running in some tries in this one.
Contrast of styles in this one a bit, and I think SJE is right in setting his team out to play their game and not get into an arm wrestle with Exeter. If the conditions were grotty, I would see more of a sway towards the Chiefs pack, but on a sunny afternoon I think Sale have parity int he set piece and bit more around the park. ROG in good form and will keep Cheifs in touch but I cannot see their backline unlocking the Sale defence enough to run in tries and their score will end up being divisible by 3.
Gloucester 30 Leicester Tigers 29
That is a serious backline for Gloucester, which if given decent ball could tear teams to shreds. Berrick Barnes showed all his class towards the end of the World Cup, and is the key man her for me for Gloucester. I see Tigers as being tough and turning this into a real war, and there not being anything in the set piece battle or the all important breakdown area. The difference for me is in what the backs can do with the ball, and I see more tries in the Gloucester side than in Leicester's where I think a lot of points will come from the boot. Close, but Gloucesters backline quality edges it to them for me, although I will point out that Dermody is Irish club captain in real life Mat and it's a toss up between him and Corbs as to who is first choice loosehead.
London Irish 27 London Wasps 23
Battle royale here with some real lumps in both sides. My main problem having read the tactics is that Wasps seem to be all about big runners, and don't really have a huge threat out wide, or a 10 to make something happen. Now that is ok if you are up against a side where they are little bit lighter and you can bully them, but that is a seriously beefy Irish pack with 2 big centres as well. They also have more threat outside, and a half back pairing that can and will make things happen. Wasps will hang in there for a LBP, but Irish too powerful to be bullied and have the quality to put points on the board for the win.
Harlequins 27 Newcastle Falcons 23
Battle of the 10's. The most in form 10 in the Rabo against the best 10 in the AP (in real life). Huge match ups all over in the pack, with no real give in most areas, although if I had to sway one way on it I would marginally fall on the Falcons side. I like that Quins are going to try to keep the ball and only kick if they need to. I am not convinced on the gang tackle on isolated runners for Falcons in this one. It can work, and has worked in real life (for Ireland), but can also fail spectacularly if your opponents get bodies there and drive on, or if the ball carrier manages to offload. I see the Quins side as havign enough powerful players to drive on, and this could cause problems for Newcastle defensively. I also have a slight issue with the Falcons 'second half pack'. That says to me that unless there are injuries they will not use Lindsay, Stankovich or York, which given the intensity that this will be played at will see some pretty tired legs out there in the final quarter. It also gives the impression of a lack of confidence in the rest of the bench, whereas the Quins bench looks strong to me. I think this is even stevens for 60 to 70 minutes, but I can see Quins taking it in the last 10 minutes, with quality and game breakers to bring off the bench.
Worcester Warriors 19 Bath Rugby 28
Grafting pack for Worcester, and a half back paring that will look to play attcaking rugby with ball in hand. The problem they have is I really like the balance in the Bath back row, and think they will dominate the breakdown in theis one. If that happens which I think it will, then they have the half pack pairing to really bring their exciting backline into play. Monye has the best tries per minutes on the pitch strike rate in the real AP this season, and Medard and Beale can run it in from anywhere. Steyn was right up there with the best 12's in the world at the World Cup, and I can see them really causing problems for Worcester in defence. I'm really sorry prop, but I have to call it as I see it and I can really see Bath running in some tries in this one.
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Re: AP Round 9
by Guest Fri 25 Nov 2011 - 13:50
Pete isn't Lahiff in front of him now?? If he is then I stand corrected.
Back about 5pm so will do predos then
Back about 5pm so will do predos then
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Re: AP Round 9
by LukeLovesLuka Fri 25 Nov 2011 - 13:53
Your point is even less valid when you think about where White fits in to the Leicester TH hierarchy....
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Re: AP Round 9
by Ozzy3213 Fri 25 Nov 2011 - 13:55
It's difficult to say these days with so much rotation Mat, but this week against Wasps is a real must win game for us, and Dermody is starting, with Lahiff and Corbisiero both on the bench (Corbs presumably covering tighthead).
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Re: AP Round 9
by Guest Fri 25 Nov 2011 - 13:57
There is a huge difference being behind Castro and cole to being behind corbs and Lahiff.
To be fair Leicester have probably the best depth at tighthead of any side in the world.
White is their for a 20-30 minute blast of scrummaging.
He was still destroying scrums when he was playing consistently during wc. Guy does nowt but scrummage but boy does he scrummagr
To be fair Leicester have probably the best depth at tighthead of any side in the world.
White is their for a 20-30 minute blast of scrummaging.
He was still destroying scrums when he was playing consistently during wc. Guy does nowt but scrummage but boy does he scrummagr
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Re: AP Round 9
by LukeLovesLuka Fri 25 Nov 2011 - 14:02
Dermody isnt behind those players though, so your comment has no value whatsoever.
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Re: AP Round 9
by Ozzy3213 Fri 25 Nov 2011 - 14:13
Now where has that 'handbags' smiley gone ........
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Re: AP Round 9
by Guest Fri 25 Nov 2011 - 14:15
Luke being brutal. I will
Not respond because of the rule in place when predos are on
Not respond because of the rule in place when predos are on
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Re: AP Round 9
by Sgt_Pooly Fri 25 Nov 2011 - 14:21
Confusion with my tactics...
Pack for the second half means pack to come out for the second half, not the pack to play the WHOLE second half!
Pack for the second half means pack to come out for the second half, not the pack to play the WHOLE second half!
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Re: AP Round 9
by Ozzy3213 Fri 25 Nov 2011 - 14:24
So PDJ and Parling are going off at half time? What if they are both having stormers?!?!?! 
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Re: AP Round 9
by Guest Fri 25 Nov 2011 - 14:25
No posting pooly you know the rule. Driver will be after you!!
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Re: AP Round 9
by Sgt_Pooly Fri 25 Nov 2011 - 14:29
Rotating the pack Pete. A fresh Franks & POC is a nice plus for me. Why are you sledging me, I thought you were playing Chris!
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Re: AP Round 9
by Ozzy3213 Fri 25 Nov 2011 - 14:31
That's not sledging, merely asking a question. If you want to see sledging you should come and play cricket with me 
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Re: AP Round 9
by Driver Fri 25 Nov 2011 - 14:35
Guys take it the main page please , if the next post isn't predicting I'm going to open a can of wup ass
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Re: AP Round 9
by Ozzy3213 Fri 25 Nov 2011 - 14:38
Would be good to see some predos coming in a bit earlier, I am so impatient and hate waiting to see how games are going!!! 
