Aviva Premiership Round 5

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Bristol v Saracens
Ashton Gate
Partial sunny - 16', 12mph winds

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Bristol Team 
Manager: CJ

01. Loni Uhila	09. Ben Spencer
02. Richardt Strauss	10. Christian Lealiifano
03. Mike Ross
04. Sam Carter	11. Charlie Sharples
05. Luke Charteris	12. Jimmy Gopperth (k)
06. Chris Robshaw	13. Duncan Taylor
07. Josh Van Der Flier	14. Craig Gilroy
08. Victor Vito (c)	15. Chris Pennell

:-
16. Tom West 17. Rob Buchanan 18. James Johnston 19. Donnacha Ryan 20 John Barclay 21. Andy Uren 22. Pier Francis 23. Rene Ranger

Attributes: 
Attacking:
1) Breakdown - Clearing: Ensuring the possession is clean and quick with quick support to the breakdown
2)  Phase Attack: Attacks build momentum until an opportunity arises. 
Defending:
1) Breakdown - Slowing up ball: The defenders can get over the ball to slow it up and prevent the attack from building momentum and allowing your defence to set. 
2) Breakdown - Organised Ruck defence: with guards and body guards set, allowing the rest of the line to set off them.

Tactics:

Breakdown:
Saracens are a very strong team at the breakdown with multiple operators and a focus on turnovers in previous matches. In attack we look to counteract this by focusing on close support of the ball carrier with our pack working together, with an emphasis on early engagement and hard clearing out at the ruck to blitz out their fetchers. On their own ball, I want the likes of Robshaw being a nuisance and slowing everything down

Attack:
Plan A is to build up the phases with short passes off our twin playmakers, with Gopperth often coming in at first receiver and switching with Lealiifqano to make it impossible to predict who the playmaker on a set attack is. Our back 3, including leading try scorer in the league, Gilroy, will come off their wings to run off our playmaker 9-12 axis, and carriers like Uhila and Vito and Der Flier offer inside pop crash ball as well as basic options off 9

The aim is to string together constant phases with quick ball and pull apart the defence until a gap for our quicker players to exploit appears

We focus on the gameplan above but have a strong territorial kicking game as a back up to compete with Saracens, with Gopperth at 12 a big help to our 9-10 combo. Our wingers and Taylor are also adapt at the kick chase and running onto attacking kicks for when we utilise this approach

Defence:
Blitz led by Taylor, with Spencer sweeping and a tight fringe defence. Der Flier looking to rough up their 10 and Robshaw in support to immediately attack the breakdown.

We expect some tactical kicking from our opponents, which we will look to primarily run back. When we do kick, with their wingers not the best in the air, we will kick high with a hard chase and compete in the air.

Set Piece:
In the scrum we will look to get out our ball quickly to run off 8, and to pressurise Smith with the experienced Ross on their ball.

In the lineout, we will mix up the maul and tap off the top with numerous options, and look to mark Parling on the ground with Charteris to allow us to protect against the maul from their mostly likely used option.

Other:
Press hard for penalties in their 22 but hold off more conservatively in our half, also taking any kicks at goal available.

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Saracens
Manager – Pooly

01. Dylan Smith	09. Morgan Parra
02. Guilhem Guirado	10. Pat Lambie
03. Dan Cole
04. Bradley Davies	11. George North
05. Geoff Parling	12. Rohan Janse van Rensburg
06. James Haskell	13. Conrad Smith
07. Thierry Dusatoir	14. Telusa Veainu
08. Nathan Hughes	15. Stuart Hogg

:-
16. Richard Hibbard 17. Alex Waller 18. Paul Hill 19. Nick Isiekwe 20. Will Fraser 21. Lee Dickson 22. Tom Taylor 23. Delon Armitage

Tactics:

Defensive:

Blitz Defence - Get in the face of the opposition and allow them very little time on the ball.
Breakdown - Turnover possession: Your side is recognised to pick off turnovers at the breakdown, by getting the ball and gaining the penalty

Attacking:

Territorial Kicking: Looking to pin back sides and kick for open spaces or touch
Offloading in the tackle: Moving the point of attack preventing a defence to set and keeping play fluid

TARGET BREAKDOWN - Look for turnover or slowing down ball with numerous options in Cole, Guirado, Hardie, Haskell and Hughes.

TARGET SCRUM - ESPECIALLY ROSS - Look for Smith to attack Ross who's badly out of form. Look to isolate him from the off and gain pens in the scrum.  

PUT PRESSURE ON SPENCER - Look to keep him on the backfoot and slow the feed to the backline.

USE ROLLING MAUL - Big pack put out by us today. Look to use this to our advanatge and get the rolling maul on, eating up the yards in the Bristol half.

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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Northampton Saints v Exeter Chiefs
Franklins Gardens
Partial sunny - 17', 12mph winds

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Northampton Saints
Manager: Dammit Chris

01. Nic Auterec	09. Joe Simpson
02. Dylan Hartley	10. George Ford
03. Jake Cooper-Wooley
04. Joe Launchbury(c)	11. Rieko Ioane
05. Jonny Gray	12. Wesley Fofana
06. Schalk Burger	13. Alex Dunbar
07. David Pocock	14. Adam Ashley-Cooper
08. Billy Vunipola	15. Leigh Halfpenny(k)

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Replacements: 16. Zander Fagerson 17. Schalk Brits 18. Conan O'Donnell 19. Vaea Fifita 20. James Davies 21. Conor Murray 22. Harry Mallinder 23. Manu Tuilagi

Attributes:
Breakdown - Clearing: Ensuring the possession is clean and quick with quick support to the breakdown
First phase attack/strike moves: Will look to break the defence, with either a bust through or a clever move to create a gap.

Blitz Defence: Your side is known for Blitz and excels at it
Breakdown - Turnover possession: Your side is recognised to pick off turnovers at the breakdown, by getting the ball and gaining the penalty.  

