Aviva Premiership Round One

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Harlequins v Wasps
Twickenham Stoop
Light Cloud, 12 Degrees, 13mph N Winds

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Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Benn Robinson	09. Karl Dickson
02. Rob Buchanan	10. Steven Myler (k)
03. John Afoa
04. Jim Hamilton	11. Teddy Thomas
05. George Kruis	12. Luther Burrell
06. Jaco Kriel	13. Jonathan Joseph
07.  Jack Clifford	14. Yoann Huget
08. Mamuka Gorgodze (c)	15. Jack Nowell

16. Bryan Byrne 17. Gurthro Steenkamp 18. Kieran Brookes 19. Nick Easter 20. Tom Wood 21. Luke McGrath 22. Stuart Olding 23. Damian McKenzie

Tactics

Look to retain the ball in attack and build pressure. We will line up in channels and look to isolate slow defenders in the Wasps defence. Carry with support so as to allow the offload or a quick ruck. All about a quick tempo when we break the line and get go forward. This is when we will look to go wide and unleash our back line.

Myler to use his boot in our half either kicking to space or looking to use Huget's aerial prowess to regain possession under the high ball. 

In defence operate an out to in system where we defend from the inside out looking to force the opposition towards the touch line. When we have a set defensive line we will look to win the collision if we have the personnel to do so (ie Kriel, Gorgodze etc) but if njot we will chop and look to get the first man onto the ball. 

take all points on offer in the first half but play the game situation in the second half Bring on McKenzie as a 2nd pivot after about 50 and look to stretch the Wasps defence as it tires.

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London Wasps
Manager: CJ

01. Nathan Catt	09. Rhodri Williams
02. Cory Flynn	10. Francois Trinh-Duc
03. James Johnston
04. George Skivington	11. Frank Halai
05. Patrice Albacette	12. Kyle Godwin
06. Alexandre Lapandary	13. George Moala
07. John Barclay (c)	14. Manuel Montero
08. Tom Guest	15. Chris Pennell

:-
16. David Kilcoyne, 17. Scott Spurling, 18. Tom West,  19. George Merrick  , 20 Carl Fearns. , 21. Ben Spencer , 22. Charlie Hodgson, 23. Craig Gilroy

Tactics:

Looking to play attacking rugby in the good weather. Look to commit players to our attacking rucks to get quick ball, but only have a player or two at a time at defensive rucks looking to spoil and Barclay in particular looking for the turnover. Barclay to look to chase the ball, and we'll press hard and bend laws in the opposition 22 looking for the turnover/pen but be more cautious and disciplined in our half.

Slow ball will be carried by the pack in pods of three and mauled and crash-balled off 9 + 10 to drag in defenders and we will aim to speed it up with our breakdown approach. When there is speed and space, we will spin it wide, looking to keep it alive and attack in two waves, with the quick recycle or offload setting up the second wave which could either switch or continue in the same direction. When we attack, I'm looking to use Godwin and Pennell as extra playmakers and have FTH playing flat and attacking the line

In defence, blitz led by Moala, swept by Williams, with aggressive fringe defence.

Look to get the ball out quickly and use the set piece as a platform for attacking moves

Kick for territory into space not at their back 3, as running the high ball back is one of their strength, but obviously chase every kick

The distribution at 10-12 is not a strength for Quins, if we can pressurise them here with the backrow and Godwin, it will stifle them getting the ball wide. Have Moala alert for the offload in case they try to play Joseph in. 

1) Go hard in their 22, disciplined in our half
2) 2 wave attack using the recycle/offload
3) Earn the right to go wide
4) Commit to attacking and just a few in defensive breakdowns
5) Target 10-12

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Worcester Warriors v Northampton Saints
Sixways
Sunny Intervals, 12 Degrees, 12mph N Winds

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Worcester Warriors
Manager – prop_lyd

01. Val Ruskin	09. Lee Dickson (c)
02. Ross Batty	10. Jules Plisson
03. Davit Kubriashvilli
04. Stuart Hooper	11. Venriki Goneva
05. Tom Savage	12. Cory Allen
06. Jordan Taufua	13. Jarrad Payne
07. George Smith	14. Adam Thompstone
08. Ben Morgan	15. Mathew Tait

:-
16. James Fish 17. Tom Smallbone 18.Henry Thomas 19.Jacques Potgeiter 20. Warren Whiteley 21. Alex Mitchell 22. Huw Jones 23. Jonah Placid

Tactics:
First game of the season and at home, we will look to play at a fast pace to give our speedy backline enough ball to cause problems.

Forwards: Bar Morgan all of our forwards have been with us throughout pre-season, Saints play alot of players who have had 1 week back if that so we will look to be a cohesive unit and use our Georgian props to anchor the scrum whilst Hooper looks to challenge alot of ball. We will look to carry for 2-3 phases and secure ball in the first instance before sending it out wide.

Breakdown: Smith and Taufua have been picked to get over the ball and slow down their breakdown, we will look to use 3 players to secure quick ball for us but will slow the game down if needed.

Half-Backs: Both experienced enough to control the game and put us in the right positions, Dickson will look to go for tempo from tap penalties but we will look to go for points when available.

Outside Backs: Route one for Allen who showed up well for Wales in his one game, alot of pace outside and strength in Goneva, we will look to drag their defence wide and target Daly's outside shoulder with players running for the offload. Goneva will look to target weak defence and use his raw power to get over the gainline.

Attack: Quick ball, fast paced using our backline with forwards hitting the angles, happy to slow it down but don't want to get involved in an arm wrestle, will look to target the cohesivness of the Saints pack who may have world cup hangovers.

Defence: Controlled by Payne who will marshall a blitz-banana defence, we will look to slow some of their ball down but mainly look to plug any gaps in defence initially, Dickson to sweep behind.

Bench: Alot of young, raw pace to come on and look to run hard against tired Saints players and make an impression.

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 Northampton Saints
Manager – Dammit_Chris

01. Thomas Domingo	09. Joe Simpson
02. Dylan Hartley(c)	10. Lima Sopoaga
03. Martin Castrogiovanni
04. Joe Launchbury	11. Ben Foden
05. Michael Paterson	12. Alex Dunbar
06. Samu Manoa	13. Elliot Daly
07. Jacques du Plessis	14. Nick Cummins
08. Billy Vunipola	15. Leigh Halfpenny(k)

Replacements:
16. Ashley Johnson 17. Mako Vunipola 18. Logi Molipola 19. Courtney Lawes 20. Sergio Parisse 21. Niko Matawulu 22. George Ford 23. Manu Tuilagi

Tactics
We will be looking to play a hard physical game and win the contact and gainline battle against the home side. We've selected a big, mobile front five and a pack that has big ball carriers throughout. Our aim is to outmuscle the home team, put ourselves on the front foot and target the set piece to provide attacking ball for our backline. Have an impact bench and will look to bring them on to up the tempo and finish the game very strongly.

Set Piece
We've picked an experienced front row, which is supported by a powerful 4-8 to really target the Worcester scrum and their young loosehead. We'll look to give Vunipola a platform to attack the Worcester no10. We are going to be looking for quick attacking ball off the top of lineouts for our backs to attack.

Gainline/Physical Battle
Our team has been picked to win the gainline battle and put Saints on the front foot and place the Worcester defence under pressure. We'll be looking for the likes of Launchbury, Manoa and BV to get us over the gainline and make the game a really physical bruising contest.  

Breakdown
We feel we have the advantage in terms of ball carriers and winning the gainline battle, so will look to build on the forward momentum at the breakdown by securing quick ball for Simpson. Again will make this into a really physical contest, hitting the breakdown hard and targeting Smith to hamper his effectiveness.

Attack
We aim to get Daly in possession of the ball as often as possible and will use him as our main attacking threat in the backline when given quick front foot ball. With an open game expected it will play into Simpson's style and he'll look to snipe whenever there is a gap in the defence. Will use Dunbar and Cummins as ball carriers in the backs. Halfpenny to take points whenever they are on offer and build a lead. Base on the power of our pack and winning the collisions/gainline.

Defence
Rush defence, again looking to put in big tackles and stop Worcester getting any success on the gainline. We'll target the no10 with du Plessis and Manoa looking to hit him hard. Simpson to sweep behind.

Subs
Will look to win the game on the strength of our bench in the final twenty minutes, having spent large parts of the game wearing the home side down in a really physical contest. Each of our players is impact and should ensure we finish well.

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Newcastle Falcons v Gloucester
Kingston Park
Thick Cloud, 10 Degrees, 15mph NNE Winds

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Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Bambam

01. Matt Mullan	09. Rhys Webb
02. George McGuigan	10. Otere Blackl (k)
03. Nepo Laulala
04. Ed Slater (c)	11. Charlie Sharples
05. Flip Van Der Merwe	12. Scott Williams
06. Jack O'Donaghue	13. Jonathan Davies
07. Callum Clark	14. David Strettle
08. David Ewers	15. Charles Piutau

:-
16.Jamie George 17.Matt Stevens 18. Luc Ducalcon 19. Dom Barrow 20. Curtis Browning 21.Dave Lewis 22. Owen Farrell 23. Jean De Villiers

Tactics

Set piece - Have assumed Figallo is out and Adeniran-Orule starts at tighthead. Look to get after the young prop with Mullan using his experience and know how to really put him under pressure, our hooker and tighthead to target LCD in the scrum so he can't help the youngster. Slater and Flip are a big scrummaging lock pair, and with the power coming through a big back row we'll look to really munch them in the scrum. Flip to call the lineout, play it safe in our own territory but look to get ball off the top further forward. Get Flip up at the front on defensive lineouts and challenge LCD to make his throws over him

Breakdown - Looking to carry tight with the big pack, put them under pressure by using pods of 3 to attack around the gainline with the big runners, instantly clearing out so Webb can get quick ball, and keeps Savea away. If Savea gets there, blow him away with the physicality of our back row and challenge the rest of their pack to make turnovers if they can. On their ball, look to slow it down with Clark heavily involved here, but keep our defensive line in tact primarily.

