Aviva Premiership Round Nine (AIs)

Team Sheets and tactics due by Saturday (20:00)
Predictions due till Tuesday (23:00)

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Bath v Harlequins
Location - The Rec
- Heavy Rain, 7 Degrees, 10 Mph Winds

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Bath Rugby

Manager – Bathite

01. N.Catt	09. M.Classens (c)
02. L.Mears	10. O.Barkley (k)
03. K.P-Newport
04. J.Muller	11. K.Eastmond
05. D.Attwood	12. F.Steyn (lk)
06. S.O'Brien	13. C.Laulala
07. C.Fearns	14. T.Biggs
08. S.Kalamafoni	15. R.Cook

16. A.Perenise 17. R.Batty 18. J.Golding 19. R.Caldwell 20. M.Lund 21. C.Cook 22. E.Daly 23. M.Banahan

TACTICS

General
- Coming off the back of a 24-19 victory against Harlequins away from home. We want to use this momentum at home, where we are unbeaten.

- We want to make sure that we play rugby in the opposition half and force handling errors, where we can attack the scrum. Use the physicality of our pack to our advantage, keeping the ball tight in the middle section of the pitch to retain possession and build a platform to attack from. In our third clear to touch and challenge for the ball at lineout.

- With slow ball, look to mix up first receiver between Steyn and Barkley and then look for back row runners on inside shoulder

- Steyn to ensure we play sensible rugby in the right areas, kicking long for touch in our 22, using the up and under in the centre of the pitch and delicate grubbers in behind centres to chase and force kickable penalties.

- Steyn leads the rush defence, with SOB flying up to cramp 10 for time and space and ensuring he takes the ball deep behind the gainline and starving their outside backs of ball. Classens sweeps up behind for counter attacks

- Big impact bench, with the likes of Perenise, Catt, Fearns, Caldwell providing ball carrying options up front. Bowe and Fearns will wreak havoc in the last 20 minutes, as the space opens up. Real advantage over the opposition in terms of bench options

Forwards
* Fearns and SOB released to play as out and out flankers, linking play. Kalamafoni provides the physicality off the back of the scrum in defence and attack
* Picked a very physical pack to make sure that we defend strongly and smash over the gainline.
* At the lineout, Muller will lead the calls as in real life and look to pressurise opposition hooker and compete at every throw.
* Use ball carriers of Catt, Attwood, O'Brien, Kalamafoni to make hard yards up the pitch and draw defenders into the ruck area, looking to create space around the fringes for Laulala to exploit

Backs
* Eastmond given free rein in attack, looking to come into the line either side of Laulala. Laulala to look for the half gap with power and offload (only if on), with the pace of Biggs and Cook on their shoulder to make the break
* Barkley to take the ball flat on the gainline, drawing defenders and buying time and space for Steyn. Steyn often used as dummy runner to keep it unpredictable
* Use the inside pass with forward runners of SOB, Attwood, Fearns to keep the inside shoulder honest and force the 10 to make tackles.
* Get Laulala on the ball early on and encourage a very pacy back three to run off his shoulder. Only offload if it is on, otherwise, crash it up and use SOB and Healy to clear out and Fearns to secure.
* Banahan to come on after 50/60 minutes to run straight and hard at a tired defence, particularly the 10 channel

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Harlequins

Manager – Driver

01.Mark Lambert	09.Luke Burguss
02.Joe Grey	10.Morne Steyn (k)
03.John Smit (c)
04.Carlo Del Fava	11.George North
05.Alistair Hargreaves	12.Hudson Tonga'uhia
06.Tom Croft	13.Jared Payne
07.Hienrich Brussouw	14.James Short
08.Alex Grey	15.Nick Abendonan

16.Nathan Morris 17.Chris Budgen 18.Will Collier 19.Tom Denton 20.Jack Clifford 21.Richard Wrigglesworth 22.Sam Stuart 23.Andy Short

Tactics

Quins return to league action and know a win this weekend is vital against Bath.

Big pack to get ontop the Bath front 5 and put them under the cosh at the Scrum and rucks with plenty of impact from the bench.

Scrummage for 80 minutes with strong scrummagers on the bench to come on if need

Steyn to test BAth backs 3s position game with Kicks in behind with North and Short chasing with neither being on the small side.

Tonga'uhia to take the ball flat and look to feed Payne by pulling defenders in.

Croft to run our lineout which will Brussouw make a mess on the deck

Burguss to keep the tempo high with tap and goes and making Bath work hard in defense making tackles and tiring them out.