Tactics
Play this game at speed and a real high intensity from the outset and really stretch the Exeter defence. We've picked a team of big physical ball carriers to win the gain-line battle and a backrow that is set to really target the breakdown and provide Simpson with attacking opportunities.With the conditions we are going to keep the ball in play as much as possible and we will be wanting to open up the game and look for tries.

Set Piece
Lineout - Hartley's throwing looking for quick ball with Launchbury, Gray, Pocock and Burger all options.
Scrum - Vunipola to use any opportunity to launch attacks on Losowski at every opportunity and get us over the gain-line.

Gain-line/Physical Battle
Like Saracens in real life we'll look to send big runner after runner at the Exeter defence to suck in players and create space outwide. Have picked a very abrasive backrow to add a real physical approach to the game.

Breakdown
See attributes

Attack
- Everything goes through Ford, he's in good form and we'll get him standing flat and bringing forwards and backs into the game and really make us tick.
- Will look for Simpson to open up the game with his pace and have that threat give Ford a bit more time on the ball.
- Impact bench to up the tempo in final 20/25 minutes, open up the game and look for tries.  

Defence
Blitz defence, with Simpson sweeping behind. New halfback combination for Exeter so will really look to target them both and place them under pressure.

Simpson and Ford to kick us out of trouble.

Keep scoreboard ticking over
Halfpenny to kick all penalties, force Exeter to play catch up.

Good luck Nick, you've already made some big improvements to Chiefs!

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Exeter Chiefs 
         
Manager – StNick

01. Jefferson Poirot	09. Greg Laidlaw
02. Tom Youngs	10. Alex Lozowski (k)
03. Ben Tameifuna
04. Courtney Lawes	11. Noa Nakaitaci
05. James Horwill	12. Stuart McCloskey
06. Dave Ewers	13. Maxime Mermoz
07. Marcell Coetzee	14. JP Pietersen
08. Brad Shields	15. James Lowe

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16. Nathan Catt, 17. Jack Yeandle, 18. Kyle Sinckler, 19. Juandre Kruger, 20. Fritz Lee 21. Chris Cook, 22. Colin Slade, 23. Maxime Medard

Kick Chase: Organised kick and chase to attempt to regain possession.
Counter Attacking: Receiving the ball down field, your players will look to attack with ball in hand, thriving in the broken field and open spaces.

Breakdown - Slowing up ball: The defenders can get over the ball to slow it up and prevent the attack from building momentum and allowing your defence to set.
Chop Tackle: Tacklers look to get low and chop down attackers before gaining momentum or metres over the gain line.

We will play a territory game and use Laidlaw And Losowski to get us in the right areas. from there we will look to get our big runners on the ball. Nakaitaci can come in off his wing to look for work and McCloskey to be used as a crash ball option.

Laidlaw to kick all pens in range to keep score ticking over.

We will use Youngs, Lawes, Ewers, Tameifuna, Parisse and McCloskey as our main carriers to tire out Saints defenders. Coetzee will be a nuisance at the breakdown so slow their ball down.

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Sale Sharks v Leicester Tigers
AJ Bell
Light rain - 15', 12mph winds

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 Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Jack McGrath	09. Kieran Marmion
02. Tommy Taylor	10. Johnny Sexton
03. Davit Zirakishvilli
04. Dave Attwood	11. Nemani Nadolo
05. Maro Itoje	12. Kyle Eastmond
06. Peter O'Mahony	13. Seta Tamanivula
07. Sam Cane	14. Ruan Combrinck
08. Duane Vermulean	15. Simon Zebo

Subs: 
16. Benjamin Kayser 17. Ross Harrison 18. Martin Moore 19. Matt Garvey 20. CJ Stander 21. James Mitchell 22. Curwin Bosch 23. Semesa Rokoduguni

Attributes:
Phase Attack: Attacks build momentum until an opportunity arises.
Breakdown - Clearing: Ensuring the possession is clean and quick with quick support to the breakdown.

Blitz Defence: Your side is known for Blitz and excels at it.
Breakdown - Slowing up ball: The defenders can get over the ball to slow it up and prevent the attack from building momentum and allowing your defence to set.  

Attack: We will be playing a high intensity phased attacking game. 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 and restructure our attacking phases. Marmion 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. Double team of POM & Cane will look to target the ball.

Defence: Straight line blitz defence focused on winning the gain line collisions and driving the ball carrier back. Line speed is crucial. Marmion will sweep behind the line to cover chips and grubbers. Combrinck & Zebo to cover the background dropping deep to cut off the green grass available to kick into.

Target Burns: Lack of playmaking options in the Tigers backline. We will look to come up hard and put pressure on Freddy Burns disrupting the Tigers attacking patterns.

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.

Lineout: Five mobile, athletic jumpers allows us to genuinely mix it up on attacking ball. Primarily looking to get the backs on the ball in space. Defensively Itoje 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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Leicester Tigers
Manager – Fluxy

01. Gethin Jenkins	09. Micky Young
02. Hika Elliott	10. Freddie Burns (k)
03. Atu Moli
04. Samu Manoa	11. Sean Maitland
05. Dominic Bird	12. Ben Teo'o
06. Don Armand (c)	13. Gael Fickou
07. Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe	14. Drew Mitchell
08. Thomas Waldrom	15. Mike Brown

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Subs: 16. Dave Ward 17. Max Lahiff 18. Lasha Tibadze 19. Pascal Pape 20. Liam Messam 21. Antoine Dupont 22. Kurtley Beale 23. Mathieu Basteraud

In greasy conditions we will be looking to play a possession based game, going through the phases. Look to make ground carrying close to the ruck and recycling quickly, with offloading and forward inter play to keep the ball off the ground and moving, preventing a ruck and defensive line being set. Burns will take the ball to the line and tempt the Sharks to jump out of the defensive line, creating holes for our back line to exploit.

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. Young will sweep in behind the defensive line to counter any chips/grubbers.

