Fantasy Aviva Premiership Round Twenty One

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Bath Rugby vs. Leicester Tigers
Sunny Intervals, 12 degrees, 9 mph winds.

Bath Rugby
Manager – inthefastlane

01. Cian Healy	09. Aaron Smith
02. Chris Brooker	10. Charlie Hodgson
03. Davit Kubrashvilli
04. Graham Kitchener	11. George North
05. Sam Whitelock	12. Anthony Allen
06. Tom Guest	13. Jonathan Davies
07. David Pocock	14. Cory Jane
08. JMF Lobbe	15. Stuart Hogg

16. Jon Golding 17. Kevin Mealamu 18. Carl Rimmer 19. Luke Romano 20. James Gaskell 21. Fourie Du Preez 22. Luther Burrell 23. Richard Lane

Look for big carries


Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Gethin Jenkins	09. Dimitri Yachvili
02. Tom Youngs	10. Jonny Wilkinson (k)
03. Dan Cole
04. Nathan Hines	11. Rene Ranger
05. James Horwill (c)	12. Billy Twelvetrees
06. Sean O'Brien	13. Brian O'Driscoll
07. Jacques Burger	14. Drew Mitchell
08. Ernst Joubert	15. Isa Nacewa

16. Stephen Moore 17. Lee Imiolek 18. Cencus Johnston 19. Geoff Parling 20. James Scaysbrook 22. Micky Young 22. Dominic Waldouck 23. Kurtley Beale

Tactics:

Play to our strengths and play a game built around our intelligent HB's controlling the game, the power of our huge pack and look to get the runners in our backline into space.

- Yachvili and Wilko to control proceedings - but we're not here to kick the ball away. We have the personnel in our side to play a mixture of different styles, and we will play the game as we see it.

- In attacking play, we will play with the option of 2 first recievers in Wilko and Twelvetrees. Keep Bath guessing with our attacking options.

- Use the different style of runners in our backline. With the likes of BOD, Nacewa and Mitchell we have exciting runners, and in Ranger and Twelvetrees some bigger runners. Mix up how we ant to attack.

- Attack all scrums with our huge pack - Really look to get the shove on and if we are getting the advantage keep applying the pressure.

- Target the lineout - led by Horwill. Five big jumpers, and we will mix up which jumpers we throw to on a consistent basis.
Always look to steal on Bath throws putting real pressure on Brooker.

- Physical, abrasive pack made up of massive line-breakers. The likes of SOB, Horwill, Youngs, Hines, Joubert, and Burger to be used to win the collisions in attack. Play an offloading game.

- Target the breakdown contest - Burger, SOB, Cole and BOD to use their exceptional breakdown skills to try to dominate this key area of the game.

- We will look to employ a blitz defence, focusing on a quick line speed to hit the ball carrier before he gets to the gainline, and look to win the collisions in defence. Yachvili to sweep behind with an eye on short kicks.

- Wilkinson to kick all penalites.

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Gloucester vs. Saracens
Sunny Intervals, 12 degrees, 9 mph winds.

Gloucester
Manager - Mat

01. Nick Wood 09. Will Genia
02. Joe Grey 10. Dan Carter
03. Nicola Mas
04. Eben Etzbeth 11. Matt Banahan
05. George Robson 12. Matt Scott
06. Willem Alberts13. Richard Kahui
07. Julian Salvi 14. Charlie Sharples
08. Immanol Harinordoqouy 15. Israel Folau

16 dan murphy 17 Adriaan Strauss 18 Rupert Harden 19 Tom Palmer 20 Qera 21 Dan Robson 21 Johan Goosen 22 Juan de Jongh

+ Form/Momentum We are on a great run and need this win to guarantee play off spot
+ Superior carriers all 1-8 carry and carry well we have dynamism and hard yards
+ 8,9,10,12axis able to control and dictate. Big games need big game players and we have world class options
+ Mobile, Dynamic Pack We have selected a pack that can hold their own in the set piece, but who offer a huge amount of carrying and impact.
+ massive advantage lineout wise
+Impact Bench We have players to bring on who can make a real difference in the scrum and loose. Proven internationals and young dynamic talent .

We are targetting the BP home win.We have rotated a little to keep people fresh. we know we have to win the battle and right to play our quick brand of rugby. We will be looking to get our big runners on the front foot and get over the gain line to produce quick ball for Genia to hit carter to play direct.

Our pack is huge and mobile but great in set piece and we will be targetting the lineouts and Scrums with mas and wood looking to dominate.
Mas after a great 6 n will
Look
To destroy. Target lineout arrows relentlessly to affect quality of their ball. Smit is not playin many games and we hope we can get at the bok legend.
Drive lots of lineout ball and try and hit runners of rucks in to steyn channel.

To pressure duvenage and make sure steyn has very little time on his kicks .

As ever we look to keep the ball and force sarries in to mistakes to start with and will look to build tempo as we start to get on top. Once we have won the battles and rights to play we will open up and start to really increase the tempo with our bench contributing and keeping the foot on the pedal.

We will be targeting the 10 channel a lot to make the defence narrow to able us to then whip it wide and isolate runners with back 3.

If it rains heavily we have the ability to Change game plan with our players and play a more circumspect narrower game.

Carter will look to try and isolate banahan with on cross kicks and if steyn kicks loose we will counter and look to up tempo

Specifics

- send Kahui Alberts etc at steyn channel
- take all points on offer with carter
- look to use the bomb early on to target Sarries back 3
- look to take it to nonu who has been out of sorts
- Territory early doors and pressure their lineout. We see ourselves as having more jumpers and this being an area we can exploit
- kick in behind back 3 and pressure
- put pressure on 9 so morne steyn has less time to kick the ball
- Kahui and banahan to interchange where necessary to keep big running option to interest defenders
- blitz defence with scrum half sweeping
- look to send in numbers to breakdown to disrupt and turnover.
- impact bench with dynamism and experience.
- carry relentlessly to keep ball and build pressure. We only use the ball when we have front foot quality ball. We have carriers 1-8


Saracens
Manager – DHLS07

01. Paul James	09. Dewaldt Duvenage
02. John Smit	10. Morne Steyn
03. Jannie du Plessis
04. Flip van der Merwe	11. Mark Cueto
05. James Craig	12. Ma'a Nonu
06. Liam Gill	13. Matt Hopper
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Adam Thompstone
08. Keegan Daniel	15. Ben Smith

16. George Chuter 17. Max Lahiff 18. Phil Swainston 19. Ollie Kohn 20. Alessandro Zanni 21. Chris Cook 22. Gareth Steenson 23. Tim Visser

Tactics

- Very much a traditional South African game plan as adopted by Heyneke Meyer.
- Big emphasis on the forwards dominating their opponents with their physicality.
- Tight forward dominated game with big carriers punching holes in the opposition defence.
- Kick/Chase game using our wingers to hunt the ball as it drops and if the opposition winger takes it to wrap him up in the tackle and isolate him to either win us the turnover or the penalty.
- Really go for it on turnover ball and get the ball through the hands and exploit the disorganised defence.
- Play in the right areas, territory over possession.
- Solid defensive line with Steffon Armitgae and Liam Gill either stealing or slowing the ball at the breakdown.
- Have gone with a bit of mobility in the back row as well as power, wehere we will play our flankers as left and right.

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London Irish vs. London Welsh
Sunny Intervals, 11 degrees, 10 mph winds.

London Irish
Manager - prop

01. Jean Baptiste Poux	09. Ruan Pienaar
02. Andrew Hore	10. Nick Evans (k)
03. Adam Jones
04. Stuart Hooper (c)	11. Marland Yarde
05. Hugh Pyle	12. Sereli Naqalevuki
06. Mamuka Gorgodze	13. Conrad Smith
07. Will Fraser	14. J.P Pieterson
08. Ben Morgan	15. Tom Homer (lk)

16. Tom Lindsay 17. Matt Stevens 18. Brok Harris 19. Justin Tipuric 20. Yannick Nyanga 21. Jack Moates 22. Shane Geraghty 23. Guy Armitage

Key Points

Balanced Backrow
We have picked a big backrow who are well balanced. Gorgodze will look to be abrasive and run at 10 looking to put him off his game. Fraser will look to dismantle the breakdown. Morgan will look to carry the ball all day and be the link man.

8-9-10
We want quick ball for our half-backs to tactically put us into territory (off the pitch). Our 8-9-10 will look to be influential and all have played together in this game alot so know each other well. These and Smith can all be standout playmakers who will look to control the game at our tempo in the light rain we will not expect attractive rugby.


Impact Bench
Our bench has raw power and alot of international experience. Fraser coming off the bench will bring the strong running needed against tired legs, Moates can speed up service, Nyanga will look for loose ball and Stevens has been in good form IRL add in Harris' and Lindsay's carrying and the last 20 minutes will be full of impact subs, Armitage hitting good scoring form lately too.

Attacking

• We want to force errors from Welsh and will target the 10-12 channel by sending big runners down his channel.

• Pienaar and Evans to play what's in front of them and look to release Evans (who will link with Smith with quick ball) or snipe as much as possible. If it isn't on then Evans will stick it in the corners and, with Hooper, Tips and Pyle we have the number jumpers to gain the ball back, we know Welsh will be dangerous here so will look to avoid his area and mix up our lineouts.

