About v2Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
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prop_lyd
Steven_Sharks
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Fluxy
Sgt_Pooly
Driver
ChequeredJersey
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Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by ChequeredJersey Tue Nov 11, 2014 4:59 am
First topic message reminder :
Sale Sharks v London Irish
Location - AJ Bell Stadium
Thick Cloud, 11 Degrees, 9mph ESE Winds
Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE
:-
16. Ross Harrison 17. Tommy Taylor 18. Rabah Slimani 19. Iain Henderson 20. Matt Garvey 21. Calum Braley 22. Francois Steyn 23. Sibusiso Sithole
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. Barrett will play flat on the gain line to pull in defenders before releasing runners while De Klerk will look for opportunities to snipe around the base always committing defenders.
- Change the point of attack. Numerous play makers 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. Bendy to join the line from fullback looking for mismatches and to create overlaps.
- Attack from the scrum. Strong technical front row backed up by a powerful second row will look to build a platform for Pickles, De Klerk & Barrett. 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. De Klerk will sweep behind the line to cover chips and grubbers.
- Target the breakdown. Committed to the breakdown with Todd fetching for the ball, supported by the rest of the pack when needed. We will always look to turn the ball over.
London Irish
Manager – Prop
:-
16. Marc Jones 17. Tom Smallbone 18. Will Collier 19. Deam Mumm 20. Jackson Wray 21. Lee Dickson 22. Luke McAlister 23. Conrad Smith
Tactics
Set piece: We have picked a strong scrummaging front 5 who all bring carrying bulk to the game. From kick offs we will look to go 2 passes in before hitting our direct runners. We will look to scrummage low (which all of our props are known for doing) and scrum straight to prevent the wheel. Our lineouts will be simple and we will look to bring the ball down before feeding 9. There’s not many players able to get as high as Toner.
Backrow: We feel we have a well balanced back row with a tackler, a carrier and a jackler and all 3 will be used for their main attributes. We have confidence in them all to do their jobs with Brown looking to get in their 10’s face.
Breakdown: We will look to be controlled here with the tackler and 1 more player committing initially to the breakdown. Brown will play the McCaw role and sweep behind the breakdowns picking and choosing when he will attack for a penalty or a turnover. We will use the call “fire ball” which will be when Sharks under commit to their ruck and we will look to blitz past the ball for the turnover. We will adopt the hold and roll technique to take them off their feet at the breakdown and ‘tactically’ hold them down to slow them getting to the next ruck.
Half Backs: Biggar will stand flat initially to give Williams and our pack runners the chance to get over the gainline. We know how well Biggar can find touch and we will use this. De Kock has shown how well he can control a game and he will use these skills to control the tempo and slow the ball down if needed.
Outside Backs: We look at Williams and Trinder to pull the strings and find the gaps for the strong runners, if it is not on and the wind is lowing in our advantage then we will look for deep kicks to go off the field and put pressure on their lineouts.. If it is on we will look to ship it wide to our speedsters. We will look to have a lot of movement off the ball to prevent us being easily read. There will be runners off of 12 and 13 when available and the ball will be shipped to the wings quickly to allow them to get the advantage in the race to the line. We have international experience in the back 3 and will look to exploit this with angled running and confusing the oppositions defence.
Bench: Impact in all areas especially being able to bring on Mumm, McAlister and Conrad Smith who will all make inroads against tired defences and be able to pull the strings to make the gaps available.
Defence: We also know how good the Sharks centres are so will look to prevent tem offloading the ball by double tackling him. We will look to blitz with Brown in their 10’s allowing Biggar the opportunity to drop back and cover with Cook for any kicks ahead. We will defend inside-out and spread the line.
Overall: This will be a controlled performance. We will look to hit the ball up twice and suck in defenders by going the same way till we run out of space, we will then flash across and look for quick hands against their pack who will be stuck defending the centre channels. Our carriers will come round the corner in 3’s to prevent the opposition knowing where the ball is going. We have a strong team on show and backs who are able to control a game well and defend strongly without allowing any gaps to appear. We are playing in strong wind so if we have the advantage then we will use the wind and go for long range goals, we will not kick high into the wind and will use Biggar's skill with kicking hard and low.
Bath v Newcastle Falcons
Location - Recreation Grounds
Light Cloud, 12 Degrees, 6mph SE Winds
Bath Rugby
Manager – inthefastlane
16. Mikey Haywood 17. Peter Dooley 18. Jake Cooper Wooley 19. Sam Whitelock 20. Luke Wallace 21. Fourie Du Preez 22. Matt Hopper 23. Sitiveni Sivivatu
Overall: We are gonna be looking to play front foot rugby. Look to overwhelm Falcons in the loose. We will play a high tempo and really look to get some big carries in. We feel we have a real advantage in the set piece so look to real attack of this.
Scrum: Look for our unit to set a strong platform. Our props have been well rotated so will be fresh. Look to really pressure McGuigan who hasn't much experience and is up against Hibbard. We will try to set a base, controlled by Squire which he can attack off.
Lineout: We will look to switch up the lineup with Jones, SOB and Kitchener options in the lineout. Kitch will run the lineout with Jones offering an easy banker ball. Look to get up into the air quickly and down for a quick maul. Look to compete on the opposition throw as we have a great number of options. Try and starve them of quality ball from the lineout.
Breakdown: The breakdown is an area we really see ourselves as able to dominate. We will look to get men to the breakdown quickly and clear out so Sean O'Brien and Liam Gill can try and disrupt opposition ball.
Defence: Blitz Defence looking to really put pressure on the Newcastle decision makers. Try to stop the ball from getting to the centres. Focus on gain line collisions and driving back in the tackle. Wiggles to sweep in behind.
Attack: Our half backs will control our rugby. Wigglesworth and Hodgson can play what they see and put the rest of the back line in strong positions. Beale 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. Look to get the big carriers involved as much as possible. The likes of Tameifuma, Kitchener, Hibbard, Healy and SOB will try and wear down defences by looking for gaps. The likes of Wade, Nalaga and De Allende will be looking for gaps created that they can exploit. Look to counter attack kicks if possible. Look to play with a high tempo and get the ball moving across the back line. Look for chances to offload.
Kicking: Beale 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. Beale, LLF, Amos and Hodgson all have the boots necessary to try and put us in a good position territorially if need be.
Substitutes: Our subs will look to keep a high tempo. We feel our bench can really impact the game whereas the Falcons bench could cost them. Fowles and Deveto form the half back cover but in a tight game will lack the experience and leadership to get over the line. Deveto is also a new signing and won't be up on the lines and defensive pattern.
Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Driver
:-
16.Huia Edmonds 17.Soana Tonga'uhia 18.Scott Wilson 19.Ed Slater 20.Chris Henry* 21.Nathan Fowles 22.Ollie Devoto 23.Robbie Frueen
Gloucester v Harlequins
Location - Kingsholm
Light Cloud, 12 Degrees, 8mph SE Winds
Gloucester
Manager – anonmattyt
:-
16 Steenkamp 17 Luke Cowan Dickie 18 Sebastian Adeniran-Olule 19 Elliot Stooke 20 Pablo Matera 21 Justin Phillips 22 Matt Scott 23 Sam Davies
TARGET BREAKDOWN – We have a big mobile physically stronger bunch and will hit rucks with venom. We will Send numbers in and try and effect turnovers or Disrupt ball.we believe the likes of Alberts Salvi and smith has physicality and the power to swamp their backrow.Backed by our front 5 and this is an area we will flood.
TARGET back 3 – in great conditions we will Look to Kick in behind and turn them when applicable
Half backs- Robson in top form will look to threaten around the ruck but his job is to give it to cips who will dictate.
Cips Will challenge line and kick When necessary. We want to play high tempo and move Quins around. We will do this by using runners off ten to smash holes and look to flood.
General - We've selected a team packed with power and physicality. We Have a lot more carriers in the pack and will use this to dominate and get front foot ball. We believe this will give is the upper hand. We will use this to run the legs off Quine And play an offloading game. When in behind We will Flood through with our quick Backs targeting mismatches
Line out – We have options galore in Robson smith Alberts etc and will use this to disrupt.
On our ball we will mix It but as game progresses go Off The top more To Get in to there backline
Defence - Blitz defence with high intensity and big hits, looking to drive past the ball player if the ball hits the deck. Scrum half to sweep behind the defensive line.
Bench - Game changing bench with More ball carriers and attacking backs. Our intention is to use it as required
Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks
:-
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau 17. Steven Kitchoff 18. Kyle Sinckler 19. Charlie Matthews 20. Jamie Gibson 21. Karl Dickson 22. Ihaia West 23. Ollie Lindsay-Hague
Tactics
When in our own half we will look to use the kicking games of our 9, 10, 12 and 15 to get us into the right areas of the pitch. We won't kick aimlessly but will look to kick to touch or to open spaces. As well as this we will look to employ cross field kicks and up and unders to really test the positioning of the Gloucester back 3.
In the opposition half we will look to play our usual patient game of using our pack to get us across the gain line so we can recycle the ball quickly and play at a quick tempo. We will look for our forwards to carry in wider channels off 10 and 12. We especially want to get forwards running in back towards play so we can look to drag Gloucester defenders inwards and create space out wide for JJ, Nowell and Halai. We feel our best chance of scoring is by creating space in wider channels for our quick men. This said, we do have the pack to slow the ball down when we need to bring back some control.
At the set piece we will really target the scrum and look to use it as an attacking weapon and an area to win penalties. At the the lineout we want quick ball if the back of the lineout or in the middle and drive or get it off the top from there.
In defence we will defend up and out with a really quick linespeed and back our pace on the drift defence. We will look for Braid to attack the breakdown and legally slow down the Gloucester ball. Look to either win the collision or chop tackle and quickly get over the ball.
Leicester Tigers v Saracens
Location - Welford Road
Light Rain, 11 Degrees, 9mph SE Winds
Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka
.
16. Christopher Tolofua 17. Max Lahiff 18. Paul Doran-Jones 19. Steve Mafi 20. Jacques Burger 21. Dwayne Peel 22. Paddy Jackson 23. Ugo Monye
Tactics:
In wet conditions we will play sensibly and use the power and strength of our side to get us over the gainline.
- Attack at all scrums with our huge pack - Moore, Franks and Jenkins to look to really get into the opposition, particularly George and Mullan. Lots of scrums in wet weather and an area we will look to target if winning.
- Attack at all lineouts. Use Hines or Lobbe at the front and Myall off the top as our three key options.
Shortened lineouts with Waldrom in midfield as crash or decoy option.
- Put serious pressure on George's throws with Hines at the front on all Sarries throws.
- Gigantic XV made up of massive line-breakers, used in the tight to tire down the Sarries defence. The likes of Waldrom, Louw, Hines, Moore, Lobbe and Ranger to be used to get us over the gainline. Add to that the likes of Tolofua, Mafi, Lahiff and Burger off the bench.
