Aviva Premiership Round 6 - Week 10

Aviva Premiership Round 6 - Week 10

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Team Sheets and tactics due by Saturday (20:00)
Predictions due till Tuesday (20:00)

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Newcastle Falcons v Harlequins
Weather - Sunny intervals, 12mph winds, 8'

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Newcastle Falcons

Manager – Fluxy

01. Grant Shiells	09. Paul Hodgson
02. David Paice	10. Tom Heathcote (K)
03. David Wilson
04. Simon Shaw	11. Jack Cuthbert
05. James Hudson (C)	12. Tom May
06. Lewis Moody	13. Dominic Waldlouck
07. Hienrich Brussow	14. Seb Stegmann
08. Alex Gray	15. Nick Abendanon

16. Tom Mercey 17. Joe Graham 18. Bob Casey 19. Will Welch 20. Jordi Pasqualin 21. Steven Shingler 22. Luke Fielden 23. Darren Fearns

Tactics

General Gameplan;
After a loss last weekend and a very solid performance against top of the table Leicester it’s time for the Falcons to turn the tables. Teams don’t come to the fortress that is Kingston Park, and have an easy time. As we will be up in the opposition faces, not giving them a moment to spare, pressure will grow and lead to mistakes and penalties.
Our pack is fully committed to the Falcons cause and the grizzled front five along with the backrow will look to dominate the collisions and rucks to give us forward momentum. This will get us over the gainline each time, and causing the Quins defence to always be on the back foot.
The quality possession from our clever and dynamic forward play will allow us to release our potent backline, with Hodgson looking to play intelligently by getting the ball away from the rucks as quick as possible in attack. This will allow Heathcote and May to pull the strings in midfield and create mismatches so we can spread the ball out wide to our dangerous runners to make use of the space on offer.

Key Points;

Set-pieces; With our powerful front five, we will get the drive on, on our ball to create space and time for our 8-9-10. Against their ball we will get the shove and attempt to wheel the scrum so that Care and Easter become isolated from their backline, here Brusssow and Moody can wreak havoc and create turnover ball.
Lineouts will be a solid supply for possession for us, as our pack contains four strong and athletic jumpers. Hudson will lead the lineouts and look to target Skivington, as he will be leading the Quins lineout. The pressure here will lead to mistakes and opportunities from scrums and penalties for us to take advantage of. We will always challenge their lineout, other than when we are on our own five metre, where will look to sack the jumper as soon as he lands on his feet.

Breakdowns; We have selected a very physical and committed team, and will always work for each other and put their bodies online for one another. Moody and Brussow will be first to all breakdowns and slow the opposition ball down legally, or turn it over. The pair of them will also look to hassle Care, as he has been out of form and his head will drop once he starts making mistakes.

Defensive line; We won't commit more than two players to any of the rucks on their ball, unless the turnover is on. If they have won the ball we look to get into line and then press at the same speed. The scrum-half will sweep behind, with the fullback also further back - creating three lines of defence.

Backs; We will look to play some simple rugby at this stage against a good team at home. Backs to be clever look for mismatches and numbers advantages to work opportunities to put our wingers or whoever is spare over the try line. Manning will direct traffic offering a spark to get an exciting midfield moving. May will step into first receiver to mix things up and keep the defence guessing.

Penalties; Heathcote will look to take all penalties within his range, unless Hudson dictates we have a serious advantage at the lineout where will kick for touch.

Substitutions; Darren Fearns on for Grant Shiells at 65 minutes, likewise Casey on for Shaw at the same time, to maintain fitness through the pack and keep pressure on the opposition. Also, Fielden on for Stegmann at 65 minutes. Nutley on for Moody if we were losing in the second half. Also if we are down by a more than ten points we can bring on Shingler to inject some pace and direction for Heathcote.

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Harlequins

Manager – Driver

01.Joe Marler	09.Danny Care (c)
02.Joe Grey	10.Nick Evans (k)
03.James Johnstone
04.Ollie Kohn	11.Elliot Daly
05.George Skivington	12.Tom Casson
06.Neil Best	13.Jared Payne
07.Will Skinner	14.Scott Hamilton
08.Matt Kvesic	15.Danny Cipriani

16.Kieron Brookes 17.Rob Buncham 18.Mark Lambert 19.Tom Denton 20.Nick Easter 21.Nic Berry 22.Riki Flutey 23.Hugo Southwell

Tactics

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Exeter Chiefs v Sale Sharks
Weather - Sunny intervals, 4mph winds, 11'

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Exeter Chiefs

Head Coach – Ozzy3213

01. Brett Sturgess	09. Haydn Thomas
02. Bismarck du Plessis	10. Aaron Cruden
03. Craig Mitchell
04. Tommy Hayes	11. Josh Tatupu
05. James Horwill (c)	12. Sireli Naqelevuki
06. Tom Johnson	13. Jason Shoemark
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Paul Sackey
08. James Phillips	15. Isa Nacewa

16. Simon Alcott 17. Perry Freshwater 18. Hoani Tui 19. James Hanks 20. Richard Baxter 21. Junior Poluleuigaga 22. Gareth Steenson 23. Gonzalo Camacho

Tactics

Our gameplan revolves around a high intensity attacking and defensive game. We will work as units and play a structured game (as the Chiefs and Saracens do in real life). We will put a lot of emphasis on the set piece, and look to use both as a real platform to play from, whilst not allowing our opponents to do the same. We will also look to use our big ball carriers to attack the gainline whilst having support runners on their shoulders to either take the offload or hit the ruck quickly as appropriate.

Specifics

• Attacking
  
  
• Run the ball - Conditions are good, so once our pack have secured quick possession, Cruden will look to get us moving ball in hand.
  
  
• Control Possession - When in the right areas our pack and centres to all carry hard and straight and look to get over the gainline and recycle.
  
  
• Use driving mauls - Support runners to hit the ball carrier in contact and keep him up and drive forward turning it into a maul. Also use driving mauls off of lineouts.
  
  
• Take all points on offer - Cruden to take every kickable penalty at goal.
  
  
  
• Defensive
  
  
• Slow opposition ball down - Look to legally (do not give penalties away) slow the ball at the breakdown by getting one of our forwards over it to deny Sale any momentum.
  
  
• Do not overcommit to rucks - If the ball is not there to be won, do not overcommit (just get the one man on his feet slowing it) but maintain a solid defensive line and control gainline momentum.
  
  
• Blitz Defence - Get up to the gainline quickly as a unit and stop Sale getting any forward momentum. Haydn Thomas to sweep in behind.
  
  
  
• Key Points
  
  
• Home Advantage - Very few teams go to Sandy Park and get a result, however many big names they have in the side (See Leicester Tigers last week in real life).
  
  
• Confidence - Having won last week for the first time, the team is confident and go out knowing that we can get results.
  

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Sale Sharks

Manager – LondonIrishOllie

01.Alasdair Dickinson	09.Dwayne Peel
02.Gary Botha	10.Jonny Wilkinson
03.Henry Thomas
04.Frazer McKenzie	11.Charlie Amesbury
05.Dean Schofield (c)	12.Sam Tuitipou
06.James Gaskell	13.Jaque Fourie
07.Onosa'i Auva'a	14.Tom Brady
08.Andy Powell	15.Rob Miller

Subs - 16.Marc Jones 17.Davit Kubriashvili 18.Lee Imoliek 19.Andrei Ostrakov 20.Dave Seymour 21.Scott Mathie 22.Nick Mcleod 23.Jonny Leota

Tactics

Visitng Sandy Park we are know we are in for a physical game. But we beleive we have the team that can put them under huge pressure.

