AP Round 4
+7
stnick88
Fluxy
Driver
Steven_Sharks
dammit_chris
Sgt_Pooly
SirJohnnyEnglish
11 posters
Page 1 of 2
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AP Round 4
Home teams to be named by midnight on Tuesday
Away teams to be named by midnight on Wednesday
Tactics to be provided by midnight on Thursday
Predictions by 15:00 hours on Sunday
Away teams to be named by midnight on Wednesday
Tactics to be provided by midnight on Thursday
Predictions by 15:00 hours on Sunday
Northampton Saints v Sale Sharks
Sunny Intervals, 19 Degrees, 9mph Winds
Northampton Saints
Manager: Dammit Chris
01. Thomas Domingo | 09. Mike Phillips |
02. Dylan Hartley(c) | 10. Rhys Priestland |
03. Henry Thomas | |
04. Joe Launchbury | 11. Leigh Halfpenny(k) |
05. Courtney Lawes | 12. Matt Giteau |
06. CJ Stander | 13. Weslie Fofana |
07. Calum Clark | 14. Tommy Bowe |
08. Billy Vunipola | 15. Ben Foden |
Tactics: Two away wins in a row has given the squad a huge confidence boost. We have rotated a number of forwards as are looking to make the most of the conditions and play the game at a really high intensity and speed and place Sale's defence under pressure from the outset. We've picked a very mobile pack and will look at moving Sale across the park to tire them out and then bring on our powerful bench to make the most of the high tempo we start the game with.
Setpiece: Strong set piece and lineout, will use the scrum to launch Billy Vunipola into the Sale midfield, and with Launchbury, Lawes and Clark we have three strong jumpers to generate quick ball and place the Sale lineout under pressure. We see an advantage in the front five, especially when we unload our bench in the second half.
Breakdown/Backrow: Sale's backrow is a strong unit, but we are looking at hitting this area v similar to Sarries in real life, lots of speed and power to clear the rucks and get quick ball. We are aware that Sale do have a more powerful unit, but with the rest of the pack being good at the breakdown too we will compete v well. Speed of Lawes, Lauch and Stander to get to the ball first.
Intensity/Impact Bench: Looking at two different approaches during the game - first is a pack that can play at a high intensity and tempo and move Sale all over the park to wear them down in defence. Have rested players in the pack so we can play this way and take the game to Sale from the off. Will then bring on the impact bench and look to really put Sale under pressure.
Gainline: We have a lot of strike runners in our team in both pack and defence to get us over the gainline, and will be sending forwards at Eastmond's channel to see if we can make some ground there. Picked CJ Stander as his pace will give us some great attacking options and running lines. Will look at Foden to make breaks from deep.
Defence: Look to stop and double up on Picamoles, if we stop him getting over the gainline initially then we can stop a lot of the Sale go forward. Strong defensively 12-13 to limit the space for Eastmond. Priestland/Giteau/Halfpenny's boot to clear any danger and put us into good positions territorially.
Key selection points:
Form - Lot of players in good form in real life.
Freshness - Forwards selected to play high intensity game, Hartley only player to have started all 3 games to date.
Bench - Strong bench, great for conditions.
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. Iain Henderson | 12. Kyle Eastmond |
06. Yannick Nyanga | 13. George Pisi |
07. Fulgence Quedragao | 14. Craig Gilroy |
08. Louis Picamoles | 15. Nick Abendanon |
Tactics:
We will play a fast paced, high intensity offloading game looking to create space for our halfbacks and to get our back three onto the ball as much possible.
- Target the scrum. Good technical front row supported by plenty of grunt will look to get on top and win penalties.
- Target Henry Thomas at scrum time who has struggled in recent times. Look to isolate him and draw penalties as Hartley hooks for the ball.
- Attack from the lineout. Five genuine jumping options allows us to mix it up and really use the lineout as an attacking platform. Look to get the ball to Sexton and Eastmond with space outside.
- Target Saints lineout with no real leader. Quedragao to jump at the front and put pressure on Hartley.
- Mix up play. Sexton & Eastmond to interchange at first receiver and change the point of attack. Care provides a threat around the base.
- Hit the breakdown. Look to our dynamic front five to clear the ruck and allow the likes of Nyanga & Quedragao really attack the breakdown.
- Outwork Saints at the breakdown. Lawes, Strander, Clark & Vuinipola not known for their work rate here so we can slow ball down.
- Blitz defence focusing on a quick line speed to isolate the ball carrier before the gain line. Quedragao to defend beside Eastmond to double up and also be first on the scene at the breakdown. Care to sweep in behind to cover chips and grubbers.
- Disrupt Priestlands game and ruin Saints rhythem. Henderson & Attwood to look for the big hit on defence while Pickles, Henderson, Pisi & co to run down his channel on attack.
Bath Rugby v London Irish
Sunny Intervals, 20 Degrees, 10mph 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. Jonathan Davies |
07. Will Welch | 14. Nopolini Nalaga |
08. Tom Guest | 15. Stuart Hogg |
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 Irish 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 Irish 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. Parra will come on at half time and will look to take over as main playmaker. Burrell and Miller will look to come up and provide a threat with their running.
London Irish
Manager - Prop
01. Jerome Schuster | 09. Rory Kockott |
02. Hika Elliott | 10. Lionel Beauxis |
03. Matt Stevens | |
04. Nick Kennedy | 11. Sergeal Petersen |
05. Craig Clarke | 12. Sereli Naqalevuki |
06. Mamuka Gorgodze | 13. Henry Trinder |
07. Will Fraser | 14. Taku Nqwenya |
08. Ben Morgan | 15. Robbie Henshaw |
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.
8-9-10-12-13
We want quick ball for our half-backs to tactically put us into territory (off the pitch). Our 8-9-10-12-13 will look to be influential and all have played together in this game alot so know each other well. These 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.
Attacking
- We want to force errors from and will target the 12 channel by sending big runners down his channel.
- Kockott and Beauxis to play what's in front of them and look to release Naqa (who smash the holes) or snipe as much as possible. If it isn't on then Evans will stick it in the corners and, with Kenneday, Godzilla and Clarke we have the number jumpers to gain the ball back, we know they 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 Petersen and Ngwenya.
- 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.
- Power to close out the win in Lindsay and Guillamon, Dus 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 Stevens 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 slowing down the ball led by Naqa so he has no time to kick or give quick ball to the centres (we will have a backrower on Beauxis' shoulder to look for quick turnover ball, we will protect the channels to stop 9 sniping.
- Kockott 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 Wasps v Worcester Warriors
Sunny Intervals, 19 Degrees, 9mph Winds
London Wasps
Manager Ozzy3213
01. Paul James | 09. Nick Phipps |
02. Christopher Tolofua | 10. Owen Farrell |
03. Dave Wilson | |
04. Romain Millo-Chluski | 11. Tim Nanai-Williams |
05. Jim Hamilton | 12. Pat McCabe |
06. Marcel Coetzee | 13. Jaco Taute |
07. Steffon Armitage | 14. Marland Yarde |
08. Tom Johnson | 15. Gareth Anscombe |
Key Points
- Big front 5 with 2 technical props who can dominate in the scrum.
- Mobile back row who will carry and hit gaps creating space for the backline..
- Lots of pressure on Yachvili to put them in the right areas as that is not FTD’s game. We will target Yachvili around the base to add to that pressure. With him not really being a sniping 9, we can also line FTD up for the big hits.
- Basic game plan designed to frustrate Worcester by starving them off the ball. They will tire quicker defending for long periods and we have the pace and mobility to exploit any gaps that appear as a result.
Basic Game Plan
Basic tactical premise will be to dominate possession. We will go through the phases were possible and look to starve Worcester of the ball for long periods. We will look for gaps and as the tackles come in make the offload to support runners. Huge focus for us will be winning the collisions and dominating the breakdown.
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
- Breakdown. In attack we will flood it rucking past the ball at pace to free it up quickly and go again. In defence if the turnover is on we will flood it in the same manner to get quick ball, but if not on we will only commit a small number of players to slow the ball, instead maintaining a solid defensive line.
- Lineout. We will look to use this as a weapon in attack and play quick of the top mixing up where in the line we throw to. On Worcester ball we will defend the maul by not contesting and hitting the receiver hard as he lands and driving them back.
- Scrums. On all scrums we will target BJ Botha who is a tighthead playing on the loosehead side. On defensive scrums, with a bulky 2nd row and back row we will look to get an 8 man shove on rather than our hooker actually hooking for the ball and try to shove them off it. On our ball we will primarily go for channel 1 ball and look to get it out quickly and start running at the gaps in the defensive line.
- Open Play. Big runners off 9 and 10. Phipps to snipe to tie in the Worcester back row and give time and space to Farrell. Big carriers to carry hard and straight and tie in defenders before recycling quickly. TNW and Yarde to track off the wings, seeking out the gaps to get us well across the gainline.
Worcester Warriors
Manager - stnick88
01. BJ Botha | 09. Dimitri Yachvili |
02. Matthew Rees | 10. Francois Trinh-Duc |
03. Brian Mujati | |
04. Mouritz Botha | 11. David Strettle |
05. Johann Muller | 12. Maxime Mermoz |
06. Ashley Johnson | 13. Mathieu Bastereaud |
07. Ross Rennie | 14. Eli Walker |
08. Thomas Waldrom | 15. Delon Armitage |
Worcester Warriors make 5 changes from the home draw with Harlequins last weekend. In the pack, BJ Botha, Mouritz Botha, Ashley Johnson and Thomas Waldrom come in for Nathan Catt, Alun Wyn-Jones, Johnnie Beattie and Dave Denton. In the backline, Eli Walker gets a first start of the season, replacing Mark Cueto who drops to the bench.
'We know what Wasps are all about. They have a big pack and with Farrell kicking, you have to front up and not let them dominate the territory. Farrell doesn't miss many kicks so discipline is key. We have brought in powerful guys like Ashley Johnson and Thomas Waldrom to bring the fight to Wasps.'
Tactics
- Take on Wasps upfront. Use big ball carries like Waldrom, AJ, Mujati, Bastereaud to try and wear down Wasps defence.
- Yach and FTD to control the game, get us in right areas of the pitch.
- Use Muller at lineout to secure ball. Develop mauls to try and score push over tries. Muller to disrupt opposition ball as much as poss
- Yach to kick all pens in range. if not go for touch and use lineout as a weapon.
- When we have space, use the pace of Walker, Delon, Strettle to cause Wasps problems. Loose kicks will be run back with interest.
Harlequins v Saracens
Sunny Intervals, 20 Degrees, 9mph Winds
Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks
01. Joe Marler | 09. Lee Dickson |
02. Schalk Brits | 10. Greig Laidlaw (k) |
03. Gjorji Jgenti | |
04. Bakkies Botha | 11. Luke Morahan |
05. Steve Borthwick | 12. Jamie Roberts |
06. Tom Wood | 13. Ben Tapuai |
07. Sam Warburton (C) | 14. Yoann Huget |
08. Nick Easter | 15. Rob Kearney |
Tactics
- Use strong carriers off 9 and 10 to punch holes in Saracens defence and get over the gainline. Look to win the collisions when we can.
- Look to offload just before or after contact to keep momentum going and ask questions of the Saracens defence.
- Look to get our backs into the game when we have quick ball. Try to get our outside backs running hard at gaps.
- Look to control the set piece especially at scrum time. Use short lineouts between the two 22m lines.
- Get Wood and Warburton to the rucks early to try and get turnover ball.
- In defence look to employ a quick linespeed putting big pressure on the Saracens decision makers.
- We need this first win and whilst we are always looking to score tries we will be kicking the points on offer.
Saracens
Manager – Pooly
01. Matt Mullen | 09. Luke Burgess |
02. Tiaan Liebenberg | 10. Tom Taylor |
03. Sekope Kepu | |
04. Louis Deacon(c) | 11. Tom Vardell |
05. Luke Charteris | 12. Ryan Crotty |
06. Alessandro Zanni | 13. Joel Tomkins |
07. George Smith | 14. Julien Malzieu |
08. Sione Kalamafoni | 15. Lee Byrne |
6. Darren Dawidiuk 17. Max Lahiff 18. Hoani Tui 19. Julien Pierre 20. Jordan Crane 21. Chris Cook 22. Gareth Steenson 23. Adam Thompstone
Tactics:
- Tight game in the pack, look to play in the right areas of the park and play a controlled game, limiting Quins good ball with Smith/Zanni world class spoilers
- Target scrum throughout Lock Deacon down behind Kepu and work at Marler/Brits axis. With no LH cover on the bench for Quins we'll look to get Tui on early in the 2nd half and continue the punishment in the scrum. Taylor to convert all kickable pens, look to take scrum resets if weakness seen.
