Summer Tournament Round 2 - Pools A & B

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Pool A

Newcastle Falcons vs. Reds
Kingston Park

 Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Bambam

01. Matt Mullan	09. Nick Phipps
02. Dane Coles	10. Owen Farrell (k)
03. Charlie Faumuina
04. Ed Slater	11. David Strettle
05. Flip Van Der Merwe	12. Scott Williams
06. David Ewers	13. Jonathan Davies
07. Chris Henry	14. Charles Piutau
08. Kieran Read (c)	15. Ben Smith

:-
16.Jamie George 17.Vincent Debaty 18.Luc Ducalcon 19. Yohan Maestri 20. Callum Clark 21.Rhys Webb 22. Ian Madigan 23. Charlie Sharples

Tactics

Grind them down with the big pack, carrying tight and challenging them to make tackles. Once we are on top and going forwards, spin out to the backs, with the likes of Smith helping Farrell by offering alternate options at first receiver.

Use the kicking game as an option for territory, but primarily look to keep ball in hand and get some continuity going

Please could I have feedback on the balance of the pack (carrying, set piece, work rate, breakdown) and the centre combo

Queensland Reds
Manager – Richard Graham

01. James Slipper	09. Will Genia
02. James Hansen	10. Quade Cooper
03. Greg Holmes
04. Rob Simmons	11. Lachie Turner
05. James Horwill	12. Samu Kerivi
06. Adam Thomson	13. Karmeichel Hunt
07. Liam Gill	14. Chris Kuridrani
08. Jake Schatz	15. James O'Connor

Subs:
16 Saia Fainga'a 17 Pettowa Paraka 18 Sam Talakai 19 Eddie O'Donoghue 20 Hendrik Tui 21 Beau Robinson 22 Nick Frisby 23 Ben Tapuai

Crusaders vs. Stormers
AMI Stadium, Christchurch

Crusaders
Manager – Todd Blackadder

01. Wyatt Crockett	09. Andrew Ellis
02. Codie Taylor	10. Dan Carter
03. Owen Franks
04. Luke Romano	11. Nemani Nadolo
05. Sam Whitelock	12. Ryan Crotty
06. Jordan Taufua	13. Robbie Fruean
07. Richie McCaw	14. Johnny McNicholl
08. Kieran Read	15. Israel Dagg

Subs:
16 Ben Funnell 17 Joe Moody 18 Nepo Laulala 19 Dominic Bird 20 Matt Todd  21 Mitchell Drummond 22 Colin Slade 23 Nafi Tuitavake

Stormers
Manager – Allister Coetzee

01. Steven Kitshoff	09. Nic Groom
02. Scarra Ntubeni	10. Demetri Catrakilis
03. Frans Malherbe
04. Eben Etzebeth	11. Seabelo Senatla
05. Manuel Carizza	12. Damien de Allende
06. Siya Kolisi	13. Juan de Jongh
07. Schalk Burger	14. Cheslin Kolbe
08. Duane Vermeulen	15. Jaco Taute

Subs:
16 Bongi Mbonambi 17 Oli Kebble 18 Vincent Koch 19 Ruan Botha 20 Nizaam Carr 21 Louis Schreuder 22 Kurt Coleman 23 Kobus van Wyk

Saracens vs. London Irish
Allianz Park

Saracens
Manager – Pooly

01. Alex Waller	09. Sam Harrison
02. Rory Best	10. Beuden Barrett
03. Dan Cole
04. Will Skelton	11. James Lowe
05. Brad Davies	12. Sonny Bill Williams
06. Dave Denton	13. Conrad Smith
07. Thierry Dusatoir(c)	14. Chris Ashton
08. Nathan Hughes	15. Stuart Hogg

:-
16. Keven Mealamu 17. Nick Auterac 18. Jannie Du Plessis 19. Geoff Parling 20. Akira Ioane 21. Francois Hougaard 22. Pat Lambie 23. Miles Benjamin

Tactics:

- Huge pack to dominate collisions and big carrying options to get over gainline
- Breakdown options in Best, Cole, Dusatoir, Denton and Hughes (most turnovers in AP)
- Kicking and running options in backs, look to use forwards to set platform and get opp defence on back foot then unleash running threats

