Aviva Premiership Round Sixteen

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Bath Rugby vs Saracens
Location - The Rec
Sleet, 7 degrees, 10mph North Westerly winds

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Bath Rugby

Manager – inthefastlane

01. James Slipper	09. Fourie Du Preez
02. Agustin Creevy	10. Charlie Hodgson
03. Ben Tameifuma
04. Graham Kitchener	11. Hallan Amos
05. Sam Whitelock	12. Ma'a Nonu
06. James Haskell	13. Joel Tomkins
07. Liam Gill	14. Nopolini Nalaga
08. JMF Lobbe	15. Rob Miller

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16. Mike Haywood 17. Jake Cooper Woolsey 18. Charlie Faumuania 19. Luke Romano 20. Dan Lydiate 21. Richard Wigglesworth 22. Sam Hill 23. Jamie Elliot

Overall: Look to play a territorial game with the boots of our half back pairing playing a key role. Aim to keep Sarries 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 Sarries with our strong front row backed up by the All Black Unit. Lobbe to control the scrum at 8.

Lineout: Look to make full use of a dominant All Blacks unit with Whitelock calling. Romano, Lobbe 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

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, Faim 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 and with Hodgson will control our tempo. We have the big boots of Hodgson and FDP and they will look to use these in order to gain territory and increase pressure on Wasps. They will mix up their kicking.

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Saracens
Manager – Pooly

01. Max Lahiff	09. Nick White
02. Chris Whitehead	10. Morne Steyn
03. Jannie Du Plessis
04. Flip Van Der Merwe	11. Miles Benjamin
05. Victor Matfield	12. Ryan Crotty
06. Dave Denton	13. Jonathan Davies
07. George Smith	14. Chris Ashton
08. Chris Masoe	15. Lee Byrne

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16. Tiaan Liebenberg  17. Alex Waller  18. Paul Hill 19. Dom Barrow 20. Brad Shields 21. Chris Cook  22. Gareth Steenson  23. Adam Thompstone

Tactics:

TARGET SCRUM - Work on Slipper with JdP looking to drive through and put him off his game.

TARGET BEHIND WINGS - With strong kicking options at 9/13 we'll look to use this to our advantage and kick in behind the Bath wingers, making them turn, Nalaga can often rush up, we'll look to catch him out here. We'll also look to target the line out from this tactic.

TARGET LINE OUT - If Matfield can close Whitelock down we can limit Baths options at the line out with few jumpers in the backrow. If weakness seen we'll look to hit the corners and compete.

HUGE CARRYING OPTIONS - Loads of big carrying options to get us over the gain line and allow the backs to get into the game. Look to get options up at 1st and 2nd reciever at pace to draw in defence. Masoe/Denton/FvdM/Shileds give us great options and varied carriers.

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 - Matfield will fit straight in after being the teams line out coach since retiring in 2011. 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. Matfield will look mastermind taking the opposition throw apart throughout the game.

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 JD 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 London Irish
Location - Sandy Park
Light Rain Showers, 8 degrees, 13mph North Westerly winds

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Exeter Chiefs 

Manager – Fluxy

01. Tendai 'Beast' Mtawarira	09. Hadyn Thomas
02. Jack Yeandle	10. Toby Flood (k)
03. James Johnstone
04. Brad Thorn	11. Tom Varndell
05. Geoff Parling (c)	12. Scott Williams
06. Liam Messam	13. Marcelo Bosch
07. Will Fraser	14. Zac Guildford
08. Nick Williams	15. Matt Tait

16. Gary Botha 17. Richard Barrington 18. Matt Stevens 19. Patricio Albacete 20. Calum Clark 21. Bryn Hall 22. Freddie Burns 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. 
  
• Exploit the lack of physicality and tight carrying abilities of the Irish pack
  

• Flood will kick all points available, he can kick from within their half, so this indicates that Irish should be wary of giving away penalties.
  
• Play a simple game in the slippery conditions.
  
• Good momentum with us that moment winning the past three out of four games and back at home where we rarely lose. 
  

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 Irish 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 Evans and Bell, 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 Evans options and push him inside towards our back-row.
  
• Thomas 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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London Irish

01. Ben Franks	09. Rory Kockott
02. Ken Owens	10. Nick Evans (k)
03. Will Collier
04. Nick Kennedy	11. JP Pietersen
05. Stuart Hooper	12. Chris Bell
06. Jackson Wray	13. Conrad Smith
07. Justin Tipuric	14. Nick Cummins
08. Scott Higginbotham	15. Robbie Henshaw

16. Tom Lindsay 17. Wyatt Crockett 18. Antoine Guillamon 19. Matt Garvey 20. Ben Morgan 21. Lee Dickson22. Jules Plisson 23. Henry Trinder

Tactics:


SET PIECE
We have picked a scrummaging pack in good conditions and Higginbotham and Wray will provide grunt. We have four lineout jumpers and will keep it simple today, we will jack 2 up in their half on opposition ball.