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

• 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.

• Experience to close out the win in Stevens and Nyanga, Fraser will have a field day against tired legs, excitement to continue to target the tired players through Moates' sniping, heavy impact at the scrum to come on and Armitage and Geraghty can continue to control the game and bring further excitement and pace..

Set Piece

• Strong scrum which will get the edge up on the Jones 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 10-12 led by Smith so he has no time to kick or give quick ball to the centres (we will have a backrower on Evans' shoulder to look for quick turnover ball, we will protect the channels to stop 9 sniping.

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

• We will hit the breakdown quick to give Fraser time 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.

London Welsh
Manager Ozzy3213

01. Steven Kitschoff	09. Morgan Parra
02. Chris Whitehead	10. Owen Farrell
03. Frans Malherbe
04. Rynhardt Elstadt	11. Digby Ioane
05. Jim Hamilton	12. Pat McCabe
06. Tom Johnson	13. Joel Tomkins
07. Luke Wallace	14. Brian Habana
08. Duane Vermeulen (c)	15. Gareth Anscombe

16. Rob Hawkins 17. Ben Alexander 18. David Wilson 19. James Hanks 20. Sione Kalamafoni 21. Paul Hodgson 22. Tim Nanai-Williams 23. James Simpson-Daniel

Key Points

• Form/Momentum. We come into this game off the back of a couple of wins, whereas Irish lost last week.
  
• Lack of real life form at 8,9,10 for Irish. Morgan has 1 bench appearance since pre 6 Nations, and Pienaar and Evans have been off the boil since Christmas.
  
• Pressure. None on us, we are not challenging for top 6 and are away from home, means that we can play freely and with no fear.
  
• Welsh defence. Solid defenders throughout the team mean that it will take something special to score points against us.
  

Basic Game Plan
Basic tactical premise for us to control possession and be solid defensively. We have picked a very mobile pack to try to put pace on the game up front. We will be looking for gaps rather than contact and looking to offload to support runners. We will look to apply pressure to Irish by keeping the ball for long periods and wearing them down defensively, and also by maintaining a solid defence and denying them opportunities to get on the score board. We will only look to kick if there is absolutely no other option on. Pressure forces mistakes, and we will look to capitalise on any that Irish make.

Specifics

• Support runners to ruck past the ball quickly if the carrier goes to ground in order to secure quick ball to go again.
  
• Get Tomkins on the ball with Habana and Ioane coming off their wings supporting on his shoulder for the offload.
  
• Man up on Gorgodze, Morgan and Naqalevuki as they are the 3 main ball carrying threats for Irish. If we stop them we control the gainline.
  
• We will look to play a blitz defence with quick line speed to hit the ball carrier before he gets to the gainline and knock him back even further. Parra will sweep in behind.
  
• We will not overcommit to the breakdown. If a turnover is on, we will go for it, counter rucking and hitting on the break. If it is not on to win the ball, we will send in a couple of players to legally slow it, and get our defensive line set quickly and strongly a la France in the World Cup. We want to control the gainline in defence and attack.
  

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Northampton Saints vs. Sale Sharks
Light Rain Showers, 9 degrees, 7 mph winds.

Northampton Saints
Manager - dammit_chris

01. Mako Vunipola	09. Mike Phillips
02. Tatafu Polota-Nau	10. Juan Martin Hernandez
03. Carl Hayman
04. Courtney Lawes	11. Julian Savea
05. Patricio Albacete	12. Weslie Fofana
06. Joe Launchbury	13. Manu Tuilagi
07. Sam Cane	14. Chris Ashton
08. Sergio Parisse(c)	15. Leigh Halfpenny(k)

16. Moto Mata'u 17. Thomas Domingo 18. Henry Thomas 19. Calum Clark 20. Billy Vunipola 21. Nick Phipps 22. George Ford 23. Elliot Daly

Tactics:Our game is based on power, getting over the gainline with our big ball carriers and playing with a real physicality to force mistakes from Sale. We are going to particularly target the Sale midfield and get Fofana and Tuilagi the ball in these areas and get us over the gainline to then bring in our backthree on good attacking ball. We have picked a very mobile pack that will move the ball around and be able to play at a high tempo to stretch the Sale defence and create try scoring opportunities.

Attack: Perfect conditions for Saints, we have picked a pack that can cover the pitch at speed and play at a high tempo, whilst we have got some very powerful ball carriers to get us over the gainline and create good attacking opportunities. Ashton will be supporting the line breaks of Savea, Fofana and Tuilagi, whilst our forwards are very mobile and will look to help secure quick ball to allow our backs to attack a disorganised defence from any line breaks.

We have great try scoring form in recent weeks with Ashton, Tuilagi and Savea all playing well. We will look to keep hold of the ball and work the opportunities. We see see the Sale midfield as a key area to attack due to form issues, and will also look to test Eastmond's defence by sending Savea and Tuilagi at him.

Defence: We've picked a powerful and mobile pack who can put in big hits and look to force Sale into turnovers and mistakes. We will look to utilise a similar defensive system to Saracens, based around physicality and slowing down the oppositions attack.

Phillips to sweep behind the defensive line and add extra physicality around the fringes.

Breakdown: We have a completely fresh backrow, not one started last week and this is an area that we want to target and generate quick ball from. We will look to get to the breakdown first, with Launchbury and Cane, before the likes of Lawes, Albacete, Vunipola clear out the Sale players. Our pack will also be supported by Fofana and Tuilagi in this area. When the ball is there to be won we will put in numbers and look to secure quick ball at every opportunity.

Set piece: We have four lineout jumpers to choose from, Launch, Lawes, Albacete and Parisse, which will give us options. TPN has close to 50 caps for Australia, so his throwing etc should be more than a match for David Paice. We will also look to disrupt Sale ball, by using the athleticism of Lawes and Launchbury to get in front of the main Sale jumpers and try and steal ball and make it difficult for Sale to get any clean ball. Scrum we will look to use as a platform to launch attacks.

Key Points:

• Home advantage, good form of key players.
• A lot of gainline breakers to put us on the front foot and disrupt Sale defence. We will specifically look to target the Sale midfield, who are either not in great form or haven't had as much game time in real life. We see this as a key area to exploit. We will also test Eastmond's defence against some of our big runners.
• Mobile pack will allow us to play a high tempo game, which is where we can be at our most dangerous.
• Impact bench - a lot of good ball carriers to bring on in the second half when Sale defence tires.
• Target the breakdown and securing turnover ball


Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Marcos Ayerza	09. Danny Care
02. David Paice	10. Johnny Sexton
03. Davit Zirakishvilli
04. Brodie Retalick	11. Kyle Eastmond
05. Andries Bekker	12. Francois Steyn
06. Peter O'Mahony	13. Gael Fickou
07. Fulgence Quedragao	14. David Strettle
08. Louis Picamoles	15. Nick Abendanon

16. Jerome Schuster 17. Tommy Taylor 18. Luc Ducalcon 19. Dave Attwood 20. Matt Kvesic 21. Ben Spencer 22. James Hook 23. Sam Smith

Key Points

Concentration
We come into this game with eyes set only on reaching the play offs. Saints have a big European semi final coming up and it’s only natural players would have next week on their minds.

Stifle Saints play
Playing an aggressive blitz on defence with Care sweeping. Saints full of big carriers so taking them on before the gain line is crucial however there is a lack of creativity through the Saints side and if route 1 doesn’t work they will have to revert to kicking deep.

Attack the lineout
Decent jumpers in the Saints side but with no out and out leader and a wayward hooker this is an area we can attack.

Attacking

• Look to play high tempo, high intensity rugby. Ball in hand, look to use our big line breakers to make the hard yards and tie up defenders creating space in wider channels for Sexton to exploit.

• We see the offload as a crucial weapon and our carriers will all be looking to offload in contact, continuing our forward momentum and breaking the defensive line.

• Care will look to tie the Saints backrow to the breakdown with his sniping game allowing Sexton to play flat on the gain line. Sexton will look to bring our dangerous runners in to the game or find mismatches for himself to hit on the wrap around.

• Our back three will look to get involved as much as possible running support lines of the halfbacks and midfield looking for the inside ball or offload.

Set Piece

• With a powerful front 5 on show we will look to keep the scrum up and use it as a weapon. On our own feed we will look to get the wheel on and give our 8-9-10 axis as much room as possible to attack from.

• In Saints territory, with 5 jumping options to use, we will look to play off the top and move the ball out to Sexton and the backs. In our own territory, we will look to take the ball down into the maul and drive ourselves into the right areas.

• On Saints lineouts Bekker will stand at the front and challenge. At 6ft 10" Northampton will need to have their darts spot on.

Defending

• We will play an aggressive blitz on defence, playing on the edge of the offside line and coming up at pace, looking to isolate the ball carrier and stop any Saints momentum before it
  can get going.

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

• We will leave two players sitting deep to cover any kicks and they 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 the breakdown with POM & Quedragao looking to get their 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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London Wasps vs. Newcastle Falcons
Heavy Rain, 9 degrees, 8 mph winds.