- Make a mess of the breakdown with Zanni & Smith looking get to the breakdown first. With 2 6.5's for Quins we think we can really get at them here. Deacon and big front row unit to assist in the clearing to give us ample chance to turnover/slow
- Strong front row unit and Pierre(big scrummager) to continue pressure from bench
- Taylor to dictate play with Burgess looking for snipe inbetween Quins 8/9
- Keep line out simple throughout with front/middle ball, not looking for risky back moves as keeping things tight and want to win own ball
- Off strong scrum ball will look to use Tomkins to draw in Tapuai and have Malzieu/Vardell running off his shoulder looking for the offload
- Burgess to sweep in behind rush defence, look to target Laidlaw who isn't as effective at 10, look to put him off his game early on and hinder Quins attacking game
Exeter Chiefs v Leicester Tigers
Light Cloud, 18 Degrees, 12mph Winds
Exeter Chiefs
Manager – Fluxy
01. Logovii Mulipola | 09. Maxime Machenaud |
02. Rob Webber (C) | 10. Stephen Myler (K) |
03. Mike Ross | |
04. Brad Thorn | 11. Dom Shipperly |
05. Geoff Parling | 12. Bundee Aki |
06. Chris Robshaw | 13. Aurelien Rougerie |
07. John Barclay | 14. Zac Guilford |
08. Semisi Taulava | 15. Matt Tait |
Tactics
Tactics
On the back of some strong performances, the Chiefs will look to make a stand against the league champions at home. At home we play our game when we have ball in hand. 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.
This week we will adapt our game to suffocate the Tigers in a number of methods. Firstly we will look to rule the set-pieces and pressure every line-out and scrum of theirs. Secondly the side is packed full of hard workers and grafters, that can chop down their strong runners all day long.
We look to use the constant pressure from at the breakdown and set-pieces to punish any mistakes or turnovers with either breakaway tries or pressure kicks into their territory. This will force Tigers to play from within 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.
Key Points
- Mulipola and Ross are solid technicians and will allow Webber freedom to secure our own feed, to provide clean first phase possession for our backs.
- With a strong line-out, Parling will lead and use himself as banker ball at the in line with Thorn 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 line-outs to tie in the Tigers forwards.
- Our whole pack is mobile and capable of snaffling ball at the breakdown. We have picked Robshaw and Barclay to cut down the runners and flood the breakdown. Others like Parling, Taulava, Webber and Thorn can back up the flanks on the floor or at chopping runners down.
- Whole pack capable of carrying, along with some effort from the backs. Look to keep moving the point of attack with clever offloads and forward interplay. Look for forward pods outside the third guard in the line to really stretch their defences.
- 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 Wilkinson's options and push him inside towards our back-row.
- If we kick in behind their back-line or back three, we look to at least make them have to turn into an advancing black line which will not allow the receiver time to make decision or escape with clean ball.
- 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 Tigers should be wary of giving away penalties.
- We are at home, our fortress. If we build up momentum and kick our goals and score tries, to keep the score out of reach of Tigers. It would be difficult to breach the Chiefs line big black line engulfing their forwards. We have set a trap and the Tigers are the prey.
Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka
01. Gethin Jenkins | 09. Dwayne Peel |
02. Tom Youngs | 10. Jonny Wilkinson (k) |
03. Dan Cole | |
04. Pascal Pape (c) | 11. Henry Speight |
05. Kearnan Myall | 12. Billy Twelvetrees |
06. Sean O'Brien | 13. Tamati Ellison |
07. Jacques Burger | 14. Vincent Clerc |
08. Ryan Jones | 15. Mike Brown |
Tactics:
We will play to our strengths and play a game built around our intelligent HB's controlling the game and the power and strength of our side.
- Attack at all scrums with our huge pack - Cole and Jenkins to look to really get into the opposition.
- Attack at all lineouts. Use Pape or Jones at the front and Myall off the top as our three key options.
Shortened lineouts with Burger in midfield as crash or decoy option.
- Put serious pressure on Webber's throws with Jones at the front on all Chiefs' throws.
- Gigantic pack made up of massive line-breakers, used in the tight to tire down the Chiefs defence. The likes of SOB, Youngs, Burger, Pape and Jones to be used to target the Chiefs 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 SOB, and the likes of Cole too, we feel our breakdown play could be crucial today.
- In attacking play, we will play with the option of 2 first receivers in Wilko and Twelvetrees. We want to control the game, mixing up the point of our attack and looking for where the gaps are.
- Target Myler all game with Burger and SOB breathing down his neck at every opportunity. Big runners through his channel - looking to win the Wilko vs Myler contest.
- 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 penalties.
Newcastle Falcons v Gloucester Rugby
Sunny Intervals, 16 Degrees, 9mph Winds
Newcastle Falcons
Manager - Driver
15.Alex Goode
14.Chris Ashton
13.Rene Ranger
12.Brad Barritt
11.Alex Cuthbert
10.Jimmy Goppereth
9.Ben Youngs
1.Soane Tonga'Uhia
2.Rory Best (c)
3.Paul Doran Jones
4.Yoaan Maestri
5.Ed Slater
6.Kelly Brown
7.Richie McCaw
8.Toby Falatau
16.George Mcguigan 17.Ryan Grant 18.Scott Wilson 19.Will Carrick Smith 20.Chris Masoe 21.Sam Harrison 22.George Ford 23.George Lowe
Tactics:
Newcastle welcome Gloucester to Kingston Park with a desire to take 4 points and progress up the table. Confidence is high at KP following a win against Bath and LBPs away at two of the hardest places to come away with anything in this league giving us plenty of faith in our ability.
Falcons will play a power based game plan which is set around plenty of powerful ball carriers taking the ball at pace and making as much yardage as we can whilst retaining possesion.
Tonga'uhia , Best ,Slater , Maestri , Brown , McCaw and Falatau are all impressive carriers in the pack and will look to take Gloucester on in the tight knowing Gloucester will be a bit light in the forwards department with wannabe winger Tom Croft hanging out.
In the backs we will look to get our power runners such as Gopperth , Ranger , Cuthbert and Ashton running at some of Gloucester's more suspect defenders such as Jonny May and Berrick Barnes.*
Goppereth will look to target the inexperince in the Glaws back 3 with high ball and kicks behind the wing with a strong kick chasers in Cuthbert and Ashton.
Lineout we will look to play it smart sticking to basics as we know Gloucesters main strength is Robson and Croft here. A lot has been made of Best's throw but so far this season Ulster havn't lost a lineout? Slater , Maestri and Falatau give us 3 very good jumpers with McCaw also able to jump at the deep if needed.
The scrum is all about the 2nd surge now and Slater and Maestri are absolute powerhouses in the scrum whilst Robson at 5 for Glaws can be found wanting here.
DEFENSE
Plenty of big hitters in the team who will look to stop any Gloucester momentum in the tackle and drive them back.
McCaw to target the breakdown and work in tandem with Kelly Brown to secure turnover ball for us,
Youngs to sweep and corner flag behind a aggressive line which will focus on cutting down any time Gloucester have on the ball.
Gopperth will kick any points in range aswell as going for the drop goals to tick us over.
Gloucester Rugby
Manager - Matt
1 Tufungisi
2 George
3 Mas
4 gray
5 Robson
6 croft
7 Qera
8 heaslip
9 Murray
10 Carter
11 May
12 Barnes
13 Banahan
14 Rhule
15 Masi
16 Tom heard
17 Joe Gray
18 Rupert Harden
19 Tom Palmer
20 Immanol harinordoquoy
21 Tj Pernara
22 Matt Scott
23 Iain Balshaw
Glos tactics
- play at pace in great conditions we have a much more mobile team packed with carriers and will look to use this.
- lack of scrums in these conditions but we will look to get ball in and out to keep pace of game up.
- will look to play the off loading game and keep ball alive whenever possible. We will look to get on top first
- early doors look to kick in behind them and create pressure as we have a dominant line out against Newcastle who lack jumpers and a have best who cannot
Hit his man at the best of times.
- look to utilise our class at 8,9,10,12 to dictate pace of game
- as game breaks up we will
Really open up and try and play at a
Pace Newcastle can't handle
- put pressure on 10/12 axis which is not known for its creativity. Use this to stop their play at source
- perenara to come on to up pace further.
- carter to dominate the tactical kicking and kick any goals
Last edited by SirJohnnyEnglish on Fri 27 Sep 2013, 9:06 am; edited 4 times in total
SirJohnnyEnglish- Posts : 8536
Join date : 2011-05-10
Age : 36
Location : Limerick
Re: AP Round 4
I think you might get your first win this week Steve
Sgt_Pooly- Posts : 36294
Join date : 2011-04-27
Re: AP Round 4
Northampton Saints v Sale Sharks
Manager: Dammit Chris
Subs: 16. Tatafu Polota-Nau 17. Mako Vunipola 18. Carl Hayman 19. Samo Manoa 20. Julian Bonnaire 21. Joe Simpson 22. Mark Bennett 23. Christian Wade.
Tactics: Two away wins in a row has given the squad a huge confidence boost. We have rotated a number of forwards as are looking to make the most of the conditions and play the game at a really high intensity and speed and place Sale's defence under pressure from the outset. We've picked a very mobile pack and will look at moving Sale across the park to tire them out and then bring on our powerful bench to make the most of the high tempo we start the game with.
Setpiece: Strong set piece and lineout, will use the scrum to launch Billy Vunipola into the Sale midfield, and with Launchbury, Lawes and Clark we have three strong jumpers to generate quick ball and place the Sale lineout under pressure. We see an advantage in the front five, especially when we unload our bench in the second half.
Breakdown/Backrow: Sale's backrow is a strong unit, but we are looking at hitting this area v similar to Sarries in real life, lots of speed and power to clear the rucks and get quick ball. We are aware that Sale do have a more powerful unit, but with the rest of the pack being good at the breakdown too we will compete v well. Speed of Lawes, Lauch and Stander to get to the ball first.
Intensity/Impact Bench: Looking at two different approaches during the game - first is a pack that can play at a high intensity and tempo and move Sale all over the park to wear them down in defence. Have rested players in the pack so we can play this way and take the game to Sale from the off. Will then bring on the impact bench and look to really put Sale under pressure.
Gainline: We have a lot of strike runners in our team in both pack and defence to get us over the gainline, and will be sending forwards at Eastmond's channel to see if we can make some ground there. Picked CJ Stander as his pace will give us some great attacking options and running lines. Will look at Foden to make breaks from deep.
Defence: Look to stop and double up on Picamoles, if we stop him getting over the gainline initially then we can stop a lot of the Sale go forward. Strong defensively 12-13 to limit the space for Eastmond. Priestland/Giteau/Halfpenny's boot to clear any danger and put us into good positions territorially.
Key selection points:
Form - Lot of players in good form in real life.
Freshness - Forwards selected to play high intensity game, Hartley only player to have started all 3 games to date.
Bench - Strong bench, great for conditions.
Manager: Dammit Chris
01. Thomas Domingo | 09. Mike Phillips |
02. Dylan Hartley(c) | 10. Rhys Priestland |
03. Henry Thomas | |
04. Joe Launchbury | 11. Leigh Halfpenny(k) |
05. Courtney Lawes | 12. Matt Giteau |
06. CJ Stander | 13. Weslie Fofana |
07. Calum Clark | 14. Tommy Bowe |
08. Billy Vunipola | 15. Ben Foden |
Tactics: Two away wins in a row has given the squad a huge confidence boost. We have rotated a number of forwards as are looking to make the most of the conditions and play the game at a really high intensity and speed and place Sale's defence under pressure from the outset. We've picked a very mobile pack and will look at moving Sale across the park to tire them out and then bring on our powerful bench to make the most of the high tempo we start the game with.
Setpiece: Strong set piece and lineout, will use the scrum to launch Billy Vunipola into the Sale midfield, and with Launchbury, Lawes and Clark we have three strong jumpers to generate quick ball and place the Sale lineout under pressure. We see an advantage in the front five, especially when we unload our bench in the second half.
Breakdown/Backrow: Sale's backrow is a strong unit, but we are looking at hitting this area v similar to Sarries in real life, lots of speed and power to clear the rucks and get quick ball. We are aware that Sale do have a more powerful unit, but with the rest of the pack being good at the breakdown too we will compete v well. Speed of Lawes, Lauch and Stander to get to the ball first.
Intensity/Impact Bench: Looking at two different approaches during the game - first is a pack that can play at a high intensity and tempo and move Sale all over the park to wear them down in defence. Have rested players in the pack so we can play this way and take the game to Sale from the off. Will then bring on the impact bench and look to really put Sale under pressure.
Gainline: We have a lot of strike runners in our team in both pack and defence to get us over the gainline, and will be sending forwards at Eastmond's channel to see if we can make some ground there. Picked CJ Stander as his pace will give us some great attacking options and running lines. Will look at Foden to make breaks from deep.
Defence: Look to stop and double up on Picamoles, if we stop him getting over the gainline initially then we can stop a lot of the Sale go forward. Strong defensively 12-13 to limit the space for Eastmond. Priestland/Giteau/Halfpenny's boot to clear any danger and put us into good positions territorially.
