About v2Aviva Premiership Round One
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LukeLovesLuka
ChequeredJersey
Sgt_Pooly
Driver
dammit_chris
Fluxy
SirJohnnyEnglish
11 posters
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Aviva Premiership Round One
by SirJohnnyEnglish Mon 01 Sep 2014, 2:32 pm
First topic message reminder :
Northampton Saints v Gloucester Rugby
Location - Franklins Garden
Light Cloud, 20 Degrees, 7mph NE Winds
Northampton Saints
Manager – Dammit_Chris
:-
16. Rob Webber 17. Thomas Domingo 18. Adam Jones 19. Schalk Burger 20. Billy Vunipola 21. Joe Simpson 22. Matt Giteau 23. Tommy Bowe *
* Removed JSD from the team due to his retirement.
Tactics
With great conditions Saints will adopt a high tempo game from the outset, playing with a high intensity and aggressive defence and will look to get the ball in the hands of the big ball carriers in both the pack and defence to tire Gloucester and create space outwide. We have selected a mobile pack with some great ball carriers to get us over the gainline and put Gloucester on the backfoot. Up intensity in the final 20-30 minutes with impact bench.
Set Piece
We will look to use the scrum as a platform to launch Parisse and our backline and in the final 20-30 minutes look to dominate this area technically by bringing on Jones and Domingo to squeeze the life out of the Gloucester pack. We have selected four lineout options in the starting pack - Lawes, Launchbury, Manoa and Parisse - to provide a lot of variety and options to generate our backline quick ball. We will also compete against Gloucester with the athleticism of Lawes.
Attack
Based very much on getting over the gainline with the likes of Mulipola, Vunipola, Manoa and Lawes and providing an attacking platform for Evans to get Fofana, Tuilagi and Goneva attacking space and beating tacklers and sucking in defenders to create space for Foden and Williams to exploit. Evans to control the territory game and mix up the attacking options.
Breakdown
Mobile pack and the addition of Robshaw will see Saints hit the breakdown in numbers and seek quick ball to attack with, will aim for Lawes and Manoa to clear out Qera and Alberts and control this area. With mobile pack we will look to get to Gloucester breakdowns quickly and go for turnovers where possible.
Defence
Aggressive defence with Lawes, Manoa and Launchbury leading the defensive effort in the pack, with emphasis on quick line speed from the defensive line. Fofana and Tuilagi to create a wall in the midfield, meaning Gloucester will have to go wide fast to get any chance of breaking the defensive line. Phillips to sweep behind.
Key Points
* Mike Phillips to target Dan Robson physically and put pressure on the young scrum half and disrupt Gloucester attacks.
* Play at a high tempo and intensity to target Gloucester players who have appeared or been in Rugby Championship squads - Crotty, Dagg and Alberts.
* Selected impact bench to finish strongly in final quarter of the game.
Gloucester
Manager – anonmattyt
:-
16. Coenie 17. LCD 18. Figallo 19. Robson 20. Croft 21. Genia 22. Cipriani 23. Walker
Brief tactics of big runners taking it up and then moving quick front foot ball.
Will kick a lot and look to kick in behind saints back 3. Will target them with high ball also.
Sale Sharks v Bath Rugby
Location - AJ Bell Stadium
Light Cloud, 19 Degrees, 6mph NE Winds
Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE
:-
16. Ross Harrison 17. David Paice 18. Rabah Slimani 19. Iain Henderson 20. Matt Kvesic 21. Kieran Marmion 22. JJ Hanrahan 23. Kyle Eastmond
We will play an expansive, high intensity offloading game looking to create space and break the defensive line. Mobility, physicality and handling is key to our approach.
- Fast ball is crucial. Mobile pack and physical midfield to clear out rucks and ensure quick ball. We will look to get over the gain line off all carries to make it easier to do so.
- Commit the defence. Sexton will play flat on the gain line to pull in defenders before releasing runners while Care will look for opportunities to snipe around the base always committing defenders.
- Change the point of attack. Numerous playmakers across the backline comfortable at coming in at first receiver allow us to change the point of attack and leave the opposition guessing.
- Back three always involved. Wingers to track the ball off their wings looking for the inside ball or offload. Payne to join the line from fullback looking for mismatches and to create overlaps.
- Attack the drift defence. Playing our usual up tempo, fast pace, offloading game with plenty of playmakers and line runners in the backs to change the point of attack. This should cause the Bath drift defence all sorts of problems. Sexton to thrive with all the open space!
- Attack from the scrum. Strong technical front row backed up by a powerful second row will look to build a platform for Pickles, Care & Sexton. An area we will look to target if winning.
- Mix it up at the lineout. Five genuine jumpers gives us a strong attacking platform. Look to use both the rolling maul and ball off the top to keep the defence guessing.
- Straight line blitz defence. Focused on winning the gain line collisions and driving the ball carrier back. Line speed is crucial. Care will sweep behind the line to cover chips and grubbers.
- Target the breakdown. Committed to the breakdown with POM & Todd fetching for the ball, supported by the rest of the pack when needed. We will always look to turn the ball over.
Bath Rugby
Manager – inthefastlane
- Ben Tameifuma currently suspended replaced by Cooper Wollsey bench one prop short
16. Mikey Haywood 17. Benn Robinson 18. 19. Luke Charteris 20. Liam Gill 21. Richard Wigglesworth 22. Darren Cave 23. Alex Goode
Overall: We are gonna be looking to play front foot rugby. The team is going to be very uptempo with lots of hard running looking to drown the energy of the Sharks.
Scrum: Look to get after the scrum. Our unit is a group with vast amount of playing time together. They will look to especially put pressure on Jack McGrath. We will try to set a base, controlled by Haskell which he can attack off.
Lineout: We will look to switch up the lineup with SOB, Haskell, Kolisi, Romano and Kitchener options in the lineout. Look to get up into the air quickly and down for a quick maul. Look to put early pressure on the throws of Kayser who can be erratic.
Breakdown: Attempt to be aggressive at the breakdown. Look to get men to the breakdown quickly and clear out so Sean O'Brien and James Haskell can attack the ball
Defence: Drift Defence looking to slow down the ball. Really look at putting pressure on Sexton as we do not want him having time to create. FDP to sweep in behind.
Attack: Our half backs will control our rugby. FDP and Hodgson can play what they see and put the rest of the back line in strong positions. Lealifano can act as an extra playmaker from the 12. We have strong runners who can get over the gainline throughout the side with a very dynamic pack and a big back line. The likes of Faumuania, Romano, Hibbard, Healy and Kolisi will try and wear down defences by looking for gaps. The likes of Sivivatu, North and Hogg will be looking for gaps created that they can exploit. Look to play with a high tempo and get the ball moving across the back line. Look for chances to offload.
Kicking: Lealifano will be our chosen place kicker. Any kicks will not be aimed towards their back three. We will chuck in the occasional grabber to chase. If we are enjoying a significant lineout advantage then we will look for touch. Hogg, LLF, FDP and Hodgson all have the boots necessary
Substitutes: Our subs will look to keep a high tempo.
Saracens v London Wasps
Location - Twickenham
Sunny Intervals, 22 Degrees, 8mph NE Winds
Saracens
Manager – Pooly
- Tom Taylor named twice. Bench is a flyhalf down.
:-
16. Guilhem Guirado 17. Fabien Barcella 18. Clement Ric 19. Louis Deacon 20. Nathan Hughes 21. Henry Taylor 22. Tom Taylor 23. Miles Benjamin
Tactics:
TARGET LINE OUT – NO LEADER/GO TO MAN FOR WASPS – Wasps lack a line out leader with both AWJ and Chulski poor in this area. Look to target throughout the game and starve Wasps of good attacking ball. If they can’t get a platform from the line out they’ll struggle to put any meaningful play in against the backs. You need a solid line out to win away, Wasps can be got at in this area.
HOME ADVANTAGE IS KEY – Our home form was outstanding the back of last season, we’ve built up a fortress and it’ll take an outstanding team who are better in all departments to beat us.
TARGET WASPS 10/12 CHANNEL IN DEFENCE With Cruden and Jordaan both not great defensively will look to get big runners down that channel and some momentum.
LOOK TO DISRUPT UNBALANCED BACKROW – With 2 opensides on the flanks and a 6 playing at 8 we’ll look to cause Wasps problems around the park with players likely to be looking to each others jobs. Possible issues with the unbalanced nature of the backrow?
TARGET WASPS WINGS IN DEFENCE – Look to get the ball in behind the Wasps wings and test them defensively. Speight is very suspect in the air so we’ll look to test him out early and put the pressure on.
CHOKE TACKLE – With the physicality in our backrow and centres we’ll look to hold up the Wasps runners and force the maul, allowing us turnover ball.
GROUND WORK/TURNOVER BALL – Numerous options to slow/turn over Wasps ball. Cole/Dusatoir/Mowen are all outstanding on the deck and will look to target this area throughout the game.
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. Denton/FvdM/Davies/Mowen/ give us great options and varied carriers.
General - We've selected a team packed with power and physicality and will look to dominate the contact and get over the gain line. We'll be playing a high tempo physical game from the off, look to smash the opposition back and get into the rucks/maul's and drive through. We'll look to tie the opposition in and then get at their backline, more so in their half. Look to keep it tight in the forward pack and grind through work.
Scrum - Look to get a platform from the off with a strong scrummaging unit. Strong front 5 with big locks will look for the big push once the ball is in and drive the opposition back. Our LH and Hooker will look to target TH and try to get between him and Hooker to allow TH to work on LH If no weakness seen will use as restart.
Line out – Look for quick ball off the top with the world class line out options and experience. Will allow White good clean ball and have Denton/Burrell running off the 9 at angles.