London Irish
Manager: Ozzy3213  
               

01. Joe Marler	09. Ben Youngs
02. Tom Youngs	10. Henry Slade
03. David Wilson
04. Matt Symons	11. Anthony Watson
05. James Broadhurst	12. Brad Barritt
06. Sean O'Brien	13. Samu Kerevi
07. Blake Gibson	14. Marland Yarde
08. Duane Vermeulen	15. Delon Armitage

16. Tatafu Polota-Nau 17. Ben Moon 18. Fraser Balmain 19. Cameron Skelton  20. Marcell Coetzee 21. Will Homer 22. Timo Swiel 23. Tim Nanai-Williams

Tactics

- Standard fast paced, Super Rugby style offloading game.
- Blitz defence.
- Key emphasis on winning the collisions and controlling the gain line on attack and defence.

- Would appreciate feedback around which of the EQ guys would be my best 4 starters and which of them need a dramatic upgrade.

Pool B

Rebels vs. Lions
AAMI Park, Melbourne

Melbourne Rebels
Manager – Tony McGahan

01. Toby Smith	09. Nic Stirzaker
02. Pat Leafa	10. Jack Debreczeni
03. Paul Alo-Emile
04. Luke Jones	11. Cam Crawford
05. Lopeti Timani	12. Micth Inman
06. Sean McMahon	13. Tamati Ellison
07. Scott Fuglistaller	14. Sefanaia Naivalu
08. Scott Higginbottom	15. Mike Harris

Subs:
16 Tom Sexton 17 Cruze Ah-Nau 18 Tim Metcher 19 Sam Jeffries 20 Colby Fainga'a 21 Jordy Reid 22 Ben Meehan 23 Jonah Placid

Lions
Manager – Johan Ackermann

01. Schalk van der Merwe	09. Francois de Klerk
02. Armand van der Merwe	10. Elton Jantjes
03. Julian Redelinghuys
04. Martin Muller	11. Courtnall Skosan
05. Franco Mostert	12. Alwyn Hollenbach
06. Jaco Kriel	13. Harold Vorster
07. Warwick Tecklenburg	14. Ruan Combrinck
08. Warren Whiteley	15. Andries Coetzee

Subs:
16 Malcolm Marx 17 Corne Fourie 18 Ruan Dreyer 19 Robert Kruger 20 Kwagga Smith 21 Dillon Smit 22 Marnitz Boshoff 23 Howard Mnisi

Gloucester vs. Sale Sharks
Kingsholm

Gloucester
Manager – anonmattyt

1 Beast
2 Strauss
3 Antonio
4 Etzbeth
5 Gray
6 Botha
7 Savea
8 Heaslip
9 Robson
10 Cipriani
11 May
12 Toomua
13 Kurindrani
14 Naiyaravoro
15 Dagg

16 Wood 17 LCD 18 Figallo 19 Stooke 20 Croft 21 TJ Perenara 22 Handre Pollard 23 Charlie Walker

 Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Marcos Ayerza	09. Faf De Klerk
02. Benjamin Kayser	10. Johnny Sexton
03. Davit Zirakishvilli
04. Brodie Retalick	11. Semesa Rokoduguni
05. Dave Attwood	12. Kyle Eastmond
06. Peter O'Mahony	13. Malakai Fekitoa
07. Sam Cane	14. Nemani Nadolo
08. Charles Ollivon	15. Nick Abendanon

:-
16. Nicky Smith 17. Tommy Taylor 18. Martin Moore 19. Maro Itoje 20. Matt Kvesic 21. Danny Care 22. Francois Steyn 23. Simon Zebo

Highlanders vs. Exeter Cheifs
Forsyth Park Stadium, Dunedin

Highlanders
Manager – Jamie Joseph

01. Brendon Edmonds	09. Aaron Smith
02. Liam Coltman	10. Lima Sopoaga
03. Josh Hohneck
04. Alex Ainley	11. Patrick Osborne
05. Mark Reddish	12. Richard Buckman
06. Elliot Dixon	13. Malakai Fekitoa
07. Dan Pryor	14. Waisake Naholo
08. Nasi Manu	15. Ben Smith

