London Irish 2016/17 Championship Thread

[Ozzy3213]

First topic message reminder :

  Welcome to this seasons thread for talking about all things London Irish. 

Senior Squad (39)

Technical Director: Brendan Venter
Director of Rugby: Nick Kennedy
Assistant Coach: Clark Laidlaw
Forwards Coach: George Skivington
Defence Coach: Declan Danaher
Skills Coach: Paul Hodgson

Hooker: David Paice, Gerard Ellis, David Porecki, Jason Harris-Wright, Todd Gleave (dual registered with Rosslyn Park).
Prop: Tom Court, Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi, Tom Smallbone, Ben Franks, Richard Palframan, Ollie Hoskins.
Second Row: Sebastien de Chaves, Jerry Sexton, Jebb Sinclair, George Robson, Will Lloyd.
Back Row: Blair Cowan, Ofisa Treviranus, Luke Narraway, Connor Gilsenen, Joe Trayfoot, Mike Coman, Max Northcote-Green, Senitiki Nayalo.
Scrum Half: Brendan McKibbin, Scott Steele, Darren Allinson (on loan to Bath).
Fly Half: Greig Tonks, Tommy Bell, Theo Brophy-Clews.
Centre: Johnny Williams, Fergus Mulchrone, Ciaran Hearn, Tom Fowlie
Back Three: Topsy Ojo, Alex Lewington, Aseli Tikoirotuama, James Marshall, Ben Ransom


Senior Academy Squad (12)

Hooker: Matt Kouris (dual registered with Esher)
Prop: Harry Elrington (dual registered with Rosslyn Park), Austin Hay (Academy Plus)
Back Row: Isaac Curtis-Harris (dual registered with Esher), Jack Cooke (Academy Plus)
Scrum Half: Conor Murphy, Rory Brand (dual registered with Rosslyn Park)
Fly Half: Tom Parton
Centre: Ross Neal, Matt Williams
Wing: Joe Cokanasiga, Jacob Atkins


