Aviva Premiership Round Sixteen (6 Nations)

Team & Tactics - 2000hrs Saturday
Predictions - 2359hrs Tuesday

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Exeter Chiefs v London Welsh
Location - Sandy Park
Weather - 3 degrees, Grey cloud, 10 mph winds

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Exeter Chiefs
Manager – Pooly (Caretaker)

01. Tendai Mtawarira	09. TJ Perenara
02. Scott Spurling	10. Jonny Wilkinson (k)
03. John Afoa
04. James Hanks	11. Gonzalo Camacho
05. James Horwill(c)	12. Sireli Naqelevuki
06. Steve Mafi	13. Richard Kahui
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Cory Jane
08. Ernst Joubert	15. Isa Nacewa

16. Brett Sturgess 17. Simon Alcott 18. Hoani Tui 19. Tommy Hayes 20. James Scaysbrook 21. Kevin Barrett 22. Ian Humphreys 23. Luke Arscott

Tactics

- Look to set a tone in the set piece with big front 5 unit & two big scrummaging locks
- Dominate collisions and allow TJ fast ball to attack with
- Look to ruck over the ball and allow Steffon to get in amongst things
- Wilko to take 3 points on offer
- Look to keep ball in hand and work through the phases

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London Welsh

Manager – Fluxy

01. Rhys Gill	09. Ruan Pienaar (K)
02. David Paice	10. Nick Evans
03. Frans Malherbe
04. Dean Mumm	11. Topsy Ojo
05. Paul O'Connell (C)	12. Dominic Waldlouck
06. Tom Johnson	13. George Lowe
07. Hienrich Brussow	14. Horacio Agulla
08. Nick Easter	15. Maxime Medard

16. Tom French 17. Scott Wilson 18. Tom Lindsay 19. Steve Borthwick 20. David Sisi 21.Will Chudley 22. Tom Casson 23. Adam Thompstone

Tactics

We look to impose ourselves from the off and let the opposition know how we are going to play the game and how we want to dictate the pace of the game. Our brand of rugby is physical and fast, however we won't just run the ball at every opportunity. We will only play in the right areas of the paddock, and Evans knows when to attack and when we need to clear the lines. We will look to go through simple phases to reproduce quick ball to cut the defence open. We have brilliant leaders all other the pitch in POC, Easter and Evans, and they know what will be required to get we want from the game - a win. With the terrible conditions, they also know how we will want to play our game. We will look to force Chiefs to play from in their 22 and use our strong lineout and kicking game to pressure them. After good form in Europe, we will continue to build on our great position in the league.

Tactics

• Gill and Malherbe are solid technicians and will secure our own feed, to provide first phase possession for our backs. We have strong props on the bench as well, so we should not be outclassed throughout the game.
  
  
• With a strong lineout, O'Connell will lead the lineout and use himself as banker ball at the front of the line with Mumm jumping in the middle. If winning own ball POC will look to call full number lineouts to tie in the Sharks fowards.
  
  
• Our whole pack is mobile and capable of snaffling ball at the breakdown. We will look to offload in the tackle to keep moving the point of attack and tire out the big Chiefs pack.
  
  
• The backrow will target the halfbacks, allowing them no time on the ball, which will lead to them rushing and making handling errors and mistakes.
  
  
• We will look to keep the ball alive, preventing them from setting any defensive lines. Evans will direct traffic with the use of quick pods systems outside the guards of the rucks, and target any of our forwards against their backs.
  
  
• We will use a Blitz banana drift line in defence to cut down Wilko's options and push him inside towards our backrow.
  
  
• Evans has some dangerous backs out side him, and will look to use them at every valid opportunity after we have tied in forwards or created mismatches in the defensive line.
  
  
• Look to use our strong bench for impact later in the game. To get an advantage in the scrum, and collisions with big impact players. There are a number of Chiefs players that have played a large number of games already this season and we will look to exploit the tired legs.
  
  
• Pienaar will kick all points, he can kick from within their half, so this indicates that Chiefs should be wary of giving away penalties.

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Gloucester v Worcester Warriors
Location - Kingsholm stadium
Weather - 3 degrees, Grey cloud, 10 mph winds

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Gloucester

01. Antoine Guillamon	09. Dimitri Yachvilli
02. Darren Dawiduk	10. Pat Lambie (k)
03. Shaun Knight
04. Tom Savage	11. JSD
05. Will James	12. JDJ
06. Alisdair Strokosch	13. Rob Horne
07. Akapusi Qera	14. Charlie Sharples
08. JVN (c)	15. Jonny May

16. Korree Britton 17. Nick Wood 18. Rupert Harden 19. Sam Whitelock 20. Sam Cane 21. Dan Robson 22. Freddie Burns 23. Henry Trinder

Excitement Outwide
Proven scorers from 9-15 all who can make something out of nothing (see May's 2nd try vs Saints). They will look to capitalise on Worcester's errors and utilise the overlap which the forwards will bring to the game. JDJ and Horne is a very exciting combination who will test the Warriors defense to their limits.

Impact Bench
We have: Cane, Whitelock, Trinder, Robson and Burns to come off the bench and all are game changers who can continue our abrasive and energetic style of play to push us towards the big win.

Attacking

• We come off the back of a huge win and have rotated for fresh legs but expect nothing else but another big win.

• Yachvilli and Lambie to play what's in front of them and look to release JDJ or snipe as much as possible. If it isn't on then Lambie will stick it in the corners and, with Whitelock, Qera, JVN, Strokosch and Savage we have a number of jumpers to gain the ball back.

• Look for runners off of 10 and 12 channel to make the initial break before sending the ball out wide to Sharples and May.

• We will look to use our big pack to carry alot of ball and, if it isn't on then run off of 9 and take a couple of 'up the jumper' phases to drag defenders in.

• Our back three will look to come off their wings and hit the right angles.

• Impact bench to shore up our victory and to keep the scoreboard ticking, Robson, burns and Trinder will play fast-in your face-rugby, Whitelock and Cane will have a field day against tired legs at the breakdown and lineout.

Set Piece

• Strong scrum which will get the edge up on the tighthead side and a good bench to come on as well to continue the pressure, 8-9-10 is a move we will use alot.

• We will use the maul to get ourselves up the pitch quickly and power over from short distance.

• Lineout has been mentioned previously where we have many strong jumpers here who will look to control attacking and defensive ones.

Defending

• Banana blitz defence targetting 10 so he has no time to kick or give quick ball to the centres, we will protect the channels to stop 9 sniping.

• Yachvilli will look to sweep and counter attack off any kick through's.

• We will hit the breakdown quick to give Qeratime to get over the ball and obliterate any protection they have in place.

• If the turnover isn't on we won't commit and will fan out defending inside-out.

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Worcester Warriors

Manager – InTheFastLane

01. George Porter	09. Will Genia
02. Stephen Moore	10. Dan Carter
03. Juan Figallo
04. Gerhard Mostert	11. Tom Homer
05. George Robson	12. Ma’a Nonu
06. Liam Messam	13. Robbie Freaun
07. Michael Hooper	14. Marcel Garvey
08. Ben Morgan	15. Kurtley Beale

16. Ed Shervington 17. Louis Radian 18. Tevita Taumoepeau 19. Nile Dacres 20. Matt Kvesic 21. Shaun Perry 22. Luke Rooney 23. Matt Hopper

Overall: Look for strong running rugby led by our half back combination who will look to control our tempo and keep us playing in the right areas. We will look to use forwards advantage and use it as a base.

In these conditions we don’t expect to experience many scrums. However when we do scrum look for to get a good squeeze and win penalties.