- Target the breakdown - huge emphasis on our work at the breakdown today and we will always look to turnover possession. With Louw and Lobbe, we feel our breakdown play could be crucial today.
- No overly ambitious passing - In wet conditions we will either look to kick to gain territory or look to keep ball in hand and take it through the middle.
- In the rain we will target an out of sorts Steyn all game with Louw and Lobbe breathing down his neck at every opportunity. Big runners through his channel - looking to win the Burns vs Steyn contest.
- We will look to employ a blitz defence, focusing on a quick line speed to hit the ball carrier before he gets to the gainline. We have aggressive forwards to carry out this instruction. Young to sweep behind with an eye on short kicks.
- Burns to kick all penalties.
Saracens
Manager – Pooly
:-
16. Jack Walker 17. Fabien Barcella 18. Matius Diaz 19. Julian Pierre 20. Heinrich Brussow 21. Henry Taylor 22. Miles Benjamin 23. Simon Hammersley
Tactics:
TARGET BREAKDOWN – With Bruss/Clark/Cole/Mowen strong in this area we’ll look to target turnover ball and slowing opposition attacks. With only
TARGET HB Combo – Look to put Youngs/Burns axis under pressure and get Burns on back foot
TARGET KICKING GAME– Look to dominate the kicking game and put pressure on the Tigers line out
PARRA/STEYN COMBO - Perfect combo to dictate play and keep us playing in right area of pitch oin greasy conditions
General - We've selected a team packed with power and physicality. We'll be playing a structured 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. Looking to move the opposition pack around and then use big carrying options to punch holes through the opposition defence.
Scrum - Look to get a platform from the off with a strong scrummaging unit. Strong front 5 with big locks will look for the big push once the ball is in and drive the opposition back. Our TH and Hooker will look to target LH and try to get between him and Hooker to allow LH to work on TH 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 SH good clean ball and have big carriers running off the 9 at angles.
Defence - Blitz defence with high intensity and big hits, looking to drive past the ball player if the ball hits the deck. physical pack that can look to get at the collision and breakdown allowing Bruss/Clark/Cole/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 dictate play from the breakdown and Mermoz on his shoulder. Huge carrying backrow to get us over the gain line after front 5 set a platform. Taylor 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.
Northampton Saints v Exeter Chiefs
Location - Franklins Garden
Heavy Rain, 11 Degrees, 9mph SE Winds
Northampton Saints
Manager – Dammit_Chris
:-
16. Elliott Dee 17. Mako Vunipola 18. Adam Jones 19. Lood de Jager 20. CJ Stander 21. Gareth Davies 22. Elliot Daly 23. David Pocock
Tactics:
Undefeated in the Premiership and Europe this season, we look to continue our momentum during the AI's by going back to basics and playing a game plan that suits the conditions and play no risk rugby in the Exeter Chiefs half of the pitch. Our aim is no risk rugby, to win the territorial battle with Evans and Giteau playing and then force Exeter into erros and mistakes with an aggressive defence. We will take all opportunities to kick for goal and take 3 points to grind out a result.
Pack/Setpiece:
We've picked a strong forward pack to allow us to build a strong platform that can secure us good quality ball on our possession, with Samoa picked as no8 to give us a strong ball carrier off the base to make hard yards. We want to give Evans and Giteau a good platform for clearing the ball and winning the kicking battle. We've selected Bonnaire to allow us to attack the Exeter lineout and try and force handling errors and scrappy balls for Cook at no9. We have five lineout jumpers, but good banker ball with Launchbury and will work on shortened lineouts to enable us to get second phase attacks into the midfield of Exeter. We've also selected 5 forwards on the bench to take into account the conditions.
Attack/Kicking Game:
With the conditions it isn't going to be a pretty game, we've picked a team of big ball carriers to get through the hard work and make the hard yards. We have Tuilagi and Giteau in the backline to win the gainline battle in the backline, but our main way of attacking is going to be the boot of Evans and Giteau and get us into the right areas of the pitch and pressurise Exeter when mistakes will result in points. In our own half we are aiming to kick the ball a lot, in the Chiefs half we will start to look to play the rolling maul and once in the Exeter 22 we will look to get the ball in the hands of Tuilagi and Giteau. We've got powerful ball carriers and one or two tries could make the difference.
Breakdown:
The conditions mean that we wont be able to attack any turnover ball as we'd normally do, instead we are looking to set up our defensive line around the fringes of any rucks to make sure we can push back Exeter when they try and make hard yards.
Defence:
As always an aggressive defence, looking for fast line speed, closing down attacking options and aiming to put a lot of pressure on Flood - if we get to him we stop Exeter's kicking game. Strong midfield defensively, and Halfpenny and Foden excellent defensively in these conditions and Williams drafted in for his kicking game, the back three will drop back to defend against Exeters kicking game.
Key Points:
* Great form in the league, home advantage and will look to keep our winning streak.
* Strong setpiece that will provide our halfbacks with a solid platform to control the game.
* Selected players to win the kicking and territorial battle - only player in our backline without a kicking game is Tuilagi.
* Simple game, minimise mistakes and aggressive defence to force Exeter into errors that Halfpenny can capitalise on.
Exeter Chiefs
Manager – Fluxy
Davit Kubriashvili starts for Georgia. Bench one short.
16. Dimitri Szarzewski 17. Alex Lundberg 18. 19. Patrick Tuipulotu 20. Gus Jones 21. Jack Maunder 22. Marnitz Boshoff 23. Richard Kahui
General Game plan
Fast paced game based around high intensity in defence, offloading, and dynamic carrying and rucking. With wet and windy conditions we will 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. We will look to play a simple territory game based around our strong set-piece and carrying. This means when kicking the backs kick under no pressure - if there is slow ball we recycle and set guards to allow a clean kick and chase.
Big point is to match them man for man, in our style of play and keep the high tempo going throughout.
Set piece - Control the set piece and use it to restart our game plan. Paterson to marshal the line-out and get quick ball from our dynamic jumpers, Paterson to look at using the line-out and set mauls to allow for the box from Cook under no pressure from their forwards being tied into the maul. Pressure on Launch and Bonnaire as main jumpers. At the scrum we’ll look to get the squeeze on and target the front row, Domingo hasn't played in a while and the pressure will be applied on him, as well as Mulipola. A nudge at the scrum for us to keep the opposition back row tied into the scrum giving Cook, Flood 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 tight in the greasy conditions and take advantage of the forwards in the Saints pack who prefer to be out in the wider channels. 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. Cook 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. We will revert to your strong defensive banana drift defence to push the attackers towards our inside defence, with Cook sweeping in behind to guide defenders to plug holes and covers any kicks in behind. If an oppo player gets held or brought down this allows the second man to get over the ball quickly to at least compete and slow opposition possession. Rowan will look to target the opposition fly half early on and pressure his kicking.
Backs - Look to get the ball in hands of the backs, as they have the pace and finishing ability to worry any defence. 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. Varndell/Burrell/Strettle are big quick guys and will be able to mix and match the opposition defence, either catching Barritt's weaker inside shoulder on a a run against the grain, or exploiting the concentration of their back three in defence. Or generate the 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. Barrington and Yeandle will both put the squeeze on Mulipola to generate scrum penalties.
Line-out & Mauls - with a big front five we will look to set rolling mauls, to keep their back five 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. With players like Bonnaire, Jones and Spurling in wider channels, a lot of work will be required by the front five of Saints
Territory - When playing for territory, ensure we have a good chase to pressure the return and enforce the error and we will not kick directly to their back three. If the back three recieve the ball they shall be put to the floor instantly from the chase and not allowed to run.
Breakdown – Rowan & Ryan 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. They will look to remove Fraser from the ruck early to prevent turnovers.
Backs – Classy running options and two of the most prolific finishers in the AP with Strettle & Varndell and they will take any opportunity to run back loose kicks from the Saints, and are fantastic finishers in greasy conditions.
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.
London Wasps v London Welsh
Location - AJ Bell Stadium
Heavy Rain, 11 Degrees, 7mph SE Winds
Wasps
Manager: Ozzy3213
Sebastien Vahaamahina included on French bench. Willemse replaces.
:-
16. Deon Fourie 17. Ben Moon 18. Frans Malherbe 19. 20. Hayden Thompson-Stringer 21. Luke Narraway 22. Mitchell Drummond 23. Paul Jordaan
Basic Game Plan
In wet conditions we will be looking to play a territory based game, using the boots of Cruden, Slade and Armitage to play in the Welsh 22. When in their 22 we will use big carriers and carry close to the ruck and use the pick and go. Only when it is 100% on will we go wide and look to hit gaps in the defensive line.
In defence, as always we will be running a blitz defence. Our focus will be on the gainline collisions and driving back in the tackle. Line speed and no dog-legs will be key components for us. Smith will sweep in behind the defensive line to counter any chips/grubbers. Both wingers will sit a little deeper anticipating a kicking game from the opposition in the conditions.
Specifics
London Welsh
Manager – CJ
:-
16. Matt Rees 17. Nathan Catt 18. Oliver Tomaszczyk 19. Mouritz Botha 20. Tom Guest 21. Ben Spencer 22. Kyle Godwin 23. Jesse Mogg
Tactics:
Away and in filthy conditions we will seek to alter our usual gameplan to a tight, uncomplicated approach. The breakdown will still be paramount.
The breakdown: we will commit men to the breakdown as needed to save or steal turnover ball, picking our time just like the all blacks but otherwise holding players back for the kick chase, carrying and defence, relying on our fetching duo of Ward and Barclay, backed up by Haskell, to snaffle and speed up ball. One of these two will follow the ball in attack or defence every play, both helping the breakdown and providing support in attack.
Attack: in these conditions we have picked a kicking 12 to help the HBs, a pacey winger to chase attacking kicks and Cueto to back up Pennell at fullback. We will not play rugby in our own half, looking to kick cleverly into space or high and chased kicks to force handling errors and steal back possession in more favourable ground, as well as pinning te opposition back for territory.
When playing with the ball in hand, we will keep things simple with simple, well supported carries, runs from big forwards and Pennell off the halfbacks and switches to send Laulala at their 10. We will only spin wide and mix things up when going for the kill in their 22. Otherwise we prefer to trust our breakdown to retain possession rather than forcing things with passes.
In their 22 also look for clever grubbers, cross fields and chips as back 3 catching errors are likely in these conditions under pressure.
For slow ball, as ever, we will build it up with carries in groups of forwards, unless a useful kick is on. The drop goal is of course an option.
Scrum: we have a solid set piece and will look to stay firm on our ball with no funny business with collapsing or turning, allowing AJ to run off the base to get go forward for the plan above. TKB to snipe instead to keep them guessing. Aim to really menace their 8 and 9 at the base on their ball
Lineout: Skivington to call and keep things simple with our locks as main jumpers. Barclay looking to scrag their 9 early, and compete on every opposition throw- if Young gets the yips we can steal ball today.