Blitz Defence to stop Bath's backs playing with Burguss sweeping behind

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Gloucester v Sale Sharks
Location - Kingsholm
- Heavy Rain, 7 Degrees, 10 Mph Winds

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Gloucester

01. Nick Wood	09. Dimitri Yachvilli
02. Rory Best	10. Freddie Burns (k)
03. Adam Jones
04. Tom Savage	11. JSD
05. Jim Hamilton	12. Mike Tindall
06. JVN (c)	13. Henry Trinder
07. Akapusi Qera	14. Charlie Sharples
08. Luke Narraway	15. Jonny May

16. Korree Britton 17. Dan Murphy 18. Rupert Harden 19. Will James 20. Peter Buxton 21. Dan Robson 22. Ryan Mills 23. Shane Monahan

Tactics

We are looking to control the set piece today and have picked a strong pack and pack bench to do this.In heavy rain it's up to the forwards to put pressure on their pack and play up the jumper rugby for the first 20 mins. Our backs aren't frightened of confrontation and will be looking for offloads from the centres crashing it up. Yachvilli and Tindall will take the pressure off of Burns and give him the time to work his magic. Our back three can score from anywhere and we have pace on the bench to replace this too. We want nothing less than a win and we are looking for quick ball for the backs and to get a strong lead early in. Hard hitting defence and we will play what's in front of us but we have international experience all over the park and form.



Forwards

*Experienced front row who will look to dominate the set piece and Jones will be the anchor, we will go up on Jones' side and won't go backwards....we go up, forward and down but not backwards.

*2nd rows are two strong players who will look to control the lineout and to put pressure on their back 5 in the scrum with confrontational play.

*Backrow are heavy hitters Qera both terrorising here and Narraway providing brute strength off the back of the scrum and off the backs, again the bench provides more experience with Buxton. JVN will look to disrupt ball and carry a lot.



Backs

* Yachvilli to snipe when space but to release Brusn when possible, he will go for goal when in range, Burns is in great form and will look to make his unpredictability show,

* Tindall and Trinder to hit hard and will have a winger on his shoulder at all times and also look for JVN to break through the defence,

* Exciting backs here who will link well and look to constantly run at and through the Sale defence,

* A fast back 3 here who will always look for work and are strong in defence and under the high ball.



Defence

*Tindall to lead this,

*JVN/Qera to be on 10’s shoulder looking to wrap the ball up,

*Contest at the breakdown and all set piece.

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Sale Sharks

Manager – LondonIrishOllie

01.Andrew Sheriden	09.Hadyn Thomas
02.Gary Botha	10.Johan Goosen
03.Logovoi Mulipola
04.Matt Garvey	11.Cameron Shephard
05.Dean Schofield	12.Luther Burrell
06.Richie Vernon	13.Sam Tuitupou
07.Dave Seymour	14.Tom Brady
08.Jordan Crane	15.Nick McLeod

Subs 16.Marc Jones 17.Henry Thomas 18.Ross Harrison 19.James Gaskell 20.Andy Powell 21.Scott Mathie 22.Rob Miller 23.Will Addison

Tactics

McLeod and Goosen to share responsibility and both look to target May under the high ball, where we beleive he has a weakness.
Lineout - Ball to be thrown to the front most of the time with both Garvey and Schofield very strong 2 jumpers. If this is not working out Vernon and Crane are good enough to be used in the lineout as well. If we are still having problems Gaskell will come on for Vernon. We will not hesitate to make this change if needed.
Scrum - Sheridan will be expected to play the full 80 mins after having a decent period of not starting, and only having cameos from the bench. We are playing 2 big 2nd rows to help stabilize our scrum. We will not look to keep the ball in the scrum for long periods of time.

We will take ALL points on offer, including going for drop goals if in there 22.

We will look to commit men to the breakdown in defence. The chances they will take advantage of this outwide are slim, and with Seymour the only breakdown specialist on the pitch it is an area we feel we can claim an advantage.

In attack we will look to pin Glaws back into there own 22 and put pressure on a back 3 that does not have the best kicking game.

We have 2 big ball carrying centres and a pack that has alot of carriers in it, and we plan to use them to help tire the Glaws defence. We will aim to get the balance of kicking for territory and keeping the ball so the Glaws defence get tired correct.

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London Irish v Exeter Chiefs
Location - Madejski Stadium
- Heavy Rain, 10 Degrees, 10 Mph Winds

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London Irish

Manager – Pullthestrings

01. Max Lahiff	09. Joe Simpson
02. James Buckland	10. Brock James
03. Leo Halavatu
04. Tom Palmer	11. Sailosi Tagicakibau
05. Nick Kennedy	12. Daniel Bowden
06. Tom Guest	13. Aurelien Rougerie
07. David Pocock (c)	14. Tom Homer (k)
08. Imanol Harinordoquy	15. Delon Armitage

16. Rob Herring, 17. Paulică Ion, 18. Tom Smallbone, 19. Simon Shaw, 20. Declan Danaher, 21. Darren Allinson, 22. Quade Cooper, 23. Regan King

Tactics
- Brock James at 10 to dictate the play. Play in their half all day - there are few sides that can score against us from 60+ metres so it limits their threat straight away.

- Set a decent platform to attack from and gain some confidence. Quick ball to Quade if we're stable, Harinordoquy to pick and go if it's messy.

- In the lineout, we have plenty of options. Opt for full lineouts mostly in their half to tie in their pack, leaving more space out wide. Compete for their ball.

- Target the breakdown for possible turnovers, with Pocock staying strong on his feet. When they arise, lets use them to our advantage. If the back three are sparse, look to kick for territory. If there are mis-matches, lets have a go.