BREAKDOWN
looking to control our BREAKDOWN and give Kockott time on the ball. Tips 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. We will look to use our strong carriers to get us over the gainline and recycle quick ball.

DEFENCE
Controlled and hard hitting. Look to snag 9 to stop quick ball and for Tips 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. Kockott will sweep.

BENCH
Strong impact with a strong front row replacements to come on and further power through Morgan. The bench can up the tempo with Plisson and Trinder playing heads up rugby in the last quarter to drag open a tired defence, Dickson will bring late control and game management.

OVERALL
Tight game initially and look for quick ball and strong direct runners, take the points when available but back ourselves if it's on.

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Harlequins vs Worcester Warriors
Location - Twickenham Stoop
Light Rain, 7 degrees, 9mph South Westerly winds

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Harlequins

Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Tony Woodcock	09. Ruan Pienaar (k)
02. Schalk Brits	10. Quade Cooper
03. Euan Murray
04. Bakkies Botha	11. Luke Morahan
05. Steve Borthwick (c)	12. Dan Bowden
06. Mamuka Gorgodze	13. Aurelien Rougerie
07. Michael Hooper	14. Joe Tomane
08. Nick Easter	15. Ollie Lindsey-Hague

16. Rob Buchanan 17. Gjorgi Jgenti 18. Kieran Brookes 19. George Kruis 20. Jamie Gibson 21. Karl Dickson 22. Jan Serfontein 23. Jonathan Joseph

Tactics

Use our big pack to get us quick ball upfront so we can release our backs into more space. Key to get Cooper on the front foot with back row and Rougerie carrying in midfield. Bowden offering out the back option.

Use our strong carriers to win the collisions and get us over the gain line. Carry in numbers to get quick ruck ball or to offload to support. 

Half backs to control be. Pienaar controls our field position and tempo, Cooper controls the attack. 

Look to get good, clean ball off our set piece to launch our attacks. Shorten the line between 22m lines. 

Around the breakdown look to get our back row and Brits their first, to turnover or slow down the Worcester ball. 

In defence, employ a quick line speed pressuring the key decision makers for Worcester. Look to double up in the tackle when we can.

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Worcester Warriors
Manager-CJ

01. Nathan Catt	09. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
02.  Richardt Strauss	10. Kyle Godwin (k)
03. BJ Botha
04. George Skivington	11. Willie Le Roux
05. Alun Wynn-Jones (c)	12. Anthony Allen
06. Danie Russouw	13. Casey Laulala
07. John Barclay	14. Jamie Elliott
08. Tom Guest	15. Chris Pennell

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16.  Yannick Forestier 17. Dave Ward 18.  Samson Lee 19. Mouritz Botha 20. Phil Dowson 21. Michael Classen 22. Remi Tales 23. Sam Smith

Tactics

With light rain, we will look to focus on the breakdown and set piece, but still try and run the ball, just keeping moves simple to minimalise handling errors. At the breakdown, Barclay to look to turnover ball and get us ours quickly, backed up by the many operators we have here. Approach as a unit with Barclay latching on followed by a clearout if he is first, or the clearout followed by slowing opposition ball down if not. Don’t overcommit numbers unless the turnover is on then ruck/counter ruck and look to use it quickly. Botha and Gorgodze are physical so get the ball out quickly. If Hooper beats Barclay to the ruck, blast him off the ball as he is quick but easy knocked off the ball.


Attack

Look to speed up slow ball with carrying in units of 3 forwards and recycling, varying the focus of attack to use our dynamic mobile forwards to tire and outmanoeuvre Quins. 

Look for space to grubber/chip into, as OLH is still a liability in terms of positioning and defence. Don’t do this too often but if the space is there exploit it.

In the backs, move the focus of attack too, with our mobile pack racing to support (in terms of the offload, off the shoulder pop and making rucks). Allen and Laulala can both be an attacking point or distributors, so look to have one attack the line and then recycle or pass out of the tackle until space appears then attack it. 

Le Roux and Pennell to join the line off their positions as they are excellent at to facilitate this moving focus approach. Elliott looking to be ready to finish any chances and support inevitable breaks. 

