Aviva Premiership Round Seven

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

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Bath v Exeter Chiefs
Location - The Rec
-Sunny, 7 Degrees, 16mph Winds

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Bath Rugby
Manager – Bathite

01. C.Healy	09. M.Classens (c)
02. L.Mears	10. O.Barkley (k)
03. A.Perenise
04. S.Hooper	11. K.Eastmond
05. D.Attwood	12. F.Steyn (lk)
06. S.O'Brien	13. C.Laulala
07. F.Louw	14. T.Biggs
08. S.Kalamafoni	15. R.Chisholm

16. O.Franks 17. R.Batty 18. N.Catt 19. R.Caldwell 20. C.Fearns 21. C.Cook 22. M.Banahan 23. I.Dagg

TACTICS TBC

General
- Key players rested last week to be a full fitness this week. SOB, Fearns, Attwood, Claasens, Steyn, Biggs all fresh. Franks and Dagg to come off the bench to make a real impact with Banahan

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

- With slow ball, look to mix up first receiver between Steyn and Barkley and then look for back row runners on inside shoulder
- Steyn to ensure we play sensible rugby in the right areas, kicking long for touch in our 22, using the up and under in the centre of the pitch and delicate grubbers in behind centres to chase and force kickable penalties.

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

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

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

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

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Exeter Chiefs

Manager – Luke

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

16. Brett Sturgess 17. Neil Clark 18. Hoani Tui 19. James Hanks 20. James Scaysbrook 21. James Lightfoot-Brown 22. Ian Humphreys 23. Luke Arscott

Tactics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Wilkinson to kick all penalties.

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Gloucester v Leicester Tigers
Location - Kingsholm
-Sunny, 7 Degrees, 14mph Winds

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Gloucester

Manager – prop_lyd

01. Nick Wood	09. Dimitri Yachvilli
02. Darren Dawiduk	10. Pat Lambie (k)
03. Adam Jones
04. Jim Hamilton	11. JSD
05. Will James	12. Jamie Roberts
06. Alisdair Strokosch	13. Henry Trinder
07. Akapusi Qera	14. Shane Monahan
08. JVN (c)	15. Jonny May

16. Korree Britton 17. Dan Murphy 18. Shaun Knight 19. Alex Brown 20. Sam Cane 21. Dan Robson 22. Mike Tindall 23. Iain Balshaw

Tactics

We are aiming to hit the ground running this season with a new and exciting brand of confrontational forwards with pace and flair in the backs. Wood and Hamilton will lead the side from the front. Our game will want to get the ball to a set of backs who can make a lot of inroads. And our back row will get a lot of turnover ball. Cane will look to make a huge impact with Tindall on the hour.



Forwards

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

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

*Backrow are breakdown specialists with Strokosch and Qera both terrorising here and JVN providing brute strength off the back of the scrum and off the backs, again the bench provides more go forward with Cane.



Backs

* Yachvilli to snipe when space but to release Lambie and Roberts when possible, he will go for goal when in range,

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

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

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



Defence

*Roberts to lead this,

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

*Contest at the breakdown and all set piece.

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Leicester Tigers

Manager – Sgt_Pooly

01. Thomas Domingo	09. Ben Youngs
02. Bismark Du Plessis	10. Toby Flood
03. Martin Castrogiovani
04. Joe Launchbury	11. Miles Benjamin
05. Geoff Parling	12. Berrick Barnes
06. Willam Alberts	13. Manu Tuilagi
07. Sam Warburton(c)	14. James O’Connor
08. Sergio Parisse	15. Rob Kearney

16. Jamie George 17. Dan Cole 18. Alex Corbisiero 19. Ed Slater 20. Luke Wallace 21. Karl Dickson 22. Danny Cipriani 23. Jordan Turner-Hall

Tactics

We will base our game around high tempo, high intensity rugby. We’ll look to use the set piece as a foundation to work from and turn the screw on the opposition if a weakness is seen. We’ll look for big carries from our pack to give us go forward ball which Youngs thrives upon.

We’ll look to target the lineout throughout with 5 top draw options. Launchbury, Parling and Parisse will look to mark the front, middle and back and put intense pressure on throughout the game.

Flood/Barnes will dictate tempo and look to get Manu running angles to either punch holes in the opposition midfield or draw the decoy and allow our back 3 into the game.

When the 3 is on in front of the posts we’ll take and the captain will make the call on set piece if an advantage is seen.



- Turn screw in set piece if weakness seen
- High intensity & keep the ball alive
- Youngs to attack the gaps and allow Flood time to hit the line
- Manu to be used as crash and decoy with back 3 coming into the line
- Target lineout with world class operators
- Warburton/Alberts to marshal breakdown and slow/turnover opp ball

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London Irish v Harlequins
Location - Kingsholm
-Sunny Intervals, 7 Degrees, 14mph Winds

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London Irish

Manager – Pullthestrings

01. Gethin Jenkins	09. Joe Simpson
02. James Buckland	10. Quade Cooper
03. Euan Murray
04. Tom Palmer	11. Tom Homer (k)
05. Simon Shaw	12. Daniel Bowden
06. Jerome Kaino	13. Aurelien Rougerie
07. David Pocock (c)	14. Sailosi Tagicakibau
08. Tom Guest	15. Delon Armitage

16. Rob Herring, 17. Max Lahiff, 18. Leo Halavatau, 19. Bryn Evans, 20. Declan Danaher, 21. Darren Allinson, 22. Brock James, 23. Regan King

Tactics
- Back from two good wins in the HC and we're ready to build upon a good start in the AP. Some big players back for us, fresh and raring to go.

- Really have a go at Quins in the scrum. Set a decent platform to attack from and gain some confidence. Quick ball to Quade if we're stable, Guest to pick and go if it's messy.

- In the lineout, we'll dominate. So many options. Opt for full lineouts mostly in their half to tie in their pack, leaving more space out wide. Compete for their ball.

- Play in their half all day - there are few sides that can score against us from 60+ metres so it limits their threat straight away.