- Be disciplined at the breakdown, with a guard and bodyguard at every breakdown to stop those easy yards around the fringes. No excuses here.

- Simpson to keep the tempo high, getting the ball quickly away from the breakdown and releasing the backs. The back three to be hungry and look to get involved.

- Big efforts in defence, particularly from Bowden and Rougerie. Pocock to work his socks off getting across and chopping them down before they get momentum.

- For slow ball, look to get outside their guards and bodyguards to suck in more and more forwards at each breakdown. This will give more time to the backs.

- Homer to go for points at every opportunity.We can have a pop from anywhere in their half. Make them scared to give away penalties in their half, thus giving us more time at the breakdown.

- Bench is full of impact players to keep the intensity high and have a run at the Exeter's tired legs.

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Exeter Chiefs

Manager – Luke

01. Tendai Mtawarira	09. Dwayne Peel
02. Rob Webber	10. Jonny Wilkinson (k)
03. John Afoa
04. Loius Deacon	11. Paul Sackey
05. James Horwill (c)	12. Sireli Naqelevuki
06. James Scaysbrook	13. Richard Kahui
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Matt Jess
08. Ernst Joubert	15. Isa Nacewa

16. Brett Sturgess 17. Neil Clark 18. Hoani Tui 19. James Hanks 20. Richard Baxter 21. Kevin Barrett 22. Ian Humphreys 23. Luke Arscott

Tactics

We will play a structured game built around our massive ball carriers, the strength of our set piece and getting our lightning backline into space.

- Attack the scrum as a weapon - and call when we can. Look to really get the shove on.

- Use Wilkinson's boot to attack our strong lineout with Horwill, Joubert, Deacon all massive jumpers. We will relentlessly target the opposition's throws.

- Massive line-breakers right throughout the side that will look to tire down the opposition defence. We will use our big carriers consistently to tire down the opposition.
The likes of Afoa, Scaysbrook, Armitage, Beast, Horwill, Joubert and Naqelevuki used off the shoulder crashing through the opposition defence.

- Armitage is the man charged with reaching the breakdown first and look to turnover possession. We will always look to attack quickly off turnover ball.

- Box kicks from Peel and up and unders from Wilkinson to give the opposition problems in the air.
Lightning back line to really get the chase on.

- Look to play attacking rugby in the backs, getting the likes of Kahui and Nacewa on the ball when we can.

- Our back three are encouraged to do what they do best - counter attacking and running the ball back. If isolated all have good kicking games, but the counter is what we ask them to look for.

- Wilkinson to kick all penalites.

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Northampton Saints v London Welsh
Location - Franklin Gardens
- Heavy Rain, 10 Degrees, 14 Mph Winds

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Northampton Saints
Manager – SirJohnnyEnglish

01. Soane Tonga'uiha	09. Lee Dickson
02. Dylan Hartley	10. Stephen Myler
03. Brian Mujati
04. Courtney Lawes	11. Vasily Artemiev
05. Andries Bekker	12. Sonny Bill Williams
06. Stephen Ferris	13. George Pisi
07. Calum Clarke	14. Jamie Elliot
08. Roger Wilson	15. Ben Foden

16. S. Kitshoff 17. M. Haywood 18. P. Doran-Jones 19. Samu Manoa 20. Phil Dowson 21. M. Roberts 22. R. Lamb 23. S. Armstrong

Key Points

• Massive ball carriers throughout the side. We will look to get on the front foot at the contact battle. Look to keep Welsh on the back foot and tire them out faster in these conditions.

• Fantastic record at Franklins Garden. We are yet to be on the losing side there this season in the league. Welsh will need to be at their very best to take anything with a baying home crowd intimidating the ref for all 50/50s.

Tactics

We will look to control territory and apply pressure on Welsh in key areas looking to force mistakes. When in possession in the right areas, we will look to play a strong carrying game, attacking in groups so as to win the collisions and get over the gain line. Offloads will be kept to a minimum as we look to sustain pressure deep in Welsh territory. We will kick all penalties in range at goal and take the drop goal option whenever it’s available.

• In these conditions the scrum will be an important weapon. With a powerful front 5 on show we will look to keep it up and take full advantage drawing penalties from Welsh.

• With handling an issue we want to keep things simple and use Bekker, Lawes & Clark as banker ball at the lineout. We will look to bring the ball down into the maul and use the physicality of our pack to drive us into the right areas.

• We will look to blitz aggressively, playing on the edge of the offside line and coming up at pace, looking to isolate the ball carrier and stop any opposition momentum before it can get going.

• Lee Dickson will act as a sweeper and cover any chips or grubbers behind the defensive line.

• The back 3 will sit deep to cover any kicks down the line and will look to counter attack of any loose ball.

• With the blitz in operation, we will look to be at the breakdown first hitting it hard and fast. If the ball looks available we will flood it with the back row looking to get their hands on the ball.

• If the ball is not immediately available we will only commit 1 or 2 players to legally slow the ball down and instead look to strengthen the defensive line.