We will play our normal game that revolves around our strong set piece, strong defence, with our halfbacks ensuring we play in the right areas of the pitch.

Contradiction
Exeter, have been open in saying they will play a game similar to those played by Sarries and Exeter in real life, howver they have also said they will run the ball alot. This is a complete contradiction and will cause their players to be in two minds, over what they should be doing. These split seconds will cause mistakes, which we will look to take advanatage of.

Specifics

Wilkinson and Peel to ensure we play in the right areas.

Wilkinson to take all points on offer to keep scoreboard ticking over.

Our lineout, is extermely good, with Schofield dominating the front and McKenzie and Vernon domingating the middle and tail. We will also use Powell as a lineout jumper occasionally

Tuitipou and Fourie both strong in defence will look to target Exeter's 10-13 in defence, with Vernon and other ball carriers looking to make inroads here.

The in form Miller will look to join the line and use his elusive running to make inroads.

At scrum time we beleive we can get a real advantage, with BDP starting all of the game for Exeter this season he will be extremely fatigued as front row forwards sturggle to start that number of games in a row.


Our backrow is not full of big names but is in great form and Auva'a is
Vernon, Botha and Schofield are our main ball carriers in our pack and we will always look to make hard yards before we go wide.

Subs - Kubs for THomas - 55 mins. Rest of front row between 55 and 65 mins. Other subs as and when needed.


Conclusion

Our clear game plan, strong set piece and strong defence, should be enough to beat an Exeter side, who's game plan is not clear and who's scrum will be dominated due to the fact their hooker has played every game this year and will be fatigued. Our more experienced half backs will ensure we will win the territorial battle and we do not think with our strong defence, Exeter will be able to score enough points when playing most of the game in their half.

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Leicester Tigers v Gloucester Rugby
Weather - Sunny, 9mph winds, 8'

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Leicester Tigers
Manager – Sgt_Pooly

01. Marco Ayerza	09. Sam Harrison
02. Tom Youngs	10. Berrick Barnes(c)
03. Julian White
04. Lewis Deacon	11. Miles Benjamin
05. Ed Slater	12. James O'Connor
06. Craig Newby	13. Matt Smith
07. Luke Wallace	14. Christian Wade
08. Thomas Waldroum	15. Geordan Murphy

16. Rob Hawkins 17. Ryan Bowers 18. Boris Stankovich 19. Joe Launchbury 20. Jacques Cronje 21. James Grindal 22. Billy Twelvetrees 23. George Lowe

Tactics

In the great conditions we'll be looking to play at a high tempo and intensity from the off and move the opposition around the park.

We will look to set a tone in the set piece with our big scrummaging front 5 and will look for the squeeze from the off. Deacon will lead the line and we will look to target the opposition's throw with Newby/Slater marshalling the front/middle of the line. We'll use big carries from our pack to draw in the opposition defence with Harrison marshalling and looking for gaps to exploit around the fringes.

Wallace & Newby will target the breakdown with Harrison sniping around and playing flat to the line to allow Barnes & JOC space to run into. JOC will come looking for the ball in midfield and link up with Wade/Benjamin causing problems in the opposition midfield. We'll look to refresh pack around 60mins + and keep up the intensity.

Barnes will act as second playmaker and look to bring our backs into play and exploit JOC's pace with mismatches and also as a decoy to draw the opposition defense.

- Pace/Power in the backs to use in the great conditions
- line breaking ability in JOC, Wade, Smith, Benjamin
- Breakdown threat with Wallace & Newby
- lineout - both Slater & Deacon run the line at Tigers and offer great options with Newby & Waldroum
- team fluidity....looking to new signings on bench and ease in

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Gloucester

Manager – prop_lyd

01. Nick Wood	09. Rory Lawson
02. Matais Cortese	10. Freddie Burns (k)
03. Rupert Harden
04. Will James	11. Charlie Sharples
05. Alex Brown	12. Tim Molenaar
06. Tom Savage	13. Mike Tindall
07. Akapusi Qera	14. Johnny May
08. JVN (c)	15. Ollie Morgan

16. Darren Dawiduk 17. Yann Thomas 18. Shaun Knight 19. Matt Cox 20. Luke Narraway 21. Dave Lewis 22. Patrick Lambie 23. JSD

Tactics
This is a massive match and; after a big win last week we are on a high. It will be a clash of running backs and we will look to stop Barnes having any time on the ball. Burns will look at running rugby and we will use Wood and JVN to lead the pack.

Forwards
*Front row to look to get under their opposite numbers and get the edge up on Harden to release the back row.
*Look to target their lineout with Brown marshalling the troops here.
*Back rows all in excellent form wih JVN leading the way running off the backs and Savage and Qera looking to steal loose ball.
*Put pressure on Barnes to prevent him playing well and slowing down their ball.
*Use our bench wisely with Dawiduk, Cox and Narraway all excellent impact subs.

Backs
*Quick ball to Burns when on the front foot, if not then look to pin them into the corners hitting touch.
*Centres to go route A straight through the defence looking for the offloads to the forward support or the back 3's who all have pace to burn.
*Wingers to run back any kicked ball looking for space and forwards to support them.
*Tindall to lead an 'in your face' defence with a forward looking to steal/slow down ball at each breakdown.
*Use our bench with JSD and Lambie putting added spice and unpredictability into the match.

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Saracens v Northampton Saints
Weather - Sunny intervals, 9mph winds, 9'

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SARCENS

Manager – Luke

01. Rhys Gill	09. Ben Spencer
02. Schalk Brits	10. Brock James
03. John Smit
04. Steve Borthwick (c)	11. Joe Maddock
05. Hugh Vyvyan	12. Adam Powell
06. Jacques Burger	13. Joel Tomkins
07. Andy Saull	14. Peter Short
08. Ernst Joubert	15. Alex Goode (k)

16. Jared Saunders 17. Jamie George 18. Petrus du Plessis 19. George Kruis 20. Jackson Wray 21. Richard Wigglesworth 22. Derick Hougaard 23. Michael Tagicakibau

Tactics

We will work as units and play a structured game. We will play a kicking game and use the lineout as a weapon.

- Attack the lineout as much as we can using the tactical kicking of Spencer, James and Goode. Borthwick to lead, supported by Joubert and Vyvyan.

- Call for scrums when we can if we are getting the advantage we expect to. Joubert to control from the base.

- Look to all of our forwards to give us real go-forward with their carrying.

- At the breakdown we will look to counter ruck when possible, we will look to make a real nuisance of ourselves at the breakdown and compete when possible.

- Spencer and James are given license to play the game as they see it. We do ask that they use our carrying and lineout ability to put pressure on the opposition, but if they see an opportunity to attack out wide - that is their call.

- Our back three are encouraged to do what they do best - counter attacking and running the ball back. All have good boots to rely on if it isn't on or they are isolated, but the counter is what we ask them to look for.

- Early on Goode to kick all penalites within range, but we won't necessarily go for the 3 points as the game progresses. Borthwick to make the call dependant on the success of the lineout.

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Northampton Saints

Manager – SirJohnnyEnglish

01. Alex Waller	09. Martin Roberts
02. Mike Haywood	10. Stephen Myler
03. Paul Doran-Jones
04. Samu Manoa	11. Jamie Elliot
05. Christian Day	12. George Pisi
06. Calum Clark	13. John Clark
07. Tom Wood	14. Vasily Artemiev
08. Kieran Read	15. Greig Tonks

16. Ethan Waller 17. Richardt Strauss 18. Brian Mujati 19. Mark Sorenson 20. Roger Wilson 21. Stuart Commins 22. Ryan Lamb 23. Noah Cato

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General Game Plan:

We want to play the game in the right areas and force mistakes from a tired Saracens side today. Myler will look to use an intelligent kicking game to put us in Saracens territory. When there we will use our strong carriers to attack gaps and half gaps in the Saracens line, looking to offload in contact to support runners thus changing the point of attack and keeping our forward momentum going.

