Summer Tournament Round Four

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Pool One
Saracens v London Irish

Saracens
Manager – Ozzy3213

01. Alex Corbisiero	09. Morgan Parra
02. John Smit (c)	10. Francois Trinh-Duc
03. Adam Jones
04. Lionel Nallet	11. Mark Cueto
05. George Skivington	12. Owen Farrell
06. Thierry Dusautoir	13. Jonathan Davies
07. Ross Rennie	14. Andrew Trimble
08. Duane Vermeulen	15. Tom Homer

16. George Chuter 17. Matt Mullan 18. Dave Wilson 19. Steve Borthwick 20. Tom Johnson 21. Ofisa Treviranus 22. Dewaldt Duvenage 23. Luke Fitzgerald

No tactics as such, am just looking to see how people think combinations would work, in particular Farrell as a controlling 12 with a running threat from FTD inside him and Davies outside him. As always I am interested in people thoughts on the balance in the pack, in terms of scrum, lineout, carrying, tackling and breakdown options.

London Irish
Manager – stnick88

01. Jean Baptiste Poux	09. Julien Dupuy
02. Tom Lindsay	10. Nick Evans
03. Martin Castrogiovanni
04. Matt Garvey	11. Paul Sackey
05. Johann Muller	12. Luke McAllister
06. Jerome Kaino	13. Mathieu Bastereaud
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Sailosi Tagicakibau
08. Keegan Daniel	15. Delon Armitage

16. Matt Stevens 17. James Buckland 18. WP Nel 19. Nick Kennedy 20. Hendrie Fourie 21. Neal De Kock 22. Shane Geraghty 23. Sireli Naqalevuki

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Newcastle Falcons v Leicester Tigers

Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Sgt Pooly

01. Soane Tonga'uiha	09. Ben Youngs
02. Rory Best	10. Toby Flood
03. Owen Franks
04. Brad Thorn	11. Miles Benjamin
05. Paul O’Connell(c)	12. James O’Connor
06. Chris Robshaw	13. George Lowe
07. Heinrich Brussow	14. Tommy Bowe
08. Toby Faletau	15. Alex Goode

17. Lee Mears 17. Paul Doran-Jones 18. Fabien Barcella 19. Geoff Parling 20. Richie McCaw 21. Jimmy Cowan 22. Aaron Cruden 23. Drew Mitchell

Tactics:

• Game plan...Fast paced, high intensity, offloading, dynamic rugby

• Set tone in set piece and dominate collision/breakdown

• Flood/JOC to alternate 1st reciever

Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Gethin Jenkins	09. Dimitri Yachvili (k)
02. Tom Youngs	10. Brock James
03. Cencus Johnston
04. Pascal Pape (c)	11. Ugo Monye
05. Alistair Hargreaves	12. Billy Twelvetrees
06. Sean O'Brien	13. Casey Laulala
07. James Scaysbrook	14. Vincent Clerc
08. Thomas Waldrom	15. Clement Poitrenaud

16. Andrew Sheridan 17. Stephen Moore 18. Dan Cole 19. Simon Shaw 20. Jordan Crane 21. Michael Claasens 22. Rory Clegg 23. Rene Ranger

Tactics

- We will play an attacking, offloading game getting our backline into space by using our huge carriers and the brains of our HB's.

- Massive line-breakers right throughout the side that will look to tire down the Newcastle defence. The likes of Waldrom, O'Brien, Scaysbrook, Youngs, Pape and Laulala used off the shoulder crashing through the defence.

- Powerful scrum that will look to hold ground and set up a clean platform for Yachvili. Big shove on Newcastle 's scrums.

- Hargreaves, Pape and Scaysbrook as our main jumpers rotating the target. We will relentlessly target the opposition's throws.

- In general attacking play, we will play off 9 with Yachvili our general pulling the strings.

- James given license to play what he sees. Twelvetrees can take pressure off if needs be as another first reciever option.

- Look to play attacking, offloading rugby with our electric back line, getting the likes of Laulala, Clerc, Poitrenaud and Monye on the ball as much as we can.

- Yachvili to kick all penalties.

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Harlequins v Gloucester

Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Tony Woodcock (O)	09. Luke McGrath
02. Rob Buchanana	10. Freddie Burns (O)
03. Kyle Sinckler
04. George Kruis (O)	11. Ross Chisholm
05. Charlie Matthews	12. Jan Serfontein
06. Jamie Gibson (c)	13. Jason Emery
07. Sam Jones	14. Chris Feauai-Sautia
08. Jack Clifford	15. Santiago Cordero

16. Rob Hawkins (O) 17. Will Collier 18. Tadgh Furlong 19. George Merrick 20. Chris Henry (O) 21. Ryan Glynn 22. Ihaia West 23. Olly Lindsey-Hague

Tactics

Have put out a young side with 5 overage players in the side. Basically looking for the levels where you think they could play (AP,AP Bench, Heiniken, Anglo-Welsh etc).

I'm not concerned about the score in this one and would much rather have opinions on how my players might fit into a stronger side rather than tell me how my guys would get smashed if they went out as this line up.

Gloucester
Manager – Mat

01. Ofa Tufungisi	09. TJ Perenara
02. Jamie George	10. Johan goosen
03. Antoine Guillamon
04. Eben etsbeth	11. Iain Clarke
05. Richie gray (c)	12. Matt Scott
06. Nizam Carr	13. Ryan Mills
07. Sean Addendorf	14. Jonny May
08. Arno Botha	15. Charlie Walker

16. Ryan Charles 17. Rupert Harden 18. Coonie Oosthuizen 19. James Hanks 20. George Evans 21. Dan robson 22 Handre Pollard 23. Elliot Daly[/quote]

Gone for academy with 2 overage in starting 15 and 3 on bench. Looking at combos. Serious front 5 and 9 and 10.

