Aviva Premiership Round Fourteen #6Ns

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Sale Sharks v Saracens
AJ Bell Stadium
Light Cloud, 6 Degrees, 12mph North Easterly Winds

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Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Marcos Ayerza	09. Faf De Klerk
02. Tommy Taylor	10. Bernard Foley
03. Davit Zirakishvilli
04. Brodie Retalick	11. Nemani Nadolo
05. Dave Attwood	12. Francois Steyn
06. Peter O'Mahony	13. Malakai Fekitoa
07. Sam Cane	14. Semesa Rokoduguni
08. Louis Picamoles	15. Nick Abendanon

Subs:
16. Benjamin Kayser 17. Ross Harrison 18. Martin Moore 19. Iain Henderson 20. Matt Kvesic (Matt Garvey if called up) 21. Calum Braley 22. JJ Hanrahan 23. Kyle Eastmond

Attack: We will be playing an expansive, high intensity offloading game looking to keep the ball moving. Look to use a rugby league shape with runners on the gain line and out the back door to force the opposition into making defensive decisions. Numerous playmakers across the back line allows us to constantly change the point of attack. De Klerk to keep the fringe defence honest with his snipping runs.

Breakdown: Quick ball is the aim on attack. Mobile pack and physical back line to clear out rucks and ensure we get it. We will look to get over the gain line off all carries to give a target to hit. Defensively when the initial contact is won we will look to commit numbers and get over the ball turning it over or at least slowing opposition ball up. Otherwise we will strengthen the line.

Defence: Similar set up to the Welsh with Foley and Abendanon defending deep to cover the backfield. Both wingers will step into the defensive line, to be part of the straight line blitz led by Fekitoa, to shut down space in the wider channels. Focused on winning the gain line collisions and driving the ball carrier back. Line speed is crucial. De Klerk will sweep behind the line to cover chips and grubbers.

Scrum: Strong scrummaging unit in the front row with the support of a powerful 4-8 will look to get the better of the opposition and build a strong attacking platform. We will look to put a slight wheel on where possible to take the opposition backrow out of play and then attack the space available and look for one on ones in the backline.

Lineout: Five mobile, athletic jumpers allows us to genuinely mix it up on attacking ball. Primarily looking to get the backs on the ball in space. Defensively POM to get up in the air at the front and challenge on opposition ball looking to make it as messy as possible.

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Saracens
Manager – Pooly

01. Alex Waller	09. Lee Dickson
02. Richard Hibbard	10. Nicolas Sanchez
03. Jannie Du Plessis
04. Sam Whitelock	11. Hosea Gear
05. Geoff Parling	12. Sonny Bill Williams
06. Thierry Dusatoir	13. Conrad Smith
07. Will Fraser	14. Miles Benjamin
08. Nathan Hughes	15. Pat Lambie

:-
16. Motu Mat'u 17. Xavier Chocci 18. Ben Franks 19. Patricio Albacete 20. Temani Harrison 21. Morgan Parra 22. Henry Trinder 23. Nathan Earle

Tactics:

FAST PACE, HIGH TEMPO, OFFLOADS - Look to keep the tempo up and keep the ball alive. SBW the main driver behind this, we'll look to feed runners off him.

TARGET LINEOUT - Whitelock and Parling to read and take apart opposition line out as he does so well at Int level.

NUMEROUS CARRYING OPTIONS IN CONDITIONS - Team packed full of "go to men" in the conditions to get us over the gain line.

TARGET BREAKDOWN - Numerous options in Dusatoir, Fraser, Whitelock, Hughes.

KICK IN BEHIND SALE WINGERS AND MAKE THEM TURN - Look to get Sale wingers turning and put pressure on them making them kick

General - We'll be playing a structured physical game from the off, look to get at the opposition and target the breakdown. 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 bring in the opposition pack and then use big carrying options to punch holes through their defence. Look to control the tempo and areas we play with kicking options at halfback.

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 safe ball with world class line out options and experience. Will allow SH good clean ball and have big carriers running off the 9 at angles. Look to target opposition throw and put pressure on the hooker.

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 a chance to slow down/steal ball. Put pressure on SH's basics and force him into errors. Scrum half to sweep behind the defensive line.

Attack - Keep things simple in our own half then look to unleash backs in opp 22 territory. Scrum half to dictate play from the breakdown and runners on his shoulder. Huge carrying pack to get us over the gain line after front 5 set a platform. Midfield to run angles off the 9/10, allowing us gain line breakers. Look to keep opposition guessing with clever lines through midfield. Wingers will look to track the midfield combo.

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Exeter Chiefs v Bath Rugby
Sandy Park
Light Cloud, 6 Degrees, 18mph North Easterly Winds

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Exeter Chiefs 
         
Manager – Fluxy

01. Thomas Domingo	09. Nic White
02. Rob Webber	10. Camille Lopez (k)
03. Mike Ross
04. Kane Douglas	11. Teddy Thomas
05. Lood de Jager	12. Maa Nonu
06. Tom Wood	13. George Pisi
07. Steffon Armitage	14. JP Pietersen
08. Fritz Lee	15. Mike Haley

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16. Jack Yeandle 17. Nic Auterac 18. Vincent Koch 19. James Horwill 20. Yannick Nyanga 21. Brad Shields 22. Chris Cook 23. Toby Flood

We look to go back to the basic Chiefs style of play this week, and the conditions will help with that this weekend. A high intensity game in both defence and attack, with dynamic carrying and rucking at the fore. We want to control possession and go through the phases. Biggest focal point is to beat them man for man and beat Bath playing our way and the Chiefs way at Sandy Park. 

• Territory - When we kick will aim to find touch deep within Bath territory and forcing Amos, Patchell and Imhoff to turn and chase the ball. Lopez, White Nonu and Pietersen all have great kicking games, with all capable of kicking in behind the Bath back line. With the location of Sandy Park, one half will be playing into strong winds, and either getting no gain, and the other with the wind at our backs. We know our home ground, and playing into the wind, will work the phases through the middle to pick holes, much like the modern day Chiefs. 
  
  
• Lineout - Using Douglas, Wood & Lood to mix up our options and look for possession, and set our powerful maul. We need to control the game, and force Bath forwards into giving away penalties by bringing our maul down. Look to drop to six man line outs, with Fritz Lee stood at scrum half ready to secure the ball at the back of the maul. 
  
  
• Forwards - Generally in defence with our line we will look to get stuck in early and get the carrier to ground early. This is to then either ensure we have numbers in the defensive line, or to get numbers in at the breakdown to slow up/turnover Bath ball. Our back row is renowned for physicality at the breakdown and will frustrate the Bath carriers and support. Our Pack will target the breakdown, looking to blow through the ruck and past the ball, to create clean ball. Allowing time for the halfbacks to dictate. Look for pick and goes in the Bath 22 to frustrate and pick up yards. 
  
  
• Attack - In the opposition half take our time and not rush with ball in hand. Have confidence in our carriers to tie in defenders and get across the gain line and in our backs to exploit the gaps when we create them. Carriers to target the defence down De Allende's channel, who is more accustomed to defending at 12. Our back three looking to isolate their slower lads in the defensive line eg Kitshoff, Tamiefuna & Skelton.
  
  
• Bench - We have gone for a 6/2 to split on the bench to maintain the pressure up front, and not let up the intensity through the forwards. We will go through the middle of Bath pack and force them to have to get back onside through strong sensible drives. 
  
  
• Build a Score - Lopez returns to take on kicking at goal responsibilities. 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 and apply pressure.
  
  
• Home Advantage - We have only lost one game at home this season and managed draws to the top any of the current top four sides apart from Sale. This week is no different and we will look to put Bath to the sword with the sixteenth man  #Chiefsfortress
  
  

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Bath Rugby
Manager – CJB

01. Steven Kitchoff	09. Richard Wigglesworth
02. Mikey Haywood	10. Beauden Barrett
03. Ben Tameifuma
04. Will Skelton	11. Hallan Amos
05. Graham Kitchener	12. Christian Lealifano
06. Siya Kolisi	13. Damian De Allende
07. Francois Louw	14. Juan Imhoff
08. Josh Beaumont	15. Rhys Patchell

16. Richard Barrington 17. Jack Innard 18. Scott Wilson 19. James Gaskell 20. Liam Gill 21. Tawera Kerr Barlow 22. Sam Hill 23. Cheslin Koble

Overall: We are gonna be looking to play front foot rugby and put Exeter under immense pressure with our energy. Look for big carries and offloading at a high pace looking to create space and break the defense. Attack the set piece where we expect to be dominant.

Scrum: Use the set piece to get quick ball to restart our play. Skelton will add a lot of power to the scrum and we will look to get more power from our back five. Beaumont will look to attack off the quick ball he gets.

Lineout: We will look to switch up the lineup with Kolisi, Louw, Skelton and Kitchener options in the lineout. Kitchener will run the line out. Look to get up into the air quickly and down for a quick maul. We think we can dominate here against a poor set of jumpers. Skelton will offer quick ball option at the front.

Breakdown: Look to generate quick ball for our backs to take advantage of. Louw  is brilliant at the breakdown and we will also look to get the rest of the pack looking to help and clear out.

Defence: Run a blitz defence. Wigglesworth to drift behind expecting kicks.

