About v2AP Round 16
+7
Sgt_Pooly
Driver
dammit_chris
Steven_Sharks
stnick88
Ozzy3213
SirJohnnyEnglish
11 posters
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AP Round 16
by SirJohnnyEnglish Tue 21 Feb 2012, 9:12 am
First topic message reminder :
Team Sheets and tactics due by COB Thur
Predictions open Fri. Results due Sun/Mon
Sale Sharks v London Wasps
White Cloud, 9 Degrees, 10mph Winds
Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE
16. Schuster 17. Paice 18. Tialata 19. Day 20. Vito 21. Care 22. Barkley 23. Abendanoon
General Game Plan:
We will use our strong carriers to attack the gaps in the Wasps line, looking to offload in contact to support runners thus changing the point of attack and keeping our forward momentum going. Spencer will look to use his intelligent kicking game and target the Wasps back 3 when out of position. Cruden will look to attack from fly half and inject pace to the proceedings committing the Wasps defence and leaving space in wider channels to exploit.
At scrum time we will look to contest each and every engagement. On our own feed we will look to get the wheel on and create extra room for our 8-9-10 axis to work in. While on Wasps feeds we will disrupt the put in looking for penalties or to create rushed, poor ball for the Wasps halfbacks. With 5 jumping options and a reliable thrower at hooker we will look to attack from the lineout mixing things up by bringing the ball down into the maul and using the physicality of our pack or else playing the ball of the top and injecting serious pace into the play.
On defence, we will use a blitz defence coming up at pace looking to isolate the Wasps ball carriers before they can get to the gain line stopping any momentum and allowing us to hit the breakdown harder. Spencer will act as a sweeper to cover any grubbers or chips behind the line while our back three will sit deep ready to cover any kicks down the touch lines and counter attack at pace.
With the blitz defence in operation we will look to be at the breakdown first hitting it fast and hard. The first two players on the scene will look to ruck past the ball and clear out the Wasps players providing quick counter attacking ball to be cleared and used against a disorganised defensive line. If the ball does not look available we will commit less to the ruck and look to strengthen the defensive line instead.
Key Points:
* Use kicking game of Spencer & Cruden to target the Wasps wingers. Both can be suspect both positionally and under the highball and we want to test them out.
* Myler isnt a flyhalf to play flat and on the gain line and instucting him to do so against our blitz defence should see Wasps struggle to build real momentum with his lack of creativity.
London Wasps
Manager – ‘Arry
16. Benjamin Kayser 17. Charlie Beech 18. CJ Van Der Linde 19. Stuart Hooper 20. John Hart 21. Nick Phipps 22. George Ford 23. Noah Cato
Tactics
We have picked a gritty, dynamic and physical forward pack which will hopefully get us over the gain line and onto the front foot. 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 beat Sale. We will look to push Sale onto the back foot and keep them there. We will look to tire their pack by making them work hard in defence with our dynamic and relentless carrying all game.
In the early stages, we will look to our dynamic forwards to get us onto the front foot by attacking in groups with some grunt and powerful carrying, getting us over the gain line. Hopefully our carriers will suck in Sale defenders, so we can spread the ball out wide to our dangerous runners to make use of the space on offer. 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 wear the Sale pack out and create mismatches in midfield to exploit.
In attack, Myler will play flat in attack, we will use McAlister as a second playmaker option with Banahan running plenty of hard lines at the fly half channel in the Sale defence. We will look to win the collisions and get our offloading game going if it’s on. We will look to attack gaps and half gaps in the Sale defence and target the outside shoulder. We will support our carriers and drive them over the gain line and get quick ball to keep the momentum in our attacks.
At the breakdown we will come from low to high in clearing out Sale players to ensure Burgess has clean ball. We will look to the kicking games of Myler and McAlister to put the ball in behind the Sale wingers and keep them pinned back in their own half where we can pressurize them. We will hopefully be able to build attacks from the scrum and earn some penalties for Myler to make use of.
We will look to the scrum to provide us with a platform to build attacks from and keep Sale on the back foot. We will use a shortened line out, and launch our dynamic forwards, who are not in the lineout into midfield. Our experienced half back combination will look to manage and control our game plan. We will look to frustrate the young Ben Spencer, by making a real nuisance of ourselves at rucks doing our best to not allow him quick ball.
Exeter Chiefs v Bath Rugby
Sunny Intervals, 9 Degrees, 5mph Winds
Exeter Chiefs
Manager – Driver
16. Neil Clark 17.Brett Sturgess 18.Davit Zirkashvilli 19.Juilian Pierre 20.Lewis Moody 21.Haydn Thomas 22.Henry Slade 23.Matt Smith
Tactics
- Keep the ball in the tight and grind Bath down using the boots of Slade , Tindall and Pisi to ping Wasps in there half.
- Use our scrummaging front row to keep the scrum up and driving on when it's Bath's feed.
- Slade will look to take the ball at pace and attack the defensive line and bring our backs into play.
- Cowen to dictate the tempo and test the Bath line with snipes , service and high hanging box kicks.
- Cowen and Slade will play what is in front of them and use what they have outside them with Tindall making the headway in the backs and Fitz, Arty and Byrne running into the wide channels.
- Slade to tick the board over with penalties and drop goals when in the opposition half.
- Big physical players in our pack will see plenty of big hits to put the pressure on the bath runners early doors.
- Run first , kick second on kick returns.
Key points
*TARGET SKRELA WITH BIG HITS FROM THE OFF AND TRY AND GET HIM OFF THE PITCH AND FORCE BEALE INTO 10 TO LIMIT THERE WIDTH
*MIX LINEOUT JUMPERS ABOUT WITH HUDSON , FLIP , Danahar AND EASTER ALL OFFERING OPTIONS WITH NO OUT AND OUT JUMPER IN BATH PACK
* Wrigglesworth has been injured for months and has no real world form so Cowen will look to cause him problems
Bath Rugby
Manager – inthefastlane
16. Dave Wilson 17. Joe Ward 18. Euan Murray 19. Rob Simmons 20. Tom Guest 21. Fourie Du Preez 22. Dominic Waldouck 23. Luke Fielden
Tactics
Psychological
13 wins in 15 games is a brilliant record to have and our players are all brimming with confidence.
Overall
In this weather we will look to use the set piece as a platform and really play a backs orientated game.
Set Piece
Our formidable front row has been picked to win scrums. Golding, Kubrashvilli and Mealamu will be looking to get in a big hit first. Lobbe will control it at the back. We will be using the scrum as an option as much as possible as we feel we can really dominate here. We feel the lineout is an area we can really put pressure on. At the lineout we have options with Whitelock and Lobbe capable of taking opposition ball. At the front we have Deacon offering the banker ball. Deacon and Whitelock leads lineouts internationally….do Exeter have such experience in leading lineouts?
Kicking
We will look to put the ball behind the Exeter back three and put pressure on them in their own 22 with Lobbe leading the chase. We shall only use this sparingly though. More often we will look to put the ball out of touch in the Exeter 22 and pressure their lineout. Beale will be our main kicker looking to take on anything in range. When FDP comes on he offers another box kicking option which we can use. Skrela also has a decent boot which we will use as a secondary option.
Ball in Hand
We will be looking for quick service from Wigglesworth getting the ball out to our backs who have been encouraged to play adventurous attacking rugby really looking for gaps. We will also look to give the ball to our forwards to switch up the play and they will be looking for carries.
Defence
We will look for a quick defensive line to put pressure on the key Exeter decision makers. Our defense will leave Beale trailing to get any deep kicks. He will be able to either return with interest or able to make a good run.
We will be looking to isolate runners and force a turnover by getting bodies into the breakdown when we see an opportunity and use Robinson skill in the ground.
Leicester Tigers v Newcastle Falcons
White Cloud, 8 Degrees, 9mph Winds
Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka
16. Clarke Dermody 17. Lee Mears 18. Ben Franks 19. Alex Brown 20. Jordan Crane 21. Michael Claassens 22. Billy Twelvetrees 23. Tom Biggs
Tactics
GENERAL:
- We are looking to get our backs into the game as much as possible by attacking the scrum and the lineout, and our massive carrying pack that will look to open up gaps.
- We will look to get our back three on the ball causing Newcastle problems defensively. We will be physical and relentless up front and pacey and clinical in attack.
- Defensively we will look to blitz, with Yachvili sweeping behind the defensive line to deal with any short kicks.
- Early on Yachvili to kick all penalites within range, but we won't necessarily go for the 3 points as the game progresses. Horwill to make the call dependant on the success of the lineout.
FORWARDS:
- Attack the lineout as a weapon using the tactical kicking of Yachvili and Wilkinson. Horwill, Manoa and Hines to rotate the target. We will relentlessly target Newcastle's throws.
- At the scrum look to Johnston and Moore to really get the shove on and target the Lindsay/Stank channel.
- Pack full of carriers, led by Waldrom, and with Horwill, Manoa, Pocock, Sheridan, Hines and Moore look to get real go-forward with our carrying. 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.
- Pocock is the man charged with reaching the breakdown first, securing first phase possession for us and pilfering the possession of Wasps. We will always look to attack quickly off turnover ball.
BACKS:
- In general attacking play, we will play off 9 with Yachvili our general pulling the strings.
- 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.
- We have selected Jauzion and Fritz to give us creativity in midfield, and to keep us solid in defence.
- Our back three are encouraged to do what comes naturally to all of them - counter attacking and running the ball back. The weather is good for running rugby, and we hope to see some great breaks. All are well versed to play full back, so 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:
- Home Advantage - Unbeaten at Welford Road in 2 years.