Fixture List

Date	Time	Opponents	H/A	Venue	Competition	Result	Scorers
Sat 13th Aug	15:00	Harlequins	A	The Stoop	Friendly	W 28-12	T: Cowan, Neal, Nayolo, Atkins  C: Bell 3, Tonks.
Fri 19th Aug	19:30	Nottingham	H	Hazelwood	Friendly	W 43-14
Fri 26th Aug	19:30	Loughborough Students	H	Hazelwood	Friendly	W 46-21
Sat 3rd Sep	15:00	Doncaster Knights	H	MadStad	Championship	W 19-0	T: Fowlie, Tikoroituma  P: Bell 3.
Sat 10th Sep	15:00	Richmond	H	MadStad	Championship	W 36-12	T: Paice, Cowan 2, Ellis, McKibbin, Elrington. C: Bell 3.
Sat 17th Sep	15:00	Bedford Blues	A	Goldington Road	Championship	W 30-23	T: Franks, Williams, Ojo, Northcote-Green. C: Bell 2. P: Bell 2.
Sun 25th Sep	15:00	Ealing Trailfinders	H	MadStad	Championship	W 32-12	T: Ransom, Trayfoot, Marshall, Steele C:Bell, Marshall 2 P:Bell 2.
Fri 30th Sep	19:45	Nottingham	A	LadyBay Sports	Championship	W 29-7	T: Steele Tikoroituma Northcote-Green Mulchrone C:Bell 3 P:Bell.
Sat 8th Oct	15:00	London Welsh	H	MadStad	Championship	W 35-12	T: Mulchrone, Paice, de Chaves, McKibbin. C: Bell. 3 P: Bell 3.
Sat 15th Oct	15:00	Ospreys Prem Select	A	The Gnoll	B & I Cup	W 25-14	T: Neal, Ransom, Nayalo, Palframan.  C: Tonks.  P: Tonks.
Sat 22nd Oct	15:00	Connacht Eagles	H	MadStad	B & I Cup	W 34-3	T: Elrington, Hoskins, Harris-Wright, Parton, Cokanasiga.  C: Tonks 3 P: Tonks.
Sat 29th Oct	15:00	London Scottish	A	RAG	Championship	W 62-12	T: Paice, McKibbin, Cokanasiga, Bell 2, Tikoirotuma, Steele, Cowan C: Bell 8, P: Bell 2.
Sat 5th Nov	15:00	Yorkshire Carnegie	H	MadStad	Championship	W 41-17	T: Ransom 2, Tikoirotuma, Marshall 2. C: Bell 5. P: Bell 2.
Sat 19th Nov	13:00	Cornish Pirates	A	Mennaye Field	Championship	W 35-24	T: Ransom 2, Franks 2, Northcote-Green  C: Marshall 2.  P: Tonks 2.
Sun 27th Nov	15:00	Jersey Reds	H	MadStad	Championship	W 42-29	T: Ransom, Paice 2, Palframan, Fowlie  C: Bell 4  P: Bell 2  DG: Bell.
Sat 3rd Dec	14:00	Rotherham Titans	A	Clifton Lane	Championship	W 38-10	T: Cokanasiga 2, Bell 2, Steele.  C: Bell 5  P: Bell.
Sun 11th Dec	15:00	Cornish Pirates	H	MadStad	B & I Cup	W 33-24	T: Atkins, Gilsenan, Porecki, Nayalo, M.Williams.  C: Tonks 4.
Sat 17th Dec	14:30	Cornish Pirates	A	Mennaye Field	B & I Cup
Sat 24th Dec	15:00	Richmond	A	RAG	Championship
Sat 31st Dec	15:00	Bedford Blues	H	MadStad	Championship
13/14/15 Jan		Connacht Eagles	A		B & I Cup
Sat 21st Jan	15:00	Ospreys Prem Select	H	MadStad	B & I Cup
Sat 28th Jan	15:00	Ealing Trailfinders	A	Vallis Way	Championship
Sun 5th Feb	14:00	Nottingham	H	MadStad	Championship
Sat 18th Feb	14:00	London Welsh	A	Old Deer Park	Championship
Sat 25th Feb	15:00	London Scottish	H	MadStad	Championship
Sun 5th Mar	15:00	Yorkshire Carnegie	A	Headingley	Championship
Sat 18th Mar	14:00	Cornish Pirates	H	MadStad	Championship
Sat 25th Mar	14:00	Jersey Reds	A	St Peter	Championship
Sat 8th Apr	15:00	Rotherham Titans	H	MadStad	Championship
Sat 15th Apr	15:00	Doncaster Knights	A	Castle Park	Championship

Season Preview

Well it's been an interesting summer in the aftermath of relegation.  It was clear from the outset that we would lose some players and would have to cut our cloth accordingly.  Initially it appeared that Tom Coventry was staying, but a late u-turn from him meant a new coaching set up was required.  New coaches, loss of big names, new players to integrate, sounds like a recipe for disaster, and we've certainly been there many times over the past few years.  This however, does not feel like that at all.  Perhaps it's because we are a league down, but there is real optimism around, primarily because of those things.  The holy trinity of Nick Kennedy, Declan Danaher and Paul Hodgson have been promoted to the first team after overseeing a successful academy season last year, and have Brendan Venter overseeing them as technical director.  This is exciting.  A proven winner overseeing a young, hungry and exciting coaching team.  On the playing side, the main losses being Matt Symons and Sean Maitland are more than offset by the likes of George Robson, James Marshall and Tommy Bell coming in.  If anything it feels as if we may have a stronger squad this year than we've had for the past 4 or 5.

Two games into pre season and things look positive.  Comfortably beating an admittedly understrength Quins, and a high scoring win against Nottingham have given plenty of optimism for the season ahead.  There were still defensive lapses, which will need to be ironed out, but barring complacency or an absolute stinker in terms of form, we should have more than enough to comfortably make the dreaded play offs, where it then becomes a test of mental strength rather than ability.


Ozzy'sprediction: Champions

[Heaf]

I'm really hoping this will provide some long term benefits in some way

[SirBurger]

Just catching up on the game from the weekend. We seem to have lots of players who are good once we are on the front-foot, but nobody to get us to that point. Treviranus and Guest can't come back soon enough, but even then I think we need a bit more punch in the pack and midfield. Every Exeter player is comfortable as a ball carrier.