Off secure set piece ball, look to bring forwards or our centres onto a switch play to attack Cooper’s tackling and draw the backrow or Bowden into to help him. This will create space for our back 3, HBs or back 3 to exploit either inside the 9-10 channel or inside 13 where Rougerie is slow.

Defence

Harry Pienarr and Cooper with the back row. 

Blitz defence to cut all momentum led by Allen, with Strauss sweeping. 

Target Easter at the base as well: he will offload and if we anticipate this the interception or turnover tackle are both on.


Lineout

Mix up our jumpers, lots of options, including using the back and attacking 10. 

Contest middle ball so they can’t get easy attacking possession but give them the front so we can look to defend their maul 

Scrum

Established unit here, against older players past their best. Make them run in the first 30 then really attack the scrum as the props tire.

Subs

Use if necessary, Tales with Godwin to centre changes our style and Ward in great form.

Summary

Smash Hooper and attack breakdown as a unit

Target OLH against our back 3 with kicks

Move focus of attack 

Harry their HBs

Keep Quins moving

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London Wasps vs Sale Sharks
Location - Adams Park
Sleet Showers Showers, 7 degrees, 7mph South Westerly winds

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London Wasps
Manager  Ozzy3213

01. Paul James	09. Aaron Smith
02. Bismarck du Plessis	10. Owen Farell
03. David Wilson
04. Romain Millo-Chluski	11. Bryan Habana
05. Johann Muller	12. Christian Lealiifano
06. Marcell Coetzee	13. JJ Englebrecht
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Marland Yarde
08. Duane Vermeulen	15. Delon Armitage

16. Rob Hawkins 17. Steven Kitschoff 18. Frans Malherbe 19. Matt Symons 20. Luke Wallace 21.Nathan Fowles 22. Pat McCabe 23. Anthony Watson

Basic Game Plan
In poor conditions we will be looking to play a territorial game, utilising the boots of Farrell, Lealiifano and Armitage to play in Sale territory or force them to play from deep.  When in Sale 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.  We will play percentage rugby in the poor conditions.  Our intention is to utilize our strengths, which are top kicking games in the backs, and then power and pace to strike within the Sale 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 Joahnn Muller up competing where we think the ball will be going.
  
• Target Abendanon.  In poor conditions we will be looking to drop bombs on Abendanon, with a good kick chase.
  
• 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 Farrell, Lealiifano and Armitage to ensure we dominate the territorial battle.  We will put the ball into the corners time and time again and force Sale either into a kicking battle or to run from deep.
  

Key Points 

• Weather.  The weather will be a key factor.  In poor conditions territory will be key, and we have selected a backline with strong kicking games at 10, 12 and 15.  Only Steyn in the Sale outside backs has a real kicking game and his form has been poor in his most recent games.
  
• Home advantage.  It’s tough to win away from home, and even more so in poor weather conditions.
  

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 Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Marcos Ayerza	09. Danny Care
02. Benjamin Kayser	10. Johnny Sexton
03. Davit Zirakishvilli
04. Dave Attwood	11. Simon Zebo
05. Brodie Retalick	12. Francois Steyn
06. Iain Henderson	13. Robbie Freuen
07. Matt Todd	14. Kyle Eastmond
08. Victor Vito	15. Nick Abendanon

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16. Ross Harrison 17. David Paice 18. Luc Ducalcon 19. Christian Day 20. Matt Kvesic 21. Ben Spencer 22. Beauden Barrett 23. Semesa Rokoduguni

Specifics

- 6 Nations players... Care & Sexton our only starters last week up against Farrell (also started) & Smith (13th consecutive start). 
- Look to impose ourselves physically. Steyn & Freuen in midfield in ominous form at the start of Super 15 and with the likes of Henderson, Attwood, Retalick & Vito we can get on top in contact situations.
- Target the scrum. Wilson struggling in recent weeks with a fatigued BDP next to him (11th start in 12 games). Ayerza to target. 
- Target Wasps lineout. Muller's first start with only two weeks at the club. Calls will be simple with most ball going to Muller.We will look to put Vito up at the front and Retalick in the middle to contest in Wasps half.

Tactics

We will play a fast paced, high intensity game using big carriers to get over the gain line and create space for our halfbacks and outside backs. We will look to get our back three onto the ball as much possible with inside balls. Offloads will be limited with todays conditions. Look to starve Wasps off the ball and tire them out with constant defending.

- Target the scrum. Good technical front row supported by plenty of grunt will look to get on top and win penalties. 

- Keep the lineout simple. Conditions hinder off the top ball so we will use Attwood, Retalick & Vito for banker ball and look to the maul to make ground. If uncontested look to shorten the line and have Henderson run down the 12 channel.

