Aviva Premiership - Round 1

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Fri 2nd Sep 16

19:45 Gloucester Rugby v  Leicester Tigers  BT Sport

The premiership season starts down at Castle Grim. Gloucester have promised more than they have delivered over the last few seasons, with the pack often failing to perform. This season DoR Humphreys has looked to the SH to address this, bringing in an entire front row from Super Rugby. Gloucester have been slow starters in recent seasons as newcomers take time to assimilate. They will need old hands like Greig Laidlaw on top form to ensure they can start the season with some good results.
Leicester will arrive expecting to play a high tempo offloading game and looking to run the legs off teams. This game plan was introduced last season by Aaron Mauger and was a hit with fans. The team will hope that increased familiarity will reduce the error count that bedevilled the club in the key knockout games last season. A lot of power has been lost in the back row with 3 number 8s leaving the club, but the front 5 looked very strong in pre-season.


20:00 Newcastle Falcons  v   Sale Sharks

It is always hard to ascertain how teams will go at the start of a new season. That is especially true for visitors Sale. They have tended to alternate between over-achieving and under-achieving seasons. Steve Diamond looks to have been pretty canny in his recruitment, but so much will depend on how McGinty goes and if Mike Phillips still has the legs for top flight rugby. The effect of increased revenue following the recent takeover will be unlikely to be seen this season.
Falcons have not finished above 11th in the AP since finishing 9th in 2009/10, and their recruitment has been largely of the "value for money" sort. There has been a massive clear out of players this summer, though despite the international status of many of them most will not be missed. Looking at the players available, and how the team have performed in the past it is hard to see beyond another season in the relegation zone.
I suspect Sale to be too strong for a plucky Falcon's team.




Sat 3rd Sep 16

14:00 Saracens   v   Worcester Warriors   BT Sport

The Twickenham double header starts with the champions (of England and Europe) hosting a Warriors side that again will have minimal EQP representation. Worcester will be physical and look to hit teams on the counter-attack, Saracens will do the same only better. Could be an exciting match but an easy win for Sarries you would expect.


15:30 Northampton Saints   v   Bath Rugby

Both these sides had quite small squads last season, which at times did affect them. Just a small number of changes to the Saints squad this season with a lot of faith (and cash) being thrown the way of Louis Picamoles. He will have to hit the ground running if Saints are to fight their way back into the top 4.
Bath have seen a lot of players leave and look desperately short of midfield backs. With the arrival of players like Charteris and Faletau, the pack shoudl be stronger than last season but it will take time for new coach Blackadder to both stamp his mark and get the players he needs in. They will be buoyed by 3 wins out of 3 in pre-season (all away from home) including last week over Leinster.
Saints to grind out the win.


16:30 Harlequins   v   Bristol Rugby  BT Sport

A new era for Quins in the coaching department, but minimal changes in the playing roster. With Evans yet another season older, they will want Jackson to find form quickly. He showed flashes of excellence last season for Wasps, more of that and Quins could be pushing for a Top 6 placing. Any better than that will require a herculean effort from their England men, and for some of the younger players to really step forward and deliver on youthful promise.
Who knows what to expect from Bristol. they have recruited heavily and will look to be taking early scalps to settle their own nerves. They may surprise Quins.



Sun 4th Sep 16

15:00 Wasps  v   Exeter Chiefs  BT Sport

These teams met at the knock out stages in both major competitions last season, with each team securing a win. Exeter have allowed largely fringe players to leave, and brought in a small number of probable starters. they will be stronger than last season. Wasps however have splashed big money, and are now the leagues money bags. Recruitment seems to have been centred on the back line however, where they could easily field two very strong line-ups. They could struggle up front though - with grizzled old heads like George Smith, Bradley Davies and the italian pairing of Cittadini and Festuccia likely to be missed. Add in the injury issues for Haskell and opposition will be looking to deny their backs any food ball by taking them on up front.
Exeter will probably be too organised for a Wasps team that may well go on to win the title.

CHIEFS SIDE TO FACE WASPS
15 Phil Dollman
14 Olly Woodburn
13 Ollie Devoto
12 Sam Hill
11 Ian Whitten
10 Henry Slade
9 Will Chudley
1 Ben Moon
2 Luke Cowan-Dickie
3 Harry Williams
4 Mitch Lees
5 Damian Welch
6 Don Armand (capt)
7 Julian Salvi
8 Thomas Waldrom
16 Jack Yeandle
17 Alec Hepburn
18 Greg Holmes
19 Geoff Parling
20 Dave Dennis
21 Dave Lewis
22 Gareth Steenson
23 James Short

Great write up LondonTiger
My guess would be
Glos in a tight game
Falcons
Sarries by 20+
Saints but not sure about our side
Quins
Wasps

