Aviva Premiership Round Seventeen

 
 

---

Sale Sharks vs Northampton Saints
Location - AJ Bell Stadium
Heavy Rain Showers, 8 degrees, 18mph South Westerly winds

---

Sharks

---

Saints

---

---

London Irish vs Bath Rugby
Location - Madejski Stadium
Light Rain Showers, 9 degrees, 17mph South Westerly winds

---

Warriors

---

Wasps

---

---

Worcester Warriors vs London Wasps
Location - Sixways Stadium
Light Rain Showers, 9 degrees, 18mph South Westerly winds

---

Warriors

---

Wasps

---

---

Gloucester Rugby vs Newcastle Falcons
Location - Kingholm Stadium
Heavy Rain Showers, 9 degrees, 19mph South Westerly winds

---

Glaws

---

Falcons

---

---

Leicester Tigers vs Exeter Chiefs
Location - Welford Road
Light Cloud, 9 degrees, 19mph South Westerly winds

---

Tigers

---

Chiefs

---

---

Saracens vs Harlequins
Location - Wembley Arena
Light Rain Showers, 9 degrees, 17mph South Westerly winds

---

Sarries

---

Quins

---

1.Matt Mullen
2.Dane Coles
3.Owen Franks
4.Ed Slater
5.Juandre Kruger
6.Ben Mowen
7.Richie McCaw
8.Kieron Read

9.Ben Youngs
10.Dan Bigger
11.Charles Pitatau
12.Francis Sailli
13.Jean De Villers
14.Cory Jane
15.Alex Goode


16.Darren Dawidiuk 17.Ryan Grant 18.Scott Wilson 19.Paul O'Connell 20.Dave Ewers 21.Dave Lewis 22.Henry Slade 23.Brad Barritt




Falcons travel to Gloucester knowing that a win is vital for both teams and have selected a efficient team to secure the win down in the west country.


Falcons name a strong front 5 who are fresh as daisys after 2 weeks rest with the exception of Mullen who had a trundle in Italy, The pack have been the reason for our good form of late and will be essential in winning this contest.


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.
  
• Bigger 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 Glaws throw.
  
• Aggresive defence around the breakdown and blitzing up in the backs to pressure the backs. Youngs to cover behind the line.
  
• Bigger to kick goals to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
  

Bigger will look to ping the ball deep when space is there.
Get our midfield running at Mills and testing Khuridini defence.
Play territory game with Youngs , Bigger , Goode all having great kicking games.

Nice home game after 2 weeks off! Hope your boys aren't tired Steve

Most well rested. Especially nice that my 6N players have been resting during their weeks off so are raring to go for this one.

You playing 6N players???

Got to give them a week off man, only one I'm considering is JD as he's only played 2 games.

Faletau, Warbs, Roberts will be goosed

Actually Denton might get a game, SJ doesn't seem to like starting him and Gray.

My backs will play. None of them played during the weeks off in the tournament so are fine. If I get marked down for fatigue when people were playing them throughout the weeks off I'll be livid.

Forwards will have a week off.

I defiantly won't be playing Burrell, too much playing backs who played every week imo.

I'd mark down Roberts & Burrell.

Subject to change:

Worcester Warriors
Manager-CJ

01. Yannick Forestier	09. Dimitri Yachvilli (k)
02.  Dave Ward	10. Remi Tales
03. Samson Lee
04. George Skivington (c)	11. Jamie Eliott
05. Alexandre Flanquart	12. Anthony Allen
06. Tom Guest	13. Casey Laulala
07. John Barclay	14. Sam Smith
08. Ashley Johnson	15. Willie Le Roux

;-
16.  Nathan Catt 17. Richardt Strauss  18.  Samson Lee 19. Mouritz Botha 20.  Phil Dowson 21.Tawera Kerr-Barlow  22. Kyle Godwin 23. Chris Pennell

[b]Tactics:[/b]


Breakdown-

Look to commit minimal men by using Ward and Barclay as fetchers in tandem, chasing ball (also cover tackling and supporting/linking). Other forwards chipping in but mostly clearing out.

If ball can be turned over, chuck numbers in.


Attack- tactically kick in our half from halfbacks.

In Wasps half, force defence narrow with carries from pack, crash ball off 10 with Johnson and direct running from centres. When space outwide appears, recycle and spin wide through halfbacks, Guest, Ward and Barclay to wings (and Le Roux joining outside) to exploit it.

If FB is ever out of position, chip and grubber through the blitzing line. Run back kicks where possible

Defence-

Fringe defence led by Johnson is key so keep it tight. Push the offside line in their half. Blitz led by Allen, Yachvili sweeping.

Set piece

Pressurise lineout at the front to try and force overthrows. Mix our options up if throwing is going well. Nothing fancy. Use scrum as an attacking platform for Guest to run off

Subs-

use if necessary. Godwin can add a playmaking approach to backline at 12.

Penalties-

Be careful and avoid breaking laws in our 22, but press hard on all of them in their 22- higher risk and reward. Yachvili to take any easy kicks on.



Summary:

Recycle ball through fetchers in tandem

Attack narrow, make space then quickly spin wide

Chip over blitz when space behind

No pens in our 22 but press in theirs

Target Smith and Lopez all game in defence and attack

Steven_Sharks wrote:My backs will play. None of them played during the weeks off in the tournament so are fine. If I get marked down for fatigue when people were playing them throughout the weeks off I'll be livid.

Forwards will have a week off.

Agreed Steve. My starting lineup will be nearly 100% different.
Only played Alberts and Dagg who have just came back from injury out of my first choice

01. Wyatt Crockett	09. Rory Kockott
02. Ken Owens	10. Nick  Evans
03. Will Collier
04. Nick Kennedy	11. Nick Cummins
05.Mike McCarthy	12. Chris Bell
06. Matt Garvey	13. Conrad Smith
07. Justin Tipuric	14. JP Pietersen
08. Scott Higginbotham (c)	15. Niall Morris

;-
16.  Tom Lindsay 17. Tom Smallbone 18. Adam Jones 19. Stuart Hooper 20. Sam Warburton 21. Lee Dickson 22. Shane Geraghty 23. Henry Trinder
Tactics:


SET PIECE
We have picked a scrummaging pack in good conditions and Higginbotham and McCarthy 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. In attack we will look for quick ball and play a pod system with the forwards takng on tight ball.

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. If it's not on we will look to pin them back with kicks to touch.

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 Warburton looking for turnover ball against tired legs. The bench can up the tempo with Dickson 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 keeping the weather in mind and look for quick ball and strong direct runners, take the points when available but back ourselves if it's on. We are getting into the run in of the end of  the season and want to get good form going with good international experience all over the park.

