Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
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Londonirishollie
CJB
prop_lyd
beshocked
Sgt_Pooly
Driver
Ozzy3213
Fluxy
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Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Team Sheets and tactics due by Saturday (20:00)
Predictions due till Tuesday (20:00)
Newcastle Falcons v Saracens
Light rain, 8 degrees, 9mph
Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Fluxy
16. Tom Mercey 17. Grant Shiells 18. Chris Whitehead 19. Tim Swinson 20. Jonathan Poff 21. Joel Hodgson 22. Seb Stegmann 23. Suka Hufanga
Tactics
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 wet conditions we will play a simple territorial game using the clever kicks from the boots of Pienaar and Hodgson to pin the opposition in their half. Pienaar will dictate the tempo and the direction of the game behind a powerful pack, 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 get big carriers like Kaino and Hala’ufia, off the shoulders of May and Pienaar to punch holes down the ten channel to put whoever is at ten off tackling. With the tricky conditions, Pienaar and Hodgson will put boot to ball when within the ten metre mark of our half, anything past that towards their line, we will utilise grubbers and chips behind the defensive line to keep them turning around. In their half, and with quick ball we will release our quick and sharp backs to wreak havoc in an unorganised defence. With our carriers making holes, defenders will have to cover each creating mismatches and oppurtunities for the backs to capitalis upon. Pienaar will kick penalties unless Hudson notices we have an advantage at the lineout. We will look to use our youthful bench in the second half up the pace of the game, especially as the opposition defence tires and the game becomes more open.
Saracens
Manager – Beshocked
01. Rhys Gill 09. Morgan Parra (k)
02. Schalk Brits 10. Brock James
03. Carlos Nieto
04. Mouritz Botha 11. James Short
05. George Kruis 12. Owen Farrell
06. Kelly Brown 13. Conrad Smith
07. Jacques Burger 14. Michael Tagicakibau
08. Ernst Joubert 15. Chris Wyles
16. John Smit, 17. Matt Stevens, 18. Mako Vunipola, 19. Hugh Vyvan, 20. Jackson Wray, 21. Neil De Kock, 22. Charlie Hodgson 23.Adam Powell
TACTICS
Our tactics are all about pressure.
We’ll certainly be looking to peppering the Newcastle back three with high kicks and long kicks for territory. In the form of Farrell and James we have two of the best for the job. In a kicking battle few should be able to live with us.
We have one of the best discipline records in the AP, compare it to our opposition. I think this will be important.
Conrad Smith is there to add cutting edge much needed to the Saracens backline, he’ll make cutting runs and make space for the deceptively strong wingers to punch holes.
This is not the weather to chuck the ball around with reckless abandon, we’ll build the phases patiently waiting for the opening.
We will target Deacon at the lineout who will be unaccustomed to his side’s calls as a new signing on loan.
Brown,Burger and Joubert are a unit that all know each other - they'll target Gray and the half backs to knock them off their stride.
We’ll use aggressive kick and chase tactics to put all the pressure on the opposition.
I expect our more experienced bench to close out the game in the last 20 with brutal efficiency.
Exeter Chiefs v Northampton Saints
Sunny, with showers, 10 degrees, 13 mph
Exeter Chiefs
Head Coach – Ozzy3213
16. Neil Clark 17. Brett Sturgess 18. Hoani Tui 19. James Hanks 20. Richard Baxter 21. James Lightfoot-Brown 22. Jack Nowell 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
Northampton Saints
Manager – SirJohnnyEnglish
16. Ethan Waller 17. Mike Haywood 18. Brian Mujati 19. Mark Sorenson 20. Phil Dowson 21. Martin Roberts 22. Ryan Lamb 23. Vasily Artemiev
General Game Plan:
We will use our strong carriers to attack gaps and half gaps in the Exeter line, looking to offload (when its on) in contact to support runners thus changing the point of attack and keeping our forward momentum going. Myler and Sexton to interchange at 1st receiver with Sexton looking to attack flat and inject pace to the proceedings committing the Chiefs defence and leaving space in wider channels for our runners to exploit. Myler to use his intelligent kicking game to pin Chiefs back and take advantage of our lineout options.
On defence, we will use a blitz defence coming up at pace looking to isolate the Exeter 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 Chiefs 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:
•Form & Momentum
We come in to this game off the back of some fantastic results and remain the only side unbeaten in this seasons league. We have our eyes set fully on winning the league and finishing the season unbeaten! Chiefs may well have an eye on their cup semi final next week...
•Fatigue
We are well rested this season with a good rotation policy in the league and the cup seen as a competition for the 2nd string. Chiefs on the way to the cup semi finals have had to play the likes of Armitage, Johnson, BDP, Naqe and co and may well be feeling the effects of alot rugby played.
•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 Chiefs ball we will disrupt the put in looking for penalties or to create rushed poor ball for the Exeter halfbacks.
•Lineout
With 5 jumpers and minimal challenge on our ball, we want to really use the lineout as an attacking platform like South Africa in recent years. We will use a full compliment and look to use the maul to tie in the Exeter forwards leaving room outside for Sexton and co.
In the line on Chiefs ball we will look for Tom Wood to mark Horwill and cut out the main Chiefs jumping option, leaving Wood, Day and the rest of our back 5 to try and poach the ball.
Gloucester Rugby v Sale Sharks
Overcast, 9 degrees, 12 mph
Gloucester
Manager – prop_lyd
16. Scott Lawson 17. Rupert Harden 18. Shaun Knight 19. Alex Brown 20. Andy Hazell 21. Dan Robson 22. Freddie Burns 23. Ryan Mills
Tactics
Big win for us at Newcastle and we are now targetting the 6th spot to get into the Heiniken Cup! 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 we have a player at 10 who can 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 Lambie who will look to pin them back initally before releasing EFS and Trinder off of quick 2nd phase ball or slow 4th phase ball to run at disorganised defences.
*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, Morgan 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 Lambie's shoulder to look to get the first hit and turnover, Lawson/Lewis will act as a sweeper.
*Use the bench: Mills:extra pace, Robson:quick ball, Burns:unpredictability. Clark will relish this chance after his displays for Hartpury.
Sale Sharks
Manager – LondonIrishOllie
Subs
16.Gary Botha 17. Logoviii Mulipola 18.Andrew Sheridan 19.Kearnan Myall 20.Andy Powell 21.Ciaran Wills 22.Nick MacLeod 23.Jonny Leota
Tactics
Marc Jones and Alasdair Dickinson come into the front row, James Gaskell starts in the second row, and Schalk Burger comes in at blindside in a well rested pack.
The backs remain unchanged, apart from Miller coming in for McLeod at 15 meaning they will be able to take off from where they started last week. And these solid defensive relationships will be key in the hope of going to Kingsholm and getting the win.
The Bench will have a massive impact on the game especially at this stage of the season, and with Botha, Mulipola, Sheridan, Powell and Leota all big carriers and great impact subs they will make a big difference for us in the later stages.
Scrum – We will get at least parity at scrum time, with Kubriashvili anchoring the scrum and having Schofield in the engine room is a boost to any scrum.
Lineout – Gaskell will run our lineout and our main jumpers will be Gaskell and Schofield however Burger and Vernon will be used for varity.
Defence – We have balanced consistency in selection with the importance of resting player. Our backs have great familiarity with each other because of the consistency of selection and therefore have a great defensive relationship.
In attack we will target the 10/12 channel of Gloucester. There 10 has been chopped and changed regularly and they have lacked consistency in selection at 12 as well, meaning in both defence and attack they will be that second slower which will be decisive.
Jones, Schofield, Burger, Vernon and Burrell to be used as the main carries.
Seymour will target the breakdown as he is the only out and out 7 on the pitch and this means he will be able to create a number of turnovers.
As normal we will play pragmatically with Wilko taking the points on offer and aiming to play the game in their half.
Miller encouraged to join in the line however we are not looking to play a wide game as it will play to their strengths.
We think we can get our pack going and that our backrow will dominate meaning they will lack possesion and territory.
Subs (these are not definitive but rough times and will depend on the situation of the game.).
Mulipola for Kubs 55 mins
Sheridan for Dickinson 55 mins
Botha for Jones 60 mins
Myall for Schofield 60 mins
Powell for Vernon 65 mins.
Back subs as and when needed.
Harlequins v Leicester Tigers
Sunny, 10 degrees, 9 mph
Harlequins
Manager – Driver
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 Tigers put in.
Leicester Tigers
Manager – Sgt_Pooly
16. Rob Hawkins 17. Julian White 18. Boris Stankovich 19. Joe Launchbury 20. Jacques Cronje 21. Sam Harrison 22. Billy Twelvetrees 23. George Lowe
Tactics
In great conditions we’ll be looking to play a high tempo game and keep the ball alive in the pack and forwards. 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 QUINS LINEOUT
- TARGET QUINS scrum – look to keep ball in on own ball and force pen
- Barnes/Flood to ping corners if weakness seen in Quins lineout
- Get ball out wide with Wade & JOC in electric form
Bath Rugby v London Wasps
Light rain, 10 degrees, 12 mph
Bath Rugby
Manager – Bathite
16. A.Perenise 17. R.Batty 18. J.Golding 19. G.Skivington 20. M.Lund 21. M.McMillan 22. S.Donald 23. M.Banahan
TACTICS TBC
General
In poor handling conditions, the kicking game will be crucial and with Vesty, 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. Use the physicality of our pack to our advantage, keeping the ball tight in the middle section of the pitch to retain possession and build a platform to attack from. In our third clear to touch and challenge for the ball at lineout.
Vesty 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, with Louw/Fearns flying up to cramp Robinson/Gopperth for time and space and ensuring he takes the ball deep behind the gainline and starving their outside backs of ball.
Forwards
* Picked a very physical pack to make sure that we defend strongly and smash over the gainline. O'Brien to lead pack from base of scrum making hard yards and setting up the ruck for Louw and Fearns to clear out. SOB to mark Parrisse in defence.
* At the lineout, look to use Taylor's knowledge of the calls to be the main jumper. His experience will shore up this area and give us a platform to attack from. Wasps have two inexperienced locks and hooker, so look to challenge every throw with the front jumper.
* 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 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
* Vesty to take the ball flat on the gainline, drawing defenders and buying time and space for Steyn in the 2nd playmaker role. Steyn not afraid to bosh it up if nothing on and set up the ruck.
* Vary the point of attack with 10/12 interchanging, look to keep it unpredictable on the gainline + difficult to defend against. Use the inside pass with forward runners of Franks, Caldwell, SOB to keep the inside shoulder honest and force the 10 to make tackles.
* Get Laulala on the ball early on and encourage a very pacy back three to run off his shoulder. Only offload if it is on, otherwise, crash it up and use SOB, Fearns, Caldwell to clear out and Louw to secure.
* In the second half, bring on Banahan for a huge physical threat. Encourage him to run into the centre channel early on and test a tired defence.
London Wasps
Manager – Stnick88
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.
Worcester Warriors v London Irish
Light rain, 9 degrees, 10 mph
WorcesterWarriors
Manager – InTheFastLane
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
London Irish
Manager – Pullthestrings
16. James Buckland, 17. Paulica Ion, 18. Clarke Dermody, 19. Steve Mafi, 20. Declan Danahar, 21. Darren Allinson, 22. Guy Armitage, 23 Ryan Shortland
Tactics
Confidence is high at the moment at London Irish and we'll play with no fear against any side. In these conditions, we'll keep it simple, using 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.
- Use the set piece as a weapon to dictate the game.
- Massive front row on show today, look to really gain confidence and stability at scrum time. 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.
- 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.
- Key emphasis on defence with a great balance in midfield between Noon and Armitage. Rush up fast and close down their space, forcing errors and playing into our set piece advantage
- 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.