Key selection points:
Form - Lot of players in good form in real life.
Freshness - Forwards selected to play high intensity game, Hartley only player to have started all 3 games to date.
Bench - Strong bench, great for conditions.
Last edited by dammit_chris on Thu 26 Sep 2013, 1:42 pm; edited 1 time in total
dammit_chris- Posts : 8685
Join date : 2011-05-03
Re: AP Round 4
Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks
16. Rob Buchanan 17. Kyle Sinckler 18. Kieran Brookes 19. George Kruis 20. Lappies Labushagne 21. Karl Dickson 22. Dan Bowden 23. Frank Halai
Tactics
- Use strong carriers off 9 and 10 to punch holes in Saracens defence and get over the gainline. Look to win the collisions when we can.
- Look to offload just before or after contact to keep momentum going and ask questions of the Saracens defence.
- Look to get our backs into the game when we have quick ball. Try to get our outside backs running hard at gaps.
- Look to control the set piece especially at scrum time. Use short lineouts between the two 22m lines.
- Get Wood and Warburton to the rucks early to try and get turnover ball.
- In defence look to employ a quick linespeed putting big pressure on the Saracens decision makers.
- We need this first win and whilst we are always looking to score tries we will be kicking the points on offer.
Manager – Steven_Sharks
01. Joe Marler | 09. Lee Dickson |
02. Schalk Brits | 10. Greig Laidlaw (k) |
03. Gjorji Jgenti | |
04. Bakkies Botha | 11. Luke Morahan |
05. Steve Borthwick | 12. Jamie Roberts |
06. Tom Wood | 13. Ben Tapuai |
07. Sam Warburton (C) | 14. Yoann Huget |
08. Nick Easter | 15. Rob Kearney |
Tactics
- Use strong carriers off 9 and 10 to punch holes in Saracens defence and get over the gainline. Look to win the collisions when we can.
- Look to offload just before or after contact to keep momentum going and ask questions of the Saracens defence.
- Look to get our backs into the game when we have quick ball. Try to get our outside backs running hard at gaps.
- Look to control the set piece especially at scrum time. Use short lineouts between the two 22m lines.
- Get Wood and Warburton to the rucks early to try and get turnover ball.
- In defence look to employ a quick linespeed putting big pressure on the Saracens decision makers.
- We need this first win and whilst we are always looking to score tries we will be kicking the points on offer.
Last edited by Steven_Sharks on Thu 26 Sep 2013, 4:56 pm; edited 1 time in total
Steven_Sharks- Posts : 7528
Join date : 2011-04-19
Location : Chester/Manchester
Re: AP Round 4
Falcons side to play Gloucester
15.Alex Goode
14.Chris Ashton
13.Rene Ranger
12.Brad Barritt
11.Alex Cuthbert
10.Jimmy Goppereth
9.Ben Youngs
1.Soane Tonga'Uhia
2.Rory Best (c)
3.Paul Doran Jones
4.Yoaan Maestri
5.Ed Slater
6.Kelly Brown
7.Richie McCaw
8.Toby Falatau
16.George Mcguigan 17.Ryan Grant 18.Scott Wilson 19.Will Carrick Smith 20.Chris Masoe 21.Sam Harrison 22.George Ford 23.George Lowe
15.Alex Goode
14.Chris Ashton
13.Rene Ranger
12.Brad Barritt
11.Alex Cuthbert
10.Jimmy Goppereth
9.Ben Youngs
1.Soane Tonga'Uhia
2.Rory Best (c)
3.Paul Doran Jones
4.Yoaan Maestri
5.Ed Slater
6.Kelly Brown
7.Richie McCaw
8.Toby Falatau
16.George Mcguigan 17.Ryan Grant 18.Scott Wilson 19.Will Carrick Smith 20.Chris Masoe 21.Sam Harrison 22.George Ford 23.George Lowe
Driver- Posts : 11038
Join date : 2011-04-20
Age : 32
Location : Hartlepool
Re: AP Round 4
Exeter Chiefs
Manager – Fluxy
16. Sean Cronin 17. Yannick Forestier 18. Will Collier 19. Kieran Low 20. Carl Fearns 21. Haydn Thomas 22. Tom Heathcote 23. Andrew Trimble
Tactics
Tactics
On the back of some strong performances, the Chiefs will look to make a stand against the league champions at home. At home we play our game when we have ball in hand. 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.
This week we will adapt our game to suffocate the Tigers in a number of methods. Firstly we will look to rule the set-pieces and pressure every line-out and scrum of theirs. Secondly the side is packed full of hard workers and grafters, that can chop down their strong runners all day long.
We look to use the constant pressure from at the breakdown and set-pieces to punish any mistakes or turnovers with either breakaway tries or pressure kicks into their territory. This will force Tigers to play from within 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.
Key Points
Manager – Fluxy
01. Logovii Mulipola | 09. Maxime Machenaud |
02. Rob Webber (C) | 10. Stephen Myler (K) |
03. Mike Ross | |
04. Brad Thorn | 11. Dom Shipperly |
05. Geoff Parling | 12. Bundee Aki |
06. Chris Robshaw | 13. Aurelien Rougerie |
07. John Barclay | 14. Zac Guilford |
08. Semisi Taulava | 15. Matt Tait |
Tactics
Tactics
On the back of some strong performances, the Chiefs will look to make a stand against the league champions at home. At home we play our game when we have ball in hand. 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.
This week we will adapt our game to suffocate the Tigers in a number of methods. Firstly we will look to rule the set-pieces and pressure every line-out and scrum of theirs. Secondly the side is packed full of hard workers and grafters, that can chop down their strong runners all day long.
We look to use the constant pressure from at the breakdown and set-pieces to punish any mistakes or turnovers with either breakaway tries or pressure kicks into their territory. This will force Tigers to play from within 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.
Key Points
- Mulipola and Ross are solid technicians and will allow Webber freedom to secure our own feed, to provide clean first phase possession for our backs.
- With a strong line-out, Parling will lead and use himself as banker ball at the in line with Thorn 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 line-outs to tie in the Tigers forwards.
- Our whole pack is mobile and capable of snaffling ball at the breakdown. We have picked Robshaw and Barclay to cut down the runners and flood the breakdown. Others like Parling, Taulava, Webber and Thorn can back up the flanks on the floor or at chopping runners down.
- Whole pack capable of carrying, along with some effort from the backs. Look to keep moving the point of attack with clever offloads and forward interplay. Look for forward pods outside the third guard in the line to really stretch their defences.
- 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 Wilkinson's options and push him inside towards our back-row.
- If we kick in behind their back-line or back three, we look to at least make them have to turn into an advancing black line which will not allow the receiver time to make decision or escape with clean ball.
- 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 Tigers should be wary of giving away penalties.
- We are at home, our fortress. If we build up momentum and kick our goals and score tries, to keep the score out of reach of Tigers. It would be difficult to breach the Chiefs line big black line engulfing their forwards. We have set a trap and the Tigers are the prey.
Last edited by Fluxy on Thu 26 Sep 2013, 11:25 pm; edited 1 time in total
Fluxy- Aviva Premiership Commissioner
- Posts : 12117
Join date : 2011-01-28
Age : 33
Location : Isle of Wight
Re: AP Round 4
Saracens
Manager – Pooly
6. Darren Dawidiuk 17. Max Lahiff 18. Hoani Tui 19. Julien Pierre 20. Jordan Crane 21. Chris Cook 22. Gareth Steenson 23. Adam Thompstone
Tactics:
- Tight game in the pack, look to play in the right areas of the park and play a controlled game, limiting Quins good ball with Smith/Zanni world class spoilers
- Target scrum throughout Lock Deacon down behind Kepu and work at Marler/Brits axis. With no LH cover on the bench for Quins we'll look to get Tui on early in the 2nd half and continue the punishment in the scrum. Taylor to convert all kickable pens, look to take scrum resets if weakness seen.
- Make a mess of the breakdown with Zanni & Smith looking get to the breakdown first. With 2 6.5's for Quins we think we can really get at them here. Deacon and big front row unit to assist in the clearing to give us ample chance to turnover/slow
- Strong front row unit and Pierre(big scrummager) to continue pressure from bench
- Taylor to dictate play with Burgess looking for snipe inbetween Quins 8/9
- Keep line out simple throughout with front/middle ball, not looking for risky back moves as keeping things tight and want to win own ball
- Off strong scrum ball will look to use Tomkins to draw in Tapuai and have Malzieu/Vardell running off his shoulder looking for the offload
- Burgess to sweep in behind rush defence, look to target Laidlaw who isn't as effective at 10, look to put him off his game early on and hinder Quins attacking game
Manager – Pooly
01. Matt Mullen | 09. Luke Burgess |
02. Tiaan Liebenberg | 10. Tom Taylor |
03. Sekope Kepu | |
04. Louis Deacon(c) | 11. Tom Vardell |
05. Luke Charteris | 12. Ryan Crotty |
06. Alessandro Zanni | 13. Joel Tomkins |
07. George Smith | 14. Julien Malzieu |
08. Sione Kalamafoni | 15. Lee Byrne |
6. Darren Dawidiuk 17. Max Lahiff 18. Hoani Tui 19. Julien Pierre 20. Jordan Crane 21. Chris Cook 22. Gareth Steenson 23. Adam Thompstone
Tactics:
- Tight game in the pack, look to play in the right areas of the park and play a controlled game, limiting Quins good ball with Smith/Zanni world class spoilers
- Target scrum throughout Lock Deacon down behind Kepu and work at Marler/Brits axis. With no LH cover on the bench for Quins we'll look to get Tui on early in the 2nd half and continue the punishment in the scrum. Taylor to convert all kickable pens, look to take scrum resets if weakness seen.
- Make a mess of the breakdown with Zanni & Smith looking get to the breakdown first. With 2 6.5's for Quins we think we can really get at them here. Deacon and big front row unit to assist in the clearing to give us ample chance to turnover/slow
- Strong front row unit and Pierre(big scrummager) to continue pressure from bench
- Taylor to dictate play with Burgess looking for snipe inbetween Quins 8/9
- Keep line out simple throughout with front/middle ball, not looking for risky back moves as keeping things tight and want to win own ball
- Off strong scrum ball will look to use Tomkins to draw in Tapuai and have Malzieu/Vardell running off his shoulder looking for the offload
- Burgess to sweep in behind rush defence, look to target Laidlaw who isn't as effective at 10, look to put him off his game early on and hinder Quins attacking game
Last edited by Sgt_Pooly on Thu 26 Sep 2013, 6:27 am; edited 2 times in total
Sgt_Pooly- Posts : 36294
Join date : 2011-04-27
Re: AP Round 4
Sides looking better already Pooly. working your magic.
stnick88- Posts : 5345
Join date : 2011-05-10
Re: AP Round 4
London Wasps make 2 changes to the starting XV for this weeks visit of Worcester Warriors. In the pack Tom Johnson comes in at number 8, with Steffon Armitage moving back to the flank and Rynhardt Elstadt dropping to the bench. In the backline Marland Yarde returns from injury to replace Anthony Watson who also drops to the bench, where Martin Castrogiavanni comes in to replace Frans Malherbe/
London Wasps
Manager Ozzy3213
16. Rob Hawkins 17. Fraser Balmain 18. Martin Castrogiovanni 19. George Skivington 20. Rynhardt Elstadt 21. Paul Hodgson 22. Camille Lopez 23. Anthony Watson
Key Points
Basic Game Plan
Basic tactical premise will be to dominate possession. We will go through the phases were possible and look to starve Worcester of the ball for long periods. We will look for gaps and as the tackles come in make the offload to support runners. Huge focus for us will be winning the collisions and dominating the breakdown.
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
London Wasps
Manager Ozzy3213
01. Paul James | 09. Nick Phipps |
02. Christopher Tolofua | 10. Owen Farrell |
03. Dave Wilson | |
04. Romain Millo-Chluski | 11. Tim Nanai-Williams |
05. Jim Hamilton © | 12. Pat McCabe |
06. Marcel Coetzee | 13. Jaco Taute |
07. Steffon Armitage | 14. Marland Yarde |
08. Tom Johnson | 15. Gareth Anscombe |
Key Points
- Big front 5 with 2 technical props who can dominate in the scrum.
- Mobile back row who will carry and hit gaps creating space for the backline..
- Lots of pressure on Yachvili to put them in the right areas as that is not FTD’s game. We will target Yachvili around the base to add to that pressure. With him not really being a sniping 9, we can also line FTD up for the big hits.
- Basic game plan designed to frustrate Worcester by starving them off the ball. They will tire quicker defending for long periods and we have the pace and mobility to exploit any gaps that appear as a result.
Basic Game Plan
Basic tactical premise will be to dominate possession. We will go through the phases were possible and look to starve Worcester of the ball for long periods. We will look for gaps and as the tackles come in make the offload to support runners. Huge focus for us will be winning the collisions and dominating the breakdown.
