Ospreys 13-16 Saracens - Post Match Discussion...

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Ospreys (6) 13
Try: Gough Con: Biggar Pens: Biggar 2

Saracens (16) 16
Try: Joubert Con: Farrell Pens: Farrell 3

A couple of errors cost us. To concede a try from a charge down was very frustrating. We dominated territory and possession and some errors at crucial moments cost us. But full credit to Saracens, they have an outstanding defence and we couldn't break it down.

I can't fault the effort and attitude of the players, they went for it and didn't leave anything on the field. We couldn't ask much more than to tidy up some bits of accuracy."

Ospreydragon wrote:maestegmafia, Morgan was brought on 9 minutes before the end of the Treviso match and snatched a draw with an extremely difficult kick.

Against Sarries, he's brought on with about 4 minutes to go.

I appreciate the coaches are protecting him, but he should get 10 - 20 minutes at least.

Mate I was in the West stand and there must have been fifty voices yelling to bring him on from about 30 mins into the game.

I was in the East stand and I was shouting for him to come on!

I had a sore throat... Good night for keeping the beer cold though...!

Good result for Sarries, but Quins display and result puts it into context and I'd like to see Saracens playing more rugby. It still feels like their backs are going to waste, and I hope Farrell can get England's back going better than Saracens'.

How does Quins display and result put it into context? I feel that Quins have unfairly shadowed a very important pivotal result for Saracens. Quins are doing well so far this season but they are not the only side. As it stands they will only qualify as a best runners up, Saracens could notch up a HC home quarter.

Saracens used their backs in the first 50 minutes at Wembley and should have kept it up. You adapt to the situation.

Saracens picked the right strategy to notch up the tough away win. Sarries are a different side to Quins.

I can't understand the animosity which surrounds Biggar and Johnson. I thought both were the heroes who won you the Celtic League 2009-10.

I thought there were would be more faith in these Osprey legends.

It is not all doom and gloom. Ospreys are 2nd in the league. This is because of Johnson and Biggar surely?

Beshocked...

What were your thoughts on Barritt at the weekend?

I thought he put a fantastic performance, was a beast in defence and showed a good all round attacking game getting Sarries on the front foot. I know theres a fair bit of hype for Farrell but Barritt surely is ahead in the IC pecking order.

Sgt Pooly

I like Barritt as everyone probably knows.

Yes defensively he was superb. He has a key role as the defensive organiser of the Sarries backline. Attacking wise I didn't focus on him too much as ultimately this match was not about attack, it was all about defence.

Yes Barritt is definitely ahead of Farrell. He has made himself the 1st choice inside centre at Sarries for the last 2 and a half seasons. He is consistently good and I believe with Hodgson inside him at fly half he is showing more of what he can do. Saracens are a different sort of beast with an experienced playmaker at fly half like G.Jackson was and Hodgson is.

I have always been a fan of Hodgson as a club player and he continues to impress me. Defensively Hodgson has really come on leaps and bounds too! I read a stat that he made 10 tackles missing 0!

I heard Borthwick made 14 missing 0 too!

I would love to see a centre partnership of Barritt and Tuilagi in the 6 nations.

Attacking wise I didn't focus on him too much as ultimately this match was not about attack, it was all about defence.

He made a couple of great carries off first phase ball from Sarries lineouts in Ospreys 22. Gave his forwards a great target to aim for and gave the Sarries attack good purchase. His passing was precise but nothing fancy, his clearence kick over the head of Fussell when under pressure on the Sarries 10m line was a good tactical option as well. Very impressed by another mature all round performance. Has to wear the England 12 shirt come the 6N.

Totally agree on that one, I think that partnership would be defensivley superb but the with the abilty to cause issues with straight running and if Manu gets a brain for xmas we could soon have a world class 13 on our hands!

Thanks Sam I went to the game so didn't get as good a view as you would on individual players on TV. I am probably not as good at the details as you. Just the overall picture.

Agree about Manu lacking a brain but he's an impressive player. He is still a very young player so hopefully he'll mature and improve as he gets older.

He was excellent in the RWC. I think with a good inside centre to help him Manu will thrive.

Hey guys how did Bowe play?

I thought he played well as he normally does tbh. Didn't get much ball though and he ended up having to go looking for action in the second. I think Bowe is a little wasted at Ospreys and would thrive at a club like Leinster.

probably not as good at the details as you

Well I normally play 10/12/13 so they are the positions I tend to notice the most.

thanks sgt_pooly...apart from the Leinster bit that is....

Still don't know why the O's employed Scott Johson. All he was for wales was a skills coach who ran up and down the touchline encouraging the fans to cheer. O's (as always) have the players, just not correct coaching set up.

Sorry Roddersm......he'd probably thrive even more at Ulster when I come to think of it

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/club/8968155/Ospreys-lock-Ian-Gough-cited-for-dangerous-tackle-on-Saracens-hooker-Schalk-Brits.html

Ian Gough cited for dangerous tackle on Schalk Brits.

Anyone have footage of the incident?

Sgt_Pooly wrote:I thought he played well as he normally does tbh. Didn't get much ball though and he ended up having to go looking for action in the second. I think Bowe is a little wasted at Ospreys and would thrive at a club like Leinster.

He was wasted at Ulster - the Ospreys helped him become the player he is today - working with Shane week in week out has paid dividends for him

munkian wrote:

Sgt_Pooly wrote:I thought he played well as he normally does tbh. Didn't get much ball though and he ended up having to go looking for action in the second. I think Bowe is a little wasted at Ospreys and would thrive at a club like Leinster.

He was wasted at Ulster - the Ospreys helped him become the player he is today - working with Shane week in week out has paid dividends for him

Actually he has improved a hell of a lot with the Ospreys, but I doubt it is because of Shane!

beshocked wrote:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/club/8968155/Ospreys-lock-Ian-Gough-cited-for-dangerous-tackle-on-Saracens-hooker-Schalk-Brits.html

Ian Gough cited for dangerous tackle on Schalk Brits.

Anyone have footage of the incident?

Do you think that is why Brits punched Gough in the Knackers?

Bean bagged

AlynDavies wrote:

munkian wrote:

Sgt_Pooly wrote:I thought he played well as he normally does tbh. Didn't get much ball though and he ended up having to go looking for action in the second. I think Bowe is a little wasted at Ospreys and would thrive at a club like Leinster.

He was wasted at Ulster - the Ospreys helped him become the player he is today - working with Shane week in week out has paid dividends for him

Actually he has improved a hell of a lot with the Ospreys, but I doubt it is because of Shane!

The only thing hes improved at the Ospreys is his hairstyle......