Fantasy Aviva Premiership Final

by **Ozzy3213** Mon 20 May 2013, 7:47 pm

Teams to be named by midnight on Thursday 23rd May 2013.

Predictions by 20:00 hours on Sunday 26th May 2013.

Leicester Tigers vs. Harlequins
at Twickenham

Sunny Intervals, 11 degrees, 19 mph winds.

Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Andrew Sheridan	09. Dimitri Yachvili
02. Stephen Moore	10. Jonny Wilkinson (k)
03. Dan Cole
04. Nathan Hines	11. Rene Ranger
05. James Horwill (c)	12. Billy Twelvetrees
06. Sean O'Brien	13. Brian O'Driscoll
07. Francois Louw	14. Vincent Clerc
08. Ernst Joubert	15. Isa Nacewa

16. Tom Youngs 17. Gethin Jenkins 18. Cencus Johnston 19. Geoff Parling 20. James Scaysbrook 22. Micky Young 22. Kurtley Beale 23. Ugo Monye

Play to our strengths and play a game built around our intelligent HB's controlling the game, using our very heavy pack (18st per player vs Quins 17st per player) - then look to get the runners in our back line into space.

Key Points:

Experience and Control at 2, 8, 9, 10 For Big Game
In a massive final like this, we have huge amounts of experience and intelligence in these key positions and we will aim to really control the game. Yach and Wilko to control the tempo of the game and where it is played. Quins lack real authority and control in these key decisions-making positions.

Use our Huge Pack to our Advantage
With a weight advantage of around 1 stone per man in the pack, and the likes of Twelvetrees and Ranger in the backline, we feel we can really out-power Quins. Use the strength in our team, dictated by our HB's, to dominate the opposition physically.

Target Burns and Biggs
We will consistently send the likes of SOB, Louw, Horwill and Hines down Quins' 10 channel and look to go straight through Burns. Look to really test Biggs' positional game with Yach and Wilko testing him with kicks in behind, and BOD and Clerc using their nous to test him in attack.

General Tactics:

- Yach and Wilko to control proceedings - but we're not here to kick the ball away. We have the personnel in our side to play a mixture of different styles, and we will play the game as we see it.

- In attacking play, we will play with the option of 2 first receivers in Wilko and Twelvetrees. Keep Quins guessing with our attacking options.

- Use the different style of runners in our backline. With the likes of BOD, Nacewa and Clerc we have exciting runners, and in Twelvetrees and Ranger some bigger runners. Mix up how we want to attack.

- Attack all scrums with our huge pack - Really look to get the shove on and if we are getting the advantage keep applying the pressure. Moore and Cole in particular to go hard on Woodcock and Brits.

- Target the lineout - led by Horwill. Big jumpers throughout the back five and we will mix up which jumpers we throw to on a consistent basis. Attack on all lineouts with the likes of Horwill and Joubert targeting Brits' throwing.
Shortened lineouts with Louw in midfield as crash/decoy option.

- Physical, abrasive pack made up of massive line-breakers. The likes of SOB, Horwill, Louw, Hines, Joubert and Moore to be used to win the collisions in attack. Play an offloading game.

- We will look to employ a blitz defence, focusing on a quick line speed to hit the ball carrier before he gets to the gainline, and look to win the collisions in defence. Yachvili to sweep behind with an eye on short kicks.

- Wilkinson to kick all penalties.

Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Tony Woodcock	09. Lee Dickson
02. Schalk Brits	10. Freddie Burns (k)
03. John Afoa
04. Bakkies Botha	11. Tom Biggs
05. Steve Borthwick (c)	12. Jamie Roberts
06. Tom Wood	13. Florian Fritz
07. Michael Hooper	14. Yoann Huget
08. Pierre Spies	15. Rob Kearney

16. Rob Buchanan 17. Joe Marler 18. Juan Figallo 19. George Kruis 20. Nick Easter 21. Greig Laidlaw 22. Quade Cooper 23. Jonathan Joseph

Tactics

Game Plan

The basis of our game plan is to starve Leicester of the ball. We will look to retain possession and only kick the ball away when we are inside Wilkinson’s kicking range. We have packed our side with strong ball carriers who are comfortable taking the ball into contact and getting through a lot of carrying throughout the game.

