LV= Cup Round 4

First topic message reminder :

Teams by 8pm Saturday, Predos by 8pm Tuesday

Weather and Welsh sides to come later today
Update on positions in group and current QFs to come later today

Round 4 -February 1-3

London Welsh v Newport Gwent Dragons
At the Kassam Stadium, Oxford. Cloudy, 4 degrees C, 11mph wind

London Welsh

Manager – Fluxy

01. Tom French	09. Will Chudley
02. Chris Whitehead	10. Joel Hodgson (k)
03. Frans Malherbe
04. Tim Swinson	11. Seb Stegman
05. Dean Mumm	12. Dominic Waldlouck
06. Daniel Browne	13. Tom Casson
07. Ben Nutley	14. Adam Thompstone
08. David Sisi	15. Ben Ransom

16. Rhys Gill 17. Scott Wilson 18. Tom Lindsay 19. Paul O'Connell 20. Nick Easter 21. Paul Hodgson 22. George Lowe 23. Horacio Agulla

Newport-Gwent Dragons

01. Owen Evans	09. Jonathan Evans
02. Steve Jones	10. Lewis Robling (k)
03. Nathan Buck
04. Ian Nimmo	11. Tonderai Chavhanga
05. Robert Sidoli	12. Andy Tuilagi
06. Dan Lydiate (c.)	13. Adam Hughes
07. Jevon Groves	14. Will Harries
08. Tom Brown	15.Tom Prydie

16. Sam Parry 17. Nathan Williams, 18. Dan Way, 19.Adam M Jones, 20. Nic Cudd, 21. Joe Bedford, 22. Steffan Jones, 23. Daniel Evans

---

Gloucester Rugby v Bath Rugby

At Kingsholm, Gloucester. Cloudy, 5 degrees C, 8mph wind

Gloucester
Manager - prop_lyd

01.Dan Murphy	09.Dan Robson
02.Darren Dawiduk	10.Pat Lambie (k)
03.Rupert Harden
04.Elliot Stooke	11.Shane Monahan
05.Will James	12. Ryan Mills
06.Tom Savage (c)	13.Rob Horne
07.Andy Hazell	14.Charlie Sharples
08.Luke Narraway	15.Jonny May

16. Dave Ward 17. Antoine Guillamon 18. Shaun Knight 19. Sam Whitelock 20. JVN 21. Rory Lawson 22. EFS 23. Iain Balshaw

*Heavy pack who will look to cause problems and bully Bath,
*Quick ball to an exciting backline,
*The chance to throw the ball about and play an expansive game,
*Strong bench to come on and make a huge impact.



Bath Rugby
Manager – Bathite

01. N.Catt	09. C.Cook
02. L.Mears	10. O.Barkley (k)
03. O.Franks
04. F.VD Merwe	11. T.Biggs
05. J.Muller (c)	12. F.Steyn (lk)
06. F.Louw	13. E.Daly
07. J.Salvi	14. T.Bowe
08. S.Kalamafoni	15. I.Dagg

16. O.Tomascyuk 17. R.Batty 18. J.Golding 19. S.Hooper 20. R.Skuse 21. M.Classens 22. O.Devoto 23. M.Banahan

---

Exeter Chiefs v Northampton Saints

At Sandy Park Stadium, Exeter. Sunshine, 5 degrees C, 14 mph wind with gusts.


Exeter Chiefs
Manager – Pooly (Caretaker)

01. Tendai Mtawarira	09. TJ Perenara
02. Scott Spurling	10. Jonny Wilkinson (k)
03. John Afoa
04. Loius Deacon	11. Matt Jess
05. Pascal Pape(c)	12. Sireli Naqelevuki
06. Steve Mafi	13. Israel Folau
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Cory Jane
08. Ernst Joubert	15. Isa Nacewa

16. Brett Sturgess 17. Simon Alcott 18. Hoani Tui 19. James Horwill 20. James Scaysbrook 21. Kevin Barrett 22. Ian Humphreys 23. Luke Arscott

Tactics

- Look to set a tone in the set piece with big front 5 unit & two big scrummaging locks
- Dominate collisions and allow TJ fast ball to attack with
- Look to ruck over the ball and allow Steffon to get in amongst things
- Wilko to take 3 points on offer
- Look to keep ball in hand and work through the phases


