Aviva Prem Round 22 Preview and Live Match Thread

[yappysnap]

The final pool games of the season are upon us and for some fans this will be their last chance to watch their clubs in action, while for some players this will be their last taste of Jeff rugby.

The table as it stands:

Harlequins 21 16 1 4 71
Leicester Tigers 21 14 1 6 70
Saracens 21 15 1 5 68
Northampton Saints 21 13 0 8 60
Exeter Chiefs 21 12 0 9 59
Sale Sharks 21 10 0 11 49
Bath Rugby 21 9 0 12 44
Gloucester Rugby 21 8 1 12 44
London Irish 21 7 1 13 41
Worcester Warriors 21 7 1 13 36
London Wasps 21 6 0 15 32
Newcastle Falcons 21 5 2 14 28

Saturday 5th May

Leicester Tigers v Bath Rugby, Welford Road, Leicester
Leicester come in to this game on the back of some truly terrifying form. They have hit the ground running since the end of the WC and with bonus point after bonus point being racked up as well as producing a massive gap between their points for and everyone else’s; they really are the form team at the tail end of this season. Bath on the other hand travel to WR at the end of a disaster of a season, missing out on HC rugby as well as losing players and coaches over the year, oh and they've already managed two losses to the Tigers so far this season. I can't really see any cause for hope in the Bath ranks, Leicester are at home, have the best squad going and are looking unbeatable. Their pack especially in the props is monstrous and Salvi at 7 is a true marauder at the breakdowns, behind them Flood is looking back to his best and with players like Allan, Murphy and the Tuilagi's outside him there is danger everywhere. Against them Bath have a pretty rusty pack in the tight but they can be dangerous in the loose, Heathcote at 10 is one for the future but doesn't have the skills yet to control the big games and the Bath backs behind them have shown a real lack of control at key times so far this season. Tigers by 18 with the try bonus point (again).

London Irish v Gloucester Rugby, Madejski Stadium, Reading
Two teams who've had disappointing seasons, the Exiles promised much and a few times came close to unleashing but in the end the season never really got going for them. Gloucester can get to the end of the season wondering what went wrong. They were looking like one of the form teams in the first half and their young players were turning everything they touched to gold. Then winter came and things were never really the same after that, the turmoil of Redpath leaving and back to back home losses to Sale and Falcons mean that the Cherry and Whites must travel to the Mad Stad with moral at a serious low. Irish will be favourites for this game and on paper have the experience at least to control the game which coupled with home advantage should be enough, but with both teams so difficult to judge anything could really happen. Irish by 5 no bp.

London Wasps v Newcastle Falcons, Adams Park, Wycombe
This is possibly the match with the most hanging on the outcome of it. If Falcons win by 25 and deny Wasps any points then they're home and dry and the great escape has been achieved, again! If Wasps get anything from this game then they're staying up, simple as that. Wasps can definitely be called the inform team at the moment, and will welcome the Falcons happily knowing that unlike their guests they have the ability to conjure tries when needed and in players like Daily, Varndell and Wade they have plenty of game breakers. Newcastle will again be relying on Gopperth’s boot and penalties for a win but if they want to stay up they're going to have to score tries, something they are never comfortably doing and if they break play up too much they'll only be making life easier for the hosts. Wasps by 7 no bp.

Northampton Saints v Worcester Warriors, Franklin's Gardens, Northampton
Saints will be pleased that they've managed to secure themselves a play off place after such a dreadful start to the season and their opposition will be feeling pretty happy about themselves too for the fact that they're not battling relegation. For this reason I can see a few players being rested by both teams in this game. Even with that though the Saints pack should be too powerful for Worcester’s and their backline will still have too much threat for visitors. Worcester's only hope will be in keeping the game as fist fight in the forwards but even then Saints should be comfy. Northampton by 5 no bp.

Sale Sharks v Harlequins, Edgeley Park, Stockport
The premiership leaders travel to Edgeley Park knowing that the top spot they've guarded since round two is suddenly slipping away from them, if they lose away to Sale then in all likelihood Leicester will take first place and Harlequins will be moved to second to face Saracens in the knock outs. Sale host Quins in a game that for them is really all about pride, they've already accomplished more then enough by securing HC Rugby next season but will not want to turn down the chance of upsetting the leaders in front of their home fans while still carrying the torch for Northern rugby. The visitors have the stronger team but may need to rest a few key men for the play offs coming up, even with first choicers rested they should be confident about the bp win, as Tigers showed a while back it all starts in the forwards, dominate here and stop Sale playing the fast game that mimicks Quins own and they become very ordinary, while their defence has been a little suspect all season as certain players look for those monster hits. Sale will have pretty much the same idea about combating Quins ironically, so it should be an interesting tussle but the lack of experience for Sale against a Quins team that's found its backbone this season coupled with issues in the set piece could be their undoing. Quins by 6 no bp.

