Aviva Premiership Round Ten

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Sale Sharks v London Irish
AJ Bell Stadium
Light Cloud, 6 degrees, 20mph South Westerly

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Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Marcos Ayerza	09. Danny Care
02. Benjamin Kayser	10. Johnny Sexton
03. Rabah Slimani
04. Brodie Retalick	11. Nemani Nadolo
05. Maro Itoje	12. Kyle Eastmond
06. Peter O'Mahony	13. Malakai Fekitoa
07. Sam Cane	14. Semesa Rokoduguni
08. Louis Picamoles	15. Willie Le Roux

Subs:
16. Tommy Taylor 17. Jack McGrath 18. Davit Zirakishvilli 19. Matt Garvey 20. Matt Kvesic 21. Kieran Marmion 22. Bernard Foley 23. Nick Abendanon

Henry Slade: Slade has played just one game at 10 this year in real life and has predominately played 13 over the last two years. We want to put him under pressure with big carriers down his channel and an agressive blitz when hes on the ball. There are no other playmakers in the Irish backline to share the burden with. 

Attack: We will be playing an expansive, high intensity offloading game looking to keep the ball moving. Look to use a rugby league shape with runners on the gain line and out the back door to force the opposition into making defensive decisions. Numerous playmakers across the back line allows us to constantly change the point of attack. Care to keep the fringe defence honest with his snipping runs.

Breakdown: Quick ball is the aim on attack. Mobile pack and physical back line to clear out rucks and ensure we get it. We will look to get over the gain line off all carries to give a target to hit. Defensively when the initial contact is won we will look to commit numbers and get over the ball turning it over or at least slowing opposition ball up. Otherwise we will strengthen the line.

Defence: Straight line blitz defence led by Fekitoa. 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. 

Scrum: Strong scrummaging unit in the front row with the support of a powerful 4-8 will look to get the better of the opposition and build a strong attacking platform. We will look to put a slight wheel on where possible to take the opposition backrow out of play and then attack the space available and look for one on ones in the backline especially for Fekitoa and Nadolo.

Lineout: Four 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 particularly Fekitoa and Nadolo. Will also look to use Picamoles around the back or in midfield off a shortened line. Defensively POM to get up in the air at the front and challenge on opposition ball looking to make it as messy as possible.

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London Irish
Manager - Driver

01. Joe Marler	09. Ben Youngs
02. Bismarck Du Plessis	10. Henry Slade (k)
03. Frans Malherbe
04. Matt Symons (c)	11. Bryan Habana
05. Alun Wyn Jones	12. Brad Barritt
06. Jerome Kaino	13. Jesse Kriel
07. Sean O'Brien	14. Marland Yarde
08. Duane Vermeulen	15. Anthony Watson

16.Tatafu Polota-Nau 17.Scott Sio 18.Dave Wilson 19.Sebastian Vahaamania 20.Marcell Coetzee 21.Aaron Smith 22.Aaron Cruden 23.Tim Nani Williams

In good conditions we will be looking to play a possession based, fast offloading game, keeping the ball alive moving the Sale 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 Youngs and Slade 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.  In decent conditions we will mix it up on our ball, utilising Symons, AWJ 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 Sale 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.  Marler to stay tight and straight.  Flanker on that side to stay bound and keep Malherbe 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  use Watson, Habana 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.  We will also If the ball is slow and Sale 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.

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Gloucester v Leicester Tigers
Kingsholm Stadium
Light Rain, 7 degrees, 15mph West South Westerly

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Gloucester
Manager - Anonmattyt

01. Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira	09. Will Genia
02. Andries Strauss	10. Dan Carter(k)
03. Nicolas Mas
04. Eben Etzbeth	11. Tom May
05. Tomas Lavanini	12. Matt Toomua
06. Tom Croft	13. Tevita Kurindrani
07. Julian Salvi	14. Charlie Walker
08. Sam Dickinson	15. Israel Folau

16. Coenie Ousthuizen, 17. Luke Cowan-Dickie, 18. Juan Figallo, 19. George Robson, 20. Jamie Heaslip, 21. Dan Robson, 22. Danny Cipriani, 23. Metuisela Talebula

Tactics

Forwards Work - Half Backs Control - Outside Backs Create

In light rain and light winds (15mph Is not even gusty) we will look to impose ourselves up front but  play in attacking rugby in the right areas.

Game Plan - When in the Leicester half we will play a patient game using our pack to carry hard and get us across the gain line carrying off 9 and 10. With Genia Carter and toomua we can control the game in the slightly wet conditions and exploit Tigers lack of game management. Beale and FTD not known for controlling or leading a territory lead game.

Our front 5 is considerably bigger, younger and more dynamic and they will look to boss. We have form in front 5 and see locks as a big advantage  with lavanini and etzbeth world class and in form.

Backrow we have pace and players for the conditions with a genuine 7 in Salvi and Dickinson and Croft flying around the park.

As our play builds we'll look to use our strike runners and open it up. With Folau, toomua, kurindrani, may we have plenty of people to step in to second receiver and keep continuity. Carter and toomua are their to control the game Look to create space out wide by using out the back options with lead runners running wide out to in lines to keep defence honest. 

Kicking Game- Look to play the game in the Leicester   half using the boot of genia Carter toomua to keep Gloucester deep. We will vary between kicking for territory and using up and unders to gain territory using Folau and co who are experts under the high ball and will bring us possession.

Defence - Look to blitz and put pressure on Tigers . By targeting them we cut there possession at source. Likewise we will target  tigers  lthrowing in with croft etzbeth and co going up. Croft and etzbeth in great form and will disrupt.

Genia will sweep and we will look be aggressive and send numbers in to the breakdown to try and affect turnovers 

Set Piece - Use our scrum as a weapon to attack Jenkins and gain penalties and look to control the game. 

KEY POINTS

Take the points - Carter is the best in the world and will kick  goals.

Look for the half back to set tone 

Pressure FTDwho is not known  Player for playing a controlled game 

Exploit their lack of kicking past 10 by pressurising 9 and 10

Pressurise lineout on their throw with our multiple jumpers 

Play game in right areas utilise our huge front 5. Leicester locks a target 

Our bench can change the game and have form Robson Cips Talebula vs young burns and 36 for example

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Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Gethin Jenkins	09. Fourie Du Preez
02. Stephen Moore (c)	10. Francois Trinh-Duc (k)
03. Owen Franks
04. George Skivington	11. Matt Banahan
05. Victor Matfield	12. Kurtley Beale
06. Juan Smith	13. Mathieu Bastareaud
07. JMF Lobbe	14. Drew Mitchell
08. Thomas Waldrom	15. Mike Brown

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16. Schalk Brits 17. Max Lahiff 18. Cencus Johnston 19. Pascal Pape 20. Liam Messam 21. Micky Young 22. Freddie Burns 23. Billy Twelvetrees

Tactics

In wet and windy conditions we will play sensibly, looking to play a structured game built around Du Preez and FTD moving us into the right areas.

- Use the rolling maul - Moore to lead from the back guided by Du Preez, and use a regular weapon off lineouts won by Matfield.

- 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.

- Lobbe, Smith, Bastareaud, Jenkins and Moore are the men charged with reaching the breakdown first and look to turnover possession. We will always look to attack quickly off any turnover ball.

- At the lineout use Matfield as our banker ball and Skivington, Smith and Lobbe as alternative jumpers - we will rotate the target. 
With the boots of Du Preez, FTD and Beale, we will look to get the ball deep in Gloucester territory and then contest all lineouts. We will relentlessly target the opposition's throws.

- Gigantic XV made up of massive line-breakers right throughout the side, that will look to tire down Gloucester defence. 
The likes of Waldrom, Bastareaud, Skivington, Smith, Banahan and Moore used consistently to get us over the gainline.

- In general attacking play, we will play off 9 with Du preez our general pulling the strings. We want to control of the tempo of the game as much as we can through our 9/10/12/15.

- Consistently test Gloucester's back three with kicks in wet conditions. Box kicks from Du Preez and up and unders from FTD/Beale to give the opposition problems in the air. We will really test Walker and May with these kicks, and look to the likes of Mitchell to be on them as quickly as possible.

- Lots of scrums - which we want to attack as a weapon if winning - and call when we can - if we are getting an advantage. Jenkins and Moore to look to target Mas and to look to really get the shove on.

- 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. Du Preez to sweep behind with an eye on short kicks.

- FTD to kick all penalites.