Kicking - Webb, Davies and Piutau to offer kicking options to help Black, kick in behind Naiyaravoro and we've got excellent chasers to cut off the easy pass to Dagg, force the big man to kick deep from his territory. On attacking ball, use grubbers and chips to slow their defensive line

Attack - Webb to run the attack like a French 9, keep the ball moving quickly and take snipes around the ruck if its on. Black to keep the ball moving, we've got a 9 and centre combo who will be familiar to each other from international camps, trust them to look after the ball, but don't be afraid to attack the line if they overcommit to Webb or the centres.

Centres to run lines off Webb, Piutau also able to do so but the wings to stay out wide and use their exceptional finishing

Defence - strong defence throughout the backs, we'll challenge them to break the line in one on one tackles. If May catches the ball, get up quickly and cut off the space, we know he has unreal pace

Bench - More power off the bench at the scrum to get after whoever they put out as a sub tighthead, George's lineout throwing gives us more freedom to attack off the top. Farrell and JDV to close out the game with their experience

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 Gloucester
Manager – anonmattyt
NOTE FIGALLO INELIGIBLE, REPLACED BY ADRENIRAN-ORULE. BENCH ONE SHORT


1 Wood
2 Luke Cowan Dickie
3 Sebastian Adeniran-Orule
4 Roman taofufina
5 George Robson
6 Arno Botha
7 Ardie Savea
8 Wycliff Palu
9 Dan Robson
10 Danny Cipriani
11 naiyaralo
12 Ryan Crotty
13 Juan De Jongh
14 Johnny May
15 Israel Dagg
16 Rob Evans
17 Joe gray
18 
19 Elliot Stooke
20 Tom Croft
21 Justin Phillips
22 Johan Goosen
23 Charlie walker

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Bath v Exeter Chiefs
Recreation Ground
Light Cloud, 12 Degrees, 12mph NNE Winds

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Bath Rugby
Manager – CJB

01. Steven Kitchoff	09. Maxime Machenaud
02. Mikey Haywood	10. Christian Lealifano
03. Ben Tameifuma
04. Graham Kitchener	11. Hallam Amos
05. James Gaskell	12. Harold Vorster
06. Siya Kolisi	13. Francis Saili
07. Liam Gill	14. Christian Wade
08. Josh Beaumont	15. Liam Williams

16. Jack Innard 17. Richard Barrington 18. Scott Wilson 19. Charlie Matthews 20. Liam Squire 21. Richard Wigglesworth 22. Sam Hill 23. Rhys Patchell

Overall: We are gonna be looking to play front foot rugby. Look to overwhelm Bath in the loose with big carries. High tempo offloading game looking to create space and break the defense. Attack the set piece. Try to get on top early and use the momentum.

Scrum: Use the set piece to get quick ball to restart our attack. Ben Tameifuma will look to dominate Auterac and interrupt the Exeter scrum. Beaumontf will look to attack off the quick ball he gets

Lineout: We will look to switch up the lineup with Kitch and Gaskell options in the lineout. Kitchener will run the line out. Look to get up into the air quickly and down for a quick maul.

Breakdown: Look to generate quick ball for our backs to take advantage of. Gill and Kolisi  are adept at the breakdown. Only send numbers in if confident we can get the ball, otherwise look to set the defence and dare Exeter to beat us.

Defence: Run a blitz defence. Machenaud to drift behind expecting kicks.

Attack: Our half backs will control our rugby. Machenaud will set the tempo and play what he sees in front of him. Outside of him, LLF will play flat and use his creativity to bring in the back line and make plays. We have strong runners with Saili, Vorster, Wade and Amos. We will look to get the ball in their hands. Wade and Amos will look to attack when the high ball is aimed at them. Both will love a chance to run in an open field. Look to target Mike Haley

The pack will also be involved when we have the ball for a prolonged period. We have strong carriers who excel in the loose. Look to get the ball in the hands of Kitchoff, Big Ben and Kolisi in order to break the line and make yards. Throughout them team look to Keep the ball alive and look for offloads. Look to play with a high tempo and get the ball moving across the back line. Exploit the holes we create and look to tire out Exeter which can help nullify their offensive threats.

Kicking: LLF will be our chosen place kicker. We will chuck in the occasional grabber to chase. Williams, Machenaud  and LLF have the boots necessary to try and put us in a good position territorially if need be.

Substitutes: Keep a high tempo.

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Exeter Chiefs 
Manager – Fluxy

01. Nic Auterac	09. Nic White
02. Rob Webber	10. Nick Evans (k)
03. Vincent Koch
04. James Horwill (c)	11. Andrew Trimble
05. Juandre Kruger	12. Toby Flood
06. Brad Shields	13. Eamonn Sheridan
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Cory Jane
08. Fritz Lee	15. Mike Haley

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16. Jack Yeandle 17. Jefferson Poirot 18. Jake Cooper-Wooley 19. Paul O'Connell 20. CJ Stander 21. Chris Cook 22. Alex Losowski 23. James O'Connor

General Game plan

Fast paced game based around high intensity in defence, offloading, and dynamic carrying and rucking. 
Our aim is to control possession and go through the phases and impose our game plan, which is to play through the middle of the Bath pack tying in forwards implementing our strong and dynamic carriers, then look to capitalise on the over lap with two play makers in the back line capable of spotting opportunities. 

Scrum - Control the set piece and use it to restart our game plan and create point of attacks. We will always look for parity to obtain clean possession. Big front five will hold our own ball, and a full eight drive on in defence.

Line out - Kruger to lead the line-out and get quick ball from our dynamic jumpers, with four athletic components and dynamic lifters. This will allow us to secure clean ball. Look to drive possession with full line out numbers in their 22. In the middle of the field, look to cut numbers and use Fritz & Shields to run at the Bath midfield.

Breakdown - Look for strong carries from our pack, tying in the opposition forwards. We’ll be looking to keep the ball alive and look for the offload when on. Our back five 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. We’ll look to win the collision with big our physical pack and dominate the opposition pack in the contact.

Defence - Dominate the collisions to prevent Bath creating go forward. Utilising an 'up & out' defence, where the line comes up flat and then pushes the attackers towards the touch line. Look to chop attackers down early. If the competition is on to compete for the ball we get Armitage et al on the ball to turnover possession. If the support is quick for the attackers look to maintain the integrity of the defensive line and get numbers out. 
Get up off the line and cut down the Bath time on the ball. Win the battle of the gain line and cut them down before it. 

Backs – Heads up rugby from the halfbacks. They will keep the tight defence honest with inside balls and snipes. Then look to release the outside backs into the space generated by forwards tying the bath defence. Classy running options and two of the most prolific finishers in both the Pro 12 and in Super Rugby. 

Build a Score - Evans to convert any penalty within their ten metre to keep scoreboard ticking. Unless ten metres from the line then we kick for the line-out and set the maul. 

Impact Bench - Use the bench late on to shift momentum and up the energy levels late on against a tired Bath defence.

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Saracens v Sale Sharks
Allianz Park
Light Cloud, 11 Degrees, 15mph N Winds

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Saracens
Manager – Pooly

01. Alex Waller	09. Brad Weber
02. Motu Matu'u	10. Tom Taylor
03. Dan Cole
04. Patrick Tuipultou	11. Hosea Gear
05. Geoff Parling(c)	12. Maxime Mermoz
06. Akira Ioane	13. Henry Trinder
07. Heinrich Brussow	14. Chris Ashton
08. Nathan Hughes	15. Simon Hammersely

:-
16. Jack Walker 17. Xavier Chocci 18. Paul Hill 19. Will Skelton 20. James Haskell 21. Sam Harrison 22. Miles Benjamin 23. Jack Sharp

Tactics:

TARGET SCRUM - Cole didn't have the best of world cups but he's a class up on Harrison. We'll look to target the inexperienced opposition HK/LH and get between them from the off.

TARGET BREAKDOWN & LUATUA OUT OF POSITION - With Sale's scrum possibly struggling, we'll look to target Luatua's control at the base. Ioane and Brussow will be straight on him looking. Look to control the breakdown with strong clearing out out options in the pack and numerous breakdown options (Brussow, Hughes, Cole, Waller).

BIG CARRYING TO TIE IN SALE DEFENCE - Numerous "go to men" to get us over the gain line. Ioane, Hughes, Skelton, Tuip, Waller offering big option. If you could criticise the Sale pack it would be that they lack ball carriers in the pack, this could be an issue as the game goes on.

TARGET EASTMOND AND BACK 3 DEFENCE/LACK OF KICKING - Look to get big carriers down Eastmonds channel and runners from that (Ashton tracking off Hughes etc). Taylor to play whats on and kick in behind Sale wingers causing them to turn and using a high line to put pressure on their lack of kicking games.

