Aviva Premiership Round Six

by **Ozzy3213** Mon 06 Oct 2014, 1:59 pm

First topic message reminder :

So round five produced yet more excitement as what is shaping up to be a great season continued at a pace. On Friday night Bath Rugby laid down another marker, ending Saracens unbeaten start to the season at The Rec, and temporarily put themselves back at the top of the table. Saturdays games saw Quins get back on track, nilling a hapless Welsh side who look to be relegated, even this early in the season, Saints edged out Irish in a tight affair were defences were on top, and Gloucester heaped more misery on Tigers with a comfortable win at Kingsholm. Sundays offering saw Sale Sharks get one over on Wasps, to keep the middle of the table tight, and Newcastle ended their 20 game losing streak by beating high flying Exeter Chiefs at Kingston Park.

Predictions wise, it was 5 from 6 for me this week on here, with Tigers letting me down. I was only 4 from 6 elsewhere (the bookies) as I can't bet against my own team!

So here's the table after round 5;-

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	TF	TA	TBP	LBP	PTS
1.	Northampton Saints	5	4	0	1	154	72	+82	18	6	3	1	20
2.	Bath Rugby	5	4	0	1	172	88	+84	19	11	2	1	19
3.	Saracens	5	4	0	1	160	100	+60	15	12	2	0	18
4.	Exeter Chiefs	5	3	0	2	157	88	+69	16	9	1	2	15
5.	Gloucester	5	3	0	2	141	131	+10	15	15	1	1	14
6.	Harlequins	5	3	0	2	111	113	-2	12	9	1	0	13
7.	London Irish	5	2	0	3	101	112	-11	7	10	1	3	12
8.	Sale Sharks	5	2	0	3	137	125	+12	18	12	2	1	11
9	Wasps	5	2	0	3	120	119	+1	14	12	1	2	11
10.	Leicester Tigers	5	2	0	3	95	137	-42	8	13	1	1	10
11.	Newcastle Falcons	5	1	0	4	92	150	-58	11	17	0	1	5
12.	London Welsh	5	0	0	5	44	249	-205	6	33	1	0	1

On to this weeks fixtures;-

Friday 10th October 2014 19:45 Leicester Tigers vs. Harlequins

Back at Welford Road after three straight defeats, Tigers will be desperate to win this one, but will need to be a whole lot better than they were against Gloucester to do so. Quins will be buoyed by their nilling of Welsh, but that result will have little bearing on this game in reality. It's not easy to call this one, but I can't see Tigers losing a second one on the bounce at home, so am going for a Tigers win with a Quins losing bonus point in a scrappy game.

Saturday 11th October 2014 14:30 London Welsh vs. Newcastle Falcons

This is seriously must win for Welsh, even at this early stage of the season. Falcons are now up and running after beating the Chiefs, and if they can back that up this weekend with another win there will be clear daylight between themselves and Welsh, and it's tough to see where Welsh will make up the points at this stage. Having said that, Welsh will know that this is it, they have to step up now. They will need to keep in the game against a Falcons side that will come with renewed confidence, and will have to close things out better. I can't see it. For Falcons fans this one will be like London buses, you wait forever for one and then two come along at once.

Saturday 11th October 2014 15:00 Exeter Chiefs vs. London Irish

Two sides off the back of defeats last week and both will be keen to finish this block of Premiership games on a high. Both had plenty of the ball at the weekend but couldn't quite get the job done, and whoever is going to win this one will need to be more clinical. On paper the sides are evenly matched and both have exceeded most peoples pre season expectations of them. I can't quantify why really, but I just fancy us to win this one, will be tight though and I expect the Chiefs to be within 7 at the death.

Saturday 11th October 2014 15:00 Saracens vs. Gloucester

Gloucester have been really up and down this season, but have picked up a couple of good wins on the way. Saracens I don't think have really hit top gear yet, but have had too much for everyone bar an in form Bath last week. Back at Allianz Park, they won't want to lose two on the bounce, and I don't think Gloucester are yet in a place to go there and beat them. I think Saracens will go up a notch in preparation for their European game the following week, and will send Gloucester back west with nothing, whilst notching up a try bonus point themselves.

