About v2Aviva Premiership Round Ten
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ChequeredJersey
Steven_Sharks
Ozzy3213
Sgt_Pooly
BamBam
Fluxy
SirJohnnyEnglish
11 posters
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Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by SirJohnnyEnglish Mon 15 Dec 2014, 2:39 pm
First topic message reminder :
Sale Sharks v Exeter Chiefs
Location - AJ Bell Stadium
Light Cloud, 7 Degrees, 15mph WSW Winds
Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE
Subs:
16. Ross Harrison 17. David Paice 18. Samson Lee 19. Will Skelton 20. Matt Kvesic 21. Kieran Marmion 22. Beauden Barrett 23. Kyle Eastmond
We will play an expansive, high intensity offloading game looking to create space and break the defensive line. Mobility, physicality and handling is key to our approach.
- Fast ball is crucial. Mobile pack and physical midfield to clear out rucks and ensure quick ball. We will look to get over the gain line off all carries to make it easier to do so.
- Commit the defence. Sexton will play flat on the gain line to pull in defenders before releasing runners while Care will look for opportunities to snipe around the base always committing defenders.
- Take advantage of the Exeter banana. Sexton assisted by his midfield, both good kickers in their own right, will look to use intelligent kicks and exploit the space out wide from time to time. Sexton will use the wrap around off the midfield as well to get around the outside of the banana.
- Change the point of attack. Numerous playmakers across the backline comfortable at coming in at first receiver allow us to change the point of attack and leave the opposition guessing.
- Back three always involved. Wingers to track the ball off their wings looking for the inside ball or offload. 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, Care & Sexton. An area we will look to target if winning.
- Mix it up at the lineout. Five genuine jumpers gives us a strong attacking platform. Look to use both the rolling maul and ball off the top to keep the defence guessing.
- Straight line blitz defence. Focused on winning the gain line collisions and driving the ball carrier back. Line speed is crucial. Care will sweep behind the line to cover chips and grubbers.
- Target the breakdown. Committed to the breakdown with POM & Cane fetching for the ball, supported by the rest of the pack when needed. We will always look to turn the ball over.
Exeter Chiefs
Manager – Fluxy
16. Dimitri Szarzewski 17. Richard Barrington 18. Mike Ross 19. Michael Paterson 20. Yannick Nyanga 21. Chris Cook 22. Toby Flood 23. Alex Dunbar
General Game plan
Fast paced game based around high intensity in defence, offloading, and dynamic carrying and rucking. We will play a high paced counter punch style of rugby away from home.
When we gain possession our plan is to control attack with quick clean ball be it from set piece or turnover. After that look to control the pace of the game and go through the phases. Lopez will look to play flat and look to get our back line into the game whenever possible and keep the high tempo going throughout.
Big point is to match them man for man, in our style of play. Looking to control the ball for periods will result in frustrating the Sale side giving away penalties for us to capitalise on.
Set piece - Control the set piece and use it to restart our game plan and create point of attacks. POC to marshal the line-out and get quick ball from our dynamic jumpers. At the scrum Crockett & Cronin will look to get the squeeze on and target Zirakishvilli, who is prone to the odd collapse of the scrum and look to keep the opposition back row tied into the scrum giving Murray and Lopez more time and space to work in.
Pack & Breakdown - Look for strong carries from our pack, tying in the opposition defence to create overlaps for our backs. We’ll be looking to keep the ball alive and look for the offload when on. Our back-row will target the breakdown and look to blow through the ruck and past the ball. Clean ball will be generated either by blowing through the ruck and past the ball and a long presentation of the ball to keep it away from opposition defenders. Murray will 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. Using the defensive banana drift defence to push the attackers towards our inside defence, with Murray 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. Tipuric 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 and the back three especially, as they have the pace and finishing ability to worry any defence. Utilise the pace and size of Burrell\AAC to crash through the line, using our 'league/slider move' developed from last season to break the line. AAC/Burrell/Strettle are big quick guys and will be able to mix and match the opposition defence, either catching Steyn's weaker inside shoulder on a a run against the grain, or exploiting the concentration of Pisi in defence. Or even generate a two on one with JOC joining the back line and providing the extra man to either put a winger away or go himself.
Key Points
Pressure on the 8-9-10 axis - with Care not having his best season at the moment, look to isolate him from his backs and also force him to take up scrappy possession, where we can isolate and turnover possession as well as kill the Sharks momentum.
Scrum & Line-out – Target throughout, if weakness seen heap pressure and generate penalties. Crockett to exploit Zirakishvilli and pile in on him with Cronin. Cronin & POC had a strong period together over the AI's and proved that his darts are more than capable at this level
Quick Rucks - with their big pack we will look to set rucks quickly and keep their pack on the move to tire them out. As well as to keep moving the point if attack with ball in hand with clever offloads and pops to keep Sharks guessing.
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.
Targets in Defence - Steyn, not being the most agile, Lopez will try to angle runners off his weaker shoulder to break the line, similarly Pisi is not the best defending 13, and so AAC and Burrell will angle run down both of their weaker, inside shoulder.
Breakdown – The back five to be a nuisance in in the breakdown and either get over the ball or get past the ball and make the opposition cleaners a nightmare by having to make them drive our forwards even further off their ball, or steal if the are limited numbers competing.
Backs – Classy running options and two of the most prolific finishers in the AP in Strettle & Varndell, so they we will get the ball in their hands and they will take any opportunity. Especially targetting Roko and Le Roux on the wings, where their defence aren't really their strong points.
Build a Score - Lopez and JOC to share kicking at goal responsibilities with JOC taking the longer ones. Any penalty within their ten metre to be kicked at goal to keep scoreboard ticking. Unless ten metres from the line then we kick for the line-out
Gloucester Rugby v Bath Rugby
Location - Kingsholm
Light Cloud, 8 Degrees, 14mph WSW Winds
Gloucester
Manager- Matt
Subs:
16. Beast 17. Luke Cowan Dickie 18. Juan Figallo 19. Richie Grey 20. Tom Croft 21. Dan Robson 22. Dan Carter 23. charlie Walker
TARGET BREAKDOWN– We have a big mobile physically strong 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 Heaslip Etzbeth Alberts Salvi and Shas physicality and the power to swamp their backrow.Backed by our front 5 and this is an area we will flood.
TARGET 9 10 channel- Get our big runners in to the channel and look to get in behind.
Half backs- perenara 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 Off front foot vl. 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 sap Bath energy. We see them struggling with our power. When its on we will play an offloading game. When in behind We will Flood through with our quick Backs targeting mismatches
Line out– We have options galore in Etzbeth robson Alberts heaslip 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
Kicking options - with Cips and toomua we have great options to dominate kicking game when needed and also have fantastic options for exiting when under pressure.
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
Bath Rugby
Manager – inthefastlane
16. Mikey Haywood 17. James Slipper 18. Jake Cooper Wooley 19. Graham Kitchener 20. Sean O'Brien 21. Richard Wigglesworth 22. Michele Campagnaro 23. Kurtley Beale
Overall: We are gonna be looking to play front foot rugby. Look to overwhelm Glos 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. We will try to set a base, controlled by Messam which he can attack off.
Lineout: We will look to switch up the lineup with Romano, Messam, Kolisi and Whitelock options in the lineout. Whitelock will run the lineout with Romano 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 Siya Kolisi and Luke Wallace can try and disrupt opposition ball.
Defence: Blitz Defence looking to really put pressure on the Quins decision makers. Try to stop the ball from getting to the centres. Focus on gain line collisions and driving back in the tackle. FDP to sweep in behind.
Attack: Our half backs will control our rugby. FDP and Hodgson can play what they see and put the rest of the back line in strong positions. Lealifano can act as an extra playmaker from the 12. We have strong runners who can get over the gainline throughout the side with a very dynamic pack and a big back line. Look to get the big carriers involved as much as possible. The likes of Faumaunia, Healy, Kolisi, Hibbard and Messam will try and wear down defences by looking for gaps. The likes of Wade, North 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: Hodgson 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. LLF, Goode 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.
Harlequins v Newcastle Falcons
Location - Twickenham Stoop
Thick Cloud, 8 Degrees, 12mph WSW Winds
Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks
16. Rob Buchanan 17. Steven Kitchoff 18. John Afoa 19. George Kruis 20. Mamuka Gorgodze 21. Karl Dickson 22. Quade Cooper 23. Jack Nowell
Tactics
Game Plan
In the opposition half we base our play around ball retention and playing with a quick tempo so that we can create spaces out wide for a our danger men. In order to do this we will use look for our forwards to get us across the gain line and get us that all important quick ball with carries off of 9 and 10. When we get across the gain line and have tied in Newcastle defenders we will look to introduce our outside backs in space. We will look for our forwards to carry in numbers to ensure quick ball is recycled and in order to provide the offload option to keep our attacks flowing. A key aspect of our attacking play is to get across the gain line and to do this we will run at spaces and use footwork before contact to make it as difficult as possible for the opposition to defend. Also look to use the offload just before contact.
In our own half we will look to play the percentages, We have the players within our side to play from our own half but will only look to do so when we have a numerical advantage. Otherwise we will look to kick for territory or use an attacking kick such as a cross field to Huget or Tomane or an up and under. Key to our kicking game is to mix it up. Use different kickers and different methods in order to keep the Newcastle back 3 guessing.
Set piece
Look to use the scrum and lineouts as weapons from which to attack. Our big front 5 will look to take control at the scrum and we will primarily look to get quick ball off the top but will mix it up with a drive when it's suited. Look to really pressure the Newcastle throw with Hamilton marking Parling and Chouly and Wood watching the back.
Defence
Key focus of our defence is to give Owen Farrell and JDV no time on the ball. They need time on the ball to get their attack going properly so we will look to give them none with Hooper and Wood really pressing this home. Our default defence structure will be to defend out to in with Joseph controlling the line speed to cut off Newcastle's options out wide. We will look to contain them and make their attack easier to defend.
At the breakdown we will look to really attack the rucks in the wider channels with Hooper and Wood's mobility being key here. We will look to set up our defensive structure first when Newcastle are in central areas but should they get out wide then we will look to pounce and the whole side knows this.
Key Points
Retain possession and get over the gain line with ball in hand.
