Aviva Premiership Round 15

by **Ozzy3213** Thu Feb 20, 2014 3:48 am

League Table

POS	Aviva Premiership	PLAYED	WON	DREW	LOST	P F	P A	P D	T F	T A	TBP	LBP	POINTS
1	Northampton Saints	14	12	1	1	368	199	+169	42	16	4	1	55
2	Saracens	14	12	0	2	390	203	+187	40	20	6	0	54
3	Bath Rugby	14	10	1	3	313	230	+83	30	25	1	1	44
4	Harlequins	14	9	0	5	256	195	+61	23	16	2	2	40
5	Leicester Tigers	14	8	2	4	294	278	+16	29	24	2	2	40
6	Sale Sharks	14	7	0	7	247	250	-3	24	21	2	5	35
7	London Wasps	14	6	0	8	266	268	-2	25	22	2	7	33
8	Exeter Chiefs	14	6	0	8	268	267	-1	21	25	1	5	30
9	London Irish	14	5	0	9	236	285	-49	22	25	0	5	25
10	Gloucester	14	4	0	10	236	320	-84	23	32	1	6	23
11	Newcastle Falcons	14	3	0	11	121	294	-173	7	32	0	3	15
12	Worcester Warriors	14	0	0	14	164	370	-206	12	40	0	4	4

Sat 14:00 Bath Rugby vs. London Wasps
Even with Wilson, Attwood and Ford it is difficult to look beyond Bath in this one. Wasps were poor in failing to dispatch 14 man Irish last time out, and seemed to be missing leadership and desire. I'm not sure how they rectify that in a week to be honest, and I can see a comfortable Bath win with Wasps going home with nothing.

Sat 14:00 Gloucester Rugby vs. Harlequins
Quins are not playing well, but they are winning, so they must be doing something right. The table shows they have conceded the joint fewest amount of tries, so defence is clearly not an issue. Gloucester know their way to the try line, but only Worcester have conceded more tries and points. This is a fascinating encounter and not an easy one to predict, but I am going with the home side giving their fans something to cheer and sneaking a close one with Quins heading back to London with a losing bonus point.

Sat 14:00 Worcester Warriors vs. Sale Sharks
These two must be sick of playing each other this season, I think this is game number 5. Worcester know it's now or never, and defeat here realistically will see them down. I can see them really tearing into Sale, and I think this is the week they finally break their duck and get the win that can keep their season alive for a bit longer. Sale will be close enough to go away with a losing bonus point.

Sun 13:00 London Irish vs. Leicester Tigers
Heart says Irish, head says could be Irish but however poor their performances have been, the Tiggers are masters at winning without playing well. Sorry folks, I'm not calling it, but I will be at the MadStad going absolutely nuts on Sunday!!!

Sun 15:00 Newcastle Falcons vs. Northampton Saints
Newcastle just don't seem to be able to score, averaging a try every other game and less than 10 points per match. Defensively Saints are one of the best in the league, so I don't see that changing today. If they can't trouble the scoreboard, Falcons won't trouble Saints, and Northampton will take the spoils here. I'm tempted to predict them getting the try bonus point as well, and I think Falcons will be down in the dumps picking up 0 points at home.

Sun 15:15 Saracens vs. Exeter Chiefs
Both teams I think have a bit of a point to prove in this one. Sarries will want to put right the ills to 2 Saturday's ago in front of their own fans. The Chiefs know their chances of finishing in 4th place are slipping and defeat here could be terminal in that regard. This will be an absolute slugfest, and I think the Chiefs may have to reset their ambitions to a top 6 finish after this one, with Sarries picking up a win with a try bonus point, and everyone's favourite second team heading back west with nothing.

by Welly Thu Feb 20, 2014 4:16 am

Reckon it will be points wise.

Bath 1 - Wasps 4
Glous 0 - Quins 4
Wuss 1 - Sale 4
LI 1 - Tigers 4 (actually think LI will in but I could say that)
Falcons 0 - Saints 4
Saracens 1 - Exeter 4

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu Feb 20, 2014 4:26 am

Welly wrote:Reckon it will be points wise.