On defence, we will use a blitz defence coming up at pace looking to isolate the Sarries ball carriers before they can get to the gain line stopping any momentum and allowing us to hit the breakdown harder. Martin Roberts 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 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 Sarries players providing quick counter attacking ball to be used against a disorganised defensive line. If the ball does not look available we will not commit to the ruck and look to strengthen the defensive line instead.

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Key Points:

•Momentum

We are 5 wins from 5, playing good rugby and full of confidence. Saracens are 3 defeats for 3 in recent weeks and are looking jaded with half their pack yet to have any break this season! We will take all points on offer early on as heads will definitely drop in the 2nd half.

•Scrum

We will contest 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. On Sarries ball we will disrupt the put in looking for penalties or to create rushed poor ball for the Sarries halfbacks.

With Smit playing at TH and a very tired hooker on show we feel we have the technique to really get on top here.

•Lineout

With 5 jumpers we want to really use the lineout as an attacking platform like South Africa in recent years. We will use a full compliment and play the ball off the top allowing our halfbacks to get on the ball at pace with room outside.

•Playmaking Options

Brock James makes his debut after just 2 week with the club and will not yet know the Sarries patterns fully. As Sarries only real playmaker we will look to disrupt his ball and stifle Sarries attacking play forcing them to kick the ball to our back three in good positions.

Around the rucks Wood will look to play on the limits of the offside line, like he does so well, hassling Spencer preventing the box kicks and forcing disrupted serviced. With rushed, poor ball James options will be limited, especially with our blitz in operation.

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Bath Rugby v Worcester Warriors
Weather - Sunny intervals, 4mph winds, 9'

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Bath Rugby

Manager – Bathite

01. D.Flatman	09. M.Classens
02. L.Mears	10. S.Donald
03. A.Perenise
04. D.Attwood	11.O.Woodburn
05. J.Muller	12. S.Vesty
06. C.Fearns	13. C.Laulala
07. F.Louw	14. T.Biggs
08. S.Taylor	15. I.Dagg

16. O.Franks 17. R.Batty 18. N.Catt 19. S.Hooper 20. M.Lund 21. C.Cook 22. R.Clegg 23. K.Eastmond

TACTICS
After resting some key players last week, Bath have players in peak condition. We are unbeaten at home and look to secure the set piece, kick for position and defend the fringes well. Louw and Fearns are the breakdown dangermen and look to slow opposition ball, which frustrates Genia. I've picked a very strong bench, that can have a real impact and is an area of real advantage over our opponents, Owen Franks and Nathan Catt will look to dominate the set piece and bring extra ball carrying in the second half. Dagg comes on to track Laulala in the second half and can read his offloads off his shoulder.

Donald and Vesty look to win the kicking game and we look to pressurise the opposition back three. Look to use up and under to clear lines and kick for the corners and get net yards gained. Muller to oragnise the lineout and challenge for ball at all opportunities, looking for quick turnover ball off the top

BACKS

• Dagg given free rein in attack, looking to come into the line either side of Laulala, taking advantage of power and offloading
  
• Vesty picked at 12, as he is very solid defensively and perfect to deal with Nonu. Vesty also offers an extra kicking and playmarking option in the line
  
• Vesty and Donald to kick in behind the centres and pressurise the worcester back three, with up and unders and diagonal grubbers
  
• Don't kick aimlessly, kick with the intent of being able to challenge in the air or to gain net yards with poor Worceser kicks and then challenge at the linoeut with Muller running the show
  
• We have 2 great kick chasers and will look to pressurise Exeter wingers, who aren't known for their kicking game. Vesty holds back, waiting for the return kick and building a counter attack with support runners
  
• Laulala to look for the half gap and offload, with the pace of Biggs and Woodburn on their shoulder to make the break
  
  FORWARDS
  
• Use ball carriers of Perenise, Louw, Attwood, Muller to make hard yards up the pitch and draw defenders into the ruck area, looking to create space around the fringes for Donald and Laulala to exploit
  
• With Catt and Franks coming on after 50 mins, we have the opportunity to challenge at scrum time and spoil their ball, forcing their back row and scrum half to work with messy ball. Classens experience here is crucial
  
• At the lineout, look to challenge for the ball in their half with the number 1 jumper. In our half, look to challenge for the ball at ground level,after the throw, tying in oppositon back row to the ruck/maul
  
• Louw is a breakdown specialist and will look to stay on his feet at the ruck and slow opposition ball down. Fearns and Taylor to guard to the fringes of the ruck to prevent Genia's sniping game

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WorcesterWarriors

Manager – InTheFastLane

01. Matt Mullan	09. Jonny Arr
02. Alexi Lutui	10. Dan Carter
03. Tevita Taumoepeau
04. James Percival	11. Ugo Monye
05. Gerhard Mostert	12. Ma’a Nonu
06. James Haskell	13. Matt Hopper
07. Maurie Fa'asavalu	14. Marcel Garvey
08. Kai Horstmann	15. Luke Rooney

16. Ed Shervington 17. Ceri Jones 18. George Porter 19. Ben Gulliver 20. Jake Abbott 21. Will Genia 22. Andy Goode 23. Anthony Allen

Tactics

• We have a strong 8-9-10-12 axis and will look to control the game using these positions.
  
• We have a team who is rested and we feel our fresh legs can take it to Bath.
  
• Will Genia is a great player to have coming off the bench
  
• Dan Carter is the best Fly Half in the world and will look to control our game making changes as he sees fit
  
• We will look to getting Nonu into the game and creating mismatches so he can run at Bath defenders
  
• Look to get our dangerous back three involved and into open space so they can cause trouble.
  
• Our backrow will look to provide some big carries as well
  
• Nonu to be focus of Attack then use him as dummy with Carter pulling the strings

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London Wasps v London Irish
Weather - Sunny intervals, 8mph winds, 9'

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London Wasps
Manager – Stnick88

01. Tim Payne	09. Karl Dickson
02. Chris Brooker	10. Nicky Robinson
03. Ben Broster
04. Matt Garvey	11. Tom Varndell
05. Marco Wentzel	12. Jordan Turner-Hall
06. Tinus Du Plessis	13. Jonathan Joseph
07. Julien Salvi	14. Alesana Tuilagi
08. Pedrie Wannenburg	15. Richard Haughton

16. Zak Taulafo 17. Aaron Jarvis 18. Andy Titterell 19. Richard Birkett 20. Michael Lipman 21. Charlie Davies 22. Jimmy Gopperth 23. Chris Bell

Tactics
- Good conditions, play an attacking game.
- Use big ball carriers to make in roads before spreading the ball to Robinson, JJ, JTH etc.
- Bring Tuilagi off his wing for the crash ball, especially on attacking scrums.
- Target the breakdown and get Salvi in there quick to secure quick ball and legally slow down opposition ball.
- In 2nd half bring on Gopperth for his control and goal kicking.
- Wentzel to target the lineout and try disrupt opposition ball as much as possible.
- JJ to look for the outside break on his man. He has the gas and is incredibly good at the outside break. We will use Tuilagi and JTH as dummy runners to give JJ that extra space.