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Re: AP Round 9
by dammit_chris Fri 25 Nov 2011 - 14:50
[b]Sale Sharks 18 - 15 Exeter Chiefs /b]Driver needed rain for this game, as Sale have slightly more of an attacking edge about them and think that they would get a decisive try, whilst Exeter rely on O'Gara's boot. If this game was wet, muddy etc then that Exeter pack would have swung the result, especially with O'Gara controlling and kicking them to territory. Can see Exeter's tactics making this game go with no flow and very tight.
Gloucester 26 - 23 Leicester Tigers
To win away from home I think you need to be able to outmuscle the home teams pack and have some great line breakers in the backline to win. Although Mat's frontrow isnt the strongest it has been, 4-8 are exceptional and must be the most inform backrow in the game. With Genia and Carter they have arguably the best two halfbacks and just see them having a bit too much for Tigers at home. I do really like the Tigers bench though and see them giving Gloucester a major scare in last 10-15mins. Good effot Luke
London Irish 30 -28 London Wasps
Hats off to you Arry with this one - you've picked a very good backline, have an excellent bench and I think if you can just find a winger to replace Tom Williams with a bit more quality then you will start getting more wins. Thought tactics were spot on. I dont think there are many teams that would get close to Irish at home, as its so darn hard to break the gainline of their midfield and they have brutes in the pack. Think Irish will just about hang on. Arry you are one winger away from having a team that will finish in top 6!
Harlequins 21 - 19 Newcastle Falcons
So, so hard to call this one - I give away wins to teams that can outmuscle the hometeams pack and have gainline breakers in the backline. I think the pack battle is going to be brutal - great game between the no7s here. The pack battle is pretty much even, though I think the Newcastle pack could weaken if all subs need to come on, whilst the Quins bench has more form and like to see Marler come on in 2nd half. I am not sure that Falcons have a top quality ball carrier in the backline to make the hard yards and give them enoguh front foot ball. I like Barritt, but i'm not sure whether he is the answer. Very abrasive backline for Quins, with home advantage the key factor.
Worcester Warriors 23 - 23 Bath Rugby
Closest game of the week for me, I think Bath have an awesome backline and are going to run in some tries and cause Worcester problems, but I just see the Worcester team as better gelling and working together. They have a tough pack and although Bath will score more tries, when Steyn comes on I see them getting points from his boot and clawing the game back with a tough, workmanlike display.
Gloucester 26 - 23 Leicester Tigers
To win away from home I think you need to be able to outmuscle the home teams pack and have some great line breakers in the backline to win. Although Mat's frontrow isnt the strongest it has been, 4-8 are exceptional and must be the most inform backrow in the game. With Genia and Carter they have arguably the best two halfbacks and just see them having a bit too much for Tigers at home. I do really like the Tigers bench though and see them giving Gloucester a major scare in last 10-15mins. Good effot Luke
London Irish 30 -28 London Wasps
Hats off to you Arry with this one - you've picked a very good backline, have an excellent bench and I think if you can just find a winger to replace Tom Williams with a bit more quality then you will start getting more wins. Thought tactics were spot on. I dont think there are many teams that would get close to Irish at home, as its so darn hard to break the gainline of their midfield and they have brutes in the pack. Think Irish will just about hang on. Arry you are one winger away from having a team that will finish in top 6!
Harlequins 21 - 19 Newcastle Falcons
So, so hard to call this one - I give away wins to teams that can outmuscle the hometeams pack and have gainline breakers in the backline. I think the pack battle is going to be brutal - great game between the no7s here. The pack battle is pretty much even, though I think the Newcastle pack could weaken if all subs need to come on, whilst the Quins bench has more form and like to see Marler come on in 2nd half. I am not sure that Falcons have a top quality ball carrier in the backline to make the hard yards and give them enoguh front foot ball. I like Barritt, but i'm not sure whether he is the answer. Very abrasive backline for Quins, with home advantage the key factor.
Worcester Warriors 23 - 23 Bath Rugby
Closest game of the week for me, I think Bath have an awesome backline and are going to run in some tries and cause Worcester problems, but I just see the Worcester team as better gelling and working together. They have a tough pack and although Bath will score more tries, when Steyn comes on I see them getting points from his boot and clawing the game back with a tough, workmanlike display.
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Re: AP Round 9
by Steven_Sharks Fri 25 Nov 2011 - 15:02
Sale Sharks 26 - 23 Exeter Chiefs
I don't see any major advantage either way at the scrum but think there is a bit more in terms of lineout options and ability in the Sale pack. I think the breakdown battle will be edged by Exeter but not by such a large amount that Sale struggle to win their own ball. Half backs is a battle of experience against spark and I can't separate the two pairs with ROG currently playing excellent rugby. I like the control which Hook gives Sale at 12 and think he would put Freaun into plenty of gaps. D'arcy and Bell are a less extravagant pairing but will still do a very solid job. back 3 goes to Exeter in all 3 positions and this is somewhere they will get some joy. Both tactics are good and highlight each sides strengths.
Gloucester 20 - 19 Leicester Tigers
I give the scrum battle marginally to Leicester with a useful front row but don't see either side going backwards much. I think the lineout is pretty even with Hines at 6 helping the Leicester lineout but it also weakens their backrow. Gloucester have a good advantage in that area with a stronger unit with Hines being the weakness. I see what Leicester have tried to do but I don't think Hines would be as effective. Half backs go to Gloucester with the sensational pairing but Leicester's pair will do exactly what Luke wants them to and they will do it well. centres just go to Gloucester but I do like the combo of 36/BOD. Both sides have very exciting EQ wing pairing and I think they will be a threat all day long with the full backs being pretty even. Both benches are strong and see no real advantage there. Tough game with a slight edge to Matt's side.
London Irish 28 - 25 London Wasps
Scrum goes to Irish here with a really really powerful unit but I don't think Wasps will be going backwards at a great rate and won't concede to many penalties. Locks are closer and are pretty even with the back row going to Irish. Lineout will be a great battle which I see as being pretty even. Half backs again are very tight with perhaps a slight edge to Irish due to the better form of their 10. centres goes to the mighty impressive Irish unit but this again is a very tight battle with Mac and Roberts proving a very stern test. back 3 goes to Irish and the benches go to Wasps who i feel have the better men coming off the bench.