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Northampton Saints v Wasps
Franklin Gardens
Light Cloud, 7 degrees, 17mph South Westerly

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Northampton Saints
Manager – Dammit_Chris

01. Mako Vunipola	09. Sam Hildago-Clyne
02. Dylan Hartley	10. Lima Sopoaga (k)
03. Ramiro Herrera
04. Joe Launchbury	11. Julian Savea
05. Johnny Gray	12. Wesley Fofana
06. Schalk Burger	13. Elliot Daly
07. David Pocock (c)	14. Adam Ashley Cooper
08. Billy Vunipola	15. Ben Foden

Replacements:
16. Ashley Johnson 17. Wyatt Crockett 18. Zander Ferguson 19. Courtney Lawes 20. Samu Manoa 21. Joe Simpson 22. George Ford 23. Manu Tuilagi

Tactics
We are looking to play with our usual aggressive, physical style in the forwards with big runners getting us over the gainline and putting the away team on the back foot. We will look for Burger and Pocock to dominate the breakdown and seek turnovers to launch attacks. Our aim is to give our halfbacks good front foot ball to attack Wasps at pace, mixing up our options with Fofana and Daly, whilst bringing in AAC and Savea to cause defensive issues. We are going to take risks and look to score tries if we can build the platform through our pack. 

Set Piece
We've been rotating our pack over the last few weeks to ensure that they are fresh and getting players game time. We've gone for a strong set piece and powerful scrummaging unit and will look to assert some pressure on Wasps here. Charteris and Myall give Wasps some good lineout options, so we've selected Launch (banker ball) Gray, Burger and Pocock who can allow us to mix up the calls and allow us to get quick ball for SHC to play from. 

Gainline/Physical Battle
We want to put real emphasis on the gainline battle, so have picked powerful ball carriers throughout our pack and strike runners in our backline. We want to build forward momentum and get the Wasps defence going backwards, or suck in tacklers on the Vunipolas, Burger, Launchbury to create space for our backs in later phases. 

Breakdown
We want to really focus on winning the breakdown battle, with Pocock and Burger we can dominate this area in terms of generating turnovers for SHC to attack or securing penalties. We've got a mobile pack who can support our flankers, espc the second row. 

Attack
We will look to work through the phases with our pack, suck in Wasps defenders with our big ball carriers and start to create space outwide for the likes of Fofana and Daly to exploit. We want to send big runners at Wasps and tire down their defence and make the most of our mobile pack. 

Kicking
Conditions are good so we'll look to keep the ball in hand more than in previous games, but have the options of SHC box kicking and the excellent chase game of AAC, plus Sopoaga and Daly's big left boot as ways to clear any danger or exploit space behind. Still kick our penalties and use Daly's 60m range to punish any Wasps infringements that close. 

Defence
Similar style defence to that which Saracens play in real life, putting a lot of pressure on the attacking team and force them into mistakes. No9 sweeping in behind to cover any kicks. 

Subs
This is an area we really want to exploit going into the final 20-30 minutes, and will look to unload our bench and put pressure on Wasps as we push for some scores.

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London Wasps
Manager: CJ

01. Eddy Ben Arous	09. Kahn Fotu'ali
02. Corey Flynn	10. Finn Russell (k)
03. Sekope Kepu
04. Luke Charteris	11. Frank Halai
05. Kearnan Myall	12. Duncan Taylor
06. Chris Robshaw	13. Tyler Morgan
07. John Barclay (c)	14. Rene Ranger
08. Carl Fearns	15. Chris Pennell

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16. Nathan Catt 17. Richardt Strauss , 18. Oliver Tomaszcyk 19. Grant Gilchrist  , 20 Sekou Macalau , 21. Ben Spencer , 22. Patricio Fernandez 23.  Nick Tompkins

Tactics:

Breakdown:

Usual approach of holding numbers out of the breakdown in defence unless the counterruck turnover is on focusing on letting players like Robshaw and Fearns slowing the ball solo or in a small group, and all of the back 3 but especially Barclay looking for turnovers by shadowing the ball and getting in early with speed. IN attack, still hold numbers out but look to have secondary players hit the ruck hard, early, low and in a group of 3 to clear out quickly and maintain quick ball, Barclay shadowing the ball to try to be the first man often and keep it coming fast.

Attack:

Off ball close to the ruck/set piece, look to mix carries in groups of 3 forwards to build up momentum and recycle into quick ball and charges from our big carriers like Ben Arous, Fearns, Kepu etc with quicker forwards in support, targeting  Burger, Launchbury but especially Pocock to force them to make tackles and take them out of the breakdown. Awareness with instructions from the likes of Fotua'li and our leaders in the backrow as to where their jackals are, and look to offload to hand off the ball to keep it alive when they are waiting to leap. If there's space out wide, we can kick with crossfields and deep low kicks.

When ball is quick, spin to Russell playing flat, who will be happy to go himself or chip to keep the defence honest, and have our centres run direct lines at their centres inside shoulders, looking to test their tackling solidity, with the back 3 and forwards running an inside line for the offload to cut open the defence, also giving the option for the inside pop pass to a big carrier against a smaller midfield player. Occasionally use the wing-centre switch off Morgan bringing our powerful wingers running into the gap between Fofana and Daly. All breaks supported.

Defence:

Hard, straight line defence looking to make the 10-12-13 axis small stature pay against them and stop any space and build up of speed to use their footwork. This also cuts the ball out before it can reach the wings, and have our wingers very close to theirs should the ball making that far, making Daly's love of the long pass a liability. Robshaw looking to make 9's life hell. This tactic is very likely to result in chips and kicking, which Pennell and Fotua'li will be expecting and ready to sweep up and run back and the forwards ready to support as in our attacking gameplan for the inside balls and offloads, with an eye for the deep kick for territory if Foden is out of position. In their 22, push the referee re the offside line

Kicks:

We will look to run back kicks with a back 3 selected for powerful running, looking to emulate Brown and beat the first man and set a platform. Chase all kicks we make and look to kick low and deep behind their back 3, looking for territory and touch. Take on any easy points, but we are not looking to play a kicking game today.

Scrum:

Kepu will have confidence against the inform Vunipola based on recent internationals and look to emphasis his boring in and win penalties. Meanwhile Ben Arous will be rock steady against Herrera, looking to hold him stable not doing any tricks or over pushing. Off our own ball, look to run the backrow at Pocock on the openside to commit him then attack off of second phase ball. Billy Vunipola loves to run off the scrum - Robshaw will be waiting blind and Barclay and Fearns together open.

Lineout:

Solid options in the air, with Robshaw, Myall and Charteris sharing duties, looking to maul and commit their forwards, Barclay the man at the back. Charteris looking to man mark the front in the air and ground and force longer throw attempts and less accuracy.

Other:

As usual, look to press hard for penalties in their 22, and willing to drift offside in defence, but hold back and give nothing away in our half. Off the bench, Gilchrist adds power and Macalou, Fernandez and Tompkins pace to a game breaking up, with Spencer there to change our style to a more controlling one at 9, whereby we will switch to kicking behind the opposition and attacking their lineout

Overall:

Take Burger and Pocock out of the breakdown by making them tackle
Target centres physicality with direct running and inside passes to carriers
Run back kicks
Hard, flat-line blitz
Play off Mako's reputation at scrum time

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Saracens v Bath
Allianz Park
Light Cloud, 8 degrees, 14mph West South Westerly

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Saracens
Manager – Pooly

01. Alex Waller	09. Morgan Parra
02. Guilhem Guirado	10. Nicolas Sanchez
03. Dan Cole
04. Patrick Tuipultou	11. George North
05. Sam Whitelock	12. Sonny Bill Williams
06. James Haskell	13. Conrad Smith
07. Will Fraser	14. Hosea Gear
08. Nathan Hughes	15. Stuart Hogg

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16. Richard Hibbard 17. Ben Franks 18. Jannie du Plessis 19. Geoff Parling 20. Temani Harrison 21. Lee Dickson 22. Henry Trinder 23. Pat Lambie

Tactics:
CROSS FIELD KICK AS WEAPON AGAINST WADE - Look to attack Wade's channel

QUALITY 9-13 TO CONTROL THE TEMPO OF THE GAME - Look to take the game to the opposition and key players with vast experience 9-13. 

TARGET LINEOUT - Look to attack the Bath throw and put pressure on Kitchener

NUMEROUS CARRYING OPTIONS - Team packed full of "go to men" to get us over the gain line. 

TARGET BREAKDOWN - Numerous options in Cole, Whitelock, Fraser, Haskell, Hughes. Look to get n edge with only Louw a genuine option in the opposition line up.

General - We'll be playing a structured physical game from the off, look to get at the opposition and target the breakdown. 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. Look to control the tempo and areas we play with kicking options at halfback.