These ball retention tactics will be employed differently depending on field position. In our own 22 we will look to clear to touch and look for our lineout led by Borthwick to really pressure the Leicester lineout. When we are in outside of our 22 but inside Wilkinson’s kicking range we will look to kick towards Ranger and Clerc using up and unders to test them as well as kicking behind them to test their kicking games. It is key that when we kick that we kick towards the wingers, as the windy conditions will make it tough under the high ball.

In the Leicester half we will not kick the ball. We will use our strong carriers in the pack to punch holes off 9 and 10 before with the intention of getting across the gainline and tieing in Leicester defenders. Dickson will control the direction of our attacks until Burns see’s the space outside and unleashes our backs with the Leicester defence disorganised. We have deliberately picked a pack with numerous line breakers and strong carriers, along with a bench packed with strong carriers up front. When the Leicester defence is organised we will look to shift the ball just before contact so as to hit a gap and get across the gain line. We will aim to move the Leicester pack around the field as we feel we are much more mobile as an 8.

Forwards

Up front we are looking for our pack to put continual pressure on their opponents. With ball in hand we are looking to carry the ball at pace, in numbers with the intention of winning the collisions and continue to pump the legs in contact and get across the gain line, setting the target for us to recycle to ball quickly at the breakdown. It is key for us to carry in numbers so that we can have a quick ruck, neutralise any Leicester players at the breakdown and get the ball away quickly. It also allows us the options for the offload should be break the line and it is on.

At the set piece we will look to exert pressure on Leicester and drive home any advantage we have over the opposition. At the scrum we will look for an immediate put in if we have won the hit so we can continue the drive, whilst if Leicester win the hit we will delay and look for a free kick or a penalty from the ref for an early drive. At the lineout we will look for Borthwick to control it as he has done all season. There are few better at stealing the ball that him and without a genuine world class lineout exponent in the Tiger’s pack, we are looking for him to put huge pressure of Leicester's throw. Botha, Wood and Spies will also look to pressure Tiger’s. On our own ball we will often use a shortened line with Hooper and Spies joining midfield to offer more options.

Key for our forwards is controlling the ruck. On our own ball we will hit the rucks hard and get rid of any Leicester threat. The closest men to the ruck will hit it as it is key for us not getting turned over. We don’t want to overcommit with ideally only 3 men needed to clear the ruck but we will use as many men as required to retain the ball.

Backs

Dickson and Burns will control our game. Dickson will control our pack and direction of our attacks whilst Burns will stand flat, test the Tiger’s defence at put others into space. In the midfield we have Roberts and Fritz who will cut lines all day to keep Leicester's midfield honest. We will specifically look to get Fritz running a hard decoy line at BOD’s inside shoulder so that we can isolate the Leicester wingers who we feel can be got at defensively and Kearney hitting a line behind Fritz trying to get a 2 on 1 with the Leicester winger. Roberts will be looking to hit the line hard and look to get across the gain line keeping his arms free and looking for the offload when it’s on.

Defence

We will look to employ a very quick defensive line where we put huge pressure on Wilkinson and the other key Leicester decision makers. We will be looking to double up in the tackle with one man taking the legs and the other the ball, and are determined to win the collisions.

At the breakdown we will look to get the turnover. If we can’t get the turnover we will look to legally slow the ball down and make it difficult for Yach.

It is absolutely key that we maintain our discipline, especially in our own half.

Key Points

- Retain the ball in Leicester half and use strong carriers to tie in defenders before spreading the ball wide.

- In our own half we kick directly to touch if we can or we kick to the Tiger’s wingers, either behind them or using up and unders.

- Look to get big runners In BOD’s channel so he can’t drift and we can isolate Leicester’s wingers.

