Summer Tournament Round 4

Round 4 (teams to be named by midnight on Thursday 17th July, predictions by 1800 hours on Sunday 20th July)


Newcastle Falcons v Harlequins  (Stade Jean-Bouin, Paris)

Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Driver

01. Soana Tonga'uhia	09. Nic Phipps
02. Dane Coles	10. Dan Biggar
03. Owen Franks
04. Ed Slater	11. Charles Pitatau
05. Juandre Kruger	12. Jean De Villers
06. Ben Mowen	13. Marcelo Bosch
07. Richie McCaw	14. Cory Jane
08. Kieran Read	15. Ben Smith

---

Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Tony Woodcock	09. Ruan Pienaar
02. Schalk Brits	10. Quade Cooper
03. John Afoa
04. Bakkies Botha	11. Jack Nowell
05. George Kruis	12. Jan Serfontein
06. Mamuka Gorgodze	13. Jonathan Joseph
07. Michael Hooper (c)	14. Frank Halai
08. Nick Easter	15. Juan Martin Hernandez

16. Tatafu Polata-Nau 17. Steven Kitchoff 18. Kyle Sinckler 19. Charlie Matthews 20. Luke Braid 21. Karl Dickson 22. Steven Myler 23. Aurelien Rougerie

---

Bath Rugby v Sale Sharks  (Stade Mayol, Toulon)


Bath Rugby
Manager – inthefastlane

01. Peter Dooley	09. Richard Wigglesworth
02. Mike Haywood	10. Charlie Hodgson
03. Ben Tameifuma
04. Graham Kitchener	11. Christian Wade
05. Andries Bekker	12. Sam Hill
06. Liam Squire	13. Rob Horne
07. Will Welch	14. Sitiveni Sivivatu
08. James Haskell	15. Alex Goode

|
16. Tom Dunn 17. Benn Robinson 18. Jake Cooper Wollsey 19. George Merrick 20. Edwin Maka 21. George Di Cothi 22. Matt Hopper 23. Hallan Amos

- Thoughts on AI team?

---

 Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Marcos Ayerza	09. Faf De Klerk
02. David Paice	10. Beauden Barrett
03. Davit Zirakishvilli
04. Brodie Retalick	11. Semesa Rokoduguni
05. Will Skelton	12. Francois Steyn
06. Matt Garvey	13. George Pisi
07. Sam Cane	14. Willie Le Roux
08. Steven Lutua	15. Nick Abendanon

:-
16. Vasil Kakovin 17. Tommy Taylor 18. Dayan Van Der Westhuizen 19. Christian Day 20. Matt Todd 21. Calum Braley 22. JJ Hanrahan 23. Kyle Eastmond

 - Thoughts on backrow balance re Luatua at 8 and how Skelton is rated please

---

Exeter Chiefs v Leicester Tigers  (Stade Ernest-Wallon, Toulouse)

Exeter Chiefs 

Manager – Fluxy

01. Ryan Grant	09. Nic White
02. Jack Yeandle	10. Toby Flood
03. James Johnston
04. Patrick Tuipulotu	11. David Strettle
05. Paul O'Connell	12. Luther Burrell
06. Calum Clark	13. Adam Ashley-Cooper
07. Justin Tipuric	14. Maxime Medard
08. Toby Faletau	15. James O'Connor (k)

|
16. Dimitri Szarzewski 17. Richard Barrington 18. Davit Kubriashvili 19. Kane Douglas 20. Carl Fearns 21. Chris Cook 22. Marnitz Boshoff 23. Tom Varndell

Tactics:

• Use of heavy carriers, and mobile support runners in the pack to create forward momentum. 
  
• Phase play with half backs dictating play. Look for territory when need to gain field position.
  
• Counter attack whenever possible.
  

---

Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Gethin Jenkins	09. Micky Young
02. Stephen Moore	10. Billy Twelvetrees (k)
03. Cencus Johnston
04. Pascal Pape	11. Ugo Monye
05. James Horwill (c)	12. Pat McCabe
06. Tom Johnson	13. Matthieu Basteraud
07. Francois Louw	14. Napolini Nalaga
08. JMF Lobbe	15. Jaco Taute

|
16. Chiliboy Ralapelle 17. Andrew Sheridan 18. Dan Cole 19. Kearnan Myall 20. Ryan Jones 21. Kahn Fotauli'i 22. Brock James 23. Dom Waldouck

---

London Wasps v London Irish  (Stade Aime Giral, Perpignan)