Defence - High intensity and big hits, looking to drive past the ball player if the ball hits the deck. Huge physical pack that can look to dominate the collision and breakdown allowing Cole/Dus/Mowen etc a chance to slow down/steal ball. Lack of straight running option in the opp backline will allow us to hold up the runner and attempt the maul turnover. 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 Williams/Mermoz on his shoulder. Huge carrying backrow to get us over the gain line after front 5 set a platform. Williams to run angles off the 9/10 and interchange 2nd receiver with Mermoz. Look to keep opposition guessing with clever lines through midfield. Ashton will look to track the midfield combo and get the end of Mermoz’s little offloads in contact. Guildford to keep things honest and come looking for work.[/b]
Wasps
Manager: Ozzy3213
16. Deon Fourie 17. Paul James 18. Frans Malherbe 19. Sebastien Vahaamahina 20. Luke Narraway 21. Sebastien Tillous-Borde 22. Gareth Anscombe 23. Tim Nanai-Williams
Basic Game Plan
In dry conditions we will be looking to play a possession based game, going through the phases and continually shifting the point of attack. We will play sensibly in our own half though, and will use the boots of Cruden and Armitage if it is not on to run the ball. When using the boot we will kicking for touch and looking to contest the lineout. We WILL NOT kick to their back three.
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. Youngs will sweep in behind the defensive line to counter any chips/grubbers.
Specifics
Key Points
Leicester Tigers v Newcastle Falcons
Location - Welford Road
Light Cloud, 20 Degrees, 7mph NE Winds
Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka
16. Christopher Tolofua 17. Alex Corbisiero 18. Paul Doran-Jones 19. Kearnan Myall 20. Steve Mafi 21. Micky Young 22. Tusi Pisi 23. Rene Ranger
Tactics:
We will look to play high tempo, high intensity rugby. We have, particularly in the backs, big line breakers to make the hard yards and tie up defenders creating space in wider channels for Burns to exploit.
General Tactics:
- Attack all scrums with our huge pack - All international front row in Moore, Johnston and Jenkins - look to really get the shove on.
- Attack all lineouts. Use safe option of Joubert at the front, and also use Pape, Hines and Johnson in the middle or at the back.
Shortened lineouts with Burger in midfield as crash/decoy option.
- Physical, abrasive XV made up of massive line-breakers. The likes of Pape, Hines, Burger, Basteraud, Cuthbert and Nalaga to be used to win the collisions in attack.
- Play an offloading game. We see the offload as our big weapon and our carriers will all be looking to offload in contact, continuing our forward momentum.
- Fotauli'i to look to snipe around the fringes and keep us going forwards all the time.
- Look to win battle at the breakdown - Burger and Jenkins in particular to really look to get into the breakdown and give Newcastle problems.
In attacking play, we will play with the option of 2 first receivers in Burns and Twelvetrees.
We want to control the game, mixing up the point of our attack consistently.
- We will look to employ a blitz defence, focusing on a quick line speed to hit the ball carrier before he gets to the gainline, and look to win the collisions in defence. Fotauli'i to sweep behind with an eye on short kicks.
Burns to kick all penalites.
Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Driver
:-
16. George McGuigan 17. Matt Mullen 18. Luc Doloucon 19. Ed Slater 20. Dave Ewers 21. Dave Lewis 22. Andy Goode 23. Luke Marshall
OVERALL PLAN
Falcons have gone for a real brusing pack who will look to tie tigers into a armwrestle and really slow the game down and take any momentum from the tigers attack. In our half backs we have two great territorial kickers who will look to test out the positioning of Nalaga and Cuthbert with kicks in behind backed with a strong chase from Evans and Sharples who are no slouches. We've picked Brad Thorn at 4 because he will add a more powerful ball carrying option and behind Tonga it will allow us too get a serious nudge on at the scrum and drive into the Tigers props and pop them up.
ATTACK
Keep the ball in the tigers half is key to our attack , using the boots of Laidlaw , Farrell and Miller to put is in positions to operate a strike move through our back line with dangerous runners in Davies , Sharples and Evans. We'll look to put the ball behind dummy runners and use Farrell on the wrap round to create space and weak shoulders for attackers to run at.
DEFENCE
Aggresive approach at the break down and look to slow tigers down with Faz/Barritt/Davies operating a blitz to shut down the tigers backline with Laidlaw sweeping behind to cover any kicks or half breaks. Barritt is fighting for a England spot and will look to impress Lancaster by one uping 12T with his defence work.
LINE OUT
Parling to jump at the front on Tigers throw and really get across as we feel that this along with the scrum is an area in which we hold an advantage over Tigers. We'll mix it up on our own throw with Hari , Parling and Thorn all targets. Lydiate and Fraser will hound the Tigers half backs from the lineouts and look to ruffle a few feathers.
Hari to pick and go from 8 with the intent of running at Burns in the tigers 10 channel to test out his defence.
London Irish v Harlequins
Location - Twickenham
Sunny Intervals, 22 Degrees, 8mph NE Winds
London Irish
Manager – Prop
:-
16. Tom Lindsay 17. Tom Smallbone 18. Will Collier 19. Devin Toner 20. George Smith 21. Rory Kockott 22. Owen Williams 23. Rob Cook
Tactics
Set piece: solid front 5 who are all good carriers and we will look to go up on th eight head in te scum using poux's now in the dark arts. We will look to shorten attacking lineouts to have runners off 10 and 12. We will carry in pods so as not to get isolated.
Back row: we hVe the balance of carrying,tackling an jackling here and we will use them all to their best ability with warburton picking which rucks t come in in.
Halfbacks: Dickson to play at a quick pace and biggar I put us into territory, he is a good carrier and offloaded and we will use this.
Outside backs: we will have dangerous runners everywhere looking for strike moves an I exploit any overlaps, if a back makes it owe the gain line then if it's on we will look to offload or have quick ball on a platform for or wards comin round th corner.
Defence: a blitz defene with Dickson sweeping. We will look to put 10 off his game with some big hits and suck him into conact. Position is key and we will be aware of being in the right place to return any kicks.
Bench: impact and experience in forwards and backs with toner, kockott and Williams able to cause a lot of trouble.
Overall: play steady and grind out a win if needed, use a heavy pack to gain kick able penalties and we will be hot on staying inside and not giving away silly penalties.
Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks
16. Rob Buchanan 17. Steven Kitchoff 18. Kieran Brookes 19. George Kruis 20. Luke Braid 21. Eric Escande 22. Steven Myler 23. Aurelien Rougerie
Tactics
Attack
We will look to use our usual patient approach where we build up pressure using our strong carriers in the pack and at 12 to get us across the gain line. Once we have quick ball we will look for Dickson to increase the tempo of the game with Cooper standing flat and putting others into spaces.
When we have slow ball we will look for our forwards to carry off 9 and 10. They will carry in pods. This allows us to vary between offloading before contact, offloading out of contact and getting quick ruck ball. In attack we are desperate to get quick ball and to do this our forwards need to carry with dynamism taking the ball at pace with the look to win the collision and keep the legs pumping after contact. In Dickson and Cooper we have half packs that can put others into space and keep the defence honest and snipe at gaps.
When we get quick ball we will look to get the ball wider and allow our back row to move into wider channels and look to get Joseph and the back three into one on one situation with their opposite number. The whole team know that on Dickson and Cooper's call our tempo increases and everything needs to be executed with increased accuracy.
Defence
We will look to be aggressive in our defence with a quick line speed and we will defend from out to in looking to force the London Irish attacks back in field where we have numbers to defend and can look to legally slow down or turnover the ball at the breakdown. Joseph's pace is key to this as our line speed needs to be very quick out wide as well as infield.
Key Points
Experience up front.
Neutral venue
Strong set piece
Pace outwide
London Welsh v Exeter Chiefs
Location - Kassam Stadium
Light Cloud, 21 Degrees, 6mph NE Winds
London Welsh
:-
16. Dave Ward 17. David Kilcoyne 18. Oliver Tomaszczyk 19. Mouritz Botha 20. Ashley Johnson 21. Ben Spencer 22. Kyle Godwin 23. Jesse Mogg
Tactics
In this good weather we will look to play a mobile and attacking style, recycling the ball quickly and moving the focus of attack.
Key to this will be the breakdown. We shall approach the breakdown as a unit why players chipping in wherever they can but with Barclay as the primary fetcher chasing the ball across the pitch, supported by Vito and Lapandry with the rest of the pack focusing on clearing out to speed up the usability of the ball when possible. We will look to attack and turnover opposition ball with isolation and piling in the numbers when it's on and ensuring our own ball is quick but when possession for either side is assured we will commit small numbers.
In attack we will look to build slow ball into quick with mauls and sets of drives with units of 3 forwards. When we have quick ball we will spin it wide with FTH playing flat and JTH taking the ball into the line flat off him (with Vito or another forward as an inside pop option), looking to either offload or recycle quickly to a second wave of runners in other forwards, Campagnaro and the back 3. We will repeat this use of waves with focus on support lines and running for any breaks. Any gaps in the fringes will see TKB and FTH have licence to snipe and run. With our quality wingers we will also look to chip behind the wings wide if the defence narrows or rushes. Throughout this Barclay or Lapandry will double as linkmen as they chase the ball
Pennell to help the halfbacks with an attacking and defensive tactical kicking game when attack is not sensible. In general kicks will be low and chased looking to exploit the bounce. We are happy to run pivots and switch plays off set piece ball
Defence- rush defence with Pennell staying back and TKB sweeping. Vito to lead fringe defence and Lapandry to harry Murray. Target Flood with hits from Rees and Cudmore with Barclay chasing the ball looking to cover the inside pop.
Set piece- look to get the ball out as quickly as possible and play off Vito at 8
Lineout- mix up our options, look to play off the top and use as a platform for set moves. In defence, give them the front but oppose anything longer to force them into using front ball which cannot be used wide.
Kicking- FTH to kick, Pennell as back up. Try and run back kicks where possible with lethal back 3.
Targets- target Flood with rough treatment. Challenge JOC under the high ball and test his positioning against the bounce at the back which is dodgy. Try and engineer one on ones with Varndell's tackling.
Subs- Godwin at 12 if we need a more traditional game getting the ball wide. Ward will help the breakdown and Johnson and Mogg add impact in their areas.