Bath 1 - Wasps 4
Glous 0 - Quins 4
Wuss 1 - Sale 4
LI 1 - Tigers 4 (actually think LI will in but I could say that)
Falcons 0 - Saints 4
Saracens 1 - Exeter 4

Welly, hope that you are right, but am not entirely convinced - the Exe players really need a massive response to their two narrow losses to Saints and Barf

Chief

by **Ozzy3213** Thu Feb 20, 2014 4:27 am

All away wins Welly? Interesting.

by **Ozzy3213** Thu Feb 20, 2014 5:55 am

Have just been reading London Tigers Round One preview...

https://www.606v2.com/t47650p200-aviva-premiership-round-1-preview

Lots of us predicting who would do what this season. Some interesting opinions and really good debate. Interesting to see how the league is panning out now in relation to it.

by **LondonTiger** Thu Feb 20, 2014 8:33 am

Bath beat Wasps 4-0
Gloucester lose to Quins 1-4
Worcester beat Sale 4-1
London Irish beat Leicester 4-1
Falcons lose to Sainst 0-5
Sarries beat Exeter 4-0

On the Leicester game, we will have a very strong team out there and should be able to win. However we are seriously crap this season. Ben Youngs is seriously low on form and confidence. Making no breaks whatsoever. Flood is challenging the gain line but no-one running off him. In attack we drift sideways far too much - in fact far too often it is players like Kitchener and Slater who straighten, draw the defender and deliver try scoring passes. London Irish were a much better side in attack when we met at Welford Road, with Yarde and O'Connor exceptional. Thankfully for us we were rescued by the scrummage.

Probable team for us likely to show just one change from last week - though We could see rotation in back and second rows:

Ayerza, Hawkins, Mulipola, Kitchener, Slater, Gibson, Salvi, Crane
Youngs, Flood, Thompstone, Allen, Smith, Goneva, Tait

Manu may be on the bench against Falcons next week.

by SirBurger Thu Feb 20, 2014 10:17 am

On paper that side frightens me a lot. I just hope our respective form plays a part and we can sneak the win.

by Welly Thu Feb 20, 2014 10:22 am

I reckon goneva will go 13 and scully on the wing.

Also reckon Mafi may start this week.

by broadlandboy Thu Feb 20, 2014 1:10 pm

Sirbuger
unfortunately the game is played not on paper & the recent form of Tigers means that unless there is a big improvement you have little to fear.

by beshocked Thu Feb 20, 2014 10:48 pm

Would irritate me if Exeter after failing to put any dent in Saints or Bath, put in a significant performance to hurt us.

This is how I think things will go.

Bath,Quins,Sale,London Irish,Saints,Sarries to win.

I just hope Saracens get back on track with a positive performance vs Exeter and win of course.

by Geordie Thu Feb 20, 2014 11:30 pm

Cant believe no-ones backing us... Erm

by HongKongCherry Fri Feb 21, 2014 4:21 am

GeordieFalcon wrote:Cant believe no-ones backing us...

I know the feeling Geordie! Surely our respective league positions should warrant a pair of home wins??

by **Ozzy3213** Fri Feb 21, 2014 4:35 am

HongKongCherry wrote:
GeordieFalcon wrote:Cant believe no-ones backing us...

I know the feeling Geordie! Surely our respective league positions should warrant a pair of home wins??

Welcome to our world. I am in a state of shock that people are actually predicting an Irish win here!!! Leprechaun

by SirBurger Fri Feb 21, 2014 5:35 am

Ozzy, you should know by now that people aren't predicting an Irish win. They are predicting a Leicester loss. There is a difference you know Wink

...or so the media would have us believe!

by Heaf Fri Feb 21, 2014 5:59 am

What a difference a couple of weeks makes eh?

by **Ozzy3213** Fri Feb 21, 2014 5:59 am

Good point, well made SB. If we 'win' it will of course be because Tigers were below par! Wink

by B91212 Fri Feb 21, 2014 6:11 am

My predictions were crap last week (LI & Bath proved me wrong and expected bigger wins for Saracens, Quins & Tigers) so hopefully these prove closer to the mark Smile

.