Subs:
16 As Dixon 17 Dan Lienert-Brown 18 Ross Geldenhuys 19 Joe Wheeler 20 Gareth Evans  21 James Lentjes 22 Fumiaki Tanaka 23 Trent Renata

Exeter Chiefs 

Manager – Fluxy

01. Cian Healy	09. Connor Murray
02. Rob Webber	10. Alex Losowski (k)
03. Vincent Koch
04. Lood De Jager	11. JP Pietersen
05. Patrick Tuipulotu	12. Ma'a Nonu (c)
06. James Haskell	13. Adam Ashley-Cooper
07. Luke Wallace	14. Cory Jane
08. Steffon Armitage	15. Mike Haley

_
16. Sean Cronin 17. Wyatt Crockett 18. Jake Cooper-Wooley 19. Paul O'Connell 20. Yannick Nyanga 21. Chris Cook 22.Otere Black 23. James O'Connor

mark

Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Bambam

01. Matt Mullan	09. Nick Phipps
02. Dane Coles	10. Owen Farrell (k)
03. Charlie Faumuina
04. Ed Slater	11. David Strettle
05. Flip Van Der Merwe	12. Scott Williams
06. David Ewers	13. Jonathan Davies
07. Chris Henry	14. Charles Piutau
08. Kieran Read (c)	15. Ben Smith

:-
16.Jamie George 17.Vincent Debaty 18.Luc Ducalcon 19. Yohan Maestri 20. Callum Clark 21.Rhys Webb 22. Ian Madigan 23. Charlie Sharples

Tactics

Grind them down with the big pack, carrying tight and challenging them to make tackles. Once we are on top and going forwards, spin out to the backs, with the likes of Smith helping Farrell by offering alternate options at first receiver.

Use the kicking game as an option for territory, but primarily look to keep ball in hand and get some continuity going

Please could I have feedback on the balance of the pack (carrying, set piece, work rate, breakdown) and the centre combo

1 Beast
2 Strauss
3 Antonio
4 Etzbeth
5 Gray
6 Botha
7 Savea
8 Heaslip
9 Robson
10 Cipriani
11 May
12 Toomua
13 Kurindrani
14 Naiyaravoro
15 Dagg
16 Wood
17 LCD
18 Figallo
19 Stooke
20 Croft
21 TJ Perenara
22 Handre Pollard
23 Charlie Walker

Saracens
Manager – Pooly

01. Alex Waller	09. Sam Harrison
02. Rory Best	10. Beuden Barrett
03. Dan Cole
04. Will Skelton	11. James Lowe
05. Brad Davies	12. Sonny Bill Williams
06. Dave Denton	13. Conrad Smith
07. Thierry Dusatoir(c)	14. Chris Ashton
08. Nathan Hughes	15. Stuart Hogg

:-
16. Keven Mealamu 17. Nick Auterac 18. Jannie Du Plessis 19. Geoff Parling 20. Akira Ioane 21. Francois Hougaard 22. Pat Lambie 23. Miles Benjamin

Tactics:

- Huge pack to dominate collisions and big carrying options to get over gainline
- Breakdown options in Best, Cole, Dusatoir, Denton and Hughes (most turnovers in AP)
- Kicking and running options in backs, look to use forwards to set platform and get opp defence on back foot then unleash running threats

London Irish
Manager: Ozzy3213

01. Joe Marler	09. Ben Youngs
02. Tom Youngs	10. Henry Slade
03. David Wilson
04. Matt Symons	11. Anthony Watson
05. James Broadhurst	12. Brad Barritt
06. Sean O'Brien	13. Samu Kerevi
07. Blake Gibson	14. Marland Yarde
08. Duane Vermeulen ©	15. Delon Armitage

16. Tatafu Polota-Nau 17. Ben Moon 18. Fraser Balmain 19. Cameron Skelton 20. Marcell Coetzee 21. Will Homer 22. Timo Swiel 23. Tim Nanai-Williams

Tactics

- Standard fast paced, Super Rugby style offloading game.
- Blitz defence.
- Key emphasis on winning the collisions and controlling the gain line on attack and defence.

- Would appreciate feedback around which of the EQ guys would be my best 4 starters and which of them need a dramatic upgrade.

