Aviva Premiership Round Fourteen

 
 

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Sale Sharks vs Saracens
Location - AJ Bell Stadium
Light Rain Shower, 10 Degrees, 12mph Westerly Winds

Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Marcos Ayerza	09. Kieran Marmion
02. David Paice	10. Beauden Barrett
03. Davit Zirakishvilli
04. Dave Attwood	11. Craig Gilroy
05. Brodie Retalick	12. Kyle Eastmond
06. Iain Henderson	13. George Pisi
07. Fulgence Quedragao	14. Semesa Rokoduguni
08. Alex Tulou	15. Jared Payne

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16. Ross Harrison 17. Tommy Taylor 18. Luc Ducalcon 19. Christian Day 20. Matt Kvesic 21. Ben Spencer 22. James Hook 23. Nick Abendanon

Key Points

- Back three line runners to target gaps in the Sarries midfield channel. Crotty & Davies first game together ever and there will be some miscommunication.
- Commit numbers to the breakdown and look to make it as scraggy as possible. Look to put pressure on White on his debut with a week and halfs training behind him.
- Fresher front 5 to outwork Sarries. Waller starts his 5th successive game and 6th start in 7 games (with the rest week being bench duty!) while Pierre starts his 6th successive game. Masoe also starts for a 5th time in 6 games. No rest for the wicked!

Tactics

We will play the game in the Saracens half with an intelligent kicking game. When there 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.

- 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 Barrett and Eastmond with space outside.

- Target the opposition lineout with Quedragao jumping at the front and Attwood & Retalick marshalling the middle to pick off Sarries throws. Barrett & Eastmond will relish attacking an unset defence.

- Look to mix up play. Barrett & Eastmond to interchange at first receiver and change the point of attack. Marmion provides a threat snipping around the base.

- Get the back three involved. Roko, Gilroy and Payne all to run lines looking for the inside ball or offload to get in behind the opposition defence.

- Hit the breakdown hard. Look to our dynamic front five to clear the ruck and allow Quedragao to really attack the breakdown.

- Straight line blitz defence focusing on a quick line speed to isolate the ball carrier before the gain line. Quedragao will defend on Eastmonds shoulder to double up and also be first on the scene at the breakdown. Marmion to sweep in behind to cover chips and grubbers.

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Saracens
Manager – Pooly

01. Alex Waller	09. Nick White
02. Keven Mealamu	10. Tom Taylor
03. Jannie Du Plessis
04. Julian Pierre	11. Miles Benjamin
05. Louis Deacon	12. Ryan Crotty
06. Carl Fearns	13. Jonathan Davies
07. George Smith(c)	14. Chris Ashton
08. Chris Masoe	15. Lee Byrne

16. Chris Whitehead  17. Max Lahiff  18. Clement Ric 19. Rob Simmons  20. Tom Guest 21. Chris Cook  22. Gareth Steenson  23. George Lowe

Tactics

TARGET SCRUM - Work on Sale front row all game and look to attack with strong options on bench

BIG RUNNERS DOWN 10 CHANNEL - Target Barrett in defence with Masoe/Fearns

SALE'S BACK DEFENCE - Look to exploit weaknesses in midfield and wingers

LACK OF KICKING OPTIONS IN SALE MIDFIELD/WINGS - Look to target early on, if we can isolate Barrett/Payne we can expect Sale to run and we can flood the tackle area.


General - We've selected a team packed with power and physicality and will look to dominate the contact and get over the gain line. We'll be playing a high tempo physical game from the off, look to smash the opposition back and get into the rucks/maul's and drive through. We'll look to tie the opposition in and then get at their backline, more so in the their half. Look to keep it tight in the forward pack and grind through work.

Scrum - Look to get a platform from the off with a strong scrummaging unit. Strong front 5 with big locks will look for the big push once the ball is in and drive the opposition back. Our LH and Hooker will look to target TH and try to get between him and Hooker to allow TH to work on LH If no weakness seen will use as restart.

Line out - Look to play it safe and use the rolling maul to good effect. Our big pack should have a lot of joy here and will tie in the opposition defence. We'll look to contest on opp throw especially when sub get on the pitch as we feel we can really pressure him.

Defence - High intensity and big hits, looking to drive past the ball player. Huge physical pack that can look to dominate the collision and breakdown allowing Smith etc a chance to slow down/steal ball. Scrum half to sweep behind the defensive line.

Attack - Keep things simple in our own half then look to unleash backs in opp territory. Scrum half to inject pace from the breakdown and have Lowe on his shoulder. Huge carrying backrow to get us over the gain line after front 5 set a platform.

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Exeter Chiefs vs Bath
Location - Sandy Park
Light Rain Shower, 11 Degrees, 15mph Westerly Winds

Exeter Chiefs 

Manager – Fluxy

01. Logovii Mulipola	09. Morgan Parra (k)
02. Jack Yeandle	10. Toby Flood
03. James Johnstone
04. Brad Thorn	11. Tom Varndell
05. Geoff Parling (c)	12. Eamonn Sheridan
06. Liam Messam	13. Marcelo Bosch
07. Calum Clark	14. Maxime Medard
08. Nick Williams	15. Matt Tait

16. Sean Cronin 17. Richard Barrington 18. Davit Kubriashvili 19. Patricio Albacete 20. Semisi Taulava 21. Hadyn Thomas 22. Stephen Myler 23. Juan Martin Hernandez

Key Points

• Win the toss and look to start playing Southwards at Sandy Park, playing into the wind in the first half and use the carriers to make ground. Kick more in second half when the wind is actually with us geographically and Saints won't want to kick it back. 
  
• Target the halfbacks in the slippery conditions. Patchell can be thrown off his game easily, so get in his face and cause his ti kick and cut off supply to his backs
  

• Some new faces, but they only have to worry about doing their own job. For example JJ just needs to anchor the scrum
  
• Parra will kick all points available, he can kick from within their half, so this indicates that Saints should be wary of giving away penalties.
  
• Play a simple game in the slippery conditions.
  
• Big win last week and home again this week, so momentum is with us. 
  

Game plan

A few close games in the pasts weeks means that the we are carrying some real momentum into games and believing that we can beat anyway at the moment. 
Selected a physically strong side to compete with the physicality of the Bath side. With the conditions looking likely to prevent any quick rugby out wide and increase the chances of mistakes, we will implement a simple territorial game and look to be playing with the ball within the opposition 22. 
Every time we are in the opposition 22 we will look to at least leave with the three points to keep the score board ticking over and to build a lead. 
Simple set-piece game which we look to dominate our own ball, and contest every opposition put in. The pack that has been selected is mobile and strong around the park, especially in the tackle, on the floor and ball in hand. 

Attack

• Parling will lead the line out and look to set rolling mauls to keep hold of possession and make wasps give away penalties. Look to set the maul first then drive, and try to keep resetting the maul. 
  
• Williams will look to make runs at Patchell and exploit the lack of size, as these conditions Williams excels in.
  
• Pack filled big carriers to provide a number of options in the tight exchanges. 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 and get over the gain line to create momentum.
  