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

- Get the back three involved. Zebo, Eastmond and Bendy all to run lines looking for the inside ball to get in behind the opposition defence.

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

- Straight line blitz defence focusing on a quick line speed to isolate the ball carrier before the gain line. Care to sweep in behind to cover chips and grubbers.

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Northampton Saints vs Gloucester Rugby
Location - Franklin Gardens
Light Rain Showers, 6 degrees, 9mph South Westerly winds

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Northampton Saints

01. Mako Vunpola	09. Niko Matawalu
02. Rob Webber (c)	10. George Ford
03. Carl Hayman
04. Dean Mumm	11. Julien Savea
05. Samo Manoa	12. Matt Giteau
06. Steven Luatua	13. Manu Tuilagi
07. David Pocock	14. Tommy Bowe
08. Sam Jones	15. Elliot Daly

16. Sona Taumalolo 17. Scott Spurling 18. Henry Thomas 19. Jacques du Plessis 20. Billy Vunipola 21. Joe Simpson 22. Matt Toomua 23. Jordan Williams

Tactics:
Key selection points: 
* Team selected to play high intensity, fast-paced attacking game to make best of conditions and backline selected for powerful ball line carries to get us over the gainline - Giteau, Tuilagi, Savea and Bowe all threats up the middle. 
* Picked big, powerful wingers to match threat of Gloucester wings. 
* Impact bench to bring on in second half and finish final 30 minutes very strongly - big ball carriers and speed from backline.
* Freshened the forward pack to ensure we can play high intensity from outset.
* Billy Vunipola and Henry Thomas to come on for the start of the second half.
* Home advantage, have turned Franklins Gardens into a very difficult place to win. 

Tactics:Saints will play a high intensity game from the outset, which is built around aggression and physicality in both attack and defence. We want to place Gloucester under pressure and force mistakes. We will look to win the gainline battle and the collisions with our big ball carriers in both forwards and backs and generate quick ball to attack with. 

Win the forward battle: Good conditions for our forwards, picked a mobile pack, with a lot of ball carriers and physicality to take the game to the away side and get a good platform for our halfbacks. The forwards are fresh and rested, all good ball carriers and a great bench to bring on and keep momentum going forward.

Setpiece: Plenty of lineout options with Mumm, Manoa, Jones and Luatua to generate quick ball to attack Gloucester. Will be looking to supply Ford with attacking ball so off first phase ball he can send Tuilagi, Savea or Bowe into the Glouceter midfield and then spread the ball wide from the next phases. A strong scrummaging unit where we will aim to attack off of - Matawulu a very good attacking no9 and we will look to get him sniping against Robson and Dickinson, both not having much AP experience. 

Breakdown/Backrow: Pocock returned with a good performance last week in real life and he will be used to target turnovers and slow down any Gloucester ball. We have picked a pack that has some very good players with hitting rucks, Webber, Mako, Manoa and Luatua so will be looking to clear out Gloucester quickly on our own ball and keep the ball moving.

Possession/Territory: We have Ford and Giteau to dictate the territory game and can bring in Daly's big boot from the back to put us deep into Gloucester territory. 

Attack the Gainline/Win Collisions: Again look to win the collisions and get over the gainline to provide our backs with the platform to attack, we have plenty of ball carriers in both the pack and backline. Selected Ford and Giteau as 10/12 combination due to their passing skills and ability to change the direction of play and put people into space. Will look to bring Daly into the game and use his pace to cause problems for GLoucester. 

Defence: Aggressive blitz defence, putting pressure onto Robson and Dickinson - very strong defensively across the backline and have selected Bowe and Savea due to the size of the Gloucester wings. Matawulu to sweep behind and backthree to counter any loose kicks..

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Gloucester 

01. Nick Wood	09. Dan Robson
02. Adrian Strauss	10. Dan Carter
03. Juan Figallo
04. Eben Etzebeth	11. Hosea Gear
05. George Robson	12. Juan de Jongh
06. Willem Alberts	13. Tevita Kudriani
07. Julian Salvi	14. Israel Folau
08. Sam Dickinson	15. Israel Dagg

16 Rupert Harden, 17 Jamie George, 18 Coenie Ousthuizen, 19 Elliott Stooke, 20 Tom Croft, 21 Will Genia, 22 Dan Cipriani, 23 Charlie Walker

In greasy nice conditions there is a chance to play a bit of rugby today.
However we are mindful of having the right players to deliver front foot ball key to allow us to play. 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 Robson 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 Webbers throws  and pressure generally 
T

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  you need his accuracy. We see our forwards as far superior so these sapping line out drives will serve to drain Saints 


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. Alberts is a huge carrier and will be used a lot for hard yards to generate front foot ball.