- We have real impact on our bench. If we are chasing the game then we bring on Cooper at 10. If we are ahead and looking to close out then we bring on Laidlaw at 9. The other changes will be used when required.

by Steven_Sharks Tue 21 May 2013, 10:39 am

pleased with those conditions!

by LukeLovesLuka Tue 21 May 2013, 11:10 am

This is it Stevey boy!

by **Ozzy3213** Tue 21 May 2013, 11:14 am

This is going to be tough to call. Tactics need to be spot on.

by stnick88 Tue 21 May 2013, 11:39 am

Steves 5 year plan all comes down to this!!

by Steven_Sharks Tue 21 May 2013, 12:47 pm

Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Tony Woodcock	09. Lee Dickson
02. Schalk Brits	10. Freddie Burns (k)
03. John Afoa
04. Bakkies Botha	11. Tom Biggs
05. Steve Borthwick (c)	12. Jamie Roberts
06. Tom Wood	13. Florian Fritz
07. Michael Hooper	14. Yoann Huget
08. Pierre Spies	15. Rob Kearney

16. Rob Buchanan 17. Joe Marler 18. Juan Figallo 19. George Kruis 20. Nick Easter 21. Greig Laidlaw 22. Quade Cooper 23. Jonathan Joseph

Tactics

Game Plan

The basis of our game plan is to starve Leicester of the ball. We will look to retain possession and only kick the ball away when we are inside Wilkinson’s kicking range. We have packed our side with strong ball carriers who are comfortable taking the ball into contact and getting through a lot of carrying throughout the game.

These ball retention tactics will be employed differently depending on field position. In our own 22 we will look to clear to touch and look for our lineout led by Borthwick to really pressure the Leicester lineout. When we are in outside of our 22 but inside Wilkinson’s kicking range we will look to kick towards Ranger and Clerc using up and unders to test them as well as kicking behind them to test their kicking games. It is key that when we kick that we kick towards the wingers, as the windy conditions will make it tough under the high ball.

In the Leicester half we will not kick the ball. We will use our strong carriers in the pack to punch holes off 9 and 10 before with the intention of getting across the gainline and tieing in Leicester defenders. Dickson will control the direction of our attacks until Burns see’s the space outside and unleashes our backs with the Leicester defence disorganised. We have deliberately picked a pack with numerous line breakers and strong carriers, along with a bench packed with strong carriers up front. When the Leicester defence is organised we will look to shift the ball just before contact so as to hit a gap and get across the gain line. We will aim to move the Leicester pack around the field as we feel we are much more mobile as an 8.

Forwards

Up front we are looking for our pack to put continual pressure on their opponents. With ball in hand we are looking to carry the ball at pace, in numbers with the intention of winning the collisions and continue to pump the legs in contact and get across the gain line, setting the target for us to recycle to ball quickly at the breakdown. It is key for us to carry in numbers so that we can have a quick ruck, neutralise any Leicester players at the breakdown and get the ball away quickly. It also allows us the options for the offload should be break the line and it is on.

At the set piece we will look to exert pressure on Leicester and drive home any advantage we have over the opposition. At the scrum we will look for an immediate put in if we have won the hit so we can continue the drive, whilst if Leicester win the hit we will delay and look for a free kick or a penalty from the ref for an early drive. At the lineout we will look for Borthwick to control it as he has done all season. There are few better at stealing the ball that him and without a genuine world class lineout exponent in the Tiger’s pack, we are looking for him to put huge pressure of Leicester's throw. Botha, Wood and Spies will also look to pressure Tiger’s. On our own ball we will often use a shortened line with Hooper and Spies joining midfield to offer more options.

Key for our forwards is controlling the ruck. On our own ball we will hit the rucks hard and get rid of any Leicester threat. The closest men to the ruck will hit it as it is key for us not getting turned over. We don’t want to overcommit with ideally only 3 men needed to clear the ruck but we will use as many men as required to retain the ball.

Backs

Dickson and Burns will control our game. Dickson will control our pack and direction of our attacks whilst Burns will stand flat, test the Tiger’s defence at put others into space. In the midfield we have Roberts and Fritz who will cut lines all day to keep Leicester's midfield honest. We will specifically look to get Fritz running a hard decoy line at BOD’s inside shoulder so that we can isolate the Leicester wingers who we feel can be got at defensively and Kearney hitting a line behind Fritz trying to get a 2 on 1 with the Leicester winger. Roberts will be looking to hit the line hard and look to get across the gain line keeping his arms free and looking for the offload when it’s on.