Saturday 11th October 2014 15:15 Northampton Saints vs. Sale Sharks

Sale had a good win yesterday, but Saints are a whole different prospect to Wasps and this will be a much tougher proposition for them. Saints don't lose many at the Gardens and will want to consolidate their position at the top of the table with another win before the European break. Sale will need their pack to give them a platform and if they do, then in Danny Cipriani they have a 10 who could pull of a win for them. Sadly for them, I see the Saints pack dominating, and if that happens they will win this one comfortably, and with bonus point.

Sunday 12th October 2014 14:00 Wasps vs. Bath Rugby

Bath are flying high right now, and will fancy picking up an away win here. In Ford, Eastmond and Joseph they have the in form 10-12-13 combination in the league, if not the northern hemisphere. Wasps don't quite seem to know what their best back line is just yet, and as shown yesterday, their biggest weapons can also be their biggest weaknesses, as we saw with Christian Wade scoring a great try, but also handing Sale one on a plate. If they make errors defensively like that against Bath they'll get punished. This looks a high scorer to me, possibly 5 points for Bath, and 2 for Wasps.

Ozzy's predicted table after round 6;-

Northampton Saints 25, Bath Rugby 24, Saracens 23, Exeter Chiefs 16, London Irish 16, Gloucester 14, Harlequins 14, Leicester Tigers 14, Wasps 13, Sale Sharks 11, Newcastle Falcons 10, London Welsh 1.

by **Ozzy3213** Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:04 pm

London Irish team to play Exeter Chiefs:

15. Andrew Fenby; 14. Alex Lewington; 13.Eamonn Sheridan; 12. Shane Geraghty*; 11. Topsy Ojo*; 10. Chris Noakes; 9. Scott Steele; 1. Tom Court*; 2. David Paice*; 3. Halani Aulika*; 4. George Skivington (Captain); 5. Jebb Sinclair*; 6. Kieran Low*; 7. Tom Guest; 8. Luke Narraway*

Replacements: 16. Jimmy Stevens; 17. Matt Parr; 18. Geoff Cross*; 19. Dan Leo*; 20. Blair Cowan*; 21. Tomás O’Leary*; 22. Fergus Mulchrone; 23. James Short

by Geordie Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:06 pm

Bath Rugby side to face ~~Wasps~~ Coventry

15. Gavin Henson
14. Semesa Rokoduguni
13. Jonathan Joseph
12. Kyle Eastmond
11. Anthony Watson
10. George Ford
9. Chris Cook
1. Paul James
2. Rob Webber
3. David Wilson
4. Stuart Hooper ( c )
5. Dave Attwood
6. Alafoti Fa'osiliva
7. Guy Mercer
8. Leroy Houston
Replacements
16. Ross Batty
17. Nick Auterac
18. Henry Thomas
19. Dominic Day
20. David Sisi
21. Micky Young
22. Ollie Devoto
23. Olly Woodburn

by **LondonTiger** Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:08 pm

NEWCASTLE FALCONS

15.Alex Tait, 14. Sinoti Sinoti, 13. Gonzalo Tiesi, 12. Adam Powell, 11. Noah Cato, 10. Juan Pablo Socino, 9. Ruki Tipuna; 1. Kieran Brookes, 2. Scott Lawson, 3. Scott Wilson, 4. Calum Green, 5. Dom Barrow, 6. Mark Wilson, 7. Will Welch (c), 8. Ally Hogg.

Replacements 16.Rob Hawkins, 17. Alex Rogers, 18. Oliver Tomaszczyk, 19. Josh Furno, 20. Richard Mayhew, 21. Mike Blair, 22. Rory Clegg, 23. Tom Catterick

by Geordie Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:08 pm

Falcons for Welsh

NEWCASTLE FALCONS

1. Kieran Brookes
2. Scott Lawson
3. Scott Wilson
4. Calum Green
5. Dom Barrow
6. Mark Wilson
7. Will Welch (c)
8. Ally Hogg.