Saracens v Exeter Chiefs, Vicarage Road, Watford
Saracens have slipped a bit this season compared to last and while many hoped they'd kick on from the simplistic safety first tactics of last season they've reverted back to form as the results have gone against them this year. Against the surprise team of the season this could mean them making life far harder for themselves then necessary. The Chiefs will travel to Watford on a high after a dream second season and a win against the current champions would be the icing on the cake. Saracens have to be heavy favourites on the weekend though, they don't do much wrong and don't give many chances for the opposition to score against them while they're kick and chase slowly strangles the life out of their opponents. While the neutrals would all like to see the season end on a high for everyone's second team Exeter are going to really struggle at Vicarage Road and will need to score tries if they want to get the win. Saracens by 3 no bp.

[HongKongCherry]

Who cares? Stinky Jeff!!

I completely agree with all your picks yappy (even Glaws losing!) but I do think Saints will thump Wuss. Wuss just haven't been up for it in recent weeks and Saints will want to build momentum for the play-offs.

The best I can hope for is a LBP for Glaws and Tigers stuff meaning we finish ahead of them, otherwise it really is a disatrous season!

[beshocked]

Yappysnap if you lose to Sale and Saracens win - Saracens will overtake you.

You'll be 3rd and have to travel to VR.This is because Saracens would have equal wins but a better points difference.

Quins have to win or face a real uphill struggle.

Don't underestimate Sale. You'll be favourites of course but I genuinely feel Sale can spring an upset.

I thought it Newcastle score 4 tries and win by more than 7 they'll stay up.

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

Northampton Saints v Worcester Warriors, Franklin's Gardens, Northampton
Saints will be pleased that they've managed to secure themselves a play off place ...

Not quite, they haven't!! Need Wuss to do us a massive favour and for Sarries to give us the same treatment on our last visit to Vicarage Road, then play-offs here we come

Highly unlikely, I know

[Equo Troiano]

I think you're being kind to Bath, it could be a rout at Welford Rd. Tigers probably have the 'easiest' last game of the top three. Bath are quite frankly, not at the same level as Leicester right now.

I too think Sale can (and may even) cause an upset in their last match at Edgely Park). SAracens should beat Exeter, so this match will be interesting.

I think Saints beating Worcester whilst not a forgone conclusion, is 'in the bag'.

Falcons to be relegated (unfortunately).

[formerly known as Sam]

Martin Castrogiovanni returns to the front row and Steve Mafi, named as the Tigers Players' Player of the Year, replaces the injured Tom Croft at flanker in the only changes to the line-up which started the bonus-point win over Harlequins in Round 21.

Forwards Craig Newby and Calum Green return to the squad and are named among the replacements.

Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said: "There is a good old rivalry between Leicester and Bath, and we still have everything to play for because we want to go into the semi-finals with some confidence and with a home draw.

"Our form has been good but it doesn't count for a huge amount unless you turn up and do it."

Saturday's game is already a 24,000 capacity sell-out at Welford Road.

Leicester Tigers (v Bath Rugby, Welford Road, Saturday 2pm)
15 Geordan Murphy (c)
14 Horacio Agulla
13 Manusamoa Tuilagi
12 Anthony Allen
11 Alesana Tuilagi
10 Toby Flood
9 Ben Youngs
1 Marcos Ayerza
2 George Chuter
3 Martin Castrogiovanni
4 George Skivington
5 Geoff Parling
6 Steve Mafi
7 Julian Salvi
8 Thomas Waldrom

Replacements
16 Tom Youngs
17 Logovi'i Mulipola
18 Dan Cole
19 Craig Newby
20 Calum Green
21 Sam Harrison
22 Billy Twelvetrees
23 Scott Hamilton

England international hooker Lee Mears captains Bath Rugby in place of the injured Stuart Hooper.