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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Bath Rugby
Manager – CJB

01. Steven Kitchoff	09. Richard Wigglesworth
02. Rory Best	10. Beauden Barrett
03. Samson Lee
04. Will Skelton	11. Christian Wade
05. Graham Kitchener	12. Damian De Allende
06. Dan Lydiate	13. Michele Campagnaro
07. Francois Louw	14. Juan Imhoff
08. Toby Falateu	15. Alex Goode

16. Richard Barrington 17. Mikey Haywood 18. Scott Wilson 19. James Gaskell 20. Justin Tipuric 21. Tawera Kerr Barlow 22. Cristian Lealifano 23. Liam Williams

Overall: We are gonna be looking to play front foot rugby and put Sarries under immense pressure with our energy. Look for big carries and offloading at a high pace looking to create space and break the defense. Attack the set piece.

Scrum: Use the set piece to get quick ball to restart our play. Lee will look to cause Waller trouble and we will hope to get a shove on. Skelton will add a lot of power to the scrum and we will look to get more power from our back five. Falateu will look to attack off the quick ball he gets

Lineout: We will look to switch up the lineup with Falateu, Louw, Skelton and Kitchener options in the lineout. Kitchener will run the line out. Look to get up into the air quickly and down for a quick maul. Skelton will offer quick ball option at the front.

Breakdown: Look to generate quick ball for our backs to take advantage of. Louw  is brilliant at the breakdown and we will also look to get the rest of the pack looking to help and clear out. Look to exploit Fraser.

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

Attack: Our half backs will control our rugby. Wiggles  will set the tempoand play what he sees in front of him. Outside of him, Barrett will play flat and use his creativity to bring in the back line and make plays. He will be given a freedom to be creative. Look to bring in the rest of the back line, especially De Allende who we would like to get running at defenders. Imhoff and Wade are very skilful and if the ball gets to them will look to draw in defenders. 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, Skelton and Falateu 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 Sarries which can help nullify their offensive threats.

Kicking: Barrett will be our chosen place kicker. We will chuck in the occasional grabber to chase. Barrett. Wiggles and Goode all 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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Worcester Warriors v Exeter Chiefs
Sixways Stadium
Light Rain, 7 degrees, 15mph West South Westerly

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Worcester Warriors
Manager – prop_lyd

01. Joe Moody	09. Gareth Davies
02. Ken Owens	10. Dan Biggar (k)
03. WP Nel
04. Stuart Hooper	11. Waisake Naholo
05. Yohann Maestri	12. Jamie Roberts
06. Mike Williams	13. Mark Bennett
07. Sam  Warburton (c)	14. Nehe Milner-Skudder
08. Ben Morgan	15. Mathew Tait

:-
16. Ross Batty 17. Lucas Noguera Paz 18. Henry Thomas 19. Tom Savage 20. Jordan Taufua 21. Sam Harrison 22. Owen Williams 23. Jarrad Payne

Tactics
Confidence is huge with us having been unbeaten for 4 games and progressing unbeaten in europe.

Set Piece-We have gone for bulk and hard workers here who will all look to control our set piece and put pressure on the opposition's set piece Nel's return last week had a huge  impact and we have brought in Williams for further lineout options. We will look to reduce the numbers if required to negate the Chiefs ariel challenge. The ball will look to go in and out pretty quickly to prevent any major mistakes/slips in the conditons. And Williams/Warbs will look to fly off the back of the line to put pressure on 10.

Breakdown-In these conditions good ball is crucial and we have gone for Warburton to look to put pressure on their ball but also be a nuisance tackling at the fringes when needed, Williams has been brought in for his carrying game adding to Hooper, Maestri and Morgan if we get into a battle up front. We will be looking to get the ball away fairly quick so are happy to pick and go to suck them in before spinning the quick ball out. We want clean ball and will look to attack any gaps on the fringes if they are obvious.

Half-Backs-A controlled game today mainly looking for position, Biggar will look to use his up and unders when appropriate and compete for the ball here. They will have options of the blindside winger or a forward running off their's and Roberts' shoulders for the pop ball. Teams are looking for the Biggar up and under and we will keep them guessing with Biggar's positioning off ruck to give him more time.

Outside Backs-When it's on we will look to go wide, we have two different styles of play with our wingers suand will use their differences to target any gaps in the Chiefs defence. Bennett will pull the strings at 13 releasing the back three. Our back 3 will initially look to keep the ball in hand and Tait/Davies/Biggar will be one of the covering players from Chiefs' tactical kicking therefore offering the clearance needed if no gaps appear.

Bench-A strong scrummaging bench and Savage and Taufua there as a carrying option. Payne will look to exploit the tired defences using tactical kicking.

Defence-Controlled defence here and we won't look to rush up, backrow to put pressure on 10 initially with Davies sweeping behind. Main impeotus is on no gaps and defending inside-out today.

Overall-Looking for a fairly tight game with quick breakdown ball, going for position and put pressure on the opposition's set piece.

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Exeter Chiefs 
         
Manager – Fluxy

01. Nic Auterac	09. Connor Murray
02. Dimitri Szarzewski	10. Nick Evans (k)
03. Mike Ross
04. Paul O'Connell (c)	11. Teddy Thomas
05. Lood de Jager	12. Maa Nonu
06. Tom Wood	13. George Pisi
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Andrew Trimble
08. Fritz Lee	15. Mike Haley

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16. Jack Yeandle 17. Jefferson Poirot 18. Vincent Koch 19. Jake Ball 20. Yannick Nyanga 21. Chris Cook 22. Toby Flood 23. Sam James

Game plan this week is focused on ball retention based around high intensity; dynamic carrying, rucking and defence. Our aim is to control possession and go through the phases and starve Worcester of any possession. We will look to play off our ten, with either forward pods running of his shoulder or through the hands of our backs. This is to tie in the Warriors defence and then look to capitalise on the overlaps with two play makers in the back line capable of spotting opportunities. 
Cut of the Warriors source of possession, so attack their line out and scrum at all times, to at the very least, slow ball down, or better steal possession. 

Scrum - Control the set piece and use it to restart our game plan and create point of attacks. Auterac and Szarzewski to work in tandem to split Nel away from his pack. Big front five will hold our own ball and a full eight drive in defence, looking to isolate the opposition 8 and scrum-half for our back-row to engulf. 

Line out – POC to lead the line-out, and obtain quick, clean possession. Look to drive possession with full line out numbers in their 22. If they are giving us front ball which is prime and easy possession we will take it, with Szarzewski hitting the maul at the angle and ensuring it moves in field. 

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, to keep moving the point of attack against the likes of Warburton. Rule the collision with big our physical pack and dominate the opposition pack in the contact.

Defence – Utilise an 'up & out' defence, where the line comes up flat and then pushes the attackers towards the touch line, Murray sweeping up the scraps behind. Look to chop attackers down early. If there is an opportunity to compete for the ball we flood the breakdown with Armitage leading the way. If not look to maintain the integrity of the defensive line and get numbers out. Get up off the line and cut down the time on the ball, especially in the wide channels with their elusive runners. Win the battle of the gain line and cut them down before it. 

Backs – Heads up rugby from the halfbacks. Murray to look to test the fringe defence and suck in numbers with forward drives. Then look to release the outside backs into the space generated by forwards tying in the Warriors defence. Nonu look to slot in at first receiver with Nev shifting to keep the Worcester defence guessing. Get the ball into the hands of our wingers, in space, who can create moments of magic. 

Build a Score - Evans to convert any penalty within their ten metre to keep scoreboard ticking. 

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

---

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Newcastle Falcons v Harlequins
Kingston Park
Light Rain, 5 degrees, 24mph West South Westerly

---

 Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Bambam

01. Matt Mullan	09. Rhys Webb
02. Jamie George	10. Owen Farrell (k)
03. Davit Kubriashvili
04. Ed Slater	11. Charles Piutau
05. Flip Van Der Merwe	12. Stuart McCloskey
06. Rhys Ruddock	13. Jonathan Davies
07. Chris Henry	14. David Strettle
08. Kieran Read (c)	15. Ben Smith

:-
16.Dane Coles 17.Alec Hepburn 18. Charlie Faumuina 19. Jacques Potgeiter 20. David Ewers 21. Greig Laidlaw 22. Paddy Jackson  23. Charlie Sharples

Game plan - We've got a well rested side who have only played bench minutes in the Challenge Cup, look to use our big pack to really challenge Quins in the wet weather and an in form backline to finish the chances

Set piece - Look to put the pressure on Healy specifically, he's not scrummaging as well as in the past, and look to really challenge him with Kubs and Slater's weight behind him. Ruddock to stay bound and add his weight on that side. If no weakness seen use as a restart. In the lineout, use Slater and Flip to mark their second rows, Read to look to steal ball. On our ball, 4 good options and we want to use ball off the top to get McCloskey running at Myler

Breakdown - Henry and Read to lead us here, go for turnovers when on but focus on maintaining the defensive line and knocking back their big carriers before going in for the steal. On our ball, look to blast Hooper off it with physicality, and challenge them to come up with the answers.