Overall- rush defence to cut their space, especially harrying Murray and roughing Flood
- multi-wave attack looking to get ball quickly out of the tackle
- chip into space behind wings and utilise the bounce alla France
- don't overcommit to rucks
- build slow ball into quick
Exeter Chiefs
Manager – Fluxy
16. Jack Yeandle 17. Richard Barrington 18. Davit Kubriashvili 19. Michael Paterson 20. Yannick Nyanga 21. Chris Cook 22. Ian Madigan 23. Maxime Medard
General Game plan
Fast paced game based around high intensity in defence, offloading, and dynamic carrying and rucking.
We want to hit the ground running and hit the opposition hard and fast from the off.
Our aim is to control possession and go through the phases. Flood will look to play flat and look to get our back line into the game whenever possible and keep the high tempo going throughout.
Set piece - Control the set piece and use it to restart our game plan and create point of attacks. POC to marshal the line-out and get quick ball from our dynamic jumpers. At the scrum we’ll look to get the squeeze on and keep the opposition back row tied into the scrum giving Murray, Flood & JOC more time and space to work in.
Pack & Breakdown - Look for strong carries from our pack, tying in the opposition forwards. We’ll be looking to keep the ball alive and look for the offload when on. Our back-row will target the breakdown and look to blow through the ruck and past the ball. Clean ball will be generated either by blowing through the ruck and past the ball and a long presentation of the ball to keep it away from opposition defenders. Murray look to sweep up any turnover ball getting us on the front foot. We’ll look to win the collision with big our physical pack and dominate the opposition pack in the contact.
Defence - Look to neutralise the opposition early on and allow our back-row to dominate affairs. Tuipolotu/POC in particular will look to hit the ruck hard and remove attempted turnovers from the equation allowing us to ruck over the ball and past the ball - to control the breakdown. Tipuric will look to target the opposition fly half early on and pressure his kicking. Murray to sweep in behind the defensive line.
Backs - Look to get the ball in hands of JOC/Dunbar and Burrell. Utilise the pace and size of Dunbar/Burrell to crash through the line, using our 'league/slider move' developed from last season to break the line. Dunbar/Burrell are both big quick guys and will be able to mix and match the opposition defence, either catching Turner-Hall's weaker inside shoulder on a a run against the grain, or exploiting the size and flimsy defence of Campagnaro. Or even generate a two on one with JOC joining the back line as the slider moves under the crash/dummy line.
Key Points
Scrum & Line-out – Target throughout, if weakness seen heap pressure and generate penalties.
Line-out & Mauls - with a big front five we will look to set rolling mauls, to keep their back-row tied in and also gain strong momentum.
Physicality & Dynamism – Win the collision and target rucks to drive through opposition. We have a big physical, but also mobile pack. Supported by some high energy forwards off the bench.
Breakdown – Tipuric & Faletau to be a nuisance in in the breakdown and either get over the ball or get past the ball and make the opposition cleaners a nightmare by having to make them drive our forwards even further off their ball, or steal if the are limited numbers competing.
Backs – Classy running options and two of the most prolific finishers in both the AP and the Celtic Leagues in Varndell & Trimble to take any opportunity.
Build a Score - Flood and JOC to share kicking at goal responsibilities with JOC taking the longer ones. Any penalty within their ten metre to be kicked at goal to keep scoreboard ticking. Unless ten metres from the line then we kick for the line-out
Home teams to be named by midnight on Tuesday
Away teams to be named by midnight on Wednesday
Tactics to be provided by midnight on Thursday
Predictions by 18:00 hours on Sunday
Away teams to be named by midnight on Wednesday
Tactics to be provided by midnight on Thursday
Predictions by 18:00 hours on Sunday
Northampton Saints v Gloucester Rugby
Location - Franklins Garden
Light Cloud, 20 Degrees, 7mph NE Winds
Northampton Saints
Manager – Dammit_Chris
| 01. Mako Vunipola | 09. Mike Phillips |
| 02. Dylan Hartley (c) | 10. Nick Evans (k) |
| 03. Logi Mulipola | |
| 04. Joe Launchbury | 11. Jordan Williams |
| 05. Courtney Lawes | 12. Weslie Fofana |
| 06. Manu Samoa | 13. Manu Tuilagi |
| 07. Chris Robshaw | 14. Vereniki Goneva |
| 08. Sergio Parisse | 15. Ben Foden |
16. Rob Webber 17. Thomas Domingo 18. Adam Jones 19. Schalk Burger 20. Billy Vunipola 21. Joe Simpson 22. Matt Giteau 23. Tommy Bowe *
* Removed JSD from the team due to his retirement.
Tactics
With great conditions Saints will adopt a high tempo game from the outset, playing with a high intensity and aggressive defence and will look to get the ball in the hands of the big ball carriers in both the pack and defence to tire Gloucester and create space outwide. We have selected a mobile pack with some great ball carriers to get us over the gainline and put Gloucester on the backfoot. Up intensity in the final 20-30 minutes with impact bench.
Set Piece
We will look to use the scrum as a platform to launch Parisse and our backline and in the final 20-30 minutes look to dominate this area technically by bringing on Jones and Domingo to squeeze the life out of the Gloucester pack. We have selected four lineout options in the starting pack - Lawes, Launchbury, Manoa and Parisse - to provide a lot of variety and options to generate our backline quick ball. We will also compete against Gloucester with the athleticism of Lawes.
Attack
Based very much on getting over the gainline with the likes of Mulipola, Vunipola, Manoa and Lawes and providing an attacking platform for Evans to get Fofana, Tuilagi and Goneva attacking space and beating tacklers and sucking in defenders to create space for Foden and Williams to exploit. Evans to control the territory game and mix up the attacking options.
Breakdown
Mobile pack and the addition of Robshaw will see Saints hit the breakdown in numbers and seek quick ball to attack with, will aim for Lawes and Manoa to clear out Qera and Alberts and control this area. With mobile pack we will look to get to Gloucester breakdowns quickly and go for turnovers where possible.
Defence
Aggressive defence with Lawes, Manoa and Launchbury leading the defensive effort in the pack, with emphasis on quick line speed from the defensive line. Fofana and Tuilagi to create a wall in the midfield, meaning Gloucester will have to go wide fast to get any chance of breaking the defensive line. Phillips to sweep behind.
Key Points
* Mike Phillips to target Dan Robson physically and put pressure on the young scrum half and disrupt Gloucester attacks.
* Play at a high tempo and intensity to target Gloucester players who have appeared or been in Rugby Championship squads - Crotty, Dagg and Alberts.
* Selected impact bench to finish strongly in final quarter of the game.
Gloucester
Manager – anonmattyt
| 01. Nick Wood | 09. Dan Robson |
| 02. Joe Grey | 10. Dan Carter |
| 03. Nicholas Mas | |
| 04. Richie Gray | 11. Johnny May |
| 05. Romain Taofufina | 12. Ryan Crotty |
| 06. Willem Alberts | 13. Juan De Jong |
| 07. Akapusi Qera | 14. Hosea Gear |
| 08. Jamie Heaslip | 15. Andreas Masi |
16. Coenie 17. LCD 18. Figallo 19. Robson 20. Croft 21. Genia 22. Cipriani 23. Walker
Brief tactics of big runners taking it up and then moving quick front foot ball.
Will kick a lot and look to kick in behind saints back 3. Will target them with high ball also.
Sale Sharks v Bath Rugby
Location - AJ Bell Stadium
Light Cloud, 19 Degrees, 6mph NE Winds
Sale SharksManager – SJE
| 01. Jack McGrath | 09. Danny Care |
| 02. Benjamin Kayser | 10. Johnny Sexton |
| 03. Davit Zirakishvilli | |
| 04. Dave Attwood | 11. Simon Zebo |
| 05. Matt Garvey | 12. Francois Steyn |
| 06. Peter O' Mahony | 13. George Pisi |
| 07. Matt Todd | 14. Semesa Rokoduguni |
| 08. Louis Picamoles | 15. Jared Payne |
16. Ross Harrison 17. David Paice 18. Rabah Slimani 19. Iain Henderson 20. Matt Kvesic 21. Kieran Marmion 22. JJ Hanrahan 23. Kyle Eastmond
We will play an expansive, high intensity offloading game looking to create space and break the defensive line. Mobility, physicality and handling is key to our approach.
- Fast ball is crucial. Mobile pack and physical midfield to clear out rucks and ensure quick ball. We will look to get over the gain line off all carries to make it easier to do so.
- Commit the defence. Sexton will play flat on the gain line to pull in defenders before releasing runners while Care will look for opportunities to snipe around the base always committing defenders.
- Change the point of attack. Numerous playmakers across the backline comfortable at coming in at first receiver allow us to change the point of attack and leave the opposition guessing.
- Back three always involved. Wingers to track the ball off their wings looking for the inside ball or offload. Payne to join the line from fullback looking for mismatches and to create overlaps.
- Attack the drift defence. Playing our usual up tempo, fast pace, offloading game with plenty of playmakers and line runners in the backs to change the point of attack. This should cause the Bath drift defence all sorts of problems. Sexton to thrive with all the open space!
- Attack from the scrum. Strong technical front row backed up by a powerful second row will look to build a platform for Pickles, Care & Sexton. An area we will look to target if winning.
- Mix it up at the lineout. Five genuine jumpers gives us a strong attacking platform. Look to use both the rolling maul and ball off the top to keep the defence guessing.
- Straight line blitz defence. Focused on winning the gain line collisions and driving the ball carrier back. Line speed is crucial. Care will sweep behind the line to cover chips and grubbers.
- Target the breakdown. Committed to the breakdown with POM & Todd fetching for the ball, supported by the rest of the pack when needed. We will always look to turn the ball over.
Bath Rugby
Manager – inthefastlane
- Ben Tameifuma currently suspended replaced by Cooper Wollsey bench one prop short
| 01. Cian Healy | 09. Fourie Du Preez |
| 02. Richard Hibbard | 10. Charlie Hodgson |
| 03. Jake Cooper Wollsey | |
| 04. Luke Romano | 11. Sitiveni Sivivatu |
| 05. Graham Kitchener | 12. Christian Lealifano |
| 06. Siya Kolisi | 13. George North |
| 07. Sean O'Brien | 14. Christian Wade |
| 08. James Haskell | 15. Stuart Hogg |
Overall: We are gonna be looking to play front foot rugby. The team is going to be very uptempo with lots of hard running looking to drown the energy of the Sharks.