Defence

We will look to employ a very quick defensive line where we put huge pressure on Wilkinson and the other key Leicester decision makers. We will be looking to double up in the tackle with one man taking the legs and the other the ball, and are determined to win the collisions.

At the breakdown we will look to get the turnover. If we can’t get the turnover we will look to legally slow the ball down and make it difficult for Yach.

It is absolutely key that we maintain our discipline, especially in our own half.

Key Points

- Retain the ball in Leicester half and use strong carriers to tie in defenders before spreading the ball wide.

- In our own half we kick directly to touch if we can or we kick to the Tiger’s wingers, either behind them or using up and unders.

- Look to get big runners In BOD’s channel so he can’t drift and we can isolate Leicester’s wingers.

- We have real impact on our bench. If we are chasing the game then we bring on Cooper at 10. If we are ahead and looking to close out then we bring on Laidlaw at 9. The other changes will be used when required.

by LukeLovesLuka Tue 21 May 2013, 1:03 pm

Leicester Tigers have named their side for the Aviva Premiership Final.

Tigers make two changes to the side that emphatically beat Newcastle Falcons 34-20 in the semi-final.

Vincent Clerc comes in alongside Rene Ranger and Isa Nacewa in the back three, and he replaces Ugo Monye who drops down to the bench. The other change sees Ernst Joubert come in at no.8 in place of Welsh back rower Ryan Jones, who drops out of the 23 altogether. James Scaysbrook and Monye on the bench are the only changes to the replacements, which also sees the likes of Tom Youngs, Gethin Jenkins, Geoff Parling and Kurtley Beale for Tigers to call upon.

Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Andrew Sheridan	09. Dimitri Yachvili
02. Stephen Moore	10. Jonny Wilkinson (k)
03. Dan Cole
04. Nathan Hines	11. Rene Ranger
05. James Horwill (c)	12. Billy Twelvetrees
06. Sean O'Brien	13. Brian O'Driscoll
07. Francois Louw	14. Vincent Clerc
08. Ernst Joubert	15. Isa Nacewa

16. Tom Youngs 17. Gethin Jenkins 18. Cencus Johnston 19. Geoff Parling 20. James Scaysbrook 22. Micky Young 22. Kurtley Beale 23. Ugo Monye

Play to our strengths and play a game built around our intelligent HB's controlling the game, using our very heavy pack (18st per player vs Quins 17st per player) - then look to get the runners in our back line into space.

Key Points:

Experience and Control at 2, 8, 9, 10 For Big Game
In a massive final like this, we have huge amounts of experience and intelligence in these key positions and we will aim to really control the game. Yach and Wilko to control the tempo of the game and where it is played. Quins lack real authority and control in these key decisions-making positions.

Use our Huge Pack to our Advantage
With a weight advantage of around 1 stone per man in the pack, and the likes of Twelvetrees and Ranger in the backline, we feel we can really out-power Quins. Use the strength in our team, dictated by our HB's, to dominate the opposition physically.

Target Burns and Biggs
We will consistently send the likes of SOB, Louw, Horwill and Hines down Quins' 10 channel and look to go straight through Burns. Look to really test Biggs' positional game with Yach and Wilko testing him with kicks in behind, and BOD and Clerc using their nous to test him in attack.

General Tactics:

- Yach and Wilko to control proceedings - but we're not here to kick the ball away. We have the personnel in our side to play a mixture of different styles, and we will play the game as we see it.

- In attacking play, we will play with the option of 2 first receivers in Wilko and Twelvetrees. Keep Quins guessing with our attacking options.

- Use the different style of runners in our backline. With the likes of BOD, Nacewa and Clerc we have exciting runners, and in Twelvetrees and Ranger some bigger runners. Mix up how we want to attack.

- Attack all scrums with our huge pack - Really look to get the shove on and if we are getting the advantage keep applying the pressure. Moore and Cole in particular to go hard on Woodcock and Brits.

- Target the lineout - led by Horwill. Big jumpers throughout the back five and we will mix up which jumpers we throw to on a consistent basis. Attack on all lineouts with the likes of Horwill and Joubert targeting Brits' throwing.
Shortened lineouts with Louw in midfield as crash/decoy option.

- Physical, abrasive pack made up of massive line-breakers. The likes of SOB, Horwill, Louw, Hines, Joubert and Moore to be used to win the collisions in attack. Play an offloading game.

