Week 16 - Aviva Premiership Round 9

First topic message reminder :

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

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Sale Sharks v Bath Rugby
Cloudy, Drizzle, 8 degrees, 5 mph

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Sale Sharks

Manager – LondonIrishOllie

01.Andrew Sheridan	09.Scott Mathie
02.Gary Botha	10.Jonny Wilkinson
03.Davit Kubriashvili
04.Dean Schofield	11.Charlie Amesbury
05.Kearnan Myall	12.Luther Burrell
06.Onosai Auva’a	13.Jaque Fourie
07.Dave Seymour	14.Tom Brady
08.Richie Vernon	15.Nick McLeod

16.Marc Jones 17.Vadlim Cobilas 18.Alasdair Dickinson 19.James Gaskell 20.Schalk Burger 21.Ciaran Willis 22.Rob Miller 23.Jonny Leota

Tactics
At home we expect a win and as always at the very least we expect a solid set piece, which will ensure possession for us. In poor conditions, it is vital that we play a solid percentage game.

At scrum time we will look to target them as Mears and Flatman can be got at in this area, and if we can isolate Franks he will not be able to save them from going backwards. At the very least Kubs and Botha will disrupt their scrum a lot.

At lineout time Myall and Schofield will be our main jumpers and from the ball we secure we will look to set up mauls. We will gain momentum from this. Vernon will also be used as a jumper on occasion.

We also think our backrow can win the battle as although we do not have the big names we have a unit that works well together and knows each others games, whereas they have SOB who only joined them the morning before the game and Fearns who has absolutely no form to speak of.

Donald will be targeted. He is not good form and lacks confidence. This means that under pressure he will not be good and will not enjoy out backrow getting in his face.

With Wilko at 10 and McLeod at 15 we have two players who can kick tactically to a very high standard, which is key in these conditions.

Bring Burger on with 20 mins left to run havoc at the tired Bath defence. Other subs to be made as and when needed.

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Bath Rugby
Manager – Bathite

01. D.Flatman	09. C.Cook
02. L.Mears	10. S.Donald
03. O.Franks
04. G.Skivington	11. O.Woodburn
05. R.Caldwell	12. F.Steyn (k)
06. S.O'Brien	13. C.Laulala
07. F.Louw (c)	14. T.Biggs
08. C.Fearns	15. I.Dagg

16. A.Perenise 17. R.Batty 18. C.Beech 19. S.Taylor 20. M.Lund 21. M.McMillan 22. R.Clegg 23. M.Banahan

TACTICS TBC

General
In poor handling conditions and away from home, the kicking game will be crucial and with Donald, Steyn and Dagg, we have three of the best. We want to make sure that we play rugby in the opposition half and force handling errors, where we can attack the scrum and use the boot of Steyn to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Donald and Steyn to ensure we play sensible rugby in the right areas, kicking long for touch in our 22, using the up and under in the centre of the pitch and delicate grubbers in behind centres to chase and force kickable penalties. Steyn leads the rush defence, cramping Wilkinson for time and space and ensuring he takes the ball deep behind the gainline.

Forwards
* Picked a very physical pack to make sure that we defend strongly and smash over the gainline. Look to isolate weaker players such as Gaskell and Seymour in contact and use the rolling maul as a real weapon with secure lineout ball.
* 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 Lund to guard to the fringes of the ruck
* Use ball carriers of Franks, Louw, Caldwell, O'Brien, Lund, Fearns to make hard yards up the pitch and draw defenders into the ruck area, looking to create space around the fringes for Carraro and Laulala to exploit
* Franks to really target opposition LH, so 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.

Backs
* Dagg given free rein in attack, looking to come into the line either side of Laulala, taking advantage of power and offloading. Laulala to look for the half gap and offload, with the pace of Biggs and Woodburn on their shoulder to make the break
* Donald to take the ball flat on the gainline, drawing defenders and buying time and space for Steyn in the 2nd playmaker role. Donald / Steyn not afraid to bosh it up if nothing on and set up the ruck.
* Vary the point of attack with Donald and Steyn interchanging and using the up and under and grubber in behind the centres. Look to keep it unpredictable on the gainline and difficult to defend against
* Use the 13 channel to tire Fourie in defence. Get Laulala on the ball early on and encourage a very pacy back three to run off his shoulder, looking for the offload.
* In the second half, bring on Banahan for a huge physical threat. Encourage him to run into the 12 channel early on and test a tired defence. Utilise the crossfield kick from Steyn to test defence outwide with a height mismatch

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Gloucester Rugby v Newcastle Falcons
Patchy rain, Overcast, 8 degrees, 5 mph

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Gloucester

Manager – prop_lyd

01. Nick Wood	09. Rory Lawson
02. Darren Dawiduk	10. Freddie Burns (k)
03. Adam Jones
04. Sam Whitelock	11. Charlie Sharples
05. Tom Savage	12. EFS
06. Alisdair Strokosch	13. Henry Trinder
07. Akapusi Qera (c)	14. Ian Clark
08. Brett Deacon	15. Pat Lambie

16. Scott Lawson 17. Rupert Harden 18. Shaun Knight 19. Alex Brown 20. Andy Hazell 21. Dave Lewis 22. Ryan Mills 23. Olly Morgan

Tactics
We have had a massive win against Leicester and are targetting 5 points at home to climb towards the top 6 and a cup spot. We expect a tough forwards battle and will come at them. We may be injury hit but every player coming in is in good form especially the youngsters Savage and Clark and also Mills who will look to compete for a space at 12 from next season. With Lambie and Burns we have 2 players who can slot in at 10 and make the inspirational breaks. We expect to win this match and none of our players are safe so need to impress.