Scrum: Look to get after the scrum. Our unit is a group with vast amount of playing time together. They will look to especially put pressure on Jack McGrath. We will try to set a base, controlled by Haskell which he can attack off.
Lineout: We will look to switch up the lineup with SOB, Haskell, Kolisi, Romano and Kitchener options in the lineout. Look to get up into the air quickly and down for a quick maul. Look to put early pressure on the throws of Kayser who can be erratic.
Breakdown: Attempt to be aggressive at the breakdown. Look to get men to the breakdown quickly and clear out so Sean O'Brien and James Haskell can attack the ball
Defence: Drift Defence looking to slow down the ball. Really look at putting pressure on Sexton as we do not want him having time to create. FDP to sweep in behind.
Attack: Our half backs will control our rugby. FDP and Hodgson can play what they see and put the rest of the back line in strong positions. Lealifano can act as an extra playmaker from the 12. We have strong runners who can get over the gainline throughout the side with a very dynamic pack and a big back line. The likes of Faumuania, Romano, Hibbard, Healy and Kolisi will try and wear down defences by looking for gaps. The likes of Sivivatu, North and Hogg will be looking for gaps created that they can exploit. Look to play with a high tempo and get the ball moving across the back line. Look for chances to offload.
Kicking: Lealifano will be our chosen place kicker. Any kicks will not be aimed towards their back three. We will chuck in the occasional grabber to chase. If we are enjoying a significant lineout advantage then we will look for touch. Hogg, LLF, FDP and Hodgson all have the boots necessary
Substitutes: Our subs will look to keep a high tempo.
Saracens v London Wasps
Location - Twickenham
Sunny Intervals, 22 Degrees, 8mph NE Winds
Saracens
Manager – Pooly
- Tom Taylor named twice. Bench is a flyhalf down.
| 01. Alex Waller | 09. Morgan Parra |
| 02. Jamie George | 10. Tom Taylor |
| 03. Dan Cole | |
| 04. Brad Davies | 11. Zak Guildford |
| 05. Flip van der Merwe | 12. Scott Williams |
| 06. Ben Mowen(c) | 13. Maxime Mermoz |
| 07. Thierry Dusatoir | 14. Chris Ashton |
| 08. Dave Denton | 15. Matt Tait |
16. Guilhem Guirado 17. Fabien Barcella 18. Clement Ric 19. Louis Deacon 20. Nathan Hughes 21. Henry Taylor 22. Tom Taylor 23. Miles Benjamin
Tactics:
TARGET LINE OUT – NO LEADER/GO TO MAN FOR WASPS – Wasps lack a line out leader with both AWJ and Chulski poor in this area. Look to target throughout the game and starve Wasps of good attacking ball. If they can’t get a platform from the line out they’ll struggle to put any meaningful play in against the backs. You need a solid line out to win away, Wasps can be got at in this area.
HOME ADVANTAGE IS KEY – Our home form was outstanding the back of last season, we’ve built up a fortress and it’ll take an outstanding team who are better in all departments to beat us.
TARGET WASPS 10/12 CHANNEL IN DEFENCE With Cruden and Jordaan both not great defensively will look to get big runners down that channel and some momentum.
LOOK TO DISRUPT UNBALANCED BACKROW – With 2 opensides on the flanks and a 6 playing at 8 we’ll look to cause Wasps problems around the park with players likely to be looking to each others jobs. Possible issues with the unbalanced nature of the backrow?
TARGET WASPS WINGS IN DEFENCE – Look to get the ball in behind the Wasps wings and test them defensively. Speight is very suspect in the air so we’ll look to test him out early and put the pressure on.
CHOKE TACKLE – With the physicality in our backrow and centres we’ll look to hold up the Wasps runners and force the maul, allowing us turnover ball.
GROUND WORK/TURNOVER BALL – Numerous options to slow/turn over Wasps ball. Cole/Dusatoir/Mowen are all outstanding on the deck and will look to target this area throughout the game.
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. Denton/FvdM/Davies/Mowen/ give us great options and varied carriers.
General - We've selected a team packed with power and physicality and will look to dominate the contact and get over the gain line. We'll be playing a high tempo physical game from the off, look to smash the opposition back and get into the rucks/maul's and drive through. We'll look to tie the opposition in and then get at their backline, more so in their half. Look to keep it tight in the forward pack and grind through work.
Scrum - Look to get a platform from the off with a strong scrummaging unit. Strong front 5 with big locks will look for the big push once the ball is in and drive the opposition back. Our LH and Hooker will look to target TH and try to get between him and Hooker to allow TH to work on LH If no weakness seen will use as restart.
Line out – Look for quick ball off the top with the world class line out options and experience. Will allow White good clean ball and have Denton/Burrell running off the 9 at angles.
Defence - High intensity and big hits, looking to drive past the ball player if the ball hits the deck. Huge physical pack that can look to dominate the collision and breakdown allowing Cole/Dus/Mowen etc a chance to slow down/steal ball. Lack of straight running option in the opp backline will allow us to hold up the runner and attempt the maul turnover. 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 Williams/Mermoz on his shoulder. Huge carrying backrow to get us over the gain line after front 5 set a platform. Williams to run angles off the 9/10 and interchange 2nd receiver with Mermoz. Look to keep opposition guessing with clever lines through midfield. Ashton will look to track the midfield combo and get the end of Mermoz’s little offloads in contact. Guildford to keep things honest and come looking for work.[/b]
WaspsManager: Ozzy3213
| 01. Joe Marler | 09. Ben Youngs |
| 02. Tom Youngs | 10. Aaron Cruden |
| 03. Dave Wilson | |
| 04. Romain Millo-Chluski | 11. Henry Speight |
| 05. Alun-Wyn Jones (c) | 12. Paul Jordaan |
| 06. Fulgence Ouedraogo | 13. JJ Englebrecht |
| 07. Steffon Armitage | 14. Marland Yarde |
| 08. Jerome Kaino | 15. Delon Armitage |
16. Deon Fourie 17. Paul James 18. Frans Malherbe 19. Sebastien Vahaamahina 20. Luke Narraway 21. Sebastien Tillous-Borde 22. Gareth Anscombe 23. Tim Nanai-Williams
Basic Game Plan
In dry conditions we will be looking to play a possession based game, going through the phases and continually shifting the point of attack. We will play sensibly in our own half though, and will use the boots of Cruden and Armitage if it is not on to run the ball. When using the boot we will kicking for touch and looking to contest the lineout. We WILL NOT kick to their back three.
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. Youngs will sweep in behind the defensive line to counter any chips/grubbers.
Specifics
- Lineout. Nothing flash. Hit our front and middle jumpers and ensure that we secure their ball. On Sarries ball put pressure on through AWJ and Ouedraogo, who are both athletic lineout jumpers.
- Scrum. Millo-Chluski to lock down behind Wilson and look to really hold that side steady. Marler to take a long bind on Cole and pull him in creating pressure on his outside shoulder which is the injury he is coming back from.
- 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 be looking to play a Super Rugby type offloading game, with the ball shifted on to the support runner just prior to the point of the tackle with the defender already committed. We will constantly look to shift the direction of play and pull their defenders out of position to create gaps. Youngs to look to snipe around the fringes and keep us going forwards all the time.
Key Points
- Home Advantage There is none, the game is at Twickenham.
- Bagging players I see Pooly has gone for his traditional bagging of the opposition, no lineout leader, weak defenders at 10-12, Speight is suspect defensively etc. I'm not going down that road, you can decide on the quality of players yourselves, suffice to say that AWJ is a Lions winning lock, he may not be Victor Matfield, but I'm pretty sure he knows how to call a lineout.
- Champions. We are the champions and have huge focus on getting the campaign off to a winnng start.
Leicester Tigers v Newcastle Falcons
Location - Welford Road
Light Cloud, 20 Degrees, 7mph NE Winds
Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka
| 01. Gethin Jenkins | 09. Kahn Fotuali'i |
| 02. Stephen Moore (c) | 10. Freddie Burns (K) |
| 03. Cencus Johnston | |
| 04. Nathan Hines | 11. Alex Cuthbert |
| 05. Pascal Pape | 12. Billy Twelvetrees |
| 06. Tom Johnson | 13. Mathieu Bastareaud |
| 07. Jacques Burger | 14. Napolioni Nalaga |
| 08. Ernst Joubert | 15. Mike Brown |
Tactics:
We will look to play high tempo, high intensity rugby. We have, particularly in the backs, big line breakers to make the hard yards and tie up defenders creating space in wider channels for Burns to exploit.
General Tactics:
- Attack all scrums with our huge pack - All international front row in Moore, Johnston and Jenkins - look to really get the shove on.
- Attack all lineouts. Use safe option of Joubert at the front, and also use Pape, Hines and Johnson in the middle or at the back.
Shortened lineouts with Burger in midfield as crash/decoy option.
- Physical, abrasive XV made up of massive line-breakers. The likes of Pape, Hines, Burger, Basteraud, Cuthbert and Nalaga to be used to win the collisions in attack.
- Play an offloading game. We see the offload as our big weapon and our carriers will all be looking to offload in contact, continuing our forward momentum.
- Fotauli'i to look to snipe around the fringes and keep us going forwards all the time.
- Look to win battle at the breakdown - Burger and Jenkins in particular to really look to get into the breakdown and give Newcastle problems.
In attacking play, we will play with the option of 2 first receivers in Burns and Twelvetrees.
We want to control the game, mixing up the point of our attack consistently.
- We will look to employ a blitz defence, focusing on a quick line speed to hit the ball carrier before he gets to the gainline, and look to win the collisions in defence. Fotauli'i to sweep behind with an eye on short kicks.
Burns to kick all penalites.
Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Driver
| 01. Soana Tonga'uhia | 09. Greig Laidlaw |
| 02. Rory Best (c) | 10. Owen Farrell (K) |
| 03. Carl Hayman | |
| 04. Brad Thorn | 11. Max Evans |
| 05. Geoff Parling | 12. Brad Barritt |
| 06. Dan Lydiate | 13. John Davies |
| 07. Will Fraser | 14. Charlie Sharples |
| 08. Immanol Hari | 15. Rob Miller |
16. George McGuigan 17. Matt Mullen 18. Luc Doloucon 19. Ed Slater 20. Dave Ewers 21. Dave Lewis 22. Andy Goode 23. Luke Marshall
OVERALL PLAN
Falcons have gone for a real brusing pack who will look to tie tigers into a armwrestle and really slow the game down and take any momentum from the tigers attack. In our half backs we have two great territorial kickers who will look to test out the positioning of Nalaga and Cuthbert with kicks in behind backed with a strong chase from Evans and Sharples who are no slouches. We've picked Brad Thorn at 4 because he will add a more powerful ball carrying option and behind Tonga it will allow us too get a serious nudge on at the scrum and drive into the Tigers props and pop them up.
ATTACK
Keep the ball in the tigers half is key to our attack , using the boots of Laidlaw , Farrell and Miller to put is in positions to operate a strike move through our back line with dangerous runners in Davies , Sharples and Evans. We'll look to put the ball behind dummy runners and use Farrell on the wrap round to create space and weak shoulders for attackers to run at.
DEFENCE
Aggresive approach at the break down and look to slow tigers down with Faz/Barritt/Davies operating a blitz to shut down the tigers backline with Laidlaw sweeping behind to cover any kicks or half breaks. Barritt is fighting for a England spot and will look to impress Lancaster by one uping 12T with his defence work.
LINE OUT
Parling to jump at the front on Tigers throw and really get across as we feel that this along with the scrum is an area in which we hold an advantage over Tigers. We'll mix it up on our own throw with Hari , Parling and Thorn all targets. Lydiate and Fraser will hound the Tigers half backs from the lineouts and look to ruffle a few feathers.
Hari to pick and go from 8 with the intent of running at Burns in the tigers 10 channel to test out his defence.
London Irish v Harlequins
Location - Twickenham
Sunny Intervals, 22 Degrees, 8mph NE Winds
London Irish
Manager – Prop
| 01. JB Poux | 09. Lee Dickson |
| 02. Ken Owens | 10. Dan Biggar (k) |
| 03. Henry Thomas | |
| 04. Dean Mumm | 11. Nick Cummins |
| 05. Jacques Poitgeiter | 12. Alapati Leuia |
| 06. Kelly Brown | 13. Henry Trinder |
| 07. Sam Warburton | 14. JP Pietersen |
| 08. Ben Morgan | 15. Brice Dulin |
16. Tom Lindsay 17. Tom Smallbone 18. Will Collier 19. Devin Toner 20. George Smith 21. Rory Kockott 22. Owen Williams 23. Rob Cook
Tactics
Set piece: solid front 5 who are all good carriers and we will look to go up on th eight head in te scum using poux's now in the dark arts. We will look to shorten attacking lineouts to have runners off 10 and 12. We will carry in pods so as not to get isolated.
Back row: we hVe the balance of carrying,tackling an jackling here and we will use them all to their best ability with warburton picking which rucks t come in in.
Halfbacks: Dickson to play at a quick pace and biggar I put us into territory, he is a good carrier and offloaded and we will use this.
Outside backs: we will have dangerous runners everywhere looking for strike moves an I exploit any overlaps, if a back makes it owe the gain line then if it's on we will look to offload or have quick ball on a platform for or wards comin round th corner.
Defence: a blitz defene with Dickson sweeping. We will look to put 10 off his game with some big hits and suck him into conact. Position is key and we will be aware of being in the right place to return any kicks.
Bench: impact and experience in forwards and backs with toner, kockott and Williams able to cause a lot of trouble.
Overall: play steady and grind out a win if needed, use a heavy pack to gain kick able penalties and we will be hot on staying inside and not giving away silly penalties.
Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks
| 01. Tony Woodcock | 09. Karl Dickson |
| 02. Schalk Brits | 10. Quade Cooper |
| 03. John Afoa | |
| 04. Bakkies Botha | 11. Jack Nowell |
| 05. Jim Hamilton | 12. Jamie Roberts |
| 06. Mamuka Gorgodze | 13. Jonathan Joseph |
| 07. Tom Wood (c) | 14. Yoann Huget |
| 08. Damien Chouly | 15. Rob Kearney |
Tactics
Attack
We will look to use our usual patient approach where we build up pressure using our strong carriers in the pack and at 12 to get us across the gain line. Once we have quick ball we will look for Dickson to increase the tempo of the game with Cooper standing flat and putting others into spaces.
When we have slow ball we will look for our forwards to carry off 9 and 10. They will carry in pods. This allows us to vary between offloading before contact, offloading out of contact and getting quick ruck ball. In attack we are desperate to get quick ball and to do this our forwards need to carry with dynamism taking the ball at pace with the look to win the collision and keep the legs pumping after contact. In Dickson and Cooper we have half packs that can put others into space and keep the defence honest and snipe at gaps.
When we get quick ball we will look to get the ball wider and allow our back row to move into wider channels and look to get Joseph and the back three into one on one situation with their opposite number. The whole team know that on Dickson and Cooper's call our tempo increases and everything needs to be executed with increased accuracy.
Defence
We will look to be aggressive in our defence with a quick line speed and we will defend from out to in looking to force the London Irish attacks back in field where we have numbers to defend and can look to legally slow down or turnover the ball at the breakdown. Joseph's pace is key to this as our line speed needs to be very quick out wide as well as infield.
Key Points
Experience up front.
Neutral venue
Strong set piece
Pace outwide
London Welsh v Exeter Chiefs
Location - Kassam Stadium
Light Cloud, 21 Degrees, 6mph NE Winds
London Welsh
| 01. Nathan Catt | 09. Tawera Kerr-Barlowe |
| 02. Matthew Rees | 10. Francois Trinh-Duc |
| 03. BJ Botha | |
| 04. George Skivington (c) | 11. Nemani Nadolo |
| 05. Jamie Cudmore | 12. Jordan Turner-Hall |
| 06. Julien Lapandry | 13. Michelle Campagnaro |
| 07. John Barclay | 14. Sean Maitland |
| 08. Victor Vito | 15. Chris Pennell |
16. Dave Ward 17. David Kilcoyne 18. Oliver Tomaszczyk 19. Mouritz Botha 20. Ashley Johnson 21. Ben Spencer 22. Kyle Godwin 23. Jesse Mogg
Tactics
In this good weather we will look to play a mobile and attacking style, recycling the ball quickly and moving the focus of attack.
Key to this will be the breakdown. We shall approach the breakdown as a unit why players chipping in wherever they can but with Barclay as the primary fetcher chasing the ball across the pitch, supported by Vito and Lapandry with the rest of the pack focusing on clearing out to speed up the usability of the ball when possible. We will look to attack and turnover opposition ball with isolation and piling in the numbers when it's on and ensuring our own ball is quick but when possession for either side is assured we will commit small numbers.
In attack we will look to build slow ball into quick with mauls and sets of drives with units of 3 forwards. When we have quick ball we will spin it wide with FTH playing flat and JTH taking the ball into the line flat off him (with Vito or another forward as an inside pop option), looking to either offload or recycle quickly to a second wave of runners in other forwards, Campagnaro and the back 3. We will repeat this use of waves with focus on support lines and running for any breaks. Any gaps in the fringes will see TKB and FTH have licence to snipe and run. With our quality wingers we will also look to chip behind the wings wide if the defence narrows or rushes. Throughout this Barclay or Lapandry will double as linkmen as they chase the ball
Pennell to help the halfbacks with an attacking and defensive tactical kicking game when attack is not sensible. In general kicks will be low and chased looking to exploit the bounce. We are happy to run pivots and switch plays off set piece ball
Defence- rush defence with Pennell staying back and TKB sweeping. Vito to lead fringe defence and Lapandry to harry Murray. Target Flood with hits from Rees and Cudmore with Barclay chasing the ball looking to cover the inside pop.
Set piece- look to get the ball out as quickly as possible and play off Vito at 8
Lineout- mix up our options, look to play off the top and use as a platform for set moves. In defence, give them the front but oppose anything longer to force them into using front ball which cannot be used wide.
Kicking- FTH to kick, Pennell as back up. Try and run back kicks where possible with lethal back 3.
Targets- target Flood with rough treatment. Challenge JOC under the high ball and test his positioning against the bounce at the back which is dodgy. Try and engineer one on ones with Varndell's tackling.
Subs- Godwin at 12 if we need a more traditional game getting the ball wide. Ward will help the breakdown and Johnson and Mogg add impact in their areas.
Overall- rush defence to cut their space, especially harrying Murray and roughing Flood
- multi-wave attack looking to get ball quickly out of the tackle
- chip into space behind wings and utilise the bounce alla France
- don't overcommit to rucks
- build slow ball into quick
Exeter Chiefs
Manager – Fluxy
| 01. Ryan Grant | 09. Connor Murray |
| 02. Dimitri Szarzewski | 10. Toby Flood (k) |
| 03. Jamie Johnston | |
| 04. Patrick Tuipulotu | 11. Tom Varndell |
| 05. Paul O'Connell (c) | 12. Luther Burrell |
| 06. Carl Fearns | 13. Alex Dunbar |
| 07. Justin Tipuric | 14. Andrew Trimble |
| 08. Toby Faletau | 15. James O'Connor |
General Game plan
Fast paced game based around high intensity in defence, offloading, and dynamic carrying and rucking.
We want to hit the ground running and hit the opposition hard and fast from the off.
Our aim is to control possession and go through the phases. Flood will look to play flat and look to get our back line into the game whenever possible and keep the high tempo going throughout.
Set piece - Control the set piece and use it to restart our game plan and create point of attacks. POC to marshal the line-out and get quick ball from our dynamic jumpers. At the scrum we’ll look to get the squeeze on and keep the opposition back row tied into the scrum giving Murray, Flood & JOC more time and space to work in.