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
- Breakdown. In attack we will flood it rucking past the ball at pace to free it up quickly and go again. In defence if the turnover is on we will flood it in the same manner to get quick ball, but if not on we will only commit a small number of players to slow the ball, instead maintaining a solid defensive line.
- Lineout. We will look to use this as a weapon in attack and play quick of the top mixing up where in the line we throw to. On Worcester ball we will defend the maul by not contesting and hitting the receiver hard as he lands and driving them back.
- Scrums. On all scrums we will target BJ Botha who is a tighthead playing on the loosehead side. On defensive scrums, with a bulky 2nd row and back row we will look to get an 8 man shove on rather than our hooker actually hooking for the ball and try to shove them off it. On our ball we will primarily go for channel 1 ball and look to get it out quickly and start running at the gaps in the defensive line.
- Open Play. Big runners off 9 and 10. Phipps to snipe to tie in the Worcester back row and give time and space to Farrell. Big carriers to carry hard and straight and tie in defenders before recycling quickly. TNW and Yarde to track off the wings, seeking out the gaps to get us well across the gainline.
Last edited by Ozzy3213 on Thu 26 Sep 2013, 9:21 pm; edited 2 times in total (Reason for editing : Tactics added.)
Ozzy3213- Moderator
- Posts : 18500
Join date : 2011-01-29
Age : 48
Location : Sandhurst
Re: AP Round 4
Bath Rugby
Manager – inthefastlane
|;
16. Chris Brooker 17. Euan Murray 18. Carl Rimmer 19. George Merrick 20. Rhys Ruddock 21. Morgen Parra 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 Irish 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 Irish 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. Parra will come on at half time and will look to take over as main playmaker. Burrell and Miller will look to come up and provide a threat with their running.
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. Jonathan Davies |
07. Will Welch | 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. Morgen Parra 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 Irish 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 Irish 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. Parra will come on at half time and will look to take over as main playmaker. Burrell and Miller will look to come up and provide a threat with their running.
Last edited by CJB on Thu 26 Sep 2013, 9:06 pm; edited 1 time in total
CJB- Posts : 5762
Join date : 2011-04-24
Age : 30
Location : Croydon
Re: AP Round 4
Worcester Warriors
Manager - stnick88
16. Nathan Catt 17. Richardt Strauss 18. Oliver Tomaszczyk 19. James Percival 20. Phil Dowson 21. Michael Classens 22. Olly Barkley 23. Mark Cueto
Worcester Warriors make 5 changes from the home draw with Harlequins last weekend. In the pack, BJ Botha, Mouritz Botha, Ashley Johnson and Thomas Waldrom come in for Nathan Catt, Alun Wyn-Jones, Johnnie Beattie and Dave Denton. In the backline, Eli Walker gets a first start of the season, replacing Mark Cueto who drops to the bench.
'We know what Wasps are all about. They have a big pack and with Farrell kicking, you have to front up and not let them dominate the territory. Farrell doesn't miss many kicks so discipline is key. We have brought in powerful guys like Ashley Johnson and Thomas Waldrom to bring the fight to Wasps.'
Tactics
- Take on Wasps upfront. Use big ball carries like Waldrom, AJ, Mujati, Bastereaud to try and wear down Wasps defence.
- Yach and FTD to control the game, get us in right areas of the pitch.
- Use Muller at lineout to secure ball. Develop mauls to try and score push over tries. Muller to disrupt opposition ball as much as poss
- Yach to kick all pens in range. if not go for touch and use lineout as a weapon.
- When we have space, use the pace of Walker, Delon, Strettle to cause Wasps problems. Loose kicks will be run back with interest.
Manager - stnick88
01. BJ Botha | 09. Dimitri Yachvili |
02. Matthew Rees | 10. Francois Trinh-Duc |
03. Brian Mujati | |
04. Mouritz Botha | 11. David Strettle |
05. Johann Muller | 12. Maxime Mermoz |
06. Ashley Johnson | 13. Mathieu Bastereaud |
07. Ross Rennie | 14. Eli Walker |
08. Thomas Waldrom | 15. Delon Armitage |
Worcester Warriors make 5 changes from the home draw with Harlequins last weekend. In the pack, BJ Botha, Mouritz Botha, Ashley Johnson and Thomas Waldrom come in for Nathan Catt, Alun Wyn-Jones, Johnnie Beattie and Dave Denton. In the backline, Eli Walker gets a first start of the season, replacing Mark Cueto who drops to the bench.
'We know what Wasps are all about. They have a big pack and with Farrell kicking, you have to front up and not let them dominate the territory. Farrell doesn't miss many kicks so discipline is key. We have brought in powerful guys like Ashley Johnson and Thomas Waldrom to bring the fight to Wasps.'
Tactics
- Take on Wasps upfront. Use big ball carries like Waldrom, AJ, Mujati, Bastereaud to try and wear down Wasps defence.
- Yach and FTD to control the game, get us in right areas of the pitch.
- Use Muller at lineout to secure ball. Develop mauls to try and score push over tries. Muller to disrupt opposition ball as much as poss
- Yach to kick all pens in range. if not go for touch and use lineout as a weapon.
- When we have space, use the pace of Walker, Delon, Strettle to cause Wasps problems. Loose kicks will be run back with interest.
Last edited by stnick88 on Thu 26 Sep 2013, 4:30 pm; edited 1 time in total
stnick88- Posts : 5345
Join date : 2011-05-10
Re: AP Round 4
Leicester Tigers have named their side to play Exeter Chiefs.
Tigers have moved to freshen their pack, with 4 new faces in the shape of Gethin Jenkins, Pascal Pape, Kearnan Myall and Ryan Jones all coming in. Andrew Sheridan, Nathan Hines and Ernst Joubert all drop to the bench, with James Horwill returning to the Southern Hemisphere with the Australia squad.
Tigers make no changes to their back line, with them having scored 9 tries in 3 games.
Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka
16. Chiliboy Ralepelle 17. Andrew Sheridan 18. Craig Mitchell 19. Nathan Hines 20. Ernst Joubert 21. Micky Young 22. Kurtley Beale 23. Dominic Waldouck
Tactics:
We will play to our strengths and play a game built around our intelligent HB's controlling the game and the power and strength of our side.
- Attack at all scrums with our huge pack - Cole and Jenkins to look to really get into the opposition.
- Attack at all lineouts. Use Pape or Jones at the front and Myall off the top as our three key options.
Shortened lineouts with Burger in midfield as crash or decoy option.
- Put serious pressure on Webber's throws with Jones at the front on all Chiefs' throws.
- Gigantic pack made up of massive line-breakers, used in the tight to tire down the Chiefs defence. The likes of SOB, Youngs, Burger, Pape and Jones to be used to target the Chiefs 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 SOB, and the likes of Cole too, we feel our breakdown play could be crucial today.
- In attacking play, we will play with the option of 2 first receivers in Wilko and Twelvetrees. We want to control the game, mixing up the point of our attack and looking for where the gaps are.
- Target Myler all game with Burger and SOB breathing down his neck at every opportunity. Big runners through his channel - looking to win the Wilko vs Myler contest.
- 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 penalties.
Tigers have moved to freshen their pack, with 4 new faces in the shape of Gethin Jenkins, Pascal Pape, Kearnan Myall and Ryan Jones all coming in. Andrew Sheridan, Nathan Hines and Ernst Joubert all drop to the bench, with James Horwill returning to the Southern Hemisphere with the Australia squad.
Tigers make no changes to their back line, with them having scored 9 tries in 3 games.
Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka
01. Gethin Jenkins | 09. Dwayne Peel |
02. Tom Youngs | 10. Jonny Wilkinson (k) |
03. Dan Cole | |
04. Pascal Pape (c) | 11. Henry Speight |
05. Kearnan Myall | 12. Billy Twelvetrees |
06. Sean O'Brien | 13. Tamati Ellison |
07. Jacques Burger | 14. Vincent Clerc |
08. Ryan Jones | 15. Mike Brown |
Tactics:
We will play to our strengths and play a game built around our intelligent HB's controlling the game and the power and strength of our side.
- Attack at all scrums with our huge pack - Cole and Jenkins to look to really get into the opposition.
- Attack at all lineouts. Use Pape or Jones at the front and Myall off the top as our three key options.
Shortened lineouts with Burger in midfield as crash or decoy option.
- Put serious pressure on Webber's throws with Jones at the front on all Chiefs' throws.
- Gigantic pack made up of massive line-breakers, used in the tight to tire down the Chiefs defence. The likes of SOB, Youngs, Burger, Pape and Jones to be used to target the Chiefs 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 SOB, and the likes of Cole too, we feel our breakdown play could be crucial today.
- In attacking play, we will play with the option of 2 first receivers in Wilko and Twelvetrees. We want to control the game, mixing up the point of our attack and looking for where the gaps are.
- Target Myler all game with Burger and SOB breathing down his neck at every opportunity. Big runners through his channel - looking to win the Wilko vs Myler contest.
- 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 penalties.
Last edited by LukeLovesLuka on Thu 26 Sep 2013, 4:17 pm; edited 1 time in total
LukeLovesLuka- Posts : 5865
Join date : 2011-04-19
Age : 40
Location : London
Re: AP Round 4
Hurry up Matthew.....
Driver- Posts : 11038
Join date : 2011-04-20
Age : 32
Location : Hartlepool
Re: AP Round 4
On phone and just back from work.
Will reformat tomorrow
1 Tufungisi
2 George
3 Mas
4 gray
5 Robson
6 croft
7 Qera
8 heaslip
9 Murray
10 Carter
11 May
12 Barnes
13 Banahan
14 Rhule
15 Masi
16 Tom heard
17 Joe Gray
18 Rupert Harden
19 Tom Palmer
20 Immanol harinordoquoy
21 Tj Pernara
22 Matt Scott
23 Iain Balshaw
Glos tactics
- play at pace in great conditions we have a much more mobile team packed with carriers and will look to use this.
- lack of scrums in these conditions but we will look to get ball in and out to keep pace of game up.
- will look to play the off loading game and keep ball alive whenever possible. We will look to get on top first
- early doors look to kick in behind them and create pressure as we have a dominant line out against Newcastle who lack jumpers and a have best who cannot
Hit his man at the best of times.
- look to utilise our class at 8,9,10,12 to dictate pace of game
- as game breaks up we will
Really open up and try and play at a
Pace Newcastle can't handle
- put pressure on 10/12 axis which is not known for its creativity. Use this to stop their play at source
- perenara to come on to up pace further.
- carter to dominate the tactical kicking and kick any goals
Will reformat tomorrow
1 Tufungisi
2 George
3 Mas
4 gray
5 Robson
6 croft
7 Qera
8 heaslip
9 Murray
10 Carter
11 May
12 Barnes
13 Banahan
14 Rhule
15 Masi
16 Tom heard
17 Joe Gray
18 Rupert Harden
19 Tom Palmer
20 Immanol harinordoquoy
21 Tj Pernara
22 Matt Scott
23 Iain Balshaw
Glos tactics
- play at pace in great conditions we have a much more mobile team packed with carriers and will look to use this.
- lack of scrums in these conditions but we will look to get ball in and out to keep pace of game up.
- will look to play the off loading game and keep ball alive whenever possible. We will look to get on top first
- early doors look to kick in behind them and create pressure as we have a dominant line out against Newcastle who lack jumpers and a have best who cannot
Hit his man at the best of times.
- look to utilise our class at 8,9,10,12 to dictate pace of game
- as game breaks up we will
Really open up and try and play at a
Pace Newcastle can't handle
- put pressure on 10/12 axis which is not known for its creativity. Use this to stop their play at source
- perenara to come on to up pace further.
- carter to dominate the tactical kicking and kick any goals
Last edited by anonmattyt on Thu 26 Sep 2013, 10:38 pm; edited 2 times in total
Guest- Guest
Re: AP Round 4
Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE
16. Dave Kilcoyne 17. Tommy Taylor 18. Phil Swainston 19. Tom Savage 20. Alex Tulou 21. Ben Spencer 22. James Hook 23. Will Addison
Tactics:
We will play a fast paced, high intensity offloading game looking to create space for our halfbacks and to get our back three onto the ball as much possible.
- Target the scrum. Good technical front row supported by plenty of grunt will look to get on top and win penalties.
- Target Henry Thomas at scrum time who has struggled in recent times. Look to isolate him and draw penalties as Hartley hooks for the ball.
- Attack from the lineout. Five genuine jumping options allows us to mix it up and really use the lineout as an attacking platform. Look to get the ball to Sexton and Eastmond with space outside.
- Target Saints lineout with no real leader. Quedragao to jump at the front and put pressure on Hartley.
- Mix up play. Sexton & Eastmond to interchange at first receiver and change the point of attack. Care provides a threat around the base.