Bath (4) vs Wasps (1) - Wasps seem low on form, Bath playing well but no Ford this week but still can't see past a home win, think the Bath pack will be too strong.

Cherries (1) vs Quins (4) - Think this will be close, Glous were not bad against Tigers and Quins don’t seem to firing on all cylinders at the moment but I think Quins will just be too strong in a close game. Both teams are good to watch so should be a good game for the neutral.

Warriors (1) vs Sale (4) - I think Wuss have improved and that they will pull of a victory before the end of the season but I think it will be against one of the bigger teams when it happens. Think the Sale team will be too frightened of Diamond turning into a rapid dog and chewing their limbs off if they loose.

Irish (0) vs Tigers (4) - Tigers looked frustrated against Glous at the weekend. Defense seems okay but they seem a little indecisive in attack (maybe missing O'Conner?). However I think Dickie C will have given them the hairdryer treatment this week and we will see a stronger performance. LI are improving but I don't think it will be enough even though they are at home (sorry Irish fans).

Falcons (?) vs Saints (?) - Don't want to curse it. Should be an away win, hopefully a bonus point too but Newcastle isn't always an easy place and due to injuries / international calls (and a small squad) Saints are currently having to play 2 number 8's in the second row. Still, fingers crossed.

Saracens (4) vs Chiefs (0) - Although they didn't look on top form against Sale I feel Saracens will be too strong at home on the plastic pitch.

by **Ozzy3213** Fri Feb 21, 2014 6:39 am

No need to apologise B91212, I think all of us Irish fans are more than comfortable with others predicting our demise! Wink

by B91212 Fri Feb 21, 2014 6:55 am

Well, I went for a Wasp victory last week so you should be good Wink

.

by Heaf Fri Feb 21, 2014 8:12 am

Keep up the bad work Smile

by yappysnap Fri Feb 21, 2014 5:54 pm

My predictions are also usually crap. So I thought i'd go with my gut (empty) today rather then head (also fairly...)

Bath to win with the tbp and a big forward effort, backs may get the ball once
Gloucester to losebut get the lbp in a close low scoring painful game
Sale to give Worcester the kiss of death
Leicester will respond to their two close games with an old school forwards display, Irish to be cremed
Saints will hardly break as they speed over the twitching falcon speed bump
Exeter to hump Sa...No I can't make kid myself, Sarries will upset everyone and put Exeter to the sword, boooooo

by **Ozzy3213** Fri Feb 21, 2014 7:52 pm

Gutted there is no Premiership action tonight. I quite like when there is a televised match Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

by Jimpy Fri Feb 21, 2014 8:28 pm

Ozzy3213 wrote:Gutted there is no Premiership action tonight. I quite like when there is a televised match Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

Fear not, you can watch France wallop Wales...

by **Ozzy3213** Fri Feb 21, 2014 8:29 pm

Zero interest in France vs. Wales if I am totally honest. I also would prefer Wales to win as it's better for us if they do.

by formerly known as Sam Fri Feb 21, 2014 9:28 pm

Not sure we're missing MOC Yappy, the backs weren't great in attack last season when we had Youngs, Flood, Allen and Manu working in situ for a good third of the season. There's been no such continuity to work from this season. Injuried to 25 different players for Tigers this season. Having said that I think we missed a trick not hiring Mauger in the summer.

by **Ozzy3213** Fri Feb 21, 2014 10:51 pm

London Irish team to face Leicester Tigers:

15. James O’Connor; 14. Alex Lewington; 13.Eamonn Sheridan; 12.Shane Geraghty; 11. Andrew Fenby; 10. Ian Humphreys; 9. Darren Allinson; 1. Matt Parr; 2. David Paice; 3. Jamie Hagan; 4. George Skivington (Captain); 5. Nic Rouse; 6. Kieran Low; 7. Blair Cowan; 8. Ofisa Treviranus