At the lineout we feel we have a big advantage and if we can develop this advantage early we shall look to switch the game plan and look for corners with the boot. Mostert will offer a solid option at the front with Messam, Morgan and Robson all jumpers.

As well as performing in the set piece we will be looking to get our forwards making some big carries in open play. We will be looking to burst into space and makes gains with the likes of Morgan, Mostert, Moore and Messam on the ball.

Look to attack the breakdown hard and fast with lots of bodies looking to slow down or turn over Gloucester ball. Hooper is absolutely brilliant at getting over the ball and he will be backed up by Messam and Morgan looking to nuisance of themselves.

Strong half back combination will be looking to control the tempo of our game. Will Genia will play his natural game mixing it up with his passing and his sniping runs. Dan Carter is our main playmaker and will look to use his vast array of talents to adapt to the game. He will look to get his running and passing game involved while his kicking offers another option.

The back five will be looking to make inroads with their attacking running. Nonu will be look to make strong runs, crashing through defences. He will look to draw in defences to offer more space for our other runners. Freaun is a player in a similar vain to Nonu and will be used for his ability to get over the gainline. Homer, Beale and Garvey will be looking to make use of the spaces with their movement.

Use a blitz defence with huge intensity to put pressure on Gloucester decision makers. Kurtley Beale will sweep in behind for any grubbers which we will either counter generously or have a run at the defence.

With Carter, Genia, Beale and Homer we have some quality boots and we will look to take advantage. Look to mix up the game and target Johnny May under the high ball with Messam leading the chase. If we experience dominance at the lineout look to put the ball into corners. Genia will also use his box kick abilities to give our players something to chase.

We will look to make full use of our bench. Shervington, Radian + Taumoepeau are quality options who will look to get involved around the park and at scrumtime. Kvesic will also come on and look to get involved in all facets of play against tired legs. Rooney + Hopper are players who can make something out of nothing and we will look to get their hands on the ball

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Leicester Tigers v Saracens
Location - Welford Road
Weather - 3 degrees, Light Snow, 9 mph winds

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Leicester Tigers
Manager – Sgt_Pooly

01. Alex Corbisiero	09. Karl Dickson
02. Bismark Du Plessis	10. Berrick Barnes(c)
03. Aaron Jarvis
04. Luke Romano	11. Marlon Yarde
05. Alister Hargreaves	12. James O’Connor
06. Siya Kolisi	13. Digby Ioane
07. Liam Gill	14. Christian Wade
08. Jacque Cronje	15. Geordan Murphy

16. Jamie George 17. Luke Cowen-Dickie 18. Kyle Sinckler 19. Sam Jones 20. Maurie Fa'asalavu 21. Sam Harrison 22. Danny Cipriani 23. Miles Benjamin

Tactics

In the poor conditions we’ll be looking to play a controlled game and look to play in the right areas of the pitch. We’ll be looking for big carries from our pack to free up space around the fringes for out talented backline to work in. Barnes will look to dictate play in our half and pin the opposition back with directed kicking.

We’ll look to play the drift defence and force Sarries to get through our defensive line. Dickson will sweep up behind the line.

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. Hargreaves will lead the line and we will look to target the opposition's throw with Hargreaves/Romano marshalling the front/middle of the line. We'll use big carries from our pack to draw in the opposition defence with Dickson marshalling and looking for gaps to exploit around the fringes.

The flankers will target the breakdown with Dickson sniping around and playing flat to the line to allow Barnes & JOC space to run into. Ioane will come looking for the ball in midfield and link up with JOC 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
- Barnes to kick whats on offer and keep the board ticking over
- Barnes/JOC to alternate and dictate play
- Look to keep opposition pinned back with strong kicking 10/12
- Look to control front 5 with superior physical unit
- Look for Jarvis(Welsh Int TH) to neutralise Mullen so Corbs & BdP can really get at Brits & Ben T who aren’t big scrummagers
- Target Hudson throughout the game who’s struggling for real life form not starting in the Championship
- Murphy borught in for his cultured boot

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Saracens
Manager – ChequeredJersey

01. Matt Mullan	09. Julien Dupuy (k)
02. Schalk Brits	10. Charlie Hodgson
03. Ben Tameifuna
04. Ollie Kohn	11. Sam Smith
05. Charlie Matthews	12. Anthony Allen
06. Richie McCaw (c.)	13. Conrad Smith
07. Will Fraser	14. Vereniki Goneva
08. Billy Vunipola	15. Chris Wyles

16. Jared Saunders 17. Rob Buchanan 18. Sekope Kepu 19. James Hudson 20. Joe Robinson 21. Jordan Burns 22. Beauden Barrett 23. Drew Mitchell


Tactics- it's wet and slippery this week, so let's not spread the ball too much or force the game. Simple is best. The breakdown and set piece will be vital this week, as will the contact area.

In the breakdown, Fraser and Richie will share roles as a jackal. On attacking ball, I'd ideally like one there to win it with the other ready with Dupuy to track the ball to get to guarantee winning the next breakdown or chasing any kicks and cleaning up any errors. In defence, Fraser should aim to track the ball and make the breakdown so Richie can lead the defence around the ruck fringes, though the reverse is acceptable. Billy V will clear out opposition at the ruck and the locks will chip in too. In the set piece, we have a very able front 5. So do Tigers but Jarvis is a bit weaker so Mullan will target him and hopefully we can get under them doing this. Kepu is a great replacement for Ben so he can work flat out in the scrum and the loose. If Corbs thinks he will get an advantage over Ben, let him try- he anchored the Chiefs Scrum last year and barely ever lost a battle in the set piece. I want Billy running at the 9-10 and blindside wing off the scrum occasionally to test their tackling and put them on the back foot with the flankers in hot pursuit to win fast ball so we can batter the fringes of the ruck in relentless succession. At the lineout, keep it simple on the whole to Hudson at the front but McCaw is a great back option to use. Pressure their throw with a front jump and be ready to clean up any spillages in the snow.

In attack, too many passes will lead to errors to both sides. The flankers tracking the ball will help us clean up both sides' errors, but to minimalise ours we will focus on hard running over passing. I want short pops to big forwards on the shoulders of the half backs to hammer away at their 10-12 axis which is on the small side. Brits, Ben and Vunipola are ideal for this. I want to alternate mauls and series of rapid pick and goes at the edge of rucks, to build momentum and batter the defence before we pass the the centres who will run straight and use their experience against JOC and Ioane, who have played away from centre recently. We won't play in our own half, Dupuy and Hodgson are great kickers so we will kick and play in Tigers' 22. When Wade is blindside winger, let's target him, and also send some high kicks his way to take advantage of his short stature.

In defence, blitz with the backs so Joc and Barnes have no space to move with. Watch Wade in attack. I want someone (Fraser or Brits) harrying Barnes at all times and McCaw to keep the defence around the ruck fringes tight.

