AP Round 2

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Harlequins v Northampton Saints
Light Rain Shower, 19 Degrees, 7mph Winds 
 
Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks
 

01. Joe Marler	09. Lee Dickson
02. Gary Botha	10. Greig Laidlaw
03. Gjorgi Jgenti
04. Bakkies Botha	11. Luke Morahan
05. Steve Borthwick	12. Jamie Roberts
06. Tom Wood	13. Florian Fritz
07. Sam Warburton	14. Frank Halai
08. Nick Easter	15. Rob Kearney

16. Rob Buchanan 17. Tadgh Furlong 18. Kyle Sinckler 19. George Kruis 20. Lappies Labushagne 21. Karl Dickson 22. Dan Bowden 23. Ben Tapuai
 
Tactics
 
- Use big forwards to get across the gainline and get quick ball from the following rucks.
 
- Look for the pack the control at the set piece, particularly the lineout.
 
- Keep the ball in the Saints half and remain patient with our strong carriers until gaps emerge in the Saints defence.
 
- When in our own half look to kick into spaces if they are there. Can also use Up and unders and crossfield kicks for our big wingers to catch.
 
- In defence we will employ a quick linespeed and look to be aggressive in the collision. When we can we will look to get the turnover in the tackle or from the resulting breakdown.
 
Northampton Saints
Manager: Dammit Chris
 

01. Mako Vunipola	09. Mike Phillips
02. Dylan Hartley(c)	10. Rhys Priestland
03. Carl Hayman
04. Joe Launchbury	11. Christian Wade
05. Samo Manoa	12. Matt Giteau
06. Julian Bonnaire	13. Weslie Fofana
07. Calum Clark	14. Tommy Bowe
08. Billy Vunipola	15. Leigh Halfpenny

Subs: 16. Tatafu Polota-Nau 17. Thomas Domingo 18. Henry Thomas 19. Courtney Lawes 20. James Gaskell 21. Joe Simpson 22. Siti Siviatu 23. Elliot Daly
 
Tactics:
Will play a strong, physical game that looks to bring Quins into a confrontation in the pack. We will be looking for big carries from the likes of both Vunipola's, Clark, Manoa to punch us through the gainline and get Quins on the backfoot defensively and keep the ball going through the phases. This is an area we feel we have an advantage and can then set our backline away and really test the Quins defence.
 
Setpiece: Borthwick and Wood are a threat in the lineout, which is why we've recalled Bonnaire to lead the line and be joined by Manoa, Launchbury and Clark. Hartley is in good form and we will look to get quick ball off attacking lineouts so we can release our strike runners in the backs.
 
With the new scrum rules we will look to secure a good attacking platform and see if we can put Quins under pressure. We've got an all international front row to bring on and this will be an area we will look to dominate.
 
Breakdown/Backrow: Aware this is a key area and in Warburton & Wood we will have to be at the top of our game. We've selected Launchbury and Manoa in the second row to give us extra physicality and presence at the breakdown. We will be looking at Hartley, Vunipola and Clark to clear out Quins here and get us good attacking ball.
 
Territory: An away game so have selected three strong kickers in the backline to see us win the territorial kicking game and pin back Quins in areas where we can pressurise and force mistakes - Halfpenny to take the points at every opportunity.
 
Gainline: Our game is all about getting over the gainline and having strike runners to create opportunities. Pack has the Vunipola's, Launch, Samoa and Clark while backline has Fofana, Giteau and Bowe. Creativity of Priestland and Giteau to help create space and really test Quins.
 
Defence: Defensively we will play an aggressive rush defence, looking to take advantage of any rustiness and Quins losing their main no10 to injury last week. With Giteau and Fofana we have two strong defenders to stop the threat of Roberts and see this as key to beating Quins and stopping their attacking threat.
 
Key selection points:
 
Continuity/Combinations - our team is very much unchanged from last season, no changes in the pack and only Bowe in the backline. Phillips and Priestland have great understanding from internationals.
Form - lot of players in good form.
Subs - strong substitutes bench, which we've made sure is impact for closing stages of the game.

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Sale Sharks v Newcastle Falcons
Light Cloud, 14 Degrees, 9mph Winds 
 
Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE
 

01. Vasil Kakovin	09. Danny Care
02. David Paice	10. Johnny Sexton
03. Davit Zirakishvilli
04. Dave Attwood	11. Simon Zebo
05. Donnacha Ryan	12. Kyle Eastmond
06. Yannick Nyanga	13. Robbie Fruean
07. Fulgence Quedragao	14. Craig Gilroy
08. Louis Picamoles	15. Nick Abendanon

16. Ross Harrison 17. Tommy Taylor 18. Luc Ducalcon 19. Iain Henderson 20. Matt Kvesic 21. Ben Spencer 22. James Hook 23. Will Addison
 
Key Points/Specifics
 

• Good conditions for running rugby and with Falcons set up for a slow paced kicking we will look to inject pace and run from deep.
  
  
• Neither Falcons wing known for their kick chase so Gilroy & Zebo will look to punish loose kicks in the wide channels.
  
