Aviva Premiership Round One

by **Ozzy3213** Tue 26 Aug 2014, 12:07 pm

First topic message reminder :

With the new Aviva Premiership season just 10 days away, I thought now might be a good time to throw up a match thread, for discussion, banter and plenty of just downright poking fun at your opposition. Six games over 3 days, 4 of which are live on BT Sport, kicks off with the current champions hosting the six fingered knuckle draggers on Friday night. Saturday then kicks off with Bruce Craigs London Irish West travelling North to take on Sale and GloboGym versus the Pests at HQ. Falcons then travel south (no chance of them heading north for a league game I know) to take on the Tiggers, before the mighty London Irish take apart the HairyQueens in the second half of the double header. The weekend concludes with newly promoted Oxford taking on the tomahawk waving brigade from the South West.

Here are my thoughts on how those games will pan out.

Friday 5th September 2014 19:45 Northampton Saints vs. Gloucester Rugby

These two have been chalk and cheese in terms of transfer activity over the summer, but Saints have a seriously strong squad anyway and will be a force to be reckoned with again this season. At home, they certainly won't want to lose their first game as champions, and I expect to see them coming out all guns blazing in this one. The big question as to how this one will finish up would appear to be whether or not Gloucesters new look pack can live with Saints. If they can, then there is every chance that a very talented back line could cause some serious problems for the champions, particularly if the weather is good. With the likes of Richard Hibbard and John Afoa keen to make an early mark, I fancy Gloucester to sneak this one, and come away from the gardens with the narrowest of wins.

Saturday 6th September 2014 14:00 Sale Sharks vs. Bath Rugby

Steve Diamonds Sharks appear to have quietly gone about their business this summer. There have been some departures of key plays such as Henry Thomas, Rob Miller and James Gaskell which can only serve to weaken their side, however players such as Nathan Hines coming in should ensure that their pack remains competitive. Bath fans await with baited breath the arrival of Sam Burgess, but he's not around for this one, and it will be a similar looking back division to last seasons. I can see this one being a real forward battle with no quarter asked for or given. I just think that Bath probably have a bit of a stronger unit up front and will ultimately come out on top in that sort of battle and get their campaign off to a positive start.

Saturday 6th September 2014 14:00 Saracens vs. Wasps

As ever it's difficult to look beyond GloboGym as their squad is as strong as it ever was despite the departures of the likes of Matt Stevens and Steve Borthwick. They will want a good start to the season so that they can feel comfortable rotating later on in the campaign as they search for glory on two fronts this year. I suspect that they will roll out the big guns at HQ and look to physically dominate a Wasps side who were seriously inconsistent last year. They however have also strengthened, certainly in depth terms, and will undoubtedly look to use their pacy backs to good effect. It won't be enough I don't think, and the Saracens juggernaut will get a rolling start to their campaign by bagging the first try bonus of the season and leaving Wasps heading away from Twickenham with nothing.

Saturday 6th September 2014 15:00 Leicester Tigers vs. Newcastle Falcons

A few new faces at Welford Road this summer, and they will be missing their first choice props for the start of the season with Ayerza on international duty and Cole still in rehab. Falcons may see this as an area they can target, however the noises coming from the north indicate that they may be looking to be more expansive this season in line with their new 4G playing surface. This would be a risk, as there is plenty of firepower in the Tigers back division and if they look to trade blows in that regard I can see Leicester winning it comfortably. That said, Tigers can be slow starters, albeit they pace their season pretty well normally, and I don't see them blowing Falcons away in this one. Reasonably comfortable home win in the end, but they'll know they've had to work for it and Newcastle may head back home with at least a losing bonus point in the bag.