Chase all kicks, and make them all high to give our pack a chance to pressure the receiver. Take all points at goal on offer

Let Dupuy dictate the game and if we need to speed things up use McCaw more as a linkman so it doesn't detract from Dupuy's primary role today- as a tactician and kicker

Subs like Buchanan and Robinson are big carriers so hit contact hard knowing we can replace players, and bring on Mitchell or Barrett to control the game

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London Irish v London Wasps
Location - Madjeski Stadium
Weather - 3 degrees, Grey cloud, 11 mph winds

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London Irish

Manager – Mad for Chelsea

01. Dean Greyling	09. Joe Simpson
02. Rob Herring	10. Brock James
03. Paulica Ion
04. Bryn Evans	11. Sailosi Tagicakibau
05. Nick Kennedy	12. Shontayne Hape
06. Tom Guest	13. Aurelien Rougerie
07. David Pocock (c)	14. David Strettle
08. Imanol Harinordoquy	15. Matt Tait

16. Scott Lawson, 17. Fraan Rautenbach, 18. Tom Smallbone, 19. Tom Palmer, 20. Andy Saull, 21. Darren Allinson, 22. Quade Cooper, 23. Anthony Watson

Tactics:

Not many changes this week: Rob Herring returns to start at hooker, while James and Hape return to the backline. With Wasps only really having Geraghty and Weepu as kicking options we'll look to play a territorial game, pinning them in their half (neither has great length) and controlling the game. When in their half, go through the phases, use the big ball carriers (centres, Harinordoquy, Guest, etc.) to target the 10 channel.

- look to dominate the breakdown. Wasps's backrow doesn't loook an area of strength so Pocock and his consorts should cause havoc there, forcing turnovers and slowing down opposition ball, while securing quick ball for our side. This is an area we'll really target.

- plenty of line-out options, both to secure our own ball and to put pressure on theirs (Kennedy one of the best readers of the opposition line-out in the game). Again, with Deacon having only just joined the opposition they may not have developped a great understanding yet, so look to target their throw as much as possible.

- Control territory through James's boot, as mentioned above.

- Big ball carriers to target the 10 channel, putting the team on the front foot when in posession, before unleashing a very dangerous backline.

- The backrow are all good handlers and should provide a good link between forwards and backs.

- Play a blitz defense to put their FH and centres under pressure.

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London Wasps

Manager – CF

01. Zak Taulfao	09. Piri Weepu (C)(K)
02. George Chuter	10. Shane Geraghty
03. Matt Stevens
04. Louis Deacon	11. Ugo Monye
05. James Cannon	12. Alex Cheeseman
06. Tinius Du Plessis	13. Chris Bell
07. Matt Everard	14. Tom Varndell
08. Pedrie Wannenburg	15. Richard Haughton

REPLACEMENTS: 16.Brooker 17.Payne 18.Stankovich 19.Mermoz 20.Young 21.Robinson 22.Ingall 23.Gopperth

TEAM NEWS: Goerge Chuter starts as Hooker, with Swarzeski being on 6 nations duty. Louis Deacon makes debut, new signing with point to prove. Weepu captains the side in Dusatoir's absence. Geraghty makes a rare start at 10 with Farrell on england duty. Haughton has been given a vote of confidence after rumours of him maybe being released at the end of the season. Wanted to hand Sackey debut, but he still has slight injury

Be strong at the set piece dont want to give away silly penalites and infringments. Geraghty will kick drop goals, Weepu will box kick and take conversions, whilst looking to get quick ball to the backs

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Northampton Saints v Bath
Location - Franklin Gardens
Weather - 2 degrees, Light snow, 10mph winds

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Northampton Saints
Manager – SirJohnnyEnglish

01. Soane Tonga'uiha	09. Lee Dickson
02. Richardt Strauss	10. Stephen Myler
03. Paul Doran-Jones
04. Samu Manoa	11. Vasily Artemiev
05. Andries Bekker	12. Sonny Bill Williams
06. Stephen Ferris	13. George Pisi
07. Calum Clark	14. Jamie Elliot
08. Kieran Read	15. Ben Foden

16. Steven Kitshoff 17. Brett Sharman 18. Brian Mujati 19. James Craig 20. Roger Wilson 21. Aaron Smith 22. Ryan Lamb 23. Scott Armstrong

Key Points

• Attack the 10 Channel. Barkley is not best known for his physicality and we will look to flood his channel with big runners and tacklers. Playing the role of backup at Metro his form has dropped and we feel he can be pressured today. If it comes down to the battle of the 10s we have faith in Myler who is an out and out flyhalf playing well week in week out at the mo.

• Dominate the scrum. In these conditions it’s even more important with knock ons galore. Neither Catt or Tolufua are known for their scrum work and struggle against technical scrummagers. Doran-Jones is a smart operator and will look to break the link between them and put Franks on the other side of the scrum on the back foot against Tonga.

Tactics

We will look to control territory and apply pressure on Bath in key areas looking to force mistakes. When in possession in the right areas, we will look to play a strong carrying game, attacking in groups so as to win the collisions and get over the gain line. Offloads will be kept to an absolute minimum as we look to sustain pressure deep in Bath territory. We will kick all penalties in opposition territory at goal and take the drop goal option whenever it’s available.

• In these conditions the scrum will be an important weapon. With a powerful front 5 on show we will look to keep it up and take full advantage drawing penalties from Bath.

• With handling an issue we want to keep things simple and use Bekker, Manoa and Read as banker ball at the lineout. We will look to bring the ball down into the maul and use the physicality of our pack to drive us into the right areas.

• We will look to blitz aggressively, playing on the edge of the offside line and coming up at pace, looking to isolate the ball carrier and stop any Bath momentum before it can get going.

• Dickson will act as a sweeper and cover any chips or grubbers behind the defensive line.

• The back 3 will sit deep to cover any kicks down the line and will look to counter attack of any loose ball.

• With the blitz in operation, we will look to be at the breakdown first hitting it hard and fast. If the ball looks available we will flood it with Wood looking to get his hands on the ball.

• If the ball is not immediately available we will only commit 1 or 2 players to legally slow the ball down and instead look to strengthen the defensive line.

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Bath Rugby
Manager – Bathite

01. N.Catt	09. M.Classens
02. C.Tolufua	10. O.Barkley (k)
03. O.Franks
04. J.Muller (c)	11. T.Biggs
05. F. VD Merwe	12. F.Steyn
06. R.Eldsadt	13. E.Daly
07. F.Louw	14. T.Bowe
08. S.Kalamafoni	15. I.Dagg

16. O.Tomascyuk 17. A.Strauss 18. J.Golding 19. D.Attwood 20. J.Salvi 21. C.Cook 22. S.Donald 23. C.Lualala

TACTICS TBC
As always, look to secure a platform up front. In poor conditions, we've picked Eldsadt at 6 as an extra jumper, as well as another physcial carrier to get over the gainline. Two big scrummaging locks picked, along with world class Franks at cornerstone. Great options off the bench with Strauss, Attwood offering big physical impact against tired legs. Cook to inject some pace around the fringes and Lualala and Donald there if some experience is required.

Forwards
- Looking to make use of heavyweight pack to put real pressure on Read at the base and Smith, as England did in the Autumn. Control 8,9 and target 10 to knock him off his game
- Eldstadt at 6 for another jumping option and added physicality. Louw released to play as out and out 7, with Salvi replacing at 60 mins to keep ball winning fresh
- If we cannot steal the ball at the breakdown, we will try to slow the ball and force fly half to play on the back foot
- Mobile front row to mark the fringes tightly, forcing the ball wide and encouraging expansive rugby in poor handling conditions. Locks form 1 out defence, Louw competing on the deck
- Kalamafoni and Eldstadt to provide ball carrying threat, Louw operates as link man, Salvi first to every ruck to compete
- Muller will continue to make the lineout calls and look to challenge opposition throws for the steal

Backs
- Look to play in the opposition half, use the boots of Barkley, Steyn and Daly to gain yardage. If nothing on / slow ball, use Steyn, Tolufua, Louw and Kalamafoni on the crash
- In poor conditions, test the back three with up and unders from 9 10 12 13, varying the point of attack. Our back three will compete the high ball and force handling errors in the oppo half
- Steyn to test Myler's defence with taking the ball flat at the ten channel. He will lead the rush in defence with Classens sweeping up behind

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Sale Sharks v Harlequins
Location - Salford City Stadium
Weather - 4 degrees, light cloud, 8 mph winds

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Sale Sharks
Manager – LondonIrishOllie

01.Andrew Sheridan	09.Hadyn Thomas
02.Gary Botha	10.Aaron Cruden (k)
03.Davit Kubriashvilli
04.Matt Garvey (c)	11.Tom Brady
05.Dean Schofield	12.Sam Tuitupou
06.JMF Lobbe	13.Jonathan Joseph
07.Dave Seymour	14.Cameron Shephard
08.Jordan Crane	15.Rob Miller

Subs 16.Marc Jones 17.Logovoi Mulipola 18.Henry Thomas 19.James Gaskell 20.Schalk Burger 21.Scott Mathie 22.Johan Goosen 23.Eli Walker

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Tactics

Cruden to stand flat to put Quins defence under pressure.