  
• No top line kicker in the Falcons side with both young inexperienced 10s struggling with their kicks at goals prevents them from keeping the scoreboard ticking which is essential to their gameplan.
  
  
• Look to attack the lineout with Quedragao jumping at the front forcing Best to hit his men.
  
  
• Pile the pressure on the forward battle in the final quarter with the Falcons bench effectively a man down with Richie McCaw flying across the world for just this match!
  
  

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 opposition 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 ball.
  
  

Set Piece
 

• With a strong technical 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 opposition 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.
  
  

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 Newcastle 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 Quedragao 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.
  
  

 
Newcastle Falcons
 
Manager – Driver
 

01.Ryan Grant	09.Ben Youngs
02.Rory Best (c)	10.George Ford
03.Paul Doran Jones
04.Ed Slater	11.Alex Cuthbert
05.Yoann Maestri	12.Luke Marshall
06.Kelly Brown	13.George Lowe
07.Hienrich Brussouw	14.Chris Ashton
08.Chris Masoe	15.Alex Goode

16.Goerge McGuigan 17.Soana Tonga'uhia 18.Scott Wilson 19.Will Carrick Smith 20.Richie McCaw 21.Sam Harrison 22.Joel Hodgson 23.Charlie Sharples
 
Falcons will look to suffocate the game and ensure it's played in Sales half.
 
We will look to keep possetion as a first and force Sale into a arm wrestle and use the smash and grab tactic in there half and leave with points through the boot.
 
We will look to grind out the phases in the tight with Slater , Maestri , Masoe looking to smash it up in the tight with Brown , Best  and Grant carrying off the 9.
 
Keep it simple at the line out throwing to 2 and 4. We'll call the line before we get there by forming a huddle where best will call it.
 
Big aggressive defence around the fringes looking to ruck past the ball and slow Sale ball down.
 
Brussouw to target break down.
 
Youngs to sweep behimd the line to cover.
 
Bomb balls on Bendy to test him under high ball and kick deep to the corner to force him to kick it out.
 
Ford to kick all penalties in range.
 

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Exeter Chiefs v London Wasps
Light Rain Shower, 19 Degrees, 10mph Winds 
 
Exeter Chiefs 
 
Manager – Fluxy
 
 

01. Logovii Mulipola	09. Maxime Machenaud
02. Rob Webber (C)	10. Stephen Myler (K)
03. Mike Ross
04. Bradley Davies	11. Dom Shipperly
05. Geoff Parling	12. Bundee Aki
06. Sam Jones	13. Aurelien Rougerie
07. Chris Robshaw	14. Zac Guilford
08. Semisi Taulava	15. Matt Tait

16. Sean Cronin 17. Yannick Forestier 18. Will Collier 19. Patricio Albacete 20. Carl Fearns 21. Haydn Thomas 22. Tom Heathcote 23. Alex Dunbar
 
Tactics
 
After a strong showing against the league runners up we look towards our first home game of the season and 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, therefore the intelligence of Myler and Machenaud will dictate 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 Webber, Parling, Rougerie and Robshaw, and they know what will be provided leadership to get we want from the game - a win. With the changeable conditions, we will look to play a simple expansive game in attack and in defence will look to force Wasps to play from in their 22 and use our strong lineout and kicking game to pressure them. In attack we will look to use the Myler's and Aki's creativity to create space and use the dangerous runners outside them and themselves. 
 

• Mulipola and Ross are solid technicians and will allow Webber freedom to secure our own feed, to provide first phase possession for our backs. We will target Tolofua hooking as he is young and may lack the basics here. This will allow us a secondary push when Tolofua tries too hook the ball.  
  
  
• With a strong line-out, Parling will lead and use himself as banker ball at the in line with Davies jumping in the front and middle. At the back we can look to use Robshaw sparingly. If winning own ball Parling will look to call full number lineouts to tie in the Wasps fowards. 
  
  
• Our whole pack is mobile and capable of snaffling ball at the breakdown. We will all look to offload in the tackle to keep moving the point of attack and tire out the big Wasps pack, this will keep Hamilton and their back row on the move. And prevent them getting over the ball. 
  
  
• Whole pack capable of carrying, along with some effort from the backs. If Wasps want to target the big guys we can look for them to move the ball on to more forwards standing further outside the guards. Big emphasis on running forwards down the ten and the 13 channel when there is slow ball. 
  
  

 

• We will look to keep the ball alive, preventing them from setting any defensive lines and allowing their back row to get over the ball.
  
  
• Myler is a decent attacker (as proven at the end of last season and first game this season) and look to use a league style move to unlock the defence. Aki can either take it short and through gaps or it can be screened to Rougerie with the 14, and 15 to attack the numbers outside. 
  
  
• We will use a Blitz drift line in defence to cut down Farrells options and push him inside towards our backrow.
  
  
• Look for Taulava to run down Faz's channel off scrums, and big carries down this channel in open play.
  
  
• With Robshaw and Shipperly we looked to keep their roles in defence simple. 
  
  
• Look to use our strong bench for impact later in the game.
  
  
• Myler will kick all points, he can kick from within their half, so this indicates that Wasps should be wary of giving away penalties.
  