London Wasps
Manager  Ozzy3213

01. Ben Moon	09. Sebastien Tillouse-Borde
02. Deon Fourie	10. Camille Lopez
03. Fraser Balmain
04. Paul Willemse	11. Digby Ioane
05. Ruan Botha	12. Paul Jordaan
06. Rynhardt Elstadt	13. Samu Kerevi
07. Luke Wallace	14. Tim Nanai-Williams
08. Luke Narraway	15. Gareth Anscombe

16. Harry Thacker 17. Thomas du Toit 18. Wilco Louw 19. Matt Symons 20. Hayden Thompson-Stringer 21. Mitchell Drummond 22. Berrick Barnes 23. Tom Collins

Tactics

• Standard tactics of a possession based game and looking to through the phases with pace and intesity.
  
• Offloading in or just before the tackle to keep the ball alive and move the opposition defence around.
  
• Blitz defence with scrum half sweeping to cover.
  

Predictions
Would like to know thoughts on the following please.

• Are either of the locks ready for a starting place in this game? (Both have started regularly in Super Rugby this season)
  
• Is Camille good enough to cover when Cruden is unavailable?
  
• Is Jordaan ok as back up to Nonu at 12?
  
• Does Kerevi have enough attacking threat to outweigh his defensive inexperience?
  

---

London Irish
Manager - Prop

01. Tom Smallbone	09. Lee Dickson
02. Tom Lindsay	10. Sam Olver
03. Will Collier
04. Stuart Hooper	11. JSD
05. Tom Savage	12. Shane Geraghty
06. Jackson Wray	13. Henry Trinder
07. David Sisi	14.Adam Thompstone
08. Ben Morgan	15. Rob Cook (k)

|
16. Gerard Ellis 17. Josh Ibuanopke  18. Richard Palframann 19. Kieran Tredwell 20. Laurence Pearce 21. Jack Moates 22. Chris Bell 23. Mark Jennings

Just a mainly eq side bar Ellis and Palframann. Who would be the better ones as my eq picks and who could make the step up this season?

---

Gloucester v London Welsh  (Stade Yves-du-Manoir, Montpellier)

Gloucester Rugby
Manager - Matt

01. Beast	09. Tj Perenara
02. Adriaan Strauss	10. Danny Cipriani (k)
03. Coenie Ousthuizen
04. Elliot Stooke	11. Johnny May
05. Rlchie Grey	12. Dan Carter
06. Willem Alberts	13. Tevita Kurindrani
07. Ardie Savea	14. Hosea Gear
08. Sam Dickinson	15. Israel Folau

:-
16. Nick Wood 17. Joe Grey18. Juan Figallo19. Eben Etzbeth 20. Qera 21. Dan Robson 22. Masi 23. Charlie Walker

---

London Welsh
Manager - CJ

01. David Kilcoyne	09. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
02. Dave Ward	10. Francois Trinh-Duc
03. Brian Mujati
04. George Skivington (c)	11. Nemani Nadolo
05. Blade Thompson	12. Jordan Turner-Hall
06. Victor Vito	13. Casey Laulala
07. John Barclay	14. Ben Ransom
08. Tom Guest	15. Chris Pennell (k)

:-
16. Richardt Strauss 17. Nathan Catt 18. BJ Botha 19. Mouritz Botha 20. Ashley Johnson 21. Ben Spencer 22. Kyle Godwin 23. Jesse Mogg

Would like to know- do the centres work? Is Ransom ready for LV level? Pennell's kicking ok? Is the pack hardy enough

---

Northampton Saints v Saracens  (Parc des Sports Marcel Michelen, Clermont-Ferrand)

Northampton Saints
Manager – Dammit_Chris

01. Thomas Domingo	09. Gareth Davies
02. Dylan Hartley (c)	10. Matt Toomua (k)
03. Henry Thomas
04. Lood de Jager	11. Julian Savea
05. Courtney Lawes	12. Weslie Fofana
06. Julian Bonnaire	13. Manu Tuilagi
07. Chris Robshaw	14. Tommy Bowe
08. Billy Vunipola	15. Elliot Daly

Subs:
16. Mako Vunipola 17. Rhys Marshall 18. Carl Hayman 19. Joe Launchbury 20. Sergio Parisse 21. Verenki Goneva 22. George Ford 23. Joe Simpson

Feedback very useful on whether Davies is seen as someone who can get me quick ball from setpiece to launch the backline - also how people view Toomua as a no10 and whether Marshall is rated from the bench as a hooker.