When we have quick ball we will look to get it wide.
Use the set piece as an attacking weapon.
Clear our rucks. We have to work hard to clear our rucks playing against two 7s. hit the rucks hard and ensure we don't have isolated carriers.
Stop Newcastle from going wide by pressuring Farrell and JDV. JJ leads out to in defence.
Target breakdowns out wide with Hooper and Wood. Get defence set first when Newcastle attacking in central channels.
Mix up kicking game. Use different kickers and different kicks. (Box, crossfield, up and under etc). Look to focus on Sharples.
Form. We haven't lost at home for a long time. We come into the game with only two losses this season. Winning is a habit.
Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Bambam
:-
16.Rory Best 17.Soane Tonga'huia 18.Matt Stevens 19.Ed Slater 20. David Ewers 21.Greig Laidlaw 22.Gareth Anscombe 23. Cory Jane
We will play a game based on getting into the right areas of the field and using our powerful carriers to break through.
Set piece - We have picked a strong set of scrummagers up front, backed up by a strong second row. Haymans will have spent lots of time scrummaging against Woodcock in the past, and we want him to put real pressure on the bind between Woodcock and Brits, we think we can have some joy targeting Brits in the scrum and forcing him apart from his loosehead. If we don't win the pen fairly quickly, we will look to get the ball out with Read's skill at the back being important here. In the lineout, we think they lack a true lineout caller, and Parling is in the side to help expose this and read their throws. On our ball, we have Maestri and Read as options in addition to Parling, plenty of ball to Parling in the middle which can be used off the top to our midfield carriers.
Breakdown - we have selected two 7s to help combat Hooper, first man in to clear him out and the second in to secure the ball. Read is also very strong in this area, but we want him to be more selective in picking rucks to get involved in, and primarily look to go for turnovers. We are focused on maintaining our defensive line outside of the back row.
Kicking game - We will primarily look to target Tomane with kicks, both high balls and grubber kicks in behind to make him turn. If he does gather, our strong kick chasers in the back 3 will look to cut off his easy pass to Kearney or Myler and make him clear himself. In defence, we have both half backs, JD2, Smith and Piutau all as kicking options
Attack - Use the big carrying from the centres to target Myler, with JDV running at him to try and suck in Serfontein, then use the back 3 and JD2 to isolate Joseph. Up front, the front 5 to carry around the fringes to tie in their defence, with Phipps sniping early and often to keep their back row honest and pressure off Farrell. Once we are in their 22, Smith to come in as first receiver at times to try and throw off their defence, and give us more options in attack.
Bench - Big carriers off the bench, Laidlaw to control the game late on if required or Anscombe/Jane to add some firepower if needed
Key points
Blow Hooper off the ball at every opportunity, he is the main focus of our back row.
Use ball off the top to give JDV a run at Myler
Be physical up front, look to get under Hamilton/Botha's skin, we know they are susceptible to a yellow
Kick to Tomane and challenge him to make ground with his clearances
Northampton Saints v Leicester Tigers
Location - Franklins Garden
Sunny Intervals, 6 Degrees, 15mph WSW Winds
Northampton Saints
Manager Dammit Chris
.
Subs: 16. Thomas Domingo 17. Dylan Hartley 18. Logi Muipola 19. Jonny Gray 20. Schalk Burger 21. Joe Simpson 22. Matt Giteau 23. Ben Foden
Tactics:
We are looking to make it 3 wins in a row against Tigers and have the psychological advantage going into the game. We have called up Lawes, Mako Vunipola and Chris Robshawinto the starting XV and have rotated our bench to ensure we have a fresh pack after two tough games in a row. We will play a game based around a solid set piece, strong ball carriers and getting over the gain line, playing a game with high intensity and getting the ball into the hands of our gainline breakers and constantly making Tigers tackle. We aim to attack Tigers and put their defence under pressure from the outset, particularly targeting their no10 who hasn't played a great deal for Tigers this season and we'll aim to disrupt their attacking game.
Pack/Setpiece:
We've freshened up the pack and will be looking to use the set piece to launch attacks and pressurise the Tigers. With the conditions we are really going to focus on securing quick lineout ball to attack from, so we've selected Launch, Lawes, Manoa, Robshaw and Parisse to give us five options and will aim to get the ball out and attack. Lawes comes in to mark Matfield defensively and limit the quick ball that Tigers can generate.
Attack/Kicking Game:
Our game plan is built on giving Ford a platform to dictate the game, putting our powerful runners in the backline into space and providing attacking opportunities. We've picked a pack that can give Ford that platform and get us over the gain line. We've selected Goneva and Savea on the wings as we want to utilise Ford's cross field kick and also operate a fantastic kick chase to test the Tigers backthree. Have lots of different ways to attack, whether it is through powerful runners, spreading the ball wide to attack space or through Ford's kicking game, will make it difficult for Tigers to read and defend.
Breakdown:
We've picked a mobile pack to play the speed at speed at get numbers to the breakdown, whether securing our own ball or looking for turnovers. We think we can isolate Louw by getting numbers to the breakdown and clearing him out before Tigers get to challenge for the ball. We have selected a mobile front five who will put bodies into the breakdown to clear out Tigers and turn this area into a real physical confrontation - as the game goes on we can strengthen this area by bringing on Hartley, Mulipola, Gray and Burger.
Defence:
As always a really aggressive defence with fast line speed and closing down the Tigers halfbacks, we want to limit Tigers attacking options so will really target Pisi and force him into errors. We've picked a big, physical backline from 11-14 who will look to stop Tigers backs getting over the gainline and will happily look for the choke tackle to win scrums and turnovers - especially so with Fofana and Tuiagi in the midfield. Davies to sweep in behind the defensive line.
Key Points:
* Momentum of beating Tigers twice in the last two games.
* Good conditions that will allow us to attack, particularly off the back of lineouts.
* Ford to control the game, mixing up passing and kicking game.
* Halfpenny's boot to punish Tigers whenever they infringe.
* Home advantage and strong impact bench.
Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka
.
16. Agustin Creevy 17. Alex Corbisiero 18. Cencus Johnston 19. Kearnan Myall 20. Jacques Burger 21. Micky Young 22. Freddie Burns 23. Alex Cuthbert
Tactics:
We will look to play high tempo, high intensity rugby. We have, throughout our XV, big line breakers to make the hard yards and tie up defenders creating space in wider channels for Pisi to exploit.
- Play an offloading game. We see the offload as our big weapon and our carriers will all be looking to offload in contact, continuing our forward momentum.
- Attack all scrums - Front row of Franks, Moore and Jenkins to look to really get the shove on, particularly targeting the Saints Vunipola/Webber channel.
- Attack at all lineouts. Use Hines or Lobbe at the front and Matfield off the top as our three key options.
Shortened lineouts with Waldrom in midfield as crash or decoy option.
- Gigantic XV made up of massive line-breakers, used in the tight to tire down the Saints defence. Primarily using Waldrom, Basteraud and Moore, plus the likes of Louw, Franks, Lobbe and Banahan to get us over the gainline. Add to that the likes of Creevy, Burger and Cuthbert off the bench.
- Fotuali'i to look to snipe around the fringes and keep us going forwards all the time.
- Look to win battle at the breakdown - Lobbe and Louw, supported by the likes of Bastareaud and Jenkins, to really look to get into the breakdown and give Saints problems.
- We will look to employ a blitz defence, focusing on a quick line speed to hit the ball carrier before he gets to the gainline, and look to win the collisions in defence. Fotuali'i to sweep behind with an eye on short kicks.
Pisi to kick all penalties.
Saracens v London Welsh
Location - Allianz Park
Light Cloud, 7 Degrees, 14mph WSW Winds
Saracens
Manager – Pooly
:-
16. Jamie George 17. Xavier Chiocci 18. Tom Francis 19. Louis Deacon 20. Thierry Dusatoir 21. Henry Taylor 22. Malakai Fekitoa 23. Tom Taylor
Tactics:
TARGET BREAKDOWN – With Mealamu/Clark/Cole/Mowen/Dus strong in this area we’ll look to target turnover ball and slowing opposition attacks.
SCRUM ADVANTAGE- Look to target the opposition scrum from the off and keep the ball in if weakness seen. We'll look for the big push when the ball is put in and catch their 2 whilst attempting to hook, driving over the ball. We have a extremely strong starting and bench scrummaging outfit with Davies/Deacon renowned scrummaging locks.
TARGET BEHIND & IN AIR NADOLO – We've seen he struggles with the high ball and ball in behind. We'll look to neutralise his threat by putting in the box kicks and sending a strong kick chase to target/pressure him. We feel we can get plenty of joy threw this route and knock on's to give a scrum platform.
TARGET KICKING GAME– Look to dominate the kicking game and put pressure on opposition line out with strong kicking 9/10/13
PARRA/LAMBIE COMBO - Perfect combo to dictate play and keep us playing in right area. Lambie/Bosch/Parra give us a deadly place kicking option and we will take all points on offer to kill off the game.
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 Clark/Cole/Mowen etc a chance to slow down/steal ball. Put pressue on SH's basics and force him into errors, Mowen the expert here. 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 SBW on his shoulder. Huge carrying backrow to get us over the gain line after front 5 set a platform. SBW/Bosch to run angles off the 9/10, allowing us gain line breakers. Look to keep opposition guessing with clever lines through midfield. Ashton will look to track the midfield combo and get the end of SBW's little offloads in contact. Guildford to keep things honest and come looking for work.
London Welsh
Manager – CJ
:-
16. Richardt Strauss 17. Yannick Forestier 18. Oliver Tomaszczyk 19. Mouritz Botha 20. Remi Tales 21. Ben Spencer 22. Mark Cueto 23. Alexandre Lapandry
Tactics
As usual we will focus on winning the breakdown, with Ward and Barclay acting in tandem, supported by the rest of the pack where necessary, only committing the numbers we need to allow the rest to be options in attack or defence until an opportunity to turn over comes along. Sarries have good players at the breakdown but we have 2 excellent workers in Ward and Barclay aided by Haskell and Skivington with good clearers like AJ and Timani for balance.
In attack, we will build slow ball with driving mauls and carries in groups from our pack, crash balls off 10 and a high, chased kicking game.