Specifics 

• Line-out: Nothing flash. Hit our front and middle jumpers and ensure that we secure our ball. We will also mix it up, shortening the line-out and using our back row as crash ball options off the top. On Sale ball put pressure on through Bird and Armand, who are athletic line-out jumpers. 
  
• Scrum: Get low and underneath their props and drive straight. Really test their props technical abilities rather than get in to a battle of strength.
  
• Breakdown: When we carry in, we will flood the breakdown rucking well past the ball to free it up quickly and go again. In defence, if we have made a passive tackle and the carrier has momentum we will not over commit, 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 slow up momentum, or turn over possession. Key for us is being selective, and only committing men to a winnable ruck. 
  
• Attacking Play: We will be looking to play a fast offloading game, with the ball shifted on to the support runner just prior to the point of the tackle with the defender already committed. However this will only be implemented within the opposition half. We will also utilise the pick and go, meaning their defensive line cannot blitz efficiently. We will then we will look to exploit the delay in their blitz that results. We will then look to shift the direction of play and pull their defenders out of position to create gaps. Young to also look to snipe around the fringes and keep us going forwards all the time.  
  
• Linking to our tactical kicking, but we only want to play rugby in the Sale half. Otherwise we look to gain territory with the tricky conditions, put pressure on the Sale wingers to clear there lines and put pressure on the Sharks set piece to regain possession. 
  
• Tactical Kicking:  If we kick, we will look to kick in behind their wingers and get them on the turn going back towards their own line, with our wingers on the kick chase to really target them defensively. Burns and Brown can take the ball to the line and kick in behind the defense, to get our wingers either on the end of the grubber, or pin back Bath. 
  

Tigers Attributes
Defensive Traits

• Blitz Defence: Your side is known for Blitz and excels at it
  
• Breakdown - Slowing up ball: The defenders can get over the ball to slow it up and prevent the attack from building momentum and allowing your defence to set. 
  

Attacking Traits

• Offloading in the tackle: Moving the point of attack preventing a defence to set and keeping play fluid.
  
• Breakdown - Clearing: Ensuring the possession is clean and quick with quick support to the breakdown
  

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Gloucester v Bath
Kingholm
Partial sunny - 16', 12mph winds

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Gloucester 
Manager – Matt

01. Rob Evans	09. Dan Robson
02. Joe Grey	10. Dan Carter (k)
03. Uini Atonio
04. Richie Gray	11. Jonny May
05. Sam Dickinson	12. Matt Toomua
06. Ross Moriarty	13. Matt Scott
07. Julian Salvi	14. Hallam Amos
08. Jamie Heaslip	15. Sam Davies

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Subs: 16. Coenie Oosthuizen, 17. Jack Singleton, 18. Titi Lamositele, 19. Elliott Stooke, 20. Tom Croft, 21. Justin Phillips, 22. Danny Cipriani, 23. Taqele Naiyaravoro

build momentum until an opportunity arises.

Counter Attack - Receiving the ball down field, your players will look to attack with ball in hand, thriving in the broken field and open spaces.
Breakdown (Turnover Possession) -  Your side is recognised to pick off turnovers at the breakdown, by getting the ball and gaining the penalty

Choke tackle : Tacklers look where possible to hold the opposition up and force the turnover
Great to be at home with conditions for running rugby. Our game plan will be based around winning quick ball and moving the ball.

We aim to take advantage of the weather and play at pace.

We will look to build phases and use the likes of moriarty, Heaslip, Gray, etc to get us across the gain line so we can play with quick ball.

we will look for Robson,  Carter and Toomua to control the tempo of the game. Off static ball we will look to truck it up or kick for space but our aim is to play at pace. Matt Scott has been on fire at 13 for Glos scoring every game we will look to give him space as well as our back 3.

We will also be keen to test their ten channel with debrenic and Russell an unfamiliar combo. We will Target it and look to flood numbers for the offload.

When we generate quick ball we will look to utilise our extreme gas out wide and create one on ones. Our wings are quick and elusive

Having ball players in 9, 10, 12 means we are able to slot in on any turnover and counter attack at pace.

We are looking to create space for our outside backs with Scott and our back three looking to exploit the space outwide. We will use toomua or DAVIES as a first receiver when we need to change things up.

In our own half when kicking we will use the boots of Robson, Carter and davies to gain territory, looking to kick to touch so we can use our line out to steal possession and pressure the Falcons line out.

In defence And with such a physical pack we will be using the choke tackle to slow down and turnover ball. When it gets to deck we will look to attack the breakdown with the first man there looking to win the penalty or the turnover.

We will look to use the up then out drift defence on the call of the scrum half or full back as in conditions like this it's harder to use as the ball player has more time on the ball. It's a day when blitz is ineffective

Carter to kick all penalties in range

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Bath Rugby
Manager – CJB

01. Eddy Ben Arous	09. Richard Wigglesworth
02. Rory Best	10. Jack Debrenczeni
03. Samson Lee
04. Will Skelton	11. Liam Williams
05. Graham Kitchener	12. Finn Russell
06. Dan Lydiate	13. Jonathan Davies
07. Liam Gill	14. Cheslin Kolbe
08. Toby Falateu	15. Alex Goode

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16. Ellis Genge 17. Leni Asipai 18. Nepo Laulala 19. Charlie Ewels 20. Josh Beaumont 21. Sam Hill 22. Tawera Kerr Barlow 23. George Moala

Attributes:
First phase attack/strike moves: Will look to break the defence, with either a bust through or a clever move to create a gap.
Breakdown - Clearing: Ensuring the possession is clean and quick with quick support to the breakdown
Blitz Defence: Your side is known for Blitz and excels at it
Breakdown - Turnover possession: Your side is recognised to pick off turnovers at the breakdown, by getting the ball and gaining the penalty. 

Overall: We are gonna be looking to play front foot rugby and put Gloucester under immense pressure with our energy. Look for big carries to create space and break the defense. Attack the set piece where we expect to be dominant and finish strongly off the bench. Our kicking attack will look to win the territory battle.