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London Irish

Manager – Pullthestrings

01. Max Lahiff	09. Joe Simpson
02. James Buckland	10. Daniel Bowden
03. Faan Rautenbach
04. Tom Palmer	11. Adam Thompstone
05. Nick Kennedy	12. Shontayne Hape
06.Declan Danahar	13. Regan King
07. Jamie Gibson	14. Marland Yarde
08. Chris Hala'ufia	15. Tom Homer (k)

16. Leo Halavatau, 17. Clark Dermody, 18. Paulicia Ion, 19. Steve Mafi, 20. David Pocock, 21. Darren Allinson, 22. Shane Geraghty, 23 Delon Armitage

Tactics
After our disappointing loss last week, we've regrouped and we're determined to bounce straight back. We've brought in some new faces - not only will they be fresh but they'll be looking to impress to fight for a first team slot. We'll stick to our normal game plan, using the piston system in attack with Bowden patrolling behind the pack. In defence we'll use the up and out system, forcing them to pass and get isolated at the breakdown.

We have some real firepower on the bench so we'll be looking to get them involved and seal the victory.

- Use the set piece as a platform to build attacks. At scrum time, we have 5 big front row scrummagers at our disposal to compete. If it's messy, Hala'ufia to pick and go to set it up.

- Similarly with the lineout, use jumpers Palmer, Kennedy and Gibson. Opt for full lineouts in their half to tie in their pack and go for off-the-top ball to get wide quickly.

- Target the breakdown for possible turnovers, with Gibson staying strong on his feet. Pocock to come on in the second half and do a disruptive job. When they arise, two quicks balls away and go. Backs, forwards, back yourselves.

- Be disciplined at the breakdown, with a guard and bodyguard at every breakdown to stop those easy yards around the fringes. No excuses here.

- Big runners off Bowden give us real go forward. Look to get outside their guards and bodyguards to suck in more and more forwards at each breakdown. Occasionally look for the inside ball off Bowden to cut them apart. The space will come, and when it does, we go.

- Simpson to prawl behind the defense line and mop up any breaks or half breaks. Patrol the breakdown area and keep an eye up for numbers.

- Play rugby in their half. Bowden to put us in the right places and alow us to use our lineout weapon.

- Homer to go for points at every opportunity.We can have a pop from anywhere in their half. Make them scared to give away penalties in their half, thus giving us more time at the breakdown.

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I'll knock weather up tomorrow

Harlequins

Manager – Driver

01.Joe Marler	09.Danny Care (c)
02.Tom Lindsey	10.Nick Evans (k)
03.James Johnstone
04.Ollie Kohn	11.Adam Ashley - Cooper
05.George Skivington	12.Tom Casson
06.Neil Best	13.Jared Payne
07.Will Skinner	14.Scott Hamilton
08.Matt Kvesic	15.Danny Cipriani

16.Kieron Brookes 17.Rob Buncham 18.Mark Lambert 19.Tom Denton 20.Nick Easter 21.Nic Berry 22.Riki Flutey 23.Hugo Southwell

Tactics

I'm keen to put up a teamsheet, just waiting on weather

Gloucester

Manager – prop_lyd

01. Nick Wood	09. Rory Lawson
02. Matais Cortese	10. Freddie Burns (k)
03. Rupert Harden
04. Will James	11. Charlie Sharples
05. Alex Brown	12. Tim Molenaar
06. Tom Savage	13. Mike Tindall
07. Akapusi Qera	14. Johnny May
08. JVN (c)	15. Ollie Morgan

16. Darren Dawiduk 17. Yann Thomas 18. Shaun Knight 19. Matt Cox 20. Luke Narraway 21. Dave Lewis 22. Patrick Lambie 23. JSD

Tactics
This is a massive match and; after a big win last week we are on a high. It will be a clash of running backs and we will look to stop Barnes having any time on the ball. Burns will look at running rugby and we will use Wood and JVN to lead the pack.

Forwards
*Front row to look to get under their opposite numbers and get the edge up on Harden to release the back row.
*Look to target their lineout with Brown marshalling the troops here.
*Back rows all in excellent form wih JVN leading the way running off the backs and Savage and Qera looking to steal loose ball.
*Put pressure on Barnes to prevent him playing well and slowing down their ball.
*Use our bench wisely with Dawiduk, Cox and Narraway all excellent impact subs.

Backs
*Quick ball to Burns when on the front foot, if not then look to pin them into the corners hitting touch.
*Centres to go route A straight through the defence looking for the offloads to the forward support or the back 3's who all have pace to burn.
*Wingers to run back any kicked ball looking for space and forwards to support them.
*Tindall to lead an 'in your face' defence with a forward looking to steal/slow down ball at each breakdown.
*Use our bench with JSD and Lambie putting added spice and unpredictability into the match.

Bathite do you want to check BBC weather for games and post them up?

Could have done earlier mate, only on phone now I have left wrk, sorry

Newcastle - Sunny intervals, 12mph winds, 8'
Exeter - Sunny intervals, 4mph winds, 11'
Leicester - Sunny, 9mph winds, 8'
Watford - Sunny intervals, 9mph winds, 9'
Bath - Sunny intervals, 4mph winds, 9'
Wycombe - Sunny intervals, 8mph winds, 9'

Leicester Tigers
Manager – Sgt_Pooly

01. Marco Ayerza	09. Sam Harrison
02. Tom Youngs	10. Berrick Barnes(c)
03. Julian White
04. Lewis Deacon	11. Miles Benjamin
05. Ed Slater	12. James O'Connor
06. Craig Newby	13. Matt Smith
07. Luke Wallace	14. Christian Wade
08. Thomas Waldroum	15. Geordan Murphy

16. Rob Hawkins 17. Ryan Bowers 18. Boris Stankovich 19. Joe Launchbury 20. Jacques Cronje 21. James Grindal 22. Billy Twelvetrees 23. George Lowe

Tactics

In the great conditions we'll be looking to play at a high tempo and intensity from the off and move the opposition around the park.

We will look to set a tone in the set piece with our big scrummaging front 5 and will look for the squeeze from the off. Deacon will lead the line and we will look to target the opposition's throw with Newby/Slater marshalling the front/middle of the line. We'll use big carries from our pack to draw in the opposition defence with Harrison marshalling and looking for gaps to exploit around the fringes.

Wallace & Newby will target the breakdown with Harrison sniping around and playing flat to the line to allow Barnes & JOC space to run into. JOC will come looking for the ball in midfield and link up with Wade/Benjamin causing problems in the opposition midfield. We'll look to refresh pack around 60mins + and keep up the intensity.

Barnes will act as second playmaker and look to bring our backs into play and exploit JOC's pace with mismatches and also as a decoy to draw the opposition defense.