Defence: blitz, TKB sweeping and Pennell very alert to the kicking game. Very aggressive fringe defence. In general we will look to concede no pens in our half and play it safe but in their 22, push the offside boundary as well as the breakdown laws- pens here hurt us less for high gain and likely turnovers, forced kicks for safety and chargedowns.
Kicking: take all shots at goal that are kickable, and chase all our kicks. Kicking a huge part of this game, I'm happy to kick back rather than return unless the support and space is good.
Targets: target Youngs in lineout, and both wingers' relative weakness against clever kicks. Nonu has little kicking game so when they are in their half, focus on pressurising the 10 and look out for Slade as he will be ge
the relief kicker.
Overall: retain ball with breakdown effort and fetchers
Kick in our territory and either into space or high and chased
Keep handling simple
Kick as an attacking weapon in their 22
Press for pens in their 22, play safe in our half
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 22:00 hours on Sunday
Away teams to be named by midnight on Wednesday
Tactics to be provided by midnight on Thursday
Predictions by 22:00 hours on Sunday
Sale Sharks v London Irish
Location - AJ Bell Stadium
Thick Cloud, 11 Degrees, 9mph ESE Winds
Sale SharksManager – SJE
| 01. Vasil Kakovin | 09. Faf De Klerk |
| 02. David Paice | 10. Beauden Barrett |
| 03. Davit Zirakishvilli | |
| 04. Brodie Retalick | 11. Keith Earls |
| 05. Christian Day | 12. Anthony Allen |
| 06. Steven Luatua | 13. George Pisi |
| 07. Matt Todd | 14. Semesa Rokoduguni |
| 08. Louis Picamoles | 15. Nick Abendanon |
16. Ross Harrison 17. Tommy Taylor 18. Rabah Slimani 19. Iain Henderson 20. Matt Garvey 21. Calum Braley 22. Francois Steyn 23. Sibusiso Sithole
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. Barrett will play flat on the gain line to pull in defenders before releasing runners while De Klerk will look for opportunities to snipe around the base always committing defenders.
- Change the point of attack. Numerous play makers 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. Bendy to join the line from fullback looking for mismatches and to create overlaps.
- Attack from the scrum. Strong technical front row backed up by a powerful second row will look to build a platform for Pickles, De Klerk & Barrett. 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. De Klerk will sweep behind the line to cover chips and grubbers.
- Target the breakdown. Committed to the breakdown with Todd fetching for the ball, supported by the rest of the pack when needed. We will always look to turn the ball over.
London IrishManager – Prop
| 01. Tom Court | 09. Neil De Kock |
| 02. Ken Owens | 10. Dan Biggar |
| 03. Henry Thomas | |
| 04. Jacques Poitgeiter | 11. Nick Cummins |
| 05. Tom Savage | 12. Owen Williams |
| 06. Kelly Brown | 13. Henry Trinder |
| 07. Jon Fisher | 14. Bjorn Basson |
| 08. Scott Higginbotham* | 15. Rob Cook |
16. Marc Jones 17. Tom Smallbone 18. Will Collier 19. Deam Mumm 20. Jackson Wray 21. Lee Dickson 22. Luke McAlister 23. Conrad Smith
Tactics
Set piece: We have picked a strong scrummaging front 5 who all bring carrying bulk to the game. From kick offs we will look to go 2 passes in before hitting our direct runners. We will look to scrummage low (which all of our props are known for doing) and scrum straight to prevent the wheel. Our lineouts will be simple and we will look to bring the ball down before feeding 9. There’s not many players able to get as high as Toner.
Backrow: We feel we have a well balanced back row with a tackler, a carrier and a jackler and all 3 will be used for their main attributes. We have confidence in them all to do their jobs with Brown looking to get in their 10’s face.
Breakdown: We will look to be controlled here with the tackler and 1 more player committing initially to the breakdown. Brown will play the McCaw role and sweep behind the breakdowns picking and choosing when he will attack for a penalty or a turnover. We will use the call “fire ball” which will be when Sharks under commit to their ruck and we will look to blitz past the ball for the turnover. We will adopt the hold and roll technique to take them off their feet at the breakdown and ‘tactically’ hold them down to slow them getting to the next ruck.
Half Backs: Biggar will stand flat initially to give Williams and our pack runners the chance to get over the gainline. We know how well Biggar can find touch and we will use this. De Kock has shown how well he can control a game and he will use these skills to control the tempo and slow the ball down if needed.
Outside Backs: We look at Williams and Trinder to pull the strings and find the gaps for the strong runners, if it is not on and the wind is lowing in our advantage then we will look for deep kicks to go off the field and put pressure on their lineouts.. If it is on we will look to ship it wide to our speedsters. We will look to have a lot of movement off the ball to prevent us being easily read. There will be runners off of 12 and 13 when available and the ball will be shipped to the wings quickly to allow them to get the advantage in the race to the line. We have international experience in the back 3 and will look to exploit this with angled running and confusing the oppositions defence.
Bench: Impact in all areas especially being able to bring on Mumm, McAlister and Conrad Smith who will all make inroads against tired defences and be able to pull the strings to make the gaps available.
Defence: We also know how good the Sharks centres are so will look to prevent tem offloading the ball by double tackling him. We will look to blitz with Brown in their 10’s allowing Biggar the opportunity to drop back and cover with Cook for any kicks ahead. We will defend inside-out and spread the line.
Overall: This will be a controlled performance. We will look to hit the ball up twice and suck in defenders by going the same way till we run out of space, we will then flash across and look for quick hands against their pack who will be stuck defending the centre channels. Our carriers will come round the corner in 3’s to prevent the opposition knowing where the ball is going. We have a strong team on show and backs who are able to control a game well and defend strongly without allowing any gaps to appear. We are playing in strong wind so if we have the advantage then we will use the wind and go for long range goals, we will not kick high into the wind and will use Biggar's skill with kicking hard and low.
Bath v Newcastle Falcons
Location - Recreation Grounds
Light Cloud, 12 Degrees, 6mph SE Winds
Bath Rugby
Manager – inthefastlane
| 01. Cian Healy | 09. Richard Wigglesworth |
| 02. Richard Hibbard | 10. Charlie Hodgson |
| 03. Ben Tameifuma | |
| 04. Luke Jones | 11. Christian Wade |
| 05. Graham Kitchener | 12. Kurtley Beale |
| 06. Sean O'Brien | 13. Damien De Allende |
| 07. Liam Gill | 14. Nopolini Nalaga |
| 08. Liam Squire | 15. Hallan Amos |
Overall: We are gonna be looking to play front foot rugby. Look to overwhelm Falcons in the loose. We will play a high tempo and really look to get some big carries in. We feel we have a real advantage in the set piece so look to real attack of this.
Scrum: Look for our unit to set a strong platform. Our props have been well rotated so will be fresh. Look to really pressure McGuigan who hasn't much experience and is up against Hibbard. We will try to set a base, controlled by Squire which he can attack off.
Lineout: We will look to switch up the lineup with Jones, SOB and Kitchener options in the lineout. Kitch will run the lineout with Jones offering an easy banker ball. Look to get up into the air quickly and down for a quick maul. Look to compete on the opposition throw as we have a great number of options. Try and starve them of quality ball from the lineout.
Breakdown: The breakdown is an area we really see ourselves as able to dominate. We will look to get men to the breakdown quickly and clear out so Sean O'Brien and Liam Gill can try and disrupt opposition ball.
Defence: Blitz Defence looking to really put pressure on the Newcastle decision makers. Try to stop the ball from getting to the centres. Focus on gain line collisions and driving back in the tackle. Wiggles to sweep in behind.
Attack: Our half backs will control our rugby. Wigglesworth and Hodgson can play what they see and put the rest of the back line in strong positions. Beale 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. Look to get the big carriers involved as much as possible. The likes of Tameifuma, Kitchener, Hibbard, Healy and SOB will try and wear down defences by looking for gaps. The likes of Wade, Nalaga and De Allende will be looking for gaps created that they can exploit. Look to counter attack kicks if possible. Look to play with a high tempo and get the ball moving across the back line. Look for chances to offload.
Kicking: Beale 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. Beale, LLF, Amos and Hodgson all have the boots necessary to try and put us in a good position territorially if need be.
Substitutes: Our subs will look to keep a high tempo. We feel our bench can really impact the game whereas the Falcons bench could cost them. Fowles and Deveto form the half back cover but in a tight game will lack the experience and leadership to get over the line. Deveto is also a new signing and won't be up on the lines and defensive pattern.
Newcastle FalconsManager – Driver
| 01. Matt stevens | 09. Dave Lewis |
| 02. George McGuigan | 10. Andy Goode |
| 03. Carl Hayman | |
| 04. Brad Thorn | 11. Cory Jane |
| 05. Geoff Parling | 12. Francia Sailli |
| 06. Dave Ewers | 13. Johnathan Davies* |
| 07. Will Fraser | 14. Charlie Sharples |
| 08. Immanol Harinordiuy | 15. Rob Miller |
16.Huia Edmonds 17.Soana Tonga'uhia 18.Scott Wilson 19.Ed Slater 20.Chris Henry* 21.Nathan Fowles 22.Ollie Devoto 23.Robbie Frueen
Gloucester v Harlequins
Location - Kingsholm
Light Cloud, 12 Degrees, 8mph SE Winds
GloucesterManager – anonmattyt
| 01. Wood | 09. Robson |
| 02. Grey | 10. Cipriani |
| 03. Figallo | |
| 04. Alberts | 11. Gear |
| 05. Robson | 12. Toomua* |
| 06. Juan Smith | 13. Juan de Jongh |
| 07. Salvi | 14. Rhule |
| 08. Palu | 15. Walker |
16 Steenkamp 17 Luke Cowan Dickie 18 Sebastian Adeniran-Olule 19 Elliot Stooke 20 Pablo Matera 21 Justin Phillips 22 Matt Scott 23 Sam Davies
TARGET BREAKDOWN – We have a big mobile physically stronger bunch and will hit rucks with venom. We will Send numbers in and try and effect turnovers or Disrupt ball.we believe the likes of Alberts Salvi and smith has physicality and the power to swamp their backrow.Backed by our front 5 and this is an area we will flood.
TARGET back 3 – in great conditions we will Look to Kick in behind and turn them when applicable
Half backs- Robson in top form will look to threaten around the ruck but his job is to give it to cips who will dictate.
Cips Will challenge line and kick When necessary. We want to play high tempo and move Quins around. We will do this by using runners off ten to smash holes and look to flood.