Northampton Saints
Manager – SirJohnnyEnglish

01. Steven Kitshoff	09. Martin Roberts
02. Brett Sharman	10. Ryan Lamb
03. Brian Mujati
04. Mark Sorenson	11. Vasily Artemiev
05. Christian Day	12. Scott Armstrong
06. James Craig	13. John Clarke
07. Phil Dowson	14. Noah Cato
08. Roger Wilson	15. Greig Tonks

16. Alex Waller 17. Richardt Strauss 18. Danny Herriot 19. Andries Bekker 20. Teimana Harrison 21. Ryan Glynn 22. Stephen Myler 23. Jamie Elliot

---

Ospreys v Harlequins

At the Liberty Stadium, Swansea. Sunshine, 5 degrees C, 11mph winds

Ospreys

01. Duncan Jones	09. Kahn Fotuali'i
02. Richard Hibbard	10. Sam Davies (k)
03. Campbell Johnstone
04. Ian Gough	11. Will Price
05. Alun Wynn-Jones (c.)	12. Ashley Beck
06. James King	13.Andrew Bishop
07. Sam Lewis	14. Hanno Dirksen
08. George Stowers	15. Richard Fussell

16. Aaron Jarvis 17. Matthew Dwyer, 18. James Goode, 19.Joe Rees, 20. Tom Habberfield , 21. Matthew Morgan 22. Jonathan Spratt 23. Morgen Allen


Harlequins

Manager – Driver

01.Darryl Marfo	09.Bryn Hall
02.Nathan Morris	10.Tom Heatcote (K)
03.Will Collier
04.James Percival	11.Bryan Habana
05.Alistair Hargreaves	12.Hudson Tonga'uhia
06.Jamie Gibson	13.Andy Short
07.Marcell Coatzee	14.Mark Cueto (C)
08.Semisi Taulava	15.Ollie Lindsey Hague

16.John Smit 17.Marcos Ayerza 18.Chris Budgen 19.Mauritz Botha 20.Alex Grey 21.Richard Wrigglesworth 22.Nicky Robinson 23.James Short

---

London Wasps v Sale Sharks

At Adams Park, High Wycombe. Overcast, 3 degrees C, 15mph wind with 30mph gusts


London Wasps
Manager – CF

01.Boris Stankovich	09.Micky Young
02.Chris Brooker	10.Shane Gereghty (K)
03.Matt Stevens
04.James Cannon	11.Charlie Ingall
05.Ross Fillipo	12.Chris Bell
06.Tinus Du Plessie	13.Alex Cheeseman
07.Matt Everard	14.Ugo Monye
08.Thomas Waldrom	15.Richard Haughton

16.Titterell 17.Taulfao 18.Castex 19.Wannerburg 20.Davies 21.Goppereth 22.Mermoz 23.Fourie

Sale- no team entered- I presume this is a 30-0 walkover Pooly? Obviously I'm happier if it's not!

---

Scarlets v Leicester Tigers

At the Park y Scarlets, Llanelli. Persistent rain, 7 degrees C, 11mph wind.


Scarlets

01. Rhodri Jones	09. Gareth Davies
02. Kirby Myhill	10. Rhys Priestland (k)
03. Samson Lee
04. Sione Timani	11. Andy Fenby
05. Richard Kelly	12. Adam Warren
06. Rob McCusker (c)	13. Thomas Maule
07. Jonathan Edwards	14. Kristian Phillips
08. Kieran Murphy	15. Gareth Owen

16. Jacobie Adriaanse 17. Emyr Phillips, 18. Phil John, 19. Tomas Vallejos, 20. Richie Pugh , 21. Aled Davies, 22. Jordan Williams, 23. Dale Ford

Leicester Tigers
Manager – Sgt_Pooly

01. Luke Cowen-Dickie	09. Karl Dickson
02. Jamie George	10. Danny Cipriani
03. Aaron Jarvis
04. Tom Price	11. Miles Benjamin
05. Sam Jones	12. Andrew Forsyth
06. Siya Kolisi	13. Matt Smith
07. Luke Wallace	14. Charlie Walker
08. Jacque Cronje	15. Matt Tait

16. Bismark Du Plessis 17. Ryan Bower 18. Kyle Sinckler 19. Jacob Rowan 20. Liam Gill 21. Sam Harrison 22. Berrick Barnes 23. Digby Ioane

Tactics:

---

Worcester Warriors v Saracens

At Sixways Stadium, Worcester. Light rain, 8 degrees C, 11mph wind.