Forwards
*Get the inital hit and look for the second shove on the scrums, the front row will look to turn them inside out and their main target will be to clear out the rucks for quick ball
*Dominate the lineouts with 4 jumpers starting and 2 more to come on, the 2nd rows will look to be physical and Whitelock'll look to link with the back row, Brown will come on to take apart a tired lineout.
*Backrow to carry strong throughout the game and to run off the back line giving them further options.
*Look for turnovers and use Qera's hard hitting and Strokosch's to do this and slow their ball, Deacon will provide the link to the back line and we will look at a 8-9-15 move off the base of the scrum.
*Use the bench with impact subs in all positions with Hazell coming on on the hour to hit tired defence at the breakdown.

Backs
*Quick ball to Burns who will look to release EFS and Trinder to get us over the gainline if the ball is slow we will pin them back off the park, he will have the freedom to use his initative with clever kicks.
*Centres to run straight and hard and to look to offload to back 3 or back row support, Trinder will look to target tired forwards with angles.
*Back 3 to go hunting for the ball and use their angled running to slice through the defence, high balls will be used to get space and give Clark the opportunity to run, Lambie will pick and choose his runs and, when with the ball in own half will sometimes look at up and unders.
*Hard blitz banana defence with a backrower on Burns' shoulder to look to get the first hit and turnover, Lawson/Lewis will act as a sweeper.
*Use the bench wisely with Mills and Morgan adding extra pace. Clark will relish this chance after his outstanding displays for Hartpury recently

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Newcastle Falcons

Manager – Fluxy

01. Grant Shiells	09. Paul Hodgson
02. David Paice	10. Joel Hodgson (K)
03. David Wilson
04. Bob Casey	11. Adam Thompstone
05. James Hudson (C)	12. Tom May
06. Jerome Kaino	13. Dominic Waldlouck
07. Hienrich Brussow	14. Luke Fielden
08. Chris Hala’ufia	15. Nick Abendanon

16. Tom Mercey 17. Joe Graham 18. Tim Swinson 19. Alex Gray 20. Suka Hufanga 21. Ruan Pienaar 22. Seb Stegmann 23. Alex Corbisiero

Tactics
The confidence in the squad is sky high, as we are on a roll at the moment, off the back of two consecutive wins. Our game plan is based upon a high intensity attacking game, and a solid defence with competition at the breakdown against the opposition, hunting for turnovers. In the greasy conditions we will play simple territorial game with Hudson leading our lineout and utilising our number of adept jumpers. The Hodgsons will dictate the tempo and the direction from halfbacks, trying to get us playing in the right areas of the pitch and to make it difficult for the opposition to get out of their half. In early phases we will try and get big ball carriers in like Kaino and Hala’ufia, on the inside and outside of Hodgson to punch holes in the defence. Once over the game line and giving our backs quick ball, this will allow our strong runners like; Waldlouck, May and Thompstone cutting lines off Hodsgon. May will alternate with Hodgson at first receiver to keep the defence guessing. Early penalties will be kicked at goal to gain a strangle hold on the game. We will look to use our strong bench in the second half to blood new signings, Pienaar can come and kick penalties, to secure the game and see out the result.

Forwards;


• Lineout - We have a large number of quality lineout jumpers and a very cleverly run lineout with Hudson at the helm. This should be a main focus of possession either from the disruption of opposition ball or just claiming our own.
  
  
• Scrums - The powerful front five, will get the drive on, on our ball to create space and time for our 8-9-10. On their ball we will get the shove and wheel the scrum so that their 8 and 9 become isolated from their backline, here Brussow and Kaino can cause turnovers.
  
  
• Breakdown - We have selected a very physical and committed team, and will always work for each other and put their bodies online for one another. Brussow and Kaino will be first to all breakdowns and slow the opposition ball down legally, or turn it over.
  
  
• Defensive line - No more than two players, at 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, with the fullback also further back - creating three lines of defence.
  
  Backs;
  
  
• Game plan - With the slippery conditions, we will play a simple game. Kicking to the corners to pin back the Glouscester backs. There will be raft of handling mistakes and we will look to capitalise on them in the conditions.
  
  
• Back three - Thompstone and Fielden will come off the wings to come in the line and to cross the gainline on crash balls. Any kicked ball will be run back, to get us back in their half. Unless under pressure look to find touch.
  
  
• Penalties - Hodgson will look to take all penalties within his range, unless Hudson dictates we have a serious advantage at the lineout where we will kick for touch.
  
  Key Points;
  
• Confidence is high, and our play will be confident yet assured.
  