Just want opinions. If you don't know the players no worries.

All but 2 have played ap top 14 and super 15

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Pool Two
Sale Sharks v London Welsh

Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Jerome Schuster	09. Danny Care
02. David Paice	10. Johnny Sexton
03. Davit Zirakishvilli
04. Dave Attwood	11. Craig Gilroy
05. Christian Day	12. James Hook
06. Peter O'Mahony	13. Robbie Freuen
07. Fulgence Quedragao	14. David Strettle
08. Louis Picamoles	15. Jean-Marcellin Buttin

16. Lee Imolek 17. Darren Dawdiuk 18. Luc Ducalcon 19. Stephen Sykes 20. Matt Kvesic 21. Ben Spencer 22. Beuden Barrett 23. Nick Abendanon

London Welsh
Manager – Driver

01.Brett Sturgess	09.Lloyd Williams
02.Ben Kayser	10.Ronan O'Gara(k)
03.Ben Alexander
04.Dean Schofield	11.Ben Smith
05.James Hudson	12.Butch James
06.Rhys Ruddock	13.Darren Cave
07.Phil Dowson	14.Tim Visser
08.Luke Narraway (c)	15.Lee Byrne

16.Chris Whitehead 17.Efion Lewis Roberts 18.Craig Mitchell 19.Ali Williams 20.Will Welch 21.Charlie Davies 22.Tom Catterick 23.Matt Smith

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Bath Rugby v London Wasps

Bath Rugby
Manager – inthefastlane

01. Charlie Faumuania	09. Richard Wigglesworth
02. Kevin Mealamu	10. Charlie Hodgson
03. Davit Kubrashvilli
04. Luke Romano	11. Aurelien Rougerie
05. Rob Simmons	12. Anthony Allen
06. Brad Shields	13Isiah Toeava
07. David Seymour	14. George North
08. James Haskell	15. Stuart Hogg

16. Cian Healy 17. Chris Brooker 18. Euan Murray 19. Sam Whitelock 20. David Pocock 21. Aaron Smith 22. Gareth Anscombe 23. Cory Jane

London Wasps
Manager – ‘Arry

01. Ben Daley	09. Mike Blair
02. Sean Cronin	10. Rhys Preistland (k)
03. Carlos Nieto
04. Mouritz Botha	11. Simon Zebo
05. Marco Wentzel (c)	12. Brad Barritt
06. Dave Dennis	13. George Pisi
07. Dewald Potgieter	14. Topsy Ojo
08. Roger Wilson	15. Mike Brown

16. Tatafu Polota-Nau 17. Charlie Beech 18. Rhodri Jones 19. Dan Tuohy 20. Steve Mafi 21. Haydn Thomas 22. Steven Myler 23. Matt Banahan

Tactics
Look to our big carriers in the pack to get us over the gain line and set out platform for Blair to build from.

We will look to play a fast flowing offloading game to keep London Welsh working in defence & momentum in our attacks.

Preistland to kick in behind the London Welsh wingers, from there we will look to pressure them in their own half.

Look to support our ball carriers to ensure offloading option is always on. Get Barritt on the crash ball to open up space for Pisi to make outside breaks.

Please can I have feedback on my team in general, especially back row and whole backline.

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Northampton Saints v Worcester Warriors

Northampton Saints
Manager – Dammit Chris

01. Thomas Domingo	09. Joe Simpson
02. Dylan Hartley	10. Matt Giteau
03. Henry Thomas
04. Bradley Davies	11. Christian Wade
05. James Craig	12. Ashley Beck
06. Liam Messam	13. Manu Tuilagi
07. Julian Salvi	14. Siti Siviatu
08. Sergio Parisse (c)	15. Juan Martin Hernandez (k)

16. Rob Webber 17. Ryan Grant 18. Sekope Kepu 19. Courtney Lawes 20. Ashley Johnson 21. Sam Harrison 22. George Ford 23. Elliot Daly

Tactics

- High tempo, fast expansive style and getting wingers into space.
- Get big ball carriers onto the ball and over the gainline and then get Simpson to inject pace.
- Aggressive defence, look to force mistakes and pressurise Worcester and stop them getting over the gainline. Target the breakdown with Salvi.

Can I have comments on the following please:

- Whether James Craig improves my lineout at all - he really grew into the Saints team last year and want to get people's opinions of him.
- How people see Giteau, Beck and Tuilagi combination in midfield.
- How three English backs on the bench are rated, will feature heavily during the 6Nations/cup competitions.
- Views on Ashley Johnson and whether I will have to wait for him to start at Wasps to get ratings.

Worcester Warriors
Manager - prop_lyd

01. Tendai Mtwarria	09. Dwayne Peel (c)
02. Richard Strauss	10. Morne Steyn (k)
03. BJ Botha
04. Ollie Kohn	11. Marcel Garvey
05. Luke Charteris	12. Olly Barkley
06. Scott Higginbotham	13. Fergus McFadden
07. Justin Tipuric	14. James Short
08. Ben Morgan	15. Cameron Shepherd

16. Korree Britton 17. Chris Budgen 18. Nathan Catt 19. Juan Cruz Guilemain 20. Kearnen Myall 21. Kerr-Barlow 22. Pat McCabe 23. Rob Cook

Expansive game using a lot of crash runners.

Can I have feedback on combos and captain please. Also how I'd do at set piece.