General - We'll be playing a structured physical game from the off, look to get at the opposition 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 bring in the opposition pack and then use big carrying options to punch holes through their 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 TH and Hooker will look to target LH and try to get between him and Hooker to allow LH to work on TH If no weakness seen will use as restart.

Line out – Look for safe ball with world class line out options and experience. Will allow SH good clean ball and have big carriers running off the 9 at angles. Look to target opposition throw and put pressure on the hooker.

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 a chance to slow down/steal ball. Put pressure on SH's basics and force him into errors. Scrum half to sweep behind the defensive line.

Attack - Keep things simple in our own half then look to unleash backs in opp 22 territory. Scrum half to dictate play from the breakdown and runners on his shoulder. Huge carrying pack to get us over the gain line after front 5 set a platform. Midfield to run angles off the 9/10, allowing us gain line breakers. Look to keep opposition guessing with clever lines through midfield. Wingers will look to track the midfield combo.

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Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Ross Harrison	09. Faf De Klerk
02. Tommy Taylor	10. Francois Steyn
03. Davit Zirakishvilli
04. Dave Attwood	11. Semeasa Rokoduguni
05. Sam Carter	12. Kyle Eastmond
06. Maro Itoje	13. George Pisi
07. Matt Todd	14. Josua Tuisova
08. Steven Luatua	15. Nick Abendanon

Subs:
16. Nicky Smith 17. David Paice 18. Martin Moore 19. Matt Garvey 20. Matt Kvesic 21. Danny Care 22. JJ Hanrahan 23. Nemani Nadolo

Key Points

• Defensively keep space to a minimum. Wingers to drop deep and cover the backfield with Bendy. Mostly stay out of the ruck and strengthen the line. Look to force Taylor on the back foot and put him under pressure. Todd to defend the 12 channel with Eastmond.
  
• Attack the lineout. Both the Sarries hooker and lineout leader have been away on world cup duty and have had no time together.
  
• Use the freshness and greater mobility of our pack to get around the park. Key Sarries front 5 players, Cole & Parling, are already looking jaded after full participation in Englands WC.
  
• Strong impact bench with the likes of Moore, Garvey, Kvesic, Care & Nadolo allowing us to change the game plan up and increase the tempo further. 
  
• Force Trinder to make decisions on defence. He has less then 30 mins rugby to his name in the last year and will have to deal with runners on the gain line and out the back door.
  

Attack: Play an expansive, high intensity offloading game. Numerous playmakers across the back line comfortable at first receiver and a dynamic, skill full pack allows for a very fluid mobile attack. Look to use a rugby league diamond shape with runners on the gain line and out the back door to force the opposition into making defensive decisions, creating space for our runners. 

Breakdown: Mobile pack and physical back line 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. Defensively Todd will look to get in and slow ball down but primarily look to fan out and strengthen the line limiting Taylors options.  

Defence: Straight line blitz defence focused on winning the gain line collisions and driving the ball carrier back. Line speed is crucial. Todd will look to defend on Eastmond's shoulder specifically looking to stop offloads and get over the ball at the breakdown. De Klerk will sweep behind the line to cover chips and grubbers. Emphasis on covering the background though with both wingers dropping deep to cut off the green grass available to kick into.

Scrum: Strong technical front row backed up by a powerful second row will look to get the drive on and build a strong platform to attack from. An area we will look to target if winning.

Lineout: Five mobile, athletic jumpers allows us to genuinely mix it up on attacking ball. Primarily looking to play off the top and get the backs on the ball in space. Defensively look to get up in the air and challenge on opposition ball looking to make it as messy as possible.

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London Irish v Leicester Tigers
Madejski Stadium
Sunny Intervals, 12 Degrees, 14mph N Winds

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London Irish
Manager: Ozzy3213  
                 

01. Ben Moon	09. Ben Youngs
02. Liam Coltman	10. Aaron Cruden
03. David Wilson
04. Matt Symons (c)	11. Marland Yarde
05. James Broadhurst	12. Samu Kerevi
06. Sebastien Vahaamahina	13. Henry Slade
07. Marcell Coetzee	14. Anthony Watson
08. Charlie Beckett	15. Delon Armitage

16. Tom Youngs 17. Thomas du Toit 18. Ben Alexander 19. Romain Millo-Chluski 20. Rynhardt Elstadt 21. Mitchell Drummond 22. Brad Barritt 23. Tim Nanai-Williams

Basic Game Plan
In good conditions we will be looking to play a possession based, fast offloading game, keeping the ball alive moving the Tigers defence around. When deep in our half we won't take chances with offloading, but will make ground carrying close to the ruck and recycling quickly, or using the boots of Cruden, Slade and Armitage to take us up the field.

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.  Symons will call, as he does for the Chiefs in Super Rugby.  In decent conditions we will mix it up on our ball, utilising Symons, Broadhurst and Vermeulen as receivers, whilst also at times shortening the line and using our back row forwards as crash ball options off first phase.  Defensively we will look to compete for the ball and disrupt wherever possible, making any ball secured by Tigers as scrappy as we can.
  
• Scrum.  Hit channel one ball and get it out the back and into open play quickly, looking to maximise the space available with the opposition forwards packed down.  On there ball, 8 man shove and look to drive them off as their hooker lifts his foot to hook the ball.  Wilson to stay tight and straight.  Flanker on that side to stay bound and keep Wilson straight.
  
• Breakdown.  When we carry into contact, if we are taken to ground, we will flood the breakdown.  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 want to keep the ball alive as much as possible.  We will look to get big carriers down the 12 channel and use Watson and Yarde in particular trying to isolate front 5 forwards in the defensive line and use their pace, power and footwork to go past them and get us on the front foot.  If the ball is slow and Tigers are blitzing we will also utilise the pick and go, with the aim of keeping the blitz honest and forcing them slowly onto the back foot before going wider out.  Youngs to also look to snipe around the fringes and keep us going forwards all the time.  
  
• Tactical Kicking.  If we kick, we will look to kick deep for the corners and get the Tigers back three on the turn, with a strong kick chase to isolate them.
  

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Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Alex Corbisiero	09. Micky Young
02. Hika Ellliot	10. Freddie Burns (K)
03. Brian Mujati
04. Steve Mafi	11. Matt Banahan
05. Luke Jones	12. Billy Twelvetrees
06. Juan Smith (c)	13. Tamati Ellison
07. Jacques Burger	14. Rene Ranger
08. Thomas Waldrom	15. Mike Brown

.
16. Christopher Tolofua 17. Max Lahiff 18. Census Johnston 19. Kearney Myall 20. Tom Johnson 21. Kahn Fotuali'i 22. Brock James 23. Cheslin Kolbe

Tactics:

We will look to play high tempo, high intensity rugby. We have, throughout our XV, big line breakers to make the hard yards and tie up defenders creating space in wider channels for Burns to exploit.

- Big focus to attack at all scrums - Big powerful props to look to really get the shove on, and we will use Mujati and Elliot to really target Moon and Coltman.

- Attack at all lineouts. Use Jones or Smith at the front and Mafi off the top as our three key options.
Shortened lineouts with Waldrom in midfield as crash or decoy option.
Target Coltman (and Tom Youngs) on all Irish throws with Mafi and Jones to always to look to steal and really give opposition problems.

- Gigantic XV made up of massive line-breakers, used in the tight to tire down the opposition defence.
The likes of Waldrom, Smith, Mafi and Elliot plus Jones, Mujati, Banahan and Ranger to be used to get us over the gainline.

- Look to win battle at the breakdown - Smith and Burger to really look to get into the breakdown and give the opposition problems.

- Young to look to snipe around the fringes and keep us going forwards all the time.

- In attacking play, we will play with the option of 2 first receivers in Burns and Twelverees.
We want to control the game, mixing up the point of our attack consistently.

- In attacking play, we want our dangeorus on the back three as much as possible. Use the form of Brown as much as possibe.


- 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, and look to win the collisions in defence. Young to sweep behind with an eye on short kicks.

Burns to kick all penalties.

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Conditions will be up some stage tomorrow

Big first one

A little bit too excited for the start of the season!

Mark

Conditions are up

Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Benn Robinson	09. Karl Dickson
02. Rob Buchanan	10. Steven Myler (k)
03. John Afoa
04. Jim Hamilton	11. Teddy Thomas
05. George Kruis	12. Luther Burrell
06. Jaco Kriel	13. Jonathan Joseph
07.  Jack Clifford	14. Yoann Huget
08. Mamuka Gorgodze (c)	15. Jack Nowell

16. Bryan Byrne 17. Gurthro Steenkamp 18. Kieran Brookes 19. Nick Easter 20. Tom Wood 21. Luke McGrath 22. Stuart Olding 23. Damian McKenzie

Tactics

Look to retain the ball in attack and build pressure. We will line up in channels and look to isolate slow defenders in the Wasps defence. Carry with support so as to allow the offload or a quick ruck. All about a quick tempo when we break the line and get go forward. This is when we will look to go wide and unleash our back line.

Myler to use his boot in our half either kicking to space or looking to use Huget's aerial prowess to regain possession under the high ball. 

