Fixtures - 5

This week’s fixtures:

Gloucester v Bath
Harlequins v Northampton Saints
Leicester Tigers v Worcester Warriors
London Irish v London Wasps
Sale Sharks v Newcastle Falcons
Exeter Chiefs v Saracens

Team sheets to be handed in by close of play Thursday.
Predictions open Friday to close Saturday/Sunday

---

Gloucester v Bath

---

Gloucester
Manager – Anonymatt

01. Nick Wood	09. Dave Lewis
02. Deon Fourie	10. Steven Donald
03. James Johnston
04. George Robson	11. James Simpson Daniels
05. Tom Hanks	12. Berrick Barnes
06. Maure Fasivalu	13. Rob Horne
07. Ashley Johnson	14. Joe Rockoko
08. Brett Deacon	15. Charlie Sharples

16 Tim Payne 17 Jamie George 18 Rupert Harden 19 Danni Roussouw 20 Immanol Harinordoquoy 21 Ryan Lamb 22 Johnny May 23 Sam Tuitiopu

Tactics

---

Bath
Manager – 207

01. Salvatore Perugini	09. Fourie Du Preez
02. Kevin Mealamu	10. Charlie Hodgson
03. Davit Kubrashvilli
04. Yoann Maestri	11. Ugo Monye
05. James Cannon	12. Anthony Allen
06. Dan Lydiate	13. David Marty
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Napolioni Nalaga
08. Tom Guest	15. Richard Haughton

16. Golding 17. Tanner 18. PDP 19. Deacon 20. Skuse 21. Wigglesworth 22. Shingler 23. Beale
Tactics

---

---

Harlequins v Northampton Saints

---

Harlequins
Manager – SteveSharks

01. Joe Marler	09. Lee Dickson
02. Schalk Brits	10. Gareth Steenson
03. Brian Mujati
04. Jerome Thion	11. Peter Hynes
05. Tom Donnelly	12. Steve Kefu
06. James Gaskell	13. Matt Carraro
07. Phil Dowson	14. Jonathan Joseph
08. Chris Henry	15. Ben Blair

16. Rob Vickers 17. Ceri Jones 18. Kieran Brookes 19. Erik Lund 20. Jamie Gibson 21. Byron Kellaher 22. Freddie Burns 23. George Lowe

Tactics
We have picked a side which will likely come together in the World Cup.

I have deliberately picked a side to play a percentage game. Steenson will look to play in the Northampton half of the pitch and we will look to put immense pressure on the Saints set piece. This is how we will look to play in the world cup with this team.

When we do want to run it will be patient. Our centres will crash the ball up and the pack will keep carrying the ball untill we have space outside or score a try, Steenson will always be looking at the Drop goal to keep the scoreboard ticking over. We will want immaculate discipline as we are all about building pressure..

---

Northampton Saints
Manager – Chris

01. Thomas Domingo	09. Mike Phillips
02. Rob Webber	10. Lionel Beauxis
03. Carl Hayman
04. Dave Attwood	11. Siti Siviatu
05. Simon Taylor	12. Luke Eves
06. Calum Clark	13. Casey Lualala
07. Alexandre Lapandry	14. Julian Savea
08. Liam Messam	15. Danny Cipriani

16. Henry Thomas 17. Dave Wilson 18. Rob Batty 19. Joe Launchbury 20. Tom Rees 21. Charlie Davies 22. Willie Mason 23. Manu Tuilagi

Tactics
Be good to see what people make of (i) Simon Taylor packing down in second row (ii) whether Calum Clark is better on flanks on second row (iii) whether I should play Eves at 12 with Lualala and (iii) can people see Mason being a good impact sub e.g. how he played versus Wales for the Baabaas? Think that could be my best use for him?

---

---

Leicester Tigers v Worcester Warriors

---

Leicester Tigers
Manager – Luke

01. Dan Murphy	09. Scott Mathie
02. Stephen Moore	10. David Skrela (k)
03. Faan Rautenbach
04. Tom Denton	11. Charlie Amesbury
05. James Horwill	12. Damien Traille
06. Tom Croft	13. Brian O'Driscoll (c)
07. David Pocock	14. Vincent Clerc
08. Nick Easter	15. Cory Jane

16. Jonny Harris 17. Matt Thompson 18. Dan Cole 19. Jarrad Hoeata 20. Thomas Waldrom 21. Dmitri Yachvilli 22. Toby Flood 23. Aurelien Rougerie