Exeter Chiefs 

Manager – Fluxy

01. Cian Healy	09. Connor Murray
02. Rob Webber	10. Alex Losowski (k)
03. Vincent Koch
04. Lood De Jager	11. JP Pietersen
05. Patrick Tuipulotu	12. Ma'a Nonu (c)
06. James Haskell	13. Adam Ashley-Cooper
07. Luke Wallace	14. Cory Jane
08. Steffon Armitage	15. Mike Haley

_
16. Sean Cronin 17. Wyatt Crockett 18. Jake Cooper-Wooley 19. Paul O'Connell 20. Yannick Nyanga 21. Chris Cook 22.Otere Black 23. James O'Connor

Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Marcos Ayerza	09. Faf De Klerk
02. Benjamin Kayser	10. Johnny Sexton
03. Davit Zirakishvilli
04. Brodie Retalick	11. Semesa Rokoduguni
05. Dave Attwood	12. Kyle Eastmond
06. Peter O'Mahony	13. Malakai Fekitoa
07. Sam Cane	14. Nemani Nadolo
08. Charles Ollivon	15. Nick Abendanon

16. Nicky Smith 17. Tommy Taylor 18. Martin Moore 19. Maro Itoje 20. Matt Kvesic 21. Danny Care 22. Francois Steyn 23. Simon Zebo

SJE and Pete during season will whoever is running the thread have to
PM their scores to another person ??

Also can we have a list of games per week and use that to submit scores against ?

RESULTS (Feedback to follow)

Newcastle Falcons 33 (T:4 C:2 P:3)
Reds 20 (T:2 C:2 P:2)

Saracens 30 (T:4 C:2 P:2)
London Irish 27 (T:3 C:3 P:2)

Gloucester 30 (T:4 C:2 P:2)
Sale Sharks 34 (T:4 C:4 P:2)

Highlanders 29 (T:3 C:1 P:4)
Exeter Chiefs 26 (T:2 C:2 P:4)

Prediction Bonuses:
Full: Fluxy, Matt, Luke, Prop, Pete, Bam, Chris, SJE, Pooly & CJ
No Predictions from:  CJB & Steve

Newcastle Falcons v Reds

Falcons 28-25 Reds
I feel the Falcons could get the upper hand in the front 5 but the backrow battle will be a bit closer. Half backs to the Reds and centres pretty even but like the Welsh pairing. Outwide I think Falcons just had that extra spark and good bench impact. Pack balance looks ok to me Bam and the tactics of grinding them down in front 5 will work.

Newcastle 29 - 19 Reds
Too much in the pack and control from Farrell at no10. Falcons might struggle slightly at the breakdown against some teams with the starting pack but can bring on Clark who makes a huge difference.

Newcastle 25-18 Reds
Falcons can get on top in the front 5 at the set piece and around the park. Back row slightly closer at the breakdown but Falcons have more about them carrying wise. Halfbacks one a piece but Cooper more capable of unlocking the defence. Falcons stronger 11-15 with 12 the only close jersey currently. Like the impact that Webb & Madigan can give late on.

Newcastle 26–18 Reds
Good match ups in the front row but I think Falcons would get a good scrum edge. Not much in the engine rooms and Reds perhaps shade the flanks with a good balance but with Read a step up at 8. Falcons stronger at 9/10 and I can see their centre partnership also getting on top. Falcons take the back 3 and earn a decent win with overall control.

Newcastle Falcons 34 Reds 20
It's a strong Falcons side with international quality throughout, against a misfiring Reds team at Kingston Park. In general terms there is only one winner, and it's by a comfortable margin. Pack wise for Falcons, it's a decent, mobile, competitive unit, but there are some weaknesses there against top sides. Faumuina is not the strongest scrummaging tighthead, and against a top unit in winter conditions that could be an issue. Decent carrying and work rate in the pack though which is a positive. In the backs my concern with the centre combo outside of Farrell is that you are going to end up having to play Gatlandball. To bet the best out of the back three, which you really want to do with Smith there, I think you need either a more creative 10, or a second five-eights type distributor at 12.

