Fixture 10

Team Sheets and tactics due by COB Thur
Predictions open Fri. Results due Sun/Mon

---

Sale Sharks v London Wasps

---

Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Marcos Ayerza	09. Danny Care
02. Guilleme Guirado	10. Johnny Sexton
03. Luc Ducalcon
04. Romain Millo Chluski	11. David Strettle
05. Alun Wyn Jones	12. Jordan Turner Hall
06. Neil Best	13. James Hook
07. Matt Todd	14. Lelia Masaga
08. Kai Horstman	15. Luke Rooney

16. Lee Imolek 17. Brett Sharman 18. Neemia Tialata 19. Christian Day 20. Victor Vito 21. Shaun Perry 22. Aaron Cruden 23. Nick Abendanoon

Tactics
Usual strong ball carrying game with plenty of offloading constantly changing the point of attack. Sexton and Hook to offer creativity and solid kicking.

---

London Wasps
Manager – ‘Arry

01. Perry Freshwater	09. Michael Classens (c)
02. Steve Thompson	10. Jimmy Gopperth
03. Carlos Nieto
04. Dan Ward-Smith	11. Noah Cato
05. Mark Chisholm	12. Stirling Mortlock
06. Tom Johnson	13. Chris Wyles
07. Jacques Burger	14. Lachie Turner
08. Roger Wilson	15. Mike Brown

16. Andy Titterell 17. Benn Robinson 18. Charlie Beech 19. Stuart Hooper 20. James Haskell 21. Martin Roberts 22. Rory Clegg 23. Matt Banahan

Tactics

---

---

Leicester Tigers v Newcastle Falcons

---

Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Wyatt Crockett	09. Micky Young
02. Sebastian Bruno	10. Dave Walder (k)
03. Faan Rautenbach
04. Jarrad Hoeata	11. Isa Nacewa
05. Chris Jack (c)	12. Yannick Jauzion
06. Thomas Waldrom	13. Florian Fritz
07. Magnus Lund	14. Tom Biggs
08. Ernst Joubert	15. Clement Poitrenaud

16. Clarke Dermody 17. Matt Thompson 18. Jonny Harris 19. Alex Brown 20. Jordan Crane 21. Scott Mathie 22. Rob Miller 23. Rupeni Caucaunibuca

Tactics

- We will look to play at a very high tempo and look to unsettle the opposition right from the first whistle. Our pack will play with real intensity and look to get us onto the front foot to attack. We want to put our monster pack to good use - 6 of the pack at 6ft 3" or more, and an average weight of 17 1/2st - we will be physical and relentless up front.

- We will target the set-piece all game, in particular the lineout. With Joubert and Jack as our go-to men, along with Hoeata and also Alex Brown to come on, we see a huge advantage here. We will look to Walder to move us into the right areas of the field with the boot - and then aim to disrupt opposition ball. Our front row will look to get the squeeze on come scrum-time. Both Crockett and Rautenbach are both tall props, so they are told to hold their bind and keep their body and back straight in an effort to stop them being done underneath. With Joubert marshalling the base, we will look to use attacking scrums as a platform to get us going forward at every opportunity.

- All three of our back row, as well as the likes of Crockett and Hoeata, are encouraged to run straight to best utilise the carrying options they bring, and we will look to drive on through tackles as much as possible to get over the gain line. Waldrom is given license to carry and run as much as possible, and Lund is our tackling machine, and his defence will be crucial.

- With the ball in hand we want to attack together in groups so as not to become isolated, and if it is on we will look to offload in or just before the tackle. All players are to act as support runners when they can.

- Young is tasked with simple instructions - quick ball for our backs. Working in tandem with Joubert and co, we want him to fire passes as quickly as he can to stop the opposition getting set defensively. At the breakdown we will aim to recycle our own ball as quickly as possible by getting forwards there early and rucking past the ball to free it up for Young.

- Walder is tasked with kicking our forwards into position and bringing our dangerous back line into play. With Jauzion outside him he has experience and class outside to rely upon.

- Jauzion and Fritz have played over 30 Heineken Cup games together in the centre for Toulouse and are asked to play their natural games, and use their experience and proven partnership to be the foundation of our back line.

- Our back three is encouraged to do what comes naturally to all of them - counter attacking and running the ball back. All have good boots to rely on if it isn't on, but the counter is what we ask them to look for.

- We want to play a subtle mix of attacking, running rugby from quick ball, and forward play marshalled by Walder's boot.

- Defensively we will look to blitz, with Young sweeping behind the defensive line to deal with any kicks.

- Walder to kick all penalties within range.

---

Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Sgt Pooly

01. Fabien Barcella	09. Sarel Pretorious
02. William Servat	10. Nick Evans
03. Paul Doran-Jones
04. Flip van der Merwe	11. Topsy Ojo
05. Juandre Kruger	12. Brad Barritt
06. Juan Smith	13. Jared Payne
07. Chris Robshaw	14. Sean Maitland
08. Duane Vermeulen	15. Ben Smith

16. Andrew Hore 17. Owen Franks 18. Boris Stankovich 19. Pascal Pape 20. Heinrich Brussow 21. Chris Cusiter 22. Jonny Wilkinson 23. Miles Benjamin

Tactics
Normal Falcons high intensity tactics......compete in pack and target lineout with numerous jumpers. Control breakdown and look to attack with turnover ball. Attack with pace and get wings and fb’s into line. Evans to control game and keep the board ticking over, Pretorious to attack the fringes.

---

---

Northampton Saints v Bath

---

Northampton Saints
Manager – Dammit Chris

01. Thomas Domingo	09. Joe Simpson
02. Rob Webber	10. Matt Giteau
03. Carl Hayman
04. Dave Attwood	11. Siti Siviatu
05. Courtney Lawes	12. Jean de Villiers
06. Liam Messam	13. Casey Lualala
07. Liam Gill	14. Julian Savea
08. Simon Taylor	15. Danny Cipriani

16. Henry Thomas 17. Ben Moon 18. Rob Batty 19. Joe Launchbury 20. Luke Watson 21. Stuart Commins 22. Shane Geraghty 23. Christian Wade

Tactics

Playing the majority of the Saints WC team this week, with only Lawes, Simpson and de Villiers being given a run out before travelling to NZ. Will be looking to play a high tempo game and aim to bring Savea and Siviatu into the game off their wings as much as possible. Pitches will be good for quick attacking rugby, so have picked Cipriani and Simpson to add some pace around the park.