Faster ball will be spun wide with FTH attacking the line and standing flat and Godwin and Pennell as second distributors. Laulala and the inside ball to our carriers in the pack and the blindside winger will be used as a primary phase 1 run, then using our fetchers we will recycle the ball for our wave 2 runners of the backrow, Godwin and the open wing. Lots of work coming into the line by the back 3. If they try to blitz us, we have kickers at 9, 10, 12 and 15 to chip and grubber through and the two wave approach is ideal for countering the blitz.
Look to send AJ, Haskell and Timani at their wingers with the ball down the blind side of rucks to really test their physical and mental mettle and look to break the tackle and offload into support. Support is vital and part of Ward and Barclay's role We will also look to engineer one on ones for our wingers, who are powerful runners who also have an outside step, against theirs to really test their weak defence.
We will chase all kicks, run them back where possible and take on all points on offer. Kicks will be high and for possession which we will aim to use quickly. I'd like to see us taking quick lineouts and where possible getting the likes of AJ or Vito when he comes on in a position to help run it back.
Our lineout will see us attack Mealamu by competing for every ball and denying them the front, testing his longer range. We will keep to simple ball off the top with Skivs calling.
Scrum- use as a restart for attacking ball off the base. If we are struggling, we can shore it up with our sub props.
Defence- blitz led by Laulala, with TKB sweeping and the pack ready to scramble. Fringes kept tight, and have Ward and Barclay alert for the SBW offload and the Ashton inside line. Parra can be pedantic so if he gets slow ball, swamp him.
Subs- with a 6-2 split, I want our pack going at 100% intensity early on, knowing we can bring on 2 backrowers should they tire with our gameplan that is reliant on them. Strauss to shore up lineout.
Targets- lacking carrying power in Sarries pack, let's take them on in the maul where possible and sap away at them, making them less effective in the set piece. Target wingers' defence. As Hughes is main carrying option, anticipate him coming through, let him make some space then honey trap him with two tacklers, high and low, supported by our fetchers to force the turnover or penalty
Overall- sap their pack with mauls
Clever committal to the breakdown
Run it back and attack in 2 phases
Run the ball at their wingers
Chip over the blitz
London Wasps v London Irish
Location - Adams Park
Light Cloud, 7 Degrees, 9mph WSW Winds
Wasps
Manager: Ozzy3213
Subs:
16. Tom Youngs 17. Scott Sio 18. Ben Alexander 19. Matt Symons 20. Fulgence Ouedraogo 21. Ben Youngs 22. Henry Slade 23. Tim Nanai-Williams
Basic Game Plan
In dry conditions we will be looking to play a possession based game, going through the phases and continually shifting the point of attack. We will play sensibly in our own half though, and will use the boots of Cruden and Watson if it is not on to run the ball. When using the boot we will kicking for touch and looking to contest the lineout. We will not kick to their back three.
In defence, as always we will be running a blitz defence. Our focus will be on the gainline collisions and driving back in the tackle. Line speed and no dog-legs will be key components for us. Smith will sweep in behind the defensive line to counter any chips/grubbers.
Specifics
London Irish
Manager - Prop
Subs:
16. Tom Lindsay 17. Ben Franks 18. Will Collier 19. Tom Savage 20. Scott Higginbotham 21. Rory Kockott 22. Owen Williams 23. Adam Thompstone
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.
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. Warburton 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 Wasps 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 Roberts and our pack runners the chance to get over the gainline. Dickson 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 Biggar and Smith to pull the strings and find the gaps for our strong runners, if it is not on and the wind is blowing 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 Higginbotham and Franks who will all make an impact against tired defences and with Kockott and Williams be able to pull the strings to make the gaps available.
Defence: Smith, Warburton, Brown, Morgan, Biggar and Roberts have all shown recently how strong they are in defence and making the intiial big impact hit. We also know how good the Wasps centres are so will look to prevent tem offloading the ball by double tackling them. 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. Bell is a strong defender and we will use this to our advantage to prevent anything going out wide.
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. There won't be much of a home advantage for Wasps as it is their first game so this is basically on neutral ground. We have good form coming in after a good draw against a strong Bath team and then back to back high scores against Cardiff Blues who have shown they are no push overs.
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 Exeter Chiefs
Location - AJ Bell Stadium
Light Cloud, 7 Degrees, 15mph WSW Winds
Sale SharksManager – SJE
| 01. Marcos Ayerza | 09. Danny Care |
| 02. Benjamin Kayser | 10. Johnny Sexton |
| 03. Davit Zirakishvilli | |
| 04. Brodie Retalick | 11. Willie Le Roux |
| 05. Dave Attwood | 12. Francois Steyn |
| 06. Peter O'Mahony | 13. George Pisi |
| 07. Sam Cane | 14. Semesa Rokoduguni |
| 08. Louis Picamoles | 15. Nick Abendanon |
Subs:
16. Ross Harrison 17. David Paice 18. Samson Lee 19. Will Skelton 20. Matt Kvesic 21. Kieran Marmion 22. Beauden Barrett 23. Kyle Eastmond
We will play an expansive, high intensity offloading game looking to create space and break the defensive line. Mobility, physicality and handling is key to our approach.
- Fast ball is crucial. Mobile pack and physical midfield to clear out rucks and ensure quick ball. We will look to get over the gain line off all carries to make it easier to do so.
- Commit the defence. Sexton will play flat on the gain line to pull in defenders before releasing runners while Care will look for opportunities to snipe around the base always committing defenders.
- Take advantage of the Exeter banana. Sexton assisted by his midfield, both good kickers in their own right, will look to use intelligent kicks and exploit the space out wide from time to time. Sexton will use the wrap around off the midfield as well to get around the outside of the banana.
- Change the point of attack. Numerous playmakers across the backline comfortable at coming in at first receiver allow us to change the point of attack and leave the opposition guessing.
- Back three always involved. Wingers to track the ball off their wings looking for the inside ball or offload. 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, Care & Sexton. An area we will look to target if winning.
- Mix it up at the lineout. Five genuine jumpers gives us a strong attacking platform. Look to use both the rolling maul and ball off the top to keep the defence guessing.
- Straight line blitz defence. Focused on winning the gain line collisions and driving the ball carrier back. Line speed is crucial. Care will sweep behind the line to cover chips and grubbers.
- Target the breakdown. Committed to the breakdown with POM & Cane fetching for the ball, supported by the rest of the pack when needed. We will always look to turn the ball over.
Exeter Chiefs
Manager – Fluxy
| 01. Wyatt Crockett | 09. Connor Murray |
| 02. Sean Cronin | 10. Camille Lopez |
| 03. Jamie Johnston | |
| 04. Patrick Tuipulotu | 11. Tom Varndell |
| 05. Paul O'Connell (c) | 12. Luther Burrell |
| 06. Carl Fearns | 13. Adam Ashley-Cooper |
| 07. Justin Tipuric | 14. David Strettle |
| 08. Toby Faletau | 15. James O'Connor |
General Game plan
Fast paced game based around high intensity in defence, offloading, and dynamic carrying and rucking. We will play a high paced counter punch style of rugby away from home.
When we gain possession our plan is to control attack with quick clean ball be it from set piece or turnover. After that look to control the pace of the game and go through the phases. Lopez will look to play flat and look to get our back line into the game whenever possible and keep the high tempo going throughout.
Big point is to match them man for man, in our style of play. Looking to control the ball for periods will result in frustrating the Sale side giving away penalties for us to capitalise on.
Set piece - Control the set piece and use it to restart our game plan and create point of attacks. POC to marshal the line-out and get quick ball from our dynamic jumpers. At the scrum Crockett & Cronin will look to get the squeeze on and target Zirakishvilli, who is prone to the odd collapse of the scrum and look to keep the opposition back row tied into the scrum giving Murray and Lopez more time and space to work in.
Pack & Breakdown - Look for strong carries from our pack, tying in the opposition defence to create overlaps for our backs. We’ll be looking to keep the ball alive and look for the offload when on. Our back-row will target the breakdown and look to blow through the ruck and past the ball. Clean ball will be generated either by blowing through the ruck and past the ball and a long presentation of the ball to keep it away from opposition defenders. Murray will 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. Using the defensive banana drift defence to push the attackers towards our inside defence, with Murray 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. Tipuric 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 and the back three especially, as they have the pace and finishing ability to worry any defence. Utilise the pace and size of Burrell\AAC to crash through the line, using our 'league/slider move' developed from last season to break the line. AAC/Burrell/Strettle are big quick guys and will be able to mix and match the opposition defence, either catching Steyn's weaker inside shoulder on a a run against the grain, or exploiting the concentration of Pisi in defence. Or even generate a two on one with JOC joining the back line and providing the extra man to either put a winger away or go himself.
Key Points
Pressure on the 8-9-10 axis - with Care not having his best season at the moment, look to isolate him from his backs and also force him to take up scrappy possession, where we can isolate and turnover possession as well as kill the Sharks momentum.
Scrum & Line-out – Target throughout, if weakness seen heap pressure and generate penalties. Crockett to exploit Zirakishvilli and pile in on him with Cronin. Cronin & POC had a strong period together over the AI's and proved that his darts are more than capable at this level
Quick Rucks - with their big pack we will look to set rucks quickly and keep their pack on the move to tire them out. As well as to keep moving the point if attack with ball in hand with clever offloads and pops to keep Sharks guessing.
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.
Targets in Defence - Steyn, not being the most agile, Lopez will try to angle runners off his weaker shoulder to break the line, similarly Pisi is not the best defending 13, and so AAC and Burrell will angle run down both of their weaker, inside shoulder.
Breakdown – The back five to be a nuisance in in the breakdown and either get over the ball or get past the ball and make the opposition cleaners a nightmare by having to make them drive our forwards even further off their ball, or steal if the are limited numbers competing.
Backs – Classy running options and two of the most prolific finishers in the AP in Strettle & Varndell, so they we will get the ball in their hands and they will take any opportunity. Especially targetting Roko and Le Roux on the wings, where their defence aren't really their strong points.