  
• With strong set-pieces will look to keep the game and momentum in our favour. If we can open the game up in their half when in control we will. But we will look to ground the Wasps down first with big carrying and solid set piece play. 
  
  

 
London Wasps
Manager  Ozzy3213
 
 

01. Paul James	09. Nick Phipps
02. Christopher Tolofua	10. Owen Farrell
03. Dave Wilson
04. Romain Millo-Chluski	11. Anthony Watson
05. Jim Hamilton	12. Pat McCabe
06. Marcel Coetzee	13. Tim Nanai-Williams
07. Luke Wallace	14. Jack Nowell
08. Steffon Armitage	15. Jaco Taute

16. Rob Hawkins 17. Steven Kitschoff 18. Frans Malherbe 19. George Skivington 20. Tom Johnson 21. Paul Hodgson 22. Elton Jantjies 23. Michele Campagnaro
 
Key Points

• Chiefs have selected Nonu at 12 who is playing for the AB’s this week.  Heathcote or Dunbar will have to play there which is a big step down in quality.
  
  
• Robshaw and Shipperly only signed this week  and no way would be up to speed with defensive patterns and set plays.  We will target them in defence.
  
  
• Mulipola is all about the hit in the scrum and has little technique.  We will target him with two technically minded props in our starting front row.
  
  
• Both wingers can play fullback and are great under the high ball so are ideal for the damp conditions.
  
  
• Our back row can all play 7.  This is a deliberate selection to enable us to target the breakdown.  If we can secure turnovers we will look to launch quick attacks off of them.
  
  
  

 
 
Basic Game Plan
Basic tactical premise will be to play the game in the opposition half.  In our own half Farrell will use his boot to hit the corners and force Exeter to play from deep.  When in the Chiefs half we will use our big carriers to truck it up.  We will look for gaps to make ground and draw defenders in as we cross the gainline, were we will look to recycle quickly by getting men into the ruck and clearing beyond the ball carrier.
 
In defence, as always we will be running a blitz defence.  Our focus will be on the gainline collisions and driving back in the tackle.  Line speed and no dog-legs will be key components for us.  Phipps will sweep in behind the defensive line to counter any chips/grubbers.
 
Specifics

• Take all points on offer off the tee.
  
  
• On our lineout ball we will mix it up to keep Chiefs guessing.  If not going well we will go to banker ball at the front and look suck defenders into the maul to create space in midfield.
  
  
• Target Mulipola, Webber and Taulava when they have the ball.  They are the only powerful carriers in the pack and we will look to hit them hard and early and bring them to ground, before getting over the ball and trying to turn it over.
  
  
• Try to create mismatches by getting our quick back 3 players and TNW on the outside shoulder of less pacy opponents.
  
  

 

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Worcester Warriors v London Irish
Light Rain, 15 Degrees, 7mph Winds 
 
Worcester Warriors
Manager - stnick88
 

01. Nathan Catt	09. Dimitri Yachvili
02. Matthew Rees	10. Francois Trinh-Duc
03. Brian Mujati
04. Alun Wyn-Jones	11. Sailosi Tagicakibau
05. Johann Muller (c)	12. Tom Casson
06. Dave Denton	13. Mathieu Bastereaud
07. Ross Rennie	14. David Strettle
08. Johnnie Beattie	15. Delon Armitage

16. Brett Sturgess 17. Koree Britton 18. BJ Botha 19. James Percival 20. Thomas Waldrom 21. Michael Classens 22. Olly Barkley  23. Tom Williams
 
Tactics
 
- The conditions aren't too bad, but with a bit of rain we won't look to throw the ball around willy nilly. We will play a structured, territorial game with Yach and FTD pulling the strings at half back and getting us in the right areas to play.
- Yach will kick all pens in range to keep scoreboard ticking over.
- Use Bast as a crash ball and decoy runner option.
- Muller to be the main lineout option, with AWJ and Beattie also options. Muller to disrupt as much oppositon ball as possible.
- Forwards to hit the breakdown hard and allow Rennie to secure and turnovers and win pens.
 
London Irish
Manager - Prop
 

01. Jerome Schuster	09. Rory Kockott
02. Tom Lindsay	10. Nick Evans
03. Matt Stevens
04. Nick Kennedy	11. Sergeal Petersen
05. Craig Clarke	12. Sereli Naqalevuki
06. Will Fraser	13.  Max Evans
07. Thierry Dusatoir (c)	14. Taku Nqwenya
08. Ben Morgan	15. Niall Morris

|;
16. G.Ellis 17. T.Court 18. T.Smallbone 19. M.Gorgodze 20. E.Jackson 21. J.Moates 22. L.Beauxis 23. R.Henshaw
 
Quick rugby  with a mobile back 5 in the pack,
Strong carriers in the front row who are all technical scrummagers and will use technical skills to get the upper hand on larger units,
Strong lineout with Clarke and Kennedy great lineout leaders,
Quick ball to Kockott and Evans who can put centres into space,
Naqa to make the breaks for M.Evans to pull the strings in playing in the back three hitting the lines and the backrow carrying off the centres,
Defence led by Dusatoir and the other one will look to be first to the breakdown to look for the turnover,
Exciting back three who are all capable of skinning their opponents and stopping them dead in defence.
 