---

Bath Rugby
Manager – inthefastlane

01. Jon Golding	09. Chris Cook
02. Joe Ward	10. Brock James
03. Petrus Du Plessis
04. Yoann Maestri	11. o Monye
05. Tim Swinson	12. Wynard Oliver
06. Will Skuse	13. Tim Nanai Williams
07. Beau Robinson	14. Tom Varndell
08. Tom Guest	15. Kurtley Beale

16. Kane Newport 17. Rob Hawkins 18. Paulica Ion 19. Isaac Ross 20. Steffon Armitage. 21. Fourie Du Preez 22. Dominic Waldouck 23. Maxime Medard

Tactics

---

---

Exeter Chiefs v Gloucester

---

Exeter Chiefs
Manager – Driver

01.Efion Lewis-Roberts	09.Tomas O'Leary
02.Ben Kayser	10.Steven Myler
03.Juan Orlandi
04.James Hudson	11.Iain Balshaw
05.George Skivington	12.Regan King
06.Carl Fearns	13.Alex Grove
07.Shane Jennings	14.Adam Thompstone
08.Gareth Delve	15.Luke Arscott

16.Brett Sturgess 17.Neil Clark 18.Tom Mercy 19.Tommy Hayes 20.Ben Skirving 21.Charlie Pilgrim 22.Josh Matavista 23.Matt Smith
Tactics

- High intensity game , Fearns and Jennings looking to spoil contact area and deny Glaws any quick ball.
- TOL and Myler to play off the cuff.

Can i have thoughts on:

- Adam Thompstone on the wing being used in the centres off set piece ball to put a target in the midfield?
- Fearns , Delve , Jennings as a back row.
- Set piece with and without Skirving at 6.

---

Gloucester
Manager – anonmattyt

01. Ousthieuzen	09. Lewis
02. Strauss	10. Donald
03. Johnstone
04. Hanks	11. Gear
05. Robson	12. Tuitopu
06. Fasivalu	13. JSD
07. Saull	14. Sharples
08. AJ	15. Hamilton

16 Wood 17 Fourie 18 White 19 Deacon 20 Hazell 21 Lamb 22 Diggin 23 May

Tactics

---

---

Worcester Warriors v Harlequins

---

Worcester Warriors
Manager – prop_lyd

01. George Porter	09. Dwayne Peel
02. Richardt Strauss	10. Nicky Robinson
03. Sylvain Marconnet
04. Sebastian Chabal	11. Marcel Garvey
05. Ben Gulliver	12. Gavin Henson
06. Kearnen Myall	13. Jon Clarke
07. Martyn Williams	14. Julian Malzieu
08. Ben Morgan	15. Olly Morgan

16. Koree Britton* 17. Chris Budgen* 18. BJ Botha 19. Peter Short* 20. Richard Thorpe* 21. Jordi Pasqualin* 22. Sam Vesty* 23. Rob Cook*

Tactics

---

Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Joe Marler	09. Byron Kellaher
02. Matthew Rees	10. Freddie Burns
03. Brian Mujati
04. Jerome Thion	11. Peter Hynes
05. Erik Lund	12. Riki Flutey (c)
06. Jamie Gibson	13. George Lowe
07. Phil Dowson	14. Luke Morahan
08. Chris Henry	15. Ben Blair

16. Schalk Brits 17. Ceri Jones 18, Kieran Brookes 19. Tom Donnelly 20. James Gaskell 21. Lee Dickson 22. Gareth Steenson 23. Jonathan Joseph

Tactics

Play a organised game where we control the tempo and retain possesion as much as possible. Only kick in an attacking way when outside our own 22.

---

---

London Irish v Saracens

---

London Irish
Manager – stnick88

01. Matias Aguero	09. Julien Dupuy
02. James Buckland	10. Daniel Bowden
03. WP Nel
04. Dean Mumm	11. Paul Sackey
05. Mouritz Botha	12. Mathieu Bastereaud
06. Keegan Daniel	13. Matthew Tait
07. Hendrie Fourie	14. Bjorn Basson
08. Xavier Rush	15. Zane Kirchner

16 Tonga Lea'toea 17 Neil Briggs 18 Duncan Bell 19 Nick Kennedy 20 Joe Worsley 21 Neal De Kock 22 Juan Martin Hernandez 23 Guy Armitage

Tactics

---

Saracens
Manager – LDCPete

01. Matt Mullan	09. Paul Hodgson
02. Gary Botha	10. Iain Humphreys
03. Brok Harris
04. Rynhard Elstadt	11. Rene Ranger
05. Steve Borthwick	12. Billy Twelvetrees
06. Joe van Niekerk	13. Nevin Spence
07. George Smith	14. Tim Visser
08. Luke Narraway	15. Alex Goode

16. George Chuter 17. Alex Waller 18. Phil Swainston 19. Graham Kitchener 20. Rodney So'oialo 21. Haydn Thomas 22. Owen Farrell 23. Tom Homer

Tactics
High intensity rugby, looking to shift the point of attack and play in the main a running game on the firm ground of this time of year. We will take all kickable penalties (iHumph first choice, Goode back up, 36 long range) to keep the scoreboard ticking over and build pressure. Blitz defence to stop Irish getting across the gainline and gaining momentum and forcing them to kick to us.

---

---

Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Sgt Pooly

01. Fabien Barcella	09. Sarel Pretorious
02. William Servat	10. Nick Evans
03. Paul Doran-Jones
04. Flip van der Merwe	11. Topsy Ojo
05. Juandre Kruger	12. Brad Barritt
06. Juan Smith	13. Jared Payne
07. Chris Robshaw	14. Sean Maitland
08. Duane Vermeulen	15. Ben Smith

16. Andrew Hore 17. Owen Franks 18. Boris Stankovich 19. Pascal Pape 20. Heinrich Brussow 21. Chris Cusiter 22. Jonny Wilkinson 23. Miles Benjamin


Tactics
Normal Falcons high intensity tactics......compete in pack and target lineout with numerous jumpers. Control breakdown and look to attack with turnover ball. Attack with pace and get wings and fb’s into line. Evans to control game and keep the board ticking over, Pretorious to attack the fringes.