Pack & Breakdown - Look for strong carries from our pack, tying in the opposition forwards. We’ll be looking to keep the ball alive and look for the offload when on. Our back-row will target the breakdown and look to blow through the ruck and past the ball. Clean ball will be generated either by blowing through the ruck and past the ball and a long presentation of the ball to keep it away from opposition defenders. Murray look to sweep up any turnover ball getting us on the front foot. We’ll look to win the collision with big our physical pack and dominate the opposition pack in the contact.
Defence - Look to neutralise the opposition early on and allow our back-row to dominate affairs. Tuipolotu/POC in particular will look to hit the ruck hard and remove attempted turnovers from the equation allowing us to ruck over the ball and past the ball - to control the breakdown. Tipuric will look to target the opposition fly half early on and pressure his kicking. Murray to sweep in behind the defensive line.
Backs - Look to get the ball in hands of JOC/Dunbar and Burrell. Utilise the pace and size of Dunbar/Burrell to crash through the line, using our 'league/slider move' developed from last season to break the line. Dunbar/Burrell are both big quick guys and will be able to mix and match the opposition defence, either catching Turner-Hall's weaker inside shoulder on a a run against the grain, or exploiting the size and flimsy defence of Campagnaro. Or even generate a two on one with JOC joining the back line as the slider moves under the crash/dummy line.
Key Points
Scrum & Line-out – Target throughout, if weakness seen heap pressure and generate penalties.
Line-out & Mauls - with a big front five we will look to set rolling mauls, to keep their back-row tied in and also gain strong momentum.
Physicality & Dynamism – Win the collision and target rucks to drive through opposition. We have a big physical, but also mobile pack. Supported by some high energy forwards off the bench.
Breakdown – Tipuric & Faletau to be a nuisance in in the breakdown and either get over the ball or get past the ball and make the opposition cleaners a nightmare by having to make them drive our forwards even further off their ball, or steal if the are limited numbers competing.
Backs – Classy running options and two of the most prolific finishers in both the AP and the Celtic Leagues in Varndell & Trimble to take any opportunity.
Build a Score - Flood and JOC to share kicking at goal responsibilities with JOC taking the longer ones. Any penalty within their ten metre to be kicked at goal to keep scoreboard ticking. Unless ten metres from the line then we kick for the line-out
Last edited by SirJohnnyEnglish on Mon 08 Sep 2014, 10:31 am; edited 8 times in total
SirJohnnyEnglish- Posts : 8536
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Location : Limerick
Re: Aviva Premiership Round One
by LukeLovesLuka Sat 06 Sep 2014, 5:35 pm
Away with the mrs will predict tomorrow night but probs not before six. Can we change that to ten? Results not done till Monday normally?
LukeLovesLuka- Posts : 5865
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Age : 40
Location : London
Re: Aviva Premiership Round One
by Guest Sun 07 Sep 2014, 11:07 am
Will predo by 8. Should get a moment then
Guest- Guest
Re: Aviva Premiership Round One
by Steven_Sharks Sun 07 Sep 2014, 11:11 am
Northampton 30 - 26 Gloucester
Set piece even. Saints front 5 excellent around the park. Gloucester back row more physical but more rugby intelligence in Saints trio.
Backs to Saints. They are stronger in most positions except 11. At home Saints take a decent win.
Sale 25 - 25 Bath
Not much difference in the set piece. Better carrying options in the Bath pack for me. Todd should enjoy some joy in slowing down Bath ball. Half backs are pretty even with Sale providing better options going forward but Bath controlling the territory better and kicking well behind the Bath wingers. I prefer the Bath outside backs with a good mix of physicality, agility and creativity and think they will cause all sorts of trouble with ball in hand. North will struggle defensively at 13 but in attack he will be a force. Tough call this one with the scrums going the way of Sale as the game goes on but I prefer the Bath bench. I can't split these teams and think Bath take a very impressive draw. Not many will come away from Sale with any more than a LBP this season.
Saracens 24 - 26 London Wasps
Scrum to Wasps and line out to Saracens at the set piece with the breakdown evenly contested. Not a whole lot of difference in the packs around the park with Steffon Armitage the stand out in the back rows. One a piece at half back but Wasps with a stronger combination. Saracens will get joy down the Wasps 10/12 channel and I think Wasps are short of a more physical player in the outside backs and will rely a lot on their pack for momentum but luckily their pack is well-equipped for this. Prefer the Wasps back 3 and think they sneak an away win.
Leicester 23 - 23 Newcastle
Two strong packs but I feel Newcastle a touch stronger overall with set piece and breakdown pretty even. Much more control in the Newcastle half backs which is what they are looking for to compliment their pack. Leicester edge the outside backs with a slight edge to the Leicester bench. It's another one I can't call.
London Welsh 21 - 20 Exeter
Not a whole lot in the forwards battle. A bit more for the Exeter line out but in open play all pretty even. Half backs are again even with the centre edging to Exeter but back three goes to Welsh. Benches pretty even but I feel that at home Welsh will just edge this one with a doggish pack .
Set piece even. Saints front 5 excellent around the park. Gloucester back row more physical but more rugby intelligence in Saints trio.
Backs to Saints. They are stronger in most positions except 11. At home Saints take a decent win.
Sale 25 - 25 Bath
Not much difference in the set piece. Better carrying options in the Bath pack for me. Todd should enjoy some joy in slowing down Bath ball. Half backs are pretty even with Sale providing better options going forward but Bath controlling the territory better and kicking well behind the Bath wingers. I prefer the Bath outside backs with a good mix of physicality, agility and creativity and think they will cause all sorts of trouble with ball in hand. North will struggle defensively at 13 but in attack he will be a force. Tough call this one with the scrums going the way of Sale as the game goes on but I prefer the Bath bench. I can't split these teams and think Bath take a very impressive draw. Not many will come away from Sale with any more than a LBP this season.
Saracens 24 - 26 London Wasps
Scrum to Wasps and line out to Saracens at the set piece with the breakdown evenly contested. Not a whole lot of difference in the packs around the park with Steffon Armitage the stand out in the back rows. One a piece at half back but Wasps with a stronger combination. Saracens will get joy down the Wasps 10/12 channel and I think Wasps are short of a more physical player in the outside backs and will rely a lot on their pack for momentum but luckily their pack is well-equipped for this. Prefer the Wasps back 3 and think they sneak an away win.
Leicester 23 - 23 Newcastle
Two strong packs but I feel Newcastle a touch stronger overall with set piece and breakdown pretty even. Much more control in the Newcastle half backs which is what they are looking for to compliment their pack. Leicester edge the outside backs with a slight edge to the Leicester bench. It's another one I can't call.
London Welsh 21 - 20 Exeter
Not a whole lot in the forwards battle. A bit more for the Exeter line out but in open play all pretty even. Half backs are again even with the centre edging to Exeter but back three goes to Welsh. Benches pretty even but I feel that at home Welsh will just edge this one with a doggish pack .
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round One
by Driver Sun 07 Sep 2014, 1:19 pm
Northampton Saints 27 Gloucester 21
I can see Northampton getting a nudge on in the front 5 with Mako and Hartley getting into Grey and Mas. The only issue i have is Mullipola needs to pick a shirt a stick with it. Wood a passanger in this Gloucester side for me , solid Premiership player but would be out of his depth in this league. Launchbury and Lawes are proven in real world rugby and that bides well for me. Not sure they're is enough soft touch ie Lineout work to the Gloucester pairing. I'd of started Croft at 6 to address this issue Matt. That would be your pack sorted for me. Back row to Saints aswell , Alberts shades Manoa though.
In the backs i don't see Phillips and Evans working as a combo , I just think Phillips is on the decline and so it Nev. Phillips paired with Giteau later on would be quality. Robson a great 9 , loads about him and a thinker. Great controlling pair with DC. I'd take the blokes in the Saint's 12,13,14 and 15 jerseys from the backs and can see them running the trys in.
Both benchs very good but Saints need to put a lock on there.
I can see Northampton getting a nudge on in the front 5 with Mako and Hartley getting into Grey and Mas. The only issue i have is Mullipola needs to pick a shirt a stick with it. Wood a passanger in this Gloucester side for me , solid Premiership player but would be out of his depth in this league. Launchbury and Lawes are proven in real world rugby and that bides well for me. Not sure they're is enough soft touch ie Lineout work to the Gloucester pairing. I'd of started Croft at 6 to address this issue Matt. That would be your pack sorted for me. Back row to Saints aswell , Alberts shades Manoa though.
In the backs i don't see Phillips and Evans working as a combo , I just think Phillips is on the decline and so it Nev. Phillips paired with Giteau later on would be quality. Robson a great 9 , loads about him and a thinker. Great controlling pair with DC. I'd take the blokes in the Saint's 12,13,14 and 15 jerseys from the backs and can see them running the trys in.
Both benchs very good but Saints need to put a lock on there.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round One
by dammit_chris Sun 07 Sep 2014, 2:35 pm
Having issues with my laptop so can't do full explanations.
Sale 35 - 32 Bath
Bath v unlucky losing a prop like they have done before the game, but makes a big difference in final 20mins. Both teams will score tries for fun and both have some excellent ball carriers. Still unsure with Haskell at no8 for Bath, backrow lacks a bit of intelligence. Sale edge a thriller at home, but Bath would get 4 tries with that back.line.
Saracens 25 - 25 Wasps
If wasps didn't start Cruden or Kaino then they'd win, they've both been in ABs squad in the RC and won't be in the full swing of things. Pete has picked a team ideal for conditions. Pooly unlucky with selecting Taylor twice and lack of game time for Cole and Davies in real life stops them winning - Pete's backthree could have a lot of joy attacking Tait and Ashton, but conditions also work for Falcons back three at Twickenham.
Tigers 22 - 21 Falcons
Bruising game, in worse conditions Falcons would have got a win as quite a lightweight backrow from Tigers, but rest of their team are huge and will match Falcons physical approach. A few new pairings bedding in the Falcons pack will take a few weeks to gel but liking what Driver has done with his team and JD is a huge signing. Tigers so physical and with Burns starting well yesterday will help Luke replace the irreplaceable Wilko.