• Look to flood the breakdown and clear out bodies, to keep ball clean so that the halfbacks can dictate the game. (Eg AB's or Eng vs AB 2012 style) Doesn't mean we need to play an out and out seven if the whole side chips in at the breakdown
  
• All backs possess a clever kicking games and are decent under high ball in the wet. We will look to peg Bat hback in their 22, and throw in the odd high bomb to fall outside the 22 to create the opportunity to gain a scrum.
  

Defence

• We will use a Blitz drift line in defence to cut down Patchells options and push him inside towards our back-row.
  
• Parra to sweep behind the defensive line, and to counter any loose kicks or turnover ball - either by quickly shipping it wide to the back three, or kicking in behind their back three.
  
• The whole pack is mobile and capable of getting over the ball at the breakdown. Look to powerfully clear opponents out of the ruck, and use the strong tackling to keep chopping down the Bath runners.
  
• 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. Every kick to be chased, the kick is as only as good as the chase.
  
• Back three players are adept in the air and will look to mark the ball to perhaps draw a penalty from a late tackle.
  

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Bath Rugby
Manager – inthefastlane

01. James Slipper	09. Fourie Du Preez
02. Mikey Haywood	10. Rhys Patchell
03. Ben Tameifuma
04. Luke Romano	11. Hallan Amos
05. Sam Whitelock	12. Ma'a Nonu
06. Jerome Kaino	13. Joel Tomkins
07. Liam Gill	14. Nopolini Nalaga
08. James Haskell	15. Rob Miller

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16. Agustin Creevy 17. Carl Rimmer 18. Charlie Faumuania 19. Graham Kitchener 20.    James Gaskell 21. Richard Wigglesworth 22. Anthony Allen 23. Paddy Jackson

Overall: Look to play a territorial game with the boots of our half back pairing playing a key role. Aim to keep Exeter penned back in their half and look to build a platform off the line out.

Scrum: Set the scrum quickly and try to exert pressure on the Exeter with our strong front row backed up by the All Black Unit

Lineout: Look to make full use of a dominant All Blacks unit with Whitelock calling. Romano, Kaino and Haskell will offer solid options. Look to mix it up and also have a go at snatching opposition ball

Breakdown: Not looking to be over committed at the breakdown but if a turnover is possible then be aggressive. Gill will be supported Haskell and Slipper at the breakdown. Clark has just joined Exeter and we feel we can really target this.

Defence: Agressive Banana Blitz Defence looking to put pressure on the half backs. FDP to sweep in behind.

In attack we will be looking to play a simple game of rugby. Our forwards will look to carry the ball hard and direct with the likes of Slipper, Tauf and Haskell able to tuck It under their jumper and try and pierce a hole through the Exeter defence. In the conditions we will not try to play too much of an expansive game with no offloading. Nonu and Nalaga especially will also be used as a crash ball option. FDP will use his experience to dictate his decision making, looking to switch up the point of attack.  We have the big boots of Patchell and FDP and they will look to use these in order to gain territory and increase pressure on Exeter. They will mix up their kicking with big bombs to the opposition 22 (possibly in touch depending on the line out) as well as up and unders targeting the Exeter back three with Nalaga and Haskell leading the chase.

Substitutes: Our subs will look to keep a high tempo

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Harlequins vs Newcastle Falcons
Location - Twickenham Stoop
Light Rain Shower, 11 Degrees, 14mph Westerly Winds


Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01.Tony Woodcock	09. Ruan Pienaar (k)
02.Gary Botha	10.Quade Cooper
03.John Afoa
04.Bakkies Botha	11.Topsy Ojo
05.Steve Borthwick (c)	12. Dan Bowden
06. Mamuka Gorgodze	13. Ben Tapuai
07.Michael Hooper	14. Joe Tomane
08.Nick Easter	15. Luke Morahan

16. Rob Buchanan 17. Gjorgi Jgenti 18. Euan Murray 19. George Kruis 20. Jamie Gibson 21.Karl Dickson 22. Freddie Burns 23. Jonathan Joseph

NOTE - Schuster replaced with Jgenti following the formers release.

Tactics

- Use our big pack to get us across the gain line and win the battle upfront and then use our 9,10 12 to control our play in attack or to get us into a better part of the field.

- In the opposition half look to use our strong carriers to get us across the gain line and get us quick ball to attack with. We will look to have runners off of 9, 10 and 12 carrying in numbers and at pace so as to recylce the ball quickly or to offload should the opportunity arise. We will look for Cooper to stand flat and bring others into play and put people into gaps. If we have slow ball then Pienaar will control the play until we can gain quick ball to attack with.

- Once we have tied in Newcastle defenders look to get the ball wide into the open spaces for our 13 and back three to attack with in open spaces.

- At the breakdown look to control the scrum with strong front 5 where we will look to get the nudge on against the Falcons pack with a strong scrumaging front 5. At the lineout look to put huge pressure on the Falcons throw. On our own ball look to shorten and get Hooper and Gorgodze carrying in the midfield.

- Look for Hooper to control the breakdown when the first man there. Look to the rest of our pack to disrupt to put huge pressure on Ben Youngs service.

- In defence employ a quick linespeed and look to double up in the tackle when we can so as to win the collision and look to get the turnover.

Key Points

- Quade Cooper - If you haven't seen how accurate his out of hand kicking is then you haven't watched enough of him. He can find the gaps as can Pienaar.

- Upfront - massively physical pack who are strong in the loose and set piece. They will get stuck in upfront to allow our backs space and time on the ball.

- Pienaar - The control offered at 9 will be huge in this game. We have arguably the best in the world to pull the strings and get us moving.

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Newcastle Falcons
Manager - Driver

01.Matt Mullen	09.Ben Youngs
02.Dane Coles	10.Dan Bigger (K)
03.Owen Franks
04.Ed Slater	11.Cory Jane
05.Juandre Kruger	12.Francis Sailli
06.Ben Mowen	13.Jean De Villers
07.Richie McCaw	14.Charles Pitatau
08.Kieron Read (C)	15.Alex Goode

16.Darren Dawiduik 17.Soana Tonga'uhia 18.Scott Wilson 19.Yoaan Maestri 20.Dave Ewers 21.Dave Lewis 22.Henry Slade 23.Charlie Sharples

Tactics

Newcastle travel to the The Stoop to take on Quins and will look to use our strong set piece and well orginised defence 

General game play

Falcons will look to play a game based around a strong set piece , securing our own ball and getting the rolling maul going to tie in the Quins pack enabling our backs to have plenty of space and time on the ball.

When in the opposition half we'll look to use our main strike runners in the back line and power in the pack to punch holes in the Quins line and create the space outwide. We'll look to Bigger to play heads up rugby and keep the tempo high throughout the game knowing we've got pace and power to come off the bench and keep going. Everything we do today is about width tempo and pace. 

Playing this way doesn't mean that we'll recklessly , Youngs and Bigger are clever rugby players and will kick into the space to test the oppositions back 3s kicking game.

Target the Quins wings kicking games putting the ball in behind them.

Aggresive line in defence focusing on putting the man down and getting over the ball.

Bigger to take 3 in the opposition 40 meteres

Set Piece

Lineout - We've got plenty of options to throw too in the line from 4-8. We'll look to bank it in our 22 and set the drive to give us time to put Bigger and Goode in the pocket to clear the lines. 