Worcester Warriors

Manager – InTheFastLane

01. George Porter	09. Shaun Perry
02. Ed Shervington	10. George Ford
03. Tevita Taumoepeau
04. Gerhard Mostert	11. Eerie Claasens
05. Graham Kitchener	12. Jordan Turner Hall
06. Sam Betty	13. Robbie Freaun
07. Jake Abbott	14. Tom Arscott
08. Liam Messam	15. Tom Homer

16. Stephen Moore 17. Louis Padian 18. Juan Figallo 19. George Robson 20. Michael Hooper 21. Will Genia 22. Dan Carter 23. Ma’a Nonu

Saracens
Manager – ChequeredJersey

01. Matt Mullan	09. Jordan Burns
02. Schalk Brits	10. Charlie Hodgson (c,k)
03. Sekope Kepu
04. Bakkies Botha	11. Tom Williams
05. Charlie Matthews	12. Anthony Allen
06. Chris York	13. Joel Tomkins
07. Will Fraser	14. Sam Smith
08. Billy Vunipola	15. Chris Wyles

16. Alisdair Dickinson 17. Harry Allen 18. Ben Tameifuna 19. Maro Itoje 20. Joe Robinson. 21. Julien Dupuy 22. Sam Stanley 23. Nathan Earle


Tactics - none because I'm a Holly Wilaboobie and forgot to add tactics in time for my own competition.

---

Cardiff Blues v London Irish

At the Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff. Light rain, 7 degrees C, 12 mph wind

Cardiff Blues

01. Sam Hobbs	09. Lewis Jones
02. Rhys Williams	10. Rhys Patchell
03. Benoit Bourrust
04. James Down	11. Harry Robinson
05. Lou Reed	12. Cory Allen
06. Josh Navidi (c)	13. Owen Williams
07. Robin Copeland	14. Chris Czekaj
08. Luke Hamilton	15. Dan Fish

16. Kristian Dacey 17. Nathan Trevett 18. Scott Andrews 19. Macauley Cook 20. Rory Watts-Jones 21. Gareth Davies 22. Ceri Sweeney 23. Dafydd Hewitt

London Irish

Manager – Mad for Chelsea

01. Gethin Jenkins	09. Darren Allinson
02. Rob Herring	10. Brock James (k)
03. Paulica Ion
04. Simon Shaw	11. Sailosi Tagicakibau
05. Nick Kennedy (c)	12. Shontayne Hape
06. Tom Guest	13. Aurelien Rougerie
07.Andy Saull	14. Alesana Tuilagi
08. Imanol Harinordoquy	15. Marland Yarde

16. Scott Lawson 17.Fraan Rautenbach, 18.Tom Smallbone, 19. Tom Palmer, 20.Jerome Kaino, 21. Joe Simpson, 22. Quade Cooper, 23. David Strettle

Tactics:

a couple of changes in the pack this week, captain David Pocock is given a rest, while Jerome Kaino drops to the bench, to make sure they're ready for the long run-in to the end of the season in the prem. Andy Saull makes his Irish debut on the flank, and Tom Guest returns on the blindside to balance the back row. Lots of experience on the bench, as well as some game breakers (particularly the backs) to be brought on as and when needed. Once again, ordinary conditions means starts for James at fly-half for his ability to control the game, and Shaw in the engine room for added grunt (particularly in the scrums), while Tuilagi keeps his place on the wing after an effective performance last week. Look to dominate territory, using James's tactical kicking, but when we get the ball in opposition territory go for it, as conditions should allow some rugby to be played, and tries could be important for qualifying.

- Tuilagi to come off his wing looking for work in the middle. Use Hape's off-loading game to put him and Rougerie in space.

- don't be afraid of playing rugby. If it looks on, be prepared to spin the ball wide.

- dominate territory through James's boot, play in the right areas of the pitch.

- hit the breakdown hard when turnovers look possible, secure quick ball when in posession.

