Champions Cup Semi-Finals - 23/24 April

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Saracens  v   Wasps
23/04/2016 15:00 Madejski Stadium Sky Sports / beIN Sports

Officials
Referee - Roman Poite
Touch Judge 1 - Jerome Garces (France)
Touch Judge 2 - Pascal Gauzere (France)
TMO - Eric Gauzins (France)
Citing Commissioner - Stefano Marrama (Italy)


Form

9/4/16 Saracens 29 - 20 Saints 8,050
23/1/16 Toulouse 17 - 28 Saracens 12,498
16/1/16 Saracens 33 - 17 Ulster 9,642


9/4/16 Wasps 25 - 24 Chiefs 23,866
23/1/16 Wasps 51 - 10 Leinster 16,519
17/1/16 Toulon 15 - 11 Wasps 13,344


Teams

Saracens
15. Alex Goode; 14. Chris Ashton, 13. Duncan Taylor, 12. Brad Barritt, 11. Chris Wyles; 10. Owen Farrell, 9. Richard Wigglesworth; 1. Mako Vunipola, 2. Schalk Brits, 3. Petrus du Plessis, 4. Maro Itoje, 5. George Kruis, 6. Michael Rhodes, 7. Will Fraser, 8. Billy Vunipola
16. Jared Saunders , 17. Richard Barrington, 18. Titi Lamositele, 19. Jim Hamilton, 20. Jackson Wray, 21. Neil de Kock, 22. Charlie Hodgson, 23. Marcelo Bosch

Wasps
15. Charles Piutau; 14. Christian Wade, 13. Elliot Daly, 12. Siale Piutau, 11. Frank Halai; 10. Jimmy Gopperth, 9. Dan Robson; 1. Matt Mullan, 2. Carlo Festuccia, 3. Lorenzo Cittadini, 4. Joe Launchbury, 5. Bradley Davies, 6. James Haskell, 7. George Smith, 8. Nathan Hughes
16. Ashley Johnson, 17. Simon McIntyre, 18. Phil Swainston, 19. Sam Jones, 20. Thomas Young, 21. Joe Simpson, 22. Ruaridh Jackson, 23. Rob Miller


Preview
The top two in the AP table meet at the Madj for the first all English semi-final since 2007, when Wasps beat Northampton. Since those heady days Wasps have made little impact on the top tier competition, while their opponents have been on the rise. This will be Sarries 4th semi-final in a row, and 5th in total (first in 2008). Sarries will be all too aware that they have lost all but one of those semi-finals so far and will be desperate to make their second final. To do so they know they have to play much better than they did in the 1/4 final, though it is fair to say that Wasps were not at their best in the 1/4s despite the thrilling come-back.
The last time these two teams met was during the 6Ns when Wasps visited Barnet and thrashed the reigning AP champs. While both teams were missing players, Sarries were worse affected and everything Wasps touched turned to gold that day. We should expect a much tighter game this weekend. Sarries will look to squeeze Wasps up front, then put massive pressure on their opponents back line. Wasps will need to execute their game plan with precision, fail to do so and Saracens will swamp them.





Leicester Tigers  v   Racing 92
24/04/2016 15:15  City Ground BT Sport / FR 2 / beIN Sports

Officials
Referee - Nigel Owens (Wales)
Touch - Judge 1 George Clancy (Ireland)
Touch - Judge 2 Leighton Hodges (Wales)
TMO - Simon McDowell (Ireland)
Citing Commissioner - Jeff Mark (Wales)


Form

10/4/16 Tigers 41 - 13 SF Paris 20,866
24/1/16 SF Paris 36 - 21 Tigers 12,073
16/1/16 Tigers 47 - 7 Treviso 19,076


10/4/16 Racing 92 19 - 16 Toulon 15,340
23/1/16 Glasgow 22 - 5 Racing 92 9,063
17/1/16 Racing 92 64 - 14 Scarlets 6,931


Teams

Leicester Tigers
15. Matthew Tait; 14. Telusa Veainu, 13. Peter Betham, 12. Manu Tuilagi, 11. Vereniki Goneva; 10. Freddie Burns, 9. Ben Youngs; 1. Marcos Ayerza, 2. Harry Thacker, 3. Dan Cole, 4. Dom Barrow, 5. Graham Kitchener, 6. Michael Fitzgerald, 7. Lachlan McCaffrey, 8. Opéti Fonua
16. Greg Bateman, 17. Logovii Mulipola, 18. Fraser Balmain, 19. Ed Slater, 20. Tom Croft, 21. Sam Harrison, 22. Owen Williams, 23. Adam Thompstone