General - We've selected a team packed with power and physicality. We Have a lot more carriers in the pack and will use this to dominate and get front foot ball. We believe this will give is the upper hand. We will use this to run the legs off Quine And play an offloading game. When in behind We will Flood through with our quick Backs targeting mismatches
Line out – We have options galore in Robson smith Alberts etc and will use this to disrupt.
On our ball we will mix It but as game progresses go Off The top more To Get in to there backline
Defence - Blitz defence with high intensity and big hits, looking to drive past the ball player if the ball hits the deck. Scrum half to sweep behind the defensive line.
Bench - Game changing bench with More ball carriers and attacking backs. Our intention is to use it as required
HarlequinsManager – Steven_Sharks
| 01. Tony Woodcock | 09. Ruan Pienaar |
| 02. Schalk Brits | 10. Steven Myler (k) |
| 03. John Afoa | |
| 04. Pieter Steph Du Toit | 11. Jack Nowell |
| 05. Jim Hamilton | 12. Dan Bowden |
| 06. Mamuka Gorgodze | 13. Jonathan Joseph |
| 07. Luke Braid | 14. Frank Halai |
| 08. Nick Easter (c) | 15. Luke Morahan |
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau 17. Steven Kitchoff 18. Kyle Sinckler 19. Charlie Matthews 20. Jamie Gibson 21. Karl Dickson 22. Ihaia West 23. Ollie Lindsay-Hague
Tactics
When in our own half we will look to use the kicking games of our 9, 10, 12 and 15 to get us into the right areas of the pitch. We won't kick aimlessly but will look to kick to touch or to open spaces. As well as this we will look to employ cross field kicks and up and unders to really test the positioning of the Gloucester back 3.
In the opposition half we will look to play our usual patient game of using our pack to get us across the gain line so we can recycle the ball quickly and play at a quick tempo. We will look for our forwards to carry in wider channels off 10 and 12. We especially want to get forwards running in back towards play so we can look to drag Gloucester defenders inwards and create space out wide for JJ, Nowell and Halai. We feel our best chance of scoring is by creating space in wider channels for our quick men. This said, we do have the pack to slow the ball down when we need to bring back some control.
At the set piece we will really target the scrum and look to use it as an attacking weapon and an area to win penalties. At the the lineout we want quick ball if the back of the lineout or in the middle and drive or get it off the top from there.
In defence we will defend up and out with a really quick linespeed and back our pace on the drift defence. We will look for Braid to attack the breakdown and legally slow down the Gloucester ball. Look to either win the collision or chop tackle and quickly get over the ball.
Leicester Tigers v Saracens
Location - Welford Road
Light Rain, 11 Degrees, 9mph SE Winds
Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka
| 01. Alex Corbisiero | 09. Micky Young |
| 02. Stephen Moore (c) | 10. Freddie Burns (k) |
| 03. Owen Franks | |
| 04. Nathan Hines | 11. Rene Ranger |
| 05. Kearnan Myall | 12. Billy Twelvetrees |
| 06. JMF Lobbe | 13. Tamati Ellison |
| 07. Francois Louw | 14. Drew Mitchell |
| 08. Thomas Waldrom | 15. Jaco Taute |
16. Christopher Tolofua 17. Max Lahiff 18. Paul Doran-Jones 19. Steve Mafi 20. Jacques Burger 21. Dwayne Peel 22. Paddy Jackson 23. Ugo Monye
Tactics:
In wet conditions we will play sensibly and use the power and strength of our side to get us over the gainline.
- Attack at all scrums with our huge pack - Moore, Franks and Jenkins to look to really get into the opposition, particularly George and Mullan. Lots of scrums in wet weather and an area we will look to target if winning.
- Attack at all lineouts. Use Hines or Lobbe at the front and Myall off the top as our three key options.
Shortened lineouts with Waldrom in midfield as crash or decoy option.
- Put serious pressure on George's throws with Hines at the front on all Sarries throws.
- Gigantic XV made up of massive line-breakers, used in the tight to tire down the Sarries defence. The likes of Waldrom, Louw, Hines, Moore, Lobbe and Ranger to be used to get us over the gainline. Add to that the likes of Tolofua, Mafi, Lahiff and Burger off the bench.
- Target the breakdown - huge emphasis on our work at the breakdown today and we will always look to turnover possession. With Louw and Lobbe, we feel our breakdown play could be crucial today.
- No overly ambitious passing - In wet conditions we will either look to kick to gain territory or look to keep ball in hand and take it through the middle.
- In the rain we will target an out of sorts Steyn all game with Louw and Lobbe breathing down his neck at every opportunity. Big runners through his channel - looking to win the Burns vs Steyn contest.
- We will look to employ a blitz defence, focusing on a quick line speed to hit the ball carrier before he gets to the gainline. We have aggressive forwards to carry out this instruction. Young to sweep behind with an eye on short kicks.
- Burns to kick all penalties.
Saracens
Manager – Pooly
| 01. Alex Waller | 09. Morgan Parra |
| 02. Jamie George | 10. Morne Steyn |
| 03. Dan Cole | |
| 04. Patrico Albacete | 11. Zak Guildford |
| 05. Flip van der Merwe | 12. Maxime Mermoz |
| 06. Ben Mowen(c) | 13. Matt Tait |
| 07. Callum Clark | 14. Chris Ashton |
| 08. Nathan Hughes | 15. Lee Byrne |
16. Jack Walker 17. Fabien Barcella 18. Matius Diaz 19. Julian Pierre 20. Heinrich Brussow 21. Henry Taylor 22. Miles Benjamin 23. Simon Hammersley
Tactics:
TARGET BREAKDOWN – With Bruss/Clark/Cole/Mowen strong in this area we’ll look to target turnover ball and slowing opposition attacks. With only
TARGET HB Combo – Look to put Youngs/Burns axis under pressure and get Burns on back foot
TARGET KICKING GAME– Look to dominate the kicking game and put pressure on the Tigers line out
PARRA/STEYN COMBO - Perfect combo to dictate play and keep us playing in right area of pitch oin greasy conditions
General - We've selected a team packed with power and physicality. We'll be playing a structured 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. Looking to move the opposition pack around and then use big carrying options to punch holes through the opposition defence.
Scrum - Look to get a platform from the off with a strong scrummaging unit. Strong front 5 with big locks will look for the big push once the ball is in and drive the opposition back. Our TH and Hooker will look to target LH and try to get between him and Hooker to allow LH to work on TH 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 SH good clean ball and have big carriers running off the 9 at angles.
Defence - Blitz defence with high intensity and big hits, looking to drive past the ball player if the ball hits the deck. physical pack that can look to get at the collision and breakdown allowing Bruss/Clark/Cole/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 dictate play from the breakdown and Mermoz on his shoulder. Huge carrying backrow to get us over the gain line after front 5 set a platform. Taylor 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.
Northampton Saints v Exeter Chiefs
Location - Franklins Garden
Heavy Rain, 11 Degrees, 9mph SE Winds
Northampton SaintsManager – Dammit_Chris
| 01. Thomas Domingo | 09. Joe Simpson |
| 02. Scott Spurling | 10. Nick Evans |
| 03. Logi Mulipola | |
| 04. Joe Launchbury | 11. Ben Foden |
| 05. Mitch Lees | 12. Matt Giteau |
| 06. Julian Bonnaire | 13. Manu Tuilagi |
| 07. Sam Jones | 14. Jordan Williams |
| 08. Samu Manoa (c) | 15. Leigh Halfpenny (k) |
16. Elliott Dee 17. Mako Vunipola 18. Adam Jones 19. Lood de Jager 20. CJ Stander 21. Gareth Davies 22. Elliot Daly 23. David Pocock
Tactics:
Undefeated in the Premiership and Europe this season, we look to continue our momentum during the AI's by going back to basics and playing a game plan that suits the conditions and play no risk rugby in the Exeter Chiefs half of the pitch. Our aim is no risk rugby, to win the territorial battle with Evans and Giteau playing and then force Exeter into erros and mistakes with an aggressive defence. We will take all opportunities to kick for goal and take 3 points to grind out a result.
Pack/Setpiece:
We've picked a strong forward pack to allow us to build a strong platform that can secure us good quality ball on our possession, with Samoa picked as no8 to give us a strong ball carrier off the base to make hard yards. We want to give Evans and Giteau a good platform for clearing the ball and winning the kicking battle. We've selected Bonnaire to allow us to attack the Exeter lineout and try and force handling errors and scrappy balls for Cook at no9. We have five lineout jumpers, but good banker ball with Launchbury and will work on shortened lineouts to enable us to get second phase attacks into the midfield of Exeter. We've also selected 5 forwards on the bench to take into account the conditions.
Attack/Kicking Game:
With the conditions it isn't going to be a pretty game, we've picked a team of big ball carriers to get through the hard work and make the hard yards. We have Tuilagi and Giteau in the backline to win the gainline battle in the backline, but our main way of attacking is going to be the boot of Evans and Giteau and get us into the right areas of the pitch and pressurise Exeter when mistakes will result in points. In our own half we are aiming to kick the ball a lot, in the Chiefs half we will start to look to play the rolling maul and once in the Exeter 22 we will look to get the ball in the hands of Tuilagi and Giteau. We've got powerful ball carriers and one or two tries could make the difference.
Breakdown:
The conditions mean that we wont be able to attack any turnover ball as we'd normally do, instead we are looking to set up our defensive line around the fringes of any rucks to make sure we can push back Exeter when they try and make hard yards.
Defence:
As always an aggressive defence, looking for fast line speed, closing down attacking options and aiming to put a lot of pressure on Flood - if we get to him we stop Exeter's kicking game. Strong midfield defensively, and Halfpenny and Foden excellent defensively in these conditions and Williams drafted in for his kicking game, the back three will drop back to defend against Exeters kicking game.
Key Points:
* Great form in the league, home advantage and will look to keep our winning streak.
* Strong setpiece that will provide our halfbacks with a solid platform to control the game.
* Selected players to win the kicking and territorial battle - only player in our backline without a kicking game is Tuilagi.
* Simple game, minimise mistakes and aggressive defence to force Exeter into errors that Halfpenny can capitalise on.
Exeter Chiefs
Manager – Fluxy
Davit Kubriashvili starts for Georgia. Bench one short.
| 01. Richard Barrington | 09. Chris Cook |
| 02. Jack Yeandle | 10. Toby Flood |
| 03. James Johnston | |
| 04. Kane Douglas | 11. Tom Varndell |
| 05. Michael Paterson | 12. Luther Burrell |
| 06. Donnacha Ryan | 13. George Lowe |
| 07. Jacob Rowan | 14. David Strettle |
| 08. Carl Fearns | 15. James O'Connor |
General Game plan
Fast paced game based around high intensity in defence, offloading, and dynamic carrying and rucking. With wet and windy conditions we will 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. We will look to play a simple territory game based around our strong set-piece and carrying. This means when kicking the backs kick under no pressure - if there is slow ball we recycle and set guards to allow a clean kick and chase.