Replacements: 16. Jimmy Stevens; 17. John Yapp; 18. Leo Halavatau; 19. Jebb Sinclair; 20. Gerard Ellis; 21. Topsy Ojo; 22. Marland Yarde; 23. Sean Kennedy

by SirBurger Fri Feb 21, 2014 10:55 pm

I don't think I will ever be 100% comfortable with that 10-12 defensive axis. Even though Shane is now something of a rock in defence, I will always worry. However, Fergus obviously wasn't ready and it is what we have. Marland coming off the bench will be a nice plus and I am expecting a top display from JOC. Hope we can pull of a 4th win in a row!

by **Ozzy3213** Fri Feb 21, 2014 11:06 pm

Leicester Tigers (v London Irish, away, Sunday 1pm)
15 Mathew Tait
14 Blaine Scully
13 Vereniki Goneva
12 Anthony Allen
11 Adam Thompstone
10 Owen Williams
9 Ben Youngs
1 Marcos Ayerza
2 Rob Hawkins
3 Logovi'i Mulipola
4 Ed Slater (c)
5 Louis Deacon
6 Jamie Gibson
7 Julian Salvi
8 Jordan Crane

Replacements
16 Neil Briggs
17 Boris Stankovich
18 Fraser Balmain
19 Steve Mafi
20 Thomas Waldrom
21 David Mele
22 Matt Smith
23 Toby Flood

by Welly Fri Feb 21, 2014 11:07 pm

Tigers team I like it big pack, Williams has been a very solid player. I'm excited now, Some good names on the bench.

by **LondonTiger** Fri Feb 21, 2014 11:07 pm

Toby Flood ~~dropped~~ rotated:

Oops posted at same time as one above

by Geordie Fri Feb 21, 2014 11:42 pm

Falcons team for the Saints:

Dont fancy our chances.
No Shiells or Montanella again but Gary Strain is there!! How serious are the injuries to these guys?
No Sinoti.
Lee Smith not there.
No Kibirige...
Brookes and McGuigan only on the bench??!!!

At least Godman is gone..

Newcastle Falcons:
1 Rob Vickers
2 Matt Thompson
3 Oliver Tomaszczyk
4 Scott MacLeod
5 Fraser McKenzie
6 Mark Wilson
7 Will Welch (c)
8 Ally Hogg

9 Mike Blair
10 Rory Clegg
11 Ryan Shortland
12 Jamie Helleur
13 Gonzalo Tiesi
14 Noah Cato
15 Alex Tait,

Replacements: 16 George McGuigan, 17 Gary Strain, 18 Kieran Brookes, 19 Sean Tomes, 20 Chris York, 21 Warren Fury, 22 Joel Hodgson, 23 Adam Powell

Saints
1 Alex WALLER
2 Mike HAYWOOD
3 Salesi MA’AFU
4 Samu MANOA
5 Christian DAY
6 Calum CLARK
7 Phil DOWSON (c)
8 Sam DICKINSON

9 Kahn Fotual'i
10 Stephen Myler
11 Jamie Elliott
12 Tom Stephenson
13 George Pisi
14 Ken Pisi
15 James Wilson

Replacements: 16 Ross MCMILLAN 17 Ethan WALLER 18 Gareth DENMAN 19 GJ VAN VELZE 20 Ben NUTLEY 21 Alex DAY 22 Glenn DICKSON 23 Ben FODEN

by **Ozzy3213** Fri Feb 21, 2014 11:42 pm

Warriors vs Sale Sharks

15 Chris Pennell
14 Josh Drauniniu
13 Alex Grove
12 Ravai Fatiaki
11 David Lemi
10 Paul Warwick
9 Jonny Arr

1 Ofa Fainga'anuku
2 Agustin Creevy
3 John Andress
4 James Percival
5 Mariano Galarza
6 Mike Williams
7 Sam Betty
8 Leonardo Senatore