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London Welsh

Manager – Fluxy

01. Rhys Gill	09. Will Chudley
02. Chris Whitehead	10. Nick Evans
03. Craig Mitchell
04. Steve Borthwick (C)	11. Topsy Ojo
05. Dean Mumm	12. Dominic Waldlouck
06. Ashley Johnson	13. George Lowe
07. Jamie Gibson	14. Maxime Medard
08. Nick Easter	15. Hugo Southwell

16. Tom French 17. Tom Mercey 18. Tom Lindsay 19. Tim Swinson 20. Chris Hala'ufia 21. Paul Hodgson 22. Gavin Henson 23. Ben Ransom

Tactics

We look to impose ourselves from the off and let the opposition know how we are going to play the game and how we want to dictate the pace of the game. Our brand of rugby is physical and fast, however we won't just run the ball at every opportunity. We will only play in the right areas of the paddock, and Evans knows when to attack and when we need to clear the lines. We will look to go through simple phases to reproduce quick ball to cut the defence open. We have brilliant leaders all other the pitch in Borthwick, Easter and Evans, and they know what will be required to get we want from the game - a win. With the terrible conditions, they also know how we will want to play our game. We will look to force Saints to play from in their 22 and use our strong lineout and kicking game to pressure them. After last weeks god win, we will look to build some momentum and look to take another win at home.

Tactics

• Gill and Mitchell are solid technicians and will secure our own feed, to provide first phase possession for our backs. We have strong props on the bench as well, so we should not be outclassed throughout the game
  
  
• With a strong lineout, Borthwick will lead the lineout and use himself as banker ball at the front of the line with Mumm jumping in the middle. If winning own ball Borth will look to cut the lineout to five, to allow Easter to get a chance to run at the defence in open field.
  
  
• Our whole pack is mobile and capable of snaffling ball at the breakdown. Collectively we will look to (legally!) slow down saints' ball as much possible, only committing men to rucks if the turnover is on, to prevent them any front foot ball for their big carriers.
  
  
• The backrow will target the halfbacks, allowing them no time on the ball, which will lead to them rushing and making handling errors and mistakes.
  
  
• We will look to keep the ball alive, preventing them from setting any defensive lines and moving the point of attack. Evans will direct traffic with the use of quick pods systems outside the guards of the rucks.
  
  
• Off any first phase possession, the blindside winger will come in to create options off Evans so that it can keep the defence guessing to whether we will go wide, or cut against the grain.
  
  
• We will look to test the Saints back three with Chudleys's clever box kicking and Evans throwing the odd bomb in. Their back three can be got at here as they won't be the best defensively, and their urge to attack will find them short in most cases. All kicks will be chased.
  
  
• Look to use our strong bench for impact later in the game. To get an advantage in the scrum, and collisions with big impact players.
  
  
• evanswill kick all points, he can kick from within our ten, so this indicates that Saints should be wary of giving away penalties.
  
  
• We are in a good form and this will allow the whole team to act with confidence in everything they do. The Red steam roller won't stop all game.

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London Wasps v Leicester Tigers
Location - Adams Park
- Heavy Rain, 6 Degrees, 10 Mph Winds

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London Wasps

Manager – CF

01. Tim Payne	09. Micky Young
02. George Chuter	10. Shane Geragthy
03. Matt Stevens
04. George Skivington	11. Tom Varndell
05. Marco Wentzel	12. Billy Twelvetrees
06. Thierry Dusautoir	13. Jacque Fourie
07. Julien Salvi	14. Ugo Monye
08.Thomas Waldrom	15. Richard Haughton

16. Boris Stankovich 17. Chris Brooker 18. Ben Broster 19. Jacques Burger 20. James Cannon 21. Charlie Davies 22. Jimmy Gopperth 23. Mark Cueto

Very tough game this week against top of the table Lecister...we are strengthened by the return of Waldrom at number 8. There will be a big emphasis, on the line out and scrum this week, we will look to be very solid at the set piece, and dont want to give away easy penalties or possession. The forwards will look to carry the ball as we go through the phases, and try to break down the leicster defence. Geraghty will look to get the ball into touch when possible as we go through the lineout..the backs will carry the ball given the chance, with Monye and Varndell looking to use theiir pace to get to the try line.

I have replaced Broster with Ingall as you are required to have three front rowers on your bench

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Leicester Tigers

Manager – Sgt_Pooly

01. Luke Cowan-Dickie	09. Karl Dickson
02. Bismark Du Plessis	10. James O'Connor
03. Kyle Sinckler
04. Ed Slater	11. Miles Benjamin
05. Tom Price	12. Berrick Barnes
06. Liam Gill	13. Jordan Turner-Hall
07. Luke Wallace	14. Christian Wade
08. Jacques Cronje	15. Rob Kearney

16. Jamie George 17. Ryan Bower 18. Nathan Morris 19. Jacob Rowan 20. Sam Jones 21. Sam Harrison 22. Matt Smith 23. Geordan Murphy

Default team

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Worcester Warriors v Saracens
Location - Sixways Stadium
- Heavy Rain, 7 Degrees, 7 Mph Winds