Again struggling for time, I will be more into the game come october after my holiday and when I've fully unpacked everything!
 

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Bath Rugby v Leicester Tigers
Light Rain Shower, 17 Degrees, 8mph Winds 
 
Bath Rugby
Manager – inthefastlane

01. Cian Healy	09. Richard Wigglesworth
02. Richard Hibbard	10. Charlie Hodgson
03. Davit Kubrashvilli
04. Luke Romano	11. Cory Jane
05. Andries Bekker	12. Anthony Allen
06. Brad Shields	13.  Rob Horne
07. David Seymour	14. Nopolini Nalaga
08. Tom Guest	15. Stuart Hogg

16. Chris Brooker 17. Euan Murray 18. Carl Rimmer 19. George Merrick 20. Rhys Ruddock 21.  Fourie Du Preez 22.  Luther Burrell 23. Rob Miller
 
Overall: Look to play flowing rugby with Hodgson pulling the strings. We will be looking for big carries all over to get over the gainline.
 
Scrum: We will look to get an advantage at scrum time with a strong front five picked. Apply pressure and look to get nudge on throughout. Look to play the ref and if not going our way use as a restart.
 
Lineout: At the line out we will look to keep our own ball and challenge the Tigers line out. Romano offers a strong banker ball option at the front whilst Bekker and Shields offer solid jumping options.
 
We will be looking for big carries from the forwards with the likes of Hibbard, Healy, Romano, Shields and Guest dangerous runners who can really create gaps for our backs. We will be looking for lots of energy from our forwards to open up holes to be exploited.
 
Breakdown: Look to clear hard and fast with Seymour and Shields looking to make a real nuisance of themselves and get their hands on the ball
 
Backs: We will be looking to use the backs in order to create or go through holes. Wigglesworth and Hodgson will look to really get the backs going with a good tempo. Wigglesworth will attack fringes and try to keep the defence guessing. Look to get our big runners involved as early as possible with Allen, Horne, Jane and Nalaga seeing lots of the ball.
 
Defence: Use an blitz defence in order to put pressure on Leciester. Wigglesworth sweep in behind
 
Substitutes: Our subs will look to keep a high tempo. Murray, Brooker and Rimmer will look to keep the scrum strong. Merrick will look to add grit late as well as another quality lineout operator. Ruddock can look to really get involved in all facets of the game against tired legs. FDP will prove a composed head to control tempo late. Burrell and Miller will look to come up and provide a threat with their running.
 
Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka
 

01. Andrew Sheridan	09. Dwayne Peel
02. Tom Youngs	10. Jonny Wilkinson (k)
03. Dan Cole
04. Nathan Hines	11. Henry Speight
05. James Horwill (c)	12. Billy Twelvetrees
06. Ryan Jones	13. Tamati Ellison
07. Jacques Burger	14. Vincent Clerc
08. Ernst Joubert	15. Mike Brown

16. Charlie Clare 17. Benn Robinson 18. Craig Mitchell 19. Kearnan Myall 20. Steve Mafi 21. Micky Young 22. Brock James 23. Kurtley Beale
 
Tactics:
 
In wet conditions we will play to our strengths and play a game built around our intelligent HB's controlling the game and the power of our side.
 
- Attack at all scrums with our huge pack - Cole and Sheridan to look to really get into the opposition. Lots of scrums in wet weather and an area we will look to target if winning.
 
- Attack at all lineouts. Use Joubert or Hines at the front and Horwill off the top as our three key options.
Shortened lineouts with Burger in midfield as crash or decoy option.
 
- Put serious pressure on Hibbard's throws with Joubert at the front on all Bath throws.
 
- Gigantic pack made up of massive line-breakers, used in the tight to tire down the Bath defence. The likes of Youngs, Burger, Jones, Horwill and Hines to be used to target the Bath 10 channel.
 
- Target the breakdown - huge emphasis on our work at the breakdown today and we will always look to turnover possession. With Burger, and the likes of Cole and BOD, we feel our breakdown play could be crucial today.
 
- No overly ambitious passing - In wet conditions we will either look to kick to gain territory or look to keep ball in hand and take it through the middle.
 
- In attacking play, we will play with the option of 2 first recievers in Wilko and Twelvetrees. We want to control the game, mixing up the point of our attack and looking for where the gaps are.
 
- 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. We have aggressive forwards to carry out this instruction. Peel to sweep behind with an eye on short kicks.
 
- Wilkinson to kick all penalites.
 

