Aviva Cup Final

by Fluxy Wed 16 May 2012, 3:45 pm

This year’s Aviva Cup final would be fought between two of the form teams towards the end of the domestic season. London Irish who overcame Saracens at home in the Semi-finals will come up against an Exeter Chiefs side which has had a revival in fortunes since the return of head coach Pete. With a close look at each side it would be difficult to pick out just one key man, but we have managed to pick influential players in the forwards and backs for either side. For Irish up front the signing of Euan Murray has been a big improvement to their pack, however the signing of David Pocock would embellish any side and he has done wonders to help Irish get to this point. In the backs the creative Bowden gets a mention, but the ever elusive Sailosi Tagicakibau has been in wonderful form.
for the Chiefs the ever green Perry Freshwater will play in his final game before retiring will do his best to get them on the front foot, but the ever present Tom Johnson will look to do the dirty work for Chiefs as he will look to negate Pocock at the breakdown. In the backs Hadyn Thomas will get the backs moving nicely for Chiefs, but the big bustling presence of Richard Kahui will present an array of problems for the Irish.

Venue; Twickenham Stadium
Referee; Steve Walsh
Assitant Referee’s; Nigel Owens, Craig Joubert
Television Match Official; Vinny Munro

Team to start extra time (replacements who have come on are in bold.

Exeter Chiefs

Head Coach – Ozzy3213

01. Brett Sturgess	09. Haydn Thomas
02. Bismarck du Plessis	10. Aaron Cruden
03. Hoani Tui
04. James Hanks	11. Matt Jess
05. James Horwill (c)	12. Sireli Naqalevuki
06. Tom Johnson	13. Richard Kahui
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Paul Sackey
08. Richard Baxter	15. Isa Nacewa

16. Neil Clark 21. Kevin Barrett 22. Ignacio Mieres

Tactics

We would look to really open the game up and use the offloading skills of players to keep Irish moving in defence in order to create gaps against tired legs which we would look to exploit. If BdP, Thomas or Cruden tire during extra time then they will be replaced but only if they are literally dying out there.

Replacements made are shown in bold.

London Irish

Manager – Pullthestrings

01. Max Lahiff	09. Darren Allinson
02. James Buckland	10. Shane Geraghty
03. Euan Murray
04. Steve Mafi	11. Tom Homer (k)
05. Nick Kennedy	12. Daniel Bowden
06. Jamie Gibson	13. Regan King
07. David Pocock (c)	14. Sailosi Tagicakibau
08. Imanol Harinordoquy	15. Delon Armitage

Subs:
17. Paulica Ion, 20. Tom Guest, 23. Topsy Ojo

Tactics
We head into extra time confident of getting the job done. One of our key points was the strength of out bench so we'll be looking for them to make an impact.

- After 60 mins + of battering in the scrum, Lahiff and Buckland have come on to ensure it remains steady. If Murray's flagging, we'll bring on Ion.

- Get the back three involved as much as possible, with them coming off their wings and picking gaps in the Exeter back line. Ojo on stand by if any feel like the need a rest.

- Work hard to make the breakdowns and spot possible turnovers. With tired legs, make sure we get the ball out quickly and let Geraghty run at players, with support runners either side.

- Big efforts in defence from the back row - attempt to wrap up attackers and prevent the offloads. If any are flagging, Guest can come on to work his socks off.

- Allinson to sweep behind in defence and shut out any half breaks. Boss the pack and don't let them get lazy in defence.

- Keep up the pressure on the Exeter midfield by rushing up and causing mistakes. Shut off the back three and keep them tight where we can snuff out any attacks.

- Homer to go for points at every opportunity. The leading points scorer in the premiership - his boot can make the difference in extra time.

Key points
- Targeted this competition from the start

- Low confidence in the scrum for the Chiefs

- Bowden to midfield to help nullify attacks

- Get our back three involved to run at Exeter's tired legs.

by Sgt_Pooly Fri 18 May 2012, 12:15 am

Cheers Flux

Good luck lads

by **Ozzy3213** Fri 18 May 2012, 11:55 am

When do teams need to be in by?

by Bathite Fri 18 May 2012, 11:58 am

I'd guess Saturday 6pm, as per the prem games?

by **Ozzy3213** Fri 18 May 2012, 12:03 pm

Exeter Chiefs name their strongest possible 23 for the Aviva Cup final against London Irish.