London Wasps
Manager – Fluxy

01. Ryan Grant	09. Maxime Machenaud (K)
02. Rob Webber	10. Rhys Priestland
03. Logovii Mulipola
04. Bradley Davies	11. Tom Varndell
05. Donnacha Ryan (C)	12. Brad Barritt
06. Iain Henderson	13. George Pisi
07. John Barclay	14. Matt Tait
08. Netani Talei	15. Mike Brown

16. Sean Cronin 17. Ben Robinson 18. Shaun Knight 19. Mouritz Botha 20. Carl Fearns 21. Jonah Holmes 22. Dan Bowden 23. Ollie Lindsay-Hague

Tactics
With a tough away trip this week, it mostly about damage limitation. With the weather not looking too suited to expansive rugby we will look to dominate the possession and territory, with the use of clever kicks, or by using our very athletic and strong carrying pack. Priestland and Machenaud will pull the strings form midfield. If Falcons want to score against our strong defence they will have run the ball from within their 22.

In attack we will look for the overlap or to develop one by the use of simple phases to reproduce quick ball to cut the defence open. Slow ball we will look to set up pods and runners off Priestland. This will drag Falcons defenders further apart and produce wholes or mismatches. This allows the use of our dangerous back three that have been in great form with ball in hand.

There won't be much flashy play this week, its all about keeping mistakes to a minimum and applying pressure upon the Falcons players in defence. Even the best players are prone to mistakes and giving away penalties and we have kickers that can keep punishing these penalties and mistakes.

Tactics

• We have some great technicians in the scrum and with our big front five, this is an area we want to get an advantage in. Look to target the wheel and cut the scrum off from the opposing back-line.
  
  
• Put pressure upon every opposing scrum and line out. Not every feed or throw will be straight.
  
  
• With a strong lineout, Ryan will lead the lineout and use himself as banker ball at the front of the line with Davies jumping in the middle. Look to run full number lineouts to tie in the opposing pack. This will create space for our backs, and time to get a clean kick away, or to put Barritt and Pisi into space.
  
  
• Look to clear every ruck out quickly. Much like England and NZ we want to cleanly win our own possession and quickly.
  
  
• Similar to the point above but we want to legally get men over the ball and competing for possession to slow down the Falcons possession.
  
  
• 
  
  
• Priestland will look to use our backline only in the right situations. Just because we are in a dogfight doesn't mean we can't not turn on the style to score tries. He can use Barritt as a straight line option to make yards or go out the back to the pace of Pisi and our back three.
  
  
• Machenaud willl control the pack and direct traffic, just like all little french general scrum half's. He will take look to test the Falcons wings with kicks in behind them and look to make them make tough decisions in defence - especially with some height advantage in our back-line.
  
  
• We will run a banana blitz in defence, with Machenaud sweeping. This will cut down the time and space for their danger midfield and halfbacks. Sending them inside to the guards of the rucks and creating a chance of isolation and turnover.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Machenaud to kick all on opportunity points, within range. Any other penalties will be sent long to gain a territorial edge with our strong lineout.

Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Driver

01.Fabian Barcella	09.Ben Youngs
02.Rory Best	10.Toby Flood
03.Owen Franks
04.Ed Slater	11.Alex Cuthbert
05.Paul O'Connell	12.Scott Williams
06.Chris Robshaw	13.Adam Ashley Cooper
07.Hienrich Brussouw	14.Tommy Bowe
08.Kieron Read	15.Alex Goode

16.Jamie George 17.Alex Waller 18.Scotty Wilson 19.Brad Thorn 20.Toby Falatau 21.Sam Harrison 22.Aaron Cruden 23.George Lowe

TACTICS

BASIC GAMEPLAN

Keep the ball against London Wasps grinding out the phases and moving the ball when we are in dangerous positions. The key to winning any game of rugby is having the ball.

Play what is in front of us , use our broken field runners when the game is opening up later on with Bowe and Cuthbert running into space.
We will look to keep Wasps back in there own half through the boots of Youngs , Flood and Goode and targetting the Wasps set piece and break down to secure turnover ball.

Quick Ball

Blast the rucks , we've filled our team with ruck blasters such as Slater , Franks , Best , Robshaw and Read to generate quick ball for Ben Youngs.


Breakdown

Brussouw to target the breakdown and look to steal as much Wasps ball as he can.

Defence

Big hits in defence , blitz the opposition with Youngs sweeping. Aggresive round the fringes to force errors from the Wasps half backs.

CONFIDENCE

A win for us will put us into great position for the play offs in the last weekend and we are reved up to take the maximun 5 points.

Defeat for Wasps could mentally relegate them.

Falcons at Wasps

Falcons have a great record at Wasps in the real world.

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Worcester Warriors vs. Harlequins
Sunny Intervals, 12 degrees, 10 mph winds.

Worcester Warriors
Manager - stnick88

01. Tendai Mtawrira	09. Dwayne Peel
02. Richardt Strauss	10. Pat Lambie
03. Brian Mujati
04. James Percival	11. Sean Maitland
05. Johann Muller (c)	12. Kyle Godwin
06. Tom Savage	13. Mathieu Bastereaud
07. Ross Rennie	14. James Short
08. Thomas Waldrom	15. Delon Armitage

16. Nathan Catt 17. Matthew Rees 18. Werner Kruger 19. Dean Schofield 20. Phil Dowson 21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow 22. Olly Barkley 23. Tom Casson

Tactics

- Target the scrum. Two big scrummaging props to use the scrum as an attacking platform. We also have two strong locks to back up our props well in the scrum. Any pens won will be kicked for goal if in range by Lambie or to touch if out of range.

- Muller to be our main lineout jumper and caller. Supported by Savage and Percival. Muller to disrupt as much oppositon ball as possible.

- Rennie to target the breakdown to secure quick ball and any turnovers. Savage and Percival to hit Hooper quickly at the rucks to not let him do his thing.

- Waldrom, Savage, Percival, Mujati, Beast, Bast to be used as big carriers to make inroads.

- Percival (top tackler in the AP this year) and Savage to hit Roberts hard to stop any momentum.

- Lambie and Godwin to control play, get us in the right areas before we start throwing the ball around too much.

- Armitage to join the line of attack and look to get one on one with opponents, especially Ojo.

- Put pressure on Burns, don't give him time to be his creative self. A big (legal) hit from Bast early on to welcome him to the game.

- This is a massive game for us, vital in our hopes of staying up. The lads are fired up!


Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Tony Woodcock	09. Greig Laidlaw
02. Schalk Brits	10. Freddie Burns (k)
03. Juan Figallo
04. Bakkies Botha	11. Topsy Ojo
05. Steve Borthwick (c)	12. Jamie Roberts
06. Tom Wood	13. Jonathan Joseph
07. Michael Hooper	14. Yoann Huget
08. Pierre Spies	15. Rob Kearney

16. Gary Botha 17. Joe Marler 18. Kieran Brookes 19. Charlie Matthews 20. Sam Warburton 21. Karl Dickson 22. Quade Cooper 23. Matt Smith

Tactics

Game Plan

Use our strong carriers upfront to tie in Worcester defenders before we pass the ball wider into the backs to exploit the gaps available. We will look to get our forwards carrying off 9 and 10 at taking the ball on at pace with support on their shoulder for the offload or so me can recycle the ball quickly. Effective rucking is vital to us getting quick ball so we can spread the ball into wider channels. When in our own half we will look to see if we can kick for territory or behind the Worcester back 3. We will also look at the option of box kicks, up and unders and cross kicks where we can retain possession. In the Worcester half we will keep the ball intend and play a patient game at a fast tempo.

Forwards

Strong carrying with the aim of winning the collision and keeping the legs pumping after contact. If we can offload to support we will if its on to keep the momentum of the attack going. When we hit the deck we want our players close in support to recycle the ball quickly so we can go again. At the lineout we will really look to target the Worcester throw with Borthwick looking to compete. At scrum time we want to control things and use it as a weapon to milk penalties and therefore territory and points.

Backs

Burns to stand flat and bring others into the game. Roberts will offer a crash ball option with Joseph running a support line ready for an offload or staying behind for the miss pass. We will look to use our pacy back three to hit lines and get involved in the game.

Defence

In defence we are looking to put massive pressure on Worcester. We will play with a quick linespeed and pressure the Worcester half backs. At the breakdown we will look for Hooper and Wood to disrupt if they are first there and will attempt to legally slow down Worcester ball when we can.

Key Points

- Laidlaw to control the game until he gets the call from Burns that he wants the ball.

- Breakdown - we want to recycle quick ball for ourselves and ruin the breakdown for Worcester and disrupt their momentum.

- Lineout - Borthwick ripped to shreds Muller and Ulster and real life. Will be aiming to do the same here.

- Isolate Basteraud one on one with JJ. Bast will struggle against JJ's outside break.

- Kick behind James Short and make him use his boot.

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I've put the current weather forecast as there seemed to be complaints last week that it was on late (it went on at 21:45 on Thursday), but be aware this may change when the match thread is updated on Thursday night.

Its BBC weather 3pm Saturday you use for conditions isn't it Pete?

3pm Friday, but this early in the week it doesn't give me 3 pm, it gives 1 or 4, so I've put the conditions for 4 for the time being.

Cheers mate just so I know for tactics later in the week

I will make sure I have a look at the weather conditions this week!