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Worcester Warriors

Manager – InTheFastLane

01. Joe Marler	09. Will Genia
02. Ed Shervington	10. George Ford
03. Juan Figallo
04. George Robson	11. Marcel Garvey
05. Graham Kitchener	12. Jordan Turner Hall
06. Matt Kvesic	13. Matt Hooper
07. Andy Saull	14. David Strettle
08. Sam Betty	15. Luke Rooney

16. Will Radburn 17. George Porter 18. Tevita Taumoepeau 19. Gerhard Mostert 20. Jake Abbott 21. Jonny Arr 22. Dan Carter 23. Alex Grove

Overall: Look to play a strong game based on an aggressive set piece which we look to use as a platform to get our backs on the ball and worrying Sarries.

Look to be competitive at scrum time. We feel we can have a big impact here with two quality international props. Apply pressure and look to get the nudge on throughout. If we are getting an advantage from the scrum we will look to call for it as much as possible.

We also feel we have an advantage at lineout with both Kitchener and Robson capable of winning the ball. Once again if we sense an advantage we will look for corners with the boot.

As well as performing in the set piece we will be looking to get our forwards making some big carries in open play. We will be looking to get Marler/Kvesic/Robson/Betty on the ball and making gains

Look to attack the breakdown hard and fast with lots of bodies looking to slow down or turn over Sarries ball. Kvesic and Saull will both be looking to make a nuisance of themselves on the floor looking to get their hands on the ball

Strong half back combination will be looking to control the tempo of our game. Will Genia will play his natural game mixing it up with his passing and his sniping runs. George Ford will be looking to link up the play and will offer a solid kicking option if we need to alter the gameplan.

The back five will be looking to offer strong defence as well as solid carrying. JTH is a strong carrier and will look to target Hodgson with his big carries. Hooper will look to bring a spark to our backline and will be looking to bring in our back three if possible

Use a blitz defence to put pressure on Sarries. We have lots of strong defenders, such as JTH and Strettle who will look to really leave their mark on Sarries attackers. Will Genia will sweep behind the defence

We also feel we have a huge advantage coming from the bench. All players except Kohn from Sarries are born after 1990 with most having no or little Premiership experience. We have three internationally capped players. We feel our front row subs are strong with Taumepeau a great player. Mostert, a key player in t14 can come on in the second row. In the backs we have Alex Grove who can add stability in the centres and Jonny Arr who can control our tempo. Dan Carter is also on the bench and we will look to get him on for an extended period of time to control the game.

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Saracens

Manager – ChequeredJersey

01. Matt Mullan	09. Ben Spencer
02. Rob Buchanan	10. Charlie Hodgson (k/c.)
03. Carlos Nieto
04. Bakkies Botha	11. Vereniki Goneva
05. George Kruis	12. Anthony Allen
06. Will Fraser	13. Joel Tomkins
07. Jonathan Poff	14. Tom Williams
08. Billy Vunipola	15. Chris Wyles

16. Jared Saunders 17. Harry Allen 18. Kieran Brookes 19. Ollie Kohn 20. Jackson Wray 21. Joe Robinson 22. Jordan Burns 23. Sam Stanley

Tactics- TBA (weather dependent)

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All looks alright, predos open

Gloucester 15 Sale Sharks 9

Tight affair at kingsholm with a solid scrum without really dominating let's a mean Glaws 5 get on top with the carriers with Yach and Burns putting them in the right parts of the pitch. Gloucester take control of this game with a solid set of forwards and home advantage is massive here for them

London Irish 10 Exeter Chiefs 12

Clever selection by Luke going for 2 opensides in heavy rain , a tactic i'm a big fan of as this will see Cheifs get penalties for Wilko to boom into the corners. Irish are no push overs up front but having Horwill , Deacon , Afoa and Beast in your front 5 swings it one way. Not sure Lukes tactic of back 3 countering is ideal for this weather though.

Northampton Saints 17 London Welsh 10

Saints are at full strength bar Wood - Read - Smith - Sexton and will be very hard to stop in these conditions. Myler is a great field position kicker and his pack will give him a armchair ride. Gibson would struggle in the fletcher role.

London Wasps 20 Liecester Tigers 16

Wow , never saw this coming but Wasps a class above from 1-8 except at 2 but have more than enough to bank there own ball and cause Tigers problems. Half backs to Tigers but unable to play due to lack of quality ball.
If forwards were more even i'd take Tigers for the win with there backs but can't see any real clean chances with diffrence in packs.

Worcester 14 Saracens 10

Warriors struggle to see this game through with Betty a weakness at 8 and Saracens having the more muscle in front 5. Saracens halfbacks will play the field well in these conditions and Botha will bank a fair amount at 2. Game plan is essential though and Saracens don't have one.

Gloucester vs Sharks: 15-9

Irish vs Cheifs: 10-12

Saints vs Welsh: 17-12

Worcester vs Saracenes: 7-10

Bath vs Quins: 10-10

Glos 20 - 12 Sale
Two very powerful front rows, both solid in the set piece with 2 reliable hookers and ok back ups on the bench. Can't split the scrum battle, both sides will win penalties, as second rows both have some power behind him. Glos back row has more quality (I'd be risking Shalk if I were Sale).