Kicking - Challenge Huget and Kearney who aren't playing/not in great form, with kicks in behind and get our excellent chasers hunting them down. Challenge Cordero with high balls, as he's not the tallest wing, and smash him hard if he does take it cleanly

Attack - Webb to run the attack, but Farrell now showing he can pick passes and offer a threat of his own. Get big runners running off Webb down the 10 channel, inside balls etc to fix their defence. McCloskey and Davies to get us going forward, but Davies to also look to bring in the dangerous back 3. Smith to offer himself as first receiver and change the point of attack, use as two sided attack if option is on and we have scrums in the middle of the field

Defence - no weak links in the backline, big hitting forwards to win the gainline battle

Bench - impact carriers and ball players in the forwards, plus control from Laidlaw to help us close out the game. Jackson and Sharples to open it up if we need to chase late on

---

Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Cian Healy	09. Ruan Pienaar
02. Agustin Creevy	10. Steven Myler (k)
03. Kieran Brookes
04. Luke Romano	11. Santiago Cordero
05. George Kruis	12. Robbie Henshaw
06. Jack Clifford	13. Jonathan Joseph
07. Michael Hooper (c)	14. Yoann Huget
08. Mamuka Gorgodze	15. Rob Kearney

16. Scott Baldwin 17. Ethan Waller 18. John Afoa 19. Nick Easter 20. Damien Chouly 21. Henry Pyrgos 22. Juan Martin Hernandez 23. Jack Nowell

Tactics

FORWARDS WORK - HALF BACKS CONTROL - OUTSIDE BACKS CREATE


Game Plan -  Look to use the kickers in our back line to play in the Newcastle half. When we get possession in the Newcastle half we will look to play patient rugby where we get go forward from our pack before spreading it wide to our outside backs to attack the spaces which we hope will appear. We will look to get the likes of Gorgodze, Romano, Healy, Creevy and Brookes running hard off 9 and 10. We will always look for the blindsie wing to come in to look for a mismatch and use their mesmeric running game to get through the defensive line.

Kicking - Using the boots of Pienaar, Myler, Kearney and Henshaw we will look to take the upper hand in the aerial duels. We will be varying our kicking game between kicking for touch and territory when the opposition are out of position. We will also use the up and under to gain possession and territory with Henshaw, Kearney and Huget as good as anyone in the world under the high ball. We will look to use this to really test the Newcastle's back three. 

Set Piece - Really look to exploit dominance here using our powerful scrum to gain possession and penalties. At the lineout we are looking to really pressure the back and middle for Newcastle so they can only gain lower quality ball at the front. Kruis and Gorgodze will look to control this. 

Breakdown - We're looking to use Hooper, Clifford and Creevy to disrupt as much ball as possible and get us turnover ball or penalties.

---

London Irish Team....

1.Joe Marler
2.Bismark Du Plessie
3.Frans Malherbe
4.Matt Symons (C)
5.Alun Wyn Jones
6.Jeromie Kaino
7.Sean O'Brian
8.Duane Vermaulen

9.Ben Youngs
10.Henry Slade (K)
11.Bryan Habana
12.Brad Barritt
13.Jessie Kriel
14.Marlande Yarde
15.Anthony Watson

16.Tatafu Polota-Nau 17.Scott Sio 18.Dave Wilson 19.Sebastian Vahaamania 20.Marcell Coetzee 21.Aaron Smith 22.Aaron Cruden 23.Tim Nani Williams

In good conditions we will be looking to play a possession based, fast offloading game, keeping the ball alive moving the Sale 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 Youngs and Slade 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. In decent conditions we will mix it up on our ball, utilising Symons, AWJ 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 Sale 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. Marler to stay tight and straight. Flanker on that side to stay bound and keep Malherbe 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 use Watson, Habana 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. We will also If the ball is slow and Sale 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.

1. Mako Vunipola
2. Dylan Hartley
3. Ramior Herrara
4. Joe Launchbury
5. Jonny Gray
6. Schalk Burger
7. David Pocock (c)
8. Billy Vunipola
9. Sam Hildago-Cline
10. Lima Sopoaga (k)
11. Julian Savea
12. Wesley Fofana
13. Elliot Daly
14. Adam Ashley Cooper
15. Ben Foden

Replacements:
16. Ashley Johnson 17. Wyatt Crockett 18. Zander Ferguson 19. Courtney Lawes 20. Samu Manoa 21. Joe Simpson 22. George Ford 23. Manu Tuilagi

Tactics
We are looking to play with our usual aggressive, physical style in the forwards with big runners getting us over the gainline and putting the away team on the back foot. We will look for Burger and Pocock to dominate the breakdown and seek turnovers to launch attacks. Our aim is to give our halfbacks good front foot ball to attack Wasps at pace, mixing up our options with Fofana and Daly, whilst bringing in AAC and Savea to cause defensive issues. We are going to take risks and look to score tries if we can build the platform through our pack.

Set Piece
We've been rotating our pack over the last few weeks to ensure that they are fresh and getting players game time. We've gone for a strong set piece and powerful scrummaging unit and will look to assert some pressure on Wasps here. Charteris and Myall give Wasps some good lineout options, so we've selected Launch (banker ball) Gray, Burger and Pocock who can allow us to mix up the calls and allow us to get quick ball for SHC to play from.

Gainline/Physical Battle
We want to put real emphasis on the gainline battle, so have picked powerful ball carriers throughout our pack and strike runners in our backline. We want to build forward momentum and get the Wasps defence going backwards, or suck in tacklers on the Vunipolas, Burger, Launchbury to create space for our backs in later phases.

Breakdown
We want to really focus on winning the breakdown battle, with Pocock and Burger we can dominate this area in terms of generating turnovers for SHC to attack or securing penalties. We've got a mobile pack who can support our flankers, espc the second row.

Attack
We will look to work through the phases with our pack, suck in Wasps defenders with our big ball carriers and start to create space outwide for the likes of Fofana and Daly to exploit. We want to send big runners at Wasps and tire down their defence and make the most of our mobile pack.

Kicking
Conditions are good so we'll look to keep the ball in hand more than in previous games, but have the options of SHC box kicking and the excellent chase game of AAC, plus Sopoaga and Daly's big left boot as ways to clear any danger or exploit space behind. Still kick our penalties and use Daly's 60m range to punish any Wasps infringements that close.

Defence
Similar style defence to that which Saracens play in real life, putting a lot of pressure on the attacking team and force them into mistakes. No9 sweeping in behind to cover any kicks.

Subs
This is an area we really want to exploit going into the final 20-30 minutes, and will look to unload our bench and put pressure on Wasps as we push for some scores.

London Wasps
Manager: CJ

01. Eddy Ben Arous	09. Kahn Fotu'ali
02. Corey Flynn	10. Finn Russell (k)
03. Sekope Kepu
04. Luke Charteris	11. Frank Halai
05. Kearnan Myall	12. Duncan Taylor
06. Chris Robshaw	13. Tyler Morgan
07. John Barclay (c)	14. Rene Ranger
08. Carl Fearns	15. Chris Pennell

:-
16. Nathan Catt 17. Richardt Strauss , 18. Oliver Tomaszcyk 19. Grant Gilchrist  , 20 Sekou Macalau , 21. Ben Spencer , 22. Patricio Fernandez 23.  Nick Tompkins

Tactics:

Breakdown:

Usual approach of holding numbers out of the breakdown in defence unless the counterruck turnover is on focusing on letting players like Robshaw and Fearns slowing the ball solo or in a small group, and all of the back 3 but especially Barclay looking for turnovers by shadowing the ball and getting in early with speed. IN attack, still hold numbers out but look to have secondary players hit the ruck hard, early, low and in a group of 3 to clear out quickly and maintain quick ball, Barclay shadowing the ball to try to be the first man often and keep it coming fast.

Attack:

Off ball close to the ruck/set piece, look to mix carries in groups of 3 forwards to build up momentum and recycle into quick ball and charges from our big carriers like Ben Arous, Fearns, Kepu etc with quicker forwards in support, targeting  Burger, Launchbury but especially Pocock to force them to make tackles and take them out of the breakdown. Awareness with instructions from the likes of Fotua'li and our leaders in the backrow as to where their jackals are, and look to offload to hand off the ball to keep it alive when they are waiting to leap. If there's space out wide, we can kick with crossfields and deep low kicks.