Newcastle 39-12 Red
Mismatch up front and the physicality of the Falcons will get to reds. Falcons have enough power and pace to really rack up points.reds have the likes of kerevi who will cause problems but a routine win

Falcons 28 - 26 Reds
Falcons take the scrum but only just against an improved Reds unit. Very close at lineout time indeed, reds have a better thrower and may edge it. However, backrow goes to the better balanced and powerful falcons unit. Even with dodgy form Reds have more class. Reds take the wings but Newcastle the better balanced centres and better FB and they have enough for the win

Newcastle Falcons 23 - 16 Reds
Falcons edge the forwards but will struggle in the set piece, Reds have a strong front row and their second row combo allows them to control a supply of possession of for their backs. Falcons have the ability in their back row to dictate the pace of the game. Phipps and Farrell will attack the fringes and keep the Reds defence honest, allowing more time and space outwide where they will be more dangerous when they have possession. Falcons will pull away as the game wears on, but not an easy result. Falcons pack has good mobility and dynamism, but will lack a little leadership in the set piece against experienced and top level operators. The Centre partnership has all the abilities and outside Faz and the right wingers will be dangerous. 

Newcastle 26 - 24 Reds
Slight edge to newcastle up front, whilst second rows fairly even. Two decent back rows but for me newcastle look stronger and take the pack. Slight edge to reds at hb, but newcastle better at centre. They take back three too and overall the better side.

Saracens v London Irish


Sarries 28-24 Irish
Overall I can’t split the packs with both teams nullifying each other out. Irish could get a little bit of joy in the back row but not a huge amount.. Barrett the stand out half back but like the Irish pairing here. Centres to Sarries and not a lot between the back 3’s on show today. Personally feel bit more impact for Sarries from the bench too. Feedback for Irish’s questions: I’d say that your eq options are good and hopefully Symons will hit the ground running this season. Homer needs more game time for Bath but overall, when on form they are good but there are a couple of players (the Youngs brothers) who get mixed opinions.

Saracens 33 - 28 London Irish
Very strong Sarries side with a big pack, which has a lot of grunt but lacks a bit of finesse. Will get them some good front ball to attack Irish, but I don't see Sam Harrison as a particularly great no9 at this level. Exciting backline for Sarries. Irish great front row, will need to see how Symons settles in the AP but Blake Gibson is a very exciting no7 and one of the best signings of the summer in terms of potential.

Saracens 29 -24 London Irish
Terrific battle up front with a load of England guys. Think Irish just have the edge, with Marler being a better loosehead than Waller atm. Very close at lock, Skelton the standout but the Irish pair in good form. Really like the look of Gibson, but not sure if he is up to this level yet in the back row, but would call it evens with Vermeulen and SOB on hand. One a piece at halfback, Sarries have the advantage at centre while Irish edge the back 3. Bench to Sarries, with home advantage they take this one. Irish - I'd say Marler, Wilson, Barritt and Symons/Watson would be the starting EQ looking at your squad, with Yarde, Youngs and Slade also good, but obviously you have Aaron Smith! If Slade gets a go at 12 in the warm up games, I'd be tempted to play him at 12, as Barritt can affect how your creativity is rated

Saracens 21-23 London Irish
Irish have a bit more at the scrum and lineout and can get a small edge. Denton & Dusatoir not breakdown options really Pooly. Hard to separate the packs carrying wise but do think Irish shade the breakdown just. Halfbacks fairly even overall. Both with a bit of spark about them and should get the backs going. Midfield an edge to Sarries. Kerevi a great prospect but defensively lacking at times and out of position. Irish sub halfbacks would be out of their depth in regular season games. Tight game but feel Irish backs have the better platform to work off for the win.

Saracens 29 - 29 Irish
Great scrum contest, hard to split at all. Probably slight edge at lock to Sarries, but Vermeulen gives Iriah the backrow and breakdown just. One half back a piece. Irish take back 3 easily and Sarries the centres though by less. Irish would win at home but here is a draw. Pete, I would start Watson, Marler, Youngs at 9 and Delon. Slade, Wison, Tom Youngs and Yarde not far off, Barritt fine for some gameplans

Saracens 27 - 32 London Irish
Scrum time is even between both sides, the difference is at line out time, where Symons will get an edge over their opposing second row. The contest at the breakdown is ferocious and it is hard to actually see a clean winner or advantage and actually creates a mess at the breakdown - creating a stop start game. Youngs service to Slade will allow him time and space to pull the strings. Harrison will struggle under the pressure from the Irish back row, and will impact on the service to the Sarries back line. They have the ability to worry the Irish defence, but this is on few occasions in the game. Pete your top four EQ for me would be 1. Marler, 2. B Youngs, 3. T Youngs, 4. A Watson. I wouldn't say your EQ needs dramatically improving, but someone like Wilson may require looking for a future replacement. 