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 good conditions ball presentation is one of the keys for upping tempo

Backs 
With forward generating great ball the backs need to use it right.  the 8,9,10 link is key and we have the right players to raise and decrease tempo as required.

Where necessary Carter will be kicking for territory. We have a 9 and 10 with great kicking Games so it will be used to establish a base.

He will look to push them back and play the corners to help us build pressure Knowing we have great line out jumpers and Strauss to throw.

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 gear folau and  kuridrani hard and straighten or look to push it through the hands. Our back 3 has pace trickery and power. We will target the ford channel time and again.

However despite the big physical nature of our backs they also have sleight and pace so we can score from anywhere.
As the game progressss we will really up the tempo and look to Move it the moment we get front foot ball and try and create mismatches and get at the gateau ford channel before whipping it wide 


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 Robson sweeping. The aim is to
Get to ford and put him
Off. 
Key points 

We are on a great run and have risen up the league 
2,8,9,10 axis 
Really target their 10/12
Dominant set of backs to score the tries when we try and move it 
Superior kicking game to build pressure 


Good luck Chris !!

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Newcastle Falcons vs Leicester Tigers
Location - Kingston Park
Sunny Intervals, 6 degrees, 9mph North Westerly winds

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Newcastle Falcons

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

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

Falcons have picked a mobile pack and dangerous backline to face Leicester Tigers at KP this week.

TACTICS

Play a controlling based around ball retention , strong set piece and clever kicking game. Up front we'll look to take the ball to the line and smash over it. We've added Kelly Brown to the back row to suit this as his carrying in the tight will have a direct affect on the game. Ben Youngs will look to really get into our pack and get them working hard. In the backs Cruden will call the shots in attack standing flat and using the Leinster way of plenty of looping runners with Jane and Pitatau coming off they're wings to create the over lap.

KEY IDEAS

• Fixing our man to enable our mobile , dynamic and pacey players to cut angles and hit the gap.
  
• If we have to take contact we take it on our terms with big powerful carries.
  
• Cruden to target the space behind the wings and force them to back track
  
• Kruger to stand at 2 in the lineout and get across on Tigers throw.
  
• Aggresive defence around the breakdown and blitzing up in the backs to pressure the backs. Youngs to cover behind the line.
  
• Cruden to kick goals to keep the scoreboard ticking over. 
  

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Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Benn Robinson	09. Kahn Fotuali'i
02. Stephen Moore	10. Pat Lambie (k)
03. Cencus Johnston
04. Nathan Hines	11. Ugo Monye
05. Kearnan Myall	12. Dominic Waldouck
06. Ryan Jones	13. Rene Ranger
07. Francois Louw	14. Sitiveni Sivivatu
08. Ernst Joubert (c)	15. Kurtley Beale

16. Tom Youngs 17. Andrew Sheridan 18. Dan Cole 19. James Horwill 20. Sean O'Brien 21. Micky Young 22. Jonny Wilkinson 23. Billy Twelvetrees

Tactics:
We will play an attacking, offloading game getting our backline into space by using the huge carriers in our pack and the brains of our HB's

Key Points:

Impact off the Bench
Look to utilise our bench in the 2nd half to dominate Newcastle. Sheridan, Cole and Horwill to keep the set piece on track, and SOB to add serious carrying options. Introduce Wilko in the 2nd half to tie the game up for us.

General Tactics:

- Attack all scrums with our huge pack - All international front row in Moore, Johnston and Robinson - look to really get the shove on.

- Attack all lineouts. Use safe option of Joubert at the front, and also use Myall, Hines and Jones in the middle or at the back.
Shortened lineouts with Louw in midfield as crash/decoy option.

- Physical, abrasive pack made up of massive line-breakers. The likes of Louw, Hines, Jones, Joubert, Robinson and Moore to be used to win the collisions in attack. 
Play an offloading game.

- Look to win battle at the breakdown - Louw to really look to get into the breakdown and give  Newcastle problems.

- Fotauli'i and Lambie to control proceedings - We want to play an attacking, running game, and have selected Lambie at 10 and Beale at 15 to carry gameplan this out.

- Serious runners in the back line in the dry conditions. In Beale and Ranger alone, we have some serious options to attack Newcastle and test their back line defensively.

In attacking play, we will play with the option of 2 first receivers in Lambie and Beale. We want to control the game, mixing up the point of our attack consistently. 

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

Lambie to kick all penalites.

---

Aha not worry mate!

I have spent a bit too much time with coding recently! The new editor on here just makes drop and drag fortunately !