Tactics

---

Worcester Warriors
Manager – Prop

01. George Porter	09. Jordi Pasqualin
02. Richardt Strauss	10. Nicky Robinson (k)
03. BJ Botha
04. Jim Hamilton	11. Marcel Garvey
05. Ollie Kohn	12. Jon Clarke
06. Kearnen Myall	13. Lee Thomas
07. Martyn Williams	14. Julien Malzieu
08. Ben Morgan	15. Olly Morgan

16. Koree Britton 17. David Flatman 18. Yann Thomas 19. Hayden Smith 20. Sebastian Chabal 21. Dwayne Peel 22. Sam Vesty 23. Rob Cook

Tactics

---

---

London Irish v London Wasps

---

London Irish
Manager – stnick

01. Matias Aguero	09. Julien Dupuy
02. James Buckland	10. Daniel Bowden
03. WP Nel
04. Mouritz Botha	11. Paul Sackey
05. Nick Kennedy	12. Sonny Bill Williams
06. Keegan Daniel	13. Jacque Fourie
07. Hendrie Fourie	14. Joe Maddock
08. Xavier Rush	15. Matthew Tait

16 Tonga Lea'toea 17 Neil Briggs 18 Duncan Bell 19 Matt Garvey 20 Joe Worsley 21 Juan Martin Hernandez 22 Neal De Kock 23 Gonzalo Tiesi

Tactics

---

London Wasps
Manager – Arry

01. Benn Robinson	09. Michael Claassens
02. Steve Thompson	10. Jimmy Gopperth
03. Carlos Nieto
04. Dan Ward-Smith	11. Noah Cato
05. Mark Chisholm	12. James Downey
06. Tom Johnson	13. Chris Wyles
07. Deon Stegmann	14. Lachie Turner
08. Roger Wilson	15. Mike Brown

16. Tatafu Polota-Nau 17. Perry Freshwater 18. James Slipper 19. Stuart Hooper 20. James Haskell 21. Martin Roberts 22. Rory Clegg 23. Olly Morgan

Tactics
We will look to build upon an impressive victory last week against Gloucester. In the early stages of the game we will look to our pack to do make the hard yards and cement us a good, solid platform up front. We have plenty of big and powerful ball carriers who will look to get us onto the front foot. We will start with a very high intensity and look to create spaces out wide.

Gopperth will use Downey as a crash ball option and we will look to keep on his feet and drive him over the gain line. Our players will look to keep their hands free out of the contact to offload to the supporting players. We have plenty of exciting runners in our backline that we will look to bring into the game once the hard work has been completed up front.

---

---

Sale Sharks v Newcastle Falcons

---

Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Jerome Schuster	09. Nicholas Bezy
02. David Paice	10. Aaron Cruden
03. Werner Kruger
04. Steven Sykes	11. David Strettle
05. Christian Day	12. Jordan Turner Hall
06. Victor Vito	13. Robbie Freuen
07. Matt Todd	14. Luke Rooney
08. Wycliffe Palu	15. Nick Abendanoon

16. Lee Imolek 17. Brett Sharman 18. Neemia Tialata 19. Chris Jones 20. Andy Powell 21. Shaun Perry 22. Olly Barkley 23. Sam Smith

Tactics
Target the set piece with strong front 5 particularly the scrum. Attacking wise strong ball carrying game working the offloading. Changing the point of attack constantly. Use the exciting halfbacks to inject creativity into the game

---

Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Pooly

01. Boris Stankovich	09. Sarel Pretorius
02. William Servat	10. Nick Evans
03. Paul Doran-Jones
04. Dean Schofield	11. Sean Maitland
05. Juandre Kruger	12. Luke McAlister
06. Chris Robshaw(c)	13. Jared Payne
07. Heinrich Brussow	14. Miles Benjamin
08. Duane Vermeulen	15. Ben Smith

16. Tom Lindsay 17. Owen Franks 18. Fabien Barcella 19. Geoff Parling 20. Richie McCaw 21. Jonny Arr 22. Brad Barritt 23. Topsy Ojo

Tactics
Normal Falcons high intensity tactics......compete in pack and target lineout with numerous jumpers. Control breakdown and look to attack with turnover ball.

Pretorious to attack the fringes and Evans to call the shots in the backline. McAlister to offer up second playmaking option with Ben Smith coming into the line. Payne/Maitland to run off Mc/Evans and Benjamin to offer himself aroud the park.

People happy Kruger is back and playing? Just for those who don't watch Currie Cup...