- Hit the breakdown. Look to our dynamic front five to clear the ruck and allow the likes of Nyanga & Quedragao really attack the breakdown.
- Outwork Saints at the breakdown. Lawes, Strander, Clark & Vuinipola not known for their work rate here so we can slow ball down.
- Blitz defence focusing on a quick line speed to isolate the ball carrier before the gain line. Quedragao to defend beside Eastmond to double up and also be first on the scene at the breakdown. Care to sweep in behind to cover chips and grubbers.
- Disrupt Priestlands game and ruin Saints rhythem. Henderson & Attwood to look for the big hit on defence while Pickles, Henderson, Pisi & co to run down his channel on attack.
Manager – SJE
01. Vasil Kakovin | 09. Danny Care |
02. David Paice | 10. Johnny Sexton |
03. Davit Zirakishvilli | |
04. Dave Attwood | 11. Simon Zebo |
05. Iain Henderson | 12. Kyle Eastmond |
06. Yannick Nyanga | 13. George Pisi |
07. Fulgence Quedragao | 14. Craig Gilroy |
08. Louis Picamoles | 15. Nick Abendanon |
Tactics:
We will play a fast paced, high intensity offloading game looking to create space for our halfbacks and to get our back three onto the ball as much possible.
- Target the scrum. Good technical front row supported by plenty of grunt will look to get on top and win penalties.
- Target Henry Thomas at scrum time who has struggled in recent times. Look to isolate him and draw penalties as Hartley hooks for the ball.
- Attack from the lineout. Five genuine jumping options allows us to mix it up and really use the lineout as an attacking platform. Look to get the ball to Sexton and Eastmond with space outside.
- Target Saints lineout with no real leader. Quedragao to jump at the front and put pressure on Hartley.
- Mix up play. Sexton & Eastmond to interchange at first receiver and change the point of attack. Care provides a threat around the base.
- Hit the breakdown. Look to our dynamic front five to clear the ruck and allow the likes of Nyanga & Quedragao really attack the breakdown.
- Outwork Saints at the breakdown. Lawes, Strander, Clark & Vuinipola not known for their work rate here so we can slow ball down.
- Blitz defence focusing on a quick line speed to isolate the ball carrier before the gain line. Quedragao to defend beside Eastmond to double up and also be first on the scene at the breakdown. Care to sweep in behind to cover chips and grubbers.
- Disrupt Priestlands game and ruin Saints rhythem. Henderson & Attwood to look for the big hit on defence while Pickles, Henderson, Pisi & co to run down his channel on attack.
Last edited by SirJohnnyEnglish on Thu 26 Sep 2013, 10:12 pm; edited 2 times in total
SirJohnnyEnglish- Posts : 8536
Join date : 2011-05-10
Age : 36
Location : Limerick
Re: AP Round 4
London Irish
Manager - Prop
16. T.Lindsay 17. T.Court 18. A.Guillamon 19. T.Dusatoir 20. E.Jackson 21. J.Moates 22. S.Geraghty 23. G.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.
8-9-10-12-13
We want quick ball for our half-backs to tactically put us into territory (off the pitch). Our 8-9-10-12-13 will look to be influential and all have played together in this game alot so know each other well. These 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.
Attacking
Set Piece
Defending
Manager - Prop
01. Jerome Schuster | 09. Rory Kockott |
02. Hika Elliott | 10. Lionel Beauxis |
03. Matt Stevens | |
04. Nick Kennedy | 11. Sergeal Petersen |
05. Craig Clarke | 12. Sereli Naqalevuki |
06. Mamuka Gorgodze | 13. Henry Trinder |
07. Will Fraser | 14. Taku Nqwenya |
08. Ben Morgan | 15. Robbie Henshaw |
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.
8-9-10-12-13
We want quick ball for our half-backs to tactically put us into territory (off the pitch). Our 8-9-10-12-13 will look to be influential and all have played together in this game alot so know each other well. These 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.
Attacking
- We want to force errors from and will target the 12 channel by sending big runners down his channel.
- Kockott and Beauxis to play what's in front of them and look to release Naqa (who smash the holes) or snipe as much as possible. If it isn't on then Evans will stick it in the corners and, with Kenneday, Godzilla and Clarke we have the number jumpers to gain the ball back, we know they 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 Petersen and Ngwenya.
- 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.
- Power to close out the win in Lindsay and Guillamon, Dus 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 Stevens 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 slowing down the ball led by Naqa so he has no time to kick or give quick ball to the centres (we will have a backrower on Beauxis' shoulder to look for quick turnover ball, we will protect the channels to stop 9 sniping.
- Kockott 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.
SirJohnnyEnglish- Posts : 8536
Join date : 2011-05-10
Age : 36
Location : Limerick
Re: AP Round 4
Sorry for getting team up late got caught last minute for a club meeting last night
SirJohnnyEnglish- Posts : 8536
Join date : 2011-05-10
Age : 36
Location : Limerick
Re: AP Round 4
Newcastle Falcons tactics for the game against Gloucester.
Newcastle welcome Gloucester to Kingston Park with a desire to take 4 points and progress up the table. Confidence is high at KP following a win against Bath and LBPs away at two of the hardest places to come away with anything in this league giving us plenty of faith in our ability.
Falcons will play a power based game plan which is set around plenty of powerful ball carriers taking the ball at pace and making as much yardage as we can whilst retaining possesion.
Tonga'uhia , Best ,Slater , Maestri , Brown , McCaw and Falatau are all impressive carriers in the pack and will look to take Gloucester on in the tight knowing Gloucester will be a bit light in the forwards department with wannabe winger Tom Croft hanging out.
In the backs we will look to get our power runners such as Gopperth , Ranger , Cuthbert and Ashton running at some of Gloucester's more suspect defenders such as Jonny May and Berrick Barnes.*
Goppereth will look to target the inexperince in the Glaws back 3 with high ball and kicks behind the wing with a strong kick chasers in Cuthbert and Ashton.
Lineout we will look to play it smart sticking to basics as we know Gloucesters main strength is Robson and Croft here. A lot has been made of Best's throw but so far this season Ulster havn't lost a lineout? Slater , Maestri and Falatau give us 3 very good jumpers with McCaw also able to jump at the deep if needed.
The scrum is all about the 2nd surge now and Slater and Maestri are absolute powerhouses in the scrum whilst Robson at 5 for Glaws can be found wanting here.
DEFENSE
Plenty of big hitters in the team who will look to stop any Gloucester momentum in the tackle and drive them back.
McCaw to target the breakdown and work in tandem with Kelly Brown to secure turnover ball for us,
Youngs to sweep and corner flag behind a aggressive line which will focus on cutting down any time Gloucester have on the ball.
Gopperth will kick any points in range aswell as going for the drop goals to tick us over.
Newcastle welcome Gloucester to Kingston Park with a desire to take 4 points and progress up the table. Confidence is high at KP following a win against Bath and LBPs away at two of the hardest places to come away with anything in this league giving us plenty of faith in our ability.
Falcons will play a power based game plan which is set around plenty of powerful ball carriers taking the ball at pace and making as much yardage as we can whilst retaining possesion.
Tonga'uhia , Best ,Slater , Maestri , Brown , McCaw and Falatau are all impressive carriers in the pack and will look to take Gloucester on in the tight knowing Gloucester will be a bit light in the forwards department with wannabe winger Tom Croft hanging out.
In the backs we will look to get our power runners such as Gopperth , Ranger , Cuthbert and Ashton running at some of Gloucester's more suspect defenders such as Jonny May and Berrick Barnes.*
Goppereth will look to target the inexperince in the Glaws back 3 with high ball and kicks behind the wing with a strong kick chasers in Cuthbert and Ashton.
Lineout we will look to play it smart sticking to basics as we know Gloucesters main strength is Robson and Croft here. A lot has been made of Best's throw but so far this season Ulster havn't lost a lineout? Slater , Maestri and Falatau give us 3 very good jumpers with McCaw also able to jump at the deep if needed.
The scrum is all about the 2nd surge now and Slater and Maestri are absolute powerhouses in the scrum whilst Robson at 5 for Glaws can be found wanting here.
DEFENSE
Plenty of big hitters in the team who will look to stop any Gloucester momentum in the tackle and drive them back.
McCaw to target the breakdown and work in tandem with Kelly Brown to secure turnover ball for us,
Youngs to sweep and corner flag behind a aggressive line which will focus on cutting down any time Gloucester have on the ball.
Gopperth will kick any points in range aswell as going for the drop goals to tick us over.
Driver- Posts : 11038
Join date : 2011-04-20
Age : 32
Location : Hartlepool
Re: AP Round 4
Northampton 17-24 Sale
FR: Big advantage to Sale with Thomas getting destroyed of late and not helped by the lightweight engine room, can see Sale getting a lot of joy through this target
SR: A tough lightweight for Saints, better pairing from Sale and can see them shading the line out too with a better leader and options.
BR: Class above in each position for Sale, see Billy really struggling under a retreating scrum
HB: Class above again for Sale, Priestland with little form would crumble behind beaten pack
CE: More class for Saints but not liking Fofana at 13, physical option for Sale would have caused issues
B3:Edge on wings for Saints, not much in FB's with Foden struggling for form
Overall:Edge in most areas for Sale. Saints set up wrong in tactics as they'll get hammered in the set piece, good win for Sale who take a top win from the inform Saints.
FR: Big advantage to Sale with Thomas getting destroyed of late and not helped by the lightweight engine room, can see Sale getting a lot of joy through this target
SR: A tough lightweight for Saints, better pairing from Sale and can see them shading the line out too with a better leader and options.
BR: Class above in each position for Sale, see Billy really struggling under a retreating scrum
HB: Class above again for Sale, Priestland with little form would crumble behind beaten pack
CE: More class for Saints but not liking Fofana at 13, physical option for Sale would have caused issues
B3:Edge on wings for Saints, not much in FB's with Foden struggling for form
Overall:Edge in most areas for Sale. Saints set up wrong in tactics as they'll get hammered in the set piece, good win for Sale who take a top win from the inform Saints.
Sgt_Pooly- Posts : 36294
Join date : 2011-04-27
Re: AP Round 4
Predictions Open
SirJohnnyEnglish- Posts : 8536
Join date : 2011-05-10
Age : 36
Location : Limerick
Re: AP Round 4
Bath 22-19 Irish
FR - Edge to Bath, can see them getting the nudge on in each position and backed by two strong scrummaging locks
SR - Little bit more again for Bath around the park, not much in lineout
BR - Stronger unit for Irish in each position, good centest with Irish shading the breakdown and fringes
HB - Not a whole lot in the 9's but see Hodgson bringing more to the game than Beauxis who I'm not a fan
CE - Bath again shade the midfield battle. Good balance for both though
B3 - Jane has little form, hard to rate. Irish not strong enough to take advanatge fully though.
Overall - Bath front 5 give good backline a strong platform to work off, just not enough for Irish.
FR - Edge to Bath, can see them getting the nudge on in each position and backed by two strong scrummaging locks
SR - Little bit more again for Bath around the park, not much in lineout
BR - Stronger unit for Irish in each position, good centest with Irish shading the breakdown and fringes
HB - Not a whole lot in the 9's but see Hodgson bringing more to the game than Beauxis who I'm not a fan
CE - Bath again shade the midfield battle. Good balance for both though
B3 - Jane has little form, hard to rate. Irish not strong enough to take advanatge fully though.
Overall - Bath front 5 give good backline a strong platform to work off, just not enough for Irish.
Sgt_Pooly- Posts : 36294
Join date : 2011-04-27
Re: AP Round 4
Wasps 18-18 Worcester
FR - Wasps to get the edge on with a good propping pair and lock combo to back up
SR - Wasps again edge but will struggle in line out with Tolofua a big weakness with his throwing
BR - Not much between the flanks, Rennie lack a bit of form maybe. TJ at 8 doesn't work and will hinder Wasps off a strong scrum.
HB - Yach will be key behind a struggling scrum for Worcester. Not sure of Wasps ever changing 8-9 combo with no real 8. Farrell shading FTD on form.
CE - Stronger pairing here for Worcester, good contest
B3 - Not much in two capable back 3's
Overall - Wasps have the scrum platform but I can't see them taking full advantage of it (bar the odd Farrell pen) with TJ at 8 as it's a key decision making position. Irish get on top of the line out and have enough in the backline and backrow to get a battling draw.
FR - Wasps to get the edge on with a good propping pair and lock combo to back up
SR - Wasps again edge but will struggle in line out with Tolofua a big weakness with his throwing
BR - Not much between the flanks, Rennie lack a bit of form maybe. TJ at 8 doesn't work and will hinder Wasps off a strong scrum.
HB - Yach will be key behind a struggling scrum for Worcester. Not sure of Wasps ever changing 8-9 combo with no real 8. Farrell shading FTD on form.
