Aviva Premiership Round Three

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Gloucester Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Location - Kingsholm
Light Rain Shower, 20 Degrees, 6mph ENE Winds

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 Gloucester
Manager – anonmattyt

01. Guthro Steenkamp	09. Dan Robson
02. Joe Grey	10. Dan Carter
03. Coenie Ousthieuzen
04. Richie Gray	11. Hosea Gear
05. Roman Taoufufena	12. Ryan Crotty
06. Tom Croft	13. Juan De Jongh
07. Akapusi Qera	14. Johnny May
08. Wycliffe Palu	15. Andreas Masi

:-
16. Nick Wood 17. Luke Cowan-Dickie 18. Juan Figallo 19. George Robson 20. Jamie Heaslip 21. Will Genia 22. Danny Cipriani 23. Rhaymond Rhule

Gloucester welcome
Exeter to Kingsholm

Tactics

We will be looking to play a high intensity offloading game and to get in behind Exeter.
We have a team full of Carriers
And a huge lineout
Threat.
In their half we will keep ball and look to carry carry carry before releasing super quick ball and shifting it


Scrum 

As with last week there will not be many in these conditions but
With the ones there are we will look to anchor
Our own ball. On Opposition ball we will look to target swarzeski and Barrington heavily.
We have an all international front 5 and will demonstrate this.

Lineout 

With taofufina , Grey and Croft we have serious height and athelticism. In the first
Half we will look to take middle or back ball and maul it sucking in and tiring out Exeter Pack. As the game progresses we will go off the top more and more and look to move it to big runners like Palu standing midfield.
On their ball we will challenge every time and utilise our giants to at very least put off swarzeski.

General forwards 

We have a lot more carriers and a seriously mobile pack so will be looking to really blast through the Exeter pack. Palu,Qera,Coenie, Streenkamp etc will carry hard and straight and really batter at the opposition.
when on we will look to get the offload in and get in behind.

We will commit numbers to rucks to disrupt and counter ruck. We see Exeter as lacking a bit of physicality so will target this area heavily

Backs

The backs will be looking to play whenever they can get quick ball.
With 2 playmakers at 10/12
We have the options to vary our play as necessary.

In our half on slow ball it will be kicked and tempo will be controlled by Dan Carter.
He will decide when to go and when to slow.


We will utilise the bomb and cross kick if they defend narrowly.
As game progresses and people tire we will up the tempo with quick throws and more
Countering of loose Exeter kicks

Blitz defence mainly with scrum half covering 
Key points

- serious amount of big ball carriers
- great lineout options
- home advantage( you are at Kingsholm Fluxy)
- international class bench

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Exeter Chiefs 

Manager – Fluxy

01. Richard Barrington	09. Connor Murray
02. Dimitri Szarzewski	10. Toby Flood (k)
03. James Johnstone
04. Paul O'Connell (c)	11. David Strettle
05. Michael Paterson	12. Luther Burrell
06. Yannick Nyanga	13. Adam Ashley-Cooper
07. Justin Tipuric	14. Andrew Trimble
08. Toby Faletau	15. James O'Connor

:-
16. Jack Yeandle 17. Alex Lundberg 18. Mike Ross 19. Kane Douglas 20. Carl Fearns 21. Chris Cook 22. Ian Madigan 23. Tom Varndell

General Game plan

Fast paced game based around high intensity in defence, offloading, and dynamic carrying and rucking. 
We want to hit the ground running and hit the opposition hard and fast from the off. 
Our aim is to control possession and go through the phases. We will look to play a simple territory game based around our strong set-piece and carrying. This means when kicking the backs kick under no pressure - if there is slow ball we recycle and set guards to allow a clean kick and chase. 
Big point is to match them man for man, in our style of play and keep the high tempo going throughout.

Set piece - Control the set piece and use it to restart our game plan. POC to marshal the line-out and get quick ball from our dynamic jumpers, POC to look at using the line-out for the box from Murray, as we see no clear line-out leader for Glaws to attack or defend. At the scrum we’ll look to get the squeeze on and target the front row, Coenie has played in two different positions in three different games and Grey has struggled of late. A nudge at the scrum for us to keep the opposition back row tied into the scrum giving Murray, Flood more time and space to work in. 

Pack & Breakdown - Look for strong carries from our pack, tying in the opposition forwards. We’ll be looking to keep the ball tight in the greasy conditions and take advantage of the forwards in the Glaws pack who prefer to be out in the wider channels. Our back-row will target the breakdown and look to blow through the ruck and past the ball. Clean ball will be generated either by blowing through the ruck and past the ball and a long presentation of the ball to keep it away from opposition defenders. Murray look to sweep up any turnover ball getting us on the front foot. We’ll look to win the collision with big our physical pack and dominate the opposition pack in the contact.

Defence - Look to neutralise the opposition early on and allow our back-row to dominate affairs. Use our hedgehog defensive line. If they an oppo player gets held or brought down this allows the second man to get over the ball quickly to at least compete and slow opposition possession. Tipuric will look to target the opposition fly half early on and pressure his kicking. Murray to sweep in behind the defensive line.

Backs - Look to get the ball in hands of the backs, as they have the pace and finishing ability to worry any defence. Utilise the pace and size of AAC/Burrell to crash through the line, using our 'league/slider move' developed from last season to break the line. Trimble/Burrell/Strettle are big quick guys and will be able to mix and match the opposition defence, either catching Crotty's weaker inside shoulder on a a run against the grain, or exploiting the concentration of De Jongh in defence. Or generate the two on one with JOC joining the back line as the slider moves under the crash/dummy line.


Key Points

Home Advantage - Sandy Park is one of the hardest places to come and play. We won't want to kick the ball away, and Tigers can't score any points without the ball. 
Scrum & Line-out – Target throughout, if weakness seen heap pressure and generate penalties. Barrington to exploit Coenie and pile in on him with Swarz. Glaws front row lack form and along with the line-out we see these to areas key to shutting down Gloucester's gameplan and playing ours. 
Line-out & Mauls - with a big front five we will look to set rolling mauls, to keep their back five tied in and also gain strong momentum.
Physicality & Dynamism – Win the collision and target rucks to drive through opposition. We have a big physical, but also mobile pack. Supported by some high energy forwards off the bench. With players like Croft, Gray and Heaslip in wider channels, a lot of work will be required by the front five of Gloucester 
Territory - When playing for territory, ensure we have a good chase to pressure the return and enforce the error and we will not kick directly to their back three. If the back three recieve the ball they shall be put to the floor instantly from the chase and not allowed to run.
Breakdown – Tipuric & Nyanga to be a nuisance in in the breakdown and either get over the ball or get past the ball and make the opposition cleaners a nightmare by having to make them drive our forwards even further off their ball, or steal if the are limited numbers competing. They will look to remove Salvi from the ruck early to prevent turnovers. 
Backs – Classy running options and two of the most prolific finishers in both the AP and the Celtic Leagues in Strettle & Trimble to take any opportunity, and are fantastic finishers in greasy conditions. 
Build a Score - Flood and JOC to share kicking at goal responsibilities with JOC taking the longer ones. Any penalty within their ten metre to be kicked at goal to keep scoreboard ticking. Unless ten metres from the line then we kick for the line-out

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Sale Sharks v London Welsh
Location - AJ Bell Stadium
Light Cloud, 19 Degrees, 6mph NE Winds

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 Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

Samson Lee currently suspended. Zirakisvilli steps up from the bench.

01. Jack McGrath	09. Danny Care
02. Benjamin Kayser	10. Johnny Sexton
03. Davit Zirakishvilli
04. Dave Attwood	11. Simon Zebo
05. Iain Henderson	12. Francois Steyn
06. Peter O'Mahony	13. Gael Fickou
07. Matt Todd	14. Semesa Rokoduguni
08. Louis Picamoles	15. Nick Abendanon

:-
16. Ross Harrison  17. David Paice 18.  19. Christian Day 20. Matt Garvey 21. Faf de Klerk 22. JJ Hanrahan 23. Sibusiso Sithole

We will play an expansive, high intensity offloading game looking to create space and break the defensive line. Mobility, physicality and handling is key to our approach.

- Fast ball is crucial. Mobile pack and physical midfield to clear out rucks and ensure quick ball. We will look to get over the gain line off all carries to make it easier to do so.

- Commit the defence. Sexton will play flat on the gain line to pull in defenders before releasing runners while Care will look for opportunities to snipe around the base always committing defenders.

- Change the point of attack. Numerous playmakers across the backline comfortable at coming in at first receiver allow us to change the point of attack and leave the opposition guessing.

- Back three always involved. Wingers to track the ball off their wings looking for the inside ball or offload. Bendy to join the line from fullback looking for mismatches and to create overlaps.

- Attack from the scrum. Strong technical front row backed up by a powerful second row will look to build a platform for Pickles, Care & Sexton. An area we will look to target if winning.

- Mix it up at the lineout. Five genuine jumpers gives us a strong attacking platform. Look to use both the rolling maul and ball off the top to keep the defence guessing.

- Straight line blitz defence. Focused on winning the gain line collisions and driving the ball carrier back. Line speed is crucial. Care will sweep behind the line to cover chips and grubbers.

- Target the breakdown. Committed to the breakdown with POM & Todd fetching for the ball, supported by the rest of the pack when needed. We will always look to turn the ball over.

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 London Welsh
Manager – CJ

01.David Kilcoyne	09. Tawera Kerr-Barlowe
02.  David Ward	10. Remi Tales
03. BJ Botha
04. Sepoke Timani	11. Nemani Nadolo
05. Jamie Cudmore	12. Kyle Godwin
06. Ashley Johnson	13. Casey Laulala
07. Luke Wallace (c)	14. Mark Cueto
08. Victor Vito	15. Chris Pennell

:-
16. Matt Rees 17. Nathan Catt 18. Matt Stevens  19.  George Skivington 20. Alexandre Lapandry 21. Ben Spencer 22. Jordan Turner-Hall 23. Ross Chisholm

Tactics-

Breakdown- we will use Ward and Wallace to chase the ball as specialist fetchers to make sure someone is always there to look for turnovers or speed up ball. We will commit minimum numbers wherever possible with AJ and Vito focusing on the clear out

Attack with slow ball- as usual build into quick ball with carries in groups of 3 in the pack. Also look for the AJ/Vito/Timani inside crash ball, and to mix up our kicking game with clever footballers on the wings. Use the crossfield kick as a weapon, as Wallace in particular is good at adding to the chase on these

Quick ball- Tales to stand deep on slow ball as above but flat and attack the line on quick ball, with 15/blindside winger and our big carriers like Vito looking for switch, inside and short outside pop lines on 9 or 10. Then recycle quickly wide through an offload to Ward/Wallace in their fetcher-linkman role or quickly recycled ball to Godwin as a second playmaker who will start the attack of the second wave of Laulala-wing plus other supporting players. Continue to change direction of attack and keep the ball alive in the more broken play of wave 2

Scrum- look to pressure the young props, get go forward and have Vito attack off scrums.