In defence operate an out to in system where we defend from the inside out looking to force the opposition towards the touch line. When we have a set defensive line we will look to win the collision if we have the personnel to do so (ie Kriel, Gorgodze etc) but if njot we will chop and look to get the first man onto the ball. 

take all points on offer in the first half but play the game situation in the second half Bring on McKenzie as a 2nd pivot after about 50 and look to stretch the Wasps defence as it tires.

Saracens
Manager – Pooly

01. Alex Waller	09. Brad Weber
02. Motu Matu'u	10. Tom Taylor
03. Dan Cole
04. Patrick Tuipultou	11. Hosea Gear
05. Geoff Parling(c)	12. Maxime Mermoz
06. Akira Ioane	13. Henry Trinder
07. Heinrich Brussow	14. Chris Ashton
08. Nathan Hughes	15. Simon Hammersely

:-
16. Jack Walker 17. Xavier Chocci 18. Paul Hill 19. Will Skelton 20. James Haskell 21. Sam Harrison 22. Miles Benjamin 23. Jack Sharp

Tactics:

TARGET SCRUM - Cole didn't have the best of world cups but he's a class up on Harrison. We'll look to target the inexperienced opposition HK/LH and get between them from the off.

TARGET BREAKDOWN & LUATUA OUT OF POSITION - With Sale's scrum possibly struggling, we'll look to target Luatua's control at the base. Ioane and Brussow will be straight on him looking. Look to control the breakdown with strong clearing out out options in the pack and numerous breakdown options (Brussow, Hughes, Cole, Waller).

BIG CARRYING TO TIE IN SALE DEFENCE - Numerous "go to men" to get us over the gain line. Ioane, Hughes, Skelton, Tuip, Waller offering big option. If you could criticise the Sale pack it would be that they lack ball carriers in the pack, this could be an issue as the game goes on.

TARGET EASTMOND AND BACK 3 DEFENCE/LACK OF KICKING - Look to get big carriers down Eastmonds channel and runners from that (Ashton tracking off Hughes etc). Taylor to play whats on and kick in behind Sale wingers causing them to turn and using a high line to put pressure on their lack of kicking games.

General - We'll be playing a structured physical game from the off, look to get at the opposition 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 bring in the opposition pack and then use big carrying options to punch holes through their 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 TH and Hooker will look to target LH and try to get between him and Hooker to allow LH to work on TH If no weakness seen will use as restart.

Line out – Look for safe ball with world class line out options and experience. Will allow SH good clean ball and have big carriers running off the 9 at angles. Look to target opposition throw and put pressure on the hooker.

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 a chance to slow down/steal ball. Put pressure on SH's basics and force him into errors. Scrum half to sweep behind the defensive line.

Attack - Keep things simple in our own half then look to unleash backs in opp 22 territory. Scrum half to dictate play from the breakdown and runners on his shoulder. Huge carrying pack to get us over the gain line after front 5 set a platform. Midfield to run angles off the 9/10, allowing us gain line breakers. Look to keep opposition guessing with clever lines through midfield. Wingers will look to track the midfield combo.

Worcester Warriors
Manager – prop_lyd

01. Val Ruskin	09. Lee Dickson (c)
02. Ross Batty	10. Jules Plisson
03. Davit Kubriashvilli
04. Stuart Hooper	11. Venriki Goneva
05. Tom Savage	12. Cory Allen
06. Jordan Taufua	13. Jarrad Payne
07. George Smith	14. Adam Thompstone
08. Ben Morgan	15. Mathew Tait

:-
16. James Fish 17. Tom Smallbone 18.Henry Thomas 19.Jacques Potgeiter 20. Warren Whiteley 21. Alex Mitchell 22. Huw Jones 23. Jonah Placid

Tactics:
First game of the season and at home, we will look to play at a fast pace to give our speedy backline enough ball to cause problems.

Forwards: Bar Morgan all of our forwards have been with us throughout pre-season, Saints play alot of players who have had 1 week back if that so we will look to be a cohesive unit and use our Georgian props to anchor the scrum whilst Hooper looks to challenge alot of ball. We will look to carry for 2-3 phases and secure ball in the first instance before sending it out wide.

Breakdown: Smith and Taufua have been picked to get over the ball and slow down their breakdown, we will look to use 3 players to secure quick ball for us but will slow the game down if needed.

Half-Backs: Both experienced enough to control the game and put us in the right positions, Dickson will look to go for tempo from tap penalties but we will look to go for points when available.

Outside Backs: Route one for Allen who showed up well for Wales in his one game, alot of pace outside and strength in Goneva, we will look to drag their defence wide and target Daly's outside shoulder with players running for the offload. Goneva will look to target weak defence and use his raw power to get over the gainline.

Attack: Quick ball, fast paced using our backline with forwards hitting the angles, happy to slow it down but don't want to get involved in an arm wrestle, will look to target the cohesivness of the Saints pack who may have world cup hangovers.

Defence: Controlled by Payne who will marshall a blitz-banana defence, we will look to slow some of their ball down but mainly look to plug any gaps in defence initially, Dickson to sweep behind.

Bench: Alot of young, raw pace to come on and look to run hard against tired Saints players and make an impression.

Moody is in NZ squad Prop

Missed that he had been called up! Cheers!

Bath Rugby
Manager – CJB

01. Steven Kitchoff	09. Maxime Machenaud
02. Mikey Haywood	10. Christian Lealifano
03. Ben Tameifuma
04. Graham Kitchener	11. Hallam Amos
05. James Gaskell	12. Harold Vorster
06. Siya Kolisi	13. Francis Saili
07. Liam Gill	14. Christian Wade
08. Josh Beaumont	15. Liam Williams

16. Jack Innard 17. Richard Barrington 18. Scott Wilson 19. Charlie Matthews 20. Liam Squire 21. Richard Wigglesworth 22. Sam Hill 23. Rhys Patchell

Overall: We are gonna be looking to play front foot rugby. Look to overwhelm Bath in the loose with big carries. High tempo offloading game looking to create space and break the defense. Attack the set piece. Try to get on top early and use the momentum.

Scrum: Use the set piece to get quick ball to restart our attack. Ben Tameifuma will look to dominate Auterac and interrupt the Exeter scrum. Beaumontf will look to attack off the quick ball he gets

Lineout: We will look to switch up the lineup with Kitch and Gaskell options in the lineout. Kitchener will run the line out. Look to get up into the air quickly and down for a quick maul.

Breakdown: Look to generate quick ball for our backs to take advantage of. Gill and Kolisi are adept at the breakdown. Only send numbers in if confident we can get the ball, otherwise look to set the defence and dare Exeter to beat us.

Defence: Run a blitz defence. Machenaud to drift behind expecting kicks.

Attack: Our half backs will control our rugby. Machenaud will set the tempo and play what he sees in front of him. Outside of him, LLF will play flat and use his creativity to bring in the back line and make plays. We have strong runners with Saili, Vorster, Wade and Amos. We will look to get the ball in their hands. Wade and Amos will look to attack when the high ball is aimed at them. Both will love a chance to run in an open field. Look to target Mike Haley

The pack will also be involved when we have the ball for a prolonged period. We have strong carriers who excel in the loose. Look to get the ball in the hands of Kitchoff, Big Ben and Kolisi in order to break the line and make yards. Throughout them team look to Keep the ball alive and look for offloads. Look to play with a high tempo and get the ball moving across the back line. Exploit the holes we create and look to tire out Exeter which can help nullify their offensive threats.

Kicking: LLF will be our chosen place kicker. We will chuck in the occasional grabber to chase. Williams, Machenaud and LLF have the boots necessary to try and put us in a good position territorially if need be.

Substitutes: Keep a high tempo.

CJB Faumuania is in the NZ squad

And owned by the Falcons! Pretty sure he meant Big Ben anyway

Yeah meant Big Ben

 Northampton Saints
Manager – Dammit_Chris

01. Thomas Domingo	09. Joe Simpson
02. Dylan Hartley(c)	10. Lima Sopoaga
03. Martin Castrogiovanni
04. Joe Launchbury	11. Ben Foden
05. Michael Paterson	12. Alex Dunbar
06. Samu Manoa	13. Elliot Daly
07. Jacques du Plessis	14. Nick Cummins
08. Billy Vunipola	15. Leigh Halfpenny(k)

Replacements:
16. Ashley Johnson 17. Mako Vunipola 18. Logi Molipola 19. Courtney Lawes 20. Sergio Parisse 21. Niko Matawulu 22. George Ford 23. Manu Tuilagi

Tactics
We will be looking to play a hard physical game and win the contact and gainline battle against the home side. We've selected a big, mobile front five and a pack that has big ball carriers throughout. Our aim is to outmuscle the home team, put ourselves on the front foot and target the set piece to provide attacking ball for our backline. Have an impact bench and will look to bring them on to up the tempo and finish the game very strongly.

Set Piece
We've picked an experienced front row, which is supported by a powerful 4-8 to really target the Worcester scrum and their young loosehead. We'll look to give Vunipola a platform to attack the Worcester no10. We are going to be looking for quick attacking ball off the top of lineouts for our backs to attack.

Gainline/Physical Battle
Our team has been picked to win the gainline battle and put Saints on the front foot and place the Worcester defence under pressure. We'll be looking for the likes of Launchbury, Manoa and BV to get us over the gainline and make the game a really physical bruising contest.

Breakdown
We feel we have the advantage in terms of ball carriers and winning the gainline battle, so will look to build on the forward momentum at the breakdown by securing quick ball for Simpson. Again will make this into a really physical contest, hitting the breakdown hard and targeting Smith to hamper his effectiveness.