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Be close to my 4N side this week Luke

London Welsh

Manager – Driver

01.Brett Sturgess	09.Lloyd Williams
02.Ben Kayser	10.Ronan O'Gara(k)
03.Ben Alexander
04.Dean Schofield	11.Ben Smith
05.James Hudson	12.Butch James
06.Rhys Ruddock	13.Darren Cave
07.Phil Dowson	14.Tim Visser
08.Luke Narraway (c)	15.Lee Byrne

16.Chris Whitehead 17.Efion Lewis Roberts 18.Craig Mitchell 19.Ali Williams 20.Will Welch 21.Charlie Davies 22.Tom Catterick 23.Matt Smith

Saracens
Manager – Ozzy3213

01. Alex Corbisiero	09. Morgan Parra
02. John Smit (c)	10. Francois Trinh-Duc
03. Adam Jones
04. Lionel Nallet	11. Mark Cueto
05. George Skivington	12. Owen Farrell
06. Thierry Dusautoir	13. Jonathan Davies
07. Ross Rennie	14. Andrew Trimble
08. Duane Vermeulen	15. Tom Homer

16. George Chuter 17. Matt Mullan 18. Dave Wilson 19. Steve Borthwick 20. Tom Johnson 21. Ofisa Treviranus 22. Dewaldt Duvenage 23. Luke Fitzgerald

No tactics as such, am just looking to see how people think combinations would work, in particular Farrell as a controlling 12 with a running threat from FTD inside him and Davies outside him. As always I am interested in people thoughts on the balance in the pack, in terms of scrum, lineout, carrying, tackling and breakdown options.

Leicester Tigers have named their side to play Newcastle Falcons in South Africa this week.

Tigers continue to give players opportunities to prove themselves in this summer competition, and make 11 changes to the side that beat Irish in Hong Kong last week.

Cencus Jonhnston, James Scaysbrook, Brock James and Clement Poitreanud all make their first starts of the Pre season competition, and the likes of Alistair Hargreaves, Vincent Clerc and Billy Twelvetrees all get the chance to make an impression on the Tigers management.

Pascal Pape captains the side in the absence of James Horwill and Brian O'Driscoll.

Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Gethin Jenkins	09. Dimitri Yachvili (k)
02. Tom Youngs	10. Brock James
03. Cencus Johnston
04. Pascal Pape (c)	11. Ugo Monye
05. Alistair Hargreaves	12. Billy Twelvetrees
06. Sean O'Brien	13. Casey Laulala
07. James Scaysbrook	14. Vincent Clerc
08. Thomas Waldrom	15. Clement Poitrenaud

16. Andrew Sheridan 17. Stephen Moore 18. Dan Cole 19. Simon Shaw 20. Jordan Crane 21. Michael Claasens 22. Rory Clegg 23. Rene Ranger

Tactics

- We will play an attacking, offloading game getting our backline into space by using our huge carriers and the brains of our HB's.

- Massive line-breakers right throughout the side that will look to tire down the Newcastle defence. The likes of Waldrom, O'Brien, Scaysbrook, Youngs, Pape and Laulala used off the shoulder crashing through the defence.

- Powerful scrum that will look to hold ground and set up a clean platform for Yachvili. Big shove on Newcastle 's scrums.

- Hargreaves, Pape and Scaysbrook as our main jumpers rotating the target. We will relentlessly target the opposition's throws.

- In general attacking play, we will play off 9 with Yachvili our general pulling the strings.

- James given license to play what he sees. Twelvetrees can take pressure off if needs be as another first reciever option.

- Look to play attacking, offloading rugby with our electric back line, getting the likes of Laulala, Clerc, Poitrenaud and Monye on the ball as much as we can.

- Yachvili to kick all penalties.

Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Tony Woodcock (O)	09. Luke McGrath
02. Rob Buchanana	10. Freddie Burns (O)
03. Kyle Sinckler
04. George Kruis (O)	11. Ross Chisholm
05. Charlie Matthews	12. Jan Serfontein
06. Jamie Gibson (c)	13. Jason Emery
07. Sam Jones	14. Chris Feauai-Sautia
08. Jack Clifford	15. Santiago Cordero

16. Rob Hawkins (O) 17. Will Collier 18. Tadgh Furlong 19. George Merrick 20. Chris Henry (O) 21. Ryan Glynn 22. Ihaia West 23. Olly Lindsey-Hague

Tactics

Have put out a young side with 5 overage players in the side. Basically looking for the levels where you think they could play (AP,AP Bench, Heiniken, Anglo-Welsh etc).

I'm not concerned about the score in this one and would much rather have opinions on how my players might fit into a stronger side rather than tell me how my guys would get smashed if they went out as this line up.

Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Jerome Schuster	09. Danny Care
02. David Paice	10. Johnny Sexton
03. Davit Zirakishvilli
04. Dave Attwood	11. Craig Gilroy
05. Christian Day	12. James Hook
06. Peter O'Mahony	13. Robbie Freuen
07. Fulgence Quedragao	14. David Strettle
08. Louis Picamoles	15. Jean-Marcellin Buttin

16. Lee Imolek 17. Darren Dawdiuk 18. Luc Ducalcon 19. Stephen Sykes 20. Matt Kvesic 21. Ben Spencer 22. Beuden Barrett 23. Nick Abendanon

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Saints team to play Worcester Warriors

Manager – Dammit Chris

01. Thomas Domingo	09. Joe Simpson
02. Dylan Hartley	10. Matt Giteau
03. Henry Thomas
04. Bradley Davies	11. Christian Wade
05. James Craig	12. Ashley Beck
06. Liam Messam	13. Manu Tuilagi
07. Julian Salvi	14. Siti Siviatu
08. Sergio Parisse (c)	15. Juan Martin Hernandez (k)

16. Rob Webber 17. Ryan Grant 18. Sekope Kepu 19. Courtney Lawes 20. Ashley Johnson 21. Sam Harrison 22. George Ford 23. Elliot Daly

Tactics

- High tempo, fast expansive style and getting wingers into space.
- Get big ball carriers onto the ball and over the gainline and then get Simpson to inject pace.
- Aggressive defence, look to force mistakes and pressurise Worcester and stop them getting over the gainline. Target the breakdown with Salvi.