Big point is to match them man for man, in our style of play and keep the high tempo going throughout.
Set piece - Control the set piece and use it to restart our game plan. Paterson to marshal the line-out and get quick ball from our dynamic jumpers, Paterson to look at using the line-out and set mauls to allow for the box from Cook under no pressure from their forwards being tied into the maul. Pressure on Launch and Bonnaire as main jumpers. At the scrum we’ll look to get the squeeze on and target the front row, Domingo hasn't played in a while and the pressure will be applied on him, as well as Mulipola. A nudge at the scrum for us to keep the opposition back row tied into the scrum giving Cook, Flood 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 tight in the greasy conditions and take advantage of the forwards in the Saints pack who prefer to be out in the wider channels. 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. Cook 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. We will revert to your strong defensive banana drift defence to push the attackers towards our inside defence, with Cook sweeping in behind to guide defenders to plug holes and covers any kicks in behind. If an oppo player gets held or brought down this allows the second man to get over the ball quickly to at least compete and slow opposition possession. Rowan will look to target the opposition fly half early on and pressure his kicking.
Backs - Look to get the ball in hands of the backs, as they have the pace and finishing ability to worry any defence. 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. Varndell/Burrell/Strettle are big quick guys and will be able to mix and match the opposition defence, either catching Barritt's weaker inside shoulder on a a run against the grain, or exploiting the concentration of their back three in defence. Or generate the 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. Barrington and Yeandle will both put the squeeze on Mulipola to generate scrum penalties.
Line-out & Mauls - with a big front five we will look to set rolling mauls, to keep their back five 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. With players like Bonnaire, Jones and Spurling in wider channels, a lot of work will be required by the front five of Saints
Territory - When playing for territory, ensure we have a good chase to pressure the return and enforce the error and we will not kick directly to their back three. If the back three recieve the ball they shall be put to the floor instantly from the chase and not allowed to run.
Breakdown – Rowan & Ryan 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. They will look to remove Fraser from the ruck early to prevent turnovers.
Backs – Classy running options and two of the most prolific finishers in the AP with Strettle & Varndell and they will take any opportunity to run back loose kicks from the Saints, and are fantastic finishers in greasy conditions.
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.
London Wasps v London Welsh
Location - AJ Bell Stadium
Heavy Rain, 11 Degrees, 7mph SE Winds
WaspsManager: Ozzy3213
Sebastien Vahaamahina included on French bench. Willemse replaces.
| 01. Scott Sio | 09. Aaron Smith |
| 02. Tom Youngs | 10. Aaron Cruden |
| 03. Fraser Balmain | |
| 04. Romain Millo-Chluski | 11. Digby Ioane |
| 05. Paul Willemse | 12. Ma'a Nonu |
| 06. Fulgence Ouedraogo | 13. Henry Slade |
| 07. Steffon Armitage | 14. Henry Speight |
| 08. Jerome Kaino (c) | 15. Delon Armitage |
16. Deon Fourie 17. Ben Moon 18. Frans Malherbe 19. 20. Hayden Thompson-Stringer 21. Luke Narraway 22. Mitchell Drummond 23. Paul Jordaan
Basic Game Plan
In wet conditions we will be looking to play a territory based game, using the boots of Cruden, Slade and Armitage to play in the Welsh 22. When in their 22 we will use big carriers and carry close to the ruck and use the pick and go. Only when it is 100% on will we go wide and look to hit gaps in the defensive line.
In defence, as always we will be running a blitz defence. Our focus will be on the gainline collisions and driving back in the tackle. Line speed and no dog-legs will be key components for us. Smith will sweep in behind the defensive line to counter any chips/grubbers. Both wingers will sit a little deeper anticipating a kicking game from the opposition in the conditions.
Specifics
- Kicking Game. When we kick we will aim to find touch as deep as possible in Welsh territory and force them to throw into the lineout close to their own line in poor conditions.
- Lineout. Nothing flash. Hit our front and middle jumpers and ensure that we secure the ball. On Welsh ball put pressure Ward's throwing using the athletic Ouedraogo at the front and Vahaamahina where we believe the ball to be going.
- 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.
London WelshManager – CJ
| 01. Yannick Forestier | 09. Tawera Kerr-Barlow |
| 02. Dave Ward | 10. Francois Trinh-Duc (k) |
| 03. BJ Botha | |
| 04. George Skivington | 11. Eli Walker |
| 05. Sitaleki Timani | 12. Tom Taylor |
| 06. James Haskell* (c) | 13. Casey Laulala |
| 07. John Barclay | 14. Mark Cueto |
| 08. Ashley Johnson | 15. Chris Pennell |
16. Matt Rees 17. Nathan Catt 18. Oliver Tomaszczyk 19. Mouritz Botha 20. Tom Guest 21. Ben Spencer 22. Kyle Godwin 23. Jesse Mogg
Tactics:
Away and in filthy conditions we will seek to alter our usual gameplan to a tight, uncomplicated approach. The breakdown will still be paramount.
The breakdown: we will commit men to the breakdown as needed to save or steal turnover ball, picking our time just like the all blacks but otherwise holding players back for the kick chase, carrying and defence, relying on our fetching duo of Ward and Barclay, backed up by Haskell, to snaffle and speed up ball. One of these two will follow the ball in attack or defence every play, both helping the breakdown and providing support in attack.
Attack: in these conditions we have picked a kicking 12 to help the HBs, a pacey winger to chase attacking kicks and Cueto to back up Pennell at fullback. We will not play rugby in our own half, looking to kick cleverly into space or high and chased kicks to force handling errors and steal back possession in more favourable ground, as well as pinning te opposition back for territory.
When playing with the ball in hand, we will keep things simple with simple, well supported carries, runs from big forwards and Pennell off the halfbacks and switches to send Laulala at their 10. We will only spin wide and mix things up when going for the kill in their 22. Otherwise we prefer to trust our breakdown to retain possession rather than forcing things with passes.
In their 22 also look for clever grubbers, cross fields and chips as back 3 catching errors are likely in these conditions under pressure.
For slow ball, as ever, we will build it up with carries in groups of forwards, unless a useful kick is on. The drop goal is of course an option.
Scrum: we have a solid set piece and will look to stay firm on our ball with no funny business with collapsing or turning, allowing AJ to run off the base to get go forward for the plan above. TKB to snipe instead to keep them guessing. Aim to really menace their 8 and 9 at the base on their ball
Lineout: Skivington to call and keep things simple with our locks as main jumpers. Barclay looking to scrag their 9 early, and compete on every opposition throw- if Young gets the yips we can steal ball today.
Defence: blitz, TKB sweeping and Pennell very alert to the kicking game. Very aggressive fringe defence. In general we will look to concede no pens in our half and play it safe but in their 22, push the offside boundary as well as the breakdown laws- pens here hurt us less for high gain and likely turnovers, forced kicks for safety and chargedowns.
Kicking: take all shots at goal that are kickable, and chase all our kicks. Kicking a huge part of this game, I'm happy to kick back rather than return unless the support and space is good.
Targets: target Youngs in lineout, and both wingers' relative weakness against clever kicks. Nonu has little kicking game so when they are in their half, focus on pressurising the 10 and look out for Slade as he will be ge
the relief kicker.
Overall: retain ball with breakdown effort and fetchers
Kick in our territory and either into space or high and chased
Keep handling simple
Kick as an attacking weapon in their 22
Press for pens in their 22, play safe in our half
ChequeredJersey- Posts : 18707
Join date : 2011-12-24
Age : 35
Location : London, UK
Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by SirJohnnyEnglish Fri Nov 14, 2014 8:42 pm
Will add tactics for you Driver if you get them in 
SirJohnnyEnglish- Posts : 8536
Join date : 2011-05-11
Age : 36
Location : Limerick
Driver- Posts : 11038
Join date : 2011-04-20
Age : 33
Location : Hartlepool
Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by SirJohnnyEnglish Sat Nov 15, 2014 12:29 am
Bath 30-24 Newcastle Falcons
Scrum: Slight edge to Bath targeting McGuigan.
Lineout: Falcons capable of pinching the odd ball and causing problems.
Breakdown: Fairly evens. SOB fit combined with that back row would see Bath cause a lot of problems but hard to rate atm.
HB's: Bath combo much more capable of getting the backs involved.
Attack: Back lines fairly even on current form. Beale offers an extra kicking option to Bath at 12 and their front 5 full of carrying.
Defence: Beale struggles at 12 positionally and head on at times.
Bench: Du Preez provides good control late on. Falcons can edge the scrum but Deveto coming in so late will cause problems.
Tactics: No game plan hinders Falcons. Bath looking for high tempo and really using the big dynamic forwards well.
Gloucester 16-18 Harlequins
Scrum: Scrum edge to Quins with Figallo still hard to rate.
Lineout: Can't see an awful lot between the two sides here.
Breakdown: Great battle here. Forwards evenly matched. Glaws midfield provide a little more help but can't see either side edging.
HB's: 10s even but Pienaar a level above Robson currently.
Attack: Great carrying in both packs. Back 3 overall edges to Quins but Glaws stronger in midfield.
Defence: Glaws wingers susceptible to a good tactical kicking game.
Bench: Not a whole lot of difference between the benches and neither picks up an edge anywhere.
Tactics: Glaws going with a power game before releasing the backs. Quins looking to play the percentages and keep the game in Glaws territory. Feel Quins have tactically set up perfectly for this one.
Leicester Tigers 21-18 Saracens
Scrum: Some form issues for both but Tigers edge here slightly.
Lineout: Good battle here. Both sides should hold their own.
Breakdown: Better balance to Tigers and see them causing some problems. A fully fit Cole would be a good leveller in future.
HB's: More control from Sarries but Steyn has a dark cloud over him at the moment.
Attack: More of a kicking game to the Tigers backs but not a lot of difference elsewhere.
Defence: Tait capable at 13 but having played 15 for the majority of the last few years will be rusty positionally.
Bench: 10 cover looks suspect for Sarries but they should cause some scrum issues.
Tactics: Both sides looking for a structured approach trying to build through big carries in the tight. Tigers pack gives them the edge at home.
Northampton Saints 15-10 Exeter Chiefs
Scrum: Fairly even at the scrum.
Lineout: Both have the options to hold their own ball.
Breakdown: Chiefs will turn over the odd ball with Saints holding back a little here today.
HB's: Slight edge to Saints quality wise but Flood holds his own.
Attack: Good carrying games from both but Saints with a much stronger kicking game.
Defence: The Exeter banana blitz stops the power carrying somewhat but leaves a lot of space in wide channels to kick into.
Bench: Chiefs able to match Saints physically late on!
Tactics: Saints looking to dominate territory and keep the game in Chiefs half. Chiefs game slightly contradictory looking to control possession but going territory first? Exeter struggle to get in scoring positions against the Saints boots.