  
• Off the back of some very good wins, we have a chance to upset another big team away from home in the horrible coniditons
  

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Harlequins v London Wasps
Sunny, Patchy cloud, 9 degrees, 8 mph

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Harlequins

Manager – Driver

01.Chris Budgen	09.Luke Burgess
02.Joe Grey	10.Nick Evans
03.Dan Cole
04.Ollie Kohn	11.Elliot Daley
05.George Robson	12.Riki Flutey
06.Neil Best	13.Jared Payne
07.Chris Robshaw (c)	14.Scott Hamilton
08.Nick Easter	15.Danny Cipriani

16.Tom Lindsey 17.Jon Golding 18.James Johnstone 19.Charlie Matthews 20.Matt Kvesic 21.Nic Berry 22.Tom Casson 23.Greg Goosen

Tactics

OVERALL PLAN

Run the ball and play at a high tempo with Evans looking to really attack the gainline and get our backs moving from all areas of the pitch with the forwatds running hard in the narrow channels and pulling the Wasps pack. Our game plan is based around a high workrate which our pack has along with plenty of youth and impact from the bench.

Burgess and Evans to play flat and whats in front of them and really move the Wasps pack about.

Budgen and Cole are fierce scrummages and will hold there own as well as looking to make a mess of Wasps put in.

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London Wasps

Manager – Stnick88

01. Tim Payne	09. Karl Dickson
02. Chris Brooker	10. Jimmy Gopperth
03. Nicolas Mas
04. Ross Filipo	11. Joe Ansbro
05. James Cannon	12. Jordan Turner-Hall
06. Pedrie Wannenburg	13. Jonathan Joseph
07. Julien Salvi	14. Leigh Halfpenny
08. Sergio Parisse	15. Mike Brown

16. Zak Tau'lafo 17. Ben Broster 18. Andy Titterell 19. John Hart 20. Michael Lipman 21. Micky Young 22. Ryan Davis 23. Tom Varndell

Tactics
- Good conditions, play an attacking game.
- Use big ball carriers like Parisse, Wannenburg, Filipo, Brooker, JTH to make in roads before spreading the ball to JJ, Ansbro, Halfpenny etc.
- Target the breakdown and get Salvi in there quick to secure quick ball and legally slow down opposition ball.
- JJ to look for the outside break on his man. He has the gas and is incredibly good at the outside break.
- Halfpenny to kick long range pens with Gopperth taking any pens in range.
- Gopperth instructed not to kick away loose ball. We want to play a running game and will use JTH and JJ to test Quins.
- Get good width and try and get Ansbro and 1/2p one on one with their opponents.

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London Irish v Saracens
Sunny, Light drizzle, 8 degrees, 7 mph

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London Irish

Manager – Pullthestrings

01. Gethin Jenkins	09. Joe Simpson
02. William Servat	10. Daniel Bowden
03. Euan Murray
04. Tom Palmer	11. Paul Diggin
05. Nick Kennedy	12. Jamie Noon
06. Jamie Gibson	13. Delon Armitage
07. David Pocock	14. Topsy Ojo
08. Imanol Harinordoquy	15. Tom Homer (k)

16. James Buckland, 17. Paulica Ion, 18. Clarke Dermody, 19. Steve Mafi, 20. Declan Danahar, 21. Darren Allinson, 22. Guy Armitage, 23 Ryan Shortlan

Tactics
We will continue to play the way we have done in this Aviva Cup, securing two victories in the process. In general, we will use our piston system and look to use our running power to get over the gain line. We'll use the boot sensibly play position. If it's on, we'll trust in our handling ability and have a go.

- Massive front row on show today, so we'll use the scrum as a weapon. Quick ball to Bowden if we're stable, Harinordoquy to pick and go if it's messy

- In the lineout, we'll dominate. Opt for full lineouts in their half to tie in their pack and try to initiate a rolling maul to give the backs more time.

- Target the breakdown for possible turnovers, with Pocock and Gibson staying strong on his feet. When they arise, lets use them to our advantage. If the back three are sparse, look to kick for territory. If there are mis-matches, lets have a go.

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

- Use the piston system Irish have developed so well. Big runners off Bowden to give us real go forward, inside and outside runs. We've opted for a more mobile pack with players like Jenkins, Gibson, Harinordoquy.

- For slow ball, look to get outside their guards and bodyguards to suck in more and more forwards at each breakdown. This will give more time to the backs.

- 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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SARCENS

Manager – Beshocked

01. Rhys Gill	09. Morgan Parra (K)
02. Schalk Brits	10. Brock James
03. Carlos Nieto
04. Mouritz Botha	11. Andy Short
05. George Kruis	12. Owen Farrell
06. Kelly Brown	13. Adam Powell
07. Jacques Burger	14. Michael Tagicakibau
08. BErnst Joubert©	15. Chris Wyles

16.Smit, 17.Stevens, 18.Vunipola, 19.Vyvan, 20.Saull, 21.De Kock, Hodgson, 22.Smith 23.Ransom

Tactics

All revolving about huge workrate,pressure,patience and stopping London Irish from playing their natural running game. This means stopping London Irish players getting over the gain line, forcing the errors to rack up. We'll use our powerful backrow to spearhead the effort. We are happy to play without the ball, we want to force the penalties,the turnovers and attack from good positions.