Home teams due in by the cut off tonight  

01. Nick Wood	09. Will Genia
02. Adriaan Strauss	10. Dan Carter
03. Juan Figallo
04. Eben Etzbeth	11. Hosea Gear
05.George Robson	12. Ryan Mills
06. Willem Alberts	13. Tevita Kuridrani
07. Julian Salvi	14. Folau
08. Sam Dickinson	15. Israel Dagg

;-
16.  Coenie Ousthuizen 17. Jamie George18. Rupert Harden19. Elliot Stooke 20. Schalk burger 21. Dan Robson22. Danny cipriani  23. Johnny May

[b]Tactics:[/b]

Glos welcome falcons to Kingsholm for what should be a cracker. Gloucester are buoyed by their recent form which has seen some great wins home and away and culminated in the LV cup win last week.

An added bonus has been the chance to rest key players and to give game
Time to squad players and those coming back from
Injury like Alberts and Dagg.

Match tactics

We have taken in to account the weather and want to play possession and territory rugby. Possession when we have the ball in hand in the right parts of the field and territory when we are not in the right part of the field.

Forwards

We have gone for a huge front 5 that are also all ball carriers to enable front foot ball. We will be looking for them to dominate the scrums but
More importantly give the platform going forward for 9,10,12 to gain territory

We have lots of lineout options and will be looking to drive lineouts to sap Newcastle. We will release the ball when going forward on the drive to carter or will hit out big runners
On the pop to keep ball.

We will target Coles throw big time
On their ball as he can be got at.


With such a mobile big pack we will target the breakdown with numbers to try and force turnover ball or at least give falcons slow ball.

We have gone for mills at 12 to
Offer a 3rd kicking option to allow us to keep Newcastle turning
And to make them kick for touch.

When playing territory your kick chase is key and in kuridrani,folau, gear we have some
Real chasers.

When in the right position we will play with carter and mills acting
As distributors. With huge physical strike runners like folau Dagg gear kuridrani we can look to use power game and recycle
Or look to get outside and use one on one skill.

Carter will use cross kick with gear
And folau.

We will use the blitz in greasy conditions to force mistakes with Genia sweeping.

Bench wise we have gone for more pace power and ball carriers to keep our game plan going.

As game progresses and defences tire we
Will look to break the game up and force the
Pace with counters quick throw ins
And by generally opening up. However we will only do
It when it's on as we are mindful
Of the weather

Good luck driver

Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Marcos Ayerza	09. Kieran Marmion
02. David Paice	10. Beauden Barrett
03. Davit Zirakishvilli
04. Dave Attwood	11. Kyle Eastmond
05. Brodie Retalick	12. Francois Steyn
06. Yannick Nyanga	13. George Pisi
07. Fulgence Quedragao	14. Simon Zebo
08. Victor Vito	15. Nick Abendanon

:-
16. Ross Harrison 17. Tommy Taylor 18. Martin Moore 19. Christian Day 20. Matt Kvesic 21. Ben Spencer 22. James Hook 23. Semesa Rokoduguni

Key Points

- Matawula has played scrumhalf just three times this season in real life including defeats to the Blues & Dragons. His basics are poor and he is easily wound seeing the bin numerous times this year.  We will look to provoke him.

- We will look to contest the breakdown throughout flooding it with numbers in contrast to the Saints light approach. Looking to make conditions as hard as possible for Matawula off the base while aiming for the turnover.

- Target the Saints props at scrum time. Both have struggled this year and with two strong technicians on show we can draw penalties.

- Win the territorial dual. We have the stronger kicking game from 9-12 with only Ford a decent kicker for Saints. Territory will be crucial in todays game.  

- Target Ford defensively. Look to use Steyn, Vito, Attwood etc down his channel. Although he is capable of making the tackle he will give significant ground away which as seen in the England-Ireland game is crucial.
 
- Savea lines up against Simon Zebo not Kyle Eastmond! Zebo is more than capable on the air, being comfortable at fullback, and should win this aerial challenge.

Tactics

We will play the game in the opposition half with an intelligent kicking game. When there we will look to force mistakes with an aggressive, physical defence and thus create attacking platforms.

- 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 are an issue so will use Attwood, Retalick & Nyanga for banker ball and look to the maul to make ground.

- Build momentum when in the right areas using big carries from Vito, Attwood, Retalick & co to get over the gain line where we will look to recycle quickly by committing to the ruck and put more pressure on the opposition defence.

- Hit the breakdown hard. Look to our dynamic front five to clear the ruck and allow the likes of Nyanga & Quedragao to really attack the breakdown. We will look to commit numbers to the breakdown throughout the game to make the ruck area a mess for Matawula.

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

- Counter the opposition kicking game with our wingers sitting deep on defence to prevent kicks in behind. They will look to run the ball back with interest which forces the opposition into playing the ball and making mistakes.

- Keep the scoreboard ticking with Barrett kicking all penalties and looking for the drop goal when available. Steyn capable of dropping it over from anywhere.

Saracens name their side for the key Harlequins clash after 2 weeks away the fixture list. Pooly:

"That 2 week break was key in recharging our batteries for the final run in. Harlequins & Gloucester fought out a huge game last week and I imagine the full 23 will be feeling it this week, especially up against some really fresh sides.

I've gave the majority of the 6N lads the week off, especially those who put a full shift in and we haven't seen for 6/7 weeks. It's hard to imagine what a full 6N takes out on you, if I don't rest them now they'll be no good for the rest of the season.

Jon Davies starts for us after 2 starts for Wales, I thought he needed the game time to be honest and he was just starting to look in some good form that last game against Scotland. I've put big Dave Denton on to the bench but I'd rather not use him if I can help it, although it would be nice watching him charging around the pitch for the last 10 mins.

This a really big game for us with Quins just ahead of us in the table and them playing a really strong side side week in the LV. We are extremley hard to beat at home and the boys are fresh and ready to go. We'll be hoping to catch out a tired Quins side and get close to them in the table."

Saracens
Manager – Pooly

01. Alex Waller	09. Nick White
02. Keven Mealamu	10. Morne Steyn
03. Jannie Du Plessis
04. Flip Van Der Merwe	11. Miles Benjamin
05. Victor Matfield	12. Tom Taylor
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. Louis Deacon  20. Dave Denton 21. Chris Cook  22. George Lowe  23. Adam Thompstone

Tactics:

HOME ADVANTAGE AGAINST A TIRED QUINS SIDE – Our home form has been outstanding of late we’re extremely tough to breakdown and beat. We’ll look to keep the tempo up from the off and work a tired Quins side over. We’ll expect them to tire in the 2nd half and we’ll look to grind home with the points ticking over.

TIRED V FRESH - We’re off the back of 2 weeks off mid-season with a chance to freshen up and enforce our high tempo game. Even if Quins have rotated slightly the squad has travelled many a mile and will feel the pain against a completely fresh squad.

LV CUP HANGOVER – We see this time and time again after a cup final. Both teams often struggle the week after with the emotion and physicality a cup final brings. The last thing you want is an away trip to a physical side.