Northampton Saints
Manager: Dammit Chris

01. Mako Vunipola	09. Mike Phillips
02. Tatafu Polota-Nau	10. Juan Martin Hernandez
03. Carl Hayman
04. Courtney Lawes	11. Julian Savea
05. Patricio Albacete	12. Weslie Fofana
06. Joe Launchbury	13. Manu Tuilagi
07. Sam Cane	14. Chris Ashton
08. Sergio Parisse(c)	15. Leigh Halfpenny(k)

16. Moto Mata'u 17. Thomas Domingo 18. Henry Thomas 19. Calum Clark 20. Billy Vunipola 21. Nick Phipps 22. George Ford 23. Elliot Daly

Tactics:Our game is based on power, getting over the gainline with our big ball carriers and playing with a real physicality to force mistakes from Sale. We are going to particularly target the Sale midfield and get Fofana and Tuilagi the ball in these areas and get us over the gainline to then bring in our backthree on good attacking ball. We have picked a very mobile pack that will move the ball around and be able to play at a high tempo to stretch the Sale defence and create try scoring opportunities.

Attack: Perfect conditions for Saints, we have picked a pack that can cover the pitch at speed and play at a high tempo, whilst we have got some very powerful ball carriers to get us over the gainline and create good attacking opportunities. Ashton will be supporting the line breaks of Savea, Fofana and Tuilagi, whilst our forwards are very mobile and will look to help secure quick ball to allow our backs to attack a disorganised defence from any line breaks.

We have great try scoring form in recent weeks with Ashton, Tuilagi and Savea all playing well. We will look to keep hold of the ball and work the opportunities. We see see the Sale midfield as a key area to attack due to form issues, and will also look to test Eastmond's defence by sending Savea and Tuilagi at him.

Defence: We've picked a powerful and mobile pack who can put in big hits and look to force Sale into turnovers and mistakes. We will look to utilise a similar defensive system to Saracens, based around physicality and slowing down the oppositions attack.

Phillips to sweep behind the defensive line and add extra physicality around the fringes.

Breakdown: We have a completely fresh backrow, not one started last week and this is an area that we want to target and generate quick ball from. We will look to get to the breakdown first, with Launchbury and Cane, before the likes of Lawes, Albacete, Vunipola clear out the Sale players. Our pack will also be supported by Fofana and Tuilagi in this area. When the ball is there to be won we will put in numbers and look to secure quick ball at every opportunity.

Set piece: We have four lineout jumpers to choose from, Launch, Lawes, Albacete and Parisse, which will give us options. TPN has close to 50 caps for Australia, so his throwing etc should be more than a match for David Paice. We will also look to disrupt Sale ball, by using the athleticism of Lawes and Launchbury to get in front of the main Sale jumpers and try and steal ball and make it difficult for Sale to get any clean ball. Scrum we will look to use as a platform to launch attacks.

Key Points:

• Home advantage, good form of key players.
• A lot of gainline breakers to put us on the front foot and disrupt Sale defence. We will specifically look to target the Sale midfield, who are either not in great form or haven't had as much game time in real life. We see this as a key area to exploit. We will also test Eastmond's defence against some of our big runners.
• Mobile pack will allow us to play a high tempo game, which is where we can be at our most dangerous.
• Impact bench - a lot of good ball carriers to bring on in the second half when Sale defence tires.
• Target the breakdown and securing turnover ball

Chris, who is TFN?

Tatafu Polota-Nau Pete, can never spell it, so have tended to abbreviate a little with him - am copying Mat's technique of naming players!

surely should be TPN then?

Wheres the F come from!

Thanks for picking up on that Nick...

The F was my point precisely!

Leicester Tigers have named their side to play Bath this week.

Tigers have made 4 changes to the side that beat London Wasps 28-20 last week. Tigers welcome back captain James Horwill and back rower Jacques Burger from lengthy layoffs, and Tom Youngs comes into the front row. Drew Mitchell also replaces Vincent Clerc in the back three.

Howill has been absent for a while, and his return to the side is sure to give Tigers a boost in the front five. And the same can be said for Jacques Burger, whose return is also a timely boost for Tigers, who are still without flanker Francois Louw through injury.

Tigers know that a losing bonus point will be enough to secure them a home semi-final spot, but like so many games this season, they will most certainly be looking to win the match.


Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Gethin Jenkins	09. Dimitri Yachvili
02. Tom Youngs	10. Jonny Wilkinson (k)
03. Dan Cole
04. Nathan Hines	11. Rene Ranger
05. James Horwill (c)	12. Billy Twelvetrees
06. Sean O'Brien	13. Brian O'Driscoll
07. Jacques Burger	14. Drew Mitchell
08. Ernst Joubert	15. Isa Nacewa

16. Stephen Moore 17. Lee Imiolek 18. Cencus Johnston 19. Geoff Parling 20. James Scaysbrook 22. Micky Young 22. Dominic Waldouck 23. Kurtley Beale

Tactics:

Play to our strengths and play a game built around our intelligent HB's controlling the game, the power of our huge pack and look to get the runners in our backline into space.

- Yachvili and Wilko to control proceedings - but we're not here to kick the ball away. We have the personnel in our side to play a mixture of different styles, and we will play the game as we see it.

- In attacking play, we will play with the option of 2 first recievers in Wilko and Twelvetrees. Keep Bath guessing with our attacking options.

- Use the different style of runners in our backline. With the likes of BOD, Nacewa and Mitchell we have exciting runners, and in Ranger and Twelvetrees some bigger runners. Mix up how we ant to attack.

- Attack all scrums with our huge pack - Really look to get the shove on and if we are getting the advantage keep applying the pressure.

- Target the lineout - led by Horwill. Five big jumpers, and we will mix up which jumpers we throw to on a consistent basis.
Always look to steal on Bath throws putting real pressure on Brooker.

- Physical, abrasive pack made up of massive line-breakers. The likes of SOB, Horwill, Youngs, Hines, Joubert, and Burger to be used to win the collisions in attack. Play an offloading game.

- Target the breakdown contest - Burger, SOB, Cole and BOD to use their exceptional breakdown skills to try to dominate this key area of the game.

- We will look to employ a blitz defence, focusing on a quick line speed to hit the ball carrier before he gets to the gainline, and look to win the collisions in defence. Yachvili to sweep behind with an eye on short kicks.

- Wilkinson to kick all penalites.

01. Jean Baptiste Poux	09. Ruan Pienaar
02. Andrew Hore	10. Nick Evans (k)
03. Adam Jones
04. Stuart Hooper (c)	11. Marland Yarde
05. Hugh Pyle	12. Sereli Naqalevuki
06. Mamuka Gorgodze	13. Conrad Smith
07.Will Fraser	14. J.P Pieterson
08. Ben Morgan	15. Tom Homer (lk)

16. Tom Lindsay 17. Matt Stevens 18. Brok Harris 19. Justin Tipuric 20. Yannick Nyanga 21. Jack Moates 22. Shane Geraghty 23. Guy Armitage

Key Points

Balanced Backrow
We have picked a big backrow who are well balanced. Gorgodze will look to be abrasive and run at 10 looking to put him off his game. Fraser will look to dismantle the breakdown. Morgan will look to carry the ball all day and be the link man.

8-9-10
We want quick ball for our half-backs to tactically put us into territory (off the pitch). Our 8-9-10 will look to be influential and all have played together in this game alot so know each other well. These and Smith can all be standout playmakers who will look to control the game at our tempo in the light rain we will not expect attractive rugby.


Impact Bench
Our bench has raw power and alot of international experience. Fraser coming off the bench will bring the strong running needed against tired legs, Moates can speed up service, Nyanga will look for loose ball and Stevens has been in good form IRL add in Harris' and Lindsay's carrying and the last 20 minutes will be full of impact subs, Armitage hitting good scoring form lately too.

Attacking

• We want to force errors from Welsh and will target the 10-12 channel by sending big runners down his channel.

• Pienaar and Evans to play what's in front of them and look to release Evans (who will link with Smith with quick ball) or snipe as much as possible. If it isn't on then Evans will stick it in the corners and, with Hooper, Tips and Pyle we have the number jumpers to gain the ball back, we know Welsh will be dangerous here so will look to avoid his area and mix up our lineouts.

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

• 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.

• Experience to close out the win in Stevens and Nyanga, Fraser will have a field day against tired legs, excitement to continue to target the tired players through Moates' sniping, heavy impact at the scrum to come on and Armitage and Geraghty can continue to control the game and bring further excitement and pace..

Set Piece

• Strong scrum which will get the edge up on the Jones 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 10-12 led by Smith so he has no time to kick or give quick ball to the centres (we will have a backrower on Evans' shoulder to look for quick turnover ball, we will protect the channels to stop 9 sniping.

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

• We will hit the breakdown quick to give Fraser time 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.