Northampton Saints 28 - 29 Saracens
At the scrum I see both Tightheads getting an advantage over their opposite numbers. Lineouts will be fairly even with both sides getting the majority of their own ball with Matfield perhaps taking a couple off Saints throw. I prefer the Saracens flankers who are both playing very good rugby but I much prefer Parisse to JVN. Overall thhe pack just about goes to Saracens. I prefer the Saracens half backs who I feel will be more consistent for Sarries but I think the Simpson/Giteau combo will provide Saints will plenty of chances to score and they have the men outside them to put those chances away. Centres just go to Saracens but not by much with Saints having the stronger back 3 unit with Ioane standing out for Saracens. Both benches are packed with talent and its very hard to seperate them. With a marginally stronger pack and the metronomic Homer I think Saracens have got it spot on and snatch the away win.
Worcester Warriors 18 - 18 Bath
I think that Worcester will get the better of the scrums but not a huge advantage whereas I see Bath getting a similar advantage at the lineouts. I think the Worcester back row is excellent for the conditions. half backs just go to Bath with the conditions favouring their pair. Bath also have the stronger centres but Worcester aren't weak in this area. back 3 also to Bath. Both benches are decent but Bath are again stronger in this area. Can't call this one sorry I think their is enough dog in the Worcester side to prevent Bath's back running away with it.
I don't see any major advantage either way at the scrum but think there is a bit more in terms of lineout options and ability in the Sale pack. I think the breakdown battle will be edged by Exeter but not by such a large amount that Sale struggle to win their own ball. Half backs is a battle of experience against spark and I can't separate the two pairs with ROG currently playing excellent rugby. I like the control which Hook gives Sale at 12 and think he would put Freaun into plenty of gaps. D'arcy and Bell are a less extravagant pairing but will still do a very solid job. back 3 goes to Exeter in all 3 positions and this is somewhere they will get some joy. Both tactics are good and highlight each sides strengths.
Gloucester 20 - 19 Leicester Tigers
I give the scrum battle marginally to Leicester with a useful front row but don't see either side going backwards much. I think the lineout is pretty even with Hines at 6 helping the Leicester lineout but it also weakens their backrow. Gloucester have a good advantage in that area with a stronger unit with Hines being the weakness. I see what Leicester have tried to do but I don't think Hines would be as effective. Half backs go to Gloucester with the sensational pairing but Leicester's pair will do exactly what Luke wants them to and they will do it well. centres just go to Gloucester but I do like the combo of 36/BOD. Both sides have very exciting EQ wing pairing and I think they will be a threat all day long with the full backs being pretty even. Both benches are strong and see no real advantage there. Tough game with a slight edge to Matt's side.
London Irish 28 - 25 London Wasps
Scrum goes to Irish here with a really really powerful unit but I don't think Wasps will be going backwards at a great rate and won't concede to many penalties. Locks are closer and are pretty even with the back row going to Irish. Lineout will be a great battle which I see as being pretty even. Half backs again are very tight with perhaps a slight edge to Irish due to the better form of their 10. centres goes to the mighty impressive Irish unit but this again is a very tight battle with Mac and Roberts proving a very stern test. back 3 goes to Irish and the benches go to Wasps who i feel have the better men coming off the bench.
Northampton Saints 28 - 29 Saracens
At the scrum I see both Tightheads getting an advantage over their opposite numbers. Lineouts will be fairly even with both sides getting the majority of their own ball with Matfield perhaps taking a couple off Saints throw. I prefer the Saracens flankers who are both playing very good rugby but I much prefer Parisse to JVN. Overall thhe pack just about goes to Saracens. I prefer the Saracens half backs who I feel will be more consistent for Sarries but I think the Simpson/Giteau combo will provide Saints will plenty of chances to score and they have the men outside them to put those chances away. Centres just go to Saracens but not by much with Saints having the stronger back 3 unit with Ioane standing out for Saracens. Both benches are packed with talent and its very hard to seperate them. With a marginally stronger pack and the metronomic Homer I think Saracens have got it spot on and snatch the away win.
Worcester Warriors 18 - 18 Bath
I think that Worcester will get the better of the scrums but not a huge advantage whereas I see Bath getting a similar advantage at the lineouts. I think the Worcester back row is excellent for the conditions. half backs just go to Bath with the conditions favouring their pair. Bath also have the stronger centres but Worcester aren't weak in this area. back 3 also to Bath. Both benches are decent but Bath are again stronger in this area. Can't call this one sorry I think their is enough dog in the Worcester side to prevent Bath's back running away with it.
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Re: AP Round 9
by prop_lyd Fri 25 Nov 2011 - 15:31
Will try to get some done tonight and some done tomorrow
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Re: AP Round 9
by SirJohnnyEnglish Fri 25 Nov 2011 - 15:36
Jesus these predictions have taken me all day to do! Some mammoth effort on tactics this week guys 
Gloucester Rugby 16-16 Leicester Tigers
Good battle in the front 5 here. Can’t see an advantage at scrum time. Both TH’s could get at their man here, more so Mas but Moore is a step up at hook and levels it out. While at the lineout neither side will dominate. Harri is the best on show but both sides have plenty of jumping options while it could be argued that both hookers could be got at. Around the park Leicester are a step up though with a front 5 stronger ball in hand. In the back row Glaws are a step up overall with a world class unit on show. Though Pocock will get his hands on more ball at the breakdown and Hines fits into the Tigers game plan perfectly.
At halfback 2 very strong combos. Glaws with a tiny bit more but both combo’s are capable of winning this game. Not overly sure on the targeting of Wilko on the blitz. Tigers are playing off 9 and with 36 and BOD in the centres they have plenty of playmakers on show. Think Glaws are leaving themselves a bit open here. In the backline have the midfield as even. Barnes and BOD are a step up in their respective positions but Glaws more dangerous in the back 3. There’s impact on both benches but the 6/2 split will help Tigers out big time with the game plan they are going with.
Very interesting pack battle here. Set piece and carrying wise I can’t see a real winner here. Tigers will pinch a few more turnovers but neither side will dominate possession and both sets of halfbacks will get the sides going. Glaws with home advantage and I always work on the presumption that to win away, especially at places like Kingsholm where Matt has a fantastic record, you need to win the forward battle. My issue here is the tactics though. Tigers tactics are much more detailed for me and lay out a game plan. Not a lot of actual detail in Glaws tactics and I think targeting Wilko on the blitz is a mistake with all the play making options Tigers have. Tigers get the draw because of this
London Irish 33-24 London Wasps
Slight edge to Irish here in the scrum. Massive props on show and Best is in the form of his life while the lineout will be a great battle between two of the best operators in the AP. Can’t see either side struggling on their own ball. Around the park Irish are a step up though. That front row unit will get through some amount of work. Back row battle falls to Irish. Good balance to both units and while the opensides are fairly even Irish are a step up at 6 and 8 with some good form.