10–12 AXIS- Steyn/Taylor will look to hit the corners and target Quins line out early on. With JD at 13 we have numerous kicking options (right and left) to keep Quins guessing. We’ll also look for the grubber in behind Rougerie with the old boy not having the turning circle he once had.

TARGET LINE OUT – Two world class line out leaders in Flip & Matfield. We’ll look to mark Borthwick out of the game and limit Quins options. If weakness seen we’ll really turn the screw here and target the corners. Matfield has been in outstanding form making S15 team of the week and captaining the Bulls this week.

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/Fearns give us great options and varied carriers.

General – Could be greasy conditions so we'll look to mix it up.High tempo, big carries, hitting the corners and targeting the line out. 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 TH and Hooker will look to target Woodcock/Brits axis and try to get between them forcing them to screw in or come out of the scrum.

Line out – Varied options off the top to give us quick ball. Play to the conditions and change if not working. Look to use rolling maul if on. 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 with Flip adding another top option and stealer.

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.

Saints team to play Sale (will do proper formatting once I do the tactics).

1. Mako Vunipola
2. Rob Webber (c)
3. Carl Hayman
4. Dean Mumm
5. Manu Samoa
6. Steven Luatua
7. Sam Cane
8. Billy Vunipola
9. Nikola Matawulu
10. George Ford (k)
11. Julian Savea
12, Weslie Fofana
13, Manu Tuilagi
14. Jordan Williams
15. Elliot Daly

16. Thomas Domingo 17. Rhys Marshall 18. Henry Thomas 19. Sam Jones 20. Sergio Parisse 21. Joe Simpson 22. Matt Giteau 23. Ben Foden.

Tactics:

Weather conditions see Saints adopt a very simple game plan, big ball carriers in the pack to work through the phases, maul our way up the pitch and wear down the Sale pack. Provide Ford with a platform to dictate the kicking territory battle and bring Fofana, Tuilagi and Savea into the midfield to make the hard yards. Very aggressive and physical approach to the game and aim to force errors and mistakes from Sale with Ford to punish short range penalties and Daly to go from distance.

Setpiece: Very simple lineout call in the conditions, stick with banker ball and will use lineouts to start mauls and work through the phases here and get forward momentum. Manoa to put pressure on Sale throw ins and Paice throws. Solid scrum, with Webber and Hayman very strong scrummagers and Domingo to come off the bench to add to the scrum.

Ball carrying: We've selected a pack full of big ball carriers, which make the hard yards and push the game into a physical battle. Aim to tire the Sale pack by making them put in tackle after tackle. Ford has the options of Fofana, Tuilagi and Savea in the backline to support the forwards work. Will make Sale work hard for every piece of possession. With the pack we are looking to really target the collision area.

Territory: Ford's tactical kicking will be key, after going through the phases Ford will look to push Sale back into their own half, he will also look to test Eastmond's defence against Savea with cross field kicks - combination of height advantage and the weather could see this be a key area for us. Selected Daly and Williams in the back three to combat Steyn's kicking with their big boots.

Attack: Game very much based around a sensible kicking game, working through the phases with the Saints pack, but when we get into the Sale 22, Ford will attack the gainline by standing flat and look to put Fofana and Tuilagi one on one with Sale defenders, or get Savea attacking off 2nd/3rd phase ball.

Breakdown: We wont be throwing bodies into the breakdown as the conditions wont allow us to captialise on turnovers, instead we will set up our defence around the rucks and put pressure on the Sale ball carrier. Sam Cane to be a nusaince.

Defence: Aggressive blitz defence, big hitters and aim to force handling errors and get at the Sale halfbacks. Matawulu to sweep behind defensive line. Big defensively in pack and midfield - two backthree who play fb, which will help in the conditions.

Key selection points:
A lot of strong ball carriers and kicking options vital for the conditions.
Win the collisions and gainline battle.
Powerful bench to finish game strongly.
Ford's kicking to try and get mismatches between Savea and Eastmond out wide.
Use Fofana, Tuilagi and Savea from close range, will be a game of few tries, but feel physicality of these three will be a game changer if opportunities present themselves.

Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Benn Robinson	09. Kahn Fotuali'i
02. Stephen Moore	10. Jonny Wilkinson (k)
03. Cencus Johnston
04. Nathan Hines	11. Ugo Monye
05. James Horwill (c)	12. Dominic Waldouck
06. Francois Louw	13. Rene Ranger
07. Jacques Burger	14. Sitivenu Sivavatu
08. Ernst Joubert	15. Pat Lambie

16. Tom Youngs17.  Andrew Sheridan 18. Dan Cole 19. Kearnan Myall 20. Sean O'Brien 21. Micky Young 22. Kurtley Beale 23. Josh Bassett

Tactics:

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

- Attack at all scrums with our huge pack - Johnston and Robinson to look to really get into the opposition. An area we will look to target if winning.

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

- Put serious pressure on Cronin's throws with Joubert at the front on all Exeter's throws.

- Target the breakdown - huge emphasis on our work at the breakdown today and we will always look to turnover possession. With Burger and Louw, we feel our breakdown play could be crucial today.

- Gigantic pack made up of massive line-breakers, used in the tight to tire down the Exeter defence. The likes of Louw, Burger, Hines, Moore and Horwill to be used to target the Exeter 10/12 channel.

- In attacking play, we will play with the option of 2 first receivers in Wilko and Lambie. We want to control the game, mixing up the point of our attack and looking for where the gaps are.

- Target the Exeter back three if looking vulnerable. Look to the in-form Lambie to win the 15 battle and give us counter-attacking options as much as possible.

- 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.

Apologies I know its 24hrs later, but weather is updated

Bath Rugby
Manager – inthefastlane

01. James Slipper	09. Richard Wigglesworth
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

|
16. Mike Haywood 17. Jake Cooper Woolsey 18. Charlie Faumuania 19. Luke Romano 20. Dan Lydiate 21. Fourie Du Preez 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 Irish 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 Irish 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 unit with Whitelock calling. Whitelock, Kitchener, 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. Wiggles 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 Irish defence. 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 Wiggles and they will look to use these in order to gain territory and increase pressure on Irish. They will mix up their kicking.

Bench: We have named A very strong bench. The front row will come on and look to really up the ante in the scrum. Romano will come on early and look to add grit and use him aggressively in lineout. Lydiate will only come on for the last 10 minutes and will look to impact game with tackling. FDP will come on and control game with experience. Hill and Elliot will look to get hands on ball and pressure Irish defence. Warburton and Jones on the bench will be feeling effects on a tough six nations.

Is Sarries- Quins meant to be t Allianz Park or Wembley?

Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Tony Woodcock	09. Ruan Pienaar (k)
02. Schalk Brits	10. Steven Myler
03. John Afoa
04. Bakkies Botha	11. Topsy Ojo
05. Steve Borthwick (c)	12. Dan Bowden
06. Mamuka Gorgodze	13. Aurelien Rougerie
07. Michael Hooper	14. Frank Halai
08. Nick Easter	15. Luke Morahan

16. Tatafu Polata-Nau  17. Gjorgi Jgenti   18. Kyle Sinckler  19. George Kruis   20. Jamie Gibson 21. Karl Dickson  22. Quade Cooper 23. Jonathan Joseph      
Tactics

Use our pack to get us go forward with carries of 9, 10 and 12. Carry in numbers with aim of winning collision and getting across the gainline. Support their for offload or to recycle quick ball. Front 5 off 9 and 10 (inside shoulder) with back row and Rougerie running off 10 (outside shoulder) and 12.

Look for 9,10,12 to control our play and field position. Three strong kickers to kick behind Saracens wingers and into spaces.

When we get our quick ball look to give Rougerie and our back 3 space to run into. Use forwards to tie in defenders to create this space.

Look to use set piece as a platform to attack. Use short line between 22's to allow for extra carriers in midfield. Milk any scrum advantage for penalties and use experience in this area.

Quick line speed in defence with pressure put on Saracens key decision makers. Look to double up in the tackle when we have the numbers.

At the breakdown look to win collisions in defence so we have the momentum going into the ruck. Look for Backrow and Brits to targets the ball and others to make a nuisance to slow down Saracens ball. Disrupt and pressure key in defence.

Not very well so apologies to lack of detail. Hopefully covered most bases.

London Wasps
Manager  Ozzy3213

01. Alex Corbisiero	09. Aaron Smith
02. Bismarck du Plessis	10. Camille Lopez
03. Martin Castrogiovanni
04. Romain Millo-Chluski	11. Bryan Habana
05. Johann Muller	12. Christian Lealiifano
06. Siya Kolisi	13. JJ Englebrecht
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Marland Yarde
08. Duane Vermeulen ©	15. Delon Armitage

16. Rob Hawkins 17. Paul James 18. David Wilson 19. Sitaleki Timani 20. Tom Johnson 21.Nathan Fowles 22. Owen Farrell 23. Anthony Watson

Basic Game Plan
In wet conditions we will be looking to play a territorial game, utilising the boots of Lopez, Lealiifano and Armitage to play in Worcester territory or force them to play from deep. When in Worcester 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 dampr 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 Worcester 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 Quins to take risks and throw long.
  
• Target Cooper. In poor conditions we will send big carriers down Cooper’s channel and force him to defend.
  
• 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, Lealiifano and Armitage to ensure we dominate the territorial battle. We will put the ball into the corners time and time again and force Worcester either into a kicking battle or to run from deep.
  

Key Points

• Weather. The weather will be a key factor. In wet and windy conditions territory will be key, and we have selected a backline with strong kicking games at 10, 12 and 15. None of Worcesters 11 to 15 are known for having a decent kicking game.
  
• Bench. We have a top class bench with test quality props and outside half to come on and control the game in the final quarter.
  

Ozzie, with yours and SJE's permission, may I please make one team change, to take out a player who might be tired? If not, because I know I should have done it yesterday, no worries

Mate, I've no objection, go for it.

Thanks. Just remember that Campagnaro would be tired for sure

I'd have said he'd be fine to be honest.

Better safe than sorry, he can wait till next match

My game not important enough for you Flux 

Let's throw the toys out the pram and make our own breakaway league cjb!!

Sorry guys, updated the page!

You posting a side mate?

Shortly...

Exeter Chiefs 

Manager – Fluxy

01. Logovii Mulipola	09. Hadyn Thomas
02. Sean Cronin	10. Freddie Burns(k)
03. Davit Kubriashvili
04. Patricio Albacete	11. Tom Varndell
05. Ali Williams	12. Eamonn Sheridan
06. Liam Messam	13. Marcelo Bosch
07. Calum Clark	14. David Strettle
08. Nick Williams	15. Matt Tait

16. Jack Yeandle 17. Richard Barrington 18. Matt Stevens 19. Alistair Hargreaves 20. Will Fraser 21. Freddie Michalak 22. Andrew Trimble 23. Juan Martin Hernandez

Key Points

• Look to build a lead and not give away silly penalties. Keep the game in Tigers half and force them to play and make mistakes in their half. 
  
• Exploit the lack of mobility and tight carrying abilities of the Tigers front row and second rows.
  

• Burns will kick all points available, so this indicates that Tigers should be wary of giving away penalties.
  
• Play a simple game in the slippery conditions.
  
• Good momentum with us that after winning a few games in the past four. 
  

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 Tigers 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 Tigers 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 Wilko and Waldlouck, 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 Tigers back 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 Wilko 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. 
  

Just going into a lecture now. If I get a chance tonight will stick tactics up but will probably be morning before I get a chance   Chris

SJE, I don't mind if you don't do any tactics at all!

Get them in whenever you like, no rush at all.

Similar to SJE, will try and get tactics done before midnight

Tactics by 9 am. Just back from training and watching the rugby club before bed

Working on tactics now sorry

Tactics added

 
 

---

Sale Sharks vs Northampton Saints
Location - AJ Bell Stadium
Heavy Rain Showers, 8 degrees, 18mph South 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. Kyle Eastmond
05. Brodie Retalick	12. Francois Steyn
06. Yannick Nyanga	13. George Pisi
07. Fulgence Quedragao	14. Simon Zebo
08. Victor Vito	15. Nick Abendanon

:-
16. Ross Harrison 17. Tommy Taylor 18. Martin Moore 19. Christian Day 20. Matt Kvesic 21. Ben Spencer 22. James Hook 23. Semesa Rokoduguni

Key Points

- Matawula has played scrumhalf just three times this season in real life including defeats to the Blues & Dragons. His basics are poor and he is easily wound seeing the bin numerous times this year.  We will look to provoke him.

- We will look to contest the breakdown throughout flooding it with numbers in contrast to the Saints light approach. Looking to make conditions as hard as possible for Matawula off the base while aiming for the turnover.

- Target the Saints props at scrum time. Both have struggled this year and with two strong technicians on show we can draw penalties.

- Win the territorial dual. We have the stronger kicking game from 9-12 with only Ford a decent kicker for Saints. Territory will be crucial in todays game.  

- Target Ford defensively. Look to use Steyn, Vito, Attwood etc down his channel. Although he is capable of making the tackle he will give significant ground away which as seen in the England-Ireland game is crucial.
 
- Savea lines up against Simon Zebo not Kyle Eastmond! Zebo is more than capable on the air, being comfortable at fullback, and should win this aerial challenge.

Tactics

We will play the game in the opposition half with an intelligent kicking game. When there we will look to force mistakes with an aggressive, physical defence and thus create attacking platforms.