Show me what to do and I will. I often end up with certain players in weird positions on the screen with the numbering not making sense or backs and forwards mixed

I wouldn't worry too much. Just get the line up you want and I/we can do the rest!

Bath 20-21 Saracens
Looking up front I can see Bath matching Sarries and getting a small edge, backrow is tougher to split. 2 good halfback pairings with controlling 10's. Outside backs can see Sarries being more dangerous but Bath's bench look good. Bath set up to play Exeter in tactics but they do set up well with a tight game, not much mention of how their backs are going to play though. Sarries looking good with tactics but don't think they''ll get it all their way come the lineout which they have rested a lot on. Outside backs will work well with JD running tight. Close game but Sarries more dangerous out wide.

Quins 28-24 Warriors
Warriors look good in pack but think that Quins are a step up per man here. Half backs to Quins but can see Allen getting slight joy against Bowden. A good Warriors bench helps here. Quins set out well using big carriers then relying on Pienaar controlling, Warriors tactics read well and keeps the game closer but they've come up against a strong Quins side today.

Wasps 23-23 Sale
Can't split either pack here today with both set out well. 2 great half back pairings here as well. Again can't split the outside backs, seems like I'm sitting on the fence! Sale picking up on Wasps fatigue and their centres will get some headway with the way they are set out to play. Not sure Wasps will get joy targeting Abendanon who is in good form but neither side will get a lot from their 10's who both played quite a physical game last week. Draw here from me.

Saints 22-21 Glos
Give the front 5 to Saints but the back row to Glos. 9's even but Nico has good form at Glasgow, 10's bring experience against exuberance. Hard to rate Tuilagi so centres go to Glos. Outwide is evens. Not a lot between two benches. Saints looking to play off lineout and think they will get joy here and quick ball. Glos using their back row to slow down Saints here. Tough game to call but think Saints slight advantage at the set piece gives them better ball.

Falcons 24-23 Tigers
Can't split the packs here with both gaining parity in different areas. Can't split half backs either but feel Falcons a bit better in the centres. Wings to Falcons but full back to Tigers. Very good impact bench from Tigers which boosts them massively. Controlling tactics from Falcons and Cruden will work well standing flat with quick ball. Tigers will control their side well but think they may be relying too much on their bench and will have too much to do.

Bath 25 - 21 Saracens

Decent front row contest, overall slight edge to Bath. Good second row contest - right now slight edge to Bath for me. think Bath have the slight advantage overall in the back row although two good units. Bath take the pack. Oe apiece in the HB's but as a duo slight edge to Bath. Again one apiece in the centres, two good units, and two dangrous looking back threes. Think Bath, at home, have enough here to be fairly comfortable.


Chiefs 24 - 22 Irish

Slight edge to Chiefs up front, and think they have a good advantage in the second row too. As a unit I side slightly to Irish, but as a whole unit Chiefs take the pack battle. As a unit Irish look stronger at HB, but Chgiefs look better at centre, whilst the bck threes are fairly even. Chiefs, at home, with pack superioty, get a good win here.


Harlequins 26 - 21 Worcester

Quins edge it up front with a stronger unit, although I prefer Worcs in the 2nd row. Quins take th back row though with really good unit, and overall the take the pack. Quins look stronger at HB for me, whilst the centres are fairly even, and neither side dominates the back three contest. At home, think Quins take this one.


Wasps 20 - 20 Sale

Really strong front row contest with no real winner. SLight edge to Sale in the 2nd row with a good duo, whilst Wasps take the back row. Really tight pack battle that neither side gains an advantage in. Really good HB battle, with fatigue a factor for both units. Slight edge to Sale at centre, with Wasps getting a small advantage at back three. This game is extremely tight, and even all over. Can't split them.


Saints 22 - 24 Gloucester

Slight edge to Gloucs up front but not by much. Back fives just edge to Gloucs but two decent units. They are also better at HB although Saints win the centre contest. Chris delighted to see Manu back im sure. Overall Gloucs better back three. Think Gloucs take take a huge win here.