---

Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Marcos Ayerza	09. Danny Care
02. Guilleme Guirado	10. Johnny Sexton
03. Luc Ducalcon
04. Romain Millo Chluski	11. David Strettle
05. Alun Wyn Jones	12. Jordan Turner Hall
06. Neil Best	13. James Hook
07. Matt Todd	14. Lelia Masaga
08. Kai Horstman	15. Luke Rooney

16. Lee Imolek 17. Brett Sharman 18. Neemia Tialata 19. Christian Day 20. Victor Vito 21. Shaun Perry 22. Aaron Cruden 23. Nick Abendanoon

Tactics
Usual strong ball carrying game with plenty of offloading constantly changing the point of attack. Sexton and Hook to offer creativity and solid kicking.

---

Irish team to face Saracens

1 Matias Aguero
2 James Buckland
3 WP Nel
4 Dean Mumm
5 Mouritz Botha
6 Keegan Daniel
7 Hendrie Fourie
8 Xavier Rush
9 Julien Dupuy
10 Daniel Bowden
11 Paul Sackey
12 Mathieu Bastereaud
13 Matthew Tait
14 Bjorn Basson
15 Zane Kirchner

16 Tonga Lea'toea
17 Neil Briggs
18 Duncan Bell
19 Nick Kennedy
20 Joe Worsley
21 Neal De Kock
22 Juan Martin Hernandez
23 Guy Armitage

Exeter Chiefs
Manager – Driver

01.Efion Lewis-Roberts	09.Tomas O'Leary
02.Ben Kayser	10.Steven Myler
03.Juan Orlandi
04.James Hudson	11.Iain Balshaw
05.George Skivington	12.Regan King
06.Carl Fearns	13.Alex Grove
07.Shane Jennings	14.Adam Thompstone
08.Gareth Delve	15.Luke Arscott

16.Brett Sturgess 17.Neil Clark 18.Tom Mercy 19.Tommy Hayes 20.Ben Skirving 21.Charlie Pilgrim 22.Josh Matavista 23.Matt Smith
Tactics

- High intensity game , Fearns and Jennings looking to spoil contact area and deny Glaws any quick ball.
- TOL and Myler to play off the cuff.

Can i have thoughts on:

- Adam Thompstone on the wing being used in the centres off set piece ball to put a target in the midfield?
- Fearns , Delve , Jennings as a back row.
- Set piece with and without Skirving at 6.

---

1. George Porter* 09. Dwayne Peel
02. Richardt Strauss 10. Nicky Robinson
03. Sylvain Marconnet
04. Sebastian Chabal 11. Marcel Garvey*
05. Ben Gulliver* 12. Gavin Henson
06. Kearnen Myall 13. Jon Clarke*
07. Martyn Williams 14. Julian Malzieu
08. Ben Morgan* 15. Olly Morgan*


16. Koree Britton* 17. Chris Budgen* 18. BJ Botha 19. Peter Short* 20. Richard Thorpe* 21. Jordi Pasqualin* 22. Sam Vesty* 23. Rob Cook*

Just thoughts on where I can improve/swap: this is one of the strongest I can get out for the W.C!!

1 Jon Golding
2 Joe Ward
3 Petrus Du Plessis
4 Yoann Maestri
5 Tim Swinson
6 Will Skuse
7 Beau Robinson
8 Tom Guest

9 Chris Cook
10 Brock James
11 Ugo Monye
12 Wynard Oliver
13 Tim Nanai Williams
14 Tom Varndell
15 Kurtley Beale

16. Kane Newport 17. Rob Hawkins 18. Paulica Ion 19. Isaac Ross 20. Steffon Armitage. 21. Fourie Du Preez 22. Dominic Waldouck 23. Maxime Medard

Saracens
Manager – LDCPete

01. Matt Mullan	09. Paul Hodgson
02. Gary Botha	10. Iain Humphreys
03. Brok Harris
04. Rynhard Elstadt	11. Rene Ranger
05. Steve Borthwick	12. Billy Twelvetrees
06. Joe van Niekerk	13. Nevin Spence
07. George Smith	14. Tim Visser
08. Luke Narraway	15. Alex Goode

16. George Chuter 17. Alex Waller 18. Phil Swainston 19. Graham Kitchener 20. Rodney So'oialo 21. Haydn Thomas 22. Owen Farrell 23. Tom Homer

Tactics
High intensity rugby, looking to shift the point of attack and play in the main a running game on the firm ground of this time of year. We will take all kickable penalties (iHumph first choice, Goode back up, 36 long range) to keep the scoreboard ticking over and build pressure. Blitz defence to stop Irish getting across the gainline and gaining momentum and forcing them to kick to us.

Chaps this is My WC side in its entirety. please let me know what you think. We will be looking to take advantage of the hard grounds and play a really open game and make use of our big ball carriers like Coonie, Strauss,Fasivalu, Aj and link everything with Saull.

The aim is to get Donald launching the backs, Tuitopu is the crash option and then looking at getting JSD on the outside and hitting those seriously quick wings.

1 Coonie
2 Strauss
3 Johnstone
4 Hanks
5 Robson
6 Fasivalu
7 Saull
8 AJ
9 Ellis
10 Donald
11 Gear
12 Tuitopu
13 JSD
14 Sharples
15 Hamilton
16 Wood
17 Fourie
18 White
19 Deacon
20 Hazell
21 Lamb
22 Diggin
23 May

Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Wyatt Crockett	09. Micky Young
02. Sebastian Bruno	10. Dave Walder (k)
03. Faan Rautenbach
04. Jarrad Hoeata	11. Isa Nacewa
05. Chris Jack (c)	12. Yannick Jauzion
06. Thomas Waldrom	13. Florian Fritz
07. Magnus Lund	14. Tom Biggs
08. Ernst Joubert	15. Clement Poitrenaud

16. Clarke Dermody 17. Matt Thompson 18. Jonny Harris 19. Alex Brown 20. Jordan Crane 21. Scott Mathie 22. Rob Miller 23. Rupeni Caucaunibuca

Tactics

- We will look to play at a very high tempo and look to unsettle the opposition right from the first whistle. Our pack will play with real intensity and look to get us onto the front foot to attack. We want to put our monster pack to good use - 6 of the pack at 6ft 3" or more, and an average weight of 17 1/2st - we will be physical and relentless up front.