- Pace/Power in the backs to use in the great conditions
- line breaking ability in JOC, Wade, Smith, Benjamin
- Breakdown threat with Wallace & Newby
- lineout - both Slater & Deacon run the line at Tigers and offer great options with Newby & Waldroum
- team fluidity....looking to new signings on bench and ease in

Driver - AAC is injured

Bath Rugby
Manager – Bathite

01. D.Flatman	09. M.Classens
02. L.Mears	10. S.Donald
03. A.Perenise
04. D.Attwood	11.O.Woodburn
05. J.Muller	12. M.Carraro
06. C.Fearns	13. C.Laulala
07. F.Louw	14. T.Biggs
08. S.Taylor	15. I.Dagg

16. O.Franks 17. R.Batty 18. N.Catt 19. S.Hooper 20. M.Lund 21. C.Cook 22. R.Clegg 23. K.Eastmond

Provisional Team (need coding)

London Wasps
Manager – Stnick88

01. Tim Payne	09. Karl Dickson
02. Chris Brooker	10. Nicky Robinson
03. Ben Broster
04. Matt Garvey	11. Tom Varndell
05. Marco Wentzel	12. Jordan Turner-Hall
06. Tinus Du Plessis	13. Jonathan Joseph
07. Julien Salvi	14. Alesana Tuilagi
08. Pedrie Wannenburg	15. Richard Haughton

16. Zak Taulafo 17. Aaron Jarvis 18. Andy Titterell 19. Richard Birkett 20. Michael Lipman 21. Charlie Davies 22. Jimmy Gopperth 23. Chris Bell

- Good conditions, play an attacking game.
- Use big ball carriers to make in roads before spreading the ball to Robinson, JJ, JTH etc.
- Bring Tuilagi off his wing for the crash ball, especially on attacking scrums.
- Target the breakdown and get Salvi in there quick to secure quick ball and legally slow down opposition ball.
- In 2nd half bring on Gopperth for his control and goal kicking.
- Wentzel to target the lineout and try disrupt opposition ball as much as possible.
- JJ to look for the outside break on his man. He has the gas and is incredibly good at the outside break. We will use Tuilagi and JTH as dummy runners to give JJ that extra space.

Flux can you swap AAC with Southwell for Driver

Will do

Isn't he back this week?

Poopie! got my weeks wrong!

Joe Grey starts at Hook , and Elliot Daly on the Wing

London Irish
Manager – Pullthestrings

01. Max Lahiff	09. Joe Simpson
02. James Buckland	10. Daniel Bowden
03. Faan Rautenbach
04. Tom Palmer	11. Adam Thompstone
05. Nick Kennedy	12. Shontayne Hape
06.Declan Danahar	13. Regan King
07. Jamie Gibson	14. Marland Yarde
08. Chris Hala'ufia	15. Tom Homer (k)

16. Leo Halavatau, 17. Clark Dermody, 18. Paulicia Ion, 19. Steve Mafi, 20. David Pocock, 21. Darren Allinson, 22. Shane Geraghty, 23 Delon Armitage

Tactics
After our disappointing loss last week, we've regrouped and we're determined to bounce straight back. We've brought in some new faces - not only will they be fresh but they'll be looking to impress to fight for a first team slot. We'll stick to our normal game plan, using the piston system in attack with Bowden patrolling behind the pack. In defence we'll use the up and out system, forcing them to pass and get isolated at the breakdown.

We have some real firepower on the bench so we'll be looking to get them involved and seal the victory.

- Use the set piece as a platform to build attacks. At scrum time, we have 5 big front row scrummagers at our disposal to compete. If it's messy, Hala'ufia to pick and go to set it up.

- Similarly with the lineout, use jumpers Palmer, Kennedy and Gibson. Opt for full lineouts in their half to tie in their pack and go for off-the-top ball to get wide quickly.

- Target the breakdown for possible turnovers, with Gibson staying strong on his feet. Pocock to come on in the second half and do a disruptive job. When they arise, two quicks balls away and go. Backs, forwards, back yourselves.

- Be disciplined at the breakdown, with a guard and bodyguard at every breakdown to stop those easy yards around the fringes. No excuses here.

- Big runners off Bowden give us real go forward. Look to get outside their guards and bodyguards to suck in more and more forwards at each breakdown. Occasionally look for the inside ball off Bowden to cut them apart. The space will come, and when it does, we go.

- Simpson to prawl behind the defense line and mop up any breaks or half breaks. Patrol the breakdown area and keep an eye up for numbers.

- Play rugby in their half. Bowden to put us in the right places and alow us to use our lineout weapon.

- Homer to go for points at every opportunity.We can have a pop from anywhere in their half. Make them scared to give away penalties in their half, thus giving us more time at the breakdown.

---

Saracens make 4 changes the starting line up for this weeks visit of Sale Sharks to Sandy Park. Brett Sturgess, Tommy Hayes and James Phillips replace Perry Freshwater, James Hanks and Ofisa Treviranus who have started every game this season in the pack, and Josh Tatupu returns from injury to demote Gonzalo Camacho to the bench. Head coach Ozzy3213 had this to say.

"It was a fantastic performance to secure our first win last week. and we need to back that up with another good performance this weekend. The Sandy Park crowd were phenomenal last week, and if they make as much noise this weekend then it will be like playing with 16 men. We have huge respect for our opponents Sale Sharks and they will no doubt come to do battle, but once that whistle blows our boys will be showing them no respect whatsoever and are very keen to get the results that will see us start climbing the league table."

Exeter Chiefs

Head Coach – Ozzy3213

01. Brett Sturgess	09. Haydn Thomas
02. Bismarck du Plessis	10. Aaron Cruden
03. Craig Mitchell
04. Tommy Hayes	11. Josh Tatupu
05. James Horwill (c)	12. Sireli Naqelevuki
06. Tom Johnson	13. Jason Shoemark
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Paul Sackey
08. James Phillips	15. Isa Nacewa

16. Simon Alcott 17. Perry Freshwater 18. Hoani Tui 19. James Hanks 20. Richard Baxter 21. Junior Poluleuigaga 22. Gareth Steenson 23. Gonzalo Camacho

Tactics

Our gameplan revolves around a high intensity attacking and defensive game. We will work as units and play a structured game (as the Chiefs and Saracens do in real life). We will put a lot of emphasis on the set piece, and look to use both as a real platform to play from, whilst not allowing our opponents to do the same. We will also look to use our big ball carriers to attack the gainline whilst having support runners on their shoulders to either take the offload or hit the ruck quickly as appropriate.

Specifics

• Attacking
  
  
• Run the ball - Conditions are good, so once our pack have secured quick possession, Cruden will look to get us moving ball in hand.
  
  
• Control Possession - When in the right areas our pack and centres to all carry hard and straight and look to get over the gainline and recycle.
  
  
• Use driving mauls - Support runners to hit the ball carrier in contact and keep him up and drive forward turning it into a maul. Also use driving mauls off of lineouts.
  
  
• Take all points on offer - Cruden to take every kickable penalty at goal.
  
  
  
• Defensive
  
  
• Slow opposition ball down - Look to legally (do not give penalties away) slow the ball at the breakdown by getting one of our forwards over it to deny Sale any momentum.
  
  
• Do not overcommit to rucks - If the ball is not there to be won, do not overcommit (just get the one man on his feet slowing it) but maintain a solid defensive line and control gainline momentum.
  
  
• Blitz Defence - Get up to the gainline quickly as a unit and stop Sale getting any forward momentum. Haydn Thomas to sweep in behind.
  
  
  
• Key Points
  
  
• Home Advantage - Very few teams go to Sandy Park and get a result, however many big names they have in the side (See Leicester Tigers last week in real life).
  
  
• Confidence - Having won last week for the first time, the team is confident and go out knowing that we can get results.
  

SARCENS
Manager – Luke

01. Rhys Gill	09. Ben Spencer
02. Schalk Brits	10. Brock James
03. John Smit
04. Steve Borthwick (c)	11. Joe Maddock
05. Hugh Vyvyan	12. Adam Powell
06. Jacques Burger	13. Joel Tomkins
07. Andy Saull	14. Peter Short
08. Ernst Joubert	15. Alex Goode (k)

16. Jared Saunders 17. Jamie George 18. Petrus du Plessis 19. George Kruis 20. Jackson Wray 21. Richard Wigglesworth 22. Derick Hougaard 23. Michael Tagicakibau

Tactics

We will work as units and play a structured game. We will play a kicking game and use the lineout as a weapon.

- Attack the lineout as much as we can using the tactical kicking of Spencer, James and Goode. Borthwick to lead, supported by Joubert and Vyvyan.