Scrum: Use the set piece to get quick ball to restart our play. Skelton really gives our scrum extra power. Falateu will look to attack off the quick ball he gets.

Lineout: We will look to switch up the lineup with Falateu, 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. We think we can dominate here against a poor set of jumpers. Skelton will vary the throw by offering a quick ball option at the front. 

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

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, Russell and debrenzeni will switch. They 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 JD2 who we would like to get running at defenders. Williams and Kolbe 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 EBA, Lee and Falateu in order to break the line and make yards. 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 Warriors which can help nullify their offensive threats. 

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

Substitutes: Keep a high tempo with all our internationals off the bench.

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Wasps v Harlequins
Ricoh Arena
Partial sunny - 16', 12mph winds

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Wasps
Manager - Driver

01. Thomas Du Toit	09. Mitchell Drummond
02. Bismark Du Plessis	10. Rhy Priestland (k)
03. Frans Malherbe
04. RG Snyman	11. Marland Yarde
05. Alun Wyn Jones (c)	12. Brad Barritt
06. Tom Wood	13. Henry Slade
07. Will Owen	14. Anthony Watson
08. Nazeem Carr	15. Tim Nanai Williams

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16. Harry Thacker, 17. Ben Moon, 18. Frasier Bailmain, 19. Sebastian Vaahaminia, 20. Louis Picamoles, 21. Luther Burrell, 22. Tom Homer, 23. Rob Kearney

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Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Cian Healy	09. Ben Youngs
02. Rob Webber	10. Juan Martin Hernandez (k)
03. Kieran Brookes
04. Ultan Dillane	11. Jack Nowell
05. Mamuka Gorgodze	12. Robbie Henshaw
06. Jack Clifford	13. Jonathan Joseph
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Yoann Huget
08. Damien Chouly (c)	15. James O'Connor

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16. Scott Spurling 17. Richard Barrington 18. Tadhg Furlong 19. Luhkan Tui 20. Jean Luc Du Preez 21. Ruan Pienaar 22. Steven Myler 23. Bundee Aki

Attributes

Phase Attack - Attacks build momentum until an opportunity arises. 

Counter Attack - Receiving the ball down field, your players will look to attack with ball in hand, thriving in the broken field and open spaces. 

Breakdown (Turnover Possession) -  Your side is recognised to pick off turnovers at the breakdown, by getting the ball and gaining the penalty

Chop Tackle: Tacklers look to get low and chop down attackers before gaining momentum or metres over the gain line. 

Game Plan

Play sensible, percentage rugby looking to attack Wasps at pace and with intensity. Look to use the pack to get quick ball going forward before unleashing our backs to exploit gaps out wide.

Our default attacking sit up is to have hard runners setting a target back towards the play with an out the back option to spread the ball wide. We will look to vary between our options and runners.
Use the boots of our half backs and 15 to gain territory and possession using Henshaw and Huget in particular.

Use Armitage and Clifford to gain turnovers and attack an unorganised defence.

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Worcester Warriors v Newcastle Falcons
Sixways
Partial sunny - 16', 12mph winds

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Worcester Warriors
Manager - Prop

01. Ali Dickinson	09. Gareth Davies
02. Ross Batty	10. Dan Biggar (k)
03. WP Nel
04. Leone Nakawara	11. Perry Humphreys
05. Devin Toner	12. Jaime Roberts
06. Jordan Taufua	13. Huw Jones
07. Sam Warburton	14. Waisake Naholo
08. Ben Morgan	15. Mathew Tait

:-
16. Jack Walker 17. Val Ruskin 18. Henry Thomas 19. Yohann Maestri 20. Jackson Wray 21. Rory Kockott 22. Owen Williams 23. Brice Dulin

Season's Attributes-
Offloading in the Tackle
Breakdown (Turnovers)
Blitz Defence
Choke Tackle

• We will play a controlled game, not looking to overly use the offloading-only when on. Biggar will look for territory with Nakawara and Toner looking to put pressure on the Falcons lineout.
  
• Big carriers up front looking to offload where possible although being mindful of the encroaching defence and we will have support runners on their shoulders,,
  
• Back row looking to be balanced with carrying, tackling and Warburton bringing the turnover attribute,
  
• We have Wray and Maestri to add energy into the second half and will look to use his link play against tired legs,
  
• In these conditions the breakdown will be scrappy and the first man there will look to go for the ball using our turnover attribute. If it is obviously lost we will fan out. If Falcons under-commit we will look to drive through them for the turnover,
  
• Look to not commit too much to their breakdown if the ball is lost and use blitz defence led by Roberts allowing the chance to apply the choke tackle to stop Falcons playing a quick tempo game,
  
• Look to target Campagnaro who hasn't had substantial game-time for Chiefs recently,
  
• Backs to play what is in front of them, runners off Roberts and Jones, we will use Tait as a strike runner and know the pace of our back three to put pressure with quick ball,
  
• When nothing is on Biggar will go for territory and also use  his 'bombs' to challenge and turn their backlline,
  
• We will use Tait and the wingers to come into the line and switch things up to keep Falcons guessing and allow Roberts the chance to hit from deep at times and not be predictable,
  
• Humphreys is in great form and has scored against top class defences in the Prem,
  
• Take all kickable penalties.
  