Team Sheets and tactics due by Saturday (20:00)
Predictions due till Tuesday (20:00)
Newcastle Falcons v Saracens
Light rain, 8 degrees, 9mph
Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Fluxy
01. Alex Corbisiero | 09. Paul Hodgson |
02. David Paice | 10. Ruan Pienaar (K) |
03. David Wilson | |
04. James Hudson (C) | 11. Adam Thompstone |
05. Louis Deacon | 12. Tom May |
06. Jerome Kaino | 13. Dominic Waldlouck |
07. Hienrich Brussow | 14. Luke Fielden |
08. Alex Gray | 15. Nick Abendanon |
16. Tom Mercey 17. Grant Shiells 18. Chris Whitehead 19. Tim Swinson 20. Jonathan Poff 21. Joel Hodgson 22. Seb Stegmann 23. Suka Hufanga
Tactics
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 wet conditions we will play a simple territorial game using the clever kicks from the boots of Pienaar and Hodgson to pin the opposition in their half. Pienaar will dictate the tempo and the direction of the game behind a powerful pack, 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 get big carriers like Kaino and Hala’ufia, off the shoulders of May and Pienaar to punch holes down the ten channel to put whoever is at ten off tackling. With the tricky conditions, Pienaar and Hodgson will put boot to ball when within the ten metre mark of our half, anything past that towards their line, we will utilise grubbers and chips behind the defensive line to keep them turning around. In their half, and with quick ball we will release our quick and sharp backs to wreak havoc in an unorganised defence. With our carriers making holes, defenders will have to cover each creating mismatches and oppurtunities for the backs to capitalis upon. Pienaar will kick penalties unless Hudson notices we have an advantage at the lineout. We will look to use our youthful bench in the second half up the pace of the game, especially as the opposition defence tires and the game becomes more open.
- 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 – We possess a powerful front five. And with Deacon behind Wilson we shouldn’t go backwards on any shove. This will 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.
- Breakdown - We have selected a very physical and powerful 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.
- Ball Carrying – In our eight, we don’t lack any ball carrying ability, and in the slippery conditions this can be telling as defenders can slip off tackles.
Backs; - Game plan - With the wet conditions, we will play a simple game. Kicking to the corners to pin back the Saracens backs and keep their forwards moving to tire them out. There will be raft of handling mistakes and we will look to capitalise on them.
- 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 - Pienaar will look to take all penalties within his range. His accuracy and power will punish all penalties from Saracens.
Key Points; - Not many teams come to Kingston Park and get a good result. And with the run into the end of the season, our boys are committed to give their all for the cause.
- Despite the last result, we are in good form. And at home we are near-on impossible to beat.
Forwards;
Saracens
Manager – Beshocked
01. Rhys Gill 09. Morgan Parra (k)
02. Schalk Brits 10. Brock James
03. Carlos Nieto
04. Mouritz Botha 11. James Short
05. George Kruis 12. Owen Farrell
06. Kelly Brown 13. Conrad Smith
07. Jacques Burger 14. Michael Tagicakibau
08. Ernst Joubert 15. Chris Wyles
16. John Smit, 17. Matt Stevens, 18. Mako Vunipola, 19. Hugh Vyvan, 20. Jackson Wray, 21. Neil De Kock, 22. Charlie Hodgson 23.Adam Powell
TACTICS
Our tactics are all about pressure.
We’ll certainly be looking to peppering the Newcastle back three with high kicks and long kicks for territory. In the form of Farrell and James we have two of the best for the job. In a kicking battle few should be able to live with us.
We have one of the best discipline records in the AP, compare it to our opposition. I think this will be important.
Conrad Smith is there to add cutting edge much needed to the Saracens backline, he’ll make cutting runs and make space for the deceptively strong wingers to punch holes.
This is not the weather to chuck the ball around with reckless abandon, we’ll build the phases patiently waiting for the opening.
We will target Deacon at the lineout who will be unaccustomed to his side’s calls as a new signing on loan.
Brown,Burger and Joubert are a unit that all know each other - they'll target Gray and the half backs to knock them off their stride.
We’ll use aggressive kick and chase tactics to put all the pressure on the opposition.
I expect our more experienced bench to close out the game in the last 20 with brutal efficiency.
Exeter Chiefs v Northampton Saints
Sunny, with showers, 10 degrees, 13 mph
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. Gareth Steenson |
16. Neil Clark 17. Brett Sturgess 18. Hoani Tui 19. James Hanks 20. Richard Baxter 21. James Lightfoot-Brown 22. Jack Nowell 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 Saints to make lots of tackles which will tire them quickly.
- Defensive
- Blitz Defence - We will look to blitz and stop the Saints 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 Saints ball carriers.
- Key Points
- Form/Momentum/Confidence - We are off the back of four great results and come in full of confidence having qualified for the cup semi finals and beaten a side containing Genia, Carter and Nonu last week.
- Gameplan – Simple gameplan with the right players to be able to effect it perfectly.
- Home Advantage – Sandy Park is as tough an away venue as there is for teams. It is like and extra 3-5 points for the Chiefs every game.
- Mental/Physical approach – Saints have already secured a home semi final. We are fighting to get into the play offs. We will give everything as we have to. Will Saints risk injury knowing that they have nothing to gain?
Northampton Saints
Manager – SirJohnnyEnglish
01. Soane Tonga'uiha | 09. Lee Dickson |
02. Richardt Strauss | 10. Stephen Myler |
03. Paul Doran Jones | |
04. Courtney Lawes | 11. Noah Cato |
05. Christian Day | 12. Johnny Sexton |
06. Stephen Ferris | 13. George Pisi |
07. Tom Wood | 14. Scott Armstrong |
08. Kieran Read | 15. Ben Foden |
16. Ethan Waller 17. Mike Haywood 18. Brian Mujati 19. Mark Sorenson 20. Phil Dowson 21. Martin Roberts 22. Ryan Lamb 23. Vasily Artemiev
General Game Plan:
We will use our strong carriers to attack gaps and half gaps in the Exeter line, looking to offload (when its on) in contact to support runners thus changing the point of attack and keeping our forward momentum going. Myler and Sexton to interchange at 1st receiver with Sexton looking to attack flat and inject pace to the proceedings committing the Chiefs defence and leaving space in wider channels for our runners to exploit. Myler to use his intelligent kicking game to pin Chiefs back and take advantage of our lineout options.
On defence, we will use a blitz defence coming up at pace looking to isolate the Exeter 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 Chiefs 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:
•Form & Momentum
We come in to this game off the back of some fantastic results and remain the only side unbeaten in this seasons league. We have our eyes set fully on winning the league and finishing the season unbeaten! Chiefs may well have an eye on their cup semi final next week...
•Fatigue
We are well rested this season with a good rotation policy in the league and the cup seen as a competition for the 2nd string. Chiefs on the way to the cup semi finals have had to play the likes of Armitage, Johnson, BDP, Naqe and co and may well be feeling the effects of alot rugby played.
•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 Chiefs ball we will disrupt the put in looking for penalties or to create rushed poor ball for the Exeter halfbacks.
•Lineout
With 5 jumpers and minimal challenge on our ball, we want to really use the lineout as an attacking platform like South Africa in recent years. We will use a full compliment and look to use the maul to tie in the Exeter forwards leaving room outside for Sexton and co.
In the line on Chiefs ball we will look for Tom Wood to mark Horwill and cut out the main Chiefs jumping option, leaving Wood, Day and the rest of our back 5 to try and poach the ball.
Gloucester Rugby v Sale Sharks
Overcast, 9 degrees, 12 mph
Gloucester
Manager – prop_lyd
01. Nick Wood | 09. Rory Lawson |
02. Darren Dawiduk | 10. Pat Lambie (k) |
03. Adam Jones | |
04. Sam Whitelock | 11. Charlie Sharples |
05. Tom Savage | 12. EFS |
06. Peter Buxton | 13. Henry Trinder |
07. Akapusi Qera (c) | 14. Ian Clark |
08. Brett Deacon | 15. Olly Morgan |
16. Scott Lawson 17. Rupert Harden 18. Shaun Knight 19. Alex Brown 20. Andy Hazell 21. Dan Robson 22. Freddie Burns 23. Ryan Mills
Tactics
Big win for us at Newcastle and we are now targetting the 6th spot to get into the Heiniken Cup! 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 we have a player at 10 who can 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 Lambie who will look to pin them back initally before releasing EFS and Trinder off of quick 2nd phase ball or slow 4th phase ball to run at disorganised defences.
*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, Morgan 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 Lambie's shoulder to look to get the first hit and turnover, Lawson/Lewis will act as a sweeper.
*Use the bench: Mills:extra pace, Robson:quick ball, Burns:unpredictability. Clark will relish this chance after his displays for Hartpury.
Sale Sharks
Manager – LondonIrishOllie
01.Alasdair Dickinson | 09.Scott Mathie |
02.Marc Jones | 10.Jonny Wilkinson |
03.Davit Kubriashvili | |
04.James Gaskell | 11.Charlie Amesbury |
05.Dean Schofield | 12.Luther Burrell |
06.Schalk Burger | 13.Jaque Fourie |
07.Dave Seymour | 14.Tom Brady |
08.Richie Vernon | 15.Rob Miller |
Subs
16.Gary Botha 17. Logoviii Mulipola 18.Andrew Sheridan 19.Kearnan Myall 20.Andy Powell 21.Ciaran Wills 22.Nick MacLeod 23.Jonny Leota
Tactics
Marc Jones and Alasdair Dickinson come into the front row, James Gaskell starts in the second row, and Schalk Burger comes in at blindside in a well rested pack.
The backs remain unchanged, apart from Miller coming in for McLeod at 15 meaning they will be able to take off from where they started last week. And these solid defensive relationships will be key in the hope of going to Kingsholm and getting the win.
The Bench will have a massive impact on the game especially at this stage of the season, and with Botha, Mulipola, Sheridan, Powell and Leota all big carriers and great impact subs they will make a big difference for us in the later stages.
Scrum – We will get at least parity at scrum time, with Kubriashvili anchoring the scrum and having Schofield in the engine room is a boost to any scrum.
Lineout – Gaskell will run our lineout and our main jumpers will be Gaskell and Schofield however Burger and Vernon will be used for varity.
Defence – We have balanced consistency in selection with the importance of resting player. Our backs have great familiarity with each other because of the consistency of selection and therefore have a great defensive relationship.
In attack we will target the 10/12 channel of Gloucester. There 10 has been chopped and changed regularly and they have lacked consistency in selection at 12 as well, meaning in both defence and attack they will be that second slower which will be decisive.
Jones, Schofield, Burger, Vernon and Burrell to be used as the main carries.
Seymour will target the breakdown as he is the only out and out 7 on the pitch and this means he will be able to create a number of turnovers.
As normal we will play pragmatically with Wilko taking the points on offer and aiming to play the game in their half.
Miller encouraged to join in the line however we are not looking to play a wide game as it will play to their strengths.
We think we can get our pack going and that our backrow will dominate meaning they will lack possesion and territory.
Subs (these are not definitive but rough times and will depend on the situation of the game.).
Mulipola for Kubs 55 mins
Sheridan for Dickinson 55 mins
Botha for Jones 60 mins
Myall for Schofield 60 mins
Powell for Vernon 65 mins.
Back subs as and when needed.
Harlequins v Leicester Tigers
Sunny, 10 degrees, 9 mph
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 Tigers put in.