Lot of my tactics next year will be trying to get a powerful backline to get over the gainline, wear down opposition and then bring on an impact bench to try and exploit tiring defences - so is the balance of the backline suited for that?

Saracens
Manager – Pooly

01. Alex Waller	09. Morgan Parra
02. Guilhem Guirado	10. Morne Steyn
03. Jannie Du Plessis
04. Bradley Davies	11. Miles Benjamin
05. Victor Matfield	12. Scott Williams
06. Dave Denton	13. Jonathan Davies
07. Thierry Dusatoir	14. Chris Ashton
08. Jonnie Beattie	15. Matt Tait

:-
16. Jamie George 17. Max Lahiff 18. Luc Ducalon 19. Louis Deacon 20. Nathan Hughes 21. Henry Taylor 22. Bernard Foley 23. George Lowe

---

Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Marcos Ayerza	09. Faf De Klerk
02. David Paice	10. Beauden Barrett
03. Davit Zirakishvilli
04. Brodie Retalick	11. Semesa Rokoduguni
05. Will Skelton	12. Francois Steyn
06. Matt Garvey	13. George Pisi
07. Sam Cane	14. Willie Le Roux
08. Steven Lutua	15. Nick Abendanon

:-
16. Vasil Kakovin 17. Tommy Taylor 18. Dayan Van Der Westhuizen 19. Christian Day 20. Matt Todd 21. Calum Braley 22. JJ Hanrahan 23. Kyle Eastmond

Ozzy, I'm looking at either an eq team or an academy team.

Ok mate, I was weighing up between full strength or my AI team, so will go with the AI team as that is going to be a lot closer to the strength of your EQ or academy team.   

London Welsh

01. David Kilcoyne	09. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
02. Dave Ward	10. Francois Trinh-Duc
03. Brian Mujati
04. George Skivington (c)	11. Nemani Nadolo
05. Blade Thompson	12. Jordan Turner-Hall
06. Victor Vito	13. Casey Laulala
07. John Barclay	14. Ben Ransom
08. Tom Guest	15. Chris Pennell (k)

16. Richardt Strauss 17. Nathan Catt 18. BJ Botha 19. Mouritz Botha 20. Ashley Johnson 21. Ben Spencer 22. Kyle Godwin 23. Jesse Mogg

Would like to know- do the centres work? Is Ransom ready for LV level? Pennell's kicking ok? Is the pack hardy enough

Be just trying some combo's out again Chris, just a mixed standard team.

This is my 6Ns team Steve.

1.Soana Tonga'uhia
2.Dane Coles
3.Owen Franks
4.Ed Slater
5.Juandre Kruger
6.Ben Mowen
7.Richie McCaw
8.Kieron Read

9.Nick Phipps
10.Dan Bigger
11.Charles Pitatau
12.Jean De Villers
13.Marcelo Bosch
14.Cory Jane
15.Ben Smith

Luke what side do you want to put out?

Bigger in 6N team Driver?

If Matt wants to add any rules I am happy to change my team. In theory it's 6N at the moment, marginal on Flanquart and Kilcoyne

Will put out my 6n team CJ

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Bigger in 6N team Driver?

Holding out for a 10.

Saracens
Manager – Pooly

01. Alex Waller	09. Morgan Parra
02. Guilhem Guirado	10. Morne Steyn
03. Jannie Du Plessis
04. Bradley Davies	11. Miles Benjamin
05. Victor Matfield	12. Scott Williams
06. Dave Denton	13. Jonathan Davies
07. Thierry Dusatoir	14. Chris Ashton
08. Jonnie Beattie	15. Matt Tait

:-
16. Jamie George 17. Max Lahiff 18. Luc Ducalon 19. Louis Deacon 20. Nathan Hughes 21. Henry Taylor 22. Bernard Foley 23. George Lowe

Fluxy wrote:Luke what side do you want to put out?

Be just a mixture of combos again mate.

I'll go 6N as well.

Massively struggling for time at the moment.