For Saturday I am hoping for:

Smallbone
Ellis
Aulika
Skivington
Symons
McCusker
Cowan
Treviranus

McKibbin
Geraghty
Lewington
Griffin
Fowlie
Ojo
Maitland

Bench: Paice, Court, Halavatau, Sinclair, Guest, Steele, Noakes, Tikoirotuma

[Margin_Walker]

Can we not just get Mapasua out of retirement? Sure he could still do a job for us at 12...

[SirBurger]

Can we not just get Mapasua out of retirement? Sure he could still do a job for us at 12...

Those were the days...

Have to say though, having finished the game, that I could see the potential in the way that Maitland and Tikoirotuma were trying to link up towards the end. Tiks generally had a bit of a shocker, but there were times when those around him just weren't on his wave-length.

If we lose I tend to wait a few days before catching up now (if we have lost) as the performance then never quite looks as bad as you might think.

But yes, a big gain-line busting 12 would do the job, although Griffin is looking more powerful this season for sure.

[Margin_Walker]

Was watching a few old YouTube videos last night. We really did have an awesome backline then.

I'm pretty optomistic on Tiks. He didn't have that bad a game imo. With a few more games together, Lewi would have probably been expecting the offload that he dropped from Tiks in the corner.

Griffin has been alright, but not completely convinced. Missed a fair few tackles at the weekend and will be good to see what Waldouck offers when fit.

[Heaf]

New centre signs here

[SirBurger]

Happy with that. He was genuinely very good for Canada at the World Cup. Big, strong, powerful and a good offload. His running style reminds me a bit of Fergus, but he is definitely quicker and more powerful. Gives us some great options in midfield and should help us get over the gainline a bit better. I don't know if he is immediately with us, so I will assume not in my team for next weekend:

Smallbone
Paice (not as bad as I thought he was going to be on reviewing the match. Think he deserves one final chance to get it right at the line-out. Still very good around the paddock)
Aulika
Skivington
Symons
Sisi (if available)
Cowan
Treviranus

McKibbin
Geraghty
Tikoirotuma
Mulchrone
Fowlie
Lewington
Maitland

Bench: Ellis, Court, Halavatau, Sinclair, McCusker, Steele, Noakes, Ojo

[Margin_Walker]

Would be fairly happy with that team, with Jebb coming in if Sisi is obliged to sit it out. Personally I'd give Noakes another week, so him and McKibbin have had the full bloc of 4 AP games to try and build a partnership. Would be fine with Paice or Ellis and would probably err towards the former. Have had a little time on my hands and have been collating the stats available on ESPN. The sample is a little too small to read too much into things so far, but Paice shows up very well defensively (also has been carrying okay in comparison to our slightly lacklustre efforts in the forwards there) and has only conceded one pen. Below are the tackle stats for everyone with more than 15 tackles.



Big fan of Symons btw. Carries hardly any ball, but is a big lump who rarely misses a tackle and has had a noticeable impact on our mauling game. I worry a little long term about the set piece partnership with Skivs, as neither are fantastic lineout forwards (especially without a Kieran Low type picking up the slack from 6). Would be interesting to see if Symons and Sheriff team up at some point in the season.

[SirBurger]

I have actually been pleasantly surprised by Symons' carrying. Having watched him at the Chiefs he barely made any and when he did he made very little ground. So far he has carried a fair bit and has usually at least gone forwards with it rather than being stopped flat on the gain line. So although he hasn't exactly excelled in that role, he has probably exceeded my low expectations!

Someone on the Craic has linked us to William Lloyd the Blues lock. He would be taller than both of our current options so he could help sort the line-out. I don't think Skivs and Symons are especially bad in that role, but we just have a lack of options as you have pointed out which makes it difficult for us. Would love someone like Beaumont to come into our back row to give a bit more variety. Hopefully Guest can add a bit in that area when he comes back.

[Margin_Walker]

We definitely miss Guest for a variety of reasons, the lineout being one of them. Haven't heard any updates relating to him, so hope whatever he's out with isn't long term. Skivs and Symons are both decent enough in the lineout, but it's always nice to have a real specialist somewhere in the pack wherever possible.

Don't think I saw any of the Blues games last season, although gather it was a bit of a car crash. Crazy to think that recruitment for next season will already be in full swing (for non AP players anyway, honest Guv!).