In the opposition half we'll look to throw to the tail and spread the ball wide using ''Warren-ball'' with Sailli being the decoy and putting the ball in behind for a winger to hit the line and break into open field.

We'll look to get the maul going in the opposition 22 either to drive over or too spread the ball - hardest time to defend is when your going back wards.

Scrum - Get the nudge on and look to go through the Quins scrum and focus and staying up and splitting thery're front row and isolating there props.

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Leicester Tigers vs Gloucester Rugby
Location - Welford Road
Light Rain Shower, 10 Degrees, 14mph Westerly Winds


Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Andrew Sheridan	09. Kahn Fotuali'i
02. Stephen Moore	10. Jonny Wilkinson (k)
03. Cencus Johnston
04. Nathan Hines	11. Sitiveni Sivivatu
05. James Horwill (c)	12. Dominic Waldouck
06. Sean O'Brien	13. Rene Ranger
07. Jacques Burger	14. Drew Mitchell
08. Ernst Joubert	15. Pat Lambie

16. Tom Youngs 17. Benn Robinson 18. Neale Farthing 19. Kearnan Myall 20. Joe van Niekerk 21. Micky Young 22. Billy Twelvetrees 23. Ugo Monye

Tactics:

In wet conditions we will play to our strengths and play a game built around our intelligent HB's controlling the game and the power and strength of our side.

- Attack at all scrums with our huge pack - Johnston and Sheridan to look to really get into the opposition. Lots of scrums in wet weather and an area we will look to target if winning.

- Attack at all lineouts. Use Hines or Joubert at the front and Horwill off the top as our three key options.
Shortened lineouts with Burger in midfield as crash or decoy option.

- Put serious pressure on Strauss' throws with Joubert at the front on all Gloucs throws.

- Gigantic pack made up of massive line-breakers, used in the tight to tire down the Gloucs defence. The likes of SOB, Burger, Hines, Moore and Horwill to be used to target the Gloucs 10/12 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 on the flanks, we feel our breakdown play could be crucial today.

- No overly ambitious passing - In wet conditions we will either look to kick to gain territory or look to keep ball in hand and take it through the middle.

- In rain we will target an off-colour Carter all game with Burger and SOB breathing down his neck at every opportunity. Big runners through his channel - looking to win the Wilko vs Carter 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. Fotuali'i to sweep behind with an eye on short kicks.

- Wilkinson to kick all penalties.

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Gloucester
Manager – mat

01. Guthro Steenkamp	09. Will Genia
02. Adriaan Strauss	10. Dan Carter (k)
03. Juan Figallo
04. Eben Etzbeth	11. Jonny May
05. George Robson	12. Juan de Jongh
06. Galan	13. Tevita kuridrani
07. Julian Salvi	14. Hosea Gear
08. Sam Dickinson	15. Israel folau

16. Jaimie George 17. Nick Wood 18. Coenie ousthuizen 19. Elliot Stooke 20. Tom Croft 21. Connor Murray 22. Cipriani 23. Charlie Walker

Tactics:

TBC
In greasy but not that wet and windy conditions there is a chance to play a bit of rugby today.
However we are mindful of conditions and having the right players in those key 2,8,9,10 positions. Benches also play a huge role in these games and we see this a big plus for us.


Forwards win matches and we have picked a huge front 5 with Wc players to do the grunt and set the tone. Are big lumps are also very mobile with players like figallo and etzbeth being the best players in the world in their positions.

Set pieces

We will be looking to really put the heat on them at scrum time with figallo, Strauss and co aiming to at worst disrupt the scrum but at best take ball against the head.
On our own ball we will be aiming to anchor the scrum most times and give Genia an easy ride. In more attacking positions we will be looking to utilise a wheel to enable us the best attacking opportunity.

Line out
With there being a lot of kicking in this game the line out will be key. Etzbeth  Robson Dickinson is a stellar like up and will look steal lots of Moores
Throws

On our own ball we will vary catch and drive and off the top. Strauss has probably the best darts in world rugby and in 20mph winds you need his accuracy. We see our forward bench as far superior so these sapping line out drives will serve to drain leicester

General forwards
Aim of the game is getting front foot ball to allow the key players to dominate tempo and field position. We
Have lots of heavy ball carriers and will be doing lots of carrying close to the ruck. Particularly when against the wind where keep ball is all important. Galan is a wrecking ball and will be used a lot for hard yards 

We will commit numbers to the break down as we have lots of big quick int players. Salvi will be looking t to dominate the breakdown. 
We will be playing at full tilt knowing we have proven class off the bench in the forwards. In greasy conditions ball presentation and looking after it is key. 

Backs 
With forward generating great ball the backs need to use it right. In these conditions the 8,9,10 link is key and we have the right players in these conditions.

With the wind Carter will be kicking a lot more. He will look to push them back and play the corners and territory game. Knowing we have great line out jumpers and Strauss to throw will enable us to hopefully won the territory game. When in the right position on the field then we will look to play. We have wc backs and the ability to vary it. We can hit kuridrani hard and straighten or look to push it through the hands. Our back 3 has pace trickery and power. We will target the 12 channel and waldouck relentlessly

Against the wind it's required to run it more and advance down the pitch a get right field positions.  Here the forwards will take it on and Genia will
Move it the moment we get front foot ball.


Cross kick will be utilised with gear and folau to the fore. The up and under will also be tried.

We will operate a blitz with Genia sweeping.

Key points 

2,8,9,10 axis we are better 
Really target their 9,10 axis 
Lineout options and Strauss throw give us line out edge
Bench options to take game away 
Back 3 to counter loose balls. Most dangerous back 3
In the league

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London Wasps vs London Irish
Location - Adams Park
Light Rain Shower, 10 Degrees, 14mph Westerly Winds


London Wasps
Manager  Ozzy3213

01. Alex Corbisiero	09. Aaron Smith
02. Bismarck du Plessis	10. Camille Lopez
03. David Wilson
04. Sitaleki Timani	11. Bryan Habana
05. Romain Millo-Chluski	12. Pat McCabe
06. Tom Johnson	13. JJ Englebrecht
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Marland Yarde
08. Duane Vermeulen	15. Gareth Anscombe

16. Rob Hawkins 17. Steven Kitschoff 18. Frans Malherbe 19. George Skivington 20. Luke Wallace 21. Nathan Fowles 22. Michele Campagnaro 23. Anthony Watson

Basic Game Plan
In wet conditions we will be looking to play a territorial game, utilising the boots of Lopez and Anscombe to play in Irish territory or force them to play from deep.  When in Irish territory we will look to carry close to the ruck and suck defenders in, only going wide when it is absolutely on to do so.  Our intention is to utilize our strengths, which are top kicking games in the backs, and then power and pace to strike within the Irish 22.

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.  Smith will sweep in behind the defensive line to counter any chips/grubbers.

Specifics

• Lineout.  On our ball in the main we will go safe throwing to the front or middle and looking to maul and suck in defenders to create space.  Defensively we will get the athletic Tom Johnson up at the front forcing Irish to take risks and throw long.
  
• Breakdown.  When we carry in, we will flood the breakdown rucking well past the ball to free it up quickly and go again.  In defence, if we have made a passive tackle and the carrier has momentum we will not overcommit, but will maintain a strong defensive line.  If we win the collision and knock the carrier back we will look to get the second man in hard over the ball to turn it over.  Key for us is being selective.
  