---

---

Exeter Chiefs v Saracens

---

Exeter Chiefs
Manager – Driver

01. Brett Sturgess	09. Nick Phipps
02. Neil Clark	10. Ronan O'Gara
03. John Smit
04. Julian Pierre	11. Iain Balshaw
05. George Skivington	12. Regan King
06. Kelly Brown	13. Dan Hipkiss
07. Shane Jennings	14. Max Evans
08. Gareth Delve	15. Lee Byrne

16.Cian Healy 17.Mark Lambert 18.James Hudson 19.Declan Danahar 20.Dave Wallace 21.Tomas O'Leary 22.Steven Myler 23.Luke Arscott

Tactics
Can i have thoughts on

- John Smit's best position
- Max Evans as a winger
- Iain Balshaw in general
- Phipps and ROG as a combo
- Healy , Wallace and O'Leary as impact players
- Pierre and Skivington as post world cup combo

---

Saracens
Manager – LDC Pete

01. Matt Mullan	09. Paul Hodgson
02. George Chuter	10. Owen Farrell
03. Jannie du Plessis
04. Rynhard Elstadt	11. Tom Homer
05. Steve Borthwick	12. Billy Twelvetrees
06. Joe van Niekerk	13. Nevin Spence
07. George Smith	14. Henry Trinder
08. Luke Narraway	15. Alex Goode

16. Tom Cowan-Dickie 17. Alex Waller 18. Tom Mercey 19. Graham Kitchener 20. James Scaysbrook 21. Hayden Thomas 22. Rene Ranger 23. Tim Visser

Tactics
Away from home we have selected a backline who all have decent kicking games and we will play the percentages game today and use their boots to play in the right areas. If running the ball from deep is on then of course we will, but we will not play risky rugby in our own half.

We will target the 10/12 channel with runners, and also target Balshaw with the high ball and chasers getting up in his face.

We are basing our away gameplan on solid defence and playing in the right areas.

Comments welcomed on the following point.

- Do these tactics work away from home and can these players execute them well.

---

---

Me and you Jon eh

Team versus Quins:

1. Thomas Domingo
2. Rob Webber
3. Carl Hayman
4. Dave Attwood
5. Simon Taylor
6. Calum Clark
7. Alexandre Lapandry
8. Liam Messam

9. Mike Phillips
10. Lionel Beauxis
11. Siti Siviatu
12. Luke Eves
13. Casey Lualala
14. Julian Savea
15. Danny Cipriani

Subs: 16. Henry Thomas 17. Dave Wilson 18. Rob Batty 19. Joe Launchbury 20. Tom Rees 21. Charlie Davies 22. Willie Mason 23. Manu Tuilagi

Be good to see what people make of (i) Simon Taylor packing down in second row (ii) whether Calum Clark is better on flanks on second row (iii) whether I should play Eves at 12 with Lualala and (iii) can people see Mason being a good impact sub e.g. how he played versus Wales for the Baabaas? Think that could be my best use for him?

Indeed mate

Going for a potential world cup side mate (except Strettle)

1. Jerome Schuster
2. David Paice *
3. Werner Kruger (fingers crossed)
4. Steven Sykes
5. Christian Day *
6. Victor Vito
7. Matt Todd
8. Wycliffe Palu (fingers crossed!)

9. Nicholas Bezy
10. Aaron Cruden
11. David Strettle *
12. Jordan Turner Hall *
13. Robbie Freuen
14. Luke Rooney *
15. Nick Abendanoon *

16. Lee Imolek * 17. Brett Sharman * 18. Neemia Tialata 19. Chris Jones * 20. Andy Powell 21. Shaun Perry * 22. Olly Barkley * 23. Sam Smith *

Tactics:
Target the set piece with strong front 5 particularly the scrum. Attacking wise strong ball carrying game working the offloading. Changing the point of attack constantly. Use the exciting halfbacks to inject creativity into the game

London Wasps team to face London Irish

1. Benn Robinson
2. Steve Thompson
3. Carlos Nieto
4. Dan Ward-Smith
5. Mark Chisholm
6. Tom Johnson
7. Deon Stegmann
8. Roger Wilson

9. Michael Claassens (c)
10. Jimmy Gopperth
11. Noah Cato
12. James Downey
13. Chris Wyles
14. Lachie Turner
15. Mike Brown

16. Tatafu Polota-Nau
17. Perry Freshwater
18. James Slipper
19. Stuart Hooper
20. James Haskell
21. Martin Roberts
22. Rory Clegg
23. Olly Morgan

1 wood
2 Fourie
3 Johnston
4 robson
5 hanks
6 fasivalu
7 AJ
8 Deacon
9 Lewis
10 Donald
11 Jsd
12 berrick barnes
13 grey
14 rococo
15 sharples
16 Payne
17 George
18 Harden
19 roussouw
20 hari
21 lamb
22 May
23 tuitiopu

Quins

1. Joe Marler
2. Schalk Brits
3. Brian Mujati
4. Jerome Thion
5. Tom Donnelly
6. James Gaskell
7. Phil Dowson
8. Chris Henry
9. Lee Dickson
10. Gareth Steenson
11. Peter Hynes
12. Steve Kefu
13. Matt Carraro
14. Jonathan Joseph
15. Ben Blair

16. Rob Vickers
17. Ceri Jones
18. Kieran Brookes
19. Erik Lund
20. Jamie Gibson
21. Byron Kellaher
22. Freddie Burns
23. George Lowe

We have picked a side which will likely come together in the World Cup.