Attack: Our half backs will control our rugby. Wiggles  will set the tempoand play what he sees in front of him. Outside of him, Barrett will play flat and use his creativity to bring in the back line and make plays. He will be given a freedom to be creative. Look to bring in the rest of the back line, especially De Allende who we would like to get running at defenders. LLF/Barrett/De Allende will look to switch positions. Imhoff and Amos are very skilful and if the ball gets to them will look to draw in defenders. The pack will also be involved when we have the ball for a prolonged period. We have strong carriers who excel in the loose. Look to get the ball in the hands of Kitchoff, Skelton and Kolisi in order to break the line and make yards. Throughout them team look to Keep the ball alive and look for offloads. Look to play with a high tempo and get the ball moving across the back line. Exploit the holes we create and look to tire out Exeter  which can help nullify their offensive threats.

Kicking: Barrett will be our chosen place kicker. We will chuck in the occasional grabber to chase. Barrett, LLF, Wiggles and Patchell all have the boots necessary to try and put us in a good position territorially if need

Substitutes: Keep a high tempo.

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Gloucester Rugby v Newcastle Falcons
Kingsholm Stadium
Light Cloud, 6 Degrees, 16mph North Easterly Winds

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Gloucester
Manager - Anonmattyt

01. Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira	09. Dan Robson
02. Andries Strauss	10. Dan Carter(k)
03. Nicolas Mas
04. Eben Etzbeth	11. Jonny May
05. Tomas Lavanini	12. Matt Toomua
06. Pablo Matera	13. Tevita Kurindrani
07. Julian Salvi	14. Charlie Walker
08. Sam Dickinson	15. Israel Folau

16. Nick Wood, 17. Luke Cowan-Dickie, 18. Coenie Ousthuizen, 19. Willem Alberts, 20. Tom Croft, 21. Will Genia, 22. Danny Cipriani, 23. Metuisela Talebula

Game Plan - When in the Falcons   half we will play a patient game using our pack to carry hard and get us across the gain line carrying off 9 and 10. With Robson Carter and toomua we can control the tempo in the dry and exploit Falcons with our superiority where.
As our play builds we'll look to use our strike runners and open it up. With may folau   toomua, kurindrani, may we have plenty of people to step in to second receiver and keep continuity.Robson is in great form and raises the tempo of any game. Carter and toomua are their to control the game Look to create space out wide by using the back options with lead runners running wide out to in lines to keep defence honest.

We will also look
To isolate Falcons unfamiliar 9,10,12,13 lineup and let our runners like Kurindrani have a go in his destructive style
As the game progresses we will look to really open it up in decent conditions. The point being you earn the right to play wide

Kicking Game- Look to play the game in the falcons   half using the boot of robson Carter toomua to keep Falcons deep and gain a foot hold . We will vary between kicking for territory and the odd dink over the top to keep them Honest before starting to open up the game.

Defence - Look to blitz and put pressure on falcons . By targeting then we cut there possession at source. Likewise we will target  Falcons l throwing in with their lack of jumpers
Robson will sweep and we will look be aggressive and send numbers in to the breakdown to try and affect turnovers

Set Piece - Use our scrum as a weapon to attack Falcons and gain penalties and look to control the game.

KEY POINTS

Take the points - Carter is the best in the world and will kick  goals.
Look for the half back to set tone
Pressure 9,10,12
Pressurise lineout on their throw with our multiple jumpers
Play game in right areas
Impact bench to take game away

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Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Bambam

01. Matt Mullan	09. Rhys Webb
02. Dane Coles	10. Paddy Jackson (k)
03. Davit Kubriashvili
04. Ed Slater	11. Charles Piutau
05. Jacques Potgeiter	12. Scott Williams
06. Callum Clark	13. Luke Marshall
07. Chris Henry	14. David Strettle
08. Kieran Read (c)	15. Ben Smith

:-
16.George McGuigan 17.Alec Hepburn 18. Charlie Faumuina 19. Dom Barrow 20. David Ewers 21. Dave Lewis 22. Jean De Villiers  23. Charlie Sharples

Game plan - Use the big pack to really put their front 5 under pressure, compete hard for the ball at the ruck to get on top of Matera/Salvi, and challenge their centres. Look to put their number 8 and scrum half combo under pressure at every set piece and ruck, we think they can be targeted

Set piece - Look to really put the ageing Mas under maximum pressure with Mullan, and even more pressure on the scrum when Wood comes on. If no weakness, use as restart. Slater to call lineout, mark their second rows and force long throws where Read is waiting. On our ball, use the back row options to mix it up

Breakdown - Clark, Read, Henry and Coles to lead the way on turnovers. Others focus on strong clear outs and maintaining a strong defensive line. Coles and Read able to split staying close to the ruck, or turning the ball over in wider areas like they do for NZ. On our ball, smash them off the ball, use pod system to ensure support if they are having success. Clark and Henry to work as a pair in countering their flankers run the ball at them to prevent him going for turnovers

Kicking - Webb and Jackson as primary kickers, Smith and Marshall to offer options outside with their accurate boots. Kick in behind the wings for territory, aim for space not the man

Attack - Webb to get the ball out quickly to the in form Jackson, and get Williams/Marshall through gaps. Challenge Carter defensively with McCloskey running hard lines at his channel with Piutau and Smith coming into the line. Big carrying forwards to set a platform, run at Carter to put them on the back foot off first phase

Defence - no weak links in the backline, use a blitz in their territory, in ours use the drift to maintain the line and challenge them to beat us one on one

Bench - Big carrying forwards throughout and talented, pacy backs to see us home

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Leicester Tigers v London Irish
Welford Road
Light Cloud, 5 Degrees, 15mph North Easterly Winds

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Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Max Lahiff	09. Fourie Du Preez
02. Stephen Moore (c)	10. Brock James (k)
03. Owen Franks
04. George Skivington	11. Matt Banahan
05. Victor Matfield	12. Kurtley Beale
06. Juan Smith	13. Mathieu Bastareaud
07. JMF Lobbe	14. Sitiveni Sivivatu
08. Thomas Waldrom	15. Drew Mitchell

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16. Hika Elliot 17. Riccardo Brugnara 18. Brian Mujati 19. Pascal Pape 20. Wycliffe Palu 21. Micky Young 22. Freddie Burns 23. Billy Twelvetrees

Tactics:

We will play a structured game built around Du Preez and James moving us into the right areas, the strength of our set piece and getting our exciting backs into space.

- Target the lineout all game with Matfield as our banker ball, and Skiv, Lobbe and Smith offering alternative jumpers - we will rotate the target.
With the boots of Du Preez, James and Beale, we will look to get the ball deep in Irish territory and then contest all lineouts. We will relentlessly target the opposition's throws.

- In general attacking play, we will play off 9 with Du preez our general pulling the strings. We want to control of the tempo of the game as much as we can through our 9/10/12.
Box kicks from Du Preez and up and unders from James to give the opposition problems in the air. We will really test Yarde with these kicks, and look to Mitchell to be on him as quickly as possible.

- Attack the scrum as a weapon - and call when we can, if we are getting an advantage. Franks and Moore to look to target Sio and to look to really get the shove on.

- Massive line-breakers right throughout the side that will look to tire down Irish defence.
The likes of Waldrom, Bastareaud and Moore used consistently to get us over the gainline.

- Lobbe, Smith, Bastareaud and Moore are the men charged with reaching the breakdown first and look to turnover possession. We will always look to attack quickly off any turnover ball.

- Our back three are encouraged to do what they do best - counter attacking and running the ball back. If isolated all have good kicking games, but the counter is what we ask them to look for.

- 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. Du Preez to sweep behind with an eye on short kicks.

- James to kick all penalites.

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London Irish
Manager - Driver

01. Scott Sio	09. Aaron Smith
02. Bismarck Du Plessis	10. Aaron Cruden(k)
03. Frans Malherbe
04. Matt Symons (c)	11. Tim Nanai Williams
05. Romain Millo-Chulski	12. Brad Barritt
06. Marcel Coetzee	13. Jesse Kriel
07. Sean O'Brien	14. Marland Yarde
08. Duane Vermeulen	15. Delon Armitage

16.Tom Youngs 17.Ben Moon 18.Ben Alexander 19.Ruan Botha 20. - 21.Will Homer 22.Henry Slade 23.Bryan Habana

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Northampton Saints v Worcester Warriors
Franklin Gardens
Light Cloud, 5 Degrees, 15mph North Easterly Winds

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Northampton Saints
Manager – Dammit_Chris

01. Wyatt Crockett	09. Joe Simpson
02. Ashley Johnson	10. Matt Giteau
03. Adam Jones
04. Samu Manoa	11. Julian Savea
05. Joe Launchbury	12. Wesley Fofana
06. David Pocock (c)	13. Manu Tuilagi
07. Jack Lam	14. Adam Ashley Cooper
08. Schalk Burger	15. Ben Foden

Replacements:

16. Dave Ward 17. Logi Mulipola 18. Ramiro Herrera 19. Michael Paterson 20. Faconda Isa 21. Cobus Reinarch 22. Ollie Deveto 23. Harry Mallinder

Tactics
We are looking to play with our usual aggressive, physical style in the forwards with big runners getting us over the gainline and putting Worcester on the backfoot and not giving them any time on the ball. We will look for Burger, Lam and Pocock to dominate the breakdown and seek turnovers to launch attacks and slow Worcester attacks. Our aim is to give our halfbacks good front foot ball to attack Worcester at pace and out power the Worcester backline. Conditions will allow us to attack and will look to get advantage going into final 20mins with impact from the bench.