Bath Rugby
15 Nick Abendanon
14 Olly Woodburn
13 Matt Banahan
12 Olly Barkley
11 Tom Biggs
10 Stephen Donald
9 Michael Claassens
1 Nathan Catt
2 Lee Mears (c)
3 David Wilson
4 Dave Attwood
5 Ben Skirving
6 Josh Ovens
7 Carl Fearns
8 Simon Taylor

Replacements
16 Ross Batty
17 Charlie Beech
18 Duncan Bell
19 Will Spencer
20 Guy Mercer
21 Mark McMillan
22 Sam Vesty
23 Kyle Eastmond

[LondonTiger]

Bath have only lost to Tigers once this season. they beat us by 2 pts at the Rec during RWC with Staunton missing a long range effort to win the game.

I can see Saints getting the TBP against Wuss, though they have failed on too many occassions this season when the TBP looked there for the taking.

Falcons may win against Wasps but it is irrelevant as they are extremely unlikely to get 4 tries.

The big game is in Stockport. Quins simply have to go there and win. They will be under serious pressure and you can see them struggling to cope with the pressure. They cannot afford to rest any players so will probably win. However looking at the end goal it could be a Pyhhric victory.

[killer938]

Sam

Ford not even in the squad, Flood playing, Ayerza playing, exactly what we wanted, haha. Didn't think he would drop Flood but disappointed Ford isn't even in the squad. Interestingly, neither is Heathcote.

[Equo Troiano]

Bath have only lost to Tigers once this season. they beat us by 2 pts at the Rec during RWC with Staunton missing a long range effort to win the game.

I can see Saints getting the TBP against Wuss, though they have failed on too many occassions this season when the TBP looked there for the taking.

Falcons may win against Wasps but it is irrelevant as they are extremely unlikely to get 4 tries.

The big game is in Stockport. Quins simply have to go there and win. They will be under serious pressure and you can see them struggling to cope with the pressure. They cannot afford to rest any players so will probably win. However looking at the end goal it could be a Pyhhric victory.

Since then, Barf have crumbled and Tigers have accelerated through the gears. Even the most pessimistic Tigers supporter should be hopeful of a big win.

[HongKongCherry]

Glaws side

Tom Voyce; Charlie Sharples, Jonny May, Mike Tindall, Ollie Phillips; Freddie Burns, Dave Lewis; Dan Murphy, Darren Dawidiuk, Rupert Harden; Jim Hamilton (capt), Alex Brown; Tom Savage, Alasdair Strokosch, Matt Cox

Replacements:

Scott Lawson, Yann Thomas, Shaun Knight, Peter Buxton, Akapusi Qera, Dan Robson, Tim Taylor, Ian Clark

The big talking point is Big Jim is captain, which may be a sign for next year.

[LondonTiger]

Bath have only lost to Tigers once this season. they beat us by 2 pts at the Rec during RWC with Staunton missing a long range effort to win the game.
.

Since then, Barf have crumbled and Tigers have accelerated through the gears. Even the most pessimistic Tigers supporter should be hopeful of a big win.

I was just correcting an error by Yappy. We should extend the record run of TBPs in a row.

Just so long as we do not leave it quite as late as last seasons final match:

http://www.leicestertigers.com/rugby/1288.php

[ChequeredJersey]

Possibly Sale can cause an upset but I have faith. If we lose to Sale with the team we are putting out then never mind the 1,2,3rd place thing- our confidence would take a severe knock

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

Possibly Sale can cause an upset but I have faith. If we lose to Sale with the team we are putting out then never mind the 1,2,3rd place thing- our confidence would take a severe knock

CJ, not a chance Sale will cause an upset, they're playing games with squad selection this weekend:

Premiership Rugby warned steps will be taken to protect the integrity of the competition amid speculation that Sale may field a weakened team at home to Harlequins on Saturday.

While the Sharks will not officially reveal their line-up to face the league leaders until midday today, sources have indicated they intend to pick a matchday 23 entirely made up of England-qualified players.
Sale would therefore secure a sum of around £80,000 from the RFU as part of the EQP (English qualified players) scheme designed to encourage home-grown talent.

You have been warned: Powell looks set to be rested
The Sharks have had such a resurgence this season that they are all but assured of a place in the Heineken Cup.

Bath are the only club ahead of them in the Aviva Premiership table who could finish sixth, but they face an on-song Leicester at Welford Road, so the bonus-point win they need surely will elude them.