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

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

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

- Quade's back in and also will be looking to keep the tempo high. Bowden can slot in as first receiver if necessary to get the ball moving.

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

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

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

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

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Harlequins

Manager – Driver

01.Matt Mullen	09.Richard Wrigglesworth
02.Joe Grey	10.Tom Heatcote
03.James Johnstone
04.Eben Etzebeth	11.George North
05.Mauritz Botha	12.Hudson Tonha'uhia
06.Tom Croft	13.Jared Payne
07.Chris Robshaw (c)	14.James Short
08.Dave Denton	15.Nick Abendonan

16.Marcos Ayerza 17.John Smit 18.Chris Budgen 19.Alistair Hargreaves 20.Hienrich Brussouw 21.Henry Taylor 22.Andy Short 23.Ollie Lindsey Hague.


Tactics

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

Scrummage for 80 minutes with Ayerza coming on at about 50ish to up the anty in the scrum.

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

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

Croft to run our lineout which Robshaw works hard in the tight.

Denton and Wiggles to keep the tempo high with tap and goes and making Irish work hard in defense making tackles and tireing them out.

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Northampton Saints v Saracens
Location - Kingsholm
-Sunny, 7 Degrees, 16mph Winds

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Northampton Saints

Manager – SirJohnnyEnglish

01. Steven Kitshoff	09. Lee Dickson
02. Richardt Strauss	10. Stephen Myler
03. Brian Mujati
04. Courtney Lawes	11. Chris Ashton
05. Andries Bekker	12. Sonny Bill Williams
06. Stephen Ferris	13. George Pisi
07. Tom Wood	14. Vasily Artemiev
08. Roger Wilson	15. Ben Foden

16. S. Tonga'uiha 17. D. Hartley 18. P. Doran-Jones 19. S. Manoa 20. P. Dowson 21. M. Roberts 22. R. Lamb 23. J. Elliot

Key Points

• Look to dominate proceedings in the final quarter. Sarries will be making a lot of positional switches with the bench coming on and this will lead to disruption to attacking and defensive patterns. Fatigue and jet lag will be an issue for their Blesidoe cup players as well.

Tactics

We will look to play a fast paced attacking game using big carriers running of the 9/10/12 axis to get us over the gain line and generate quick ball. Keeping the ball alive is crucial so our carriers will be looking for support runners to hit on the offload and get us further over the gain line. Our back three will look to get involved as much as possible running support lines of the halfbacks and midfield looking for the inside ball or offload. If for whatever reason we aren’t getting quick ball, we will look to take control of territory with the boots of Dickson & Myler and force Sarries to come at us from deep.

• With a powerful front 5 on show we will look to keep the scrum up and use it as a weapon. On our own feed we will look to get the wheel on and give our 8-9-10 axis as much room as possible to attack from.

• In Irish territory, with 5 jumping options to use, we will look to play off the top and move the ball out to Myler and the backs. In our own territory, we will look to take the ball down into the maul and drive ourselves into the right areas.

• We will play an aggressive blitz on defence, playing on the edge of the offside line and coming up at pace, looking to isolate the ball carrier and stop any Sarries momentum before it can get going.

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

• We will leave two players sitting deep to cover any kicks and they will look to counter attack of any loose ball.

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

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

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]Saracens

Manager – ChequeredJersey

01. Mako Vunipola	09. Morgan Parra (k.)
02. Schalk Brits	10. Charlie Hodgson
03. Carlos Nieto
04. George Kruis	11. Tom Williams
05. Donnacha Ryan	12. Anthony Allen
06. Kelly Brown (c.)	13. Vereniki Goneva
07. Will Fraser	14. Chris Wyles
08. Billy Vunipola	15. Alex Goode

16. Jared Saunders 17. Rob Buchanan 18. Sekope Kepu 19. Charlie Matthews 20. Jackson Wray 21. Richie McCaw 22. Jordan Burns 23. Conrad Smith

Sub cover- McCaw 1st choice in 6,7,8. Burns 9/Wing, Goode or Parra 10, Smith 12/13, Goneva or Wyles FB

Tactics- It's sunny again, so time for running rugby. Very traditional back row today, I want Fraser focusing at winning/slowing ball at the breakdown, supported by Brown or Kruis when he can't get there, and Brown and Billy V clearing out. Quick ball will be shipped mostly to the backs, with occasional carries in the pack to keep the defence on their toes. Hodgson to play flat and spread the ball quickly , with Allen as the focal point of the attack, with Brits on his inside shoulder to use as a weapon. Goneva look to support and run or get the ball to the wings in a broken field. Goode join the line to change the direction of attack.

Slower ball kicked if appropriate (must be chased) but rather kept in mauls or picks by the forwards (pods of 3). If the forwards aren't needed in a ruck, try and get carriers like the Vunipolas ready at the fringes or off the shoulders of backs to make an impact and not waste men in attack.

Defence- blitz led by Allen unless C Smith comes on. Fraser to harry Myler, put him under pressure, make sure Wyles tracks Ashton and Brown makes life hard for Dickson

Scrum-should be strong with Mako in particularly strong form, use it to play back row moves, and get Billy to test Myler and the blindside wing.

Lineout- mix it up with lots of options, called by Ryan. Have Billy act as a dummy half sometimes- he can use this position to run onto tap downs or set up a maul


Other- just be calm. We are away in a difficult place but have gotten used to playing attacking rugby recently and have some gamechangers and deep experience on the bench. If we need to replace 10, Parra can go their to slow the game down if need be but otherwise play Goode

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London Wasps v London Welsh
Location - Kingsholm
-Sunny Intervals, 7 Degrees, 11mph Winds

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London Wasps

Manager – CF

01. Tim Payne	09. Danny Care
02. Dimitri Swarzeski	10. Shane Geraghty
03.Matt Stevens
04.George Skivington	11.Tom Varndell
05. Marco Wentzel	12. Billy Twelvetrees
06. Thierry Dusautoir	13. Jacque Fourie
07. Julien Salvi	14. Ugo Monye
08.Thomas Waldrom	15. Mark Cueto