9. Ruki Tipuna
10. Juan Pablo Socino

11. Noah Cato
12. Adam Powell
13. Gonzalo Tiesi
14. Sinoti Sinoti
15.Alex Tait,

Replacements 16.Rob Hawkins, 17. Alex Rogers, 18. Oliver Tomaszczyk, 19. Josh Furno, 20. Richard Mayhew, 21. Mike Blair, 22. Rory Clegg, 23. Tom Catterick

by Geordie Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:09 pm

Dayam LT...that was quick

by **LondonTiger** Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:10 pm

Ozzy3213 wrote:London Irish team to play Exeter Chiefs:

15. Andrew Fenby; 14. Alex Lewington; 13.Eamonn Sheridan; 12. Shane Geraghty*; 11. Topsy Ojo*; 10. Chris Noakes; 9. Scott Steele; 1. Tom Court*; 2. David Paice*; 3. Halani Aulika*; 4. George Skivington (Captain); 5. Jebb Sinclair*; 6. Kieran Low*; 7. Tom Guest; 8. Luke Narraway*

Replacements: 16. Jimmy Stevens; 17. Matt Parr; 18. Geoff Cross*; 19. Dan Leo*; 20. Blair Cowan*; 21. Tomás O’Leary*; 22. Fergus Mulchrone; 23. James Short

Blimey. Has he ever played there before?

by HongKongCherry Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:10 pm

Sarries:
15. Ben Ransom; 14. Chris Ashton, 13. Chris Wyles, 12.Brad Barritt, 11. David Strettle; 10. Charlie Hodgson, 9. Richard Wigglewsorth; 1. Richard Barrington, 2. Schalk Brits, 3. Kieran Longbottom, 4. Jim Hamilton, 5. Alistair Hargreaves ©, 6. Ernst Joubert, 7. Kelly Brown, 8. Billy Vunipola.

Replacements; 16. Jamie George, 17. Rhys Gill, 18. James Johnston, 19. George Kruis, 20.Will Fraser, 21. Neil De Kock 22. Marcelo Bosch, 23. Alex Goode

Glaws:
Rob Cook; Charlie Sharples, Henry Purdy, Billy Twelvetrees, Jonny May; James Hook, Greig Laidlaw; Nick Wood, Richard Hibbard, John Afoa; Tom Savage, Tom Palmer; Sione Kalamafoni, Matt Kvesic, Ben Morgan

Replacements:
Darren Dawidiuk, Yann Thomas, Sila Puafisi, Elliott Stooke, Ross Moriarty, Dan Robson, Mark Atkinson, Billy Meakes

by Driver Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:10 pm

Sinoti could get a handful of tries this weekend for me , bloke is quality. If he was playing in a top 6 side they would be raving about him.

by **LondonTiger** Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:10 pm

Saracens team to face Gloucester:

15. Ben Ransom; 14. Chris Ashton, 13. Chris Wyles, 12 .Brad Barritt, 11. David Strettle; 10. Charlie Hodgson, 9. Richard Wigglewsorth; 1. Richard Barrington, 2. Schalk Brits, 3. Kieran Longbottom, 4. Jim Hamilton, 5. Alistair Hargreaves ©, 6. Ernst Joubert, 7. Kelly Brown, 8. Billy Vunipola.

Replacements; 16. Jamie George, 17. Rhys Gill, 18. James Johnston, 19. George Kruis, 20. Will Fraser, 21. Neil De Kock, 22. Marcelo Bosch, 23. Alex Goode.

by **LondonTiger** Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:11 pm

Driver wrote:Sinoti could get a handful of tries this weekend for me , bloke is quality. If he was playing in a top 6 side they would be raving about him.

his handling let him down against us. Still his try saving tackle on Logo is still my season's highlight

by Geordie Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:12 pm

Agree Driver...Sinoti would be the best thing since sliced bread...but because he plays for us...no mention.

But hey thats fine by me... Very Happy

hes ours....

by **Ozzy3213** Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:17 pm

LondonTiger wrote:
Ozzy3213 wrote:London Irish team to play Exeter Chiefs:

15. Andrew Fenby; 14. Alex Lewington; 13.Eamonn Sheridan; 12. Shane Geraghty*; 11. Topsy Ojo*; 10. Chris Noakes; 9. Scott Steele; 1. Tom Court*; 2. David Paice*; 3. Halani Aulika*; 4. George Skivington (Captain); 5. Jebb Sinclair*; 6. Kieran Low*; 7. Tom Guest; 8. Luke Narraway*

Replacements: 16. Jimmy Stevens; 17. Matt Parr; 18. Geoff Cross*; 19. Dan Leo*; 20. Blair Cowan*; 21. Tomás O’Leary*; 22. Fergus Mulchrone; 23. James Short

Blimey. Has he ever played there before?