Glos win the half backs battle as well with Burns form being huge. Tindall and Trinder is a nice combo, with the Sale pair being a bit one dimensional. Glos edge the back three as well, so there's enough for a home win by one extra try.

Irish 17 - 24 Chiefs
Front row goes to the travelling team, with three top international standard players showing that experience counts. Think Buckland is a weakness at this level, but Webber is long term injured, so it evens out. Not sure to seperate the lineouts, with Horwill and Kennedy being very strong here. Prefer the Chiefs' back row, with some serious form on show.

Peel and Wilko are the perfect half backs for these conditions. Brock and Simpson can be a bit unpredictable and Quade will not be up for this weather! Centres go to the Chiefs, with Bowden struggling this season. Back three just goes to Irish, althought the Chiefs are also strong here.

Think Chiefs have the better lineup for the awful conditions, so Wilko will kick them to victory.

Score contradicts description Bathite?

LukeLovesLuka wrote:Score contradicts description Bathite?

Whoops, thanks, meant to be other way round

Sorry lads, heads been up my hoop this weekend with moving house.

Good luck! Hope you're not moving down hill or near a river!

Moved away from the coast and a bit more in land!

I think it rained the whole time on my commute last night.

Once again will try and post details later, busy this week, got a musical theatre production next week and it's rehearsal heavy time amongst other things. Sorry, really will try and get some proper predos done if I get time on firms: these scores are subject to change

Bath 15- Quins 12
Gloucester 18- Sale 15
Irish 15 - Exeter 15
Saints 20 - Welsh 12
Wasps 18 - Tigers 18

Saints 15 - 11 Welsh
Saints are so much stronger in the front row man for man and even their back up 1,2,3 are going to get an advantage. Lawes and Bekker will also get some good leverage over Borth and Mumm. Neither side has a specialist openside, but I think I prefer the Welsh back row, with Easter and AJ in very good form and Ferris not played much.

Half backs to the away team, but only just. Myler is a bit limited, but in these conditions, he is very reliable. Centres, just about to the Saints, with Pisi's cracking AI form cancelling out SBW's sabbatical. Back three to the Welsh, with Medard the stand out. Slithgly more in the Saints bench, Manoa huge impact, Dowson good experience.

A slug fest in the rain, Saints packs provide enough ball for Myler to kick the corners and goals. Welsh manage to run one try from deep, but are starved of possession.

Worcs 19 - 12 Sarries
Two good in form props for Worcs will cause some damage and T-pau is a solid bench option. Two largely unproven hookers in both teams should be interesting with difficult lineout conditions. Bakkies is a huge addition to Sarries, but Worcs are no slouches and Mostert is a great bench option for power late on with tired legs. A lot more in the Sarries back row for me.

Man for man, more for the Warriors in the backline. Hodgson the standout, but the Worcs centres will run straight and hard over the gainline, which is crucial in the rain. Hard to rate Sarries' backs more without any tactics.

Worcs have enough up front and some good tactical nous, so they hold on with a 2 tries to nil win.

Bath 22-20 Quins

2 impressive front rows here with Mears up against Grey and cancelling each other out. Smit should just have enough against Catt who is growing into a good player. Attwood hitting good form for Bath at the moment but you desparately need Muller back from injury in real life! Neither Quins 2^nd row is setting the world alight at present. In the backrow 6 and 8 go to Bath at the moment with 7 to Quins just, Brussow doesn’t have much recent form. Steyn a little off form and Barkley not doing too badly in France cancels these out. Both will get quick ball from scrum halves. In the centres 12 goes to Bath but 13 to Quins. Cook in good form for Glos but North will give Biggs problems. Eastmond and Short similar at present. I can see more coming off the Bath bench which will take it their way with Banahan running at tired legs.





Irish 16-19 Chiefs

Chiefs a big step up in the front row here and will get the nudge on with a good front row bench combo too. More go forward from their locks too but can see Irish disrupting the lineout a little. Big battle at 7 here, feel they will nullify each other, Irish have a bit more quality with Hari here but Jourbert is a machine. Playing 2 7’s today is a good decision for Chiefs and will gain turnover ball. On current form 9 to Irish with Simpson’s sniping back fully fit and 10 to Chiefs with Wilko being able to slot more opportunities. Irish’s backs may get better ball from Bowden but can’t see much gainline breaking with the Chiefs defensive line. Feel Chiefs will finish their opportunities more and get a good away win. The Irish bench will keep it close in the backs.