JJ and wingers to look to get on ball carriers shoulders for a potential offload.

We have no worries about our scrum. Will more than be a match for the Quins scrum with the potential of getting a nudge.

JMF run the lineout, with Garvey, Schofield and Crane all more than capable jumpers.

Use are bench when needed. No predetermined ties for subs just when needed

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Harlequins

Manager – Driver

01.Marcos Ayerza	09.Richard Wrigglesworth
02.Joe Grey	10.Gareth Steenson (K)
03.James Johnstone
04.Eben Etzebeth	11.Bryan Habana
05.Mouritz Botha	12.Hudson Tonga'uhia
06.Tom Croft(C)	13.Adam Ashley Cooper
07.Marcell Coatzee	14.Mark Cueto
08.Semisa Taulava	15.Nick Abendonan

16.John Smit 17.Mark Lambert 18.Will Collier 19.James Percival 20.Jamie Gibson 21.Bryn Hall 22.Morne Steyn 23.Ollie Lindsey Hague

Big pack to get ontop the Sale front 5 and put them under the cosh at the Scrum and rucks with plenty of impact from the bench.

Scrummage for 80 minutes with strong scrummagers on the bench to come on if need

Steenson to test Sale backs 3s position game with Kicks in behind with Habana and Cueto chasing with neither being on the small side.

Tonga/AAC to take the ball to the gain line and ask questions of the Sale back line with Habana/Cueto/Abedonan coming into the line to cause problems

Croft to run our lineout whilst Coatzee and Croft will look to smash rucks to slow down and Sale ball.

Jumpers from 4-8 in our pack giving Joe Grey plenty of targets with Etzebeth and Croft targeting the Sale Lineout.

Wrigglesworth to control the tempo , feeding Steenson the ball at the right times and using his own vision to snipe and put the ball in behind Sale.

Blitz Defence to stop Sale backs playing with Wrigglesworth sweeping behind

Impact from the bench will see this game through Smit will keep things calm up front , Gibson will come on and smash everything in front of him. Morne Steyn will look to come on and pin Sale back

MOMENTUM - WON 7 in a row vs Leicester Tigers , London Wasps , Ospreys , London Welsh , Both Amlin game and London Irish. We aim to make it 8

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Exeter Chiefs
Manager – Pooly (Caretaker)

01. Tendai Mtawarira	09. TJ Perenara
02. Scott Spurling	10. Jonny Wilkinson (k)
03. John Afoa
04. James Hanks	11. Gonzalo Camacho
05. James Horwill(c)	12. Sireli Naqelevuki
06. Steve Mafi	13. Richard Kahui
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Cory Jane
08. Ernst Joubert	15. Isa Nacewa

16. Brett Sturgess 17. Simon Alcott 18. Hoani Tui 19. Tommy Hayes 20. James Scaysbrook 21. Kevin Barrett 22. Ian Humphreys 23. Luke Arscott

Tactics

- Look to set a tone in the set piece with big front 5 unit & two big scrummaging locks
- Dominate collisions and allow TJ fast ball to attack with
- Look to ruck over the ball and allow Steffon to get in amongst things
- Wilko to take 3 points on offer
- Look to keep ball in hand and work through the phases

Quins make 4 changes from the side which beat defending champions Leicester Tigers at the stoop with the aim of making it 4 wins from 4.

Joe Grey , Semisa Taulava , Gareth Steenson and Nick Abendonan come into the side for John Smit , Dave Denton , Morne Steyn and Jared Payne. Denton is back with Scotland and Payne is given a rest with Smit and Steyn named as replacments with Mark Lambert making his comeback from injury on the bench. Jamie Gibson takes Dentons place in the 23.

Harlequins

Manager – Driver

01.Marcos Ayerza	09.Richard Wrigglesworth
02.Joe Grey	10.Gareth Steenson (K)
03.James Johnstone
04.Eben Etzebeth	11.Bryan Habana
05.Mouritz Botha	12.Hudson Tonga'uhia
06.Tom Croft(C)	13.Adam Ashley Cooper
07.Marcell Coatzee	14.Mark Cueto
08.Semisa Taulava	15.Nick Abendonan

16.John Smit 17.Mark Lambert 18.Will Collier 19.James Percival 20.Jamie Gibson 21.Bryn Hall 22.Morne Steyn 23.Ollie Lindsey Hague

Big pack to get ontop the Sale front 5 and put them under the cosh at the Scrum and rucks with plenty of impact from the bench.

Scrummage for 80 minutes with strong scrummagers on the bench to come on if need

Steenson to test Sale backs 3s position game with Kicks in behind with Habana and Cueto chasing with neither being on the small side.

Tonga/AAC to take the ball to the gain line and ask questions of the Sale back line with Habana/Cueto/Abedonan coming into the line to cause problems

Croft to run our lineout whilst Coatzee and Croft will look to smash rucks to slow down and Sale ball.

Jumpers from 4-8 in our pack giving Joe Grey plenty of targets with Etzebeth and Croft targeting the Sale Lineout.

Wrigglesworth to control the tempo , feeding Steenson the ball at the right times and using his own vision to snipe and put the ball in behind Sale.

Blitz Defence to stop Sale backs playing with Wrigglesworth sweeping behind

Impact from the bench will see this game through Smit will keep things calm up front , Gibson will come on and smash everything in front of him. Morne Steyn will look to come on and pin Sale back

MOMENTUM - WON 7 in a row vs Leicester Tigers , London Wasps , Ospreys , London Welsh , Both Amlin game and London Irish. We aim to make it 8

London Welsh

Manager – Fluxy

01. Rhys Gill	09. Francois Pienaar (K)
02. David Paice	10. Nick Evans
03. Frans Malherbe
04. Dean Mumm	11. Topsy Ojo
05. Paul O'Connell (C)	12. Dominic Waldlouck
06. Tim Johnson	13. George Lowe
07. Hienrich Brussow	14. Horacio Agulla
08. Nick Easter	15. Maxime Medard

16. Alec Hepburn 17. Scott Wilson 18. Tom Lindsay 19. Steve Borthwick 20. David Sisi 21.Will Chudley 22. Tom Casson 23. Adam Thompstone

Tactics

Who is Tim Johnson?

Tom's better looking twin brother...