- We will target the set-piece all game, in particular the lineout. With Joubert and Jack as our go-to men, along with Hoeata and also Alex Brown to come on, we see a huge advantage here. We will look to Walder to move us into the right areas of the field with the boot - and then aim to disrupt opposition ball. Our front row will look to get the squeeze on come scrum-time. Both Crockett and Rautenbach are both tall props, so they are told to hold their bind and keep their body and back straight in an effort to stop them being done underneath. With Joubert marshalling the base, we will look to use attacking scrums as a platform to get us going forward at every opportunity.

- All three of our back row, as well as the likes of Crockett and Hoeata, are encouraged to run straight to best utilise the carrying options they bring, and we will look to drive on through tackles as much as possible to get over the gain line. Waldrom is given license to carry and run as much as possible, and Lund is our tackling machine, and his defence will be crucial.

- With the ball in hand we want to attack together in groups so as not to become isolated, and if it is on we will look to offload in or just before the tackle. All players are to act as support runners when they can.

- Young is tasked with simple instructions - quick ball for our backs. Working in tandem with Joubert and co, we want him to fire passes as quickly as he can to stop the opposition getting set defensively. At the breakdown we will aim to recycle our own ball as quickly as possible by getting forwards there early and rucking past the ball to free it up for Young.

- Walder is tasked with kicking our forwards into position and bringing our dangerous back line into play. With Jauzion outside him he has experience and class outside to rely upon.

- Jauzion and Fritz have played over 30 Heineken Cup games together in the centre for Toulouse and are asked to play their natural games, and use their experience and proven partnership to be the foundation of our back line.

- Our back three is encouraged to do what comes naturally to all of them - counter attacking and running the ball back. All have good boots to rely on if it isn't on, but the counter is what we ask them to look for.

- We want to play a subtle mix of attacking, running rugby from quick ball, and forward play marshalled by Walder's boot.

- Defensively we will look to blitz, with Young sweeping behind the defensive line to deal with any kicks.

- Walder to kick all penalties within range.

Matt,

Just so you know Fasivalu has been called up for Samoa for the world cup
http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/teams/team=45/news/newsid=2044918.html

On phone so could not do code things sorry chaps

Harlequins

Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Joe Marler	09. Byron Kellaher
02. Matthew Rees	10. Freddie Burns
03. Brian Mujati
04. Jerome Thion	11. Peter Hynes
05. Erik Lund	12. Riki Flutey (c)
06. Jamie Gibson	13. George Lowe
07. Phil Dowson	14. Luke Morahan
08. Chris Henry	15. Ben Blair

16. Schalk Brits 17. Ceri Jones 18, Kieran Brookes 19. Tom Donnelly 20. James Gaskell 21. Lee Dickson 22. Gareth Steenson 23. Jonathan Joseph

Tactics

Play a organised game where we control the tempo and retain possesion as much as possible. Only kick in an attacking way when outside our own 22.

Will try and get on for predo's later in week

I'm away from Fri-Mon but will try to get online on my phone at some point to predict.

Will predict Sunday unless they open today!!

Wasps team

1. Perry Freshwater
2. Steve Thompson
3. Carlos Nieto
4. Dan Ward-Smith
5. Mark Chisholm
6. Tom Johnson
7. Jacques Burger
8. Roger Wilson

9. Michael Classens (c)
10. Jimmy Gopperth
11. Noah Cato
12. Stirling Mortlock
13. Chris Wyles
14. Lachie Turner
15. Mike Brown

16. Andy Titterell
17. Benn Robinson
18. Charlie Beech
19. Stuart Hooper
20. James Haskell
21. Martin Roberts
22. Rory Clegg
23. Matt Banahan

Guys I'm away for a wedding this weekend, will try and predict Sunday if open?

Sale 28-22 Wasps
Sale's front row gains huge advantage plus with the recent Care/Sexton performances. SirJ personally I prefer Hook at 12 and then put JTH at 13 simply so that the gaps will appear. Arry, I'd look at your centres personally.

Tigers 20-26 Falcons
Bench takes this for the Falcons.

Saints 24-22 Bath
Saints pack dominate here and the only thing which keeps it close is Cips at 15 playing against the quality of Beale.

Exeter 18-21 Glos
This battle simply goes down to the 10's and Donald has that extra quality.

Irish 15-15 Saracens
Hard to separate: Sarries-love the fr, br and centres
Irish-love the 2nd row, hb's and back 3!

Woo I managed to rpedict 1st!!

Sale v Wasps
- Good scrum battle cant see an edge either way. Prefer Sale's lock partnership but see Wasps getting the edge in the backrow. Bit more class in the Sale backs with Sexton and Hook the standouts. Classens and Gopperth will control the game well but Wasps backs lack a little spark.
24-20

Leicester v Newcastle
- Falcons edge the scrum but in general it is a tight forward battle. Prefers Falcons half backs and they will control the game much better and get more out of the backs.
18-22

Northampton v Bath
- Saints to dominate the forward battle here and create a good platform for Giteau. Prefer Baths backline but think Saints will get better ball and have enough dangerous players to score.
27-22

Exeter v Gloucester
- Bit more experience in Exeters forwards to get them on top. Prefer the Glos backs and think Donald will control the game better than Myler. TOL on poor form wont help Exeters back and prefer King at 13. Not the strongest back 3 from the Chiefs. Thomo has been playing at 12 for irish driver so wouldnt mark you down for bringing him in to look for the ball. Strong Glos back 3, not convinced by the centre partnership but it isnt a weakness.
24-24

Worcester v Harlequins
- Quins take the front five with back rows pretty even. Like the peel/robinson combo and will work well for Warriors. Not a fan of Burns at 10 just yet. Back fives are close with Warriors needing a bit of form from Henson and Morgan to make it click.
26-25

Leicester Tigers 16 23 Newcastle Falcons

Scrum battle to Newcastle with some world class players involved today. Can’t see either side particularly getting on top at the lineout in this one. Around the park both sides have plenty to offer in the front 5. In the back row I see Newcastle with stronger flankers, Smith making a massive difference, but Joubert is the stronger 8 on show. Tigers more likely to nick a turnover with Lund at 7 but can’t see them dominating at the breakdown.