With the ball in hand we will vary our play - occasionally counter attacking from deep with the likes of Brits and Joubert, bash the ball up the field, throw the ball out wide, probing kicks over the top,grubbers etc always looking for space to exploit.

With a full strength frontrow we will look to put pressure on our opposite numbers. Gill,Brits and Nieto are all underrated scrummagers who will really ask questions of their opposite numbers.

At the lineout will be organised by Joubert who will be taking the captaincy too. He will be our main jumper but ably supported by Kruis and Botha. Our lineout should be very efficient as Brits is an excellent thrower and has great understanding with his team mates. Winning our own throw is the highest priority but will also look to disrupt our opposite numbers.

Backrow to smash the opposition backwards, put huge pressure on the opposition halfbacks and stop any London Irish momentum building. We have a formidable unit who all have an excellent understanding.

Parra and James to be patient but to vary play intelligently. Variety is always good.

Farrell and Powell to vary play to keep the opposition guessing.

Tagicakibau and Short to come off their wings looking for work. Both are deceptively strong and will create space for others.

Bring on the bench to make a huge impact in the last 20 - the likes of Smith,Stevens,Smit,De Kock and Hodgson will be there to really stretch the opposition defence and have licence to play with a bit more width and adventure.

Particularly relish seeing Conrad Smith vs his opposite number with 20 mins to go.

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Northampton Saints v Leicester Tigers
Cloudy, Light drizzle, 7 degrees, 6 mph

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Northampton Saints

Manager – SirJohnnyEnglish

01. Soane Tonga'uiha	09. Lee Dickson
02. Richardt Strauss	10. Johnny Sexton
03. Brian Mujati
04. Courtney Lawes	11. Noah Cato
05. Christian Day	12. John Clarke
06. Stephen Ferris	13. George Pisi
07. Tom Wood	14. Vasily Artemiev
08. Kieran Read	15. Ben Foden

16. Ethan Waller 17. Mike Haywood 18. Paul Doran-Jones 19. Mark Sorenson 20. Roger Wilson 21. Martin Roberts 22. Ryan Lamb 23. Scott Armstrong

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General Game Plan:

We will use our strong carriers to attack gaps and half gaps in the Tigers line, looking to offload in contact to support runners thus changing the point of attack and keeping our forward momentum going. Sexton will look to attack flat from first receiver and inject pace to the proceedings committing the Tigers defence and leaving space in wider channels for our runners to exploit. If running the ball is not on our halfbacks will look to the boot to put us in the right areas.

On defence, we will use a blitz defence coming up at pace looking to isolate the Leicester ball carriers before they can get to the gain line stopping any momentum and allowing us to hit the breakdown harder. Lee Dickson 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 Leicester 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:

•Home Advantage

With a baying home crowd at the hostile Gardens looking to intimidate both Tigers and the ref, Leicester will need to be at their very best to win! We are unbeaten this season and have great momentum after back to back wins at the Rec.

•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 Tigers ball we will disrupt the put in looking for penalties or to create rushed poor ball for Youngs.

Mujati, and PDJ in turn, will look to get at the link between T. Youngs and Ayerza to cause serious problems for the Tigers scrum.

•Lineout

With 5 jumpers we want to really use the lineout as an attacking platform, similar to 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.

•Target the Tigers wingers

We will test Wade, as he is not particularly renowned for his skills under the ball. Sexton will look to send some high hanging balls to the corners. He will look to execute kick and chases and crossfield kicks into the corners when we see Wade out of position.

On turnover ball Sexton will look to use the crossfield kick to Cato's wing with JOC likely to be in the midfield.

•Fringe Defence

We will look to stay tight around the fringes and deny Care opportunities to snipe and force him to continually go to his first receiver. Taking away the fringes limits Care and the Tigers attacking game.

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Leicester Tigers
Manager – Sgt_Pooly

01. Marco Ayerza	09. Danny Care
02. Tom Youngs	10. Toby Flood
03. Martin Castrogiovani
04. Richie Gray	11. Christian Wade
05. Geoff Parling	12. Berrick Barnes
06. Tom Croft	13. Manu Tuilagi
07. Sam Warburton (c)	14. James O’Connor
08. Thomas Waldroum	15. Geordan Murphy

16. Rob Hawkins 17. Julian Wite 18. Boris Stankovich 19. Ed Slater 20. Jacques Cronje 21. Sam Harrison 22. Billy Twelvetrees 23. George Lowe

Tactics

In the damp conditions we’ll be looking to play a high tempo game and limit the offloading with the greasy ball. We’ll be looking for big carries from our pack to free up space around the fringes for out talented backline to work in.
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. Parling will lead the line and we will look to target the opposition's throw with Croft/Gray marshalling the front/middle of the line. We'll use big carries from our pack to draw in the opposition defence with Care marshalling and looking for gaps to exploit around the fringes. Gray will play things simple as he's still bedding into the set piece but with Parling leading the line there's little pressure on him here. Warburton & Croft will target the breakdown with Youngs sniping around and playing flat to the line to allow Barnes & Manu space to run into. JOC will come looking for the ball in midfield and link up with Manu causing problems in the opposition midfield. We'll look to refresh pack around 60mins + and keep up the intensity.