Will try to format (and predict) this week

1. Tony Woodcock
2. Schalk Brits
3. John Afoa
4. Bakkies Botha
5. George Kruis
6. Mamuka Gorgodze
7. Michael Hooper (c)
8. Nick Easter
9. Ruan Pienaar
10. Quade Cooper
11. Jack Nowell
12. Jan Serfontein
13. Jonathan Joseph
14. Frank Halai
15. Juan Martin Hernandez

16. Tatafu Polata-Nau 17. Steven Kitchoff 18. Kyle Sinckler 19. Charlie Matthews 20. Luke Braid 21. Karl Dickson 22. Steven Myler 23. Aurelien Rougerie

01. Tom Smallbone	09. Lee Dickson
02. Tom Lindsay	10. Sam Olver
03. Will Collier
04. Stuart Hooper	11. JSD
05. Tom Savage	12. Shane Geraghty
06. Jackson Wray	13. Henry Trinder
07. David Sisi	14.Adam Thompstone
08. Ben Morgan	15. Rob Cook (k)

16. Gerard Ellis 17. Josh Ibuanopke 18. Richard Palframann 19. Kieran Tredwell 20. Laurence Pearce 21. Jack Moates 22. Chris Bell 23. Mark Jennings

Just a mainly eq side bar Ellis and Palframann. Who would be the better ones as my eq picks and who could make the step up this season?

Struggling for time a bit at the moment, but will try and do proper format this week when I get the chance:

Northampton Saints.

1. Thomas Domingo
2. Dylan Hartley (c)
3. Henry Thomas
4. Lood de Jager
5. Courtney Lawes
6. Julian Bonnaire
7. Chris Robshaw
8. Billy Vunipola
9. Gareth Davies
10. Matt Toomua (k)
11. Julian Savea
12. Weslie Fofana
13. Manu Tuilagi
14. Tommy Bowe
15. Elliot Daly

Subs: 16. Mako Vunipola 17. Rhys Marshall 18. Carl Hayman 19. Joe Launchbury 20. Sergio Parisse 21. Verenki Goneva 22. George Ford 23. Joe Simpson

Feedback very useful on whether Davies is seen as someone who can get me quick ball from setpiece to launch the backline - also how people view Toomua as a no10 and whether Marshall is rated from the bench as a hooker.

Lot of my tactics next year will be trying to get a powerful backline to get over the gainline, wear down opposition and then bring on an impact bench to try and exploit tiring defences - so is the balance of the backline suited for that?

Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Gethin Jenkins	09. Micky Young
02. Stephen Moore	10. Billy Twelvetrees (k)
03. Cencus Johnston
04. Pascal Pape	11. Ugo Monye
05. James Horwill (c)	12. Pat McCabe
06. Tom Johnson	13. Matthieu Basteraud
07. Francois Louw	14. Napolini Nalaga
08. JMF Lobbe	15. Jaco Taute

16. Chiliboy Ralapelle 17. Andrew Sheridan 18. Dan Cole 19. Kearnan Myall 20. Ryan Jones 21. Kahn Fotauli'i 22. Brock James 23. Dom Waldouck

Exeter Chiefs 

Manager – Fluxy

01. Ryan Grant	09. Nic White
02. Jack Yeandle	10. Toby Flood
03. James Johnston
04. Patrick Tuipulotu	11. David Strettle
05. Paul O'Connell	12. Luther Burrell
06. Calum Clark	13. Adam Ashley-Cooper
07. Justin Tipuric	14. Maxime Medard
08. Toby Faletau	15. James O'Connor (k)

16. Dimitri Szarzewski 17. Richard Barrington 18. Davit Kubriashvili 19. Kane Douglas 20. Carl Fearns 21. Chris Cook 22. Marnitz Boshoff 23. Tom Varndell

Tactics:

• Use of heavy carriers, and mobile support runners in the pack to create forward momentum. 
  
• Phase play with half backs dictating play. Look for territory when need to gain field position.
  
• Counter attack whenever possible.
  
  

Bath Rugby
Manager – inthefastlane

01. Peter Dooley	09. Richard Wigglesworth
02. Mike Haywood	10. Charlie Hodgson
03. Ben Tameifuma
04. Graham Kitchener	11. Christian Wade
05. Andries Bekker	12. Sam Hill
06. Liam Squire	13. Rob Horne
07. Will Welch	14. Sitiveni Sivivatu
08. James Haskell	15. Alex Goode

|
16. Tom Dunn 17. Benn Robinson 18. Jake Cooper Wollsey 19. George Merrick 20. Edwin Maka 21. George Di Cothi 22. Matt Hopper 23. Hallan Amos

Thoughts on AI team?