In the half backs Newcastle with that extra step up in quality for me. In the back line it more form from Newcastle in midfield but classy combo from Tigers giving them a slight edge. Back 3 just edges to Newcastle but only marginally. On the benches there is a bit of gulf with Newcastle going with a lot of internationals.

The extra quality in the front row, half backs and bench is telling here and Newcastle should pick up the win.

---

Northampton Saints 25 16 Bath

Saints with the edge at scrum time. Form not great for either selection but Saints a step up in quality with Domingo being the key man. Can see Saints causing Bath some problems at the lineout as well. In the back row Will Skuse is the big weakness on show. Would see Bath with the upper hand here if there was a stronger BS on show.

In the half backs would currently consider James slightly better at 10 but Cook is a long way behind Simpson. Advantage Saints. Midfield goes to Saints as well. Strong defensive unit that will keep them going forward as well while Oliver has been dreadful as of late. 2 good back 3’s on show. Defensive issues for both units though. Bath with the better impact to come in to this one on the bench.

Can see Saints really getting a strangle hold on the set piece battle here and can’t see how Bath will get much front foot ball in this one and with Cook at scrumhalf may struggle here. Saints to pick up the victory

---

Exeter Chiefs 18 13 Gloucester

Exeter shading the scrum battle here. Can see them disrupting Glaw ball at the lineout as well. Around the park Coonie is a big help for Glaws but Exeter with a much stronger engine room for me. Back row battle is interesting. I have it as Fais > Fearns, Jennings >>> Saull and 8 about even but with two very contrasting styles. Think Glaws may have a bit more ball in hand but that is a backrow that could really disrupt and spoil ball from Exeter.

In the halfbacks TOL is marked down for his real lack of form at the moment. But he adds to the whole disruption theme Exeter seem to have going. Donald is a step up in class at 10 for me. In the backs, back 3 is a step up for Glaws with some great options but favoring towards the Chiefs midfield. On the benches Fourie and Lamb are the two players for me that may offer some impact.

Good set up from Exeter here and could see them really disrupting Gloucester ball. Glaws have the quality in the backs to score on the back foot but with a decent controlling 10 pulling the strings and some spark in midfield see Exeter picking up this win

---

Worcester Warriors 11 16 Harlequins

At scrum time I can see both LH’s really struggling in this one. Penalties going both ways throughout the game. Quins will disrupt Worcester ball at the lineouts though. No get out ball at all for Worcester. Quins stronger in the back row as well. Williams can poach a ball or two but both 6 and 8 although full of potential aren’t particularly proven yet. Same to be said of 6 for Quins but see Gibson > Myall.

In the backs I’m slightly shading to Chiefs. Neither 9 in great form over the past 12 months but Robinson will dictate the game better. Midfield battle is fairly even for me and the same to be said in the back 3. On the bench Brits carrying game will provide a great impact.

Quins with the stronger back 5 in the packs here is the real difference. Can see them disrupting more ball and with Robinson’s goal kicking don’t think they will mind sticking a hand or two in at the breakdown. With enough in the backs Quins should see this game out.

---

London Irish 22 26 Saracens

Sarries slightly edging the scrum battle here for me and could work a few penalties of Nel. At lineout time could see Sarries pinching one or two balls but not really dominating. Slight edge around the park and doing the dirty stuff for Irish though. Sarries stronger man for man in the backrow though and will look to get on top here.

Halfbacks fairly even at one a piece for me. In the midfield bigger names for Irish but more form from Sarries. Edging to Irish though with the extra class currently. Back 3 Irish stronger for me overall. Bench’s fairly even here and no side will get an advantage.

Good game here. Stronger pack from Sarries outweighs the stronger backline form Irish and with some decent attacking options Sarries will win a good attacking game here.

---

Right, here are my predictions, The numberings on the predictions relate to how I said I would be prediciting on the homepage. SJE, I better get my full predicting bonus for these each week or you might find Sale Sharks struggling to pick up wins


Sale Sharks 33 London Wasps 34 (would have been 33-29 without point 7)

Two sides who on the front foot both have players who can score tries and a kicker who can chalk up points. Both also have one or two defensive weaknesses which says to me that this game could be a high scorer, with the bounce of an odd shaped ball snatching the win from Sale and sending Wasps home happy.

1. Edgeley Park is not the toughest of places to go but nor is it the eaisest so a marginal advanatage for Sale as they have a good home record and Wasps away record isn't brilliant.
2. I am not counting pre season games for momentum purposes so neither team has an advantage here.
3. In terms of real life ability and form there is little in it in the front five, but for me a decent advantage to Wasps in the back row. That is cancelled out slightly by the half backs where Sale are well ahead. In the outside backs I also have Sale ahead with a back three packed with finishers.
4. Tactics not put in by Wasps so as it's pre season I won't give advantage/disadvantage to either team here.
5. Slightly more balance to Sale in the backs for me. Really like Hook at 13 and think he would do well outside of JTH.
6. I like the front 5 of Sale a lot, it is well balanced and would do well, but I thnk the Wasps back row would be on top so can't really say that 1 pack would get on top as Sale would have the set piece and Wasps the breakdown, so any weighting of the pack over the backs is negligible. If it is even up front and the backs decide the margin, I have Sale slightly ahead in that regard.
7. Random element is 5 points to Wasps.


Leicester Tigers 16 Newcastle Falcons 20 (would have been 15-20 without point 7)

Can see both packs cancelling each other out a bit and scoring opportunities being at a premium. In that situation I see Falcons backs as being more likely to finish off chances and Tigers not quite having enough of the bounce of the ball to claw themselves back a result in a not very high scoring game.