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Saracens v Gloucester Rugby
Light Rain, 17 Degrees, 8mph Winds
 
Saracens
Manager – Pooly
 

01. Matt Mullen	09. Dewaldt Duvenage
02. Tiaan Liebenberg	10. Gareth Steenson
03. Sekope Kepu
04. Robins Tchale-Watchou	11. Tom Vardell
05. Louis Deacon	12. Fergus McFadden
06. Keegan Daniel	13. Matt Hopper
07. Alessandro Zanni	14. Adam Thompstone
08. Jordan Crane	15. Lee Byrne

16. Chris Whitehead 17. Max Lahiff 18. Hoani Tui 19. Kevin McLaughlin 20. Beau Robinson 21. Chris Cook 22. Iain Humphreys 23. Gio Aplon
 
Tactics
- Play the power game in the forwards with huge front 5, big carrries through opposition middle and look to keep hold of ball
- Target Wood in the scrum and look disrupt Gloucester set piece. Big lock combo to back up and Gray & Palmer not known as strong scrummagers
- Strong kicking options at halfback to allow us kick into channels (esp behind Rhule) once forwards brought dragged in to defence. Use this as a surprise alternitive to keep opp on toes
- Look to get at Rhule who can struggle positionally and one on one
- Dev to sweep in behind and allow blitz defence to get in face of key decision makers
- Look for big front 5 to get through the gate and allow Zanni and Daniel chance to slow/steal opp ball (Robinson to provide this too in 2nd)
- Play it tight and keep it simple, kick for goals and try and stop opp from getting in game.
 
Gloucester
Manager- Matt
 

01.Nick Wood	09.Connor Murray
02. Joe Grey	10.Berrick Barnes
03.Nicola mas
04.Tom Palmer	11.Johnny May
05.Richie Gray	12.Matt Scott
06.Arno Botha	13.Matt Banahan
07.Qera	14.Rhaymond Rhule
08.Jamie Heaslip	15.Masi

16.Ofa tufungisi  17.Rupert Harden 18.Jamie George19.Elliot Stooke 20.Immanol Harinordoquoy 21.Dan Robson 22.Ryan Lamb 23.Iain Balshaw
 
Glos tactics
 
-Look to target scrum with Mas going after Mullan in a big way
- target line out from off. Glos have gray heasli botha p Palmer and Qera who are all good line out operators
- Murray to hassle opposite number and slow and disrupt ball
- look to drive line outs to start to suck in Saracens and then pop off to dynamic backrow carriers getting beyond the gain line
- as game progresses use off the top more to isolate our centres and outside backs against Saracens. Jdj footwork to target hopper
-play at a tempo and give a platform to launch our backs. We have better carriers in the pack and will use this to get on top and create the base to expand
- Barnes to kick early doors to win territory and target varndell and thompstone
- as game progresses tempo raises with Rhule may Masi Jdj all thriving on broken play
-  utilise our class at 8,9,10,12 to dictate game and tempo throughout
- kick all penalties
- better backs 9-15
- look to run them ragged with stronger more mobile pack, carriers and superior backbone
 

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Harlequins 28 Northampton Saints 29

Set Piece: Nothing to choose in the lineout, with Borthwick and Bonnaire the key men, and both sides having lots of good jumpers.  Scrum tough to call with the new law interpretations, but I shade to Quins with Bakkies the best scrummaging lock on show by some margin.
Breakdown: Saints have plenty of players who are great at clearing out, whilst Quins have a couple of guys who are very good over the ball.  I just think the power of Saints clearing will cause a few difficulties for Quins.
Key Jerseys (2,8,9,10):  Not sold on either 10, and have question marks about both 9's.  Hartley I would take over Botha and on form Vunipola over Easter.
Bench:  Quins have some quality to bring on, but Saints have more.
Tactics: Simple game plan from Quins to play in saints half and kick to their own big wingers.  Saints looking to use the backs boots to get into position then hit with their strike runners.  Both ok for the conditions and have the personnel to execute them.
Overall: Breakdown is key for me here, and I can see Saints picking up a few penalties as their players hit the ruck and clear the man who has his hands on the ball trying to rip it.  I can see them ticking the scoreboard over, and if Quins have to chase the game at all, then Saints have the players to really hit them as it opens up.  Just too much threat from Saints for them to lose this one and I see a great away win for them.


Sale Sharks 29 Newcastle Falcons 22

Set Piece: I'd give the scrum marginally to Sale, with two good technical props on show.  Neither has a world class lineout leader, but Sale have better jumpers in their back row so more options.
Breakdown: Tough to call.  Really like the all French back row for Sale and think they would go well at the breakdown, but Brown for Falcons is very good in this area and would work well with Brussouw getting over the ball.
Key Jerseys (2,8,9,10): Form issues with Best even him and Paice out. As a decision making axis I would have to go with Sale's 8,9,10 as Ford is currently a big step down from Sexton.
Bench: Slight edge to Sale.  I'd be worried about Hodgson at this level and he is covering 2 key jerseys from the Falcons bench.
Tactics: To go away from home and win an arm wrestle as Falcons tactics indicate they want to do, you have to have a dominant pack.  I'm not sure this tactic works with the pack that Falcons have put out, as I don't have them dominating in any area.  Sale looking to put pace on the game and run the ball and with their backline it's the right option.
Overall: Going through I seem to have shaded most things to Sale, including the tactical battle which is a big thing for me.  They are also at home, so it's a comfortable win.