- We will look to employ a blitz defence, focusing on a quick line speed to hit the ball carrier before he gets to the gainline, and look to win the collisions in defence. Yachvili to sweep behind with an eye on short kicks.

- Wilkinson to kick all penalties.

by stnick88 Tue 21 May 2013, 2:02 pm

No Warburton. big call!

by Steven_Sharks Tue 21 May 2013, 2:33 pm

Hooper's form can't be ignored!

by **Ozzy3213** Tue 21 May 2013, 2:54 pm

Just great to see two new finalists this year. I think we've only had 4 different finalists in the previous 4 years.

by LukeLovesLuka Tue 21 May 2013, 3:14 pm

Delighted the lions captain has been left out altogether....

by Steven_Sharks Tue 21 May 2013, 4:10 pm

Nearly as delighted as Quins with the inclusion of Kurtley! Weren't expecting that

by Steven_Sharks Tue 21 May 2013, 4:10 pm

Hoping to get tactics in some time tomorrow.

by LukeLovesLuka Tue 21 May 2013, 4:15 pm

Kurtley proved last week how much he can impact a game off the bench. Try and two assists wasn't it?

by LukeLovesLuka Tue 21 May 2013, 4:16 pm

Mine will be in thurs.

by LukeLovesLuka Thu 23 May 2013, 10:33 am

Tactics done. Best of luck Steve.

by LukeLovesLuka Thu 23 May 2013, 4:23 pm

Nearly 1100 words Steve...???

by Steven_Sharks Thu 23 May 2013, 4:24 pm

Didnt realise we had a word count. Whats the limit?

by LukeLovesLuka Thu 23 May 2013, 4:27 pm

500 is what I'm always trying to get under. No biggie mate. Just convincing people to read an essay that's all!

by Steven_Sharks Thu 23 May 2013, 4:30 pm

I just tend to type. Have cut them down a little and will do more later this evening if required. Most likely at 9 ish after gym and meeting.

by LukeLovesLuka Thu 23 May 2013, 5:03 pm

Like I say mate, no biggie.

by **Ozzy3213** Thu 23 May 2013, 6:13 pm

Limit has been 500 ish, but for final as only 2 sets to leave they can be whatever you want.

by prop_lyd Fri 24 May 2013, 8:43 am

28-27
Will try to explain next week, wanted to get a bit of a predo in on holiday though!

Well done both, a good year!!

by SirJohnnyEnglish Fri 24 May 2013, 7:05 pm

Leicester Tigers 23-18 Harlequins

Scrum: Good battle. Slight edge to Tigers but this isn’t a game changer.
Lineout: Both sides to hold their own ball but Quins with more options in attacking positions.
Breakdown: Can’t see either side slowing down opposition ball for any prolonged period. Both should see some good attacking ball.
HB's: Quins more capable of shifting the ball but 36 helps Wilko out there and Tigers better able to control the pace of the game.
Attack: Little more threat outwide for Tigers and feel their midfield is more capable of bringing others into play slightly but hasn’t the carrying of Quins’.
Defence: Burns hasn’t the best tackling stats and is susceptible to the big carriers. Ranger not the strongest either positionally.
Bench: Slight mark down for Buchanon thrown straight back in after his loan. Copper the player most capable of changing it up but some serious impact to come in for Tigers carrying wise.
Tactics: Tight affair here with both sides looking to play for territory first so advantage to Tigers with the halfbacks on show. Tigers making use of the weakness down Burns channel is also a plus. Neither side will get on top of the forward battle so being able to set the tempo is crucial and Tigers win the game here.

by Guest Sat 25 May 2013, 12:08 am

by LukeLovesLuka Sat 25 May 2013, 12:41 am

Wouldn't make the weight stat up matt. Did my research

by Guest Sat 25 May 2013, 7:41 am

Luke see notes on my edit^ that is not my final score

by stnick88 Sat 25 May 2013, 9:37 am

Tigers 25-23 Quins - think tigers get a nudge on upfront and their more experienced half back combo sees them control it and get the likes of clerc and ranger front foot ball. Burns not on top form has affected Quins. His goalkicking and defence not been the best recently. Boot of wilko makes big difference. Both good impact subs cooper can show some magic. Tigers have great forwards to bring on and see out game though. Well done both.

by **Ozzy3213** Sat 25 May 2013, 10:14 am

Leicester Tigers 22 Harlequins 26

First up, congratulations to both managers on reaching the final, two excellent squads and teams.