- Call for scrums when we can if we are getting the advantage we expect to. Joubert to control from the base.

- Look to all of our forwards to give us real go-forward with their carrying.

- At the breakdown we will look to counter ruck when possible, we will look to make a real nuisance of ourselves at the breakdown and compete when possible.

- Spencer and James are given license to play the game as they see it. We do ask that they use our carrying and lineout ability to put pressure on the opposition, but if they see an opportunity to attack out wide - that is their call.

- Our back three are encouraged to do what they do best - counter attacking and running the ball back. All have good boots to rely on if it isn't on or they are isolated, but the counter is what we ask them to look for.

- Early on Goode to kick all penalites within range, but we won't necessarily go for the 3 points as the game progresses. Borthwick to make the call dependant on the success of the lineout.

WorcesterWarriors

Manager – InTheFastLane

01. Matt Mullan	09. Jonny Arr
02. Alexi Lutui	10. Dan Carter
03. Tevita Taumoepeau
04. James Percival	11. Ugo Monye
05. Gerhard Mostert	12. Ma’a Nonu
06. James Haskell	13. Matt Hopper
07. Maurie Fa'asavalu	14. Marcel Garvey
08. Ben Morgan	15. Luke Rooney

16. Ed Shervington 17. Ceri Jones 18. George Porter 19. Ben Gulliver 20. Jake Abbott 21. Will Genia 22. Andy Goode 23. Anthony Allen

Tactics

• We have a strong 8-9-10-12 axis and will look to control the game using these positions.

[list][*]We have a team who is rested and we feel our fresh legs can take it to Bath.[/list

• Will Genia is a great player to hve off the bench

• Dan Carter is the best Fly Half in the world and will look to control our game making changes as he sees fit

[list][*]We will look to getting Nonu into the game and creating mismatches so he can run at Bath defenders list]

• Look to get our dangerous back three involved and into open space so they can cause trouble.

• Our backrow will look to provide some big carries as well

• Nonu to be focus of Attack then use him as dummy with Carter pulling the strings

Sale Sharks
Manager – LondonIrishOllie

01.Alasdair Dickinson	09.Dwayne Peel
02.Gary Botha	10.Jonny Wilkinson
03.Henry Thomas
04.Frazer McKenzie	11.Charlie Amesbury
05.Dean Schofield (c)	12.Sam Tuitipou
06.James Gaskell	13.Jaque Fourie
07.Onosa'i Auva'a	14.Tom Brady
08.Andy Powell	15.Rob Miller

Subs - 16.Marc Jones 17.Davit Kubriashvili 18.Lee Imoliek 19.Andrei Ostrakov 20.Dave Seymour 21.Scott Mathie 22.Nick Mcleod 23.Jonny Leota

Tactics

Visitng Sandy Park we are know we are in for a physical game. But we beleive we have the team that can put them under huge pressure.

We will play our normal game that revolves around our strong set piece, strong defence, with our halfbacks ensuring we play in the right areas of the pitch.

Contradiction
Exeter, have been open in saying they will play a game similar to those played by Sarries and Exeter in real life, howver they have also said they will run the ball alot. This is a complete contradiction and will cause their players to be in two minds, over what they should be doing. These split seconds will cause mistakes, which we will look to take advanatage of.

Specifics

Wilkinson and Peel to ensure we play in the right areas.

Wilkinson to take all points on offer to keep scoreboard ticking over.

Our lineout, is extermely good, with Schofield dominating the front and McKenzie and Vernon domingating the middle and tail. We will also use Powell as a lineout jumper occasionally

Tuitipou and Fourie both strong in defence will look to target Exeter's 10-13 in defence, with Vernon and other ball carriers looking to make inroads here.

The in form Miller will look to join the line and use his elusive running to make inroads.

At scrum time we beleive we can get a real advantage, with BDP starting all of the game for Exeter this season he will be extremely fatigued as front row forwards sturggle to start that number of games in a row.


Our backrow is not full of big names but is in great form and Auva'a is
Vernon, Botha and Schofield are our main ball carriers in our pack and we will always look to make hard yards before we go wide.

Subs - Kubs for THomas - 55 mins. Rest of front row between 55 and 65 mins. Other subs as and when needed.


Conclusion

Our clear game plan, strong set piece and strong defence, should be enough to beat an Exeter side, who's game plan is not clear and who's scrum will be dominated due to the fact their hooker has played every game this year and will be fatigued. Our more experienced half backs will ensure we will win the territorial battle and we do not think with our strong defence, Exeter will be able to score enough points when playing most of the game in their half.

---

Bath Rugby
Manager – Bathite

01. D.Flatman	09. M.Classens
02. L.Mears	10. S.Donald
03. A.Perenise
04. D.Attwood	11.O.Woodburn
05. J.Muller	12. S.Vesty
06. C.Fearns	13. C.Laulala
07. F.Louw	14. T.Biggs
08. S.Taylor	15. I.Dagg

16. O.Franks 17. R.Batty 18. N.Catt 19. S.Hooper 20. M.Lund 21. C.Cook 22. R.Clegg 23. K.Eastmond

TACTICS
After resting some key players last week, Bath have players in peak condition. We are unbeaten at home and look to secure the set piece, kick for position and defend the fringes well. Louw and Fearns are the breakdown dangermen and look to slow opposition ball, which frustrates Genia. I've picked a very strong bench, that can have a real impact and is an area of real advantage over our opponents, Owen Franks and Nathan Catt will look to dominate the set piece and bring extra ball carrying in the second half. Dagg comes on to track Laulala in the second half and can read his offloads off his shoulder.

Donald and Vesty look to win the kicking game and we look to pressurise the opposition back three. Look to use up and under to clear lines and kick for the corners and get net yards gained. Muller to oragnise the lineout and challenge for ball at all opportunities, looking for quick turnover ball off the top

BACKS
* Dagg given free rein in attack, looking to come into the line either side of Laulala, taking advantage of power and offloading
* Vesty picked at 12, as he is very solid defensively and perfect to deal with Nonu. Vesty also offers an extra kicking and playmarking option in the line
* Vesty and Donald to kick in behind the centres and pressurise the worcester back three, with up and unders and diagonal grubbers
* Don't kick aimlessly, kick with the intent of being able to challenge in the air or to gain net yards with poor Worceser kicks and then challenge at the linoeut with Muller running the show
* We have 2 great kick chasers and will look to pressurise Exeter wingers, who aren't known for their kicking game. Vesty holds back, waiting for the return kick and building a counter attack with support runners
* Laulala to look for the half gap and offload, with the pace of Biggs and Woodburn on their shoulder to make the break

FORWARDS
* Use ball carriers of Perenise, Louw, Attwood, Muller to make hard yards up the pitch and draw defenders into the ruck area, looking to create space around the fringes for Donald and Laulala to exploit
* With Catt and Franks coming on after 50 mins, we have the opportunity to challenge at scrum time and spoil their ball, forcing their back row and scrum half to work with messy ball. Classens experience here is crucial
* At the lineout, look to challenge for the ball in their half with the number 1 jumper. In our half, look to challenge for the ball at ground level,after the throw, tying in oppositon back row to the ruck/maul
* Louw is a breakdown specialist and will look to stay on his feet at the ruck and slow opposition ball down. Fearns and Taylor to guard to the fringes of the ruck to prevent Genia's sniping game

You'll have to pick someone else for Vernon Ollie, he's on the bench for Scotland tomorrow

Northampton Saints
Manager – SirJohnnyEnglish

01. Alex Waller	09. Martin Roberts
02. Mike Haywood	10. Stephen Myler
03. Paul Doran-Jones
04. Samu Manoa	11. Jamie Elliot
05. Christian Day	12. George Pisi
06. Calum Clark	13. John Clark
07. Tom Wood	14. Vasily Artemiev
08. Kieran Read	15. Greig Tonks

16. Ethan Waller 17. Richardt Strauss 18. Brian Mujati 19. Mark Sorenson 20. Roger Wilson 21. Stuart Commins 22. Ryan Lamb 23. Noah Cato

---

General Game Plan:

We want to play the game in the right areas and force mistakes from a tired Saracens side today. Myler will look to use an intelligent kicking game to put us in Saracens territory. When there we will use our strong carriers to attack gaps and half gaps in the Saracens line, looking to offload in contact to support runners thus changing the point of attack and keeping our forward momentum going.

