BATH

First topic message reminder :

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DEPTH CHART

1. Healy / Catt / Bristow
2. Strauss / Tolufua / Batty / Dunn
3. Franks / KPN / Tomascyzk
4. Muller / Hooper / Beaumont
5. Attwood / Eldsadt / Spencer
6. SOB / Fearns / Lund
7. Louw / Salvi / Mercer
8. Beattie / Kalamafoni / Skirving
9. Kerr-Barlow / Classens / Cook
10. Hook / Olding / Clegg
11. Ranger / Biggs
12. Steyn / Eastmond / Barkley / Williams
13. Bosch / Lualala / Daly / Mosses
14. Bowe  / Woodburn
15. Dagg / Goode / Catterick /Chisholm

6Ns
Catt - Strauss - Franks
Muller - Attwood
Louw - Kala - Salvi
Kerr-Barlow - Olding
Eastmond - Bosch
Biggs - Dagg - Ranger

4Ns
Healy - Tolufua - Tomascyuk
Muller - Attwood
SOB - Kala - Salvi
Classens - Hook
Eastmond - Lualala
Ranger - Daly - Bowe

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SENIOR SQUAD

Squad Size: 45/45
Hookers: 4
Props: 6 (2 LH, 3 TH)
Locks: 4
Back Row: 9
Half Backs: 6
Centres: 8
Back Three: 9

English Qualified: 24
Foreign: 21

Hookers
Adriaan Strauss [RSA]
Christopher Tolofua [FRA]
Ross Batty [ENG]
Tom Dunn [ENG] ACADEMY

Props
Cian Healy [IRE]
Nathan Catt* [ENG]
Tom Bristow [ENG]

Owen Franks* [NZL]
Kane Palmer Newport [ENG]
Oliver Tomascyzk [ENG]

Second Row
David Attwood* [ENG]
Johann Muller* [RSA]
Rynhardt Elstadt [RSA] (BS)
Stuart Hooper [ENG]

Back Row
Francois Louw* [RSA] (BS/OS/N8)
Julian Salvi [AUS] 
Guy Mercer [ENG]

Sean O'Brien [IRE] (BS/OS/N8)
Carl Fearns* [ENG] (BS/OS/N8)
Magnus Lund [ENG](BS/OS/N8)

Johnnie Beattie [SCO] (BS/N8)
Sione Kalamafoni [TON] (BS/N8)
Ben Skirving [ENG] (BS/N8)

Half Backs
Tawera Kerr - Barlow [NZL]
Michael Claassens* [RSA]
Chris Cook [ENG] - 16/4/91

James Hook [WAL] (FH/IC/OC/FB)
Stuart Olding [IRE] - 11/3/93 (FH/IC)
Rory Clegg [ENG]

Centres
Francois Steyn* [RSA] (IC/OC/FB/FH)
Kyle Eastmond* [ENG] (IC/OC/WG/FH)
Ollie Barkley [ENG] (IC/FH)
Ben Williams [ENG] (IC/OC)

Marcelo Bosch [ARG] (OC/IC/FB/FH)
Casey Laulala [NZL]
Eliot Daly [ENG] -8/10/92 (OC/FB/WG)
Ben Mosses [ENG]

Back Three
Tommy Bowe* [IRE] (WG/OC/FB)
Rene Ranger* [NZL] (WG/OC)
Tom Biggs [ENG]
Olly Woodburn [ENG] - 18/11/91

Israel Dagg* [NZL]
Alex Goode [ENG] (FB/FH)
Ross Chisholm [ENG]
Tom Catterick [ENG]
Rob Cook [ENG]

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THE ACADEMY

Squad Size: 20/20

HK - Max Anderson
PR - Tom Meatyard
LK - Will Spencer - 30/5/92
LK - Tom Ellis (England U18)
LK - Jamie Collins
LK - Josh Beaumont - 24/3/92
LK - Jake Oldaker - (England 18)
BR - Joe Buckle - 13/5/93
BR - Tom Baldwin - 28/9/92
BR - James Stephenson - 13/12/91
BR - Max Northcote-Green (England U18)
BR - Joe Ellyatt
N8 - Will Skuse - 14/2/92
N8 - James Tyas