Attack
We aim to get Daly in possession of the ball as often as possible and will use him as our main attacking threat in the backline when given quick front foot ball. With an open game expected it will play into Simpson's style and he'll look to snipe whenever there is a gap in the defence. Will use Dunbar and Cummins as ball carriers in the backs. Halfpenny to take points whenever they are on offer and build a lead. Base on the power of our pack and winning the collisions/gainline.

Defence
Rush defence, again looking to put in big tackles and stop Worcester getting any success on the gainline. We'll target the no10 with du Plessis and Manoa looking to hit him hard. Simpson to sweep behind.

Subs
Will look to win the game on the strength of our bench in the final twenty minutes, having spent large parts of the game wearing the home side down in a really physical contest. Each of our players is impact and should ensure we finish well.

Mark

Guys just a reminder we are in regular season now so teamsheet deadlines do apply.

London Irish
Manager: Ozzy3213  
                 

01. Ben Moon	09. Ben Youngs
02. Liam Coltman	10. Aaron Cruden
03. David Wilson
04. Matt Symons (c)	11. Marland Yarde
05. James Broadhurst	12. Samu Kerevi
06. Sebastien Vahaamahina	13. Henry Slade
07. Marcell Coetzee	14. Anthony Watson
08. Charlie Beckett	15. Delon Armitage

16. Tom Youngs 17. Thomas du Toit 18. Ben Alexander 19. Romain Millo-Chluski 20. Rynhardt Elstadt 21. Mitchell Drummond 22. Brad Barritt 23. Tim Nanai-Williams

Basic Game Plan
In good conditions we will be looking to play a possession based, fast offloading game, keeping the ball alive moving the Tigers defence around. When deep in our half we won't take chances with offloading, but will make ground carrying close to the ruck and recycling quickly, or using the boots of Cruden, Slade and Armitage to take us up the field.

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.  Symons will call, as he does for the Chiefs in Super Rugby.  In decent conditions we will mix it up on our ball, utilising Symons, Broadhurst and Vermeulen as receivers, whilst also at times shortening the line and using our back row forwards as crash ball options off first phase.  Defensively we will look to compete for the ball and disrupt wherever possible, making any ball secured by Tigers as scrappy as we can.
  
• Scrum.  Hit channel one ball and get it out the back and into open play quickly, looking to maximise the space available with the opposition forwards packed down.  On there ball, 8 man shove and look to drive them off as their hooker lifts his foot to hook the ball.  Wilson to stay tight and straight.  Flanker on that side to stay bound and keep Wilson straight.
  
• Breakdown.  When we carry into contact, if we are taken to ground, we will flood the breakdown.  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 want to keep the ball alive as much as possible.  We will look to get big carriers down the 12 channel and use Watson and Yarde in particular trying to isolate front 5 forwards in the defensive line and use their pace, power and footwork to go past them and get us on the front foot.  If the ball is slow and Tigers are blitzing we will also utilise the pick and go, with the aim of keeping the blitz honest and forcing them slowly onto the back foot before going wider out.  Youngs to also look to snipe around the fringes and keep us going forwards all the time.  
  
• Tactical Kicking.  If we kick, we will look to kick deep for the corners and get the Tigers back three on the turn, with a strong kick chase to isolate them.
  

London Wasps
Manager: CJ

01. Nathan Catt	09. Rhodri Williams
02. Cory Flynn	10. Francois Trinh-Duc
03. James Johnston
04. George Skivington	11. Frank Halai
05. Patrice Albacette	12. Kyle Godwin
06. Alexandre Lapandary	13. George Moala
07. John Barclay (c)	14. Manuel Montero
08. Tom Guest	15. Chris Pennell

:-
16. David Kilcoyne, 17. Scott Spurling, 18. Tom West,  19. George Merrick  , 20 Carl Fearns. , 21. Ben Spencer , 22. Charlie Hodgson, 23. Craig Gilroy

Tactics:

Looking to play attacking rugby in the good weather. Look to commit players to our attacking rucks to get quick ball, but only have a player or two at a time at defensive rucks looking to spoil and Barclay in particular looking for the turnover. Barclay to look to chase the ball, and we'll press hard and bend laws in the opposition 22 looking for the turnover/pen but be more cautious and disciplined in our half.

Slow ball will be carried by the pack in pods of three and mauled and crash-balled off 9 + 10 to drag in defenders and we will aim to speed it up with our breakdown approach. When there is speed and space, we will spin it wide, looking to keep it alive and attack in two waves, with the quick recycle or offload setting up the second wave which could either switch or continue in the same direction. When we attack, I'm looking to use Godwin and Pennell as extra playmakers and have FTH playing flat and attacking the line

In defence, blitz led by Moala, swept by Williams, with aggressive fringe defence.

Look to get the ball out quickly and use the set piece as a platform for attacking moves

Kick for territory into space not at their back 3, as running the high ball back is one of their strength, but obviously chase every kick

The distribution at 10-12 is not a strength for Quins, if we can pressurise them here with the backrow and Godwin, it will stifle them getting the ball wide. Have Moala alert for the offload in case they try to play Joseph in. 

1) Go hard in their 22, disciplined in our half
2) 2 wave attack using the recycle/offload
3) Earn the right to go wide
4) Commit to attacking and just a few in defensive breakdowns
5) Target 10-12

Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Bambam

01. Matt Mullan	09. Rhys Webb
02. George McGuigan	10. Otere Blackl (k)
03. Nepo Laulala
04. Ed Slater (c)	11. Charlie Sharples
05. Flip Van Der Merwe	12. Scott Williams
06. Jack O'Donaghue	13. Jonathan Davies
07. Callum Clark	14. David Strettle
08. David Ewers	15. Charles Piutau

:-
16.Jamie George 17.Matt Stevens 18. Luc Ducalcon 19. Dom Barrow 20. Curtis Browning 21.Dave Lewis 22. Owen Farrell 23. Jean De Villiers

Tactics

Set piece - Have assumed Figallo is out and Adeniran-Orule starts at tighthead. Look to get after the young prop with Mullan using his experience and know how to really put him under pressure, our hooker and tighthead to target LCD in the scrum so he can't help the youngster. Slater and Flip are a big scrummaging lock pair, and with the power coming through a big back row we'll look to really munch them in the scrum. Flip to call the lineout, play it safe in our own territory but look to get ball off the top further forward. Get Flip up at the front on defensive lineouts and challenge LCD to make his throws over him

Breakdown - Looking to carry tight with the big pack, put them under pressure by using pods of 3 to attack around the gainline with the big runners, instantly clearing out so Webb can get quick ball, and keeps Savea away. If Savea gets there, blow him away with the physicality of our back row and challenge the rest of their pack to make turnovers if they can. On their ball, look to slow it down with Clark heavily involved here, but keep our defensive line in tact primarily.

Kicking - Webb, Davies and Piutau to offer kicking options to help Black, kick in behind Naiyaravoro and we've got excellent chasers to cut off the easy pass to Dagg, force the big man to kick deep from his territory. On attacking ball, use grubbers and chips to slow their defensive line

Attack - Webb to run the attack like a French 9, keep the ball moving quickly and take snipes around the ruck if its on. Black to keep the ball moving, we've got a 9 and centre combo who will be familiar to each other from international camps, trust them to look after the ball, but don't be afraid to attack the line if they overcommit to Webb or the centres.

Centres to run lines off Webb, Piutau also able to do so but the wings to stay out wide and use their exceptional finishing

Defence - strong defence throughout the backs, we'll challenge them to break the line in one on one tackles. If May catches the ball, get up quickly and cut off the space, we know he has unreal pace

Bench - More power off the bench at the scrum to get after whoever they put out as a sub tighthead, George's lineout throwing gives us more freedom to attack off the top. Farrell and JDV to close out the game with their experience

Lads once a team is named your not allowed to change it.

I thought you had until the deadline to name side?

TBC??

Changes can only be made for international call ups or if injured/suspended players are named.

Teamsheet has to be named in full before the deadline . TBCs means an incomplete sheet.

Ah right, I thought the call ups thing was after the deadline. I'll change mine back

Would it not be worth allowing changes up to the deadline in the future? Just gives a bit of play and you're not really gaining an advantage.

Has always been once named it stays the same. If a comment hadn't have been made on the home page there wouldn't have been any change made

Ok to format when I put tactics in?

Yeah of course Bam

Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Alex Corbisiero	09. Micky Young
02. Hika Ellliot	10. Freddie Burns (K)
03. Brian Mujati
04. Steve Mafi	11. Matt Banahan
05. Luke Jones	12. Billy Twelvetrees
06. Juan Smith (c)	13. Tamati Ellison
07. Jacques Burger	14. Rene Ranger
08. Thomas Waldrom	15. Mike Brown

.
16. Christopher Tolofua 17. Max Lahiff 18. Census Johnston 19. Kearney Myall 20. Tom Johnson 21. Kahn Fotuali'i 22. Brock James 23. Cheslin Kolbe

Tactics:

We will look to play high tempo, high intensity rugby. We have, throughout our XV, big line breakers to make the hard yards and tie up defenders creating space in wider channels for Burns to exploit.

- Big focus to attack at all scrums - Big powerful props to look to really get the shove on, and we will use Mujati and Elliot to really target Moon and Coltman.