[Ozzy3213]

Young Johnny Williams has extended his contract for another 2 years which is great news.

[SirBurger]

So, team for Agen? I would like to see the following:

1. Tom Court (Ben Franks)
2. Gerard Ellis
3. Halani Aulika
4. Eoin Sherriff (George Skivington)
5. Matt Symons
6. Rob McKusker (Ofisa Treviranus)
7. David Sisi (Blair Cowan)
8. Tom Guest

9. Darren Allinson
10. Shane Geraghty
11. Alesi Tikoirotuma
12. Fergus Mulchrone (Ciaran Hearn)
13. Tom Fowlie
14. Alex Lewington
15. Sean Maitland

Bench: David Paice, Tom Smallbone, Leo Halavatau, Jebb Sinclair, Luke Narraway, Conor Murphy, Chris Noakes, Andy Fenby

Brackets are where I hope we are by the time we return for league action.

[Margin_Walker]

It's a tough one. I guess they have to balance the desire to give front line players a break, with the need to get a morale boosting win. Agen seem to have filled their Challenge cup squad with plenty of youngster, so hopefully we can afford to rotate a little and still have a pretty good shot a winning. Also hard to pick a team without any firm idea of the injury status of some players. Anyone know how long Palf is out for, would be great to have him back?

Would go with something like:

1. Tom Court
2. Gerard Ellis
3. Halani Aulika
4. Eoin Sherriff
5. Matt Symons
6. David Sisi
7. Ofisa Treviranus
8. Tom Guest

9. Darren Allinson
10. Shane Geraghty
11. Andy Fenby
12. Dom Waldouck
13. Eoin Griffin
14. Alex Lewington
15. Sean Maitland

Bench: Jimmy Stevens (Cruse if fit), Tom Smallbone, Leo Halavatau, Jebb Sinclair, Luke Narraway, Conor Murphy, TBC , Tom Fowlie

[Ozzy3213]

Palf could be out for a fair while.

[Margin_Walker]

Ah, fair enough Ozzy. Feared as much. Will be interesting to see if they stick Franks at TH. Has been playing SR there a lot recently.

[Margin_Walker]

I like the look of the team for tomorrow. Right mix of youth and experience. Would be surprised if we don't win relatively comfortably (I know I'm tempting fate massively there).

15. Sean Maitland*; 14. Alex Lewington; 13. Aseli Tikoirotuma*; 12. Johnny Williams; 11. Topsy Ojo*; 10. Chris Noakes; 9. Darren Allinson; 1. Tom Court*; 2. Gerard Ellis; 3. Halani Aulika*; 4. Eoin Sheriff; 5. Matt Symons (C); 6. Rob McCusker; 7. Joe Trayfoot; 8. Tom Guest.

Replacements: 16. Tom Cruse; 17. Tom Smallbone; 18. Leo Halavatau; 19. David Sisi; 20. Luke Narraway*; 21. Connor Murphy; 22. Theo Brophy Clews; 23. Dom Waldouck

Good to see J Williams get his first start and Trayfoot/Cruse back from injury.

[Ozzy3213]

Agree MW, very good blend in there. A few guys who will be looking to nail down their jerseys and a couple of kids eager to impress. If we can get a good win today, and then back it up away in France next week, we'll be in good shape for the game against Wasps on the 28th, with the likes of Franks, Skivs, Trev and Blair to come back into pack.

[Ozzy3213]

First win of the season in the bag, but more importantly a good performance.  Despite the rain, the handling from the backs was excellent.  It will be interesting to see if we can replicate it over the coming weeks, against better defences who will put more pressure on us than Agen did.

It will also be interesting to see what sort of side TC puts out next week in Grenoble.  Ellis, Sheriff, McCusker, Allinson, Williams and Tikoroituma all enhanced their claims to a starting jersey yesterday, as did Cruse and Narraway off the bench.  Unless TC is going to be brave enough to give Johnny Williams he 12 jersey in the AP, I suspect we may see Waldouck at 12 next week, which wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing.  Hopefully this win will give the boys some confidence and get our season kick started.

[SirBurger]

It sounds very promising. I kind of hope Williams does get another run out though as I would like TC to be bold and stick with him for the Premiership if he is the most in-form 12 we have.