I have deliberately picked a side to play a percentage game. Steenson will look to play in the Northampton half of the pitch and we will look to put immense pressure on the Saints set piece. This is how we will look to play in the world cup with this team.

When we do want to run it will be patient. Our centres will crash the ball up and the pack will keep carrying the ball untill we have space outside or score a try, Steenson will always be looking at the Drop goal to keep the scoreboard ticking over. We will want immaculate discipline as we are all about building pressure.

Newcastle team:

1. Boris Stankovich
2. William Servat
3. Paul Doran-Jones
4. Dean Schofield
5. Juandre Kruger
6. Chris Robshaw(c)
7. Heinrich Brussow
8. Duane Vermeulen

9. Sarel Pretorius
10. Nick Evans

11. Sean Maitland
12. Luke McAlister
13. Jared Payne
14. Miles Benjamin
15. Ben Smith

16. Tom Lindsay
17. Owen Franks
18. Fabien Barcella
19. Geoff Parling
20. Richie McCaw
21. Jonny Arr
22. Brad Barritt
23. Topsy Ojo


Tactics - Normal Falcons high intensity tactics......compete in pack and target lineout with numerous jumpers. Control breakdown and look to attack with turnover ball.

Pretorious to attack the fringes and Evans to call the shots in the backline. McAlister to offer up second playmaking option with Ben Smith coming into the line. Payne/Maitland to run off Mc/Evans and Benjamin to offer himself aroud the park.

People happy Kruger is back and playing? Just for those who don't watch Currie Cup

Chris,

10/15 looking a lot better his week!

On Taylor at lock dont think that 2nd row will help out much at scrum time. Would want to have 1. Domingo 2. Hartley 3. Stevens out to get away with that during the main season. Depends on the opposition during the world cup as to whether it will cause problems. Think Clark will eventually be 2nd row but is just as good at either for now so doesnt really matter.

Eves at 12 depending on the opposition could be out of depth. Still some very good midfields about during the world cup. Mason a very good impact ball in hand but will still be a weakness defensively for the last 20 minutes

Does playing 1 game count as playing again Pooly?

"Be good to see what people make of (i) Simon Taylor packing down in second row (ii) whether Calum Clark is better on flanks on second row (iii) whether I should play Eves at 12 with Lualala and (iii) can people see Mason being a good impact sub e.g. how he played versus Wales for the Baabaas? Think that could be my best use for him? ."

1. Taylor no lock for me, decent 6.
2. Clark prob slightly better at 6 than lock
3. Eves was pretty dire at Falcons, was behind Fitzgerald and he's bordering awful. Eves is Champ quality imo.
4. Struggle to rate Mason at all until he plays a couple of proper games of union



Johnny....I think it does mate, it's certainly better than playing no games anyway! Looked pretty tasty too, good to have him back!

Marker

1 Matias Aguero
2 James Buckland
3 WP Nel
4 Mouritz Botha
5 Nick Kennedy
6 Keegan Daniel
7 Hendrie Fourie
8 Xavier Rush
9 Julien Dupuy
10 Daniel Bowden
11 Paul Sackey
12 Sonny Bill Williams
13 Jacque Fourie
14 Joe Maddock
15 Matthew Tait

16 Tonga Lea'toea
17 Neil Briggs
18 Duncan Bell
19 Matt Garvey
20 Joe Worsley
21 Juan Martin Hernandez
22 Neal De Kock
23 Gonzalo Tiesi

1.Brett Sturgess
2.Neil Clark
3.John Smit
4.Julian Pierre
5.George Skivington
6.Kelly Brown
7.Shane Jennings
8.Gareth Delve

9.Nick Phipps
10.Ronan O'Gara
11.Iain Balshaw
12.Regan King
13.Dan Hipkiss
14.Max Evans
15.Lee Byrne

16.Cian Healy 17.Mark Lambert 18.James Hudson 19.Declan Danahar 20.Dave Wallace 21.Tomas O'Leary 22.Steven Myler 23.Luke Arscott