London Irish 32 - 34 Quins
Both teams should get bp for tries in this game, Quins are a team you don't want to play during the RC and Irish stand up very well to them, unfortunately for Prop the game is at Twickenham and he loses home advantage there. QC could run the show with the platform he will get from his front five - once Leiua gets his Wasps debut it will make a huge impact for Irish in predos.
Welsh 30 - 30 Exeter Chiefs
Really can't split this one, two vastly improved teams both set out with attacking intent and will be scoring tries outwide. Both have strong packs and good bench options, lot of Welsh had v good games yesterday. Catt could be got at come scrum time but home advantage and conditions limit that somewhat. Feel Exeter could do with one more big runner in their back line to take some of the work away from Burrell. Close game!
Sale 35 - 32 Bath
Bath v unlucky losing a prop like they have done before the game, but makes a big difference in final 20mins. Both teams will score tries for fun and both have some excellent ball carriers. Still unsure with Haskell at no8 for Bath, backrow lacks a bit of intelligence. Sale edge a thriller at home, but Bath would get 4 tries with that back.line.
Saracens 25 - 25 Wasps
If wasps didn't start Cruden or Kaino then they'd win, they've both been in ABs squad in the RC and won't be in the full swing of things. Pete has picked a team ideal for conditions. Pooly unlucky with selecting Taylor twice and lack of game time for Cole and Davies in real life stops them winning - Pete's backthree could have a lot of joy attacking Tait and Ashton, but conditions also work for Falcons back three at Twickenham.
Tigers 22 - 21 Falcons
Bruising game, in worse conditions Falcons would have got a win as quite a lightweight backrow from Tigers, but rest of their team are huge and will match Falcons physical approach. A few new pairings bedding in the Falcons pack will take a few weeks to gel but liking what Driver has done with his team and JD is a huge signing. Tigers so physical and with Burns starting well yesterday will help Luke replace the irreplaceable Wilko.
London Irish 32 - 34 Quins
Both teams should get bp for tries in this game, Quins are a team you don't want to play during the RC and Irish stand up very well to them, unfortunately for Prop the game is at Twickenham and he loses home advantage there. QC could run the show with the platform he will get from his front five - once Leiua gets his Wasps debut it will make a huge impact for Irish in predos.
Welsh 30 - 30 Exeter Chiefs
Really can't split this one, two vastly improved teams both set out with attacking intent and will be scoring tries outwide. Both have strong packs and good bench options, lot of Welsh had v good games yesterday. Catt could be got at come scrum time but home advantage and conditions limit that somewhat. Feel Exeter could do with one more big runner in their back line to take some of the work away from Burrell. Close game!
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round One
by Ozzy3213 Sun 07 Sep 2014, 2:42 pm
Northampton Saints 27 Gloucester 26
Sale Sharks 25 Bath Rugby24
Leicester Tigers 23 Newcastle Falcons 24
London Irish 24 Harlequins 24
London Welsh 23 Exeter Chiefs 23
Sale Sharks 25 Bath Rugby24
Leicester Tigers 23 Newcastle Falcons 24
London Irish 24 Harlequins 24
London Welsh 23 Exeter Chiefs 23
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round One
by Guest Sun 07 Sep 2014, 4:06 pm
Sale 28- 24Bath
The loss of a prop is big news especially at th. Rarely see one last full 80. Sale are at home and are a quality outfit. Bath have improved and have a great backline although don't see Haskell as an 8. A real open affair with sale winning it
Tigers 17- 16Falcons
Falcons say they have picked a but bruising pack but for me they are a touch lightweight.
Thorn Fraser and lydiate need some form but front row works well.
Leicester have some form issues with Jenkins Johnston Joubert etc
But have more physicality and menace.
Where Leicester fall down is half back. Both need form
And can see them lacking control
Newcastle will dominate the kicking battle. Laidlaw and Farrell is a great controlling pair.
Leicester wings dangerous ball in hand but a weakness in defence especially when kicked in behind.
Leicester sneak it
London Irish 29- 30Quins
Great game. Quins have possibly the best pack during RC. See cooper as a massive issue form wise especially with Karl Dickson.myler would have seen you win it by more.
Irish have great carrying options and Pogieter has made Irish a much better proposition.
Great Irish backline full of
Pace. Steve back 3 improved but 13 a weakeness he
Needs form.
Quins sneak it despite their half backs. Irish close and their half backs keep them in it.
Welsh 30 - 30 Exeter Chiefs
Really can't split this in any way. Almost every match up even and both teams have a threat out wide. Usually have home
Advantage win it but think Exeter will take the lineout battle negating the advantage. Draw
The loss of a prop is big news especially at th. Rarely see one last full 80. Sale are at home and are a quality outfit. Bath have improved and have a great backline although don't see Haskell as an 8. A real open affair with sale winning it
Tigers 17- 16Falcons
Falcons say they have picked a but bruising pack but for me they are a touch lightweight.
Thorn Fraser and lydiate need some form but front row works well.
Leicester have some form issues with Jenkins Johnston Joubert etc
But have more physicality and menace.
Where Leicester fall down is half back. Both need form
And can see them lacking control
Newcastle will dominate the kicking battle. Laidlaw and Farrell is a great controlling pair.
Leicester wings dangerous ball in hand but a weakness in defence especially when kicked in behind.
Leicester sneak it
London Irish 29- 30Quins
Great game. Quins have possibly the best pack during RC. See cooper as a massive issue form wise especially with Karl Dickson.myler would have seen you win it by more.
Irish have great carrying options and Pogieter has made Irish a much better proposition.
Great Irish backline full of
Pace. Steve back 3 improved but 13 a weakeness he
Needs form.
Quins sneak it despite their half backs. Irish close and their half backs keep them in it.
Welsh 30 - 30 Exeter Chiefs
Really can't split this in any way. Almost every match up even and both teams have a threat out wide. Usually have home
Advantage win it but think Exeter will take the lineout battle negating the advantage. Draw
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round One
by CJB Sun 07 Sep 2014, 4:18 pm
Saints 35-27 Glaws
I am a fan of this Saints pack. Think it has a bit of everything and could be the best in the league. It has the advantage in the forwards. The half back combo of Gloucester is the better combo, Phillips will probably take a bit too much on himself. The outside backs are probably fairly even with a slight edge overall to Saints who are incredibly powerful. Both benches are very strong units. At home with a strong forward advantage, I have to go with Northampton
Sarries 21-22 Wasps
Wasps have the stronger front row with the English unit. Prefer the second row of Sarries and can see them winning more lineouts. Not too sure of the Wasps combo in the back row so Sarries have advantage. Half back combination goes to Sarries with a great unit. Outside backs just too Wasps who have a bit more about then. Prefer the bench of Wasps with Sarries missing a man.
Tigers 24-23 Newcastle
Tigers front row has a bit more about it. One each in the second row but think Falcons can win a few more lineouts. Back rows are competitive with possibly the edge to Newcastle. Newcastle have the half back edge but the outside backs are better from the Tigers. Slight edge in the subs and at home they can just pinch it.
Irish 22-25 Quins
Quins have a big advantage in the front five. Both the units are well put together but have the advantage for the Quins in the back row. Not much in the half backs but Quins have the outside backs to take them to victory.
Welsh 23-27 Exeter
Front units about equal here perhaps edge to Welsh. Cudmore adds something but second row advantage is with Exeter. Love the back row unit as well, will win them games this year. One each in the half backs and it's quite difficult to call. Outside backs go to Exeter and they take the win.
I am a fan of this Saints pack. Think it has a bit of everything and could be the best in the league. It has the advantage in the forwards. The half back combo of Gloucester is the better combo, Phillips will probably take a bit too much on himself. The outside backs are probably fairly even with a slight edge overall to Saints who are incredibly powerful. Both benches are very strong units. At home with a strong forward advantage, I have to go with Northampton
Sarries 21-22 Wasps
Wasps have the stronger front row with the English unit. Prefer the second row of Sarries and can see them winning more lineouts. Not too sure of the Wasps combo in the back row so Sarries have advantage. Half back combination goes to Sarries with a great unit. Outside backs just too Wasps who have a bit more about then. Prefer the bench of Wasps with Sarries missing a man.
Tigers 24-23 Newcastle
Tigers front row has a bit more about it. One each in the second row but think Falcons can win a few more lineouts. Back rows are competitive with possibly the edge to Newcastle. Newcastle have the half back edge but the outside backs are better from the Tigers. Slight edge in the subs and at home they can just pinch it.
Irish 22-25 Quins
Quins have a big advantage in the front five. Both the units are well put together but have the advantage for the Quins in the back row. Not much in the half backs but Quins have the outside backs to take them to victory.
Welsh 23-27 Exeter
Front units about equal here perhaps edge to Welsh. Cudmore adds something but second row advantage is with Exeter. Love the back row unit as well, will win them games this year. One each in the half backs and it's quite difficult to call. Outside backs go to Exeter and they take the win.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round One
by prop_lyd Sun 07 Sep 2014, 5:28 pm
Will try to predo by 8. Having wifi issues and babysitting the niece
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round One
by Driver Sun 07 Sep 2014, 5:50 pm
Sale Sharks 33 Bath 25
Sale better in pack, McGarth would start for most international sides if it wasn't for Healy. Kids got balls. Pack suits sale tactics of temp. Canny battle in backs with North at 13 a bit off until he plays there regular. More balance to Sale side.
Saracens 25 London Wasps 27
Saracens a real physical side but lack quality operators in the spine of there sides. George , Dents , Taylor and Tait are a bit of a stepdown from Youngs , Kaino , Cruden and Armitage. Both set out well tactically.
Nasty tactic pete targeting Cole's shoulder , binding above the sleeve is a offence and a good ref will pick up on that but that's getting into a whole other argument.