Exeter Chiefs

Head Coach – Ozzy3213

01. Perry Freshwater	09. Haydn Thomas
02. Bismarck du Plessis	10. Aaron Cruden
03. Craig Mitchell
04. Tommy Hayes	11. Josh Tatupu
05. James Horwill (c)	12. Sireli Naqalevuki
06. Tom Johnson	13. Richard Kahui
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Paul Sackey
08. Ofisa Treviranus	15. Isa Nacewa

16. Neil Clark 17. Brett Sturgess 18. Hoani Tui 19. James Hanks 20. Richard Baxter 21. Kevin Barrett 22. Ignacio Mieres 23. Matt Jess

Tactics

Our gameplan involves doing everything with a high intensity and asserting ourselves on our opponents, both in attack and defence. We will look for our big carriers to go straight and hard with support runners on their shoulders for the offload either in or just before the tackle. We will look to keep the ball alive and not go to ground with it thereby minimising the number of rucks in the match. Look to go quick of the back of scrums, we are strong enough to hold our own to get the ball in and out and play, and look to mainly go off the top in the lineout, using back row forwards in midfield to crash over the gainline.

Specifics

Attacking
Target the 10 and 13 channels – Look to target the areas where we see most defensive weakness.
Carry close to the ruck – Get big carriers carrying close to the rucks forcing Irish to make lots of tackles which will tire them quickly, then shift it wide quickly once we have tied defenders in.
Defensive
Blitz Defence - We will look to blitz and stop the Irish carriers before they hit the gainline. Thomas will sweep in behind the line.
Breakdown - We will try to ensure as few breakdowns as possible but when it does go ground we will look to get Armitage over the ball contesting with the rest of the pack rucking past the ball clearing out.
Key Points
Gameplan – Simple gameplan with the right players to be able to effect it perfectly.
Momentum – We come in off a good finish to the season and full of confidence and momentum.
Form 10 in world rugby – Cruden has been sensational this season in real life, and in Naqa has a similar type 12 to SBW who we know he can work well with. In running rugby conditions, given any kind of decent ball he can tear any team apart right now.

by Bathite Fri 18 May 2012, 12:05 pm

haha, that was quick!

by **Ozzy3213** Fri 18 May 2012, 12:23 pm

If I didn't get it in then I might not get it in at all. Have a massively hectic weekend ahead so won't be on much after 4 o'clock until Sunday evening probably.

by pullthestrings Fri 18 May 2012, 5:11 pm

London Irish manager pullthestrings has picked a monsterous side today to face Exeter Chiefs. Our whole season has been building towards this game - we've picked strong sides throughout this competition to ensure we secure some silverware this year. The players picked are able to handle the pressure and achieve their goal.

London Irish

Manager – Pullthestrings

01. Gethin Jenkins	09. Joe Simpson
02. William Servat	10. Daniel Bowden
03. Euan Murray
04. Tom Palmer	11. Tom Homer (k)
05. Nick Kennedy	12. Shontayne Hape
06. Jamie Gibson	13. Regan King
07. David Pocock (c)	14. Sailosi Tagicakibau
08. Imanol Harinordoquy	15. Delon Armitage

Subs:
16. James Buckland, 17. Paulica Ion, 18. Max Lahiff, 19. Steve Mafi, 20. Tom Guest, 21. Darren Allinson, 22. Shane Geraghty, 23. Topsy Ojo

Tactics
The conditions suit us today. We'll play the usual game plan that has lead to victory in every game this competition. 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. Our real threat comes from our running rugby, and when it's on we'll really go for it and trust our skills.

- Use the set piece as a weapon to the upper hand and gain confidence. At the scrum, look to really dominate. Our front five is huge and can cause damage here. Jenkins to get the better of his countryman Mitchell. Keep the ball at the base if it's going well, hammer the advantage home.

- In the lineout, again look for domination. Opt for full lineouts in our half to tie in their pack and give the backs more time. In their half mix it up and get some forwards in the backs running some lines.

- Target the breakdown for possible turnovers, with Pocock and Gibson staying strong on their 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 Hape and King. Rush up fast and close down their space, forcing errors and playing into our set piece advantage.

- Pocock and Gibson work their socks off in defence and cut down the midfield early on. Big efforts to stop Exeters marauding centres and limit their effect.

- 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.

- We have the edge on the bench today to make sure we don't let our foot off the pedal. Keep going for the full 80.

Key points
- Targetted this competition from the start and have been unbeaten in every game

- Massive front row on show, looking to dominate their counterparts at the set piece

- Big efforts in defence looking to nullify Exeters attacks from midfield

- The bench is packed with impact players to have a go at Exeter's tired legs.

by **Ozzy3213** Sat 19 May 2012, 10:41 am

Guys, I have a manic day today so will struggle to get my tactics in until about 10:00 tonight, is that going to be ok? If not I will have to go with no tactics, although my general game plan never really changes and can be seen on any of the previous match threads.

by Bathite Sat 19 May 2012, 10:57 am

If you post you're last set of tactics mate, I don't mind 'editing' them slightly for this game.