- Form and Momentum - we have won 16 of our last 19 games, and are flying right now. Confidence is high right throughout the squad, with competition for places extremely high.
- Attack the lineout as a weapon using the tactical kicking of Yachvili and Wilkinson.
- Huge carrying pack - led by Waldrom, Manoa, Horwill and Moore, we want to punch holes in Newcastle's pack.
- Get our backs into the game as much aspossible and look to get our back three into space.
Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Sgt Pooly
16. Marius Tincu 17. Owen Franks 18. Fabien Barcella 19. Ed Slater 20. Chris York 21. Jonny Arr 22. Ben Williams 23. Dan Hipkiss
Tactics
Overall - In the great conditions we'll be looking to run the ball and get out backs into play at every oppertunity. High tempo pack play and look to use the set piece as restart rather than a weapon. Look to slow opposition ball down with all backrow players offering a breakdown threat. Use a simple drift defence to force Leicester out wide and give them little space to work in. Look to take points on offer and Steyn to give long range option.
Scrum – use scrum as restart as look for quick ball for Read to pop up and feed Pretorious, if weakness seen in opposition we will look to exploit
Lineout – quick ball off the top using Schofield as primary caller, also look to use Read at the tail and McCaw, Thorn to offer front ball.
Breakdown – Our big game plan….look to dominate breakdown with all backrow options excellent in this area. Look to slow/turnover opposition at every possible opportunity. McCaw to play more 6 role but will play breakdown as he see’s fit. Thorn to give us massive clearing out option around the park.
Backline – We've looked to partner Fourie with Steyn as they know each others game inside out. Both give a huge physical threat around the park ane we'll look to play a simple game plan to keep Fouire involved. JOC will look to step up as second reciever and bring some silky running into play. Evans has numerous options to look to punch through the opposion line and set up quick ball options which Pretorious thrives in.
Franks & Barcella to come after halftime to increase pressure in set piece and give us added work rate around the park. JOC to cover 10 if needed.
London Irish v Northampton Saints
Sunny Intervals, 9 Degrees, 7mph Winds
London Irish
Manager – stnick88
16. Duncan Bell 17. Neil Briggs 18. Darren Fearn 19. Dean Mumm 20. Hendrie Fourie 21. Warren Fury 22. Matthew Tait 23. Juan Martin Hernandez
Tactics
- In good conditions, play an attacking, running game.
- We will look to win the contact area and the collisions. With Tonga'uhia, Nel, Garvey, Kaino, Spies, Steffon, SBW in the side, we have some big, powerful units who will look to smash over the gain line and put Saints on the backfoot. We will look for quick ball for Pienaar to use and create opportunities with.
- Kennedy will be our main lineout target and we willl look for quick ball off the top on most occasions, if not use Garvey at the front to create a maul.
- We willl look to dominate possession and tire the Saints defence. Tonga'uhia, Spies, Kaino, Garvey will carry hard and look to make inroads. We will look for Pienaar and Butch to play what is infront of them and put SBW and co into gaps and space. Our wingers, especially Tagicakibau, will come inside and along with Smith, look to gather the offloads from SBW, which he will only do when it is on.
- At the breakdown, we will look to use our powerful flankers and the breakdown skills of Steffon to secure quick ball and slow down opposition ball. Any turnover ball will be counter attacked.
- Pienaar will kick all pens for goal in range. If not we will go for touch and use the lineout as a platform to attack.
- We will look to exploit the back 3 of Saints, especially Savea and Cipriani who are not known for their great defence.
- Smith is making his debut, but after being in the All Blacks with SBW for a year, training and playing with him, they know each other very well and fluidity wont be a problem.
Northampton Saints
Manager – Dammit Chris
16. Mike Haywood 17. Thomas Domingo 18. Juan Pablo Orlandi 19. Joe Launchbury 20. Jake Abbott 21. Sam Harrison 22. Elliot Daly 23. Jamie Elliott
Tactics
Tactics
After the comprehensive victory at home to Sale Sharks last week Saints have refound their confidence and will be looking to attack London Irish from the outset and play the game at a high tempo, spreading the ball wide and attacking Irish at speed. We will be looking to score tries and have picked a team that has a lot of dynamism and interlinking play.
We have Simpson, Cipriani, Hopper, Siviatu and Savea who are all players capable from scoring from 80metres plus - so will be looking to attack and use this advantage whenever possible.
Attack
We have picked an attacking team that will look to spread play across the pitch and make London Irish really work for the ball. We have opted to play a similar style to how Wales play in the backline by fielding three large backs (de Villiers, Siviatu and Savea) and they will look to straighten up the attack and draw in defenders - we will then look to get the ball for Simpson, Giteau, Hopper and Cipriani to attack with.
We will take chances, look to play a high-tempo offloading game and run the ball from distance - this is primarily to look at how we can take advantage of Conrad Smith being thrown straight into the starting lineup after only just signing. He wont have the defensive patterns e.g. with backthree, so with a quick attack and offloading game we will score tries here.
Cipriani to join the backline and offer a second option as receiver - will ask Giteau to run with the ball as per his game for Toulon last week (see rugbydump for highlights), suck in defenders and give the ball to the backline.
When Irish playing into the sun Giteau will launch some aerial bombs on the Irish backthree with Siviatu and Savea chasing down the catcher, putting them under pressure and forcing mistakes with big hits.
Supplement attack with getting Clark, Kankowski and Messam running with the ball and getting us over the gainline.
Set Piece
Base game around a solid set piece, we have a very strong front five at scrum time that will more than challenge London Irish, espc as we can bring on Domingo and Orlandi as second half replacements. We will look to use the scrum as an attacking weapon and we will interchange MEssam and Kankowksi as no8's who can both add a lot of dynamism from the base of the scrum. Will also attack and put pressure on Irish put ins and see if we can cause Buckland some issues.
Lineout - we've opted to bring in Clark in the second row for his lineout options, alongside Alabcete, Messam and Kankowski we have four good lineout operators and will look to secure a lot of quick ball from the lineout to attack from.
Breakdown
The breakdown is an area we are looking to target and have opted to pick both Calum Clark and Alexandre Lapandy as two breakdown specialiss who are there to slow down Irish ball and seek turnovers - we have also picked Messam and Kankowski because of their ability to clear out rucks with their power - we will try and use them to take Steffon Armitage out of the equation at the breakdown and clear him out. We want quick ball and are confident we can secure this from Irish by using this approach.
We are also going to make sure we get the best out of Joe Simpson and use his pace and attacking threat around the fringes to make sure that IRish have to commit a lot of people to the breakdown - if they don't Simpson will attack and is capable of scoring from anywhere on the pitch.
Defence
We will play a blitz defence that will look to place pressure on Conrad Smith who will not be used to the Irish attack/defence systems, so they will not be as fluid from the 13 shirt to backthree as normal.
Picked Clark as second row because of his tackling ability - he will be asked to play a Joe Worsley type role and make sure he is around Kaino whenever he looks to carry the ball - if we stop him running then Irish lose a big part of their ability to get over the gainline. De Villiers will be asked to do a simialr job on SBW.
Simpson to act as sweeper behind and clear up any linebreaks.
Key Points:
* Attack at speed, play an expansive game and look to score tries - make the game as open as possible.
* Simpson, Cipriani, Hopper, Siviatu, Savea all have the pace to score from anywhere on the pitch.
* Look to take advantage of Conrad Smith making his debut, he's hasnt played much alongside SBW for NZ and he's never played with the other players before. Will be attack and defence opportunities down this channel.
* Play similar attack pattern to Wales, two big wings and de Villiers in midfield to do a Jamie Roberts role.
* Use de Villiers, Messam, KAnkowski and Clark to get us over the gainline - quick ball and spread out wide.
* Will look to outscore IRish on the try front and rely on Giteau and Cipriani being better GK's than James.
Gloucester Rugby v Harlequins
Sunny Intervals, 9 Degrees, 6mph Winds
Gloucester
Manager – anonmattyt
16. Nick Wood 17. Jamie George 18. Rupert Harden 19. Tom Palmer 20. Ashley Johnson 21. Dave Lewis 22. Stephen Donald 23. Hosea Gear
Tactics
Glaws welcome quins to fortress Kingsholm. We are in a superb run of form and will be glad to have the chance to avenge last weeks controversial defeat at Bath.
Conditions are superb for a game of running rugby so we are keen to target a bonus point win here.
SET PIECE
Scrum we are obviously looking to get on the front foot and looking to launch our backrow at the Quins 10 to get quick ball to attack with. white and steenkamp are destructive props and will be looking to get on top. Julian white is there to last 40 minutes max before bringing on Harden and is there purely to give the quins loosehead a torrid time and to give gloucester a rock steady platform.
On their ball we will be looking to nudge and disrupt and try and get our back row to pour through and put pressure on to quins 9.
Lineout. We see this as one of our key advantages and have jumpers in all the back 5. We will be targetting their throw with Williams, Saull, burger, and Bakkies all being top draw lineout operators. We will be aiming to poach or at least disrupt their ball
having the control of the lineout will make our own ball easier and will give us great foundations to attack with. we will look to vary whether we go or the top or drive to keep them honest. in the first half we will be driving a lot more to wear them down and also to set the correct field position to align our attacks from. We will also be looking to pop burger, Alberts and co off the back of these to get them in to the quins midfield. Saull will be our link betweeen the pack and backs and will be either getting over the ball or looking to get on the shoulder of the bigger runners for continuity.