Can I have comments on the following please:

- Whether James Craig improves my lineout at all - he really grew into the Saints team last year and want to get people's opinions of him.
- How people see Giteau, Beck and Tuilagi combination in midfield.
- How three English backs on the bench are rated, will feature heavily during the 6Nations/cup competitions.
- Views on Ashley Johnson and whether I will have to wait for him to start at Wasps to get ratings.

London Irish
Manager – stnick88

01. Jean Baptiste Poux	09. Julien Dupuy
02. Tom Lindsay	10. Nick Evans
03. Martin Castrogiovanni
04. Matt Garvey	11. Paul Sackey
05. Johann Muller	12. Luke McAllister
06. Jerome Kaino	13. Mathieu Bastereaud
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Sailosi Tagicakibau
08. Keegan Daniel	15. Delon Armitage

16. Matt Stevens 17. James Buckland 18. WP Nel 19. Nick Kennedy 20. Hendrie Fourie 21. Neal De Kock 22. Shane Geraghty 23. Sireli Naqalevuki

Mark. Hoping to have time tomorrow to do it!! Could someone p.m me the html for the squad submission please?!

Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Sgt Pooly

01. Soane Tonga'uiha	09. Ben Youngs
02. Rory Best	10. Toby Flood
03. Owen Franks
04. Brad Thorn	11. Miles Benjamin
05. Paul O’Connell(c)	12. James O’Connor
06. Chris Robshaw	13. George Lowe
07. Heinrich Brussow	14. Tommy Bowe
08. Toby Faletau	15. Alex Goode

17. Lee Mears 17. Paul Doran-Jones 18. Fabien Barcella 19. Geoff Parling 20. Richie McCaw 21. Jimmy Cowan 22. Aaron Cruden 23. Drew Mitchell

Tactics:

• Game plan...Fast paced, high intensity, offloading, dynamic rugby

• Set tone in set piece and dominate collision/breakdown

• Flood/JOC to alternate 1st reciever

Gloucester [/b]
Manager – Mat

01.Ofa tufungisi	09. TJ perenara
02. Jamie George	10. Johan goosen
03. Antoine Guillamon
04. Eben etsbeth	11. Iain Clarke
05. Richie gray (c)	12. Matt Scott
06. Nizam Carr	13. Ryan mills
07. Sean addendorf	14. Johnny May
08. Arno botha	15. Charlie walker

17.ryan Charles 17. Rupert harden18. Coonie 19. James hanks20. George evans 21. Dan robson 22 Hendrpilot lard 23. Elliot daly[/quote]

Gone for academy with 2 overage in starting 15 and 3 on bench. Looking at combos. Serious front 5 and 9 and 10.

Just want opinions. If you don't know the players no worries.

All but 2 have played ap top 14 and super 15

01. Tendai Mtwarria	09. Dwayne Peel (c)
02. Richard Strauss	10. Morne Steyn (k)
03. BJ Botha
04. Ollie Kohn	11. Marcel Garvey
05. Luke Charteris	12. Olly Barkley
06. Scott Higginbotham	13. Fergus McFadden
07. Justin Tipuric	14. James Short
08. Ben Morgan	15. Cameron Shepherd

16. Korree Britton 17. Chris Budgen 18. Nathan Catt 19. Juan Cruz Guilemain 20. Kearnen Myall 21. Kerr-Barlow 22. Pat McCabe 23. Rob Cook

Expansive game using a lot of crash runners.

Can I have feedback on combos and captain please. Also how I'd do at set piece.

Bath Rugby
Manager – inthefastlane

01. Charlie Faumuania	09. Richard Wigglesworth
02. Kevin Mealamu	10. Charlie Hodgson
03. Davit Kubrashvilli
04. Luke Romano	11. Aurelien Rougerie
05. Rob Simmons	12. Anthony Allen
06. Brad Shields	13Isiah Toeava
07. David Seymour	14. George North
08. James Haskell	15. Stuart Hogg

16. Cian Healy 17. Chris Brooker 18. Euan Murray 19. Sam Whitelock 20. David Pocock 21. Aaron Smith 22. Gareth Anscombe 23. Cory Jane

Just in from work, knackered and going to bed, will update the match thread tomorrow morning.

Sarries 24-22 Irish
Ozzy: pack balance is fine, and I think with FTD and JD2 round him, Farrell should be ok. Pack goes to Sarries for this match but Irish will cause problems with Steffon in the back row. Both sets of halfbacks can't be split and centres just edged to Irish, Sarries take the back 3 and the match.

Falcons 22-18 Tigers
Overall pack is given to the Falcons with Scaysbrook struggling a bit against the quality (I do rate him though, just unfortunate). Two good half back pairings and I can see the Tigers' tactics of using their controlling brains as edging this battle. Centres go to the Falcons and I see the back 3 fairly even. More impact off the bench from Falcons.

Quins 19-24 Glos

Little hard to predict here but I'll give it a go! Quins with the front row with Woodcock's experience. Snickler I do like as I like the Glos th. 2nd rows to Glos. If I'm honest back rows I've only heard of Addenhorf from Glos and know the Quins ones better. I'll edge it to Quins-Jones' chance this season. Glos take half backs, centres and wingers (big fan of Clark). Can't give too much judgement as not too sure of some players sorry but a good win for Glos.

Sale 28-24 Welsh
Front row to Welsh and 2nd row, Sale take the back row and the breakdown. Halfbacks and centrezs to Sale but back 3 to Welsh. Being able to hold upfront will help Welsh keep this closer.