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Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Bambam

01. Matt Mullan	09. Rhys Webb
02. Jamie George	10. Owen Farrell
03. Davit Kubriashvili
04. Matt Symons	11. Charles Piutau
05. Flip Van Der Merwe	12. Jan Serfontein
06. Callum Clark	13. Michele Campagnaro
07. Chris Henry	14. David Strettle
08. Jordi Murphy	15. Gareth Anscombe

:-
16.Camille Chat 17.Alec Hepburn 18. Dillon Lewis 19.Luke Jones 20. Ellis Jenkins 21. Will Chudley 22. Paddy Jackson  23. Sam James

Attributes
Counter Attacking: Receiving the ball down field, your players will look to attack with ball in hand, thriving in the broken field and open spaces.
Phase Attack: Attacks build momentum until an opportunity arises.
Breakdown: Slowing up ball: The defenders can get over the ball to slow it up and prevent the attack from building momentum and allowing your defence to set.
Blitz Defence: Your side is known for Blitz and excels at it

Game plan

Target breakdown - we've got options throughout the pack, flankers work as a tandem to make sure Warburton can't have too big an influence, one hits him the other secure the ball

Target Humphreys - He's new to Worcester, we'll get Piutau swapping wings to really attack his defensive positioning and unfamiliarity with their defensive blitz system

Use Anscombe to split the field as an alternate first receiver, look to create mismatches on the outside

Target the centres, we've got the physicality to match theirs, Piutau/Anscombe to come into the line and attack the 13 channel to test Jones' defence

Set piece - Look to really put their props under maximum pressure with our strong front row, we've got a great scrummaging lock pairing to help. If no weakness, use as restart. On their ball, mark their second rows and force long throws. On our ball, use the back row options to mix it up.

Breakdown - Back row and hooker to lead the way on turnovers. Others focus on strong clear outs and maintaining a strong defensive line. . On our ball, smash them off the ball, use pod system to ensure support if they are having success. Our openside is charged with keeping their main breakdown threat off our ball, and target turnovers if one of their carriers gets isolated

Kicking - Options throughout the backs. Kick in behind the wings for territory, aim for space not the man. Challenge wings positioning, Wings free to drop back for the counter off their kicks

Attack - Run our attack off 9 who sets the tempo, constantly change the point of attack and get our 10 quick ball.. Challenge their 10 defensively with our power backs cutting in running hard lines at his channel with the full back coming into the line. Big carrying forwards to set a platform, run at 10/12 all day long to put them on the back foot off first phase, see how they handle it.  

Defence - no weak links in the backline, use the blitz defence to put them on the back foot,  Farrell to set the tone in defence with Campagnaro putting pressure on their midfield

Bench - Big carrying forwards throughout and talented, pacy backs to see us home

Will post my team once I see the feedback on how last week's team went!

That'll be tomorrow, early doors mate

Northampton Saints
Manager: Dammit Chris

01. Nic Auterec	09. Joe Simpson
02. Dylan Hartley	10. George Ford
03. Jake Cooper-Wooley
04. Joe Launchbury(c)	11. Rieko Ioane
05. Jonny Gray	12. Wesley Fofana
06. Schalk Burger	13. Alex Dunbar
07. David Pocock	14. Adam Ashley-Cooper
08. Billy Vunipola	15. Leigh Halfpenny(k)

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Replacements: 16. Zander Fagerson 17. Schalk Brits 18. Conan O'Donnell 19. Vaea Fifita 20. James Davies 21. Conor Murray 22. Harry Mallinder 23. Manu Tuilagi

Attributes:
Breakdown - Clearing: Ensuring the possession is clean and quick with quick support to the breakdown
First phase attack/strike moves: Will look to break the defence, with either a bust through or a clever move to create a gap.

Blitz Defence: Your side is known for Blitz and excels at it
Breakdown - Turnover possession: Your side is recognised to pick off turnovers at the breakdown, by getting the ball and gaining the penalty.  

Tactics
Play this game at speed and a real high intensity from the outset and really stretch the Exeter defence. We've picked a team of big physical ball carriers to win the gain-line battle and a backrow that is set to really target the breakdown and provide Simpson with attacking opportunities.With the conditions we are going to keep the ball in play as much as possible and we will be wanting to open up the game and look for tries.

Set Piece
Lineout - Hartley's throwing looking for quick ball with Launchbury, Gray, Pocock and Burger all options.
Scrum - Vunipola to use any opportunity to launch attacks on Losowski at every opportunity and get us over the gain-line.

Gain-line/Physical Battle
Like Saracens in real life we'll look to send big runner after runner at the Exeter defence to suck in players and create space outwide. Have picked a very abrasive backrow to add a real physical approach to the game.

Breakdown
See attributes

Attack
- Everything goes through Ford, he's in good form and we'll get him standing flat and bringing forwards and backs into the game and really make us tick.
- Will look for Simpson to open up the game with his pace and have that threat give Ford a bit more time on the ball.
- Impact bench to up the tempo in final 20/25 minutes, open up the game and look for tries.  

Defence
Blitz defence, with Simpson sweeping behind. New halfback combination for Exeter so will really look to target them both and place them under pressure.

Simpson and Ford to kick us out of trouble.

Keep scoreboard ticking over
Halfpenny to kick all penalties, force Exeter to play catch up.

Good luck Nick, you've already made some big improvements to Chiefs!

Bristol Team 
Manager: CJ

01. Loni Uhila	09. Ben Spencer
02. Richardt Strauss	10. Christian Lealiifano
03. Mike Ross
04. Sam Carter	11. Charlie Sharples
05. Luke Charteris	12. Jimmy Gopperth (k)
06. Chris Robshaw	13. Duncan Taylor
07. Josh Van Der Flier	14. Craig Gilroy
08. Victor Vito (c)	15. Chris Pennell

:-
16. Tom West 17. Rob Buchanan 18. James Johnston 19. Donnacha Ryan 20 John Barclay 21. Andy Uren 22. Pier Francis 23. Rene Ranger

Attributes: 
Attacking:
1) Breakdown - Clearing: Ensuring the possession is clean and quick with quick support to the breakdown
2)  Phase Attack: Attacks build momentum until an opportunity arises. 
Defending:
1) Breakdown - Slowing up ball: The defenders can get over the ball to slow it up and prevent the attack from building momentum and allowing your defence to set. 
2) Breakdown - Organised Ruck defence: with guards and body guards set, allowing the rest of the line to set off them.