Lineout- keep things simple, don't contest the throw but rather pressurise the 9 and contest the maul. If suffering, Lapandry, Rees and Skivington can improve things

Subs- great quality set piece players to come on to steady either scrum or LO. Godwin to cover 10 with JTH as a more direct option at 12

Kicking- chase every kick and take every point available.

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Harlequins v London Wasps
Location - Twickenham Stoop
Light Cloud, 22 Degrees, 5mph E Winds

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Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Tony Woodcock	09. Karl Dickson
02. Schalk Brits	10. Steven Myler (k)
03. Kieran Brookes
04. Bakkies Botha	11. Joe Tomane
05. Jim Hamilton	12. Jamie Roberts
06. Mamuka Gorgodze	13. Jonathan Joseph
07. Tom Wood (c)	14. Yoann Huget
08. Nick Easter	15. Rob Kearney

:-
16. Rob Buchanan 17. Steven Kitchoff 18. Martin Castrogiovani 19. George Kruis 20. Jamie Gibson 21. Eric Escande 22. Quade Cooper 23. Ollie Lindsey-Hague

Tactics

Game Plan

Use our forwards running of 9 and 10 to get use across the gain line and get us quick ball which will allow us to go wide and use our outside backs. We will look to carry in numbers so we have the option to offload before or after contact or we have numbers to recycle quick ball from the ruck.

When we get quick ball Myler will look to put others into space and bring our backs into the game. We have the option to go through the middle with Roberts and Joseph or we can use Roberts as a dummy and bring in Kearney and Joseph in the wider channels. We will look to go wide early if the Wasps defece is honey potting around the ball following a line break.

Set Piece

At the line out we will look to hit the back and middle jumpers when we are going to hit the backs early so we have quick off the top ball and have their pack tied in. If we need to slow the ball down we hit Botha at the front and drive the ball using our very big pack. On the Wasps ball we will use Hamilton and Wood to put huge pressure on the front and middle for Wasps jumpers and Youngs' throw.

Defence

Quick line speed, defending from out to in with JJ controlling our line speed. We will either look for the big hit winning the collision or we will chop the legs and look to get the first man to the breakdown. We will only commit one man to the breakdown in all circumstances with one man enough to legally slow down the ball or win a turnover. If we turn the ball over we will immediately look to get the ball wide and to exploit the organised Wasps defence.

Alternative

Should our game plan not be working then we will be looking to use Myler's boot to put territorial pressure on Wasps and use our large pack to disrupt Wasps play.

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 Wasps
Manager: Ozzy3213

01. Paul James	09. Ben Youngs
02. Tom Youngs	10. Henry Slade
03. Frans Malherbe
04. Romain Millo-Chluski	11. Anthony Watson
05. Alun-Wyn Jones (c)	12. Ma'a Nonu
06. Fulgence Ouedraogo	13. JJ Englebrecht
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Marland Yarde
08. Jerome Kaino	15. Delon Armitage

16. Deon Fourie 17. Joe Marler 18. Fraser Balmain 19. Sebastien Vahaamahina 20. Luke Narraway 21. Sebastien Tillous-Brode 22. Shane Geraghty 23. Tim Nanai-Williams

Basic Game Plan
In dry conditions we will be looking to play a possession based game, going through the phases and continually shifting the point of attack.  We will play sensibly in our own half though, and will use the boots of Slade, Barnes and Armitage if it is not on to run the ball.  When using the boot we will kicking for touch and looking to contest the lineout.  We WILL NOT kick to their back three.

In defence, as always we will be running a blitz defence.  Our focus will be on the gainline collisions and driving back in the tackle.  Line speed and no dog-legs will be key components for us.  Youngs will sweep in behind the defensive line to counter any chips/grubbers.

Specifics 

• Lineout.  Nothing flash. Hit our front and middle jumpers and ensure that we secure their ball.  On Saints ball put pressure on through AWJ and Ouedraogo, who are both athletic lineout jumpers.
  
• Breakdown.  When we carry in, we will flood the breakdown rucking well past the ball to free it up quickly and go again.  In defence, if we have made a passive tackle and the carrier has momentum we will not overcommit, but will maintain a strong defensive line.  If we win the collision and knock the carrier back we will look to get the second man in hard over the ball to turn it over.  Key for us is being selective.
  
• Attacking Play.  We will be looking to play a Super Rugby type offloading game, with the ball shifted on to the support runner just prior to the point of the tackle with the defender already committed.  We will constantly look to shift the direction of play and pull their defenders out of position to create gaps.  Youngs to look to snipe around the fringes and keep us going forwards all the time.  
  

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London Irish v Saracens
Location - Madejski Stadium
Light Rain Shower, 20 Degrees, 6mph E Winds

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London Irish
Manager – Prop

01. JB Poux	09. Lee Dickson
02. Marc Jones	10. Dan Biggar (k)
03. Henry Thomas
04. Devin Toner	11. Bjorn Basson
05. Jacques Poitgeiter	12. Chris Bell
06. Kelly Brown	13. JP Pietersen
07. Sam Warburton (c)	14. Adam Thompstone
08. Ben Morgan	15. Brice Dulin

:-
16. Tom Lindsay 17.  Tom Court 18. Will Collier 19. Dean Mumm 20. George Smith 21. Neil  De Kock 22. Owen Williams 23. Rob Cook

Tactics

Set piece:  We have picked a strong scrummaging front 5 who all bring carrying bulk to the game. From kick offs we will look to go 2 passes in before hitting our direct runners. We will look to scrummage low (which all of our props are known for doing) and scrum straight to prevent the wheel. Our lineouts will be simple and we will look to bring the ball down before feeding 9. There’s not many players able to get as high as Toner.

Backrow: We feel we have a well balanced back row with a tackler, a carrier and a jackler and all 3 will be used for their main attributes. We have confidence in them all to do their jobs with Brown looking to get in their 10’s face. The impact and experience of Smith off the bench will continue Warburton’s harrassment of the breakdown.

Half Backs: Biggar will stand flat initially to give Leuia and our pack runners the chance to get over the gainline. We know how well Biggar can find touch and we will use this. Dickson showed vs Glos how well he can control a game and he will use these skills to control the tempo and slow the ball down if needed.

Outside Backs:  We understand that some people feel Bell isn’t the greatest in offense which is why we have brought in JP to partner him as we know JP can be a very elusive and creative runner and will feed off Bell’s abilty to break the gainline. We will look to have a lot of movement off the ball to prevent us being easily read. There will be runners off of 12 and 13 when available and the ball will be shipped to the wings quickly to allow them to get the advantage in the race to the line. We have international experience in the back 3 and will look to exploit this with angled running and confusing the oppositions defence.

Bench: Impact in all areas and Williams and Cook can change the pace of the game if required. The experience of Mumm, Smith and De Kock will be vital in this game.

Defence: We have a strong defensive leader in Bell who is a reliable and strong tackler. We also know how good the Sarries centres are so will look to prevent him offloading the ball by double tackling him. We will look to blitz with Brown in their 10’s  allowing Biggar the opportunity to drop back and cover with Dulin for any kicks ahead. We will defend inside-out and spread the line.

Overall: This will be a controlled performance against a good Sarries team. We will look to hit the ball up twice and suck in defenders by going the same way till we run out of space, we will then flash across and look for quick hands against their pack who will be stuck defending the centre channels. Our carriers will come round the corner in 3’s to prevent the opposition knowing where the ball is going. We started with a shock draw against  Quins and an admirable defeat to Falcons so we are looking for another shock today with a strong team on show and backs who are able to control a game well and defend strongly without allowing any gaps to appear.

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Saracens
Manager – Pooly

01. Alex Waller	09. Morgan Parra
02. Guilhem Guirado	10. Morne Steyn
03. Matius Diaz
04. Patrico Albacete(c)	11. Zak Guildford
05. Flip van der Merwe	12. Scott Williams
06. Callum Clark	13. Maxime Mermoz
07. Heinrich Brussow	14. Chris Ashton
08. Nathan Hughes	15. Matt Tait

:-
16. Jamie George 17. Xavier Chiocci  18. Paul Hill 19. Louis Deacon 20. Dave Denton 21. Thomas Chapman 22. Tom Taylor 23. Miles Benjamin

Tactics:

TARGET BREAKDOWN – With Bruss/Clark strong in this area we’ll look to target turnover ball and slowing opposition attacks.

RUNNERS THROUGH 12/13 CHANNEL – This is a pretty new combination for Irish, we'll look to test out JP positionally and send Ashton running off shoulders through his channel.

TARGET THOMAS/JONES AXIS IN SCRUM – Waller will look to get in between Thomas and Jones and try and splinter the Irish scrum. We've a strong front row and engine room to help drive through and put pressure on Irish.

PARRA/STEYN COMBO - Perfect combo to dictate play and keep us playing in right area of pitch. Look to target Irish line out early on and if weakness seen kick to corners.

General - We've selected a team packed with power and physicality. We'll be playing a structured physical game from the off, look to smash the opposition back and get into the rucks/maul's and drive through. We'll look to tie the opposition in and then get at their backline, more so in their half. Look to keep it tight in the forward pack and grind through work. Looking to move the opposition pack around and then use big carrying options to punch holes through the opposition defence.

Scrum - Look to get a platform from the off with a strong scrummaging unit. Strong front 5 with big locks will look for the big push once the ball is in and drive the opposition back. Our LH and Hooker will look to target TH and try to get between him and Hooker to allow TH to work on LH If no weakness seen will use as restart.

Line out – Look for quick ball off the top with the world class line out options and experience. Will allow SH good clean ball and have big carriers running off the 9 at angles.

Defence - Blitz defence with High intensity and big hits, looking to drive past the ball player if the ball hits the deck. physical pack that can look to get at the collision and breakdown allowing Bruss/Clark etc a chance to slow down/steal ball. Lack of straight running option in the opp backline will allow us to hold up the runner and attempt the maul turnover. Scrum half to sweep behind the defensive line.

Attack - Keep things simple in our own half then look to unleash backs in opp territory. Scrum half to dictate play from the breakdown and have Williams/Mermoz on his shoulder. Huge carrying backrow to get us over the gain line after front 5 set a platform. Williams to run angles off the 9/10 and interchange 2nd receiver with Mermoz. Look to keep opposition guessing with clever lines through midfield. Ashton will look to track the midfield combo and get the end of Mermoz’s little offloads in contact. Guildford to keep things honest and come looking for work.