CE - Stronger pairing here for Worcester, good contest
B3 - Not much in two capable back 3's
Overall - Wasps have the scrum platform but I can't see them taking full advantage of it (bar the odd Farrell pen) with TJ at 8 as it's a key decision making position. Irish get on top of the line out and have enough in the backline and backrow to get a battling draw.
Sgt_Pooly- Posts : 36294
Join date : 2011-04-27
Re: AP Round 4
Bath Rugby 19-18 London Irish
Scrum: Edge to Bath with more power in the front 5. Both sides could struggle against better technicians.
Lineout: Good battle both sides should hold their own.
Breakdown: Irish back row can get the better of the battle here with more quality.
HB's: Edge to Bath. Hodgson with a better all round game can get more out of his side.
Attack: Bit more brain about the Bath backs but Irish with a bit more power through the side.
Defence: Irish back three could be taken to pieces in a wet game. Trinder can be caught out.
Bench: Irish can edge out the forwards battle late on.
Tactics: Bath looking to play it expansive while Irish trying to tighten things up. See a messy game with the Irish back row really making a go of it but Hodgson and the Bath backs have enough about them to sneak the win.
London Wasps 17-14 Worcester Warriors
Scrum: Edge to Wasps.Tolofua struggles but Worc more about the hit. Not sure on BJ at LH and Wasps 2nd row gives more power.
Lineout: Worc with the jumpers to pick some of Tolofua’s throws off.
Breakdown: Bit more about the Wasps back row and see them slowing it up for Worc.
HB's: Edge to Worc. Both sides have game control but Wasps lacking in the play making department.
Attack: Plenty of power to both sides but a bit more guile to Worc with FTD & Mermoz.
Defence: Questions over Taute positionally while Walker struggles big time defensively.
Bench: Nothing between the benches overall.
Tactics: Both sides playing to their strengths. See a low scoring affair with Wasps struggling to break the defence down at times but Worc not getting any real platform which stops them from taking this game.
Harlequins 25-24 Saracens
Scrum: Can’t see an edge either way.
Lineout: Quins with more jumping options can cause problems and get on top here.
Breakdown: Good battle here and both sides should see good ball.
HB's: Laidlaw better at 9 but not a lot between the combos to be honest.
Attack: Both sides lacking that real playmaker. Very similar set ups for both.
Defence: Taylor & Crotty still settling in to the Sarries system sees a slight weakness.
Bench: Sarries can get more of the scrum but Quins backs can change it up more.
Tactics: Quins looking to hold on to the ball a bit more then Sarries but both sides set up well. Tough game to call and home advantage swings this one.
Exeter Chiefs 17-16 Leicester Tigers
Scrum: Slight edge to Tigers but it’s not really a game changer.
Lineout: Both sides should hold their own ball but Chiefs more dangerous of attacking ball.
Breakdown: Decent battle here and neither side will slow it up for the opposition.
HB's: 1 a piece and both combos a very similar style.
Attack: Bit more of a carrying threat from the Tigers back row but both sides have good options.
Defence: Both sides strong overall.
Bench: More of a carrying threat of the Tigers bench and they can up the tempo.
Tactics: Is there any point to your last point Flux or were you out for Arthurs day yesterday? Both sides with a similar set up but neither get the pack advantage to win out. Tigers would have done better to target Machenaud who seems to have been given free reign somewhat. Home advantage swings this.
Newcastle Falcons 20-23 Gloucester Rugby
Scrum: Edge to Falcons nothing between the front rows but Glaws 2nd row won’t help much.
Lineout: More and better jumpers for Glaws and Best will struggle in this one. Ulsters lineout stats would help if Best had played a game.
Breakdown: Wouldn’t say there’s much edge either way with McCaw not getting full rating atm.
HB's: Similar story in the halfbacks with Carter who hasn’t been his imperious self this year.
Attack: Not much between either side’s options.
Defence: Both 13s can be got at positionally.
Bench: Nothing between the bench options overall both sides can change it up a bit.
Tactics: Both sides with good set ups but Glaws playing it right with the kicking game in behind looking to get at the lineout and win the tactical battle which is key for me. Falcons would have done well to leave the back three deep this week on defence.
Scrum: Edge to Bath with more power in the front 5. Both sides could struggle against better technicians.
Lineout: Good battle both sides should hold their own.
Breakdown: Irish back row can get the better of the battle here with more quality.
HB's: Edge to Bath. Hodgson with a better all round game can get more out of his side.
Attack: Bit more brain about the Bath backs but Irish with a bit more power through the side.
Defence: Irish back three could be taken to pieces in a wet game. Trinder can be caught out.
Bench: Irish can edge out the forwards battle late on.
Tactics: Bath looking to play it expansive while Irish trying to tighten things up. See a messy game with the Irish back row really making a go of it but Hodgson and the Bath backs have enough about them to sneak the win.
London Wasps 17-14 Worcester Warriors
Scrum: Edge to Wasps.Tolofua struggles but Worc more about the hit. Not sure on BJ at LH and Wasps 2nd row gives more power.
Lineout: Worc with the jumpers to pick some of Tolofua’s throws off.
Breakdown: Bit more about the Wasps back row and see them slowing it up for Worc.
HB's: Edge to Worc. Both sides have game control but Wasps lacking in the play making department.
Attack: Plenty of power to both sides but a bit more guile to Worc with FTD & Mermoz.
Defence: Questions over Taute positionally while Walker struggles big time defensively.
Bench: Nothing between the benches overall.
Tactics: Both sides playing to their strengths. See a low scoring affair with Wasps struggling to break the defence down at times but Worc not getting any real platform which stops them from taking this game.
Harlequins 25-24 Saracens
Scrum: Can’t see an edge either way.
Lineout: Quins with more jumping options can cause problems and get on top here.
Breakdown: Good battle here and both sides should see good ball.
HB's: Laidlaw better at 9 but not a lot between the combos to be honest.
Attack: Both sides lacking that real playmaker. Very similar set ups for both.
Defence: Taylor & Crotty still settling in to the Sarries system sees a slight weakness.
Bench: Sarries can get more of the scrum but Quins backs can change it up more.
Tactics: Quins looking to hold on to the ball a bit more then Sarries but both sides set up well. Tough game to call and home advantage swings this one.
Exeter Chiefs 17-16 Leicester Tigers
Scrum: Slight edge to Tigers but it’s not really a game changer.
Lineout: Both sides should hold their own ball but Chiefs more dangerous of attacking ball.
Breakdown: Decent battle here and neither side will slow it up for the opposition.
HB's: 1 a piece and both combos a very similar style.
Attack: Bit more of a carrying threat from the Tigers back row but both sides have good options.
Defence: Both sides strong overall.
Bench: More of a carrying threat of the Tigers bench and they can up the tempo.
Tactics: Is there any point to your last point Flux or were you out for Arthurs day yesterday? Both sides with a similar set up but neither get the pack advantage to win out. Tigers would have done better to target Machenaud who seems to have been given free reign somewhat. Home advantage swings this.
Newcastle Falcons 20-23 Gloucester Rugby
Scrum: Edge to Falcons nothing between the front rows but Glaws 2nd row won’t help much.
Lineout: More and better jumpers for Glaws and Best will struggle in this one. Ulsters lineout stats would help if Best had played a game.
Breakdown: Wouldn’t say there’s much edge either way with McCaw not getting full rating atm.
HB's: Similar story in the halfbacks with Carter who hasn’t been his imperious self this year.
Attack: Not much between either side’s options.
Defence: Both 13s can be got at positionally.
Bench: Nothing between the bench options overall both sides can change it up a bit.
Tactics: Both sides with good set ups but Glaws playing it right with the kicking game in behind looking to get at the lineout and win the tactical battle which is key for me. Falcons would have done well to leave the back three deep this week on defence.
SirJohnnyEnglish- Posts : 8536
Join date : 2011-05-10
Age : 36
Location : Limerick
Re: AP Round 4
Just wanted to mix it up SJE!
Fluxy- Aviva Premiership Commissioner
- Posts : 12117
Join date : 2011-01-28
Age : 33
Location : Isle of Wight
Re: AP Round 4
Exeter 23-22 Leicester
FR - Just see Tigers getting the edge, Mulipola hasn't quite took to the law changes and will struggle a little against Cole although Thorn will lock down well behind Ross and allow him to work over Jenkins a little
SR - A little bit more for each position for Exeter, good combo they'll get edge on
BR - Again a little edge for Exter, especially on the flanks.
HB - Not a fan of Peel, see Mach shading it here, Wilko class above Myler though for Tigers
CE - Pretty equal from two decent combination
B3 - Little bit more threat from the Exeter unit
Overall - Close game, Exeter are set out really well and despite a v strong Tigers bench I see them sneaking it
FR - Just see Tigers getting the edge, Mulipola hasn't quite took to the law changes and will struggle a little against Cole although Thorn will lock down well behind Ross and allow him to work over Jenkins a little
SR - A little bit more for each position for Exeter, good combo they'll get edge on
BR - Again a little edge for Exter, especially on the flanks.
HB - Not a fan of Peel, see Mach shading it here, Wilko class above Myler though for Tigers
CE - Pretty equal from two decent combination
B3 - Little bit more threat from the Exeter unit
Overall - Close game, Exeter are set out really well and despite a v strong Tigers bench I see them sneaking it
Sgt_Pooly- Posts : 36294
Join date : 2011-04-27
Re: AP Round 4
Newcastle 27-21 Gloucester
FR - Falcons will domiante the scrum with Tufu not up to this level and Gloucester locks who won't add much grunt compared to the Falcons combo
SR - Little lightweight for Gloucester, Robson not in good form. Newcastle steady on own throw but Gloucester will get at their throw with some top options and Best not throwing so well.
BR - Big step up here for Falcons, superior in each position and will be a force around the breakdown
HB - Falcons stronger at 9 but Gloucester still shade 10 despite Carter struggling for form. Gopperth has looked good but not at Carters class.
CE -Falcons combo stronger with nice balance, Barnes poor form and Banahan a poor player stands out a little in good Gloucester side.
B3 - Again a step up for Falcons, only May comes close but Falcons superior in each position.
Overall - Falcons stronger in most area bar line out and 10, routine win for a strong Falcons side.
FR - Falcons will domiante the scrum with Tufu not up to this level and Gloucester locks who won't add much grunt compared to the Falcons combo
SR - Little lightweight for Gloucester, Robson not in good form. Newcastle steady on own throw but Gloucester will get at their throw with some top options and Best not throwing so well.
BR - Big step up here for Falcons, superior in each position and will be a force around the breakdown
HB - Falcons stronger at 9 but Gloucester still shade 10 despite Carter struggling for form. Gopperth has looked good but not at Carters class.
CE -Falcons combo stronger with nice balance, Barnes poor form and Banahan a poor player stands out a little in good Gloucester side.
B3 - Again a step up for Falcons, only May comes close but Falcons superior in each position.
Overall - Falcons stronger in most area bar line out and 10, routine win for a strong Falcons side.
Sgt_Pooly- Posts : 36294
Join date : 2011-04-27
Re: AP Round 4
Saints v Sale
FR- Sale take this with a solid and powerful unit. saints perhaps more round the park though.
SR- One a piece here. better lineout for sale.
BR- Much prefer the balance of Sales backrow. dont like Clark at 7 really and not a massive Stander fan. BV on form though and his power will help.
HB- Big fan of Sales combo and they comfortably take it.
CE- Just prefer the Sale combo. KE on good form and Pisi is a good 13. Fofana is class but better at 12. Giteau still a class act.
B3- Massive to Saints for me here. Love their back 3. Brings them right back in to the game.
Overall - Sale's pack will keep grinding them out points with Saints backs doing good work. Not enough to match Sextons boot though.
27-30
Bath v London Irish
FR- Bath take the front row. strong unit.
SR- Close here. both have solid combo.
BR- big edge here to irish backrow which is an excellent combo and unit.
HB- one a piece here. kockott a good player.not so keen on beauxis.
CE- edge here to bath. JD the standout.
B3- bath have the bigger threats here for me.
Overall - baths better front five and backline will seal them a home win. irishs backrow keeps it close.
26-23
Quins v Sarries
FR- front row to quins with a better unit.
SR- close call here. both good units. borthwick lineout and leadership perhaps shades it to quins. massive powerful duo for sarries though.
BR- good battle here. good combo from sarries has a bit of everything.
HB- 1 a piece here. taylor playing well.
CE- again 1 a piece. tomkins on quite good form and roberts always a threat.
B3- bit more to quins but sarries have some threat too.
Overall - at home just too strong for an improved sarries side.
28-24
Chiefs v Tigers
FR- slight edge to tigers with Cole getting at Mulipola.
SR- Prefer the Chiefs combo here. Myall good at lineout but Parling offers more in general.
BR- Close here. Both good units. Not sure on Taulava at this level.
HB- step up for tigers here with wilko the standout.
CE- close but like the chiefs unit has power and experience.
B3- bit more for tigers but pretty close chiefs have some pace.