When ball is quick, spin to Russell playing flat, who will be happy to go himself or chip to keep the defence honest, and have our centres run direct lines at their centres inside shoulders, looking to test their tackling solidity, with the back 3 and forwards running an inside line for the offload to cut open the defence, also giving the option for the inside pop pass to a big carrier against a smaller midfield player. Occasionally use the wing-centre switch off Morgan bringing our powerful wingers running into the gap between Fofana and Daly. All breaks supported.

Defence:

Hard, straight line defence looking to make the 10-12-13 axis small stature pay against them and stop any space and build up of speed to use their footwork. This also cuts the ball out before it can reach the wings, and have our wingers very close to theirs should the ball making that far, making Daly's love of the long pass a liability. Robshaw looking to make 9's life hell. This tactic is very likely to result in chips and kicking, which Pennell and Fotua'li will be expecting and ready to sweep up and run back and the forwards ready to support as in our attacking gameplan for the inside balls and offloads, with an eye for the deep kick for territory if Foden is out of position. In their 22, push the referee re the offside line

Kicks:

We will look to run back kicks with a back 3 selected for powerful running, looking to emulate Brown and beat the first man and set a platform. Chase all kicks we make and look to kick low and deep behind their back 3, looking for territory and touch. Take on any easy points, but we are not looking to play a kicking game today.

Scrum:

Kepu will have confidence against the inform Vunipola based on recent internationals and look to emphasis his boring in and win penalties. Meanwhile Ben Arous will be rock steady against Herrera, looking to hold him stable not doing any tricks or over pushing. Off our own ball, look to run the backrow at Pocock on the openside to commit him then attack off of second phase ball. Billy Vunipola loves to run off the scrum - Robshaw will be waiting blind and Barclay and Fearns together open.

Lineout:

Solid options in the air, with Robshaw, Myall and Charteris sharing duties, looking to maul and commit their forwards, Barclay the man at the back. Charteris looking to man mark the front in the air and ground and force longer throw attempts and less accuracy.

Other:

As usual, look to press hard for penalties in their 22, and willing to drift offside in defence, but hold back and give nothing away in our half. Off the bench, Gilchrist adds power and Macalou, Fernandez and Tompkins pace to a game breaking up, with Spencer there to change our style to a more controlling one at 9, whereby we will switch to kicking behind the opposition and attacking their lineout

Overall:

Take Burger and Pocock out of the breakdown by making them tackle
Target centres physicality with direct running and inside passes to carriers
Run back kicks
Hard, flat-line blitz
Play off Mako's reputation at scrum time

Saracens
Manager – Pooly

01. Alex Waller	09. Morgan Parra
02. Guilhem Guirado	10. Nicolas Sanchez
03. Dan Cole
04. Patrick Tuipultou	11. George North
05. Sam Whitelock	12. Sonny Bill Williams
06. James Haskell	13. Conrad Smith
07. Will Fraser	14. Hosea Gear
08. Nathan Hughes	15. Stuart Hogg

:-
16. Richard Hibbard 17. Ben Franks 18. Jannie du Plessis 19. Geoff Parling 20. Temani Harrison 21. Lee Dickson 22. Henry Trinder 23. Pat Lambie

Tactics:
CROSS FIELD KICK AS WEAPON AGAINST WADE - Look to attack Wade's channel

QUALITY 9-13 TO CONTROL THE TEMPO OF THE GAME - Look to take the game to the opposition and key players with vast experience 9-13.

TARGET LINEOUT - Look to attack the Bath throw and put pressure on Kitchener

NUMEROUS CARRYING OPTIONS - Team packed full of "go to men" to get us over the gain line.

TARGET BREAKDOWN - Numerous options in Cole, Whitelock, Fraser, Haskell, Hughes. Look to get n edge with only Louw a genuine option in the opposition line up.

General - We'll be playing a structured physical game from the off, look to get at the opposition and target the breakdown. 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. Look to control the tempo and areas we play with kicking options at halfback.

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.

Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Bambam

01. Matt Mullan	09. Rhys Webb
02. Jamie George	10. Owen Farrell (k)
03. Davit Kubriashvili
04. Ed Slater	11. Charles Piutau
05. Flip Van Der Merwe	12. Stuart McCloskey
06. Rhys Ruddock	13. Jonathan Davies
07. Chris Henry	14. David Strettle
08. Kieran Read (c)	15. Ben Smith

:-
16.Dane Coles 17.Alec Hepburn 18. Charlie Faumuina 19. Jacques Potgeiter 20. David Ewers 21. Greig Laidlaw 22. Paddy Jackson  23. Charlie Sharples

Game plan - We've got a well rested side who have only played bench minutes in the Challenge Cup, look to use our big pack to really challenge Quins in the wet weather and an in form backline to finish the chances

Set piece - Look to put the pressure on Healy specifically, he's not scrummaging as well as in the past, and look to really challenge him with Kubs and Slater's weight behind him. Ruddock to stay bound and add his weight on that side. If no weakness seen use as a restart. In the lineout, use Slater and Flip to mark their second rows, Read to look to steal ball. On our ball, 4 good options and we want to use ball off the top to get McCloskey running at Myler

Breakdown - Henry and Read to lead us here, go for turnovers when on but focus on maintaining the defensive line and knocking back their big carriers before going in for the steal. On our ball, look to blast Hooper off it with physicality, and challenge them to come up with the answers.

Kicking - Challenge Huget and Kearney who aren't playing/not in great form, with kicks in behind and get our excellent chasers hunting them down. Challenge Cordero with high balls, as he's not the tallest wing, and smash him hard if he does take it cleanly

Attack - Webb to run the attack, but Farrell now showing he can pick passes and offer a threat of his own. Get big runners running off Webb down the 10 channel, inside balls etc to fix their defence. McCloskey and Davies to get us going forward, but Davies to also look to bring in the dangerous back 3. Smith to offer himself as first receiver and change the point of attack, use as two sided attack if option is on and we have scrums in the middle of the field

Defence - no weak links in the backline, big hitting forwards to win the gainline battle

Bench - impact carriers and ball players in the forwards, plus control from Laidlaw to help us close out the game. Jackson and Sharples to open it up if we need to chase late on

Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Cian Healy	09. Ruan Pienaar
02. Agustin Creevy	10. Steven Myler (k)
03. Kieran Brookes
04. Luke Romano	11. Santiago Cordero
05. George Kruis	12. Robbie Henshaw
06. Jack Clifford	13. Jonathan Joseph
07. Michael Hooper (c)	14. Yoann Huget
08. Mamuka Gorgodze	15. Rob Kearney

16. Scott Baldwin 17. Ethan Waller 18. John Afoa 19. Nick Easter 20. Damien Chouly 21. Henry Pyrgos 22. Juan Martin Hernandez 23. Jack Nowell

Tactics

FORWARDS WORK - HALF BACKS CONTROL - OUTSIDE BACKS CREATE


Game Plan -  Look to use the kickers in our back line to play in the Newcastle half. When we get possession in the Newcastle half we will look to play patient rugby where we get go forward from our pack before spreading it wide to our outside backs to attack the spaces which we hope will appear. We will look to get the likes of Gorgodze, Romano, Healy, Creevy and Brookes running hard off 9 and 10. We will always look for the blindsie wing to come in to look for a mismatch and use their mesmeric running game to get through the defensive line.

Kicking - Using the boots of Pienaar, Myler, Kearney and Henshaw we will look to take the upper hand in the aerial duels. We will be varying our kicking game between kicking for touch and territory when the opposition are out of position. We will also use the up and under to gain possession and territory with Henshaw, Kearney and Huget as good as anyone in the world under the high ball. We will look to use this to really test the Newcastle's back three. 

Set Piece - Really look to exploit dominance here using our powerful scrum to gain possession and penalties. At the lineout we are looking to really pressure the back and middle for Newcastle so they can only gain lower quality ball at the front. Kruis and Gorgodze will look to control this. 

Breakdown - We're looking to use Hooper, Clifford and Creevy to disrupt as much ball as possible and get us turnover ball or penalties.

Worcester Warriors
Manager – prop_lyd

01. Joe Moody	09. Gareth Davies
02. Ken Owens	10. Dan Biggar (k)
03. WP Nel
04. Stuart Hooper	11. Waisake Naholo
05. Yohann Maestri	12. Jamie Roberts
06. Mike Williams	13. Mark Bennett
07. Sam Warburton (c)	14. Nehe Milner-Skudder
08. Ben Morgan	15. Mathew Tait

:-
16. Ross Batty 17. Lucas Noguera Paz 18. Henry Thomas 19. Tom Savage 20. Jordan Taufua 21. Sam Harrison 22. Owen Williams 23. Jarrad Payne

Tactics
Confidence is huge with us having been unbeaten for 4 games and progressing unbeaten in europe.