Bath 17 - 15 Saracens:

Scrum-Du Plessis will get penalties off Slipper but Big Ben off Lahiff. Both sides can disrupt each other and this will lead to penalties, but the scrums that stay up will give good attacking ball
Lineout- Both sides win their own ball
Breakdown- Edge Bath
Carrying - edge to Bath, front row making the difference
HBs- both good, maybe edge Sarries in this weather
Attack- hard to do lots with backs in sleet. Nonu a big help for Bath but both sides will do fine with nothing too fancy
Defence- evens
Subs- Evens

Close low scoring game, home side edges it

Chiefs 22- 21 Irish

Scrum- Chiefs with better props
Lineout- Messam the extra option who gives Chiefs edge
Breakdown- slight edge to Irish
Carrying- Evens
HBs- Advantage Irish with the two very capable of controlling
Attack- slight edge Exeter, helped by extra tactics
Defence- edge to Irish with Conrad Smith etc
Subs- 2 very strong benches, even

Just enough at home for Exeter

Wasps 18 - 17 Sharks

scrum- huge huge clash between excellent units. Can't call it
lineout- edge to Sharks here, just
Breakdown- Wasps take this
Carrying- edge Sale
HBs- both sides picking 6N starters, A Smith's form and freshness gives a slight advantage to Wasps
Attack- Both fine, won't create a huge amount in the sleet
Defence- Evens
Subs- forwards to Wasps, backs to Sale

Evens at a neutral venue, 1 point win at home

Saints 24 - 22 Gloucester

Scrum- edge Gloucester, but not a huge influence
Lineout- also advantage Gloucester here
Breakdown- good scrap here, Saints just about have enough to win though
Carrying- Jones at 8 not ideal, edge to Gloucester though Billy V may do enough to reverse that when he comes on
HB- in theory goes to Gloucester with Carter and Robson also a good prospect, but I really like Matawulu and Ford is in good form so actually evens or edge to Saints
Attack- Folau a huge danger man but overall to Saints. Targeting Ford might not work as the Saints backrow is one that can very capably help the Hbs with defence
Defence- Saints have the edge
Subs- edge G;oucester in the backs, evens in the pack

Enough for a home win, despite starting pack edged by Gloucester

Falcons 27 - 24 Tigers

Scrum- edge Falcons, Franks the difference
Lineout- edge to Tigers, very close
Breakdown- good players for both sides but love the backrow for Falcons in this area
carrying- Falcons backrow quite light here, aided by Slater but backrow carrying is important and Hines helps Tigers so advantage to them
HBs- Both helped out by capable playmakers at 15, but Cruden the best 10 in the world for me, Lambie still doing well. Youngs out of form, Fotuali'i not playing a huge amount, still just goes to Falcons
Attack- 2 well balanced attacking backlines, will score tries
Defence- Ben Smith suspect at 13, I know Ranger is a bit too but trust him more there. Falcons backrow very handy here though, exceptional in terms of tackling and workrate
Subs- edge to Tigers

Overall, Falcons too much at home, breakdown the difference

Bath Rugby 20 Saracens 19
Exeter Chiefs 17 London Irish 16
Harlequins 21 Worcester Warriors 20
Northampton Saints 19 Gloucester 20
Newcastle Falcons 20 Leicester Tigers 19

Bath 24 - 23 Saracens
Exeter 20 - 19 London Irish
Wasps 18 - 17 Sale
Saints 20 - 21 Gloucester
Newcastle 23 - 22 Leicester

Exeter 22-20 Irish
Quins 23-22 Warriors
Wasps 19-19 Sale
Saints 25-24 Gloucester
Newcastle 24-22 Tigers

Bath 22 - 20 Saracens
Bath have quality throughout their side and will edge the Sarries boys at home. Sarries are looking quite handy in the run in though and leave The Rec with the bonus point.

Harlequins 27 - 22 Worcester Warriors
Quins shine over the strong warriors pack. They create the time and ease for Pienaar to control the game and pull the strings. Warriors are set up nicely but are just a bit short, but again for me don't leave without the LBP.

London Wasps 25 - 25 Sale Sharks
Two great packs with both sides in decent form. The two great sets of halfbacks are great in executing their relative game plans. I see faz perhaps edging the territory battle a little better, but Sexton will really bring the best out of his back line. I would rather see Eastmond in the centres, but doesn't mean he is good on the wing! Targeting Bendy is a slightly odd one for me as he has been great in the past and he will run back any kicks with gusto. Can't really seperate either as both are doing really well. Unfortunately I will have to give it as a draw. 

Northampton Saints 21 - 19 Gloucester
Big boys in both packs, but slightly edge the front towards Saints, but the back five towards Glos. Two attacking sets of scrum halves, perhaps Carter will control the game a little better than Ford. Looking through the tactics I see Saints using their back five to slow down Glaws which will halt their momentum out wide and frustrate. 

Newcastle Falcons 26 - 22 Leicester Tigers
Two even packs who will get into each other well. This sets up the game for the attacking Falcons backs. Tigers controlled game will hurt Falcons, and really test their defence. But the attacking ability of the Falcons will be telling and edge them at home.