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 White 18. Boris Stankovich 19. Joe Launchbury 20. Jacques Cronje 21. Sam Harrison 22. Billy Twelvetrees 23. George Lowe
Tactics
In great conditions we’ll be looking to play a high tempo game and keep the ball alive in the pack and forwards. 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 QUINS LINEOUT
- TARGET QUINS scrum – look to keep ball in on own ball and force pen
- Barnes/Flood to ping corners if weakness seen in Quins lineout
- Get ball out wide with Wade & JOC in electric form
Bath Rugby v London Wasps
Light rain, 10 degrees, 12 mph
Bath Rugby
Manager – Bathite
01. C.Beech | 09. C.Cook |
02. L.Mears | 10. S.Vesty |
03. O.Franks | |
04. S.Taylor | 11. O.Woodburn |
05. R.Caldwell | 12. F.Steyn (k) |
06. C.Fearns | 13. C.Laulala |
07. F.Louw (c) | 14. T.Biggs |
08. S.O'Brien | 15. I.Dagg |
16. A.Perenise 17. R.Batty 18. J.Golding 19. G.Skivington 20. M.Lund 21. M.McMillan 22. S.Donald 23. M.Banahan
TACTICS TBC
General
In poor handling conditions, the kicking game will be crucial and with Vesty, 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. Use the physicality of our pack to our advantage, keeping the ball tight in the middle section of the pitch to retain possession and build a platform to attack from. In our third clear to touch and challenge for the ball at lineout.
Vesty 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, with Louw/Fearns flying up to cramp Robinson/Gopperth for time and space and ensuring he takes the ball deep behind the gainline and starving their outside backs of ball.
Forwards
* Picked a very physical pack to make sure that we defend strongly and smash over the gainline. O'Brien to lead pack from base of scrum making hard yards and setting up the ruck for Louw and Fearns to clear out. SOB to mark Parrisse in defence.
* At the lineout, look to use Taylor's knowledge of the calls to be the main jumper. His experience will shore up this area and give us a platform to attack from. Wasps have two inexperienced locks and hooker, so look to challenge every throw with the front jumper.
* 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 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
* Vesty to take the ball flat on the gainline, drawing defenders and buying time and space for Steyn in the 2nd playmaker role. Steyn not afraid to bosh it up if nothing on and set up the ruck.
* Vary the point of attack with 10/12 interchanging, look to keep it unpredictable on the gainline + difficult to defend against. Use the inside pass with forward runners of Franks, Caldwell, SOB to keep the inside shoulder honest and force the 10 to make tackles.
* Get Laulala on the ball early on and encourage a very pacy back three to run off his shoulder. Only offload if it is on, otherwise, crash it up and use SOB, Fearns, Caldwell to clear out and Louw to secure.
* In the second half, bring on Banahan for a huge physical threat. Encourage him to run into the centre channel early on and test a tired defence.
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.
Worcester Warriors v London Irish
Light rain, 9 degrees, 10 mph
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 |
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 Irish side.
- Rested stats: Servat, Hari, Palmer, Gibson 4th game in 4 weeks; It will be Simpson’s 6th in as many weeks; Bowden + Pocock will be playing their 7th in 7 games, Homer is 8 in 8 while Kennedy is 9 in 9. Surely these players won’t be anywhere near their best
- Will Genia will be looking to snipe around the fringes and will look to run with the ball if he see a gap
- 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
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 (c) | 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 Shortland
Tactics
Confidence is high at the moment at London Irish and we'll play with no fear against any side. In these conditions, we'll keep it simple, using 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.
- Use the set piece as a weapon to dictate the game.
- Massive front row on show today, look to really gain confidence and stability at scrum time. 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.
- 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.
- Key emphasis on defence with a great balance in midfield between Noon and Armitage. Rush up fast and close down their space, forcing errors and playing into our set piece advantage
- 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.
Last edited by Fluxy on Sun Apr 15, 2012 12:23 pm; edited 4 times in total
Fluxy- Aviva Premiership Commissioner
- Posts : 12117
Join date : 2011-01-28
Age : 33
Location : Isle of Wight
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Some juicy match ups this week again. Table is so close, everyone has something to play for still.
Ozzy3213- Moderator
- Posts : 18500
Join date : 2011-01-29
Age : 48
Location : Sandhurst
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Home to Tiggers.......
Driver- Posts : 11038
Join date : 2011-04-20
Age : 32
Location : Hartlepool
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Smarting after a loss, might be a chance to inflict more damage...
Fluxy- Aviva Premiership Commissioner
- Posts : 12117
Join date : 2011-01-28
Age : 33
Location : Isle of Wight
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Lol.....don't count on it
Sgt_Pooly- Posts : 36294
Join date : 2011-04-27
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
After a painfull defeat away to fellow title hunters Saints, Tigers name an unchanged side giving the XV a chance to inflict some damage onto Driver's Quins.
Leicester Tigers
Manager – Sgt_Pooly
16. Rob Hawkins 17. Julian White 18. Boris Stankovich 19. Joe Launchbury 20. Jacques Cronje 21. Sam Harrison 22. Billy Twelvetrees 23. George Lowe
Tactics
In great conditions we’ll be looking to play a high tempo game and keep the ball alive in the pack and forwards. 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 QUINS LINEOUT
- TARGET QUINS scrum – look to keep ball in on own ball and force pen
- Barnes/Flood to ping corners if weakness seen in Quins lineout
- Get ball out wide with Wade & JOC in electric form
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 White 18. Boris Stankovich 19. Joe Launchbury 20. Jacques Cronje 21. Sam Harrison 22. Billy Twelvetrees 23. George Lowe
Tactics
In great conditions we’ll be looking to play a high tempo game and keep the ball alive in the pack and forwards. 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 QUINS LINEOUT
- TARGET QUINS scrum – look to keep ball in on own ball and force pen
- Barnes/Flood to ping corners if weakness seen in Quins lineout
- Get ball out wide with Wade & JOC in electric form
Last edited by Sgt_Pooly on Fri Apr 13, 2012 12:57 pm; edited 1 time in total
Sgt_Pooly- Posts : 36294
Join date : 2011-04-27
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
"At a painful defeat away to Gloucester, Head coach Sam Flux has named recent signings, Alex Corbisiero, Ruan Pienaar and loanee Louis Deacon into the starting lineup. As the Falcons continue to fight the survive the drop, Flux is confident that the new signings will help boost team moral and confidence in the squad. Furthermore coupled with the confidence of playing in front of a big home crowd, Flux is certain that it will benefit the team during the game and spurn them on to the right result which will help them."
Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Fluxy
16. Tom Mercey 17. Grant Shiells 18. Chris Whitehead 19. Tim Swinson 20. Jonathan Poff 21. Joel Hodgson 22. Seb Stegmann 23. Suka Hufanga
Tactics
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 wet conditions we will play a simple territorial game using the clever kicks from the boots of Pienaar and Hodgson to pin the opposition in their half. Pienaar will dictate the tempo and the direction of the game behind a powerful pack, 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 get big carriers like Kaino and Hala’ufia, off the shoulders of May and Pienaar to punch holes down the ten channel to put whoever is at ten off tackling. With the tricky conditions, Pienaar and Hodgson will put boot to ball when within the ten metre mark of our half, anything past that towards their line, we will utilise grubbers and chips behind the defensive line to keep them turning around. In their half, and with quick ball we will release our quick and sharp backs to wreak havoc in an unorganised defence. With our carriers making holes, defenders will have to cover each creating mismatches and oppurtunities for the backs to capitalis upon. Pienaar will kick penalties unless Hudson notices we have an advantage at the lineout. We will look to use our youthful bench in the second half up the pace of the game, especially as the opposition defence tires and the game becomes more open.
Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Fluxy
01. Alex Corbisiero | 09. Paul Hodgson |
02. David Paice | 10. Ruan Pienaar (K) |
03. David Wilson | |
04. James Hudson (C) | 11. Adam Thompstone |
05. Louis Deacon | 12. Tom May |
06. Jerome Kaino | 13. Dominic Waldlouck |
07. Hienrich Brussow | 14. Luke Fielden |
08. Alex Gray | 15. Nick Abendanon |
16. Tom Mercey 17. Grant Shiells 18. Chris Whitehead 19. Tim Swinson 20. Jonathan Poff 21. Joel Hodgson 22. Seb Stegmann 23. Suka Hufanga
Tactics
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 wet conditions we will play a simple territorial game using the clever kicks from the boots of Pienaar and Hodgson to pin the opposition in their half. Pienaar will dictate the tempo and the direction of the game behind a powerful pack, 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 get big carriers like Kaino and Hala’ufia, off the shoulders of May and Pienaar to punch holes down the ten channel to put whoever is at ten off tackling. With the tricky conditions, Pienaar and Hodgson will put boot to ball when within the ten metre mark of our half, anything past that towards their line, we will utilise grubbers and chips behind the defensive line to keep them turning around. In their half, and with quick ball we will release our quick and sharp backs to wreak havoc in an unorganised defence. With our carriers making holes, defenders will have to cover each creating mismatches and oppurtunities for the backs to capitalis upon. Pienaar will kick penalties unless Hudson notices we have an advantage at the lineout. We will look to use our youthful bench in the second half up the pace of the game, especially as the opposition defence tires and the game becomes more open.
- 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 – We possess a powerful front five. And with Deacon behind Wilson we shouldn’t go backwards on any shove. This will 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.
- Breakdown - We have selected a very physical and powerful 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.
- Ball Carrying – In our eight, we don’t lack any ball carrying ability, and in the slippery conditions this can be telling as defenders can slip off tackles.
Backs; - Game plan - With the wet conditions, we will play a simple game. Kicking to the corners to pin back the Saracens backs and keep their forwards moving to tire them out. There will be raft of handling mistakes and we will look to capitalise on them.
- 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 - Pienaar will look to take all penalties within his range. His accuracy and power will punish all penalties from Saracens.
Key Points; - Not many teams come to Kingston Park and get a good result. And with the run into the end of the season, our boys are committed to give their all for the cause.
- Despite the last result, we are in good form. And at home we are near-on impossible to beat.
Forwards;
Last edited by Fluxy on Thu Apr 12, 2012 3:39 pm; edited 1 time in total
Fluxy- Aviva Premiership Commissioner
- Posts : 12117
Join date : 2011-01-28
Age : 33
Location : Isle of Wight
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Sorry to be a pedant Fluxy but surely Chris Hala'ufia should be ineligible?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/mar/01/chris-alaufia-banned-11-weeks
Players banned in real life will be ineligible for selection in this game for the duration of the ban.
Inclusion of injured/banned players will result in them being replaced by players on the bench, and the bench not having eight players, which may result in punishment if it concerns the front-row.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/mar/01/chris-alaufia-banned-11-weeks
Players banned in real life will be ineligible for selection in this game for the duration of the ban.
Inclusion of injured/banned players will result in them being replaced by players on the bench, and the bench not having eight players, which may result in punishment if it concerns the front-row.
beshocked- Posts : 14849
Join date : 2011-03-08
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
I didn't actually know that. Just an innocent mistake buddy, will alter my lineup
Fluxy- Aviva Premiership Commissioner
- Posts : 12117
Join date : 2011-01-28
Age : 33
Location : Isle of Wight
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Gloucester
Manager – prop_lyd
16. Scott Lawson 17. Rupert Harden 18. Shaun Knight 19. Alex Brown 20. Andy Hazell 21. Dan Robson 22. Freddie Burns 23. Ryan Mills
Tactics
Big win for us at Newcastle and we are now targetting the 6th spot to get into the Heiniken Cup! 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 we have a player at 10 who can 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 Lambie who will look to pin them back initally before releasing EFS and Trinder off of quick 2nd phase ball or slow 4th phase ball to run at disorganised defences.
*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, Morgan 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 Lambie's shoulder to look to get the first hit and turnover, Lawson/Lewis will act as a sweeper.
*Use the bench: Mills:extra pace, Robson:quick ball, Burns:unpredictability. Clark will relish this chance after his displays for Hartpury.