Saints 22-17 Welsh

The Welsh front row are strong scrummagers but Saints are at full strength here, Tonga may struggle a little in recent form but Mujati’ll stay strong. More impact off Saints bench for front row too. Big hitting 2^nd rows for Saints with Welsh having the brains for the lineout. Saints will win the collision battle. Backrow-Johnson and Easter are in good form but Clark has hit the ground running and Ferris can bring more impact. 9 to Saints and 10 to Welsh with Evans bringing a bit more control if they win clean ball. Again, more quality in Saints centres and they’ll win the collision’s here too. 2 sets of back three’s who will finish the chances, feel Saints will get quicker ball to them and more from the breakdown giving them the win. Saints looking very strong at present even without some of their star players, Welsh have a dogged side who are just unfortunate to play Saints at this time. Evans will keep the board ticking.



Wasps 18-14 Tigers

In the front row I can see Wasps getting the edge but Tigers won’t be overly troubled with BDP holding out a bit here. 2^nd rows quite easily to Wasps here. In the backrow Dus and Gill will nullify each other but Salvi will have a field day at the breakdown. Not sure about either 10 here and feel Tigers will get more from Dickson. 2 good sets of centres who will gain small yardage here and there. Finisher’s all over the back three. I feel that Gopperth coming off the bench will see Wasps home with them gaining more joy at the set piece and breakdown. No tactics will hurt Tigers.





Warriors 23-17 Sarries

Both tightheads could get some joy here but Marler’s form will edge it over Nieto eventually. Botha’s experience will help Sarries here but Robson and Kitchener will look to disrupt the lineout where possible. 2 good backrows on show with Sarries taking 8, Warriors, 6 and the 7’s evens. Warriors should get more from the breakdown. 9 to Warriors but Hodgson will bring more at 10 for Sarries, Ford will make some breaks through. More go forward in the Warriors centre pairing but their wingers may struggle to finish against good defensive Sarries back 3. Benches tell 2 different stories with Sarries a little inexperienced and Warriors able to call on Carter to see them home. Not tactics hurt Sarries here and could have edged the backline battle.

Wasps 17 - 10 Tigers
Payne and Stevens aren't the greatest props but in this game I think that they will get an advantage, with both Tigers props hugely inexperienced, including the bench options. BDP is the standout obviously, but Chuter is wily and reliable. I'm a big fan of the Wenzel / Skivs pairing, think it has it all and whilst Slater has impressed, him and his pair will struggle I feel. Back row is the area of the biggest gain for the home team. Salvi and Dus will do well at the breakdown and Waldrom has the carries. Tigers have a similar set up and balance, but not quite as much quality.

Young and Geraghty aren't the most inspiring players, but 36 will take the heat of his ten with his kicking game. Not convinced with JOC at 10, would rate Barnes there much higher and like the idea of JOC at 12 to be honest. Not sure that JTH has played much at 13, but Fourie is hard to rate. Back three pretty even, unsure about Haughton, byt Varndell, Monye and Wade all in good form. Much better bench from Wasps as well.

I was really surprised by this result, but Wasps have timed it very well on the AIs, with Tigers missing so many players, especially power up front. Wasps have the much better pack and are evens in the backs, so they get the win.

wow i am suprised by some of these votes but am very happy

Bath 22-17 Quins

Little bit more for Quins at scrum time both sides should hold their own lineout though. The Bath 2nd row will offer more around the park. Alot more ball carrying from the Bath backrow and see them getting on top in the contact area. Not much between the halfbacks. Bit more uality for QUins but more form for Bath levels it out. Midfield battle goes to Bath. Nothing between the 13s but Steyn a class above at 12 and will bring more to the game. Little more in the back threes for Quins but good form on the wings for Bath. Baths back row gets them on the front foot through most of this game and at home they pick up the win.


Gloucester 16-13 Sale Sharks

Cracking little scrum battle here with both front rows not overly hit by the internationals. Feel both sides would struggle against a decent lineout operator. Nothing between the 8s but Glaws have a bit more quality on the flanks. Halfbacks are tight but edge to Glaws slightly. More danger from the Glaws back 3 but they can be caught defensively. Sale a little stronger in midfield and have a serious carrying game. Tough game to call with the conditions. Home advantage is the deciding factor for me.


London Irish 15-22 Exeter Chiefs

Chiefs front 5 not been hit by the internationals and can see them getting dominance at the scrum here. Both sides will hold their own ball at the lineout. The lineout would be more of an attacking weapon for Irish in better conditions though. The chiefs front 5 will give more from ruck to ruck. Bigger names in the Irish back row but lacking form while Chiefs have it with an abundance. Slight edge to Chiefs. Not much between the halfbacks but Peel slightly better suited to the conditions at 9. Not much between the midfields but Bowden at 12 will be tested in defence in these conditions. More for Irish in the back three. Chiefs pack will get them on top for a good away win in the conditions.


London Wasps 20-12 Leicester Tigers

Extra experience of the Wasps props will give them a little edge at scrum time. Wasps are stronger man for man in the back 5 of the pack except perharps at 8 which is fairly even. Feel Tigers would be better off with the 10/12 switched around but JOC still offers alot more from 10 then Geraghty and they get an edge in the halfbacks. Midfield edges to Tigers slightly. JTH out of position against Fourie with no rating. Barnes is a class above 36 though. Nothing between the back three overall. Tigers hurt this week by not naming a side so no tactics either. The Wasps pack will give them a massive win against a rudderless Tigers side.