Racing 92
15. Brice Dulin; 14. Joe Rokocoko, 13. Johannes Goosen, 12. Alexandre Dumoulin, 11. Juan Imhoff; 10. Dan Carter, 9. Maxime Machenaud; 1. Eddy Ben Arous, 2. Virgile Lacombe, 3. Ben Tameifuna, 4. Luke Charteris, 5. Francois van der Merwe, 6. Wenceslas Lauret, 7. Bernard Le Roux, 8. Chris Masoe
16. Camille Chat, 17. Khatchik Vartanov, 18. Luc Ducalcon, 19. Manuel Carizza, 20. Antonie Claassen, 21. Mike Phillips, 22. Remi Tales, 23. Louis Dupichot

Preview
It is over 90 years since Leicester last met Racing. Fair to say things have changed just a little since the 1920's, and it is extremely doubtful that either side will warm up with a visit to a strip club as Tigers did on their first visit to France. Jacky Lorenzetti has spent big money assembling the star-studded Racing team, with Dan Carter surely the jewel in the crown. Even on one leg his class was enough to guide the Parisians to a narrow win over three-time champs Toulon. However they are far from a one man team with stardust sprinkled throughout the side. Racing's T14 form has stuttered in recent weeks and a largely second string team went down to Toulouse last week. With the big names coming in though, they are - on paper at least - far stronger than their English rivals. It is hard to see weaknesses in the Racing pack with an excellent second row pairing sandwiched by very powerful back and front rows. Tigers will be hoping that they can exploit a possible lack of speed in the back row, but cannot assume that their opponents will tire - or be as poor as their city rivals Stade were. It is to be hoped that Castro can keep his cool in any post match interviews this time.
Leicester have been like the little girl, when they are good they are very, very good but when they are not they are awful. This will be a huge test physically. The front five cannot give an inch while the back row have to win the battle of the breakdown. Secure a decent amount of possession and they have the backs to score tries from anywhere. However they need to be clinical both in attack and defence. Racing will exploit any dropped passes or defensive dog-legs.
This is Leicester's first semi-final since the unforgetable game in Cardiff in 2009, and Racing's first ever semi.

Ah right, I missed that. He didn't look too bad though.

What is Vunipola doing there? All that hard work for that lazy stab!

Knackeredknees wrote:following on BBC as at work, was it that bad? Lawson saying he only had half a second to commit, then commentary bloke saying wasn't that bad as robson was slipping prior to the hit??

Think Farrell got a yellow because he'd just done the same thing moments before, and been spoken to.

Welly wrote:

Knackeredknees wrote:

Welly wrote:

Knackeredknees wrote:Mikey, ticket prices are set by ERCC and out of the clubs control. its about the same price as the old format.

I am surprised that there is such a low turnout though as both sides are well supported(despite what welly insinuates)

Sarries isn't though they couldn't sell out a sat 1/4 final at Allianz park.

ever thought that sarries had sold all of their tickets but Northampton had not? and how much do you think a day out at an ERCC game will cost? Ticket+travel+food+beer+program+merch?

Sarries are not well supported just looked at their average gate.

Average gate this season according to Aviva site puts them third most supported in the league

Rugby Fan wrote:

Knackeredknees wrote:following on BBC as at work, was it that bad? Lawson saying he only had half a second to commit, then commentary bloke saying wasn't that bad as robson was slipping prior to the hit??

Think Farrell got a yellow because he'd just done the same thing moments before, and been spoken to.

ah that would do it...then again all I get from BBC is Haskell's big hit on Farrell

Lol only because they have one off big games at Wembley etc where they give away a crap load of tickets.

take away those games and you will be way down.

Haskell is having a blinder, fair play to him!!

Knackeredknees wrote:

Welly wrote:

Knackeredknees wrote:

Welly wrote:

Knackeredknees wrote:Mikey, ticket prices are set by ERCC and out of the clubs control. its about the same price as the old format.