General forward play. As ever gloucester are about control and ball carrying. we have a team full of ball carriers and will really look to keep it in hand and control the ball. we will look to offload when safe and try and get in behind to target quins backs and create quick ball for our dynamite back 3
We will also be really looking to attack the break down and dominate the collision. we see back row as a big advantage and feel we can really get at quins here with so many of their stars missing. losing Heaslip and Warbs is huge for quins.. we see this as the area to control the game and to control tempo of the game from. Gloucester are all about controlling games and attaching on our own terms and we see our pack as offering us the chance to do this with our superior breakdown and lineout abilities.
Backs.
Gloucester are going to play a High Intensity attacking game and are all about raising the tempo in the right places and slowing it in others.
The way you control the game is through your back row and half backs.
Genia and Carter are the premium pair in world rugby and will look to exert their influence over the quins half backs.
Genia will be marshalling the forwards and only giving the ball to carter when the time is right. he will also be attacking the fringes when necessary to keep the back row honest and stop them from fringing.
Carter will be looking to exploit the Quins backlines by sending Kahui up short or on the slider. May and Sharples will also be popping up all over the place trying to find holes or running support lines off runners.
Barnes alongside him gives option for first receiver and another kicking option for us to pin back their back 3
Carter will be looking to kick in our half and push quins back to win territory battle. he will also employ the up and under and generally vary the game.
When we attack we will look to create mismatches and utilise our serious gas. We have a back 3 who have it all and know how to attack as a unit. MAy sharples and Dagg will look to counter loose kicks and kicks not chased correctly as the game starts to break up. they will also look to take quick throw ins and gernerally break up the game to come to the fore attacking wise. these guys have gas to burn and will be looking to use it
With DC and Barnes interchainging we have the distribution to hit our dangerous back 3 and kahui to put them through holes.
Bench
We see ourselves as being able to continue our domination with the bench. Harden on for white by 40 at latest and Wood and George will bring dyanmism from the bench.
With Palmer coming on we will be able to continue lineout dominance. The rest of the bench as necessary. we are targetting the BP and so will keep the intensity and look to attack attack attack once we have won gritty stuff
Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks
16. Schalk Brits 17. Joe Marler 18. Brian Mujati 19. George Skivington 20. Luke Wallace. 21. Tomas O'Leary 22. Rory Clegg 23. George Lowe
Tactics
Game Plan
We are going out of our usual patterns today and are simply going to spoil Gloucester’s play and try and get the win through a dogged game which disrupts Gloucester’s play continually. In attack we will look to either keep the ball for long periods with the forwards carrying hard and the ball then being recycled. We will only look to get it wide when we have very quick ball. When we aren’t looking to recycle the ball we will look kick it long and into spaces behind the back 3 with one of our very strong kickers. When we get into good position we will look for the drop goal as we want to take 3 points at every single opportunity to keep piling on the pressure onto Gloucester.
We will really look to put Gloucester onto the back foot and pile them under pressure. I see the Gloucester pack as very vunerable to the yellow card and we will look to continually wind them up and look for the reaction. If the go down to 14 men then we will look to keep the ball for 10 minutes to wear out the Gloucester side.
We will look to put some kicks onto the Gloucester wingers and have Hynes and Joseph pressure them big time and test their ability under the high ball. Make sure they are under pressure when we kick the ball to them, not give them a second of time.
Forwards
We have picked a pack to ruin Gloucester’s patterns and to tackle everything that moves. We have picked a front 5 which will have its presence felt both in the loose and at the set piece. We want our backrow to really run the show in the breakdown area with 3 players very capable of slowing down and stealing Gloucester ball. When we carry we carry in numbers and aim to win the collisions and break the gain line.
We think we can get a real advantage on the Gloucester scrum and will look to keep the scrum up and send them backwards with Joe Grey not adding much to the Gloucester scrum effort. At the lineout we will look to put the pressure on Ali Williams and Botha at the front whilst on our own ball we
will look to shorten the lineout.
Backs
We’ve gone for a back line which is extremely solid in defence and will stick to our game plan of keeping the ball or kicking it in to space. We will look to have Flutey and Faainga picking lines off Contepomi and looking to cross the gainline.
Defence
Aggressive with a quick line speed at all times, targeting the Gloucester decision makers with big tackles and pressure. Aiming to knock back the man in the tackle and double up when necessary, with one man looking to get onto the ball straight away looking for the turnover.
Key Points
- Ruin Gloucester’s game with hard tackling and a high workrate. Disruption at the breakdown and the set piece will also help us to ruin Gloucester’s game.
- Wind up the Gloucester pack. White, Williams, Botha and Burger are yellow cards waiting to happen.
- Keep the ball for long periods or kick into spaces. Forwards to carry hard and in numbers.
- Take the points at every opportunity whether it be drop goals or penalties. This add’s to pressure on Gloucester.
- Defensively we are very strong with some of the best defenders around in our side. Gloucester will have to work very hard to through us.
- Having Julian White on is like playing with 7 forwards everywhere except the scrum. We will look to exploit him in the Gloucester defensive line.
Worcester Warriors v Saracens
White Cloud, 9 Degrees, 7mph Winds
Worcester Warriors
Manager – prop_lyd
16. Michael Mayhew 17. Chris Budgen 18. George Porter 19. Dom Barrow 20. Scott Higginbotham 21. Byron Kelleher 22. Tom Heathcote 23. Regan King
Tactics
We come into this match desparately needing a confidence boost so have picked a bery big pack who we feel will be able to provide us with this, add in the spark in our back line and running rugby is the main aim of the match.
Forwards
*Front row to contest every ball and add pressure on the opposition scrum, we have a replacement front row who will look to turn the screw on tired legs,
*2nd rows to contest all lineout balls and put us in good positions when setting up driving mauls from our lineouts sucking in the defenders,
*Back row to go looking for the ball continuously and seek to be the 2nd person to breakdowns to look for the turnovers,
*We will look for runners off McCabe and Clarke to stretch the opposition's defence,
*Gorgodze to pick from some scrums to get us over the gain line when required and Higginbotham is a strong carrier and a nusiance to bring on later.
Backs
*Peel to get quick ball and Steyn to make the decision as to whether we pin them back with kicks or look to unleash our back line,
*McCabe to be instrumental in releasing supporting runners and Clarke who will look to make ground continuously or offload to our back 3 all who have pace and can make something out of nothing,
*Habana and Williams to go hunting for the ball,
*Steyn to take the points if on offer,
*Use all back replacements to bring a bit of experience, youth and flair.
Defense
*Hard Hitting,
*Blitz Banana,
*Look for turnover ball or to slow them down and gain penalties.
Saracens
Manager – Ozzy3213
16. Gary Botha 17. Max Lahiff 18. Brok Harris 19. Graham Kitchener 20. George Smith 21. Paul Hodgson 22. Damien Traille 23. Mark Cueto
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. However, 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
Team Sheets and tactics due by COB Thur
Predictions open Fri. Results due Sun/Mon
Sale Sharks v London Wasps
White Cloud, 9 Degrees, 10mph Winds
Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE
| 01. Marcos Ayerza | 09. Ben Spencer |
| 02. Guilleme Guirado | 10. Aaron Cruden |
| 03. Luc Ducalcon | |
| 04. Romain Millo Chluski | 11. Tom Brady |
| 05. Andries Bekker | 12. Jordan Turner Hall |
| 06. Adam Thomson | 13. Robbie Freuen |
| 07. Fulgence Quedragao | 14. Sam Smith |
| 08. Wycliffe Palu | 15. Luke Rooney |
16. Schuster 17. Paice 18. Tialata 19. Day 20. Vito 21. Care 22. Barkley 23. Abendanoon
General Game Plan:
We will use our strong carriers to attack the gaps in the Wasps line, looking to offload in contact to support runners thus changing the point of attack and keeping our forward momentum going. Spencer will look to use his intelligent kicking game and target the Wasps back 3 when out of position. Cruden will look to attack from fly half and inject pace to the proceedings committing the Wasps defence and leaving space in wider channels to exploit.
At scrum time we will look to contest each and every engagement. On our own feed we will look to get the wheel on and create extra room for our 8-9-10 axis to work in. While on Wasps feeds we will disrupt the put in looking for penalties or to create rushed, poor ball for the Wasps halfbacks. With 5 jumping options and a reliable thrower at hooker we will look to attack from the lineout mixing things up by bringing the ball down into the maul and using the physicality of our pack or else playing the ball of the top and injecting serious pace into the play.
On defence, we will use a blitz defence coming up at pace looking to isolate the Wasps ball carriers before they can get to the gain line stopping any momentum and allowing us to hit the breakdown harder. Spencer will act as a sweeper to cover any grubbers or chips behind the line while our back three will sit deep ready to cover any kicks down the touch lines and counter attack at pace.
With the blitz defence in operation we will look to be at the breakdown first hitting it fast and hard. The first two players on the scene will look to ruck past the ball and clear out the Wasps players providing quick counter attacking ball to be cleared and used against a disorganised defensive line. If the ball does not look available we will commit less to the ruck and look to strengthen the defensive line instead.
Key Points:
* Use kicking game of Spencer & Cruden to target the Wasps wingers. Both can be suspect both positionally and under the highball and we want to test them out.
* Myler isnt a flyhalf to play flat and on the gain line and instucting him to do so against our blitz defence should see Wasps struggle to build real momentum with his lack of creativity.