[yappysnap]

Harlequins go into the final round of Aviva Premiership action against Sale Sharks, knowing that a win will seal first place and a semi final at the Twickenham Stoop on may 12th.

Mike Brown starts at full back, with Tom Williams and Sam Smith partnering in the back three. Ugo Monye is undergoing further treatment following his injury against Leicester and will be reassessed early next week. Jordan Turner-Hall and George Lowe start in the centres, with Danny Care and Nick Evans at half back.

Joe Gray returns at hooker to make his 50th appearance for Harlequins. Gray is the only change from the forward pack that faced Leicester Tigers. Joe Marler and James Johnston start at prop as Olly Kohn and George Robson partner in the second row. Captain Chris Robshaw starts to make his 100th Premiership appearance, with Maurie Fa'asavalu and Nick Easter completing the back row.

Rob Buchanan, Mark Lambert and Will Collier will look to impact in the front row, with Tomas Vallejos and Tom Guest ready to cover in the back five. Karl Dickson and Rory Clegg provide specialist half back cover and Matt Hopper offers cover for the remainder of the backline.

Harlequins team to face Sale Sharks

15. Mike Brown
14. Tom Williams
13. George Lowe
12. Jordan Turner-Hall
11. Sam Smith
10. Nick Evans
9. Danny Care

1. Joe Marler
2. Joe Gray
3. James Johnston
4. Olly Kohn
5. George Robson
6. Maurie Fa'asavalu
7. Chris Robshaw (C)
8. Nick Easter

16. Rob Buchanan
17. Mark Lambert
18. Will Collier
19. Tomas Vallejos
20. Tom Guest
21. Karl Dickson
22. Rory Clegg
23. Matt Hopper

[formerly known as Sam]

Sale Sharks: 15.Rob Miller, 14.Tom Brady, 13.Will Addison, 12.Luther Burrell, 11.Mark Cueto, 10.Tommy Bell, 9.Scott Mathie, 1.Lee Imiolek, 2.Marc Jones, 3.Henry Thomas, 4.Kearnan Myall, 5.Tom Holmes, 6.Will Bordill, 7.David Seymour (capt.), 8.Mark Easter.

Replacements: 16.Tommy Taylor, 17. Ross Harrison, 18.Joe Ward, 19.Billy Emerson, 20.Jordan Davies, 21.Will Cliff, 22.Iain Thornley, 23.Charlie Amesbury.

The sods. Well that's a gift victory to Quins then. Not sure if I'm angry they are throwing the game away and so stopping Tigers having any chance of finishing top or pleased that a lot of young talent is getting a run out at AP level.

[yappysnap]

Possibly Sale can cause an upset but I have faith. If we lose to Sale with the team we are putting out then never mind the 1,2,3rd place thing- our confidence would take a severe knock

CJ, not a chance Sale will cause an upset, they're playing games with squad selection this weekend:

Premiership Rugby warned steps will be taken to protect the integrity of the competition amid speculation that Sale may field a weakened team at home to Harlequins on Saturday.

While the Sharks will not officially reveal their line-up to face the league leaders until midday today, sources have indicated they intend to pick a matchday 23 entirely made up of England-qualified players.
Sale would therefore secure a sum of around £80,000 from the RFU as part of the EQP (English qualified players) scheme designed to encourage home-grown talent.

You have been warned: Powell looks set to be rested
The Sharks have had such a resurgence this season that they are all but assured of a place in the Heineken Cup.

Bath are the only club ahead of them in the Aviva Premiership table who could finish sixth, but they face an on-song Leicester at Welford Road, so the bonus-point win they need surely will elude them.

What's actually wrong with that though? Teams play weakened sides all the time...

[ChequeredJersey]

Right, now we should try and use this to build up some momentum of our own

[formerly known as Sam]

What's actually wrong with that though? Teams play weakened sides all the time...

Artifically weakened teams in the last game of the season? If they were in a cup competition or the playoffs it might be different but this is just trying to fudge the averages and hide the fact they've relied on foreign imports most of the season so they can get £80k off the RFU.

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

What's wrong with it yappy is simply that there is stuff at stake for other teams from Sale's actions - it's just not

[beshocked]

I think it's fair to say Quins will come top now. Congratulations.

Just a shame Sale aren't going to try and put up a fight in their last game of the season.