Bath 20-17 Wasps

Backline goes to Bath here although the halfbacks are taken by Wasps. Interesting to see North against Zebo who are 2 of my favourite wingers to watch!! Upfront it's dominated by Bath I feel, think Wilson needs to hit the ground running at Ulster to improve ratings personally.

Sarries 25 - 25 Irish
Sarries get more points from the boot, but more try scoring threat from Irish. So I see this as being a draw, with different ways the game is played.

Pete no issues with balance of your pack, really strong and would combine well. Think Farrell doesnt get enough recognition in this game, he's obviously a very talented player - tackles well, great boot and good option for you at 12 in between FTD and Davies. Trouble I would say is where will the tries come from out wide? Cueto isn't the out and out try scorer he once was, not sure how Homer would do at this level, so a lot of pressure on Trimble.

Nick - have an issue with Lindsay at no2 - from what a few of my friends have said at Wasps he could be third choice hooker at Wasps behind the Welsh signing and Russian captain.

Falcons 29 - 27 Tigers
Very even packs, but Falcons should get better control with quality in hookers being big. Also see Falcons with a few more WC players throughout their team. If they play that backline though then they need someone in the team who can get over the gainline and be the 'go to man' as will play nice rugby but at same time struggle if it gets more physical.

Tigers just need Twelvetrees to kick on this season at Gloucester and if that happens then Tigers will have a very good backline. Really strong pack and fully expect Tom Youngs to take first team spot this year.

Quins 29 - 31 Glos
Some serious quality on display here - do give the edge to Gloucester due to their second row combination, when everyone else is so young having those two rampaging around the park will make a huge difference. Think Johnny May will kick on this year and claim a starting spot on the wing for England by AIs - think he will be one of the stars of the AP this year.

For Quins it could be a great season for Matthews and Jones in the pack and hopefully Snickler will get some first team opportunities.

Sale 30 - 29 Welsh
Really close game, see the packs as virtually even - like the Welsh balance there. Would say that the game changes with the 9-10-12 channels as I think Sale edge this and win the game. Welsh will cause a lot of teams problems this season. Big turnaround.

Bath 25 - 23 Wasps
Like the Bath team, a lot of power and attacking threat. Think they can slightly out muscle Wasps in some areas, but this would change instantly for me if Arry started Mafi - think he is an unbelievable player and would make a huge difference for Wasps.

Sarries 22-19 Irish

Very good battle in the front 5 and can’t see either side getting on top here. Backrow goes to Sarries though fantastic breakdown operators on show. Kaino can’t be rated anymore I think. Hasn’t played since the world cup and off to Japan. Think the halfbacks and midfield are fairly tight. Lack of form on the wings for Sarries and bit more attacking spark from the Irish back 3. Sarries maybe lacking the attacking spark Irish have but should see a whole lot of the ball and have enough to squek out the win.

Farrell at 12 can work for you Pete but his over tendency to kick will spoil some attacking play. If he can show a bit more for Sarries this year ball in hand could be a big thing for you though

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Falcons 29-24 Tigers

See Falcons getting a bit of joy at both set pieces. In the back row Scaysbrook looks out of place at this level a bit and Falcons can get an edge at the breakdown. Better carrying from Tigers though. In the backs the halfbacks are tight. Midfield edges to Falcons with 36 needing to prove himself. Back 3 goes to Falcons though with some fantastic runners. More control from the Falcons pack sees them win here.

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Quins 23-27 Glaws

Hard to rate this game as haven’t seen a lot of most of these players.

For Steve Gibson and Kruis could be used off the bench at Prem level. Sinkler, Matthews, Jones could all get to that level with a good start to the season and are good for Amlin/AW. Of the foreign lads Serfontein would be good for the Anglo but unless playing a side of youngsters wouldn’t look to start anyone else.

For Matt don’t know much of Walker and wouldn’t look to play him. Clarke and Mills (unless he gets serious game time for Glaws in real life) for the AW, Rest of the backs could start as Matt already probably knows. Limited knowledge on the youngsters in the pack and wouldn’t be able to rate them yet.

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Bath 23-18 Wasps

Scrum to Bath with a bit more in the props and a lot of power from the 2nd row to back it up. Bath will struggle big time at the lineout though with no real leader. Not much in the back rows overall. In the backs Blair won’t be rated during the season playing D2 rugby in France. Back 3s go to Bath with some great runners and a lot of power but midfield edges to Wasps. Good EQ options across the backline Arry. Tight game to call between two even sides but with the introduction of the benches Bath can pull away.

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Saints 26-19 Worcester

Worcester can get an edge at the scrum battle with a powerful front 5 on show but don’t see any real edge elsewhere in the packs. Warriors struggling in the backs though. Steyn lacking form and big defensive issues for the midfield (McFadden positionally is poor unless playing 12 and Barkley never strong defensively). More attacking spark from Saints through the backline sees them win.

For Chris: Craig is ok here but up against top jumpers, like POC and co, would struggle for me. Think hes a bench option at the moment outside of international windows. Of the backs on the bench Ford is fine for ratings during the internationals but Harrison and Daly would depend on the opposition. Some strong midfields going around during the 6 nations and think Daly would be out of his depth against them.

For Prop: Midfield is a big issue. Think defensively that combo is a liability. McFadden at 12 is grand defensively but else where he’s been caught out positionally for Ireland and Leinster at times and would need strong defenders like McCabe around him.

Newcastle Falcons 22 Leicester Tigers 20

All star pack for Falcons will be competitive at all facets of forward play, and may just edge the set pieces but not by much. I like the balance of the Tigers back row, and have no issue with Scaysbrook who I feel is underated by many. Brussow is clearly the better player, but he has not had a great Super XV season whereas Scaysbrook had his best ever season so in terms of form it evens things up a bit for me. I can see the breakdown being very evenly contested and neither pack are going to give an in anywhere.