Replacements

16 Ed Shervington
17 George Porter
18 Rob O'Donnell
19 Dean Schofield
20 Richard de Carpentier
21 Jeremy Su'a
22 Ryan Lamb
23 Dean Hammond

by **Ozzy3213** Fri Feb 21, 2014 11:43 pm

15 Phil Dollman
14 Fetu'u Vainikolo
13 Ian Whitten
12 Henry Slade
11 Matt Jess
10 Gareth Steenson
9 Dave Lewis
1 Ben Moon
2 Jack Yeandle
3 Hoani Tui
4 Dean Mumm (capt)
5 Damian Welch
6 Tom Johnson
7 Ben White
8 Dave Ewers

16 Luke Cowan-Dickie
17 Carl Rimmer
18 Alex Brown
19 Don Armand
20 Kai Horstmann
21 Haydn Thomas
22 Ceri Sweeney
23 Jason Shoemark

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Fri Feb 21, 2014 11:54 pm

Hmmm...

by **Ozzy3213** Fri Feb 21, 2014 11:55 pm

SirBurger wrote:I don't think I will ever be 100% comfortable with that 10-12 defensive axis. Even though Shane is now something of a rock in defence, I will always worry. However, Fergus obviously wasn't ready and it is what we have. Marland coming off the bench will be a nice plus and I am expecting a top display from JOC. Hope we can pull of a 4th win in a row!

Brian said on the team announcement that Fergus is still injured. Real shame that we don't have TOL and Geraghty at 9 and 10 as they seemed to be getting a real partnership going there.

by stnick88 Sat Feb 22, 2014 3:08 am

Given our current form i should be confident for sunday, for some reason im not.

by **Ozzy3213** Sat Feb 22, 2014 3:28 am

I know what you mean stnick. I was actually confident when we played Saracens, just had a feeling we might sneak it, but I am not as confident this week. Tigers will come hard at us I am sure, as I imagine that Cockers has probably read the riot act to them at training this week.

by beshocked Sat Feb 22, 2014 4:12 am

Ozzy3213 wrote:I know what you mean stnick. I was actually confident when we played Saracens, just had a feeling we might sneak it, but I am not as confident this week. Tigers will come hard at us I am sure, as I imagine that Cockers has probably read the riot act to them at training this week.

Such defeatist talk does not bode well. I hope your team do not share your lack of confidence.

No point beating Sarries then meekly surrendering to Leicester.

by SirBurger Sat Feb 22, 2014 4:12 am

I agree Ozzy - was bizarrely confident before last two games. Not at all for this one!

by Welly Sat Feb 22, 2014 4:13 am

beshocked wrote:
Ozzy3213 wrote:I know what you mean stnick. I was actually confident when we played Saracens, just had a feeling we might sneak it, but I am not as confident this week. Tigers will come hard at us I am sure, as I imagine that Cockers has probably read the riot act to them at training this week.

Such defeatist talk does not bode well. I hope your team do not share your lack of confidence.

No point beating Sarries then meekly surrendering to Leicester.

Yes there is shut up.

by doctor_grey Sat Feb 22, 2014 4:31 am

GeordieFalcon wrote:Falcons team for the Saints:

Dont fancy our chances.
No Shiells or Montanella again but Gary Strain is there!! How serious are the injuries to these guys?
No Sinoti.
Lee Smith not there.
No Kibirige...
Brookes and McGuigan only on the bench??!!!

At least Godman is gone..