Build a Score - Lopez and JOC to share kicking at goal responsibilities with JOC taking the longer ones. Any penalty within their ten metre to be kicked at goal to keep scoreboard ticking. Unless ten metres from the line then we kick for the line-out
Gloucester Rugby v Bath Rugby
Location - Kingsholm
Light Cloud, 8 Degrees, 14mph WSW Winds
Gloucester
Manager- Matt
| 01. Nick Wood | 09. Tj perenara |
| 02. Adriaan Strauss | 10. Danny Cipriani |
| 03. Nicola Mas | |
| 04. Eben Etzbeth | 11. Johnnie May |
| 05. george Robson | 12. Matt toomua |
| 06. willem Alberts | 13. Tevita Kurindrani |
| 07. Julian Salvi | 14. hosea gear |
| 08. jamie Heaslip | 15. israel Folau |
Subs:
16. Beast 17. Luke Cowan Dickie 18. Juan Figallo 19. Richie Grey 20. Tom Croft 21. Dan Robson 22. Dan Carter 23. charlie Walker
TARGET BREAKDOWN– We have a big mobile physically strong 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 Heaslip Etzbeth Alberts Salvi and Shas physicality and the power to swamp their backrow.Backed by our front 5 and this is an area we will flood.
TARGET 9 10 channel- Get our big runners in to the channel and look to get in behind.
Half backs- perenara 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 Off front foot vl. 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 sap Bath energy. We see them struggling with our power. When its on we will play an offloading game. When in behind We will Flood through with our quick Backs targeting mismatches
Line out– We have options galore in Etzbeth robson Alberts heaslip 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
Kicking options - with Cips and toomua we have great options to dominate kicking game when needed and also have fantastic options for exiting when under pressure.
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
Bath Rugby
Manager – inthefastlane
| 01. Cian Healy | 09. Fourie Du Preez |
| 02. Richard Hibbard | 10. Charlie Hodgson |
| 03. Charlie Faumaunia | |
| 04. Luke Romano | 11. Jamie Elliot |
| 05. Sam Whitelock | 12. Christian Lealifano |
| 06. Siya Kolisi | 13. Damien De Allende |
| 07. Luke Wallace | 14. George North |
| 08. Liam Messam | 15. Alex Goode |
Overall: We are gonna be looking to play front foot rugby. Look to overwhelm Glos 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. We will try to set a base, controlled by Messam which he can attack off.
Lineout: We will look to switch up the lineup with Romano, Messam, Kolisi and Whitelock options in the lineout. Whitelock will run the lineout with Romano 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 Siya Kolisi and Luke Wallace can try and disrupt opposition ball.
Defence: Blitz Defence looking to really put pressure on the Quins decision makers. Try to stop the ball from getting to the centres. Focus on gain line collisions and driving back in the tackle. FDP to sweep in behind.
Attack: Our half backs will control our rugby. FDP and Hodgson can play what they see and put the rest of the back line in strong positions. Lealifano can act as an extra playmaker from the 12. We have strong runners who can get over the gainline throughout the side with a very dynamic pack and a big back line. Look to get the big carriers involved as much as possible. The likes of Faumaunia, Healy, Kolisi, Hibbard and Messam will try and wear down defences by looking for gaps. The likes of Wade, North 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: Hodgson 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. LLF, Goode 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.
Harlequins v Newcastle Falcons
Location - Twickenham Stoop
Thick Cloud, 8 Degrees, 12mph WSW Winds
Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks
| 01. Tony Woodcock | 09. Ruan Pienaar |
| 02. Schalk Brits | 10. Steven Myler (k) |
| 03. Kieran Brookes | |
| 04. Bakkies Botha | 11. Joe Tomane |
| 05. Jim Hamilton | 12. Jan Serfontein |
| 06. Tom Wood | 13. Jonathan Joseph |
| 07. Michael Hooper (c) | 14. Yoann Huget |
| 08. Damien Chouly | 15. Rob Kearney |
16. Rob Buchanan 17. Steven Kitchoff 18. John Afoa 19. George Kruis 20. Mamuka Gorgodze 21. Karl Dickson 22. Quade Cooper 23. Jack Nowell
Tactics
Game Plan
In the opposition half we base our play around ball retention and playing with a quick tempo so that we can create spaces out wide for a our danger men. In order to do this we will use look for our forwards to get us across the gain line and get us that all important quick ball with carries off of 9 and 10. When we get across the gain line and have tied in Newcastle defenders we will look to introduce our outside backs in space. We will look for our forwards to carry in numbers to ensure quick ball is recycled and in order to provide the offload option to keep our attacks flowing. A key aspect of our attacking play is to get across the gain line and to do this we will run at spaces and use footwork before contact to make it as difficult as possible for the opposition to defend. Also look to use the offload just before contact.
In our own half we will look to play the percentages, We have the players within our side to play from our own half but will only look to do so when we have a numerical advantage. Otherwise we will look to kick for territory or use an attacking kick such as a cross field to Huget or Tomane or an up and under. Key to our kicking game is to mix it up. Use different kickers and different methods in order to keep the Newcastle back 3 guessing.
Set piece
Look to use the scrum and lineouts as weapons from which to attack. Our big front 5 will look to take control at the scrum and we will primarily look to get quick ball off the top but will mix it up with a drive when it's suited. Look to really pressure the Newcastle throw with Hamilton marking Parling and Chouly and Wood watching the back.
Defence
Key focus of our defence is to give Owen Farrell and JDV no time on the ball. They need time on the ball to get their attack going properly so we will look to give them none with Hooper and Wood really pressing this home. Our default defence structure will be to defend out to in with Joseph controlling the line speed to cut off Newcastle's options out wide. We will look to contain them and make their attack easier to defend.
At the breakdown we will look to really attack the rucks in the wider channels with Hooper and Wood's mobility being key here. We will look to set up our defensive structure first when Newcastle are in central areas but should they get out wide then we will look to pounce and the whole side knows this.
Key Points
Retain possession and get over the gain line with ball in hand.
When we have quick ball we will look to get it wide.
Use the set piece as an attacking weapon.
Clear our rucks. We have to work hard to clear our rucks playing against two 7s. hit the rucks hard and ensure we don't have isolated carriers.
Stop Newcastle from going wide by pressuring Farrell and JDV. JJ leads out to in defence.
Target breakdowns out wide with Hooper and Wood. Get defence set first when Newcastle attacking in central channels.
Mix up kicking game. Use different kickers and different kicks. (Box, crossfield, up and under etc). Look to focus on Sharples.
Form. We haven't lost at home for a long time. We come into the game with only two losses this season. Winning is a habit.
Newcastle FalconsManager – Bambam
| 01. Matt Mullan | 09. Nick Phipps |
| 02. Dane Coles | 10. Owen Farrell (k) |
| 03. Carl Hayman | |
| 04. Yohan Maestri | 11. Charlie Sharples |
| 05. Geoff Parling | 12. Jean De Villiers |
| 06. Richie McCaw | 13. Jonathan Davies |
| 07. Will Fraser | 14. Charles Piutau |
| 08. Kieran Read (c) | 15. Ben Smith |
16.Rory Best 17.Soane Tonga'huia 18.Matt Stevens 19.Ed Slater 20. David Ewers 21.Greig Laidlaw 22.Gareth Anscombe 23. Cory Jane
We will play a game based on getting into the right areas of the field and using our powerful carriers to break through.
Set piece - We have picked a strong set of scrummagers up front, backed up by a strong second row. Haymans will have spent lots of time scrummaging against Woodcock in the past, and we want him to put real pressure on the bind between Woodcock and Brits, we think we can have some joy targeting Brits in the scrum and forcing him apart from his loosehead. If we don't win the pen fairly quickly, we will look to get the ball out with Read's skill at the back being important here. In the lineout, we think they lack a true lineout caller, and Parling is in the side to help expose this and read their throws. On our ball, we have Maestri and Read as options in addition to Parling, plenty of ball to Parling in the middle which can be used off the top to our midfield carriers.
Breakdown - we have selected two 7s to help combat Hooper, first man in to clear him out and the second in to secure the ball. Read is also very strong in this area, but we want him to be more selective in picking rucks to get involved in, and primarily look to go for turnovers. We are focused on maintaining our defensive line outside of the back row.
Kicking game - We will primarily look to target Tomane with kicks, both high balls and grubber kicks in behind to make him turn. If he does gather, our strong kick chasers in the back 3 will look to cut off his easy pass to Kearney or Myler and make him clear himself. In defence, we have both half backs, JD2, Smith and Piutau all as kicking options
Attack - Use the big carrying from the centres to target Myler, with JDV running at him to try and suck in Serfontein, then use the back 3 and JD2 to isolate Joseph. Up front, the front 5 to carry around the fringes to tie in their defence, with Phipps sniping early and often to keep their back row honest and pressure off Farrell. Once we are in their 22, Smith to come in as first receiver at times to try and throw off their defence, and give us more options in attack.
Bench - Big carriers off the bench, Laidlaw to control the game late on if required or Anscombe/Jane to add some firepower if needed
Key points
Blow Hooper off the ball at every opportunity, he is the main focus of our back row.
Use ball off the top to give JDV a run at Myler
Be physical up front, look to get under Hamilton/Botha's skin, we know they are susceptible to a yellow
Kick to Tomane and challenge him to make ground with his clearances
Northampton Saints v Leicester Tigers
Location - Franklins Garden
Sunny Intervals, 6 Degrees, 15mph WSW Winds
Northampton Saints
Manager Dammit Chris
| 01. Mako Vunipola | 09. Gareth Davies'i |
| 02. Rob Webber | 10. George Ford |
| 03. Ramiro Herrera | |
| 04. Joe Launchbury | 11. Julian Savea |
| 05. Courtney Lawes | 12. Weslie Fofana |
| 06. Samu Manoa | 13. Manu Tuilagi |
| 07. Chris Robshaw | 14. Vereniki Goneva |
| 08. Sergio Parisse(c) | 15. Leigh Halfpenny(k) |
.