Worcester Warriors 17 London Irish 15

Set Piece: Struggling to call this as there's nothing between the teams in the scrum or lineout really.
Breakdown: Irish effectively have two 7's in Fraser and Dusautoir, but there is a nice balance to the Worcester back row which will help them in securing ball.  I have no obvious winner here, but both sides will make it difficult for their opponents and I can see a lot of ball being slowed down by both sides which will hinder both attacks.
Key Jerseys (2,8,9,10): Good players in both sides here. Worcester edge 2, but not a lot to split the rest of them.
Bench: Issue for Irish with 2 looseheads on the bench.  I don't see either having a massive impact on the game.
Tactics: Good call from Worcester to play a structured territorial game.  Irish looking to play off quick ball with Kockott and Evans putting the centres into space.  Not sure they are going to get that much quick ball here so possibly an issue.
Overall:  Little between the sides but the key factor for me is how the teams would deal with the slow ball that I can see coming from the breakdown.  In Yachvilli, Worcester have someone who can deal with this well and keep putting them in the right areas.  This is the key for me, along with the different tactical approaches, and at home I see Worcester winning an ugly game.


Bath Rugby 18 Leicester Tigers 19

Set Piece: Two good front 5's with nothing really between them in either set piece.
Breakdown: Both packs have players that are competitive in this area, but I think the Tigers back row just look that bit more street smart, and could get the upper hand here.
Key Jerseys (2,8,9,10): Great match ups with a lot of experience on show. Guest is the standout weakness though.
Bench: Decent benches, but Tigers will have to pray that Youngs manages to play 80 without getting injured.
Tactics: Not sure that trying to play flowing rugby in damp conditions is the best idea from Bath. Tigers tactics seem as if they are going to within themselves a bit, but in the conditions this may be the way to go.
Overall: Tigers are stronger here for me, and have the right game plan for playing away from home in wet conditions, as well as the players to execute that game plan. Smash and grab win for the champions.


Saracens 21 Gloucester Rugby 22

Set Piece: I don't see a lot in this area to be honest. Scrum is still a bit of a guess but I would say evens, and lineout I would shade to Saracens, with Deacon the best caller and unlikely to lose any ball.
Breakdown: Again, I can see Saracens getting parity, with Daniel and Zanni both good in this area.
Key Jerseys (2,8,9,10): This is where Saracens fall down for me. Not much either way at 2, but 8,9,10 axis is all Gloucester.
Bench: No advantage either way.
Tactics: Two decent game plans.
Overall: Tough to call. The big factor for me is the control that I think Gloucester gain through 8,9,10. I think the quality and experience they have there sees them to the win, but only just.

Ooooh snazzy.

Sale 25-25 Newcastle

FR - Good contest, no overall advantage but can see Falcons backrow adding some serious grunt.
SR - Both units strong, great loose work
BR - I think Falcons have the edge here, just a little more in eack position bar Pickles. great contest though.
HB - Youngs ahead of Care but I'm not sold on Ford at all and can see him struggling.
CE - 2 contrasting units but pretty strong from either side. I prefer the Falcons combo but not much in it.
B3 - Class above for Falcons, some serious finishing power with Goode pulling the strings.
Overall - Really good contest that overall Falcons shade, esp when Cpt Tackles comes on. Only thing that stops an excellent away win is Ford who I don't think is quite up to this level.

Harlequins 18 - 18 Saints

Fairly decent battle up front with not a lot of give either way. One apiece in the 2nd rows with Botha and Manoa the standouts. Quins look stronger in the back row with great flankers on show. But I do like Saints pack, and they will cause any side problems with their power. Neither side has the ability at HB to control the game, probs prefer Saints duo as a pair. Slight edge to Saints centre combo, and they look stronger in back three too. Really tough to call this one. Saints in the wet look a dangerous side, but Quins are at home. Sorry for fence sitting.

Quins 20-21 Saints
Sale 22-21 Falcons
Chiefs 18-19 Wasps
Bath 23-24 Tigers
Sarries 20-21 Glos

Think I'm right that I can only do one point predictions. Sorry am on phone so explanations hard. Get the net on Monday but am on holiday from a week today for a week, sorry for lack of activity guys!

Spot on with the one point predictions Prop. Enjoy the holiday  

Harlequins 20 Northampton Saints 21
Exeter Chiefs 20 London Wasps 21
Worcester Warriors 27 London Irish 26
Bath 12 Leicester Tigers 12
Saracens 15 Gloucester 16


Sorry for no explenations but i'm packing atm and going out tonight so rather busy.

Cheers sir j will get team in next week and p.m you the week afters one

Sorry for no explanations. Gonna struggle to get them in for Saturday evenings. Open till sunday evening would be best for me

Sale 23 - 22 Newcastle
Exeter 25 - 24 Wasps
Worcester 21 - 20 Irish
Bath 23 - 22 Leicester
Saracens 21 - 22 Gloucester

Quins 20-23 Saints - even upfront but think bar Priestland the Saints backs will do much more damage.
Sale 22-22 Falcons - tough to split here. like sales backrow and hb combo but falcons have plenty of class upfront and enough in the backs to sneak an away draw.
Chiefs 20-19 Wasps - i like the wasps front five but not convinced on the balance of the backrow. but exeters backrow wont dominate, and even battle upfront. farrell playing well helps wasps and will kick goals but prefer the chiefs backline. pete unlucky to lose so many quality back 3 players.
Bath 22-25 Tigers - like the bath pack except not sure on seymour and guest at this level. tigers have a little more in the backrow.backlines even, but Wilko over Hodgson for Tigers helps.