Saracens
Manager – DHLS07

01. Paul James	09. Dewaldt Duvenage
02. John Smit	10. Morne Steyn
03. Jannie du Plessis
04. Flip van der Merwe	11. Mark Cueto
05. James Craig	12. Ma'a Nonu
06. Liam Gill	13. Matt Hopper
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Adam Thompstone
08. Keegan Daniel	15. Ben Smith

16. George Chuter 17. Max Lahiff 18. Phil Swainston 19. Ollie Kohn 20. Alessandro Zanni 21. Chris Cook 22. Gareth Steenson 23. Tim Visser

Tactics

- Very much a traditional South African game plan as adopted by Heyneke Meyer.
- Big emphasis on the forwards dominating their opponents with their physicality.
- Tight forward dominated game with big carriers punching holes in the opposition defence.
- Kick/Chase game using our wingers to hunt the ball as it drops and if the opposition winger takes it to wrap him up in the tackle and isolate him to either win us the turnover or the penalty.
- Really go for it on turnover ball and get the ball through the hands and exploit the disorganised defence.
- Play in the right areas, territory over possession.
- Solid defensive line with Steffon Armitgae and Liam Gill either stealing or slowing the ball at the breakdown.
- Have gone with a bit of mobility in the back row as well as power, wehere we will play our flankers as left and right.

London Wasps

Manager – Fluxy

01. Ryan Grant	09. Maxime Machenaud (K)
02. Rob Webber	10. Rhys Priestland
03. Logovii Mulipola
04. Bradley Davies	11. Tom Varndell
05. Donnacha Ryan (C)	12. Brad Barritt
06. Iain Henderson	13. George Pisi
07. John Barclay	14. Matt Tait
08. Netani Talei	15. Mike Brown

16. Sean Cronin 17. Ben Robinson 18. Shaun Knight 19. Mouritz Botha 20. Carl Fearns 21. Jonah Holmes 22. Dan Bowden 23. Ollie Lindsay-Hague

Tactics
With a tough away trip this week, it mostly about damage limitation. With the weather not looking too suited to expansive rugby we will look to dominate the possession and territory, with the use of clever kicks, or by using our very athletic and strong carrying pack. Priestland and Machenaud will pull the strings form midfield. If Falcons want to score against our strong defence they will have run the ball from within their 22.

In attack we will look for the overlap or to develop one by the use of simple phases to reproduce quick ball to cut the defence open. Slow ball we will look to set up pods and runners off Priestland. This will drag Falcons defenders further apart and produce wholes or mismatches. This allows the use of our dangerous back three that have been in great form with ball in hand.

There won't be much flashy play this week, its all about keeping mistakes to a minimum and applying pressure upon the Falcons players in defence. Even the best players are prone to mistakes and giving away penalties and we have kickers that can keep punishing these penalties and mistakes.

Tactics

• We have some great technicians in the scrum and with our big front five, this is an area we want to get an advantage in. Look to target the wheel and cut the scrum off from the opposing back-line.
  
  
• Put pressure upon every opposing scrum and line out. Not every feed or throw will be straight.
  
  
• With a strong lineout, Ryan will lead the lineout and use himself as banker ball at the front of the line with Davies jumping in the middle. Look to run full number lineouts to tie in the opposing pack. This will create space for our backs, and time to get a clean kick away, or to put Barritt and Pisi into space.
  
  
• Look to clear every ruck out quickly. Much like England and NZ we want to cleanly win our own possession and quickly.
  
  
• Similar to the point above but we want to legally get men over the ball and competing for possession to slow down the Falcons possession.
  
  
• 
  
  
• Priestland will look to use our backline only in the right situations. Just because we are in a dogfight doesn't mean we can't not turn on the style to score tries. He can use Barritt as a straight line option to make yards or go out the back to the pace of Pisi and our back three.
  
  
• Machenaud willl control the pack and direct traffic, just like all little french general scrum half's. He will take look to test the Falcons wings with kicks in behind them and look to make them make tough decisions in defence - especially with some height advantage in our back-line.
  
  
• We will run a banana blitz in defence, with Machenaud sweeping. This will cut down the time and space for their danger midfield and halfbacks. Sending them inside to the guards of the rucks and creating a chance of isolation and turnover.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Machenaud to kick all on opportunity points, within range. Any other penalties will be sent long to gain a territorial edge with our strong lineout.

Falcons make 3 changes to there 23 with Kieron Read starting at 8 with Falatau moving to the bench. Alex Waller and Aaron Cruden come onto the bench for Sona Tonga'uhia and Ben Williams

Newcastle Falcons

Manager – Driver

01.Fabian Barcella	09.Ben Youngs
02.Rory Best	10.Toby Flood
03.Owen Franks
04.Ed Slater	11.Alex Cuthbert
05.Paul O'Connell	12.Scott Williams
06.Chris Robshaw	13.Adam Ashley Cooper
07.Hienrich Brussouw	14.Tommy Bowe
08.Kieron Read	15.Alex Goode

16.Jamie George 17.Alex Waller 18.Scotty Wilson 19.Brad Thorn 20.Toby Falatau 21.Sam Harrison 22.Aaron Cruden 23.George Lowe

TACTICS

BASIC GAMEPLAN

Keep the ball against London Wasps grinding out the phases and moving the ball when we are in dangerous positions. The key to winning any game of rugby is having the ball.

Play what is in front of us , use our broken field runners when the game is opening up later on with Bowe and Cuthbert running into space.
We will look to keep Wasps back in there own half through the boots of Youngs , Flood and Goode and targetting the Wasps set piece and break down to secure turnover ball.

Quick Ball

Blast the rucks , we've filled our team with ruck blasters such as Slater , Franks , Best , Robshaw and Read to generate quick ball for Ben Youngs.


Breakdown

Brussouw to target the breakdown and look to steal as much Wasps ball as he can.

Defence

Big hits in defence , blitz the opposition with Youngs sweeping. Aggresive round the fringes to force errors from the Wasps half backs.

CONFIDENCE

A win for us will put us into great position for the play offs in the last weekend and we are reved up to take the maximun 5 points.

Defeat for Wasps could mentally relegate them.

Falcons at Wasps

Falcons have a great record at Wasps in the real world.

Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Tony Woodcock	09. Greig Laidlaw
02. Schalk Brits	10. Freddie Burns (k)
03. Juan Figallo
04. Bakkies Botha	11. Topsy Ojo
05. Steve Borthwick (c)	12. Jamie Roberts
06. Tom Wood	13. Jonathan Joseph
07. Michael Hooper	14. Yoann Huget
08. Pierre Spies	15. Rob Kearney

16. Gary Botha 17. Joe Marler 18. Kieran Brookes 19. Charlie Matthews 20. Sam Warburton 21. Karl Dickson 22. Quade Cooper 23. Matt Smith

Tactics

Game Plan

Use our strong carriers upfront to tie in Worcester defenders before we pass the ball wider into the backs to exploit the gaps available. We will look to get our forwards carrying off 9 and 10 at taking the ball on at pace with support on their shoulder for the offload or so me can recycle the ball quickly. Effective rucking is vital to us getting quick ball so we can spread the ball into wider channels. When in our own half we will look to see if we can kick for territory or behind the Worcester back 3. We will also look at the option of box kicks, up and unders and cross kicks where we can retain possession. In the Worcester half we will keep the ball intend and play a patient game at a fast tempo.

Forwards

Strong carrying with the aim of winning the collision and keeping the legs pumping after contact. If we can offload to support we will if its on to keep the momentum of the attack going. When we hit the deck we want our players close in support to recycle the ball quickly so we can go again. At the lineout we will really look to target the Worcester throw with Borthwick looking to compete. At scrum time we want to control things and use it as a weapon to milk penalties and therefore territory and points.

Backs

Burns to stand flat and bring others into the game. Roberts will offer a crash ball option with Joseph running a support line ready for an offload or staying behind for the miss pass. We will look to use our pacy back three to hit lines and get involved in the game.

Defence

In defence we are looking to put massive pressure on Worcester. We will play with a quick linespeed and pressure the Worcester half backs. At the breakdown we will look for Hooper and Wood to disrupt if they are first there and will attempt to legally slow down Worcester ball when we can.

Key Points

- Laidlaw to control the game until he gets the call from Burns that he wants the ball.

- Breakdown - we want to recycle quick ball for ourselves and ruin the breakdown for Worcester and disrupt their momentum.

- Lineout - Borthwick ripped to shreds Muller and Ulster and real life. Will be aiming to do the same here.

- Isolate Basteraud one on one with JJ. Bast will struggle against JJ's outside break.

- Kick behind James Short and make him use his boot.

-

Worcester Warriors
Manager - stnick88

01. Tendai Mtawrira	09. Dwayne Peel
02. Richardt Strauss	10. Pat Lambie
03. Brian Mujati
04. James Percival	11. Sean Maitland
05. Johann Muller (c)	12. Kyle Godwin
06. Tom Savage	13. Mathieu Bastereaud
07. Ross Rennie	14. James Short
08. Thomas Waldrom	15. Delon Armitage

16. Nathan Catt 17. Matthew Rees 18. Werner Kruger 19. Dean Schofield 20. Phil Dowson 21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow 22. Olly Barkley 23. Tom Casson

Tactics

- Target the scrum. Two big scrummaging props to use the scrum as an attacking platform. We also have two strong locks to back up our props well in the scrum. Any pens won will be kicked for goal if in range by Lambie or to touch if out of range.

- Muller to be our main lineout jumper and caller. Supported by Savage and Percival. Muller to disrupt as much oppositon ball as possible.

- Rennie to target the breakdown to secure quick ball and any turnovers. Savage and Percival to hit Hooper quickly at the rucks to not let him do his thing.

- Waldrom, Savage, Percival, Mujati, Beast, Bast to be used as big carriers to make inroads.