How did Trayfoot play Ozzy? And did the injuries to Symons and Guest look bad or precautionary?

[Heaf]

Guest looked OK when he came off (which wasn't that far into the match) - I was wondering if he just had a niggle from his previous injury. Symons didn't look too comfortable but walked off on his own. Hopefully neither are too bad.

[SirBurger]

Next week is going to be a monster contest. Does anyone have an update on Maitland's injury? Are Guest and Cowan likely to be back. Selection is going to be crucial, but if we get our strongest side out and everyone plays well, there's no reason we can't trouble Wasps. If those three aforementioned are around, I hope to see:

1. Court
2. Ellis
3. Franks
4. Skivington
5. Symons
6. Trayfoot
7. Cowan
8. Treviranus

9. Steele
10. Geraghty
11. Tikoirotuma
12. Williams
13. Mulchrone
14. Lewington
15. Maitland

Bench: Paice, Smallbone, Aulika, Sheriff, Guest, Allinson, Noakes, Fowlie

Was ever so tempted to opt for a 6-2 bench split, but can see Fowlie being required.

[Margin_Walker]

Would be pretty close to my team SirB.

Would probably start Fowlie and Guest (if fully fit). Would be great if Cowan were available, he's such an important player for us.

Think they will have been burned by the 6-2 split this weekend having had to play Steele out of position. Worrying seeing couple of players going down with knocks every week, but I guess that's modern rugby.

[SirBurger]

I've also just noticed that the A Team have their first fixture tomorrow night. Quite a few guys were involved on Saturday, but it will definitely be good to see Fenby and a few others get some game time.

[Ozzy3213]

I'll be surprised if Maitland plays this week, he looked pretty out of it when he went off.  Not sure on Blair or Tom Guest, but in fairness, our back row has played well whoever has been in it the last couple of games.  Basing selection on those three guys being unavailable, along with Noakes who also took a head knock, I'd like to see the following team against Wasps...

15. Ojo
14. Lewington
13. Tikoroituma
12. Williams
11. Fowlie
10. Geraghty
9. Allinson

1. Court
2. Ellis
3. Franks
4. Sheriff
5. Symons
6. Trayfoot
7. Treviranus
8. McCusker

16. Paice 17. Smallbone 18. Aulika 19. Skivington 20. Narraway 21. Steele 22. Brophy-Clews 23. Fenby

[Heaf]

Fenby is named in the A Team fixture - so maybe that means Maitland is OK? If not and Topsy got injured who would go to full back?

[Margin_Walker]

Carried over from the Craic, but anyone got any idea why Joe Cokanasiga is showing on the Academy page? Thought he was still a year young for Senior academy. Have they fast tracked him after an 18th birthday or something?

http://www.london-irish.com/the-club/academy-players/150/

Looking forward to the game at the weekend. Always optimistic midweek...

[SirBurger]

Marshall signing seems all but done according to Rugby Paper. A very good player in my opinion, who will definitely add to the side. However, he definitely isn't the 80% goal-kicker BBC spoke about and I am not sure he is really the controlling fly-half that we need. A bit more of a creative utility player, but I am hoping to be proved wrong on both of those counts, or that maybe he is being brought in alongside someone else to play 10 with him.

So was fairly satisfied with yesterday's performance. Defence was decent, although I felt the Daly try was a bit soft. I would still like to see Hearn get a run-out in the 13 channel, otherwise I don't see why we have brought him in. Noakes just doesn't cut it I am afraid to say - I really hope Shane is back as soon as possible. Williams is proving a real find. I hope we manage him carefully, but he is a beast in defence and looks confident going forwards too. The pack looked good, much better with Franks and the back row boys returning. I hope Trev isn't going to be out for long as he was struggling. If Maitland and Geraghty are back I can see us picking up our first points of the season at Quins.

1. Court
2. Ellis
3. Franks
4. Skivington
5. Symons
6. Treviranus
7. Cowan
8. Guest

9. McKibbin
10. Geraghty ??
11. Tikoirotuma
12. Williams
13. Hearn
14. Lewington
15. Maitland

For me that is our strongest XV (potentially depending on how Hearn goes), and the sooner we can get them on the pitch together the better. I am guessing we will be 2 or 3 short from that this weekend, but hopefully not far off.