• Attacking Play.  We will play in the right areas, using the boots of Lopez and Anscombe to ensure we dominate the territorial battle.  We will put the ball into the corners time and time again and force Irish either into a kicking battle or to run from deep.
  

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London Irish
Manager - Prop

01. Tom Court	09. Rory Kockott
02. Hika Elliot	10. Nick Evans (k)
03. Matt Stevens
04. Nick Kennedy	11. JSD
05. Stuart Hooper	12. Luke McAlister
06. Matt Garvey	13. Conrad Smith
07. Thierry Dusatoir	14. Nick Cummins
08. Ben Morgan	15. Robbie Henshaw

16. Ken Owens 17. Ben Franks 18. Antoine Guillamon 19. David Sisi 20. Will Fraser 21. Lee Dickson 22. Owen Williams 23. Henry Trinder

Tactics:


SET PIECE
We have picked a scrummaging pack in wet conditions and Morgan and Garvey will provide grunt. We have four lineout jumpers and will keep it simple today not putting too much pressure on Elliot's throws, we will jack 2 up in their half on opposition ball.

BREAKDOWN
looking to control our BREAKDOWN and give Kockott time on the ball. Dusatoir will only compete if available but we will aim to fan out.

HALF BACKS
Controlled ball with good tactical players looking to use the conditions to their advantage, they will start with a tight game for three phases then spread.

ATTACK
Controlled with strong runners and will look for simple passes and our back three cutting back on inside shoulder at times, our pack will give options off of 10 and 12 to get over the gainline.

DEFENCE
Controlled and hard hitting. Look to snag 9 to stop quick ball and for Dusatoir to get into 10's face to stop quick ball, any high balls will be secured and kicked back into space or off the park, if it's on we run.

BENCH
Strong impact with international quality front row replacements to come on and further control. The bench can up the tempo with Williams and Trinder playing heads up rugby in the last quarter to drag open a tired defence.

OVERALL
Tight game initially and play for territory in these conditions, take the points when available but back ourselves if it's on.

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Northampton Saints vs Worcester Warriors
Location - Franklins Garden
Light Rain, 6 Degrees, 17mph North Westerly Winds

Northampton Saints Team

Manager Dammit Chris

01. Mako Vunipola	09. Nikola Matawulu
02. Rob Webber	10. George Ford
03. Ben Afeaki
04. Dean Mumm	11. Julian Savea
05. Alistair Kellock	12. Matt Giteau
06. Steven Luatua	13. Manu Tuilagi
07. David Pocock(c)	14. Tommy Bowe
08. Mano Samoa	15. Elliot Daly

Subs: 16. Scott Spurling 17. Sona Taumalolo 18. Henry Thomas 19. Sam Jones 20. Sam Cane 21. Joe Simpson 22. Christian Wade 23. Ben Foden

Tactics: 

* Will play a power game based on getting over the gainline, winning the collisions in the forwards and putting pressure on Worcester from the off.  

* Look to get front foot ball for backline to attack - Tuilagi, Savea, Bowe;s power and look to work space for Matawulu and Daly to exploit.

* Win territory battle with Ford and Giteau's kicking. 

* Team built around leaders to help win tight games, home advantage and fresh legs.

* Take advantage of manager situation at Warriors.

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Worcester Warriors
Caretaker – SJE

01. Tendai Mtawrira	09. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
02. Dave Ward	10. Remi Tales
03. BJ Botha
04. Danie Russouw	11. David Strettle
05. Johan Muller	12. Maxime Mermoz
06. Ashley Johnson	13. Casey Laulala
07. Ross Rennie	14. Willie Le Roux
08. Thomas Waldrom	15. Delon Armitage

;-
16. Nathan Catt 17. Koree Britton 18. Brian Mujati 19. Mouritz Botha 20. Phil Dowson 21. Michael Classen 22. Olly Barkley 23. Mark Cueto

Tactics:

* Territory first approach with Tales looking to put us in Saints territory with the boot. Primarily looking to put the ball off the field though.
* Attack the set piece and look to win the battle here working on Webber who has been at the club for just a few days.  
* Flood the breakdown. Saints effectively a man down with Poccoks current situation. Targetting Matawulu around the rucks looking to pull him in and disrupt Saints ball.
* Question marks over the effectiveness of Saints backs. Giteua & Tuilagi in their 6th straight start together with just 1 week of each in the last 8 weeks

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Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01.Tony Woodcock	09. Ruan Pienaar (k)
02.Gary Botha	10.Quade Cooper
03.John Afoa
04.Bakkies Botha	11.Topsy Ojo
05.Steve Borthwick (c)	12. Dan Bowden
06. Mamuka Gorgodze	13. Ben Tapuai
07.Michael Hooper	14. Joe Tomane
08.Nick Easter	15. Luke Morahan

16. Rob Buchanan 17. Gjorgi Jgenti 18. Euan Murray 19. George Kruis 20. Jamie Gibson 21.Karl Dickson 22. Freddie Burns 23. Jonathan Joseph

NOTE - Schuster replaced with Jgenti following the formers release.

Tactics

- Use our big pack to get us across the gain line and win the battle upfront and then use our 9,10 12 to control our play in attack or to get us into a better part of the field.

- In the opposition half look to use our strong carriers to get us across the gain line and get us quick ball to attack with. We will look to have runners off of 9, 10 and 12 carrying in numbers and at pace so as to recylce the ball quickly or to offload should the opportunity arise. We will look for Cooper to stand flat and bring others into play and put people into gaps. If we have slow ball then Pienaar will control the play until we can gain quick ball to attack with.

- Once we have tied in Newcastle defenders look to get the ball wide into the open spaces for our 13 and back three to attack with in open spaces.

- At the breakdown look to control the scrum with strong front 5 where we will look to get the nudge on against the Falcons pack with a strong scrumaging front 5. At the lineout look to put huge pressure on the Falcons throw. On our own ball look to shorten and get Hooper and Gorgodze carrying in the midfield.

- Look for Hooper to control the breakdown when the first man there. Look to the rest of our pack to disrupt to put huge pressure on Ben Youngs service.

- In defence employ a quick linespeed and look to double up in the tackle when we can so as to win the collision and look to get the turnover.

Key Points

- Quade Cooper - If you haven't seen how accurate his out of hand kicking is then you haven't watched enough of him. He can find the gaps as can Pienaar.

- Upfront - massively physical pack who are strong in the loose and set piece. They will get stuck in upfront to allow our backs space and time on the ball.

- Pienaar - The control offered at 9 will be huge in this game. We have arguably the best in the world to pull the strings and get us moving.

01.Matt Mullen	09.Ben Youngs
02.Dane Coles	10.Dan Bigger (K)
03.Owen Franks
04.Ed Slater	11.Cory Jane
05.Juandre Kruger	12.Francis Sailli
06.Ben Mowen	13.Jean De Villers
07.Richie McCaw	14.Charles Pitatau
08.Kieron Read (C)	15.Alex Goode

16.Darren Dawiduik 17.Soana Tonga'uhia 18.Scott Wilson 19.Yoaan Maestri 20.Dave Ewers 21.Dave Lewis 22.Henry Slade 23.Charlie Sharples



Tactics


Newcastle travel to the The Stoop to take on Quins and will look to use our strong set piece and well orginised defence 

General game play


Falcons will look to play a game based around a strong set piece , securing our own ball and getting the rolling maul going to tie in the Quins pack enabling our backs to have plenty of space and time on the ball.