- 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 are an issue so will use Attwood, Retalick & Nyanga for banker ball and look to the maul to make ground.

- Build momentum when in the right areas using big carries from Vito, Attwood, Retalick & co to get over the gain line where we will look to recycle quickly by committing to the ruck and put more pressure on the opposition defence.

- Hit the breakdown hard. Look to our dynamic front five to clear the ruck and allow the likes of Nyanga & Quedragao to really attack the breakdown. We will look to commit numbers to the breakdown throughout the game to make the ruck area a mess for Matawula.

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

- Counter the opposition kicking game with our wingers sitting deep on defence to prevent kicks in behind. They will look to run the ball back with interest which forces the opposition into playing the ball and making mistakes.

- Keep the scoreboard ticking with Barrett kicking all penalties and looking for the drop goal when available. Steyn capable of dropping it over from anywhere.

---

Saints

1. Mako Vunipola
2. Rob Webber (c)
3. Carl Hayman
4. Dean Mumm
5. Manu Samoa
6. Steven Luatua
7. Sam Cane
8. Billy Vunipola
9. Nikola Matawulu
10. George Ford (k)
11. Julian Savea
12, Weslie Fofana
13, Manu Tuilagi
14. Jordan Williams
15. Elliot Daly

16. Thomas Domingo 17. Rhys Marshall 18. Henry Thomas 19. Sam Jones 20. Sergio Parisse 21. Joe Simpson 22. Matt Giteau 23. Ben Foden.

Tactics:

Weather conditions see Saints adopt a very simple game plan, big ball carriers in the pack to work through the phases, maul our way up the pitch and wear down the Sale pack. Provide Ford with a platform to dictate the kicking territory battle and bring Fofana, Tuilagi and Savea into the midfield to make the hard yards. Very aggressive and physical approach to the game and aim to force errors and mistakes from Sale with Ford to punish short range penalties and Daly to go from distance.

Setpiece: Very simple lineout call in the conditions, stick with banker ball and will use lineouts to start mauls and work through the phases here and get forward momentum. Manoa to put pressure on Sale throw ins and Paice throws. Solid scrum, with Webber and Hayman very strong scrummagers and Domingo to come off the bench to add to the scrum.

Ball carrying: We've selected a pack full of big ball carriers, which make the hard yards and push the game into a physical battle. Aim to tire the Sale pack by making them put in tackle after tackle. Ford has the options of Fofana, Tuilagi and Savea in the backline to support the forwards work. Will make Sale work hard for every piece of possession. With the pack we are looking to really target the collision area.

Territory: Ford's tactical kicking will be key, after going through the phases Ford will look to push Sale back into their own half, he will also look to test Eastmond's defence against Savea with cross field kicks - combination of height advantage and the weather could see this be a key area for us. Selected Daly and Williams in the back three to combat Steyn's kicking with their big boots.

Attack: Game very much based around a sensible kicking game, working through the phases with the Saints pack, but when we get into the Sale 22, Ford will attack the gainline by standing flat and look to put Fofana and Tuilagi one on one with Sale defenders, or get Savea attacking off 2nd/3rd phase ball.

Breakdown: We wont be throwing bodies into the breakdown as the conditions wont allow us to captialise on turnovers, instead we will set up our defence around the rucks and put pressure on the Sale ball carrier. Sam Cane to be a nusaince.

Defence: Aggressive blitz defence, big hitters and aim to force handling errors and get at the Sale halfbacks. Matawulu to sweep behind defensive line. Big defensively in pack and midfield - two backthree who play fb, which will help in the conditions.

Key selection points:
A lot of strong ball carriers and kicking options vital for the conditions.
Win the collisions and gainline battle.
Powerful bench to finish game strongly.
Ford's kicking to try and get mismatches between Savea and Eastmond out wide.
Use Fofana, Tuilagi and Savea from close range, will be a game of few tries, but feel physicality of these three will be a game changer if opportunities present themselves.

---

---

London Irish vs Bath Rugby
Location - Madejski Stadium
Light Rain Showers, 9 degrees, 17mph South Westerly winds

---

01. Wyatt Crockett	09. Rory Kockott
02. Ken Owens	10. Nick  Evans
03. Will Collier
04. Nick Kennedy	11. Nick Cummins
05.Mike McCarthy	12. Chris Bell
06. Matt Garvey	13. Conrad Smith
07. Justin Tipuric	14. JP Pietersen
08. Scott Higginbotham (c)	15. Niall Morris

;-
16.  Tom Lindsay 17. Tom Smallbone 18. Adam Jones 19. Stuart Hooper 20. Sam Warburton 21. Lee Dickson 22. Shane Geraghty 23. Henry Trinder
Tactics:


SET PIECE
We have picked a scrummaging pack in good conditions and Higginbotham and McCarthy 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. In attack we will look for quick ball and play a pod system with the forwards takng on tight ball.

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. If it's not on we will look to pin them back with kicks to touch.

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 Warburton looking for turnover ball against tired legs. The bench can up the tempo with Dickson 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 keeping the weather in mind and look for quick ball and strong direct runners, take the points when available but back ourselves if it's on. We are getting into the run in of the end of  the season and want to get good form going with good international experience all over the park.

---

Bath Rugby
Manager – inthefastlane

01. James Slipper	09. Richard Wigglesworth
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

|
16. Mike Haywood 17. Jake Cooper Woolsey 18. Charlie Faumuania 19. Luke Romano 20. Dan Lydiate 21. Fourie Du Preez 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 Irish 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 Irish 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  unit with Whitelock calling. Whitelock, Kitchener, 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. Wiggles 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 Irish defence. 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 Wiggles and they will look to use these in order to gain territory and increase pressure on Irish. They will mix up their kicking.

Bench: We have named A very strong bench. The front row will come on and look to really up the ante in the scrum. Romano will come on early and look to add grit and use him aggressively in lineout. Lydiate will only come on for the last 10 minutes and will look to impact game with tackling. FDP will come on and control game with experience. Hill and Elliot will look to get hands on ball and pressure Irish defence. Warburton and Jones on the bench will be feeling effects on a tough six nations.

---

---

Worcester Warriors vs London Wasps
Location - Sixways Stadium
Light Rain Showers, 9 degrees, 18mph South Westerly winds

---

Worcester Warriors
Manager-CJ

01. Yannick Forestier	09. Dimitri Yachvilli (k)
02.  Dave Ward	10. Remi Tales
03. Samson Lee
04. George Skivington (c)	11. Jamie Eliott
05. Alexandre Flanquart	12. Anthony Allen
06. Tom Guest	13. Casey Laulala
07. John Barclay	14. Sam Smith
08. Ashley Johnson	15. Willie Le Roux

;-
16.  Nathan Catt 17. Richardt Strauss  18.  BJ Botha 19. Mouritz Botha 20.  Phil Dowson 21.Tawera Kerr-Barlow  22. Kyle Godwin 23. Chris Pennell

[b]Tactics:[/b]


Breakdown-

Look to commit minimal men by using Ward and Barclay as fetchers in tandem, chasing ball (also cover tackling and supporting/linking). Other forwards chipping in but mostly clearing out.