Bath 24 - 23 Saracens
Exeter 20 - 19 London Irish
Wasps 19-19 Sale
Quins 30-29 Wuss
Newcastle 23 - 22 Leicester

Sorry for no explanations. Having a mare of a day with the little one.

Exeter 19–19 London Irish

Little more for the Exeter scrum but not sure Yeadle’s throw is solid enough to keep own line out ball and Exeter second row must be fatigued. Not much in the back rows. Step up for Irish in the half backs and centres about even with Smith the standout. 2 good back 3 units. Exeter starting to settle a but after numerous changes, Irish have enough for draw though.

Harlequins 22-22 Worcester

I think Worcester edge the front 5 slightly with Murray well off the pace this season holding Quins back a bit. Not much between 2 good backrow units with some nice balance. I’m not sure of the Cooper/Pienaar combo with both having very different skill sets, I don’t think Worcester have enough to take advantage though. Little step up in the backs overall for Worcester with some good combos. A strong 10 and Worcester could have took this one.

Wasps 18-18 Sale

Cracking front row battle, scrum would be a great arm wrestle but little in it. Sale a step up in the engine room with a quality combo. Nothing in the flank battle but big fan of Vermeulen giving Wasps the advantage. Both teams opting to play 6N players is interesting, can’t give full rating but Sale HB combo stronger. Not much in the centres, still think Wasps need a creative spark somewhere. If Steyn was playing well Sale would take but he’s not. Wasps back 3 a step up. Better bench for Sale sees them sneak a late draw. Another one.....sorry lads.

Northampton 19-14 Gloucester

2 decent scrummaging outfits but Wood’s form of late allows Saints to get on top here. Etzebeth the standout in the engine room but lacking a bit of form, Saints miss their England lads. Jones is no 8 for me but Saints edge the flanks. Gloucester take the half backs, Saints could do with a controlling 9 to dictate play a bit. Big step up in the centres for Saints and not much in the back 3. Saints have more in the pack and centres to take the win.

Newcastle 25-22 Leicester

Good front battle, nothing in the scrums but Falcons could get a bit at the line out. Newcastle backrow on a different level to Tigers (and to most teams) and this gives them a pack advantage. Falcons take the half backs, Cruden in cracking form and a big step up in the centres for Falcons. Falcons just shade back 3 but good battle. Hard to see where Tigers can get a foot hold in this one, Falcons have a lot of quality out and with Cruden in supreme form get the win.

Yawn

Think I just about scrape the BP...

Think I just about nick a win, happy with that, knew it would be a tight one.

Really hard separating some teams this week

Guys I'm not going to be giving full length predos and not that proactive for the next couple of weeks with the run into exams, still feel free to propose any trades and I'll try and answer them though, just apologies in advance for short predictions. I'll also only be watching the Eng-Wales match with vague following of the other 6N matches in the background so please understand if I'm not up to scratch on Supee rugby form! I usually watch the highlights of all the competitions matches but I'll struggle with that until June really, where I hope to see some live S15 in Australia post elective.

Sorry! I'll try and keep the tactics decent though

RESULTS:

Bath Rugby 25 (T:2 P:5)
Saracens 21 (T:2 C:1 P:3)

Exeter Chiefs 24 (T:2 C:1 P:4)
London Irish 19 (T:1 C:1 P:4)

Harlequins 29 (T:2 C:2 P:5)
Worcester Warriors 23 (T:1 P:6)

London Wasps 21 (T:2 C:1 P:3)
Sale Sharks 19 (T:1 C:1 P:4)

Northampton Saints 24 (T:2 C:1 P:4)
Gloucester 23 (T:1 P:6)

Newcastle Falcons 27 (T:2 C:1 P:5)
Leicester Tigers 22 (T:1 C:1 P:5)

BONUS:

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

Happy with that result!  

Chiefs are on the hunt!

Scraping points, taht will do. Well won Quins, when I get some time I'll need to strengthen my pack a bit

Sorry that I didn't get my predos in this weekend, I thought I posted them all on Saturday morning, but obviously they haven't come up at all.

Didn't think I'd get a win against Mat there!

Another top win! 

That's wins against Wasps , Tigers and Saints in my last few games

dammit_chris wrote:Sorry that I didn't get my predos in this weekend, I thought I posted them all on Saturday morning, but obviously they haven't come up at all.

Didn't think I'd get a win against Mat there!

I was not surprised always one that would change the result.
A bit tedious but well done Chris

Sure I have you again in the English/Welsh, pretty sure I will be without Mako and Thomas too, have been struggling to get enough English out who people have heard of, espc in the front row!