When in the opposition half we'll look to use our main strike runners in the back line and power in the pack to punch holes in the Quins line and create the space outwide. We'll look to Bigger to play heads up rugby and keep the tempo high throughout the game knowing we've got pace and power to come off the bench and keep going. Everything we do today is about width tempo and pace. 


Playing this way doesn't mean that we'll recklessly , Youngs and Bigger are clever rugby players and will kick into the space to test the oppositions back 3s kicking game.


Target the Quins wings kicking games putting the ball in behind them.


Aggresive line in defence focusing on putting the man down and getting over the ball.


Bigger to take 3 in the opposition 40 meteres

Set Piece


Lineout - We've got plenty of options to throw too in the line from 4-8. We'll look to bank it in our 22 and set the drive to give us time to put Bigger and Goode in the pocket to clear the lines. 

In the opposition half we'll look to throw to the tail and spread the ball wide using ''Warren-ball'' with Sailli being the decoy and putting the ball in behind for a winger to hit the line and break into open field.

We'll look to get the maul going in the opposition 22 either to drive over or too spread the ball - hardest time to defend is when your going back wards.

Scrum - Get the nudge on and look to go through the Quins scrum and focus and staying up and splitting thery're front row and isolating there props.

Why is that gap appearing?

Maestri playing for France?

Are there 6N games this week?

Week off, my bad

Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Marcos Ayerza	09. Kieran Marmion
02. David Paice	10. Beauden Barrett
03. Davit Zirakishvilli
04. Dave Attwood	11. Craig Gilroy
05. Brodie Retalick	12. Kyle Eastmond
06. Iain Henderson	13. George Pisi
07. Fulgence Quedragao	14. Semesa Rokoduguni
08. Alex Tulou	15. Jared Payne

|
16. Ross Harrison 17. Tommy Taylor 18. Luc Ducalcon 19. Christian Day 20. Matt Kvesic 21. Ben Spencer 22. James Hook 23. Nick Abendanon

Key Points

- Back three line runners to target gaps in the Sarries midfield channel. Crotty & Davies first game together ever and there will be some miscommunication.
- Commit numbers to the breakdown and look to make it as scraggy as possible. Look to put pressure on White on his debut with a week and halfs training behind him.
- Fresher front 5 to outwork Sarries. Waller starts his 5th successive game and 6th start in 7 games (with the rest week being bench duty!) while Pierre starts his 6th successive game. Masoe also starts for a 5th time in 6 games. No rest for the wicked!

Tactics

We will play the game in the Saracens half with an intelligent kicking game. When there 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.

- 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 Barrett and Eastmond with space outside.

- Target the opposition lineout with Quedragao jumping at the front and Attwood & Retalick marshalling the middle to pick off Sarries throws. Barrett & Eastmond will relish attacking an unset defence.

- Look to mix up play. Barrett & Eastmond to interchange at first receiver and change the point of attack. Marmion provides a threat snipping around the base.

- Get the back three involved. Roko, Gilroy and Payne all to run lines looking for the inside ball or offload to get in behind the opposition defence.

- Hit the breakdown hard. Look to our dynamic front five to clear the ruck and allow Quedragao to really attack the breakdown.

- Straight line blitz defence focusing on a quick line speed to isolate the ball carrier before the gain line. Quedragao will defend on Eastmonds shoulder to double up and also be first on the scene at the breakdown. Marmion to sweep in behind to cover chips and grubbers.

Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Andrew Sheridan	09. Kahn Fotuali'i
02. Stephen Moore	10. Jonny Wilkinson (k)
03. Cencus Johnston
04. Nathan Hines	11. Sitiveni Sivivatu
05. James Horwill (c)	12. Dominic Waldouck
06. Sean O'Brien	13. Rene Ranger
07. Jacques Burger	14. Drew Mitchell
08. Ernst Joubert	15. Pat Lambie

16. Tom Youngs 17. Benn Robinson 18. Neale Farthing 19. Kearnan Myall 20. Joe van Niekerk 21. Micky Young 22. Billy Twelvetrees 23. Ugo Monye

Tactics:

In wet conditions we will play to our strengths and play a game built around our intelligent HB's controlling the game and the power and strength of our side.

- Attack at all scrums with our huge pack - Johnston and Sheridan to look to really get into the opposition. Lots of scrums in wet weather and an area we will look to target if winning.

- Attack at all lineouts. Use Hines or Joubert at the front and Horwill off the top as our three key options.
Shortened lineouts with Burger in midfield as crash or decoy option.

- Put serious pressure on Strauss' throws with Joubert at the front on all Gloucs throws.

- Gigantic pack made up of massive line-breakers, used in the tight to tire down the Gloucs defence. The likes of SOB, Burger, Hines, Moore and Horwill to be used to target the Gloucs 10/12 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 on the flanks, we feel our breakdown play could be crucial today.

- No overly ambitious passing - In wet conditions we will either look to kick to gain territory or look to keep ball in hand and take it through the middle.

- In rain we will target an off-colour Carter all game with Burger and SOB breathing down his neck at every opportunity. Big runners through his channel - looking to win the Wilko vs Carter 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. Fotuali'i to sweep behind with an eye on short kicks.

- Wilkinson to kick all penalties.

01. Tom Court	09. Rory Kockott
02. Hika Elliot	10. Nick Evans (k)
03. Matt Stevens
04. Nick Kennedy	11. JSD
05. Stuart Hooper	12. Luke McAlister
06. Matt Garvey	13. Conrad Smith
07. Thierry Dusatoir	14. Nick Cummins
08. Ben Morgan	15. Robbie Henshaw

16. Ken Owens 17. Ben Franks 18. Antoine Guillamon 19. David Sisi 20. Will Fraser 21. Lee Dickson 22. Owen Williams 23. Henry Trinder

Tactics:


SET PIECE
We have picked a scrummaging pack in wet conditions and Morgan and Garvey will provide grunt. We have four lineout jumpers and will keep it simple today not putting too much pressure on Elliot's throws, we will jack 2 up in their half on opposition ball.

BREAKDOWN
looking to control our BREAKDOWN and give Kockott time on the ball. Dusatoir will only compete if available but we will aim to fan out.

HALF BACKS
Controlled ball with good tactical players looking to use the conditions to their advantage, they will start with a tight game for three phases then spread.

ATTACK
Controlled with strong runners and will look for simple passes and our back three cutting back on inside shoulder at times, our pack will give options off of 10 and 12 to get over the gainline.

DEFENCE
Controlled and hard hitting. Look to snag 9 to stop quick ball and for Dusatoir to get into 10's face to stop quick ball, any high balls will be secured and kicked back into space or off the park, if it's on we run.

BENCH
Strong impact with international quality front row replacements to come on and further control. The bench can up the tempo with Williams and Trinder playing heads up rugby in the last quarter to drag open a tired defence.

OVERALL
Tight game initially and play for territory in these conditions, take the points when available but back ourselves if it's on.