Inspector Ozzy is back haha
London Irish 27 Harlequins 24
If a forward isn't in bits after this game he's stayed in the changing rooms! Some real brutes in that pack! Can See the lineout swinging slightly more Quins way ,but Thomas and Poux are both low dynamic scrummagers. Back row just swings to Irish with Warbs best on the ball. Battle of the brothers at 9 for me would see both playing out there skins , Bigger shades 10 battle. Outside backs just to Quins. See Irish winning some penalties with Afoa looking off at the weekend.
Sale better in pack, McGarth would start for most international sides if it wasn't for Healy. Kids got balls. Pack suits sale tactics of temp. Canny battle in backs with North at 13 a bit off until he plays there regular. More balance to Sale side.
Saracens 25 London Wasps 27
Saracens a real physical side but lack quality operators in the spine of there sides. George , Dents , Taylor and Tait are a bit of a stepdown from Youngs , Kaino , Cruden and Armitage. Both set out well tactically.
Nasty tactic pete targeting Cole's shoulder , binding above the sleeve is a offence and a good ref will pick up on that but that's getting into a whole other argument.
Inspector Ozzy is back haha
London Irish 27 Harlequins 24
If a forward isn't in bits after this game he's stayed in the changing rooms! Some real brutes in that pack! Can See the lineout swinging slightly more Quins way ,but Thomas and Poux are both low dynamic scrummagers. Back row just swings to Irish with Warbs best on the ball. Battle of the brothers at 9 for me would see both playing out there skins , Bigger shades 10 battle. Outside backs just to Quins. See Irish winning some penalties with Afoa looking off at the weekend.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round One
by prop_lyd Sun 07 Sep 2014, 7:00 pm
Saints 28-27 Glos
Feel saints front row will set the tempo here. Out wide both teams can cause danger but feel saints bring a bit more in the carrying and a bit more detail in tactics.
Sale 28-24 Bath
Sale the steady team as they always have been with good combinations all over. Bath improved quite a bit but I'd move Haskell and North however north will e dangerous attacking from 13. The loss of a prop is huge and prevents the game being closer/going the other way.
Sarries 24-25 wasps
Wasps gaining a bit more in the front row and just edge back row but it's very close. 1 each in half backs and both teams set out well for their tactics just a shame that sarries made the selection error otherwise it would have been a draw.
Tigers 24-23 Falcons
Not much give in the packs here but I would start corbs over Jenkins at the moment. Jd2 a great addition an when bedded in will be a good force. Tigers steady and dangerous out wide, their impact bench takes the win here but only just.
Welsh 28-28 chiefs
Not a lot in the packs but do like the welsh 2nd rows and the chiefs back row on show. Out wide again not much and a great set of tactics on show from both teams here. Going to have to sit on the fence sorry.
Feel saints front row will set the tempo here. Out wide both teams can cause danger but feel saints bring a bit more in the carrying and a bit more detail in tactics.
Sale 28-24 Bath
Sale the steady team as they always have been with good combinations all over. Bath improved quite a bit but I'd move Haskell and North however north will e dangerous attacking from 13. The loss of a prop is huge and prevents the game being closer/going the other way.
Sarries 24-25 wasps
Wasps gaining a bit more in the front row and just edge back row but it's very close. 1 each in half backs and both teams set out well for their tactics just a shame that sarries made the selection error otherwise it would have been a draw.
Tigers 24-23 Falcons
Not much give in the packs here but I would start corbs over Jenkins at the moment. Jd2 a great addition an when bedded in will be a good force. Tigers steady and dangerous out wide, their impact bench takes the win here but only just.
Welsh 28-28 chiefs
Not a lot in the packs but do like the welsh 2nd rows and the chiefs back row on show. Out wide again not much and a great set of tactics on show from both teams here. Going to have to sit on the fence sorry.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round One
by LukeLovesLuka Sun 07 Sep 2014, 7:58 pm
Saints 25 - 18 Gloucester
Really like Saints front row and think they get on top. Their second row gets on top of most and their front five is stronger. Great balance from Gloucs back row but think Saints look the better unit. For me their pack dominates. Decent HB contest with no clear winner, but Saints much stronger in the centres. Slight edge to Gloucs in back three. Two very good benches. Saints, at home, have enough to take this by 7 for me.
Sale 27 - 22 Bath
Decent front row contest here, but Sale edge it with Bath weak at TH, and for 80 mins. Bit more about Bath in the second row, with Sale edging the back row. Balance all off for Bath with three 6's on show for me. Sale take HB's as they always do, and for me edge the centres - not keen on North at 13. Prefer Bath back three. This is a decent game, but, at home and with an advantage in the back row and HB, Sale have enough.
Saracens 24 - 28 Wasps
Wasps look stronger in the scrum, but all over the place at the lineout with Youngs matched with no real leader. Locks around the park fairly even, whilst the back rows edge to Wasps but unsure on their balance. One apiece at HB, but Wasps combo the stronger. Neither centre combo has enough to dominate the other, with Wasps look better attacking out wide. Think Wasps overall edge it, and at Twickenham take a good win.
Irish 23 - 23 Harlequins
Not much give in the front rows, with two powerful second rows that edge to Quins on Int quality. Two top back rows too, maybe slight edge to Irish. Packs are a decent contest with two strong units. HB's a tough one to call, neither dominates. Roberts the only standout at centre, with Quins slightly stronger in back three. No home advantage, sitting on the fence, sorry.
Welsh 25 - 26 Chiefs
Decent frontrowo battle, maybe slight edge to Chiefs. Good second rows - Welsh more round the park but Chiefs better lineout. Again good battle in back row with slight advantage to Chiefs. One apiece at HB, and also one apiece at centre. Chiefs just edge the back threes. Good game here, tight all over, but think Chiefs can nick what is a good away win.
Really like Saints front row and think they get on top. Their second row gets on top of most and their front five is stronger. Great balance from Gloucs back row but think Saints look the better unit. For me their pack dominates. Decent HB contest with no clear winner, but Saints much stronger in the centres. Slight edge to Gloucs in back three. Two very good benches. Saints, at home, have enough to take this by 7 for me.
Sale 27 - 22 Bath
Decent front row contest here, but Sale edge it with Bath weak at TH, and for 80 mins. Bit more about Bath in the second row, with Sale edging the back row. Balance all off for Bath with three 6's on show for me. Sale take HB's as they always do, and for me edge the centres - not keen on North at 13. Prefer Bath back three. This is a decent game, but, at home and with an advantage in the back row and HB, Sale have enough.
Saracens 24 - 28 Wasps
Wasps look stronger in the scrum, but all over the place at the lineout with Youngs matched with no real leader. Locks around the park fairly even, whilst the back rows edge to Wasps but unsure on their balance. One apiece at HB, but Wasps combo the stronger. Neither centre combo has enough to dominate the other, with Wasps look better attacking out wide. Think Wasps overall edge it, and at Twickenham take a good win.
Irish 23 - 23 Harlequins
Not much give in the front rows, with two powerful second rows that edge to Quins on Int quality. Two top back rows too, maybe slight edge to Irish. Packs are a decent contest with two strong units. HB's a tough one to call, neither dominates. Roberts the only standout at centre, with Quins slightly stronger in back three. No home advantage, sitting on the fence, sorry.
Welsh 25 - 26 Chiefs
Decent frontrowo battle, maybe slight edge to Chiefs. Good second rows - Welsh more round the park but Chiefs better lineout. Again good battle in back row with slight advantage to Chiefs. One apiece at HB, and also one apiece at centre. Chiefs just edge the back threes. Good game here, tight all over, but think Chiefs can nick what is a good away win.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round One
by SirJohnnyEnglish Mon 08 Sep 2014, 10:01 am
RESULTS:
Northampton Saints 33 (T:4 C:2 P:3)
Gloucester Rugby 24 (T:2 C:1 P:4)
Sale Sharks 31 (T:4 C:4 P:1)
Bath Rugby 26 (T:2 C:2 P:4)
Saracens 23 (T:2 C:2 P:3)
London Wasps 28 (T:3 C:2 P:3)
Leicester Tigers 25 (T:3 C:2 P:2)
Newcastle Falcons 22 (T:1 C:1 P:5)
London Irish 27 (T: T:3 C:3 P:2)
Harlequins 27 (T: T:3 C:3 P:2)
London Welsh 23 (T:2 C:2 P:3)
Exeter Chiefs 25 (T:3 C:2 P:2)
BONUS:
Full: CJB, Matt, Steve, Luke, Prop, Driver, Chris, SJE, Pooly & CJ
Score: Pete
Fined: Fluxy
Northampton Saints 33 (T:4 C:2 P:3)
Gloucester Rugby 24 (T:2 C:1 P:4)
Sale Sharks 31 (T:4 C:4 P:1)
Bath Rugby 26 (T:2 C:2 P:4)
Saracens 23 (T:2 C:2 P:3)
London Wasps 28 (T:3 C:2 P:3)
Leicester Tigers 25 (T:3 C:2 P:2)
Newcastle Falcons 22 (T:1 C:1 P:5)
London Irish 27 (T: T:3 C:3 P:2)
Harlequins 27 (T: T:3 C:3 P:2)
London Welsh 23 (T:2 C:2 P:3)
Exeter Chiefs 25 (T:3 C:2 P:2)
BONUS:
Full: CJB, Matt, Steve, Luke, Prop, Driver, Chris, SJE, Pooly & CJ
Score: Pete
Fined: Fluxy
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round One
by Ozzy3213 Mon 08 Sep 2014, 10:41 am
Tough one, I wasn't sure which way it would go. Happy with that.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round One
by Fluxy Mon 08 Sep 2014, 11:31 am
Apologies for not getting results in, just so I am clear what is the fine for not putting results?
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round One
by ChequeredJersey Mon 08 Sep 2014, 8:59 pm
Well won, Fluxy. Gutting start to the season
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round One
by SirJohnnyEnglish Tue 09 Sep 2014, 1:00 pm
First fine is 1m, 2nd 2m etc to a maximum of 5m. If your away just give a heads up preferably on the match thread and you will be excused.Fluxy wrote:Apologies for not getting results in, just so I am clear what is the fine for not putting results?
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