I am surprised that there is such a low turnout though as both sides are well supported(despite what welly insinuates)

Sarries isn't though they couldn't sell out a sat 1/4 final at Allianz park.

ever thought that sarries had sold all of their tickets but Northampton had not? and how much do you think a day out at an ERCC game will cost? Ticket+travel+food+beer+program+merch?

Sarries are not well supported just looked at their average gate.

Average gate this season according to Aviva site puts them third most supported in the league

Only because the Wembley gate is included. Without it it's poor.

Fair enough they showed the replay once a yellow card came from it, we want to see what the card was for. Totally understand not showing it just for the sake of seeing a bad clash.

Wade looking dangerous when he does get the ball but Sarries aren't letting them get it out that far.

Welly wrote: Lol only because they have one off big games at Wembley etc where they give away a crap load of tickets.

take away those games and you will be way down.

so we'll take away the same from Quins, Wasps, et all who play in the double header and big games and we'll still be above most in the league. Maybe look at % of capacity sold for a truer reflection

With players like Itoje and the Vunipola brothers, I really like Sarries. On the other side, with players like Farrell and Ashton, I cant stand Sarries.

That said, they are probably the best team in Europe and will be deserved winners should they win.

Nothing wrong with that, how is he meant to change direction in the air?

eirebilly wrote:With players like Itoje and the Vunipola brothers, I really like Sarries. On the other side, with players like Farrell and Ashton, I cant stand Sarries.

That said, they are probably the best team in Europe and will be deserved winners should they win.

That's the thing though, if those same two players were on your side you would love the arrogance, commitment and in your face attitude.

Nothing in that, big lad can't stop on a dime.

Farrell didn't do his team any favours but they held on while he was away, and Wasps must now wonder whether they'll see enough of the ball to get a score. They've lost two key lineouts and given away a scrum penalty.

Knackeredknees wrote:

eirebilly wrote:With players like Itoje and the Vunipola brothers, I really like Sarries. On the other side, with players like Farrell and Ashton, I cant stand Sarries.

That said, they are probably the best team in Europe and will be deserved winners should they win.

That's the thing though, if those same two players were on your side you would love the arrogance, commitment and in your face attitude.

I would not want Farrell or Ashton in my team, too hot headed and prone to letting their side down with stupid actions.

Barnes is ridiculous, I have to mute him...

'Here he comes, boom, he made sure he made contact' ffs!

Knackeredknees wrote:

Welly wrote: Lol only because they have one off big games at Wembley etc where they give away a crap load of tickets.

take away those games and you will be way down.

so we'll take away the same from Quins, Wasps, et all who play in the double header and big games and we'll still be above most in the league. Maybe look at % of capacity sold for a truer reflection

You would still be below Quins and Wasps. And Tigers, Saints, Gloucester, Bath, and maybe Worcester and Exeter as well. So you won't be above most in the league at all.

Knackeredknees wrote:

Welly wrote: Lol only because they have one off big games at Wembley etc where they give away a crap load of tickets.

take away those games and you will be way down.

so we'll take away the same from Quins, Wasps, et all who play in the double header and big games and we'll still be above most in the league. Maybe look at % of capacity sold for a truer reflection

Wasps haven't played a big game this season.

Taking away your 2 games at other stadiums where you were the home team your average attendance is:
8,995

mid_gen wrote:Nothing in that, big lad can't stop on a dime.

yet Farrell is meant to when a player ducks/slips? (ok im joking, but you see how hard it is to judge)

need an update on who's looking the better team at the moment? who has been the stronger side near the end?

Barnes is the most annoying person in the world!

Gotta say that kick to the head is petulant, but it does the job of making Itoje let go of the boot.

Love the way Poite says initially it was penalty against 4, it clearly isn't as there is never a look at holding on the TMO isn't interested!

His head didn't move much so he can't of kicked that hard

nathan wrote:Barnes is the most annoying person in the world!

try following BBC text............
he was an annoying front bottom when he played and seems to get worse each season

Itoje doing his best McCaw impression of holding on but getting a kick. Should have been a red card in my opinion. In those situations I would suggest a red card for the kick and yellow card for cynical play.

Itoje should really have been binned as well, justvfor being a cheating pecker

I'm not sure I'd excuse the kick, but I detest holding and pulling and similar cheating behaviour. The truth is, the number 4 wouldn't have been cared about had the victim not lashed out. Refs are too soft on holding and shirt pulling. They don't watch for it. If they did, less players would act out of frustration. Fact.