It makes the Leicester vs Bath and Saracens vs Exeter virtual dead rubbers too.

Yappysnap I can understand you defending Sale. You must be licking your lips in anticipation.

Also Sam you say Sale are giving young players opportunity but only so they can get their hands on £80k. Also because they have such a high foreign count they must play English players.

Will be interested to see if Sale are punished.

[ChequeredJersey]

Stop saying we have it in the bag! This is a bloody attempt to jinx our match and it is most unsporting!

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

I wouldn't be too worried, CJ!

[beshocked]

Chequeredjersey the worrying thing is I cannot tell if you are joking or not.

[HongKongCherry]

Another reason for me to dislike the Sale management!

...But even with a full strength side I sincerely doubt they would have beaten Quins.

[beshocked]

We'll never know though now HKC.

[ChequeredJersey]

I'm joking. If our full side can't beat that Sale side, then I am happy to be quoted right now saying we don't deserve to win the Premiership as it would heavily imply we were complacent and I like to think we aren't

[B91212]

Sale Sharks: 15.Rob Miller, 14.Tom Brady, 13.Will Addison, 12.Luther Burrell, 11.Mark Cueto, 10.Tommy Bell, 9.Scott Mathie, 1.Lee Imiolek, 2.Marc Jones, 3.Henry Thomas, 4.Kearnan Myall, 5.Tom Holmes, 6.Will Bordill, 7.David Seymour (capt.), 8.Mark Easter.

Replacements: 16.Tommy Taylor, 17. Ross Harrison, 18.Joe Ward, 19.Billy Emerson, 20.Jordan Davies, 21.Will Cliff, 22.Iain Thornley, 23.Charlie Amesbury.

By doing this it makes a mockery of the final round of matches for the season. I see no argument in letting the players get exposure at the top level, getting thumped isn't going to make anyone feel good about their game and by having Joe Ward as the reserve TH prop shows it is all about the money and sod all to do with blooding new players.

I hope they get fined the amount of the RFU's payment x2.

[yappysnap]

Does any one know the Sale team?

Sorry anyone if you thought I was trying to defend Sale, I don't actually agree with what they're doing at all as it goes against my own views on young players in teams which i've talked about a lot before.

Not only that but if we do win this game and they play a weakened team then for me it takes a lot of gloss off what should be a riveting end to the season.

Saracens in particular should be annoyed if Sale do field the A team.

[yappysnap]

Just seen it's been posted!

Ignore me, hopefully Sale will not recieve anything for this except a hammering from Quins.

[PJHolybloke]

Bath haven't missed out on the HC yet, an easy 5-pointer against the Tiggers with Quins running Sale ragged - job done.

[LondonTiger]

Off M11/A14/A6 - see you all tonight, and here's hoping that your team, in what for most is the last game of the season, do you proud.

[yappysnap]

Quick scores update after nearly 20 mins:

Quins-Sale 0-0
Leicester-Bath 3-0
Saints-Wuss 7-7
Cheifs-Saracens 10-3 (!)
Wasps-Falcons 0-0
LI-Glos 9-3

[yappysnap]

Quins 5-0 Sale

[yappysnap]

Leicester Tigers 3 - 0 Bath Rugby
London Irish 34 - 11 Gloucester Rugby Allenson, Tagicakibau, Joseph. Voyce
London Wasps 10 - 0 Newcastle Falcons Wade
Northampton 17 - 7 Worcester Warriors Ashton, Foden
Sale Sharks 3 - 15 Harlequins Care, Brown
Saracens 9 - 10 Exeter Chiefs Johnson

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

A very poor second period from Exe with Sarries stepping up a gear provided a fitting ending for Saracens last outing at Vicarage Road. Final score 40-22

[HongKongCherry]

A very disappointing end to the season for Glaws. At the beginning of March we were on a real role pushing for the top 4, the Tigers thumped us and the wheels just fell off losing 6 games on the trot. I firmly believe our new signings will improve us, but I have doubts that our front 5 will be good enough to push us to success. We shall see...

On a different note, well done to Exeter for an outstanding season which once again confounded all the pundits. And well done to Quins for an excellent season too, its time now to make sure they convert this season in the play offs

[LondonTiger]

It will set a new precedent if Quins do it.

2003/4 Bath, 2007/8 Glaws made fast starts during the WC periods and held on to top the table. They then proceeded to lose in their first play-off match.

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