SH - Matt Keyte - 5/4/91
SH - Will Clemensha - 4/9/92
FH - Ollie Devoto (England U20)
FH - Fred Gabbitas
WG - Richard Lane - 21/7/93
FB - Jamie-John Kilmartin - 21/1/93 (Scotland U20)

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INJURIES/SUSPENSIONS
Players are available in:
[/b]

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BUDGET

Transfers/Loans In: (£-) Shaw - 0m, Phillips - 0m, Franks - 25m, Steyn - 23m, Laulala - 0m, Dagg - 22m, Golding, Muller, Lund, Clegg, Catterick, Beaumont - p/x, Chisholm - 2.5m, O'Brien - 23m, Cook 1.5m, Healy - 22m, Tolofua - £10m, Hook - 23m, Daly - 12m (plus 2m if EPS), Tomascyzk - 2m, Kalamafoni - 1.5m, Bowe - 24m, FVDMerwe - 7m, Salvi - 12m, Elstadt - 19m, Varndell - p/ex, Goode - p/ex, Ranger - 21m, Kerr-Barlow - 19m, Olding - 10m, Beattie - 20.5m, Bristow - 2m

Transfers/Loans Out:  Biller - 4m, Cuthbert - 8.5m, Scott Hobson - 1.5m, Bell - 2.5m, Roberts - 1.5m, Phillips - 5m, Beattie - 1.5m, Tanner - 1.5m, Lilley - 1.5m, Wilson, Shaw, Moody, Heathcote, Abendanon - p/x, Scott - 1.5m, Ovens - 1.5m, Beech - 1.5m, Flatman - 5m, Retirements - 8m, Moss - 0.5m, Donald - 2.5m, Taylor - 2.5m, Dixon, 1.5m, Vesty - 2.5m, Caldwell - 1.5m, Carraro - 1.5m, Mears - 8m, Banahan - p/ex, Varndell - p/ex, Hipkiss - 5m, Golding - 3m, Donald - 2.5m, McMillan - 1.5m

Budget Bonuses: £- 12m League, £10m TV Rights, £8m Sponsorship, £6m Cup

Current Budget: £3m

I think Parra is excellent but when there are areas of my squad weaker than scrum half I am happy to at least make enquiries to strengthen other parts.

I am going to keep Wigglesworth for now because I think his stock can only go up once he has a few more games with his ex Sale buddy,Charlie. I know what you mean though.

Only Owen Franks who I know you don't want to lose.

" Re: Leicester Tigers
 by Bathite Today at 11:08 am
If the team that goes down on here get properly relegated, I guess all of their players become available. Does that mean that Broussouw etc would be available as Champ players? I'm assuming not, but the likes of Wilson, Hodgson, would they be available as 1 of my 3 champ signings?"

Not sure what you mean mate. Managers will get to keep a core of their current squad so if Falcons went down Flux can keep 'x' number

Yea pretty much it mate. Prob be a 25/10 split or something

Bathite wrote:For Bath I'd say

Owen Franks - Beast of a TH to shore up the scrum and like a second flanker in the loose
Matt Mullan - Again, another quality prop and EQ
James Fitzpatrick - Young, promising 12 to replace Barkley

Just seen that on the main boards , You serious about Fitzy? He's about 26 and is the worst player to bring Bath's outside backs into the game!

He is pretty poor mate , he just looks good compared to the rest of our backs which shows how poor they are lol!

Him and Goppereth kill more play than anyone i'v seen before.

Luke Fielden would be a good under the radar bet.

You've got a perfect 12 better than Fitzy in Ben Williams I reckon. Looks like a real talent but he loves those injuries!

Really like him mate, very hard straight runner but like you say he has good hands. Always thought him and Tuilagi could be a potential centre combo (this was a while back) could be really destructive.

Yeah will let you know if i become interested in a Burger - SOB swap (if we both get them), but i want Burger from this transfer as its part of my incredibly intelligent master plan, that will no doubt end jubblies up.

Zero issue with result this week fella, it was general opinion Saints had enough at home and I'd agree they'd sneak it with a good pack.