Overall - Close till late but tigers have more on bench and wilkos boot to take it.
20-22
Falcons v Glos
FR- Even stevens here. more on falcons bench.
SR- Pretty close again. cant split.
BR- prefer falcons unit. bit more class.
HB- one a piece but carter a different league to youngs.
CE- one a piece again here. barritt good defensivly allows ranger to roam free a bit.
B3- think falcons have a better balance back three.
Overall - home advantage and slight edge in the pack gets them the win. not convinced by gopperth at 10, pooly and driver constantly slated him!
25-23
FR- Sale take this with a solid and powerful unit. saints perhaps more round the park though.
SR- One a piece here. better lineout for sale.
BR- Much prefer the balance of Sales backrow. dont like Clark at 7 really and not a massive Stander fan. BV on form though and his power will help.
HB- Big fan of Sales combo and they comfortably take it.
CE- Just prefer the Sale combo. KE on good form and Pisi is a good 13. Fofana is class but better at 12. Giteau still a class act.
B3- Massive to Saints for me here. Love their back 3. Brings them right back in to the game.
Overall - Sale's pack will keep grinding them out points with Saints backs doing good work. Not enough to match Sextons boot though.
27-30
Bath v London Irish
FR- Bath take the front row. strong unit.
SR- Close here. both have solid combo.
BR- big edge here to irish backrow which is an excellent combo and unit.
HB- one a piece here. kockott a good player.not so keen on beauxis.
CE- edge here to bath. JD the standout.
B3- bath have the bigger threats here for me.
Overall - baths better front five and backline will seal them a home win. irishs backrow keeps it close.
26-23
Quins v Sarries
FR- front row to quins with a better unit.
SR- close call here. both good units. borthwick lineout and leadership perhaps shades it to quins. massive powerful duo for sarries though.
BR- good battle here. good combo from sarries has a bit of everything.
HB- 1 a piece here. taylor playing well.
CE- again 1 a piece. tomkins on quite good form and roberts always a threat.
B3- bit more to quins but sarries have some threat too.
Overall - at home just too strong for an improved sarries side.
28-24
Chiefs v Tigers
FR- slight edge to tigers with Cole getting at Mulipola.
SR- Prefer the Chiefs combo here. Myall good at lineout but Parling offers more in general.
BR- Close here. Both good units. Not sure on Taulava at this level.
HB- step up for tigers here with wilko the standout.
CE- close but like the chiefs unit has power and experience.
B3- bit more for tigers but pretty close chiefs have some pace.
Overall - Close till late but tigers have more on bench and wilkos boot to take it.
20-22
Falcons v Glos
FR- Even stevens here. more on falcons bench.
SR- Pretty close again. cant split.
BR- prefer falcons unit. bit more class.
HB- one a piece but carter a different league to youngs.
CE- one a piece again here. barritt good defensivly allows ranger to roam free a bit.
B3- think falcons have a better balance back three.
Overall - home advantage and slight edge in the pack gets them the win. not convinced by gopperth at 10, pooly and driver constantly slated him!
25-23
stnick88- Posts : 5345
Join date : 2011-05-10
Re: AP Round 4
Saints 24 - 23 Sale
Bath 19 - 18 Irish
Wasps 22 - 21 Worcester
Exeter 21 - 22 Leicester
Newcastle 23 - 22 Gloucester
Bath 19 - 18 Irish
Wasps 22 - 21 Worcester
Exeter 21 - 22 Leicester
Newcastle 23 - 22 Gloucester
Steven_Sharks- Posts : 7528
Join date : 2011-04-19
Location : Chester/Manchester
Re: AP Round 4
Saints 23-23 sale
. I know its opinions but at same time can't see how saints get crucified in scrum like some.
First of all there will be few scrums but secondly kakovin has been out a while and is pretty unproven. Hartley better than Paice and Domingo best LH in world when fit and suits new laws. Saints take front row easily for me. I do realise Thomas is
Weak but so is Paice vs Hartley
That said sale backrow better and neither lock partnership works. Henderson not a 5. Think he will end up at 4 or 6. Good prospect but not at lawes or launch level. Atwood been great and second row one a piece
But saints better unit.
Sale backrow better athletic and more physical. Low
On subtlety but a handful and super quick flankers. Best backrow In AI period.
BV been ok for sarries in go forward pack but has knocked on so much and for me needs a heap of work.
Half backs one a piece but sexton so much better than priest land. Rest of backs easily to saints.
Think sale race ahead but saints bench level
It. Mako will thrive in a low scrum game.
Saints bench better. 2 great teams in AI's and 2 teams that will challenge this year.
Sale miss likes
Of retallick who make a difference. Saints will
Struggle 6n as always
. I know its opinions but at same time can't see how saints get crucified in scrum like some.
First of all there will be few scrums but secondly kakovin has been out a while and is pretty unproven. Hartley better than Paice and Domingo best LH in world when fit and suits new laws. Saints take front row easily for me. I do realise Thomas is
Weak but so is Paice vs Hartley
That said sale backrow better and neither lock partnership works. Henderson not a 5. Think he will end up at 4 or 6. Good prospect but not at lawes or launch level. Atwood been great and second row one a piece
But saints better unit.
Sale backrow better athletic and more physical. Low
On subtlety but a handful and super quick flankers. Best backrow In AI period.
BV been ok for sarries in go forward pack but has knocked on so much and for me needs a heap of work.
Half backs one a piece but sexton so much better than priest land. Rest of backs easily to saints.
Think sale race ahead but saints bench level
It. Mako will thrive in a low scrum game.
Saints bench better. 2 great teams in AI's and 2 teams that will challenge this year.
Sale miss likes
Of retallick who make a difference. Saints will
Struggle 6n as always
Guest- Guest
Re: AP Round 4
Northampton Saints 31 - 38 Sale Sharks
Sharks have their tactics set-up virtually perfectly in this contest. Targeting Henry is a good move as he is clearly suffering under the rule change currently. Despite this I have the scrum contest about even, as Kakovin isn't really the player to take advantage in current form. Some real grafters in the Sharks pack which helps edge Saints, as apart from Launchberry, Clarke and Domingo the other lads can go missing at points in the game which means their defence falters every so often. Line-out wise both will secure their own ball, but Sharks well defend better and nick the odd one. Lawes is improving as a leader, but could've done with Bonnaire's support.
With both looking to power through the breakdown, it can make it a bit messy at times with numbers and lads in the ruck and obstructing in some cases. Sharks have a slight edge with two flanks that can be handy on the floor to pinch the odd turnover. This will lead to Care and Sexton orchestrating some good break away tries. Saints can get some decent attacks going and targeting the centres is a decent tactic to open up the defence, but Eastmond and Pisi are decent enough tacklers. Both back-threes are full of tries, Sharks have more zip and electricity, but Saints have more guile and nous.
Saints have a better bench to change the game, but by that point I just think Sharks have taken advantage of their well thought-out tactics and pinpointing some of the Saints weaknesses.
Bath 27 - 25 London Irish
Decent contest up front which is even with the power from Bath negated by the technical ability of the Irish unit. Irish lack the power of the Bath locks, but are mobile around the park. I like the maul tactic by Irish, but my slight issue is that up against Bekker who is a very good player at the line-out and the maul will disrupt a few. Breakdown is an intriguing contest, which I just edge the way of Irish, as Fraser will set up a good foundation for Dus to reign more terror later on. Irish have a more established back row which will take advantage of the Bath guys as it is their first time as a unit. Morgan will be a real pain and will ruin Hodgsons' afternoon with any clever 8-9-10 moves.
Bath have form halfbacks in attack, and Wiggles can control the game for Bath. There is also more creativity to come from the Bath back-line and back three. Irish have power and pace but I don't think Beauxis is the right player to make the most of it.
Parra will come on to change the pace of the game, despite the Irish bench as there is more size and pace to come on from Irish. But Parra will lead a resurgent bath side to a significant home win.
London Wasps 23 - 18 Worcester Warriors
This is a real affair of attrition, and hard to depict a winner. Wasps edge the scrum but the line out will edge towards Warriors, but both are secure under their own ball. Breakdown is a good back and forth contest as Rennie can pitch a few more turnovers than Armitage, but he is well supported by players clearing out with power. I like Wasps trying to target Yach and T-D in their own ways, but it won't work every time as Yach is wily enough to out smart the Wasps back row. Both halfbacks can marshal their packs around well. But this contest can be stuck in between both 22's apart from the odd exceptional kick. Both back lines are good attackers and the back-three are both very good. However there is a little more in the Wasps wings to create something out of nothing, and that will be the telling difference at home.
Harlequins 22 - 16 Saracens
Real hard contest here for Sarries. They do well to disrupt the Quins ball all day but they will struggle to contain the Quins at home. Quins have the advantage at the breakdown with some real nous and power. Sarries have real effort but lack the quality. Out wide it is a much better story for Saracens as their new boys really up the quality for them. Laidlaw is decent at 10 but can't bring the best out of the Quins back line. The stronger Quins bench and home advantage will see them home safe.
Newcastle Falcons 24 - 27 Gloucester
Nothing to really seperate the boys up front, but there is more power to come from the Falcons locks which gives them a slight edge. The line-out is a good contest, but I think its edged towards Glos with Best slightly out of form and they contain a few better operators. Breakdown is even with McCaw slightly marked down. But there is more effective carrying from the Falcons pack in all. Murray and Carter is a class partnership. Youngs snipes and creates well and Gopperth can marshal his back line around well. There is more creativity in the Glos back line, whereas Gopperth isn't really the player to put Barritt and Ranger across the gain line.
Falcons back three can be got at in defence, especially the wings with kicks in behind and this will benefit Glos's line out game. And this will swing it in their favour.
Sharks have their tactics set-up virtually perfectly in this contest. Targeting Henry is a good move as he is clearly suffering under the rule change currently. Despite this I have the scrum contest about even, as Kakovin isn't really the player to take advantage in current form. Some real grafters in the Sharks pack which helps edge Saints, as apart from Launchberry, Clarke and Domingo the other lads can go missing at points in the game which means their defence falters every so often. Line-out wise both will secure their own ball, but Sharks well defend better and nick the odd one. Lawes is improving as a leader, but could've done with Bonnaire's support.
With both looking to power through the breakdown, it can make it a bit messy at times with numbers and lads in the ruck and obstructing in some cases. Sharks have a slight edge with two flanks that can be handy on the floor to pinch the odd turnover. This will lead to Care and Sexton orchestrating some good break away tries. Saints can get some decent attacks going and targeting the centres is a decent tactic to open up the defence, but Eastmond and Pisi are decent enough tacklers. Both back-threes are full of tries, Sharks have more zip and electricity, but Saints have more guile and nous.
Saints have a better bench to change the game, but by that point I just think Sharks have taken advantage of their well thought-out tactics and pinpointing some of the Saints weaknesses.
Bath 27 - 25 London Irish
Decent contest up front which is even with the power from Bath negated by the technical ability of the Irish unit. Irish lack the power of the Bath locks, but are mobile around the park. I like the maul tactic by Irish, but my slight issue is that up against Bekker who is a very good player at the line-out and the maul will disrupt a few. Breakdown is an intriguing contest, which I just edge the way of Irish, as Fraser will set up a good foundation for Dus to reign more terror later on. Irish have a more established back row which will take advantage of the Bath guys as it is their first time as a unit. Morgan will be a real pain and will ruin Hodgsons' afternoon with any clever 8-9-10 moves.
Bath have form halfbacks in attack, and Wiggles can control the game for Bath. There is also more creativity to come from the Bath back-line and back three. Irish have power and pace but I don't think Beauxis is the right player to make the most of it.
Parra will come on to change the pace of the game, despite the Irish bench as there is more size and pace to come on from Irish. But Parra will lead a resurgent bath side to a significant home win.
London Wasps 23 - 18 Worcester Warriors
This is a real affair of attrition, and hard to depict a winner. Wasps edge the scrum but the line out will edge towards Warriors, but both are secure under their own ball. Breakdown is a good back and forth contest as Rennie can pitch a few more turnovers than Armitage, but he is well supported by players clearing out with power. I like Wasps trying to target Yach and T-D in their own ways, but it won't work every time as Yach is wily enough to out smart the Wasps back row. Both halfbacks can marshal their packs around well. But this contest can be stuck in between both 22's apart from the odd exceptional kick. Both back lines are good attackers and the back-three are both very good. However there is a little more in the Wasps wings to create something out of nothing, and that will be the telling difference at home.
Harlequins 22 - 16 Saracens
Real hard contest here for Sarries. They do well to disrupt the Quins ball all day but they will struggle to contain the Quins at home. Quins have the advantage at the breakdown with some real nous and power. Sarries have real effort but lack the quality. Out wide it is a much better story for Saracens as their new boys really up the quality for them. Laidlaw is decent at 10 but can't bring the best out of the Quins back line. The stronger Quins bench and home advantage will see them home safe.