In the half backs Yachvili brings good control for Tigers and balances up some of the erraticness of form that for me Brock James suffers from. I could see it working as a pairing. Youngs and Flood is tried and trusted however I do have a slight issue with how to rate Youngs right now. At his best, he is right up there with Genia, Parra etc as one of the best in the world, but he has been so in and out over the past 18 months it's a difficult call whether to rate him at his max at the moment. His most recent performances have been good, so I am rating him highly but I give fair warning that once the season starts, if he takes time coming back from injury his rating will begin to fall for me.

In the outside backs, JOC is star performer, but I would have both teams in the very good category as opposed to the great one. Both have tries in them.

A touch more quality on the Falcons bench sees them wining a close fought game at the death.


Harlequins 24 Gloucester 28

Of the Quins youngster, Kruis and Gibson could feature in your AP matchday squad, but I wouldn't start Kruis unless it is during the international windows. The reality with the other sis it is going to depend largely on who you are playing.

For Gloucester, I will state the obvious and say you couldn't play that front row together unless against another academy front row. Personally I wouldn't start any of them in the AP as you could get hammered against grizzled old props. Nizam Carr could bench for you, he's looked good in his few Super XV appearances this year, and of the backs, Perenara, Goosen and May would be ok in you matchday squad in the AP.

In terms of this game I think Quins are stronger as a unit in the front row and from 11 to 15, but Gloucester are better from 4-8 and at half back. I think overall the better half back pairing would see Gloucester take this one.


Sale Sharks 29 London Welsh 22

If I were to go man for man across the two sides from 1 to 10, the only Welsh player that I would select would be Kayser (sorry driver). From 11 to 15 it is the other way for me, with Hook the only Sale player that I would take. In terms of balance, for me the Welsh pack is lacking in ball carriers who are going to break the gainline in heavy traffic and this is going to cause a problem for them getting on the front foot. I can see them having to rely heavily on O'Gara to put them in the right areas, whereas I see Sale having more spark with Care and Sexton as the half back pairing. Tactics would play a big part for me in this one, but as there are none and just going on face value I see it as a comfortable Sale win as I don't see where Welsh are going to get a platform to attack from.


Bath Rugby 23 London Wasps 23

I will just point out that Rob Simmons is not a Bath player any more, so not sure how he is in the side. Other than that I have run out of time for the minute, will try to add explanation if I get some time later.


Northampton Saints 25 Worcester Warriors 17

Packs are very even and if anything I would give Worcester a slight edge with a well balanced unit. Chris, in relation to James Craig I would say good for international period, but against top intenational locks he is going to come up a bit short at present. This game for me is won in the halfbacks, where Saints have massive spark. For Worcester Morne Steyn is in some shocking form right now, and the combination of him and Barkley at 10-12 will give you massive defensive issues for me. If I was playing you I would be targeting that channel with ball carriers all day. Saints centre pairing is strong and won't give much ground. With a misfiring Morne at present am struggling to see where Worcester points would come from, which is a shame, because the pack is really, and if Steyn was in his 2009/10 form then you could play in the style of the Bulls and it would really work for you.

Saracens 18–25 London irish

Front 5 – I think Irish may get a nudge on in the scrum here in a good contest. Good units for both in the front row but Irish better in both the locks and they can get a good edge on around the park and a little edge in the lineout.

Backrow – Sarries best unit for me. Prefer the Irish flankers but think Vermeulen brings a little more than Daniel, good contest.

Half backs – Not a massive amount in the 9’s over the past season but Evans on different level to TD giving Irish edge in the halfbacks off some good ball.

Centres – Again I prefer the Irish combo. Don’t really like Farrell at 12, think he brings little to the game from centre and hinders Sarries attacking intent. JD probably the best player on show but I don’t think he’d see much ball outside Farrell.

Back 3 – Irish a step up in quality at 14/15 but Sackay a slight weakness. Overall Irish back 3 stronger.

Overall – Irish stronger in most units and pack contol/Evans off good ball will get good win.

Pete – I like your backrow a lot but feel you lack quality in the engine room. I don’t like Farrell at 12, think he hinders attacking play with his tendency to kick. (always said I don't think he's a centre)

Harlequins 20–18 Glocuester

I don’t know enough of the players on show to give full details.

Matt, I prefer Palmer/Gray engine room than this one, think it lacks experience and nous. Apart from halfbacks and centres it’s the only combo where I know all the players.

Steve, in full strength teams I wouldn’t look to start any of the youngsters on show here. Think Gibson & Kruis could be ok bench options.

Overall – I know more of Steve’s players so gets a default win.

Sale Sharks 26–24 London Welsh

Front 5 – Very soilid front row for Sale and think they’d edge scrum but Welsh have much more around the park. Not much in the engine rooms with some good EQ options. Think Welsh would nudge lineout.

Backrow – Little bit more quality for Sale in the backrow, Piclamoles would be strong coming off a strong scrum.

Halfbacks – Too quality units and both teams best options imo. Little bit more for Sale but both class.

Centres – Both good pairings with good balance, Cave needs a bit more game time at top level to kick on on here.

Back 3 – More quality in each position for Welsh, a real strength for them.

Overall – Great Welsh back 3 but Sale have edge in pack and halfbacks to see through.

Bath 21-22 London Wasps

Front 5 – Little edge in Bath’s front row and serious grunt in the engine room. Think Wasps will get edge in lineout though with no real leader for Bath.

Backrow – Two good units and both bring plenty of physicality and breakdown impact, hard to separate.