Set Piece-We have gone for bulk and hard workers here who will all look to control our set piece and put pressure on the opposition's set piece Nel's return last week had a huge impact and we have brought in Williams for further lineout options. We will look to reduce the numbers if required to negate the Chiefs ariel challenge. The ball will look to go in and out pretty quickly to prevent any major mistakes/slips in the conditons. And Williams/Warbs will look to fly off the back of the line to put pressure on 10.

Breakdown-In these conditions good ball is crucial and we have gone for Warburton to look to put pressure on their ball but also be a nuisance tackling at the fringes when needed, Williams has been brought in for his carrying game adding to Hooper, Maestri and Morgan if we get into a battle up front. We will be looking to get the ball away fairly quick so are happy to pick and go to suck them in before spinning the quick ball out. We want clean ball and will look to attack any gaps on the fringes if they are obvious.

Half-Backs-A controlled game today mainly looking for position, Biggar will look to use his up and unders when appropriate and compete for the ball here. They will have options of the blindside winger or a forward running off their's and Roberts' shoulders for the pop ball. Teams are looking for the Biggar up and under and we will keep them guessing with Biggar's positioning off ruck to give him more time.

Outside Backs-When it's on we will look to go wide, we have two different styles of play with our wingers suand will use their differences to target any gaps in the Chiefs defence. Bennett will pull the strings at 13 releasing the back three. Our back 3 will initially look to keep the ball in hand and Tait/Davies/Biggar will be one of the covering players from Chiefs' tactical kicking therefore offering the clearance needed if no gaps appear.

Bench-A strong scrummaging bench and Savage and Taufua there as a carrying option. Payne will look to exploit the tired defences using tactical kicking.

Defence-Controlled defence here and we won't look to rush up, backrow to put pressure on 10 initially with Davies sweeping behind. Main impeotus is on no gaps and defending inside-out today.

Overall-Looking for a fairly tight game with quick breakdown ball, going for position and put pressure on the opposition's set piece.

Will do conditions shortly!

Conditions updated

1 Beast
2 Strauss
3 Mas
4 Etzbeth
5 Lavanini
6 Croft
7 Salvi
8 Dickinson
9 Genia
10 Carter
11 May
12 Toomua
13 Kurindrani
14 Walker
15 Folau
16 Ousthuizen
17 LCD
18 Figallo
19 Robson
20 Heaslip
21 Robson
22 Cipriani
23 Talebula

Tactics


Forwards Work - Half Backs Control - Outside Backs Create

In light rain and light winds (15mph
Is not even gusty) we will look to impose ourselves up front but  play in attacking rugby in the right areas.


Game Plan - When in the Leicester half we will play a patient game using our pack to carry hard and get us across the gain line carrying off 9 and 10. With Genia Carter and toomua we can control the game in the slightly wet conditions and exploit Tigers lack of game management. Beale and FTD not
Known for controlling or leading a territory lead game.

Our front 5 is considerably bigger, younger and more dynamic and they will look to boss. We have form
In front 5 and see locks as a big advantage with lavanini and etzbeth world class and in form.

Backrow we have pace and players for
The conditions with a genuine 7 in Salvi and Dickinson and Croft flying around the park.

As our play builds we'll look to use our strike runners and open it up. With Folau, toomua, kurindrani, may we have plenty of people to step in to second receiver and keep continuity.genia Carter and toomua are their to control the game Look to create space out wide by using out the back options with lead runners running wide out to in lines to keep defence honest.


Kicking Game- Look to play the game in the Leicester   half using the boot of genia Carter toomua to keep Gloucester deep. We will vary between kicking for territory and using up and unders to gain territory using Folau and co who are experts under the high ball and will bring us possession.

Defence - Look to blitz and put pressure on Tigers . By targeting them we cut there possession at source. Likewise we will target  tigers  lthrowing in with croft etzbeth and co going up. Croft and etzbeth in great form and will disrupt.
Genia will sweep and we will look be aggressive and send numbers in to the breakdown to try and affect turnovers

Set Piece - Use our scrum as a weapon to attack Jenkins
and gain penalties and look to control the game.

KEY POINTS

Take the points - Carter is the best in the world and will kick  goals.
Look for the half back to set tone
Pressure FTDwho is not known Player for playing a controlled game
Exploit their lack of kicking past 10 by pressurising 9 and 10

Pressurise lineout on their throw with our multiple jumpers
Play game in right areas
Utilise our huge front 5. Leicester locks a target

Our bench can change the game and have form Robson Cips Talebula vs young burns and 36 for example

Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Marcos Ayerza	09. Danny Care
02. Benjamin Kayser	10. Johnny Sexton
03. Rabah Slimani
04. Brodie Retalick	11. Nemani Nadolo
05. Maro Itoje	12. Kyle Eastmond
06. Peter O'Mahony	13. Malakai Fekitoa
07. Sam Cane	14. Semesa Rokoduguni
08. Louis Picamoles	15. Willie Le Roux

Subs:
16. Tommy Taylor 17. Jack McGrath 18. Davit Zirakishvilli 19. Matt Garvey 20. Matt Kvesic 21. Kieran Marmion 22. Bernard Foley 23. Nick Abendanon

Henry Slade: Slade has played just one game at 10 this year in real life and has predominately played 13 over the last two years. We want to put him under pressure with big carriers down his channel and an agressive blitz when hes on the ball. There are no other playmakers in the Irish backline to share the burden with.

Attack: We will be playing an expansive, high intensity offloading game looking to keep the ball moving. Look to use a rugby league shape with runners on the gain line and out the back door to force the opposition into making defensive decisions. Numerous playmakers across the back line allows us to constantly change the point of attack. Care to keep the fringe defence honest with his snipping runs.

Breakdown: Quick ball is the aim on attack. Mobile pack and physical back line to clear out rucks and ensure we get it. We will look to get over the gain line off all carries to give a target to hit. Defensively when the initial contact is won we will look to commit numbers and get over the ball turning it over or at least slowing opposition ball up. Otherwise we will strengthen the line.

Defence: Straight line blitz defence led by Fekitoa. 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.

Scrum: Strong scrummaging unit in the front row with the support of a powerful 4-8 will look to get the better of the opposition and build a strong attacking platform. We will look to put a slight wheel on where possible to take the opposition backrow out of play and then attack the space available and look for one on ones in the backline especially for Fekitoa and Nadolo.

Lineout: Four 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 particularly Fekitoa and Nadolo. Will also look to use Picamoles around the back or in midfield off a shortened line. Defensively POM to get up in the air at the front and challenge on opposition ball looking to make it as messy as possible.

Exeter Chiefs
         
Manager – Fluxy

01. Nic Auterac	09. Connor Murray
02. Dimitri Szarzewski	10. Nick Evans (k)
03. Mike Ross
04. Paul O'Connell (c)	11. Teddy Thomas
05. Lood de Jager	12. Maa Nonu
06. Tom Wood	13. George Pisi
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Andrew Trimble
08. Fritz Lee	15. Mike Haley

_
16. Jack Yeandle 17. Jefferson Poirot 18. Vincent Koch 19. Jake Ball 20. Yannick Nyanga 21. Chris Cook 22. Toby Flood 23. Sam James

Game plan this week is focused on ball retention based around high intensity; dynamic carrying, rucking and defence. Our aim is to control possession and go through the phases and starve Worcester of any possession. We will look to play off our ten, with either forward pods running of his shoulder or through the hands of our backs. This is to tie in the Warriors defence and then look to capitalise on the overlaps with two play makers in the back line capable of spotting opportunities. 
Cut of the Warriors source of possession, so attack their line out and scrum at all times, to at the very least, slow ball down, or better steal possession. 

Scrum - Control the set piece and use it to restart our game plan and create point of attacks. Auterac and Szarzewski to work in tandem to split Nel away from his pack. Big front five will hold our own ball and a full eight drive in defence, looking to isolate the opposition 8 and scrum-half for our back-row to engulf. 

Line out – POC to lead the line-out, and obtain quick, clean possession. Look to drive possession with full line out numbers in their 22. If they are giving us front ball which is prime and easy possession we will take it, with Szarzewski hitting the maul at the angle and ensuring it moves in field. 

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, to keep moving the point of attack against the likes of Warburton. Rule the collision with big our physical pack and dominate the opposition pack in the contact.