London Wasps 22-19 London Welsh
Scrum: Slight scrum edge to Welsh with better technicians at prop.
Lineout: Both hookers will struggle to hit the man in these conditions.
Breakdown: Decent battle here and both sides willing to compete. Just a little more quality to the Wasps back row.
HB's: Call ups very kind to Wasps this week! Not at 100% but have the edge here.
Attack: Man for man Wasps stronger 11-15.
Defence: Walker and Speight could both be targeted under the high ball.
Bench: Extra forward is useful in the conditions for Wasps.
Tactics: Both sides looking for territory first and then an aggressive defence approach to pick up points. Little more quality to the Wasps line up edges it.
Scrum: Slight edge to Bath targeting McGuigan.
Lineout: Falcons capable of pinching the odd ball and causing problems.
Breakdown: Fairly evens. SOB fit combined with that back row would see Bath cause a lot of problems but hard to rate atm.
HB's: Bath combo much more capable of getting the backs involved.
Attack: Back lines fairly even on current form. Beale offers an extra kicking option to Bath at 12 and their front 5 full of carrying.
Defence: Beale struggles at 12 positionally and head on at times.
Bench: Du Preez provides good control late on. Falcons can edge the scrum but Deveto coming in so late will cause problems.
Tactics: No game plan hinders Falcons. Bath looking for high tempo and really using the big dynamic forwards well.
Gloucester 16-18 Harlequins
Scrum: Scrum edge to Quins with Figallo still hard to rate.
Lineout: Can't see an awful lot between the two sides here.
Breakdown: Great battle here. Forwards evenly matched. Glaws midfield provide a little more help but can't see either side edging.
HB's: 10s even but Pienaar a level above Robson currently.
Attack: Great carrying in both packs. Back 3 overall edges to Quins but Glaws stronger in midfield.
Defence: Glaws wingers susceptible to a good tactical kicking game.
Bench: Not a whole lot of difference between the benches and neither picks up an edge anywhere.
Tactics: Glaws going with a power game before releasing the backs. Quins looking to play the percentages and keep the game in Glaws territory. Feel Quins have tactically set up perfectly for this one.
Leicester Tigers 21-18 Saracens
Scrum: Some form issues for both but Tigers edge here slightly.
Lineout: Good battle here. Both sides should hold their own.
Breakdown: Better balance to Tigers and see them causing some problems. A fully fit Cole would be a good leveller in future.
HB's: More control from Sarries but Steyn has a dark cloud over him at the moment.
Attack: More of a kicking game to the Tigers backs but not a lot of difference elsewhere.
Defence: Tait capable at 13 but having played 15 for the majority of the last few years will be rusty positionally.
Bench: 10 cover looks suspect for Sarries but they should cause some scrum issues.
Tactics: Both sides looking for a structured approach trying to build through big carries in the tight. Tigers pack gives them the edge at home.
Northampton Saints 15-10 Exeter Chiefs
Scrum: Fairly even at the scrum.
Lineout: Both have the options to hold their own ball.
Breakdown: Chiefs will turn over the odd ball with Saints holding back a little here today.
HB's: Slight edge to Saints quality wise but Flood holds his own.
Attack: Good carrying games from both but Saints with a much stronger kicking game.
Defence: The Exeter banana blitz stops the power carrying somewhat but leaves a lot of space in wide channels to kick into.
Bench: Chiefs able to match Saints physically late on!
Tactics: Saints looking to dominate territory and keep the game in Chiefs half. Chiefs game slightly contradictory looking to control possession but going territory first? Exeter struggle to get in scoring positions against the Saints boots.
London Wasps 22-19 London Welsh
Scrum: Slight scrum edge to Welsh with better technicians at prop.
Lineout: Both hookers will struggle to hit the man in these conditions.
Breakdown: Decent battle here and both sides willing to compete. Just a little more quality to the Wasps back row.
HB's: Call ups very kind to Wasps this week! Not at 100% but have the edge here.
Attack: Man for man Wasps stronger 11-15.
Defence: Walker and Speight could both be targeted under the high ball.
Bench: Extra forward is useful in the conditions for Wasps.
Tactics: Both sides looking for territory first and then an aggressive defence approach to pick up points. Little more quality to the Wasps line up edges it.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by Sgt_Pooly Sat Nov 15, 2014 2:19 am
Just seen Bosch is available this week 
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by dammit_chris Sat Nov 15, 2014 4:28 am
Very much agree with a lot of SJE's scorelines and reasons for the results.
Sale 28 - 24 London Irish
Ideal conditions for the home team, see them having a few more strike runners than Irish and getting Pisi and Roko available is a great bit of luck as they are two players that can make a huge difference in the game. Irish will compete with the setpiece and have some v inform players - if they can find a gainline breaker in their backline then it makes a huge difference.
Bath 32 - 27 Newcastle Falcons
Not having tactics makes a difference in the game, the conditions make it ideal for Bath and the way they want to play. Although I can see Falcons getting some joy at the lineout and disrupting some ball. I think they can be got at defensively in the 10-12 channel, so Falcons will get some points and make it close.
Gloucester 27 - 27 Harlequins
Really tough game to call - closest of the round - as Gloucester have a really big pack, which causes away teams problems but Quins do have a lot of physicality there too, so that battle is going to be so even. If they had Roberts in the midfield then I'd have given Quins the win, but just feel they lack that physicality in the backline - Quins can get some joy with experience of their no9 v Robson, just can't see them sucking in enough defenders to exploit the space out wide.
(I'm intrigued as to why only the Juan's get their first names mentioned in Mat's linup though!).
Leicester Tigers 20 - 18 Saracens
Pooly very unlucky that Tigers have Corbs, Moore, Lobbe and Louw available when they'd usually be lining up in the AIs. Tigers have a beast of a pack and again Sarries will push them really close and Hughes will give them problems with his carrying and Clark at the breakdown. Just see Tigers having a bit too much physicality when you take into account the whole lineup and just about secure the win.
London Wasps 26 - 22 London Welsh
Pete taking a bit of a risk playing so many All Blacks after they've had so many games, but as they are backs it pays off and that is a team you don't want to be coming up against during the AIs. Welsh will stay close in the game due to the power of that backrow and the control that their 9-10 can bring, but recalling 4 wc NZ'ers really sways it in favour of Pete.
3
Sale 28 - 24 London Irish
Ideal conditions for the home team, see them having a few more strike runners than Irish and getting Pisi and Roko available is a great bit of luck as they are two players that can make a huge difference in the game. Irish will compete with the setpiece and have some v inform players - if they can find a gainline breaker in their backline then it makes a huge difference.
Bath 32 - 27 Newcastle Falcons
Not having tactics makes a difference in the game, the conditions make it ideal for Bath and the way they want to play. Although I can see Falcons getting some joy at the lineout and disrupting some ball. I think they can be got at defensively in the 10-12 channel, so Falcons will get some points and make it close.
Gloucester 27 - 27 Harlequins
Really tough game to call - closest of the round - as Gloucester have a really big pack, which causes away teams problems but Quins do have a lot of physicality there too, so that battle is going to be so even. If they had Roberts in the midfield then I'd have given Quins the win, but just feel they lack that physicality in the backline - Quins can get some joy with experience of their no9 v Robson, just can't see them sucking in enough defenders to exploit the space out wide.
(I'm intrigued as to why only the Juan's get their first names mentioned in Mat's linup though!).
Leicester Tigers 20 - 18 Saracens
Pooly very unlucky that Tigers have Corbs, Moore, Lobbe and Louw available when they'd usually be lining up in the AIs. Tigers have a beast of a pack and again Sarries will push them really close and Hughes will give them problems with his carrying and Clark at the breakdown. Just see Tigers having a bit too much physicality when you take into account the whole lineup and just about secure the win.
London Wasps 26 - 22 London Welsh
Pete taking a bit of a risk playing so many All Blacks after they've had so many games, but as they are backs it pays off and that is a team you don't want to be coming up against during the AIs. Welsh will stay close in the game due to the power of that backrow and the control that their 9-10 can bring, but recalling 4 wc NZ'ers really sways it in favour of Pete.
3
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by prop_lyd Sat Nov 15, 2014 5:01 am
Bath 28-23 Falcons
Can see the Falcons front row stuggling with McGuigan against Hibbard, 2nd rows pretty even and a slight advantage to Bath in backrow would have been more but SOB been out a while. Halbacks to Bath and this links well into their tactics of controlling tempo of the game so will help their backs get the upper hand. Won't be many gaps in Falcons defence and their backs help keep them in the game. No tactics hinders Falcons here good front row bench keeps them in it.
Glos 22-23 Quins
*Can Gorgodze play if playing for Georgia, their team hasn't been announced*
Can't split the pack very easily to be honest, possibly a small Quins advantage with Figallo but he is coming back very well, Brits out for a while could see his ratings drop soon. Great control for Quins and the experience of Pienaar edges out a very exciting Glos half back pairing. Glos looking slightly more dangerous out wide to be honest. Looking at the benches I see a slight advantage to Quins, sorry haven't heard of some of the Glos bench! Two good tactics set out but feel Quins have a slight advantage with the kicking tactically.
Tigers 21-20 Sarries
Franks will be knackered so tough to rate him, Cole had 1 good game back but that's not enough yet. Not a lot overall in the rest of the pack. Not a lot but a slight edge to Tigers overall in the backs but Sarries no slouchers so it is close here. Stronger Tigers bench. Similar tactics which will bring big collisions across the park, feel Tigers just have enough to come off the bench to edge this one. Good game.
Saints 25-21 Chiefs
The strength in depth from Saints is scary here and their pack would match a few 1st team packs here, Chiefs backrow will cause some problems though and will slow down a few of Saints ball. Slight edge for Saints at half back but Flood no shirker. Out wide is where Chiefs' defence tactics of banana blitz will work but don't think it'll be enough against the tactical kicking and strong carrying game of Saints. Chiefs bench will help, hard to rate Pocock.
Wasps 24-21 Welsh
Little edge to Welsh at scrum time, overall even in 2nd rows and slight advantage to Wasps in the back row. Call ups helped Wasps here but a slight mark down with the amount of time they've been away on internationals. Strong centres from both but Wasps take the back 3 advantage. Condition helps both sides forwards tactics but think Wasps have a better kicking game with them today.
Can see the Falcons front row stuggling with McGuigan against Hibbard, 2nd rows pretty even and a slight advantage to Bath in backrow would have been more but SOB been out a while. Halbacks to Bath and this links well into their tactics of controlling tempo of the game so will help their backs get the upper hand. Won't be many gaps in Falcons defence and their backs help keep them in the game. No tactics hinders Falcons here good front row bench keeps them in it.