LondonTiger wrote:NORTHAMPTON SAINTS TEAM TO PLAY BATH

15 Ben Foden
14 Ken Pisi
13 George Pisi
12 Luther Burrell
11 Ahsee Tuala
10 Harry Mallinder
9 Lee Dickson
1 Alex Waller
2 Dylan Hartley
3 Kieran Brookes
4 Courtney Lawes
5 Michael Paterson
6 Tom Wood (capt)
7 Jamie Gibson
8 Louis Picamoles

16 Charlie Clare
17 Campese Ma’afu
18 Paul Hill
19 Sam Dickinson
20 Teimana Harrison
21 Nic Groom
22 Stephen Myler
23 George North

There is a big surprise in there. Prince Harry at 10 for the first game of the season with Myler benched.
Two 6s in Wood and Gibson with last years star backrow benched.
Dickinson covering lock.
Burrell back to 12.
North on the bench, probbly as he was sunning himself in Brazil while everybody else was working hard on their pre-season.
No Haywood, is he injured?
Obviously in disagreement with E. Jones as to the best tight head with Hill benched and Brookes starting.

I can't say I agree with his line up, but I have to assume he knows better than me. Lock is a worry once Lawes is away, Patterson and Craig do not have anu Ummph in them.

Big gamble with Prince Harry (FLAEC) at 10, I suspect we shall see him move over to 12 at some point and Burrell shift to 13, a Myler, Burrell, Pisi backline has been proven not to work.

Wonder if that Exeter side is a statement that Slade will be playing for the 10 shirt for club and country this year?

WELL-PAST-IT wrote:

LondonTiger wrote:NORTHAMPTON SAINTS TEAM TO PLAY BATH

15 Ben Foden
14 Ken Pisi
13 George Pisi
12 Luther Burrell
11 Ahsee Tuala
10 Harry Mallinder
9 Lee Dickson
1 Alex Waller
2 Dylan Hartley
3 Kieran Brookes
4 Courtney Lawes
5 Michael Paterson
6 Tom Wood (capt)
7 Jamie Gibson
8 Louis Picamoles

16 Charlie Clare
17 Campese Ma’afu
18 Paul Hill
19 Sam Dickinson
20 Teimana Harrison
21 Nic Groom
22 Stephen Myler
23 George North

There is a big surprise in there. Prince Harry at 10 for the first game of the season with Myler benched.
Two 6s in Wood and Gibson with last years star backrow benched.
Dickinson covering lock.
Burrell back to 12.
North on the bench, probbly as he was sunning himself in Brazil while everybody else was working hard on their pre-season.
No Haywood, is he injured?
Obviously in disagreement with E. Jones as to the best tight head with Hill benched and Brookes starting.

I can't say I agree with his line up, but I have to assume he knows better than me. Lock is a worry once Lawes is away, Patterson and Craig do not have anu Ummph in them.

Big gamble with Prince Harry (FLAEC) at 10, I suspect we shall see him move over to 12 at some point and Burrell shift to 13, a Myler, Burrell, Pisi backline has been proven not to work.

Just saw the lineup after a night of cracking ribs.  Agree, it seems a bit weird.  According to the Saints PR arm (Northampton Chronicle) Mikey is unavailable but didn't provide the reason.  Not sure if Hill, Harrison and North are on the bench due to their being involved in the summer?  North needs to be brought along slowly.  

Starting Prince Harry (future England and Lions captain) at 10 is also a surprise.  This puts Saints back to the Burrell-Pisi mid-field which was rather predictable and slothful at times last season.  What does this mean for Myler?  Or perhaps, the squad rotation starts in game 1?  

I also don't get Tuala on the wing.  I would  have expected Tom Collins, who has some nice upside.  

I would bet most people wold not have expected this lineup.  It's a new season.  Hoping Saints start this one better than last season.

if you are going to play a blunt instrument like Burrell at 12, you need a rapier outside him, Estelles looked like he had the necessary edge in his little cameo against Ulster. Pisi has become like a lightweight Burrell, he doesn't have the accelleration to get past his man anymore, so he tries to go through him.

Elliot or Collins would have given us two lightweight short wings, making it dificult to defend aginst the high ball close to the touch/try line, especially with the likes of Banahan and Rokoduguni around. We may be able to stop the ball getting out wide quickly, but there is little you can do to stop the high ball to the corner. It is what I am expecting tomorrow from Ford

Wow, Didn't expect to see Gopperth at 12 for Wasps!
Brookes over Hill is an interesting one - perhaps Mallinder will rotate them more regularly, and Harry starting at 10 is a bit of a surprise! (I, like many I suspect would prefer him at 12).
Its so nice to see so many squads looking really strong.
The Tigers and Chiefs sides look particularly impressive.

Cipriani and Gopperth at 10 and 12 doesn't offer much defensive strength. They'll be some big runners sent down that channel.