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Bath Rugby v Leicester Tigers
Location - Recreation Ground
Heavy Rain Shower, 19 Degrees, 6mph ENE Winds

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Bath Rugby
Manager – inthefastlane

01. Cian Healy	09. Richard Wigglesworth
02. Richard Hibbard	10. Charlie Hodgson
03. Charlie Faumaunia
04. Luke Romano	11. George North
05. Sam Whitelock	12. Christian Lealifano
06. Sean O'Brien	13. Darren Cave
07. Liam Gill	14. Christian Wade
08. Liam Messam	15. Alex Goode

:-
16. Mikey Haywood 17. Benn Robinson 18. Jake Cooper Woolsey 19. Graham Kitchener 20. James Gaskell 21. Maxime Machenaud 22. Rhys Patchell 23. Stuart Hogg

Overall: We are gonna be looking to play front foot rugby. The team is going to be very uptempo with lots of hard running looking to overwhelm Leicester

Scrum: Look to get after the scrum and exert pressure. Strong second row provide the grunt behind the technically sound props. It is a NZ combo that has been very solid and provides a great platform for us. Look to really target PDJ by putting pressure on the same spot and trying to push off the ball. We will try to set a base, controlled by Messam which he can attack off.

Lineout: We will look to switch up the lineup with SOB, Messam, Romano and Whitelock options in the lineout. Whitelock will run the lineout with Romano offering an easy banker ball. Look to get up into the air quickly and down for a quick maul.

Breakdown: Attempt to be aggressive at the breakdown. Look to get men to the breakdown quickly and clear out so Sean O'Brien and Liam Gill can attack the ball

Defence: Blitz Defence looking to really put pressure on the Tigers decision makers. Wiggles to sweep in behind.

Attack: Our half backs will control our rugby. Wigglesworth and Hodgson can play what they see and put the rest of the back line in strong positions. Lealifano can act as an extra playmaker from the 12. We have strong runners who can get over the gainline throughout the side with a very dynamic pack and a big back line. The likes of Faumuania, Romano, Hibbard, Healy and SOB will try and wear down defences by looking for gaps. The likes of Wade, North and Cave will be looking for gaps created that they can exploit. Look to play with a high tempo and get the ball moving across the back line. Look for chances to offload.

Kicking: Lealifano will be our chosen place kicker. Any kicks will not be aimed towards their back three. We will chuck in the occasional grabber to chase. If we are enjoying a significant lineout advantage then we will look for touch. Goode, LLF, Wiggles and Hodgson all have the boots necessary

Substitutes: Our subs will look to keep a high tempo.  

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Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Gethin Jenkins	09. Kahn Fotuali'i
02. Stephen Moore (c)	10. Freddie Burns (k)
03. Paul Doran-Jones
04. Nathan Hines	11. Alex Cuthbert
05. Pascal Pape	12. Billy Twelvetrees
06. Steve Mafi	13. Mathieu Bastareaud
07. Jacques Burger	14. Drew Mitchell
08. Tom Johnson	15. Mike Brown

16. Christopher Tolofua 17. Max Lahiff 18. Harry Rudkin 19. Kearnan Myall 20. James Scaysbrook 21. Micky Young 22. Matt Banahan 23. Rene Ranger

Tactics:

In wet conditions we will play sensibly and use the power and strength of our side to get us over the gainline.

- Attack at all scrums with our huge pack - Moore and Jenkins to look to really get into the opposition, backed up by two hugely powerful second rowers in Hines and Pape. Lots of scrums in wet weather and an area we will look to target if winning.

- Attack at all lineouts. Use Hines or Pape at the front and Mafi off the top as our three key options.
Shortened lineouts with Burger in midfield as crash or decoy option.

- Put serious pressure on Hibbard's throws with Hines at the front on all Bath throws.

- Gigantic XV made up of massive line-breakers, used in the tight to tire down the Bath defence. The likes of Basteraud, Burger, Hines, Moore, Cuthbert and Mafi to be used to get us over the gainline. Add to that the likes of Tolofua, Banahan and Ranger off the bench.

- Target the breakdown - huge emphasis on our work at the breakdown today and we will always look to turnover possession. With Burger, and Jenkins and Basteraud, we feel our breakdown play could be crucial today.

- No overly ambitious passing - In wet conditions we will either look to kick to gain territory or look to keep ball in hand and take it through the middle.

- In rain we will target Hodgson all game with Burger and Mafi breathing down his neck at every opportunity. Big runners through his channel - looking to win the Burns vs Hodgson contest.

- We will look to employ a blitz defence, focusing on a quick line speed to hit the ball carrier before he gets to the gainline. We have aggressive forwards to carry out this instruction. Fotuali'i to sweep behind with an eye on short kicks.

- Burns to kick all penalties.

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Newcastle Falcons v Northampton Saints
Location - Kingston Park
Light Rain, 15 Degrees, 6mph NE Winds

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 Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Driver

01. Matt Mullen	09. Dave Lewis
02. Rory Best (c)	10. Owen Farrell (K)
03. Luc Dolcanon
04. Brad Thorn	11. Charles Pitatau
05. Geoff Parling	12. Brad Barritt
06. Dave Ewers	13. John Davies
07. Will Fraser	14. Charlie Sharples
08. Immanol Hari	15. Rob Miller

:-
16.George McGuigan 17.Soana Tonga'uhia 18.Scott Wilson 19.Yoaan Maestri 20.Chris Henry 21.Nathan Fowles 22.Andy Goode 23.Jamie Elliot


Tactics:

Simple possession based game plan based around securing our own ball , being clinical with it , kicking accurately and a high work rate in defence.

We'll look to in attack kick the leather off the ball and drill Saints back into there own 22 and pressure the throw through Parling and Hari. We feel that this is the best way to beat Saints. Drilling the ball into the corner and sucking the life out of the game and fustrating they're game plan. We'll look to take advantage of plenty of muscle in our pack with our back row in great form and a good scrummaging front 5. Ewers , Thorn and Best will look to get they're hands on the ball as much as possible and carry at Saints.

Defence;

Flood the field with defenders and pressure the Saint's 9 and 10 channel and look to shut down Saints fluency. At the defensive ruck we'll look to only commit one or two defenders and look to steal the ball there and then. Will Fraser is given the job of hackling Gareth Davies and becoming a thorn in his side. Standing at the tail of the lineout to pressure he's pass and stop outside breaks. Ewers , Thorn , Parling , Hari , Luc and Mullen will look to smash there man back in the contact setting a aggresive tone. Davies and Barritt will look to blitz the Saints midfield and smash them back soon as they hit them. Tactical tackling is enfored by us wrapping players up to prevent the offload at times. Lewis to operate the sweep

Faz to kick all penalties and drop for goals.

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 Northampton Saints
Manager – Dammit_Chris

01. Mako Vunipola	09. Gareth Davies
02. Dylan Hartley (c)	10. Nick Evans
03. Adam Jones
04. Joe Launchbury	11. Vereniki Goneva
05. Courtney Lawes	12. Weslie Fofana
06. Schalk Burger	13. Elliot Daly
07. Chris Robshaw	14. Tommy Bowe
08. Sergio Parisse	15. Ben Foden

:-
16. Thomas Domingo 17. Rob Webber 18. Logi Mulipola 19. Jonny Gray 20. Billy Vunipola 21. Joe Simpson 22. George Ford 23. Jordan Williams

Tactics:
Conditions again allow for us to play at a high tempo, where we will look to put pressure on Falcons from the outset with high intensity in attack and defence. We will play with an aggressive defence to force mistakes from the opposition, targeting their young  no9 anf get the ball in the hands of our big ball carriers to get us over the gainline and create space outwide. Will aim to finish the final quarter very strongly and unload our bench to add power in the forwards, help pressurise the Wasps set piece and get some more try scorers on the pitch in the form of Simpson, Ford and Williams.

Pack/Setpiece:
Away at Falcons we've opted to start Adam Jones to improve our scrummaging and use this as a platform to launch attacks with Parisse and later Vunipola. Lineout wise we keep with our four main jumpers to give Hartley a variety of options and provide quick off the top ball for our backs. Lawes to pressurise Best's throws and aim to disrupt Falcons set piece ball. Again selected a very mobile pack, with strong ball carriers that will help us to win the possession battle and five full internationnals to call off the bench to finish the game strong.


Attack:
We want to utilise our mobile pack and play at a fast pace to put the Wasps defence under pressure. We will look for Vunipola, Parisse and co in the forwards to get us over the gainline and suck in Falconns defenders, before getting the ball to our strike runners in the backline – Fofana, Bowe, Goneva and Foden. Backthree told to counter attack any loose kicks when opportunities are there. With the ways Falcons set up we've made sure we can win compete well in the kicking game with Daly selected at 13 to give Evans a kicking outlet in midfield to go with Foden.

Breakdown:
We will look to get our pack to the breakdown in numbers to secure our own ball and then look for turnovers whenever possible, with Lawes and Launchbury we have effectively got two additional backrowers – will look to use the Vunipola, Burger and Robshaw to clear Falcons from the breakdown area and distrupt the speed of their attacking play, particularly targeted Fraser.

Defence:
An aggressive defence all across the pitch, have some strong tacklers in the forwards. We will look for quick line speed to put pressure on the Falcon's halfbacks and will make sure our backrow targets the young no9 for Falcons. Davies to sweep behind the defensive line.

Key Points:
* Building some momentum with two BP wins over Gloucester and Wasps
* Look to outscore Falcons on the try front and play a more attacking based game.
* Strong set pieces and pack, which will give us a platform away from home.
* Bench has been selected for impact – all five forwards are internationals and will strengthen the setpiece, while the backs are all creative players who can score tries in the final 20 minutes.

---

That's what I like to see, a bit rain 

I love a bit of rain, time to roll out the heavies!

Prefer the heavy rain rather than this shower stuff

Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

Harlequins make a few personnel changes for the visit of the Aviva Premiership champions London Wasps. Fit again Karl Dickson returns at scrum half with the impressive Eric Escande starting on the bench. Kieran Brookes starts at tight-head with Wallaby international Joe Tomane taking his place on the left wing with Jack Nowell dropping out of the matchday squad. On the bench Ollie Lindsey-Hague covers the back three positions and Martin Castrogiovani could make his first appearance in his second spell at the club.  