Would be much better than no tactics at all

by Sgt_Pooly Sat 19 May 2012, 4:06 pm

Yea thats fine Pete...not in a major rush

by pullthestrings Sat 19 May 2012, 5:37 pm

Assume today's weather conditions in London, i.e. cloudy, 17 degrees?

by Sgt_Pooly Sat 19 May 2012, 5:39 pm

Yea mate, great rugby conditions

by pullthestrings Sat 19 May 2012, 7:08 pm

Updated my tactics.

by **Ozzy3213** Sat 19 May 2012, 9:19 pm

Am in and online after daughters 11th birthday party. Will get my tactics up now.

by **Ozzy3213** Sat 19 May 2012, 9:34 pm

Tic tacs update.

Best of luck pull, should be a good game.

by Fluxy Sat 19 May 2012, 9:56 pm

Predictions Open

by ChequeredJersey Sat 19 May 2012, 10:22 pm

Interesting match. Irish to comfortably win at the breakdown- their back row plus Servat and Jenkins are stronger than Exeter despite the presence of Armitage in their side. The front 5s and scrums look fairly even- Jenkins, Murray and Servat maybe edging it for Irish, but the likes of Horwill and Armitage and Bismark winning in the loose. The lineouts also go to Irish with two great jumpers but any mails will go Exeter's way with more bulk in the engine room. Exeter look to have an edge with some excellent backs.

Irish to start strong and take points from the start from Homer's boot as they dominate the breakdown. A try from all that possession too from the forwards. However, Ex get a penalty to stick in it at about 16-3 then score a break away try through one of the back 3. This momentum let's them score again and take the lead with Cruden running the show. Irish just edge the lead again with a penalty at half-time then add a try in the corner early in the 2nd half. 25-17, then Hari gets carded and Exeter take advantage with 2 tries.

Irish claw their way back once Hari is back and retake the breakdown. 2 goals from the tee make it even and then the subs come in. The Irish bench run the Exeter team ragged and Ex continue to infringe in contact. Homer kicks 3 goals to kill the game.

Exeter- 31, Irish - 40, great match despite the wind and drizzle.

Tries- Ex- Nacewa, du Plessis, Cruden, Sackey
Irish- Gibson, Armitage

Conversions- Ex- Cruden x4
Irish- Homer

Penalties- Ex- Cruden
Irish- Homer x 7

by Driver Sun 20 May 2012, 1:35 pm

Exeter 28 London Irish 30

by Bathite Mon 21 May 2012, 7:47 am

Exeter 24 - 22 Irish

Forwards - Have the front row going to the Irish here, with the hookers cancelling each other out, I'd have Murray over Freshwater for 80 mins and Jenkins holding his own against Mitchell. Not much to split the front row replacements, though i'd worry about Ion, although Perry F will probably be off by then anyways. Second row goes to the Chiefs here, with the leadership and lineout work of Horwill going alongside the form of Hayes very nicely. Kennedy and Palmer suffering from a lack of bulk. Back row goes to Irish, with the additions of Mafi from the bench extending this advantage. Hari really helps with the lineout and Pocock more than cancels out Steffon's outrageous form.

Backs - Half backs going to Exeter with both on top form, whilst the Irish pair have been ok, not setting the world alight. Centres also go to Exeter, with form again making a big difference, but overall quality also much higher. Back three pretty even and hard to split, both pretty even, maybe the Chiefs edge it, although Ojo coming off the bench is useful.

Really tricky to split these two, as have both teams winning battles in different parts of the pitch. Going to have to side with Exeter though, as they have the form players in the key parts of the pitch.

by stnick88 Mon 21 May 2012, 10:12 am

Exeter 25-22 Irish - For me Exeter have a little bit better balance in the pack, with good combos and a lot of grunt and power to grind there way through this match. They have some hard runners in the backs and a good 10 to control things and provide some spark. Irish have some dangerous runners in the backline but I am unsure of the centre combo. Great game edged by the Chiefs.

by Sgt_Pooly Mon 21 May 2012, 11:25 am

Exeter 23-21 Irish

Not much in the front 5 battle, can see both teams securing set piece ball with Exeter getting a little nudge on in the scrum after 60mins. Not much in the BS's but 7/8 are complete class above for Irish and bring more to the game.