[Margin_Walker]

Agree with most of that. Noakes has been given a decent chance, but it's just not happening for him. Shane's the better kicker and playmaker for me and deserves a run in the team now (hopefully whatever he's out with is short term...). Would kill for a reincarnated Barry Everitt this season, despite not fully appreciating him at the time. It's a shame TBC isn't a year further ahead in his development as next season is still too early to take over the starting gig full time. Marshall would be great and offer a lot of versatility, although not a classical 10 by any stretch.

Interested to see what Hearn can offer and hope he gets a shot soon. Fowlie has been a bit quiet so far this season and I'm not sold on him back on the wing. Would be a good fit for the 23 shirt perhaps short term.

It's just a frustrating start to the season. The fixture list always looked brutal, but it's disappointing that we weren't able to nick one or at least pick up a few bonus points. I really think we have a decent enough squad, but the longer this goes on the more pressure there will be when we do get to January and the easing of the fixture list. That said, Northampton look pretty flat and could present an opportunity before then.

[SirBurger]

Deciding whether to catch up on yesterday's game or not...

Where do we go from here? Need a result, but on the flip side can we risk certain players picking up an injury against Edinburgh?

[SirBurger]

Want to add - no point playing Williams in Europe just to tire him out for Prem action. Want to see him against Saints on Boxing Day.

Edit - Seen the Slater rumour but no way that will happen. Hopefully the recent links to Webb and Slater show we are still in the market for good players. Whether we can persuade anyone to sign with us while our Premiership status is in doubt is another issue though.

[Ozzy3213]

If you haven't watched yesterdays game SirBurger, save yourself the torment.

I think we need to go all out in both games against Edinburgh and take that into the Saints game.  We need a Premiership win, and soon.  Williams I agree on though.  I would actually give Griffin and Hearn another go in the centre.  

15. Maitland
14. Lewington
13. Hearn
12. Griffin
11. Tikoirotuma
10. Brophy-Clews
9. McKibbin

1. Smallbone
2. Ellis
3. Franks
4. Symons
5. Sheriff
6. Treviranus
7. Cowan
8. McCusker

16. Cruse 17. Court 18. Aulika 19. Sinclair 20. Gilsenan 21. Steele 22. Noakes 23. Fowlie

... would be my 23 for this weekend.  Topsy I'd give a rest to, and we need to see what TBC can do as Noakes is not cutting it right now.

[SirBurger]

Right - massive game on Boxing Day. Really think we can take the win if we have everyone available and firing. Team:

Court
Ellis
Franks
Symons
Rouse
Cowan
Gilsenan
Treviranus

McKibbin
Geraghty
Fenby
Williams
Tikoirotuma
Lewington
Maitland

Bench: Cruse, Smallbone, Aulika, Sinclair, Trayfoot, Steele, Noakes, Fowlie

[Margin_Walker]

Can't argue too much with that team. The game is definitely the opportunity I wouldn't have picked it as at the start of the season. Northampton are struggling to score points and playing as poorly as I've seen them for a long time. Even a LBP would be a step in the right direction.

That said, I'm sure they are looking forward to playing us to get their season back on track...

Really hope Symons and Ellis are fully fit as they make a big difference up front. Hopefully Maitland and Tiks are also well rested and ready for this one.

[SirBurger]

What a weekend and what a result. I know it is a cliche, but 1 through to 23 stood up and were counted. I re-watched the game last night and I can't believe the amount of work that Tom Court got through for a 35 year old. He may not be as dynamic a carrier as some of the other loose heads we have had over the past ten years (since I started watching the club), but he probably makes more tackles and hits more rucks. Maitland is starting to look the part as well now. Has so much time on the ball and looks very classy indeed. Really think we can go to Glos full of confidence and look to take something from that game. All we need to do is keep collecting the points. Hopefully Rouse can make a return to the side, as although Lloyd was impressive on debut, I think Rouse brings a bit more.

In more annoying news it looks like Goode is coming out of retirement to go to Newcastle. Bet some of our lads are desperate to line up against him on the 10th. I just can't see this going too well for Falcons or him.

