Jeff Round 2

I'm not sure if anyone is going to do this weeks fixtures so here's a short version to get discussion going. I've watched a few games on the weekend but to be honest most of the write up's just speculation and opinion.

Friday 8th September 2017
Sale Sharks 19:45 Newcastle
Sale lost their opening game of the weekend and many have thought they may struggle this season. Apparently their pack is too weak to compete, no matter how well drilled Diamond will have them, their backline has the potential to cause damage if they can get some good ball. Falcons won their opening game against Wuss, it's difficult to base too much on that performance though as Wuss could be terrible. Falcons have shown a harder edge recently though and in Richards they have a good coach. Home advantage to win out over two pretty equal teams imo. Sale by 5


Saturday 9th September 2017
Bath 14:00 Saracens
Bath looked powerful on the weekend and their pack should be able to compete with Sarries far better then Saints did. Their backs too worked well at times. Saracens looked unstoppable for most of the game, but how much of that was due to their opponents being crap? Either way I expect Saracens to be too good for Bath. Saracens by 3

Exeter 15:00 London Irish
Exeter had a surprise loss on Friday, they'll be pissed that Glos managed such a late win and will look to make amends at home now, expect a big, nasty performance with lots of mauls and cross kicks. Irish had a good win on Sat and should be well up for this game, travelling away to the champs may be a bridge too far though and a bp loss would be great for them. Can't see it though, Exeter by 15

Harlequins 15:00 Gloucester
Harlequins need to sort their Poopie out. Gloucester surprised everyone including themselves by beating Exeter. The two most topsy turvy teams could at least provide an entertaining, if low skill game which either could find a way to lose. Quins to manage to win it by 2

Northampton 16:30 Leicester
Saints were hammered by Saracens and will be hurting, I see this going two ways; either they use that humiliation to come out fighting against Tigers, or they've given up and Tigers will roll over them. Leicester could have won against Bath but didn't, on paper both teams are strong but Tigers seem to actually be coached. Tigers by 10


Sunday 10th September 2017
Worcester 15:00 Wasps
Wuss are already tipped for the drop. Wasps are looking strong. Wasps by 20 unless the weather and a gnarly Worcester side slow them down.

Would be delighted with a LBP to saracens. Fear that they will be far too strong for us though

For Quins I would be happy with any wins!
Interesting selection option for 10 with Quins - does the kid get another chance or does he warm the bench for Catrakilis?

I would go Catrakilis and Swiel on the bench. Perhaps Smith and Swiel benching as they cover 10/15 between them.

Why is no-one giving us any credit for the victory...only saying Worcester were unbelievably bad?

We played a very professional and efficient game. Nothing flamboyant but ultimately Worcester couldn't cope with it.

I don't expect too many changes this week but even with the same side i think we will beat sale. Maybe Sinoti, Socino and flood, will be added to knock it up a notch again.

Bathite wrote:Would be delighted with a LBP to saracens. Fear that they will be far too strong for us though

The discipline will have to be better against Sarries they won't be as forgiving as we were. If you're backrow can perform and get you some quick ball the Sarries defence wasn't at it's rushing best last weekend so you might find some joy in attack.

Be harsh on young Smith to select him then drop him. Got to be careful with his confidence. Wasn't his fault that Quins didn't show up, up front.

It's pretty tough to call this weeks games using last weeks results/performances as a basis. Certainly both Gloucester and Irish were always likely to put in big performances last weekend, one due to returning to the Prem and the other with a new head coach to impress. Can either maintain that level of performance this week? Who knows.

Saints and Quins both failed to show up at the weekend and I would imagine have had a rocket up their backsides in training this week, and both have to be better this time out.

Steve Diamond virtually admitted that Sale went to Wasps to get a four try bonus point rather than to win the game, but would be targeting home games so they should be more focused this week, against a Falcons team who are improving all the time and looked good on Friday, but who historically haven't travelled particularly well.

Like I say, tough to call any of these fixtures really, but my early stab at it (may change my mind after seeing the line ups announce) is...

Sale by less than 7
Bath by less than 7
Quins by less than 7 in a ridiculously high scoring game
Leicester by less than 7
Wasps by more than 7

I won't be predicting the Irish result, not until I've seen us a few times this season to judge where we are really at.

Manu out for 12 weeks with a knee I jury

Jeeeeeez

The guy has no luck!

Apparently it's his other knee, not the one he badly damaged last time.

nathan wrote:Manu out for 12 weeks with a knee I jury

 not again   . It's fine though because we definitely signed some midfield cover in the summer...

Erm Matt how's the back feeling?

Ah that's a shame for the lad. He just has no luck.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Bathite wrote:Would be delighted with a LBP to saracens. Fear that they will be far too strong for us though

The discipline will have to be better against Sarries they won't be as forgiving as we were. If you're backrow can perform and get you some quick ball the Sarries defence wasn't at it's rushing best last weekend so you might find some joy in attack.

Be harsh on young Smith to select him then drop him. Got to be careful with his confidence. Wasn't his fault that Quins didn't show up, up front.