At halfbacks theres more quality to Pieneer at 9 but Burgess in cracking form levels it up. Bowden at 10 will bring more out of his backs though. Two cracking combos in midfield. Slight edge to Irish maybe with Fourie the stand out player on show but would be harsh to call either way to be honest. There’s more of an attacking threat from the Irish back 3 though. Both benches are strong.
Arry probably has the most detailed game plan in the league but for it to work he needs to win the forward battle and get on the front foot. I can’t see that happening here. Think Irish will see more of the ball and can really disrupt Wasps. A good home win for Nick’s boys this week.
Harlequins 20-20 Newcastle Falcons
Can’t see domination in the scrum but Newcastle probably with a slight edge with Thorn adding extra grunt in the 2nd row. At lineout time Thorn is one of the best front jumpers in the world and can’t see the Harlequins efforts at targeting just Parling coming off here. Around the park there isn’t much of an edge to either front 5.Backrow is a good little battle here. Good form in both selections. Would be a great game ot watch in real life this one. Can’t see either side getting on top.
Good battle in the halfbacks. Two 10’s in cracking form who can get their sides going. Targetting Evans will stop a Newcastle kicking game but with Youngs, JOC and Smith in the back line Newcastle have plenty of play makers and Quins may lead themselves open a bit. In midfield Newcastle with an edge with Smith the star player on show. Like the Contepomi wrap around tactic (Something Sexton uses fantastically for Leinster and Ireland) from Quins though. Back 3 Newcastle have the edge with a serious set of wingers. Kearney in good form at fullback for Quins. Impact on both benches but Newcastle capable of upping the tempo that bit more in the 2nd half.
Tight game to call. Neither side will dominate possession. Newcastle have more in the back line in this one though and can up the tempo in the 2nd half. Quins at home though and have the backs to open the Newcastle defence. Going to call this one a draw.
Northampton Saints 17-20 Saracens
Great battle at the scrum between Domingo and Jones here. Can’t see either side getting on top. Both sides should have enough options to hold their own ball although Matfield can get his hands on one or two balls. Around the park there’s not much of an edge either way. In the back row can see what Saints are trying to do with the ball carrying options on show. A lot of power there. No out and out 7 on show from either side but Sarries can really get on top at the breakdown with two great 6.5’s on show.
The all French Sarries half backs will control the game well although Simpson offers a threat ball in hand. In midfield Sarries with some great form hold the upper hand but Saints with great strength in the back 3 and can do some serious damage. On the bench both sides have some great impact to bring in.
The key battle in this one for me is the breakdown. Think Sarries can really be a nuisance here and really disrupt the ball Simpson is receiving. Saints have enough attacking threat to cause problems but with quicker, cleaner ball Sarries should pick up an important away win
Worcester Warriors 13-14 Bath Rugby
At scrum time Worcester have an edge. Both TH’s could see some joy but that is a serious engine room supporting the scrum for Worcester and could see them get on top here. Both sides should do enough to hold their own lineouts although Bath will do more with their own ball. Hard to separate the front 5’s around the park. Bath with a quality back row on show but the Worcester selection are perfect for the conditions
Good form for Worcester in the half backs but Bath with some extra quality on show. Think Worcester missed a trick by not starting with Steyn at 10 to attack the Bath wings. In the backline Bath with some serious attacking threats and pace on show. Should cause Worcester a whole lot of problems. The Bath wings can be got at in these conditions though. On the benches Steyn is the key game changer for me.
Bath have more of a threat ball in hand in this one but Worcester are here to spoil in the wet conditions. I think playing it conservatively doesn’t suit the Bath backline at all. Although wet would have liked to see a bit more attacking thrust in the game plan particularly with the players on show. Think Bath will get dragged in to an arm wrestle here but should just snatch the win. If Steyn had started Worcester could of won this one
Gloucester Rugby 16-16 Leicester Tigers
Good battle in the front 5 here. Can’t see an advantage at scrum time. Both TH’s could get at their man here, more so Mas but Moore is a step up at hook and levels it out. While at the lineout neither side will dominate. Harri is the best on show but both sides have plenty of jumping options while it could be argued that both hookers could be got at. Around the park Leicester are a step up though with a front 5 stronger ball in hand. In the back row Glaws are a step up overall with a world class unit on show. Though Pocock will get his hands on more ball at the breakdown and Hines fits into the Tigers game plan perfectly.
At halfback 2 very strong combos. Glaws with a tiny bit more but both combo’s are capable of winning this game. Not overly sure on the targeting of Wilko on the blitz. Tigers are playing off 9 and with 36 and BOD in the centres they have plenty of playmakers on show. Think Glaws are leaving themselves a bit open here. In the backline have the midfield as even. Barnes and BOD are a step up in their respective positions but Glaws more dangerous in the back 3. There’s impact on both benches but the 6/2 split will help Tigers out big time with the game plan they are going with.
Very interesting pack battle here. Set piece and carrying wise I can’t see a real winner here. Tigers will pinch a few more turnovers but neither side will dominate possession and both sets of halfbacks will get the sides going. Glaws with home advantage and I always work on the presumption that to win away, especially at places like Kingsholm where Matt has a fantastic record, you need to win the forward battle. My issue here is the tactics though. Tigers tactics are much more detailed for me and lay out a game plan. Not a lot of actual detail in Glaws tactics and I think targeting Wilko on the blitz is a mistake with all the play making options Tigers have. Tigers get the draw because of this
London Irish 33-24 London Wasps
Slight edge to Irish here in the scrum. Massive props on show and Best is in the form of his life while the lineout will be a great battle between two of the best operators in the AP. Can’t see either side struggling on their own ball. Around the park Irish are a step up though. That front row unit will get through some amount of work. Back row battle falls to Irish. Good balance to both units and while the opensides are fairly even Irish are a step up at 6 and 8 with some good form.
At halfbacks theres more quality to Pieneer at 9 but Burgess in cracking form levels it up. Bowden at 10 will bring more out of his backs though. Two cracking combos in midfield. Slight edge to Irish maybe with Fourie the stand out player on show but would be harsh to call either way to be honest. There’s more of an attacking threat from the Irish back 3 though. Both benches are strong.
Arry probably has the most detailed game plan in the league but for it to work he needs to win the forward battle and get on the front foot. I can’t see that happening here. Think Irish will see more of the ball and can really disrupt Wasps. A good home win for Nick’s boys this week.