Worcester Warriors 18-9 Saracens

Little bit more to Sarries at the scrum with more meat in the 2nd row but they won’t dominate with Figallo sureing up Worcester now. Worcester will dominate the lineout though with better and more options. Nothing between the flanks but Sarries have a bit more ball carrying from 8. Overall nothing between the halfbacks. Same thing across the backline really. Good point in the Worcester tactics and the extra experience from the bench will really help them out in the last quarter. No game plan for Sarries is a big mark down. Worcester to see this game out in the last quarter against a directionless Sarries.

Bath 18-19 Quins
Gloucester 20-18 Sale
Irish 22-22 Exeter
Saints 25-19 Welsh
Worcester 20-16 Sarries

what about our game pooly?

You can't predict on your own game, numpty.

ah yh thought they were final results lol

Predos don't close until tonight, results normally come Wednesday lunchtime ish. Still loads to come in

Wasps -3 - 400 Leicester

You lost mate lol

hmmm we'l see.

You've won mate and deservedly so. I've got my LV team out and no tactics, I would predo myself a loss!

Bath 21-24 Quins
Gloucester 23-21 Sale
Irish 25-27 Exeter
Saints 21-13 Welsh
Wasps 19-17 Tigers

Sgt_Pooly wrote:You've won mate and deservedly so. I've got my LV team out and no tactics, I would predo myself a loss!

Fancy doing that in our next game?!

Able to wait for predos...?

Bath 18 - 20 Harlequins

The front five for Quins is a bit more grizzled and experienced, but Bath don't lack ability. Backrows are relatively even with an edge to Bath. Halfbacks to Bath, form and ability combined, but Quins have ability. Backs wise again Bath have a bit more form, but Quins still have ability. In the end Quins will edge it with a Steyn drop goal.

Gloucester 23 - 18 Sale Sharks

There is a great battle up front, with Glos fielding a strong side. Sale have more graft about their team. Halfbacks are close but edged to Glos along with the backline with some great talent on show. In the end the cutting edge of the Glos backs win it, despite a strong comeback from the Sale bench.

London Irish 16 - 26 Exeter Chiefs

A massive front five from Chiefs make it easy for their backrow to run free, although Irish backrow fight against it. Irish will get some head way with the tactical kicking from James, but a strong backline from Chiefs again will win this one with ease.

London Wasps 32 - 16 Leicester Tigers

A great pack from Wasps overpower the inexperienced Tigers unit and allow almost free reign in this game. Decent backline form Tigers, but constantly on the back foot they will struggle, despite the tired legs of Wasps.

Worcester Warriors 18 - 15 Saracens

Ability and form wise, Saracens would edge the Warriors. However the obvious lack of a game plan hurts them. The control of Genia and some simple tactics allow Warriors a famous home win.

Predo's will be in tonight.

Bath 21 - 18 Harlequins

Not a great deal in the front 5's, but a bit more form for Bath in the back row. Decent HB battle, probs edge to Bath on form, but edge to Quins beyond there. At home think Bath have just enough but its a pretty tight game throughout.


Gloucester 24 - 18 Sale Sharks

Just shade to Glaws in the fornt 5's but two decent units. Think Galws have the better back row and get an advantage here. Much prefer the home side's HBs too, and beyond there they have much more quality. At home, this is a fairly routine win for Glaws this.


Northampton Saints 25 - 21 London Welsh

Saints fairly dominant in the front 5's with very strong outfit. Back row much more even contest though. One apiece in the HBs, with Saints edging the centres. Good back three from Welsh on display. Saints have enough at home.


London Wasps 27 - 23 Leicester Tigers

Slight edge to Wasps up front and also in the 2nd row. Wasps fairly dominant in the back row which is crucial. Tigers take the HBs, and the centers, with back threes fairly tight. Pack advantage and at home sees win for Wasps.


Worcester Warriors 22 - 21 Saracens

Not a great deal between the front 5's, Botha the standout. SLight advanatge to Sarries in the back row but not a lot in it. Tough to call HB's can't really split them, and a similar story in the centres. Tight back threes too. Such a tight game. Think home advanatge is just enough for Wuss.



JTH appears twice, and not sure Saints should have played Pisi.

Bath 19 - 15 Quins

Gloucester 15 - 12 Sale

Saints 23 - 14 Welsh

Wasps 27 - 23 Tigers

Worcester 13 - 12 Sarries

Results:

Bath Rugby 21-19 Harlequins
Gloucester Rugby 24-15 Sale Sharks
London Irish 16-23 Exeter Chiefs
Northampton Saints 25-14 London Welsh
London Wasps 26-17 Leicester Tigers
Worcester Warriors 21-14 Saracens


Bonus:

Full: Bathite, Luke, Prop, Driver, Fluxy & SJE
Half: Pooly, Pull, CF, CJ & CJB

Drats! Still a BP at the Rec ain't bad.

Pretty much the exact result in real life!

Some huge results there across the league! Well done lads, think that mixes up the table a fair bit

Man this week has blow the league wide open!!