Agree that we Sarries won't be as forgiving, they are in fact the opposite of that, hence my lack of confidence. Also it would be typical of them to be livid about their defense last weekend and then fix it all for the next match. Hence, we are stuffed!

nathan wrote:Manu out for 12 weeks with a knee I jury :(

Of course he is. Can only be 3 or 4 injuries away from early retirement.

Not sure how to call the Falcons game this weekend, it should be tight.

Love to get Flood and Mermoz back in action and a LH who can scrummage.

I agree with most of your predictions but I think Newcastle will win.

Bath v Saracens - very tough to call. I'd edge towards Bath actually who are at home and not playing a full strength Saracens.

If Saracens bring in reinforcements though it could tip the balance.

Saracens away record last season wasn't that good. Losses to Bath,Worcester,Quins,Wasps and Gloucester.

6 wins. 5 losses. Of course Bath were one of the teams that won.

Bath still have tickets available for this weekends game.

Very tempted to go and watch Bath play some free flowing rugby.

Didn't realise you were back from NZ Tighthead

Falcons v Sale

Only 1 change...Lawson for the injured Cooper at Hooker. Goneva back on the bench...

15 Simon Hammersley
14 Alex Tait
13 Chris Harris
12 Josh Matavesi
11 Belisario Agulla
10 Joel Hodgson
9 Sonatane Takulua

1 Rob Vickers
2 Scott Lawson
3 Jon Welsh
4 Calum Green
5 Will Witty
6 Mark Wilson
7 Will Welch (captain)
8 Callum Chick

Replacements
16 Santiago Socino
17 Sami Mavinga
18 Trevor Davison
19 Tevita Cavubati
20 Nili Latu
21 Sam Stuart
22 Juan Pablo Socino
23 Vereniki Goneva

Who was the very good Sale 13 that looked a prospect?

And isn't Ostrikov a prop not a lock??

yappysnap wrote:Who was the very good Sale 13 that looked a prospect?

And isn't Ostrikov a prop not a lock??

Sam James? He's on the bench covering 10 and centre. Bit surprised he isn't starting, quality young player.

Ostrikov is the Russian lineout operator. Been at Sale ages.

Yea James looked quality when he played against us last season and when playing for the Saxons. Has he played 10 before then or just there as a last resort?

Looking at the doom and gloom of Quins fans, you'd have thought they'd turned into Glaws fans! I can see a resurgent Quins side beating Glaws. We've had a number of excellent wins in recent years, which have been followed by dire loses. We're only consistent with our inconsistency. I'm not going to get carried away with last week until we can start building a consistent game plan. I'd be happy with a solid performance and a losing BP; which given that we've not won at the Stoop since 2006 is probably the best we can ask for.

I'm looking forward to the 2 televised games on Saturday. I can see both games being incredibly physical close games, but with the away sides winning both.

Which games are on the box?

Saints team for the derby:

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS TEAM TO PLAY LEICESTER
Aviva Premiership Round 2
Franklin’s Gardens
Saturday, September 9th, 2017
Kick off 4:30pm
15 Ahsee Tuala
14 George North
13 Rob Horne
12 Luther Burrell
11 Tom Collins
10 Harry Mallinder
9 Nic Groom
1 Alex Waller
2 Dylan Hartley (capt)
3 Kieran Brookes
4 Michael Paterson
5 Christian Day
6 Courtney Lawes
7 Jamie Gibson
8 Teimana Harrison

16 Mikey Haywood
17 Campese Ma’afu
18 Paul Hill
19 Api Ratuniyarawa
20 Lewis Ludlam
21 Cobus Reinach
22 James Grayson
23 Ben Foden

I have no idea what is going on at Saints anymore, Paterson in at lock, Lawes at 6 and Ludlum, who was one of the few who impressed a little last week benched. At least Collins retained his place, he was electric on Saturday, in attack at least. Looks like Foden is slipping down the pecking order at 15.

Very strong looking Bath side but I think the weak spots are the frontrow and bench.

Saracens bench is much stronger than Bath's and that could make the difference.

Sure Bath have some nice impact players but that Saracens one is seriously strong.

Saracens team to face Bath

15 Alex Goode (232)
14 Nathan Earle (20)
13 Duncan Taylor (103)
12 Brad Barritt (c) (196)
11 Chris Wyles (227)
10 Alex Lozowski (32)
9 Richard Wigglesworth (187)

1 Richard Barrington (109)
2 Schalk Brits (206)
3 Vincent Koch (17)
4 Dominic Day (1)
5 Maro Itoje (76)
6 Michael Rhodes (57)
7 Schalk Burger (27)
8 Jackson Wray (174)

Replacements

16 Christopher Tolofua (0)
17 Mako Vunipola
18 Juan Figallo (59)
19 Nick Isiekwe (7)
20 Ben Earl (4)
21 Ben Spencer (101)
22 Owen Farrell (152)
23 Liam Williams (0)