On defence, we will use a blitz defence coming up at pace looking to isolate the Sarries ball carriers before they can get to the gain line stopping any momentum and allowing us to hit the breakdown harder. Martin Roberts 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 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 Sarries players providing quick counter attacking ball to be used against a disorganised defensive line. If the ball does not look available we will not commit to the ruck and look to strengthen the defensive line instead.

---

Key Points:

•Momentum

We are 5 wins from 5, playing good rugby and full of confidence. Saracens are 3 defeats for 3 in recent weeks and are looking jaded with half their pack yet to have any break this season! We will take all points on offer early on as heads will definitely drop in the 2nd half.

•Scrum

We will contest 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. On Sarries ball we will disrupt the put in looking for penalties or to create rushed poor ball for the Sarries halfbacks.

With Smit playing at TH and a very tired hooker on show we feel we have the technique to really get on top here.

•Lineout

With 5 jumpers we want to really use the lineout as an attacking platform like South Africa in recent years. We will use a full compliment and play the ball off the top allowing our halfbacks to get on the ball at pace with room outside.

•Playmaking Options

Brock James makes his debut after just 2 week with the club and will not yet know the Sarries patterns fully. As Sarries only real playmaker we will look to disrupt his ball and stifle Sarries attacking play forcing them to kick the ball to our back three in good positions.

Around the rucks Wood will look to play on the limits of the offside line, like he does so well, hassling Spencer preventing the box kicks and forcing disrupted serviced. With rushed, poor ball James options will be limited, especially with our blitz in operation.

---

The Sarries forwards yet to get any rest this season:

Schalk Brits
Steve Borthwick
Jacques Burger
Ernst Joubert

SJE not getting into a slanging match like you have, but James signed over 2 weeks ago, not the 'one week' you have suggested.

Apologies Luke I've changed my tactics to say 2 weeks but wouldnt expect him to know the patterns yet still anyway and the Target Back 3 point shouldnt be there either! Thats what happens when you copy and paste!

Could you copy my tactics across again please Fluxy mate?

So my tactics are muddled due to saying that we'll be structured and run the ball (not sure what the issue is with that) and this will cause my players to be confused but not knowing which players are actually available to play is doing wonders for your boys eh Ollie?

Lads,

Can we have no comments after predo's are open pls.

Good Shout their Pete. I knew Vernon's top notch form couldn't go unnoticed for too much longer. Will edit my team. If Fluxy could re copy and paste it, that would be great

I'm confident my players can slip into the team, as i've given clear concise instructions, whereas you're players will be confused on whether their meant to play an attacking game based on running rugby, or a defensive game based on territory.

That's the last time I'm editing anyone's tactics. They should be correct and in order by eight.

NO PATTER AFTER PREDO'S OPEN

If you wish to have a debate do it on each others pages.

Any more comments during predo's that arnt predictions will result in 1m fine per post.

Exeter Chiefs 17 - 16 Sale Sharks
Afraid I can’t look past the home team in this game. I strong start from the dogged Chiefs pack, gives them momentum and as a result Sale concede a number of penalties – which Meires obligingly takes advantage of. However as tired legs of some of the key players in Chiefs team, allows their momentum to fade, the strong Sharks bench and pack gives Sale some revenge. But they can’t capitalise on the possession as the tiring legs of the Sale backline who have played a huge amount of games recently restricts them as the Chiefs sneak this one.

---

Leicester Tigers 22 - 23 Gloucester Rugby
This is one of the big games of the weekend, and it didn’t fail to disappoint. I like the start the Glous pack makes especially away at such a dominant team. They don’t give any quarter as they give more than their fair share at the scrum and lineouts. Tigers take control of the majority of the game as Newby and Wallace wreak havoc, and with Barnes and O’Connor running the show. The Tigers enjoy their possession of the ball, but the influence of Deacon, Waldrom, Barnes and O’Connor diminishes in the late stages of the game, this is when the Cherry and Whites strike and steal a memorable victory, as they take possession of the ball from a lineout and May goes over in the corner sealing victory.

---

Saracens 16 - 19 Northampton Saints
Another blockbuster game of the weekend, in which the home team starts strongly. A very taleneted Saracens pack win possession from some spilled lineouts, and capitalise from the mistakes and take an early lead. However as is the story of some of the games this week, the pack begins to tire quickly as they look rather jaded and can’t maintain the same intensity as the Saints pack. And with the big mobile back five of the Northampton pack in the ascendency; it soon becomes one way traffic in the last quarter of the game. The intelligent Pisi works gaps to put in Downey and others runners to win the game for the Saints.

---

Bath Rugby 25 - 18 Worcester Warriors
With Bath bringing in some new faces to their set up in the past few weeks, things are starting to look good for the Somerset boys. They start the game positively as Donald gets the better of him compatriot for Worcester, with a few penalties. With Bath looking the fresher of the two teams they make hay whilst the sun shines and create a good lead over the Worcester boys. However the Warriors come back into the game late with some inspired changes of personnel late on, as Genia injects some much needed pace and spark into the backline. But the jaded Warriors can’t keep the momentum up for long and this lead to a mistake from the tired Garvey which allows Dagg to take advantage of at the death with the final score of the game.

---

London Wasps 15 - 17 London Irish
The London derby game billed as a hotly contested game, and it was until the last half an hour of the game. Wasps started strongly, with Garvey and Wenztel making headway at lineout and around the park with their strong backrow too. This leads to some solid quick ball for the backs to play with as Joseph and Tuilagi secure a try each for the Wasps. Irish struggled to begin with as the dynamic backs of Wasps were continually on the front foot. But as the game progressed a few of the Wasps’ players looked jaded, and this allowed Irish to sneak back into the game and win possession of the ball. Homer kicked some important penalties, but as the game wore on Simpson managed to sneak in for a momentum changing score, which allowed London Irish to gain control of the game as they finished solid winners.

Fluxy wasps v Irish is at Adams park, home game for me not Irish!

Newcastle 19 - 13 Quins
Newcastle have some real mettle in their pack and now also have experience as well and that extends to the bench with Casey. Quins badly miss their star back row players and I can't see them winning much ball up front and with Hudson in the Falcons team, it is also going to be tricky at lineout time. The additions of the in form Heathcote at 10 helps Newcastle and their superior possession at home wins them this one.