Harlequins 20-20 Newcastle Falcons
Can’t see domination in the scrum but Newcastle probably with a slight edge with Thorn adding extra grunt in the 2nd row. At lineout time Thorn is one of the best front jumpers in the world and can’t see the Harlequins efforts at targeting just Parling coming off here. Around the park there isn’t much of an edge to either front 5.Backrow is a good little battle here. Good form in both selections. Would be a great game ot watch in real life this one. Can’t see either side getting on top.
Good battle in the halfbacks. Two 10’s in cracking form who can get their sides going. Targetting Evans will stop a Newcastle kicking game but with Youngs, JOC and Smith in the back line Newcastle have plenty of play makers and Quins may lead themselves open a bit. In midfield Newcastle with an edge with Smith the star player on show. Like the Contepomi wrap around tactic (Something Sexton uses fantastically for Leinster and Ireland) from Quins though. Back 3 Newcastle have the edge with a serious set of wingers. Kearney in good form at fullback for Quins. Impact on both benches but Newcastle capable of upping the tempo that bit more in the 2nd half.
Tight game to call. Neither side will dominate possession. Newcastle have more in the back line in this one though and can up the tempo in the 2nd half. Quins at home though and have the backs to open the Newcastle defence. Going to call this one a draw.
Northampton Saints 17-20 Saracens
Great battle at the scrum between Domingo and Jones here. Can’t see either side getting on top. Both sides should have enough options to hold their own ball although Matfield can get his hands on one or two balls. Around the park there’s not much of an edge either way. In the back row can see what Saints are trying to do with the ball carrying options on show. A lot of power there. No out and out 7 on show from either side but Sarries can really get on top at the breakdown with two great 6.5’s on show.
The all French Sarries half backs will control the game well although Simpson offers a threat ball in hand. In midfield Sarries with some great form hold the upper hand but Saints with great strength in the back 3 and can do some serious damage. On the bench both sides have some great impact to bring in.
The key battle in this one for me is the breakdown. Think Sarries can really be a nuisance here and really disrupt the ball Simpson is receiving. Saints have enough attacking threat to cause problems but with quicker, cleaner ball Sarries should pick up an important away win
Worcester Warriors 13-14 Bath Rugby
At scrum time Worcester have an edge. Both TH’s could see some joy but that is a serious engine room supporting the scrum for Worcester and could see them get on top here. Both sides should do enough to hold their own lineouts although Bath will do more with their own ball. Hard to separate the front 5’s around the park. Bath with a quality back row on show but the Worcester selection are perfect for the conditions
Good form for Worcester in the half backs but Bath with some extra quality on show. Think Worcester missed a trick by not starting with Steyn at 10 to attack the Bath wings. In the backline Bath with some serious attacking threats and pace on show. Should cause Worcester a whole lot of problems. The Bath wings can be got at in these conditions though. On the benches Steyn is the key game changer for me.
Bath have more of a threat ball in hand in this one but Worcester are here to spoil in the wet conditions. I think playing it conservatively doesn’t suit the Bath backline at all. Although wet would have liked to see a bit more attacking thrust in the game plan particularly with the players on show. Think Bath will get dragged in to an arm wrestle here but should just snatch the win. If Steyn had started Worcester could of won this one
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Re: AP Round 9
by LukeLovesLuka Fri 25 Nov 2011 - 16:25
Sale 18 - 18 Exeter
Both sides have serious form issues right now. Sale have too many players for me who went to the World Cup but didn't play. That makes it difficult to judge. They have some massive carriers, and an exciting midfield though. Driver does have a similar problem, but does have a few more in form players, and a much more dangerous back three. O'Gara is in good nick too. Sale's back row is a great platform, but Exeter's form keeps them right in it.
Irish 26 - 22 Wasps
Serious pack battle here. Irish take the front row but the back fives see a real mix of form/no form. Kaino and Burger will have massive impacts for both sides. Both Burgess and Bowden are showing great form, but beyond there Wasps have some serious threats with some players playing at the top of their game. Really tight game, but Irish nick it with home advantage.
Harlequins 23 - 25 Newcastle
Wow what a game guys. Don't see a lot of give up front - I see Thorn as crucial for Newcastle today - Pooly is right to pick up on Quins lacking an enforcer, and with Thorn about as good as it gets the away side get a big advantage here. Cracking effort from both back rows. Quins back division does let them down right now. Priestland is on form, but Newcastle look a lot more threatening for me. Tight game, but Newcastle will cause Quins too many problems.
Saints 21 - 23 Saracens
Saints are suffering from a big lack of form up front and are relying on reputation. BdP and Jones to really get the advantage for me. In the loose battle these packs will batter the hell out of each other. Sarries will control the crucial HB battle though, and despite Saints' efforts to stop Nonu, it's easier said than done. Big away win for Sarries this.
Worcester 18 - 22 Bath
Bath's pack is made for a rainy day away in Worcester, and see them really getting on top for large periods. The home side have a strong lineout, and some very hard working pack members, so will front up defensively. Worcester will get some joy in the centres with powerful runners. Bath have more of the x factor in the backs, and if they get some of their runners in space they will cause any side havoc. Bath just have that bit too much for me.
Both sides have serious form issues right now. Sale have too many players for me who went to the World Cup but didn't play. That makes it difficult to judge. They have some massive carriers, and an exciting midfield though. Driver does have a similar problem, but does have a few more in form players, and a much more dangerous back three. O'Gara is in good nick too. Sale's back row is a great platform, but Exeter's form keeps them right in it.
Irish 26 - 22 Wasps
Serious pack battle here. Irish take the front row but the back fives see a real mix of form/no form. Kaino and Burger will have massive impacts for both sides. Both Burgess and Bowden are showing great form, but beyond there Wasps have some serious threats with some players playing at the top of their game. Really tight game, but Irish nick it with home advantage.
Harlequins 23 - 25 Newcastle
Wow what a game guys. Don't see a lot of give up front - I see Thorn as crucial for Newcastle today - Pooly is right to pick up on Quins lacking an enforcer, and with Thorn about as good as it gets the away side get a big advantage here. Cracking effort from both back rows. Quins back division does let them down right now. Priestland is on form, but Newcastle look a lot more threatening for me. Tight game, but Newcastle will cause Quins too many problems.
Saints 21 - 23 Saracens
Saints are suffering from a big lack of form up front and are relying on reputation. BdP and Jones to really get the advantage for me. In the loose battle these packs will batter the hell out of each other. Sarries will control the crucial HB battle though, and despite Saints' efforts to stop Nonu, it's easier said than done. Big away win for Sarries this.