01. Tony Woodcock	09. Karl Dickson
02. Schalk Brits	10. Steven Myler (k)
03. Kieran Brookes
04. Bakkies Botha	11. Joe Tomane
05. Jim Hamilton	12. Jamie Roberts
06. Mamuka Gorgodze	13. Jonathan Joseph
07. Tom Wood (c)	14. Yoann Huget
08. Nick Easter	15. Rob Kearney

16. Rob Buchanan 17. Steven Kitchoff 18. Martin Castrogiovani 19. George Kruis 20. Jamie Gibson 21. Eric Escande 22. Quade Cooper 23. Ollie Lindsey-Hague

Tactics

Game Plan

Use our forwards running of 9 and 10 to get use across the gain line and get us quick ball which will allow us to go wide and use our outside backs. We will look to carry in numbers so we have the option to offload before or after contact or we have numbers to recycle quick ball from the ruck.

When we get quick ball Myler will look to put others into space and bring our backs into the game. We have the option to go through the middle with Roberts and Joseph or we can use Roberts as a dummy and bring in Kearney and Joseph in the wider channels. We will look to go wide early if the Wasps defece is honey potting around the ball following a line break.

Set Piece

At the line out we will look to hit the back and middle jumpers when we are going to hit the backs early so we have quick off the top ball and have their pack tied in. If we need to slow the ball down we hit Botha at the front and drive the ball using our very big pack. On the Wasps ball we will use Hamilton and Wood to put huge pressure on the front and middle for Wasps jumpers and Youngs' throw.

Defence

Quick line speed, defending from out to in with JJ controlling our line speed. We will either look for the big hit winning the collision or we will chop the legs and look to get the first man to the breakdown. We will only commit one man to the breakdown in all circumstances with one man enough to legally slow down the ball or win a turnover. If we turn the ball over we will immediately look to get the ball wide and to exploit the organised Wasps defence.

Alternative

Should our game plan not be working then we will be looking to use Myler's boot to put territorial pressure on Wasps and use our large pack to disrupt Wasps play.

Team subject to change


London Welsh
Manager – CJ

01.David Kilcoyne	09. Tawera Kerr-Barlowe
02.  David Ward	10. Remi Tales
03. BJ Botha
04. Sepoke Timani	11. Nemani Nadolo
05. Jamie Cudmore	12. Kyle Godwin
06. Ashley Johnson	13. Casey Laulala
07. Luke Wallace (c)	14. Mark Cueto
08. Victor Vito	15. Chris Pennell

:-
16. Matt Rees 17. Nathan Catt 18. Matt Stevens  19.  George Skivington 20. Alexandre Lapandry 21. Ben Spencer 22. Jordan Turner-Hall 23. Ross Chisholm

Tactics-

Breakdown- we will use Ward and Wallace to chase the ball as specialist fetchers to make sure someone is always there to look for turnovers or speed up ball. We will commit minimum numbers wherever possible with AJ and Vito focusing on the clear out

Attack with slow ball- as usual build into quick ball with carries in groups of 3 in the pack. Also look for the AJ/Vito/Timani inside crash ball, and to mix up our kicking game with clever footballers on the wings. Use the crossfield kick as a weapon, as Wallace in particular is good at adding to the chase on these

Quick ball- Tales to stand deep on slow ball as above but flat and attack the line on quick ball, with 15/blindside winger and our big carriers like Vito looking for switch, inside and short outside pop lines on 9 or 10. Then recycle quickly wide through an offload to Ward/Wallace in their fetcher-linkman role or quickly recycled ball to Godwin as a second playmaker who will start the attack of the second wave of Laulala-wing plus other supporting players. Continue to change direction of attack and keep the ball alive in the more broken play of wave 2

Scrum- look to pressure the young props, get go forward and have Vito attack off scrums.

Lineout- keep things simple, don't contest the throw but rather pressurise the 9 and contest the maul. If suffering, Lapandry, Rees and Skivington can improve things

Subs- great quality set piece players to come on to steady either scrum or LO. Godwin to cover 10 with JTH as a more direct option at 12

Kicking- chase every kick and take every point available.

Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Jack McGrath	09. Danny Care
02. Benjamin Kayser	10. Johnny Sexton
03. Samson Lee
04. Dave Attwood	11. Simon Zebo
05. Iain Henderson	12. Francois Steyn
06. Peter O'Mahony	13. Gael Fickou
07. Matt Todd	14. Semesa Rokoduguni
08. Louis Picamoles	15. Nick Abendanon

:-
16. Ross Harrison  17. David Paice 18. Davit Zirakishvilli 19. Christian Day 20. Matt Garvey 21. Faf de Klerk 22. JJ Hanrahan 23. Sibusiso Sithole

We will play an expansive, high intensity offloading game looking to create space and break the defensive line. Mobility, physicality and handling is key to our approach.

- Fast ball is crucial. Mobile pack and physical midfield to clear out rucks and ensure quick ball. We will look to get over the gain line off all carries to make it easier to do so.

- Commit the defence. Sexton will play flat on the gain line to pull in defenders before releasing runners while Care will look for opportunities to snipe around the base always committing defenders.

- Change the point of attack. Numerous playmakers across the backline comfortable at coming in at first receiver allow us to change the point of attack and leave the opposition guessing.

- Back three always involved. Wingers to track the ball off their wings looking for the inside ball or offload. Bendy to join the line from fullback looking for mismatches and to create overlaps.

- Attack from the scrum. Strong technical front row backed up by a powerful second row will look to build a platform for Pickles, Care & Sexton. An area we will look to target if winning.

- Mix it up at the lineout. Five genuine jumpers gives us a strong attacking platform. Look to use both the rolling maul and ball off the top to keep the defence guessing.

- Straight line blitz defence. Focused on winning the gain line collisions and driving the ball carrier back. Line speed is crucial. Care will sweep behind the line to cover chips and grubbers.

- Target the breakdown. Committed to the breakdown with POM & Todd fetching for the ball, supported by the rest of the pack when needed. We will always look to turn the ball over.

 Gloucester
Manager – anonmattyt

01. Guthro Steenkamp	09. Dan Robson
02. Joe Grey	10. Dan Carter
03. Coenie Ousthieuzen
04. Richie Gray	11. Hosea Gear
05. Roman Taoufufena	12. Ryan Crotty
06. Tom Croft	13. Juan De Jongh
07. Akapusi Qera	14. Johnny May
08. Wycliffe Palu	15. Andreas Masi

:-
16. Nick Wood 17. Luke Cowan-Dickie 18. Juan Figallo 19. George Robson 20. Jamie Heaslip 21. Will Genia 22. Danny Cipriani 23. Rhaymond Rhule

Gloucester welcome
Exeter to Kingsholm

Tactics

We will be looking to play a high intensity offloading game and to get in behind Exeter.
We have a team full of Carriers
And a huge lineout
Threat.
In their half we will keep ball and look to carry carry carry before releasing super quick ball and shifting it


Scrum 

As with last week there will not be many in these conditions but
With the ones there are we will look to anchor
Our own ball. On Opposition ball we will look to target swarzeski and Barrington heavily.
We have an all international front 5 and will demonstrate this.

Lineout 

With taofufina , Grey and Croft we have serious height and athelticism. In the first
Half we will look to take middle or back ball and maul it sucking in and tiring out Exeter Pack. As the game progresses we will go off the top more and more and look to move it to big runners like Palu standing midfield.
On their ball we will challenge every time and utilise our giants to at very least put off swarzeski.

General forwards 

We have a lot more carriers and a seriously mobile pack so will be looking to really blast through the Exeter pack. Palu,Qera,Coenie, Streenkamp etc will carry hard and straight and really batter at the opposition.
when on we will look to get the offload in and get in behind.

We will commit numbers to rucks to disrupt and counter ruck. We see Exeter as lacking a bit of physicality so will target this area heavily

Backs

The backs will be looking to play whenever they can get quick ball.
With 2 playmakers at 10/12
We have the options to vary our play as necessary.

In our half on slow ball it will be kicked and tempo will be controlled by Dan Carter.
He will decide when to go and when to slow.


We will utilise the bomb and cross kick if they defend narrowly.
As game progresses and people tire we will up the tempo with quick throws and more
Countering of loose Exeter kicks

Blitz defence mainly with scrum half covering 
Key points

- serious amount of big ball carriers
- great lineout options
- home advantage( you are at Kingsholm Fluxy)
- international class bench

You haven't put anyone at 23 Matt 

Cheered SJE back in a couple of weeks so will use format then !!

Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Gethin Jenkins	09. Kahn Fotuali'i
02. Stephen Moore (c)	10. Freddie Burns (k)
03. Paul Doran-Jones
04. Nathan Hines	11. Alex Cuthbert
05. Pascal Pape	12. Billy Twelvetrees
06. Steve Mafi	13. Mathieu Bastareaud
07. Jacques Burger	14. Drew Mitchell
08. Tom Johnson	15. Mike Brown

16. Christopher Tolofua 17. Max Lahiff 18. Harry Rudkin 19. Kearnan Myall 20. James Scaysbrook 21. Micky Young 22. Matt Banahan 23. Rene Ranger

Tactics:

In wet conditions we will play sensibly and use the power and strength of our side to get us over the gainline.

- Attack at all scrums with our huge pack - Moore and Jenkins to look to really get into the opposition, backed up by two hugely powerful second rowers in Hines and Pape. Lots of scrums in wet weather and an area we will look to target if winning.

- Attack at all lineouts. Use Hines or Pape at the front and Mafi off the top as our three key options.
Shortened lineouts with Burger in midfield as crash or decoy option.

- Put serious pressure on Hibbard's throws with Hines at the front on all Bath throws.

- Gigantic XV made up of massive line-breakers, used in the tight to tire down the Bath defence. The likes of Basteraud, Burger, Hines, Moore, Cuthbert and Mafi to be used to get us over the gainline. Add to that the likes of Tolofua, Banahan and Ranger off the bench.

- Target the breakdown - huge emphasis on our work at the breakdown today and we will always look to turnover possession. With Burger, and Jenkins and Basteraud, we feel our breakdown play could be crucial today.

- No overly ambitious passing - In wet conditions we will either look to kick to gain territory or look to keep ball in hand and take it through the middle.

- In rain we will target Hodgson all game with Burger and Mafi breathing down his neck at every opportunity. Big runners through his channel - looking to win the Burns vs Hodgson contest.

- We will look to employ a blitz defence, focusing on a quick line speed to hit the ball carrier before he gets to the gainline. We have aggressive forwards to carry out this instruction. Fotuali'i to sweep behind with an eye on short kicks.

- Burns to kick all penalties.