Halfbacks – Just a little more for Wasps with a strong combo.

Centres – Two good units, really like the balance of Wasps 10-13. Good combo for Bath also with good running options.

Back 3 – More on the wings for Bath with two huge threats. Not much in the 15’s.

Overall – Think Wasps have a little edge but nothing in the game.

Northampton 20-23 Worcester

Front 5 – Thomas would get a mauling from Beast in an otherwise great contest. Both good scrum units but Thomas nowhere near good enough to start imo. Think Saints would struggle in the lineout with Craig not great and Chateris a real threat in the lineout.

Backrow – Think Worcester have edge on the flanks but Parisse shades Morgan. Overall Worcester edge backrow and pack.

Halfbacks – Both 10’s not in great form at FH but if not looking at form the Worcester unit is stronger and off the back of a much stronger set piece would score some points. Simpson off the back of retreating scrum/lineout could struggle.

Centres – Saints stronger here and not sure of Worcester combo, could see Manu giving Barkley/McFadden a hard time when he gets the ball.

Back 3 – More spark on the wings for Saints and they could create from nothing although not a great amount in the FB’s.

Overall – Worcester would dominate set piece and see them strangling Saints from this. Saints great on counter with some top draw runners but just not enough in the set piece.

Chris – Craig not good enough to start in this kind of game but decent bench option. Thomas is not a strong scrummager and TH most important position as cornerstone of pack.

3 English on bench are good bench options. AJ was poor in S15 so would wait to see if he has impact in Prem before starting.

Giteau much better at 12 for me, wasn’t great when he played 10 for Toulon.

Saracens 21 - 22 London Irish

I like the balance of the Saracens pack a lot. Nallet for me will still do a job but could get picked upon against the top combos. Carrying strong in the forwards. Back line solid yet a little unspectacular but players which have be rested change that. Good back line in the wet. Farrell okay as a 12 but depends on opposition and conditions really as to how he would be seen.

Lindsay stands out in your pack as the weakness Nick. Otherwise it is a good pack and an even better back line. Not a huge Dupuy fan and would need to see him pick up some form to change that. Otherwise backline in Mustard.

Pack to Sarries and backs to Irish. Close but marginally goes to Irish.

Newcastle 19 - 16 Leicester

Good across the board from Newcastle in the pack. Tonga'uhia lost a bit of his aura as unbeatable towards the end of last season so needs a good start with Saints this season. Balance is excellent, perhaps a little short of carrying in back row if nit picking. Backs are okay, not setting the world alight but all would be okay in a full strength team but together could be seen week. Would like to see a little more of JOC at 12 but think he would work well interchanging with Flood.

A couple of unknowns for me in Leicester pack. Need to see more of Youngs and Hargreaves to make a proper judgement on them. Scaysbrook a class act but against some of the 7's in this league still could be a weakness. Half backs good in wet, outside backs best in dry. Big fan of Laulala at 13 and he will be a handful for any defender. Huge fan of 36 and think he will be a big man for you next season.

Sale 23 - 22 London Welsh

Not a huge Schuster fan but the rest of the Sale pack I like. Think Lock combo has a nice balance as does back row. Half backs strong as are outside backs. Like the Hook/Freaun combo. Buttin an unknown to me as not seen enough of him.

Good Welsh pack, Sturgess stands out a little as a weakness. Big back 5 will be a asset. Backs are nice but hate James as a 12 myself and he a mark down everytime there. Nice back 3.

Bath 26 - 27 Wasps

Always play Toeava on wing and Rougerie at 13 if in same team. Bath pack is alright, nothing more. Wasps stronger up front. Wasps stronger half backs. Bath have a huge set of outside backs and will do some damage even though Wasps are physical in midfield.

Northampton 22 - 22 Worcester

Thomas and Craig minor weakness, Thomas will likely get massacred in scrum untill I see he has improved this season for Sale. Craig great at lineout but not ready elsewhere tbh.

Worcester great from 1-10 with Kohn maybe able to be improved upon. Outside backs need work. McFadden not a 13 for me. McCabe missing makes a difference to Worcester outside backs.

newcastle 26-23 leicester
quins 22-23 gloucester
saints 34-30 worcester
bath 25-25 wasps
sale 30-26 london welsh

sorry for no explanations, am short for time. feel free to ask me for any though and will get back to them asap.

Guys: how would you rate Vesty/McFadden/Malzieu at 12 when McCabe's away if I had a crashballer at 13?

McFadden at 12 would be a good option with McCabe away. Not sure I've seen Malz play in the centres Prop

Cheers bud, just weighing up options!!

McFadden a 12 and not wing. Will play reg this year. Think he is proper but find out this year.

Times lions bolters were McFadden omahony Hogg, matt Scott, johnny may, Rennie, Ryan,gilroy and Cronin ( hooker) of ones I can remember

Saracens 21 - 22 London Irish

Tight front row battle with not a lot of give with 4 strong props on display. Very slight edge to Irish in the set pieces. Irish marginally stronger in the second row in my eyes. He'll of a back row battle with no clear winner.  One apiece in the HBs and a similar story in the centres. Irish take the back three. Really tight game to try and call, think Irish just edge it overall. 


Harlequins 24 - 22 Gloucester

I am aware of slightly more of Quins players so have gone for a win for them. Two pretty good teams by the way, some strong academies out there. 



Sale 25 - 22 Welsh

Slight edge to Welsh in the front row battle but two decent units on show. Not real standouts for either side though. Sale have the stronger 2nd row and see some progress here and with their very strong back row which outclasses Welsh back 5. Strong HBs from Sale that should dictate the game, but with Ronan and Butch Welsh have strong options. Beyond that Welsh look more dangerous. I think Sale's advantage in the pack is crucial, but like the way Welsh are progressing and it's a close finish. 