Exeter Chiefs 

Manager – Fluxy

01. Logovii Mulipola	09. Morgan Parra (k)
02. Jack Yeandle	10. Toby Flood
03. James Johnstone
04. Brad Thorn	11. Tom Varndell
05. Geoff Parling (c)	12. Eamonn Sheridan
06. Liam Messam	13. Marcelo Bosch
07. Calum Clark	14. Maxime Medard
08. Nick Williams	15. Matt Tait

16. Sean Cronin 17. Richard Barrington 18. Davit Kubriashvili 19. Patricio Albacete 20. Semisi Taulava 21. Hadyn Thomas 22. Stephen Myler 23. Juan Martin Hernandez

Key Points

• Win the toss and look to start playing Southwards at Sandy Park, playing into the wind in the first half and use the carriers to make ground. Kick more in second half when the wind is actually with us geographically and Saints won't want to kick it back. 
  
• Target the halfbacks in the slippery conditions. Patchell can be thrown off his game easily, so get in his face and cause his ti kick and cut off supply to his backs
  

• Some new faces, but they only have to worry about doing their own job. For example JJ just needs to anchor the scrum
  
• Parra will kick all points available, he can kick from within their half, so this indicates that Saints should be wary of giving away penalties.
  
• Play a simple game in the slippery conditions.
  
• Big win last week and home again this week, so momentum is with us. 
  

Game plan

A few close games in the pasts weeks means that the we are carrying some real momentum into games and believing that we can beat anyway at the moment. 
Selected a physically strong side to compete with the physicality of the Bath side. With the conditions looking likely to prevent any quick rugby out wide and increase the chances of mistakes, we will implement a simple territorial game and look to be playing with the ball within the opposition 22. 
Every time we are in the opposition 22 we will look to at least leave with the three points to keep the score board ticking over and to build a lead. 
Simple set-piece game which we look to dominate our own ball, and contest every opposition put in. The pack that has been selected is mobile and strong around the park, especially in the tackle, on the floor and ball in hand. 

Attack

• Parling will lead the line out and look to set rolling mauls to keep hold of possession and make wasps give away penalties. Look to set the maul first then drive, and try to keep resetting the maul. 
  
• Williams will look to make runs at Patchell and exploit the lack of size, as these conditions Williams excels in.
  
• Pack filled big carriers to provide a number of options in the tight exchanges. 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 and get over the gain line to create momentum.
  
• Look to flood the breakdown and clear out bodies, to keep ball clean so that the halfbacks can dictate the game. (Eg AB's or Eng vs AB 2012 style) Doesn't mean we need to play an out and out seven if the whole side chips in at the breakdown
  
• All backs possess a clever kicking games and are decent under high ball in the wet. We will look to peg Bat hback in their 22, and throw in the odd high bomb to fall outside the 22 to create the opportunity to gain a scrum.
  

Defence

• We will use a Blitz drift line in defence to cut down Patchells options and push him inside towards our back-row.
  
• Parra to sweep behind the defensive line, and to counter any loose kicks or turnover ball - either by quickly shipping it wide to the back three, or kicking in behind their back three.
  
• The whole pack is mobile and capable of getting over the ball at the breakdown. Look to powerfully clear opponents out of the ruck, and use the strong tackling to keep chopping down the Bath runners.
  
• 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. Every kick to be chased, the kick is as only as good as the chase.
  
• Back three players are adept in the air and will look to mark the ball to perhaps draw a penalty from a late tackle. 
  

Luke only has 3 eq starters I think? Does joubert count?

Joubert qualifies on residency

Cool beans

Saracens
Manager – Pooly

01. Alex Waller	09. Nick White
02. Keven Mealamu	10. Tom Taylor
03. Jannie Du Plessis
04. Julian Pierre	11. Miles Benjamin
05. Louis Deacon	12. Ryan Crotty
06. Carl Fearns	13. Jonathan Davies
07. George Smith(c)	14. Chris Ashton
08. Chris Masoe	15. Lee Byrne

16. Chris Whitehead  17. Max Lahiff  18. Clement Ric 19. Rob Simmons  20. Tom Guest 21. Chris Cook  22. Gareth Steenson  23. George Lowe

Tactics

TARGET SCRUM - Work on Sale front row all game and look to attack with strong options on bench

BIG RUNNERS DOWN 10 CHANNEL - Target Barrett in defence with Masoe/Fearns

SALE'S BACK DEFENCE - Look to exploit weaknesses in midfield and wingers

LACK OF KICKING OPTIONS IN SALE MIDFIELD/WINGS - Look to target early on, if we can isolate Barrett/Payne we can expect Sale to run and we can flood the tackle area.


General - We've selected a team packed with power and physicality and will look to dominate the contact and get over the gain line. We'll be playing a high tempo physical game from the off, look to smash the opposition back and get into the rucks/maul's and drive through. We'll look to tie the opposition in and then get at their backline, more so in the their half. Look to keep it tight in the forward pack and grind through work.

Scrum - Look to get a platform from the off with a strong scrummaging unit. Strong front 5 with big locks will look for the big push once the ball is in and drive the opposition back. Our LH and Hooker will look to target TH and try to get between him and Hooker to allow TH to work on LH If no weakness seen will use as restart.

Line out - Look to play it safe and use the rolling maul to good effect. Our big pack should have a lot of joy here and will tie in the opposition defence. We'll look to contest on opp throw especially when sub get on the pitch as we feel we can really pressure him.

Defence - High intensity and big hits, looking to drive past the ball player. Huge physical pack that can look to dominate the collision and breakdown allowing Smith etc a chance to slow down/steal ball. Scrum half to sweep behind the defensive line.

Attack - Keep things simple in our own half then look to unleash backs in opp territory. Scrum half to inject pace from the breakdown and have Lowe on his shoulder. Huge carrying backrow to get us over the gain line after front 5 set a platform.

Am I playing Newcastle? They are listed twice on the OP.

Apologies yeah its you and Newcastle. Saints and Worc  

London Wasps
Manager  Ozzy3213

01. Alex Corbisiero	09. Aaron Smith
02. Bismarck du Plessis	10. Camille Lopez
03. David Wilson
04. Sitaleki Timani	11. Bryan Habana
05. Romain Millo-Chluski	12. Pat McCabe
06. Tom Johnson	13. JJ Englebrecht
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Marland Yarde
08. Duane Vermeulen ©	15. Gareth Anscombe

16. Rob Hawkins 17. Steven Kitschoff 18. Frans Malherbe 19. George Skivington 20. Luke Wallace 21. Nathan Fowles 22. Michele Campagnaro 23. Anthony Watson

Basic Game Plan
In wet conditions we will be looking to play a territorial game, utilising the boots of Lopez and Anscombe to play in Irish territory or force them to play from deep.  When in Irish territory we will look to carry close to the ruck and suck defenders in, only going wide when it is absolutely on to do so.  Our intention is to utilize our strengths, which are top kicking games in the backs, and then power and pace to strike within the Irish 22.

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.  Smith will sweep in behind the defensive line to counter any chips/grubbers.

Specifics

• Lineout.  On our ball in the main we will go safe throwing to the front or middle and looking to maul and suck in defenders to create space.  Defensively we will get the athletic Tom Johnson up at the front forcing Irish to take risks and throw long.
  