Also, Rugby Paper says we are in talks with Grenoble 12/13 Jackson Willison who would be a good replacement for Eoin Griffin.

[Rugby Fan]

...In more annoying news it looks like Goode is coming out of retirement to go to Newcastle...

I see he's getting a right slagging on Twitter from some quarters. What has he actually done wrong? Should he have stayed on LI's books on the chance he would regain fitness for the season? Or is it that Goode should have checked if LI would offer him a short term contract when he knew he was fit again?

Seems on the surface like a case of unfortunate timing but fans are pretty upset, so it sounds like something else has gone on in the background.

[Ozzy3213]

Rugby Fan, he has taken urine. Lots has gone on behind closed doors with him. The man is a complete bumhole.

[Ozzy3213]

Huge game for us this weekend. A win at Kingsholm and we will be really up and running. I am told we picked up no injuries against Saints, but might have picked up a couple in the A league game on Monday. Only Gilsenan and Fowlie from that team are really anywhere near the first team, so as long as it's not them injured we should be ok. I am hoping for not too much chopping and changing from TC this week.

[doctor_grey]

Been away due to sudden and urgent work. Haven't had a chance to congratulate LI on their win over my Saints. They played smarter Rugby and really performed in crunch time. Took Saints head on at the end and earned the win.

Always thought the team had better talent than their record would indicate, and unfortunately showed it against Saints.

Have a great New Year.

[Ozzy3213]

Thanks doc. Thought we had blown it when we went behind and down to 14 men with 15 to go.

[SirBurger]

Happy with the side for Glos - good that the team that beat Saints is rewarded. I expect us to take a LBP, which would be a good outcome. Unfortunately, I also have Newcastle down to beat Bath this weekend. Bath look weak and aren't playing good Rugby.

Hopefully some signings to be announced once we reach January, although I imagine our Premiership position may delay things a bit.

[Margin_Walker]

Shame to see Rouse not back. Was hoping it was something minor he picked up last week. Lloyd did okay, but looks a touch lightweight for the tighter stuff and I'm guessing the Kingholm pitch won't be in great shape

Not much to argue about with the selection though. Narraway stands out for me as someone playing a level above anything we saw from him last year. Would be interesting to see Hearn with the ball in hand as he's been forced to do plenty of defending in the two games he's played so far.

Next two games are winnable. And while it could all go pear shaped, a run of any sort at this point would certainly take the pressure off and help with recruitment.

[Ozzy3213]

Delighted with an unchanged starting XV and only two changes on the bench, both of which strengthen us. This game is winnable.

[Nematode]

How has Sean Maitland been playing for you at full back? Can you see him securing the FB position?

[Hazel Sapling]

Sunday is a big game for London Irish. LI seem to have been playing better of late and a win would be a big step to safety. I might even go down to the Madejski for the first time this year. Ticket prices are ridiculous considering the attendance vs stadium size.

What team is expected to be put out?

[SirBurger]

Nematode - Maitland has been good so far. I would give him about 7/10, with a clear potential to become a real star for us. I would say he has already made the full back slot his own, he just needs to stay fit.

Hazel - ticket prices may seem steep, but they are actually the best priced in the league.

Imagine we will see the same side that started v Glos...

[Geordie]

Are,you guys ready for Sunday?

Who's the new signing for,you guys.

[SirBurger]

Very very nervous for Sunday GF, how about you?

James Marshall, Hurricanes utility back, started at 15 for them in the Super Rugby final, but expected to be our fly half moving forwards.

[Nematode]

Good to hear about Maitland - he played mostly on the wing for Scotland & Glasgow but his few performances at FB really stood out for me, pleasing to hear from a Scotland POV that he's playing well. Good luck in your season.

[Geordie]

Yup the same...its a big match for us both. Very nervous. In fairness both sides have showed halves of games, glimpses of form, aswell as some utter dross that either team could win.

Just needs one side to take the game by the scruff of the neck I guess.

I really cant call this one.

Ideally..we'll draw this, then both our sides will go on to beat the rest of them...we'll both be safe and Wuss will go down

[westisbest]

London Irish v Saracens in New York, first premiership match in the states, could be interesting.

Couple of lads on about going, cant make it, but would love to have gone.

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