Not sure, but he is pacy and mobile. It's an interesting back row line up, and I can only think it's selected with a set purpose in mind. He's also a great lineout option, so perhaps we might be looking to target that area.

by Driver Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:18 pm

He's absolute quality , Everytime i see him he just beats people with he's feet and then smashes over someone. I'd argue with Kieron Brookes and Dom Barrow he's our key player.

by **Ozzy3213** Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:22 pm

GeordieFalcon wrote:Agree Driver...Sinoti would be the best thing since sliced bread...but because he plays for us...no mention.

But hey thats fine by me... hes ours....

He looks like your most potent attacking threat to me. Good player.

by Bathman_in_London Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:22 pm

Great to see Chris Cook get another start at SH for Bath, really pleased that he is taking his chances.
Loads of young EQPs in the match day squad too, great to see. I'm a little worried that Coventry will come out firing, backs to the wall sort of thing.

by SirBurger Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:26 pm

I agree - Sinoti Sinoti is a really dangerous player. Definitely the player I was most worried about when we played you guys.

by Geordie Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:27 pm

Ozzy3213 wrote:
GeordieFalcon wrote:Agree Driver...Sinoti would be the best thing since sliced bread...but because he plays for us...no mention.

But hey thats fine by me... hes ours....

He looks like your most potent attacking threat to me. Good player.

Absolutely...he can play either way...he has dancing feet and can side step with the best of them...but if need be he is a powerhouse and can smash over the top. We got a gem in him.

If he was with one of the better sides he would score a hatful i think.

by Driver Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:30 pm

Even at Zebra he's scored a pearler against Leinster

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppPSU3lkgVY

This is the step i was referring to against Chiefs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eD4H5ocl8k

by **LondonTiger** Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:38 pm

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS TEAM TO PLAY SALE
Aviva Premiership R6
Franklin’s Gardens
Saturday, October 11th, 2014
Kick off 3:15pm
15 Ben FODEN
14 Ken PISI
13 George PISI
12 Luther BURRELL
11 Jamie ELLIOTT
10 Stephen MYLER
9 Lee DICKSON
1 Alex WALLER
2 Mike HAYWOOD
3 Salesi MA’AFU
4 Courtney LAWES
5 James CRAIG
6 Tom WOOD (capt)
7 Jon FISHER
8 Samu MANOA

Replacements
16 Dylan HARTLEY
17 Ethan WALLER
18 Gareth DENMAN
19 Christian DAY
20 Calum CLARK
21 Kahn FOTUALI’I
22 James WILSON
23 George NORTH

Hartley returns to action on the bench

by **LondonTiger** Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:39 pm

And Sharks

Luke McLean, Tom Brady, Jonny Leota, Mark Jennings, Tom Arscott, Danny Cipriani, Chris Cusiter, Ross Harrison, Marc Jones, Vadim Cobilas, Josh Beaumont, Michael Paterson, Magnus Lund, David Seymour (Captain), Mark Easter

Replacements Cameron Neild, Alberto de Marchi, Eifion Lewis Roberts, Jonathan Mills, Viliami Fihaki, Will Cliff, Joe Ford, Andy Forsyth

by **LondonTiger** Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:40 pm

CHIEFS SIDE TO FACE LONDON IRISH 15 Phil Dollman 14 Jack Nowell 13 Henry Slade 12 Sam Hill 11 Matt Jess 10 Gareth Steenson 9 Will Chudley 1 Carl Rimmer 2 Jack Yeandle (capt) 3 Tomas Francis 4 Mitch Lees 5 Damian Welch 6 Dave Ewers 7 Don Armand 8 Thomas Waldrom
16 Elvis Taione 17 Brett Sturgess 18 Moray Low 19 Ryan Caldwell 20 Kai Horstmann 21 Haydn Thomas 22 Ian Whitten 23 Tom James -

by Geordie Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:40 pm

He's class...but what concerned me...is the number of empty seats in the stands.

Im afraid (and ive just posted on the unoffy) the prices are too high.

The West Stand is empty...£40 per ticket for West Stand A, £30 for West Stand B. That is the same for the Bucharest Euro game next friday. I checked and that game is near enough empty? Thats craxzy.

Now i know they need to make money, but i just think a bit of thought is needed.

Reduce the prices a bit, and with more people in the stadium you get a better atmosphere and people will spend more on Food and Drink etc etc.

by **LondonTiger** Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:41 pm

Saturday’s meeting will be the first-ever between London Welsh and Newcastle Falcons.