Forwards

Starting with Tigers, it's a physical, top class pack. Because it's a final, I am going to be probably ultra critical, so this is how I see it. The front row on paper is excellent, but there are weaknesses. Sheridan can struggle with shorter, more technical props, Moore can go awry at the lineout and Cole for me has been good but not at his very best this season. The second row I will be honest and say that at present I an't find any criticism for them. Hines has been in superb form and Horwill is world class and a real leader. Back row will be super physical and Louw has excellent form. Joubert has been below par though, and SOB has been out injured for a bit.

For Quins the front row is also strong and I could see working well as a unit. Brits maybe not the greatest in the scrum, but makes up for that with his loose play. Another top second row pair, both of whom have been in excellent form. In the back row I am a big fan of Wood and Hooper, but not really a fan of Spies, who for me lacks rugby intelligence.

As a battle I could see Quins getting on top in the scrum, but in reality I don't see that being a huge advantage here as conditions will dictate an open game without many scrums. With both teams playing a decent amount of tactical kicking, the lineout will be a key battle, and I see Quins having the edge here with Borthwick imperious and great support from Wood on Tigers throw. I also see Quins having a slight breakdown edge, with Hooper the standout, and good support elsewhere in the pack. Tight carrying I would go for Tigers, but in looser areas I think Quins can match them.

Backs

It's a top class test match halfback pairing for Tigers, against a top class AP pairing from Quins. I don't think either pair are actually completely suited to each other, but Wilko is in great form, and he gives Tigers the edge here. There is really very little in the outside backs, with two good units. Tactically I think Tigers win the backs battle, with players who can change their style, where the Quins guys are players that I would say only have one string their bow.

Benches

I'd take the Tigers front 5 forwards, but the Quins backs and Nick Easter, so really nothing to choose in impact terms.

Conclusion

Either team could win this with the players on show, and it would come down to who brought their A game on the day. Tactically I like that Quins have explicitly set out that they will use one gameplan in their own half and another when in Tigers territory. I also think that they have the personal to make the plan in their own half work well, with kicking for the lineout a a great option with Borthwick and Wood in their team. Tigers weight advantage up front is not a major factor in good conditions, and if anything the slightly lighter Quins guys might get some joy in looser areas. I'm really sorry Luke, but as I have got to the end of analysing the teams and tactics, I have talked myself a Quins win, with the right gameplan for the conditions and their players and to counter your team and tactics.

by dammit_chris Sat 25 May 2013, 12:25 pm

Tigers 21 - 22 Quins

This has been the hardest game to predict all season, which over the course of the whole thing I would say that Tigers have been not only the best team but the hardest to beat as hardly any team can match their power and ability to get into winning positions and grind out results. So overall they would have deserved to win, but this is a one off game and I have opted for the narrowest of Quins wins (would have been a draw but as it is a final I had to pick one to win).

Conditions and venue - I think both suit Quins more, the open expanses of Twickenham and the good conditions are ideal for them and they have a few players who are more than capable of winning a game with a spark of magic. Rain, wind or anything where the elements mean a more forward orientated game and no doubt that Tigers would have grinded this out for a 5/6point win.

Pack - Tigers have a brutal pack, but conditions mean they wont be able to make full use of this advantage and Quins have a quicker unit and a very, very good lineout with Wood and Borthwick. Tigers will certainly be able to get a lot of front foot ball though and have the advantage in the scrum and maul, whilst I see that Quins get a slight advantage in lineouts and the breakdown.

Backs - You know that you get control and power from Tigers, throughout the season I think I have always said they lack that little bit of spark that allows them to mix it up or score from long distance. Whilst Quins have Roberts who can straighten up the middle and the genius of Burns, who is a big match player.