Add Wades defensive frailty into the mix too - and the pack looks a little lightweight with Gaskell in the engine room.
I would expect this Wasps side to fizz in attack though.
Against that Exeter side though - they look like big units! I am really looking forward to seeing Slade run the show at 10 and some creativity in their back line too - I am please that this one is going to be on TV. For me, could be one of the picks of the weekend.

Gaskell has bulked out quite a bit at Wasps. He's not as lightweight as he used to be and even then he was deceptively good in contact.

Tigers
Newcastle
Saracens
?? Saints (just, maybe? Really don't know)
Quins
Wasps (although forecasting a close game).

doctor_grey wrote:Just saw the lineup after a night of cracking ribs.  Agree, it seems a bit weird.  According to the Saints PR arm (Northampton Chronicle) Mikey is unavailable but didn't provide the reason. Not sure if Hill, Harrison and North are on the bench due to their being involved in the summer?  North needs to be brought along slowly.  

Starting Prince Harry (future England and Lions captain) at 10 is also a surprise.  This puts Saints back to the Burrell-Pisi mid-field which was rather predictable and slothful at times last season.  What does this mean for Myler?  Or perhaps, the squad rotation starts in game 1?  

I also don't get Tuala on the wing.  I would  have expected Tom Collins, who has some nice upside.  

I would bet most people wold not have expected this lineup.  It's a new season.  Hoping Saints start this one better than last season.

What exactly does that mean? I had a some cracking ribs last weekend, smoked for hours and hours and then served with home made bbq sauce, a loaded baked potato and corn on the cob but I'm thinking you could mean something significantly different and less pleasurable to most people?

Agree it's a strange Saints line up. Disappointed to see the Burell Pisi midfield combo again, hope they prove us wrong. In the forwards I wonder if Harrison's confidence has taken a knock after the 3rd test in Aus? I'm not a fan of Gibson at 7.

propdavid_london wrote:Wow, Didn't expect to see Gopperth at 12 for Wasps!
Brookes over Hill is an interesting one - perhaps Mallinder will rotate them more regularly, and Harry starting at 10 is a bit of a surprise! (I, like many I suspect would prefer him at 12).  
Its so nice to see so many squads looking really strong.  
The Tigers and Chiefs sides look particularly impressive.  

One point about Saints pack tomorrow. Last season, Saints pack treated Bath's pack like road kill. Bath did add Denton and Faletau but I still see a decent edge for Saints.

B91212 wrote:

doctor_grey wrote:Just saw the lineup after a night of cracking ribs.  Agree, it seems a bit weird.  According to the Saints PR arm (Northampton Chronicle) Mikey is unavailable but didn't provide the reason. Not sure if Hill, Harrison and North are on the bench due to their being involved in the summer?  North needs to be brought along slowly.  

Starting Prince Harry (future England and Lions captain) at 10 is also a surprise.  This puts Saints back to the Burrell-Pisi mid-field which was rather predictable and slothful at times last season.  What does this mean for Myler?  Or perhaps, the squad rotation starts in game 1?  

I also don't get Tuala on the wing.  I would  have expected Tom Collins, who has some nice upside.  

I would bet most people wold not have expected this lineup.  It's a new season.  Hoping Saints start this one better than last season.

What exactly does that mean? I had a some cracking ribs last weekend, smoked for hours and hours and then served with home made bbq sauce, a loaded baked potato and corn on the cob but I'm thinking you could mean something significantly different and less pleasurable to most people?

Agree it's a strange Saints line up. Disappointed to see the Burell Pisi midfield combo again, hope they prove us wrong. In the forwards I wonder if Harrison's confidence has taken a knock after the 3rd test in Aus? I'm not a fan of Gibson at 7.

Just a work comment. Spent the night working Emergency. Must have been the impending hurricane making people break stuff: cars, bones, etc..

Agree, not a fan of Gibson. I have a sneaking suspicion Saints staff over-rated him when he was signed. No bloomin idea why he on the flank. I really don't see him as a whizz at the breakdown.

Alex Lozoskwi has a really nice chance to stake a claim for the Sarries 10 shirt with Farrell missing the first game of the season.

Playing behind the Saracens pack should help him settle nicely hopefully plus he's surrounded by lots of experience in the backs too.

Might even see Goode goal kicking.

Beshocked agreed. Lozowski has a nice range of passing and some gas. He should be able to get that back line moving and is a good alternative to Farrell, bet he's substantially cheaper than Charlie as well. Could prove to be an astute signing in the long term.

Doc, bit harsh on Gibson. He was very good whilst at Tigers and whose not a natural 7 he was a sort of a 6.5 and had a good work rate and mobility. Thought he'd fit in well with Saints who very mug like the tall and mobile worker (ala Wood and Clark) on the flank.

been waiting for this day for ages, so glad the season is starting again today.

oh and well done to the pathetic hosts of this site, theres an advert in the way of the username/password boxes on the ipad.