- Percival (top tackler in the AP this year) and Savage to hit Roberts hard to stop any momentum.

- Lambie and Godwin to control play, get us in the right areas before we start throwing the ball around too much.

- Armitage to join the line of attack and look to get one on one with opponents, especially Ojo.

- Put pressure on Burns, don't give him time to be his creative self. A big (legal) hit from Bast early on to welcome him to the game.

- This is a massive game for us, vital in our hopes of staying up. The lads are fired up!

01. Nick Wood 09. Will Genia
02. Joe Grey 10. Dan Carter
03. Nicola Mas
04. Eben Etzbeth 11. Matt Banahan
05. George Robson 12. Matt Scott
06. Willem Alberts13. Richard Kahui
07. Julian Salvi 14. Charlie Sharples
08. Immanol Harinordoqouy 15. Israel Folau

16 dan murphy 17 Adriaan Strauss 18 Rupert Harden 19 Tom Palmer 20 Qera 21 Dan Robson 21 Johan Goosen 22 Juan de Jongh

+ Form/Momentum We are on a great run and need this win to guarantee play off spot
+ Superior carriers all 1-8 carry and carry well we have dynamism and hard yards
+ 8,9,10,12axis able to control and dictate. Big games need big game players and we have world class options
+ Mobile, Dynamic Pack We have selected a pack that can hold their own in the set piece, but who offer a huge amount of carrying and impact.
+ massive advantage lineout wise
+Impact Bench We have players to bring on who can make a real difference in the scrum and loose. Proven internationals and young dynamic talent .

We are targetting the BP home win.We have rotated a little to keep people fresh. we know we have to win the battle and right to play our quick brand of rugby. We will be looking to get our big runners on the front foot and get over the gain line to produce quick ball for Genia to hit carter to play direct.

Our pack is huge and mobile but great in set piece and we will be targetting the lineouts and Scrums with mas and wood looking to dominate.
Mas after a great 6 n will
Look
To destroy. Target lineout arrows relentlessly to affect quality of their ball. Smit is not playin many games and we hope we can get at the bok legend.
Drive lots of lineout ball and try and hit runners of rucks in to steyn channel.

To pressure duvenage and make sure steyn has very little time on his kicks .

As ever we look to keep the ball and force sarries in to mistakes to start with and will look to build tempo as we start to get on top. Once we have won the battles and rights to play we will open up and start to really increase the tempo with our bench contributing and keeping the foot on the pedal.

We will be targeting the 10 channel a lot to make the defence narrow to able us to then whip it wide and isolate runners with back 3.

If it rains heavily we have the ability to Change game plan with our players and play a more circumspect narrower game.

Carter will look to try and isolate banahan with on cross kicks and if steyn kicks loose we will counter and look to up tempo

Specifics

- send Kahui Alberts etc at steyn channel
- take all points on offer with carter
- look to use the bomb early on to target Sarries back 3
- look to take it to nonu who has been out of sorts
- Territory early doors and pressure their lineout. We see ourselves as having more jumpers and this being an area we can exploit
- kick in behind back 3 and pressure
- put pressure on 9 so morne steyn has less time to kick the ball
- Kahui and banahan to interchange where necessary to keep big running option to interest defenders
- blitz defence with scrum half sweeping
- look to send in numbers to breakdown to disrupt and turnover.
- impact bench with dynamism and experience.
- carry relentlessly to keep ball and build pressure. We only use the ball when we have front foot quality ball. We have carriers 1-8

London Welsh
Manager Ozzy3213

01. Steven Kitschoff	09. Morgan Parra
02. Chris Whitehead	10. Owen Farrell
03. Frans Malherbe
04. Rynhardt Elstadt	11. Digby Ioane
05. Jim Hamilton	12. Pat McCabe
06. Tom Johnson	13. Joel Tomkins
07. Luke Wallace	14. Brian Habana
08. Duane Vermeulen (c)	15. Gareth Anscombe

16. Rob Hawkins 17. Ben Alexander 18. David Wilson 19. James Hanks 20. Sione Kalamafoni 21. Paul Hodgson 22. Tim Nanai-Williams 23. James Simpson-Daniel

Key Points

• Form/Momentum. We come into this game off the back of a couple of wins, whereas Irish lost last week.
  
• Lack of real life form at 8,9,10 for Irish. Morgan has 1 bench appearance since pre 6 Nations, and Pienaar and Evans have been off the boil since Christmas.
  
• Pressure. None on us, we are not challenging for top 6 and are away from home, means that we can play freely and with no fear.
  
• Welsh defence. Solid defenders throughout the team mean that it will take something special to score points against us.
  

Basic Game Plan
Basic tactical premise for us to control possession and be solid defensively. We have picked a very mobile pack to try to put pace on the game up front. We will be looking for gaps rather than contact and looking to offload to support runners. We will look to apply pressure to Irish by keeping the ball for long periods and wearing them down defensively, and also by maintaining a solid defence and denying them opportunities to get on the score board. We will only look to kick if there is absolutely no other option on. Pressure forces mistakes, and we will look to capitalise on any that Irish make.

Specifics

• Support runners to ruck past the ball quickly if the carrier goes to ground in order to secure quick ball to go again.
  
• Get Tomkins on the ball with Habana and Ioane coming off their wings supporting on his shoulder for the offload.
  
• Man up on Gorgodze, Morgan and Naqalevuki as they are the 3 main ball carrying threats for Irish. If we stop them we control the gainline.
  
• We will look to play a blitz defence with quick line speed to hit the ball carrier before he gets to the gainline and knock him back even further. Parra will sweep in behind.
  
• We will not overcommit to the breakdown. If a turnover is on, we will go for it, counter rucking and hitting on the break. If it is not on to win the ball, we will send in a couple of players to legally slow it, and get our defensive line set quickly and strongly a la France in the World Cup. We want to control the gainline in defence and attack.
  

Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Marcos Ayerza	09. Danny Care
02. David Paice	10. Johnny Sexton
03. Davit Zirakishvilli
04. Brodie Retalick	11. Kyle Eastmond
05. Andries Bekker	12. Francois Steyn
06. Peter O'Mahony	13. Gael Fickou
07. Fulgence Quedragao	14. David Strettle
08. Louis Picamoles	15. Nick Abendanon

16. Jerome Schuster 17. Tommy Taylor 18. Luc Ducalcon 19. Dave Attwood 20. Matt Kvesic 21. Ben Spencer 22. James Hook 23. Sam Smith

Key Points

Concentration
We come into this game with eyes set only on reaching the play offs. Saints have a big European semi final coming up and it’s only natural players would have next week on their minds.

Stifle Saints play
Playing an aggressive blitz on defence with Care sweeping. Saints full of big carriers so taking them on before the gain line is crucial however there is a lack of creativity through the Saints side and if route 1 doesn’t work they will have to revert to kicking deep.

Attack the lineout
Decent jumpers in the Saints side but with no out and out leader and a wayward hooker this is an area we can attack.

Attacking

• Look to play high tempo, high intensity rugby. Ball in hand, look to use our big line breakers to make the hard yards and tie up defenders creating space in wider channels for Sexton to exploit.

• We see the offload as a crucial weapon and our carriers will all be looking to offload in contact, continuing our forward momentum and breaking the defensive line.

• Care will look to tie the Saints backrow to the breakdown with his sniping game allowing Sexton to play flat on the gain line. Sexton will look to bring our dangerous runners in to the game or find mismatches for himself to hit on the wrap around.

• Our back three will look to get involved as much as possible running support lines of the halfbacks and midfield looking for the inside ball or offload.

Set Piece

• With a powerful front 5 on show we will look to keep the scrum up and use it as a weapon. On our own feed we will look to get the wheel on and give our 8-9-10 axis as much room as possible to attack from.

• In Saints territory, with 5 jumping options to use, we will look to play off the top and move the ball out to Sexton and the backs. In our own territory, we will look to take the ball down into the maul and drive ourselves into the right areas.

• On Saints lineouts Bekker will stand at the front and challenge. At 6ft 10" Northampton will need to have their darts spot on.

Defending

• We will play an aggressive blitz on defence, playing on the edge of the offside line and coming up at pace, looking to isolate the ball carrier and stop any Saints momentum before it
  can get going.

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

• We will leave two players sitting deep to cover any kicks and they 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 the breakdown with POM & Quedragao looking to get their 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.

Will do my tactics in the morning if that is ok guys.

I wil predo at about. 9.30 tomorrow have 30 minutes before meeting. Moving house this weekend so trying to get things out of the way

Bath Rugby
Manager – inthefastlane

01. Cian Healy	09. Aaron Smith
02. Chris Brooker	10. Charlie Hodgson
03. Davit Kubrashvilli
04. Graham Kitchener	11. George North
05. Sam Whitelock	12. Anthony Allen
06. Tom Guest	13. Jonathan Davies
07. David Pocock	14. Cory Jane
08. JMF Lobbe	15. Stuart Hogg

16. Jon Golding 17. Kevin Mealamu 18. Carl Rimmer 19. Luke Romano 20. James Gaskell 21. Fourie Du Preez 22. Luther Burrell 23. Richard Lane

Look for big carries

Tactics all updated Pete.