Glos 22-23 Quins
*Can Gorgodze play if playing for Georgia, their team hasn't been announced*
Can't split the pack very easily to be honest, possibly a small Quins advantage with Figallo but he is coming back very well, Brits out for a while could see his ratings drop soon. Great control for Quins and the experience of Pienaar edges out a very exciting Glos half back pairing. Glos looking slightly more dangerous out wide to be honest. Looking at the benches I see a slight advantage to Quins, sorry haven't heard of some of the Glos bench! Two good tactics set out but feel Quins have a slight advantage with the kicking tactically.
Tigers 21-20 Sarries
Franks will be knackered so tough to rate him, Cole had 1 good game back but that's not enough yet. Not a lot overall in the rest of the pack. Not a lot but a slight edge to Tigers overall in the backs but Sarries no slouchers so it is close here. Stronger Tigers bench. Similar tactics which will bring big collisions across the park, feel Tigers just have enough to come off the bench to edge this one. Good game.
Saints 25-21 Chiefs
The strength in depth from Saints is scary here and their pack would match a few 1st team packs here, Chiefs backrow will cause some problems though and will slow down a few of Saints ball. Slight edge for Saints at half back but Flood no shirker. Out wide is where Chiefs' defence tactics of banana blitz will work but don't think it'll be enough against the tactical kicking and strong carrying game of Saints. Chiefs bench will help, hard to rate Pocock.
Wasps 24-21 Welsh
Little edge to Welsh at scrum time, overall even in 2nd rows and slight advantage to Wasps in the back row. Call ups helped Wasps here but a slight mark down with the amount of time they've been away on internationals. Strong centres from both but Wasps take the back 3 advantage. Condition helps both sides forwards tactics but think Wasps have a better kicking game with them today.
Last edited by prop_lyd on Sat Nov 15, 2014 6:04 am; edited 1 time in total
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by Fluxy Sat Nov 15, 2014 6:03 am
Because it takes Juan, to know Juan... 
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by Guest Sat Nov 15, 2014 6:30 am
Get that man a beer. There can only be Juan!Fluxy wrote:Because it takes Juan, to know Juan...
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by dammit_chris Sat Nov 15, 2014 6:32 am
You both deserve to get minus points for those last few comments...
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by Steven_Sharks Sat Nov 15, 2014 8:34 am
Fluxy, Gorgodze is out of the AI's.
You worriedme though,
You worriedme though,
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by prop_lyd Sat Nov 15, 2014 8:39 am
That was me Steve, sorry fella hadn't seen their team announced so wasn't sure!!
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by Steven_Sharks Sat Nov 15, 2014 8:45 am
My apologies.
HE wasn't announced in their autumn squad so hopefully he isn't involved.
HE wasn't announced in their autumn squad so hopefully he isn't involved.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by prop_lyd Sat Nov 15, 2014 9:07 am
Ok cool, wasn't sure as he's one of their only players I know!! Probably banned anyway 
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by Steven_Sharks Sat Nov 15, 2014 9:21 am
Sale 24 - 23 Irish
Bath 28 - 24 Falcons
Leicester 21 - 20 Saracens
Saints 22 - 21 Exeter
Wasps 23 - 22 Welsh
Typed out explanations and then deleted them. Can't face it again sorry.
Bath 28 - 24 Falcons
Leicester 21 - 20 Saracens
Saints 22 - 21 Exeter
Wasps 23 - 22 Welsh
Typed out explanations and then deleted them. Can't face it again sorry.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by Ozzy3213 Sat Nov 15, 2014 9:25 pm
Just seen this...
http://m.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actualites/Nyanga-et-vahaamahina-sur-le-banc/514974
Vahaamahina replaces Flanquart in the French 23. Was only announced at 19.23 last night so after predos opened. Not sure if I get penalised for that or not, but in the interest of fairness thought I'd mention it.
http://m.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actualites/Nyanga-et-vahaamahina-sur-le-banc/514974
Vahaamahina replaces Flanquart in the French 23. Was only announced at 19.23 last night so after predos opened. Not sure if I get penalised for that or not, but in the interest of fairness thought I'd mention it.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by LukeLovesLuka Sat Nov 15, 2014 9:43 pm
No issue for me Pete.
I'm in Edinburgh with the Mrs for her bday. Will try and predo tomorrow night at airport. Probs only time I won't get lynched.
I'm in Edinburgh with the Mrs for her bday. Will try and predo tomorrow night at airport. Probs only time I won't get lynched.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by Steven_Sharks Sat Nov 15, 2014 9:45 pm
It's a tough one. My view is that late changes shouldn't be penalised after predos open. Was the French 23 named properly before Thursday night? I saw a provisional list of replacements which had Vahaamahina and Nyanga on but if they weren't named in a official 23 which was announced before the deadline then I don't think a penalty should apply.
If however the possible list of replacements was finalised after predos opened then it should be a penalty as its a risk that's knowingly been taken.
That's my 2 pence worth anyway
If however the possible list of replacements was finalised after predos opened then it should be a penalty as its a risk that's knowingly been taken.
That's my 2 pence worth anyway
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by Guest Sat Nov 15, 2014 9:58 pm
Agree with Steve !Steven_Sharks wrote:It's a tough one. My view is that late changes shouldn't be penalised after predos open. Was the French 23 named properly before Thursday night? I saw a provisional list of replacements which had Vahaamahina and Nyanga on but if they weren't named in a official 23 which was announced before the deadline then I don't think a penalty should apply.
If however the possible list of replacements was finalised after predos opened then it should be a penalty as its a risk that's knowingly been taken.
That's my 2 pence worth anyway
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by SirJohnnyEnglish Sat Nov 15, 2014 10:02 pm
The way I see it the French bench was unnamed as predictions opened similar to the Irish team so including any of them was a risk. I took Sexton out for fear he would end up on the Irish bench.
All the reports I read name a provisional bench list which was to be finalised after Fridays captain run so the usual punishments should apply.
All the reports I read name a provisional bench list which was to be finalised after Fridays captain run so the usual punishments should apply.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by Ozzy3213 Sat Nov 15, 2014 10:05 pm
I don't really know the answer as to whether a 23 was named or not. If I get pinged for it then I have no problem with it. I didn't even realise that Vahaamahina was in the French squad to be honest, I thought he was out of favour currently.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by Driver Sat Nov 15, 2014 10:22 pm
I could of picked Read!!!!!
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by Sgt_Pooly Sat Nov 15, 2014 10:32 pm
I've seen people fined for similar.
It's a risk selecting anyone in the training squad to be fair, you've just been unlucky. Those are the breaks, you got lucky with Cruden/Smith but they could have been called up too in theory.
It's a risk selecting anyone in the training squad to be fair, you've just been unlucky. Those are the breaks, you got lucky with Cruden/Smith but they could have been called up too in theory.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by Ozzy3213 Sat Nov 15, 2014 10:38 pm
Yeah, I'm happy to take the point deduction, it's my own fault, I didn't even realise he was in the French squad.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by Sgt_Pooly Sat Nov 15, 2014 10:39 pm
This has been a tough AI, hardest selection I've ever had I think.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by CJB Sun Nov 16, 2014 10:46 am
Sale 28-22 Irish
Think Sale have the all round talent here. Reckon they can get dominance in the set piece and will exploit their advantage in the loose.
Gloucester 24-25 Quins
Quins have the edge in the forward unit. Reckon Gloucester can get an edge at the lineout. One each in the halfbacks, marginal edge to Quins as think Pienaar is the standout. The outside backs go to Gloucester with far more threat.
Tigers 24-22 Sarries
Some great players in the front five, overall edge to Leicester, just. Think the Tigers back row has just a bit more overall. Do prefer the Sarries half backs and outside backs are pretty even although not sure of Tait at 13.
Saints 23-16 Exeter
Think the Saints front five can get a decent advantage. Exeter can slow down Saints ball but they just have too much overall. Team looks sensational Chris!
Wasps 25-21 Welsh
I'd go with a slight edge to Welsh in the front five. Welsh have arguably got a little lucky with who's available and it just gives them too much quality in the AIs. It's a very strong team from 6-15
Think Sale have the all round talent here. Reckon they can get dominance in the set piece and will exploit their advantage in the loose.
Gloucester 24-25 Quins
Quins have the edge in the forward unit. Reckon Gloucester can get an edge at the lineout. One each in the halfbacks, marginal edge to Quins as think Pienaar is the standout. The outside backs go to Gloucester with far more threat.
Tigers 24-22 Sarries
Some great players in the front five, overall edge to Leicester, just. Think the Tigers back row has just a bit more overall. Do prefer the Sarries half backs and outside backs are pretty even although not sure of Tait at 13.
Saints 23-16 Exeter
Think the Saints front five can get a decent advantage. Exeter can slow down Saints ball but they just have too much overall. Team looks sensational Chris!
Wasps 25-21 Welsh
I'd go with a slight edge to Welsh in the front five. Welsh have arguably got a little lucky with who's available and it just gives them too much quality in the AIs. It's a very strong team from 6-15
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by Sgt_Pooly Sun Nov 16, 2014 5:32 pm
Bath 23-21 Newacstle
Newcastle hurt by lack of tactics in this one as it's really close through the teams. Bath front row a little stronger but Falcons have more in the back 5. Halbacks close but I think Falcons have a bit more after that. With a good game plan I think Driver would have took this one but Bath at home are a tough outfit with no direction.
Northampton 12-12 Exeter
Exeter just the front row and have a bit more in the engione room and line out. Saints have a little more in the backrow and this makes the packs pretty close. Prefer Cook at 9 but 10's close on current form. Saints best centre combo but evened up with Tuilagi so out of from against a handy Exeter pairing. Saints back 3 a bit unbalanced and lacking form. Exeter man down on bench evened up slightly with Pocock on Saints bench. Exeter stronger front 5 gives them a chance but tight contest, can't see past the draw in poor conditions.
Wasps 14-14 Welsh
Decent scrum advantge for Welsh with engine rooms close, both hookers liable to throw some shockers. Not much in the backrows but Wasps stronger at halfback. Not sure Slade is at thi slevel so centres even. Wasps back 3 a step up but Welsh prob set out a bit better for the conditions with strong kicking options. Wasps have edge but a lot of players not involved with their clubs this week (Cruden, Smith, Kaino) so I think the conditions and change of game plan might catch them out and Welsh have a decent scrum to take advantage. Another tight one and a draw in poor conditions.
Newcastle hurt by lack of tactics in this one as it's really close through the teams. Bath front row a little stronger but Falcons have more in the back 5. Halbacks close but I think Falcons have a bit more after that. With a good game plan I think Driver would have took this one but Bath at home are a tough outfit with no direction.