London Wasps
Manager – ‘Arry
| 01. Perry Freshwater | 09. Luke Burgess |
| 02. Tatafu Polota-Nau | 10. Stephen Myler (k) |
| 03. Carlos Nieto | |
| 04. Steve Mafi | 11. Christian Wade |
| 05. Marco Wentzel (c) | 12. Luke McAlister |
| 06. Rocky Elsom | 13. Matt Banahan |
| 07. Jacques Burger | 14. Ugo Monye |
| 08. Luke Narraway | 15. Geordan Murphy |
16. Benjamin Kayser 17. Charlie Beech 18. CJ Van Der Linde 19. Stuart Hooper 20. John Hart 21. Nick Phipps 22. George Ford 23. Noah Cato
Tactics
We have picked a gritty, dynamic and physical forward pack which will hopefully get us over the gain line and onto the front foot. 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 beat Sale. We will look to push Sale onto the back foot and keep them there. We will look to tire their pack by making them work hard in defence with our dynamic and relentless carrying all game.
In the early stages, we will look to our dynamic forwards to get us onto the front foot by attacking in groups with some grunt and powerful carrying, getting us over the gain line. Hopefully our carriers will suck in Sale defenders, so we can spread the ball out wide to our dangerous runners to make use of the space on offer. 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 wear the Sale pack out and create mismatches in midfield to exploit.
In attack, Myler will play flat in attack, we will use McAlister as a second playmaker option with Banahan running plenty of hard lines at the fly half channel in the Sale defence. We will look to win the collisions and get our offloading game going if it’s on. We will look to attack gaps and half gaps in the Sale defence and target the outside shoulder. We will support our carriers and drive them over the gain line and get quick ball to keep the momentum in our attacks.
At the breakdown we will come from low to high in clearing out Sale players to ensure Burgess has clean ball. We will look to the kicking games of Myler and McAlister to put the ball in behind the Sale wingers and keep them pinned back in their own half where we can pressurize them. We will hopefully be able to build attacks from the scrum and earn some penalties for Myler to make use of.
We will look to the scrum to provide us with a platform to build attacks from and keep Sale on the back foot. We will use a shortened line out, and launch our dynamic forwards, who are not in the lineout into midfield. Our experienced half back combination will look to manage and control our game plan. We will look to frustrate the young Ben Spencer, by making a real nuisance of ourselves at rucks doing our best to not allow him quick ball.
Exeter Chiefs v Bath Rugby
Sunny Intervals, 9 Degrees, 5mph Winds
Exeter Chiefs
Manager – Driver
| 01. Wyatt Crockett | 09. Jimmy Cowen |
| 02. Damian Varley | 10. Colin Slade |
| 03. Ben Alexander | |
| 04. Flip Van Der Merwe | 11. Luke Fitzgerald |
| 05. James Hudson | 12. Mike Tindall |
| 06. Declan Danahar | 13. George Pisi |
| 07. Shane Jennings | 14. Vasily Artymyev |
| 08. Nick Easter | 15. Lee Byrne |
16. Neil Clark 17.Brett Sturgess 18.Davit Zirkashvilli 19.Juilian Pierre 20.Lewis Moody 21.Haydn Thomas 22.Henry Slade 23.Matt Smith
Tactics
- Keep the ball in the tight and grind Bath down using the boots of Slade , Tindall and Pisi to ping Wasps in there half.
- Use our scrummaging front row to keep the scrum up and driving on when it's Bath's feed.
- Slade will look to take the ball at pace and attack the defensive line and bring our backs into play.
- Cowen to dictate the tempo and test the Bath line with snipes , service and high hanging box kicks.
- Cowen and Slade will play what is in front of them and use what they have outside them with Tindall making the headway in the backs and Fitz, Arty and Byrne running into the wide channels.
- Slade to tick the board over with penalties and drop goals when in the opposition half.
- Big physical players in our pack will see plenty of big hits to put the pressure on the bath runners early doors.
- Run first , kick second on kick returns.
Key points
*TARGET SKRELA WITH BIG HITS FROM THE OFF AND TRY AND GET HIM OFF THE PITCH AND FORCE BEALE INTO 10 TO LIMIT THERE WIDTH
*MIX LINEOUT JUMPERS ABOUT WITH HUDSON , FLIP , Danahar AND EASTER ALL OFFERING OPTIONS WITH NO OUT AND OUT JUMPER IN BATH PACK
* Wrigglesworth has been injured for months and has no real world form so Cowen will look to cause him problems
Bath Rugby
Manager – inthefastlane
| 01. Jon Golding | 09.Richard Wigglesworth |
| 02. Kevin Mealamu | 10. David Skrela |
| 03. Davit Kubrashvilli | |
| 04. Louis Deacon | 11. Isiah Toeava |
| 05.Sam Whitelock | 12. Anthony Allen |
| 06. James Haskell | 13. David Marty |
| 07. Beau Robinson | 14.Sean Maitland |
| 08. JMF Lobbe | 15. Kurtley Beale |
Tactics
Psychological
13 wins in 15 games is a brilliant record to have and our players are all brimming with confidence.
Overall
In this weather we will look to use the set piece as a platform and really play a backs orientated game.
Set Piece
Our formidable front row has been picked to win scrums. Golding, Kubrashvilli and Mealamu will be looking to get in a big hit first. Lobbe will control it at the back. We will be using the scrum as an option as much as possible as we feel we can really dominate here. We feel the lineout is an area we can really put pressure on. At the lineout we have options with Whitelock and Lobbe capable of taking opposition ball. At the front we have Deacon offering the banker ball. Deacon and Whitelock leads lineouts internationally….do Exeter have such experience in leading lineouts?
Kicking
We will look to put the ball behind the Exeter back three and put pressure on them in their own 22 with Lobbe leading the chase. We shall only use this sparingly though. More often we will look to put the ball out of touch in the Exeter 22 and pressure their lineout. Beale will be our main kicker looking to take on anything in range. When FDP comes on he offers another box kicking option which we can use. Skrela also has a decent boot which we will use as a secondary option.
Ball in Hand
We will be looking for quick service from Wigglesworth getting the ball out to our backs who have been encouraged to play adventurous attacking rugby really looking for gaps. We will also look to give the ball to our forwards to switch up the play and they will be looking for carries.
Defence
We will look for a quick defensive line to put pressure on the key Exeter decision makers. Our defense will leave Beale trailing to get any deep kicks. He will be able to either return with interest or able to make a good run.
We will be looking to isolate runners and force a turnover by getting bodies into the breakdown when we see an opportunity and use Robinson skill in the ground.
Leicester Tigers v Newcastle Falcons
White Cloud, 8 Degrees, 9mph Winds
Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka
| 01. Andrew Sheridan | 09. Dimitri Yachvili (k) |
| 02. Stephen Moore | 10. Jonny Wilkinson |
| 03. Cencus Johnston | |
| 04. Samu Manoa | 11. Topsy Ojo |
| 05. James Horwill (c) | 12. Yannick Jauzion |
| 06. Nathan Hines | 13. Florian Fritz |
| 07. David Pocock | 14. Cory Jane |
| 08. Thomas Waldrom | 15. Rob Miller |
Tactics
GENERAL:
- We are looking to get our backs into the game as much as possible by attacking the scrum and the lineout, and our massive carrying pack that will look to open up gaps.
- We will look to get our back three on the ball causing Newcastle problems defensively. We will be physical and relentless up front and pacey and clinical in attack.
- Defensively we will look to blitz, with Yachvili sweeping behind the defensive line to deal with any short kicks.
- Early on Yachvili to kick all penalites within range, but we won't necessarily go for the 3 points as the game progresses. Horwill to make the call dependant on the success of the lineout.
FORWARDS:
- Attack the lineout as a weapon using the tactical kicking of Yachvili and Wilkinson. Horwill, Manoa and Hines to rotate the target. We will relentlessly target Newcastle's throws.
- At the scrum look to Johnston and Moore to really get the shove on and target the Lindsay/Stank channel.
- Pack full of carriers, led by Waldrom, and with Horwill, Manoa, Pocock, Sheridan, Hines and Moore look to get real go-forward with our carrying. 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.
- Pocock is the man charged with reaching the breakdown first, securing first phase possession for us and pilfering the possession of Wasps. We will always look to attack quickly off turnover ball.
BACKS:
- In general attacking play, we will play off 9 with Yachvili our general pulling the strings.
- 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.
- We have selected Jauzion and Fritz to give us creativity in midfield, and to keep us solid in defence.
- Our back three are encouraged to do what comes naturally to all of them - counter attacking and running the ball back. The weather is good for running rugby, and we hope to see some great breaks. All are well versed to play full back, so 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:
- Home Advantage - Unbeaten at Welford Road in 2 years.
- Form and Momentum - we have won 16 of our last 19 games, and are flying right now. Confidence is high right throughout the squad, with competition for places extremely high.
- Attack the lineout as a weapon using the tactical kicking of Yachvili and Wilkinson.
- Huge carrying pack - led by Waldrom, Manoa, Horwill and Moore, we want to punch holes in Newcastle's pack.
- Get our backs into the game as much aspossible and look to get our back three into space.
Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Sgt Pooly
| 01. Boris Stankovich | 09. Sarel Pretorious |
| 02. Tom Lindsay | 10. Nick Evans |
| 03. Paul Doran-Jones | |
| 04. Brad Thorn | 11. Miles Benjamin |
| 05. Dean Schofield | 12. Fran Steyn |
| 06. Richie McCaw(c) | 13. Jaque Fourie |
| 07. Heinrich Brussow | 14. James O’Connor |
| 08. Kieran Read | 15. Adam Ashley-Cooper |
16. Marius Tincu 17. Owen Franks 18. Fabien Barcella 19. Ed Slater 20. Chris York 21. Jonny Arr 22. Ben Williams 23. Dan Hipkiss
Tactics
Overall - In the great conditions we'll be looking to run the ball and get out backs into play at every oppertunity. High tempo pack play and look to use the set piece as restart rather than a weapon. Look to slow opposition ball down with all backrow players offering a breakdown threat. Use a simple drift defence to force Leicester out wide and give them little space to work in. Look to take points on offer and Steyn to give long range option.
Scrum – use scrum as restart as look for quick ball for Read to pop up and feed Pretorious, if weakness seen in opposition we will look to exploit
Lineout – quick ball off the top using Schofield as primary caller, also look to use Read at the tail and McCaw, Thorn to offer front ball.
Breakdown – Our big game plan….look to dominate breakdown with all backrow options excellent in this area. Look to slow/turnover opposition at every possible opportunity. McCaw to play more 6 role but will play breakdown as he see’s fit. Thorn to give us massive clearing out option around the park.
Backline – We've looked to partner Fourie with Steyn as they know each others game inside out. Both give a huge physical threat around the park ane we'll look to play a simple game plan to keep Fouire involved. JOC will look to step up as second reciever and bring some silky running into play. Evans has numerous options to look to punch through the opposion line and set up quick ball options which Pretorious thrives in.
Franks & Barcella to come after halftime to increase pressure in set piece and give us added work rate around the park. JOC to cover 10 if needed.
London Irish v Northampton Saints
Sunny Intervals, 9 Degrees, 7mph Winds
London Irish
Manager – stnick88
| 01. Soane Tonga'uhia | 09. Ruan Pienaar |
| 02. James Buckland | 10. Butch James |
| 03. WP Nel | |
| 04. Matt Garvey | 11. Sailosi Tagicakibau |
| 05. Nick Kennedy | 12. Sonny Bill Williams |
| 06. Jerome Kaino | 13. Conrad Smith |
| 07. Steffon Armitage | 14. J.P Pieterson |
| 08. Pierre Spies | 15. Delon Armitage |
16. Duncan Bell 17. Neil Briggs 18. Darren Fearn 19. Dean Mumm 20. Hendrie Fourie 21. Warren Fury 22. Matthew Tait 23. Juan Martin Hernandez
Tactics
- In good conditions, play an attacking, running game.
- We will look to win the contact area and the collisions. With Tonga'uhia, Nel, Garvey, Kaino, Spies, Steffon, SBW in the side, we have some big, powerful units who will look to smash over the gain line and put Saints on the backfoot. We will look for quick ball for Pienaar to use and create opportunities with.
- Kennedy will be our main lineout target and we willl look for quick ball off the top on most occasions, if not use Garvey at the front to create a maul.
- We willl look to dominate possession and tire the Saints defence. Tonga'uhia, Spies, Kaino, Garvey will carry hard and look to make inroads. We will look for Pienaar and Butch to play what is infront of them and put SBW and co into gaps and space. Our wingers, especially Tagicakibau, will come inside and along with Smith, look to gather the offloads from SBW, which he will only do when it is on.
- At the breakdown, we will look to use our powerful flankers and the breakdown skills of Steffon to secure quick ball and slow down opposition ball. Any turnover ball will be counter attacked.
- Pienaar will kick all pens for goal in range. If not we will go for touch and use the lineout as a platform to attack.
- We will look to exploit the back 3 of Saints, especially Savea and Cipriani who are not known for their great defence.
- Smith is making his debut, but after being in the All Blacks with SBW for a year, training and playing with him, they know each other very well and fluidity wont be a problem.
Northampton Saints
Manager – Dammit Chris
| 01. Matt Mullan | 09. Joe Simpson |
| 02. Chris Whitehead | 10. Matt Giteau(c)(k) |
| 03. Carl Hayman | |
| 04. Patricio Albacete | 11. Siti Siviatu |
| 05. Calum Clark | 12. Jean de Villiers |
| 06. Liam Messam | 13. Matt Hopper |
| 07. Alexander Lapandy | 14. Julian Savea |
| 08. Ryan Kankowski | 15. Danny Cipriani |
16. Mike Haywood 17. Thomas Domingo 18. Juan Pablo Orlandi 19. Joe Launchbury 20. Jake Abbott 21. Sam Harrison 22. Elliot Daly 23. Jamie Elliott
Tactics
Tactics
After the comprehensive victory at home to Sale Sharks last week Saints have refound their confidence and will be looking to attack London Irish from the outset and play the game at a high tempo, spreading the ball wide and attacking Irish at speed. We will be looking to score tries and have picked a team that has a lot of dynamism and interlinking play.
We have Simpson, Cipriani, Hopper, Siviatu and Savea who are all players capable from scoring from 80metres plus - so will be looking to attack and use this advantage whenever possible.
Attack
We have picked an attacking team that will look to spread play across the pitch and make London Irish really work for the ball. We have opted to play a similar style to how Wales play in the backline by fielding three large backs (de Villiers, Siviatu and Savea) and they will look to straighten up the attack and draw in defenders - we will then look to get the ball for Simpson, Giteau, Hopper and Cipriani to attack with.
We will take chances, look to play a high-tempo offloading game and run the ball from distance - this is primarily to look at how we can take advantage of Conrad Smith being thrown straight into the starting lineup after only just signing. He wont have the defensive patterns e.g. with backthree, so with a quick attack and offloading game we will score tries here.
Cipriani to join the backline and offer a second option as receiver - will ask Giteau to run with the ball as per his game for Toulon last week (see rugbydump for highlights), suck in defenders and give the ball to the backline.
When Irish playing into the sun Giteau will launch some aerial bombs on the Irish backthree with Siviatu and Savea chasing down the catcher, putting them under pressure and forcing mistakes with big hits.
Supplement attack with getting Clark, Kankowski and Messam running with the ball and getting us over the gainline.
Set Piece
Base game around a solid set piece, we have a very strong front five at scrum time that will more than challenge London Irish, espc as we can bring on Domingo and Orlandi as second half replacements. We will look to use the scrum as an attacking weapon and we will interchange MEssam and Kankowksi as no8's who can both add a lot of dynamism from the base of the scrum. Will also attack and put pressure on Irish put ins and see if we can cause Buckland some issues.
Lineout - we've opted to bring in Clark in the second row for his lineout options, alongside Alabcete, Messam and Kankowski we have four good lineout operators and will look to secure a lot of quick ball from the lineout to attack from.
Breakdown
The breakdown is an area we are looking to target and have opted to pick both Calum Clark and Alexandre Lapandy as two breakdown specialiss who are there to slow down Irish ball and seek turnovers - we have also picked Messam and Kankowski because of their ability to clear out rucks with their power - we will try and use them to take Steffon Armitage out of the equation at the breakdown and clear him out. We want quick ball and are confident we can secure this from Irish by using this approach.
We are also going to make sure we get the best out of Joe Simpson and use his pace and attacking threat around the fringes to make sure that IRish have to commit a lot of people to the breakdown - if they don't Simpson will attack and is capable of scoring from anywhere on the pitch.
Defence
We will play a blitz defence that will look to place pressure on Conrad Smith who will not be used to the Irish attack/defence systems, so they will not be as fluid from the 13 shirt to backthree as normal.
Picked Clark as second row because of his tackling ability - he will be asked to play a Joe Worsley type role and make sure he is around Kaino whenever he looks to carry the ball - if we stop him running then Irish lose a big part of their ability to get over the gainline. De Villiers will be asked to do a simialr job on SBW.
Simpson to act as sweeper behind and clear up any linebreaks.
Key Points:
* Attack at speed, play an expansive game and look to score tries - make the game as open as possible.
* Simpson, Cipriani, Hopper, Siviatu, Savea all have the pace to score from anywhere on the pitch.
* Look to take advantage of Conrad Smith making his debut, he's hasnt played much alongside SBW for NZ and he's never played with the other players before. Will be attack and defence opportunities down this channel.
* Play similar attack pattern to Wales, two big wings and de Villiers in midfield to do a Jamie Roberts role.
* Use de Villiers, Messam, KAnkowski and Clark to get us over the gainline - quick ball and spread out wide.
* Will look to outscore IRish on the try front and rely on Giteau and Cipriani being better GK's than James.
Gloucester Rugby v Harlequins
Sunny Intervals, 9 Degrees, 6mph Winds
Gloucester
Manager – anonmattyt
| 01. Guthro Steenkamp | 09.Will Genia |
| 02. Joe Gray | 10. Dan Carter |
| 03. Julian White | |
| 04. Bakkies Botha | 11.Charlie Sharples |
| 05.Ali Williams | 12. Berrick Barnes |
| 06. Schalk Burger | 13. Richard Kahui |
| 07. Andy Saull | 14.Johnny May |
| 08. Willem Alberts | 15. Israel Dagg |
16. Nick Wood 17. Jamie George 18. Rupert Harden 19. Tom Palmer 20. Ashley Johnson 21. Dave Lewis 22. Stephen Donald 23. Hosea Gear
Tactics
Glaws welcome quins to fortress Kingsholm. We are in a superb run of form and will be glad to have the chance to avenge last weeks controversial defeat at Bath.
Conditions are superb for a game of running rugby so we are keen to target a bonus point win here.
