Here We Go, Round 12

First topic message reminder :

Teams for the visit of Falcons tomorrow:

15 Rory Hutchinson – 150th Saints appearance
14 Gabriel Hamer-Webb – Saint #2089
13 Burger Odendaal
12 Tom Litchfield
11 Ollie Sleightholme
10 Charlie Savala
9 Tom James

1 Alex Waller
2 Sam Matavesi
3 Trevor Davison
4 Temo Mayanavanua
5 Chunya Munga
6 Courtney Lawes
7 Lewis Ludlam (c)
8 Sam Graham

Replacements:
16 Robbie Smith
17 Tarek Haffar
18 Elliot Millar Mills
19 Alex Moon
20 Juarno Augustus
21 Angus Scott-Young
22 Callum Braley
23 Joel Matavesi

Not available for selection:
George Hendy, Curtis Langdon (suspended), James Ramm and Tom Seabrook. (3 wingers)

International duty:
Alex Coles, Fraser Dingwall, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Alex Mitchell, Tom Pearson and Fin Smith (all England).

FALCONS SIDE TO FACE SAINTS:
15 Elliott Obatoyinbo, 14 Adam Radwan, 13 Matias Moroni, 12 Cameron Hutchison, 11 Ben Stevenson, 10 Louie Johnson, 9 Hugh O’Sullivan; 1 Phil Brantingham, 2 Bryan Byrne, 3 Murray McCallum, 4 John Hawkins, 5 Sebastian de Chaves, 6 Sam Cross, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Callum Chick (c).
Replacements: 16 Michael van Vuuren, 17 Adam Brocklebank, 18 Eduardo Bello, 19 Tim Cardall, 20 Freddie Lockwood, 21 Sam Stuart, 22 Rory Jennings, 23 Mateo Carreras.

Not quite sure what to make of that team, a couple of big centres, I have said previously I wanted to see Litchfield at 12, he has all the attributes to make a success of it. Hutchinson at 15, Jury's out. New boy Gabriel Hamer-Webb getting his first start, he is only on a short term contract, but it will be interesting to watch, he is another one that looks powerful, there is a lot of muscle in that backline.

The pack should be fine, Lawes, Ludlum and Graham with Augustus to come on is about as strong as it gets.

6-2 split on the bench, largely because we have run out of backs, they are all sunning themselves in Italy.

Well Russell screwed the pooch twice there and ruined Bath's chance to sneak that ...

Really like how Fisilau plays. Wasn't sure about him in the u 20s but seems to be filling out and starting to look so good.

And Tuima is a carrying beast. And so intelligent with it.

Well the games today have been a little more bright than yesterday's!

Nice try!

Just watched the highlights of the Saints / Falcons game, scrappy from both sides from what I can see, but I have to reiterate what I have said previously, Litchfield was born to be a 12, he is defensively sound, big (16.5 st) but has footwork and amazing acceleration for someone his shape and size. Not many players that are capable of being good on the wing can also play 12 to that standard. When we gat our wings back, there is some serious competition for the centre shirts.

Not sure who the TMO is in the Glaws v Sale match but he's just told the ref no pictures showing head contact when there clearly were, albeit maybe only minor.   Player went off for an HIA so how does that square?

WELL-PAST-IT wrote:Just watched the highlights of the Saints / Falcons game, scrappy from both sides from what I can see, but I have to reiterate what I have said previously, Litchfield was born to be a 12, he is defensively sound, big (16.5 st) but has footwork and amazing acceleration for  someone his shape and size. Not many players that are capable of being good on the wing can also play 12 to that standard. When we gat our wings back, there is some serious competition for the centre shirts.

To your point, Litchfield is only 21 and will fill out a bit. He is a big. quick unit who can really play.