1. Welford Road is one of the toughest places to go in the league and Tigers have a good home record there in this game. Newcastle have one of the best away records in the game since Pooly took over though, so the advantage for Tigers is not as big as it might have been.
2. I am not counting pre season games for momentum purposes so neither team has an advantage here.
3. In terms of real life ability and form both teams have quality up front, but Falcons lose out slightly with their seocnd rows not being in their absolute best form, although neither is Chris Jack so it's not a massive loss. Also although Crockett has been in good form, I would fancy PDJ agianst him in the scrum, which cancels out a lack of gametime for Barcella on the other side. In the half backs it is a fairly big gain to Falcons in terms of both quality and form. In the outside backs I have to give it on form to Falcons. Jauzion and Fritz not at their best in their most recent outings, whereas Payne, Maitland and Smith all in great form.
4. Tactics not put in by Falcons so as it's pre season I won't give advantage/disadvantage to either team here, although I will say that I do like Tigers tactics for this one.
5. Good balance to both teams in particular in the pack, but I think Newcastle just have some excellent footballers in the backs which gives them a slight edge.
6. Packs are even enough for me so will have to give a slight edge to the Falcons backs.
7. Random element is 1 point to Tigers.


Northampton Saints 35 Bath 27 (would have been 41-27 without point 7)

I see the Saints pack as gainig a fair amount of dominance here and them being on the front foot for large parts of the game. That is going to be an issue for Bath as I see their midfield as not being great defensively. Given front foot ball players like Cipriani, Sivivatu and Savea will cause real problems and I can see bath being overun and only kept within touching distance by some unlucky bounces for Saints.

1. Franklins Gardens is a tough place to go, but Saints have lost one or two there in this game, so not as daunting in as in real life. That said Bath's away record is not brilliant, so it's a decent advantage for the home side.
2. I am not counting pre season games for momentum purposes so neither team has an advantage here.
3. In terms of real life ability and form, with the exception of Beau Robinson I have to give it almost to a man to Saints in the pack. In the half backs I would take Simpson over cook, but just don't know what to make of Gietau right now. Am not a big Brock James either though, so give Saints a small + courtesy of their scrum half. In the outside backs Bath have the standout player in Beale, but also have the worst player in Varndell. I also worry about the Bath midfield defensively. Overall Saints have a bit more quality, although both have some patchy form, so the edge to Saints is marginal.
4. Tactics not put in by Bath so as it's pre season I won't give advantage/disadvantage to either team here.
5. Both packs have decent balance, although as a note for looking ahead for Chris, Attwood and Lawes only woirks for me as you have Taylor in their to call the lineouts. In the backs there is just about enough balance for me in both sets, so no advantage either way.
6. If as I believe packs win matches and backs decide by how much, then I have to give Saints as I see their pack as a fair bit better overall, and they have enough in their backs to take advantage.
7. Random element is 6 points to Bath


Exeter Chiefs 35 Gloucester 34 (would have been 33-34 without point 7)

Can see this one being a high scorer with good attacking players in both sides who can finish chances created. Glaws have slightly more quality, but Chiefs have enough to hang inthere and be rewarded with a late penalty earned by Jennings at the breakdown to snatch it at the death.

1. Sandy Park is a great rugby ground and was shown in real life last season to be a toughish place to go. Not as tough in this game which is a shame, but strangely Gloucester don't have a totally brilliant away record in this game either so it is a small advantage for Chiefs.
2. I am not counting pre season games for momentum purposes so neither team has an advantage here.
3. In terms of form and ability there is little to separate them in the packs. Both packed with carriers and power. Not keen on TOL and Myler at halfback, so despite not being a great fan of Donald have to go with him and Lewis as the better pairing. In the backs both have players in decent form, but Gloucester have more quality so I have to give the edge to them on this point.
4. Tactics not put in by Gloucester so as it's pre season I won't give advantage/disadvantage to either team here.
5. I like the balance in the Chiefs pack a little better. Jennings gives them good balance and great breakdown skills and although big Coonie does secure turnovers he is not in the same league as Jennings there. In the backs I like the balance of Gloucester better, with good strike runners but also good kicking games from the likes of Sharples and Hamilton. Nothing really in it overall so no advantage either way for me.
6. As I have said, I can see Jennings being a real thorn in the Gloucester side and giving Chiefs an edge in the pack. The question for me is do they have the backs to to take advantage and converted that edge into points. I'd say they do as they have backs that are great on the front foot albeit they have a few defensive liabilities in there. Slight edge to Chiefs in this area
7. Random element is 2 points to Chiefs


Worcester Warriors 16 Harlequins 18 (would have been 16-15 without point 7)

Few players in the backs a bit out of form for both teams, sodon't see a real high scorer here. Two evenly matched teams throughout with a few mistakes from both teams gifting points to the opposition and Harlequins getting the luck of the bounce to snatch the win.

1. Sadly for prop Sixways is not the most intimidating place to go and so only a small margin for home advantage for them here.
2. I am not counting pre season games for momentum purposes so neither team has an advantage here.
3. In the packs it's a difficult call in terms of form and ability. Likewise in the backs where both sides have decent quality players and a mixture of recent form amongst them. I don't see much advantage either way in this area.
4. Tactics not put in by Harlequins so as it's pre season I won't give advantage/disadvantage to either team here.
5. Decent balance to both packs. Worcester have the traditional 7 in the back row in Williams, whereas Quins don't have a traditional 7, but have 3 back row players who cover all three positions which for me can work as a balanced unit as well. In the backs Quins have good runners and a couple with kicking games, and Warriors have a distributor and a lump in midfield so have decent balance also. Evens again for me on this one.
6. For me neither pack is going to totally dominate so it's down to the backs for a points margin where again I can't really say either would pick up more than the others. No advantage either way here for me.
7. Random element is 3 points to Harlequins


So the random element has altered the result of three games. I am going to have a good think about it between now and next week as to whether I think it's fair or not.

Well Pete if your point 7 works out like that for me every week you will never be seeing a prediction bonus ever again!

I'm with sirj on that pete

Sale 18 - 19 Wasps

Leicester 15 - 19 Newcastle

Saints 23 - 20 Bath

Exeter 17 - 17 Gloucester

London Irish 16 - 15 Saracens

SJE

Your back row is difficult to gauge, with Horstman and Best playing championship rugby last season, and Wasps have 3 of last years best prem back rowers. I don't feel you had a strong enough front 5 to re assess the inbalance created by the Wasps back row. And in Gopperth and Classens wasps had two players who could put the ball behind your back 3 which I think although very exciting would struggle with Gopperth and Mortlock kicking behind them. If you played a winger more in the Cueto/JOC mould with either Masaga or Strettle then it would be better as Rooney could cover behind them more.