- Look to get JOC onto the ball as much as possible, look to use to loop with Tuilagi
- Flood to kick whats on offer and keep the board ticking over
- TARGET SAINTS LINEOUT
- TARGET SAINTS scrum – look to keep ball in on own ball and force pen
- Barnes/Flood to ping corners if weakness seen in Saints lineout

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Worcester Warriors v Exeter Chiefs
Overcast, 8 degrees, 5 mph

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WorcesterWarriors

Manager – InTheFastLane

01. Matt Mullan	09. Will Genia
02. Ed Shervington	10. Dan Carter
03. Tevita Taumoepeau
04. Gerhard Mostert	11. Ugo Monye
05. Graham Kitchener	12. Ma’a Nonu
06. James Haskell	13. Matt Hopper
07. Jake Abbott	14. Marcel Garvey
08. Ben Morgan	15. Luke Rooney

16. George Bee 17. Oliver Tomascyzk 18. James Currie 19. James Percival 20. Sam Betty 21. Jonny Arr 22. Andy Goode 23. Tom Arscott

Tactics

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

• This is a key game and all the players know it and will really rise to the occasion. The key players are well rested and can really put the boot into a more fatigued Exeter side.

• Will Genia will be looking to snipe around the fringes and will use his running game to pressure Exeter

• 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 Chiefs 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 .

• We will look to get quite a few bodies down in the breakdown to secure own ball and Abbott will look for turnover ball

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

• Look to get an edge at lineouts with Mostert and Kitchener

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Exeter Chiefs

Head Coach – Ozzy3213

01. Perry Freshwater	09. Kevin Barrett
02. Bismarck du Plessis	10. Ignacio Mieres
03. Craig Mitchell
04. Tommy Hayes	11. Josh Tatupu
05. James Horwill (c)	12. Sireli Naqalevuki
06. Tom Johnson	13. Richard Kahui
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Paul Sackey
08. Ofisa Treviranus	15. Jack Nowell

16. Neil Clark 17. Brett Sturgess 18. Hoani Tui 19. James Hanks 20. Richard Baxter 21. James Lightfoot-Brown 22. Gareth Steenson 23. Jason Shoemark

Tactics

Our gameplan involves doing everything with a high intensity and asserting ourselves on our opponents, both in attack and defence. 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.

We will look to turn this game into a real slugfest, keeping the ball generally close to the ruck when carrying and looking to drag opposition forwards in and tying them up in rucks and mauls. Only when it is completely on will we look to go wide.

Specifics

• Attacking
  
  
• Target the scrum – We are aiming to scrum, and use it as a real attacking weapon.
  
  
• Carry close to the ruck – Get big carriers carrying close to the rucks forcing Sale to make lots of tackles which will tire them quickly.
  
  
  
• Defensive
  
  
• Blitz Defence - We will look to blitz and stop the Warriors carriers before they hit the gainline. Barrett will sweep in behind the line.
  
  
• Breakdown - We will look to get our back row there quickly and contest for the ball if it's on to be won, but we will not overcommit, instead maintaining a solid defensive line to repel the Warriors ball carriers.
  
  
  
• Key Points
  
  
• Form/Momentum/Confidence - We are off the back of three great results and come in full of confidence having qualified for the cup semi finals.
  
  
• Gameplan – Simple gameplan with the right players to be able to effect it perfectly.
  
  
  

Gloucester 23 Newcastle 15
Gloucester win the front 5 battle for me, and this will see them get an upperhand in both the scrum and lineout. Newcastle's backrow will slow the ball down and get some turnovers but even with these i don't think their backs will do enough to win, especially as they have such an inexperienced player at 10. Gloucester have the better backs and because of this they will get a win denying Newcastle the LBP.

Quins 21 Wasps 17
Close game to call with front 5's being even, Wasps have an advanatage in the backrow, and i see the setpieces being even as well. Quins have a great half back pairing that Wasps lack and because of this they will get their outside backs into the game and come up with an all important win.

London Irish 24 Sarries 22
Very close game here, but i see it being won by Irish's pack. I think that although Irish will get an advantage up front Sarries half backs are a big plus and i also think that Irish's centres will be shown up defensively. Noon at 12 will also stop and attacking play. But overall Sarries lack an outside back who can really make something happen creativity wise. THhis means Irish will get a win.

Saints 24 Leicester 23
Very little in it here, and i think both front 5's will gain parity and this will enable both backrows to influence the game. I can see Saints backrow getting into the game and really making a difference. And with the halfback partnership of Dickson at 9 and Sexton at 10, i can see Saints winning this game even though Leicester have the advantage in terms of individuals from 11-14. So Saints will get the narrowest of victories.

Worcester 15 Exeter 18
Exeter will get the advantage up front and this will enable them to get more possesion. Mieres will be able to pin the corners well and i can see Carter struggling due to lack of ball. Exeter will get the advantage in the lineout and for me it is a big ask to have Kitchener starting. Exeter also have the better balanced backrow so for me all of this means despite the quliaty of Worcester from 9-12 they will lack the ball to win the game.