Manager – prop_lyd
01. Nick Wood | 09. Rory Lawson |
02. Darren Dawiduk | 10. Pat Lambie (k) |
03. Adam Jones | |
04. Sam Whitelock | 11. Charlie Sharples |
05. Tom Savage | 12. EFS |
06. Peter Buxton | 13. Henry Trinder |
07. Akapusi Qera (c) | 14. Ian Clark |
08. Brett Deacon | 15. Olly Morgan |
16. Scott Lawson 17. Rupert Harden 18. Shaun Knight 19. Alex Brown 20. Andy Hazell 21. Dan Robson 22. Freddie Burns 23. Ryan Mills
Tactics
Big win for us at Newcastle and we are now targetting the 6th spot to get into the Heiniken Cup! 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 we have a player at 10 who can 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 Lambie who will look to pin them back initally before releasing EFS and Trinder off of quick 2nd phase ball or slow 4th phase ball to run at disorganised defences.
*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, Morgan 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 Lambie's shoulder to look to get the first hit and turnover, Lawson/Lewis will act as a sweeper.
*Use the bench: Mills:extra pace, Robson:quick ball, Burns:unpredictability. Clark will relish this chance after his displays for Hartpury.
prop_lyd- Posts : 10387
Join date : 2011-01-28
Age : 36
Location : Rogerstone, Wales
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
WorcesterWarriors
Manager – InTheFastLane
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
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 |
Tactics
- We have a strong 8-9-10-12 axis and will look to control the game using these positions.
- Dan Carter is the best Fly Half in the world and will look to control our game making changes as he sees fit
- 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
Last edited by InTheFastLane on Sat Apr 14, 2012 9:29 pm; edited 1 time in total
CJB- Posts : 5762
Join date : 2011-04-24
Age : 30
Location : Croydon
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Sale Sharks
Manager – LondonIrishOllie
Subs
16.Gary Botha 17. Logoviii Mulipola 18.Andrew Sheridan 19.Kearnan Myall 20.Andy Powell 21.Ciaran Wills 22.Nick MacLeod 23.Jonny Leota
Tactics
Marc Jones and Alasdair Dickinson come into the front row, James Gaskell starts in the second row, and Schalk Burger comes in at blindside in a well rested pack.
The backs remain unchanged, apart from Miller coming in for McLeod at 15 meaning they will be able to take off from where they started last week. And these solid defensive relationships will be key in the hope of going to Kingsholm and getting the win.
The Bench will have a massive impact on the game especially at this stage of the season, and with Botha, Mulipola, Sheridan, Powell and Leota all big carriers and great impact subs they will make a big difference for us in the later stages.
Scrum – We will get at least parity at scrum time, with Kubriashvili anchoring the scrum and having Schofield in the engine room is a boost to any scrum.
Lineout – Gaskell will run our lineout and our main jumpers will be Gaskell and Schofield however Burger and Vernon will be used for varity.
Defence – We have balanced consistency in selection with the importance of resting player. Our backs have great familiarity with each other because of the consistency of selection and therefore have a great defensive relationship.
In attack we will target the 10/12 channel of Gloucester. There 10 has been chopped and changed regularly and they have lacked consistency in selection at 12 as well, meaning in both defence and attack they will be that second slower which will be decisive.
Jones, Schofield, Burger, Vernon and Burrell to be used as the main carries.
Seymour will target the breakdown as he is the only out and out 7 on the pitch and this means he will be able to create a number of turnovers.
As normal we will play pragmatically with Wilko taking the points on offer and aiming to play the game in their half.
Miller encouraged to join in the line however we are not looking to play a wide game as it will play to their strengths.
We think we can get our pack going and that our backrow will dominate meaning they will lack possesion and territory.
Subs (these are not definitive but rough times and will depend on the situation of the game.).
Mulipola for Kubs 55 mins
Sheridan for Dickinson 55 mins
Botha for Jones 60 mins
Myall for Schofield 60 mins
Powell for Vernon 65 mins.
Back subs as and when needed.
Manager – LondonIrishOllie
01.Alasdair Dickinson | 09.Scott Mathie |
02.Marc Jones | 10.Jonny Wilkinson |
03.Davit Kubriashvili | |
04.James Gaskell | 11.Charlie Amesbury |
05.Dean Schofield | 12.Luther Burrell |
06.Schalk Burger | 13.Jaque Fourie |
07.Dave Seymour | 14.Tom Brady |
08.Richie Vernon | 15.Rob Miller |
Subs
16.Gary Botha 17. Logoviii Mulipola 18.Andrew Sheridan 19.Kearnan Myall 20.Andy Powell 21.Ciaran Wills 22.Nick MacLeod 23.Jonny Leota
Tactics
Marc Jones and Alasdair Dickinson come into the front row, James Gaskell starts in the second row, and Schalk Burger comes in at blindside in a well rested pack.
The backs remain unchanged, apart from Miller coming in for McLeod at 15 meaning they will be able to take off from where they started last week. And these solid defensive relationships will be key in the hope of going to Kingsholm and getting the win.
The Bench will have a massive impact on the game especially at this stage of the season, and with Botha, Mulipola, Sheridan, Powell and Leota all big carriers and great impact subs they will make a big difference for us in the later stages.
Scrum – We will get at least parity at scrum time, with Kubriashvili anchoring the scrum and having Schofield in the engine room is a boost to any scrum.
Lineout – Gaskell will run our lineout and our main jumpers will be Gaskell and Schofield however Burger and Vernon will be used for varity.
Defence – We have balanced consistency in selection with the importance of resting player. Our backs have great familiarity with each other because of the consistency of selection and therefore have a great defensive relationship.
In attack we will target the 10/12 channel of Gloucester. There 10 has been chopped and changed regularly and they have lacked consistency in selection at 12 as well, meaning in both defence and attack they will be that second slower which will be decisive.
Jones, Schofield, Burger, Vernon and Burrell to be used as the main carries.
Seymour will target the breakdown as he is the only out and out 7 on the pitch and this means he will be able to create a number of turnovers.
As normal we will play pragmatically with Wilko taking the points on offer and aiming to play the game in their half.
Miller encouraged to join in the line however we are not looking to play a wide game as it will play to their strengths.
We think we can get our pack going and that our backrow will dominate meaning they will lack possesion and territory.
Subs (these are not definitive but rough times and will depend on the situation of the game.).
Mulipola for Kubs 55 mins
Sheridan for Dickinson 55 mins
Botha for Jones 60 mins
Myall for Schofield 60 mins
Powell for Vernon 65 mins.
Back subs as and when needed.
Londonirishollie- Posts : 505
Join date : 2011-06-01
Location : London
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Saracens
Manager – Beshocked
01. Rhys Gill 09. Morgan Parra (k)
02. Schalk Brits 10. Brock James
03. Carlos Nieto
04. Mouritz Botha 11. James Short
05. George Kruis 12. Owen Farrell
06. Kelly Brown 13. Conrad Smith
07. Jacques Burger 14. Michael Tagicakibau
08. Ernst Joubert 15. Chris Wyles
16. John Smit, 17. Matt Stevens, 18. Mako Vunipola, 19. Hugh Vyvan, 20. Jackson Wray, 21. Neil De Kock, 22. Charlie Hodgson 23.Adam Powell
TACTICS
Our tactics are all about pressure.
We’ll certainly be looking to peppering the Newcastle back three with high kicks and long kicks for territory. In the form of Farrell and James we have two of the best for the job. In a kicking battle few should be able to live with us.
We have one of the best discipline records in the AP, compare it to our opposition. I think this will be important.
Conrad Smith is there to add cutting edge much needed to the Saracens backline, he’ll make cutting runs and make space for the deceptively strong wingers to punch holes.
This is not the weather to chuck the ball around with reckless abandon, we’ll build the phases patiently waiting for the opening.
We will target Deacon at the lineout who will be unaccustomed to his side’s calls as a new signing on loan.
Brown,Burger and Joubert are a unit that all know each other - they'll target Gray and the half backs to knock them off their stride.
We’ll use aggressive kick and chase tactics to put all the pressure on the opposition.
I expect our more experienced bench to close out the game in the last 20 with brutal efficiency.
Manager – Beshocked
01. Rhys Gill 09. Morgan Parra (k)
02. Schalk Brits 10. Brock James
03. Carlos Nieto
04. Mouritz Botha 11. James Short
05. George Kruis 12. Owen Farrell
06. Kelly Brown 13. Conrad Smith
07. Jacques Burger 14. Michael Tagicakibau
08. Ernst Joubert 15. Chris Wyles
16. John Smit, 17. Matt Stevens, 18. Mako Vunipola, 19. Hugh Vyvan, 20. Jackson Wray, 21. Neil De Kock, 22. Charlie Hodgson 23.Adam Powell
TACTICS
Our tactics are all about pressure.
We’ll certainly be looking to peppering the Newcastle back three with high kicks and long kicks for territory. In the form of Farrell and James we have two of the best for the job. In a kicking battle few should be able to live with us.
We have one of the best discipline records in the AP, compare it to our opposition. I think this will be important.
Conrad Smith is there to add cutting edge much needed to the Saracens backline, he’ll make cutting runs and make space for the deceptively strong wingers to punch holes.
This is not the weather to chuck the ball around with reckless abandon, we’ll build the phases patiently waiting for the opening.
We will target Deacon at the lineout who will be unaccustomed to his side’s calls as a new signing on loan.
Brown,Burger and Joubert are a unit that all know each other - they'll target Gray and the half backs to knock them off their stride.
We’ll use aggressive kick and chase tactics to put all the pressure on the opposition.
I expect our more experienced bench to close out the game in the last 20 with brutal efficiency.
beshocked- Posts : 14849
Join date : 2011-03-08
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
I won't be around most of tomorrow, so can we get as many tactics in as possible. If not I'll update the page on Sunday morning.
Fluxy- Aviva Premiership Commissioner
- Posts : 12117
Join date : 2011-01-28
Age : 33
Location : Isle of Wight
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
London Irish
Manager – Pullthestrings
16. James Buckland, 17. Paulica Ion, 18. Clarke Dermody, 19. Steve Mafi, 20. Declan Danahar, 21. Darren Allinson, 22. Guy Armitage, 23 Ryan Shortland
Tactics
Confidence is high at the moment at London Irish and we'll play with no fear against any side. In these conditions, we'll keep it simple, using 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.
- Use the set piece as a weapon to dictate the game.
- Massive front row on show today, look to really gain confidence and stability at scrum time. 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.
- 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.
- Key emphasis on defence with a great balance in midfield between Noon and Armitage. Rush up fast and close down their space, forcing errors and playing into our set piece advantage
- 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.
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 (c) | 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 Shortland
Tactics
Confidence is high at the moment at London Irish and we'll play with no fear against any side. In these conditions, we'll keep it simple, using 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.
- Use the set piece as a weapon to dictate the game.
- Massive front row on show today, look to really gain confidence and stability at scrum time. 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.
- 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.
- Key emphasis on defence with a great balance in midfield between Noon and Armitage. Rush up fast and close down their space, forcing errors and playing into our set piece advantage
- 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.
Last edited by pullthestrings on Sat Apr 14, 2012 12:45 pm; edited 1 time in total
pullthestrings- Posts : 5914
Join date : 2011-01-27
Age : 36
Location : Reading
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Northampton Saints
Manager – SirJohnnyEnglish
16. Ethan Waller 17. Mike Haywood 18. Brian Mujati 19. Mark Sorenson 20. Phil Dowson 21. Martin Roberts 22. Ryan Lamb 23. Vasily Artemiev
General Game Plan:
We will use our strong carriers to attack gaps and half gaps in the Exeter line, looking to offload (when its on) in contact to support runners thus changing the point of attack and keeping our forward momentum going. Myler and Sexton to interchange at 1st receiver with Sexton looking to attack flat and inject pace to the proceedings committing the Chiefs defence and leaving space in wider channels for our runners to exploit. Myler to use his intelligent kicking game to pin Chiefs back and take advantage of our lineout options.