SET PIECE
Scrum we are obviously looking to get on the front foot and looking to launch our backrow at the Quins 10 to get quick ball to attack with. white and steenkamp are destructive props and will be looking to get on top. Julian white is there to last 40 minutes max before bringing on Harden and is there purely to give the quins loosehead a torrid time and to give gloucester a rock steady platform.
On their ball we will be looking to nudge and disrupt and try and get our back row to pour through and put pressure on to quins 9.
Lineout. We see this as one of our key advantages and have jumpers in all the back 5. We will be targetting their throw with Williams, Saull, burger, and Bakkies all being top draw lineout operators. We will be aiming to poach or at least disrupt their ball
having the control of the lineout will make our own ball easier and will give us great foundations to attack with. we will look to vary whether we go or the top or drive to keep them honest. in the first half we will be driving a lot more to wear them down and also to set the correct field position to align our attacks from. We will also be looking to pop burger, Alberts and co off the back of these to get them in to the quins midfield. Saull will be our link betweeen the pack and backs and will be either getting over the ball or looking to get on the shoulder of the bigger runners for continuity.
General forward play. As ever gloucester are about control and ball carrying. we have a team full of ball carriers and will really look to keep it in hand and control the ball. we will look to offload when safe and try and get in behind to target quins backs and create quick ball for our dynamite back 3
We will also be really looking to attack the break down and dominate the collision. we see back row as a big advantage and feel we can really get at quins here with so many of their stars missing. losing Heaslip and Warbs is huge for quins.. we see this as the area to control the game and to control tempo of the game from. Gloucester are all about controlling games and attaching on our own terms and we see our pack as offering us the chance to do this with our superior breakdown and lineout abilities.
Backs.
Gloucester are going to play a High Intensity attacking game and are all about raising the tempo in the right places and slowing it in others.
The way you control the game is through your back row and half backs.
Genia and Carter are the premium pair in world rugby and will look to exert their influence over the quins half backs.
Genia will be marshalling the forwards and only giving the ball to carter when the time is right. he will also be attacking the fringes when necessary to keep the back row honest and stop them from fringing.
Carter will be looking to exploit the Quins backlines by sending Kahui up short or on the slider. May and Sharples will also be popping up all over the place trying to find holes or running support lines off runners.
Barnes alongside him gives option for first receiver and another kicking option for us to pin back their back 3
Carter will be looking to kick in our half and push quins back to win territory battle. he will also employ the up and under and generally vary the game.
When we attack we will look to create mismatches and utilise our serious gas. We have a back 3 who have it all and know how to attack as a unit. MAy sharples and Dagg will look to counter loose kicks and kicks not chased correctly as the game starts to break up. they will also look to take quick throw ins and gernerally break up the game to come to the fore attacking wise. these guys have gas to burn and will be looking to use it
With DC and Barnes interchainging we have the distribution to hit our dangerous back 3 and kahui to put them through holes.
Bench
We see ourselves as being able to continue our domination with the bench. Harden on for white by 40 at latest and Wood and George will bring dyanmism from the bench.
With Palmer coming on we will be able to continue lineout dominance. The rest of the bench as necessary. we are targetting the BP and so will keep the intensity and look to attack attack attack once we have won gritty stuff
Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks
| 01. Tony Woodcock | 09. Karl Dickson |
| 02. Matthew Rees | 10. Felipe Contepomi (k) |
| 03. John Afoa | |
| 04. Jerome Thion | 11. Peter Hynes |
| 05. Nathan Sharpe (c) | 12. Riki Flutey |
| 06. Francois Louw | 13. Anthony Faainga |
| 07. David Seymour | 14. Jonathan Joseph |
| 08. Chris Henry | 15. Freddie Burns |
16. Schalk Brits 17. Joe Marler 18. Brian Mujati 19. George Skivington 20. Luke Wallace. 21. Tomas O'Leary 22. Rory Clegg 23. George Lowe
Tactics
Game Plan
We are going out of our usual patterns today and are simply going to spoil Gloucester’s play and try and get the win through a dogged game which disrupts Gloucester’s play continually. In attack we will look to either keep the ball for long periods with the forwards carrying hard and the ball then being recycled. We will only look to get it wide when we have very quick ball. When we aren’t looking to recycle the ball we will look kick it long and into spaces behind the back 3 with one of our very strong kickers. When we get into good position we will look for the drop goal as we want to take 3 points at every single opportunity to keep piling on the pressure onto Gloucester.
We will really look to put Gloucester onto the back foot and pile them under pressure. I see the Gloucester pack as very vunerable to the yellow card and we will look to continually wind them up and look for the reaction. If the go down to 14 men then we will look to keep the ball for 10 minutes to wear out the Gloucester side.
We will look to put some kicks onto the Gloucester wingers and have Hynes and Joseph pressure them big time and test their ability under the high ball. Make sure they are under pressure when we kick the ball to them, not give them a second of time.
Forwards
We have picked a pack to ruin Gloucester’s patterns and to tackle everything that moves. We have picked a front 5 which will have its presence felt both in the loose and at the set piece. We want our backrow to really run the show in the breakdown area with 3 players very capable of slowing down and stealing Gloucester ball. When we carry we carry in numbers and aim to win the collisions and break the gain line.
We think we can get a real advantage on the Gloucester scrum and will look to keep the scrum up and send them backwards with Joe Grey not adding much to the Gloucester scrum effort. At the lineout we will look to put the pressure on Ali Williams and Botha at the front whilst on our own ball we
will look to shorten the lineout.
Backs
We’ve gone for a back line which is extremely solid in defence and will stick to our game plan of keeping the ball or kicking it in to space. We will look to have Flutey and Faainga picking lines off Contepomi and looking to cross the gainline.
Defence
Aggressive with a quick line speed at all times, targeting the Gloucester decision makers with big tackles and pressure. Aiming to knock back the man in the tackle and double up when necessary, with one man looking to get onto the ball straight away looking for the turnover.
Key Points
- Ruin Gloucester’s game with hard tackling and a high workrate. Disruption at the breakdown and the set piece will also help us to ruin Gloucester’s game.
- Wind up the Gloucester pack. White, Williams, Botha and Burger are yellow cards waiting to happen.
- Keep the ball for long periods or kick into spaces. Forwards to carry hard and in numbers.
- Take the points at every opportunity whether it be drop goals or penalties. This add’s to pressure on Gloucester.
- Defensively we are very strong with some of the best defenders around in our side. Gloucester will have to work very hard to through us.
- Having Julian White on is like playing with 7 forwards everywhere except the scrum. We will look to exploit him in the Gloucester defensive line.
Worcester Warriors v Saracens
White Cloud, 9 Degrees, 7mph Winds
Worcester Warriors
Manager – prop_lyd
| 01. David Flatman | 09. Dwayne Peel |
| 02. Richardt Strauss | 10. Morne Steyn(k) |
| 03. BJ Botha | |
| 04. Ollie Kohn | 11. Shane Williams |
| 05. Danie Russouw | 12. Pat McCabe |
| 06. Kearnen Myall | 13. Jon Clarke |
| 07. Craig Newby (c) | 14. Bryan Habana |
| 08. Mamuka Gorgodze | 15. Ollie Morgan |
16. Michael Mayhew 17. Chris Budgen 18. George Porter 19. Dom Barrow 20. Scott Higginbotham 21. Byron Kelleher 22. Tom Heathcote 23. Regan King
Tactics
We come into this match desparately needing a confidence boost so have picked a bery big pack who we feel will be able to provide us with this, add in the spark in our back line and running rugby is the main aim of the match.
Forwards
*Front row to contest every ball and add pressure on the opposition scrum, we have a replacement front row who will look to turn the screw on tired legs,
*2nd rows to contest all lineout balls and put us in good positions when setting up driving mauls from our lineouts sucking in the defenders,
*Back row to go looking for the ball continuously and seek to be the 2nd person to breakdowns to look for the turnovers,
*We will look for runners off McCabe and Clarke to stretch the opposition's defence,
*Gorgodze to pick from some scrums to get us over the gain line when required and Higginbotham is a strong carrier and a nusiance to bring on later.
Backs
*Peel to get quick ball and Steyn to make the decision as to whether we pin them back with kicks or look to unleash our back line,
*McCabe to be instrumental in releasing supporting runners and Clarke who will look to make ground continuously or offload to our back 3 all who have pace and can make something out of nothing,
*Habana and Williams to go hunting for the ball,
*Steyn to take the points if on offer,
*Use all back replacements to bring a bit of experience, youth and flair.
Defense
*Hard Hitting,
*Blitz Banana,
*Look for turnover ball or to slow them down and gain penalties.
Saracens
Manager – Ozzy3213
| 01. Tendai Mtwarira | 09. Francois Hougaard |
| 02. Bismarck du Plessis | 10. Patric Lambie |
| 03. Jannie du Plessis | |
| 04. Dave Attwood | 11. Digby Ioane |
| 05. Steve Borthwick | 12. Ma'a Nonu |
| 06. Tom Johnson | 13. Henry Trinder |
| 07. Tom Wood | 14. Tim Visser |
| 08. Joe van Niekerk (c) | 15. Alex Goode |
16. Gary Botha 17. Max Lahiff 18. Brok Harris 19. Graham Kitchener 20. George Smith 21. Paul Hodgson 22. Damien Traille 23. Mark Cueto
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. However, 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 Shane Williams defensively - We will look to isolate Williams on his wing and get Visser running at him, or use crossfield kicks to Visser and let him use his power.
- Target Clarkes outside shoulder - We will look to get Ioane coming off his wing and supporting the ball carrier in the 13 channel, looking for the popped offload to then be able to gas Clarke on the outside.