Bath Rugby
Manager – Bathite

01. N.Catt	09. M.Classens
02. C.Tolufua	10. O.Barkley (k)
03. O.Franks
04. J.Muller (c)	11. T.Biggs
05. F. VD Merwe	12. F.Steyn
06. R.Eldsadt	13. E.Daly
07. F.Louw	14. T.Bowe
08. S.Kalamafoni	15. I.Dagg

16. O.Tomascyuk 17. A.Strauss 18. J.Golding 19. D.Attwood 20. J.Salvi 21. C.Cook 22. S.Donald 23. C.Lualala

TACTICS TBC
As always, look to secure a platform up front. In poor conditions, we've picked Eldsadt at 6 as an extra jumper, as well as another physcial carrier to get over the gainline. Two big scrummaging locks picked, along with world class Franks at cornerstone. Great options off the bench with Strauss, Attwood offering big physical impact against tired legs. Cook to inject some pace around the fringes and Lualala and Donald there if some experience is required.

Forwards
- Looking to make use of heavyweight pack to put real pressure on Read at the base and Smith, as England did in the Autumn. Control 8,9 and target 10 to knock him off his game
- Eldstadt at 6 for another jumping option and added physicality. Louw released to play as out and out 7, with Salvi replacing at 60 mins to keep ball winning fresh
- If we cannot steal the ball at the breakdown, we will try to slow the ball and force fly half to play on the back foot
- Mobile front row to mark the fringes tightly, forcing the ball wide and encouraging expansive rugby in poor handling conditions. Locks form 1 out defence, Louw competing on the deck
- Kalamafoni and Eldstadt to provide ball carrying threat, Louw operates as link man, Salvi first to every ruck to compete
- Muller will continue to make the lineout calls and look to challenge opposition throws for the steal

Backs
- Look to play in the opposition half, use the boots of Barkley, Steyn and Daly to gain yardage. If nothing on / slow ball, use Steyn, Tolufua, Louw and Kalamafoni on the crash
- In poor conditions, test the back three with up and unders from 9 10 12 13, varying the point of attack. Our back three will compete the high ball and force handling errors in the oppo half
- Steyn to test Myler's defence with taking the ball flat at the ten channel. He will lead the rush in defence with Classens sweeping up behind

Big big big game this week...

Saracens
Manager – ChequeredJersey

01. Matt Mullan	09. Julien Dupuy (k)
02. Schalk Brits	10. Charlie Hodgson
03. Ben Tameifuna
04. Ollie Kohn	11. Sam Smith
05. Charlie Matthews	12. Anthony Allen
06. Richie McCaw (c.)	13. Conrad Smith
07. Will Fraser	14. Vereniki Goneva
08. Billy Vunipola	15. Chris Wyles

16. Jared Saunders 17. Rob Buchanan 18. Sekope Kepu 19. James Hudson 20. Joe Robinson 21. Jordan Burns 22. Beauden Barrett 23. Drew Mitchell


Tactics- it's wet and slippery this week, so let's not spread the ball too much or force the game. Simple is best. The breakdown and set piece will be vital this week, as will the contact area.

In the breakdown, Fraser and Richie will share roles as a jackal. On attacking ball, I'd ideally like one there to win it with the other ready with Dupuy to track the ball to get to guarantee winning the next breakdown or chasing any kicks and cleaning up any errors. In defence, Fraser should aim to track the ball and make the breakdown so Richie can lead the defence around the ruck fringes, though the reverse is acceptable. Billy V will clear out opposition at the ruck and the locks will chip in too. In the set piece, we have a very able front 5. So do Tigers but Jarvis is a bit weaker so Mullan will target him and hopefully we can get under them doing this. Kepu is a great replacement for Ben so he can work flat out in the scrum and the loose. If Corbs thinks he will get an advantage over Ben, let him try- he anchored the Chiefs Scrum last year and barely ever lost a battle in the set piece. I want Billy running at the 9-10 and blindside wing off the scrum occasionally to test their tackling and put them on the back foot with the flankers in hot pursuit to win fast ball so we can batter the fringes of the ruck in relentless succession. At the lineout, keep it simple on the whole to Hudson at the front but McCaw is a great back option to use. Pressure their throw with a front jump and be ready to clean up any spillages in the snow.

In attack, too many passes will lead to errors to both sides. The flankers tracking the ball will help us clean up both sides' errors, but to minimalise ours we will focus on hard running over passing. I want short pops to big forwards on the shoulders of the half backs to hammer away at their 10-12 axis which is on the small side. Brits, Ben and Vunipola are ideal for this. I want to alternate mauls and series of rapid pick and goes at the edge of rucks, to build momentum and batter the defence before we pass the the centres who will run straight and use their experience against JOC and Ioane, who have played away from centre recently. We won't play in our own half, Dupuy and Hodgson are great kickers so we will kick and play in Tigers' 22. When Wade is blindside winger, let's target him, and also send some high kicks his way to take advantage of his short stature.

In defence, blitz with the backs so Joc and Barnes have no space to move with. Watch Wade in attack. I want someone (Fraser or Brits) harrying Barnes at all times and McCaw to keep the defence around the ruck fringes tight.

Chase all kicks, and make them all high to give our pack a chance to pressure the receiver. Take all points at goal on offer

Let Dupuy dictate the game and if we need to speed things up use McCaw more as a linkman so it doesn't detract from Dupuy's primary role today- as a tactician and kicker

Subs like Buchanan and Robinson are big carriers so hit contact hard knowing we can replace players, and bring on Mitchell or Barrett to control the game

Leicester Tigers
Manager – Sgt_Pooly

01. Alex Corbisiero	09. Karl Dickson
02. Bismark Du Plessis	10. Berrick Barnes(c)
03. Aaron Jarvis
04. Luke Romano	11. Marlon Yarde
05. Alister Hargreaves	12. James O’Connor
06. Siya Kolisi	13. Digby Ioane
07. Liam Gill	14. Christian Wade
08. Jacque Cronje	15. Geordan Murphy

16. Jamie George 17. Luke Cowen-Dickie 18. Kyle Sinckler 19. Sam Jones 20. Maurie Fa'asalavu 21. Sam Harrison 22. Danny Cipriani 23. Miles Benjamin

Tactics

In the poor conditions we’ll be looking to play a controlled game and look to play in the right areas of the pitch. We’ll be looking for big carries from our pack to free up space around the fringes for out talented backline to work in. Barnes will look to dictate play in our half and pin the opposition back with directed kicking.

We’ll look to play the drift defence and force Sarries to get through our defensive line. Dickson will sweep up behind the line.

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. Hargreaves will lead the line and we will look to target the opposition's throw with Hargreaves/Romano marshalling the front/middle of the line. We'll use big carries from our pack to draw in the opposition defence with Dickson marshalling and looking for gaps to exploit around the fringes.

The flankers will target the breakdown with Dickson sniping around and playing flat to the line to allow Barnes & JOC space to run into. Ioane will come looking for the ball in midfield and link up with JOC 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
- Barnes to kick whats on offer and keep the board ticking over
- Barnes/JOC to alternate and dictate play
- Look to keep opposition pinned back with strong kicking 10/12
- Look to control front 5 with superior physical unit
- Look for Jarvis(Welsh Int TH) to neutralise Mullen so Corbs & BdP can really get at Brits & Ben T who aren’t big scrummagers
- Target Hudson throughout the game who’s struggling for real life form not starting in the Championship
- Murphy borught in for his cultured boot

01. Antoine Guillamon	09. Dimitri Yachvilli
02. Darren Dawiduk	10. Pat Lambie (k)
03. Shaun Knight
04. Tom Savage	11. JSD
05. Will James	12. JDJ
06. Alisdair Strokosch	13. Rob Horne
07. Akapusi Qera	14. Charlie Sharples
08. JVN (c)	15. Jonny May

16. Korree Britton 17. Nick Wood 18. Rupert Harden 19. Sam Whitelock 20. Sam Cane 21. Dan Robson 22. Freddie Burns 23. Henry Trinder

Tactics

Key Points

TBC


Excitement Outwide
Proven scorers from 9-15 all who can make something out of nothing (see May's 2nd try vs Saints). They will look to capitalise on Worcester's errors and utilise the overlap which the forwards will bring to the game. JDJ and Horne is a very exciting combination who will test the Warriors defense to their limits.