Newcastle Falcons:
1 Rob Vickers
2 Matt Thompson
3 Oliver Tomaszczyk
4 Scott MacLeod
5 Fraser McKenzie
6 Mark Wilson
7 Will Welch (c)
8 Ally Hogg

9 Mike Blair
10 Rory Clegg
11 Ryan Shortland
12 Jamie Helleur
13 Gonzalo Tiesi
14 Noah Cato
15 Alex Tait,

Replacements: 16 George McGuigan, 17 Gary Strain, 18 Kieran Brookes, 19 Sean Tomes, 20 Chris York, 21 Warren Fury, 22 Joel Hodgson, 23 Adam Powell

Saints
1 Alex WALLER
2 Mike HAYWOOD
3 Salesi MA’AFU
4 Samu MANOA
5 Christian DAY
6 Calum CLARK
7 Phil DOWSON (c)
8 Sam DICKINSON

9 Kahn Fotual'i
10 Stephen Myler
11 Jamie Elliott
12 Tom Stephenson
13 George Pisi
14 Ken Pisi
15 James Wilson

Replacements: 16 Ross MCMILLAN 17 Ethan WALLER 18 Gareth DENMAN 19 GJ VAN VELZE 20 Ben NUTLEY 21 Alex DAY 22 Glenn DICKSON 23 Ben FODEN

No issue anywhere on the pitch for Saints. I am anxious to see how Stephenson and Nutley gets on. Also that bloke wearing the 23 jersey should get a few minutes. Good player that one.

by stnick88 Sat Feb 22, 2014 4:33 am

Im sure they dont beshocked and are probably the most confident they have been in a very long time.

by Heaf Sat Feb 22, 2014 4:37 am

SirBurger wrote:I agree Ozzy - was bizarrely confident before last two games. Not at all for this one!

I am a bit concerned what with losing TO'L and the injuries in the centre but still hoping for another great performance ...

by **Ozzy3213** Sat Feb 22, 2014 5:15 am

beshocked wrote:
Ozzy3213 wrote:I know what you mean stnick. I was actually confident when we played Saracens, just had a feeling we might sneak it, but I am not as confident this week. Tigers will come hard at us I am sure, as I imagine that Cockers has probably read the riot act to them at training this week.

Such defeatist talk does not bode well. I hope your team do not share your lack of confidence.

No point beating Sarries then meekly surrendering to Leicester.

It's hardly defeatist, merely saying I was more confident about beating your lot than I am Tigers. If we maintain the levels of intensity that we've shown in the past 2 games, then we are well capable of winning. I just think Tigers will come hard, and all this talk about their poor form will just give them a point to prove.

by Heaf Sat Feb 22, 2014 5:25 am

Precisely, a few weeks ago nobody would have given LI a chance in this fixture. We're all hoping the team can pull off another result but even being optimistic you have to maintain a level of realism and Leicester are no mugs.

by formerly known as Sam Sat Feb 22, 2014 10:38 am

Sounds like there was a serious rollocking at training this week. Flood dropped, Deacon and Allen both demoted from vice captain, Slater leading the side out (very popular move with the Tigers fans) with the clearly unfit Smith also left to the bench. Tigers need a result and it looks like Cockers is showing the squad reputation won't keep you safe.

We normally beat LI by scrummaging and mauling them off the park. Break the pack then pick off the backs. That LI pack is confident and organised, they won't roll over in the tight. I think it's going to be a slug fest.

by **Ozzy3213** Sat Feb 22, 2014 8:41 pm

Slug fest was the exact phrase I used on twitter in the week fkas. As ever it will come down to whether or not our pack can front up. The past two games they have in spades, so there is no reason why they can't. My only concern really is that in part due to injuries up front we have the same 1 to 8 out for the third game in a row, so there may be question mark around fatigue.

Sheridan who has been our rock in midfield also played injured last week as he is our only fit centre, and is out there again this weekend.

Other than that I think we'll tear Tigers a new one! Leprechaun

by HongKongCherry Sun Feb 23, 2014 5:20 am

Now then Glaws, please play like that for the rest of the season! Only a raft of silly subs let Quins back in and we should have scored 2 or 3 more tries. Burns missed about a 5 man overlap to go for glory, oh how his stock has crashed!

by ChequeredJersey Sun Feb 23, 2014 6:03 am

Well won Gloucester. Disappointing from us though at least we got the BP and that was as makeshift a backline as you'll ever see!

We need our Emgland Quins and Nev back soon

by yappysnap Sun Feb 23, 2014 6:05 am

Why was Monye at 13?! Shocked

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