Halfbacks are in better form for Exeter and 2 better players. Prefer the Exeter midfield by a long shot with Hape a long way from any form and a strong partnership for Exeter causing damage through the middle. Homer aside I really like the Irish back 3 and they'll just have more spark.

Tight game but just see Exeter doing a little more with the ball they get.

by Londonirishollie Mon 21 May 2012, 11:46 pm

Exeter 24 Irish 28

For me there is really very little in it, but Irish,s pack just edges it, with the big match experience of more of their starting pack (I think everyone in the starting pack has played in abig game/final of some sort apart from gibson). Cruden edges the 10 battle but for me Bowdeen will get slightly better quality ball meaning it is quite even.I can also Losi giving Sackey some problems. Naqa and kahui to be good together but naqa's of loading game isn't up to the SBW level but will still cause Irish problems. To be fair I think Hape is a decent player who does a job and king likewise but still sight advantage to Exeter. Very close just think Irish will edge it in an extremely close one

by SirJohnnyEnglish Tue 22 May 2012, 2:13 pm

Exeter 27-23 Irish

Very good battle at the set piece here. Irish have a bit more quality in name value in the backrow but Chiefs with fantastic form level it out a bit. Chiefs with more ball carriers through the pack though. Overall pretty even.

Halfbacks go to Chiefs with Cruden in outrageous form at the moment and Chiefs can impose themselves in midfield as well. Back 3 edges to Irish overall although Nacewa is the stand out player. Bit more impact for Irish from the bench but the Cheifs set piece will be more secure. Good sound tactics from both sides.

Good even pack battle but more from the 10-13 axis see Chiefs pick up their first bit of silverware

by **Ozzy3213** Tue 22 May 2012, 6:13 pm

Do predictions close for this tonight?

by Driver Tue 22 May 2012, 6:21 pm

by **Ozzy3213** Tue 22 May 2012, 6:24 pm

We need flux, ITFL and prop to ge their predos on really, the game is on a knife edge.

by Driver Tue 22 May 2012, 6:34 pm

Could keep it open till tomorrow night if ok with Pooly?

by Sgt_Pooly Tue 22 May 2012, 6:44 pm

See how we get on, still a couple of hour left

by Fluxy Tue 22 May 2012, 7:22 pm

Exeter Chiefs 22 - 20 London Irish

A very close and intense front five battle. I can see each side getting their fair share of the ball at the scrummage, however later on in the game Freshwater will have to come off, and with the benches I can see Irish getting a slight edge here. The lineout is another keenly contested set piece and can see Exeter getting a bit of joy here, although both teams will secure most of their own ball again. What will separate these teams up front it the carrying ability of the Chiefs pack, as unfortunately there is a lack of this in the Irish team.

The form of the Chiefs halfbacks puts them on the front foot; but the ball Irish will receive will give them some chances to attack, this gives a dangerous backthree a good platform to attack. However the ability of the Chiefs backline and star quality will create scoring chances out of nothing. But all in all the benches will make it close for Irish but the boots of Cruden and Mieres will see them safe to a big cup win.

by CJB Tue 22 May 2012, 7:33 pm

Exeter 21-25 Irish

What a battle in the forwards. Edge the front row to Irish, not much in the second row perhaps and edge to Cheifs while the backrow goes to Irish. Overall slight edge to Irish and especially in a tight game where there big game experience comes to the forefront, also think there bench is likely to sustain a small advantage.

Prefer the Exeter and half backs but the Irish back three will be pretty deadly when they get the ball and have better options to come in from the bench. Think overall big game experience nicks it for me although Pete has built a great side

by Sgt_Pooly Tue 22 May 2012, 8:58 pm

Predo's close

Can't do scores as on phone, will do tomorrow. Looks close

by **Ozzy3213** Tue 22 May 2012, 8:59 pm

Mate I know the score, do you want me to post it?

by Sgt_Pooly Tue 22 May 2012, 9:01 pm

Yea mate, we're well past predo time

by **Ozzy3213** Tue 22 May 2012, 9:03 pm

You're not going to like it, would have been better if prop could have got his prediction in.

Exeter Chiefs 30 London Irish 30

by Fluxy Tue 22 May 2012, 9:10 pm

Wow, that was close....

by Sgt_Pooly Tue 22 May 2012, 9:11 pm

Bloody hell....you and draws man!!

GAME GOES INTO EXTRA TIME

by **Ozzy3213** Tue 22 May 2012, 9:12 pm

I'd have won if ITFL hadn't showed up furious

by **Ozzy3213** Tue 22 May 2012, 9:14 pm

When I posted that we needed the last three predictions it was deadlocked at 30-30. Fluxy's predo made it 31-29 to me but ITFL swung it back to level. As I sais it would have been better if prop had got his prediciton in.