Sale Sharks 13 Bath Rugby 12

In drizzly conditions not sure we will see much free flowing stuff in this game as Sale don't have the outside backs to take advantage of having an in form 10, and Bath have a woefully out of form 10 who will struggle to get their better backs into the game. It comes down to a pack battle for me, and there is little in it, so I am siding marginally with home advantage for Sale.

Gloucester 24 Newcastle Falcons 20

Falcons have put together a super pack which will compete here and is the equal of their opponents, but Paul Hodgson has not been at his best this year at 9 and Joel Hodgson lacks experience at 10. With an even amount of ball for both sets of backs, I can see the Gloucester 9-15 doing more so have to go for a home win.

Harlequins 19 London Wasps 22

Am loving that Driver has described a pack containing Budgie has 'having plenty of youth' Overall there isn't a lot between the packs, but I do prefer the balance of he Wasps one a bit. Likewise for the backs where for me Quins lack a big ball carrier. I can see Wasps getting more joy at the gainline and building momentum which will eventually get them enough points for an away win.

London Irish 22 Saracens 22

Hate predicting draws but I feel that Saracens will get a bit of an edge in the pack, as for me there are some form and balance issues in the Irish pack, which in my opinion lacks big carrying options. Irish are at home though, and I don't see Saracens having quite enough to win, but I don't see them getting beat either so have to go for the draw.

Northampton Saints 21 Leicester Tigers 22

Pack battle is worth the entrance money alone, will be a fierce contest in every aspect with nobody really getting a huge advantage either way. 9-10 combos are pretty even for me as well, but it's the outside backs where Tigers have the upper hand. Cato and Artemyev not in any form for me and Clarke not a 12, so up against what is an incredibly well balanced and in decent form Tigers set of backs I can see them coming second best by a fair bit. Home advantage keeps Saints close, but Tigers to sneak this one for me.

Wow, just read back on every one else's predos and seems like I have gone the other to almost every one else in every game. Really interesting reading peoples opinions.

There's quite a few things in the squads, tactics and predo's that caught my attention this week. Be interesting to talk about them in more detail when predos shut

Your the only person who's bought up Budgie's age!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



He is most offended especially as it's 2nd 20th birthday soon ha

Do predos close this evening? Be very keen to chat with Bathite if you're on later.

Close at 8, I'll be around, send me a pm if you fancy it

Sale Sharks 19-15 Bath Rugby

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Good battle at the scrum here but Sale can get a slight edge. At the lineout with Skivs still learning the calls Bath will struggle a little. Plenty in both units around the around the park though. Bath are a step up in the back row for actual quality but SOB is rushed into the side and Fearns form not the greatest levels it out. From 11-15 Bath are stronger with only Fourie standing out for Sale but Wilko wins the fly half battle at a canter and will lead his troops better.

Sale have a slight edge at the set piece and with more form at fly half pulling the strings should see a very good win.

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Gloucester Rugby 23-18 Newcastle Falcons

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At the set piece Gloucester can really get on top of the scrum with Jones anchoring well against young Sheills. Little bit more around the park for Gloucester with a cracking 2nd row. Backrow sees Newcastle step it up a gear with a quality flanker combo that will fight tooth and nail for everything. In the backs though Newcastle will struggle to get any tempo going with the halfbacks on show and lack a real go to man in midfield.

Both sides will see some decent ball but Gloucester with better control in possession see out a good home win.

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Harlequins 23-23 London Wasps

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Good even set piece battle with no advantage to either side. The Quins front 5 will get through more work around the park. Better balance overall to the Wasps back row and they could see a few turnovers from Salvi. Halfback’s edge to Quins as they will be able to get the backs moving a bit better but Evans is in a bit of a rut at the moment. In the back lines Wasps one of the stronger sides in the league and Quins midfield is marked down heavily with no real form to go on.

Slight edge to Wasps in this one based on line ups but not sure Gopperth is the man to get them playing the running rugby they want to and this sees a draw for me.

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London Irish 22-19 Saracens

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See an edge to Irish at both set pieces here but not much around the park between either side. Back row edges to Irish as well with Sarries lacking a bit of form currently and they should do well at the breakdown but no massive carrying option to get them over the gain line is a mark down. Two good sets of halfbacks on show. Sarries with proven class get a slight advantage. In the backs not sure on the Irish midfield combo but it will at least give them some carrying options.

Sarries away from home are out fought in the pack for me and although I see a lot of Irish’s momentum dying with Noon at 12 they should see enough ball to win at home.

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Worcester Warriors 17-18 Exeter Chiefs

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Can see a real edge to the Chiefs scrum this week and they are right to target it. BDP gives the Chiefs front 5 an edge around the park. Good backrow battle with good balance to both units. Key man though is Armitage whom I expect to get on top of Abbott at the breakdown. In the backs even with current form not the greatest Worcester have an edge at 9-10. Midfield overall is an edge to Chiefs on current form. Great gas to the Worcester wingers will see any loose kicks punished.

Chiefs just have enough to squek the narrowest of wins away from home.