Predos are OPEN folks. I will updated the OP with Bath and Sale teams and Saints tactics when I get a chance a bit later, so until then you'll have to scroll down for them

Bath 26 - 27 Leicester

Very good contest. Front row to Leicester just, 2nd row even with the two best in the world opposing each other, but the back row to Bath. Bath perhaps missing a carrier or two in the pack but expect them to control the breakdown. Leicester half backs better in controlling but Bath will get more out of their exceptional outside backs. Bath will really test Leicester here with a stronger side across the board and at Bath. Bath's lack of tactics cost them a win here but at home, they only lose by a point.

Gloucester 23 - 20 Saracens

Front row goes to Saracens who I feel have a stronger unit at the scrum with Jannie in fine form. Locks and back row however go to Gloucester who cover all bases of set piece, breakdown and loose play. Half backs to Gloucester with Genia in superb form but Carter struggling for form and fitness in real world. Two good centre pairs with one a piece. Back three's even. Gloucester have enough about them to take this one but Sarries set up to make them work hard for it.

London Irish 32 - 28 London Welsh

Scrum a good battle which the extra experience in the Irish 3 will control. Just think they have more nous about them and will be stronger here. Four good physical second rows who will be a presence around the field and I can't split the pairs. London Irish have the stronger back row as a unit and with two huge carriers and Fraser in sublime form. The Welsh tactic of trying to negate the strong Irish carriers is correct but easier said than done and the Gorgodze, Morgan and Naquelavuki will be effective in the spaces created by Evans and Pienaar, who I feel will control the game better than the Welsh pairing and bring their ourside backs into the game more effectively. On the wings though Welsh will be dangerous with two electric runners and will get joy out of Yarde especially. This is a good contest with Welsh set up well but I feel that the Irish have enough to win.

Northampton 34 - 30 Sale

Front row to Saints with the locks even. Back rows impossible to call with two excellent units. Parisse v Pica worth the admission fee alone and Cane is in excellent form. Overall I think that Saints just about edge the pack with a little more balance but it really is the slightest of margins. Half backs edge to Sale but Saints have a good unit. Its in the outside backs where the advantage really goes to Saints. They are stronger in each position from 11 to 15 and will get joy out of the Sale backs defensively. Its a cracking battle especially in the pack, but Saints outside backs will thrive in the conditions.

London Wasps 25 - 26 Newcastle

It's a good Wasps pack but I think there is a little more for Newcastle across the 8. Whilst they won't dominate they will certainly see and advantage and get more good ball to their backs. Newcastle are stronger at half back yet their isn't much at all in the outside backs. It's a close one but Newcastle have enough to get a vital win.

Bath v Tigers
- two strong front fives, youngs over brooker though by a fair bit. cant split the backrows but prefer tigers HB's. Prefer the bath back 3 but tigers centers just. Bit more on Tigers bench edges it for them.
22-24

Glos v Sale
- Can see glos getting on the front foot up front and allowing their HB's good ball. dangerous runners in the backs as well. this along with home advantage sees them take it.
28-23

Irish v Welsh
- scrum to irish. prefer the welsh lock combo though. irish backrow is quality and gets them on front foot with good ball. evans off form evens it out v farrell and 2 good scrummies. welsh have the better back 3 but prefer irish centre combo though naqa needs some better form. enough for a home win.
26-23

Saints v Sale
- Not much between the packs. Not sure on Launch at 6. Slight edge to Sale HB combo. Saints backline is my favourite in the league. can see them ripping teams apart. has everything. To think he has wade and foden not even on the bench as well. b astard.
32-28

Wasps v Falcons
- Slight egde to Falcons scrum but Grant will match Franks. Falcons backrow is a step up and will get them good ball. Priestland lacking form hurts Wasps. Solid Falcons combo. hugely in form wasps back 3, all english and playing well. will be dangerous. solid centre combo too. falcons have good backline too although im not a huge scott williams fan.
24-25

Bath 19-26 Leicester

Scrum: No real edge to either side.
Lineout: See Bath capable of disrupting Youngs throwing from time to time.
Breakdown: Good battle here. Bath capable of turning ball over a little more but Tigers have the front 5 options to get good quick ball throughout.
HB's: Little more for Tigers with Smith struggling a little this season.
Attack: Danger runners on both sides but Bath have more of a carrying threat in the backs.
Defence: Both sides fairly solid overall.
Bench: Similar to last week back up 10 is an issue for Bath. See them really struggling if Hodgson has to go off.
Tactics: No tactics is always a major markdown for me. Tigers as usual set up well with the halfbacks looking to dictate the tempo. Good tactics and Bath would have sneaked this.


Gloucester 20-15 Saracens

Scrum: Decent battle neither side will get a shove on.
Lineout: Gloucester the more threatening here and see them poaching now and again.
Breakdown: Sarries more capable of turning ball over but won’t slow down a lot of ball with the Glaws front 5 doing more around the park.
HB's: Edge to Glaws but Sarries are capable of dictating territory.
Attack: Edge to Glaws. No one in the Sarries side that could really open up a defence.
Defence: Banahan could be exposed by Steyns boot.
Bench: More impact for Gloucester and could see them controlling things in the last quarter.
Tactics: See Sarries struggling in this one. Haven’t the physicality to out do Glaws in the pack so don’t see them getting a lot of ball back off Glaws in Gloucester territory.


London Irish 26-24 London Welsh

Scrum: Don’t see much give here. Irish have the better technicians at prop but Poux is really struggling.
Lineout: Both sides should hold their own ball.
Breakdown: Good battle between the open sides but Welsh’s front 5 will help out around the park a lot more.
HB's: Irish would usually shade but form sees this level currently.
Attack: Not the most creative 10-12-13 combo in the word from Welsh. Irish with an advantage here. Irish with more of a carrying threat in the forwards.
Defence: Both sides solid here.
Bench: Not sure on Gorgodze having to cover lock late on.
Tactics: Both sides set up well but Irish at home have that little bit more about them in possession to see a win.


Wasps 12-15 Newcastle Falcons

Scrum: Little bit more for Falcons but they won’t dominate here.
Lineout: Interesting battle here between teacher and pupil. Both sides should be able to hold their own ball.
Breakdown: Edge to Falcons here and can see them slowing a bit of ball down.
HB's: Lack of form for Priestland sees Falcons edge.
Attack: Good form for both sides but little bit more quality for Falcons.
Defence: Both sides fairly solid and ground won’t be made easy.
Bench: Can see Wasps getting at the scrum a little but Falcons can up the carrying tempo.
Tactics: Wasps set up well. Don’t see moving the ball around working too much for Falcons. See Wasps struggling to get in to the positions for kickable penalties with Falcons swarming them at the breakdown.


Worcester 19-21 Harlequins

Scrum: Decent battle with no one getting the push on.
Lineout: See Quins capable of poaching a few balls.
Breakdown: Quins more than capable of turning the ball over and see them slowing Worcester down at times.
HB's: Not an awful lot between the combos on current form.
Attack: Quins with a little bit more about them in the backs.
Defence: See JJ struggling with Big Bast coming down his channel.
Bench: Quins with a bit of impact of the bench and should get the better of the last 20 minutes.
Tactics: Both sides set up well but Quins do well to slow Worcester down and have enough about them to sneak a close away win.

Bath 24-27 Tigers
SP: Tigers stronger here.
BK: Can't split these.
HB: Feel Tigers have that bit more edge here.
AT: Both look dangerous here with proven play makers. Bath take the back 3 but Tigers a bit more in the centre.
BE: Bit more for Tigers.
TA: Bath not really having any doesn't help them. Tigers using their hb's as playmakers see's them get a good win.

Glos 25-20 Sarries
SP: Glos have a bit more in front 5, Sarries will get the nudge in scrum.
BK: Great battle here.
HB: Bit more from Glos but Carter not firing on all cylinders atm.
AT: Feel this is where Glos will take the edge.
BE: More impact from Glos.
TA: Glos pick the right pack for the conditions, Sarries will slow down ball but not sure that the kick-chase will work too well.

Saints 30-28 Sharks
SP: Saints strong in front row but Sharks stronger in 2nd row.
BK: Fantastic battle at 8, think Launchbury could be found wanting here.
HB: Slight edge to Sale.
AT: Saints very strong here.
BE: Again Saints a step up.
TA: Sharks will be focused and target the lineout right. Saints using carriers well and picked good side for the weather. Saints to win but Sharks won't let them run away with it.

Wasps 23-25 Falcons
SP: Wasps strong here but Falcons a step up.
BK: This is where Falcons come into their own.
HB: Again Falcons a bit more solid, Priestland returning this weekend will help Wasps' run in.
AT: Falcons very solid, Wasps in good form here.
BE: Not much between the two.
TA: Would like to see Wasps attack more and not just look to hold Falcons. Falcons will do well with strong runners in open space.

Warriors Quins
SP: Quins will edge it, Warriors strong though.
BK: Warriors set out well, Quins bring international quality.
HB: Prefer Warriors here.
AT: Warriors look very dangerous and will match Quins for a while but Quins have a bit more.
BE: Good benches for both, Warburton the standout for Quins.
TA: Warriors set out very well and using Godwin and Bast well here. Quins back row will slow down ball well. Very tough one to call here.