16. Boris Stankovich 17. George Chuter 18. Nicolas Mas 19. Jacques Burger 20. Micky Young 21. Jimmy Gopperth 22. Joe Ansbro 23. Richard Haughton

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London Welsh

Manager – Fluxy

01. Rhys Gill	09. Ruan Pienaar (K)
02. Chris Whitehead	10. Nick Evans
03. David Wilson
04. Paul O'Connell (C)	11. Topsy Ojo
05. Dean Mumm	12. Brad Barritt
06. Tom Johnson	13. George Lowe
07. Will Welch	14. Horacio Agulla
08. Nick Easter	15. Ben Ransom

16. Paul James 17. Craif Mitchell 18. David Paice 19. Steve Borthwick 20. Ashley Johnson 21. Will Chudley 22. Dominic Waldlouck 23. Adam Thompstone

Tactics
We look to impose ourselves from the off and let the opposition know how we are going to play the game and how we want to dictate the pace of the game. Our brand of rugby is physical and fast, however we won't just run the ball at every opportunity. We will only play in the right areas of the paddock, and Evans knows when to attack and when we need to clear the lines. We will look to go through simple phases to reproduce quick ball to cut the defence open. We have brilliant leaders all other the pitch in POC, Easter and Evans, and they know what will be required to get we want from the game - a win. After last weeks god win, we will look to build some momentum for the season.

• Gill and Mitchell are solid technicians and will secure our own feed, to provide first phase possession for our backs. Gill will look to put pressure on the Sharks feed. With James and Wilson to come on, our scrummaging should remain a threat throughout the game.
  
  
• POC will look to get a line out dominance over the Saracens jumpers. He will look to use himself at the front of the line, as well as Mumm, Johnson, Easter and Borthwick off the bench to maintain dominance in the area.
  
  
• Our whole pack is mobile and capable of snaffling ball at the breakdown. Collectively we will look to (legally!) slow down Saracen ball as much possible, only committing men to rucks if the turnover is on.
  
  
• The backrow will target the Saracens halfbacks, allowing them no time on the ball. The impetus and control will come through this unit, shutting them down quickly will lead to them rushing and making mistakes.
  
  
• Evans will look to have forward runners of his outside shoulder to puncture the Saracens defensive line and tie in numbers, so we can maintain numbers in our backline to exploit short missing defenders.
  
  
• We will target the relatively new partnership in the Saracens midfield.
  
  
• Chudley coming we will keep the game plan simple; he was a player under my management last season and will know the game plan from his time previously under my coaching. He will allow Evans to control the attack or to look for forwards standing in pods for slow ball.
  
  
• Look to use our strong bench for impact later in the game.
  
  
• Evans will kick all points, unless POC dictates we have a dominate set piece at the moment in time.

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Worcester Warriors v Sale Sharks
Location - Kingsholm
- Sunny, 7 Degrees, 14mph Windss

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Worcester Warriors

Manager – InTheFastLane

15. Kurtley Beale

01. Joe Marler	09. Will Genia
02. Stephen Moore	10. George Ford
03. Tevita Taumeopeau
04. George Robson	11. David Strettle
05. Graham Kitchener	12. Jordan Turner Hall
06. James Haskell
13. Matt Hopper
07. Matt Kvesic	14. Marcel Garvey
08. Ben Morgan

16. Ed Shervington 17. George Porter 18. Kyle Sinckler 19. Gerhard Mostert 20. Michael Hooper 21. Shaun Perry 22. Dan Carter 23. Maa Nonu

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Sale Sharks

Manager – LondonIrishOllie

01.Logovoi Mulipola	09.Hadyn Thomas
02.Gary Botha	10.Johan Goosen
03.Davit Kubriashvilli
04.Yoann Maestri	11.Charlie Amesbury
05.Matt Garvey	12.Jonathan Davies
06.James Gaskell	13.Jonathan Joseph
07.Dave Seymour	14.Tom Brady
08.Jordan Crane	15.Rob Miller

Subs 16.Nathan Charles 17.Andrew Sheridan 18.Henry Thomas 19.Dean Schofield 20.Schalk Burger 21.Scott Mathie 22.Aaron Cruden 23.Luther Burrell

Tactics
We are going to play a game that revolves around our big front 5. We beleive we can get an advantage at scrum time not only because of our front row but because of our bulky 2nd row which compared to their lightweight 2nd row will give us a big advantage.

When we have got some go forward ball we will release our exciting backline, with Davies being used as a mixture of a decoy runner and a big basher. JJ will look to utilise the space and take advantage of Hopper's defensive frailties.

Amesbury and Brady will both come of their wings on occasion and look to run supporting lines.

Lineout. Gaskell is our lineout leader, and will call the lineout. Other jumpers include Maestri, Garvey and Crane.

Defence - We are going to use a blitz defence to put Ford under as much pressure as possible. We will also use our big ball carriers to run at him early on to unsettle him.

Subs - We have some great impact from the bench most of which has been in the country for atleast 2 weeks so are more than ready to play. Subs will be used as and when needed. We have picked a bench that can make an impact and we will use it.

Bath Rugby
Manager – Bathite

01. C.Healy	09. M.Classens (c)
02. L.Mears	10. O.Barkley (k)
03. A.Perenise
04. S.Hooper	11. K.Eastmond
05. D.Attwood	12. F.Steyn (lk)
06. S.O'Brien	13. C.Laulala
07. F.Louw	14. T.Biggs
08. S.Kalamafoni	15. R.Chisholm

16. O.Franks 17. R.Batty 18. N.Catt 19. R.Caldwell 20. C.Fearns 21. C.Cook 22. M.Banahan 23. I.Dagg

TACTICS TBC

General
- Key players rested last week to be a full fitness this week. SOB, Fearns, Attwood, Claasens, Steyn, Biggs all fresh. Franks and Dagg to come off the bench to make a real impact with Banahan

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

- With slow ball, look to mix up first receiver between Steyn and Barkley and then look for back row runners on inside shoulder
- Steyn to ensure we play sensible rugby in the right areas, kicking long for touch in our 22, using the up and under in the centre of the pitch and delicate grubbers in behind centres to chase and force kickable penalties.