Key Points
- In Game Form and Momentum - We have both with some big wins in recent weeks and go into this game full of confidence.
- Try Scoring Ability - Conditions are good and we have the players who can exploit this, with the likes of the front row, Johnson, JvN, Hougaard, Ioane, Nonu, Trinder and Visser all good hard ground runners who can get themselves on the scoresheet.
Last edited by SirJohnnyEnglish on Fri 24 Feb 2012, 9:10 am; edited 6 times in total
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Re: AP Round 16
by LukeLovesLuka Fri 24 Feb 2012, 5:05 pm
Just finished work and off to the theatre. Predos will be in in the morning 
LukeLovesLuka- Posts : 5865
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Age : 40
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Re: AP Round 16
by Ozzy3213 Fri 24 Feb 2012, 10:22 pm
Sale Sharks 25 London Wasps 22
Just like the balance of the Sale pack a bit better, and the set up of their backs where they have a bit more form than Wasps. they are alos at home so winners for me.
Exeter Chiefs 13 Bath Rugby 15
I don't see a good game here. Chiefs tactics wrong for me as the are looking to keep the scrum up as they believe they have great scrummagers, but I think their props can be got at and Kubriashvilli will give them problems. For issue for Wigglesworth stops Bath backs being able to play massively, but they just have enough quality for the win.
Leicester Tigers 17 Newcastle Falcons 16
Massive match up with big game players throughout both sides. Neither side would give an inch in this one in real life, but I just think in the pack, where it counts most, Tigers have marginally more as a unit and at home would squeak home in this one.
London Irish 26 Northampton Saints 21
Irish with a little more quality in general through the pack. Saints have tried to counter this tactically with things like trying to negate Armitage at the breakdown with Messam and Kankowski targetting him but there are others in the Irish pack who are adept on the deck as well and I think they will get enough ball to run up some points.
Gloucester 27 Harlequins 23
Gloucester are like the Harlem Globetrotters here, but Quins have some real competitors in their side and will cause problems, in particular targeting Julian White in loose play. I can see Quins staying in the game through sheer effort until the final quarter, but making tackles is tiring and Gloucester have the players to expose tired legs and will pull away towards the end.
Just like the balance of the Sale pack a bit better, and the set up of their backs where they have a bit more form than Wasps. they are alos at home so winners for me.
Exeter Chiefs 13 Bath Rugby 15
I don't see a good game here. Chiefs tactics wrong for me as the are looking to keep the scrum up as they believe they have great scrummagers, but I think their props can be got at and Kubriashvilli will give them problems. For issue for Wigglesworth stops Bath backs being able to play massively, but they just have enough quality for the win.
Leicester Tigers 17 Newcastle Falcons 16
Massive match up with big game players throughout both sides. Neither side would give an inch in this one in real life, but I just think in the pack, where it counts most, Tigers have marginally more as a unit and at home would squeak home in this one.
London Irish 26 Northampton Saints 21
Irish with a little more quality in general through the pack. Saints have tried to counter this tactically with things like trying to negate Armitage at the breakdown with Messam and Kankowski targetting him but there are others in the Irish pack who are adept on the deck as well and I think they will get enough ball to run up some points.
Gloucester 27 Harlequins 23
Gloucester are like the Harlem Globetrotters here, but Quins have some real competitors in their side and will cause problems, in particular targeting Julian White in loose play. I can see Quins staying in the game through sheer effort until the final quarter, but making tackles is tiring and Gloucester have the players to expose tired legs and will pull away towards the end.
Ozzy3213- Moderator
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Re: AP Round 16
by Guest Fri 24 Feb 2012, 10:53 pm
Will do most on 3 hour twickers train
Sale 24-17 wasps
Routine home win. Wasps battle hard. Front rOw squeaks wasps on form. Sale would win easier if played plaice care and abendanon note sje it's not abendanoon.
Wasps struggle in 6n. Both spines 8,9,10 all wrong care vito cruden looks much better than what selected.
Myler has nothing to work with and is poor without options. Banahan and mac
Does not work mac been poor of late . Jth and freaun a wall and gain line merchants despite not being a combo.
Sale back 3 poorest in league but with abendanon would
not be. Good sale bench.
Arry has done a great job but like many gets hit 6n
Bekker stopped being rated long time ago s15 will get him
Back. Palu apparently finished if gets another bang and
Out a while. Arry unlucky burger injured and narraway in such poor
Form as
A glos fan it's more apparent. 6n is a killer for
Some teams even falcons look weak. Same as me
Getting slayed during wc.
Sale 24-17 wasps
Routine home win. Wasps battle hard. Front rOw squeaks wasps on form. Sale would win easier if played plaice care and abendanon note sje it's not abendanoon.
Wasps struggle in 6n. Both spines 8,9,10 all wrong care vito cruden looks much better than what selected.
Myler has nothing to work with and is poor without options. Banahan and mac
Does not work mac been poor of late . Jth and freaun a wall and gain line merchants despite not being a combo.
Sale back 3 poorest in league but with abendanon would
not be. Good sale bench.
Arry has done a great job but like many gets hit 6n
Bekker stopped being rated long time ago s15 will get him
Back. Palu apparently finished if gets another bang and
Out a while. Arry unlucky burger injured and narraway in such poor
Form as
A glos fan it's more apparent. 6n is a killer for
Some teams even falcons look weak. Same as me
Getting slayed during wc.
Guest- Guest
Re: AP Round 16
by CJB Sat 25 Feb 2012, 12:26 am
Sale 20–18 Wasps
I think the forwards are very close with Wasps getting the slight edge but the difference is not notable. Not much with the half backs with both having a stronger link. I think the centres go to Sale while Wasps have a better back three. I do think the Sale subs will definitely come into the game. See this as a close fight but home advantage nicks it for Sale.
Tigers 25–21 Falcons
Really feel the Tigers can hammer home an advantage in the front five. I do however think that both with both Brussow and McCaw, Newcastle can secure good turnover ball however lack carrying options in back row. Not much in the half backs, Tigers might just edge it but Newcastle have the better 11-15. Don’t see much in subs but think Tigers can use their tactics and front five to get a win.
rest later
I think the forwards are very close with Wasps getting the slight edge but the difference is not notable. Not much with the half backs with both having a stronger link. I think the centres go to Sale while Wasps have a better back three. I do think the Sale subs will definitely come into the game. See this as a close fight but home advantage nicks it for Sale.
Tigers 25–21 Falcons
Really feel the Tigers can hammer home an advantage in the front five. I do however think that both with both Brussow and McCaw, Newcastle can secure good turnover ball however lack carrying options in back row. Not much in the half backs, Tigers might just edge it but Newcastle have the better 11-15. Don’t see much in subs but think Tigers can use their tactics and front five to get a win.
rest later
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Re: AP Round 16
by Guest Sat 25 Feb 2012, 9:31 am
Leicester 19-16 falcons.
Front 5 of Leicester demolish falcons. Never thought I would see Newcastle look weak. However Newcastle are champions and have that know how that keeps it close
Front 5 of Leicester demolish falcons. Never thought I would see Newcastle look weak. However Newcastle are champions and have that know how that keeps it close
Guest- Guest
Re: AP Round 16
by Guest Sat 25 Feb 2012, 9:32 am
Irish 22-17 saints too much everywhere.6 nations brutalises saints
Guest- Guest
Re: AP Round 16
by dammit_chris Sat 25 Feb 2012, 9:39 am
Sale 23 - 22 Wasps
Just give this to Sale due to home advantage, think they edge it in the pack just, but Wasps have the better, more attack minded backline. Sale's bench will sway the game in final 15mins. Wasps v close though.
Exeter Chiefs 18 Bath Rugby 20
Exeter need a little more spark in their backline here to win these sorts of games, if you look at Bath they has 2-3 players who can create a bit of magic and win the game and I think that is what sets the two teams apart here. Chiefs will be very disruptive and frustrate Bath, but its that one piece of magic that sees an away win.
Leicester Tigers 26 Newcastle Falcons 24
Two star studded lineups, I do think Leicester's pack has the advantage in terms of ball carrying and more grunt, which is a big advantage for them. I dont think McCaw and Brussow would work together, as neither are ball carriers and to beat Leicester you need guys that will get you over the gainline. Pack is definite advantage to Tigers, but Newcastle's awesome backline will keep the scoreboards very close.
Gloucester 31 Harlequins 27
The Shed is a tough place to go and with Glaws pack they are going to get some ball and with Genia and Carter controlling the game can see the Glaws backs scoring tries here. Quins do have a very dogged team and a lot of players who can score tries too, so should be a high scoring affair, but more quality with Gloucester.
Worcester 22 - 25 Saracens
Would say that Sarries have a bit more threat over the park and that Nonu is going to cause a big headache for the Worcester defence - will be a close game but a bit too much quality from Sarries.
Just give this to Sale due to home advantage, think they edge it in the pack just, but Wasps have the better, more attack minded backline. Sale's bench will sway the game in final 15mins. Wasps v close though.
Exeter Chiefs 18 Bath Rugby 20
Exeter need a little more spark in their backline here to win these sorts of games, if you look at Bath they has 2-3 players who can create a bit of magic and win the game and I think that is what sets the two teams apart here. Chiefs will be very disruptive and frustrate Bath, but its that one piece of magic that sees an away win.