Bath Rugby
Manager – inthefastlane

01. Cian Healy	09. Richard Wigglesworth
02. Richard Hibbard	10. Charlie Hodgson
03. Charlie Faumaunia
04. Luke Romano	11. George North
05. Sam Whitelock	12. Christian Lealifano
06. Sean O'Brien	13. Darren Cave
07. Liam Gill	14. Christian Wade
08. Liam Messam	15. Alex Goode

16. Mikey Haywood 17. Benn Robinson 18. Jake Cooper Woolsey 19. Graham Kitchener 20. James Gaskell 21. Maxime Machenaud 22. Rhys Patchell 23. Stuart Hogg

London Irish
Manager – Prop

01. JB Poux	09. Lee Dickson
02. Marc Jones	10. Dan Biggar (k)
03. Henry Thomas
04. Devin Toner	11. Bjorn Basson
05. Jacques Poitgeiter	12. Chris Bell
06. Kelly Brown	13. JP Pietersen
07. Sam Warburton (c)	14. Adam Thompstone
08. Ben Morgan	15. Brice Dulin

:-
16. Tom Lindsay 17.  Tom Court 18. Will Collier 19. Dean Mumm 20. George Smith 21. Neil  De Kock 22. Owen Williams 23. Rob Cook

Tactics

Set piece: We have picked a strong scrummaging front 5 who all bring carrying bulk to the game. From kick offs we will look to go 2 passes in before hitting our direct runners. We will look to scrummage low (which all of our props are known for doing) and scrum straight to prevent the wheel. Our lineouts will be simple and we will look to bring the ball down before feeding 9. There’s not many players able to get as high as Toner.

Backrow: We feel we have a well balanced back row with a tackler, a carrier and a jackler and all 3 will be used for their main attributes. We have confidence in them all to do their jobs with Brown looking to get in their 10’s face. The impact and experience of Smith off the bench will continue Warburton’s harrassment of the breakdown.

Half Backs: Biggar will stand flat initially to give Leuia and our pack runners the chance to get over the gainline. We know how well Biggar can find touch and we will use this. Dickson showed vs Glos how well he can control a game and he will use these skills to control the tempo and slow the ball down if needed.

Outside Backs: We understand that some people feel Bell isn’t the greatest in offense which is why we have brought in JP to partner him as we know JP can be a very elusive and creative runner and will feed off Bell’s abilty to break the gainline. We will look to have a lot of movement off the ball to prevent us being easily read. There will be runners off of 12 and 13 when available and the ball will be shipped to the wings quickly to allow them to get the advantage in the race to the line. We have international experience in the back 3 and will look to exploit this with angled running and confusing the oppositions defence.

Bench: Impact in all areas and Williams and Cook can change the pace of the game if required. The experience of Mumm, Smith and De Kock will be vital in this game.

Defence: We have a strong defensive leader in Bell who is a reliable and strong tackler. We also know how good the Sarries centres are so will look to prevent him offloading the ball by double tackling him. We will look to blitz with Brown in their 10’s allowing Biggar the opportunity to drop back and cover with Dulin for any kicks ahead. We will defend inside-out and spread the line.

Overall: This will be a controlled performance against a good Sarries team. We will look to hit the ball up twice and suck in defenders by going the same way till we run out of space, we will then flash across and look for quick hands against their pack who will be stuck defending the centre channels. Our carriers will come round the corner in 3’s to prevent the opposition knowing where the ball is going. We started with a shock draw against Quins and an admirable defeat to Falcons so we are looking for another shock today with a strong team on show and backs who are able to control a game well and defend strongly without allowing any gaps to appear.

Saracens
Manager – Pooly

01. Alex Waller	09. Morgan Parra
02. Guilhem Guirado	10. Morne Steyn
03. Matius Diaz
04. Patrico Albacete(c)	11. Zak Guildford
05. Flip van der Merwe	12. Scott Williams
06. Callum Clark	13. Maxime Mermoz
07. Heinrich Brussow	14. Chris Ashton
08. Nathan Hughes	15. Matt Tait

:-
16. Jamie George 17. Xavier Chiocci  18. Paul Hill 19. Louis Deacon 20. Dave Denton 21. Thomas Chapman 22. Tom Taylor 23. Miles Benjamin

Tactics:

TARGET BREAKDOWN – With Bruss/Clark strong in this area we’ll look to target turnover ball and slowing opposition attacks.

RUNNERS THROUGH 12/13 CHANNEL – This is a pretty new combination for Irish, we'll look to test out JP positionally and send Ashton running off shoulders through his channel.

TARGET THOMAS/JONES AXIS IN SCRUM – Waller will look to get in between Thomas and Jones and try and splinter the Irish scrum. We've a strong front row and engine room to help drive through and put pressure on Irish.

PARRA/STEYN COMBO - Perfect combo to dictate play and keep us playing in right area of pitch. Look to target Irish line out early on and if weakness seen kick to corners.

General - We've selected a team packed with power and physicality. We'll be playing a structured physical game from the off, look to smash the opposition back and get into the rucks/maul's and drive through. We'll look to tie the opposition in and then get at their backline, more so in their half. Look to keep it tight in the forward pack and grind through work. Looking to move the opposition pack around and then use big carrying options to punch holes through the opposition defence.

Scrum - Look to get a platform from the off with a strong scrummaging unit. Strong front 5 with big locks will look for the big push once the ball is in and drive the opposition back. Our LH and Hooker will look to target TH and try to get between him and Hooker to allow TH to work on LH If no weakness seen will use as restart.

Line out – Look for quick ball off the top with the world class line out options and experience. Will allow SH good clean ball and have big carriers running off the 9 at angles.

Defence - Blitz defence with High intensity and big hits, looking to drive past the ball player if the ball hits the deck. physical pack that can look to get at the collision and breakdown allowing Bruss/Clark etc a chance to slow down/steal ball. Lack of straight running option in the opp backline will allow us to hold up the runner and attempt the maul turnover. Scrum half to sweep behind the defensive line.

Attack - Keep things simple in our own half then look to unleash backs in opp territory. Scrum half to dictate play from the breakdown and have Williams/Mermoz on his shoulder. Huge carrying backrow to get us over the gain line after front 5 set a platform. Williams to run angles off the 9/10 and interchange 2nd receiver with Mermoz. Look to keep opposition guessing with clever lines through midfield. Ashton will look to track the midfield combo and get the end of Mermoz’s little offloads in contact. Guildford to keep things honest and come looking for work.[/b]

Will post team later , just got in off nights

Exeter Chiefs look to continue their strong start to season and Director of Rugby Flux announced their 23 to face Gloucester at Kingsholm this Saturday. With the winning start to season Flux has named virtually the same 23 as the one that conquered Leicester Tigers last weekend. The only changes that Flux has made are, Toby Faletau returning from a slight injury knock that kept him out the week before to take the spot of Carl Fearns who has dropped to the bench. The only other change Flux has made is to swap his starting tighthead as Johnstone is promoted to the starting birth, to face his former Gloucester teammates. 

Exeter Chiefs 

Manager – Fluxy

01. Richard Barrington	09. Connor Murray
02. Dimitri Szarzewski	10. Toby Flood (k)
03. James Johnstone
04. Paul O'Connell (c)	11. David Strettle
05. Michael Paterson	12. Luther Burrell
06. Yannick Nyanga	13. Adam Ashley-Cooper
07. Justin Tipuric	14. Andrew Trimble
08. Toby Faletau	15. James O'Connor

16. Jack Yeandle 17. Alex Lundberg 18. Mike Ross 19. Kane Douglas 20. Carl Fearns 21. Chris Cook 22. Ian Madigan 23. Tom Varndell

General Game plan

Fast paced game based around high intensity in defence, offloading, and dynamic carrying and rucking. 
We want to hit the ground running and hit the opposition hard and fast from the off. 
Our aim is to control possession and go through the phases. We will look to play a simple territory game based around our strong set-piece and carrying. This means when kicking the backs kick under no pressure - if there is slow ball we recycle and set guards to allow a clean kick and chase. 
Big point is to match them man for man, in our style of play and keep the high tempo going throughout.

Set piece - Control the set piece and use it to restart our game plan. POC to marshal the line-out and get quick ball from our dynamic jumpers, POC to look at using the line-out for the box from Murray, as we see no clear line-out leader for Glaws to attack or defend. At the scrum we’ll look to get the squeeze on and target the front row, Coenie has played in two different positions in three different games and Grey has struggled of late. A nudge at the scrum for us to keep the opposition back row tied into the scrum giving Murray, Flood more time and space to work in. 

Pack & Breakdown - Look for strong carries from our pack, tying in the opposition forwards. We’ll be looking to keep the ball tight in the greasy conditions and take advantage of the forwards in the Glaws pack who prefer to be out in the wider channels. Our back-row will target the breakdown and look to blow through the ruck and past the ball. Clean ball will be generated either by blowing through the ruck and past the ball and a long presentation of the ball to keep it away from opposition defenders. Murray look to sweep up any turnover ball getting us on the front foot. We’ll look to win the collision with big our physical pack and dominate the opposition pack in the contact.

Defence - Look to neutralise the opposition early on and allow our back-row to dominate affairs. Use our hedgehog defensive line. If they an oppo player gets held or brought down this allows the second man to get over the ball quickly to at least compete and slow opposition possession. Tipuric will look to target the opposition fly half early on and pressure his kicking. Murray to sweep in behind the defensive line.

Backs - Look to get the ball in hands of the backs, as they have the pace and finishing ability to worry any defence. Utilise the pace and size of AAC/Burrell to crash through the line, using our 'league/slider move' developed from last season to break the line. Trimble/Burrell/Strettle are big quick guys and will be able to mix and match the opposition defence, either catching Crotty's weaker inside shoulder on a a run against the grain, or exploiting the concentration of De Jongh in defence. Or generate the two on one with JOC joining the back line as the slider moves under the crash/dummy line.