Subs: 16. Thomas Domingo 17. Dylan Hartley 18. Logi Muipola 19. Jonny Gray 20. Schalk Burger 21. Joe Simpson 22. Matt Giteau 23. Ben Foden
Tactics:
We are looking to make it 3 wins in a row against Tigers and have the psychological advantage going into the game. We have called up Lawes, Mako Vunipola and Chris Robshawinto the starting XV and have rotated our bench to ensure we have a fresh pack after two tough games in a row. We will play a game based around a solid set piece, strong ball carriers and getting over the gain line, playing a game with high intensity and getting the ball into the hands of our gainline breakers and constantly making Tigers tackle. We aim to attack Tigers and put their defence under pressure from the outset, particularly targeting their no10 who hasn't played a great deal for Tigers this season and we'll aim to disrupt their attacking game.
Pack/Setpiece:
We've freshened up the pack and will be looking to use the set piece to launch attacks and pressurise the Tigers. With the conditions we are really going to focus on securing quick lineout ball to attack from, so we've selected Launch, Lawes, Manoa, Robshaw and Parisse to give us five options and will aim to get the ball out and attack. Lawes comes in to mark Matfield defensively and limit the quick ball that Tigers can generate.
Attack/Kicking Game:
Our game plan is built on giving Ford a platform to dictate the game, putting our powerful runners in the backline into space and providing attacking opportunities. We've picked a pack that can give Ford that platform and get us over the gain line. We've selected Goneva and Savea on the wings as we want to utilise Ford's cross field kick and also operate a fantastic kick chase to test the Tigers backthree. Have lots of different ways to attack, whether it is through powerful runners, spreading the ball wide to attack space or through Ford's kicking game, will make it difficult for Tigers to read and defend.
Breakdown:
We've picked a mobile pack to play the speed at speed at get numbers to the breakdown, whether securing our own ball or looking for turnovers. We think we can isolate Louw by getting numbers to the breakdown and clearing him out before Tigers get to challenge for the ball. We have selected a mobile front five who will put bodies into the breakdown to clear out Tigers and turn this area into a real physical confrontation - as the game goes on we can strengthen this area by bringing on Hartley, Mulipola, Gray and Burger.
Defence:
As always a really aggressive defence with fast line speed and closing down the Tigers halfbacks, we want to limit Tigers attacking options so will really target Pisi and force him into errors. We've picked a big, physical backline from 11-14 who will look to stop Tigers backs getting over the gainline and will happily look for the choke tackle to win scrums and turnovers - especially so with Fofana and Tuiagi in the midfield. Davies to sweep in behind the defensive line.
Key Points:
* Momentum of beating Tigers twice in the last two games.
* Good conditions that will allow us to attack, particularly off the back of lineouts.
* Ford to control the game, mixing up passing and kicking game.
* Halfpenny's boot to punish Tigers whenever they infringe.
* Home advantage and strong impact bench.
Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka
| 01. Gethin Jenkins | 09. Kahn Fotuali'i |
| 02. Stephen Moore (c) | 10. Tusi Pisi (k) |
| 03. Owen Franks | |
| 04. Nathan Hines | 11. Matt Banahan |
| 05. Victor Matfield | 12. Billy Twelvetrees |
| 06. JMF Lobbe | 13. Mathieu Bastareaud |
| 07. Francois Louw | 14. Rene Ranger |
| 08. Thomas Waldrom | 15. Mike Brown |
16. Agustin Creevy 17. Alex Corbisiero 18. Cencus Johnston 19. Kearnan Myall 20. Jacques Burger 21. Micky Young 22. Freddie Burns 23. Alex Cuthbert
Tactics:
We will look to play high tempo, high intensity rugby. We have, throughout our XV, big line breakers to make the hard yards and tie up defenders creating space in wider channels for Pisi to exploit.
- Play an offloading game. We see the offload as our big weapon and our carriers will all be looking to offload in contact, continuing our forward momentum.
- Attack all scrums - Front row of Franks, Moore and Jenkins to look to really get the shove on, particularly targeting the Saints Vunipola/Webber channel.
- Attack at all lineouts. Use Hines or Lobbe at the front and Matfield off the top as our three key options.
Shortened lineouts with Waldrom in midfield as crash or decoy option.
- Gigantic XV made up of massive line-breakers, used in the tight to tire down the Saints defence. Primarily using Waldrom, Basteraud and Moore, plus the likes of Louw, Franks, Lobbe and Banahan to get us over the gainline. Add to that the likes of Creevy, Burger and Cuthbert off the bench.
- Fotuali'i to look to snipe around the fringes and keep us going forwards all the time.
- Look to win battle at the breakdown - Lobbe and Louw, supported by the likes of Bastareaud and Jenkins, to really look to get into the breakdown and give Saints problems.
- We will look to employ a blitz defence, focusing on a quick line speed to hit the ball carrier before he gets to the gainline, and look to win the collisions in defence. Fotuali'i to sweep behind with an eye on short kicks.
Pisi to kick all penalties.
Saracens v London Welsh
Location - Allianz Park
Light Cloud, 7 Degrees, 14mph WSW Winds
Saracens
Manager – Pooly
| 01. Alex Waller | 09. Morgan Parra |
| 02. Keven Mealamu | 10. Pat Lambie |
| 03. Dan Cole | |
| 04. Bradley Davies | 11. Zak Guildford |
| 05. James Horwill | 12. Sonny Bill Williams |
| 06. Ben Mowen(c) | 13. Marcelo Bosch |
| 07. Callum Clark | 14. Chris Ashton |
| 08. Nathan Hughes | 15. Matt Tait |
:-
16. Jamie George 17. Xavier Chiocci 18. Tom Francis 19. Louis Deacon 20. Thierry Dusatoir 21. Henry Taylor 22. Malakai Fekitoa 23. Tom Taylor
Tactics:
TARGET BREAKDOWN – With Mealamu/Clark/Cole/Mowen/Dus strong in this area we’ll look to target turnover ball and slowing opposition attacks.
SCRUM ADVANTAGE- Look to target the opposition scrum from the off and keep the ball in if weakness seen. We'll look for the big push when the ball is put in and catch their 2 whilst attempting to hook, driving over the ball. We have a extremely strong starting and bench scrummaging outfit with Davies/Deacon renowned scrummaging locks.
TARGET BEHIND & IN AIR NADOLO – We've seen he struggles with the high ball and ball in behind. We'll look to neutralise his threat by putting in the box kicks and sending a strong kick chase to target/pressure him. We feel we can get plenty of joy threw this route and knock on's to give a scrum platform.
TARGET KICKING GAME– Look to dominate the kicking game and put pressure on opposition line out with strong kicking 9/10/13
PARRA/LAMBIE COMBO - Perfect combo to dictate play and keep us playing in right area. Lambie/Bosch/Parra give us a deadly place kicking option and we will take all points on offer to kill off the game.
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 Clark/Cole/Mowen etc a chance to slow down/steal ball. Put pressue on SH's basics and force him into errors, Mowen the expert here. 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 SBW on his shoulder. Huge carrying backrow to get us over the gain line after front 5 set a platform. SBW/Bosch to run angles off the 9/10, allowing us gain line breakers. Look to keep opposition guessing with clever lines through midfield. Ashton will look to track the midfield combo and get the end of SBW's little offloads in contact. Guildford to keep things honest and come looking for work.
London WelshManager – CJ
| 01. David Kilcoyne | 09. Tawera Kerr-Barlow |
| 02. Dave Ward | 10. Francois Trinh-Duc(k) |
| 03. Sekope Kepu | |
| 04. George Skivington | 11. Napoliono Nadolo |
| 05. Sitaleki Timani | 12. Kyle Godwin |
| 06. James Haskell c. | 13. Casey Lualala |
| 07. John Barclay | 14. Rob Horne |
| 08. Ashley Johnson | 15. Chris Pennell |
16. Richardt Strauss 17. Yannick Forestier 18. Oliver Tomaszczyk 19. Mouritz Botha 20. Remi Tales 21. Ben Spencer 22. Mark Cueto 23. Alexandre Lapandry
Tactics
As usual we will focus on winning the breakdown, with Ward and Barclay acting in tandem, supported by the rest of the pack where necessary, only committing the numbers we need to allow the rest to be options in attack or defence until an opportunity to turn over comes along. Sarries have good players at the breakdown but we have 2 excellent workers in Ward and Barclay aided by Haskell and Skivington with good clearers like AJ and Timani for balance.
In attack, we will build slow ball with driving mauls and carries in groups from our pack, crash balls off 10 and a high, chased kicking game.
Faster ball will be spun wide with FTH attacking the line and standing flat and Godwin and Pennell as second distributors. Laulala and the inside ball to our carriers in the pack and the blindside winger will be used as a primary phase 1 run, then using our fetchers we will recycle the ball for our wave 2 runners of the backrow, Godwin and the open wing. Lots of work coming into the line by the back 3. If they try to blitz us, we have kickers at 9, 10, 12 and 15 to chip and grubber through and the two wave approach is ideal for countering the blitz.
Look to send AJ, Haskell and Timani at their wingers with the ball down the blind side of rucks to really test their physical and mental mettle and look to break the tackle and offload into support. Support is vital and part of Ward and Barclay's role We will also look to engineer one on ones for our wingers, who are powerful runners who also have an outside step, against theirs to really test their weak defence.
We will chase all kicks, run them back where possible and take on all points on offer. Kicks will be high and for possession which we will aim to use quickly. I'd like to see us taking quick lineouts and where possible getting the likes of AJ or Vito when he comes on in a position to help run it back.
Our lineout will see us attack Mealamu by competing for every ball and denying them the front, testing his longer range. We will keep to simple ball off the top with Skivs calling.
Scrum- use as a restart for attacking ball off the base. If we are struggling, we can shore it up with our sub props.
Defence- blitz led by Laulala, with TKB sweeping and the pack ready to scramble. Fringes kept tight, and have Ward and Barclay alert for the SBW offload and the Ashton inside line. Parra can be pedantic so if he gets slow ball, swamp him.
Subs- with a 6-2 split, I want our pack going at 100% intensity early on, knowing we can bring on 2 backrowers should they tire with our gameplan that is reliant on them. Strauss to shore up lineout.