Sarries 25 - 25 Irish
Irish just take the front row but fairly even second row. Decent back row battle that Irish edge and just give them the pack. One apiece in the hbs, but sarries take the centres. Not much in the back threes. Really can't split these two, good game.

Gloucester v Sale Sharks

Glos 25-30 Sale
On current form I can see Sale taking the pack battle with a bruising encounter but they bring form to front, second and back rows. Cane vs Savea battle will be interesting and I think Glos may get slight joy from their 2nd rows but Sale have good carriers here. Sexton the standout half back and Sale will get joy in the centres with good ball. A great back 3 battle with both sides cancelling each other out with Nadolo and Naiyaraovo in good form. Bench to Sale with a well balanced and good impact bench for the season here.

Gloucester 28 - 26 Sale Sharks
Incredibly close game across the pitch, game will be decided on very close margins and just see Gloucester having the edge in the no8 shirt and more control from their no12. Two back threes very exciting, the signings SJE has made really provide Sale with a lot of power in the backline that they missed last season, but with Fekitoa and Nadolo that definitely changes.

Gloucester 30 - 36 Sale
Sale have the stronger set piece for me, although closer in the lineout. Good battle at the breakdown, but POM/Cane is an excellent combo and think they have the advantage. Sexton stands out at halfback, while I really like what SJE has done with his backs, Fekitoa and Nadolo are excellent additions. Glos backline strong as always, Naiyaravoro is great going forwards, but could be targeted defensively. Plenty of impact off both benches, but Sale take this

Gloucester 41 Sale Sharks 46
Pack battle first, and it's lucky it's summer for Gloucester, as in winter this would be a scrum munching. Gloucester props are powerful, but the better technicians in the Sale side would do a job on them. As it is, the Gloucester front 5 unit can help get them on the front foot in the loose with some big carriers. Two good back rows, where Gloucester edge the carrying, but Sale better on the deck and with a nice balance to it. In the backs, Sale have really upgraded with Fekitoa and Nadolo, and the back line has a frightening attacking look to it. Still a few potential defensive issues with Nadolo and Rokoduguni not great when turned by a decent kicking game, and Eastmond susceptible to big runners down his channel. Gloucester back line is also great in attack, not so good defensively, and there are form issues at full back. This is a really high scorer for me, one of those ridiculous Super Rugby scores we sometimes get, and I have Sale nicking it courtesy of some better attacking ball from the breakdown.

Gloucester 28 - 30 Sale
Sale best front row about and win that battle. Very close lineout battle, then I think Gloucster back row offer a lot in the loose but Sale win the breakdown. Good combos at 9-10 from both sides, think in overall ability Sale just edge it. Sale have an incredible attacking line and will make spaces in the Glaws defence, but I fear for Eastmond should he get the ball switched onto him via Kurudriani. However with the bench too, Sale have too much and win away

Gloucester 24 - 28 Sale Sharks
Both front fives are quite even in the tight, but around the park Sharks have a stronger carrying edge in the tighter exchanges, Glaws are great outside the the first few guards with the dynamism, and more space between the defenders to break the line. Gloucester have some creative influence in midfield as much as Sharks, the difference is in the back three, with Sharks having some better form ball in hand. The game is close but Sharks just have a little more to change the game on the bench and just take the game out of Gloucester's reach.

Gloucester 27 - 26 Sale
Tight up front for me, but prefer gloucs second row. Great back row battle not a lot to split - I think Gloucs edge the pack. One apiece in the hbs, whilst the centres really close. Tight back three, maybe edge sale. Really cracking game, gonna edge to gloucs.