Tactics:

Breakdown:

Saracens are a very strong team at the breakdown with multiple operators and a focus on turnovers in previous matches. In attack we look to counteract this by focusing on close support of the ball carrier with our pack working together, with an emphasis on early engagement and hard clearing out at the ruck to blitz out their fetchers. On their own ball, I want the likes of Robshaw being a nuisance and slowing everything down

Attack:

Plan A is to build up the phases with short passes off our twin playmakers, with Gopperth often coming in at first receiver and switching with Lealiifqano to make it impossible to predict who the playmaker on a set attack is. Our back 3, including leading try scorer in the league, Gilroy, will come off their wings to run off our playmaker 9-12 axis, and carriers like Uhila and Vito and Der Flier offer inside pop crash ball as well as basic options off 9

The aim is to string together constant phases with quick ball and pull apart the defence until a gap for our quicker players to exploit appears

We focus on the gameplan above but have a strong territorial kicking game as a back up to compete with Saracens, with Gopperth at 12 a big help to our 9-10 combo. Our wingers and Taylor are also adapt at the kick chase and running onto attacking kicks for when we utilise this approach

Defence:

Blitz led by Taylor, with Spencer sweeping and a tight fringe defence. Der Flier looking to rough up their 10 and Robshaw in support to immediately attack the breakdown.

We expect some tactical kicking from our opponents, which we will look to primarily run back. When we do kick, with their wingers not the best in the air, we will kick high with a hard chase and compete in the air.

Set Piece:

In the scrum we will look to get out our ball quickly to run off 8, and to pressurise Smith with the experienced Ross on their ball.

In the lineout, we will mix up the maul and tap off the top with numerous options, and look to mark Parling on the ground with Charteris to allow us to protect against the maul from their mostly likely used option.

Other:

Press hard for penalties in their 22 but hold off more conservatively in our half, also taking any kicks at goal available.

Exeter Chiefs

1 Jefferson Poirot
2 Tom Youngs
3 Ben Tameifuna
4 Courtney Lawes
5 James Horwill
6 Dave Ewers
7 Marcell Coetzee
8 Sergio Parisse
9 Gregg Laidlaw
10 Alex Losowski
11 Noa Nakaitaci
12 Stuart McCloskey
13 Maxime Mermoz
14 JP Pietersen
15 James Lowe

16 Nathan Catt
17 Jack Yeandle
18 Kyle Sinckler
19 Juandre Kruger
20 Brad Shields
21 Chris Cook
22 Colin Slade
23 Maxime Medard

Kick Chase: Organised kick and chase to attempt to regain possession.
Counter Attacking: Receiving the ball down field, your players will look to attack with ball in hand, thriving in the broken field and open spaces.

Breakdown - Slowing up ball: The defenders can get over the ball to slow it up and prevent the attack from building momentum and allowing your defence to set.
Chop Tackle: Tacklers look to get low and chop down attackers before gaining momentum or metres over the gain line.

We will play a territory game and use Laidlaw And Losowski to get us in the right areas. from there we will look to get our big runners on the ball. Nakaitaci can come in off his wing to look for work and McCloskey to be used as a crash ball option.

Laidlaw to kick all pens in range to keep score ticking over.

We will use Youngs, Lawes, Ewers, Tameifuna, Parisse and McCloskey as our main carriers to tire out Saints defenders. Coetzee will be a nuisance at the breakdown so slow their ball down.

Worcester Warriors
Manager - Prop

01. Ali Dickinson	09. Gareth Davies
02. Ross Batty	10. Dan Biggar (k)
03. WP Nel
04. Leone Nakawara	11. Perry Humphreys
05. Devin Toner	12. Jaime Roberts
06. Jordan Taufua	13. Huw Jones
07. Sam Warburton ©	14. Waisake Naholo
08. Ben Morgan	15. Mathew Tait

:-
16. Jack Walker 17. Val Ruskin 18. Henry Thomas 19. Yohann Maestri 20. Jackson Wray 21. Rory Kockott 22. Owen Williams 23. Brice Dulin

Season's Attributes-
Offloading in the Tackle
Breakdown (Turnovers)
Blitz Defence
Choke Tackle

• We will play a controlled game, not looking to overly use the offloading-only when on. Biggar will look for territory with Nakawara and Toner looking to put pressure on the Falcons lineout.
  
• Big carriers up front looking to offload where possible although being mindful of the encroaching defence and we will have support runners on their shoulders,,
  
• Back row looking to be balanced with carrying, tackling and Warburton bringing the turnover attribute,
  
• We have Wray and Maestri to add energy into the second half and will look to use his link play against tired legs,
  
• In these conditions the breakdown will be scrappy and the first man there will look to go for the ball using our turnover attribute. If it is obviously lost we will fan out. If Falcons under-commit we will look to drive through them for the turnover,
  
• Look to not commit too much to their breakdown if the ball is lost and use blitz defence led by Roberts allowing the chance to apply the choke tackle to stop Falcons playing a quick tempo game,
  
• Look to target Campagnaro who hasn't had substantial game-time for Chiefs recently,
  
• Backs to play what is in front of them, runners off Roberts and Jones, we will use Tait as a strike runner and know the pace of our back three to put pressure with quick ball,
  
• When nothing is on Biggar will go for territory and also use  his 'bombs' to challenge and turn their backlline,
  
• We will use Tait and the wingers to come into the line and switch things up to keep Falcons guessing and allow Roberts the chance to hit from deep at times and not be predictable,
  
• Humphreys is in great form and has scored against top class defences in the Prem,
  
• Take all kickable penalties.
  

Gloucester 
Manager – Matt

01. Rob Evans	09. Dan Robson
02. Joe Grey	10. Dan Carter (k)
03. Uini Atonio
04. Richie Gray	11. Jonny May
05. Sam Dickinson	12. Matt Toomua
06. Ross Moriarty	13. Matt Scott
07. Julian Salvi	14. Hallam Amos
08. Jamie Heaslip	15. Sam Davies

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Subs: 16. Coenie Oosthuizen, 17. Jack Singleton, 18. Titi Lamositele, 19. Elliott Stooke, 20. Tom Croft, 21. Justin Phillips, 22. Danny Cipriani, 23. Taqele Naiyaravoro

build momentum until an opportunity arises.