Targets- lacking carrying power in Sarries pack, let's take them on in the maul where possible and sap away at them, making them less effective in the set piece. Target wingers' defence. As Hughes is main carrying option, anticipate him coming through, let him make some space then honey trap him with two tacklers, high and low, supported by our fetchers to force the turnover or penalty
Overall- sap their pack with mauls
Clever committal to the breakdown
Run it back and attack in 2 phases
Run the ball at their wingers
Chip over the blitz
London Wasps v London Irish
Location - Adams Park
Light Cloud, 7 Degrees, 9mph WSW Winds
WaspsManager: Ozzy3213
| 01. Paul James | 09. Aaron Smith |
| 02. Bismarck du Plessis | 10. Aaron Cruden |
| 03. Dave Wilson | |
| 04. Alun-Wyn Jones (c) | 11. Bryan Habana |
| 05. Sebastien Vahaamahina | 12. Ma'a Nonu |
| 06. Marcell Coetzee | 13. Robbie Freuan |
| 07. Steffon Armitage | 14. Marland Yarde |
| 08. Duane Vermeulen | 15. Anthony Watson |
Subs:
16. Tom Youngs 17. Scott Sio 18. Ben Alexander 19. Matt Symons 20. Fulgence Ouedraogo 21. Ben Youngs 22. Henry Slade 23. Tim Nanai-Williams
Basic Game Plan
In dry conditions we will be looking to play a possession based game, going through the phases and continually shifting the point of attack. We will play sensibly in our own half though, and will use the boots of Cruden and Watson if it is not on to run the ball. When using the boot we will kicking for touch and looking to contest the lineout. We will not kick to their back three.
In defence, as always we will be running a blitz defence. Our focus will be on the gainline collisions and driving back in the tackle. Line speed and no dog-legs will be key components for us. Smith will sweep in behind the defensive line to counter any chips/grubbers.
Specifics
- Lineout. Nothing flash. Hit our front and middle jumpers and ensure that we secure their ball. On Irish ball put pressure on through AWJ and Vahaamahina, who are athletic lineout jumpers.
- Breakdown. When we carry in, we will flood the breakdown rucking well past the ball to free it up quickly and go again. In defence, if we have made a passive tackle and the carrier has momentum we will not overcommit, but will maintain a strong defensive line. If we win the collision and knock the carrier back we will look to get the second man in hard over the ball to turn it over. Key for us is being selective.
- Attacking Play. We will be looking to play a Super Rugby type offloading game, with the ball shifted on to the support runner just prior to the point of the tackle with the defender already committed. We will constantly look to shift the direction of play and pull their defenders out of position to create gaps. Smith to look to snipe around the fringes and keep us going forwards all the time.
London Irish
Manager - Prop
| 01. Tom Court | 09. Lee Dickson |
| 02. Ken Owens | 10. Dan Biggar |
| 03. Henry Thomas | |
| 04. Dean Mumm | 11. JP Pieterson |
| 05. Jacques Poitgeiter | 12. Jaime Roberts |
| 06. Kelly Brown | 13. Conrad Smith |
| 07. Sam Warburton (c) | 14. Bjorn Basson |
| 08. Ben Morgan | 15. Rob Cook |
Subs:
16. Tom Lindsay 17. Ben Franks 18. Will Collier 19. Tom Savage 20. Scott Higginbotham 21. Rory Kockott 22. Owen Williams 23. Adam Thompstone
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.
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. Warburton 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 Wasps 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 Roberts and our pack runners the chance to get over the gainline. Dickson 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 Biggar and Smith to pull the strings and find the gaps for our strong runners, if it is not on and the wind is blowing 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 Higginbotham and Franks who will all make an impact against tired defences and with Kockott and Williams be able to pull the strings to make the gaps available.
Defence: Smith, Warburton, Brown, Morgan, Biggar and Roberts have all shown recently how strong they are in defence and making the intiial big impact hit. We also know how good the Wasps centres are so will look to prevent tem offloading the ball by double tackling them. 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. Bell is a strong defender and we will use this to our advantage to prevent anything going out wide.
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. There won't be much of a home advantage for Wasps as it is their first game so this is basically on neutral ground. We have good form coming in after a good draw against a strong Bath team and then back to back high scores against Cardiff Blues who have shown they are no push overs.
Last edited by SirJohnnyEnglish on Tue 23 Dec 2014, 10:09 am; edited 2 times in total
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by Steven_Sharks Fri 19 Dec 2014, 11:59 pm
I was indeed referring to predictions haha
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by Guest Sat 20 Dec 2014, 12:03 am
Steven_Sharks wrote:I was indeed referring to predictions haha
Context is everything Steve !
Last edited by anonmattyt on Sat 20 Dec 2014, 7:56 am; edited 1 time in total
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by Steven_Sharks Sat 20 Dec 2014, 6:58 am
Sale 24 - 24 Exeter
Don't see their being much in the set piece up front although POC might steal a few at the lineout. In the loose I'd give a slight edge to Sale in the row and Exeter in the back row. Form issues for both 8s. Very little in the breakdown battle. Minimal edge to Exeter at half back as both of their guys are playing well whilst Care is struggling for his best form. From an attacking point of view Exeter are stronger in the centres and both back threes are dangerous with ball in hand but vulnerable without. Skelton and Barrett offer the most impact of the bench but I can't seperate the sides in this one.
Don't see their being much in the set piece up front although POC might steal a few at the lineout. In the loose I'd give a slight edge to Sale in the row and Exeter in the back row. Form issues for both 8s. Very little in the breakdown battle. Minimal edge to Exeter at half back as both of their guys are playing well whilst Care is struggling for his best form. From an attacking point of view Exeter are stronger in the centres and both back threes are dangerous with ball in hand but vulnerable without. Skelton and Barrett offer the most impact of the bench but I can't seperate the sides in this one.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by Steven_Sharks Sat 20 Dec 2014, 7:17 am
Gloucester 31 - 28 Bath
Upfront I see Gloucester getting the upper hand in carrying, the breakdown and the lineout. The form of Cips behind a pack on top it's frightening when you have the centres and full back that Gloucester do. They will find holes in any defence. At home they get a good BP win.
Upfront I see Gloucester getting the upper hand in carrying, the breakdown and the lineout. The form of Cips behind a pack on top it's frightening when you have the centres and full back that Gloucester do. They will find holes in any defence. At home they get a good BP win.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by Steven_Sharks Sat 20 Dec 2014, 7:26 am
Northampton 27 - 25 Leicester
Set piece even for me with Matfield stealing a few lines. Two physical packs. Saints have a stronger front 5 around the park and a well balanced back row which will have to be at its best against the Leicester trio. Not much too separate the packs. Half backs edge to Saints but it is the outside backs that win the game for Saints. They are stronger in all except arguably full back and they will really cause Leicester some damage. Good win.
Set piece even for me with Matfield stealing a few lines. Two physical packs. Saints have a stronger front 5 around the park and a well balanced back row which will have to be at its best against the Leicester trio. Not much too separate the packs. Half backs edge to Saints but it is the outside backs that win the game for Saints. They are stronger in all except arguably full back and they will really cause Leicester some damage. Good win.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by prop_lyd Sat 20 Dec 2014, 9:52 am
Sharks 19-18 Chiefs
Chiefs 2nd row helps their front row but slight advantage to Sale. Not a lot in the backrow. A huge battle in the backs with not a lot of give from both sides. 2 very good impact benches on show too. Both teams looking for an expansive game, think both would be benefitted if they looked at using their strong runners a bit more to be honest. Overall it's a tough one to call but with the small front row advantage Sale nick it.
Glos 30-27 Bath
Healy the standout concern here for Bath and Glos have a monstorous pack on show who will cause Bath issues. Would be fairly even out wide but for Cips' form and he will put the Glos centres into the holes needed. The bench for Glos has a scary amount of impact but Wigglesworth will also bring some calmness to Bath when they will need it. Looking at tactics I can see Glos edging the breakdown battle just and I think utilising their strong bench will secure a good win.
Quins 25-22 Falcons
Slight edge to Quins in front 5 but both Brits for Quins and Parling for Falcons tough to rate at present. A great backrow battle with Quins again just edging this one. Not a lot in half backs or out wide. Great benches for both with Anscombe having a good game last night (I was at arms park). Good tactics from Falcons looking to stop Hooper with 2 players but they may get left with an overlap at times. Quins looking to play sensible and controlled and I think they have enough to win todays battle. Good start though Bam
Saints 24-22 Tigers
Massive pack battle on show here, not a lot of difference but Waldrom's form will help Tigers get the go forward. Half backs edged to Saints but tough to rate Tuilagi at the moment. See Saints as a bit more dangerous out wide at the moment and Ford will give them good ball. One hitch on the bench for Saints with Mulipola more comfortable at loosehead and Domingo already on the bench. Feel the introduction of Giteau will be crucial. Both looking for high tempo games and I feel Saints will just have the advantage with Ford's form.
Sarries 24-22 Welsh
Sarries will take the scrum advantage with Cole coming back good. Not sure about Barclay at 7 to be honest but a very powerful back row from Welsh against a breakdown back row for Sarries with Hughes thrown in for good measure! Outwide both teams looking good and like both sets of back three. Think Sarries will get a bit better ball for them. Two good benches for both here. Do like the use of Ward as another breakdown player and this could help, but Sarries use Cole in the same way. Think Sarries could just edge the tactical kicking battle and edge a good game.
Chiefs 2nd row helps their front row but slight advantage to Sale. Not a lot in the backrow. A huge battle in the backs with not a lot of give from both sides. 2 very good impact benches on show too. Both teams looking for an expansive game, think both would be benefitted if they looked at using their strong runners a bit more to be honest. Overall it's a tough one to call but with the small front row advantage Sale nick it.
Glos 30-27 Bath
Healy the standout concern here for Bath and Glos have a monstorous pack on show who will cause Bath issues. Would be fairly even out wide but for Cips' form and he will put the Glos centres into the holes needed. The bench for Glos has a scary amount of impact but Wigglesworth will also bring some calmness to Bath when they will need it. Looking at tactics I can see Glos edging the breakdown battle just and I think utilising their strong bench will secure a good win.