On defence, we will use a blitz defence coming up at pace looking to isolate the Exeter 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 Chiefs 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:
•Form & Momentum
We come in to this game off the back of some fantastic results and remain the only side unbeaten in this seasons league. We have our eyes set fully on winning the league and finishing the season unbeaten! Chiefs may well have an eye on their cup semi final next week...
•Fatigue
We are well rested this season with a good rotation policy in the league and the cup seen as a competition for the 2nd string. Chiefs on the way to the cup semi finals have had to play the likes of Armitage, Johnson, BDP, Naqe and co and may well be feeling the effects of alot rugby played.
•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 Chiefs ball we will disrupt the put in looking for penalties or to create rushed poor ball for the Exeter halfbacks.
•Lineout
With 5 jumpers and minimal challenge on our ball, we want to really use the lineout as an attacking platform like South Africa in recent years. We will use a full compliment and look to use the maul to tie in the Exeter forwards leaving room outside for Sexton and co.
In the line on Chiefs ball we will look for Tom Wood to mark Horwill and cut out the main Chiefs jumping option, leaving Wood, Day and the rest of our back 5 to try and poach the ball.
Manager – SirJohnnyEnglish
01. Soane Tonga'uiha | 09. Lee Dickson |
02. Richardt Strauss | 10. Stephen Myler |
03. Paul Doran Jones | |
04. Courtney Lawes | 11. Noah Cato |
05. Christian Day | 12. Johnny Sexton |
06. Stephen Ferris | 13. George Pisi |
07. Tom Wood | 14. Scott Armstrong |
08. Kieran Read | 15. Ben Foden |
16. Ethan Waller 17. Mike Haywood 18. Brian Mujati 19. Mark Sorenson 20. Phil Dowson 21. Martin Roberts 22. Ryan Lamb 23. Vasily Artemiev
General Game Plan:
We will use our strong carriers to attack gaps and half gaps in the Exeter line, looking to offload (when its on) in contact to support runners thus changing the point of attack and keeping our forward momentum going. Myler and Sexton to interchange at 1st receiver with Sexton looking to attack flat and inject pace to the proceedings committing the Chiefs defence and leaving space in wider channels for our runners to exploit. Myler to use his intelligent kicking game to pin Chiefs back and take advantage of our lineout options.
On defence, we will use a blitz defence coming up at pace looking to isolate the Exeter 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 Chiefs 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:
•Form & Momentum
We come in to this game off the back of some fantastic results and remain the only side unbeaten in this seasons league. We have our eyes set fully on winning the league and finishing the season unbeaten! Chiefs may well have an eye on their cup semi final next week...
•Fatigue
We are well rested this season with a good rotation policy in the league and the cup seen as a competition for the 2nd string. Chiefs on the way to the cup semi finals have had to play the likes of Armitage, Johnson, BDP, Naqe and co and may well be feeling the effects of alot rugby played.
•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 Chiefs ball we will disrupt the put in looking for penalties or to create rushed poor ball for the Exeter halfbacks.
•Lineout
With 5 jumpers and minimal challenge on our ball, we want to really use the lineout as an attacking platform like South Africa in recent years. We will use a full compliment and look to use the maul to tie in the Exeter forwards leaving room outside for Sexton and co.
In the line on Chiefs ball we will look for Tom Wood to mark Horwill and cut out the main Chiefs jumping option, leaving Wood, Day and the rest of our back 5 to try and poach the ball.
SirJohnnyEnglish- Posts : 8536
Join date : 2011-05-10
Age : 36
Location : Limerick
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Exeter Chiefs make one change to the starting line up to that which won away at Sixways last wekk for this weeks visit of Northampton Saints to Sandy Park. Gareth Steenson starts at full back with England U20 Jack Nowell dropping to the bench.
Exeter Chiefs
Head Coach – Ozzy3213
16. Neil Clark 17. Brett Sturgess 18. Hoani Tui 19. James Hanks 20. Richard Baxter 21. James Lightfoot-Brown 22. Jack Nowell 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
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. Gareth Steenson |
16. Neil Clark 17. Brett Sturgess 18. Hoani Tui 19. James Hanks 20. Richard Baxter 21. James Lightfoot-Brown 22. Jack Nowell 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 Saints to make lots of tackles which will tire them quickly.
- Defensive
- Blitz Defence - We will look to blitz and stop the Saints 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 Saints ball carriers.
- Key Points
- Form/Momentum/Confidence - We are off the back of four great results and come in full of confidence having qualified for the cup semi finals and beaten a side containing Genia, Carter and Nonu last week.
- Gameplan – Simple gameplan with the right players to be able to effect it perfectly.
- Home Advantage – Sandy Park is as tough an away venue as there is for teams. It is like and extra 3-5 points for the Chiefs every game.
- Mental/Physical approach – Saints have already secured a home semi final. We are fighting to get into the play offs. We will give everything as we have to. Will Saints risk injury knowing that they have nothing to gain?
Ozzy3213- Moderator
- Posts : 18500
Join date : 2011-01-29
Age : 48
Location : Sandhurst
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Bath Rugby
Manager – Bathite
16. A.Perenise 17. R.Batty 18. J.Golding 19. G.Skivington 20. M.Lund 21. M.McMillan 22. S.Donald 23. M.Banahan
TACTICS TBC
General
In poor handling conditions, the kicking game will be crucial and with Vesty, 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. Use the physicality of our pack to our advantage, keeping the ball tight in the middle section of the pitch to retain possession and build a platform to attack from. In our third clear to touch and challenge for the ball at lineout.
Vesty 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, with Louw/Fearns flying up to cramp Robinson/Gopperth for time and space and ensuring he takes the ball deep behind the gainline and starving their outside backs of ball.
Forwards
* Picked a very physical pack to make sure that we defend strongly and smash over the gainline. O'Brien to lead pack from base of scrum making hard yards and setting up the ruck for Louw and Fearns to clear out. SOB to mark Parrisse in defence.
* At the lineout, look to use Taylor's knowledge of the calls to be the main jumper. His experience will shore up this area and give us a platform to attack from. Wasps have two inexperienced locks and hooker, so look to challenge every throw with the front jumper.
* 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 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
* Vesty to take the ball flat on the gainline, drawing defenders and buying time and space for Steyn in the 2nd playmaker role. Steyn not afraid to bosh it up if nothing on and set up the ruck.
* Vary the point of attack with 10/12 interchanging, look to keep it unpredictable on the gainline + difficult to defend against. Use the inside pass with forward runners of Franks, Caldwell, SOB to keep the inside shoulder honest and force the 10 to make tackles.
* Get Laulala on the ball early on and encourage a very pacy back three to run off his shoulder. Only offload if it is on, otherwise, crash it up and use SOB, Fearns, Caldwell to clear out and Louw to secure.
* In the second half, bring on Banahan for a huge physical threat. Encourage him to run into the centre channel early on and test a tired defence.
Manager – Bathite
01. C.Beech | 09. C.Cook |
02. L.Mears | 10. S.Vesty |
03. O.Franks | |
04. S.Taylor | 11. O.Woodburn |
05. R.Caldwell | 12. F.Steyn (k) |
06. C.Fearns | 13. C.Laulala |
07. F.Louw (c) | 14. T.Biggs |
08. S.O'Brien | 15. I.Dagg |
16. A.Perenise 17. R.Batty 18. J.Golding 19. G.Skivington 20. M.Lund 21. M.McMillan 22. S.Donald 23. M.Banahan
TACTICS TBC
General
In poor handling conditions, the kicking game will be crucial and with Vesty, 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. Use the physicality of our pack to our advantage, keeping the ball tight in the middle section of the pitch to retain possession and build a platform to attack from. In our third clear to touch and challenge for the ball at lineout.
Vesty 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, with Louw/Fearns flying up to cramp Robinson/Gopperth for time and space and ensuring he takes the ball deep behind the gainline and starving their outside backs of ball.
Forwards
* Picked a very physical pack to make sure that we defend strongly and smash over the gainline. O'Brien to lead pack from base of scrum making hard yards and setting up the ruck for Louw and Fearns to clear out. SOB to mark Parrisse in defence.
* At the lineout, look to use Taylor's knowledge of the calls to be the main jumper. His experience will shore up this area and give us a platform to attack from. Wasps have two inexperienced locks and hooker, so look to challenge every throw with the front jumper.
* 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 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
* Vesty to take the ball flat on the gainline, drawing defenders and buying time and space for Steyn in the 2nd playmaker role. Steyn not afraid to bosh it up if nothing on and set up the ruck.
* Vary the point of attack with 10/12 interchanging, look to keep it unpredictable on the gainline + difficult to defend against. Use the inside pass with forward runners of Franks, Caldwell, SOB to keep the inside shoulder honest and force the 10 to make tackles.
* Get Laulala on the ball early on and encourage a very pacy back three to run off his shoulder. Only offload if it is on, otherwise, crash it up and use SOB, Fearns, Caldwell to clear out and Louw to secure.
* In the second half, bring on Banahan for a huge physical threat. Encourage him to run into the centre channel early on and test a tired defence.
Bathite- Posts : 8468
Join date : 2011-05-01
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Same as last week
Driver- Posts : 11038
Join date : 2011-04-20
Age : 32
Location : Hartlepool
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Updated, Nick's Wasps are same as last week. Get Predicting
Fluxy- Aviva Premiership Commissioner
- Posts : 12117
Join date : 2011-01-28
Age : 33
Location : Isle of Wight
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Exeter Chiefs 19 - 19 Northampton Saints
One of the big clashes of the weekend. A great front five battle in which I can't quite divide up front. Chiefs will snatch the lineout with Horwill leading it, however Saints will edge the battle of the loose forwards. Both halfback pairings are in good form and I again can't separate them. Then to the centres, where SJE has been bold in selection. I admit I like the idea and theory of Sexton at 12, especially outside a pragmatic flyhalf like Myler. However I think he would struggle against the established Chiefs pairing. However as he grows into the position it bears fruit, as he puts in Foden for late try which will tie the game for me.
Gloucester Rugby 23 - 20 Sale Sharks
A good close battle here, in the scrum's I can see Glouc getting a nudge on, although there would be some parity with Kubs remaining strong. Lineout time it would go to Gaskell and the Sale boys, as they have a well run lineout and a big backrow which will love having time on the ball. However in the backs I think it’s a different story. With the parity up front for the Cherry and Whites, they'll have enough possession to do some damage, but Wilkinson and co to get Sale a losing bonus point.
Harlequins 19 - 22 Leicester Tigers
A good even game, up front it's tough to call who would get and edge in the scrums as both units are quite accomplished. It's again a similar situation in the lineouts with Robson challenging Parling well, but Tigers will slowly get an edge here I feel. However around the park the Tigers pack will get the better of the Quins at the breakdown and in collisions, with Warburton and Waldrom having good days in the loose. A good halfback battle adds a bit of spice, as the attacking axis of Quins helps get them into good situations and keeps the scoreboard ticking over, but as is the underlying story of the game. Tigers have the same chances too. Though in the end it's the complete package of the Tigers team which seals the deal, as JOC and Wade run in a couple of tries to help Tigers on their way.
Bath Rugby 16 - 15 London Wasps
A big game which goes a long way to deciding the final positions of the season.
Bath get the upper hand up front and this will allow their potent backrow to win collisions and put Wasps on the back foot. However Parisse has made a living of being on the back foot and manages to keep his team in the game, with the help of his youthful backs. But in the end two stars from the Bath backs win the game, as Dagg scores a scintillating try to level the scores, and Steyn manages to boot to late long range penalties to seal a hard fought victory at home.
Worcester Warriors 13 - 22 London Irish
Irish come into this game with some good momentum and confidence. And it helps them here; Pull has created a good pack, which is very good in the set pieces, where Worcester will struggle against such well drilled and quality opposition. One advantage for the Warriors is that they have ball carriers which can make inroads into the Irish defence and keep the going backwards. However if Warriors had concentrated their carriers down the newish combination of Noon and Armitage they could have gotten a good result out of the game. But with the amount of possession Irish get hold of they manage to choke the Warriors of ball and deprive the star backline of the Warriors.