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

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

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

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

London Welsh

Manager – Fluxy

01. Rhys Gill	09. Ruan Pienaar (K)
02. Chris Whitehead	10. Nick Evans
03. David Wilson
04. Paul O'Connell (C)	11. Topsy Ojo
05. Dean Mumm	12. Brad Barritt
06. Tom Johnson	13. George Lowe
07. Will Welch	14. Horacio Agulla
08. Nick Easter	15. Ben Ransom

16. Paul James 17. Craif Mitchell 18. David Paice 19. Steve Borthwick 20. Ashley Johnson 21. Will Chudley 22. Dominic Waldlouck 23. Adam Thompstone

Tactics

Worcester Warriors

Manager – InTheFastLane

01. Joe Marler	09. Will Genia
02. Stephen Moore	10. George Ford
03. Tevita Taumeopeau
04. George Robson	11. David Strettle
05. Graham Kitchener	12. Jordan Turner Hall
06. James Haskell[td][td]13. Matt Hopper
07. Matt Kvesic	14. Marcel Garvey
08. Ben Morgan [td][td]15. Kurtley Beale

16. Ed Shervington 17. George Porter 18. Kyle Sinckler 19. Gerhard Mostert 20. Michael Hooper 21. Shaun Perry 22. Dan Carter 23. Maa Nonu

01. Nick Wood	09. Dimitri Yachvilli
02. Darren Dawiduk	10. Pat Lambie (k)
03. Adam Jones
04. Jim Hamilton	11. JSD
05. Will James	12. Jamie Roberts
06. Alisdair Strokosch	13. Henry Trinder
07. Akapusi Qera	14. Shane Monahan
08. JVN (c)	15. Jonny May

16. Korree Britton 17. Dan Murphy 18. Shaun Knight 19. Alex Brown 20. Sam Cane 21. Dan Robson 22. Mike Tindall 23. Iain Balshaw

Tactics

We are aiming to hit the ground running this season with a new and exciting brand of confrontational forwards with pace and flair in the backs. Wood and Hamilton will lead the side from the front. Our game will want to get the ball to a set of backs who can make a lot of inroads. And our back row will get a lot of turnover ball. Cane will look to make a huge impact with Tindall on the hour.



Forwards

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

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

*Backrow are breakdown specialists with Strokosch and Qera both terrorising here and JVN providing brute strength off the back of the scrum and off the backs, again the bench provides more go forward with Cane.



Backs

* Yachvilli to snipe when space but to release Lambie and Roberts when possible, he will go for goal when in range,

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

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

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



Defence

*Roberts to lead this,

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

*Contest at the breakdown and all set piece.

Harlequins

Manager – Driver

01.Matt Mullen	09.Richard Wrigglesworth
02.Joe Grey	10.Tom Heatcote
03.James Johnstone
04.Eben Etzebeth	11.George North
05.Mauritz Botha	12.Hudson Tonha'uhia
06.Tom Croft	13.Jared Payne
07.Chris Robshaw (c)	14.James Short
08.Dave Denton	15.Nick Abendonan

16.Marcos Ayerza 17.John Smit 18.Chris Budgen 19.Alistair Hargreaves 20.Hienrich Brussouw 21.Henry Taylor 22.Andy Short 23.Ollie Lindsey Hague.


Tactics

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

Scrummage for 80 minutes with Ayerza coming on at about 50ish to up the anty in the scrum.

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

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

Croft to run our lineout which Robshaw works hard in the tight.

Denton and Wiggles to keep the tempo high with tap and goes and making Irish work hard in defense making tackles and tireing them out.

Saracens
Manager – ChequeredJersey

01. Mako Vunipola	09. Morgan Parra (k.)
02. Schalk Brits	10. Charlie Hodgson
03. Carlos Nieto
04. George Kruis	11. Tom Williams
05. Donnacha Ryan	12. Anthony Allen
06. Kelly Brown (c.)	13. Vereniki Goneva
07. Will Fraser	14. Chris Wyles
08. Billy Vunipola	15. Alex Goode

16. Jared Saunders 17. Rob Buchanan 18. Sekope Kepu 19. Charlie Matthews 20. Jackson Wray 21. Richie McCaw 22. Jordan Burns 23. Conrad Smith

Sub cover- McCaw 1st choice in 6,7,8. Burns 9/Wing, Goode or Parra 10, Smith 12/13, Goneva or Wyles FB

Tactics- It's sunny again, so time for running rugby. Very traditional back row today, I want Fraser focusing at winning/slowing ball at the breakdown, supported by Brown or Kruis when he can't get there, and Brown and Billy V clearing out. Quick ball will be shipped mostly to the backs, with occasional carries in the pack to keep the defence on their toes. Hodgson to play flat and spread the ball quickly , with Allen as the focal point of the attack, with Brits on his inside shoulder to use as a weapon. Goneva look to support and run or get the ball to the wings in a broken field. Goode join the line to change the direction of attack.

Slower ball kicked if appropriate (must be chased) but rather kept in mauls or picks by the forwards (pods of 3). If the forwards aren't needed in a ruck, try and get carriers like the Vunipolas ready at the fringes or off the shoulders of backs to make an impact and not waste men in attack.

Defence- blitz led by Allen unless C Smith comes on. Fraser to harry Myler, put him under pressure, make sure Wyles tracks Ashton and Brown makes life hard for Dickson

Scrum-should be strong with Mako in particularly strong form, use it to play back row moves, and get Billy to test Myler and the blindside wing.

Lineout- mix it up with lots of options, called by Ryan. Have Billy act as a dummy half sometimes- he can use this position to run onto tap downs or set up a maul


Other- just be calm. We are away in a difficult place but have gotten used to playing attacking rugby recently and have some gamechangers and deep experience on the bench. If we need to replace 10, Parra can go their to slow the game down if need be but otherwise play Goode

Exeter Chiefs
Manager – Luke

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

16. Brett Sturgess 17. Neil Clark 18. Hoani Tui 19. James Hanks 20. James Scaysbrook 21. James Lightfoot-Brown 22. Ian Humphreys 23. Luke Arscott

Tactics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Wilkinson to kick all penalites.