Quins 25-22 Falcons
Slight edge to Quins in front 5 but both Brits for Quins and Parling for Falcons tough to rate at present. A great backrow battle with Quins again just edging this one. Not a lot in half backs or out wide. Great benches for both with Anscombe having a good game last night (I was at arms park). Good tactics from Falcons looking to stop Hooper with 2 players but they may get left with an overlap at times. Quins looking to play sensible and controlled and I think they have enough to win todays battle. Good start though Bam
Saints 24-22 Tigers
Massive pack battle on show here, not a lot of difference but Waldrom's form will help Tigers get the go forward. Half backs edged to Saints but tough to rate Tuilagi at the moment. See Saints as a bit more dangerous out wide at the moment and Ford will give them good ball. One hitch on the bench for Saints with Mulipola more comfortable at loosehead and Domingo already on the bench. Feel the introduction of Giteau will be crucial. Both looking for high tempo games and I feel Saints will just have the advantage with Ford's form.
Sarries 24-22 Welsh
Sarries will take the scrum advantage with Cole coming back good. Not sure about Barclay at 7 to be honest but a very powerful back row from Welsh against a breakdown back row for Sarries with Hughes thrown in for good measure! Outwide both teams looking good and like both sets of back three. Think Sarries will get a bit better ball for them. Two good benches for both here. Do like the use of Ward as another breakdown player and this could help, but Sarries use Cole in the same way. Think Sarries could just edge the tactical kicking battle and edge a good game.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by ChequeredJersey Sun 21 Dec 2014, 12:30 am
Sale 27 - 26 Exeter
Gloucester 23 - 23 Bath
Quins 26 - 25 Falcons
Northampton 28 - 27 Tigers
Wasps 30 - 29 Irish
Gloucester 23 - 23 Bath
Quins 26 - 25 Falcons
Northampton 28 - 27 Tigers
Wasps 30 - 29 Irish
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by Steven_Sharks Sun 21 Dec 2014, 10:04 am
Saracens 22 - 20 London Welsh
Packs well matched but prefer sarries 8 overall. Think they edge half backs as well. Even again in the outside backs. Sarries take it st home.
Packs well matched but prefer sarries 8 overall. Think they edge half backs as well. Even again in the outside backs. Sarries take it st home.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by Steven_Sharks Sun 21 Dec 2014, 10:10 am
London Wasps 26 - 24 London Irish
Fear for the Irish scrum here. Think Wasps can exert some dominance here. Rest of they packs much more even. Tremendous back row contest. Half backs to wasps and outside
backs to irish I think. At home wasps get a good win.
Fear for the Irish scrum here. Think Wasps can exert some dominance here. Rest of they packs much more even. Tremendous back row contest. Half backs to wasps and outside
backs to irish I think. At home wasps get a good win.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by dammit_chris Sun 21 Dec 2014, 10:29 am
Sale 24 - 22 Exeter
Wow where has that Exeter pack come from, lot of huge ball carriers and can cause teams all sorts of problems. Halfbacks really even, but just see Sale having a few more dangermen in the back three that will get them that extra score to win at home.
Gloucester 27 - 25 Bath
Great pack battle, very hard to split but prefer the Gloucester back row - can see them getting a bit more ball and then the Aussie combination in the backline will come good. Another high scoring close game though.
Quins 29 - 27 Falcons
Really tough game to call, like the balance of the Quins team but would like to see them with a really hard runner in their midfield to get over the gainline, but their pack makes up for that. Falcons really good balance in their pack and good approach to target Hooper - the Quins bench makes a big impact in final 20 mins and that just sees them win.
Saracens 18 - 17 London Welsh
Both teams going for the physical approach in this game, which will see some huge collisions with the players on show. Defensively the Sarries back three can get got at and Welsh looking to go wide when they can, just see the Sarries tactics will prevent that, Sarries to get all their points off the boot for a win.
Wasps 25 - 23 Irish
Wasps are another side who are starting to build up a bit of momentum after the RC and AIs - a really impressive side with not many weaknesses at all. Irish have got some top class players still and will run them very close, their 10/12/13 combination is real class and wil cause teams all sorts of issues. Home advantage and slight advantage in set piece sees Wasps win.
Wow where has that Exeter pack come from, lot of huge ball carriers and can cause teams all sorts of problems. Halfbacks really even, but just see Sale having a few more dangermen in the back three that will get them that extra score to win at home.
Gloucester 27 - 25 Bath
Great pack battle, very hard to split but prefer the Gloucester back row - can see them getting a bit more ball and then the Aussie combination in the backline will come good. Another high scoring close game though.
Quins 29 - 27 Falcons
Really tough game to call, like the balance of the Quins team but would like to see them with a really hard runner in their midfield to get over the gainline, but their pack makes up for that. Falcons really good balance in their pack and good approach to target Hooper - the Quins bench makes a big impact in final 20 mins and that just sees them win.
Saracens 18 - 17 London Welsh
Both teams going for the physical approach in this game, which will see some huge collisions with the players on show. Defensively the Sarries back three can get got at and Welsh looking to go wide when they can, just see the Sarries tactics will prevent that, Sarries to get all their points off the boot for a win.
Wasps 25 - 23 Irish
Wasps are another side who are starting to build up a bit of momentum after the RC and AIs - a really impressive side with not many weaknesses at all. Irish have got some top class players still and will run them very close, their 10/12/13 combination is real class and wil cause teams all sorts of issues. Home advantage and slight advantage in set piece sees Wasps win.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by Sgt_Pooly Sun 21 Dec 2014, 5:36 pm
Sale 22-21 Exeter
Really tight game this one. Not much in the scrum, maybe a slight edge to Sale but think Exeter would get this back in the line out. Backrow just shades to Sale but one a piece in the half backs. Exeter stronger at centre and very little in the back 3's. Will go right to the wire but home advantage key this time of year.
Really tight game this one. Not much in the scrum, maybe a slight edge to Sale but think Exeter would get this back in the line out. Backrow just shades to Sale but one a piece in the half backs. Exeter stronger at centre and very little in the back 3's. Will go right to the wire but home advantage key this time of year.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by Sgt_Pooly Sun 21 Dec 2014, 7:34 pm
Harlequins 24-24 Newcastle
Front row just sides with Falcons with Quins having a few form issues. I like both engine rooms but Falcons stronger in the backrow. Not much in the halfbacks but I prefer the Falcons centres, I do like the Quins pairing but s little out classed. Good back 3 battle too. Falcons shade the XV but some great impact for Steve and home advantage saves a tasty draw.
Front row just sides with Falcons with Quins having a few form issues. I like both engine rooms but Falcons stronger in the backrow. Not much in the halfbacks but I prefer the Falcons centres, I do like the Quins pairing but s little out classed. Good back 3 battle too. Falcons shade the XV but some great impact for Steve and home advantage saves a tasty draw.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by Sgt_Pooly Sun 21 Dec 2014, 7:40 pm
Northampton 18-18 Leicester
Pretty equal in the front row with both LH's struggling for a bit of form, Mako coming back will sort this. Tigers engine room a bit stronger with Launch lacking a bit of form, with similar in the backrow with the Tigers trio just sneaking it. One a piece in the half backs, centres to Saints and back 3 to Tigers bar 11. Another tight affair with the away side a little stronger, just not enough for the win.
Pretty equal in the front row with both LH's struggling for a bit of form, Mako coming back will sort this. Tigers engine room a bit stronger with Launch lacking a bit of form, with similar in the backrow with the Tigers trio just sneaking it. One a piece in the half backs, centres to Saints and back 3 to Tigers bar 11. Another tight affair with the away side a little stronger, just not enough for the win.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by Sgt_Pooly Sun 21 Dec 2014, 7:44 pm
Wasps 25-22 Irish
Wasps a bit stronger bar line out and 13. Really liking the Irish 9-13 and something they can really build on. Tough ask away to a fully fit Wasps who just need a top 5 & 13 to be one of if not best starting XV's in the league.
Wasps a bit stronger bar line out and 13. Really liking the Irish 9-13 and something they can really build on. Tough ask away to a fully fit Wasps who just need a top 5 & 13 to be one of if not best starting XV's in the league.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by BamBam Sun 21 Dec 2014, 8:28 pm
Sale 24-23 Exeter
Sale have a pretty good advantage at scrum time, Exeter in the line out. I prefer the Sale back row, and think their breakdown tactics are stronger too. Both sets of half backs are quality, with the game plan I think Exeter's outside backs are better, especially in the centres. Sale with more impact off the bench and home advantage sneak this one in my opinion.
Sale have a pretty good advantage at scrum time, Exeter in the line out. I prefer the Sale back row, and think their breakdown tactics are stronger too. Both sets of half backs are quality, with the game plan I think Exeter's outside backs are better, especially in the centres. Sale with more impact off the bench and home advantage sneak this one in my opinion.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by BamBam Sun 21 Dec 2014, 8:34 pm
Gloucester 24-22 Bath
Scrum is pretty even, Healy tough to rate atm. Line out to bath, just due to Whitelock. I think Glos win the breakdown battle, Bath are trying to take them on physically and I don't think they have enough to do that. I give Glos an edge at half back, and really am a big fan of their outside backs too, very dangerous. Bath also strong in the backs, and have a stronger bench so will make it close at the end, but a good win for Glos
Scrum is pretty even, Healy tough to rate atm. Line out to bath, just due to Whitelock. I think Glos win the breakdown battle, Bath are trying to take them on physically and I don't think they have enough to do that. I give Glos an edge at half back, and really am a big fan of their outside backs too, very dangerous. Bath also strong in the backs, and have a stronger bench so will make it close at the end, but a good win for Glos
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by BamBam Sun 21 Dec 2014, 8:42 pm
Saints 27-24 Tigers
Think both looseheads will be at a disadvantage in the scrum, so about equal there. Saints gone with strong focus in the line out and I think they will get an advantage here. Round the park, I'm not sure if Saints have the players to manage to isolate Louw, who will be backed up strongly by Lobbe, but still think they will be able to match Tigers at the breakdown. Saints backs are the big difference for me, and will give them the win
Think both looseheads will be at a disadvantage in the scrum, so about equal there. Saints gone with strong focus in the line out and I think they will get an advantage here. Round the park, I'm not sure if Saints have the players to manage to isolate Louw, who will be backed up strongly by Lobbe, but still think they will be able to match Tigers at the breakdown. Saints backs are the big difference for me, and will give them the win
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by BamBam Sun 21 Dec 2014, 8:46 pm
Saracens 26-24 London Welsh
Sarries look very strong in the front row and with Mowen I think they sneak the line out too. Round the park, both very strong in the back row but I reckon Sarries get more from their front 5 to help at the breakdown. Sarries half backs fit their game plan well, and I think they have the control to get the backs going, reckon they will have enough to take the win at home
Sarries look very strong in the front row and with Mowen I think they sneak the line out too. Round the park, both very strong in the back row but I reckon Sarries get more from their front 5 to help at the breakdown. Sarries half backs fit their game plan well, and I think they have the control to get the backs going, reckon they will have enough to take the win at home
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by Guest Sun 21 Dec 2014, 8:55 pm
Sale 22-21 exeter
Sale win pack battle although Kayser and the Georgian steady and no more. To win away and against a top team you need to win up
Front.