London Welsh: 15. Seb Jewell, 14. Seb Stegmann, 13. Nic Reynolds, 12. Tom May* (C), 11. Nick Scott, 10. Olly Barkley*, 9. Piri Weepu*, 1. Pablo Henn*, 2. Nathan Morris, 3. Taione Vea*, 4. Matt Corker, 5. James Down, 6. Peter Browne 7. Richard Thorpe, 8. Chris Hala’ufia*.

Replacements: 16. Nathan Vella, 17. Shane Cahill, 18. Jack Gilding, 19. Dean Schofield*, 20. Ben Pienaar, 21. Rob Lewis, 22. Tristan Roberts, 23. Rhys Crane.

by Geordie Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:42 pm

Peter Browne is a former falcons academy lad and Tom May is a falcons fan favorite.

by **LondonTiger** Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:44 pm

GeordieFalcon wrote:Peter Browne is a former falcons academy lad and Tom May is a falcons fan favorite.

Among the LW players whose better days a some years behind them.

by **Ozzy3213** Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:46 pm

GeordieFalcon wrote:He's class...but what concerned me...is the number of empty seats in the stands.

Im afraid (and ive just posted on the unoffy) the prices are too high.

The West Stand is empty...£40 per ticket for West Stand A, £30 for West Stand B. That is the same for the Bucharest Euro game next friday. I checked and that game is near enough empty? Thats craxzy.

Now i know they need to make money, but i just think a bit of thought is needed.

Reduce the prices a bit, and with more people in the stadium you get a better atmosphere and people will spend more on Food and Drink etc etc.

We have similar problems with attendance GF. Gates of around 6,000 for the first two home games. To be fair the club are trying, and have put together a cracking package for the Rovigo game next week to try to get bums on seats. Breakfast at the training ground at Hazelwood, then coach to the Madejski, match ticket and then coach back to Hazelwood, all for £20.

by Geordie Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:50 pm

i think clubs like ours need to be a bit more intelligent.

Whats the point having a half empty stadium for games like Exeter etc. These are good games to watch. Drop the price...get more bums on seats...who in turn then spend money on food and drink.

Also it may attract new fans who baulk at paying to much for a ticket...but once they've experienced a game may think differently.

by Driver Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:52 pm

That's a great deal.

GF ,

They do a good offer on group deals if you get 15 people going you get tickets for £10pp , I get them at a reduced rate being a club ambassador for Falcons so if your after cheap ones give me a shout bud.

Same for anyone on here.

thumbsup

by kingelderfield Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:52 pm

HongKongCherry wrote:Sarries:
15. Ben Ransom; 14. Chris Ashton, 13. Chris Wyles, 12.Brad Barritt, 11. David Strettle; 10. Charlie Hodgson, 9. Richard Wigglewsorth; 1. Richard Barrington, 2. Schalk Brits, 3. Kieran Longbottom, 4. Jim Hamilton, 5. Alistair Hargreaves ©, 6. Ernst Joubert, 7. Kelly Brown, 8. Billy Vunipola.

Replacements; 16. Jamie George, 17. Rhys Gill, 18. James Johnston, 19. George Kruis, 20.Will Fraser, 21. Neil De Kock 22. Marcelo Bosch, 23. Alex Goode

Glaws:
Rob Cook; Charlie Sharples, Henry Purdy, Billy Twelvetrees, Jonny May; James Hook, Greig Laidlaw; Nick Wood, Richard Hibbard, John Afoa; Tom Savage, Tom Palmer; Sione Kalamafoni, Matt Kvesic, Ben Morgan

Replacements:
Darren Dawidiuk, Yann Thomas, Sila Puafisi, Elliott Stooke, Ross Moriarty, Dan Robson, Mark Atkinson, Billy Meakes

Great to see players back in the mix, lets hope they stay fit.

I note Farrell is not selected. Does anyone have any news?

by **Ozzy3213** Fri 10 Oct 2014, 12:54 pm

Absolutely GF. It's compounded for us by playing in such a big stadium. 6,000 spread over 3 stands is a nightmare for creating atmosphere. The other thing the club are doing for the Rovigo game is closing the South Stand, so it's just the East and West open, in the hope that it helps create a better atmosphere.