Leicester Tigers 26 Newcastle Falcons 24
Two star studded lineups, I do think Leicester's pack has the advantage in terms of ball carrying and more grunt, which is a big advantage for them. I dont think McCaw and Brussow would work together, as neither are ball carriers and to beat Leicester you need guys that will get you over the gainline. Pack is definite advantage to Tigers, but Newcastle's awesome backline will keep the scoreboards very close.
Gloucester 31 Harlequins 27
The Shed is a tough place to go and with Glaws pack they are going to get some ball and with Genia and Carter controlling the game can see the Glaws backs scoring tries here. Quins do have a very dogged team and a lot of players who can score tries too, so should be a high scoring affair, but more quality with Gloucester.
Worcester 22 - 25 Saracens
Would say that Sarries have a bit more threat over the park and that Nonu is going to cause a big headache for the Worcester defence - will be a close game but a bit too much quality from Sarries.
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Re: AP Round 16
by Guest Sat 25 Feb 2012, 9:40 am
Exeter 21-21 bath great game bath in form Exeter a tough nut to crack stalemate
Worcester 21-22 Saracens sarries squeak it due to more attacking threat great defence and control from Worcester would
Have been different in rain
Worcester 21-22 Saracens sarries squeak it due to more attacking threat great defence and control from Worcester would
Have been different in rain
Guest- Guest
Re: AP Round 16
by Ozzy3213 Sat 25 Feb 2012, 11:11 am
I think I am right in saying it's just driver to finish his predos, and ITFL and Luke to do theirs.
50 minutes to get them in lads, really don't want to have start deducting cash from people already.
50 minutes to get them in lads, really don't want to have start deducting cash from people already.
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Re: AP Round 16
by LukeLovesLuka Sat 25 Feb 2012, 11:43 am
Sale 21 - 20 Wasps
Not a lot in either front 5, don't see either side having an advantage in the set piece. Two top back rows that would be a great battle, and agin, I don't see much advantage for either team. One apiece in the HB's for me, with a similar story in the centres.Edge to Wasps in the back three. This is a really close game, with 2 very evenly matched sides. Sale,with home advantage, to sneak it at the death.
Exeter 18 - 22 Bath
Two strong front rows although slight edge to Bath. Similar story in the locks with slight edge to Bath.Sam story in the back rows - two good packs but Bath that little bit stronger. Not alot in the HB's, and the backs from Bath slightly stronger. There isn't a great deal in this, but Bath a bit better overall, and in great form.
Irish 26 - 19 Saints
Irish to take the front 5 for me, although Saints have some good experience so not a huge advantage. Irish take the back row battle with the standout players. Irish for me have slightly superior backs as well, and Conrad a great signing form them. I have Irish winning the maojrity of battles, and at home with better form, see them being fairly comfortable.
Gloucester 26 - 18 Harlequins
Edge to Quins up front and think they will win the scrum battle. Advantage Gloucester in the 2nd row, but I see the back row being a real battle. I think Gloucester have the better backs from 9-15, and with ball in hand they are much stronger. Not a great deal in the packs, but the home side to score a lot more tries than Quins.
Worcester 22 - 22 Saracens
Sarries edge the front row but Worcester put up a good fight. Tight in the 2nd rows with Russouw the standout. Interesting back row battle, not sure either side will dominate. Good HB'son show, think I edge to Worcester just, Nonu the standout in the centres but two nice units. SLight edge to Sarries in the back three. This is a really close game, with both sides cancelling each other out a bit - and home advantage cancelled out by Sarries form. Sorry but too close to call.
Not a lot in either front 5, don't see either side having an advantage in the set piece. Two top back rows that would be a great battle, and agin, I don't see much advantage for either team. One apiece in the HB's for me, with a similar story in the centres.Edge to Wasps in the back three. This is a really close game, with 2 very evenly matched sides. Sale,with home advantage, to sneak it at the death.
Exeter 18 - 22 Bath
Two strong front rows although slight edge to Bath. Similar story in the locks with slight edge to Bath.Sam story in the back rows - two good packs but Bath that little bit stronger. Not alot in the HB's, and the backs from Bath slightly stronger. There isn't a great deal in this, but Bath a bit better overall, and in great form.
Irish 26 - 19 Saints
Irish to take the front 5 for me, although Saints have some good experience so not a huge advantage. Irish take the back row battle with the standout players. Irish for me have slightly superior backs as well, and Conrad a great signing form them. I have Irish winning the maojrity of battles, and at home with better form, see them being fairly comfortable.
Gloucester 26 - 18 Harlequins
Edge to Quins up front and think they will win the scrum battle. Advantage Gloucester in the 2nd row, but I see the back row being a real battle. I think Gloucester have the better backs from 9-15, and with ball in hand they are much stronger. Not a great deal in the packs, but the home side to score a lot more tries than Quins.
Worcester 22 - 22 Saracens
Sarries edge the front row but Worcester put up a good fight. Tight in the 2nd rows with Russouw the standout. Interesting back row battle, not sure either side will dominate. Good HB'son show, think I edge to Worcester just, Nonu the standout in the centres but two nice units. SLight edge to Sarries in the back three. This is a really close game, with both sides cancelling each other out a bit - and home advantage cancelled out by Sarries form. Sorry but too close to call.
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Re: AP Round 16
by Ozzy3213 Sat 25 Feb 2012, 12:07 pm
RESULTS
Sale Sharks 32 London Wasps 20
Exeter Chiefs 22 Bath Rugby 27
Leicester Tigers 35 Newcastle Falcons 22
London Irish 37 Northampton Saints 22
Gloucester 36 Harlequins 21
Worcester Warriors 23 Saracens 28
Some big results this week, 4 teams get TBP's and 2 get LBP's.
Good work on predictions everyone, full sets for most games, just ITFL missing LI v NS, G v H and WW v S, but close enough.
Sale Sharks 32 London Wasps 20
Exeter Chiefs 22 Bath Rugby 27
Leicester Tigers 35 Newcastle Falcons 22
London Irish 37 Northampton Saints 22
Gloucester 36 Harlequins 21
Worcester Warriors 23 Saracens 28
Some big results this week, 4 teams get TBP's and 2 get LBP's.
Good work on predictions everyone, full sets for most games, just ITFL missing LI v NS, G v H and WW v S, but close enough.
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Re: AP Round 16
by Ozzy3213 Sat 25 Feb 2012, 12:08 pm
I will leave the scorers up to SJE, and get the league table updated after he's done them
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Re: AP Round 16
by CJB Sat 25 Feb 2012, 12:31 pm
Didn't expect to be this tired...only just got up....sorry lads
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Re: AP Round 16
by SirJohnnyEnglish Sat 25 Feb 2012, 3:49 pm
Sale Sharks 32-20 London Wasps
Tries: Smith, Freuen (2), Quedragao
Conversations: Cruden (3)
Penalties: Cruden (2)
Tries: Wade
Conversations:
Penalties: Myler (5)
Exeter Chiefs 22-27 Bath Rugby
Tries: Fitzgerald, Easter
Conversations:
Penalties: Slade (4)
Tries: Allen, Haskell
Conversations: Skrela
Penalties: Skrela (5)
Leicester Tigers 35-22 Newcastle Falcons
Tries: Ojo (2), Waldrom, Horwill, Miller
Conversations: Yachvili (5)
Penalties:
Tries: Pretorious, Lindsay
Conversations:
Penalties: Evans (4)
London Irish 37-22 Northampton Saints
Tries: Spies (2), Pieterson, Gavey
Conversations: Pienaar (4)
Penalties: Pienaar (3)
Tries: Savea
Conversations: Giteau
Penalties: Giteau (5)
Gloucester Rugby 36-21 Harlequins
Tries: Alberts, Dagg, Sharples, Gear
Conversations: Carter (2)
Penalties: Carter (4)
Tries:
Conversations:
Penalties: Contepomi (7)
Worcester Warriors 23-28 Saracens
Tries: Gorgodze, Habana
Conversations: Steyn (2)
Penalties: Steyn (3)
Tries: Houghard, Wood, Visser
Conversations: Lambie (2)
Penalties: Lambie (3)
Tries: Smith, Freuen (2), Quedragao
Conversations: Cruden (3)
Penalties: Cruden (2)
Tries: Wade
Conversations:
Penalties: Myler (5)
Exeter Chiefs 22-27 Bath Rugby
Tries: Fitzgerald, Easter
Conversations:
Penalties: Slade (4)
Tries: Allen, Haskell
Conversations: Skrela
Penalties: Skrela (5)
Leicester Tigers 35-22 Newcastle Falcons
Tries: Ojo (2), Waldrom, Horwill, Miller
Conversations: Yachvili (5)
Penalties:
Tries: Pretorious, Lindsay
Conversations:
Penalties: Evans (4)
London Irish 37-22 Northampton Saints
Tries: Spies (2), Pieterson, Gavey
Conversations: Pienaar (4)
Penalties: Pienaar (3)
Tries: Savea
Conversations: Giteau
Penalties: Giteau (5)
Gloucester Rugby 36-21 Harlequins
Tries: Alberts, Dagg, Sharples, Gear
Conversations: Carter (2)
Penalties: Carter (4)
Tries:
Conversations:
Penalties: Contepomi (7)
Worcester Warriors 23-28 Saracens
Tries: Gorgodze, Habana
Conversations: Steyn (2)
Penalties: Steyn (3)
Tries: Houghard, Wood, Visser
Conversations: Lambie (2)
Penalties: Lambie (3)
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Re: AP Round 16
by Ozzy3213 Sun 26 Feb 2012, 7:09 pm
Me and you both happy bud, think it was an about right result, would have been harsh had you got nothing from the game.
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