Pete

It was very very close but I prefer the Irish backrow to yours and think Basteraud and Tait would get a bit of joy out of Spence and 36. I think you would get a marginal advantage in the scrum but not so much as to affect the game a great deal. I also think that Dupuy and Bowden would work well together. These small advantages gave Irish a narrow win

Do you not think this random thing could be seen as tactical Pete? Not saying you ever would but say there's a game with a team involved above you in the league. They have home advantage and a stronger side throughout, plus momentum etc.

You bang in a 7 point random and they lose by one point!?!

It could be seen as tactical Pooly, but no more so than any other prediction method. I'm sure if we wanted to we could all look at a match and find reasons for marking one team up or down whilst conveniently skating over reasons in the opposition team in order to be able to predict the result that we want to suit our own needs.

As with all things in this game it comes down to trust. Everyone predicts differently with emphasis on different areas and we have to trust that people are doing so fairly otherwise it is pointless playing the game.

Totally see your point, but the random thing just takes away any responsibility. Your call though but can imagine it being controversial lol!

have to agree with pooly here. can see it causing controversy.

Why would it cause controversy? I could have just done it and not said anything to anyone and just altered my write ups of the predictions to suit the final outcome. I was just trying to be honest about it so everyone knew what was happening.

I agree with pete it all comes down to trust. The reason we have not lost anyone from the league for ages is we have a good bunch who trust each other.

Certain people are always going to like certain players more than others and reflect it in their predictions but people are consistent and that matters.

I think JD is one of the most averaged centres to play for Wales and will always see it as an Achilles heel for pete but I am consistent on it so everyone knows where they stand.

Conversely I am the biggest Joc/ juan smith fan and probably overrated there impact. I think all we can ask for is consistency and honesty the rest comes down to opinions.

We all have marmite players and it's a bit of a balancing act.

Your both right, I'm just playing devils advocate a little.

HC final......Gloucester v Sarries. Everybody has done their predo(1 point margins and almost equal results)

Sarries lead by 2 points on calculations with 1 predo left(me). Me and you (pete) have been giving each other bad results all season and you kinda expect a loss from me.

I come in with say a 10 win for Gloucester giving them a last snatch win.

You query as to why such a loss, I say it was pretty even but I flipped a coin and it gave Gloucester a 10 point win.

I think something like that might be a problem in theory.

You gonna give me bad predos all year are then pooly, that's you off the Christmas card list! Lol

Wouldn't be such a big swing as in your example as using a dice the max it could be would be 6 points meaning I would have lost on your original prediction anyway if you gave me ten point loss.

I am sure that over the course of the season I would have benefited from the system at some point as well so in your scenario I would shrug my shoulders and say 'ah well, you have to take the rough with the smooth'

I wouldn't do that Pete, no bias in predo's! As Matt said earlier, some teams just have players we rate higher than others. I'm sure others would pick up on any issues too. Better get my predo's in!

Are you not meant to be on a romantic week away with the wife Pooly???

606v2 is his Wife pete

Haha....got net in the hotel so get on when she's asleep. Might be on more during weekend Hurracain!

Sale 32-25 Wasps

Little edge from a very nice Sale front 3 in scrum and around the park. Again a little more in the engine room for Sale although I'm not a fan of AWJ he offers more than DWS, bit of an edge in the front 5 Sales way. Todd/Burger would be a good battle but edge to Wasps at 6/8. 

Good 9 battle with Care just edging, think Sexton brings a bit more than Gopperth though, good battle though.
Prefer Sale centres, Hook prob stronger at 12 but a good 13 and pretty even in back, maybe a tiny edge to Sale.

Bit for Sale who have a little extra in most units except backrow.


Northampton 37-28 Bath

Decent AP front row for Bath but in Domingo and to a lesser extent Saints are class above. Think Maestri shades Attwood but Lawes gives Saints the edge in the engine rooms. Lack of a top class lineout operator for Saints but can't see Bath exploiting this. 7/8 to Bath by a decent way but levelled out with Messem a class above Skuse. Good pack edge to Saints.

9 edge to Saints and good game for Simpson to inject pace on hard pitches. Giteau/James pretty close but see Giteau on front foot more. Oliver/JDV pretty close these days but think Lualala will have too much at 13 for Nani (although could make a top 13). 
Back 3 to Bath with Beale the standout. Wings close with Sivi prob the strongest on show but Savea the weakest evening it up.

Good game for Saints h/b's to step up and attack Bath and they'll dominate.


Exeter 24-22 Gloucester

Interesting front row battle. Roberts seriously lacks form and is a better TH for me, this gives Exeter slight issues if against a top TH. Think Gloucester have some great loose players in Strauss/Coonie but Exeter have some serious scrummagers in Orlandi and Kayser. Think it would even put through game. Robsons quality at lineout will be evened with two good jumpers in Skivs/Hudson, Hudson esp. Around the park Exeter will bring more to the game with two players made for the hard pitches. 6/7 to Exeter, Jennings esp but see 8 pretty close. Nice balance there Driver.

A slightly off form TOL will give a lot more than Lewis imo but Donald has a stronger all round game than Myler in a good battle.

I like King outside Myler and a decent combo for Exeter. Don't think JSD is as effective from 13, much stronger on the wing for me. Lovely wing combo for Gloucester and a real step up in quality over the Exeter combo and will do some serous damage.

Very very tight game. Pack advantage to Exeter a little more at h/b and centre give them a tight win. Matts wings will do damage and keep them within touching distance.


Worcester 21-22 Harlequins

Great 2/3 battle here that I can't separate, Marler edging Porter gives Quins the edge. Lovely balanced engine room from Quins, not sure about the Worcester experiment though. Chabal is s little wasted at 4. Can't separate backrows with some great battles.

Kelleher shades Peel but Robinson a class above Burns who's not a strong 10 imo. Not much in the centre combo's, prefer Lowe at 13 than wing. Think Quins just edge the wings but Morgan offers more than Blair due to Blairs not playing for so long.

Another tight one. Quins would have this in the bag but not convinced that Burns has the game at 10 to see them through although they just have enough around to just edge. But more for Prop in the Engine room and he might have sneaked it.


Saracens 27-24 Irish

Harris & Nel pretty close but 1/2 give Sarries edge in front row. Sarries edge engine room for me too with a nice balance. 2 nice backrows on show, think Sarries edge 6/7 but Rush brings a bit more than Narraway. Great balance from both teams though, edge in pack to Sarries.