Impact Bench
We have: Cane, Whitelock, Trinder, Robson and Burns to come off the bench and all are game changers who can continue our abrasive and energetic style of play to push us towards the big win.

Attacking

• We come off the back of a huge win and have rotated for fresh legs but expect nothing else but another big win.

• Yachvilli and Lambie to play what's in front of them and look to release JDJ or snipe as much as possible. If it isn't on then Lambie will stick it in the corners and, with Whitelock, Qera, JVN, Strokosch and Savage we have a number of jumpers to gain the ball back.

• Look for runners off of 10 and 12 channel to make the initial break before sending the ball out wide to Sharples and May.

• We will look to use our big pack to carry alot of ball and, if it isn't on then run off of 9 and take a couple of 'up the jumper' phases to drag defenders in.

• Our back three will look to come off their wings and hit the right angles.

• Impact bench to shore up our victory and to keep the scoreboard ticking, Robson, burns and Trinder will play fast-in your face-rugby, Whitelock and Cane will have a field day against tired legs at the breakdown and lineout.

Set Piece

• Strong scrum which will get the edge up on the tighthead side and a good bench to come on as well to continue the pressure, 8-9-10 is a move we will use alot.

• We will use the maul to get ourselves up the pitch quickly and power over from short distance.

• Lineout has been mentioned previously where we have many strong jumpers here who will look to control attacking and defensive ones.

Defending

• Banana blitz defence targetting 10 so he has no time to kick or give quick ball to the centres, we will protect the channels to stop 9 sniping.

• Yachvilli will look to sweep and counter attack off any kick through's.

• We will hit the breakdown quick to give Qeratime to get over the ball and obliterate any protection they have in place.

• If the turnover isn't on we won't commit and will fan out defending inside-out.

Exeter team updated

weather is updated.

WASPS TACTICS

01.Zak Taulfao
02.George Chuter
03.Matt Stevens
04.James Cannon
05.Louis Deacon
06.Tinis Du Plessis
07.Matt Everard
08.Wannerburg
09.Piri Weepu (C)
10.Shane Geraghty
11.Ugo Monye
12.Alex Cheeseman
13.Chris Bell
14.Tom Varndell
15.Richard Haughtpn

REPLACEMENTS: 16.Brooker 17.Payne 18.Stankovich 19.Mermoz 20.Young 21.Robinson 22.Ingall 23.Gopperth

TEAM NEWS: Goerge Chuter starts as Hooker, with Swarzeski being on 6 nations duty. Louis Deacon makes debut, new signing with point to prove. Weepu captains the side in Dusatoir's absence. Geraghty makes a rare start at 10 with Farrell on england duty. Haughton has been given a vote of confidence after rumours of him maybe being released at the end of the season. Wanted to hand Sackey debut, but he still has slight injury

Be strong at the set piece dont want to give away silly penalites and infringments. Geraghty will kick drop goals, Weepu will box kick and take conversions, whilst looking to get quick ball to the backs

isn't Waldrom on England duty?

No Haskell is on the bench.

I thought both were on the bench, but no lock (as Lawes starting at 6)? it's what they have on the BBC (though they have been known to be wrong )

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/21551506

Hmmm ,

That's strange , least they didn't call big Mo up.

No you're right Mad, he's in the PR lineup as well. Haskell to cover second row like last time out.

Always thought The Hask could make a decent 4 if he was a bit taller.

He could be brilliant if he a little more nous!

Nick Easter's brain in James Haskell would be the best 8 in the world.

Absolute tank of a man.

London Irish

Manager – Mad for Chelsea

01. Dean Greyling	09. Joe Simpson
02. Rob Herring	10. Brock James
03. Paulica Ion
04. Bryn Evans	11. Sailosi Tagicakibau
05. Nick Kennedy	12. Shontayne Hape
06. Tom Guest	13. Aurelien Rougerie
07. David Pocock (c)	14. David Strettle
08. Imanol Harinordoquy	15. Matt Tait

16. Scott Lawson, 17. Fraan Rautenbach, 18. Tom Smallbone, 19. Tom Palmer, 20. Andy Saull, 21. Darren Allinson, 22. Quade Cooper, 23. Anthony Watson

Tactics:

Not many changes this week: Rob Herring returns to start at hooker, while James and Hape return to the backline. With Wasps only really having Geraghty and Weepu as kicking options we'll look to play a territorial game, pinning them in their half (neither has great length) and controlling the game. When in their half, go through the phases, use the big ball carriers (centres, Harinordoquy, Guest, etc.) to target the 10 channel.

- look to dominate the breakdown. Wasps's backrow doesn't loook an area of strength so Pocock and his consorts should cause havoc there, forcing turnovers and slowing down opposition ball, while securing quick ball for our side. This is an area we'll really target.

- plenty of line-out options, both to secure our own ball and to put pressure on theirs (Kennedy one of the best readers of the opposition line-out in the game). Again, with Deacon having only just joined the opposition they may not have developped a great understanding yet, so look to target their throw as much as possible.

- Control territory through James's boot, as mentioned above.

- Big ball carriers to target the 10 channel, putting the team on the front foot when in posession, before unleashing a very dangerous backline.

- The backrow are all good handlers and should provide a good link between forwards and backs.

- Play a blitz defense to put their FH and centres under pressure.

just realised i could have played Mermoz this week...he isnt in the french 22

Worcester Warriors

Manager – InTheFastLane

01. George Porter	09. Will Genia
02. Stephen Moore	10. Dan Carter
03. Juan Figallo
04. Gerhard Mostert	11. Tom Homer
05. George Robson	12. Ma’a Nonu
06. Liam Messam	13. Robbie Freaun
07. Michael Hooper	14. Marcel Garvey
08. Ben Morgan	15. Kurtley Beale

16. Ed Shervington 17. Louis Radian 18. Tevita Taumoepeau 19. Nile Dacres 20. Matt Kvesic 21. Shaun Perry 22. Luke Rooney 23. Matt Hopper

Overall: Look for strong running rugby led by our half back combination who will look to control our tempo and keep us playing in the right areas. We will look to use forwards advantage and use it as a base.

In these conditions we don’t expect to experience many scrums. However when we do scrum look for to get a good squeeze and win penalties.

At the lineout we feel we have a big advantage and if we can develop this advantage early we shall look to switch the game plan and look for corners with the boot. Mostert will offer a solid option at the front with Messam, Morgan and Robson all jumpers.

As well as performing in the set piece we will be looking to get our forwards making some big carries in open play. We will be looking to burst into space and makes gains with the likes of Morgan, Mostert, Moore and Messam on the ball.

Look to attack the breakdown hard and fast with lots of bodies looking to slow down or turn over Gloucester ball. Hooper is absolutely brilliant at getting over the ball and he will be backed up by Messam and Morgan looking to nuisance of themselves.

Strong half back combination will be looking to control the tempo of our game. Will Genia will play his natural game mixing it up with his passing and his sniping runs. Dan Carter is our main playmaker and will look to use his vast array of talents to adapt to the game. He will look to get his running and passing game involved while his kicking offers another option.

The back five will be looking to make inroads with their attacking running. Nonu will be look to make strong runs, crashing through defences. He will look to draw in defences to offer more space for our other runners. Freaun is a player in a similar vain to Nonu and will be used for his ability to get over the gainline. Homer, Beale and Garvey will be looking to make use of the spaces with their movement.