Key Points

Home Advantage - Sandy Park is one of the hardest places to come and play. We won't want to kick the ball away, and Tigers can't score any points without the ball. 
Scrum & Line-out – Target throughout, if weakness seen heap pressure and generate penalties. Barrington to exploit Coenie and pile in on him with Swarz. Glaws front row lack form and along with the line-out we see these to areas key to shutting down Gloucester's gameplan and playing ours. 
Line-out & Mauls - with a big front five we will look to set rolling mauls, to keep their back five tied in and also gain strong momentum.
Physicality & Dynamism – Win the collision and target rucks to drive through opposition. We have a big physical, but also mobile pack. Supported by some high energy forwards off the bench. With players like Croft, Gray and Heaslip in wider channels, a lot of work will be required by the front five of Gloucester 
Territory - When playing for territory, ensure we have a good chase to pressure the return and enforce the error and we will not kick directly to their back three. If the back three recieve the ball they shall be put to the floor instantly from the chase and not allowed to run.
Breakdown – Tipuric & Nyanga to be a nuisance in in the breakdown and either get over the ball or get past the ball and make the opposition cleaners a nightmare by having to make them drive our forwards even further off their ball, or steal if the are limited numbers competing. They will look to remove Salvi from the ruck early to prevent turnovers. 
Backs – Classy running options and two of the most prolific finishers in both the AP and the Celtic Leagues in Strettle & Trimble to take any opportunity, and are fantastic finishers in greasy conditions. 
Build a Score - Flood and JOC to share kicking at goal responsibilities with JOC taking the longer ones. Any penalty within their ten metre to be kicked at goal to keep scoreboard ticking. Unless ten metres from the line then we kick for the line-out

 Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Driver

01. Matt Mullen	09. Dave Lewis
02. Rory Best (c)	10. Owen Farrell (K)
03. Luc Dolcanon
04. Brad Thorn	11. Charles Pitatau
05. Geoff Parling	12. Brad Barritt
06. Dave Ewers	13. John Davies
07. Will Fraser	14. Charlie Sharples
08. Immanol Hari	15. Rob Miller

:-
16.George McGuigan 17.Soana Tonga'uhia 18.Scott Wilson 19.Yoaan Maestri 20.Chris Henry 21.Nathan Fowles 22.Andy Goode 23.Jamie Elliot


Tactics:

Simple possession based game plan based around securing our own ball , being clinical with it , kicking accurately and a high work rate in defence.

We'll look to in attack kick the leather off the ball and drill Saints back into there own 22 and pressure the throw through Parling and Hari. We feel that this is the best way to beat Saints. Drilling the ball into the corner and sucking the life out of the game and fustrating they're game plan. We'll look to take advantage of plenty of muscle in our pack with our back row in great form and a good scrummaging front 5. Ewers , Thorn and Best will look to get they're hands on the ball as much as possible and carry at Saints.

Defence;

Flood the field with defenders and pressure the Saint's 9 and 10 channel and look to shut down Saints fluency. At the defensive ruck we'll look to only commit one or two defenders and look to steal the ball there and then. Will Fraser is given the job of hackling Gareth Davies and becoming a thorn in his side. Standing at the tail of the lineout to pressure he's pass and stop outside breaks. Ewers , Thorn , Parling , Hari , Luc and Mullen will look to smash there man back in the contact setting a aggresive tone. Davies and Barritt will look to blitz the Saints midfield and smash them back soon as they hit them. Tactical tackling is enfored by us wrapping players up to prevent the offload at times. Lewis to operate the sweep

Faz to kick all penalties and drop for goals.

 Northampton Saints
Manager – Dammit_Chris

01. Mako Vunipola	09. Gareth Davies
02. Dylan Hartley (c)	10. Nick Evans
03. Adam Jones
04. Joe Launchbury	11. Vereniki Goneva
05. Courtney Lawes	12. Weslie Fofana
06. Schalk Burger	13. Elliot Daly
07. Chris Robshaw	14. Tommy Bowe
08. Sergio Parisse	15. Ben Foden

:-
16. Thomas Domingo 17. Rob Webber 18. Logi Mulipola 19. Jonny Gray 20. Billy Vunipola 21. Joe Simpson 22. George Ford 23. Jordan Williams

Tactics:
Conditions again allow for us to play at a high tempo, where we will look to put pressure on Falcons from the outset with high intensity in attack and defence. We will play with an aggressive defence to force mistakes from the opposition, targeting their young no9 anf get the ball in the hands of our big ball carriers to get us over the gainline and create space outwide. Will aim to finish the final quarter very strongly and unload our bench to add power in the forwards, help pressurise the Wasps set piece and get some more try scorers on the pitch in the form of Simpson, Ford and Williams.

Pack/Setpiece:
Away at Falcons we've opted to start Adam Jones to improve our scrummaging and use this as a platform to launch attacks with Parisse and later Vunipola. Lineout wise we keep with our four main jumpers to give Hartley a variety of options and provide quick off the top ball for our backs. Lawes to pressurise Best's throws and aim to disrupt Falcons set piece ball. Again selected a very mobile pack, with strong ball carriers that will help us to win the possession battle and five full internationnals to call off the bench to finish the game strong.


Attack:
We want to utilise our mobile pack and play at a fast pace to put the Wasps defence under pressure. We will look for Vunipola, Parisse and co in the forwards to get us over the gainline and suck in Falconns defenders, before getting the ball to our strike runners in the backline – Fofana, Bowe, Goneva and Foden. Backthree told to counter attack any loose kicks when opportunities are there. With the ways Falcons set up we've made sure we can win compete well in the kicking game with Daly selected at 13 to give Evans a kicking outlet in midfield to go with Foden.

Breakdown:
We will look to get our pack to the breakdown in numbers to secure our own ball and then look for turnovers whenever possible, with Lawes and Launchbury we have effectively got two additional backrowers – will look to use the Vunipola, Burger and Robshaw to clear Falcons from the breakdown area and distrupt the speed of their attacking play, particularly targeted Fraser.

Defence:
An aggressive defence all across the pitch, have some strong tacklers in the forwards. We will look for quick line speed to put pressure on the Falcon's halfbacks and will make sure our backrow targets the young no9 for Falcons. Davies to sweep behind the defensive line.

Key Points:
* Building some momentum with two BP wins over Gloucester and Wasps
* Look to outscore Falcons on the try front and play a more attacking based game.
* Strong set pieces and pack, which will give us a platform away from home.
* Bench has been selected for impact – all five forwards are internationals and will strengthen the setpiece, while the backs are all creative players who can score tries in the final 20 minutes.

(And a thanks to whoever puts my team into the right format and the nice Northampton Saints colour scheme!).

Wasps
Manager: Ozzy3213

01. Paul James	09. Ben Youngs
02. Tom Youngs	10. Henry Slade
03. Frans Malherbe
04. Romain Millo-Chluski	11. Anthony Watson
05. Alun-Wyn Jones (c)	12. Ma'a Nonu
06. Fulgence Ouedraogo	13. JJ Englebrecht
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Marland Yarde
08. Jerome Kaino	15. Delon Armitage

16. Deon Fourie 17. Joe Marler 18. Fraser Balmain 19. Sebastien Vahaamahina 20. Luke Narraway 21. Sebastien Tillous-Brode 22. Shane Geraghty 23. Tim Nanai-Williams

Basic Game Plan
In dry conditions we will be looking to play a possession based game, going through the phases and continually shifting the point of attack.  We will play sensibly in our own half though, and will use the boots of Slade, Barnes and Armitage if it is not on to run the ball.  When using the boot we will kicking for touch and looking to contest the lineout.  We WILL NOT kick to their back three.

In defence, as always we will be running a blitz defence.  Our focus will be on the gainline collisions and driving back in the tackle.  Line speed and no dog-legs will be key components for us.  Youngs will sweep in behind the defensive line to counter any chips/grubbers.

Specifics 

• Lineout.  Nothing flash. Hit our front and middle jumpers and ensure that we secure their ball.  On Saints ball put pressure on through AWJ and Ouedraogo, who are both athletic lineout jumpers.
  
• Breakdown.  When we carry in, we will flood the breakdown rucking well past the ball to free it up quickly and go again.  In defence, if we have made a passive tackle and the carrier has momentum we will not overcommit, but will maintain a strong defensive line.  If we win the collision and knock the carrier back we will look to get the second man in hard over the ball to turn it over.  Key for us is being selective.
  
• Attacking Play.  We will be looking to play a Super Rugby type offloading game, with the ball shifted on to the support runner just prior to the point of the tackle with the defender already committed.  We will constantly look to shift the direction of play and pull their defenders out of position to create gaps.  Youngs to look to snipe around the fringes and keep us going forwards all the time.  
  

Sorry guys finally got a chance for tactics

Tactics in

Just tactics from Bath to go. Will leave it open a little while longer to give CJB a chance.

Overall: We are gonna be looking to play front foot rugby. The team is going to be very uptempo with lots of hard running looking to overwhelm Leicester

Scrum: Look to get after the scrum and exert pressure. Strong second row provide the grunt behind the technically sound props. It is a NZ combo that has been very solid and provides a great platform for us. Look to really target PDJ by putting pressure on the same spot and trying to push off the ball. We will try to set a base, controlled by Messam which he can attack off.

Lineout: We will look to switch up the lineup with SOB, Messam, Romano and Whitelock options in the lineout. Whitelock will run the lineout with Romano offering an easy banker ball. Look to get up into the air quickly and down for a quick maul.

Breakdown: Attempt to be aggressive at the breakdown. Look to get men to the breakdown quickly and clear out so Sean O'Brien and Liam Gill can attack the ball

Defence: Blitz Defence looking to really put pressure on the Tigers decision makers. Wiggles to sweep in behind.

Attack: Our half backs will control our rugby. Wigglesworth and Hodgson can play what they see and put the rest of the back line in strong positions. Lealifano can act as an extra playmaker from the 12. We have strong runners who can get over the gainline throughout the side with a very dynamic pack and a big back line. The likes of Faumuania, Romano, Hibbard, Healy and SOB will try and wear down defences by looking for gaps. The likes of Wade, North and Cave will be looking for gaps created that they can exploit. Look to play with a high tempo and get the ball moving across the back line. Look for chances to offload.

Kicking: Lealifano will be our chosen place kicker. Any kicks will not be aimed towards their back three. We will chuck in the occasional grabber to chase. If we are enjoying a significant lineout advantage then we will look for touch. Goode, LLF, Wiggles and Hodgson all have the boots necessary

Substitutes: Our subs will look to keep a high tempo.


---
Sorry guys had them written but über busy yesterday and just forgot to get them in

Gloucester Rugby 23-21 Exeter Chiefs
 
Scrum: Don't see dominance either way. Glaws should edge a few penalties though. 
Lineout: Some great options for both sides with Exeter just shading but both very dangerous. 
Breakdown: Chiefs back row with the better work rate here and see them causing some problems. 
HB's: 1 a piece but slight edge to Glaws. Flood having a few troubles in France. 
Attack: Back three edging to Chiefs somewhat. Both midfields with RC commitments. 
Defence: No glaring weaknesses. Chiefs hedgehog defence should work well this week.
Bench: Big names for Glaws but bar Heaslip & Cips there's some form issues. Great doggedness to come in for Chiefs in Douglas & Fearns.
Tactics: Both sides looking for a dynamic, offloading game. Chiefs see the slightly better ball but haven't enough to take the win against a hurting Gloucester side. 