Sale Sharks

Manager – LondonIrishOllie

01.Logovoi Mulipola	09.Hadyn Thomas
02.Gary Botha	10.Johan Goosen
03.Davit Kubriashvilli
04.Yoann Maestri	11.Charlie Amesbury
05.Matt Garvey	12.Jonathan Davies
06.James Gaskell	13.Jonathan Joseph
07.Dave Seymour	14.Tom Brady
08.Jordan Crane	15.Rob Miller

Subs 16.Nathan Charles 17.Andrew Sheridan 18.Henry Thomas 19.Dean Schofield 20.Schalk Burger 21.Scott Mathie 22.Aaron Cruden 23.Luther Burrell

Tactics
We are going to play a game that revolves around our big front 5. We beleive we can get an advantage at scrum time not only because of our front row but because of our bulky 2nd row which compared to their lightweight 2nd row will give us a big advantage.

When we have got some go forward ball we will release our exciting backline, with Davies being used as a mixture of a decoy runner and a big basher. JJ will look to utilise the space and take advantage of Hopper's defensive frailties.

Amesbury and Brady will both come of their wings on occasion and look to run supporting lines.

Lineout. Gaskell is our lineout leader, and will call the lineout. Other jumpers include Maestri, Garvey and Crane.

Defence - We are going to use a blitz defence to put Ford under as much pressure as possible. We will also use our big ball carriers to run at him early on to unsettle him.

Subs - We have some great impact from the bench most of which has been in the country for atleast 2 weeks so are more than ready to play. Subs will be used as and when needed. We have picked a bench that can make an impact and we will use it.

London Irish

Manager – Pullthestrings

01. Gethin Jenkins	09. Joe Simpson
02. James Buckland	10. Quade Cooper
03. Euan Murray
04. Tom Palmer	11. Tom Homer (k)
05. Simon Shaw	12. Daniel Bowden
06. Jerome Kaino	13. Aurelien Rougerie
07. David Pocock (c)	14. Sailosi Tagicakibau
08. Tom Guest	15. Delon Armitage

16. Rob Herring, 17. Max Lahiff, 18. Leo Halavatau, 19. Bryn Evans, 20. Declan Danaher, 21. Darren Allinson, 22. Brock James, 23. Regan King

Tactics
- Back from two good wins in the HC and we're ready to build upon a good start in the AP. Some big players back for us, fresh and raring to go.

- Really have a go at Quins in the scrum. Set a decent platform to attack from and gain some confidence. Quick ball to Quade if we're stable, Guest to pick and go if it's messy.

- In the lineout, we'll dominate. So many options. Opt for full lineouts mostly in their half to tie in their pack, leaving more space out wide. Compete for their ball.

- Play in their half all day - there are few sides that can score against us from 60+ metres so it limits their threat straight away.

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

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

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

- Quade's back in and also will be looking to keep the tempo high. Bowden can slot in as first receiver if necessary to get the ball moving.

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

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

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

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

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First of your injuries are now available

Leicester Tigers
Manager – Sgt_Pooly

01. Thomas Domingo	09. Ben Youngs
02. Bismark Du Plessis	10. Toby Flood
03. Martin Castrogiovani
04. Joe Launchbury	11. Miles Benjamin
05. Geoff Parling	12. Berrick Barnes
06. Willam Alberts	13. Manu Tuilagi
07. Sam Warburton(c)	14. James O’Connor
08. Sergio Parisse	15. Rob Kearney

16. Jamie George 17. Dan Cole 18. Alex Corbisiero 19. Ed Slater 20. Luke Wallace 21. Karl Dickson 22. Danny Cipriani 23. Jordan Turner-Hall

Tactics

We will base our game around high tempo, high intensity rugby. We’ll look to use the set piece as a foundation to work from and turn the screw on the opposition if a weakness is seen. We’ll look for big carries from our pack to give us go forward ball which Youngs thrives upon.

We’ll look to target the lineout throughout with 5 top draw options. Launchbury, Parling and Parisse will look to mark the front, middle and back and put intense pressure on throughout the game.

Flood/Barnes will dictate tempo and look to get Manu running angles to either punch holes in the opposition midfield or draw the decoy and allow our back 3 into the game.

When the 3 is on in front of the posts we’ll take and the captain will make the call on set piece if an advantage is seen.



- Turn screw in set piece if weakness seen
- High intensity & keep the ball alive
- Youngs to attack the gaps and allow Flood time to hit the line
- Manu to be used as crash and decoy with back 3 coming into the line
- Target lineout with world class operators
- Warburton/Alberts to marshal breakdown and slow/turnover opp ball

Conditions:

Bath - Sunny, 7 Degrees, 16mph Winds
Gloucester - Sunny, 7 Degrees, 14mph Winds
Reading - Sunny Intervals, 7 Degrees, 14mph Winds
Northampton - Sunny, 7 Degrees, 16mph Winds
High Wycombe - Sunny Intervals, 7 Degrees, 11mph Winds
Worcester - Sunny, 7 Degrees, 14mph Winds

Northampton Saints
Manager – SirJohnnyEnglish

01. Steven Kitshoff	09. Lee Dickson
02. Richardt Strauss	10. Stephen Myler
03. Brian Mujati
04. Courtney Lawes	11. Chris Ashton
05. Andries Bekker	12. Sonny Bill Williams
06. Stephen Ferris	13. George Pisi
07. Tom Wood	14. Vasily Artemiev
08. Roger Wilson	15. Ben Foden

16. S. Tonga'uiha 17. D. Hartley 18. P. Doran-Jones 19. S. Manoa 20. P. Dowson 21. M. Roberts 22. R. Lamb 23. J. Elliot

Key Points

• Look to dominate proceedings in the final quarter. Sarries will be making a lot of positional switches with the bench coming on and this will lead to disruption to attacking and defensive patterns. Fatigue and jet lag will be an issue for their Blesidoe cup players as well.