Exeter much better in backs and sale poor defensively in Back 3 so exeter light up
The game but not good
Enough up front
Sale win pack battle although Kayser and the Georgian steady and no more. To win away and against a top team you need to win up
Front.
Exeter much better in backs and sale poor defensively in Back 3 so exeter light up
The game but not good
Enough up front
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by BamBam Sun 21 Dec 2014, 9:38 pm
Wasps 28-24 London Irish
Up front I think Wasps take the scrum, line out about equal. Great battle in the back row, but I think Coetzee's form gives Wasps the advantage. Biggar has been playing well but the Aarons will run the game with the quality of ball up front. Irish have an excellent centre pairing that I give the advantage, but the back 3 and bench to Wasps. Good game plan from Irish keeps this close
Up front I think Wasps take the scrum, line out about equal. Great battle in the back row, but I think Coetzee's form gives Wasps the advantage. Biggar has been playing well but the Aarons will run the game with the quality of ball up front. Irish have an excellent centre pairing that I give the advantage, but the back 3 and bench to Wasps. Good game plan from Irish keeps this close
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by Guest Sun 21 Dec 2014, 9:45 pm
Quins 26-25 Falcons
Quins have form issues with woodcock and Brits. Packs even. Quins squeak it on bench and home Advantage. At home fAlcons by 2 or 3
Quins have form issues with woodcock and Brits. Packs even. Quins squeak it on bench and home Advantage. At home fAlcons by 2 or 3
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by Guest Sun 21 Dec 2014, 10:49 pm
Saints 22-19 Leicester
A few form issues that balance for both. Launch been out a while Hines only just back.
Mako just back etc.
Why do leicester not start creevy ? Form
Hooker in world can only think they are trying to avoid injuries coming soon.
I like pisi as a 10 but he is not doing it.
Leicester bench really out of
Form and not game changing. As a glos fan 36 is marked down. Had lunch with my dad brother and nephews earlier and like many others we would all pick Atkinson in front of him.
Prefer Leicester back row has better balance and Banahan in decent form.
Essentially Saints better in key areas but Leicester a champion team and keep it close. Leicester Bench struggles
A few form issues that balance for both. Launch been out a while Hines only just back.
Mako just back etc.
Why do leicester not start creevy ? Form
Hooker in world can only think they are trying to avoid injuries coming soon.
I like pisi as a 10 but he is not doing it.
Leicester bench really out of
Form and not game changing. As a glos fan 36 is marked down. Had lunch with my dad brother and nephews earlier and like many others we would all pick Atkinson in front of him.
Prefer Leicester back row has better balance and Banahan in decent form.
Essentially Saints better in key areas but Leicester a champion team and keep it close. Leicester Bench struggles
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by Guest Sun 21 Dec 2014, 10:59 pm
Wasps 26-23 Irish
Good game but ultimately Irish lose
Out in front 5.
Like taoifeuifina vahaminha is emerging as a very good lock.
Worry about court.
After that Both backrows Good and irish 10/13 very good however they can't get what They need
Away
Good game but ultimately Irish lose
Out in front 5.
Like taoifeuifina vahaminha is emerging as a very good lock.
Worry about court.
After that Both backrows Good and irish 10/13 very good however they can't get what They need
Away
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by CJB Mon 22 Dec 2014, 9:01 am
Sale 25-24 Exeter
Quins 28-27 Newcastle
Saints 23-22 Tigers
Sarries 27-26 Worcester
Wasps 30-29 Irish
Quins 28-27 Newcastle
Saints 23-22 Tigers
Sarries 27-26 Worcester
Wasps 30-29 Irish
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by Fluxy Mon 22 Dec 2014, 9:18 am
Not going to get my predos in until this evening, so don't mind taking the hit if needed.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by SirJohnnyEnglish Mon 22 Dec 2014, 9:21 am
Will leave open till 5 this evening 
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by SirJohnnyEnglish Mon 22 Dec 2014, 12:35 pm
Can leave open till tonight Flux if that helps but results won't be in till tomorrow then
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by SirJohnnyEnglish Mon 22 Dec 2014, 12:40 pm
Gloucester 22-17 Bath
Don't see a scrum or line out edge in the front 5 but Bath offer more around the park. Glaws better man for man in the backrow though and can really get an edge. Glaws with more in the centres and the back three as well.
Don't see a scrum or line out edge in the front 5 but Bath offer more around the park. Glaws better man for man in the backrow though and can really get an edge. Glaws with more in the centres and the back three as well.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by Fluxy Mon 22 Dec 2014, 1:02 pm
It's alright mate, don't want you to go out of your way!
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by SirJohnnyEnglish Mon 22 Dec 2014, 1:03 pm
Its no trouble mate get them in tonight if you can
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by SirJohnnyEnglish Mon 22 Dec 2014, 6:11 pm
Harlequins 19-18 Newcastle Falcons
Little bit more in the front row at scrum time for Falcons but 2nd row evens it up. Backrow battle interesting. Not a whole lot between the halfbacks and back three but Falcons stronger in midfield. Tight affair and home advantage swings it.
Northampton Saints 22-19 Leicester Tigers
Not a whole lot between the sides to be honest but home advantage and coming off back to back wins already over the same opposition Saints have a mental edge.
Saracens 17-14 London Welsh
Front 5 edge to Sarries but Welsh edge the backrow. Good battle between the halfbacks but bit more in midfield for Sarries.
London Wasps 26-23 London Irish
Wasps front 5 can give them an edge at the set piece. Backrow battle tight but just a little more quality to Wasps and their real life halfback combo gives them an advantage. Some midfield battle in this one though.
Little bit more in the front row at scrum time for Falcons but 2nd row evens it up. Backrow battle interesting. Not a whole lot between the halfbacks and back three but Falcons stronger in midfield. Tight affair and home advantage swings it.
Northampton Saints 22-19 Leicester Tigers
Not a whole lot between the sides to be honest but home advantage and coming off back to back wins already over the same opposition Saints have a mental edge.
Saracens 17-14 London Welsh
Front 5 edge to Sarries but Welsh edge the backrow. Good battle between the halfbacks but bit more in midfield for Sarries.
London Wasps 26-23 London Irish
Wasps front 5 can give them an edge at the set piece. Backrow battle tight but just a little more quality to Wasps and their real life halfback combo gives them an advantage. Some midfield battle in this one though.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by Ozzy3213 Mon 22 Dec 2014, 8:10 pm
I'm only just back from weekend away and no chance I'll get predos in tonight, so will take the fine.
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by Guest Mon 22 Dec 2014, 9:34 pm
Sje you missed predo on my game I think ?
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by Guest Mon 22 Dec 2014, 10:21 pm
Cheers bam I often miss a game. This site is difficult to organise things on.
Perils of a free site I auppose
Perils of a free site I auppose
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by Fluxy Mon 22 Dec 2014, 11:10 pm
Gloucester Rugby 26-25 Bath Rugby
Harlequins 29-28 Newcastle Falcons
Northampton Saints 31-30 Leicester Tigers
Saracens 24-23 London Welsh
Wasps 30-29 London Irish
Sorry didn't have time for full predos!
Harlequins 29-28 Newcastle Falcons
Northampton Saints 31-30 Leicester Tigers
Saracens 24-23 London Welsh
Wasps 30-29 London Irish
Sorry didn't have time for full predos!
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by SirJohnnyEnglish Tue 23 Dec 2014, 10:08 am
RESULTS:
Sale Sharks 27 (T:2 C:1 P:5)
Exeter Chiefs 22 (T:1 C:1 P:5)
Gloucester 29 (T:3 C:1 P:4)
Bath 24 (T:2 C:1 P:4)
Harlequins 29 (T:3 C:1 P:4)
Newcastle Falcons 25 (T:1 C:1 P:6)
Northampton Saints 29* (T:3 C:1 P:4)
Leicester Tigers 26 (T:2 C:2 P:4)
Saracens 26 (T:2 C:2 P:4)
London Welsh 21 (T:2 C:1 P:3)
Coventry Wasps 32 (T:4 C:3 P:2)
London Irish 25 (T:1 C:1 P:6)
BONUS:
Full: Matt, Steve, Prop, BamBam, Chris, SJE & Pooly
Score: CJB, Fluxy & CJ
Fine: Luke & Pete
Sale Sharks 27 (T:2 C:1 P:5)
Exeter Chiefs 22 (T:1 C:1 P:5)
Gloucester 29 (T:3 C:1 P:4)
Bath 24 (T:2 C:1 P:4)
Harlequins 29 (T:3 C:1 P:4)
Newcastle Falcons 25 (T:1 C:1 P:6)
Northampton Saints 29* (T:3 C:1 P:4)
Leicester Tigers 26 (T:2 C:2 P:4)
Saracens 26 (T:2 C:2 P:4)
London Welsh 21 (T:2 C:1 P:3)
Coventry Wasps 32 (T:4 C:3 P:2)
London Irish 25 (T:1 C:1 P:6)
BONUS:
Full: Matt, Steve, Prop, BamBam, Chris, SJE & Pooly
Score: CJB, Fluxy & CJ
Fine: Luke & Pete
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by Fluxy Tue 23 Dec 2014, 10:13 am
I thought I was much closer than that, well played SJE!
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Re: Aviva Premiership Round Ten
by SirJohnnyEnglish Tue 23 Dec 2014, 10:19 am
* on Saints is for a late team sheet. Tigers received an extra 3 points.
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» Aviva Premiership Round Seven
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