Set Piece
We've been rotating our pack over the last few weeks to ensure that they are fresh and getting players game time. We recall two fresh props and will be looking for a strong set piece and powerful scrummaging unit. We've picked five jumping options in the lineout to mix up our options and aim to generate some quick ball for our backline to attack and are bolstered by the presence of Launchbury packing down.

Gainline/Physical Battle
We want to put real emphasis on the gainline battle, so have picked powerful ball carriers throughout our pack and strike runners in our backline. We want to build forward momentum and get the Worcester defence going backwards, or suck in tacklers on the Manoa, Burger, Launchbury to create space for our backs in later phases. We've got some extremely powerful runners in the backline and this is an area we want to get an advantage over the away team.

Breakdown
We want to really focus on winning the breakdown battle, with Lam, Pocock and Burger we can dominate this area in terms of generating turnovers for Simpson to attack, slow down Worcester ball or secure penalties. We are aware of the threat Worcester's backthree has, so will really look to mess up the breakdown for Worcester and stop them getting quick ball.

Attack
We will look to work through the phases with our pack, suck in Worcester defenders with our big ball carriers and start to create space outwide for the likes of Giteau, Fofana and Tuilagi to exploit. We want to send big runners at Worcester and tire down their defence and make the most of our mobile pack and dangerous back three.

Kicking
We''re looking to avoid any loose kicks and stop Worcesters back three from getting time on the ball to counter, so we'll look for a strong kick chase game or make sure the ball goes behind Naholo and Short.

Defence
Similar style defence to that which Saracens play in real life, putting a lot of pressure on the attacking team and force them into mistakes. No9 sweeping in behind to cover any kicks. All about physicality and aggression to put pressure on Worcester's halfbacks and will look to make the breakdown and rucks a really messy area to get at Harrison and get him shipping slow ball out.

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Worcester Warriors
Manager – prop_lyd

01. Joe Moody	09. Sam Harrison
02. Codie Taylor	10. Owen Williams (k)
03. Luc Ducalcon
04. Stuart Hooper	11. Waisake Naholo
05. Dean Mumm	12. Cory Allen
06. Jordan Taufua	13. Jarrad Payne
07. George Smith (c)	14. James Short
08. Ben Morgan	15. Nehe Milner-Skudder

:-
16. Ross Batty 17. Lucas Noguera Paz 18. Henry Thomas 19. Tom Savage 20. Mike Williams 21. Rory Kockett 22. Alpati Leuia  23. Matthew Tait

Tactics
Key Points- Target Simpson and Giteau who have been out of action for a while IRL. Wasps are putting everyone into our breakdown so exploit the advantage with offloading quick ball. Use our backline to power through and give us the go-forward.

Set Piece-We have gone for bulk and hard workers here who will all look to control our set piece and put pressure on the opposition's, we have filled our pack with carriers most who are used to the conditions this weekend. We have Taufua for further lineout options. We will look to reduce the numbers if required to negate the Sale ariel challenge. The ball will look to go in and out pretty quickly to prevent any major mistakes/slips in the conditons. And Williams/Smith will look to fly off the back of the line to put pressure on 10.

Breakdown-Good ball is crucial and we have gone for Smith to look to put pressure on their ball but also be a nuisance tackling at the fringes when needed, Smith will be given the freedom to pick which rucks to contest when he feels a turnover is available. Taufua has been brought in for his carrying game adding to Hooper, Mumm and Morgan if we get into a battle up front. We will be looking to get the ball away fairly quick so are happy to pick and go to suck them in before spinning the quick ball out. We want clean ball and will look to attack any gaps on the fringes if they are obvious. Smith willl look to control our ball and push pressure on theirs. Taufua will rush on 10 as we appreciate they are dangerous out wide.

Half-Backs-A controlled game today mainly looking for position, Harrison and Williams are familiar with each other IRL and will look to control the tempo.. They will have options of the blindside winger or a forward running off their's and Allen's shoulders for the pop ball. Payne will look to be another kicking option to pin  Wasps back but also play in our back 3.

Outside Backs-When it's on we will look to go wide, we have two different styles of play with our wingers and will use their differences to target any gaps in the  Wasps defence. Payne will make the breaks at 13 releasing the back three. Our back 3 will initially look to keep the ball in hand and Harrison/Williams will be one of the covering players from tactical kicking therefore offering the clearance needed if no gaps appear. We have gone for 3 different styles of play in the back 3 to ensure that we can keep Sale guessing and are comfortable in running back the high ball.

Bench-A strong scrummaging bench to make impact and Savage and Williams there as a carrying option. Tait will look to exploit the tired defences using tactical kicking. Leuia will relish the chance against tired defences.

Defence-Controlled defence here and we won't look to rush up, backrow to put pressure on 10 initially with Harrison sweeping behind. Main impeotus is on no gaps and defending inside-out today.

Overall-Looking for a fairly tight game with quick breakdown ball, going for position and put pressure on the opposition's set piece.

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Wasps v Harlequins
Ricoh Arena
Light Cloud, 5 Degrees, 15mph North Easterly Winds

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London Wasps
Manager: CJ

01. Nathan Catt	09. Kahn Fotu'ali
02. Corey Flynn	10. Quade Cooper (k)
03. Sekope Kepu
04. Grant Gilchrist	11. Frank Halai
05. Kearnan Myall	12. Kyle Godwin
06. Carl Fearns	13. Tyler Morgan
07. Alexandre Lapandry	14. Rieko Ioane
08. Victor Vito (c)	15. Chris Pennell

:-
16. David Kilcoyne 17. Scott Spurling , 18. Tom West 19. Sam Twomey  , 20 Sekou Macalau , 21. Ben Spencer , 22. Patricio Fernandez 23.  Rene Ranger

Tactics:

The breakdown is an interesting contest this week. In Hooper they have a specialist but their backline is set up for structured game, with only 2 real ball handlers at 12 and 15 and kick-heavy halfbacks. Their gameplan is unlikely to rely on quick ball or even turnovers. Thus I'm happy to hold off even more than usual in defensive rucks, pressurising if the ball carrier is isolated or a counter ruck might get a turnover, but otherwise holding players in defence for the tactics below, especially focussing on fringe guards. In attacking rucks, the aim is to have at least one player on the shoulder of the ball player at all times, with these players communicating readiness to bind and clear to keep ball quick with few committing players or to take the pop offload. The aim is to keep the ball alive with offloads as much as possible and so our backrow will primarily be acting as link/support players not fetchers.

Defence:

A very specific blitz, with 9 sweeping and a surplus of forwards close to the breakdown and strict and aggressive fringe guards, where possible a backrower taking Cooper's place in the defensive line with Cooper acting as an extra kick returner and a spare tackler on Hernandez, also keeping his eye on O'Connor entering the line.

The flanker at 10 helps defends against big carriers, the opposition's main weapon, and applying more pressure on the ball reaching 12 and 15, the playmakers for Quins. Cooper adding extra cover for Hernandez also stops the attack at him, as he is the focus point around which their fluency relies. Coming up hard at 12 and 13 also stops Burrell getting any momentum and makes any passes from the centres an interception risk, and pressurises more kicking for us to run back.

The aggressive guards also cut down any big carrier momentum, pressurise a replacement first receiver going blind and allow us to pressurise and challenge for charge downs off kicks.

We will kick back into space when it is clearly there, with a hard chase, but predominantly aim to run back at gaps with a team of dangerous broken field runners, playing heads up rugby and looking to keep the ball alive.

Attack:

As mentioned above, looking to keep the ball alive with offloads. Very static ball to be taken on in a group of 3 forwards picking and driving and providing instant support and mauls, and then when there is any space to spin wide and keep the direction of attack changing, opening gaps and using the fact that our backs are all dangerous runners and playmakers, the back 3 looking for work off their wings and the whole team looking to support off the shoulder to take offloads, able to take the attack inside again. With Pennell, Vito and Godwin helping at first receiver and Fotu'ali attacking the fringes himself especially if the backrow leave a gap, we can protect Cooper in the "first phase" and have him run riot when the play comes back inside/is recycled

Scrum:

Catt is going to have a hard time vs Brookes, but Kepu should be able to target Waller with his experience and class. Focus on trying to attack Waller's bind and win penalties on that side. We will use the scrum as an attacking platform, running off Vito

Lineout:

Look to call shortened lineouts here with simple throws to set up moves in the backs with support players (the spare forwards) already in position to overflood the defence

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Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Ethan Walker	09. Ruan Pienaar
02. Agustin Creevy	10. Steven Myler (k)
03. Kieran Brookes
04. Luke Romano	11. Santiago Cordero
05. Pieter Steph Du Toit	12. Juan Martin Hernandez
06. Mamuka Gorgodze	13. Luther Burrell
07. Michael Hooper (c)	14. Yoann Huget
08. Nick Easter	15. James O'Connor

16. Rob Buchanan 17. Gurthro Steenkamp 18. Kyle Sinckler  19. Jamie Gibson 20. Jaco Kriel 21. Henry Pyrgos 22. Damian McKenzie 23. Alex Lewington

Tactics

Look to control territory using the boots of Pienaar, Myler, Hernandez and JOC to pin Wasps back in their own half kicking behind their wingers and maximising on their lack of kicking game. We'll look to vary the kicking game from kicks for position, cross field kicks, up and unders and grubbers so that Wasps back three can't predict and set their positions accordingly. We'll target Halai and Ioane with high balls against Cordero and especially Huget. 