Bath Rugby team to face Leicester Tigers

15. Anthony Watson

14. Semesa Rokoduguni

13. Jonathan Joseph

12. Max Clark

11. Matt Banahan

10. Rhys Priestland

9. Chris Cook

1. Beno Obano

2. Tom Dunn

3. Anthony Perenise

4. Luke Charteris

5. Elliott Stooke

6. Matt Garvey (capt)

7. Francois Louw

8. Taulupe Faletau

Replacements:

16. Jack Walker

17. Nick Auterac

18. Scott Andrews

19. James Phillips

20. Paul Grant

21. Kahn Fotuali’i

22. Freddie Burns

23. Ben Tapuai

Wuss v Wasps

Warriors

15 Josh Adams
14 Perry Humphreys
13 Ben Te’o
12 Jackson Willison
11 Bryce Heem
10 Tom Heathcote
9 Jonny Arr
1 Ryan Bower
2 Jack Singleton
3 Nick Schonert
4 Donncha O’Callaghan (C)
5 Pierce Phillips
6 Matt Cox
7 Sam Lewis
8 GJ van Velze

Replacements
16 Joe Taufete’e
17 Ethan Waller
18 Biyi Alo
19 Christian Scotland-Williamson
20 Alafoti Faosiliva
21 Peter Stringer
22 Sam Olver
23 Jamie Shillcock

I'd prefer Stringer to start but I'm expecting a right royal stuffing regardless!

Quins
15. Mike Brown, 14. Marland Yarde, 13. Joe Marchant, 12. Jamie Roberts, 11. Charlie Walker, 10. Demitris Catrakilis, 9. Danny Care; 1. Joe Marler, 2. Joe Gray, 3. Kyle Sinckler; 4. George Merrick, 5. James Horwill (c); 6. Chris Robshaw, 7. Dave Ward, 8. Jack Clifford

Replacements
16. Elia Elia, 17. Mark Lambert, 18. Will Collier, 19. Ben Glynn, 20. Mathew Luamanu; 21. Dave Lewis, 22. Marcus Smith, 23. Winston Stanley

Glaws
15. Jason Woodward, 14. Ollie Thorley, 13. Matt Scott, 12. Andy Symons, 11. Henry Purdy, 10. Billy Burns, 9. Willi Heinz (c); 1. Josh Hohneck, 2. Richard Hibbard, 3. Fraser Balmain; 4. Tom Savage, 5. Jeremy Thrush; 6. Ruan Ackermann, 7. Lewis Ludlow, 8. Freddie Clarke

Replacements
16. Motu Matu'u, 17. Val Rapava-Ruskin, 18. John Afoa; 19. Ed Slater, 20. Jacob Rowan; 21. Ben Vellacott, 22. Billy Twelvetrees, 23. Charlie Sharples

yappysnap wrote:Yea James looked quality when he played against us last season and when playing for the Saxons. Has he played 10 before then or just there as a last resort?

Played age grade rugby there but prefers centre. He played 10 at times last season for Sale. I think long term he could be a really good 12, he's big and physical enough to carry and tackle hard but has the skills to kick and distribute. He's signed a long term deal with Sale which is a shame as I wanted him at Tigers.

Glaws fans, who's Freddie Clark?

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Glaws fans, who's Freddie Clark?

A recent academy promoted, late to the game back-rower. He made a few appearances for us last season, including the Challenge Cup final. He's quite a unit and is a good ball carrier. I'm a little surprised to see him start as I'd have thought we'd have kept Ludlow at 6, Rowan at 7 and played Ackers Jnr at 8. This may well happen later on in the game given Rowan is on the bench.

Irish side

Hobbs-Awoyemi Paice Du Plessis
Van Der Merwe De Chaves
Coman Treviranus Cowan
Steele Marshall
Lewington McLean Hearn Ojo
Bell

Porecki, Reid, Franks, McInally, Gilsenan, McKibbin, Tonks, Tikoirotuma

Ooph Mark Wilson just levelled by Curry.

And Welch just stops Curry in his tracks lol.

Back rows going into battle

Ah feck sake....on sales try line...knock on and they go the length of the field and score!!!

Ooh not given!! Knock on by the sale player on the try line.

Oh I think that's a bad call tbh ... how can it be a knock-on if his hand is in contact all the way to the ground ... big let off there.

Sales lineout is really poor.

But they're edging it up front. That Curry is a powerful kid at 7.

Yes their line-out was rubbish last week too ... Curry looking good indeed

Oh dear lord...another let off.

Sales should be 2 scores ahead already.

Their backs are cutting through effortlessly.

Yes if I was a Sharks fan I'd be cheesed off at the chances they've blown ... they are looking good in attack but then keep muffing it ...

Sale are beating themselves at the moment.

Handling errors and lineout...

wow Sale have lost 5 from 7 lineouts so far. Yet we aren't taking advantage.

They need to work out a new plan - throwing to the middle/back isn't working for them

De Klerk is running the show at the moment.

We are second best in every area bar the lineout.

It's all Sharks at the moment but they aren't putting any points on the board

Oh apart from that 3

Yeah...they should have at least 2 tries.

I thought we'd match these but we're getting a pasting up front and out wide at the momebt