Tactics

We will look to play a fast paced attacking game using big carriers running of the 9/10/12 axis to get us over the gain line and generate quick ball. Keeping the ball alive is crucial so our carriers will be looking for support runners to hit on the offload and get us further over the gain line. Our back three will look to get involved as much as possible running support lines of the halfbacks and midfield looking for the inside ball or offload. If for whatever reason we aren’t getting quick ball, we will look to take control of territory with the boots of Dickson & Myler and force Sarries to come at us from deep.

• With a powerful front 5 on show we will look to keep the scrum up and use it as a weapon. On our own feed we will look to get the wheel on and give our 8-9-10 axis as much room as possible to attack from.

• In Irish territory, with 5 jumping options to use, we will look to play off the top and move the ball out to Myler and the backs. In our own territory, we will look to take the ball down into the maul and drive ourselves into the right areas.

• We will play an aggressive blitz on defence, playing on the edge of the offside line and coming up at pace, looking to isolate the ball carrier and stop any Sarries momentum before it can get going.

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

• We will leave two players sitting deep to cover any kicks and they will look to counter attack of any loose ball.

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

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

.

London Wasps
Manager – CF

01.Tim Payne 09.Danny Care
02.Dimitri Swarzeski 10.Shane Geraghty
03.Matt Stevens
04.Marco Wentzel 11.Ugo Monye
05.Skivvington 12.Billy Twelvetrees
06.Thierry Dusatoir (c) 13.Jaque Fourie
07.Juluen Savli 14.Tom Varndell
08.Thomas Waldrom 15.Mark Cueto

16.Chuter 17.Mas 18.Stankovich 19.Burger 20.Young 21.Gopperth 22.Ansbro 23.Haughton

f**k it

Not even close there CF....

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Not even close there CF....

thank you, i was unaware of it, until you mentioned!

Still got plenty of time to correct

Fluxy mate can you add my sale team to the top part of the thread. You've missed it off buddy. Cheers

Done mate

Bath 19-18 Exeter Chiefs

Chiefs to get an edge at scrum time with a big front five. Good battle at the lineout but both sides should hold their own ball. Cracking back row for Bath that has a bit of everything plus some serious ball carrying and see them getting an edge here. Good form for both 10s. Wilko shades for quality but as a unit Bath are stronger. Decent battle in midfield and both combos will get over the gain line. Bit more name value in the Chiefs back 3 but some great form for the Bath unit. No gain either way. Not overly keen on the Blesidoe cup players on the bench and don’t see them offering any game changing impact. Very even game this one don’t see either side really dominating possession or territory. Home advantage is the key decider.

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Gloucester 19-24 Leicester

Decent scrum battle but Tigers should get some joy from the lineout. Tigers with more quality on show in the back row. Nothing in it at the breakdown with Warbs not in the best of form but Tigers have more ball carrying wise. Nothing between the halfbacks on current form. Some decent form for Glaws in the back three but Tigers shade the backline with some serious quality. Little more from the bench for Tigers. Tigers with that bit more in the pack and enough quality in the backs to take a win from Kingsholm.

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London Irish 22-22 Harlequins

Nothing in it at scrum time but Quins will struggle with no lineout leader on show. On current form the back row goes to Quins. Kaino very hard to rate and liking the look of the Quins unit. Irish stronger at halfback. Neither 10 has much form to go on but Cooper is a class above. Not sure the Irish halfbacks are the type to keep the game in the Quins half though. Nothing between the rest of the backs but I see Tonha'uhia getting a lot of joy running at the Irish 10-12-13. On the benches Irish will get more in the backs but Quins will get control in the pack battle. Tough game to call. Irish have more attacking wise and are at home but won’t get the cleanest ball while Quins will get over the gain line regularly. I’m going to opt out and call a draw.

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Wasps 15-25 London Welsh

See Wasps struggling at the scrum a fair bit in this one. Lineout wise both sides should hold their own ball. Wasps backrow will give them the upper hand at the breakdown. Halfbacks to Welsh. Evans is a class a part at flyhalf. Midfield to Welsh as well with Fourie hard to rate having not played top level rugby since the world cup. Wasps with more in the back three though with a very good all english combo. See Wasps disrupting Welsh a bit but they won’t get much of a platform and no game plan sees them rudderless.

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Worcester 17-22 Sale

Decent battle between the front rows at the scrum but the extra meet of the Sale 2nd row will see them get the upper hand. Sale will struggle a bit at the lineout though. Sale front 5 will offer more around the park. Worcester back row will get through more work though which levels this up. Half backs as a combo shade to Worcester but Ford may struggle a little on defence. Good form for Worcester in midfield but Sale are a step up in quality. Back threes are even. Beale is a class above but jaded with jet lag and don’t see him having any impact here. Same to be said of the main Worcester bench players. Not a lot between the sides with Sale maybe shading the line ups counteracting home advantage but no game plan is crucial and Sale pick up a decent away win.

Bath 22- Exeter 20
Pack goes to Exeter, with a slightly combo in each of front row, SR and back row. I think they also edge the lineout and scrum but I just about give Bath parity at the breakdown and think they offer a lot in carrying with their pack. Bath definitely have the edge in yhe backs with Harrison not helping Wilko and Barkley on form. I also like the cut of Bath's tactics which I think could force the defence in and make space for offloads to the fast back 3. Also a lot of impact from Bath's bench which snatches it.

Gloucester 26- Tigers 30

I really like Gloucester's whole line up and they are one of a few teams that cam cope with Tigers in the scrums and have maybe as good a HB pairing, though very different. However, they will struggle in the lineout and probably the breakdown and Tigers are so strong. That pack is terrifying and with JOC on yhe wing, yhe centres look a bit better defensively (still no clear lineleader) and have a myriad of options to play the kicking game as well as the running game. I think Roberts Trinder is a class pairing though I've seen little recent form from the former and little gametime from the latter (my own fault).2 lovely benches and back 3s. JOC rated down a little as I've not seen him play in so bloody long. Warbs off form but helped out by Alberts and Parisse was fantastic on Saturday

Irish 30- Quins 33
Packs even with Quins stealing the front row, and a tiny tiny edge to Irish in the other rows. Maybe. Just. Actually, I've changed my mind- pack to Quins, even with Denton poor in Europe. Irish HBs glorious on attack an will cause problems. They are weak in defence though. I like Wiggles Heathcote, Driver. Evens in the centres, neither of which strikes fear into me as a combo. Wings to Quins, as they are excellent. Kicking to Irish. FBs to Irish- Delon playing well. Breakdown even but scrum and maybe lineout to Quins who have a definite edge in forwards subs. Quins take this.