Can i have thoughts on

- John Smit's best position
- Max Evans as a winger
- Iain Balshaw in general
- Phipps and ROG as a combo
- Healy , Wallace and O'Leary as impact players
- Pierre and Skivington as post world cup combo

Saracens team to go to Sandy Park

15. Alex Goode
14. Henry Trinder
13. Nevin Spence
12. Billy Twelvetrees
11. Tom Homer
10. Owen Farrell
9. Paul Hodgson

1. Matt Mullan
2. George Chuter
3. Jannie du Plessis
4. Rynhard Elstadt
5. Steve Borthwick
6. Joe van Niekerk
7. George Smith
8. Luke Narraway

16. Tom Cowan-Dickie 17. Alex Waller 18. Tom Mercey 19. Graham Kitchener 20. James Scaysbrook 21. Hayden Thomas 22. Rene Ranger 23. Tim Visser

Away from home we have selected a backline who all have decent kicking games and we will play the percentages game today and use their boots to play in the right areas. If running the ball from deep is on then of course we will, but we will not play risky rugby in our own half.

We will target the 10/12 channel with runners, and also target Balshaw with the high ball and chasers getting up in his face.

We are basing our away gameplan on solid defence and playing in the right areas.

Comments welcomed on the following point.

- Do these tactics work away from home and can these players execute them well.

Can I have thoughts on Dan Ward Smith as a second row, Chris Wyles at outside centre and Noah Cato on the wing.

Driver,

- John Smit's best position
hooker for me. Just dont think he can do a job in the scrum at TH and would mark him down there.

- Max Evans as a winger
Has the attributes to play there but think hes better in midfield mate. Wont rate him as highly as lads that play the wings week in week out.

- Iain Balshaw in general
Think hes great ball in hand. But under the highball is suicide. Would not play him in wet conditions. Will be a weakness in this game because of Pete's tactics but not every side has so many kicking options in the backline! Should be fine for the world cup period.

- Phipps and ROG as a combo
Think with TOL's form at the moment Phipps and ROG is the way forward for now. Phipps poor for Oz but off a very good season and is a decent scrummie

- Healy , Wallace and O'Leary as impact players
If Sturgess is your starting option at LH would prefer to see Healy start. If you have a better scrummaging option to start then Healy would be fantastic to come on in the last 20/30 mins against tired legs. Wallace a terrific player who can really make a nuisance of himself. With him and Jennings you have two great options who will offer something different. TOL again in shocking form and would not currently consider him an impact player. If he gets his old form back then he is most definately up there

- Pierre and Skivington as post world cup combo.
Solid combo mate but against Matfield, Bekker in the air would expect Skivs to lose out a bit unless you have the back row to really support him

Tigers team to play Worcester:

1. Dan Murphy
2. Stephen Moore
3. Faan Rautenbach
4. Tom Denton
5. James Horwill
6. Tom Croft
7. David Pocock
8. Nick Easter

9. Scott Mathie
10. David Skrela (k)
11. Charlie Amesbury
12. Damien Traille
13. Brian O'Driscoll (c)
14. Vincent Clerc
15. Cory Jane

16. Jonny Harris
17. Matt Thompson
18. Dan Cole
19. Jarrad Hoeata
20. Thomas Waldrom
21. Dmitri Yachvilli
22. Toby Flood
23. Aurelien Rougerie

1 wood
2 Fourie
3 Johnston
4 robson
5 hanks
6 fasivalu
7 AJ
8 Deacon
9 Lewis
10 Donald
11 Jsd
12 berrick barnes
13 Horne
14 rococo
15 sharples
16 Payne
17 George
18 Harden
19 roussouw
20 hari
21 lamb
22 May
23 tuitiopu

No idea why i listed grey at 13 previously.

Pete,

Tactics definately work away from home for me. Would be wary kicking to say Lukes back line during the world cup but its definately a style that can work especially with that many kickers in your back line. Not sure what Trinders kicking is like but everyone else in that back line has a decent boot on them.

Arry,

DWS helps resolve my concern about mobility for the world cup period. Hes always put a decent shift in there for Wasps. Not to sure on Wyles at outside centre. May be a weakness in this league when you look at the quality of centres in the league. Great wing option though. Wont Wyles be gone with the States though for the world cup. Cato came on the scene and looked a great prospect but has gone very quiet since. Will put a shift in during the world cup but when the internationals are back may be a weakness

Pretty with Johnny there Driver, like the Phipps/Rog combo, really compliment each other. Think Phipps had one of the highest tackle counts in S15.