With ball in hand we'll look to use our pack to get us on the front foot before spreading the ball wide when we have Wasps scrambling and on the back foot. We'll then use Burrell on a hard line to tie in the drift before going out the back to JMH or one of our outside backs to exploit the space with our very dangerous back three trying to find mismatches with ball in hand. For this to be effective we'll need to have our pack really carrying hard and keep their legs pumping in contact.

Set Piece 

Look to use the scrum and line out as weapons to attack on our own ball. Use the line out to really pressure Wasps at the middle and back of the line out so they are gambling on getting quick ball.

Defence

Hooper and the rest of our pack will really look to target Cooper and give him no time. Burrell will look to cut off the wide pass or go for the interception. Our default defence will be up and out with Burrell setting a quick linespeed looking to cut off the early wide pass.

---

Marker

Prop, is it ok if I get my team in first thing on Wednesday morning, launching some projects tomorrow and no way I am going to be able to post before then. Sorry!

London Wasps
Manager: CJ

01. Nathan Catt	09. Kahn Fotu'ali
02. Corey Flynn	10. Quade Cooper (k)
03. Sekope Kepu
04. Grant Gilchrist	11. Frank Halai
05. Kearnan Myall	12. Kyle Godwin
06. Carl Fearns	13. Tyler Morgan
07. Alexandre Lapandry	14. Rieko Ioane
08. Victor Vito (c)	15. Chris Pennell

:-
16. David Kilcoyne 17. Scott Spurling , 18. Tom West 19. Sam Twomey  , 20 Sekou Macalau , 21. Ben Spencer , 22. Patricio Fernandez 23.  Rene Ranger

Tactics:

The breakdown is an interesting contest this week. In Hooper they have a specialist but their backline is set up for structured game, with only 2 real ball handlers at 12 and 15 and kick-heavy halfbacks. Their gameplan is unlikely to rely on quick ball or even turnovers. Thus I'm happy to hold off even more than usual in defensive rucks, pressurising if the ball carrier is isolated or a counter ruck might get a turnover, but otherwise holding players in defence for the tactics below, especially focussing on fringe guards. In attacking rucks, the aim is to have at least one player on the shoulder of the ball player at all times, with these players communicating readiness to bind and clear to keep ball quick with few committing players or to take the pop offload. The aim is to keep the ball alive with offloads as much as possible and so our backrow will primarily be acting as link/support players not fetchers.

Defence:

A very specific blitz, with 9 sweeping and a surplus of forwards close to the breakdown and strict and aggressive fringe guards, where possible a backrower taking Cooper's place in the defensive line with Cooper acting as an extra kick returner and a spare tackler on Hernandez, also keeping his eye on O'Connor entering the line.

The flanker at 10 helps defends against big carriers, the opposition's main weapon, and applying more pressure on the ball reaching 12 and 15, the playmakers for Quins. Cooper adding extra cover for Hernandez also stops the attack at him, as he is the focus point around which their fluency relies. Coming up hard at 12 and 13 also stops Burrell getting any momentum and makes any passes from the centres an interception risk, and pressurises more kicking for us to run back.

The aggressive guards also cut down any big carrier momentum, pressurise a replacement first receiver going blind and allow us to pressurise and challenge for charge downs off kicks.

We will kick back into space when it is clearly there, with a hard chase, but predominantly aim to run back at gaps with a team of dangerous broken field runners, playing heads up rugby and looking to keep the ball alive.

Attack:

As mentioned above, looking to keep the ball alive with offloads. Very static ball to be taken on in a group of 3 forwards picking and driving and providing instant support and mauls, and then when there is any space to spin wide and keep the direction of attack changing, opening gaps and using the fact that our backs are all dangerous runners and playmakers, the back 3 looking for work off their wings and the whole team looking to support off the shoulder to take offloads, able to take the attack inside again. With Pennell, Vito and Godwin helping at first receiver and Fotu'ali attacking the fringes himself especially if the backrow leave a gap, we can protect Cooper in the "first phase" and have him run riot when the play comes back inside/is recycled

Scrum:

Catt is going to have a hard time vs Brookes, but Kepu should be able to target Waller with his experience and class. Focus on trying to attack Waller's bind and win penalties on that side. We will use the scrum as an attacking platform, running off Vito

Lineout:

Look to call shortened lineouts here with simple throws to set up moves in the backs with support players (the spare forwards) already in position to overflood the defence.

1. Ethan Waller
2. Agustín Creevy
3. Kieran Brookes
4. Luke Romano
5. Pieter Steph Du Toit
6. Mamuka Gorgodze
7. Michael Hooper  (c)
8. Nick Easter
9. Ruan Pienaar
10. Steven Myler (K)
11. Santiago Cordero
12. Juan Martin Hernandez
13. Luther Burrell
14. Yoann Huget
15. James O'Connor

16. Rob Buchanan 17. Gurthro Steenkamp 18. Kyle Sinckler  19. Jamie Gibson 20. Jaco Kriel 21. Henry Pyrgos 22. Damian McKenzie 23. Alex Lewington

Tactics

Look to control territory using the boots of Pienaar, Myler, Hernandez and JOC to pin Wasps back in their own half kicking behind their wingers and maximising on their lack of kicking game. We'll look to vary the kicking game from kicks for position, cross field kicks, up and unders and grubbers so that Wasps back three can't predict and set their positions accordingly. We'll target Halai and Ioane with high balls against Cordero and especially Huget. 

With ball in hand we'll look to use our pack to get us on the front foot before spreading the ball wide when we have Wasps scrambling and on the back foot. We'll then use Burrell on a hard line to tie in the drift before going out the back to JMH or one of our outside backs to exploit the space with our very dangerous back three trying to find mismatches with ball in hand. For this to be effective we'll need to have our pack really carrying hard and keep their legs pumping in contact.

Set Piece 


Look to use the scrum and line out as weapons to attack on our own ball. Use the line out to really pressure Wasps at the middle and back of the line out so they are gambling on getting quick ball.

Defence


Hooper and the rest of our pack will really look to target Cooper and give him no time. Burrell will look to cut off the wide pass or go for the interception. Our default defence will be up and out with Burrell setting a quick linespeed looking to cut off the early wide pass.

Mark

Weather conditions updated

Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Max Lahiff	09. Fourie Du Preez
02. Stephen Moore (c)	10. Brock James (k)
03. Owen Franks
04. George Skivington	11. Matt Banahan
05. Victor Matfield	12. Kurtley Beale
06. Juan Smith	13. Mathieu Bastareaud
07. JMF Lobbe	14. Sitiveni Sivivatu
08. Thomas Waldrom	15. Drew Mitchell

.
16. Hika Elliot 17. Riccardo Brugnara 18. Brian Mujati 19. Pascal Pape 20. Wycliffe Palu 21. Micky Young 22. Freddie Burns 23. Billy Twelvetrees



Tactics:

We will play a structured game built around Du Preez and James moving us into the right areas, the strength of our set piece and getting our exciting backs into space.

- Target the lineout all game with Matfield as our banker ball, and Skiv, Lobbe and Smith offering alternative jumpers - we will rotate the target.
With the boots of Du Preez, James and Beale, we will look to get the ball deep in Irish territory and then contest all lineouts. We will relentlessly target the opposition's throws.

- In general attacking play, we will play off 9 with Du preez our general pulling the strings. We want to control of the tempo of the game as much as we can through our 9/10/12.
Box kicks from Du Preez and up and unders from James to give the opposition problems in the air. We will really test Yarde with these kicks, and look to Mitchell to be on him as quickly as possible.

- Attack the scrum as a weapon - and call when we can, if we are getting an advantage. Franks and Moore to look to target Sio and to look to really get the shove on.

- Massive line-breakers right throughout the side that will look to tire down Irish defence.
The likes of Waldrom, Bastareaud and Moore used consistently to get us over the gainline.

- Lobbe, Smith, Bastareaud and Moore are the men charged with reaching the breakdown first and look to turnover possession. We will always look to attack quickly off any turnover ball.

- Our back three are encouraged to do what they do best - counter attacking and running the ball back. If isolated all have good kicking games, but the counter is what we ask them to look for.

- 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. Du Preez to sweep behind with an eye on short kicks.

- James to kick all penalites.

dammit_chris wrote:Prop, is it ok if I get my team in first thing on Wednesday morning, launching some projects tomorrow and no way I am going to be able to post before then. Sorry!

No, I will take a 10 point head start.