Worcester 18 - 22 Bath
Bath's pack is made for a rainy day away in Worcester, and see them really getting on top for large periods. The home side have a strong lineout, and some very hard working pack members, so will front up defensively. Worcester will get some joy in the centres with powerful runners. Bath have more of the x factor in the backs, and if they get some of their runners in space they will cause any side havoc. Bath just have that bit too much for me.
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Re: AP Round 9
by 'Arry Spurs Fri 25 Nov 2011 - 16:54
Sale Sharks 23 - 20 Exeter Chiefs
Impressive packs on display from both sides here, feel that Sale have the more dynamic forwards who will carry and get them over the gain line. Like the balance of the Sale back row also, two athletic flankers with a brute of a number eight. Both back lines are very good but I feel Sale have that extra quality there to get them victory. O'Gara will be key for Exeter, with his game management I can see Exeter pinning Sale in their own half for periods of the game where they will be able to exert pressure upon them and score some points. Home advantage and that extra quality seals the victory for Sale.
Gloucester Rugby 25 - 23 Leicester Tigers
Very tight battle this one, good match ups all over the park. Can't seperate the packs they are both very good. Mat has a cracking back row that will carry all day long and get them over the gain line to set out a platform. Think both back lines are very impressive, Gloucester have plenty of spark and flair that will see them score some good tries. Like Lukes tactic of keeping Gloucester pinned back with the kicking games of Wilkinson etc. I think Gloucester have more spark in their back line and threat out wide to score tries. The Tigers will run them close but home advantage along with a better backline in my opinion wins this one for Mat.
Will get the rest of my predictions in later/early tomorrow I've got to go out now.
Impressive packs on display from both sides here, feel that Sale have the more dynamic forwards who will carry and get them over the gain line. Like the balance of the Sale back row also, two athletic flankers with a brute of a number eight. Both back lines are very good but I feel Sale have that extra quality there to get them victory. O'Gara will be key for Exeter, with his game management I can see Exeter pinning Sale in their own half for periods of the game where they will be able to exert pressure upon them and score some points. Home advantage and that extra quality seals the victory for Sale.
Gloucester Rugby 25 - 23 Leicester Tigers
Very tight battle this one, good match ups all over the park. Can't seperate the packs they are both very good. Mat has a cracking back row that will carry all day long and get them over the gain line to set out a platform. Think both back lines are very impressive, Gloucester have plenty of spark and flair that will see them score some good tries. Like Lukes tactic of keeping Gloucester pinned back with the kicking games of Wilkinson etc. I think Gloucester have more spark in their back line and threat out wide to score tries. The Tigers will run them close but home advantage along with a better backline in my opinion wins this one for Mat.
Will get the rest of my predictions in later/early tomorrow I've got to go out now.
'Arry Spurs- Posts : 1051
Join date : 2011-11-02
Re: AP Round 9
by stnick88 Fri 25 Nov 2011 - 17:46
Sale v Exeter - Think the Exeter front five is very gritty and will grind all game long and allow kelleher and rog to control well. but i am not a big fan of their centre combo which stifles them a bit. hook/freuan is a good combo as is care/sexton although not the best back 3. Plenty of bite in exeter team will keep them close but sale at home nick it.
18-17
Gloucester v Leicester - Glos backline is decent. carter/barnes will create so many opportunities. very strong forwards as well. think the glos props are better scrummagers but both jenkins and census good in the loose for tigers. BOD lacking bit of form now and 12T hit and miss in the tigers centres. home win.
25-21
Harlequins v Newcastle - Great battle upfront with Thorns influence and POC in the 2nd half big for falcons. backrows close, on form warburton is the stand out but robshaw not far behind and read a class act and better than heaslip for me. contepomi and priestland axis will be great for quins and evans on such good form will make this a great game. think conrad smith makes a big difference for falcons over lowe. so hard to call here, class throughout.
22-22
Northampton v Saracens - cant separate the forwards, so many big names and great players on show. dusatoir and parisse stand outs in the backrow. think playing messam at 7 is good for saints style of explosive play. simpson and giteau need quick ball for this kind of game and they should get enough to cause problems and bring Foden, Ashton in the game well. Ioane and Nonu will run hard and cause problems for Saints but not sure about the attacking games of cueto and homer. parra/td will control well and keep saracens in the game but think at home saints edge it.
23-20
Worcester v Bath - Big mean bath pack will edge this and get good ball for FDP and hodgson to work with. steyn is great at 12 and with beale joining the line of attack can see bath getting good rhythm. worcester half backs are solid and will work well and keep scoreboard ticking over. just think they lack a little spark in the backline, apart from shane williams.
18-20
18-17
Gloucester v Leicester - Glos backline is decent. carter/barnes will create so many opportunities. very strong forwards as well. think the glos props are better scrummagers but both jenkins and census good in the loose for tigers. BOD lacking bit of form now and 12T hit and miss in the tigers centres. home win.
25-21
Harlequins v Newcastle - Great battle upfront with Thorns influence and POC in the 2nd half big for falcons. backrows close, on form warburton is the stand out but robshaw not far behind and read a class act and better than heaslip for me. contepomi and priestland axis will be great for quins and evans on such good form will make this a great game. think conrad smith makes a big difference for falcons over lowe. so hard to call here, class throughout.
22-22
Northampton v Saracens - cant separate the forwards, so many big names and great players on show. dusatoir and parisse stand outs in the backrow. think playing messam at 7 is good for saints style of explosive play. simpson and giteau need quick ball for this kind of game and they should get enough to cause problems and bring Foden, Ashton in the game well. Ioane and Nonu will run hard and cause problems for Saints but not sure about the attacking games of cueto and homer. parra/td will control well and keep saracens in the game but think at home saints edge it.
23-20
Worcester v Bath - Big mean bath pack will edge this and get good ball for FDP and hodgson to work with. steyn is great at 12 and with beale joining the line of attack can see bath getting good rhythm. worcester half backs are solid and will work well and keep scoreboard ticking over. just think they lack a little spark in the backline, apart from shane williams.
18-20
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Re: AP Round 9
by CJB Fri 25 Nov 2011 - 21:16
Sale 17-15 Exeter
SJE tactics to not get involved in a forward battle will mean they win this game.
Gloucester 27-22 Leicester
The Gloucester backs will have a bit too much compared to the counterparts while their forwards slightly edge it!