One of the big clashes of the weekend. A great front five battle in which I can't quite divide up front. Chiefs will snatch the lineout with Horwill leading it, however Saints will edge the battle of the loose forwards. Both halfback pairings are in good form and I again can't separate them. Then to the centres, where SJE has been bold in selection. I admit I like the idea and theory of Sexton at 12, especially outside a pragmatic flyhalf like Myler. However I think he would struggle against the established Chiefs pairing. However as he grows into the position it bears fruit, as he puts in Foden for late try which will tie the game for me.
Gloucester Rugby 23 - 20 Sale Sharks
A good close battle here, in the scrum's I can see Glouc getting a nudge on, although there would be some parity with Kubs remaining strong. Lineout time it would go to Gaskell and the Sale boys, as they have a well run lineout and a big backrow which will love having time on the ball. However in the backs I think it’s a different story. With the parity up front for the Cherry and Whites, they'll have enough possession to do some damage, but Wilkinson and co to get Sale a losing bonus point.
Harlequins 19 - 22 Leicester Tigers
A good even game, up front it's tough to call who would get and edge in the scrums as both units are quite accomplished. It's again a similar situation in the lineouts with Robson challenging Parling well, but Tigers will slowly get an edge here I feel. However around the park the Tigers pack will get the better of the Quins at the breakdown and in collisions, with Warburton and Waldrom having good days in the loose. A good halfback battle adds a bit of spice, as the attacking axis of Quins helps get them into good situations and keeps the scoreboard ticking over, but as is the underlying story of the game. Tigers have the same chances too. Though in the end it's the complete package of the Tigers team which seals the deal, as JOC and Wade run in a couple of tries to help Tigers on their way.
Bath Rugby 16 - 15 London Wasps
A big game which goes a long way to deciding the final positions of the season.
Bath get the upper hand up front and this will allow their potent backrow to win collisions and put Wasps on the back foot. However Parisse has made a living of being on the back foot and manages to keep his team in the game, with the help of his youthful backs. But in the end two stars from the Bath backs win the game, as Dagg scores a scintillating try to level the scores, and Steyn manages to boot to late long range penalties to seal a hard fought victory at home.
Worcester Warriors 13 - 22 London Irish
Irish come into this game with some good momentum and confidence. And it helps them here; Pull has created a good pack, which is very good in the set pieces, where Worcester will struggle against such well drilled and quality opposition. One advantage for the Warriors is that they have ball carriers which can make inroads into the Irish defence and keep the going backwards. However if Warriors had concentrated their carriers down the newish combination of Noon and Armitage they could have gotten a good result out of the game. But with the amount of possession Irish get hold of they manage to choke the Warriors of ball and deprive the star backline of the Warriors.
Fluxy- Aviva Premiership Commissioner
- Posts : 12117
Join date : 2011-01-28
Age : 33
Location : Isle of Wight
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Driver......I don't think Cole should be playing against me! Lol
Sgt_Pooly- Posts : 36294
Join date : 2011-04-27
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Exeter vs Saints
Saints pack is very powerful and even though the Exeter one is decent it’s not enough.
Both teams have players out of position Sexton for Saints and Steenson for Exeter. Overall the two backlines seem evenly matched. This makes the pack battle all the more decisive. Tight win for Saints.
16-19
Gloucester vs Sale
The Gloucester front five does all the damage. Despite the Sale backrow being stronger. It is simply a too inexperienced Sale backline in my opinion. The more experienced Gloucester backline has a bit of fun too.
28- 17
Harlequins vs Leicester
Both teams looking to play some exciting rugby. High scoring game. Most of the Leicester players are in barnstorming form.
Leicester to turn the screw on the ageing Budgen in the scrum. I expect a large variety of tries.
Leicester have an immense backline though I am disappointed they have not decided to target defensively unreliable Cipriani. Quins to score some tries in a losing cause – they do have players that can conjure magic but it’s not enough against the Leicester juggernaut.
28 – 42
Bath vs Wasps
These two sides seem to be very closely matched but Bath take the win due to home advantage. I can see Bath’s big guns like Steyn and Dagg scoring the decisive points for Bath.
18 -15
Worcester vs London Irish
I think Pullstring’s tactics of targeting the set piece will work very well here. London Irish have a clear superiority in the pack.Unfortunately for inthefastlane this London Irish is very strong which will hamper Worcester’s awesome 8,9,10 and 12. That combo worked in the last game but not the right strategy this week. Worcester’s strong 8,9,10 and 12 to notch them some points but ultimately it’s the London Irish pack that muscles them to an away win.
17-24
Saints pack is very powerful and even though the Exeter one is decent it’s not enough.
Both teams have players out of position Sexton for Saints and Steenson for Exeter. Overall the two backlines seem evenly matched. This makes the pack battle all the more decisive. Tight win for Saints.
16-19
Gloucester vs Sale
The Gloucester front five does all the damage. Despite the Sale backrow being stronger. It is simply a too inexperienced Sale backline in my opinion. The more experienced Gloucester backline has a bit of fun too.
28- 17
Harlequins vs Leicester
Both teams looking to play some exciting rugby. High scoring game. Most of the Leicester players are in barnstorming form.
Leicester to turn the screw on the ageing Budgen in the scrum. I expect a large variety of tries.
Leicester have an immense backline though I am disappointed they have not decided to target defensively unreliable Cipriani. Quins to score some tries in a losing cause – they do have players that can conjure magic but it’s not enough against the Leicester juggernaut.
28 – 42
Bath vs Wasps
These two sides seem to be very closely matched but Bath take the win due to home advantage. I can see Bath’s big guns like Steyn and Dagg scoring the decisive points for Bath.
18 -15
Worcester vs London Irish
I think Pullstring’s tactics of targeting the set piece will work very well here. London Irish have a clear superiority in the pack.Unfortunately for inthefastlane this London Irish is very strong which will hamper Worcester’s awesome 8,9,10 and 12. That combo worked in the last game but not the right strategy this week. Worcester’s strong 8,9,10 and 12 to notch them some points but ultimately it’s the London Irish pack that muscles them to an away win.
17-24
beshocked- Posts : 14849
Join date : 2011-03-08
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Falcons 21 - 22 Sarries
Forwards - What is looking like a solid front row now from the Falcons, with no obvious weaknesses, maybe Wilson needs a touch of form, but I rate him at this level. Would probably have the Falcons winning the second row if Deacon was settled in, so in this case it is also pretty even. Big difference comes at the back row, with Kaino and Brussouw a huge upgrade on Burger and Brown, who have played very little rugby recently.
Backs - Sarries backs keep them in this game and they score late on to sneak the win. Not sure about Falcons' centres, with Waldouck lacking form for a while and May not playing much these days. Up against the defence of Farrell and the world class Smith, Sarries will have some joy here. Also not convinced by Pienaar at 10, think he is much better at 9 and stutters at FH, whilst the Clermont pair are a proven combo and in good knick.
Forwards - What is looking like a solid front row now from the Falcons, with no obvious weaknesses, maybe Wilson needs a touch of form, but I rate him at this level. Would probably have the Falcons winning the second row if Deacon was settled in, so in this case it is also pretty even. Big difference comes at the back row, with Kaino and Brussouw a huge upgrade on Burger and Brown, who have played very little rugby recently.
Backs - Sarries backs keep them in this game and they score late on to sneak the win. Not sure about Falcons' centres, with Waldouck lacking form for a while and May not playing much these days. Up against the defence of Farrell and the world class Smith, Sarries will have some joy here. Also not convinced by Pienaar at 10, think he is much better at 9 and stutters at FH, whilst the Clermont pair are a proven combo and in good knick.
Bathite- Posts : 8468
Join date : 2011-05-01
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Exeter 17 - 19 Saints
Forwards - Exeter will try and keep this a tight and attritional game, but I think that Saints have the class and power upfront to outplay the homeside at their own game. Three huge scrummaging props from the away side means Freshwater will run out of steam and an experienced Strauss means BDP's scrum work is nullified. Saints have more than enough jumpers to nullify Horwill's work at the lineout as well.
Backs - Wow, a player played out of position at 12, I should take note of this otherwise it will be the end of the world. I like Sexton a lot and he has played there a bit and outside a sensible %s player like Myler, it is a viable option. Exeter might well be suffering from some fatigue with the likes of Naqa playing a lot, but the halfbacks show a difference in class for me. With both teams hinting at a forwards battle, I'm not sure how much credit I can give to the back threes, but both teams have solid players at FB with good kicking games.
Forwards - Exeter will try and keep this a tight and attritional game, but I think that Saints have the class and power upfront to outplay the homeside at their own game. Three huge scrummaging props from the away side means Freshwater will run out of steam and an experienced Strauss means BDP's scrum work is nullified. Saints have more than enough jumpers to nullify Horwill's work at the lineout as well.
Backs - Wow, a player played out of position at 12, I should take note of this otherwise it will be the end of the world. I like Sexton a lot and he has played there a bit and outside a sensible %s player like Myler, it is a viable option. Exeter might well be suffering from some fatigue with the likes of Naqa playing a lot, but the halfbacks show a difference in class for me. With both teams hinting at a forwards battle, I'm not sure how much credit I can give to the back threes, but both teams have solid players at FB with good kicking games.
Bathite- Posts : 8468
Join date : 2011-05-01
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Glos 19 - 17 Sale
Forwards - Upfront I see a big gain to the home team, with Jones doing a job on Dickinson especially. Second rows edged to Glos, but the back row to Sale, so two pretty even packs all in all.
Backs - Lack of Peel is big here for me, as he is the heartbeat of the Sale side and in my head forms a great combo with Wiko. Lambie is the kind of player who can provide a bit of spark and whilst Wilko is still the bossman, having Burrell outside him who lacks gametime won't provide an attacking platform really. With EFS outside Lambie, you have 2 gamebreakers and the pace of Trinder forms a great little trio in what would be a tight game.
Forwards - Upfront I see a big gain to the home team, with Jones doing a job on Dickinson especially. Second rows edged to Glos, but the back row to Sale, so two pretty even packs all in all.
Backs - Lack of Peel is big here for me, as he is the heartbeat of the Sale side and in my head forms a great combo with Wiko. Lambie is the kind of player who can provide a bit of spark and whilst Wilko is still the bossman, having Burrell outside him who lacks gametime won't provide an attacking platform really. With EFS outside Lambie, you have 2 gamebreakers and the pace of Trinder forms a great little trio in what would be a tight game.
Bathite- Posts : 8468
Join date : 2011-05-01
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Quins 15 - 19 Tigers
Not hugely detailed tactics from either side here, but much more thought gone into the away gameplan.
Forwards - Tigers are tigers and lose very little upfront. Quins have picked a good front row, but Budgie won't last the whole 80 mins and ironically, Tigers have another old fashioned beast to come off the bench and knacker him out for the last 20. Still not convinced with Youngs yet, maybe next season will be huge for him, but it doesn't really matter with Ayerza and Castro either side of you. Gray/Parling is an interesting combo, but I do think it lacks some bulk, Gray is great in a bit of space, but will he do all the hard yards? I'm not sure and he still isn't bedded in fully yet. Back row goes to the tigers quite convincingly and I think that maybe the quins flanks are the wrong way round.
Backs - Quins have my fav combo in the league, whilst i'm not certain on Care right now. The Quins centres are a big weak point for me though, with both players being out for so long. Sorry quins, but can't see an area of the team where you dominate hugely. Back three also goes to the away side by quite a margin, with the form of JOC and Wade and mr. dependable at FB
Not hugely detailed tactics from either side here, but much more thought gone into the away gameplan.