Saturday 6th September 2014 16:30 London Irish vs. Harlequins

The game of the weekend, of course it is, the mighty London Irish are playing. Obviously I am bias, but I do feel that we have strengthened considerably in the pack, and in the coaching set up, and we will be much improved from the past two seasons. Quins have promoted from within with the exception of signing Marland Yarde and Aseli Tikoirotuma and will hope that with a years more experience their youngsters will be able to take them a step or two further than in last seasons campaign. There remains a doubt as to whether they have adequately strengthened in the 2nd row, and much will rest on George Robsons shoulders there. For this one, Quins will no doubt look to play ball in hand, and so will Irish. Quins are further down the path of evolution regarding that sort of game, but Irish have looked very fit and able to maintain a high intensity in pres season so far. The last time Irish won at the double header was in 2010, and only David Paice and Topsy Ojo remain from the 23 on duty that day. My money is on Irish to bag their first opening day win in 4 years and this two be a high scorer, with both sides claiming try bonus points in the process.

Sunday 7th September 2014 14:00 London Welsh vs. Exeter Chiefs

A lot is going to rest on how quickly the 25 new signings at London Welsh can gel into a cohesive unit. This will not be an issue for the Chiefs who have tinkered rather than made wholesale squad changes as they seek to return to the top half of the table at the end of this campaign. You know what you will get from the Chiefs, they will be tough to play against, have a good set piece and will take their chances when they come. Welsh are going to be a completely unknown quantity for a while, but I suspect that the Chiefs will have too much for them and will head home with 4 points safely in the bag on Sunday evening.

Ozzys predicted league table after round one:

Saracens 5, London Irish 5, Leicester Tigers 4, Exeter Chiefs 4, Bath Rugby 4, Gloucester 4, Harlequins 2, Northampton Saints 1, Sale Sharks 1, London Welsh 1, Newcastle Falcons 1, Wasps 0.

Look forward to hearing your views….

by HammerofThunor Fri 05 Sep 2014, 9:37 pm

nathan wrote:Have I ever mentioned how crap matt Dawson is at commentating...

Yes, but I never tire of hearing it. I usually post something along those lines at least once a week. Worst thing on BT (including Doyle).

Weird game. I hope Gloucester are given the season to gel. I don't think they'll be there this year but a strong end to the season to show they're developing would be nice.

by The Saint Fri 05 Sep 2014, 9:43 pm

How do you explain that result then? Glaws must be pretty poorly coached because the players on paper look pretty good. Saints look like they're in for another good season too.

by Guest Fri 05 Sep 2014, 9:45 pm

Poorfour wrote:
Cumbrian wrote:Saying what I have about the tighthead, Corbisiero has had Afoa on toast all game as far as I can see. Having a Aussie at no 3 makes it even more impressive as far as I am concerned.

Really? The Saints scrum has been getting a shove on but the Glaws pack has generally stood pretty firm. Corbs has been boring in and got away with it a couple of times, but generally Afoa's been able to twist him out of shape. I haven't been impressed by his body angles.

Corbisiero was boring in lots last weekend in the friendly v Dragons and was getting away with it on the whole.

Cracking second try by North. Manoa's hit on Twelvetrees was decent too

by ChequeredJersey Fri 05 Sep 2014, 9:46 pm

Gloucester have no cohesion? Awful defence like last year? Poor confidence? Way way too many new players? Lost some key players? Some players who just haven't lived up to potential/hype?

Pretty easy to explain, though I expected a smaller saints victory (think I went 16 on superbru!)

Gloucester will take time to gel, too many changes at once is a terrible strategy in the short term but if they can gel they will finish the season far more strongly

by HongKongCherry Fri 05 Sep 2014, 10:08 pm

Ouch that hurt! I didn't have any expectations for this match but I didn't expect such a thumping! Good first 20 then totally obliterated. I've said all along we won't be up to speed until Christmas, but we've got a lot to work on. Unlike what The Saint says I don't think we're poorly coached, but instead we're a side thrown together with coaches only in place for 4 weeks against a settled champions. Given the coaching set up we selected we always knew in the short term it would be tough, just perhaps not that tough! Hopefully the next 3 games bring some respite...