London Irish Team

15.Delon Armitage
14.Marlande Yarde
13.Jessie Kriel
12.Brad Barritt
11.Tim Nani Williams
10.Aaron Cruden (K)
9.Aaron Smith

1.Scott Sio
2.Bismark Du Plessie
3.Fran Marbella
4.Matt Symons
5.Romain Millo Chulski
6.Jerome Kaino
7.Sean O'Brian
8.Duane Vermalen

16.Tom Youngs 17.Ben Moon 18.Ben Alexander 19.Ruan Botha 20.Marcell Coetzee 21.Will Homer 22.Henry Slade 23.Bryan Habana

Just so you know matt's put his team on week 13!

Cheers prop

Gloucester

1 Beast
2 Strauss
3 Mas
4 Etzbeth
5 Lavanini
6 Matera
7 Salvi
8 Dickinson
9 Robson
10 Carter
11 May
12 Toomua
13 Kurindrani
14 Walker
15 Folau
16 Wood
17 LCD
18 Ousthuizen
19 Alberts
20 Croft
21 Genia
22 Cipriani
23 Talebula




Game Plan - When in the Falcons half we will play a patient game using our pack to carry hard and get us across the gain line carrying off 9 and 10. With Robson Carter and toomua we can control the tempo in the dry and exploit Falcons with our superiority where.
As our play builds we'll look to use our strike runners and open it up. With may folau toomua, kurindrani, may we have plenty of people to step in to second receiver and keep continuity.Robson is in great form and raises the tempo of any game. Carter and toomua are their to control the game Look to create space out wide by using the back options with lead runners running wide out to in lines to keep defence honest.

We will also look
To isolate Falcons unfamiliar 9,10,12,13 lineup and let our runners like Kurindrani have a go in his destructive style

As the game progresses we will look to really open it up in decent conditions. The point being you earn the right to play wide


Kicking Game- Look to play the game in the falcons half using the boot of robson Carter toomua to keep Falcons deep and gain a foot hold . We will vary between kicking for territory and the odd dink over the top to keep them Honest before starting to open up the game.

Defence - Look to blitz and put pressure on falcons . By targeting then we cut there possession at source. Likewise we will target Falcons l throwing in with their lack of jumpers
Robson will sweep and we will look be aggressive and send numbers in to the breakdown to try and affect turnovers

Set Piece - Use our scrum as a weapon to attack Falcons and gain penalties and look to control the game.

KEY POINTS

Take the points - Carter is the best in the world and will kick goals.
Look for the half back to set tone
Pressure 9,10,12

Pressurise lineout on their throw with our multiple jumpers
Play game in right areas

Impact bench to take game away

Worcester Warriors
Manager – prop_lyd

01. Joe Moody	09. Sam Harrison
02. Codie Taylor	10. Owen Williams (k)
03. Luc Ducalcon
04. Stuart Hooper	11. Waisake Naholo
05. Dean Mumm	12. Cory Allen
06. Jordan Taufua	13. Jarrad Payne
07. George Smith (c)	14. James Short
08. Ben Morgan	15. Nehe Milner-Skudder

:-
16. Ross Batty 17. Lucas Noguera Paz 18. Henry Thomas 19. Tom Savage 20. Mike Williams 21. Rory Kockett 22. Alpati Leuia  23. Matthew Tait

Tactics
Key Points- Target Simpson and Giteau who have been out of action for a while IRL. Wasps are putting everyone into our breakdown so exploit the advantage with offloading quick ball. Use our backline to power through and give us the go-forward.

Set Piece-We have gone for bulk and hard workers here who will all look to control our set piece and put pressure on the opposition's, we have filled our pack with carriers most who are used to the conditions this weekend. We have Taufua for further lineout options. We will look to reduce the numbers if required to negate the Sale ariel challenge. The ball will look to go in and out pretty quickly to prevent any major mistakes/slips in the conditons. And Williams/Smith will look to fly off the back of the line to put pressure on 10.

Breakdown-Good ball is crucial and we have gone for Smith to look to put pressure on their ball but also be a nuisance tackling at the fringes when needed, Smith will be given the freedom to pick which rucks to contest when he feels a turnover is available. Taufua has been brought in for his carrying game adding to Hooper, Mumm and Morgan if we get into a battle up front. We will be looking to get the ball away fairly quick so are happy to pick and go to suck them in before spinning the quick ball out. We want clean ball and will look to attack any gaps on the fringes if they are obvious. Smith willl look to control our ball and push pressure on theirs. Taufua will rush on 10 as we appreciate they are dangerous out wide.

Half-Backs-A controlled game today mainly looking for position, Harrison and Williams are familiar with each other IRL and will look to control the tempo.. They will have options of the blindside winger or a forward running off their's and Allen's shoulders for the pop ball. Payne will look to be another kicking option to pin Wasps back but also play in our back 3.

Outside Backs-When it's on we will look to go wide, we have two different styles of play with our wingers and will use their differences to target any gaps in the Wasps defence. Payne will make the breaks at 13 releasing the back three. Our back 3 will initially look to keep the ball in hand and Harrison/Williams will be one of the covering players from tactical kicking therefore offering the clearance needed if no gaps appear. We have gone for 3 different styles of play in the back 3 to ensure that we can keep Sale guessing and are comfortable in running back the high ball.

Bench-A strong scrummaging bench to make impact and Savage and Williams there as a carrying option. Tait will look to exploit the tired defences using tactical kicking. Leuia will relish the chance against tired defences.

Defence-Controlled defence here and we won't look to rush up, backrow to put pressure on 10 initially with Harrison sweeping behind. Main impeotus is on no gaps and defending inside-out today.

Overall-Looking for a fairly tight game with quick breakdown ball, going for position and put pressure on the opposition's set piece.

Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Marcos Ayerza	09. Faf De Klerk
02. Tommy Taylor	10. Bernard Foley
03. Davit Zirakishvilli
04. Brodie Retalick	11. Nemani Nadolo
05. Dave Attwood	12. Francois Steyn
06. Peter O'Mahony	13. Malakai Fekitoa
07. Sam Cane	14. Semesa Rokoduguni
08. Louis Picamoles	15. Nick Abendanon

Subs:
16. Benjamin Kayser 17. Ross Harrison 18. Martin Moore 19. Iain Henderson 20. Matt Kvesic (Matt Garvey if called up) 21. Calum Braley 22. JJ Hanrahan 23. Kyle Eastmond

Attack: We will be playing an expansive, high intensity offloading game looking to keep the ball moving. Look to use a rugby league shape with runners on the gain line and out the back door to force the opposition into making defensive decisions. Numerous playmakers across the back line allows us to constantly change the point of attack. De Klerk to keep the fringe defence honest with his snipping runs.

Breakdown: Quick ball is the aim on attack. Mobile pack and physical back line to clear out rucks and ensure we get it. We will look to get over the gain line off all carries to give a target to hit. Defensively when the initial contact is won we will look to commit numbers and get over the ball turning it over or at least slowing opposition ball up. Otherwise we will strengthen the line.

Defence: Similar set up to the Welsh with Foley and Abendanon defending deep to cover the backfield. Both wingers will step into the defensive line, to be part of the straight line blitz led by Fekitoa, to shut down space in the wider channels. Focused on winning the gain line collisions and driving the ball carrier back. Line speed is crucial. De Klerk will sweep behind the line to cover chips and grubbers.

Scrum: Strong scrummaging unit in the front row with the support of a powerful 4-8 will look to get the better of the opposition and build a strong attacking platform. We will look to put a slight wheel on where possible to take the opposition backrow out of play and then attack the space available and look for one on ones in the backline.

Lineout: Five mobile, athletic jumpers allows us to genuinely mix it up on attacking ball. Primarily looking to get the backs on the ball in space. Defensively POM to get up in the air at the front and challenge on opposition ball looking to make it as messy as possible.

Northampton Saints
Manager: Dammit Chris

1. Wyatt Crockett
2. Ashley Johnson
3. Adam Jones
4. Samu Manoa
5. Joe Launchbury *
6. David Pocock (c)
7. Jack Lamb
8. Schalk Burger
9. Joe Simpson
10. Matt Giteau
11. Julian Savea
12. Weslie Fofana
13. Manu Tuilagi
14. Adam Ashley Cooper
15. Ben Foden

16. Dave Ward 17. Logi Mulipola 18. Ramiro Herrera 19. Michael Paterson 20. Faconda Isa 21. Cobus Reinarch 22. Ollie Deveto 23. Harry Mallinder

Tactics
We are looking to play with our usual aggressive, physical style in the forwards with big runners getting us over the gainline and putting Worcester on the backfoot and not giving them any time on the ball. We will look for Burger, Lam and Pocock to dominate the breakdown and seek turnovers to launch attacks and slow Worcester attacks. Our aim is to give our halfbacks good front foot ball to attack Worcester at pace and out power the Worcester backline. Conditions will allow us to attack and will look to get advantage going into final 20mins with impact from the bench.

Set Piece
We've been rotating our pack over the last few weeks to ensure that they are fresh and getting players game time. We recall two fresh props and will be looking for a strong set piece and powerful scrummaging unit. We've picked five jumping options in the lineout to mix up our options and aim to generate some quick ball for our backline to attack and are bolstered by the presence of Launchbury packing down.