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Sale Sharks 12 - 16 Bath

Very good set piece battle here, but I think Bath will at least get some parity up front, and some joy in the lineout. In the end there is a better balance to the Bath pack. However the Sale halfbacks keep Sale in the game. But the Bath backs have and edge, and this tells in the end.

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Harlequins 18 - 15 London Wasps

I like the balance to the Quins pack, and I think they have an edge up front. Wasps have a good back row, but just lack the balance that the Quins boys have. The advantage here allows the halfbacks to dictate the game. But the dangerous Wasps backline can't get the ball past Gopperth, but when they do - it hurts Quins. But they're out of distance in time.

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London Irish 18 - 18 Saracens

A good game here, and Beshocked has taken to the league like a duck to water. Irish have a very good set piece pack, but in my mind they lack grunt around the park. Whereas Saracens have this in abundance in comparison. Again in the backs its a very close battle, but Sarries lack the possible spark. But Irish lack any edge in the centres and with a short bench. In the end I can't seperate the teams as the endeavour from Sarries will earn them at least a point or two in a draw.

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Northampton Saints 21 - 20 Leicester Tigers

A titanic battle up front, whichwill be edged by the Saints pack. Lineouts are close but can't see getting past the Tigers leadership of Parling and jumpers of Croft and Gray as well. The Saints backrow however will dominate the collisions especially with Ferris in such fine form. Then into the backs its another close tussle but I think Saints have enough class to cope with Tigers to claim a good win at home.

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Worcester Warriors 12 - 15 Exeter Chiefs

Another close game on paper, but I can't look past the Chiefs pack in the set pieces. Warriors IMO lack a lineout leader, but have good jumpers nonetheless. The pressure from a scrum which will retreat at some points will put Genia under some pressure, which will hinder Carter and Nonu. But they still manage to create points, but the solid players that step in for Chiefs secure a good win.

Any word on the Aviva SJE, or would you like me to help you out?

Hoping to sit down and do it tonight Fluxy mate. If you have the time and want to have a crack at it though work away as any help is always appreciated!

I don't mind mate, if you want me to do it say the word - got a few spare hours!

Work away so please Fluxy

Sale vs Bath

23-18

The frontrow looks a mixed affair with neither side dominating – Franks on top of Sheridan but Kubriashavilli on top of Flatman. 2nd row is a similar affair.As mentioned by LondonIrishOllie the Bath backrow is raw, SOB though class is a new signing, Fearns lacks the experience and form. Can see Sale causing havoc here. Compounded by Burger coming on later on in the game. Bath has some very classy backs like Dagg and Steyn but if they can’t get the ball their impact is nullified. In a battle of the boot Wilkinson vs Donald only going to be one winner. Also home advantage also plays it’s factor.

Gloucester vs Newcastle
26 - 20

Gloucester in my opinion have the upper hand in the front five and in most of the backline. Very strong Newcastle backrow makes this a tighter contest. Good Newcastle tactics and bench also have a positive impact. Then again home advantage once again is a large factor.

Quins vs Wasps

22-28

The frontrow battle is equal – Mas would smash Budgen, Cole would destroy Payne. 2nd row battle goes to Quins but the backrow goes to Wasps.

A backline of contrasts – Quins have the excellent halfbacks whereas Wasps have a decent 11-15. Combining both would make a very brutal backline but a mix of both means two backlines struggling for fluency. Both teams have decided to play a more expansive game which unfortunately for Quins plays into Wasp’s hands with the better backrow (creating quicker ball) and overall better backline. Even with Gopperth at fly half I can see Wasps winning in a interesting contest.

Saints 24 vs 23 Tigers

Two very strong packs go head to head. Possible slight edge to Saints in the pack because Read is a classier than Waldrom and Strauss is better than Youngs. The backline battle is nice balanced. The Saints 9,10 and 15 have the edge over their counterparts, Armitiev trumps Wade but Leicester’s 12 and 13 outclasses those of Saint’s emphatically. In such a tight game the benefit of the doubt must go to the home side.

Worcester vs Exeter

22 -20

Clever Worcester tactics to put most emphasis on their 8,9,10 and 12 which is very strong.

Exeter do have a very strong pack though. The backline edges towards Worcester.

This is a really tough one but I think home advantage plays a huge part in this one. Also the class of that 8,9,10 and 12 is too good to ignore. On the other hand Exeter's pack is strong. Worcester just about hold on by the skin of their teeth.

No issues with chatting about predo's now, just not on this page lol

I'd be willing to see what you want say Bathite

Bath 20 Sale 17
Gloucester 30 Newcastle 25
London Irish 27 Sarries 22
Northamptan 27 Leicester 24
Worcester 15 Exeter 15

RESULTS:

Sale Sharks 22-19 Bath Rugby*
Gloucester* 33-19 Newcastle Falcons
Harlequins 27-22 London Wasps*
London Irish* 30-20 Saracens
Northampton Saints* 30-22 Leicester Tigers
Worcester Warriors* 20-21 Exeter Chiefs


Full Bonus to:
ALL except

1/2 to Driver & none to Nick & Pull

Man I am happy with that away win. Thought I was done for when the first two went against me, especially with Bathite giving it by such a big margin.