On a final note, what a fabulous performance by Saints. I've seen a lot of people predict they won't be in the mix this year, but what a great team clap

by kingelderfield Fri 05 Sep 2014, 10:28 pm

why is 36 the glawster captain?

it just seems obvious to me that the captain has to come from the pack and has to be a nasty scary mother who will punch the crap out of anyone who doesn’t leave everything on the pitch.

basically they need to play with passion.

something else......for so long I actually thought the Gloucester players were just lazy and not delivering......however now I am beginning to realize that the fact is, it’s not that they're pretending to be good players playing badly, it’s that they are actually rubbish players that aren’t good enough for the AP.

maybe Kvesic would have made a difference, though I would be surprised - however if he has any pretention of playing for england I would expect him to be knocking the coaches door down as I type demanding the captains arm band.

by **Rugby Fan** Sat 06 Sep 2014, 1:02 am

nathan wrote:Have I ever mentioned how crap matt Dawson is at commentating...

Don't think you have. He only got one vote here, and that was me:

https://www.606v2.com/t55302-worst-northern-hemisphere-commentator

by ChequeredJersey Sat 06 Sep 2014, 1:10 am

Rugby Fan wrote:
nathan wrote:Have I ever mentioned how crap matt Dawson is at commentating...
Don't think you have. He only got one vote here, and that was me:

https://www.606v2.com/t55302-worst-northern-hemisphere-commentator

If it's a vote for the worst NH commentator and the likes of Barnes etc are involved, not coming first is hardly great praise for Dawson!

by doctor_grey Sat 06 Sep 2014, 2:59 am

I wonder if anyone noticed Saints are on track to score 1166 Premiership points this season.......

by **Ozzy3213** Sat 06 Sep 2014, 7:41 am

It's Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaame Day!!!!! Leprechaun

Unbelievably excited for this one. Not really a fan of Twickenham or the double header, but just cannot wait to get there this afternoon to watch the mighty Irish.

by The Saint Sat 06 Sep 2014, 9:28 am

doctor_grey wrote:I wonder if anyone noticed Saints are on track to score 1166 Premiership points this season.......

If North keeps on getting hat-tricks, why not,

by **Rugby Fan** Sat 06 Sep 2014, 9:31 am

Ozzy3213 wrote:...Not really a fan of Twickenham or the double header...

Any reason it doesn't rock your world?

by **Ozzy3213** Sat 06 Sep 2014, 9:56 am

Rugby Fan wrote:
Ozzy3213 wrote:...Not really a fan of Twickenham or the double header...

Any reason it doesn't rock your world?

Too many non rugby fans on corporate jollies just getting smashed and being annoying.

by formerly known as Sam Sat 06 Sep 2014, 10:15 am

I don't mind that. It's only when you get corporate morons getting up and down eery ten mins when the game is on. By all means enjoy the refreshments but watch the sodding game.

by **Ozzy3213** Sat 06 Sep 2014, 10:23 am

That's my point, I enjoy a few pints at the rugby as much as anyone, but I'm there to watch the game and don't want to be up and down every five minutes letting someone past to get more beer.

by Scrumpy Sat 06 Sep 2014, 11:23 am

Nice to see saints playing their international players and not resting them like our Celtic cousins.

That's why fans turn out to watch the JEFF! Great stuff.

by HongKongCherry Sat 06 Sep 2014, 1:40 pm

I don't know Scrumpy, I'd quite like to watch the Pro 12 at this moment! Shocked

by HammerofThunor Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:08 pm

Billy looks like he's lost some weight. Wasps look to be coming back into this.

by HammerofThunor Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:14 pm

Good one Lawrence. The reason Wasps haven't been challenging for the top six is because they haven't been beating them...otherwise known as not good enough.

by Bathite Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:16 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:I don't mind that. It's only when you get corporate morons getting up and down eery ten mins when the game is on. By all means enjoy the refreshments but watch the sodding game.

Hi I'm Bathite. I like rugby. I like drinking at rugby. I work for a big corporate. I have a small bladder.

Feeling much better for sharing that with the group. phew

by HammerofThunor Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:18 pm

Take a bottle to games with you Smile

Nice try by Wade. Good finish and out powered Ashton.

by Welly Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:19 pm

You know you can watch all the games at bet 365 if you have a account.

by beshocked Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:22 pm

Good shoulder charge by Wade.