Gainline/Physical Battle
We want to put real emphasis on the gainline battle, so have picked powerful ball carriers throughout our pack and strike runners in our backline. We want to build forward momentum and get the Worcester defence going backwards, or suck in tacklers on the Manoa, Burger, Launchbury to create space for our backs in later phases. We've got some extremely powerful runners in the backline and this is an area we want to get an advantage over the away team.

Breakdown
We want to really focus on winning the breakdown battle, with Lam, Pocock and Burger we can dominate this area in terms of generating turnovers for Simpson to attack, slow down Worcester ball or secure penalties. We are aware of the threat Worcester's backthree has, so will really look to mess up the breakdown for Worcester and stop them getting quick ball.

Attack
We will look to work through the phases with our pack, suck in Worcester defenders with our big ball carriers and start to create space outwide for the likes of Giteau, Fofana and Tuilagi to exploit. We want to send big runners at Worcester and tire down their defence and make the most of our mobile pack and dangerous back three.

Kicking
We''re looking to avoid any loose kicks and stop Worcesters back three from getting time on the ball to counter, so we'll look for a strong kick chase game or make sure the ball goes behind Naholo and Short.

Defence
Similar style defence to that which Saracens play in real life, putting a lot of pressure on the attacking team and force them into mistakes. No9 sweeping in behind to cover any kicks. All about physicality and aggression to put pressure on Worcester's halfbacks and will look to make the breakdown and rucks a really messy area to get at Harrison and get him shipping slow ball out.

Exeter Chiefs 
         
Manager – Fluxy

01. Thomas Domingo	09. Nic White
02. Rob Webber	10. Camille Lopez (k)
03. Mike Ross
04. Kane Douglas	11. Teddy Thomas
05. Lood de Jager	12. Maa Nonu
06. Tom Wood	13. George Pisi
07. Steffon Armitage	14. JP Pietersen
08. Fritz Lee	15. Mike Haley

_
16. Jack Yeandle 17. Nic Auterac 18. Vincent Koch 19. James Horwill 20. Yannick Nyanga 21. Brad Shields 22. Chris Cook 23. Toby Flood

We look to go back to the basic Chiefs style of play this week, and the conditions will help with that this weekend. A high intensity game in both defence and attack, with dynamic carrying and rucking at the fore. We want to control possession and go through the phases. Biggest focal point is to beat them man for man and beat Bath playing our way and the Chiefs way at Sandy Park. 

• Territory - When we kick will aim to find touch deep within Bath territory and forcing Amos, Patchell and Imhoff to turn and chase the ball. Lopez, White Nonu and Pietersen all have great kicking games, with all capable of kicking in behind the Bath back line. With the location of Sandy Park, one half will be playing into strong winds, and either getting no gain, and the other with the wind at our backs. We know our home ground, and playing into the wind, will work the phases through the middle to pick holes, much like the modern day Chiefs. 
  
  
• Lineout - Using Douglas, Wood & Lood to mix up our options and look for possession, and set our powerful maul. We need to control the game, and force Bath forwards into giving away penalties by bringing our maul down. Look to drop to six man line outs, with Fritz Lee stood at scrum half ready to secure the ball at the back of the maul. 
  
  
• Forwards - Generally in defence with our line we will look to get stuck in early and get the carrier to ground early. This is to then either ensure we have numbers in the defensive line, or to get numbers in at the breakdown to slow up/turnover Bath ball. Our back row is renowned for physicality at the breakdown and will frustrate the Bath carriers and support. Our Pack will target the breakdown, looking to blow through the ruck and past the ball, to create clean ball. Allowing time for the halfbacks to dictate. Look for pick and goes in the Bath 22 to frustrate and pick up yards. 
  
  
• Attack - In the opposition half take our time and not rush with ball in hand. Have confidence in our carriers to tie in defenders and get across the gain line and in our backs to exploit the gaps when we create them. Carriers to target the defence down De Allende's channel, who is more accustomed to defending at 12. Our back three looking to isolate their slower lads in the defensive line eg Kitshoff, Tamiefuna & Skelton.
  
  
• Bench - We have gone for a 6/2 to split on the bench to maintain the pressure up front, and not let up the intensity through the forwards. We will go through the middle of Bath pack and force them to have to get back onside through strong sensible drives. 
  
  
• Build a Score - Lopez returns to take on kicking at goal responsibilities. 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 and apply pressure.
  
  
• Home Advantage - We have only lost one game at home this season and managed draws to the top any of the current top four sides apart from Sale. This week is no different and we will look to put Bath to the sword with the sixteenth man  #Chiefsfortress
  
  

Saracens
Manager – Pooly

01. Alex Waller	09. Lee Dickson
02. Richard Hibbard	10. Nicolas Sanchez
03. Jannie Du Plessis
04. Sam Whitelock	11. Hosea Gear
05. Geoff Parling	12. Sonny Bill Williams
06. Thierry Dusatoir	13. Conrad Smith
07. Will Fraser	14. Miles Benjamin
08. Nathan Hughes	15. Pat Lambie

:-
16. Motu Mat'u 17. Xavier Chocci 18. Ben Franks 19. Patricio Albacete 20. Temani Harrison 21. Morgan Parra 22. Henry Trinder 23. Nathan Earle

Tactics:

FAST PACE, HIGH TEMPO, OFFLOADS - Look to keep the tempo up and keep the ball alive. SBW the main driver behind this, we'll look to feed runners off him.

TARGET LINEOUT - Whitelock and Parling to read and take apart opposition line out as he does so well at Int level.

NUMEROUS CARRYING OPTIONS IN CONDITIONS - Team packed full of "go to men" in the conditions to get us over the gain line.

TARGET BREAKDOWN - Numerous options in Dusatoir, Fraser, Whitelock, Hughes.

KICK IN BEHIND SALE WINGERS AND MAKE THEM TURN - Look to get Sale wingers turning and put pressure on them making them kick

General - We'll be playing a structured physical game from the off, look to get at the opposition and target the breakdown. 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 bring in the opposition pack and then use big carrying options to punch holes through their defence. Look to control the tempo and areas we play with kicking options at halfback.

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 safe ball with world class line out options and experience. Will allow SH good clean ball and have big carriers running off the 9 at angles. Look to target opposition throw and put pressure on the hooker.

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 a chance to slow down/steal ball. Put pressure on SH's basics and force him into errors. Scrum half to sweep behind the defensive line.

Attack - Keep things simple in our own half then look to unleash backs in opp 22 territory. Scrum half to dictate play from the breakdown and runners on his shoulder. Huge carrying pack to get us over the gain line after front 5 set a platform. Midfield to run angles off the 9/10, allowing us gain line breakers. Look to keep opposition guessing with clever lines through midfield. Wingers will look to track the midfield combo.

Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Bambam

01. Matt Mullan	09. Rhys Webb
02. Dane Coles	10. Paddy Jackson (k)
03. Davit Kubriashvili
04. Ed Slater	11. Charles Piutau
05. Jacques Potgeiter	12. Scott Williams
06. Callum Clark	13. Luke Marshall
07. Chris Henry	14. David Strettle
08. Kieran Read (c)	15. Ben Smith

:-
16.George McGuigan 17.Alec Hepburn 18. Charlie Faumuina 19. Dom Barrow 20. David Ewers 21. Dave Lewis 22. Jean De Villiers  23. Charlie Sharples

Game plan - Use the big pack to really put their front 5 under pressure, compete hard for the ball at the ruck to get on top of Matera/Salvi, and challenge their centres. Look to put their number 8 and scrum half combo under pressure at every set piece and ruck, we think they can be targeted

Set piece - Look to really put the ageing Mas under maximum pressure with Mullan, and even more pressure on the scrum when Wood comes on. If no weakness, use as restart. Slater to call lineout, mark their second rows and force long throws where Read is waiting. On our ball, use the back row options to mix it up

Breakdown - Clark, Read, Henry and Coles to lead the way on turnovers. Others focus on strong clear outs and maintaining a strong defensive line. Coles and Read able to split staying close to the ruck, or turning the ball over in wider areas like they do for NZ. On our ball, smash them off the ball, use pod system to ensure support if they are having success. Clark and Henry to work as a pair in countering their flankers run the ball at them to prevent him going for turnovers

Kicking - Webb and Jackson as primary kickers, Smith and Marshall to offer options outside with their accurate boots. Kick in behind the wings for territory, aim for space not the man

Attack - Webb to get the ball out quickly to the in form Jackson, and get Williams/Marshall through gaps. Challenge Carter defensively with McCloskey running hard lines at his channel with Piutau and Smith coming into the line. Big carrying forwards to set a platform, run at Carter to put them on the back foot off first phase

Defence - no weak links in the backline, use a blitz in their territory, in ours use the drift to maintain the line and challenge them to beat us one on one

Bench - Big carrying forwards throughout and talented, pacy backs to see us home

FTD on the France bench . 

Burns to 10 and Brock James to bench if all ok.

Bath Rugby
Manager – CJB

01. Steven Kitchoff	09. Richard Wigglesworth
02. Mikey Haywood	10. Beauden Barrett
03. Ben Tameifuma
04. Will Skelton	11. Hallan Amos
05. Graham Kitchener	12. Christian Lealifano
06. Siya Kolisi	13. Damian De Allende
07. Francois Louw	14. Juan Imhoff
08. Josh Beaumont	15. Rhys Patchell

16. Richard Barrington 17. Jack Innard 18. Scott Wilson 19. James Gaskell 20. Liam Gill 21. Tawera Kerr Barlow 22. Sam Hill 23. Cheslin Koble

Overall: We are gonna be looking to play front foot rugby and put Exeter under immense pressure with our energy. Look for big carries and offloading at a high pace looking to create space and break the defense. Attack the set piece where we expect to be dominant.