Exeter 19 - 12 Sale
Home advantage counts big here and with the Exeter team set up with a big pack and a gameplan based on their strengths, I see them edging this. The addition of Nacewa brings some flair to the backs and he combines with Cruden late on to bring them the win. Not sure that Gaskell at 6 is a good idea against this pack and I struggle to see a game changer for the Sale backs other then Fourie

Tigers 19 - 18 Glos
If this had been at Kingsholm it might have swung the other way, but the crowd at Welford Road helped a tired Tigers team squeeze over the line. Gloucester struggle massively in the set piece, with Ayerza, Deacon and White all being very strong over their opposite number. Gloucester half backs have a lot less possession, but are more exciting with it, but unfortunately it isn't quite enough

Saracens 22 - 19 Saints
A really difficult one to predict, with both teams missing a lot of players in key positions to the 6 Nations. Normally I would have the Sarries pack with an advantage, but with so many of them looking tired, it is difficult for them to establish the platform they are used to. Saints look great in the back row and have the better bench. I think Brock James is perfectly suited to this game and he manages field position and keeps the scoreboard ticking over. Sarries very lucky to get away with a win here, with Smit, Tomkins and 'Peter' Short all looking uncomfortable in their positions!

Wasps 15 - 13 Irish
A big game which failed to entertain much, both sides looking a little disjointed due to changes in the lineup. Wasps suffer massively from losing Mas and get penalised at scrum time, but with Wentzel/Garvey they have a great second row combo which dominates the lineout. Still not convinced by Haughton at 15, but luckily Irish's back three are very inexperienced, so he doesn't get caught out

Ah sorry I thought something was odd with when doing it last night, I didn't even put I a score! I must have been tired!

Exeter 20 Sale 16

Leicester 28 Gloucester 22

Saracens 14 Northampton 15

Bath 12 Worcester 9

London Wasps 23 London Irish 20


Anybody seems to be able to beat anyone in this league - Great stuff!

Newcastle 23 Quins 16
Newcastle, have the stronger pack, and i expect them to win alot of ball. And although, i'm not normally a fan of youth at 10, Heathcote's form is hard to ignore so i don't see Evans getting enough of an advatage over him to see Quins win this one. I expect Newcastle to win, but i don't think Quins will let them get too far ahead and will get a losing bonus point.

Leicester 28 Gloucester 18
Leicester, have the better pack, and Barnes is a player that i think is probably one of the most under-rated in world rugby as he plays in an Australian backline with so many mecurial players, and i think he will easily be able to manouvre the game, to be played in the Glaws half. Glaws do have players who have the ability to make a difference, but i think these moments of individual brilliance will be few. Also think Glaw's centres are a bit one dimensional, and would do well to partner Molenar or Tindall, with someone with a bit of guile.

Sarries 18 Saints 17

Sarries, for me have the better front 5, and better set piece. This coupled with Brock James at 10 and i can see Sarries sneaking it. Saints backrow will slow down Sarries ball, and will get some turnovers that Saints outside backs will enjoy, but i think the set piece and home advantage will see Sarries sneak it.

Bath 17 Worcester 16

Bath have the stronger pack, and halfbacks who are intelligent enough to use the forward advanatge well. I think Nonu will have success against Vesty and this will lead to the game being a lot closer than it would hav ebeen if Bath had a stronger defender at 12. If Worcester are to make more of an impression they need to look to improve their front 5 considerably as currently, for me they are losing alot of games in this area

Wasps 18 Irish 20

I think Irish will get an advantage at the set piece, but i think, with Homer in the side kicking goals, i think Irish can sneak it. Wasps when they have the ball have some of the form players at the moment, with Garvey and Joseph playing very well. I think Irish edge the backrow battle slightly because of their proven combination. The half backs will play very different games, but will be equally as affective. And the outside backs, i think Irish will get more ball to them, meaning they will do a little more with it. Very close but something tells me it will be an Irish win.

Well practically anyone Driver, aye Pooly

Newcastle Falcons 13 Harlequins 12

Really difficult calling this one and Quins lack of tactics hurt them. I really don't see either pack getting much of an advantage, maybe marginal to Falcons but nothing to give them much better ball. The issue for Falcons,a s much as it pains me to say it is Hodgson at 9. Asking him to play quick as it says in Falcons tactics just isn't going to happen in his present form, and this will hinder their scoring opportunities a bit. That said, the Quins backs lack a carrier to get them over the gainline and hurt Falcons, so at home is a narrow win for Newcastle.

Leicester Tigers 27 Gloucester 25

Cracking match up this one, and given any sort of decent ball by the Gloucester pack, Sharples and May will score tries. The problem for them will be twofold, potential defensive lapses in the backs, and the fact that the Tigers pack is likely to stop them having a huge amount of great ball. I see tries for both sides, but at home have to give it to Leicester.

Exeter 18-17 Sale
Very very tight game which the Chiefs are good at shutting out anyway! I can see hem gaining big advantage in the forwards with Sale maybe just edging 9-14 overall however, it's the influence of Nacewa and the quick ball which the Chiefs can get which wins this. So so close for Sale who have their tactics spot on but just so hard to win at Sandy Park.

Newcastle 15-12 Quins
If Quins had tactics I could see this being so different. Think Falcons will gain the upperhand in the back row but their front row could come under quite a bit of pressure. Heathcote is on form at the moment and think that a quicker 9 would help him with Evans' kicking keeping Quins close.

Sarries 20-22 Saints
So tough to separate teams in this league! I think that if Saints had a full strength front row this would be a bigger win but can see a tired Sarries front row still adding quite a bit of pressure. If Pisi can find the space to send people down Tomkins' channel I think it could cause issues. I like the Sarries halfback combination and in a few more weeks they will work well together.

Bath 20-14 Worcester
Can't see anything past a good win for Bath here. Carter will keep Warriors close but will struggle to do it all by himself. There will be a massive clash in the centres with Bath just edging it for flair as I can see Nonu and Hopper clashing a bit here. Upfront Bath have the experience and Louw will have a field day at the breakdown too.


Wasps 15-12 Irish
Wasps are building a very nice squad which will see them clear away from possible relegation. Their backrow, when moulded, will take some teams apart but I see Irish's back 5 in the pack taking a bit more glory and keeping this match closer than it should be. Looking in the back line I can only see one winner with the Wasps back 3 putting Homer under too much pressure and the Wasps centre partnership having joy in attack and defence.

I'll be finishing mine tomorrow as well.

Newcastle Falcons 19-15 Harlequins

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Falcons can get an edge at both set pieces here with a tired Quins front row on show. Around the park there’s more to Quins but again it’s a tired selection. Strong back row on show from Falcons gives them a slight edge. This is a pack still trying to get used to each other after a lot of dealing but they should get a bit of a strangle hold on possession.

Halfbacks are a big step up to Quins and it’s a bit soon for Heathcote after coming in to the club midweek and he won’t be up to scratch on the patterns and plays. Hodgson isn’t particular the man to help him get the backs moving either. Payne the main attacking threat in both backlines but there’s a bit more to the Falcons back 3.

Falcons will struggle a little bit ball in hand with the halfbacks on show but they will get a real strangle hold on possession and should do enough to get the home win against a directionless Quins.

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Will get the rest up throughout the day

Exeter Chiefs 22-18 Sale Sharks

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Chiefs have a slight edge at the set piece and around the park in the front 5. Would be a bigger advantage if not for fatigue. Better balance to the Chiefs back row and Sale lose out a bit with last minute changes.

Halfbacks there is better control from Sale but Cruden offers a lot more threat for Chiefs with a decent kicking game to boot. Little more to Sale with Fourie in midfield but more threat from the Chiefs back 3 with Nacewa the key man on show today.

Two tired sides on show here. Chiefs can get control in the pack and with Cruden at 10 have the attacking game to open up Sale.

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Ps. I can’t see the confusion in Pete tactics. Hes looking to use a structured game plan getting Cruden using the big ball carriers rather then kicking. Sarries have played like this this season with Hodgson at 10 and some of the best attacking play in Europe in the last 2 years comes from a very similar approach from Leinster