Just a question...

"Still not convinced by Flood's form and this really isn't helped by having Barnes outside him, who has been average in the S15"

I agree Barnes hasn't really been setting the world alight this season in a mis-firing Tah's but considering his opposite number was Jon Clarke who for one has hardly played this season. Secondly doesn't really play 12 and thirdly has never played outside Sexton at 12......yet doesn't get a mention.

So whilst you were picking holes in one of the best 12's in world rugby you didn't actually know who was playing for Saints.....

Seems you've let a bit of banter on the main boards affect your predo's a little mate. That's fair enough and your call, you did ask opinions I seem to recall though (Can't remember discussion exactly).

In future can I ask you try and bring a bit more of level approach to predo's though. Makes a bit of a mockery of the whole game tbh if you're marking the teams on your relationship with the manager if you know what I mean.

Totally unfussed about result (see comment above).

I just find it a little strange you'd decide on an outcome without knowing the oppostion. You've decided Care/Flood/Barnes wouldn't work or in bad form etc etc yet you didn't even know who was playing 12 for Saints.

Opinions are opinions fella, it's only a game. I just ask for people to be consistant

I REALLY don't care about the result.....

I understand it's sometimes hard to read predo's etc but at least look at the sides.

You must do thing differntly to me. I look at a side and who they're up against, you obviously look at a side and decide they'd get beat without needing to know who they're playing lol.

Might try Richie Gray at 10 next week and hope it's the oppositions turn to be judged

I'm guessing that nobody has ever noticed you don't look at both sides! lol

Don't have to stay on if you're not liking it fella, if you're getting stressed it's probably not for you.

It's only banter but it obviously gets to you more than the others. Must be hard having to play Donald each week, would probably drive me slightly mad

Bathite wrote:Its only really you that irritates me. Its that sort of patronising comment that winds me up.

It was you that said you don't look at both lineups! lol

I'm only messing with you but you're obviously a pretty sensitive chap, I won't be offended if you wanted to quit as you obviously have an issue with me.

I have zero issue with you, I just think you're a little touchy and I like winding you up as you bite.

The league is completely different to a bit of banter.

What power do I hold? I accept bids and do budgets. Have I ever been unfair here?!?

I'm not forcing you to play mate. If you don't like the league maybe start a Euro one or S15, plenty of lads will be up for it.

I'm trying to keep this lighthearted but you're pushing my patience a little. I've zero concern if you respect me or not tbh, I'm just trying to run a fair league.

I'm not to sure what you think is going on nor do I care, take it or leave it.

Only looking for a fix for this week mate as will have Downey back by the next time I play and not sure how Barkley would be rated thrown straight in at 12.

Could loan you Lamb though for the rest of the season for 2/3m to see you through with Donald out of form? Obviously wouldn't be able to play against me though if we were to meet again in the play off's

Everyone bar Donald

Probably a few you wouldn't listen to offers on, but;

Mears, Perenise, Franks, Muller, Attwood, SOB, Lund, Louw, Steyn, Laulala, Biggs, Dagg, and maybe Skuse

Haha, knew you would complain!

I could see a possible deal, although to lose one of my FH's would need a good gain in return. Donald off form, Vesty average and Clegg is iffy.

That's fair mate, I probably would.

Any chance of Muller or Attwood as well?

What are we looking at so far?

Apprehensive about Perenise in the tight, in the loose - brilliant. I can't quite afford to go backwards. Heathcote is injured too, and not sure about him leaving, although he wouldn't get to play for me this season again I think.

Think I'll leave it mate. Heathcote is in some serious form. And I'm losing a promising youngster for someone who won't start for me really.

Mate i'm really interested in F.Steyn.

Now as you want Burger i'm sure we could do a deal.

The way i see it is the deal should include replacements for each position. I see it as Burger slightly better than SOB and Fran better than Tuitupou.

So maybe something like

Burger, Tuitupou and Sheridan
for
SOB, Steyn and Flatman/Catt

And then obviously Sheridan is better than Flatman/Catt.

What do you think??