Counter Attack - Receiving the ball down field, your players will look to attack with ball in hand, thriving in the broken field and open spaces.
Breakdown (Turnover Possession) -  Your side is recognised to pick off turnovers at the breakdown, by getting the ball and gaining the penalty

Choke tackle : Tacklers look where possible to hold the opposition up and force the turnover
Great to be at home with conditions for running rugby. Our game plan will be based around winning quick ball and moving the ball.

We aim to take advantage of the weather and play at pace.

We will look to build phases and use the likes of moriarty, Heaslip, Gray, etc to get us across the gain line so we can play with quick ball.

we will look for Robson,  Carter and Toomua to control the tempo of the game. Off static ball we will look to truck it up or kick for space but our aim is to play at pace. Matt Scott has been on fire at 13 for Glos scoring every game we will look to give him space as well as our back 3.

We will also be keen to test their ten channel with debrenic and Russell an unfamiliar combo. We will Target it and look to flood numbers for the offload.

When we generate quick ball we will look to utilise our extreme gas out wide and create one on ones. Our wings are quick and elusive

Having ball players in 9, 10, 12 means we are able to slot in on any turnover and counter attack at pace.

We are looking to create space for our outside backs with Scott and our back three looking to exploit the space outwide. We will use toomua or DAVIES as a first receiver when we need to change things up.

In our own half when kicking we will use the boots of Robson, Carter and davies to gain territory, looking to kick to touch so we can use our line out to steal possession and pressure the Falcons line out.

In defence And with such a physical pack we will be using the choke tackle to slow down and turnover ball. When it gets to deck we will look to attack the breakdown with the first man there looking to win the penalty or the turnover.

We will look to use the up then out drift defence on the call of the scrum half or full back as in conditions like this it's harder to use as the ball player has more time on the ball. It's a day when blitz is ineffective

Carter to kick all penalties in range

Pooly, realised I have an extra EQ than I need on bench, can I please swap one of my bench players out or is it too late?

 Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Jack McGrath	09. Kieran Marmion
02. Tommy Taylor	10. Johnny Sexton
03. Davit Zirakishvilli
04. Dave Attwood	11. Nemani Nadolo
05. Maro Itoje	12. Kyle Eastmond
06. Peter O'Mahony	13. Seta Tamanivula
07. Sam Cane	14. Ruan Combrinck
08. Duane Vermulean	15. Simon Zebo

Subs: 
16. Benjamin Kayser 17. Ross Harrison 18. Martin Moore 19. Matt Garvey 20. CJ Stander 21. James Mitchell 22. Curwin Bosch 23. Semesa Rokoduguni

Attributes:
Phase Attack: Attacks build momentum until an opportunity arises.
Breakdown - Clearing: Ensuring the possession is clean and quick with quick support to the breakdown.

Blitz Defence: Your side is known for Blitz and excels at it.
Breakdown - Slowing up ball: The defenders can get over the ball to slow it up and prevent the attack from building momentum and allowing your defence to set.  

Attack: We will be playing a high intensity phased attacking game. 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 and restructure our attacking phases. Marmion 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. Double team of POM & Cane will look to target the ball.

Defence: Straight line blitz defence focused on winning the gain line collisions and driving the ball carrier back. Line speed is crucial. Marmion will sweep behind the line to cover chips and grubbers. Combrinck & Zebo to cover the background dropping deep to cut off the green grass available to kick into.

Target Burns: Lack of playmaking options in the Tigers backline. We will look to come up hard and put pressure on Freddy Burns disrupting the Tigers attacking patterns.

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.

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

Saracens
Manager – Pooly

01. Dylan Smith	09. Morgan Parra
02. Guilhem Guirado	10. Pat Lambie
03. Dan Cole
04. Bradley Davies	11. George North
05. Geoff Parling	12. Rohan Janse van Rensburg
06. James Haskell	13. Conrad Smith
07. Thierry Dusatoir	14. Telusa Veainu
08. Nathan Hughes	15. Stuart Hogg

:-
16. Richard Hibbard 17. Alex Waller 18. Paul Hill 19. Nick Isiekwe 20. Will Fraser 21. Lee Dickson 22. Tom Taylor 23. Delon Armitage

Tactics:

Defensive:

Blitz Defence - Get in the face of the opposition and allow them very little time on the ball.

Breakdown - Turnover possession: Your side is recognised to pick off turnovers at the breakdown, by getting the ball and gaining the penalty

Attacking:

Territorial Kicking: Looking to pin back sides and kick for open spaces or touch

Offloading in the tackle: Moving the point of attack preventing a defence to set and keeping play fluid

TARGET BREAKDOWN - Look for turnover or slowing down ball with numerous options in Cole, Guirado, Hardie, Haskell and Hughes.

TARGET SCRUM - ESPECIALLY ROSS - Look for Smith to attack Ross who's badly out of form. Look to isolate him from the off and gain pens in the scrum.  

PUT PRESSURE ON SPENCER - Look to keep him on the backfoot and slow the feed to the backline.

USE ROLLING MAUL - Big pack put out by us today. Look to use this to our advanatge and get the rolling maul on, eating up the yards in the Bristol half.

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.