Because refs don't watch out for holding on we'll just see players shouting which we don't want

Curious one that.

Ref says Itoje would have been penalized but his offence was only noticed on replay by the officials because they were reviewing the kick he received.

Half think both players should see yellow to keep the outcome fair, but I'm sure that make no sense under the laws of the game.

$aracens are the most cynical team in Europe and have been all game.

KK,

Sarries have been too strong physically, but the midfield (10-13) have been shockingly bad

Fraser and Mako have been great at the breakdown.

Didn't Itoje get Barrow banned for doing similar.

He is a bit of a Poopie

Clear detach from the sarries player there

LondonTiger wrote:KK,  

Sarries have been too strong physically, but the midfield (10-13) have been shockingly bad

Cheers LT

Sometimes you watch Sarries, and for all their obvious skill, they are just so unlike able. Petty cheap shots, borderline high hits, constant off side and rolling around at the rucks.

Knackeredknees wrote:Mikey, ticket prices are set by ERCC and out of the clubs control. its about the same price as the old format.

I am surprised that there is such a low turnout though as both sides are well supported(despite what welly insinuates)

Thanks KK. Is that true though, and I'm meant to take your word for it? Saracens had no trouble filling this stadium years ago when they faced Munster in a European SF.

nathan wrote:Clear detach from the sarries player there

Thought the same myself.

nathan wrote:Nothing wrong with that, how is he meant to change direction in the air?

Only in Barnes' world ...

mikey_dragon wrote:

Knackeredknees wrote:Mikey, ticket prices are set by ERCC and out of the clubs control. its about the same price as the old format.

I am surprised that there is such a low turnout though as both sides are well supported(despite what welly insinuates)

Thanks KK. Is that true though, and I'm meant to take your word for it? Saracens had no trouble filling this stadium years ago when they faced Munster in a European SF.

Munster have a huge travelling support though.

Poite favours dominant teams, and Saracens have certainly been dominant, so they've begun to get the decisions.

Sarries players getting a good bitching here. When their players do it for England again like in the 6N they'll be heroes once more!

How does Goode not get penalised there, whistle goes, he rolls 3 times away with ball in hand then gets up and starts a push shove to slow ball down!

As a Munster fan, I really hate to say this, I am fully behind the Tigers now. Hope they get the win and then beat Sarries in the final.

Lol

Welly wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

Knackeredknees wrote:Mikey, ticket prices are set by ERCC and out of the clubs control. its about the same price as the old format.

I am surprised that there is such a low turnout though as both sides are well supported(despite what welly insinuates)

Thanks KK. Is that true though, and I'm meant to take your word for it? Saracens had no trouble filling this stadium years ago when they faced Munster in a European SF.

Munster have a huge travelling support though.

True. Doubt they would have filled half the stadium though. The competition was also different back then, which might be worth noting.

mikey_dragon wrote:Sarries players getting a good bitching here. When their players do it for England again like in the 6N they'll be heroes once more!

Same every week Sarries player does something and they are the lowest of the low scum of the earth, player from a more "preferred team" and its justifiable play. pull on an England shirt and bar Farrell and Ashton they can do no wrong

Well that game just leaves a sour taste in the mouth

mikey_dragon wrote:

Welly wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

Knackeredknees wrote:Mikey, ticket prices are set by ERCC and out of the clubs control. its about the same price as the old format.

I am surprised that there is such a low turnout though as both sides are well supported(despite what welly insinuates)

Thanks KK. Is that true though, and I'm meant to take your word for it? Saracens had no trouble filling this stadium years ago when they faced Munster in a European SF.

Munster have a huge travelling support though.

True. Doubt they would have filled half the stadium though. The competition was also different back then, which might be worth noting.

That was at the Rioch I think which holds 32 000 16k+ munster fans would travel that far to a semi final game

Welly wrote:

Knackeredknees wrote:

Welly wrote: Lol only because they have one off big games at Wembley etc where they give away a crap load of tickets.

take away those games and you will be way down.

so we'll take away the same from Quins, Wasps, et all who play in the double header and big games and we'll still be above most in the league. Maybe look at % of capacity sold for a truer reflection

Wasps haven't played a big game this season.

Taking away your 2 games at other stadiums where you were the home team your average attendance is:
8,995

WASP's have played two games at twickers this season, and our capacity is max 10k, so 90% of capacity