- Attack at all lineouts. Use Jones or Smith at the front and Mafi off the top as our three key options.
Shortened lineouts with Waldrom in midfield as crash or decoy option.
Target Coltman (and Tom Youngs) on all Irish throws with Mafi and Jones to always to look to steal and really give opposition problems.

- Gigantic XV made up of massive line-breakers, used in the tight to tire down the opposition defence.
The likes of Waldrom, Smith, Mafi and Elliot plus Jones, Mujati, Banahan and Ranger to be used to get us over the gainline.

- Look to win battle at the breakdown - Smith and Burger to really look to get into the breakdown and give the opposition problems.

- Young to look to snipe around the fringes and keep us going forwards all the time.

- In attacking play, we will play with the option of 2 first receivers in Burns and Twelverees.
We want to control the game, mixing up the point of our attack consistently.

- In attacking play, we want our dangeorus on the back three as much as possible. Use the form of Brown as much as possibe.


- 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, and look to win the collisions in defence. Young to sweep behind with an eye on short kicks.

Burns to kick all penalties.

1 Wood
2 Luke Cowan Dickie
3 Juan Figallo
4 Roman taofufina
5 George Robson
6 Arno Botha
7 Ardie Savea
8 Wycliff Palu
9 Dan Robson
10 Danny Cipriani
11 naiyaralo
12 Ryan Crotty
13 Juan De Jongh
14 Johnny May
15 Israel Dagg
16 Rob Evans
17 Joe gray
18 Sebastian Adeniran-Orule
19 Elliot Stooke
20 Tom Croft
21 Justin Phillips
22 Johan Goosen
23 Charlie walker

Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Ross Harrison	09. Faf De Klerk
02. Tommy Taylor	10. Francois Steyn
03. Davit Zirakishvilli
04. Dave Attwood	11. Semeasa Rokoduguni
05. Sam Carter	12. Kyle Eastmond
06. Maro Itoje	13. George Pisi
07. Matt Todd	14. Josua Tuisova
08. Steven Luatua	15. Nick Abendanon

Subs:
16. Nicky Smith 17. David Paice 18. Martin Moore 19. Matt Garvey 20. Matt Kvesic 21. Danny Care 22. JJ Hanrahan 23. Nemani Nadolo

Key Points

• Defensively keep space to a minimum. Wingers to drop deep and cover the backfield with Bendy. Mostly stay out of the ruck and strengthen the line. Look to force Taylor on the back foot and put him under pressure. Todd to defend the 12 channel with Eastmond.
  
• Attack the lineout. Both the Sarries hooker and lineout leader have been away on world cup duty and have had no time together.
  
• Use the freshness and greater mobility of our pack to get around the park. Key Sarries front 5 players, Cole & Parling, are already looking jaded after full participation in Englands WC.
  
• Strong impact bench with the likes of Moore, Garvey, Kvesic, Care & Nadolo allowing us to change the game plan up and increase the tempo further. 
  
• Force Trinder to make decisions on defence. He has less then 30 mins rugby to his name in the last year and will have to deal with runners on the gain line and out the back door.
  

Attack: Play an expansive, high intensity offloading game. Numerous playmakers across the back line comfortable at first receiver and a dynamic, skill full pack allows for a very fluid mobile attack. Look to use a rugby league diamond shape with runners on the gain line and out the back door to force the opposition into making defensive decisions, creating space for our runners. 

Breakdown: Mobile pack and physical back line 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. Defensively Todd will look to get in and slow ball down but primarily look to fan out and strengthen the line limiting Taylors options.  

Defence: Straight line blitz defence focused on winning the gain line collisions and driving the ball carrier back. Line speed is crucial. Todd will look to defend on Eastmond's shoulder specifically looking to stop offloads and get over the ball at the breakdown. De Klerk will sweep behind the line to cover chips and grubbers. Emphasis on covering the background though with both wingers dropping deep to cut off the green grass available to kick into.

Scrum: Strong technical front row backed up by a powerful second row will look to get the drive on and build a strong platform to attack from. An area we will look to target if winning.

Lineout: Five mobile, athletic jumpers allows us to genuinely mix it up on attacking ball. Primarily looking to play off the top and get the backs on the ball in space. Defensively look to get up in the air and challenge on opposition ball looking to make it as messy as possible.

Exeter Chiefs 

Manager – Fluxy

01. Nic Auterac	09. Nic White
02. Rob Webber	10. Nick Evans (k)
03. Vincent Koch
04. James Horwill (c)	11. Andrew Trimble
05. Juandre Kruger	12. Toby Flood
06. Brad Shields	13. Eamonn Sheridan
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Cory Jane
08. Fritz Lee	15. Mike Haley

_
16. Jack Yeandle 17. Jefferson Poirot 18. Jake Cooper-Wooley 19. Paul O'Connell 20. CJ Stander 21. Chris Cook 22. Alex Losowski 23. James O'Connor

General Game plan

Fast paced game based around high intensity in defence, offloading, and dynamic carrying and rucking. 
Our aim is to control possession and go through the phases and impose our game plan, which is to play through the middle of the Bath pack tying in forwards implementing our strong and dynamic carriers, then look to capitalise on the over lap with two play makers in the back line capable of spotting opportunities. 

Scrum - Control the set piece and use it to restart our game plan and create point of attacks. We will always look for parity to obtain clean possession. Big front five will hold our own ball, and a full eight drive on in defence.

Line out - Kruger to lead the line-out and get quick ball from our dynamic jumpers, with four athletic components and dynamic lifters. This will allow us to secure clean ball. Look to drive possession with full line out numbers in their 22. In the middle of the field, look to cut numbers and use Fritz & Shields to run at the Bath midfield.

Breakdown - Look for strong carries from our pack, tying in the opposition forwards. We’ll be looking to keep the ball alive and look for the offload when on. Our back five 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. We’ll look to win the collision with big our physical pack and dominate the opposition pack in the contact.

Defence - Dominate the collisions to prevent Bath creating go forward. Utilising an 'up & out' defence, where the line comes up flat and then pushes the attackers towards the touch line. Look to chop attackers down early. If the competition is on to compete for the ball we get Armitage et al on the ball to turnover possession. If the support is quick for the attackers look to maintain the integrity of the defensive line and get numbers out. 
Get up off the line and cut down the Bath time on the ball. Win the battle of the gain line and cut them down before it. 

Backs – Heads up rugby from the halfbacks. They will keep the tight defence honest with inside balls and snipes. Then look to release the outside backs into the space generated by forwards tying the bath defence. Classy running options and two of the most prolific finishers in both the Pro 12 and in Super Rugby. 

Build a Score - Evans to convert any penalty within their ten metre to keep scoreboard ticking. Unless ten metres from the line then we kick for the line-out and set the maul. 

Impact Bench - Use the bench late on to shift momentum and up the energy levels late on against a tired Bath defence.

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Would it not be worth allowing changes up to the deadline in the future? Just gives a bit of play and you're not really gaining an advantage.

If someone else notes that a player is ineligible who has been missed, can swaps then be made, direct player-player swap?

Will not be able to predict this weekend or next weekend due to World Cup

Yeah CJ as above if you've injured/suspended/called up players named in error you can swap them out up to when predictions open. After that the usual punishments apply.

I'm in uni this weekend, should be able to do scores

Will not get tactics in. Too busy. Anyone want to
Care take my side?

Near quitting and struggling time wise

I'm sure Driver would jump at the opportunity to care take for a while Matt if not I can put sheets in for a while

PREDICTIONS OPEN

Pm's to me please.

PREDICTIONS:

Harlequins 29 (T:3 C:1 P:4)
Wasps 24 (T:2 C:1 P:4)

Worcester Warriors 24 (T:2 C:1 P:4)
Northampton Saints 27 (T:2 C:1 P:5)

Newcastle Falcons 31 (T:4 C:4 P:1)
Gloucester 23 (T:2 C:2 P:3)

Bath 27 (T:2 C:1 P:5)
Exeter Chiefs 27 (T:2 C:1 P:5)

Saracens 26 (T:2 C:2 P:4)
Sale Sharks 26 (T:2 C:2 P:4)

London Irish 29 (T:3 C:1 P:4)
Leicester Tigers 27 (T:2 C:1 P:5)

BONUS:

Excused: Matt & Pete
Score: Prop
4/5: Pooly
Full: Everyone else

Harlequins 24-24 Wasps

Hard to separate the sides at the set piece, but the dual 7s for Wasps could cause a few problems. Better carrying to the Quins pack although Gorgodze might be a bit leggy. Wasps with a bit more about them at halfback. Quins stronger in the back line but Wasps with a decent threat as well. Tactics wise Wasps do well to flood the attacking rucks as they won't always win the collisions and the two wave set up will see them build some momentum. The targeting of the 10-12 axis will stop some Quins attacking momentum as well. Unsure today on the Quins in to out system as the Wasps wings have that bit more physicality in the wide areas. No mention of breakdown is a mark down and Wasps will cause problems and pinch the odd turnover in dangerous areas. The kicking approach suits Quins well though and the 2nd pivot late on will cause problems for Wasps. On line ups only Quins would take this but more from Wasps tactically and they deserve at least a draw.