If ball can be turned over, chuck numbers in.


Attack- tactically kick in our half from halfbacks.

In Wasps half, force defence narrow with carries from pack, crash ball off 10 with Johnson and direct running from centres. When space outwide appears, recycle and spin wide through halfbacks, Guest, Ward and Barclay to wings (and Le Roux joining outside) to exploit it.

If FB is ever out of position, chip and grubber through the blitzing line. Run back kicks where possible

Defence-

Fringe defence led by Johnson is key so keep it tight. Push  the offside line in their half. Blitz led by Allen, Yachvili sweeping.

Set piece

Pressurise lineout at the front to try and force overthrows. Mix our options up if throwing is going well. Nothing fancy. Use scrum as an attacking platform for Guest to run off

Subs-

use if necessary. Godwin can add a playmaking approach to backline at 12.

Penalties-

Be careful and avoid breaking laws in our 22, but press hard on all of them in their 22- higher risk and reward. Yachvili to take any easy kicks on.



Summary:

Recycle ball through fetchers in tandem

Attack narrow, make space then quickly spin wide

Chip over blitz when space behind

No pens in our 22 but press in theirs

Target Smith and Lopez all game in defence and attack

---

London Wasps
Manager  Ozzy3213

01. Alex Corbisiero	09. Aaron Smith
02. Bismarck du Plessis	10. Camille Lopez
03. Martin Castrogiovanni
04. Romain Millo-Chluski	11. Bryan Habana
05. Johann Muller	12. Christian Lealiifano
06. Siya Kolisi	13. JJ Englebrecht
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Marland Yarde
08. Duane Vermeulen	15. Delon Armitage

16. Rob Hawkins 17. Paul James 18. David Wilson 19. Sitaleki Timani 20. Tom Johnson 21.Nathan Fowles 22. Owen Farrell 23. Anthony Watson

Basic Game Plan
In wet conditions we will be looking to play a territorial game, utilising the boots of Lopez, Lealiifano and Armitage to play in Worcester territory or force them to play from deep.  When in Worcester 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 dampr 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 Worcester 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 Quins to take risks and throw long.
  
• Target Cooper.  In poor conditions we will send big carriers down Cooper’s channel and force him to defend.
  
• 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, Lealiifano and Armitage to ensure we dominate the territorial battle.  We will put the ball into the corners time and time again and force Worcester either into a kicking battle or to run from deep.
  

Key Points

• Weather.  The weather will be a key factor.  In wet and windy conditions territory will be key, and we have selected a backline with strong kicking games at 10, 12 and 15. None of Worcesters 11 to 15 are known for having a decent kicking game.
  
• Bench.  We have a top class bench with test quality props and outside half to come on and control the game in the final quarter.
  

---

---

Gloucester Rugby vs Newcastle Falcons
Location - Kingholm Stadium
Heavy Rain Showers, 9 degrees, 19mph South Westerly winds

---

Glaws

01. Nick Wood	09. Will Genia
02. Adriaan Strauss	10. Dan Carter
03. Juan Figallo
04. Eben Etzbeth	11. Hosea Gear
05.George Robson	12. Ryan Mills
06. Willem Alberts	13. Tevita Kuridrani
07. Julian Salvi	14. Folau
08. Sam Dickinson	15. Israel Dagg

;-
16.  Coenie Ousthuizen 17. Jamie George18. Rupert Harden19. Elliot Stooke 20. Schalk burger 21. Dan Robson22. Danny cipriani  23. Johnny May

[b]Tactics:[/b]

Glos welcome falcons to Kingsholm for what should be a cracker. Gloucester are buoyed by their recent form which has seen some great wins home and away and culminated in the LV cup win last week.

An added bonus has been the chance to rest key players and to give game
Time to squad players and those coming back from
Injury like Alberts and Dagg.

Match tactics

We have taken in to account the weather and want to play possession and territory rugby. Possession when we have the ball in hand in the right parts of the field and territory when we are not in the right part of the field.

Forwards

We have gone for a huge front 5 that are also all ball carriers to enable front foot ball. We will be looking for them to dominate the scrums but
More importantly give the platform going forward for 9,10,12 to gain territory

We have lots of lineout options and will be looking to drive lineouts to sap Newcastle. We will release the ball when going forward on the drive to carter or will hit out big runners
On the pop to keep ball.

We will target Coles throw big time
On their ball as he can be got at.


With such a mobile big pack we will target the breakdown with numbers to try and force turnover ball or at least give falcons slow ball.

We have gone for mills at 12 to
Offer a 3rd kicking option to allow us to keep Newcastle turning
And to make them kick for touch.

When playing territory your kick chase is key and in kuridrani,folau, gear we have some
Real chasers.

When in the right position we will play with carter and mills acting
As distributors. With huge physical strike runners like folau Dagg gear kuridrani we can look to use power game and recycle
Or look to get outside and use one on one skill.

Carter will use cross kick with gear
And folau.

We will use the blitz in greasy conditions to force mistakes with Genia sweeping.

Bench wise we have gone for more pace power and ball carriers to keep our game plan going.

As game progresses and defences tire we
Will look to break the game up and force the
Pace with counters quick throw ins
And by generally opening up. However we will only do
It when it's on as we are mindful
Of the weather

---

1.Matt Mullen
2.Dane Coles
3.Owen Franks
4.Ed Slater
5.Juandre Kruger
6.Ben Mowen
7.Richie McCaw
8.Kieron Read

9.Ben Youngs
10.Dan Bigger
11.Charles Pitatau
12.Francis Sailli
13.Jean De Villers
14.Cory Jane
15.Alex Goode

16.Darren Dawidiuk 17.Ryan Grant 18.Scott Wilson 19.Paul O'Connell 20.Dave Ewers 21.Dave Lewis 22.Henry Slade 23.Brad Barritt

Falcons travel to Gloucester knowing that a win is vital for both teams and have selected a efficient team to secure the win down in the west country.

Falcons name a strong front 5 who are fresh as daisys after 2 weeks rest with the exception of Mullen who had a trundle in Italy, The pack have been the reason for our good form of late and will be essential in winning this contest.

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.
  
• Bigger 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 Glaws throw.
  
• Aggresive defence around the breakdown and blitzing up in the backs to pressure the backs. Youngs to cover behind the line.
  
• Bigger to kick goals to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
  

Bigger will look to ping the ball deep when space is there.
Get our midfield running at Mills and testing Khuridini defence.
Play territory game with Youngs , Bigger , Goode all having great kicking games.