Bath 20-25 Leicester
Big issue for me is the lack of tactics from Bath, I think that they had a side capable of taking the game to Tigers and getting a win. But I'll always give sides who have put emphasis on tactics the edge. Though Bath do have a lot more creativity in the backs, but Tigers will win.

Gloucester 23-19 Saracens
Potential for Sarries to really get at the Gloucester front row, but apart from that there is so much power behind for Mat's team. Though I think Gill and Armitage can be very disruptive and get at Carter who hasnt been in the best for at all of late.

London Irish 29-26 London Welsh
This is a realy good battle, two good teams and around the park I think that the Welsh front 5 will really add to the game with their ability to get across the pitch, but I dont see Welsh having the same gainline breaking ability of the Irish team - two great runners in the pack at no6 and no8 and again at no12 - that will create extra space for Irish at home to exploit as Welsh will have to throw in extra defenders to stop the threat.

Wasps 29-30 Newcastle Falcons
Really can't fault FLuxy's tactics at all, has got them exactly right, just feel that Wasps need an inform Priestland to get them ticking and firing. Whilst looking at Driver's team he is getting some key players being back in great form, like Slater and POC. Wasps are set out to score some tries, but Newcastle have the expeirence and try scorers to get an away win.

Worcester 25-25 Harlequins
I can't call this one - both teams are very well set out and Worcester have got some bruising players in their pack, QUins have some great names and some standouts on the bench. But I think that Bast. could be a bit too much for an out of sorts JJ. Will be a really close game and home advantage gets Warriors a draw.

Bath 19-23Leicester

Lack of tactics big. Think bath could have scared Leicester.

Leicester have top blend. You look and think Joubert is not much of a carrier and burger rusty but then sob Hines horwill and Youngs etx do the carrying bit well. Great lineout and a decent scrum. Bath have top 15 and Backrow would eat Leicester alive but for Leicester grunt in second row.

Backs bath have great threat and more form but smith is having a mare and can be pressured and disintegrate.

Prefer bath centres. 36 was miserable for glos for months before good game v jocks and bod had one good game in an awful Irish team where all played bad so not marked down as is class.

Think Leicester have form momentum and more intelligence to win.bench better also.

Bath have the 15 to win this and with tactics may have done so

Irish 26-24 welsh

Great match up. Welsh front row light on experience but big on potential. Malharbe excellent. Whitehead less so.

Poux a weakness Toulouse have much better.

Irish better technically.

Welsh power second row but elstadt not
Playing there. Irish light bit athletic there.

Backrow Irish with top
Unit. Carrying and breakdown excellent.
Gorgodze a machine and in form at Backrow or second row.

More form in welsh backs and Evans having poor
Season by his standards.

However Irish at home with more carrying and great impact bench seal it.

Saints 26-25 sale

If this was wet saints lose as their lineout will get slayed.

Scrum even. Locks sale just on form but they lack a proper 4.

Backrow huge but saints take it. Parisse different level to pickles who carries and not much else. Quedrago and Pom great. Pom average 6n but outstanding against Quins. Frighteningly good. Cane on fire but launch not a 6.

One a piece at half back. Think Phillips could bully care. Sexton better than Hernandez and plays 10.

Rest of backs saints. Fofana maybe best form player in world and 1/2 penny not far behind.

Saints last team in league I would want to play at moment

Wasps 24-25 falcons

Fluxy doing a fine job. All the bottom teams have had managers come in and make a difference. Nick,dhl, Fluxy well done.

Falcons pack class. Barcella been poor and no franks fan but apart from that great form and big names.

Tried and trusted half backs for falcons win it. Big name and experience key to
Away win with possession falcons get this

Mâchénaud and Priestland decent and on paper better than youngs flood
As I think flood poor. However flood in excellent form and Priestland none.

Worcester 24-25 Quins

Quins take front 5 just and Backrow at a canter.

Wuss spoil ball though and superior half backs get them in game

Quins a few out of form backs and wuss some in form ones. Peel and Lambie sweet combo

Wuss Backrow such work rate at ruining game but Quins more class. Wuss more dynamic backs but not enough ball.

Would play cooper Steve burns been so bad since injury. He always takes a while to get form after injury.

Bath Rugby 17 Leicester Tigers 24

Bath, with the exception of 1 or 2 players have a cracking side out, but no tactics really hurts them for me. Also they have nothing to play for here, and will have one eye on Toulon next week. Tigers want that home semi final and will come hard here so it's an away win.


Gloucester 20 Saracens 18

Saracens gameplan is a simple one, but to be effective playing it you have to win the physical and set piece battle up front. Against Gloucester here they don't quite manage that, so can't pick up a win, but they would make this a messy game and stay within LBP range, especially with Gloucester having one eye on a next weeks Heino semi.


Northampton Saints 20 Sale Sharks 21

Very little between these two sides. I am going for the away win, as I think Sale have a little more in the set piece, which in damp conditions is an advantage, and Saints, like Bath and Gloucester above, will have one eye on a European semi, so I think sale with the players and gameplan they have can pull of a smash and grab raid here.


London Wasps 17 Newcastle Falcons 18

Conditions impact massively here for me. In heavy rain you need your 2, 8, 9 and 10 to control the game for you. Webber's darts are his weakest point, and Priestland has zero form rating from me right now, which hurts Wasps. Their gameplan is right, but I just don't think they have enough to pull it off. Good away win for Falcons.


Worcester Warriors 19 Harlequins 20

Great balance to the Quins pack, which you have to have in order to win away. Only Muller from Worcester would get into the Quins pack, and that gives the away side the advantage that they need here. They don't have enough firm in the backs to really hammer it home, but they'll sneak a valuable away win courtesy of their pack.

Bath 18 - 22 Leicester Tigers

Bath have rotated a little, but are still strong and home in the sunshine will play some attractive rugby. Tigers can match them around the park and in the set piece and can counter attack as well at Bath, their constructive play will get them back into the game for a winning drop-goal from Wilko.

---

Gloucester 30 - 22 Saracens

Great contest up front and Sarries can match Glos in the set-pieces. But Glos will look to play in the open with the big runners, and this will pull Sarries apart a bit in defence. there is just a little too much quality in key positions for Glos and home will get a solid win.

---

London Irish 26 - 23 London Welsh

Irish good up front and have a strong backrow which will utilise their possession well. The power and bench from Welsh helps close up the battles in the pack later on. Brilliant backlines from both, but there is just a little more class from Irish and this will see them home with a big win at home.

---

Northampton Saints 25 - 26 Sale Sharks

This game is even all over for me, both packs are great in their own respects. Both backlines are primed to attack, but in the conditions its about the right tactical kickers and just a few more effective kickers in the Sharks side. A late Sexton kick to just nick it at the death.

---

Worcester Warriors 17 - 24 Harlequins

Warriors are good in the set piece, but too much quality through out the Quins side and will score well. Warriors have some decent players and will keep themselves just inside the LBP.

Bath Rugby 12 Leicester Tigers 28
Gloucester 26 Saracens 21
London Irish 24 London Welsh 21
Northampton 20 Sale Sharks 20
Worcester 21 Quins 21

prop, you've not put a score for Worcester vs. Quins.

Bath 20-25 Leicester
London Irish 20-20 London Welsh
Northampton 25-27 Sale
Wasps 22-23 Newcastle
Worcester 21-23 Harlequins

Gloucester 26 - 21 Saracens

Decent contest up front, think both th's win their battle. Gloucs take the 2nd row though, and they just edge the back row although Sarries really good unit that will really compete. Gloucs take the HBs but do like Sarries pairing. One apiece in the centres, with Gloucs taking the back threes. Good game, but Gloucs at home too strong.

Irish 28 - 25 Welsh

Think Irish can get a nudge on up front, although Welsh look stronger in the 2nd row for me. Two good back row units that I'm just gonna edge to Irish. They just about take the pack but close. One apiece in the HBs and good good combos, but Irish take the centres. Welsh with a stronger back three. Think Irish, at home, have enough for the win.


Saints 20 - 21 Sale

Just edge to saints up front but not a lot of give in either unit. Edge to sale in the 2nd row with slightly stronger duo, and they edge to back row battle with some great form. Good HB contest that neither side dominate, although saints look much stronger in the centres. And much more quality in their back three too. Sale edge the pack, saints the backs. In the wet, I'm gonna say sale can nick it.


Wasps 18 - 24 Newcastle

Decent contest in the front row - I think Newcastle edge quality wise. Really good second row battle, that Newcastle might just nick but fairly even. Think they can dominate the back row though, and overall look stronger in the pack. Slightly more form for the away side at HB, but prefer wasps at centre. Slightly more class in the back three for Newcastle. Think the away side have a bit too much today for wasps.


Worcester 26 - 28 Harlequins

Slight advantage to worcs up front with the unit, but think Quins edge the second row. Think Quins can outgun worcs in the backrow, and overall just give the pack to the away side. Think worcs can get the upper hand at HB, and the centres fairly even. Not a great deal in the back threes. Good game here, and Quins just about edge it.

Gloucester 26-20 Sarries
Irish 18-19 Welsh
Saints 29-27 Sale
Worcester 22-26 Quins
Wasps 18-18 Newcastle

Ooh BP win makes me 2nd I think.

Big game vs Newcastle away next week

No mate, you're still 3rd, 3 points behind Quins now.

Of course they won. Mixed
Them up with sale who lost.