Irish 21-17 Wasps
Irish get the edge in the scrum especially and at home I can't see Wasps overcoming the disadvantage.
Quins 24-26 Newcastle
Really close game. Slight edge in both the backs and good substitutes win it for Falcons.
Saints 20- 23 Saracens
Sarries get the win with a better on form set of backs.
SJE tactics to not get involved in a forward battle will mean they win this game.
Gloucester 27-22 Leicester
The Gloucester backs will have a bit too much compared to the counterparts while their forwards slightly edge it!
Irish 21-17 Wasps
Irish get the edge in the scrum especially and at home I can't see Wasps overcoming the disadvantage.
Quins 24-26 Newcastle
Really close game. Slight edge in both the backs and good substitutes win it for Falcons.
Saints 20- 23 Saracens
Sarries get the win with a better on form set of backs.
CJB- Posts : 5762
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Re: AP Round 9
by Ozzy3213 Sat 26 Nov 2011 - 8:20
Ok, so just waiting for 3 predos from Arry, and full sets from Mat, Pooly and Prop. Be good if we can get a full set, as a couple of games are right in the balance and it's always better if we have a full reflection on results.
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Re: AP Round 9
by prop_lyd Sat 26 Nov 2011 - 10:31
Sale 20-18 Exeter
Gloucester 30-24 Leicester
Irish 12-6 Wasps
Quins 20-25 Newcastle
Saints 15- 16 Saracens
If i get anymore time I will put explanations, really struggling to find enough free time read all of the tactics with the length of some of them too and still give a fair reflection!
Gloucester 30-24 Leicester
Irish 12-6 Wasps
Quins 20-25 Newcastle
Saints 15- 16 Saracens
If i get anymore time I will put explanations, really struggling to find enough free time read all of the tactics with the length of some of them too and still give a fair reflection!
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Re: AP Round 9
by Guest Sat 26 Nov 2011 - 10:54
Sale 1918 Exeter
Both sides have serious form issues right now I agree. Think exeters tactics of high intensity does not suit there pack. However o'gara boot keeps it close
Irish 24-22 Wasps
Serious pack battle here. Irish take the front row but see there second row as their key area of weakness at this level. Backrow sees Fourie starting to be hard to rate and kaino stand out. Really even after this and arrys tactics great but he has zero threat wide. Nick does not have much threat wide either but has just enough
Harlequins 25- 25 Newcastle
Wow what a game guys. Don't see a lot of give up front pdj deteriorating rapidly by not playing at saints. Woodcock and afoa in great form In real life but Barcella and Servat starting to come good.
Thorn standout here but going to Japan will start to affect him muliana and a few others.
Half backs even don't like the Newcastle centre balance
I think it kills their backline.
Better bench for quins but think they just turn a win into a draw in last 5
Saints 21 - 23 Saracens
Wonderful game and key battles everywhere. Like the tactics but see sarrie halfbacks and the wonderful form of wood and dusatoir snatch it
Worcester 18 - 20Bath
Think bath win just enough ball to use their superior backs. Prop doing a great job and his side Gets better and better. Stay up and prop Can build a really good side. Next foreign crucial for him
Both sides have serious form issues right now I agree. Think exeters tactics of high intensity does not suit there pack. However o'gara boot keeps it close
Irish 24-22 Wasps
Serious pack battle here. Irish take the front row but see there second row as their key area of weakness at this level. Backrow sees Fourie starting to be hard to rate and kaino stand out. Really even after this and arrys tactics great but he has zero threat wide. Nick does not have much threat wide either but has just enough
Harlequins 25- 25 Newcastle
Wow what a game guys. Don't see a lot of give up front pdj deteriorating rapidly by not playing at saints. Woodcock and afoa in great form In real life but Barcella and Servat starting to come good.
Thorn standout here but going to Japan will start to affect him muliana and a few others.
Half backs even don't like the Newcastle centre balance
I think it kills their backline.
Better bench for quins but think they just turn a win into a draw in last 5
Saints 21 - 23 Saracens
Wonderful game and key battles everywhere. Like the tactics but see sarrie halfbacks and the wonderful form of wood and dusatoir snatch it
Worcester 18 - 20Bath
Think bath win just enough ball to use their superior backs. Prop doing a great job and his side Gets better and better. Stay up and prop Can build a really good side. Next foreign crucial for him
Guest- Guest
Re: AP Round 9
by Sgt_Pooly Sat 26 Nov 2011 - 11:24
Sale 20-19 Exeter
Think this one will go to the death. Good tactics from Driver and a great pack. Sale are strong at home though and just see them having enough to sneak this one.
Gloucester 22-20 Leicester
Belting game from two of the best sides in the prem. Leicester set out well and see Pocock having field day at breakdown with no natural OS for Gloucester which will give them good territory ball. If they could dominate the lineout could have changed result. Gloucester might see issues at scrum and breakdown but look very very strong everywhere else with ball carriers everywhere and a great 9-12 axis. Tight game but Gloucester too good at home.
Irish 26-24 Wasps
Wasps bring into this game some immense form and the surprise challenges for the title early on. See them push Irish all the way but just get shaded out in the pack most places except engine room and lineout. Irish have set out well, the midfield battle would be titanic!
Northampton 21-24 Saracens
Saints suffering from lack of form in the pack from some big guns. Sarries get a real edge in the scrum all game. Stronger engine room and backrow(except 8). Messem is no 7. Sarries backline a level above except 14 & 15 and see Sarries halfbacks contoling the game much better. Sarries bring a better lineup and much better game and real life form so have to give them win which I didn't expect to do. Had this one as draw at a glance but Sarries too much.
Worcester 15-17 Bath
Real ugly tough affair this one. See Worcester pack really making it tough for Bath and not giving much away. Think Steyn could have made a difference for Worcester though. Some serious talent in the Bath backline and kicking options aplenty. Bruising battle but Bath sneak the win.
Think this one will go to the death. Good tactics from Driver and a great pack. Sale are strong at home though and just see them having enough to sneak this one.
Gloucester 22-20 Leicester
Belting game from two of the best sides in the prem. Leicester set out well and see Pocock having field day at breakdown with no natural OS for Gloucester which will give them good territory ball. If they could dominate the lineout could have changed result. Gloucester might see issues at scrum and breakdown but look very very strong everywhere else with ball carriers everywhere and a great 9-12 axis. Tight game but Gloucester too good at home.
Irish 26-24 Wasps
Wasps bring into this game some immense form and the surprise challenges for the title early on. See them push Irish all the way but just get shaded out in the pack most places except engine room and lineout. Irish have set out well, the midfield battle would be titanic!