Edit: I should note the folks that host the site are different to the folks that run it

Really hope Ludlam gets his chance this season.

I see they are hyping Manu up again, wish they would let him get some games under his belt first

I wonder if Wood and Gibson will play left and right. Wood is a 6.5, but I have always regarded Gibson as a 6.

Lineout should be rock solid though and with the ability to have the spare jumper challenging Barf ball all the time.

Still worried about those two monster wingers against our tiddlers, we may have the advantage on pace and agility, but as they say, "a good biggun will always beat a good littlun" and not many come bigger than Banahan and Roko and neither are bad.

Unless we are going to play and Eddie Jones style clear out by the back row, leaving Lawes, Hartley and Waller to come in and secure ball we are going to struggle. The loss of Day is far greater than one would think: Saints don't have another player of similar quality at lock other than Lawes. I would have played Dickinson rather than Patterson, far more effective in open play and with Gibson and Wood we don't need the lineout play of Patterson. Not to say that Dickinson is a bad option, but not a specialist. We need to either bring through a young lock, or bring in an old gnarled vet that can get through 20 games a year with a bit of dog about him; Paterson hits the first part, but that is all.

Will be at the game tomorrow, going to be peeing down according to the BBC, so perhaps JM is wise to put in three lumps through the middle to smash Barf down with the slow slippery ball.

I am just very worried about Ford's ability to chip a high ball onto a postage stamp for those wingers to run on to.

Have infected sinuses at the moment, blowing my nose looks like tigers kit

Glous looking good so far

How many forward passes in that!

Two forward passes. The offload to 36 significantly forward.

All our own fault. Lack of patience. Burns trying to force a miracle offload after a break knocks on. The McCaffery goes for the golden intercept instead of just tackling and holding Glaws comfortably as we'd done to that point.

Great break from TV. Forward passes cancelling each other out?

glad that man still has that step

Should stick to throwing them forward, at least they won't be intercepted.

Watching the Falcons vs Sale game, I can barely suppress the urge to cry repeatedly; 'King of the North! King of the North! King of the North!'

I think they're adopting the AB principle - forward passes are fine now - justice served as it looks like both tries were suspect.

Tait having a shocker. 10 points now gifted to Glaws. Absolute mare. If he makes it to half time I'd bring on Thompstone and move TV to 15.

Cracking try!

Get Tait off now! Absolutely dire. Error compounding error.

Glaws looking good, playing very close the gain line and great support lines for their offloading game.

Defence is woeful

Handling and defence, isn't that what was killing us last year

nathan wrote:Handling and defence, isn't that what was killing us last year

Yes. Though it's defence from our own errors that is killing us.

Well that and Barnes. He's giving us nothing and Youngs hasn't said a word to him. Tom is playing well but that area of his game is deficient at the minute, Glaws are not whiter than white and we're not in his ear at all. Far too honest.

Well this is ruining my superbru ...

So happy I can finally get the AP here in Germany, legit and HD live!

Leicester defence pretty shambolic so far.

Just a hint lol

Lack of intensity at the breakdown means that Glaws have always got good ball. We eventually cottoned on and started smashing the passer but they have players who are borderline running blocking lines and we've not tried to call them on it

Tigers error count is shambolic and too much of the play looks scripted and basic. They need a kick up the backside, Moriarty has been talking slap and patting players on the back to mock mistakes and it's taken 30 minutes for someone to give him a slap. Just not acceptable.

Benny and Thompstone on at half time I hope. Cole after 50.

Matt Scott, despite the forward pass, has been brilliant tonight.

Needs Ben youngs on, he'll have a bit of moan to Barnes about glous glacier rolling away

EST wrote:Matt Scott, despite the forward pass, has been brilliant tonight.

His partnership with 36 looks to be natural, completely in sync. Really impressed with how they are combining in midfield.

I think the main reason Tigers are struggling are their new kit.

Well the good the bad and the ugly here at KP.

But at times our defence is brutal.

Lots of possession just not getting the penetration and scores from that.

10-3 up at half time.

Gloucester line speed and defensive organisation has been quite impressive so far.

Phase after phase off clearly offside. Not one word and Barnes let's it go. Unbelievable. How are we not making a big deal about that? We are so naive.

Why have we taken TV off whilst the useless Tait is still there? Smith on for Betham might help as well.

sad_gimp wrote:Gloucester line speed and defensive organisation has been quite impressive so far.

It's not impressive! It's offside!

Only offside called all game and it's a shocker. Should have been penalty try with Scott in the bin. It's on the big screen and sir has bottled making a decision.

He was offside by an inch anyway, so doesn't matter

How did Barnes not Ping glous for being of their feet there!

Another Feck up by 36