• Breakdown.  When we carry in, we will flood the breakdown rucking well past the ball to free it up quickly and go again.  In defence, if we have made a passive tackle and the carrier has momentum we will not overcommit, but will maintain a strong defensive line.  If we win the collision and knock the carrier back we will look to get the second man in hard over the ball to turn it over.  Key for us is being selective.
  
• Attacking Play.  We will play in the right areas, using the boots of Lopez and Anscombe to ensure we dominate the territorial battle.  We will put the ball into the corners time and time again and force Irish either into a kicking battle or to run from deep.
  

SJE/Steve,


Am i ok to change a few things in team and tactics with my opposition changing?

Glos
Manager – mat

01. Guthro Steenkamp	09. Will Genia
02. Adriaan Strauss	10. Dan Carter (k)
03. Juan Figallo
04. Eben Etzbeth	11. Jonny May
05. George Robson	12. Juan de Jongh
06. Galan	13. Tevita kuridrani
07. Julian Salvi	14. Hosea Gear
08. Sam Dickinson	15. Israel folau

16. Jaimie George 17. Nick Wood 18. Coenie ousthuizen 19. Elliot Stooke 20. Tom Croft 21. Connor Murray 22. Cipriani 23. Charlie Walker

Tactics:

TBC
In greasy but not that wet and windy conditions there is a chance to play a bit of rugby today.
However we are mindful of conditions and having the right players in those key 2,8,9,10 positions. Benches also play a huge role in these games and we see this a big plus for us.


Forwards win matches and we have picked a huge front 5 with Wc players to do the grunt and set the tone. Are big lumps are also very mobile with players like figallo and etzbeth being the best players in the world in their positions.

Set pieces

We will be looking to really put the heat on them at scrum time with figallo, Strauss and co aiming to at worst disrupt the scrum but at best take ball against the head.
On our own ball we will be aiming to anchor the scrum most times and give Genia an easy ride. In more attacking positions we will be looking to utilise a wheel to enable us the best attacking opportunity.

Line out
With there being a lot of kicking in this game the line out will be key. Etzbeth  Robson Dickinson is a stellar like up and will look steal lots of Moores
Throws

On our own ball we will vary catch and drive and off the top. Strauss has probably the best darts in world rugby and in 20mph winds you need his accuracy. We see our forward bench as far superior so these sapping line out drives will serve to drain leicester

General forwards
Aim of the game is getting front foot ball to allow the key players to dominate tempo and field position. We
Have lots of heavy ball carriers and will be doing lots of carrying close to the ruck. Particularly when against the wind where keep ball is all important. Galan is a wrecking ball and will be used a lot for hard yards

We will commit numbers to the break down as we have lots of big quick int players. Salvi will be looking t to dominate the breakdown.
We will be playing at full tilt knowing we have proven class off the bench in the forwards. In greasy conditions ball presentation and looking after it is key. 

Backs 
With forward generating great ball the backs need to use it right. In these conditions the 8,9,10 link is key and we have the right players in these conditions.

With the wind Carter will be kicking a lot more. He will look to push them back and play the corners and territory game. Knowing we have great line out jumpers and Strauss to throw will enable us to hopefully won the territory game. When in the right position on the field then we will look to play. We have wc backs and the ability to vary it. We can hit kuridrani hard and straighten or look to push it through the hands. Our back 3 has pace trickery and power. We will target the 12 channel and waldouck relentlessly

Against the wind it's required to run it more and advance down the pitch a get right field positions.  Here the forwards will take it on and Genia will
Move it the moment we get front foot ball.


Cross kick will be utilised with gear and folau to the fore. The up and under will also be tried.

We will operate a blitz with Genia sweeping.

Key points 

2,8,9,10 axis we are better 
Really target their 12/13 axis 
Lineout options and Strauss throw give us line out edge
Bench options to take game away
Back 3 to counter loose balls. Most dangerous back 3
In the league

Driver wrote:SJE/Steve,


Am i ok to change a few things in team and tactics with my opposition changing?

Change away Driver as your side wouldn't have to of been in till tonight anyway.


Also congratulations Matt on the coding this week!  

Thanks SJE!!!

Only taken 5 years

Northampton Saints Team
Manager Dammit Chris

01. Mako Vunipola	09. Nikola Matawulu
02. Rob Webber	10. George Ford
03. Ben Afeaki
04. Dean Mumm	11. Julian Savea
05. Alistair Kellock	12. Matt Giteau
06. Steven Luatua	13. Manu Tuilagi
07. David Pocock(c)	14. Tommy Bowe
08. Mano Samoa	15. Elliot Daly

Subs: 16. Scott Spurling 17. Sona Taumalolo 18. Henry Thomas 19. Sam Jones 20. Sam Cane 21. Joe Simpson 22. Christian Wade 23. Ben Foden

Tactics:

* Will play a power game based on getting over the gainline, winning the collisions in the forwards and putting pressure on Worcester from the off.
* Look to get front foot ball for backline to attack - Tuilagi, Savea, Bowe;s power and look to work space for Matawulu and Daly to exploit.
* Win territory battle with Ford and Giteau's kicking.
* Team built around leaders to help win tight games, home advantage and fresh legs.
* Take advantage of manager situation at Warriors.

You have Luatua named twice Chris   

Well spotted SJE! Will make a change!

Changed my side as I wasn't sure if our transfers counted for this week Chris, but I see you named Webber so I guess they do!

Bath Rugby
Manager – inthefastlane

01. James Slipper	09. Fourie Du Preez
02. Mikey Haywood	10. Rhys Patchell
03. Ben Tameifuma
04. Luke Romano	11. Hallan Amos
05. Sam Whitelock	12. Ma'a Nonu
06. Jerome Kaino	13. Joel Tomkins
07. Liam Gill	14. Nopolini Nalaga
08. James Haskell	15. Rob Miller

|
16. Agustin Creevy 17. Carl Rimmer 18. Charlie Faumuania 19. Graham Kitchener 20.    James Gaskell 21. Richard Wigglesworth 22. Anthony Allen 23. Paddy Jackson

Overall: Look to play a territorial game with the boots of our half back pairing playing a key role. Aim to keep Exeter penned back in their half and look to build a platform off the line out.

Scrum: Set the scrum quickly and try to exert pressure on the Exeter with our strong front row backed up by the All Black Unit

Lineout: Look to make full use of a dominant All Blacks unit with Whitelock calling. Romano, Kaino and Haskell will offer solid options. Look to mix it up and also have a go at snatching opposition ball

Breakdown: Not looking to be over committed at the breakdown but if a turnover is possible then be aggressive. Gill will be supported Haskell and Slipper at the breakdown. Clark has just joined Exeter and we feel we can really target this.

Defence: Agressive Banana Blitz Defence looking to put pressure on the half backs. FDP to sweep in behind.

In attack we will be looking to play a simple game of rugby. Our forwards will look to carry the ball hard and direct with the likes of Slipper, Tauf and Haskell able to tuck It under their jumper and try and pierce a hole through the Exeter defence. In the conditions we will not try to play too much of an expansive game with no offloading. Nonu and Nalaga especially will also be used as a crash ball option. FDP will use his experience to dictate his decision making, looking to switch up the point of attack. We have the big boots of Patchell and FDP and they will look to use these in order to gain territory and increase pressure on Exeter. They will mix up their kicking with big bombs to the opposition 22 (possibly in touch depending on the line out) as well as up and unders targeting the Exeter back three with Nalaga and Haskell leading the chase.