Bathite wrote:Burger, Tuitupou and Sheridan
for
SOB, Steyn and Flatman/Catt

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It's a good start mate. Really don't want to sell Steyn, but there's potential here. Would have to include Wilko though I think, as don't see Sheridan as a gain really, as he has a low rating on here and is so injury prone.

Yeah Sheridan is slightly injury prone but i still thought he was rated a fair bit ahead of Flatman and Catt. Think the move to Toulon could do him the world of good but understand your reservations.

Including Wilko is risky especially as none of your fly halfs are rated on here.
If i was to include him i'd rather get rid of the Burger-SOB part of the deal

Maybe

Wilko and Tuitupou
for
Steyn and ???

Make me an offer for Farrell

Franks is top of my wish list.

Other areas I don't really see your players as suiting me. Obviously you have some very good players but just not not my type.

Usually would start Parisse and put Wanny on bench, but just resting Parisse for this game. Bit of squad rotation!

.

Catt, Attwood, SOB, Louw, Fearns, Steyn, Dagg, Woodburn, Banahan interest me

Allen > Banahan
Mullan > Catt

Starts for me ahead of Hooper. Allen is one of my favourite players but Hooper has been so good this season. Hate having to drop one.

Not really planning to lose cash tbh. Need some big signings in the Summer.

Nonu + mullan in a deal for Franks interest you

Hello mate

No drama with your prediction but was a little confused by one comment.

"but Mas will also have some joy on Freshwater, as he won't last 80mins."

Surely that is not an issue with another LH on the bench to bring on. Also Freshwater has played as many if more minutes than Mas for Perpignan in the last 2 months, so not sure why he wouldn't last 80 minutes.

As I say, no drama witht he predo, just wondered whether you are taking benches into consideration, as good to know what emphasis people put on what as it helps me to shape my team selections.

Nice one.

Good to know. I do like to try to get big ball carrying impact players on my bench, in particular my props. On the other game I tend to go with people like Mtwarira and Jannie du Plessis as replacements as although maybe not world class scrummagers they hold their own and are good around the park, so ideal to bring off the bench against tiring legs.

Bit of a way for me to go in this game until I have replacement props of that calibre.

I prefer my two

Yer I want them but I won't pay over the odds for them

Mullan > Catt (Mullan had a better season, but Catt stupidly behind Flatman, thanks to Geech
Banahan >> Goode (Goode's pretty awful and old, but I could do with another 10. Banners plays 11-14 and will be back on form next year I thinks)

I think the difference between Mullan + Catt is biggest. Mullan is the player I'd want in a years time in this league as well, only one who wont look out of place the stronger the league gets

I need a bigger player to base the deal around. The moer foreigners in the league the less these playesr look good. Only one who will be starting is Mullan

im interested in banahan and classens
make an offer

Kaino + Corbs + Wilson + Hudson
=
SOB + Catt + Franks + Attwood

Any chance of a Wilko-Steyn deal??

Bathite wrote:Potentially...

Steyn + Donald + Vesty + Flatman
=
Tuitipou + Wilko + Miller + Imiloek

?

I can't lose Miller without a fullback coming my way as i have no cover. And i'm not keen on it any way because Miller is the better player currently and has more potential.

Wilko, Tuitupou, Imoliek and Nathan Charles**
for
Donald, Steyn and Catt*

*Looking at your starting 15 you rate Flatman higher than Catt.


**Nathan Charles is a hooker who has been in Aus training squad recently (and he is only 22/3) and starts for Western Force. He is in the game because he was injury cover for Glaws earlier in the season when we started on here. He impressed by all accounts. So that will give you a good bench hookers.

Wilko, Tuitupou and Imoliek
for
Donald and Steyn.

Donald may come good he may not. But with Heathcote playing well and Donald having a limit to his rating on here because of some people just don't rate him its a big risk for me. And you're getting two EQ players there without losing any.

Fair enough.

Where are you looking to strengthen (preferably not back 3)?? So i can think about what i could do to get a deal done.

Hi mate

What for Olly Barkley?

9m + ??

Buchanan + £9m is a deal

Correct on all points

More than what was asking for Mullan. Can see him overtaking Corbs pretty soon