Wasps 20 - Welsh 28

Advantage Welsh in scrum and FR and SR (just), but to Wasps in BR and breakdown and a close lineout to give even pack duel. Care is the form NH 9 ATM and one of my favourite players now that he has become less prone to utter idiocy. Except when describing why haircut he'd like to the hairdresser who I can only assume was a student. With Geraghty he would form a powerful attacking combo. But Pienarr is also good and up there in form and Nev wins. That's a rule. Barritt-Lowe just beats 36-Fourie as Fourie ain't around. Wasps wings are class though and will score tries even without a gameplan! Ransom is talented but young and inexperienced vs Cueto who is old and experienced but not in his best position--> evens. Would be close and high scoring but no plan = bad.

Wuss 19 - Sale 26

Tight 5 to Sale, ESP SRs who look great. Back row and breakdown to Wuss, who are unspecialised at flank but classy nevertheless. 2 good sets of HBs but just goes to Wuss even with Genia out and off form. Just. I like both centre pairings but Sale has more class despite my love of Quins combos. JTH appears to be in the match squad for both Tigers and Wuss though.

I prefer Wuss' wings, just, but Beale will be tired and vs Miller who is on form
so B3 to Sale. Subs to Wuss who have class on the bench but no gameplan = bad

Justr wrote them out and lost them!!!! Aggghhhh

Bath 19-21 Exeter

Exeter get good edge in set piece with Penerise a weakness although Horwill losing rating. Exeter edge backrow and halfbacks but Bath centres. Exeter do everything you need to do away at home by getting edge in forwards and kicking goals.

Irish 20-20 Quins

Not much give in scrum with two good units but Quins will def dominate lineout with some serious options against the grizzly Irish outfit. Kaino hard to rate so have to give Quins the backrow with a very tidy unit.

Irish have the better halfback unit with Heathcote not quite up to this level but at least should get over his attempts at goal. Irish prob have the better back unit on show although Quins a threat and will push game close. Just can't see past draw.

Northampton 24-22 Saracens

Really good game with some youngsters really coming through well for CJ (Mako, Billy & Fraser having good seasons). Saints have edge but Sarries will push close and will look transfomed with 2 of the worlds best players in McCaw and Smith. Close but just not enough against Saints who are strong at home.

Wasps 15-19 Welsh

Another close contest with tight battles across the park. I think Wasps would edge but just lack direction with no Game plan. Good form for Wasps wings although Fourie really struggling.

Worcester 20-20 Sale

Not sure what is going on with Worcester team lol. Worcester another side who have the edge but suffer from no direction. Worcester have control in most areas except centre.

Glos 20 Tigers 16
Front row edged to the home side, with the injury to BDP and Castro on the decline and Wood on the up. Second row goes to the Tigers, nice combo here, would have been even if Whitelock was available. Back row on paper goes to Tigers, but realistically, Warbs has stunted and Qera is in amazing form, so it's pretty close. Half backs go to the Tigers, but in the outside backs there isn't much form for them, with many out injured and JTH on loan? Based on their performance at the weekend, a huge defensive shift plus more form in the backs sees Glos edge this

Irish 19 - 21 Quins
Two very close packs, with a lot of big names, but many not in great form or injured. Have to mark Murray and Kaino down due to them not playing top rugby for a while now and Pocock injured, but Guest hsa been impressive. Quins probably edge the pack for me. In the halfbacks, I'm not comfortable with either as a pairing, not sure either brings out the best in both. Heathcote getting back to fitness will be big for Quins. Out wide, North and Short will have some joy on Homer, but Delon is in cracking form as well. Difficult to read this one, but think Quins sneak an away win as they have a bit more form up front.

Saints 15 - 10 Sarries
Two great front rows and both evenly matched. Second rows go to Saints and they will have more joy at the lineout, with a more reliable thrower and more jumping options in the back row. Back rows are quite evenly matched, with the form of Billy V evening it up. Halfbacks go to Sarries by a long way, but advantage is lost with Goneva at 13, who I haven't seen play there. Pisi's great form at 13 further compounds this and could exploit the opposite man.

Myler is the man to play a sensible game and Saints will suffocate this side, with a good bench as well

Wasps 10 - 20 Welsh
That Wasps front row is really going to struggle at scrum time, with 3 pretty poor scrummagers. Gill and Wilson are both very solid here, with James and Mitchell top quality replacements as well. Can see wasps getting into real trouble at scrum time and struggling to get a platform. Wasps win the back row battle, but the Welsh halfbacks are two of the best in the business at this level. Prefer Wasps backs in general, but the (lack of) form of Fourie and Cueto at 15 mean that potential advantage is lost. Wasps would have been much more competititve with tactics

To be fair I think the Kingsholm pitch will be destroyed after 6 games on it this week!!



Bath 28-23 Exeter

See front rows as fairly even here. Good pairing for the lineouts from Bath in the 2^nd row. Bath with a little extra in the backrow with all 3 in good form. Prefer the Bath hb’s but you can never write off Wilkinson. Big collisions in the centres which are even. Back 3 to Chiefs with Chisolm being found out by Nacewa. Bit more from Bath on the bench too see’s them home, Chiefs play well but don’t have enough, Bath players have good form especially back row.



Irish 17-18 Quins

Props to Irish but Quins will take something from hooker. Big hits in 2^nd rows with Quins taking the lineout. Backrow to Quins who have more form from players. 9 to Irish and 10 even with neither playing. Centres to Irish and back 3 to Quins. I think Quins will just have enough to take this match.