Forwards - Tigers are tigers and lose very little upfront. Quins have picked a good front row, but Budgie won't last the whole 80 mins and ironically, Tigers have another old fashioned beast to come off the bench and knacker him out for the last 20. Still not convinced with Youngs yet, maybe next season will be huge for him, but it doesn't really matter with Ayerza and Castro either side of you. Gray/Parling is an interesting combo, but I do think it lacks some bulk, Gray is great in a bit of space, but will he do all the hard yards? I'm not sure and he still isn't bedded in fully yet. Back row goes to the tigers quite convincingly and I think that maybe the quins flanks are the wrong way round.
Backs - Quins have my fav combo in the league, whilst i'm not certain on Care right now. The Quins centres are a big weak point for me though, with both players being out for so long. Sorry quins, but can't see an area of the team where you dominate hugely. Back three also goes to the away side by quite a margin, with the form of JOC and Wade and mr. dependable at FB
Bathite- Posts : 8468
Join date : 2011-05-01
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Falcons19-21 Sarries
Forwards: Front 5 will go to Sarries here but the Falcons back row will dominate the breakdown and slow down quite a lot of ball.
Backs: 9-10 a proven combo and Smith will be bedding himself in nicely now to see Sarries over the line. I feel Abendanon will be under quite a bit of pressure here. He isn't bad at defending but will struggle with the gaps appearing in the Falcons centres. Both have good simple tactics and the Falcons back row will keep this game very close with Sarries struggling to break the gainline with slow ball but they will do just enough.
Chiefs 18-18 Saints
Forwards: Huge battle here and I can't separate the starting packs sorry guys. Feel the Chiefs will win up front off the bench with the grunt of Hanks and Baxter taking the old school approach. Think Saints targetting the lineout will get some success.
Backs: Not sure about Steenson at full back here and think he may get a little bit lost at times especially against Foden. However, any high ball will be cleared well. Exeter will run at Sexton and I feel get a bit of an advantage but Pisi will help stop the floodgates opening. It's going down to the out of position players and home advantage leading to a draw sorry.
Quins 16-21 Tigers
Forwards: Go to Tigers here, think Quins will take a bit of joy in the engine room but the Tigers backrow will slow down the ball and get the turnovers desired.
Backs: Going to give this to Tigers with a more dangerous back 3 and think Murphy will control it well over Hamilton and Cips. More tactics from Quins would make this closer and Budgen is more of an impact sub.
Bath 18-16 Wasps
Forwards: Not sure about Wannenburg at 6 to be honest, prefer the Bath front 5 although Mas and Franks will do their opposite numbers. Backrow will be edged to Bath just. The physical pack will work well for Bath and Wasps' short tactics may cause problems here.
Backs: Different story here with Gopperth not bad on the back foot. Think when the ball gets to Vesty he should be able to do link play and release the centres who will be in for a tough time with a good defensive duo. I'm going to say this game will go down to the forwards and can see Bath edging it with not much clean ball for either side.
Worcester 20-24 Irish
Forwards: Massive forward dominance here again with Morgan struggling to get over the gainline with a pack going backwards at a rate of knots. Servat's been struggling lately in the lineouts but has 2 strong jumpers to help him here. At the breakdown it's another win for Irish and think them using a maul will get the points required.
Backs: When the Warriors have the ball they'll do well and Nonu and Hopper will make inroads into Noon's defence however; Pull's tactics seem to go towards 10 man rugby which will be perfect in the conditions and with the pack created. A good win here. Need to start resting/rotating a bit more though Pull.
Forwards: Front 5 will go to Sarries here but the Falcons back row will dominate the breakdown and slow down quite a lot of ball.
Backs: 9-10 a proven combo and Smith will be bedding himself in nicely now to see Sarries over the line. I feel Abendanon will be under quite a bit of pressure here. He isn't bad at defending but will struggle with the gaps appearing in the Falcons centres. Both have good simple tactics and the Falcons back row will keep this game very close with Sarries struggling to break the gainline with slow ball but they will do just enough.
Chiefs 18-18 Saints
Forwards: Huge battle here and I can't separate the starting packs sorry guys. Feel the Chiefs will win up front off the bench with the grunt of Hanks and Baxter taking the old school approach. Think Saints targetting the lineout will get some success.
Backs: Not sure about Steenson at full back here and think he may get a little bit lost at times especially against Foden. However, any high ball will be cleared well. Exeter will run at Sexton and I feel get a bit of an advantage but Pisi will help stop the floodgates opening. It's going down to the out of position players and home advantage leading to a draw sorry.
Quins 16-21 Tigers
Forwards: Go to Tigers here, think Quins will take a bit of joy in the engine room but the Tigers backrow will slow down the ball and get the turnovers desired.
Backs: Going to give this to Tigers with a more dangerous back 3 and think Murphy will control it well over Hamilton and Cips. More tactics from Quins would make this closer and Budgen is more of an impact sub.
Bath 18-16 Wasps
Forwards: Not sure about Wannenburg at 6 to be honest, prefer the Bath front 5 although Mas and Franks will do their opposite numbers. Backrow will be edged to Bath just. The physical pack will work well for Bath and Wasps' short tactics may cause problems here.
Backs: Different story here with Gopperth not bad on the back foot. Think when the ball gets to Vesty he should be able to do link play and release the centres who will be in for a tough time with a good defensive duo. I'm going to say this game will go down to the forwards and can see Bath edging it with not much clean ball for either side.
Worcester 20-24 Irish
Forwards: Massive forward dominance here again with Morgan struggling to get over the gainline with a pack going backwards at a rate of knots. Servat's been struggling lately in the lineouts but has 2 strong jumpers to help him here. At the breakdown it's another win for Irish and think them using a maul will get the points required.
Backs: When the Warriors have the ball they'll do well and Nonu and Hopper will make inroads into Noon's defence however; Pull's tactics seem to go towards 10 man rugby which will be perfect in the conditions and with the pack created. A good win here. Need to start resting/rotating a bit more though Pull.
Last edited by prop_lyd on Mon Apr 16, 2012 11:03 pm; edited 2 times in total
prop_lyd- Posts : 10387
Join date : 2011-01-28
Age : 36
Location : Rogerstone, Wales
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Worcester 16 - 16 Irish
Forwards - Normally this would go to Irish, but I am going to reward IFTL's hard work in doing all that research and pointing out that that pack will be hugely knackered. Having said that, Shervingotn and Taue are going to struggle against their opposite numbers.
Backs - This is where Worcs world class counts for a lot and with home advtantage and fresher legs, it really helps. Centres go massively to Worcs, with Hopper's form outweighing Armitage out of position and with noon out of touch.
Forwards - Normally this would go to Irish, but I am going to reward IFTL's hard work in doing all that research and pointing out that that pack will be hugely knackered. Having said that, Shervingotn and Taue are going to struggle against their opposite numbers.
Backs - This is where Worcs world class counts for a lot and with home advtantage and fresher legs, it really helps. Centres go massively to Worcs, with Hopper's form outweighing Armitage out of position and with noon out of touch.
Bathite- Posts : 8468
Join date : 2011-05-01
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Newcastle 17-22 Sarries
Prefer the Sarries scrum and the Newcastle back row not much in the forwards though perhaps a slight edge to Falcons. However not a fan of Pienaar at 10 compared to SH and the backs are just better from Sarries also think their subs can come on and do some damage.
Exeter 15-16 Saints
The advantage in the lineout goes to Exeter. Scrum is equal and overall find it rather tough to separate the forwards. Sexton out of position in the centres but I can see him having a decent game. Hard to separate teams
Glos 22-18 Sale
Big front five for Gloucester and I really think with that they can be a contender. They get the overall advantage in the forwards despite the back row which I gave to Sale. Not much in the half backs but prefer the Glaws back five which gives them the win.
Quins 22-34 Tigers
tigers have a great set of forwards and away from home this is key. Think Warburton will have a great day will win the ball back consistently and retain it. Both have good half back combos although probably edge to the Quins partnership. From 11-115 prefer the Tigers backs and think they can run in some good tries.
Bath 19-21 Wasps
Think Wasps have the edge up front. Think they can dominate the scrum, don't see much in the lineout and prefer the backrow. Think Parrisse will school SOB at 8. Prefer the Wasps halfbacks as well and think there isn't much from 11-15 with Bath having perhaps the bigger stars but Wasps having a very settled talented unit. Not sure about Ansboro at 11 though.
Prefer the Sarries scrum and the Newcastle back row not much in the forwards though perhaps a slight edge to Falcons. However not a fan of Pienaar at 10 compared to SH and the backs are just better from Sarries also think their subs can come on and do some damage.
Exeter 15-16 Saints
The advantage in the lineout goes to Exeter. Scrum is equal and overall find it rather tough to separate the forwards. Sexton out of position in the centres but I can see him having a decent game. Hard to separate teams
Glos 22-18 Sale
Big front five for Gloucester and I really think with that they can be a contender. They get the overall advantage in the forwards despite the back row which I gave to Sale. Not much in the half backs but prefer the Glaws back five which gives them the win.
Quins 22-34 Tigers
tigers have a great set of forwards and away from home this is key. Think Warburton will have a great day will win the ball back consistently and retain it. Both have good half back combos although probably edge to the Quins partnership. From 11-115 prefer the Tigers backs and think they can run in some good tries.
Bath 19-21 Wasps
Think Wasps have the edge up front. Think they can dominate the scrum, don't see much in the lineout and prefer the backrow. Think Parrisse will school SOB at 8. Prefer the Wasps halfbacks as well and think there isn't much from 11-15 with Bath having perhaps the bigger stars but Wasps having a very settled talented unit. Not sure about Ansboro at 11 though.
Last edited by InTheFastLane on Tue Apr 17, 2012 7:06 pm; edited 1 time in total
CJB- Posts : 5762
Join date : 2011-04-24
Age : 30
Location : Croydon
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Newcastle Falcons 20 Saracens 20
Gloucester 24 Sale Sharks 20
Harlequins 26 Leicester Tigers 30
Bath Rugby 27 London Wasps 26
Worcester Warriors 22 London Irish 21
Gloucester 24 Sale Sharks 20
Harlequins 26 Leicester Tigers 30
Bath Rugby 27 London Wasps 26
Worcester Warriors 22 London Irish 21
Ozzy3213- Moderator
- Posts : 18500
Join date : 2011-01-29
Age : 48
Location : Sandhurst
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Newcastle Falcons 15 Saracens 14
Gloucester 30 Sale Sharks 22
Bath 30 London Wasps 24
Worcester Warriors 18 London Irish 22
Exeter Chiefs 23 Northampton Saints 23
Gloucester 30 Sale Sharks 22
Bath 30 London Wasps 24
Worcester Warriors 18 London Irish 22
Exeter Chiefs 23 Northampton Saints 23
Driver- Posts : 11038
Join date : 2011-04-20
Age : 32
Location : Hartlepool
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Newcastle 20-20 Sarries
Really good front 5 battle, Flux has really shored this up as a unit and I think they'll get the edge here. If Deacon was lineout leader they may be an issue but Hudson runs it well. Units would be tight in the backrow but a little lack of recent for hinders Sarries slightly (although a v good trio) Gray needs improving on at top level but I think he'll be going forward so should be ok.
Great backline for Sarries and they'll really get at Falcons, not convinced with Farrell at 12 in general but if he can stop kicking Smith will be devistating (such a clever player). I've got to say I think the Sarries backline will sneak them a draw in this one but Pienaar's boot will make it very tight. Hate sitting on the fence again but Saints pack will just starve Exeter of ball but the ball I see Exeter getting they'll be leathal with. Sorry guys.
Exeter 25-25 Northampton
Great pack battle with Saints very strong esp in the backrow. Set piece I think will just go Saints way with them strong in scrum especially, lineout will be very tight. Think Dickson might get at Barrett but prefer the Arg over Myler and I think this gives Exeter the edge in the halfbacks.