More ball for the Tigers backs, but as long as Quins make their tackles and contain them up the middle I can't see Tigers taking advantage, if they had a player that injected some pace in any of the 9,10,12 or 13 shirts then it would be a game changer. Quins have match winners and I can see them getting the only try of the game, which is the difference, espc as they will get some v good attacking ball from lineouts.

Tactics and benches - can't fault anyone here, said above that it is the conditions that are Tigers undoing and the thing that helps Quins win it by the smallest of margins and just about keep the power of Tigers from winning what would have been a deserved league title!

Well done to both, definitely best two teams in the final this year, and sorry Luke, I do think you've had the best team over the course of the season, but conditions are ideal for Quins this time.

by Driver Sat 25 May 2013, 1:30 pm

Leicester Tigers 23 Harlequins 20

Can see tigers getting some joy up front with Sherry improving on his body angle on the engage this year so doesnt really struggle against small props as much as he used too. Lineout Horwill will bank plent of tigers ball but moore is a bit iffy with his throw. Back rows typical tigers power with very little between them.

Half backs tigers control the game a wee bit better.

Will do backs later if have time

by DHLS07 Sat 25 May 2013, 2:59 pm

Leicester Tigers 21-27 Harlequins
I can't see where Leicester are going to score tries from. Their pack will set them up well, but I don't think Yach and Wilko can get them moving outside of that. The only way I see them scoring a try is off turnover ball, and they won't win that battle with Quins having picked a team to do a job at the breakdown. It comes down to can Quins score more getting over the whitewash than Tigers can from Wilko's boot. I think they can, Burns is made for a day like today and if he gets Roberts running striaght then gaps will appear outside for Quins to exploit. Cooper will then see them home from a small lead whne he gets onto the field.

by Guest Sat 25 May 2013, 4:30 pm

Leicester 23-24 Quins
Tough game to call.

Think conditions favour Quins and can't see Leicester doing much due to their halfbacks.

Front row to Quins just. Afoa can get at sherry and woodcock cole is a tussle woodcock could win. Tight battle.

Locks one a piece with horwill and Bakkies winners. Leicester get extra grunt through their pairing but the conditions mean there will be few scrums.

Back row for me Quins take by a bit. Has a great balance and I think hooper could menace the breakdown.

Joubert at 8 is a weak carrier and not been great. 2 Leicester flanks are very powerful but think Quins have a higher work rate and better on the deck. This is key for me.

Leicester have better half backs but for me yach and wilko kill the chance to play expansively.

Leicester probably take outside backs but for me but they will not fire. Agree with Chris that if Leicester had a pacy punchy type of centre it may be different.

Cooper will come on and spark the game.

I originally thought this would be higher scoring but Leicester are so tight and brutal in defence that I see it being less high scoring.

Great game and 2 deserved teams but i think Leicesters heavy pack and tight game plan is less effective in these conditions. In different conditions they would have won

by **Ozzy3213** Sat 25 May 2013, 4:39 pm

Fluxy and CJB to predo, and this is on a knife edge!

by LukeLovesLuka Sat 25 May 2013, 5:01 pm

Jeez....is it level in terms of wins predicted?

by **Ozzy3213** Sat 25 May 2013, 5:02 pm

Yes mate 4-4. This is reminiscent of a few years back when I played Mat in the final and we ended up going to penalties!!!

by LukeLovesLuka Sat 25 May 2013, 5:03 pm

Lol. How did penalties work with predictions?

by Fluxy Sat 25 May 2013, 5:04 pm

I will get mine in much later, unless you want them in sooner Pete

by **Ozzy3213** Sat 25 May 2013, 5:07 pm

The sooner the better mate, in case we end up with a draw and then need everyone to predict again.

There were 9 set criteria that we went head to head on Luke. I nicked it 5-4 from memory I think.

by Guest Sat 25 May 2013, 5:11 pm

I am still bitter about that one Pete lol.

by **Ozzy3213** Sat 25 May 2013, 5:12 pm

I would be too mate! Laugh

by **Ozzy3213** Sat 25 May 2013, 5:18 pm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A69194073?s_fromedit=1&s_type=10&s_sport=other

by LukeLovesLuka Sat 25 May 2013, 5:25 pm

Haha, the jip Matthew gave me when I played Mermoz at 13!

by Guest Sat 25 May 2013, 5:32 pm

LukeLovesLuka wrote:Haha, the jip Matthew gave me when I played Mermoz at 13!