Highlanders v Exeter Chiefs

Highlanders 25-27 Chiefs
A touch match but Chiefs come out all guns blazing with a great pack. Strength all over and think they will get the upper edge here. Edge to Highlanders at half back and not much in the centres. Think the Highlanders will get more joy from their back three as well. Being able to bring on Crockett and O’Connell will help Chiefs and think they will just edge a good win here.

Highlanders 27 - 21 Exeter Chiefs
Again an even pack battle, big difference for me is the Chiefs no10 isn't at this level yet - again an exciting prospect but didn't get much game time for Wasps last year behind Goode and would be better suited to cameos at the end of games. Prefer Chiefs centre combinations but back three of Highlanders is just excellent and will get them the tries to win the game.

Highlanders 26-28 Exeter
Tough one for Exeter this, we've seen the form of Highlanders. On paper the Exeter pack is stronger, and think they'll just have enough to outplay the Highlanders, although think Highlanders will have the advantage in the back row, I don't think Steffan is an 8 despite wearing that for Toulon. In the backs, I think Highlanders have the advantage, with the back 3 especially being strong for the NZ side. Exeter do have the stronger bench as would be expected for sides in our league, and that added to the pack advantage just gives them the win in this one.

Highlanders 27-25 Exeter Chiefs
Can't see either side getting an edge at the breakdown but Chiefs have a bit more at the scrum. Both sides with powerful carrying options through the side. Halfbacks to Landers though with Losowski a weakness for Chiefs. Centres one a piece but combo edges to Chiefs. Landers stronger through the back three. Stronger bench for Chiefs. Think the gap at 10 does for Chiefs against an in form Highlanders.

Highlanders 25–20 Exeter
Exeter would perhaps get some joy in the scrum but I can’t see their line out going too well with no real leader and few options in the backrow. Not a massive fan of Armitage at 8 but he can do a job, I think Highlanders could get on top here. Highlanders stronger in both halfback positions and one a piece in the centre battle. Highlanders with a stronger back 3 also. Overall I think Highlanders have enough in the pack and halfback/back 3 to get a good win.

Highlanders 31 Exeter Chiefs 26
This is a difficult on to decide on, as if you just go on names, it's an easy Chiefs win, but as we saw in the Super Rugby final, this Highlanders team is more than the sum of its parts. Looking at the Chiefs pack, there is plenty of power, and their breakdown work will be strong, but the lineout could be an issue, with none of their back row excelling there and no established lineout caller in the side. Webber's darts can also be an issue and this could well give the Highlanders some great opportunities to attack, both on their own ball and off turnover ball there. In the half backs, it's the Highlanders by a stretch, with a massively in form pair, and their backline are one of the best counter attacking sides I've ever seen. Chiefs back line has tries in it for sure, but this comes down to the halfbacks for me, and I just think that the Highlanders pair will craft more chances for their backs to take and win the game.

Highlanders 24-16 Exeter
Highlanders In great form and a sum of their parts better than the individual. Fairly even up front in scrum etc. highlanders will kill the line out and be more physical at ruck. Highlanders half backs win the game with both back lines a threat. Exeter have a lot of big names without any form. Smith and sopoanga kill the game and beat a good Chiefs side

Highlanders 26 -27 Chiefs
Front row battle taken by Exeter, and they just edge lineout too, however, a very efficient backrow from the kiwis can challenge a breakdown heavy but skills and tight carrying light backrow. Would probably swap Wallace for someone else there. Murray can match sSmith and Lowoski a good future 10. Nice balanced wings with skills in a every area and excellent Exeter centres, just enough to win a way

Highlanders 23 - 25 Chiefs
I think Chiefs can really get on top of the pack battle here, and with some great power get more ball. HBs edge to highlanders, but chiefs so strong at centre.  Highlanders edge back threes. Good game, think CHiefs pack edges this.

anonmattyt wrote:SJE and Pete during season will whoever is running the thread have to
PM their scores to another person ??

Also can we have a list of games per week and use that to submit scores against ?

Good point Matt. I will pm copies of my predictions to Pete going forward and if anyone else is running the match thread for the week they can send to me. I'll put a list up when the fixtures are spread across two match threads but they are usually all together on one thread during the season so should be no issue scrolling down the page to go through the games.

Like this format of feedback SJE

Looks good Johnny

Really good way of doing it, if it doesn't take too long 

Looking good SJE