Harlequins 24 - 18 Wasps

Quins should be stronger at the scrum with a decent set of props, although with Kruis being the lineout man and being away with England, I think Wasps will nick a few lineouts. Bit too much quality in Quins back row, even with Gorgodze fatigued. Half backs just to Wasps with me preferring FTD and the scrum halfs about equal. Quins have the quality in the outside backs, even with the two England lads being tired. Think Quins are a bit too strong at the scrum and breakdown, and just enough extra quality in the backs to take this at home, with both benches adding impact

Harlequins 23-24 Wasps

Not too much in the front row battle with Buchanan not showing great form for Quins giving a small edge to Wasps. Engine rooms pretty close too but again I just prefer the Wasps combination here. Probably a bit early for Clifford against a good operator in Barclay but Quins a touch stronger at 6/8.

Wasps with the slightly better halfback combo but prefer Quins centres although Burrell a bit out of form of late. Really good back 3 for Quins. Good impact from both benches in a great 1st game.

Harlequins 32 - 30 Wasps

Two strong sides during the RWC period. Both have very experienced front fives, and neither will really disrupt each others possession too much at source. Both have very high energy back rows who will look to get around the park, carry and disrupt at the breakdown. This will make the game a little stop start with penalties being awarded to both sides. Quins will build a score, and help get themselves a cushion. The Wasps back line does look dangerous with powerful runners, coming of some very elusive and creative distributors. This makes them hard stop in full flow, but unfortunately the game is just out of their reach, but finish strongly to make Quins sweat. 

Quins 27-24 Wasps
Not a huge amount in front fives. Slight advantage to Quins. Quins have the talent in the back row but Wasps stay in it with their experience. Really like the Wasps half backs. Quins have the more dangerous backs and with home advantage that takes them to a victory. 

Quins 24-23 Wasps

Quins 25 - 20 Wasps
The home side have a little too much in the pack and will secure some good ball for the backline to attack. Gorgodze will get them great front foot ball and can't see what Wasp forward will have the same impact. Both back threes have good attacking threat, Wasps unlucky that Halai and Montero have been injured. Slightly stronger bench for the home side sees them through at the end.

Quins 28 - 21 Wasps

Quins take the front row, whilst second rows fairly even. Not a huge maount in the back rows, but Quins pack overall have the advantage. One apiece in the HBs but Quins take the centres. Quins look more threatning in the back three, with both sides having impact off the bench. At home, Quins take it fairly comfortably.

Worcester 20-22 Northampton

See a scrum edge to Saints and they have more carrying threat in the forwards. Worc compete well at the breakdown though. More attacking intent from the Saints halfbacks but greater control from Worc. Great midfield battle but Saints back three stronger attacking wise and can get on top aerially. Alot of impact on the Saints bench but cohesion could be a big problem and can't see the set piece firing late on. Worc looking to play a quick up tempo game and target the lack of familiarity in defence for Saints with so many away for preseason and will see some joy. They may struggle to get the ball out wide as planned though as can see them being on the backfoot in the collisions for the initial 2/3 phases. Saints looking for a big physical performance from the pack and relying on the backs who have been around all preseason for the line breaks which should work well but would have attacked from 10 though rather then 13 with Payne marshalling Daly well. Rush defence could cause issues with a lack of familiarity for most of the pack and not sure on the late impact. Feel Saints could be very disjointed late on with so many rushed straight in. This looks a real messy affair with Worc struggling to get on the front foot at times and Saints lacking cohesion on attack. Quality of the Saints players sneaks this.

Worcester 20 - 26 Saints

Evens up front, both solid at scrum, possibly slightly more lineout success for Saints. In the back rows, I'd have to mark down Billy, Ben and Manoa, which gives Worcester the advantage. Saints stronger at halfback and throughout the backline. Think both sides are set up well tactically, and benches are fairly equal with a lot of Saints big names being fatigued. Close game at Sixways, think Wuss will go close but the extra quality in the backline for Saints will be the difference

Worcester 24 - 23 Saints

Mu gut instinct tells me that Worcester will this. They have a sold, experienced pack and a back line which I really like the balance of. I don't think the Saints pack is balanced properly and Worcester will simply dominate the breakdown and secure a good home win. Both scrums look a little vulnerable.

Worcester 27 - 26 Saints

Saints very lucky with how injuries etc in real life have fallen and have a great front row that will win the scrum. Launch not played too much but a bit tired, quite close at second row and lineout, Manoa and Hartley may give Saints edge. Think Worcester can just take the breakdown and would take the ball carrying but Morgan's form is a touch off. Saints have more danger at HB. Think both centre partnerships are very good and have attacking endeavour but might give Saints advantage. Halfpenny kicking vital but prefer Wuss back 3 which is well balanced. Think attacking tactics for Saints are a touch more suitable, but think Saints could have some issues in defence. Worcester just enough to pip it at home

Worcester 25-22 Northampton

Not much in the front row contest with Saints quality evened up with form issues. Little in a lock contest but Worcester get an edge in the backrow.

Not much in the 10's but Worcester stronger at 9 and centre. Not sure about Foden on the wing and this evens up the back 3. Better names on Saints bench but again lack of form evening things up, good game.

Worcester Warriors 24 - 28 Northampton Saints

Warriors are a tight unit up front and with little disruption this will benefit them against a slightly disjointed Saints side. The spine of the Saints outfit is fresh, but the players surrounding them will be just a touch off the pace. Both are solid on their own set piece, setting up solid platforms for both teams to distribute possession. Saints big units in the contact will dent the Warriors defence, however Warriors will be able to dish out some of the Saints own medicine with the likes of Taufua and Morgan getting on the ball and cutting good lines off Plisson. Simpson helps Saints quick dynamic play for their backs, but Dickson dictates the tempo of the game and keeps his pack on the move with Plisson giving them good territory to compete. The Saints back line is full of attacking intent, however the Warriors side is also a dangerous one with ball in hand. The Saints bench as always is impressive. In the end Warriors will just run out of gas against the never ending waves of Saints attacks. 

Warriors 18-26 Saints
Prefer the Saints front five and think they can dominate the set piece. Slight edge to the Saints back row and they can get some good carrying in. Bit more about the Saints half backs. Saints have a bit more firepower in the outside backs. 

Worcester 23 - 23 Saints

Not much in the front rows, maybe slight edge to Saints, and the second rows also even. Very even back row battle, overall marginally to Saints in the pack. Not much in the HBs, whilst Worcs look stronger in the centres. Tight in the back threes, with Saints having more off the bench. Worcs a decent team, not sure Saints can take the win.

Who didn't I do Johnny?

Newcastle 30-22 Gloucester

Can see a big scrum edge to Falcons with good technicians and a big 2nd row. Falcons front 5 gives them more around the park as well. Hard to separate the sides at the breakdown with both midfields helping out and the back rows fairly even. Halfbacks one a piece and hard to split overall. Glaws more threatening in the wider areas but Falcons look a good kick chase side. Strong midfield from Falcons gives them an edge. No game plan from Gloucester a killer for them. Falcons seem to have targeted all the right areas. Attacking off 9 and using the midfield to relieve pressure on Black works well as does the emphasis on the scrum and looking to get in behind Naiyaravoro. Only negative is lack of system information on the defence. Are they straight line blitzing, banana, in to out, passive etc???

Newcastle 24 - 22 Gloucester

Big blow for Gloucester a man down especially at prop. I'm not convinced with either scrum to be honest. At home Newcastle have a little more in their armoury though I think Gloucester might be the more physical side throughout the game. A good opening win.

Falcons 29 - 22 Gloucester

Slight edge in scrum to Falcons, lineout just to Gloucester, breakdown a tough scrap but goes to Falcons, helped by Slater workrate. Not much in carrying stakes. Really like the Falcons gameplan and as Gloucester too busy to have tactics, which is a big advantage to Falcons. I do like the attacking ability of Falcons' HBs but think right now Gloucester pair are more complete. Powerful duo at centre for Falcons against clever players, think Gloucester pair could work really well. Close at FB but Gloucester maybe better wings. In the end lack of tactics cost Gloucester though.

Newcastle Falcons 27 - 21 Gloucester

Falcons will be a little stronger on their own ball, line out time Glaws will be a little shaky with LCD's throwing, but he will be supported by Robson's line out nous supporting him. Flip and Slater are a dynamic unit and add a real hard edge to the pack, which helps out their back row against a strong Glaws unit. Clark will get in amongst the breakdown and create a mess of the Cherry & Whites rucks creating slow ball for them. Robson and Cipriani axis is full of danger and will keep the Falcon defence honest, allowing more time out wide for backs. Falcons will get good go forward from Webb's passing permitting their backs to come onto the ball and pick their lines. Glaws being a man down on the bench up front hurts them, and despite their electric back three the damage is done up front and falcons will capatilise on it to claim the home victory. 

Newcastle 34-24 Gloucester 
Prefer the Newcastle front five. Gloucester back row has more about it with a strong combo. One each in the half backs. Both outside backs strong. Newcastle pull away with the benches 

Falcons 26-25 Glos

Newcastle Falcons 22 - 20 Gloucester
Was a very tough game to call but the loss of one player from the Gloucester bench makes it swing in the home teams favour. Two very well matched sides, but would have given Gloucester a marginal win due to the lack of experience from the Falcons starting hooker. Form issues around the Falcons midfield again due to injuries, but having a full bench is all important when games are so tight. 