Glos

01. Beast	09. Tj Perenara
02. Adriaan Strauss	10. Danny Cipriani (k)
03. Coenie Ousthuizen
04. Elliot Stooke	11. Johnny May
05. Rlchie Grey	12. Dan Carter
06. Willem Alberts	13. Tevita Kurindrani
07. Ardie Savea	14. Hosea Gear
08. Sam Dickinson	15. Israel Folau

16. Nick Wood 17. Joe Grey18. Juan Figallo19. Eben Etzbeth 20. Qera 21. Dan Robson 22. Masi 23. Charlie Walker [/quote]

Canny, I'll do tonight.

Have a 5 hour train journey, if Maria falls asleep I'll use the data and do it then

Newcastle 32-27 Harleqiuns

Slightly better scrummaging unit for Quins with Tonga needing to start the season well, two good units though. Prefer the Falcons engine room, not sure on Kruis been able to lead the line Steve. Good backrows on show, Falcons outstanding with a tiny bit more on the flanks but a big step up at 8.

Quins shade the halfbacks with Cooper just holding onto a bit of form (needs some game time to hold for season). Falcons a step up in each centre position, Steve I'd throw a physical option in for winter months as both players a side stepping runners and you could do with a direct runner. Falcons again a step up in the back 3, very strong combo.

Falcons backwards from the front row are at least equal or better then their counterparts and have enough across the park to get the win.

Bath 23-29 Sale

Hookers close but Sale a step up in the props and will get on top in the scrum. Line out will be close with Bekker a bit tough to rate but two very physical lumps from Sale and they'll scare most teams. Johnny, I'd worry about your line out against a good op. Sale backrow a step although Luata more effective at 6 imo.

9 to Bath and 10 to Sale, 2 decent combo's. Not much in the 13's but Sale a step up at 12, if Sale could improve at 13 they'd have an unreal backline. Fantastic back 3's, Roko can be got at a bit. Sale with a stronger line up will win this.

Exeter 26-23 Leicester

Tigers with the slightly better scrum and big step up at hooker. Like both engine rooms but Exeter have the more in form duo and will get on top in line out with POC. Not much in 2 good backrow units, good contest.

Exeter a big step up in the half backs, not sure of 36 at 10 at this level. Exeter carry on in the centres with a cracking unit and shading each position. Not much in the wings but JOC a step up at FB. Exeter with some better combo's on show and overall stronger.

London Wasps 22-20 London Irish

2 weaker front rows with neither unit getting on top, can see both struggling with the line out with hookers on show. Not much again in the engine rooms or backrows with Morgan the best player on show. Would prob play Sisi at 6 or 8 Prop.

Irish stronger at 9 and Wasps at 10 with Olver not ready for this level yet. Decent midfield for Wasps that gets on top here but would struggle against top draw players, nice enough balance though. More of a summer combo for you Prop I think. Little bit more quality in the Wasps back 3. Wasps a little stronger in the backs and at 10 getting the win.

Pete:

•Are either of the locks ready for a starting place in this game? (Both have started regularly in Super Rugby this season) - Either of them paired with a top lock would be a good combo.

•Is Camille good enough to cover when Cruden is unavailable? - Depends on opposition, I think Slade maybe a better option
•Is Jordaan ok as back up to Nonu at 12? I like Jordaan, paired with a physical player will bring out the best I think. Again depends on Opposition though.
•Does Kerevi have enough attacking threat to outweigh his defensive inexperience. He seems steady here but a little Kurindrini for Matt he has a tendancy to switch off, he'd be fine against AP standard players.

Prop:

I'd say Dickson, Trinder, JSD, Thompstone, Morgan are your best EQ on show.

CJ,

Do the centres work? Yes it's a good combo, might struggle against top Ints
Is Ransom ready for LV level? LV level yes, bench AP be ok
Pennell's kicking ok? It's steady but it's not going to win you games, FTD is a steady enough kicker.
Is the pack hardy enough - I'd put AWJ or Botha in ahead of Blaze (Who I haven't seen a lot of)

Falcons 31 - 30 Quins

Front row to Quins, agree with Pooly re Tonga, locks both good but really like Falcobs'. 2 very different back rows both good, think Falcons look excellent at the breakdown but lacking in carrying power esp in tight. Quins are beautifully balanced and will let Hooper do his show pony stuff but they need to pick breakdown tactics to suit this set up, or in match ups like this they may lose a lot of turnovers. Prefer Quins HBs but Newcastle centres and outbacks, both good in attack. Overall think falcons just win due to breakdown and attacking work, but tactics would decide this one.