---

---

Leicester Tigers vs Exeter Chiefs
Location - Welford Road
Light Cloud, 9 degrees, 19mph South Westerly winds

---

Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Benn Robinson	09. Kahn Fotuali'i
02. Stephen Moore	10. Jonny Wilkinson (k)
03. Cencus Johnston
04. Nathan Hines	11. Ugo Monye
05. James Horwill (c)	12. Dominic Waldouck
06. Francois Louw	13. Rene Ranger
07. Jacques Burger	14. Sitivenu Sivavatu
08. Ernst Joubert	15. Pat Lambie

16. Tom Youngs17.  Andrew Sheridan 18. Dan Cole 19. Kearnan Myall 20. Sean O'Brien 21. Micky Young 22. Kurtley Beale 23. Josh Bassett

Tactics:

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

- Attack at all scrums with our huge pack - Johnston and Robinson to look to really get into the opposition. An area we will look to target if winning.

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

- Put serious pressure on Cronin's throws with Joubert at the front on all Exeter's throws.

- Target the breakdown - huge emphasis on our work at the breakdown today and we will always look to turnover possession. With Burger and Louw, we feel our breakdown play could be crucial today.

- Gigantic pack made up of massive line-breakers, used in the tight to tire down the Exeter defence. The likes of Louw, Burger, Hines, Moore and Horwill to be used to target the Exeter 10/12 channel.

- In attacking play, we will play with the option of 2 first receivers in Wilko and Lambie. We want to control the game, mixing up the point of our attack and looking for where the gaps are.

- Target the Exeter back three if looking vulnerable. Look to the in-form Lambie to win the 15 battle and give us counter-attacking options as much as possible.

- 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.

---

Exeter Chiefs 

Manager – Fluxy

01. Logovii Mulipola	09. Hadyn Thomas
02. Sean Cronin	10. Freddie Burns(k)
03. Davit Kubriashvili
04. Patricio Albacete	11. Tom Varndell
05. Ali Williams	12. Eamonn Sheridan
06. Liam Messam	13. Marcelo Bosch
07. Calum Clark	14. David Strettle
08. Nick Williams	15. Matt Tait

16. Jack Yeandle 17. Richard Barrington 18. Matt Stevens 19. Alistair Hargreaves 20. Will Fraser 21. Freddie Michalak 22. Andrew Trimble 23. Juan Martin Hernandez

Key Points

• Look to build a lead and not give away silly penalties. Keep the game in Tigers half and force them to play and make mistakes in their half. 
  
• Exploit the lack of mobility and tight carrying abilities of the Tigers front row and second rows.
  

• Burns will kick all points available, so this indicates that Tigers should be wary of giving away penalties.
  
• Play a simple game in the slippery conditions.
  
• Good momentum with us that after winning a few games in the past four. 
  

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 Tigers 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 Tigers 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 Wilko and Waldlouck, 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 Tigers back 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 Wilko 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. 
  

---

---

Saracens vs Harlequins
Location - Wembley Arena
Light Rain Showers, 9 degrees, 17mph South Westerly winds

---

Saracens
Manager – Pooly

01. Alex Waller	09. Nick White
02. Keven Mealamu	10. Morne Steyn
03. Jannie Du Plessis
04. Flip Van Der Merwe	11. Miles Benjamin
05. Victor Matfield	12. Tom Taylor
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. Louis Deacon  20. Dave Denton 21. Chris Cook  22. George Lowe  23. Adam Thompstone

Tactics:

HOME ADVANTAGE AGAINST A TIRED QUINS SIDE – Our home form has been outstanding of late we’re extremely tough to breakdown and beat. We’ll look to keep the tempo up from the off and work a tired Quins side over. We’ll expect them to tire in the 2nd half and we’ll look to grind home with the points ticking over.

TIRED V FRESH - We’re off the back of 2 weeks off mid-season with a chance to freshen up and enforce our high tempo game. Even if Quins have rotated slightly the squad has travelled many a mile and will feel the pain against a completely fresh squad.

LV CUP HANGOVER – We see this time and time again after a cup final. Both teams often struggle the week after with the emotion and physicality a cup final brings. The last thing you want is an away trip to a physical side.

10–12 AXIS- Steyn/Taylor will look to hit the corners and target Quins line out early on. With JD at 13 we have numerous kicking options (right and left) to keep Quins guessing. We’ll also look for the grubber in behind Rougerie with the old boy not having the turning circle he once had.

TARGET LINE OUT – Two world class line out leaders in Flip & Matfield. We’ll look to mark Borthwick out of the game and limit Quins options. If weakness seen we’ll really turn the screw here and target the corners. Matfield has been in outstanding form making S15 team of the week and captaining the Bulls this week.

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/Fearns give us great options and varied carriers.

General – Could be greasy conditions so we'll look to mix it up.High tempo, big carries, hitting the corners and targeting the line out. 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 TH and Hooker will look to target Woodcock/Brits axis and try to get between them forcing them to screw in or come out of the scrum.

Line out – Varied options off the top to give us quick ball. Play to the conditions and change if not working. Look to use rolling maul if on. 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 with Flip adding another top option and stealer.

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.

---

Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Tony Woodcock	09. Ruan Pienaar (k)
02. Schalk Brits	10. Steven Myler
03. John Afoa
04. Bakkies Botha	11. Topsy Ojo
05. Steve Borthwick (c)	12. Dan Bowden
06. Mamuka Gorgodze	13. Aurelien Rougerie
07. Michael Hooper	14. Frank Halai
08. Nick Easter	15. Luke Morahan

16. Tatafu Polata-Nau  17. Gjorgi Jgenti   18. Kyle Sinckler  19. George Kruis   20. Jamie Gibson 21. Karl Dickson  22. Quade Cooper 23. Jonathan Joseph      
Tactics

Use our pack to get us go forward with carries of 9, 10 and 12. Carry in numbers with aim of winning collision and getting across the gainline. Support their for offload or to recycle quick ball. Front 5 off 9 and 10 (inside shoulder) with back row and Rougerie running off 10 (outside shoulder) and 12.

Look for 9,10,12 to control our play and field position. Three strong kickers to kick behind Saracens wingers and into spaces.

When we get our quick ball look to give Rougerie and our back 3 space to run into. Use forwards to tie in defenders to create this space.

Look to use set piece as a platform to attack. Use short line between 22's to allow for extra carriers in midfield. Milk any scrum advantage for penalties and use experience in this area.

Quick line speed in defence with pressure put on Saracens key decision makers. Look to double up in the tackle when we have the numbers.

At the breakdown look to win collisions in defence so we have the momentum going into the ruck. Look for Backrow and Brits to targets the ball and others to make a nuisance to slow down Saracens ball. Disrupt and pressure key in defence.

Not very well so apologies to lack of detail. Hopefully covered most bases.