1 a piece in halfbacks with Humps pulling the strings nicely for Sarries. Centres to Irish though, got to rate Tait around Spence level due to lack of form but Bast a class above 36. Wings to Sarries but FBs close.

Sarries edge most areas except centres and will just have too much, good game from 2 good sides.

I was going to tell you to stay safe during the hurricane pooly but you just predicted me a loss

Guess you need to get used to the hotel bar!!

Sale Sharks 32 London Wasps 28

See this being a big physical battle with two grizzled packs , with the front rows being pretty well matched up. Locks slightly being shade with DWS being the weak link give sale the front foot for most of the game.

Back rows go to Wasps simply down to Best and Horstman playing Championship rugby last year. TJ , Burger and Wilson finished the year on fire.

Half backs a solid combo from Arry which won’t win or lose games but should tick the score board over. Care is in great form in the real world any rating won’t drop until after about 3 games of being injured and Sexton is one of the best out halfs in world rugby - Sale Class above.

Centres I’v never been a fan of JTH but think James Hook looks handy at 13. Mortlock and Wyles don’t inspire in the Wasps midfield. Midfield to Sale.
Back 3 goes to Wasps with a bit more Balance and Brown on fire.

Very close game with more clean ball securing it for Sale.


Leicester 21 Newcastle 20

Interesting front 5 battle not sure Falcons pack enough punch to leave a mark on the Tigers. One weakness for Luke is Fraan but packing down with Crockett and Bruno should help.

Back row goes to Pooly with Waldrom needing to play 8 imo , Robshaw dominating Magnus.

Half backs go to Falcons with Evans a class above and making the diffrence out there.

Centres - proven combo from Tigers see them through.

Tigers back 3 also have a lot of venom about them and given clean ball by the tigers pack should see them do some damage.

Better ball see’s tigers steal a win.

Northampton 15 Bath 12

Without having to look twice I can safely say the set piece is saints ball through out. The Bath front 5 would get obliterated by the saints.
Back rows are tough with Tom Guest been the weakest from Bath and Gill the weak link from Northampton. Taylor played 6 for Bath last year and hasn’t played 8 in donkeys.

Half backs Chris’s are class above. Chris Cook has pretty distinct slow service for a 9. Giteau is still a pretty good player and above James.

Centres - Every week I must mark Oliver and Casey down for killing off moves! Both big strong runners at best. Chris someone like Richard Kahui would be a great signing for you.

Great counter in both back 3s with perhaps saints having more stardust.
Saints dominate upfront and build win from this.

Quins 22 Worcester 17

Mujati would taker Porter to the cleaners with no second opinion. Marler and Rees should also cause havoc up front with Lund and Thion packing down behind them. Myall , Williams and Morgan either havn’t played enough or I’v missed them.

Half backs better controlling pair from Steve. Not sure Peel Is rated mate. Robinson great option to have but hit and miss with form.

Centres go to Worcester with them having better balance. Good call on captaincy though Steve!

Back 3 Quins have a killer touch whilst I mark Warriors down for Garvey playing championship rugby.

Bit more attacking threat sees Quins claim the win.

London Irish 12 Saracens 11

Front row is a tough one with Botha and Mullen better than Buckland and Aguero and Harris better in set piece than Nel but Nel better in loose.

Locks go to Irish marginally because Elstadt is a bit of a unknown for me
Back row Sarries by a country mile but Smith losing rating playing out in the J-League.
Half backs contrast with Sarries more conservitive but bowden creating more.


Centres Irish all day great balance plenty of potential in petes though. Spence is going to be something special.

Back 3 goes to Sarries with Ranger the stand out in both teams.
Tough one to call with Irish having a bit better ball seeing them steal it.

Sale 21 - 21 Wasps

Not a lot of give in either front five for me. Maybe Duc getting a shove on Freshwater. Big fan of Wasps back row, and see them dominating here. Step above for Sale in the HB's, and a much stronger centre unit. Tight back threes. Bit more off the bench for Sale. Wasps backrow critical here and see them stopping Sale's runners, but not enough to win it.


Saints 26 - 19 Bath

Saints advantage up front, with Domingo dominating PdP. Saints take the second row with Int partnership. Prefer the balance to Bath's back row. Saints take the HB's and the centres, although would prefer some guile in there somewhere. Bath better back three in my eyes. See Saints winning the key areas and having too much.


Exeter 26 - 26 Gloucester


Tight up front but Gloucester better in the loose, but not winning the second row battle. Even back rows, Driver - seems like you play Fearns different position every week, or is that me? Even HB's with some form/off form. Not sure on JSD there, but wings too good. Tough to call this one.


Worcester 18 - 23 Harlequins

Front row to Quins. A serious WC front row they have got. Would give them the edge in the 2nd too. Tight back row, nice balance form Worcester. Quins take the HB's, although not 100& on Burns, but nice centres from Worcester. Tight back threes. Think Quins just have the extra something.


Irish 19 - 22 Saracens

Sarries slight edge up front, with the second row battle being a tight one. Like both back rows on show, edge to Sarries, but just. Fairly tight HB's, with more class at centre for Irish. Sarries edge back three. Sarries slightly stronger throughout, but never by a massive amount, sees them take it.

Guys been at a wedding, now off to Wales and finishing documentary - so excuse the lack of explanation for the scores.

Sale 21-20 Wasps - Wasps have the forwards, but sunny conditions and I just cant see them scoring that many through their backs. Mortlock is a 13 and Wyles is def a winger.

Leicester 18 - 20 Newcastle - good game this one, think that Newcastle just edge it upfront, but not keen on the balance of the backline - Evans will see them through a lot of games, but really not sure if I can see it clicking.

Exeter 15 - 15 Gloucester - in wet weather then I would have given Gloucester the win as they have some really hard hitting players in hte back row, which would have won them the game. But not sure centre combination would click properly and will stop them flowing.

London Irish 22 - 19 Saracens - a really even game, but can see Irish blowing Sarries away in the midfield channel. Sarries backrow is arguably the best during the WC and can see them stopping a lot of the damage caused by Basteraud and Tait.

Chris care to shed some light on exeters + and -

I'd prefer if he predicted mine and prop's game first Driver