Harlequins 27-24 London Wasps
 
Scrum: Good even battle between two big front 5s. 
Lineout: Both sides should hold their own ball but against the better lineouts both would struggle.  
Breakdown: Good little battle here. Both should see good ball at times but Wasps more capable of turnovers. 
HB's: 1 a piece here and fairly tight. Myler the more trusted on goal kicking though. 
Attack: Midfield edges to Quins with Nonu marked down in midfield. Both back threes can be dangerous.
Defence: The Wasps wings can definitely be targeted positionally. The out to in defence leaves space for a good territorial approach.
Bench: Overall neither bench gives a real edge but Cooper gives Quins a good option to change it up. 
Tactics: Both sides looking for quick ball and using the offload. The Quins defensive system stops the Wasps back three from getting as much ball as normal so negates their attack a little. At home Quins have enough for the win.


London Irish 18-19 Saracens
 
Scrum: Edge to Sarries with a powerful looking front 5. 
Lineout: Both sides capable of holding their own ball here with some decent options. 
Breakdown: Edge to Irish with their flanks stronger then their opposite numbers. 
HB's: On quality edge to Sarries but Steyn has had other commitments and Biggar is better at getting the backs moving.
Attack: Midfield edges to Sarries as do the wings. No real edge in carrying stakes.
Defence: JP struggles positionally at 13.  
Bench: No real edge either way. Both very steady.
Tactics: Power game from Sarries who would do well to work some kicking into the tactics with the halfbacks on show. Ashton off the shoulder will work well. Irish going possession first and looking for a lot of movement off the ball behind the midfield but not sure they have the wingers for that type of game. No mention off the breakdown approach either. Tight game but feel Sarries have just that bit more about them for the win. 


Bath Rugby 20-20 Leicester Tigers
 
Scrum: Both THs could struggle a little at scrum time. Both front 5's well matched here.
Lineout: Can see the occasional pinch both ways. Bath stronger but Whitelock not up to date on their calls. 
Breakdown: Edge Bath here. More quality to their back row and SOB directed to get involved. 
HB's: Fairly even here with good form for both 10s. Lealifano as place kicker doesn't work atm. Was kicking in the 50/60s this year.
Attack: Edge in midfield to Tigers with one of the leagues stronger combos but Bath shade the back three.
Defence: Wade could be targetted positionally. Bath moving to the blitz defence this week which helps contain the Tigers carriers better.
Bench: Hogg and Ranger can provide real spark. 10 cover an issue for Tigers though. 
Tactics: Bath looking for uptempo rugby which suits the side but the offloading and width could be a problem in the conditions. Tigers looking for the kicking game and to keep it tight. Bath see the better ball but their attack won't really get going in the conditions.  


Newcastle Falcons 15-19 Northampton Saints
 
Scrum: Neither side dominant here. 
Lineout: Falcons capable of reading the Saints options somewhat with Hari & Parling working together. 
Breakdown: Edge to Saints. Tight 5s both do well here but the Saints back row gets through more work overall. 
HB's: Slight edge Saints. Not a lot between the 10s but Davies a better scrumhalf. 
Attack: Slight edge to the Saints back three. Their front 5 more mobile as well and can get involved more. 
Defence: Daly struggles somewhat positionally and head to head at times. Goneva can be caught positionally.
Bench: More dynamism of the Saints bench and can see them upping the tempo late on.
Tactics: Falcons looking to keep this all in Saints territory and put a mammoth defensive shift on. Not competing at the breakdown hurts them somewhat though with Saints getting an endless supply of fastball. Strong attacking ethos from Saints and the bench sees them win out but don't see many tries forthcoming today.

Gloucester 20 - 20 Exeter

Set Piece: See very little in the scrum with Barrington in superb nick. Line out edge to Exeter with POC, Patterson and Nyanga brilliant exponents and able to gain an advantage here.
Breakdown: I think Justin Tipuric is the strongest breakdown exponent on show and he will be able to get a few turnovers and penalties.
Ball Carriers: Plenty of carriers for Gloucester and they edge this department across the park.
Attack: As playmakers Carter is the stand out on the pitch and his partnership with Crotty will be vital. Flood for me isn't the best 10 to take advantage of the lines ran by Luther Burrell and AAC and the Gloucester midfield won't give them any change.
Defence: I'm not entirely sure what is meant by the Hedgehog defence. No advantage here.
General: Scrum half and back three for Exeter better suited for the conditions. Nothing in the benches.

Sale 31 - 28 London Welsh

Set Piece: Nothing in the scrum. Lineout just edges to Sale but neither are that strong.
Breakdown: Todd v Wallace a good battle. Not a whole lot in it.
Ball Carriers I think the Welsh pack edges the carrying with the backs pretty even.
Attack: A bit more creativity in the Sale back line and some exciting runners. Godwin a constant threat for Welsh at 12.
Defence: No strengths or weaknesses here.
General: Welsh are big up front and I feel they will get some advantage in the tight stuff with a three younger guys in the Sale front 5 (despite all three being very talented.) Sale  are packed with dangerous runners in the backs all of whom will be given space by Care and Sexton.

London Irish 23 - 24 Saracens

Set Piece: Scrum edged to Saracens for me but its not a huge advantage. Saracens also have an edge at the lineout.
Breakdown: Nothing in it for me. Warbs and Brussow cancel each other out but think the rest of the pack perhaps just edges Irish at the breakdown.
Ball Carriers Some very big lumps in the Irish pack and prefer their carriers in the front row and second row. Stronger carriers in the Saracens midfield with dangerous runners in both back threes.
Attack: I feel the Irish half backs probably get their back line running better than the Saracens duo but both sides have good attacking options.
Defence: Very little in the defences.
General: The conditions favour the Saracens half backs with the control they offer. Parra and Steyn should control the territorial battle and with their pack and back line they should have enough to sneak the tightest win.

Bath 34 - 29 Leicester

Set Piece: Scrum goes to Bath with PDJ at 3rd choice for Quins at the moment. Nothing in the lineouts.
Breakdown: Think Liam Gill could control this.
Ball Carriers Up front Bath are dominant in terms of carriers with Healy, Hibbard and SOB really standing out. In the backs there isn't much in it.
Attack: Hodgson will really get his backline running as will Burns but I prefer the form of the Bath combo. Bath really excite on the wings nand whilst Cave isn't a star name he has enough in is ball skills and running lines to get Wade and North into space.
Defence: Both sides strong in D.
General: I see a strong advantage in the scrum for Bath and I think there is a large difference between the back rows with Bath on top. Bath have exciting runners to open it up whilst having the 9,1 and 15 to control things if they want to slow it down. No side put put this weekend beats this Bath side at home.

Newcastle 21 - 21 Northampton

Set Piece: Scrums go to Saints for me but Drivers tactics to pressure the Saints line out could prove fruitful.
Breakdown: Slight advantage to Northampton but nothing major in it.
Ball Carriers A few stronger carriers up front for Saints with the backs pretty level.
Attack: Limited attack from Newcastle which is a waste and this Saints team will score tries regardless of who they are playing against.
Defence: No issues here.
General: I don't think either side has quite enough to win here.

Sale 23-22 Welsh

FR- Slight edge to Welsh in scrum and around the park
SR- More grunt for Welsh, little more in the line out for Sale. Botrh could be got at by a top line out outfit
BR- Not much in the individual battles but Sale a little better as a unit. Both strong here though and a good contest
HB- Care struggling for early season form keeps the 9's close. Sexton a class above Tales though and will dictate a little better
CE- Again a close contest, Sale with a bit more quality, slight form issues.
B3- A little more for Welsh but nothing major
Overall- A really tight contest with Welsh competing in all departments and would sneak the win if at home.

Harleqiuns 28-25 Wasps

FR- Quins a little better in each position, would just shade the scrum and loose
SR- Close contest around the park but Quins get on top in line out with good option and no real line out leader/options for Wasps
BR- Wasps a little off balance here, not sure of Kaino at 8. Quins set out a littkle better and stronger on the flanks
HB- Wasps a step up at 9 and not much in the 10's. Loving Slade at the minute although not playing 10.
CE- 1 a piece in the centres by a whisker, decent contest
B3- Quins a little stronger here
Overall- Good game with Quins being able to secure good set piece ball and having enough elsewhere to seal a decent win. Wasps misisng their 4N players.

Bath 20-19 Leicester

FR- Small advantage to Bath in the scrum and around the park with PDJ struggling for Tigers
SR- Bath will get an edge in the line out but I think Tigers offer a little more around the park
BR- Form issues for both sides but Bath have a little advantage. Not sure on both 8's.
HB- Not much in the 9's but Burns just shading it at 10 with some good form, Hodgson playing well also
CE- Close contest, very small edge at 13 for Tigers
B3- Cracking match ups, just prefer the Bath trio but not a lot in it.
Overall- Another good game with Tigers pushing really close. Bath's set piece is strong and they've got some good finishing options and home advantage. Reverse result at Tigers.

Newcastle 25-23 Northampton

FR- Falcons a little stronger with Jones a weakness for Saints in an otherwise strong front 5. Thorn locking down behind Ducalon will give Falcons a decent scrum advantage
SR- 2 good units very contrasting, both suit each other styles. Falcons get a slight edge in the line out with Hari/Parling strong in the air.
BR- Both have slight form issues but Saints just a little more quality giving them a small edge
HB- 9's close but have to shade with Farrell given Evans recent form
CE- Falcons a little stonger as a unit. Daly can be got at in defence and JD is top draw.
B3- Good contest, 2 good units
Overall- A cracking battle. Falcons will get the edge in the set piece and have the 10 to see off the game. Saints strong but wouldn't go Daly at 13 as could be an outlet for opposition to attack. CLose game settled by the form 10 and home advantage.

Gloucester 25 - 23 Exeter
Really close game, can't see Exeter getting much joy with Barrington and Scarzowski at srumtime and Gloucester have a very strong lineout and setpiece. Lot of big ball carriers there for Gloucester, though Exeter very dogged and a lot of good combinations - would probably start Varndell over Trimble as he's started on fire for Wasps. Few more WC in the home team, scores v close as not all in greatest form.

Sale 28 - 25 Welsh
SJE places a lot of emphasis on getting quick ball and the pack that he's sleceted will get that - and getting quick ball into the hands of Rokoduni right now is going to see tries from anywhere. Question whether Sale need a bit more experience in no1 and no3 shirts when both starting, but conditions wont mean much. If conditions were worse then Welsh had selected a team that could have won, pack is really tough and will cause teams a lot of issues and Nadalo is a real threat outwide.