- Play a rush defense, looking to swamp the moves before they get going, and not give the opposition time to place their attacks. Always have at least a couple of players back to field kicks.

---

But Ollie didn't put a team forward so is that a 0-0 draw?!

I might sneak the Semis now haha!

Chelsea must have assumed that Howley playing Jenkins was such a moronic decision it would never happen!

Welsh 25 Dragons 5

Gloucester 20 Bath 24

Scarlets 5 Leicester Tigers 23

Cardiff 30 London Irish 0

Exeter Chiefs 0 Northampton Saints 30

Worcester 20 Saracens 20


Not sure what to do with Wasps vs Sale.

I think Wasps v Sale, neither team is ineligible so both get nil points?

0-0 mate

Got to enforce it really, be a reality check before AP games

so im being penalised even though i was the only one in our fixture to bother to post tactics....

Ineligible player CF, sorry mate.

I done same with Exeter.

You'll not lose at least

Can't help but feel this is a little harsh, though it does help my odds of getting through

Gloucester 19- 26 Bath

Front rows go to Bath, looking very strong, also pip the second rows and scrum though Lineouts are even. They also take the backrow with a very savvy unit at the breakdown. I just about prefer Gloucester's halfbacks though Bath easily take the centres who look tasty. Gloucester's back 3 are good but Bath's are great. However Gloucester have tactics and are at home and this closes the gap. Bath still win.

Think that's it!

Seen as it's so widespread and there's some new managers we'll just take off 5 points for each ineligible player fielded. So:

Exeter -5
Irish -5
Wasps -5

Ah ok will do Exeter Saints predo in a sec

Do I take 5 points off each score when I calculate the final results or off each individual prediction?

Exeter 26 - 14 Saints

Saints' front row not bad at all but the Chiefs still do a number on them. They also overpower Saints in the second row (except Pape can't start, but Horwill's not a bad replacement!) and back row too and will generally bully the Saints' pack in the set piece and in open play. I like Saints' exciting back 3 and Tonks had a great Scotland A match but Chiefs outclass Saints in the backs with excellent back 3 and HB combos and a good centre partnership. They also have home advantage and a game plan and win this.

Just the end mate

Welsh 24 - 10 Dragons

Ospreys 16 - 22 Quins

Scarlets 12 - 13 Tigers

Cardiff 12 - 21 Irish

Chiefs 27 - 19 Saints
Front row: More form form the Chiefs props, with Mooj a shadow of himself but Sharman has been good for Bath and will get a run on Spurling, who suffers from a lack of gametime.
Locks: Would have gone to the Chiefs, bar the Pape error. Day a good bloke to run the lineout and a good link up with Sharman as well. Spurling's throws could be got at.
Back row: Much more quality in the Chiefs trio here, with Steffon having a field day at 7
Half backs: Again this is a big win to the home side, with Wilko so dependable and Lamb the opposite
Centres: Can't rate Folau at 13, having played no rugby there at all. Think Clarke will use his nous to get ahead there.
Back three: More class from the Chiefs

Big wins in the pack and half backs, with a good bench see the home side through

Worcester 19 - 23 Sarries
Front row: Huge win to Sarries here, with a first choice lineup bullying Worcs' reserves
Locks: A much more even contest, with two very evenly matched pairings
Back row: Form of Fraser and BV win this for Sarries
Halfbacks: Hodgson the standout, with Ford not looking great recently.
Centres: Two interesting pairings, with proven prem level 12s and two 13s i'm not certain on. Freuan great going forward, but can get caught out defensively, whilst Tomkins is probably the polar opposite!
Back three: Good prem level options here, no real stand out. Boot of Homer will be huge in the scoring.
Bench: Worcs have the best bench ever put out in this game??

Verdict: Sarries have a good platform up front and form in the back row, so get a good lead. Homer keeps Worcs close and they push hard in the last 20, but leave too much to do.

Wasps 30 - 0 Sale
No sale team, so no prediction.

Ok, i've done the non aviva fixtures, just the 3x inter league matches to come

You don't take 5 points off Bathite, it gets done at the end

Gloucester 16 - 20 Bath

Bath have the bigger front five and will starve the quality Glos backline although Baths wide men can be equally as dangerous.