Don't know what you think about me deleting the scores and getting prop to predict when he's next on rather than everyone predicting again for extra time.

by CJB Tue 22 May 2012, 9:16 pm

Sorry Pete kiss

by Fluxy Tue 22 May 2012, 9:17 pm

Could be a good idea pete. Save time all in all.

by Sgt_Pooly Tue 22 May 2012, 9:18 pm

Right......I was think about this last week

Can Pull & Pete name their EXTRA TIME XV in format & remaining subs.

Think about what subs you would have used (props maybe??? Old players??? Impact???)

We'll carry out an extra time prediction when this is done

by Fluxy Tue 22 May 2012, 9:20 pm

I like it, as if they have made the subs themselves, if any?

by Sgt_Pooly Tue 22 May 2012, 9:25 pm

That's my thinking, no rush till end of season. This adds a bit of management into it

by **Ozzy3213** Tue 22 May 2012, 9:41 pm

Ozzy3213 wrote:Team to start extra time (replacements who have come on are in bold.

Exeter Chiefs

Head Coach – Ozzy3213

01. Brett Sturgess 09. Haydn Thomas
02. Bismarck du Plessis 10. Aaron Cruden
03. Hoani Tui
04. James Hanks 11. Matt Jess
05. James Horwill (c) 12. Sireli Naqalevuki
06. Tom Johnson 13. Richard Kahui
07. Steffon Armitage 14. Paul Sackey
08. Richard Baxter 15. Isa Nacewa

16. Neil Clark 21. Kevin Barrett 22. Ignacio Mieres

Tactics

We would look to really open the game up and use the offloading skills of players to keep Irish moving in defence in order to create gaps against tired legs which we would look to exploit. If BdP, Thomas or Cruden tire during extra time then they will be replaced but only if they are literally dying out there.

by ChequeredJersey Tue 22 May 2012, 9:53 pm

How exciting

by pullthestrings Wed 23 May 2012, 10:39 am

pullthestrings wrote:Replacements made are shown in bold.

London Irish

Manager – Pullthestrings

01. Max Lahiff 09. Darren Allinson
02. James Buckland 10. Shane Geraghty
03. Euan Murray
04. Steve Mafi 11. Tom Homer (k)
05. Nick Kennedy 12. Daniel Bowden
06. Jamie Gibson 13. Regan King
07. David Pocock (c) 14. Sailosi Tagicakibau
08. Imanol Harinordoquy 15. Delon Armitage
Subs:
17. Paulica Ion, 20. Tom Guest, 23. Topsy Ojo

Tactics
We head into extra time confident of getting the job done. One of our key points was the strength of out bench so we'll be looking for them to make an impact.

- After 60 mins + of battering in the scrum, Lahiff and Buckland have come on to ensure it remains steady. If Murray's flagging, we'll bring on Ion.

- Get the back three involved as much as possible, with them coming off their wings and picking gaps in the Exeter back line. Ojo on stand by if any feel like the need a rest.

- Work hard to make the breakdowns and spot possible turnovers. With tired legs, make sure we get the ball out quickly and let Geraghty run at players, with support runners either side.

- Big efforts in defence from the back row - attempt to wrap up attackers and prevent the offloads. If any are flagging, Guest can come on to work his socks off.

- Allinson to sweep behind in defence and shut out any half breaks. Boss the pack and don't let them get lazy in defence.

- Keep up the pressure on the Exeter midfield by rushing up and causing mistakes. Shut off the back three and keep them tight where we can snuff out any attacks.

- Homer to go for points at every opportunity. The leading points scorer in the premiership - his boot can make the difference in extra time.

Key points
- Targeted this competition from the start

- Low confidence in the scrum for the Chiefs

- Bowden to midfield to help nullify attacks

- Get our back three involved to run at Exeter's tired legs.

by ChequeredJersey Wed 23 May 2012, 10:43 am

I'm assuming that our Geraghty-James trade technically doesn't happen until after this game then?

Either way, I'm still with Irish to win, narrowly, with Homer's kicking vital in added time and a couple of very good subs still held back. Tired as it is, that back-row gives them the edge over Exeter. Sorry, Oz

by Sgt_Pooly Wed 23 May 2012, 10:46 am

We'll kick off when Flux updates page.

THE SCORE IS CURRENTLY 30-30

Place predictions based on this

by **Ozzy3213** Wed 23 May 2012, 11:18 am

Just on key points of Irish, what does "Low confidence in the scrum for the Chiefs' mean???

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