Defence – Utilise an 'up & out' defence, where the line comes up flat and then pushes the attackers towards the touch line, Murray sweeping up the scraps behind. Look to chop attackers down early. If there is an opportunity to compete for the ball we flood the breakdown with Armitage leading the way. If not look to maintain the integrity of the defensive line and get numbers out. Get up off the line and cut down the time on the ball, especially in the wide channels with their elusive runners. Win the battle of the gain line and cut them down before it. 

Backs – Heads up rugby from the halfbacks. Murray to look to test the fringe defence and suck in numbers with forward drives. Then look to release the outside backs into the space generated by forwards tying in the Warriors defence. Nonu look to slot in at first receiver with Nev shifting to keep the Worcester defence guessing.

Build a Score - Evans to convert any penalty within their ten metre to keep scoreboard ticking. 

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

Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Gethin Jenkins	09. Fourie Du Preez
02. Stephen Moore (c)	10. Francois Trinh-Duc (k)
03. Owen Franks
04. George Skivington	11. Matt Banahan
05. Victor Matfield	12. Kurtley Beale
06. Juan Smith	13. Mathieu Bastareaud
07. JMF Lobbe	14. Drew Mitchell
08. Thomas Waldrom	15. Mike Brown

.
16. Schalk Brits 17. Max Lahiff 18. Cencus Johnston 19. Pascal Pape 20. Liam Messam 21. Micky Young 22. Freddie Burns 23. Billy Twelvetrees

Tactics

In wet and windy conditions we will play sensibly, looking to play a structured game built around Du Preez and FTD moving us into the right areas.

- Use the rolling maul - Moore to lead from the back guided by Du Preez, and use a regular weapon off lineouts won by Matfield.

- 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.

- Lobbe, Smith, Bastareaud, Jenkins and Moore are the men charged with reaching the breakdown first and look to turnover possession. We will always look to attack quickly off any turnover ball.

- At the lineout use Matfield as our banker ball and Skivington, Smith and Lobbe as alternative jumpers - we will rotate the target.
With the boots of Du Preez, FTD and Beale, we will look to get the ball deep in Gloucester territory and then contest all lineouts. We will relentlessly target the opposition's throws.

- Gigantic XV made up of massive line-breakers right throughout the side, that will look to tire down Gloucester defence.
The likes of Waldrom, Bastareaud, Skivington, Smith, Banahan and Moore used consistently to get us over the gainline.

- In general attacking play, we will play off 9 with Du preez our general pulling the strings. We want to control of the tempo of the game as much as we can through our 9/10/12/15.

- Consistently test Gloucester's back three with kicks in wet conditions. Box kicks from Du Preez and up and unders from FTD/Beale to give the opposition problems in the air. We will really test Walker and May with these kicks, and look to the likes of Mitchell to be on them as quickly as possible.

- Lots of scrums - which we want to attack as a weapon if winning - and call when we can - if we are getting an advantage. Jenkins and Moore to look to target Mas and to look to really get the shove on.

- 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. Du Preez to sweep behind with an eye on short kicks.

- FTD to kick all penalites.

Bath Rugby
Manager – CJB

01. Steven Kitchoff	09. Richard Wigglesworth
02. Rory Best	10. Beauden Barrett
03. Samson Lee
04. Will Skelton	11. Christian Wade
05. Graham Kitchener	12. Damian De Allende
06. Dan Lydiate	13. Michele Campagnaro
07. Francois Louw	14. Juan Imhoff
08. Toby Falateu	15. Alex Goode

16. Richard Barrington 17. Mikey Haywood 18. Scott Wilson 19. James Gaskell 20. Justin Tipuric 21. Tawera Kerr Barlow 22. Cristian Lealifano 23. Liam Williams

Overall: We are gonna be looking to play front foot rugby and put Sarries under immense pressure with our energy. Look for big carries and offloading at a high pace looking to create space and break the defense. Attack the set piece.

Scrum: Use the set piece to get quick ball to restart our play. Lee will look to cause Waller trouble and we will hope to get a shove on. Skelton will add a lot of power to the scrum and we will look to get more power from our back five. Falateu will look to attack off the quick ball he gets

Lineout: We will look to switch up the lineup with Falateu, Louw, Skelton and Kitchener options in the lineout. Kitchener will run the line out. Look to get up into the air quickly and down for a quick maul. Skelton will offer quick ball option at the front.

Breakdown: Look to generate quick ball for our backs to take advantage of. Louw is brilliant at the breakdown and we will also look to get the rest of the pack looking to help and clear out. Look to exploit Fraser.

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

Attack: Our half backs will control our rugby. Wiggles will set the tempoand play what he sees in front of him. Outside of him, Barrett will play flat and use his creativity to bring in the back line and make plays. He will be given a freedom to be creative. Look to bring in the rest of the back line, especially De Allende who we would like to get running at defenders. Imhoff and Wade are very skilful and if the ball gets to them will look to draw in defenders. 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, Skelton and Falateu 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 Sarries which can help nullify their offensive threats.

Kicking: Barrett will be our chosen place kicker. We will chuck in the occasional grabber to chase. Barrett. Wiggles and Goode all have the boots necessary to try and put us in a good position territorially if need be.

Substitutes: Keep a high tempo.

Few without tactics this week.

SJE in the interest of good sportsmanship I'd be willing too have my tactics ignored too make it fair between me and you.

I have been fined for late tactics a few times. By close of play Friday works better for me.
Is the Thursday cut off an issue for others ?

No one has ever been fined for late tactics. A few including myself have had the punishment for late team sheets this season.

Just stringing tactics together now Driver mate

I was going to say, it will be tight for me to get the page updated before deadline, if they are in by 1100 I should have the page updated by 1200

Tactics updated

PREDICTIONS OPEN

Pms to me please

Just got back
Late any chance I
Can still predict ?

Sale Sharks 27 (T:3 C:3 P:2)
London Irish 22 (T:1 C:1 P:5)

Gloucester 25 (T:2 P:5)
Leicester Tigers 21 (P:7)

Northampton Saints 28 (T:3 C:2 P:3)
London Wasps 19 (T:1 C:1 P:4)

Saracens 27 (T:3 C:3 P:2)
Bath 23 (T:2 C:2 P:3)

Worcester 30 (T:4 C:2 P:2)
Exeter 24 (T:2 C:1 P:4)

Newcastle 25 (T:2 P:5)
Harlequins 24 (T:2 C:1 P:4)

BONUS:
Full: CJB, Steve, Prop, Bam, Chris & SJE
Missed: Fluxy, Matt, Luke, Driver, Pooly
Excused: CJ

Sale Sharks 24 - 20 London Irish
Like the set up of both teams, the pack battles are very even and really can't split them at all - POM been injured a little while now for Sale, so gives a slight edge to Irish in the backrow. Agree with SJE about Slade not having enough game time as a no10 in this league, and despite not being in best form Sexton is a big step up and can see that being a decisive factor. 

Sale 22-20 Irish
Quite even in the pact but I think that the Sale front row could be the ones to cause some issues here. Looking at the half backs I'd currently have Sale taking this battle with Slade not massively used at 10 as of yet. Solid centre battle with Sale bringing the excitement but Irish won't let a lot through. 2 strong back 3's on show and benches too. Solid tactics from Irish, when they get the good ball I think they will be dangerous but the Sale tactics of using their half backs control and centres unpredictability will be too strong. 

Sale 31-26 Irish 
Prefer the Sale front five. The back row advantage goes to Irish who are possibly better in all positions. Half backs and outside backs go to Sale getting them a big win at home 

Sale 24-21 London Irish

Quality players in both packs, but just think the Sale pack has a harder edge and the extra quality in front 5. Behind the scrum, right idea to target Slade from SJE, may struggle up against Sexton's quality here, especially with little playmaking support around him. Good game, but at home Sale take this.

Sale 22 - 21 London Irish

Not easy to call the packs but i think their is more about the Sale scrum but London Irish have a stronger back row who will make more of an impact around the park. I don't see anything between the half backs or the outside backs really. A bit more creativity in the Sale back line though. I think the home side take a narrow win. 

Gloucester 20 - 18 Leicester Tigers
Close game, the home pack just has enough to hold on as I'm not sure that the Tigers second row has enough power behind it, but not a fan of Dickinson at no8 for Gloucester as he hasn't progressed in real life. The 10/12 combination for Gloucester for me is the big factor here, world class combination and offers the control that will see a tight game being edged by the home team. 

Glos 23-23 Tigers
Little edge to Tigers in front row with both tight-heads getting an edge. Not alot in the back 5 of the scrum to make a difference bar Waldrom's current form. Half backs one a piece but Carter outstanding for Racing so far, not heard alot about Genia yet for Stade hence why 1 a piece. Outside this it's pretty even although I'm guessing it's Johnny May not Tom May for Glos. Some class impact subs for both. Tigers set out well for the conditions looking for territory and using their strong carriers, Glos putting pressure on the right areas and feel that their territory tactics will bring it back, going to have to keep it a draw sorry.