Pete, like the tactics but you're wingers are poor. Homer doesn't offer much for me apart from a solid boot and Trinder stronger at centre. I would Mark you down a fair bit against a half decent wing pairing.

I prefer Homer at FB to WG myself Pooly, think his game is better suited there but is a decent defender on the wing which is what I was looking at here.

Going to be a delicate balancing act getting the selection and tactics right during the world cup.

Agree with that, he's not strong on the wing. He could do with a good year, he's not really kicked on at all. Great boot though.

Trinder played a lot more wing in his life than Centre at premiership level so no concerns there. Also he has serious wheels and his defence is still not really good enough for Centre IMO.

serious player Trinder and i think could get at least 10 games at Centre this year.

He is 3rd choice behind Tindall and Molenaar but he is a top prospect and it is only really his front on tackling and contact skills holding him back. He has gotten bulkier year on year and should have no problems later on with this

Wasps Tactics

We will look to build upon an impressive victory last week against Gloucester. In the early stages of the game we will look to our pack to do make the hard yards and cement us a good, solid platform up front. We have plenty of big and powerful ball carriers who will look to get us onto the front foot. We will start with a very high intensity and look to create spaces out wide.

Gopperth will use Downey as a crash ball option and we will look to keep on his feet and drive him over the gain line. Our players will look to keep their hands free out of the contact to offload to the supporting players. We have plenty of exciting runners in our backline that we will look to bring into the game once the hard work has been completed up front.

i still dont know what homers best position is and am not his biggest fan.
good goalkicker, stronger than he looks does tackle quite well and make a few yards, but just not quite got that spark for me.

1. George Porter*
2. Richardt Strauss
3. BJ Botha
4. Jim Hamilton
5. Ollie Kohn*
6. Kearnen Myall*
7. Martyn Williams
8. Ben Morgan*

9. Jordi Pasqualin*
10. Nicky Robinson (k)
11. Marcel Garvey*
12. Jon Clarke*
13. Lee Thomas
14. Julien Malzieu
15. Olly Morgan*

16. Koree Britton*
17. David Flatman*
18. Yann Thomas*
19. Hayden Smith
20. Dwayne Peel
21. Sam Vesty*
22. Rob Cook*

Sorry will get them in now

1 Salvatore Perugini
2 Kevin Mealamu
3 Davit KUbrashvilli
4 Yoann Maestri
5 James Cannon
6 Dan Lydiate
7 Steffon Armitage
8 Tom Guest
9 FDP
10 Hodgson
11 Monye
12 Allen
13 Marty
14 Nalaga
15 Haughton
Golding, Tanner, PDP, Deacon, Skuse, Wigglesworth, Shingler, Beale

Just noticed my bench was short!!

16. Koree Britton 17. David Flatman 18. Yann Thomas 19. Hayden Smith 20. Sebastian Chabal 21. Dwayne Peel 22. Sam Vesty 23. Rob Cook

Gloucester 18-24 Bath

Serious Bath front row that would give the Gloucester unit all sorts of issues in the scrum. More quality in the Bath engine room with Maestri the standout performer. Prefer all 3 Bath backrowers, think Gloucester lack a bit of balance in this department with AJ more effective from 8. Pack to Bath, esp the front 5.

With a better platform I see Bath's halfbacks taking contol of the game, not a good game for Donald who thrives on front foot ball. 2 nice midfields, I prefer Marty over Horne but Barnes is the key for Gloucester shading the centres. Back 3 shades to Gloucester also with some good form. Stronger Gloucester bench but the damge done in the pack and better ball.

Harlequins 20-25 Northampton

Good front rows on show, see Saints having a decent edge come scrum time with Quins a little more in the loose. Engine room very much to Quins, don't think Taylor is effective at lock, much more a 6 for me. Backrow shades to Saints with a bit more grunt, don't like Gaskell at 6. Pack is pretty tight with a slightest edge to Saints.

Bit more quality at halfback for Saints, although Phillips lack of form is worrying. Lualala is the only quality centre on show, Eves has been very poor at Falcon. Not a fan of either Quins player and don't think they're up to the standard of other teams. More quality again in the Saints back 3, don't think Blair has played this year so suffers with lack of form. Bench shades to Quins. Too much throughout the Saints side for me.

Gloucester 13 20 Bath

In the front 5 Bath with the advantage at the set piece for me. Both sides have plenty to offer around the park. In the backrow Bath on top for me. Some bigger names and much better balance. AJ at 7 is a poor selection. Not the greatest on the deck and he was one of the highest for missed tackles this year in Super 15. Hasn’t the ability to play 7 for me. Better at 8 and to a lesser extent 6.