by kingelderfield Fri 10 Oct 2014, 1:04 pm

GeordieFalcon wrote:Bath Rugby side to face ~~Wasps~~ Coventry

15. Gavin Henson
14. Semesa Rokoduguni
13. Jonathan Joseph
12. Kyle Eastmond
11. Anthony Watson
10. George Ford
9. Chris Cook
1. Paul James
2. Rob Webber
3. David Wilson
4. Stuart Hooper ( c )
5. Dave Attwood
6. Alafoti Fa'osiliva
7. Guy Mercer
8. Leroy Houston
Replacements
16. Ross Batty
17. Nick Auterac
18. Henry Thomas
19. Dominic Day
20. David Sisi
21. Micky Young
22. Ollie Devoto
23. Olly Woodburn

Bath really do have a depth of quality in their squad, with many to come back into contention. However am I right in thinking Wilson has played every game so far this season? Surely the EPS was created to stop players being run into the ground? I can't see him being rested in the european games so basically he'll have one weekend off before the All Blacks - somebody please tell that I'm wrong?

We've seen it with Cole and now it appears we're re-watching the same slow motion car crash with David Wilson - stewie at the wheel but he can't reach the peddle's!

by Welly Fri 10 Oct 2014, 1:10 pm

Don't know about depth of quality TBH.

Who do they have to come back of note outside the back row?

Think they will struggle in the International windows more than most if the in form players get picked.

by HammerofThunor Fri 10 Oct 2014, 1:21 pm

kingelderfield wrote:However am I right in thinking Wilson has played every game so far this season? Surely the EPS was created to stop players being run into the ground? I can't see him being rested in the european games so basically he'll have one weekend off before the All Blacks - somebody please tell that I'm wrong?

We've seen it with Cole and now it appears we're re-watching the same slow motion car crash with David Wilson - stewie at the wheel but he can't reach the peddle's!

He has played in 5 games however he is rotated a lot. So he only averages about 47 mins per game. In total he's played 233 mins, Mike Ross (for comparison) has played 226 mins in four games. Is it better to play less time per game but more games or fewer games and longer in each? Not sure.

EDIT: Cole often seemed to have played for the full 80 or for 70+ mins per game, both for England and Leicester (I think there were quite a few England games where he stayed on for the whole game).

by kingelderfield Fri 10 Oct 2014, 1:28 pm

Welly wrote:Don't know about depth of quality TBH.

Who do they have to come back of note outside the back row?

Think they will struggle in the International windows more than most if the in form players get picked.

Agreed outside the BR I can only think of the wing Agulla, still quite a BR to bring back plus you know who..... Run

by yappysnap Fri 10 Oct 2014, 1:37 pm

HammerofThunor wrote:
kingelderfield wrote:However am I right in thinking Wilson has played every game so far this season? Surely the EPS was created to stop players being run into the ground? I can't see him being rested in the european games so basically he'll have one weekend off before the All Blacks - somebody please tell that I'm wrong?

We've seen it with Cole and now it appears we're re-watching the same slow motion car crash with David Wilson - stewie at the wheel but he can't reach the peddle's!

He has played in 5 games however he is rotated a lot. So he only averages about 47 mins per game. In total he's played 233 mins, Mike Ross (for comparison) has played 226 mins in four games. Is it better to play less time per game but more games or fewer games and longer in each? Not sure.

EDIT: Cole often seemed to have played for the full 80 or for 70+ mins per game, both for England and Leicester (I think there were quite a few England games where he stayed on for the whole game).

I'd be more worried about Marler on the other side, as captain he's now playing just about every minute of every game which is a lot.

by kingelderfield Fri 10 Oct 2014, 1:39 pm

HammerofThunor wrote:
kingelderfield wrote:However am I right in thinking Wilson has played every game so far this season? Surely the EPS was created to stop players being run into the ground? I can't see him being rested in the european games so basically he'll have one weekend off before the All Blacks - somebody please tell that I'm wrong?

We've seen it with Cole and now it appears we're re-watching the same slow motion car crash with David Wilson - stewie at the wheel but he can't reach the peddle's!

He has played in 5 games however he is rotated a lot. So he only averages about 47 mins per game. In total he's played 233 mins, Mike Ross (for comparison) has played 226 mins in four games. Is it better to play less time per game but more games or fewer games and longer in each? Not sure.

EDIT: Cole often seemed to have played for the full 80 or for 70+ mins per game, both for England and Leicester (I think there were quite a few England games where he stayed on for the whole game).