Newcastle 24-27 Harlequins
The front row advantage would go the Quins. Do like the second row of the Quins, Bakkies adds a lot to the forward pack. Both back rows are strong but I've already mentioned in a similar game that Easter is a standout weakness. Quins half back has great balance and has the upper hand here. Newcastle outside backs offer more for me.

Exeter 28-23 Tigers
Tigers front row has an advantage here, Yeandle looks out of place against a player like Moore. I give the edge to the Exeter second row. Both back rows are strong but a slight edge to Exeter just. Prefer the Exeter half backs, not too confident about either Leicester player against decent units. Exeter have more attacking intent in their outside backs and overall can take the win.

Sarries 26-18 Irish
Sarries are stronger than Irish pretty much all over. Not too sure how strong the Sarries front row is. Willemse for me isn't ready for the leagues best locks. Not too sure about Lopez or Kerevi tbh.

Glaws 36-29 Welsh
Think Gloucester have a better front row all over. Not too sure of Blade Thompson and prefer the Gloucester front row. Do like the Gloucester back row and think they are better here. Welsh half back pairing is the better unit in my opinion and one I really like. Not too sure about Gloucester half backs. More in the Glaws outside backs, especially attacking wise.

Saints 26-25 Sarries
Prefer the Saints front row and am not sure of Guirado, don't particularly rate him. Mentioned before I love this Saints second row but don't think there is a lot in it. Back rows are particularly close, do think Billy will have a big influence but slight edge to Sarries probably. Outside backs another slight advantage for the Saints.

Newcastle 26 - 23 Harlequins

Quins look stronger up front, whilst its one apiece in the second rows. Great back row cntest - my personal preference sides to Newcastle with McCaw and Read. Both HB's for Quins rae stronger, but Newcastle have the better centres on show. Newcastle also better back three. Newcastle take this in the end.



Bath 25 - 24 Sale

Sale's front row looking slightly stronger here, second rows are fairly even but slight edge to Bath as a duo. Think Bath edge the back row contest, and just about take the pack battle. More experience gives Bath the edge at HB, but Sale on top in the centres. Prefer the balance to Bath's back three. Bat enough to edge it.



Wasps 22 - 24 Irish

Not a great deal in the front rows, neither unit particularly strong. Bit more in Irish's second row unit, and I prefer Irish's back row as a balanced trio too. Not sure Narraway could hold any rating. Fairly even HB combos, similar in the centres neither side on top, Wasps stronger in the back three. Tough to call this game, Think Irish can nick it with their pack.

Are either of the locks ready for a starting place in this game? Willemse could be - but neither is gonna compete with the big boys yet for me.
Is Camille good enough to cover when Cruden is unavailable? Decent but nothing more
Is Jordaan ok as back up to Nonu at 12? Prefer him at 13, not bad at 12
Does Kerevi have enough attacking threat to outweigh his defensive inexperience? Probably not quite yet.



Gloucester 32 - 19 Welsh

Gloucs dominate up front with much stronger unit, and look that extra bit stronger in second row too. Decent back row contest, but overall Gloucs take the pack. Decent HB contest, but GLoucs much stronger at centre and in back three. Not overly even this one, fiarly routine for Gloucs.



Saints 27 - 27 Saracens

Nothing in a good front row battle here, with Sarries edging the second row battle but again great fight. Decent again in the back rows, my preference is of Saints back row. Overall nothing in the packs. As a unit think Sarries have the edge at HB, whilst centres slight edge to Saints, and they edge back threes too. Really close, high quality game.

Bath 23 vs 30 Sale

Sale take the scrum with pressure on Dooley, though I hugely hugely rate Big Ben for Bath. More heft to Sale locks with Garvey and Cane aiding the lineout but Bath pairing great there and Kitchener's work rate useful. Breakdown could go either way, Haskell evening out an advantage in flanks to Sale where Garvey's clearing helps. HBs for Bath solid but ageing, but work well together. Barrett is magic but can be targeted in defence. Centres just to Sale and they edge back 3 too with defence an issue for Bath and win the game.

For Bath, rate 3, 4, 5 (though together lack power), and 7-15 though Hill still green and Goode and Wade have some flaws. Like Haskell as an option at 8 but would be better at 6. If you can add a little spark inside the wings, use the right tactics and some more power in the pack (and improve the scrum) the team is excellent.

For sale, the balance in the backrow is fine. Would rather Luatua at 6 but can do the job at 8. I rate Skelton but will need some lineout help, like this backrow.