All games with a bonus point. That'll be interesting, thought I was going to get a LBP. I'll update the table tomorrow

Doing quick maths that puts me in 6th place, level on points with Gloucester but above them as I have won more games.

Some tight games this week (mine excluded)....Drivers predo brought you to 20.6 to 20.2 or something. Won it by the skin of your teeth.

Yeah I was keeping tabs mate, was tight all the way, the one more winning prediction that I got (4 to 3) was the difference in the end. To be honest, when I seen 4 of my first choice backs crippled by you I thought I was fecked and tried to set up to scrap to get the LBP, as ITFL has arguably the best 9-10-12 axis in the world.

Didn't realise he had Jon Clarke at 12 lol

Boom!! Happy with that win.

And the Saints keep on marching!!

Big win that SJE. By my maths puts you only a point behind Tigers in the table now. You bringing the big guns to Sandy Park this week?

Of course Pete! No cup for me to look forward too and the whole squad has been rotated well so we are looking forward to having a crack at the Chiefs! Jon Clarke and all

Clarke won't be up against the awful Berrick Barnes this week so won't get such an easy ride

Big Naqa is licking his lips at the prospect!

To be fair it was a genuine mistake and obviously hasnt affected Bathites prediction so pay no attention to Pooly Bathite. Hes just upset theres only one unbeaten side still going!



Sexton, Ferris, Read and co are looking forward to the trip Pete so Big Naqa should have over things on his mind


Also if you do have questions about predictions ask away Bathite!

Im guessing Donald will be the main one. For me its just hard to rate him. He looks unfit and just not upto scratch at the moment in real life. If you had won the pack battle or it had been even you may have won with the extra quality from 11-15 even with Donald at 10 but I had you down as losing out at the set piece so just couldnt see any platforms for Steyn and Co to work from

No issues really chaps, losing Muller and replacing him with a loan signing was a risk, but couldn't be avoided due to injuries. Lineout is a big weapon for me, with Steyn's tactical kicking, Mears being a great thrower and Muller a lineout master, so understand if people thought i lacked a platform a bit. Only other option was Simon Taylor or Ben Skirving at lock, both who have played here this year and both would know the lineouts, being the back jumper.

What would people rate better for next week?

Donald is sadly looking unfit and out of sorts, he was awful against Saints. Maybe I'll go for Vesty at 10 next week. He's reliable and solid and won't get any negatives, but maybe won't set the world alight.

Skivs or Taylor / Skirving at lock?
and
Vesty or Donald at ten?

Or maybe you could loan me Clarke and I'll chuck him in the second row?

Table is done boys

cheers for doing the table Flux mate, I've made an observation over on the table thread.

Cheers Flux

Only other thing is, but surprised people saying that Fearns is lacking form at all. He's not playing badly at all and played the last 4/5 games for us in real life. Not putting in MOTMs, but still doing well.

Maybe people prefer him at 6 and SOB at 8? Before his injury, he was being touted as the next England 8, albeit due to a lack of options there.

Only issue with the lineout this week for me was that Skivs couldnt know the calls and hes the only lineout leader in that side for me. An extra weeks training will help but maybe put Taylor in at 8 to make the calls.
Has to be Vesty at 10 at the moment. Donald just wont get you the ratings.

Never touted him as England 8, not a huge fan. Think he is a good AP player but lacks a bit extra that you need at international level.

Never been a big fan of Fearns, he looks steadily worse the higher quality the opposition, certainly not Int quality imo.

That was a onesided slating, if there ever was one...

Fluxy wrote:That was a onesided slating, if there ever was one...

Eh?

Well Bathite had been rating Fearns quite highly. Now that all three of you have pretty much unanimously stated that you don't rate him, people will mark down in the predictions next week.

Bathite, I imagine you're pretty much safe in the top four. As long as you muster say two losing bonus points as a minimum. You'll be alright.

Anyways, not like you're in the relegation zone at all...

Why would people mark down because I have said that I don't rate him? people are free to judge players how they choose. The game is worthless if everyone just follows what a couple of people say. it is all about opinions and people expressing theirs in the predictions which means that we get a fair result overall.

In any case, I didn't say that I don't rate him, I said he is a good AP player, but not an international in my eyes. That doesn't make him a bad player.

Hoping that a fresh new season with a new coach for Bath will help me out, as we have been really poor this year, despite looking great on paper. A full pre season for Fearns, Donald, Eastmond, Hipkiss, Banahan and they could all be in a much better position.

Eastmond is an interesting one. He is a talented kid and could be devastating as a back three player given the right coaching an opportunities.

I havent actually commented on Fearns yet...

Pre injury he was looking great one of the form back rowers in the league but just hasnt been the same since coming back. Same as Pete I think hes a good AP player. Still a bit early to say if he will make it to international but he has potential. Backrow isnt really an area of weakness for you anyways Bathite. SOB was rushed in this week so couldnt be marked fully but should be fine going forward now and with Louw at 7 he will be able to play his natural game. Fearns a good link man maybe a little light for 8 at the highest level but not exactly a problem when you have SOB at 6.