Scrum: Use the set piece to get quick ball to restart our play. Skelton will add a lot of power to the scrum and we will look to get more power from our back five. Beaumont will look to attack off the quick ball he gets.

Lineout: We will look to switch up the lineup with Kolisi, Louw, Skelton and Kitchener options in the lineout. Kitchener will run the line out. Look to get up into the air quickly and down for a quick maul. We think we can dominate here against a poor set of jumpers. Skelton will offer quick ball option at the front.

Breakdown: Look to generate quick ball for our backs to take advantage of. Louw is brilliant at the breakdown and we will also look to get the rest of the pack looking to help and clear out.

Defence: Run a blitz defence. Wigglesworth to drift behind expecting kicks.

Attack: Our half backs will control our rugby. Wiggles will set the tempoand play what he sees in front of him. Outside of him, Barrett will play flat and use his creativity to bring in the back line and make plays. He will be given a freedom to be creative. Look to bring in the rest of the back line, especially De Allende who we would like to get running at defenders. LLF/Barrett/De Allende will look to switch positions. Imhoff and Amos are very skilful and if the ball gets to them will look to draw in defenders. The pack will also be involved when we have the ball for a prolonged period. We have strong carriers who excel in the loose. Look to get the ball in the hands of Kitchoff, Skelton and Kolisi in order to break the line and make yards. Throughout them team look to Keep the ball alive and look for offloads. Look to play with a high tempo and get the ball moving across the back line. Exploit the holes we create and look to tire out Exeter which can help nullify their offensive threats.

Kicking: Barrett will be our chosen place kicker. We will chuck in the occasional grabber to chase. Barrett, LLF, Wiggles and Patchell all have the boots necessary to try and put us in a good position territorially if need

Substitutes: Keep a high tempo.

McCloskey starting for Ireland

Have moved Marshall to twelve and put Scott Williams at 13, with JDV coming on to bench. If I can't move Marshall I'll leave Williams at 12

That annoying moment when you realise Eddie Ben Arous is injured and so could have played for me this week

And Charteris... dropped the ball...

Kaino is banned Driver

Williams should go in at 12 for you Bam. Positional swaps not allowed for call ups

SirJohnnyEnglish wrote:Williams should go in at 12 for you Bam. Positional swaps not allowed for call ups

Updated for this

I've updated the page. I've not checked for banned, international selected players. Although I have removed Kaino from the Irish side, as I've seen that mentioned.

Only had a quick scan and Mike Ross is the only one I've noticed. Koch should go into the side and the bench one man short for Chiefs

Damn it, how did I miss that?!

RESULTS:

Sale Sharks 28-24 Saracens
(T:3 C:2 P:3) (T:2 C:1 P:4)

Exeter Chiefs 24-25 Bath
(T:2 C:1 P:4) (T:2 P:5)

Gloucester 27-24 Newcastle Falcons
(T:3 C:3 P:2) (T:2 C:1 P:4)


Leicester Tigers 26-23 London Irish
(T:2 C:2 P:4) (T:1 P:6)

Northampton Saints 28-23 Worcester Warriors
(T:3 C:2 P:3)(T:1 P:6)

Wasps 22-28 Harlequins
(T:1 C:1 P:5) (T:3 C:2 P:3)



Full Predo:

Flux, Matt, Prop, Bam, Chris, SJE, Pooly, CJ

Scores:

Steve

No Predo:

Driver, CJB, Luke

Sale 34 - 34 Saracens

Really strong front row from Sale cause Saracens all sorts of problems. Saracens right to target lineout as they have a very safe one for their own ball (despite Hibbard) and defensively very strong, Sale will be ok but Saracens can nick the odd ball. Very tough battle at the breakdown but Saracens just have more. I expect to see turnovers quite a lot actually. Good battle of the 10s, with Sanchez a great player right now and maybe having a slither over Foley, but De Kerk over Dickson and an even contest in territorial battle. Great centres with lots of power but the AB pairing probably click more. Power across the back threes but Sale edge this. Good tactics, a bit more from Saracens, and close on the bench. Very very tough game, think in a neutral venue, Saracens steal a huge win but here it is a thrilling draw, full of tries

Sale 27-23 Saracens

Sale looks a step up at the scrum and around the park with their big pack, and other than the lineout will be on top. Backs pretty even as a whole, but maybe a slight touch of class for Sale that Saracens lack in the back 3. At home, Sale win

Sale 22-22 Sarries

Can see the Sarries front row getting on top here, 2nd row a bit more even and like the balance of the back rows but think Sale could slightly get on top here. Looking at half backs I would give Sarries another edge with Sanchez's performance this weekend, think he will be more in the limelight now. Centre battle see's Sale bring it back a bit closer and out wide Sale again are ea step up. Solid benches on show. Sale set up well defensively in tactics and think the offloading game will work however, Sarries have the carriers and players who can do the 'dirty' work. Draw here.

Sale Sharks 30 - 26 Saracens

Should be a very attacking game, overall I prefer the Sale pack but Falcons edge the lineout (though Hibbard's darts are a little hit and miss) and this will get them some good attacking ball. Few issues with Sarries backline, Benjamin particularly but Sanchez and Smith are class. Great battle of the no8s, but Sale at home have that bit more quality and power of both wings and 13 will be decisive.

Sale vs Saracens 21-21 hard to pick a winner. POM hard to rate and dusatoir and Fraser likewise.
9,10,12 for Sale not up to standard and sees Saracens draw

Sale Sharks 28 - 25 Saracens

Quite even up front, with two big and relatively mobile and energetic packs. Can't see either side rally getting an advantage or a big foothold, and would be a good contest to watch between these packs. A touch more control from the Sarries halfbacks, allows a solid supply of quick ball for their back line. Sale look much more dangerous with ball in hand, and more likely to create something with an offload or a clever running line. This one is quite close, but with Sharks receiving good quick ball up front, it allows there danger men good possession to score tries.

Exeter 26 - 25 Bath

I think at this stage in the season, with a lot of play under the belt, the youth and power of the Bath props gets an edge vs their talented but ageing opposition, esp with Skelton adding power. 2 very good, even lineouts and clearly going to see a lot of mauling today! Louw > Armitage but Exeter just have more overall at the breakdown, good carrying in both packs but think maybe Bath edge it. I like both halfback pairings, both good attacking with quick ball to attacking 10s but a good kicker t 9. Just more spark in the Exeter backline and tactics to use this, patiently forming opportunities. Would be hard to call in Bath, but here Exeter win

Exeter 24-22 Bath

Packs pretty even, not much to split between any of the individuals or units. Barrett the class at halfback, centres and back 3 pretty even but don't like Patchell at FB. Result reversed if Bath were at home, very close game

Chiefs 24-22 Bath
Even in the front row but Chiefs better in the 2nd row here. Back row a lot closer, nothing really between the two here. Prefer the half backs for Chiefs but Bath bring it closer with a good centre partnership up against Chiefs' strong carrying centre options. Not alot in it out wide but it's the benches that make the difference with Chiefs having that extra forward option in what will be a closely contested pack battle. Bath looking to get on the front foot and play heads up will will work for a time but feel that Chiefs keeping it steady and using their bench well will take it.

Chiefs 18-17 Bath
Really tight affair. Slight bit more to the Bath halfbacks but nothing between the sides otherwise. Home advantage shades this just.

Exeter 21-25 Bath

Can see Bath getting on top in the scrum, especially with Exeter a man down and Koch/Domingo not in great form. Just prefer the Bath engine room and a little bit more form in the Bath backrow with Wood struggling, overall a good Bath advantage in the pack. Bath stronger in the halfbacks and also at centre with Exeter just not having enough against a strong Bath unit.

Exeter Chiefs 21 - 23 Bath

Really like the balance of the Bath backline and the power that they bring in, as a team they seem to fit better together then the home side and the 10-12-13 combination is making Bath a real threat during 6Ns. Chiefs unlucky that Clermont not hitting great form in real life, but Wood is starting to show some glimpses of getting better.

Exeter Chiefs v Bath 19-21 lack of th on bench kills this. Maybe we need to review rules as game cannot start with out bench TH

Gloucester 27 - 27 Newcastle

A small edge to Falcons in the scrum, though not that much in it. Both lineouts very safe, but both sets of second row add a lot around the aprk for me. The Falcons pack as a whole has a huge workrate, though neither side gets a clear edge at the breakdown. Think Gloucester can make a bit more carrying in the tight, but Newcastle backrow offer options wider out. Gloucester have an advantage at 9-10 with Carter there, and good power in the centres, like the balance, to give Walker and Folau space. Newcastle centres look a tad one-dimensional, but back 3 are lethal finishers and in good form. Another close one, I think it's a draw

Glos 20-19 Falcons

Feel Glos can get on top at the set piece but Falcons bring it alot closer in the back row with a good balance and strong carrying options. Half backs to Glos but Webb came back well vs Connacht yesterday. Williams tough to rate due to injury brings the centre battle even. May tough to rate (guessing it's Johnny not Tom!) due to injury giving Falcons a good advantage in the back 3. Solid bench from both and Falcons rightly looking to target the breakdown here to get the advantage. Glos looking for carriers and targeting set piece here. Think Glos just have enough to get the win with their half backs and front 5 doing the busines

Glaws 24-21 Falcons
Not a lot between the packs but there is more about Gloucester at 10/12/13 and the better platform this combo offers gets them the win.