Halfbacks to Bath. FDP a step up at scrummie while Hodgson has had the better year at 10. In the backs due to Barnes, Glaws with the stronger midfield. Back 3’s to Glaws as well. Nalaga a great player but needs to show it on the pitch. Bit more on the bench from Glaws for this one.

Baths forwards to get them on the front foot here and with a great set of halfbacks pulling the string they will pick up the win

Harlequins 19 20 Northampton Saints

In the front 5, scrum battle to Saints just, while the lineout is fairly even. Can’t see either side getting on top there. Good mobility from both sides. In the back row I have Saints shading it. Saints with a better balance for me. Lapandry more a traditional 7.

Half backs even for me. Dickson well ahead of Phillips on current form. But Beaxuis a class ahead of Steenson. In midfield Lualua the best player on show but Eves the worst. Back 3s coming forward Saints have the advantage but defensively Quins much sounder. On the bench for impact Saints maybe with a bit more but who plays fullback if Cips needs to go flyhalf? And defense at 10/12 then with Cips and Mason a big weakness

I think Saints with a stronger pack will get ahead in this one but the issues highlighted above as the subs come into play will see it a very close affair

Leicester Tigers 22 15 Worcester Warriors

Good even battle at scrum time for me. Neither side particularly on top. At the lineout neither side will get on top for me. Horwill sees tigers with a bit more around the park though. In the back row Tigers astep up with 2 world class talents.

Half backs 1 apiece for me. In the backline Tigers with that bit of extra quality (Prop your centres are the wrong way around). Same applies to the benches.

Tigers showing that extra quality in this one with some big name players out and pick up the win here.

London Irish 22 17 London Wasps

Wasps with more in the scrum here with a top scrummaging hooker and TH out. Lineout battle fairly even for me. I like Nicks 2nd row combo offers a bit of everything. In the back row Irish are man for man stronger for me and will get on top at the breakdown while having plenty to offer around the park.

Halfbacks 1 a piece for me but Irish’s combo to get the back line moving better. In the backs Irish with a much stronger midfield. Back 3 slightly shading to Wasps but not much in it.

Irish’s backrow will see them on top at the breakdown and will see Wasps with slow rough ball. The Irish midfield to get on top with good front foot ball and should see Irish run out winners here.

Exeter Chiefs 16 13 Saracens

To be honest neither side has the front row to dominate a scrum. In the 2nd row Exeter have a bit more to offer overall around the pitch but expect Borthwick to pinch a ball or 2 in the lineout. Backrow battle is very interesting. Both fairly even if honest with Jennings at 7 maybe offering a bit more break down expertise. Can’t really call it 1 way or the other.

In the half backs Exeter have the combo that will keep them in the right areas of the field. In the backs it’s a battle of the experienced heads against the young up and comers. More on offer from Chiefs at this moment in time though. On the bench no hooker is a massive mark down for Chiefs. Smit can’t be expected to go the full 80 minutes especially when starting from TH. After that overall the benchs are farily even for impact but not sure if 36 would be up to standard in this league at 10 for Sarries if needed there.

Tough one to call this one. Pete’s tactics are well worked out and they will get some joy attacking the 10/12 combo and kicking at Balshaw but the Chiefs half backs and backine has the quality to get at Sarries. Think for Pete’s tactics to be really effective he needs to win the forward battle outright which doesn’t happen here today and with the extra quality in the backs Exeter get the win.

Gloucester 12 Bath 19

Front 5 massively in Baths favour , Glaws back row is fighting a losing battle here, Half backs swing towards Bath FDP is stacks above Lewis and Donald just shading Hodgson. Centres are 50/50 split with Barnes better than Allen and Marty better than Horne. Monye and Nalaga are both out and out finisheres and combined with baths pack and Hodgson’s natural width that he injects they will get plenty of ball. Sharples are Haughton are both in there weakest positions. Bench only Russouw and Hari offer anything for Glaws. Beale and Wriggles the same for Bath.

Quins 18 Saints 20

Front rows are pretty even with Hayman/Webber/Domingo shading Mujati/Brits/Marler at scrum time but Quins offering more in the loose. Locks Attwood is the same as Thion and Donnolly slightly better than Taylor. Back rows Gaskell will cause Saint’s all sorts of problems at the lineout , Dowsen is just above Lapandy but Messem is the better of him and Henry. Half backs controlling pair from Quins but won’t set the world alight , Phillips is one of my fravorite players but has next to no form and Bauxise is pants 50% of the time but brilliant 50% of the time. Backs Eve’s is five knuckle shuffle and Lualala can’t pass a ball. Sivivatu was great this morning for New Zealand and looks to getting back to his best , Savea is prospect with little to show for it at the moment but will be great. Cips hasn’t played 15 in a long time. Hynes , Joseph and Blair are a great combo despite lack of talent in comparison to Saints.