Saints 20-19 Sarries

Big fan of both front rows but feel that Saints may just get an extra nudge and they have a bit more power to come on here. 2^nd rows just to Saints, and 2 good back rows with Saints taking 6 and 7 but Sarries having more at 8. Hb’s go to Sarries. See the centres even and Saints get the back 3. Like the Sarries balance on bench and the tactics are good from both teams. Saints will edge this with their front row holding strong, good game!



Wasps 13-18 Welsh

Wasps will really struggle at the scrum time but 2nd rows ok and can see both retaining their lineout ball. Good backrow from both but Wasps have a bit more extra here. Care is on form but much prefer the Welsh hb’s who will control the game well. Evens in the centre pairings but Wasps bring good form to the back 3. Wasps not having tactics really harms them hereand Evans will control this game.



Warriors 18-18 Sharks

No tactics again from Warriors really hinders them here. Stronger front row from Sharks. 2 good sets of 2^nd rows on show here. Prefer the Warriors backrow but Crane coming back will help Sharks here. 9-10 to Warriors but prefer the Sharks centre pairing who should get good ball. Beale the standout in the back 3 battle. Sharks have better forwards impact to come on but the quality of the Warriors backs on the bench help them no end and should bring some structure.

Worcs 13 - 20 Sale
Big front 5 for Sale gives a great platform to start with. Was a little concerned about the lineout, but guess Gaskell at 6 makes up for this.

In the backs, this game has come a week too early for the home side, as Nonu and Carter would probably have been enough for them to get the win in the end.

Lack of tactics hurts Worcs here, so have to go for a Sale win

Bath 28 Exeter 23

Irish 15 Quins 12

Saints 18 Sarries 20

Warriors 21 Sharks 21

Gloucester vs Tigers 18 21

Can predictions stay open til midnight? I'll do them after rugby. It is that a ball ache for you SJE?

Bath 23 Exeter 25

Front 5 swings this game to the chiefs with them better in each position. Big Bath back row struggle to get a hold on game whilst on back foot. Armitage will be huge at the breakdown for Chiefs. Half backs are evens with Wilko in special form. Centres 1 a piece with Steyn miles over Naqa and Kahui ahead of Casey. Chiefs back 3 could cause some serious damage. Eastmond bags a brace in his good form.

Gloucester 18 Tigers 22

From row to tigers with them clear ahead at 1 & 2 and Castro in better form than Jones. Locks one a piece with Hamilton and Parling stand outs. Tigers better throughout back row. Youngs and Flood on fire in real life. Yachvilli is poop at the moment whilst Lambie had a average RC. Outside half backs Tigers lightyears ahead with Tigers looking like world beaters.

Saints 28 Saracens 23

Saints cause mayhem up front with Lawes and Bekker a step above Kruis and Ryan. back row to saints as well with Fraser raw at this level. Brown and Vunipola playing well though. Half backs go to Sarries but outside that i can only see Goode better than his opposition man.

Wasps 20 Welsh 21.

Two even sides with Wasps better at 7 and Welsh better at 4 and 10. No game plan costs Wasps a vital home win.

Worcester 18 Sale Sharks 20

Wuss lose out in front 5 with a big unit up against them. back row is Wuss with Hask and Morgan playing well. Genia above Thomas with Thomas struggling at Chiefs. Goosen above Ford. Centres go to Sharks , back 3 just to Wuss. but Sharks have a battle plan which sees them take the win.

Not at all Pull work away mate. Dont do results till the morning

Think the site has been down?!?!

It keeps saying under maintenance on mine

Always says that on my iPhone. I just figured it was my 3G.

Bath 20 - 23 Exeter

Massive pack on show for the Chiefs here, they have the edge over Bath. In windy conditions, I back the wise head of Wilkinson to play a better tactical game than Barkley/Steyn. Bath's backs are packed with talent and will threaten on counter attacks. Couple of breakaway tries. But Wilko (and later on Humphries) keep the scoreboard ticking over and grind out the win.

Gloucester 23 - 24 Leicester

Can see a classic here. On paper, Tigers have more galacticos but Gloucester have some massive performers, who always up their games on big days (e.g. Qera). Would say Gloucester, through heart and willpower will take the initiative and threaten up front and at the breakdown, causing penalties to help Gloucester rack up the points. But Tigers bench is unreal and has enough force to grab the win at the end.

Gloucester 19 - 22 Leicester 

Tigers take the advantage in the pack, bolstered by the return of Alberts. Bit iffy form wise for Tigers  in the backs though, and see Lambie in control. Tigers bench is stronger though which sways it. 


Irish 21 - 24 Harlequins 

Decent pack battle here with two good units. Form wise think Quins have more which sees them with the edge. Both have dangerous backs, but again I think Quins edge it form-wise. Think Quins forms sneaks this. 


Saints 26 - 22 Saracens 

Sarries take the front row but saints stronger in the back 5 with a powerful unit. Love Sarries HBs, but beyond there it's all Saints. Sarries put up a fight but saints too strong. 


Wasps 19 - 18 Welsh

Like the look of this wasps pack, some real talent in there. Welsh has a great HB pairing though, but with the likes of Care, Monye and Varndell wasps have serious form. Despite no tactics, think CF deserves this win. 


Worcester 22 - 20 Sale

Think worcs just about edge the pack, but there are some really good battles in there. Similar story in the backs with it being a close run thing, but worcs just edging. Not tactics hurts, but worcs at home and slightly stronger. 

Northampton Saints 25 - 21 Saracens

I think the Saints have the edge in the pack, particuarly like the back row combo. They also take the edge in the backs, some real power there. Both slight edges. Sarries running style threatened but also left gaps when they didn't quite go to plan, letting Saints back in the game. Overall Saints look the better side, and at home they will have enough.

Wasps 12 - 19 Welsh

Packs are pretty even. Whilst the half back combo from Wasps is electric, I think Welsh's counterparts are more experienced and will make better decisions. Lack of tactics hinder Wasps. Welsh players on form and I think they can take this one.

Worcester 17 - 30 Sale