Northampton 21-24 Saracens
Saints suffering from lack of form in the pack from some big guns. Sarries get a real edge in the scrum all game. Stronger engine room and backrow(except 8). Messem is no 7. Sarries backline a level above except 14 & 15 and see Sarries halfbacks contoling the game much better. Sarries bring a better lineup and much better game and real life form so have to give them win which I didn't expect to do. Had this one as draw at a glance but Sarries too much.
Worcester 15-17 Bath
Real ugly tough affair this one. See Worcester pack really making it tough for Bath and not giving much away. Think Steyn could have made a difference for Worcester though. Some serious talent in the Bath backline and kicking options aplenty. Bruising battle but Bath sneak the win.
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Re: AP Round 9
by 'Arry Spurs Sat 26 Nov 2011 - 11:37
Harlequins 23 - 23 Newcastle Falcons
Too close to call, very even in the packs with Newcastle perhaps just slightly edging it thanks to the extra quality they have. Think both backlines are very even and it's too close to call. Prefer Pooly's back line but Quins have some quality there, also feel that Steven has the better bench and the players to bring on to keep them in it. Home advantage and good impact from the bench gets Quins the draw.
Northampton Saints 20 - 21 Saracens
Again a very close battle, think Chris has the better backline that will score them plenty of tries but Pete has the pack battle. His back row is fantastic and I can see them making a mess of the breakdown and grafting for all they're worth. Think the grit and winning mentality of the Saracens side gains them a vital victory away from home.
Worcester Warriors 14 - 17 Bath Rugby
Not a pretty one this, think Worcester have the pack to really cause Bath some problems but the quality of the Bath backline wins them this one. Very physical battle but the backs of Bath gains them victory here.
Too close to call, very even in the packs with Newcastle perhaps just slightly edging it thanks to the extra quality they have. Think both backlines are very even and it's too close to call. Prefer Pooly's back line but Quins have some quality there, also feel that Steven has the better bench and the players to bring on to keep them in it. Home advantage and good impact from the bench gets Quins the draw.
Northampton Saints 20 - 21 Saracens
Again a very close battle, think Chris has the better backline that will score them plenty of tries but Pete has the pack battle. His back row is fantastic and I can see them making a mess of the breakdown and grafting for all they're worth. Think the grit and winning mentality of the Saracens side gains them a vital victory away from home.
Worcester Warriors 14 - 17 Bath Rugby
Not a pretty one this, think Worcester have the pack to really cause Bath some problems but the quality of the Bath backline wins them this one. Very physical battle but the backs of Bath gains them victory here.
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Re: AP Round 9
by SirJohnnyEnglish Sat 26 Nov 2011 - 13:29
Results:
Sale Sharks 29-18 Exeter Chiefs
Tries: Picamoles, Hook
Conversations: Sexton (2)
Penalties: Sexton (4), Cruden
Tries:
Conversations:
Penalties: O’Gara (5)
Drop Goal: O’Gara
Gloucester Rugby 31-21 Leicester Tigers
Tries: Sharples (2), Palmer, Kahui
Conversations: Carter (4)
Penalties: Carter
Tries: Waldrom, Ojo
Conversations: Wilkinson
Penalties: Wilkinson (3)
London Irish 35-21 London Wasps
Tries: Tait, Tonga'uhia, Spies, Kaino
Conversations: Hernandez (3)
Penalties: Hernandez (3)
Tries: Roberts, Haskell
Conversations: Gopperth
Penalties: Gopperth (2), Clegg
Harlequins 24-27 Newcastle Falcons
Tries: Heaslip, Joseph (2)
Conversations: Priestland (3)
Penalties: Priestland
Tries: Ashley-Cooper, Flood
Conversations: Flood
Penalties: Evans (4)
Northampton Saints 23-30 Saracens
Tries: Ashton
Conversations:
Penalties: Giteau (6)
Tries: Ioane, Nonu, Homer, Matfield
Conversations:Parra (2)
Penalties: Parra (2)
Worcester Warriors 17-28 Bath Rugby
Tries: Garvey
Conversations:
Penalties: Robinson (4)
Tries: O’Brien, Monye, Deacon
Conversations: Hodgson (2)
Penalties: Hodgson (3)
Sale Sharks 29-18 Exeter Chiefs
Tries: Picamoles, Hook
Conversations: Sexton (2)
Penalties: Sexton (4), Cruden
Tries:
Conversations:
Penalties: O’Gara (5)
Drop Goal: O’Gara
Gloucester Rugby 31-21 Leicester Tigers
Tries: Sharples (2), Palmer, Kahui
Conversations: Carter (4)
Penalties: Carter
Tries: Waldrom, Ojo
Conversations: Wilkinson
Penalties: Wilkinson (3)
London Irish 35-21 London Wasps
Tries: Tait, Tonga'uhia, Spies, Kaino
Conversations: Hernandez (3)
Penalties: Hernandez (3)
Tries: Roberts, Haskell
Conversations: Gopperth
Penalties: Gopperth (2), Clegg
Harlequins 24-27 Newcastle Falcons
Tries: Heaslip, Joseph (2)
Conversations: Priestland (3)
Penalties: Priestland
Tries: Ashley-Cooper, Flood
Conversations: Flood
Penalties: Evans (4)
Northampton Saints 23-30 Saracens
Tries: Ashton
Conversations:
Penalties: Giteau (6)
Tries: Ioane, Nonu, Homer, Matfield
Conversations:Parra (2)
Penalties: Parra (2)
Worcester Warriors 17-28 Bath Rugby
Tries: Garvey
Conversations:
Penalties: Robinson (4)
Tries: O’Brien, Monye, Deacon
Conversations: Hodgson (2)
Penalties: Hodgson (3)
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Age : 36
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SirJohnnyEnglish- Posts : 8536
Join date : 2011-05-10
Age : 36
Location : Limerick
Re: AP Round 9
by Sgt_Pooly Sat 26 Nov 2011 - 13:35
Good work Johnny
Can't believe Sarries got a bonus point away to Saints!
Great game Steve, went right down to the wire.
Can't believe Sarries got a bonus point away to Saints!
Great game Steve, went right down to the wire.
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Re: AP Round 9
by prop_lyd Sat 26 Nov 2011 - 23:55
Argh yet another hammering!! One day I guess......
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Re: AP Round 9
by Ozzy3213 Sun 27 Nov 2011 - 9:00
Wow, bit shocked at getting the TBP there. Happy with that.
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