Gloucester 22-20 Leicester
More about the Gloucester front 5 particularly the 2nd row around the park but Tigers are stronger man for man across the backrow. Halfbacks one a piece but Glaws stronger as a unit. Not a whole lot between the backlines really. Both sides looking to play the territory first approach. Not sure on some of the Glaws points. FTD more then capable of playing territory and Beale/Brown give extra boots? At home though feel they have enough to see this one through.

Gloucester 23-21 Leicester 
Slight edge to the Gloucester front five. Lobbe the standout in the back row and Leicester probably nick it. One each in the half backs. Centres to Gloucester and the back three to Tigers. Gloucester are at home and have a stronger bench which gets them the win. 

Gloucester 22-20 Leicester

Tough one to call. Gloucester have the better of it in the front 5, but Leicester stronger in the back row. Biggest difference is Gloucester 9-13, real quality there and will put a lot of pressure on and control the game. Back 3 pretty even, as are benches. Home advantage seals it

Gloucester 25 - 23 Leicester

Upfront I prefer the Gloucester front 5 but the Tigers back row with very little in the scrum, lineout or breakdown. See more mobility in the Gloucester pack which will help them around the park. One a piece at half back with two sets who will be able to direct their sides around the field well. Nothing really in the outside backs if anything a slight edge to Gloucester who at home have enough to get the win. 

Saints 28-22 Wasps
Close in the front row but Saints have the advantage in the 2nd row today, looking at the backrow Saints are very strong and it'll be interesting to see Burger playing in the Aviva next season, Wasps back row is good but feel Saints get the advantage here. Half backs even with fairly strong pairings on show. Two exciting centre pairings and, however promising Morgan is I feel Daly is just a bit more developed at present. Prefer Saints outside this. Benches can see Saints pull away a bit. Saints targeting the lineout well and looking to keep ball in hand, Wasps may get some joy with Charteris challenging and not committing at the rucks.

Saints 20-14 Wasps
Good battle at the scrum and breakdown but Saints with more carriers through the pack and can see them getting on top in the collissions as the game goes on. Wasps stronger at 9 & 10 but haven't the quality of the likes of Fofanna/Savea in the backs. Power game of Saints works well in this one.

Saints 28-19 Wasps
Forwards go to Saints who have advantages all over the place. I'd prefer the Wasps half backs but the outside backs of Saints will be dangerous if they get their hands on the ball. 

Saints 26-20 Wasps

Saints look dominant throughout the pack, tough to see anything other than the flankers of Wasps really competing as a unit. Halfbacks even with SHC not playing well, the centres are well matched but Saints stronger in the back 3 and benches. Comfortable home win

Northampton 26 - 22 Wasps

Saints have a brilliant pack and they will have the better of the breakdown battle and they have more about them around the park. Prefer the Wasps half backs but their is real quality in the Saints outside backs and the Wasps set are industrious but lack the x factor possessed by their counterparts. A solid win for Saints.

Saracens 23 - 22 Bath 
Going to be a very even, close game - Sarries have a great starting XV but very little impact at all from the bench and that is where Bath come back so strong in final 20 minutes. Going to be hard to rate SBW as much due to him now playing 7s rugby and leaving the code again. A lot of power in Sarries pack and ball carriers will get them across the defence and will prove decisive. 

Sarries 26-23 Bath
Both tight heads will get on top here and Sarries can cause some problems with a good 2nd row pairing. 2 great backrows on show with good form behind them too, balance of both is great so no split here. Bit more for Sarries at half back, centres a bit tough to rate SBW at the moment bringing the centre battle even, out wide Sarries seem more dangerous. Benches even. Sarries targeting the breakdown well and looking for their carriers, Bath looking for front foot ball but feel they won't get enough in the backs to make use of it.

Saracens 23-21 Bath
Not a lot between the sides at the set piece or breakdown and decent carrying from both packs. Similar story at halfback with both combs very similar in level and style. Hard to split the back threes but more quality to the Sarries midfield. Very tight game here but Sarries have a little more in midfield and the forward replacements to take the home win.

Saracens 28-24 Bath

Pretty even in the set piece battle, can't see either side getting a big advantage there. Breakdown battle definitely favours Sarries with Louw needing some help outside of Best. Halfbacks even, prefer Bath centres and Sarries back 3 and bench. Home advantage a bit too much to overcome for Bath

Saracens 24 - 24 Bath

Not a lot between the front 5's but their is a step up in the flankers for Bath which gives them an advantage in the back row which is significant. Very little at the set piece but think Bath are better set up to control the breakdown. Bath's half backs have more attacking threat through Barrett but plenty of control from the Saracens duo. Not a whole lot in the outside backs. Saracens stronger in the centres but like the balance of the Bath back 3. I can't seperate the sides.

Worcester Warriors 33 - 29 Exeter Chiefs
Just loving the look of the Warriors' backline, there is just a serious threat everywhere you look and even in the light rain they could run riot. Chiefs need POC back from injury as his ratings will really help in the tough away games. 

Worc 25-22 Exeter
2nd row a big step up for Exeter but Worc front row should get the better of the scrum and the backrow battle is fairly even. Halfbacks one a piece and hard to seperate overall. Great battle in midfield but the Worc wingers offer an extra dimension on attack.

Warriors 26-24 Chiefs
Warriors have the better front row, Chiefs in the second row. I'd edge the Warriors back row. One each in half backs but edge to Chiefs. Outside backs to Warriors just. 

Worcester 26-21 Exeter

Evens in the front 5, but think the Wuss back row has more power and can really take the game to Exeter. Wuss halfbacks will put Evans under pressure with their quality, and I think man for man Wuss are stronger in the outside backs, other than Nonu. Benches even enough, Wuss continue their massive improvement this year

Worcester 28 - 24 Exeter

Across the two sides I think their is a bit more about the Worcester side. They have a great balance to their side and the combinations just look like they would work. At home it's difficult to see anything but a win for Worcester.

Newcastle Falcons 28 - 25 Quins
Two very strong teams, again a very even pack battle, but Farrell's form is just brilliant right now and can get the home team the win. Some good strike runners in the Falcons team, Piatua a real threat.

Falcons 20-23 Quins
Feel Quins can get an advantage in the front row but Falcons closer when looking at the 2nd row. Falcons set up well in the back row but Quins are no shirkers here so will keep it close. One a piece at half back with Webb still not back yet. Feel that Quins can get joy in the centres with the back 3 pretty even but better ball from Quins will help. Both looking for strong ball from the breakdown and I think Quins could just get that to release their backs

Falcons 26-21 Quins
Not a whole lot between the packs anywhere overall. Halfbacks edge to Falcons slightly with a bit more in each shirt. Back three to Falcons on form and the midfield is tight with some strong form for Falcons again.

Falcons 22-24 Quins
Quins have a stronger front five. Also prefer the Quins back row. Newcastle have the stronger half back pairing while Quins outside backs have the advantage

SirJohnnyEnglish wrote:Sale Sharks 27 (T:3 C:3 P:2)
London Irish 22 (T:1 C:1 P:5)

Gloucester 25 (T:2 P:5)
Leicester Tigers 21 (P:7)

Northampton Saints 28 (T:3 C:2 P:3)
London Wasps 19 (T:1 C:1 P:4)

Saracens 27 (T:3 C:3 P:2)
Bath 23 (T:2 C:2 P:3)

Worcester 30 (T:4 C:2 P:2)
Exeter 24 (T:2 C:1 P:4)

Newcastle 25 (T:2 P:5)
Harlequins 24 (T:2 C:1 P:4)

BONUS:
Full: CJB, Steve, Prop, Bam, Chris & SJE
Missed: Fluxy, Matt, Luke, Driver, Pooly
Excused: CJ

I predicted!

Ah, they went to Fluxy instead

Sorry

What happened???? I predicted, I sent to you Johnny on Sunday???

Mines not in my outbox....I watched them go too as I always copy before......strange.

You can have the bonus CJ as Fluxy confirmed he got them.

Sorry Pooly didn't get anything from you at all and there is more then enough space in my inbox for messages so don't know whats gone on there

I don't know what happened mate, really odd.

I'm really careful when sending as I've lost them before. I wonder if they were doing maintenance or something as it was pretty early UK time.

Thanks Johnny. Looking at the scores, I don't think my predictions would have changed the way things turned out in any of the matches. Can I post up my feedback here? I'm happy for it not to be anonymous if you are

Work away mate