He certainly is not a 13. We were much less developed as teams then that's for sure. Look at my team and bench compared to yours now.

Mermoz was sensational at 12 that season voted best player in France. Had to shoehorn him in to 13

by Fluxy Sun 26 May 2013, 6:53 am

Leicester Tigers 26 - 24 Harlequins

Up front in the tight its just about all square. Enough power supporting the props from the engine rooms and their respective techniques are all quite strong, although there can be case made against Woodcock recently.
In the open Tigers front five can impose themselves more in the game with a mixture of carrying, rucking and jackling, helping out their flankers. Whereas Quins front five, they are a bit more influential in their carrying but lack a little in the other departments.
In the lineouts both are even, so again both sides are going to secure their own possession well throughout the game.
This bares some influence on to the backrows, but both are cracking and well balanced and negate each other well. Therefore up front we are lacking a great contest up front, with both forwards giving no-quarter. the experience of Quins could lean the game more in their favour, but the leadership of Horwill will galvanise the Tigers.

Half back battle is intriguing. Yach and Wilko great game managers and will help Tigers take hold of the game. Quins will be a little overwhelmed in that respect but make up for it in flair from Burns and consistency from Dickson. Having BOD and 3 outside Wilko will allow him to attack and play with some freedom. Roberts and fritz offer good options and variation for Burns, and against Tigers pair its a good test. However BOD's intelligence can manage the pair. Both back three's contain great finishers, but there is a little more creativity to come from the Tigers unit.

Tigers bench has a great impact up front, and the impact of Beale will tell late on. Quins have a greater all round influence from their bench, and this helps them change the game. If this was a league game it'd be a draw. Both sides are equal in quality and the tactics from both lads are great.

In the end I just feel that the presence of quality kickers in the Tigers backs help them maintain pressure and hold on to win the game and cap a great season for themselves.

by **Ozzy3213** Sun 26 May 2013, 10:33 am

Just waiting on CJB now then.

by CJB Sun 26 May 2013, 11:59 am

Tigers 26-27 Quins
Such a close game. Quins have an advantage in the front row but can't see many scrums in the conditions. The second rows are both very strong but with Wood I just about Quins getting the line out advantage but not significant. Back rows also very tight especially on the flanks, can see Hooper dominating the breakdown. Half backs go to Tigers with great quality however Quins pair can get them attacking better. Tigers do have the better outside backs but it is arguable how much of the time they will see the ball. Benches are hard to separate.

by **Ozzy3213** Sun 26 May 2013, 12:06 pm

Well, I think it will come as no surprise to anybody, it's a draw....

Leicester Tigers 26 Harlequins 26

From reading back over when this last happened, we gave the managers the opportunity to post up what changes they have on from the bench, and a brief rundown of how they would play in extra time. Then everyone predicted from a starting point of 26 all. I see no reason why we don't do that again this time, so Luke and Steve, could you please post up your teams with whichever bench players you would have on at this point, and I will then re-open predictions.

by LukeLovesLuka Sun 26 May 2013, 12:37 pm

I'm busy today, out for most of it. Will do when I can

by Steven_Sharks Sun 26 May 2013, 12:38 pm

Harlequins side for extra time

Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Ben Franks	09. Greig Laidlaw
02. Rob Buchanan	10. Quade Cooper
03. Juan Figallo
04. Bakkies Botha	11. Tom Biggs
05. Steve Borthwick (c)	12. Jamie Roberts
06. Tom Wood	13. Florian Fritz
07. Michael Hooper	14. Yoann Huget
08. Nick Easter	15. Rob Kearney

Remaining Subs: 19 George Kruis. 23. Jonathan Joseph.

Tactics

First of all we have brought on fresh player in key positions. We are fresh in the front row and at 8, 9 and 10. With Easter and Laidlaw, we have players who will control our game well and in Cooper we have a magician who can exploit the gaps which will be present. In defence, Laidlaw will defend at 10 with Cooper sweeping as a 2nd full back.

If its allowed, I will add some brief game-related tactics when I see Luke's side, as it makes a considerable difference.

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