Newcastle Falcons 24 - 27 Gloucester
Nothing to really seperate the boys up front, but there is more power to come from the Falcons locks which gives them a slight edge. The line-out is a good contest, but I think its edged towards Glos with Best slightly out of form and they contain a few better operators. Breakdown is even with McCaw slightly marked down. But there is more effective carrying from the Falcons pack in all. Murray and Carter is a class partnership. Youngs snipes and creates well and Gopperth can marshal his back line around well. There is more creativity in the Glos back line, whereas Gopperth isn't really the player to put Barritt and Ranger across the gain line.
Falcons back three can be got at in defence, especially the wings with kicks in behind and this will benefit Glos's line out game. And this will swing it in their favour.
Fluxy- Aviva Premiership Commissioner
- Posts : 12117
Join date : 2011-01-28
Age : 33
Location : Isle of Wight
Re: AP Round 4
Bath 27 - 25 London Irish
Great game, conditions are really suited to Bath's backline and with Burrell on the bench they have a great impact player. Would say Bath are a little lightweight in the backrow, but Fraser's been out injured a little while, so I can't see Irish making the most of this. Strong pack from Irish but don't think 9/10 combo will bring most of the backline.
Wasps 29 - 25 Worcester
Completely different score if the conditions were wet, as would struggle to rate Pete's hooker in lineout, but perfect conditions for his big ball carrying and that will be huge. Lot of Wasps players in good form for their clubs, especially Farrell who has come back from Lions tour a different player. Like the imapct that Wasps bench has too. YArde the game changer in this one.
Harlequins 34 - 26 Sarries
Sorry but can see this being a very one sided contest and the conditions will let Quins run away with it. Firstly, Taylor had been called up to train with the AB's, so complete disruption for Falcons and can see Roberts getting a lot of joy. A lot of new additions to Sarries, which improves the team but need to gel and as the game goes on and benches come into play then Quins just get stronger and their backrow is one of the best in the league.
Chiefs 23 - 27 Tigers
TIgers have a great team during RC and this game is very close, with Myler on great form for SAints, but Wilko a different level and strong Tigers pack will give him a very good platform. Not sure about Chiefs' no8 at this level, but the game for me is won with the strength of the Tigers front 5 and the bench, exactly what you need for an away game.
Falcons 25 - 24 Gloucester
Really hard game to predict on as do have issues with McCaw playing at no7 for Falcons as again meant to be training with ABs, but would also look at Carter not being as effective as usual due to the RC games he played in. Great battle in the packs, Driver has quite a few Sarries players in v good form in real life, which is a big plus and an issue for me is that despite have Carter/Barnes in midfield they then have Banahan at 13, would say he's a great winger, but have seen in recent weeks that when Bath move him to 13 a lot of the good work in their backline comes undone. Home advantage and the long-trip up north just (and only just) swings it.
Great game, conditions are really suited to Bath's backline and with Burrell on the bench they have a great impact player. Would say Bath are a little lightweight in the backrow, but Fraser's been out injured a little while, so I can't see Irish making the most of this. Strong pack from Irish but don't think 9/10 combo will bring most of the backline.
Wasps 29 - 25 Worcester
Completely different score if the conditions were wet, as would struggle to rate Pete's hooker in lineout, but perfect conditions for his big ball carrying and that will be huge. Lot of Wasps players in good form for their clubs, especially Farrell who has come back from Lions tour a different player. Like the imapct that Wasps bench has too. YArde the game changer in this one.
Harlequins 34 - 26 Sarries
Sorry but can see this being a very one sided contest and the conditions will let Quins run away with it. Firstly, Taylor had been called up to train with the AB's, so complete disruption for Falcons and can see Roberts getting a lot of joy. A lot of new additions to Sarries, which improves the team but need to gel and as the game goes on and benches come into play then Quins just get stronger and their backrow is one of the best in the league.
Chiefs 23 - 27 Tigers
TIgers have a great team during RC and this game is very close, with Myler on great form for SAints, but Wilko a different level and strong Tigers pack will give him a very good platform. Not sure about Chiefs' no8 at this level, but the game for me is won with the strength of the Tigers front 5 and the bench, exactly what you need for an away game.
Falcons 25 - 24 Gloucester
Really hard game to predict on as do have issues with McCaw playing at no7 for Falcons as again meant to be training with ABs, but would also look at Carter not being as effective as usual due to the RC games he played in. Great battle in the packs, Driver has quite a few Sarries players in v good form in real life, which is a big plus and an issue for me is that despite have Carter/Barnes in midfield they then have Banahan at 13, would say he's a great winger, but have seen in recent weeks that when Bath move him to 13 a lot of the good work in their backline comes undone. Home advantage and the long-trip up north just (and only just) swings it.
dammit_chris- Posts : 8685
Join date : 2011-05-03
Re: AP Round 4
Just got back into uk early hours this morning and off to play rugby now so may be able to predict later tonight but sorry if I miss it!
prop_lyd- Posts : 10387
Join date : 2011-01-28
Age : 36
Location : Rogerstone, Wales
Re: AP Round 4
Chaps how does it work on here when you play someone in eligible. In my game mccaw is Ineligible as in AB squad yet in a couple of predos I get rated as losing backrow battle mccaw gets on top. Appreciate some people have picked up on mccaw but what is the definitive rule ?
Guest- Guest
Re: AP Round 4
McCaw is out injured, same as Carter for you Mat, so driver is perfectly at liberty to name him in his squad, and people are within their rights to mark down as he'd have had to travel halfway across the world to play.
Ozzy3213- Moderator
- Posts : 18500
Join date : 2011-01-29
Age : 48
Location : Sandhurst
Re: AP Round 4
Predictions open till 3 tomorrow Prop so get them in if you can but I have you marked as excused this week anyway with the holidays if you don't make it
As Pete says McCaw is in the same boat as Carter Matt so is allowed. Again people are well within their rights to mark both down as I have in my prediction.
As Pete says McCaw is in the same boat as Carter Matt so is allowed. Again people are well within their rights to mark both down as I have in my prediction.
SirJohnnyEnglish- Posts : 8536
Join date : 2011-05-10
Age : 36
Location : Limerick
Re: AP Round 4
Cheers Pete. Saw on -Keo.co.za he was in Nz squad so thought he was Ineligible. JDJ same as in squad but not played. JJ at 13 has been superbOzzy3213 wrote:McCaw is out injured, same as Carter for you Mat, so driver is perfectly at liberty to name him in his squad, and people are within their rights to mark down as he'd have had to travel halfway across the world to play.
Guest- Guest
Re: AP Round 4
Northampton Saints 23 Sale Sharks 23
Bath Rugby 22 London Irish 21
Harlequins 25 Saracens 24
Exeter Chiefs 23 Leicester Tigers 22
Newcastle Falcons 21 Gloucester 21
Sorry for lack of explanations, just no time at all this weekend.
Bath Rugby 22 London Irish 21
Harlequins 25 Saracens 24
Exeter Chiefs 23 Leicester Tigers 22
Newcastle Falcons 21 Gloucester 21
Sorry for lack of explanations, just no time at all this weekend.
Ozzy3213- Moderator
- Posts : 18500
Join date : 2011-01-29
Age : 48
Location : Sandhurst
Re: AP Round 4
Bath Rugby 24London Irish 22 better control in half backs see them win. Irish inject some impetus from bench
Harlequins 30 Saracens 22 Quins front 5 steam roller Saracens who have improved. Have scored this as Steenson playing as taylor not available. Would not have made a difference. At home with great ball this as routine as you get
Exeter Chiefs 21 Leicester Tigers 22 edge in front row and at 10 steals a close game
Wasps 27-25 wuss conditions suit Pete's team and they will have farrrl on front foot. Wasps bench close it out
Guest- Guest
Re: AP Round 4
Harlequins 30 Saracens 22 Quins front 5 steam roller Saracens who have improved. Have scored this as Steenson playing as taylor not available. Would not have made a difference. At home with great ball this as routine as you get
Taylor is available Matt???
Taylor is available Matt???
Sgt_Pooly- Posts : 36294
Join date : 2011-04-27
Re: AP Round 4
Is he ? He is in the nz training squad and travelled to Argentina.
As i stated it would not make any difference to result as he needs to bed in. He is a very good player and will improve you dramatically. Much better 10 than 12. Good defender also
As i stated it would not make any difference to result as he needs to bed in. He is a very good player and will improve you dramatically. Much better 10 than 12. Good defender also
Guest- Guest
Re: AP Round 4
Yea that's fair mate, if not named in 23 they're available on here.
Sgt_Pooly- Posts : 36294
Join date : 2011-04-27
Re: AP Round 4
Saints 25-24 Sale
Wasps 22-22 Warriors
Quins 28-27 Sarries
Exeter 23-24 Tigers
Newcastle 27-26 Gloucester
Wasps 22-22 Warriors
Quins 28-27 Sarries
Exeter 23-24 Tigers
Newcastle 27-26 Gloucester
CJB- Posts : 5762
Join date : 2011-04-24
Age : 30
Location : Croydon
Re: AP Round 4
RESULTS:
Northampton Saints 25 (T: Bowe, Strander P: Halfpenny 5)
Sale Sharks 28 (T: Zebo 2, Henderson C: Sexton 2 P: Sexton 3)
Bath Rugby 27 (T: Nalaga, Shields, Merrick C: Hodgson 3 P: Hodgson 2)
London Irish 21 (T: Clark, Henshaw C: Beaxuis, P: Beaxuis 3)
London Wasps 25 (T: Nanai-Williams, Yarde P: Farrell 5)
Worcester Warriors 20 (T: Mujati, Walker C: Yachvili 2 P: Yachvili 2)
Harlequins 31 (T: Tapuai, Marler, Botha, Easter C: Laidlaw 4 P: Laidlaw)
Saracens 23 (T: Smith, Varndell, Crotty C: Taylor P: Taylor 2)
Exeter Chiefs 23 (T: Taulava, Webber, Fearns C: Myler P: Myler 2)
Leicester Tigers 25 (T: Brown, O'Brien P: Wilkinson 5)
Newcastle Falcons 27 (T: Ranger 2, Slater C: Goppereth 3 P: Goppereth 3)
Gloucester Rugby 24 (T: George, Pernara P: Carter C: Carter 4)
Northampton Saints 25 (T: Bowe, Strander P: Halfpenny 5)
Sale Sharks 28 (T: Zebo 2, Henderson C: Sexton 2 P: Sexton 3)
Bath Rugby 27 (T: Nalaga, Shields, Merrick C: Hodgson 3 P: Hodgson 2)
London Irish 21 (T: Clark, Henshaw C: Beaxuis, P: Beaxuis 3)
London Wasps 25 (T: Nanai-Williams, Yarde P: Farrell 5)
Worcester Warriors 20 (T: Mujati, Walker C: Yachvili 2 P: Yachvili 2)
Harlequins 31 (T: Tapuai, Marler, Botha, Easter C: Laidlaw 4 P: Laidlaw)
Saracens 23 (T: Smith, Varndell, Crotty C: Taylor P: Taylor 2)
Exeter Chiefs 23 (T: Taulava, Webber, Fearns C: Myler P: Myler 2)
Leicester Tigers 25 (T: Brown, O'Brien P: Wilkinson 5)
Newcastle Falcons 27 (T: Ranger 2, Slater C: Goppereth 3 P: Goppereth 3)
Gloucester Rugby 24 (T: George, Pernara P: Carter C: Carter 4)
SirJohnnyEnglish- Posts : 8536
Join date : 2011-05-10
Age : 36
Location : Limerick
Re: AP Round 4
BONUSES:
Full: Fluxy, Matt, Chris, SJE, Pooly, Nick
Scores: CJB, Steve, Pete
Excused: Prop & Driver
Fined: Luke
Full: Fluxy, Matt, Chris, SJE, Pooly, Nick
Scores: CJB, Steve, Pete
Excused: Prop & Driver
Fined: Luke
SirJohnnyEnglish- Posts : 8536
Join date : 2011-05-10
Age : 36
Location : Limerick
Re: AP Round 4
That's just heartbreaking..
Fluxy- Aviva Premiership Commissioner
- Posts : 12117
Join date : 2011-01-28
Age : 33
Location : Isle of Wight
Re: AP Round 4
Couldn't even give me a LBP Steve you tight git!
Sgt_Pooly- Posts : 36294
Join date : 2011-04-27
Re: AP Round 4
Just home sorry. Big family send off this w/e for my little bro who's off to South America for 11 months.
Delighted with that one, hard luck Fluxy.
Delighted with that one, hard luck Fluxy.
LukeLovesLuka- Posts : 5865
Join date : 2011-04-19
Age : 40
Location : London
Re: AP Round 4
Happy with that result.
Ozzy3213- Moderator
- Posts : 18500
Join date : 2011-01-29
Age : 48
Location : Sandhurst
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