---

Ospreys 27 - 30 Harlequins

Some quality in both sides, but a little more edge to the Quins through out, Ospreys will push them close at home though.

---

Llanelli Scarlets 10 - 19 Leicester Tigers

Even with the Scarlets players it'd be a struggle against Tigers, but this is a weakened side. It requires intervention from the bench to ensure Tigers win this one.

---

Cardiff Blues 30 - 0 London Irish

---

London Wasps X - X Sale Sharks

---

Exeter Chiefs 22 - 20 Northampton Saints

Chiefs pick a big pack against a rotated Saints side, and domiante the first 60 minutes. Tired legs begin to creep in and the game swings in to the Saints favour as they bring on fresher legs to run at the Chiefs defence. The boot of Wilkinson however will keep Chiefs noses in front.

---

Worcester Warriors 20 - 24 Saracens

game of the round, Sarries have the better pack and dominate. I like the Wuss backline, despite Ford being shaky as of late. The quality Warriors bench will drag them in to contention late on, but Sarries will hold on to win.

Remember, strictly in by 8pm today

Welsh 21-9 Dragons
Gloucester 22-26 Bath
Exeter 27-19 Saints
Ospreys 19-20 Quins
Scarlets 15-22 Tigers
Cardiff 13-32 Irish

Our group is still going to be bloody close...

Bathite wrote:Welsh 24 - 10 Dragons

Ospreys 16 - 22 Quins

Scarlets 12 - 13 Tigers

Cardiff 12 - 21 Irish

Chiefs 27 - 19 Saints
Front row: More form form the Chiefs props, with Mooj a shadow of himself but Sharman has been good for Bath and will get a run on Spurling, who suffers from a lack of gametime.
Locks: Would have gone to the Chiefs, bar the Pape error. Day a good bloke to run the lineout and a good link up with Sharman as well. Spurling's throws could be got at.
Back row: Much more quality in the Chiefs trio here, with Steffon having a field day at 7
Half backs: Again this is a big win to the home side, with Wilko so dependable and Lamb the opposite
Centres: Can't rate Folau at 13, having played no rugby there at all. Think Clarke will use his nous to get ahead there.
Back three: More class from the Chiefs

Big wins in the pack and half backs, with a good bench see the home side through

Worcester 19 - 23 Sarries
Front row: Huge win to Sarries here, with a first choice lineup bullying Worcs' reserves
Locks: A much more even contest, with two very evenly matched pairings
Back row: Form of Fraser and BV win this for Sarries
Halfbacks: Hodgson the standout, with Ford not looking great recently.
Centres: Two interesting pairings, with proven prem level 12s and two 13s i'm not certain on. Freuan great going forward, but can get caught out defensively, whilst Tomkins is probably the polar opposite!
Back three: Good prem level options here, no real stand out. Boot of Homer will be huge in the scoring.
Bench: Worcs have the best bench ever put out in this game??

Verdict: Sarries have a good platform up front and form in the back row, so get a good lead. Homer keeps Worcs close and they push hard in the last 20, but leave too much to do.

Wasps 30 - 0 Sale
No sale team, so no prediction.

Just want to confirm that I've done enough to get the full 3m? Might have missed a game or something, with all the confusion on teamsheets

Nope, looks fine to me, there are 8 matches and you are in 1 and posted on the other 7

The guys who posted before Pooly decided -5 was the penalty for 1 inelligible player and gave Irish a 30-0 defeat, could you please rescuer the match. If they don't, do I assume there is no prediction or do I count it as a 30-0 score still? Will have a huge bearing on who goes through

Cardiff 12 London Irish 24

If 30-0 just ignore mate

Do I need to redo Sale vs Wasps then?

No, Sale have no team, that match is 25-0 to Wasps automatically

CLOSED

Results

Ospreys- 20 Quins 26
Welsh 32. Dragons 11
Wasps 25. Sale 0
Chiefs 27. Saints 18
Scarlets 12. Tigers 28
Blues 12. Irish 25
Worcester 23. Sarries 25
Gloucester 20. Bath 28

Sneak through at the death!

Bonus:

CJ, Prop, Flux, Pooly, SJE, Bathite

Half:

CJB, Driver

MARK

Not missed anyone??

Page bonus - CJ - 1m