Use a blitz defence with huge intensity to put pressure on Gloucester decision makers. Kurtley Beale will sweep in behind for any grubbers which we will either counter generously or have a run at the defence.

With Carter, Genia, Beale and Homer we have some quality boots and we will look to take advantage. Look to mix up the game and target Johnny May under the high ball with Messam leading the chase. If we experience dominance at the lineout look to put the ball into corners. Genia will also use his box kick abilities to give our players something to chase.

We will look to make full use of our bench. Shervington, Radian + Taumoepeau are quality options who will look to get involved around the park and at scrumtime. Kvesic will also come on and look to get involved in all facets of play against tired legs. Rooney + Hopper are players who can make something out of nothing and we will look to get their hands on the ball

CF if your around Waldrom needs to go from your side or you will be -5 points on the final score. On the bench now for England.

edited

Northampton Saints
Manager – SirJohnnyEnglish

01. Soane Tonga'uiha	09. Lee Dickson
02. Richardt Strauss	10. Stephen Myler
03. Paul Doran-Jones
04. Samu Manoa	11. Vasily Artemiev
05. Andries Bekker	12. Sonny Bill Williams
06. Stephen Ferris	13. George Pisi
07. Calum Clark	14. Jamie Elliot
08. Kieran Read	15. Ben Foden

16. Steven Kitshoff 17. Brett Sharman 18. Brian Mujati 19. James Craig 20. Roger Wilson 21. Aaron Smith 22. Ryan Lamb 23. Scott Armstrong

Key Points

• Attack the 10 Channel. Barkley is not best known for his physicality and we will look to flood his channel with big runners and tacklers. Playing the role of backup at Metro his form has dropped and we feel he can be pressured today. If it comes down to the battle of the 10s we have faith in Myler who is an out and out flyhalf playing well week in week out at the mo.

• Dominate the scrum. In these conditions it’s even more important with knock ons galore. Neither Catt or Tolufua are known for their scrum work and struggle against technical scrummagers. Doran-Jones is a smart operator and will look to break the link between them and put Franks on the other side of the scrum on the back foot against Tonga.

Tactics

We will look to control territory and apply pressure on Bath in key areas looking to force mistakes. When in possession in the right areas, we will look to play a strong carrying game, attacking in groups so as to win the collisions and get over the gain line. Offloads will be kept to an absolute minimum as we look to sustain pressure deep in Bath territory. We will kick all penalties in opposition territory at goal and take the drop goal option whenever it’s available.

• In these conditions the scrum will be an important weapon. With a powerful front 5 on show we will look to keep it up and take full advantage drawing penalties from Bath.

• With handling an issue we want to keep things simple and use Bekker, Manoa and Read as banker ball at the lineout. We will look to bring the ball down into the maul and use the physicality of our pack to drive us into the right areas.

• We will look to blitz aggressively, playing on the edge of the offside line and coming up at pace, looking to isolate the ball carrier and stop any Bath momentum before it can get going.

• Dickson will act as a sweeper and cover any chips or grubbers behind the defensive line.

• The back 3 will sit deep to cover any kicks down the line and will look to counter attack of any loose ball.

• With the blitz in operation, we will look to be at the breakdown first hitting it hard and fast. If the ball looks available we will flood it with Wood looking to get his hands on the ball.

• If the ball is not immediately available we will only commit 1 or 2 players to legally slow the ball down and instead look to strengthen the defensive line.

Cheers CF

Sale Sharks
Manager – LondonIrishOllie

01.Andrew Sheridan	09.Hadyn Thomas
02.Gary Botha	10.Aaron Cruden (k)
03.Davit Kubriashvilli
04.Matt Garvey (c)	11.Tom Brady
05.Dean Schofield	12.Sam Tuitupou
06.JMF Lobbe	13.Jonathan Joseph
07.Dave Seymour	14.Cameron Shephard
08.Jordan Crane	15.Rob Miller

Subs 16.Marc Jones 17.Logovoi Mulipola 18.Henry Thomas 19.James Gaskell 20.Schalk Burger 21.Scott Mathie 22.Johan Goosen 23.Eli Walker

---

Tactics

Cruden to stand flat to put Quins defence under pressure.

JJ and wingers to look to get on ball carriers shoulders for a potential offload.

We have no worries about our scrum. Will more than be a match for the Quins scrum with the potential of getting a nudge.

JMF run the lineout, with Garvey, Schofield and Crane all more than capable jumpers.

Use are bench when needed. No predetermined ties for subs just when needed

Tasty Sale team there

Gloucester 24 - 28 Worcester Warriors

Up front its a good old tussle with neither getting on top of each other, however in the lineout we can see Warriors edging out Glos due to Robson and Messam being more than adept in this area. The backrows are very good units, but I'd edge just to the Warriors on recent form. Into the backline again both have good spines, Wuss will nick that one again but only just. There's a 'create something out nothing' quality with Glos which will keep them in them in the game, but the domination of Warriors in key areas will see them pinch a very strong away win and put them in some terrific form recently.

---

Leicester Tigers 18 - 19 Saracens

One of the big games of the week. I like the idea that both sides are trying to target each others front row, but I can't see either getting an upper hand. Jarvis maybe Int quality and BdP is phenomenal, but they both lack some form. Lineout wise, again its even Stevens here with both having adept jumpers, but no out and out lineout leader to take charge of their opposition throws. With both teams securing their own possession and perhaps nicking the odd turnover, the breakdowns and the back-rows will have a chance to reign free. Breakdowns are negated again, as both have two flankers capable of nicking opposition ball and preventing each from doing so. What gives and edge here though is Billy V as he will do a bit more damage ball in hand than Cronje. Into the halfbacks and Sarries have a decent unit, Hodgson in some decent form and can play intelligently. Dupuy is decent but will be overshadowed by the form of his opposite number at he minute. Moving into the spines of the backlines and Sarries will get an upper hand here for me. I'm afraid Pooly's chopping and changing will suffer as Ioane and JOC have both been playing different positions and it is there first time as combination, which will be exploited by the Sarries pair. Both backthrees are dangerous and just a little more to come from the Tigers unit, again both have strong benches and will make some big dents in each other. But for me in the end a hodgson DG will nick a win.

---

London Irish 34 - 20 London Wasps

In the set pieces both are even as there are no out and out winners or losers. Both front fives will get around the park well. I will mark deacon down a tad for being thrown in straight away especially if he is to lead the lineout. Backrows Irish completely outclass Wasps. Wannenburg as being going steady in the Top14, like his backrow counterparts but there is too much class from Irish here. In the haflbacks I would've gone to Wasps as Weepu could control the game and allow Geragthy to play his game. But with the Irish backrow pressuring them I will give Irish the halfbacks as they will have time and space. Would like to see quade start soon, as he been going okay for the Reds and this game would have done him some good. IN midfield the chopping changing of the 12 hurts Wasps. As bell has had to play with 3 different 12's in as many weeks. Wasps decent backthree will do damage with ball in hand, but can be exploited in defence. Irish have a decent backline with Rougerie outstanding in defence and creating holes for his back three to exploit. In the end the lack of depth and rotation hurt wasps and irish pick up a decent home win.