Sarries 15-16 Glos - tough start for pooly but he is very close to a big win here. strong sarries pack but glos have a little more class. backs sarries just need one or two quality player to transform it. not massive fan of the barnes/scott/banahan combo and think that can be got at but sarries just needed a little more to exploit it.

Nick Banahan is not playing ?

I take it back he is playing. I meant to play JDJ lol sorry nick

Quins 23–23 Saints
Slight edge to the Saints front row, not a huge Botha fan. About equal in the second row with one each. Back row goes to Quins. Neither half back combo is spectacular. Outside backs go to Saints. Saints bench is stronger and this is just too tough to call with Quins having home advantage.

Sale 26–23 Newcastle
Front row edge goes to Sale with a bit more in the Sale second row. Like the all French back-row for Sale and they have a slight advantage here. Ford is a major standout weakness in the half backs up against one of the strongest half back combos in the league. Newcastle have the edge in the outside backs but Sale have a stronger backs.

Exeter 21–20 Wasps
Wasps have the stronger front row but Exeter have the better second row. Not at all sure about the balance of the Wasps back-row which gives the edge to Exeter. Half backs go to Wasps with Farrell the standout player. The outside backs go to Exeter.

Warriors 19–17 Irish
Worcester have a better front five. Two strong back-rows but Irish have the edge. Not much to separate the forwards overall. Also a big fan of the French half-back combination for Warriors. Two solid outside back sets and its difficult to call.

Sarries 18–22 Gloucester
Not much in the front rows. Prefer the Gloucester second rows. Not a huge amount in the back-rows. Forwards edge to Gloucester. Half backs to Gloucester although not too sure of Berrick Barnes. Outside backs also to Gloucester

Sale 25 - 23 Newcastle
Tough game to call, Newcastle have a very competitive pack and can certainly compete with Sale, but really like the control that Sale's 8,9 and 10 combination bring to a game. Losing POC to injury was a big blow for Falcons and can see Sale edging this with their halfbacks,

Exeter 26 - 27 Wasps
Starting Robshaw and Shipperly was a big factor for me, think they should have at best been on the bench and despite them both being very good players who will improve Exeter throughout the season there will be big gaps to exploit in defence and link up in attack wont be as fluid. Pete is spot on to attack here. Think it will be an open game with the two teams selected and tries for both teams - live the balance of Pete's backthree and can seem them having enough attacking instinct to just get a win.

Worcester 24 - 22 Irish
Really tough game to call, both been hit by RC call ups and injuries in different areas - Irish could get at Catt in the front row, but Worcester do have expereince in the rest of the pack to deal with it and Irish's bench wont strengthen them here if they need it. Like both backrows and the pack will be a very even contest. Backlines very even, just think the halfback understanding of Worcester will have the advantage and playing at home this early on and wanting to keep unbeaten there as long as possible sways it just to Worcester.

Bath 30 - 30 Leicester
All games so close this week - you really want to avoid both these teams during the RC, very even throughout but think that Bath have one or two more gainline breakers in their team to get points, but the Leicester pack as a unit is incredibly strong and might be able to get some joy out of the Bath backrow. If they had some more gainline breakers then I'd have given them an away win but Bath very strong at home.

Saracens 19 - 24 Gloucester
Injuries, RC and a lack of opportunity to build on the squad really hinders Sarries here, see them having some big defensive holes in the backline and Gloucester have some good runners to make the most of this. Sarries do have a decent defensive pack, but Gloucester are going to cause them problems and get the away win. Signings Pooly has made in foreigns should make a big difference in the coming weeks.

Harlequins 27 - 25 Northampton Saints


Both sides are packed full of power, but both combine subtlety and technique when it comes to the set piece. Masterstroke to bring Bonnaire back for the line-out, as this is possibly the Saints weakest area. I'd give the back-row to Quins as the experience of their trio will overcome the exuberance of two thirds of the Saints trio. 
In the conditions Quins have a better halfback combo, with Priestland struggling for form it hurts Saints a little. Both sets of backs are great in the conditions and there isn't any real weakness in either. Saints bench is a little stronger, but I think Laidlaws boot will just secure the win at home.

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Sale Sharks 32 - 28 Newcastle Falcons


Some slight form issues for the Falcons pack but they are all class operators. Not so much of an issue Sharks. Both set-pieces are strong, little bit more on the floor with Brussow for Falcons though. Sale's halfbacks are good, Ford a little out of depth but growing into the league and will come good I imagine. After missing this last week I have to make this point now. I can't rate Freaun that well. Falcons backs would be electric, but possibly a slight flimsy in defence, same problem in the centres with Sale as both guys are known to lose concentration and get out of position in defence. In the end the frailty in some of the Falcons tackling will cost them big away from home.