Gloucester 20-19 Newcastle

Great front 5 contest with Lavinni slightly out of sorts with the quality around, very even set piece. Very close on the flanks but a big step up for Falcons at 8, not sure Dickson is at this level really. One a piece in the halfbacks with Webb and Carter a class above their opposite numbers. Gloucester centre pairing a bit more balanced but Falcons step it up in the back 3 with May hard to rate for Gloucester. Really good game, very little in 2 good sides.

Gloucester 34 - 29 Newcastle
Even though Tom May has come out of retirement for the game...the Gloucester backline has some good form and excellent midfield. Dan Robson has hit great form at Wasps and will add a lot of tempo for Gloucester. Read will outgun Dickenson and give Newcastle a lot of go forward in what promises to be a high scoring game, but Gloucester could get a lot of joy at the breakdown and get more attacking ball to strike.




Gloucester Rugby 24 - 25 Newcastle Falcons

in the set piece this battle is even and edges towards Falcons, this will help get them a foothold in the game, against some big units of Gloucester in the loose. Falcons have a better presence at the breakdown, with most of their forwards capable of slowing down the Cherry & Whites possession. I like both back line spines to either side, who will create some good chances for both back threes to get into the game. This one is really close, but the form of Jackson and the Falcons back three gives them a slight edge to go and nick a big away win.

Leicester 25 - 19 London Irish

Pretty even battle at the scrum, and the lineout too. Each side has a lock who offers a lot of hard work, very canny backrow with Waldrom scoring for fun for Tigers. Tigers using their carriers well. Big power in the backrow for Irish who will make yards off the scrum and around the fringes. Smith and Cruden = great and a level above James. I can see how Leicester use their centres but no tactics hurts Irish in the backs. Irish have more danger in back 3 but with no tactics I can't see how they edge out Tigers in what would have been a very close game

Leicester 19-20 London Irish

Front row favours Tigers, Irish the locks and back row. Cruden back is a big factor and will really help LI in the run in. Outside backs pretty even, but the back row and half backs of Irish are top drawer and lead them to the win

Tigers 25-20 Irish
Feel Tigers can really get on top in the pack battle here today with a good unit on show. Irish do have some strong options in certain positions but think, as a whole Tigers can edge the set piece battle. Breakdown slightly closer with Irish being able to call on SOB. Irish can get a bit more at half back and centres for both look pretty solid, nice balance from Tigers. Outwide again quite close but Irish a man down on the bench which hurts them. Tigers looking to get themselves into the right territory before targeting the set piece, no tactics from Irish loses them the game by a bigger margin.

Tigers 23-26 Irish
Some serious collissions between the forwards but Irish halfbacks a step up for me and will do well around the fringes.

Leicester 24-22 Irish

Irish with a bit of a push in the scrum with Lahiff not at this level. Not a great engine room form both sides but a fantastic backrow contest. Backs close but another week of no tactics from Irish stops them getting the win....c'mon Driver you're either in or out.


Leicester Tigers 29 - 22 London Irish
Without tactics Irish lose by a larger score than they would have done. Tigers team is looking strong in the backline, Mitchell at 15 can add a lot to their attack. Tigers a little underpowered in the second row, but a lot of big ball carriers and power to play the style they are looking and get a good solid win.

Leicester Tigers v London Irish 20-24

Lack of pace throughout Leicester side. Irish more dynamic and will score. Leicester front 5 struggle and pace in backs all with Irish

Leicester Tigers 26 - 22 London Irish

Tigers are a hard team at home to breakdown, and Irish look a little rudderless this week away from home. Tigers will use the phase play and structured play to systematically break into the Irish territory. Both sides have a good amount of creative talent in their back lines. Their is a little more pace from the Irish wingers to perhaps get around their slower opposite numbers, and this may cause moments of disarray for the Tigers defence. The boot of James to get Tigers in front, and hold Irish back. 36 to come on and help keep Irish at arms length for a solid home win.

Northampton Saints 26 - 21 Worcester Warriors

Few changes in both front rows? Could be a scrappy scrum battle, both have good players but I think Worcester just get the better in a bit of a penalty lottery. Neither lineout the best and Saints I think have a very small advantage, though unsure of AJ's throwing in. He does add power to a great Saints' backrow though, and Pocock's form is huge for Saints. Smith gives him a battle, and Morgan looks to be playing a little better so good battle across the packs. Penalty heavy game for me, can't see either kicker a big advantage over the other. Like both centre set ups but more class for Saints, and very even dangerous back 3s. At home, Saints have too much

Saints 26-22 Worcester

Saints front row can be got at , but other than that think their pack will be on top round the park and breakdown particularly. Wuss have some class in the backs, but 9-15 Saints are top drawer, and Manu back just increases their potency. Good win

Saints 21-19 Worcester
Better balance to the Worc backrow but the Saints 2nd row is a real focal point. Not an awful lot between the back lines overall but more from the Saints bench seals this late on.

Northampton 20-20 Worcester

Worcester could get a strong set piece advantage with the Saints props struggling and no real line out presence for the home side. Saints do bring a lot of physicality in the front 5 though. Odd backrow set-up from Saints I just can't see working and this gives Worcester a real chance to get involved with great balance. Little in the halfbacks but Saints better in the centres despite form issues, Worcester back 3 unit stronger.

Northampton Saints v Worcester Warriors. 26-22. Even up front with saints play an odd front 5. Their backrow is steal central and dynamic. Backs win it

Northampton Saints 35 - 32 Worcester Warriors

Saints gone with a super strong eight, but Warriors can match them with a heavy back row unit that will get around the field. The presence of Pocock however, will cause Wuss issues with maintaining possession and conceding a few penalties. The warriors back line will be one of the few units that will continually cause Saints issues in defence, however the Saints half backs will keep the tempo of the game up and get them in the right areas of the field. A close game, and Saints energetic bench will come on and just take the game out of the reach from Warriors.

Wasps 20-22 Quins

Wasps set up well as usual by CJ, but just lack the outright quality in the pack to get on top of a grizzly Quins pack. From there, Quins half backs as good as any as getting in the right areas, and they have plenty of threats. Wasps gritty defence keeps them in it, but good away win

Wasps 18-22 Quins
Strong front rows but Creevy makes the difference. Quins take the 2nd row and the back row battle with a great back row on show today that brings everything to the game. Half back partnership alot closer, would say 1 a piece here. Similar in the centres, not certain of Burrell at 13, think he suits 12 better, Morgan could cause some issues with jinxing runs. Back 3 close, think Quins could just get the better ball to them. More from the Quins bench. Wasps leaving Hooper at the breakdown to have more defensive options will ease some pressure as well as the shortened lineouts. Quins looking for territory and using Burrell's defence well at 13.

Wasps 23-28 Harlequins
Scrum edge for Wasps but theres more to the Quins backrow. Cooper not fired at 10 yet and off for the 7s now causes some issues for his rating. Quins wings a big step up and will cause a lot of issues.

Wasps 22-23 Harlequins

Not a huge amount in the front 5 contest with Myhall perhaps letting Wasps down a touch. Quins with the better flanks but fatigue could be an issue with these 2 starting most games. Little in the halfbacks and centres but I'm a big fan of Quins back 3 and this keeps them right in it.

Wasps 20 - 25 Harlequins
In terms of tactics you can't fault Wasps at all, the trouble in this game is that in key shirts Harlequins have the world class players, especially in no2, 6 and 7 shirts. Makes a huge difference, although Myler's form holds them back slightly. Again CJ has tactics spot on and some good attacking backs, but Steve's team is one of the favourites for the league and will be a good away win.

Wasps v Harlequins 21-25

Too much class and size up front allow Quins to get a platform and dominate. They will play off quick front foot ball. Carrying options tremendous. Wasps light up front

Wasps 27 - 29 Harlequins

Wasps will struggle up front, up against an unrelenting Quins pack. Wasps will get some good possession from the line out, and allow their backs to dictate some play. Quins have the control at half back, but lack the flair of the Wasps back line, who will create some magic. With the running of Halai and Ioane causing Quins trouble, Wasps fightback into the game, but leave it a little too late to rescue the result.

Now I know the results must have been super close this week!

Well played CJB

A question?

Seen
A few times on feedback
That Johnny May is hard to rate due to injury ?? He got
Injured on 27th December.

Are we saying form lasts less than 2
Months? Not having a go but trying
To understand why I get this feedback

Fluxy wrote:Now I know the results must have been super close this week!

Well played CJB

All the games are pretty close these days.
Unlucky Bam

Well won, Steve. At this point I'll take an LBP anyway.

Essentially I'm now trying to build for next season and Europe, I can't see any possibility of staying up