Northampton 12-12 Exeter
Exeter just the front row and have a bit more in the engione room and line out. Saints have a little more in the backrow and this makes the packs pretty close. Prefer Cook at 9 but 10's close on current form. Saints best centre combo but evened up with Tuilagi so out of from against a handy Exeter pairing. Saints back 3 a bit unbalanced and lacking form. Exeter man down on bench evened up slightly with Pocock on Saints bench. Exeter stronger front 5 gives them a chance but tight contest, can't see past the draw in poor conditions.
Wasps 14-14 Welsh
Decent scrum advantge for Welsh with engine rooms close, both hookers liable to throw some shockers. Not much in the backrows but Wasps stronger at halfback. Not sure Slade is at thi slevel so centres even. Wasps back 3 a step up but Welsh prob set out a bit better for the conditions with strong kicking options. Wasps have edge but a lot of players not involved with their clubs this week (Cruden, Smith, Kaino) so I think the conditions and change of game plan might catch them out and Welsh have a decent scrum to take advantage. Another tight one and a draw in poor conditions.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by Ozzy3213 Sun Nov 16, 2014 6:27 pm
Sale Sharks 21 London Irish 20
Bath Rugby 25 Newcastle Falcons 24
Gloucester 23 Harlequins 22
Leicester Tigers 20 Saracens 20
Northampton Saints 13 Exeter Chiefs 13
Bath Rugby 25 Newcastle Falcons 24
Gloucester 23 Harlequins 22
Leicester Tigers 20 Saracens 20
Northampton Saints 13 Exeter Chiefs 13
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by Guest Mon Nov 17, 2014 5:24 am
Sale Sharks 21 London Irish 20
Bath Rugby 23 Newcastle Falcons 23
Northampton Saints 17Exeter Chiefs 16
Wasps 24-23 Welsh
Bath Rugby 23 Newcastle Falcons 23
Northampton Saints 17Exeter Chiefs 16
Wasps 24-23 Welsh
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by ChequeredJersey Mon Nov 17, 2014 5:28 am
Sale 26 - 25 Irish
Bath 23 - 23 Falcons
Saints 24 -23 Exeter
Gloucester 25 - 25 Quins
Tigers 21 - 20 Saracens
Bath 23 - 23 Falcons
Saints 24 -23 Exeter
Gloucester 25 - 25 Quins
Tigers 21 - 20 Saracens
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by Fluxy Mon Nov 17, 2014 6:22 am
Why have I got one man short on the bench? 
Fluxy- Aviva Premiership Commissioner
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Age : 33
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by Guest Mon Nov 17, 2014 6:52 am
It says your Georgian started for GeorgiaFluxy wrote:Why have I got one man short on the bench?
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by dammit_chris Mon Nov 17, 2014 7:28 am
I don't think anyone has noticed it though Fluxy as haven't seen anyone mention that you are one man down.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by Sgt_Pooly Mon Nov 17, 2014 7:31 am
dammit_chris wrote:I don't think anyone has noticed it though Fluxy as haven't seen anyone mention that you are one man down.
"Exeter man down on bench evened up slightly with Pocock on Saints bench"
I'm sure people noticed.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by Fluxy Mon Nov 17, 2014 8:50 am
Sale Sharks 25 - 20 London Irish
Sale have real physicality mixed with set piece expertise which allows them to wrestle control of the game from the Irish pack. Sharks have had some luck with some international call ups, but Irish have some clever attacking players in the backs, but perhaps a physical line breaker to capatalise.
Sharks win out, but Irish's ability to keep the scoreboard close helps them to LBP and keep Sharks honest.
Bath Rugby 29 - 24 Newcastle Falcons
A depleted Falcons come up against a very strong Bath side. Bath have their forwards strangle the life out of the dis-organised Falcons pack and control the pace of the game. Falcons have some possession from line out to get their dangerous backs into the game but it is off first phase and up against an organised defence. Bath with a strong home win.
Gloucester 25 - 28 Harlequins
Biggest game of the round. Two big packs contesting this one and it is just about even between both. I like Quins tactic of getting the forwards outside the ten to attack the 10 -12 channel which will get them some joy, however with Salvi on the pitch they will lose the turnover. Glos are good in attack but can be got at out wide, and Quins have the ability to take control. Pienaar controls the pace of the game for Quins and to kick them to a big away win.
Leicester Tigers 22 - 19 Saracens
Sarries unlucky to come up against a Tigers side with some big names players available. Sarries however don't take a backward step, but it is a big ask. Tigers just have too much quality, and will put away the Tigers side at home. Sarries have enough about them to earn the LBP as a result.
Wasps 24 - 20 London Welsh
The experience and control of the Wasps players in key decision making positions. Welsh make it a real fight of the game, but are unlucky that Wasps have some real quality to call upon in this game.
Sale have real physicality mixed with set piece expertise which allows them to wrestle control of the game from the Irish pack. Sharks have had some luck with some international call ups, but Irish have some clever attacking players in the backs, but perhaps a physical line breaker to capatalise.
Sharks win out, but Irish's ability to keep the scoreboard close helps them to LBP and keep Sharks honest.
Bath Rugby 29 - 24 Newcastle Falcons
A depleted Falcons come up against a very strong Bath side. Bath have their forwards strangle the life out of the dis-organised Falcons pack and control the pace of the game. Falcons have some possession from line out to get their dangerous backs into the game but it is off first phase and up against an organised defence. Bath with a strong home win.
Gloucester 25 - 28 Harlequins
Biggest game of the round. Two big packs contesting this one and it is just about even between both. I like Quins tactic of getting the forwards outside the ten to attack the 10 -12 channel which will get them some joy, however with Salvi on the pitch they will lose the turnover. Glos are good in attack but can be got at out wide, and Quins have the ability to take control. Pienaar controls the pace of the game for Quins and to kick them to a big away win.
Leicester Tigers 22 - 19 Saracens
Sarries unlucky to come up against a Tigers side with some big names players available. Sarries however don't take a backward step, but it is a big ask. Tigers just have too much quality, and will put away the Tigers side at home. Sarries have enough about them to earn the LBP as a result.
Wasps 24 - 20 London Welsh
The experience and control of the Wasps players in key decision making positions. Welsh make it a real fight of the game, but are unlucky that Wasps have some real quality to call upon in this game.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by LukeLovesLuka Mon Nov 17, 2014 9:06 am
Sale Sharks 23 - 21 London Irish
For me Irish get a nudge on up front, But sale look stronger at second row. Can't split the back rows and overall packs very even. Fairly level at HB, but beyond there sale look the stronger. Very close game. Slight edge to sale sneaks it.
Bath 25 - 21 Newcastle Falcons
Prefer bath up front although you could argue form issues. Newcastle looking very strong at lock. Fairly even back row contest and not a lot in the packs. Prefer bath at HB, whilst beyond there some dangerous looking threats. At home bath have enough.
Gloucester 22 - 23 Harlequins
Quins take the front row battle, and I prefer their second row as a duo too. Two good back rows slightly prefer Gloucs. Overall Quins edge packs. Quins edge HB's with decent combo, whisky Gloucs look slightly stronger beyond there. I think Quins just Nick a great away win.
Northampton Saints 26 - 24 Exeter Chiefs
Slight edge to Chiefs come scrum time, but Launchbury wins second row for saints. Saints back row looks better too and think they edge the packs but close. Saints edge HB combo, whilst both look really dangerous in attack. Close, but saints marching on.
London Wasps 27 - 25 London Welsh
Not much In the scrum may edge Welsh, and they sneak the second row too. Two top back rows slight advantage wasps. Wasps ab combo looks great, and in attach they can do real damage from 9-15. At home they have enough against a v strong Welsh team.
For me Irish get a nudge on up front, But sale look stronger at second row. Can't split the back rows and overall packs very even. Fairly level at HB, but beyond there sale look the stronger. Very close game. Slight edge to sale sneaks it.
Bath 25 - 21 Newcastle Falcons
Prefer bath up front although you could argue form issues. Newcastle looking very strong at lock. Fairly even back row contest and not a lot in the packs. Prefer bath at HB, whilst beyond there some dangerous looking threats. At home bath have enough.
Gloucester 22 - 23 Harlequins
Quins take the front row battle, and I prefer their second row as a duo too. Two good back rows slightly prefer Gloucs. Overall Quins edge packs. Quins edge HB's with decent combo, whisky Gloucs look slightly stronger beyond there. I think Quins just Nick a great away win.
Northampton Saints 26 - 24 Exeter Chiefs
Slight edge to Chiefs come scrum time, but Launchbury wins second row for saints. Saints back row looks better too and think they edge the packs but close. Saints edge HB combo, whilst both look really dangerous in attack. Close, but saints marching on.
London Wasps 27 - 25 London Welsh
Not much In the scrum may edge Welsh, and they sneak the second row too. Two top back rows slight advantage wasps. Wasps ab combo looks great, and in attach they can do real damage from 9-15. At home they have enough against a v strong Welsh team.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by SirJohnnyEnglish Mon Nov 17, 2014 11:47 am
RESULTS:
Sale Sharks 29 (T:3 C:1 P:4)
London Irish 21 (T:2 C:1 P:3)
Bath Rugby 31 (T:4 C:4 P:1)
Newcastle Falcons 24 (T:2 C:1 P:4)
Gloucester 24 (T:2 C:1 P:4)
Harlequins 26 (T:2 C:2 P:4)
Leicester Tigers 25 (T:1 C:1 P:6)
Saracens 20 (T:1 P:5)
Northampton Saints 23 (T:2 C:2 P:3)
Exeter Chiefs 17 (T:1 P:4)
London Wasps 27 (T:2 C:1 P:5)
London Welsh 21 (T:2 C:1 P:3)
BONUS:
Full: CJB, Fluxy, Luke, Prop, Chris, SJE & Pooly
Score: Matt, Steve, Pete & CJ
Fined: Driver
Sale Sharks 29 (T:3 C:1 P:4)
London Irish 21 (T:2 C:1 P:3)
Bath Rugby 31 (T:4 C:4 P:1)
Newcastle Falcons 24 (T:2 C:1 P:4)
Gloucester 24 (T:2 C:1 P:4)
Harlequins 26 (T:2 C:2 P:4)
Leicester Tigers 25 (T:1 C:1 P:6)
Saracens 20 (T:1 P:5)
Northampton Saints 23 (T:2 C:2 P:3)
Exeter Chiefs 17 (T:1 P:4)
London Wasps 27 (T:2 C:1 P:5)
London Welsh 21 (T:2 C:1 P:3)
BONUS:
Full: CJB, Fluxy, Luke, Prop, Chris, SJE & Pooly
Score: Matt, Steve, Pete & CJ
Fined: Driver
Last edited by SirJohnnyEnglish on Mon Nov 17, 2014 8:17 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by Sgt_Pooly Mon Nov 17, 2014 5:25 pm
I think Matt just done score only Johnny
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Seven #AIs
by SirJohnnyEnglish Mon Nov 17, 2014 8:18 pm
Cheers Pooly will change it
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Age : 36
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