Can anyone explain the two bizarre penalties that the ref gave wasps before the try?

by nathan Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:23 pm

beshocked wrote:Good shoulder charge by Wade.

Can anyone explain the two bizarre penalties that the ref gave wasps before the try?

they both ran into each other, wasnt a shoulder charge at all.

lol, what was that tackle by Ashton?

by Josiah Maiestas Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:28 pm

Humphries come on Sad

going down like an anchor in water,.

Try Davies king

by nathan Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:29 pm

nice finish by strettle there

by Welly Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:30 pm

nathan wrote:nice finish by strettle there

You should be watching Tigers play.

by beshocked Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:31 pm

Credit to wasps. Hughes and Wade looking good

by nathan Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:32 pm

Welly wrote:
nathan wrote:nice finish by strettle there

You should be watching Tigers play.

it's not on the TV (cant afford to go either)

by Welly Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:33 pm

nathan wrote:
Welly wrote:
nathan wrote:nice finish by strettle there

You should be watching Tigers play.

it's not on the TV (cant afford to go either)

If you have a Bet365 account and have some money in it you can watch all the AP games inclu non Televised games legally on there live stream (currently watching Tigs V Falcons).

No bet required. just need to deposit £5

by **Rugby Fan** Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:38 pm

Sale v Bath and Saracens v Wasps are both now one point games with 15 minutes to go.

by nathan Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:42 pm

Welly wrote:
nathan wrote:
Welly wrote:
nathan wrote:nice finish by strettle there

You should be watching Tigers play.

it's not on the TV (cant afford to go either)
If you have a Bet365 account and have some money in it you can watch all the AP games inclu non Televised games legally on there live stream (currently watching Tigs V Falcons).

No bet required. just need to deposit £5

ah cool, good to know. How we playing?

by beshocked Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:43 pm

Should be YC for Johnson for deliberate knock down

by Welly Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:43 pm

Alright, both sides getting close but no cigar.

Falcons are looking better this season, certainly looking to attack.

Tigers have a few gears to move up though.

by **Rugby Fan** Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:45 pm

Bath regain the lead but Farrell can't do the same for Sarries.

by Bathite Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:46 pm

That terrible place kicker Ford just nailed a conversion from the touch line and is 100% from the tee this afternoon

by beshocked Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:46 pm

Poor decision making letting Saracens down. 2 missed kicks which should have been kicked to the corner for example.

by **Rugby Fan** Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:48 pm

beshocked wrote:Should be YC for Johnson for deliberate knock down

Commentators agree. Also hearing Healey arguing the England case for Strettle.

by nathan Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:50 pm

i have no idea which way to call that...

by Hood83 Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:51 pm

Wasps a man down, completely robbed here.

by HammerofThunor Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:51 pm

Try. Close but just made it.

by nathan Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:51 pm

try seeing that angle. good work by the tmo

by **Rugby Fan** Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:52 pm

Just as I post that, it looks like Strettle has got the win with a hat trick try at the death.

by beshocked Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:52 pm

Such a tough call I agree. Would have preferred the decision in the AP final last season though!

by HammerofThunor Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:52 pm

Hard luck Wasps. Good come back but not enough.

by Hood83 Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:52 pm

Bit of a let off for GloboGym, gutting for Wasps, they really don't have much luck in these games!

by Steffan Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:54 pm

What an amazing game. Unlucky Wasps although Sarrries showed bottle and class to go and win it

by beshocked Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:56 pm

Hood you talk about luck - Saracens had none in the AP final.

Getting a lucky decision in this match is little consolation.

If wasps were unlucky agreed but they showed themselves competitive.

by Geordie Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:57 pm

Launchbury looks like he's put a bit of beef on but kept his mobility and work rate....great to see.

Heally picking Strettle up...why not. Hes a regular try scorer in the prem..and the England wing spot is WIDE open. A good consistent start from any winger could get them in there.

Also Nathan Hughes is a beast but I hope England don't go picking him. He should be playing for Samoa or Fiji both of whom he is eligible for.

by Geordie Sat 06 Sep 2014, 3:58 pm

HOly moly just seen the Saints v Glos score..... Shocked

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