Cheers Hammer,

Well I suppose that is some relief, though rotation for me means non selection not an early'ish bath......It still means he will probably start 11 games in the first 13 of the season, assumming 6 jeff, 2 euro, 3 internationals (resting EPS week before AB's and against Somao) if he stay's fit that is....and if he dosn't then we'll need more than a paddle.

by Geordie Fri 10 Oct 2014, 1:49 pm

But we have Brookes...who is a cracking player.

Henry Thomas whos' no devasting scrum wrecker...but he's done ok when he's come on and has been round the squad for quite a while.

by kingelderfield Fri 10 Oct 2014, 1:54 pm

yappysnap wrote:
HammerofThunor wrote:
kingelderfield wrote:However am I right in thinking Wilson has played every game so far this season? Surely the EPS was created to stop players being run into the ground? I can't see him being rested in the european games so basically he'll have one weekend off before the All Blacks - somebody please tell that I'm wrong?

We've seen it with Cole and now it appears we're re-watching the same slow motion car crash with David Wilson - stewie at the wheel but he can't reach the peddle's!

He has played in 5 games however he is rotated a lot. So he only averages about 47 mins per game. In total he's played 233 mins, Mike Ross (for comparison) has played 226 mins in four games. Is it better to play less time per game but more games or fewer games and longer in each? Not sure.

EDIT: Cole often seemed to have played for the full 80 or for 70+ mins per game, both for England and Leicester (I think there were quite a few England games where he stayed on for the whole game).

I'd be more worried about Marler on the other side, as captain he's now playing just about every minute of every game which is a lot.

I've removed my first response to this, however honestly surely through the EPS and Lancaster particularly, somebody would have a word.

I just can't believe that it is in the players interests to be constantly beasted. Ofcourse it's a new season and it takes a while to get up to speed, but there must be balance...I don't know, the coaches have all the analysis and everything but some times you have to wonder.

Maybe the EPS limits Lancaster's ability to interveen. Maybe he's happy with what he see's, however for me with the way the game is now played you have to have more rotation.

Apologies for hijacking the thread.

by **Ozzy3213** Fri 10 Oct 2014, 2:09 pm

I think the delay in naming the EPS is the issue. There is no EPS at the moment, so I don't think Lancaster currently has any control over game time.

by Bathman_in_London Fri 10 Oct 2014, 2:13 pm

kingelderfield wrote:
GeordieFalcon wrote:Bath Rugby side to face ~~Wasps~~ Coventry

15. Gavin Henson
14. Semesa Rokoduguni
13. Jonathan Joseph
12. Kyle Eastmond
11. Anthony Watson
10. George Ford
9. Chris Cook
1. Paul James
2. Rob Webber
3. David Wilson
4. Stuart Hooper ( c )
5. Dave Attwood
6. Alafoti Fa'osiliva
7. Guy Mercer
8. Leroy Houston
Replacements
16. Ross Batty
17. Nick Auterac
18. Henry Thomas
19. Dominic Day
20. David Sisi
21. Micky Young
22. Ollie Devoto
23. Olly Woodburn

Bath really do have a depth of quality in their squad, with many to come back into contention. However am I right in thinking Wilson has played every game so far this season? Surely the EPS was created to stop players being run into the ground? I can't see him being rested in the european games so basically he'll have one weekend off before the All Blacks - somebody please tell that I'm wrong?

We've seen it with Cole and now it appears we're re-watching the same slow motion car crash with David Wilson - stewie at the wheel but he can't reach the peddle's!

He has started every game certainly, although he plays 50-60 mins and then Thomas comes on, so not as much as some props do. But who should he have been rested for? Sarries? Tigers? Saints?

On the squad depth, the only area we have real depth is the back row I think, with Fearns, Garvey and Louw to come back. Apart from that its just Agulla to return and he won't start over Roko or Watson. A couple of injuries to the midfield and I think we will be in trouble.

by **LondonTiger** Fri 10 Oct 2014, 2:17 pm

Ozzy3213 wrote:I think the delay in naming the EPS is the issue. There is no EPS at the moment, so I don't think Lancaster currently has any control over game time.

I suspect you are correct.

Last season Lancaster was quite active in resting players even from crunch games - but currently there is no EPS.

by **LondonTiger** Fri 10 Oct 2014, 2:19 pm

Well made my SuperBru predictions:

Quins by 6
Falcons 12
Exeter 14
Sarries 15
Saints 18
Bath 14

will post again when I get back from WR. Hope to get that first one wrong, else the drive south coudl be rather depressing.

by EnglishReign Fri 10 Oct 2014, 2:25 pm

Can't see anything for Glaws unfortunately. Definitely looks like we've turned a corner after the late Welsh rally/Tigers game but Sarries will be going all out to get back to winning ways.