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Worcester Warriors 18 - 19 London Irish

There is a little bit more of a hard carrying edge to Warriors, but there are enough choppers in the Irish side to bring them down, especially with Fraser and Dus able to out compete Rennie.
Setpieces are even both with fantastic operators. Both sets of halfbacks are good, but Evans has a little more about him to bring the backs in to play and kick out of hand. Both backlines are good in attack but there a bit of possiblity that the Irish back three can be got at with kicks in behind and isolation. Both benches are decent, but Irish will just, just, just sneak this.

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Bath 28 - 31 Leicester Tigers

Bath are strong, but Tigers have a bit more control up front. Set pieces are even, but the Tigers back-row is what swings it. Guest plays little at 8 now and Seymour is a little outclassed in comparison to the Tigers unit. In the backs both sides have a strong spine and can control well in the conditions. There is a bit more nous form Tigers and with their tactic to out compete Bath at the breakdown I think they edge a tight away game.

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Saracens 24 - 22 Gloucester


Strong set piece from Sarries and can probably best Glos at some points. Backrow again gets Sarries into the game a bit, but they are let down through the decision making side of the spine of their side. Backs Glos have a little control in their backs but can be got at. I think that Sarries are set up well and can take a big surprise win here, as they can win their setpieces and Steenson can knock points over and get them in the right positions.

Not a clean sweep is a moral victory! Take that Matthew!

Exeter 22-20 Wasps
Bath 26-24 Leicester
Worcester 22-22 Irish

Sale 21 - 20 Newcastle

Think Newcastle can get a shove on up front with a stronger unit, with the second rows fairly even split. Interesting back row battle - I like the French unit and they may get the upper hand. Tough to split packs at all. The home side, due to the FH's, win the HBs. Sale have stronger centres, but Newcastle better back three. At home, Sale have just enough here.


Exeter 18 - 18 Wasps

Nothing to split the front rows for me, and both sides have very decent second rows unit. Robshaw straight in and I think wasps a tad stronger in the back rows. Fairly similar HBs, maybe edge to wasps, with centres fairly even and back threes the same. Good game that is close here and am really struggling to split them, sorry.

Worcester 23 - 22 Irish

Not much in it up front and can't call a winner. Prefer Worcs second row and they get the advantage here. Do like the Worcs all Scottish back row, but Irish have real qulity here. Don't think there is much in the packs, might just edge to Irish. Good HB battle, with one apiece, and I favour the Worcs centres and also the back three.Good game this, Worcs at home have just about enough.



Saracens 15 - 19 Gloucester

Slight edge to Gloucs up front but not a lot in it, and just about give them the edge in the second rows too. Two decent looking back rows with neither side dominating it. Overall slight edge to the away side in the packs. Bit more quality at HB for Gloucs, and neither side win the centre battle or the back three contest. Gloucs just look a bit stronger all over, and grind away a strong win.

Sorry for no explanations. Struggling for time. Think If we had them open until Sunday it may help Steve and myself? If anyone requires an explanation post on my page and I will give you one

Sale 23 - 22 Newcastle
Exeter 23-24 Wasps
Worcester 21 - 20 Irish
Bath 21 - 22 Leicester
Quins 18-18 saints

RESULTS

Harlequins 23 Northampton Saints 24
Sale Sharks 29 Newcastle Falcons 23
Exeter Chiefs 23 London Wasps 24
Worcester Warriors 25 London Irish 20
Bath Rugby 24 Leicester Tigers 27
Saracens 19 Gloucester 25

LBP.....got to be happy with that

Damn still chasing that elusive first league win!

BONUS:

Full: CJB, Fluxy, Luke, Pete, Chris, SJE & Nick
Scores: Matt, Steve, Prop, Driver & Pooly

SCORERS:

Harlequins 23 (T: Halai, Sinkler C: Laidlaw 2 P: Laidlaw 3)
Northampton Saints 24 (T: Fofanna, B Vunipola, M Vunipola C: Giteau 2 Priestland 1 P: Giteau)

Sale Sharks 29 (T: Zebo, Nyanga, Henderson C: Sexton P: Sexton 4)
Newcastle Falcons 23 (T: Masoe, Wilson C: Ford 2 P: Ford 3)

Exeter Chiefs 23 (T: Jones, Tait C: Myler 2 P: Myler 3)
London Wasps 24 (T: Nowell, Phipps, Armitage C: Farrell 3 P: Farrell)

Worcester Warriors 25 (T: Muller C: Yachvili P: Yachvili 6)
London Irish 20 (T: Nqwenya, Petersen C: Evans 2 P: Evans 2)

Bath Rugby 24 (T: Romano 2, Nalaga C: Hodgson 3 P: Hodgson)
Leicester Tigers 27 (T: Youngs, Jones, Beale C: Wilkinson 3 P: Wilkinson 2)

Saracens 19 (T: Varndell C: Steenson P: Steenson 4)
Gloucester Rugby 25 (T: Heaslip C: Barnes P: Barnes 6)