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Northampton Saints 26 - 25 Bath Rugby

In the tight battle its a close fought thing but an edge is to Saints with PDJ and Strauss exploiting Catt and Tolofua. In the line out set piece its evens as the form of Bekker is begging for to play a game to get him back up to ratings. Otherwise its just about even around the park. Louw will marshall the breakdowns with Read and Ferris giving him some decent opposition. In the halfbacks saints have a decent advantage as both Dickson and Myler are in some decent form. The centres are close to even but I will edge to Bath as I like them as a combo and SBW not playing for a while does count against him. The back threes are a close thought battle in open spaces, but I can see the magic of Dagg and the intelligence of Bowe making some big in roads to the Saints defence. In the end the lack of decent form from the Bath halfbacks costs them an away victory.

---

Sale Sharks 23 - 21 Harlequins

In the tight battle there's nothing in it. Likewise with the lineout, as both have very good jumpers and some good supporting jumpers. In the backrows, its about even as Sale have a handy unit but Quins star studded unit will be pushed close. In the halfbacks, Quins will control the game well, but Cruden will upset them a bit. I can't see too much joy coming from the kick chases of quins as Shepard and Miller are handy under the high ball. in the centres Quins can exploit JJ in defence but in attack Sharks will get some retribution. Quins will edge the back threes, but with Sharks at home and bringing on a much better game changing bench, Goosen will kick the winning points.

Hey fella, the tactics I wrote a few days ago haven't gone onto the main line-up up top

Mate they weren't there when I updated the page, so you missed the cut off. I copied all from your post as you can see. There was nothing there.

The cut off was saturday, I put them up thursday after doing the worcester ones

Make that wednesday. It would have edited underneath if theyw ere in late or done later!! My post doesn't. Therefore they were in on time

Can you stick them in Flux, I do remember seeing them. I wonder if there was an issue with page maybe

Done it

Thankyou both

Cheers mate, strange. I do think they may have disappeared then came back

Odd, if I wasn't certain I wouldn't have said anything!!

No worries lads. It will only affect my predos anyway

Chiefs 19 - Welsh 20
FR - Not much between the props, but Paice will get a big win against Spurling and Lindsay is an able back up. Edge to Welsh
SR - Pressure on Spurling here. There are 2 quality lineout locks on show, but both have been injured for a long time. Hanks and Mumm are about equal as well. Edge to Welsh
BR - Good form from TJ and Easter balances out Brossouw injury, but all of the Exeter 3 are in a good place. Not much to seperate here, with great balance to both sets. Both trios have all the skills covered
HB - Welsh have two brilliant players here, but the Exeter pair are more than capable. Rate both TJ and JW very highly, but they're up against WC today
CE - Not a particularly strong area for either team with Kahui having zero form and off to Japan, whilst i'm not convinced by Waldouck. Chiefs edge this on physicality
B3 - Not much between them again, but Jane's rating will now dip big time due to long injury. Camacho a solid player, but not much on the bench to ignite the back three
I've got Welsh winning the crucial battles at lineout thanks to Paice and controlling the game through 9/10.

Chiefs 20 Welsh 21
Scrum- great props give advantage to Chiefs despite Spurling and Welsh's good scrummaging 2nd rows
Lineout- Edge to Welsh with POC
Breakdown- think I see Welsh edging this, POC plus a good break down back row freeze Armitage out of the game
Pack battle- power on both sides but I think Chiefs have slightly better carriers
HBs- scrummie's even in very different ways suited to the sides' gameplans, Evans >> Wilkinson whose form at Toulon has frankly dropped and Nev is in a different league in attack
Attack- More detail for Welsh and I think they nick it with Kahui hard to rate though Jane will be a handful.
Defence- has to go to Chiefs, very tight against the run and kicking play
Kicking- just goes to Welsh where Pienaar separates the Wilko-Nev deadlock
Subs- go to Welsh

Overall- Welsh just about steal a win

Glocs 19 - Worcs 25
FR - Worcs win this with the power of Figallo and Moore's basics showing up Dawidiuk a bit. Porter will struggle at this level, but Worcs win 2/3 positions
SR - Second row to Worcs again, with Mostert the stand out. Glocs players not bad, but resting Whitelock will cost them I think.
BR - Big win to Worcs here, with proven int quality in each position. Qera a great player, but Hooper wins the battle on the deck
HB - WC from Worcs, unbeatable pairing
CE - A bit more fluidity from the Worcs pairing, with JDJ and Horne still bedding in
B3 - Glos win the back three with a proven combo, pace and nous
During the 6 nations, Worcs have quite a formidable team, with real SH strength. Worcs might edge the front and second rows, but there's a big win 6-12, which are crucial and it means that Worcs win again.

Tigers 13 - Sarries 16
FR - Sarries win this by quite a bit, with all three of the Tigers' struggling for form and game time due to injury. Bench options are promising, but not established, so Kepu might have some joy second half
SR - Better names to the Tigers, but both are still new to the team. Evens
BR - Great form of Fraser and BV, but Gill also impressed. McCaw the difference in poor conditions, a great leader as well, which I can't see in the Tigers pack
HB - Not much between the pairs, both good SHs for the conditions, Dickson good basics and pass, Dupuy good kicking game
CE - Tigers have the better players, but both not in normal positions. Haven't seen enough of Digby at 13 and JOC been playing 15.
B3 - Tigers have a quality back three with more flair and match winning options
Sarries win this in the front row and back row, with backs fairly evenly matched. (Sarries tactics hard to read though, bullets would help!) Think this might be an attritional, low scoring affair, with Dupuy's goals helping edge the win despite a JOC try

Gloucester 28 - 33 Worcester

Scrum- evens, Figallo and Guillamon v close and Knight helping Dawiduk hold off Moore
Lineout- Worcester, great unit here should work like clockwork
Breakdown- Looks like Hooper vs Qera tbh and Hooper is the specialist here and wins comfortably
Pack battle- Evens, great defence around the fringes and good carriers on each side
HBs- As Bathite says, can't beat the Worcester pair
Attack- more dangerous centres from Wuss (and Beale for good measure), better back 3 plus the threat of JDJ for Gloucester> Really nice tactics from both sides and hard to separate. Can see a few tries
Defence- Both ok with no obvious gaps but not the best in the league either
Kicking- goalkicking, I back Carter but Gloucester can use their 9/10 to tactical kick into good positions
Subs- just goes to Gloucester but it's too little too late when they enter the fray

Overall- high scoring match in cloudy but dry conditions but Worcester leave with a scalp

Irish 25 vs 12 Wasps

Scrum- Just goes to wasps with Stevens finding some good form and Deacon putting some force behind the front 3
Lineout- evens in the second row but the back row options clinch this for Irish
Breakdown- Irish, where Poccock has a field day
Pack battle- wasps have some decent grinders to maul etc with but Irish win here with a more dynamic pack inc Guest and Hari (poor form though)
HBs- Both a bit better for Irish here, with Simpson getting quick enough ball for his running threat to override his one-dimensionalness and Geraghty struggling under pressure
Attack- Irish the more complete outback unit here
Defence- Varndell a weak point for Wasps, but can see him or Ugo snagging an intercept try
Kicking- James wins this battle for Irish
Subs- Overall just goes to Wasps

Too much at home from Irish who get quick ball and cut Wasps apart with it

Saints 15 - 16 Bath


Scrum- Strauss beats his man for Saints but Bath win overall with a classy unit
Lineout- Also just goes to Bath
Breakdown- Another one narrowly to Bath, with all the packs chipping in it will be close though
Pack battle- goes to Saints with some real grunt and rock hard defence- the advantage is diminished by the use of (real life) 2 injured back 3 players whose form is hard to assess though.
HBs- goes to Bath with the more solid of 2 solid units
Attack- 2 lovely attacks, even on players but Bath tactics probably better in the snow
Defence- Nothing in it
Kicking- edge to Bath
Subs- advantage Saints, just

Overall- Bath have just enough to get the away win