Chiefs 24 - 25 Tigers

Scrum evens. Lineout to Tigers, just but like both sets if locks. Very even contest at the breakdown, maybe edged by Exeter but overall backrow balance slight better for Tigers, Chiefs good for wide carrying but less in the tight. HBs chiefs, not sold on 36 at 10. 2 solid centre partnerships, evens, both work well. Similar bac 3s but Ugo losing attacking threat (still exceptional defence and highball chasing) and JOC give it to Exeter. Tigers edge win

Newcastle Falcons 25 - 28 Harlequins

Both front fives are strong but effective in different areas, Falcons being a bit stronger in the set-pieces and Quins being much more effective in open play and at the ruck area. I like both back rows, and they both cover all facets of the game. Tough to split either here, especially at the breakdown. Quins might get a bit more help from their second rows. 
Falcons backs look electric, and can play a clever game. I feel their halfbacks would get outclassed by other units, Cooper and Ruan do that, and bring their backline into the game well. Quins get could impact off their bench and edge the game with Ruan's metronomic kicking. 

Bath Rugby 22 - 28 Sale Sharks

Sale's front five edges the bath five, in both the loose and in the set piece. This allows their back row to gain an edge and Lautua time from the base of the scrum. Prefer Luatua at 6, but isn't a bad option at 8. Feel Bath would be more effective with Squire at 8, and Hask back at 6. The experience in the BAth halfbacks gives them a good foothold to pin Sharks back. Although the Sharks backline has a good mixture of physicality and pace make good use of the forward momemtum to put Le Roux into space. Sharks nick this with the forwards providing great go forward. 

SJE - Skelton is a real prescene and along with Retalick you have a strong open field partneship. My only worry would be you'd need a line-out caller somewhere, as Retallick is great but not sure he calls the line. Not sure on Luatua against the best 8's but a great option to have. 

London Wasps 25 - 24 London Irish

Not a great deal in the front fives, and backrows. Morgan standout, but Wasps back row is a good unit. Liking the flair and attacking threat of the Irish back line, but feel they may bit a little easy to get at defensively. Wasps edge the back line, with a bite more control from T-B and Lopez. And they will edge the win with Anscombe's kicking. 

Are either of the locks ready for a starting place in this game? Willemse looks good, Botha needs a bit more exposure for me. 
Is Camille good enough to cover when Cruden is unavailable? Good cover, solid option - not the best. 
Is Jordaan ok as back up to Nonu at 12? I think Jordaan is a better 13 than 12, but good cover to have if needed.
Does Kerevi have enough attacking threat to outweigh his defensive inexperience? Early days, and hard to say for me. 

Gloucester 35 - 23 London Welsh

Good battle up front with the Welsh pack giving a great fight to the Glos pack. Welsh have a line-out edge with Skivs leading well and providing possession to his backs. I like the FTD and Kerr Barlow combo and they provide a good spark for their pack to play off. Glaws edge the backs however with a quality back three. Slightly unsure of Carter at 12, but he is okay here. 

CJ Your pack will be great in the wet and cold of winter, and can put up a real fight to most but it does lack some star quality to it. Ransom would be great in the LV and should push on this year. Pennell's kicking is one of his best assets, and should be fine against most. Your centres might struggle in the league, but you never know what may happen in the season!

Northampton Saints 28 - 25 Saracens 

Good battle up front, Slight edge towards Saints in the front fives, but Sarries will rule the skies with Matfield in the side. Both back rows are good units, would edge Sarries in the breakdown, but Saints have a bit more carrying threat. Sarries have a great controlling half backs and can do some great territorial kicking off their line out advantage. Saints possess a great carrying threat and in the wider channels have a real attacking threat. After emptying both the benches into the game Saints will edge it, but Parra and Steyn will keep them honest.

Chris, your squad has the potential and capability to play your game-plan, but for me is getting the selection right against the right opponents. Only Worry would be nine, as Toomua has proven to be a good option at 10.

Newcastle Falcons 28 - 30 Harlequins
Really like the balance throughout Steve's team, whole pack would work well together, mix of experienced heads and youngsters, good carriers and speed. Backline can score a lot too with frontfoot ball. Driver's team very strong, lot of wc players - not sure the 10,12,13 channel is the most creative, but if one of those players became more of a distributor then that backthree has tries written all over it.