Substitutes: Our subs will look to keep a high tempo

Worcester Warriors
Caretaker – SJE

01. Tendai Mtawrira	09. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
02. Dave Ward	10. Remi Tales
03. BJ Botha
04. Danie Russouw	11. David Strettle
05. Johan Muller	12. Maxime Mermoz
06. Ashley Johnson	13. Casey Laulala
07. Ross Rennie	14. Willie Le Roux
08. Thomas Waldrom	15. Delon Armitage

;-
16. Nathan Catt 17. Koree Britton 18. Brian Mujati 19. Mouritz Botha 20. Phil Dowson 21. Michael Classen 22. Olly Barkley 23. Mark Cueto

Tactics:

* Territory first approach with Tales looking to put us in Saints territory with the boot. Primarily looking to put the ball off the field though.
* Attack the set piece and look to win the battle here working on Webber who has been at the club for just a few days.
* Flood the breakdown. Saints effectively a man down with Poccoks current situation. Targetting Matawulu around the rucks looking to pull him in and disrupt Saints ball.
* Question marks over the effectiveness of Saints backs. Giteua & Tuilagi in their 6th straight start together with just 1 week of each in the last 8 weeks

Its amazing what you find with a bit of research... Didn't realise this is Crotty & Davies first game together ever Pooly??!! Waller & Pierre must be feeling it with all the game time as well!

Matt you've resorted back to 'I think my side is better' type tactics? Sign of desperation?   

Think that's the shortest tactics from Chris yet!

Looks like our game may be a good one on paper Ozzy.

Short and sweet there Prop!

See SJE missed some articles during the week about David Pocock's impressive return...if only I could access Planet Rugby at work and I could post away quite a few links.

You putting much weight on a pre season friendly then Chris that nobody has seen? Hasn't played any competitive rugby in 10 months!!

Was a super competitive friendly SJE - apparently had the intensity of two test matches combined and Pocock did what George North did to Foloa, but with a prop and carried him 80 metres.

Sale 24-22 Sarries
Can see Sarries getting a slight advantage in the scrum but lineouts even, in the backrow Sale have the better carriers but Sarries have the better breakdown play. Prefer the Sale half-backs with Marmion in good form at the moment. Sarries back three look good but feel that Sale's centres could stop quick ball getting to them. Sarries highlight the lack of kicking options for Sale but Sharks focusing on breakdown dominance and feel their centres will get better ball to their outside backs.

Chiefs 25-24 Bath
Front 5's are pretty even here, feel that Chiefs bring the better form to the back row but on paper Bath look good. Half backs to Chiefs with Flood being able to control a wet game better than Patchell who prefers heads up rugby. One a piece in the centres and honours even in the back three. Both bring good impact off the bench. Simple game with good carriers works for Bath but Chiefs take it with more control from Parra and Flood in these conditions.

Quins 22-20 Falcons
Bit more to Quins in the front row but Coles brings back a bit of the loss. Prefer the Falcons back row with but Quins won't let anything get past them in defence. Bit more to Quins at half back with Pienaar having a week to settle himself in. Prefer what Falcons bring in the outside backs. Falcons can bring themselves back in off the bench. Quins half backs bring more to the controlled kicking game of their tactics and I feel Falcons may rely a bit too much on their set piece.

Tigers 25-24 Glos
Think Glos may get a slight advantage up front with Horwill struggling a little in France, Tigers no shirkers though and their experience will reign Glos back in. Prefer the Tigers backrow but again, Glos have the ability to match them on their day. Little bit to Glos with half-backs but in these conditions Tigers have a great pairing. Feel Glos could be a bit more dangerous with their outside backs. Both have good impact subs to come on. Both teams tactics are looking to get an advantage from their oppositions weaknesses and don't see how this will overly help with both relying on their "better" set piece. Looking at the set up of the team I will edge it to Glos through their outside backs, just.

Saints 21-20 Warriors
Not sure about Webber coming straight in for Saints, Ward playing well at the moment so honours even. Good backrows here, Rennie playing well but only in Championship so not sure how he'll do with the step up. 2 good 9-10 partnerships on show. Saints looking dangerous on the wings but not sure how to rate their centres now, Warriors' centres are steady. Great bench for Saints which gives them a good advantage. Warriors have done their research with how long players have played for and going for territory today. Saints keep their tactics clear and short using a good power game and an impact bench. Really tough to call this one and have gone either way in my thoughts so far about the result, I would go for a draw but feel that Saints do have the impact to get themselves back into this match. Close game.

Prop you say glos edge it yet give Leicester the win. Is that right ?

The joys of entertaining a kitten whilst doing predictions!

Correctio: tigers 24-25 gloucester

When did Horwill play in France?

Didn't he go to Bayonne?

Captain of reds mate.

Maybe on holiday Prop

Won't change my predictions as is keep the score the same. Just an error on my behalf but would rather not have questions after questions about my predictions

No issue with the score mate.

Exeter 19-19 Bath

Bath generally a little bit better throughout the pack and can see them getting at the set piece. Exeter bit more in the halfbacks but Bath can get on top in the centres. A few less new boys help Exeter but they're still bedding in. I think Bath have enough for draw.

Sale 25-23 Sarries
Very close game - tight forward battle and very even throughout, can't see Sarries having just enough to win the battle away from home. Key factor for me is form of three of the Sale backline Pisi, Eastmond and the Bath wing, which just sways the game - would def start Abendanon though, he's been fantastic last 3 weeks.

Chiefs 28-27 Bath
Very even again - great battle at the breakdown. If it was heavy rain I'd have given Bath a win, but conditions seem to suit Chiefs that little bit more and home advantage just, just swings it in their favour. Haskell hasn't been playing no8 for Wasps for a long time, would be tempted to start Gaskell there instead.

Quins 25 - 23 Falcons
A great backrow contest, Driver has a great unit and will put pressure on every team they come up against - though Steven's backow would be a great combination and Hooper is a unreal player. Lot of ball carrying options for both - makes a good point on Pienaars control at no9, and Youngs hasnt been on the best form. Both teams set up well, but Quins just edge this.

Tigers 18-19 Glos
Last week I said Mat has best team during the 6Nations time and can see them getting a very big away win against Tigers this week, especially with the form of some of the less big names - like Dickinson. TIgers certainly no pushovers, but the Genia and Carter axis will steer them through this one.

London Wasps 28-26 London Irish
Another close game, which shows how close the teams now are in this league. Wasps very strong during the 6Nations too. Irish will cause them problems though and would say that they edge the back row battle. Wasps front five is very strong and will see them get a good platform to build a win.

Sale 18 - 17 Saracens
Exeter 20 - 20 Bath
Leicester 21 - 20 Gloucester
Wasps 22 - 21 Irish
Saints 25 - 24 Worcester

Sale Sharks 21 Saracens 20
Exeter Chiefs 22 Bath Rugby 21
Harlequins 19 Falcons Falcons 18
Leicester Tigers 22 Gloucester 22
Northampton Saints 18 Worcester Warriors 17