Bath 25 - 24 Wasps

Little bit more about Baths front row for me. Not sure of the balance of their second row with two 4's on display. Both top players but they lack a line out leader and Wentzel with dictate here for Wasps. Have the back rows down as pretty even. Slight form issues in both HB's so tough to call a winner. Toeava hasn't played 13 for years for me, and this sees Wasps take the centres, but Bath the back three. Very slight edge to Bath overall but very tight. 

Saracens 20 Irish 21
Falcons 28 Tigers 25
Quins 20 Gloucester 20
Northampton 20 Worcester 19
Bath 23 Wasps 22

Saracens 23-22 Irish

Great match up. Think sarries take front row and not often you say that. Engine room one a piece nallet and mullet best on show. Don't see engine room an issue pete.

Back row sarries 2-1 with Daniel being much better than vermaulen.

One a piece half backs. I would start duvenage on form Pete. Parra average last year.

Farrell could work just needs to kick less this year. Irish take centres.

Back 3 to Irish easily. Sarries will struggle to score with that back 3. Delon and tagi super dangerous with Sackey a bit past it. Can see sarries controlling the game but with irish being dangerous with the ball they have. Sarries squeak it

haha mullet. hes my new lock.

anonmattyt wrote: I would start duvenage on form Pete. Parra average last year.

I rate Duvenage highly Mat, but not sure he would be rated too highly by some on here yet. Should really be in the Bok squad, has been excellent for the Stormers this year.

Bloody predo text nick. Mullet is a much better name

Ozzy3213 wrote:

anonmattyt wrote: I would start duvenage on form Pete. Parra average last year.

I rate Duvenage highly Mat, but not sure he would be rated too highly by some on here yet. Should really be in the Bok squad, has been excellent for the Stormers this year.

He would suit the way boks play more than hougaard. However if goosen comes in as expected at ten then hougaard will suit goosens more attacking style.

You have 3 very good 9s who play in different ways

Falcons 26-23 leicester

See Falcons getting a bit of joy at both set pieces. In the back row Scaysbrook looks out of place at this level although brussow has been poor this year.

Think falcons have a few form issues in pack with faletau brussow and tonga. However if they start season well falcons will have top pack.

Hargreaves underrated at lock and is very good.

Falcons 2nd row pairing massively physical and would be great in wet.

Youngs will struggle in this game and for me is too raw and out of place at this level. He barely plays for Leicester.

Waldrom and sob in great form and Leicester have better carrying options. Falcons backrow a little light on carrying.

Youngs hard to rate so yach takes that.

Flood has been good this year and the interchange with Joc will work.

Centres just to Leicester as think falcons defence may be shaky as Joc struggles defending at 12 currently. 36 needs to kick on this year and could be very good.

Better falcons back 3 and pack see them win.

Benjamin will sink or swim at Leicester and could work out well for falcons

If the Boks went with 9. Hougaard 10. Goosen and let Hougaard play his natural game rather than asking him to play FdP's game, then it would completely change the way the Bok s play. Would eb good for the likes of Habana who would see way more attacking ball than he does at present.

Ozzy3213 wrote:If the Boks went with 9. Hougaard 10. Goosen and let Hougaard play his natural game rather than asking him to play FdP's game, then it would completely change the way the Bok s play. Would eb good for the likes of Habana who would see way more attacking ball than he does at present.

I think that's what they will do.

A backline of hougaard goosen pietersen jdv jdj habana Lambie

Is potentially world class

Sale 25-21 welsh


Totally agree with LLL so will quote him

"Slight edge to Welsh in the front row battle but two decent units on show. Not real standouts for either side though. Sale have the stronger 2nd row and see some progress here and with their very strong back row which outclasses Welsh back 5. Strong HBs from Sale that should dictate the game, but with Ronan and Butch Welsh have strong options. Beyond that Welsh look more dangerous. I think Sale's advantage in the pack is crucial, but like the way Welsh are progressing and it's a close finish. "

Bath 25 - 24 Wasps bath front 5 wasps take half backs. Rougerie should be switched with toeva as the bath centres do not work for me.


Think north would steamroller zebo. Bath back 3 sublime Hogg is a talent. Wasps so strong defensively in the backs.

Bath nick it. Both sides improved massively. Would have started mafi

Saints 22-22 Worcester

What form this worcester pack have. Saints struggle in scrum a bit.

Worcester backs lack cutting edge form and spark though with Steyn playing like a drain.

See saints scoring when they get the ball but Worcester enjoying large spells of possession.

Messam is on fire at moment and both backrows have superb balance.

Think Worcester will win a lot of games this year and Chris will challenge for everything

anonmattyt wrote:

Ozzy3213 wrote:If the Boks went with 9. Hougaard 10. Goosen and let Hougaard play his natural game rather than asking him to play FdP's game, then it would completely change the way the Bok s play. Would eb good for the likes of Habana who would see way more attacking ball than he does at present.

I think that's what they will do.

A backline of hougaard goosen pietersen jdv jdj habana Lambie

Is potentially world class

I'd probably go with Frans Steyn over JDV at 12 in the long term but, but agree, is a back line that could really dominate even the best teams.

I agree but JDV has to be captain

I'd have Bismark as skipper myself.

Just Arry and ITFL to predict.

Sarries 24-23 Irish
Newcastle 27-23 Tigers
Quins 21-19 Glaws
Sale 20-15 LWelsh
Saintts 26-26 Warriors

Saracens 20 - 18 London Irish
Newcastle 26 - 24 Leicester Tigers
Quins 22 - 20 Gloucester
Sale 25 - 21 London Welsh
Saints 21 - 20 Worcester