The Exeter centres could really get at Sexton at 12 I think, big Naqi could do serious damage and with Kahui on his shoulder can see tries coming. Exeter lack a bit of spark in the back 3 but Foden aside so do Saints.
Gloucester 25-23 Sale
Big front row battle but I think Gloucester will get edge on here and a little in the engine room too with Whitelock a class act. Sales backrow is coming along nicely and Burger will make a big impact in the carrying stakes. Stronger halfbacks (just) and plenty of talent in the backs give a small win to Gloucester, home advantage a biggy here. Sale would win at home.
Bath 17-17 Wasps
Battle of the TH's here with Franks shading that battle but a little more at HK and LH giving Wasps edge in scrum. Both engine rooms not great and I can see both lineouts struggling throughout. Little more for Bath's backrow but SOB at 8 a mistake imo with him still coming to terms with plays and 8 a key position for me. Poor halfback combo for Bath, Vesty is not a great 10 and Gopperth will give him a lesson with the boot, Bath's backline past here stronger but not sure they have enough for win. Another draw....sorry boys.
Worcester 28-27 Irish
Big high scoring game this one. Irish def have an edge in the pack but Worcester do contest in each area and have some good form, Irish def with better ball. Irish just look a little disjointed in the backs although they'll be very stong when players come back fit, Worcester with the ball they recieve will score and do enough at home......just.
Really good front 5 battle, Flux has really shored this up as a unit and I think they'll get the edge here. If Deacon was lineout leader they may be an issue but Hudson runs it well. Units would be tight in the backrow but a little lack of recent for hinders Sarries slightly (although a v good trio) Gray needs improving on at top level but I think he'll be going forward so should be ok.
Great backline for Sarries and they'll really get at Falcons, not convinced with Farrell at 12 in general but if he can stop kicking Smith will be devistating (such a clever player). I've got to say I think the Sarries backline will sneak them a draw in this one but Pienaar's boot will make it very tight. Hate sitting on the fence again but Saints pack will just starve Exeter of ball but the ball I see Exeter getting they'll be leathal with. Sorry guys.
Exeter 25-25 Northampton
Great pack battle with Saints very strong esp in the backrow. Set piece I think will just go Saints way with them strong in scrum especially, lineout will be very tight. Think Dickson might get at Barrett but prefer the Arg over Myler and I think this gives Exeter the edge in the halfbacks.
The Exeter centres could really get at Sexton at 12 I think, big Naqi could do serious damage and with Kahui on his shoulder can see tries coming. Exeter lack a bit of spark in the back 3 but Foden aside so do Saints.
Gloucester 25-23 Sale
Big front row battle but I think Gloucester will get edge on here and a little in the engine room too with Whitelock a class act. Sales backrow is coming along nicely and Burger will make a big impact in the carrying stakes. Stronger halfbacks (just) and plenty of talent in the backs give a small win to Gloucester, home advantage a biggy here. Sale would win at home.
Bath 17-17 Wasps
Battle of the TH's here with Franks shading that battle but a little more at HK and LH giving Wasps edge in scrum. Both engine rooms not great and I can see both lineouts struggling throughout. Little more for Bath's backrow but SOB at 8 a mistake imo with him still coming to terms with plays and 8 a key position for me. Poor halfback combo for Bath, Vesty is not a great 10 and Gopperth will give him a lesson with the boot, Bath's backline past here stronger but not sure they have enough for win. Another draw....sorry boys.
Worcester 28-27 Irish
Big high scoring game this one. Irish def have an edge in the pack but Worcester do contest in each area and have some good form, Irish def with better ball. Irish just look a little disjointed in the backs although they'll be very stong when players come back fit, Worcester with the ball they recieve will score and do enough at home......just.
Last edited by Sgt_Pooly on Tue Apr 17, 2012 5:42 pm; edited 1 time in total
Sgt_Pooly- Posts : 36294
Join date : 2011-04-27
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Newcastle 18-18 Saracens
Good even front 5 battle. Set piece keenly fought but no advantage either way. Backrow is a step up to Newcastle with more recent form and extra class. Halfbacks equally a step up for Sarries with the Clermount pairing going well. Hodgson not the man to take advantage of the Falcons backrow. Across the backlines more for Sarries as well with good form and extra class.
Sarries backs will do some serious damage with the ball they get but the Newcastle backrow will limit their possession and see this one working out a draw.
Gloucester 20-17 Sale
Not an awful lot in it again in the front 5 here Glaws maybe just edging with a great engine room. Sale have an edge in the backrow with more presence at the breakdown. Glaws halfbacks will get more from their backs but in the backlines not an awful lot in it in terms of quality. Tight game to call and home advantage is the deciding factor for me.
Harlequins 16-22 Tigers
Edge to the Tigers at both set pieces here and Warburton can give them an edge at the breakdown. Quins with a classy pair of halfbacks but its tight on current form. Backlines go to Tigers though with the midfield form still a big problem for Quins.
Bath 18-15 Wasps
Both THs will have fun in this one. Lineout is an edge to Bath though and they are right to use the kicking game. Cracking battle in the backrow. At halfback again not sure Gopperth is the man for the Wasps attacking game plan. Bath at home have enough to see this game out.
Worcester 19-22 Irish
Irish have a good advantage at the set piece here. Worcester will do well in contact getting over the gain line but will struggle at the actual breakdown. Worcester with more class in the backline by a long way, (not sure Noon at 12 works at all), but they will struggle to see ball in this one and Irish pick up a much needed win in the battle for the playoffs.
Good even front 5 battle. Set piece keenly fought but no advantage either way. Backrow is a step up to Newcastle with more recent form and extra class. Halfbacks equally a step up for Sarries with the Clermount pairing going well. Hodgson not the man to take advantage of the Falcons backrow. Across the backlines more for Sarries as well with good form and extra class.
Sarries backs will do some serious damage with the ball they get but the Newcastle backrow will limit their possession and see this one working out a draw.
Gloucester 20-17 Sale
Not an awful lot in it again in the front 5 here Glaws maybe just edging with a great engine room. Sale have an edge in the backrow with more presence at the breakdown. Glaws halfbacks will get more from their backs but in the backlines not an awful lot in it in terms of quality. Tight game to call and home advantage is the deciding factor for me.
Harlequins 16-22 Tigers
Edge to the Tigers at both set pieces here and Warburton can give them an edge at the breakdown. Quins with a classy pair of halfbacks but its tight on current form. Backlines go to Tigers though with the midfield form still a big problem for Quins.
Bath 18-15 Wasps
Both THs will have fun in this one. Lineout is an edge to Bath though and they are right to use the kicking game. Cracking battle in the backrow. At halfback again not sure Gopperth is the man for the Wasps attacking game plan. Bath at home have enough to see this game out.
Worcester 19-22 Irish
Irish have a good advantage at the set piece here. Worcester will do well in contact getting over the gain line but will struggle at the actual breakdown. Worcester with more class in the backline by a long way, (not sure Noon at 12 works at all), but they will struggle to see ball in this one and Irish pick up a much needed win in the battle for the playoffs.
SirJohnnyEnglish- Posts : 8536
Join date : 2011-05-10
Age : 36
Location : Limerick
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Newcastle 20 - 21 Saracens
Exeter 15 - 24 Northampton
Gloucester 13 - 11 Sale
Quins 27 - 31 Leicester
Bath 15 - 15 Wasps
Exeter 15 - 24 Northampton
Gloucester 13 - 11 Sale
Quins 27 - 31 Leicester
Bath 15 - 15 Wasps
pullthestrings- Posts : 5914
Join date : 2011-01-27
Age : 36
Location : Reading
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Newcastle 17 Sarries 19
Front 5 even enough so that no side will get an advantrage. Sarries lose backrow battle but i am really not a fan of Pineaar at 10. I think F;uxy would be better off playing him at 9 with a poorer 10, but giving him all the responsibiliy like he has at Ulster. Sarries for me have a bit more from 11-15 and for me have enough for an away win.
Exeter 21 Saints 21
Think Saints edge the pack battle and the backrow battle but not by a lot. Exeter are the type of team that wll grind out a result and for me this keeps them in it to get the draw. I can see Naqa having a bit of success against Sexton early on while Sexton is getting used to defending at 12.
Quins 23 Leicester 29
Leicester have too much here up front for me they have a slight advantage and in the backrow especially which will esnure Burgess and Evans dojn't have too much quick ball to play with. Scrum is pretty even and i dont see either team getting a massive advantage in the lineout. Quins have enough for a LBP.
Bath 23 Wasps 24
Think Bath will prefer being up front but can see Bath really struggling in the battle of the 10's. Both backline i like and have good balance to, and although they will have slightly less ball i can see Gopperth kicking Wasps to an away victory.
Worcester 21 Irish 20
Worcester sneak this for me as although Irish have the better pack there are some issues with fatigue and i feel that Irish's centre combo can be got at defensively especially. Don't like Bowden being told to kick it tactically as it is not really his game and he will come unstuck at some poiont. Very close so go for home win.
Front 5 even enough so that no side will get an advantrage. Sarries lose backrow battle but i am really not a fan of Pineaar at 10. I think F;uxy would be better off playing him at 9 with a poorer 10, but giving him all the responsibiliy like he has at Ulster. Sarries for me have a bit more from 11-15 and for me have enough for an away win.
Exeter 21 Saints 21
Think Saints edge the pack battle and the backrow battle but not by a lot. Exeter are the type of team that wll grind out a result and for me this keeps them in it to get the draw. I can see Naqa having a bit of success against Sexton early on while Sexton is getting used to defending at 12.
Quins 23 Leicester 29
Leicester have too much here up front for me they have a slight advantage and in the backrow especially which will esnure Burgess and Evans dojn't have too much quick ball to play with. Scrum is pretty even and i dont see either team getting a massive advantage in the lineout. Quins have enough for a LBP.
Bath 23 Wasps 24
Think Bath will prefer being up front but can see Bath really struggling in the battle of the 10's. Both backline i like and have good balance to, and although they will have slightly less ball i can see Gopperth kicking Wasps to an away victory.
Worcester 21 Irish 20
Worcester sneak this for me as although Irish have the better pack there are some issues with fatigue and i feel that Irish's centre combo can be got at defensively especially. Don't like Bowden being told to kick it tactically as it is not really his game and he will come unstuck at some poiont. Very close so go for home win.
Londonirishollie- Posts : 505
Join date : 2011-06-01
Location : London
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
Closed
Can't do results yet, I'll get round to them asap
Can't do results yet, I'll get round to them asap
Sgt_Pooly- Posts : 36294
Join date : 2011-04-27
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
RESULTS:
Newcastle Falcons* 20-25 Saracens
Exeter Chiefs* 19-24 Northampton Saints
Gloucester* 32-18 Sale Sharks
Harlequins 21-37 Leicester Tigers*
Bath Rugby 26-21 London Wasps*
Worcester Warriors* 22-27 London Irish
FULL BONUS for all except:
1/2 - Pete, Driver, Pull
None - Nick
Newcastle Falcons* 20-25 Saracens
Exeter Chiefs* 19-24 Northampton Saints
Gloucester* 32-18 Sale Sharks
Harlequins 21-37 Leicester Tigers*
Bath Rugby 26-21 London Wasps*
Worcester Warriors* 22-27 London Irish
FULL BONUS for all except:
1/2 - Pete, Driver, Pull
None - Nick
Sgt_Pooly- Posts : 36294
Join date : 2011-04-27
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
sorry son!
im back now.
im back now.
stnick88- Posts : 5345
Join date : 2011-05-10
Re: Week 17 - Aviva Premiership Round 10
I've missed yer!
Sgt_Pooly- Posts : 36294
Join date : 2011-04-27
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