Newcastle 25 - 24 Gloucester

Both LHs to get on top, Gloucs bench options cost them. Tight in the second row, slight advantage to Gloucs in back row contest. Not much between either pack. One apiece in the HBs but Newcastle better centres. Close in the back three, with Newcastle stronger bench. Think the home side have just enough.

Bath 23-26 Exeter

Slight scrum edge to Bath but feel Exeter have a little bit more about them at the lineout. More carrying to the Exeter pack and feel they have more about them at the breakdown. Halfbacks one a piece but Exeter shade as a combo and have the dual 10 option. More of a threat from the Bath back three but they are weak defensively. Bath midfield give a strong focal point though with some great carrying options. CJ gives great impact late on for Exeter. Both sides looking for a fast fluid attack and will have some good spells but feel Exeter will more consistently get over the gain line. Big emphasis on the defence from Exeter and can see them getting on top of the collisions but they may be a bit slow getting out wide which will give Amos/Wade chances to attack.

Bath 24 - 27 Exeter

This one is really difficult to call. Both sides pretty equal in the set piece, and have gone with a similar game plan around the park in the forwards to dominate collisions and take on the other pack physically. I just think Bath lack carriers in the back 5 of the pack to carry this out, a load of rangy athletic types but no brute carriers. Exeter have a bit more of that with the likes of Lee and Armitage, and think that will have a big impact. Exeter stronger at halfback, but I think the Bath outside backs have enough to keep them in it till the end. 

Bath 20 - 18 Exeter

Think the Bath scrum will have a solid edge but the rest of the packs are well matched and will make for an intriguing contest. Both back lines also appear even on paper though neither look quite right to me in terms of balance. I think Bath just take the contest and at home they win.

Bath 30 - 30 Exeter

Good youth in both front rows but think Bath have more here. Think Exeter have a good advantage at lineout though, and just edge the breakdown too. Think Bath get some back with power carrying. Prefer Exeter HBs, if Evans can find some good form they will do well. Quite liek Flood at 12 in this gameplan. Great finishing on Ex wings but the overall pace for Bath back 3 is a real threat. Exeter just have enough to steal a draw

Bath 28-26 Exeter

Front row to Bath with Koch a bit of a worry against decent scrummagers. Bit more for Exeter in the back 5 though and they'll certainly get a grip on the pack here.

Prefer the Bath halfback and similar story in the centres with Exeter not quite looking too good during the WC period. Bath stronger at FB but a cracking wing contest shaded by Exeter. Another good start to the season.

Bath 22-23 Chiefs

Bath 25 - 23 Exeter Chiefs
Another tough game to call - two evenly matched packs, the away team should just about get the advantage at the breakdown but due to the conditions I prefer the Bath back three who could cause some damage when they get the ball. 

Bath 28 - 27 Chiefs

Slight advantage to Bath up front, whilst second row a good battle. Back rows are close again too, not much in the packs, tough to split. Decent HB contest, and again not much to split the centres. Slightly more in attac from Bath, whilst bit more off Chiefs bench. This is a very close game, home advantage takes it.

Saracens 25 - 30 Sale

Have to mark down Cole and Parling, and that will really take a hit on Sarries set piece prowess, which on form looks very good. Sarries definitely stronger in the back row, some top operators there and Itoje/Ioane could be a big battle in future tests! Taylor is a slightly better 10 than Steyn is, halfbacks equal. Sale a bit more dangerous outwide, but Sarries stronger at centre. Key to this will be the bench I think, will be very close up to the last 20 then I think Sale can put the squeeze on with a test class bench, while Sarries replacements are a bit green. 

Saracens 21 - 21 Sale

Tough to separate sides on paper but I prefer the Saracens pack (although a game to far for both Parling and Cole in my eyes which hurts Saracens) whilst preferring the Sale backs. I like the plan to exploit trinder and think it will work for Sale. I think Sale edge the game but home advantage see's a draw. 

Saracens 27 - 25 Sale

Very close at the scrum, no clear advantage for me. With Itoje at 6 for Sale, no advantage at lineout, Hughes a big boon for Saracens at breakdown that they take, very good carrying options in both packs. Two very interesting backrows, I like them both and good experience for the young men in there. Not sure what to make of Steyn form, hard to separate HBs, but think in attack Sale centres cause more damage. Think Sale take back 3 as well. Saracens just enough at home

Saracens 26 - 28 Sale Sharks

In the tight this is a good battle to watch, Zirak will anchor the Sharks scrum well with relatively young lads next to him and a strong engine room. Sarries have a strong scrummaging unit, however there would be some fatigues players not just physically but mentally. There are some big impact breakers in the Sarries pack who will keep them moving forward. The battle between Todd and Brussow would be interesting and one that both would be negate each other. Both sides down to back pairings at half back however the back lines are relatively untouched and help make the jobs of those trying to control the game much easier. Sarries will get some joy using their size down the Eatsmond Channel, but Steyn and Pisi would help defend this if the ploy was used to often. This game will be even until the last fifteen minutes, with a bigger impact off the Sharks bench they will up the intensity and pull off the tightest of wins.

Sarries 25-23 Sale
Sarries have the stronger front five. Prefer the skills of the Satrie back row. Sale have the better half backs but Sarries edge half backs and take a big scalp.

Sarries 24-24 Sale

Saracens 24 - 24 Sale
Another tough game to call. Can't look beyond the draw as not sure about Steyn at no10 but the impact that Sale can get from their bench in the final quarter will really swing the game their way, while the carrying of the Sarries pack will cause a lot of issues for Sale who could get bullied a little. Two things even themselves out. 

Saracens 25 - 24 Sale 

Not much in the scrum, both THs on top. Slight advantage to Sarries in the second row, with two even back rows. Not much in the packs, maybe just to Sarries. No real winner at HB, whilst I prefer Sale's centres. Tight back threes, wih both sides having impact off the bench. Not a lot in this one eiher, again go with home side.

London Irish 28-25 Leicester Tigers

Slight scrum edge to Tigers but feel Irish can have the better of the lineout. Irish locks give a better standard of work around the park. Good battle of the 7s but Tigers stronger at 6 & 8. Irish halfbacks a level above but can see the attack being a bit disjointed at times with Youngs thrown straight back in and Slade needing time to re-familiarise. Lot more pace to the Irish attack although Brown will give Tigers a lift at the back. Tigers wingers will leave a lot of space for Brown to try and cover though. Tigers looking to take advantage of the carriers through their side and play on the gain line but possibly lacking that spark when they aren't getting their own way in the collisions. The fast fluid offloading style suits Irish but I can see it being a bit more disjointed then usual. Not sure either side consistently sees the better ball or are specifically set up to negate the opposition and it looks a fairly even match. Home advantage sneaks this one.

London Irish 19 - 17 Leicester

Pretty evens in the set piece all round, no one will dominate I expect, although Irish have a lot of beef in their pack which may make a difference in the odd scrum. Beckett is a rookie, and Vaahaamina is a hell of a lump at flanker, but think the Tigers could get an advantage here. Youngs marked down slightly for fatigue, while Cruden lacks form, makes the halfback battle very close. Outside backs decent for both, think Irish just a bit stronger here, and with a lot more off the bench too. Thought quite hard about this but think Irish at home with the extra impact off the bench can just sneak it, but won't be pretty

London Irish 24 - 23 Leicester

A good pack battle with the Leicester back row standing out. A game to soon for Youngs but I still prefer the London Irish pair ahead of Leicester which is important. A small advantage to Irish in the outside backs see's a narrow victory

Irish 30 - 27 Leicester

Form issues for the key men in both front rows, think more class overall for Tigers. Tigers locks not as lineout heavy as Irish ones and with another jumper at 6, London Irish win lineout and will steal some. Do think Tigers edge the breakdown, lots of work in the loose from both sides, hard to separate. More quality, just about getting over mixed form, at HB for London Irish. Big difference is I think with good tactics and more threat in a great backline, London Irish do more damage with the ball they get

London Irish 21-24 Leicester 

Can see Tigers getting a nudge on in the scrum with a strong combo up against Irish youngsters. Wilson would normally add something but lacking in form in real life. Not much in the engine room contest but Tigers get an advantage in the backrow with Irish missing key players.

Strong halfback combo for Irish although Cruden lacking form for the bigger games. Not much in the centres and Irish shade the back 3.

London Irish 29 - 20 Leicester Tigers

Up front this is relatively even as both sides have big strong front fives and there wouldn't be much give in either. The packs have similar make ups, however both want to play different styles. The Tigers method will garner them some good yards during the game once they settle into it. However the Irish want to keep moving the point of attack which will tire out the big Tigers pack and run them ragged late on. This generates tired legs in the Tigers defence. The half backs for Irish will dictate the pace of the game well and benefit from the momentum created by their forwards. Burns will create space and time for outside backs and allow his back three to create a threat out wide. Irish ability to pick off tired forwards in the line will be deadly and will edge out Tigers at home.

Irish 31-26 Tigers
Slight edge to Irish in front five. Prefer the Tigers back row. Irish have better half backs and more danger in the outside backs.

Irish 25-24 Tigers

London Irish 19 - 20 Leicester Tigers 
Hard on the home side, but just see having Beckett as the starting no8 as a big call and one that a strong, ball carrying Tigers pack can really look to take advantage of. Two sides evenly split otherwise, lot more attacking threat from Irish in the backs, espc the back three. Issue with Cruden's form.

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Who didn't I do Johnny?

Falcons/Gloucester