I'll be delighted with a LBP after what happened there last year.

by TightHEAD Fri 10 Oct 2014, 2:30 pm

I think Welsh will win this weekend.

by beshocked Fri 10 Oct 2014, 3:39 pm

Well done Bath for last week. I didn't watch the game but it sounded like you played very well.

I bemoaned Saracens selection issues vs Bath. It sounded like it cost them in the areas I highlighted - scrum and centres...

Sarries still refusing to acknowledge that Wyles is not a centre. How many losses will it take?

Should have picked those props for Bath.... Poor selection generally costs a team dear - when will Saracens learn?

It's a no brainer to pick Bosch at 13.....

Getting things wrong is normal - not learning from mistakes....

by kingelderfield Fri 10 Oct 2014, 3:43 pm

High Wycombe Wasps for Sunday

Wasps: Masi; Wade, Daly, Leiua, Tagicakibau; Goode, Simpson; Mullan, Festuccia, Cittadini; Launchbury, Davies; Johnson, Haskell (capt), Hughes.

Replacements: Lindsay, Yapp, Cooper-Woolley, Gaskell, Jones, Davies, Millar, Bell.

Would have liked to seen Varndell (injured?) and the bigger front row of Linsay and Cooper-Woolley start instead of from the bench.

I'm predicting a 'Wasps' win;

1 because they were poor last week against Sale and need to make recompence

2 because, excepting my preferred front row and Varndell selection, they have brought out the big guns

3, because they're at home (are you kidding?) no seriously Adams Park is their home, for now, and the Rec it is not.

4, because the biggest decision in the clubs history has just been announced and the players will be raw from the effects of this reality and genuinely excited at the ambition the club is attempting to realise.

once a wasp.....

by **LondonTiger** Fri 10 Oct 2014, 4:08 pm

beshocked wrote:
It's a no brainer to pick Bosch at 13.....

Is it though. He featured for Argentina against Aus in Mendoza finishing at 10pm local time (2am Sunday UK).

Now if we assume that he travelled back the following day he would have arrived in London on Monday evening after say 28hrs of travelling. (time for quickest way from Mendoza to London on eBookers was 24 hours from first flight taking off. Added an extra 4 hours for check in time and travel at each end).

So we have a player who probably first appeared at Sarries training on Wednesday, having just played in an International tournament with lots of travelling. So not sure it is a no brainer to think they would be ready to start this weekend.

by beshocked Fri 10 Oct 2014, 4:11 pm

Fair enough I guess. You make good points. My primary point - Saracens need a centre in the centres!

by Guest Fri 10 Oct 2014, 5:08 pm

Looks like I was right to be optimistic about the team sheet this week https://t.co/q4UtdEyvux

Of course if this is part of an elaborate hoax then the club really should stop this Poopie. Hoping for a good performance, still expecting a Quins win mind.

by Poorfour Fri 10 Oct 2014, 6:32 pm

LondonTiger wrote:
beshocked wrote:
It's a no brainer to pick Bosch at 13.....

Is it though. He featured for Argentina against Aus in Mendoza finishing at 10pm local time (2am Sunday UK).

Now if we assume that he travelled back the following day he would have arrived in London on Monday evening after say 28hrs of travelling. (time for quickest way from Mendoza to London on eBookers was 24 hours from first flight taking off. Added an extra 4 hours for check in time and travel at each end).

So we have a player who probably first appeared at Sarries training on Wednesday, having just played in an International tournament with lots of travelling. So not sure it is a no brainer to think they would be ready to start this weekend.

Mendoza's only 2 hours behind the UK and the journey time if you go via Buenos Aires is 19.5 hours. It's actually fairly conducive to a recovery day - you have a short early morning flight, followed by a trip across Buenos Aires (the domestic and international airports are at opposite ends of the city) and a fair amount of waiting, then the transatlantic flight is about 10 hours and all overnight. So he would have time for a light gym session to work out any stiffness, and a decent night's sleep. 4 hours ground travel is a bit generous as well, given how small Mendoza is and how close Barnet is to Heathrow.

It's not ideal, but it's a lot less taxing than most long haul flights - South Africa is a bit easier, Australia, NZ or even New York a lot harder.

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