Bath Rugby 23 - 27 Sale Sharks
Sale just a bit stronger throughout the team, some nice combinations - haven't seen the no9 play so hard to rate. Skelton is top class - mirror Fluxy's comments about your team SJE. Is a good team for the AI's from Bath, if Wade comes back firing then you'll be fine on the try front too.

Chiefs 26 - 25 Tigers
Close game, not sure the Young and Twelvetrees axis works, or will get Tigers enough quality ball - but a very strong Tigers pack there, just see the backline lacking that bit of spark in dry conditions, whereas Chiefs have two game changers in Medard and JOC and a very combative pack.

London Wasps 34 - 29 London Irish
Lot of interesting match ups - again would mirror Fluxy's comments on your player Pete, strong team and your no10 will get better comments as he'll be playing for Clermont this season. A lot of the EQ players like Sisi should get more game time in real life this year, which will be a big boost and help improve ratings.

Gloucester 33 - 28 London Welsh
Lot of wc players at Gloucester and Carter could work nicely as a no12 if and when needed during the season. A lot of strike runners and will cause sides a lot of trouble. Welsh improved a lot with some good signings, in wet conditions scores would be a lot closer - defensive and kicking games very sound.

May not be able to predict until late tonight sorry

Newcastle 26-26 Quins

Great game. Quins take front 5 but Newcastle the backrow.

Interesting half backs with pienaar really not a great combo with cooper.

Pienaar really slows a game hence which is why SA fans have an issue. He is a really good player but cooper needs quick ball and this is not pienaars game.

Likewise biggar not the best 10 to ignite newcastles great strike runners.

One a piece in the centres with serfontein approaching world class.

Quins back 3 lack form but could easily get it back

Bath 22-26 sale

Sale walk front 5 which makes the game easy for them. Not sure who peter Dooley is at prop.

Luatua not an 8 for me. Looks lost when he plays there. Skelton better suited as an impact sub currently and sale lineout will struggle.

Skelton has potential to be the star of the next world cup once they sort his fitness. Carrying about 3 stone too much.

Bath have some decent combos but a lot without form. It's hard to rate Horne at 13 when he has been wing of late. He is a fine 13 but not having played there for a year is an issue

Chiefs 26-27 Leicester

Great game

Leicester better front row. Jenkins looked good in SA and the others great players.

Second row easily to chiefs with horwill in a rut.

Backrow Leicester much better. More
Physicality and impact.

Leiester have half back issues which in the wet would see them lose. 36 not a ten and young not great.

Centres fairly even but Leicester take back 3 despite monye weakness. JOC and medard without form but could easily get it back

Wasps 25-24 Irish

Pete Willemse yes Botha no kerevi no due to lack of game time

Lopez jury out. Jordaan class back up


Prop olver not ready or smallbone

Back 3 could catch fire with JSD and Cook. Thompstone is a good EQ option also if playing.

Am I too late to finish predos?

No go for it

Wasps 28 - 24 Irish

Scrums equal, like both THs despite relative inexperience. Locks edge to Wasps, but nothing wrong with Irish there.  Like the backrows, young talent on show- take Wallace over Sisi at 7, Wray at. 6 and Morgan at 8. Wasps HBs, like both centres but in different ways, a tad lightweight for Irish. Good wings for Waps but prefer Irish FB

Pete- happy with those locks, either plus a top lock is great. Camille ok but could do better. Jordaan great choice at 12. Kerevi ok, just tactically cover his defence and use him well.

For Irish- I rate that backrow, Collier, the  locks and 11-15, probably don't play them all together. JSD getting on. Wray a great pick. Collier is gonna have a huge season

Looks like tomorrow for my predos unless people have an objection? The joys of Monty Python, playing 7s and wedding planning have taken over this weekend

Saints 29 - 29 Sarries

Hard to call scrum, Waller takes Thomas but an on form Domingo would beat JDP. With current form though, Sarries on top. Hartley's form a tad off in NZ. Marginally prefer Saints locks though Sarries just better at lineout on just locks, like both backrows equally, both well balanced, Saints take an edge at lineout with theirs. Great carrying in Sarries back row. Davies promising but Parra better, Steyn solid but prefer Toomua who looks in great nick. 2 great well balanced sets of backs, hard to call as I like the mix in both, more solid from Sarries but Saints very dangerous. Draw today.


Meh on Marshall, Davies is good as an option but not first choir 9, but if he continues to grow could do well. Toomua great at 10 or 12. Backline certainly powerful

Get them in Prop have been left open till Tuesday most weeks so far anyways   

Cheers fella, doing last one now.