Leicester 22 Worcester 16

Leicester front 5 would bully the Worcester pack with only Botha able to conpete in the front row. Murphy despite being average is better than porter for me. James Horwill is the form lock in world rugby and streets ahead of his opponents. Mathie is on par with Pasq but I’d expect Pasqs ratings to go down soon as he puts his falcons jersey on. Skrela is above Robinson at 10. Centres are Tigers with Traille creating holes for Drico to exploit and cause havoc. Clarke is a 13 mate Downey is the 12 out of the 2. Thomas is a 12 or a 10 aswell. Not keen on Jane at full back think his better outwide. Clerc is deteriorating as a rugby player. Garvey is a negative whilst Malzuire is a big plus.

Irish 22 Wasps 15
Sale 20 Falcons 20

Leicester 27-21 Leeds

Not much move in the front 5's, don't think either team will dominate. Backrow to Leicester by a fair bit and will give them the edge around park. Mathie the weak link in the halfbacks with the
Leeds pairing shading it. Leeds centres the wrong way round for me and Leicester dominate backs and bench.

Irish 29-28 Wasps

Front row to Wasps by a fair way and will dominate scrum. Engine room close, Chisolm the standout but I like the Irish pair although they offer little carrying options. Very strong backrows
on show and I really like both units, too tough to split though and think Wasps just sneak the pack.

Think Wasps just edge the halfback battle but a tight one. Tasty midfield from Irish though that will cause the Wasps pair issues. Back 3 possibly shading to Wasps but again not loads in it.

Very tight game this one and one point settles it.

Exeter 30-22 Saracens

Close up front battle, can't see either dominating the scrum. Engine room to Exeter though with both players stronger. Similar in the backrow, great battles. Not seeing much between JVN and
Brown but prefer Jennings and Delve over Smith and Narraway. Exeter take pack but take nothing away from a very impressive Sarries unit that won't lose many during the WC.

Halfbacks to Exeter by a fair distance and prefer Exeter centre combo. Don't think Sarries back 3 offer a great attacking threat Goode aside. I see the tactics behind it but Homer isn't a strong winger and Trinder not much better. Balshaw prob best on wing and Evans & Byrne offer quality of not form in Byrnes case.

More WC players in Exeter side and shows with pack control and more class in the backs.

Gloucester 19 Bath Rugby 21

Bath slightly more quality in the pack and nothing in it in the backs so a very narrow win.


Harlequins 15 Northampton Saints 11

I like the balance in the Quins side better. At half back Saints have the names but neither have any form and don't cut it for me me, whereas the more functional Quins pair come in off excellent form last season. Lot of power in the Saints backs but I see this being a low scorer.


Leicester Tigers 28 Worcester Warriors 18

5 of the Tigers pack will be away at the WC and this on paper is a bit of a mismatch with more class across the board in the Tigers side.


London Irish 23 London Wasps 20

Nothing to call in the front rows at all, and packs fairly even, but Irish have more in the backs although not by much.


Sale Sharks 21 Newcastle Falcons 21

Going on yesterdays game Kruger would most likely have his head shoved firmly up his own a r s e by Stankovich, but other than that nothing in it in the packs for me. I like the Sharks half back pair and think as an attacking threat they would be great, but the Falcons pair have the experience and enough form to match them. Think McAlister has been dire for a while now, so nothing in the backs either. Draw for me.

glos 22-24 bath - bit more quality from bath upfront

quins 23-19 saints - quins edge forwards and dont like eves or taylor at lock

tigers 28-23 worc - more class in tigers, dont like the clarke/thomas worc combo

sale 22-24 falcons - falcons edge the forward battle and have enough class in backs to sneak win

quins 23-20 saints - quins forwards better

tigers 28-22worcester

sale 22-20 falcons - home advantage sees sale home. If this is neutral venue then draw

Irish 21-17 wasps

Sorry for brief explanations I am at lords for cricket and on phone

Quins 21 - 18 Saints
Tigers 25 - 20 Worcester
Sale 20 - 18 Newcastle
Glos 19 - 20 Bath

Have me and driver upset you three?

sorry i always forget one!

exeter 23-21 saracens - exeter have enough class and experience to exploit a young sarries backline. good forwards from sarries but chiefs have enough to win.

Sorry Pete!

Exeter 25 - 23 Saracens