Quins 36 - 33 Wasps
Can't really find a fault with the Quins pack, maybe not as mobile as others but to beat that pack away from home is going to be very difficult and gets them a lot of good ball to work with. Roberts/JJ midfield looks like it could be a real threat (hopefully the latter not too badly injured after the game today!) - Nonu makes a big difference for Wasps in the midfield and will be tries outwide for them, just see the Quins pack being too hard to break down and get the platform the away team needs to get a win. Lot of tries though.

Irish 26 - 24 Falcons
Good tactics from both teams and each has made big improvements - bit more experience in the Irish front row and can see them getting a bit more from the set piece as a platform. Great backrow battle, like all combinations on show and packs very even. A bit that sways it for me is that in Hill, Chapman Falcons have two youngsters with little (if any AP experience) and Benjamin who I haven't seen play any rugby for quite some time. Would have been tempted with an away with if Falcons had a bit more creativity to unleash their very good attacking back three, quite a lot of pressure on Mermoz to deliver.

Bath 12-10 Leicester
Conditions spoil the game as an attacking spectacle - for me the packs are very even but when in heavy rain look at the 8, 9, 10 and 12 options and see the Bath team just edging their counterparts here, especially with home advantage. Tigers team would really cause problems if they could play a faster attacking game and very unlucky with the weather.

Gloucester 21-19 Exeter
Don't see much in the front five. Perhaps a slight edge to Gloucester. I prefer the back row from Exeter think it offers a lot more dirty work. One each but Gloucester has the Dan Carter factor where in a close game you can trust on him to take the game by the scruff of the neck. The outside backs I'd probably give to Gloucester. It is a well matched game pretty much all over but you have to do more to win at Kingsholm.

Sale 28-22 Welsh
A young front row for Sale which could struggle without an experienced leader. One each in the second row but the Sale back row just has a bit more about it. Love the Sale half backs and they will give time and space for their dangerous outside backs to enjoy.

Quins 28-25 Wasps
Not much in the front rows but the second row goes to Quins. Back row is an interesting battle. I can see Wasps getting through more work at the breakdown. Quins have a few mammoth ball carriers though. I don't particularly have faith in either half back combo. Both outside backs are quite good but marking down on Nonu gives it to Quins. A bit more on the bench for Quins IMO.

Irish 21-22 Sarries
Think the stronger front five belongs to Sarries. Both back rows look good but prefer the Irish unit which has a bit of everything. I like the Sarries half back combo here; full of talent and leadership. Sarries have a bit more in the outside backs to win them the game away.

Newcastle 18-20 Northampton
Think the Northampton front row has a bit more about it especially in the loose. The youthful energy in the second row will really help Northampton. Also think the back row of Saints is better. Nick Evans does not inspire confidence for me ATM so one each in the half backs. I think Newcastle take the outside backs just because of Davies up against Daly. The subs win a close game away for me as I think Northampton has enough quality off the bench to win it.

Chaps will predict by 8.

When on a slow connection you click on comment box and it always takes you back on a mobile. This site is very poorly put together unfortunately in terms of how it works with mobile devices

Glos 26-24 Chiefs
Feel Glos will have parity in the set piece and bring a little bit more to the breakdown, Tips starting today for Ospreys so hopefully he will hit the ground running. Good control from both at half back, centres even but Glos take the back three. Against a weaker centre partnership the Chiefs smash tactic will work but Glos will be too solid here and their impact bench will be too much.

Sale 27-23 Welsh
Close in the front row battle with alot relying on Kayser helping the youngsters alongside him. Not much either in the 2nd rows but think Sale take the breakdown and backrow which will give them the quick ball their tactics ask for. In the backs I can see Sale causing Welsh quite alot of problems with Bendy in great form at the moment. Think that the Welsh back three look really dangerous and would like to have more in tactics about how they'd use them. Good benches from both but Sale too strong today.

Quins 25-24 Wasps
Huge pack battle here today with Quins looking slightly stronger in the 2nd row but really not enough in it to make it a big gain. Wasps slightly take 9 and not loads in the 10's today to be honest. Can't really see much gain in the backs either really maybe a slight advantage to Quins in the back 3. Fairly similar tactics with quite a big emphasis on defence. Think Quins, at home, have the slight advantage.

Bath Tigers


Falcons Saints

Might be a silly question but why haven't you predicted on the game between Matt and I, Pooly?

Pooly & Matt don't predict on each others games Fluxy

Ah I thought that was the case

In this game played by adults...

Gloucester 23 - 22 Exeter


Sale 26 - 21 Welsh


Quins 27 - 24 Wasps


Irish 18 - 18 Sarries


Newcastle 23 - 24 Northampton

Another point for you SJE, and this might be quite a late one - but isn't Samson Lee still banned?

Sale 26- 24 Welsh

Not sure Sale will get the quick ball they need to run riot.

Would say they are underpowered in the second row against welsh monster line up and front rows even. With Kilcoyne and McGrath not at this level.

Sale edge lineout and half backs obviously.

Sale have a genuine threat out wide but will always leak a lot of
Points through that back 3

Half backs experience and home advantage see Sale carry on their run 


Quins 27/25 Wasps

Pete unlucky he has to take on both Quins and saints in RC period which for me are 2
Of the best.

Think Quins shade the pack and have a bit more in the back 3 and with home advantage is enough

Bath 16-11 Leicester

In heavy rain showers you need a solid scrum and 8,9,10 to control the game 


Bath better in each of those key positions with Johnson not an 8 by any stretch particularly in the conditions.

Leicester second row thrive in these
Conditions though.

Like me I bet luke can't wait for the RC to end

Fluxy wrote:Another point for you SJE, and this might be quite a late one - but isn't Samson Lee still banned?

 Thought he was back this week! Zirka steps in from the bench

Is that a one or 2 point fine for an Ineligible player Johnny?

Seem to remember the other year ever team had an asterix against it for Ineligible players

Its one point for ineligible players Matt

Newcastle 26-28 Saints

No one wants to play saints in the RC as they will lose.

Newcastle better than most
Other teams.

Saints take pack although not easily.

Thorn a way away from getting ratings for me. Newcastle lack a bit of power and carrying.

However they take the half backs and this keeps them in it.

Backs pretty even with all having the strike runners to damage and will be high scoring.

The big difference is bench and Sainta
Win
It by bringing on their impact bench which sees them
Win

Sale Sharks 25 - 23 London Welsh


A young front row to Sale, but I do have a query, isn't Samson Lee banded until after this round?
Will rate with him in, but the experience of the Welsh lads can get on top of these promising props. 
The Sale back five shades the contest in ability, but the Welsh ethic of hard work evens out the game. The Sale half backs are great together, despite lacking some form recently. Midfield is solid for Welsh, but the defence outwide is a bit suspect and this would allow Roko and Zebo to create havoc. Tough game, if it was at the Kassam and Welsh had a high % kicker they could have snatched this result. 

Harlequins 32 - 30 London Wasps


Quins just edge this front five battle, with the experience of the likes of Woodcock and Brits getting the better of T Youngs and Malherbe. The back row competition if a great one,as both have lads that will get through a ton of work and make a huge impact on the game. This for creates a bit of fight at the breakdown and in the carrying and slows the possession slightly at points for both sides. Myler's control will help direct his big front five, but Youngs and Slade can get more out there back line, which has players that create something out of nothing. 
On this point with the impact of the benches late on, Quins will just edge out a huge encounter at the Stoop. 

London Irish 23 - 24 Saracens

Sarries just edge the front five with a bit more grunt and graft about it in the greasy conditions. The Irish back-row do get into the game however with a better combination to suit. Both sides have good controlling sets of half backs, but there is a bite more danger to come from the Sarries outside backs. Irish are a little more solid in midifeld defensively, but what it will come down to is the scoreboard, and Steyn is suited to keep his side ticking over, and just keeping their noses in front after the final whistle. 

Newcastle Falcons 22 - 20 Northampton Saints


Tough battle up front with the Falcons front row edging the scrum with their props having adjusted to last years rules much better and being in decent form. Line-out is a dead heat, with Parling leading the way for Falcons. Slight edge to the Saints back row, with their experience and ability to change the game a bit factor. Fraser will get the better of Robshaw, but the whole Saints pack helps in that area. Falcons half backs just edge with their control putting their pack in the right areas to provide good possession to their dangerous backs. Saints have the likes of Fofana and Bowe who can change the game and a big bench to help provide impetuous late on, but Falcons have Faz ticking them over to secure a big win at home. 



Bath Rugby 18 - 16 Leicester Rugby


Tough contest in the conditions. Leicester have a hard grafting pack, but Bath have some quality back from the RC as well as an edge in key positions to capatalise. Johnson is a good player but not quite the eight you want to play against the likes of Messam and SOB. Kahn and Burns to good ball players, but lack the control of Wiggles and Hodge who will play the conditions perfectly. Tough one for the backs as they will have a small number of opportunities to make big impacts with ball in hand. At home with Hodgson's reliable boot Bath nick it.

Sorry can only do scores. Not working next weekend so will predict properly next week I hope!

Quins 27 - 26 Wasps
Irish 20 - 20 Saracens
Gloucester 28- 27 Exeter
Falcons 23 - 23 Saints
Bath 14 - 11 Tigers

Sale Sharks 24 London Welsh 23
Harlequins 26 London Wasps 26
London Irish 22 Saracens 21
Gloucester 30 Exeter Chiefs 29
Bath Rugby 13 Leicester Tigers 13

Sorry for no details been pretty hungover and caught up in Super Sunday. Tough ones to call this week.

RESULTS:

Gloucester Rugby 28 (T:3 C:2 P:3)
Exeter Chiefs 23 (T:1 P:5 DG:1)

Sale Sharks 31 (T:4 C:4 P:1)
London Welsh 23 (T:1 P:5 DG:1)

Harlequins 33 (T:4 C:2 P:3)
London Wasps 26 (T:2 C:2 P:4)

London Irish 22 (T:1 C:1 P:5)
Saracens 24 (T:2 C:1 P:4)

Bath Rugby 21 (T:2 C:1 P:3)
Leicester Tigers 16 (T:1 C:1 P:3)

Newcastle Falcons 23 (T:1 P:5 DG:1)
Northampton Saints 24 (T:1 P:5 DG:1)


BONUS:

Full: CJB, Fluxy, Matt, Steve, Prop, Chris, SJE & Pooly
Score: Luke, Driver & CJ
Excused: Pete

So close to the upset!

Good game Chris fella

Driver wrote:So close to the upset!

Good game Chris fella

You have gone the closest driver. Play him in the 6 n it's much easier

Pressure is on Chris this year for me , guns been loaded a few year now but no Aviva title....