---

Ah ffs. Meant to put Botha on the bench. Getting sloppy

Mate everyone knows what you're up to at the mo - not sure anyone would blink an eye to change your bench for you.

Lukes right CJ. I've put Botha into my comment above. I'll have a relook at my predo later off to another lecture now  

Thanks guys but it's no excuse, I shouldn't have made the mistake

Sale 20-21 Saints
SP: A strong front row  on show from Saints, lineouts should be fairly even
BK: Not much between the two, can see Sale getting more joy in these conditions.
HB: Two good half backs on show with all bar Saints 9 on good form.
AT: Out wide I do like the look of Saints' here but the Sale centre partnership could snuffle things out.
BE: On the bench I can see Saints  having a bit more to come on.
TA: Well  set  out from Sale today with some good targeting of certain areas, simple gameplan from Saints here using the conditions well. Tough to split these two with Sale better in the backrow but Saints having it out wide and a good bench. Going to just  edge it to Saints due to the bench impact.

Warriors 18-19 Wasps
SP: Wasps have the big names here but Warriors have good form in Samson and Ward coming into this match. Both front 5's suited for work around the park.
BK: Strong carriers here but feel that Wasps have a little bit more.
HB: Evens.
AT: Warriors are steady here but feel that Wasps have that extra little edge apart from at full back where Le Roux is in good form.
BE: This is where Wasps' strength in depth is good with Watson and Farrell coming on.
TA: Both teams going for kicking game here, Wasps set up for their last game but I know Ozzy's very busy so overlooking this, CJ making the right calls in tactics but comes up against a Wasps side with good tactical kickers all over their backline.

Gloucester 20-19 Falcons
SP: Can see Falcons getting a slight edge come scrum time. Both sides should  hold  their own come lineout.
BK: Slight edge to Falcons with a nice balance, Glos no slouches  here  though.
HB: Biggar playing well, haven't watched a lot of Super 15 at  present to overly rate on Genia-Carter so will call it evens at  10 but 9 to Glos.
AT: Mills and Goode can be got at, other than that both teams look quite dangerous here.
BE: Dangerous backs to come on for Glos.
TA: Both sides going for territorial games  where  they will each get their own ball back. A very close game with both teams looking quite strong on paper. Looking at impact off the bench I think that Falcons will be good up front but  Glos have the players who can score points from nothing and slight advantage being infront of the shed.

Tigers 25-20 Chiefs
SP: Lineout shout be even here but Tigers can cause problems for Chiefs in the scrum with front 5 power.
BK: Chiefs looking good here  with strong carriers but over the ball Tigers will get the edge and will get over the ball better.
HB: Prefer the Tigers half backs, Chiefs are steady but on current form Burns will struggle against Wilko.
AT: Chiefs  carriers will do well here and give good ball for their backs, Tigers can slow down the Chiefs backs and in Ranger and Lambie they have players who can make something out of nothing.
BE: Good from both teams here with a couple of influential players on both benches.
TA: A tight game from Chiefs using a maul will gain them ground, don't think they'll get tmuch joy down Wilko's channel though. Tigers playing with control and giving unpredictability with their changing first receiver will work well.

Sarries 20-21 Quins
SP: Slight more for Quins at the scrum but Sarries could cause issues come the lineout.
BK: Personally I prefer the Quins backrow but can't see much give either way.
HB: 9 to Quins and 10 to Sarries.
AT: Sarries can get some joy in the centres here, Quins have the good grunt up front.
BE: Can see more impact for Quins and a change in gameplan with Cooper coming on.
TA: Both teams looking to target a big carrying game which relies on carriers, Sarries can get joy putting pressure on the Quins lineout but the influence off the bench sees a win for Quins.

Sale 27 Saints 27
London Irish 20 Bath 21
Worcester 13 London Wasps 14
Leicester Tigers 21 Exeter 20
Saracens 14 Harlequins 13

Sale 22 - 21 Saints

Fairly even front row battle - Ayerza the standout. As a duo think sale have the better balances locks, whilst back rows fairly tight. Packs all in all pretty close. Not much in the HBs - but saints take the centres with back threes close. Think sale edge at home, just.


Irish 24 - 25 Bath

Two decent front rows with some good form on show. Bath look stronger in the second row but Irish take back row. Good pack battle. Bit more at HB for Irish, one apiece in the centres, bath edge back threes. Think bath can just nick a great win here.

Sale 22-18 Northampton

Really tough looking front 5 for Sale that'll suit the conditions. I think the have a bit more in the set pieces too.   Sale on top on the flanks but Billy over Vito, decent pack advantage to Sale which will help in conditions. Sale more in the halfbacks but Saints on top in backs. Tone is set in the pack in poor conditions and Sale will grind out win.

Irish 21-21 Bath

Bath shade the front 5 with a bit more overall quality, set pieces will be very close though. Two very good back row units with very little in it. Irish just shade the half backs but pretty equal past there. Bath just edge but Irish enough for draw.

Worcester 19-20 Wasps

Just a touch more for Wasps in the front 5 despite their props lacking form. Not much in the flanks but Vermeulen strong at 8. 1 a piece in the half backs with Worcester edging  the centres. Le Roux holds Worcester back 3 together but Wasps stronger here. Another really tight game, I just think Wasps pack can come through, Corbs worryingly out of form though for Pete. Tight one CJ.

Gloucester 14-18 Newcastle

Game of round with Gloucester jaded from last week. Falcons get a foot hold in front 5 with Wood & Etzebeth lacking form for Gloucester. Falcons edge scrum but line out tight. Falcons backrow fantastic and man for man a step up, good pack advantage. Nothing in 9's but Carter a step up despite lacking form, Falcons midfield much stronger though. Gloucester back 3 oozes quality and Folau can keep them in it but not sure they'll see much ball with Falcons superior in most areas, Falcons win again.

Leicester 20-18 Exeter

Little edge in front 5 for Tigers with things evening up in the backrow. Burns an issue for Flux with awful form and stops a good backline fully firing. Tigers looks strong but need better than Waldouck in the centres. Not a classic but Tigers just edge.

Sharks 15 vs 15 Saints

Scrum- edge Sale, though 2 decent units
Lineout- another slim edge to Sale with their jumpers, both sides keeping it simple but not sure 3 different jumpers count as banker ball...
Breakdown- very different approaches. Sale will turn over some ball and slow Saints ball but given their numbers when Saints do get quick or turnover ball they will be lethal with it
Carrying- advantage Saints, v strong here
HB- Barrett in great form (Ford too, and matawulu) but Ford maybe better suited to conditions. Daly and Steyn big helps for both sides
Attack- pack from Saints v useful as is the power of Manu and Savea but both good set ups
Defence- Eastmond out of position, Williams class on attack but lightweight in defence and Fofana can be targeted too so evens out
Subs- edge Saints

Carrying and Ford make very close, call a draw, sorry