Wasps
Manager - Driver

01. Thomas Du Toit	09. Mitchell Drummond
02. Bismark Du Plessis	10. Rhy Priestland (k)
03. Frans Malherbe
04. RG Snyman	11. Marland Yarde
05. Alun Wyn Jones (c)	12. Brad Barritt
06. Tom Wood	13. Henry Slade
07. Will Owen	14. Anthony Watson
08. Nazeem Carr	15. Tim Nanai Williams

_

16. Harry Thacker, 17. Ben Moon, 18. Frasier Bailmain, 19. Sebastian Vaahaminia, 20. Louis Picamoles, 21. Luther Burrell, 22. Tom Homer, 23. Rob Kearney

Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Bambam

01. Matt Mullan	09. Rhys Webb
02. Jamie George	10. Owen Farrell
03. Davit Kubriashvili
04. Matt Symons	11. Charles Piutau
05. Flip Van Der Merwe	12. Jan Serfontein
06. Callum Clark	13. Michele Campagnaro
07. Chris Henry	14. David Strettle
08. Jordi Murphy	15. Gareth Anscombe

:-
16.Camille Chat 17.Alec Hepburn 18. Dillon Lewis 19.Luke Jones 20. Ellis Jenkins 21. Will Chudley 22. Paddy Jackson  23. Sam James

Attributes
Counter Attacking: Receiving the ball down field, your players will look to attack with ball in hand, thriving in the broken field and open spaces.
Phase Attack: Attacks build momentum until an opportunity arises.
Breakdown: Slowing up ball: The defenders can get over the ball to slow it up and prevent the attack from building momentum and allowing your defence to set.
Blitz Defence: Your side is known for Blitz and excels at it

Game plan

Target breakdown - we've got options throughout the pack, flankers work as a tandem to make sure Warburton can't have too big an influence, one hits him the other secure the ball

Target Humphreys - He's new to Worcester, we'll get Piutau swapping wings to really attack his defensive positioning and unfamiliarity with their defensive blitz system

Use Anscombe to split the field as an alternate first receiver, look to create mismatches on the outside

Target the centres, we've got the physicality to match theirs, Piutau/Anscombe to come into the line and attack the 13 channel to test Jones' defence

Set piece - Look to really put their props under maximum pressure with our strong front row, we've got a great scrummaging lock pairing to help. If no weakness, use as restart. On their ball, mark their second rows and force long throws. On our ball, use the back row options to mix it up.

Breakdown - Back row and hooker to lead the way on turnovers. Others focus on strong clear outs and maintaining a strong defensive line. . On our ball, smash them off the ball, use pod system to ensure support if they are having success. Our openside is charged with keeping their main breakdown threat off our ball, and target turnovers if one of their carriers gets isolated

Kicking - Options throughout the backs. Kick in behind the wings for territory, aim for space not the man. Challenge wings positioning, Wings free to drop back for the counter off their kicks

Attack - Run our attack off 9 who sets the tempo, constantly change the point of attack and get our 10 quick ball.. Challenge their 10 defensively with our power backs cutting in running hard lines at his channel with the full back coming into the line. Big carrying forwards to set a platform, run at 10/12 all day long to put them on the back foot off first phase, see how they handle it.  

Defence - no weak links in the backline, use the blitz defence to put them on the back foot,  Farrell to set the tone in defence with Campagnaro putting pressure on their midfield

Bench - Big carrying forwards throughout and talented, pacy backs to see us home

Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Cian Healy	09. Ben Youngs
02. Rob Webber	10. Juan Martin Hernandez (k)
03. Kieran Brookes
04. Ultan Dillane	11. Jack Nowell
05. Mamuka Gorgodze	12. Robbie Henshaw
06. Jack Clifford	13. Jonathan Joseph
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Yoann Huget
08. Damien Chouly (c)	15. James O'Connor

16. Scott Spurling 17. Richard Barrington 18. Tadhg Furlong 19. Luhkan Tui 20. Jean Luc Du Preez 21. Ruan Pienaar 22. Steven Myler 23. Bundee Aki

Attributes

Phase Attack - Attacks build momentum until an opportunity arises. 

Counter Attack - Receiving the ball down field, your players will look to attack with ball in hand, thriving in the broken field and open spaces. 

Breakdown (Turnover Possession) -  Your side is recognised to pick off turnovers at the breakdown, by getting the ball and gaining the penalty

Chop Tackle: Tacklers look to get low and chop down attackers before gaining momentum or metres over the gain line. 

Game Plan

Play sensible, percentage rugby looking to attack Wasps at pace and with intensity. Look to use the pack to get quick ball going forward before unleashing our backs to exploit gaps out wide.

Our default attacking sit up is to have hard runners setting a target back towards the play with an out the back option to spread the ball wide. We will look to vary between our options and runners.
Use the boots of our half backs and 15 to gain territory and possession using Henshaw and Huget in particular.

Use Armitage and Clifford to gain turnovers and attack an unorganised defence.

Bath Rugby
Manager – CJB

01. Eddy Ben Arous	09. Richard Wigglesworth
02. Rory Best	10. Jack Debrenczeni
03. Samson Lee
04. Will Skelton	11. Liam Williams
05. Graham Kitchener	12. Finn Russell
06. Dan Lydiate	13. Jonathan Davies
07. Liam Gill	14. Cheslin Kolbe
08. Toby Falateu	15. Alex Goode

16. Ellis Genge 17. Leni Asipai 18. Nepo Laulala 19. Charlie Ewels 20. Josh Beaumont 21. Sam Hill 22. Tawera Kerr Barlow 23. George Moala

Attributes:
First phase attack/strike moves: Will look to break the defence, with either a bust through or a clever move to create a gap.
Breakdown - Clearing: Ensuring the possession is clean and quick with quick support to the breakdown
Blitz Defence: Your side is known for Blitz and excels at it
Breakdown - Turnover possession: Your side is recognised to pick off turnovers at the breakdown, by getting the ball and gaining the penalty. 

Overall: We are gonna be looking to play front foot rugby and put Gloucester under immense pressure with our energy. Look for big carries to create space and break the defense. Attack the set piece where we expect to be dominant and finish strongly off the bench. Our kicking attack will look to win the territory battle.

Scrum: Use the set piece to get quick ball to restart our play. Skelton really gives our scrum extra power. Falateu will look to attack off the quick ball he gets.

Lineout: We will look to switch up the lineup with Falateu, 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. We think we can dominate here against a poor set of jumpers. Skelton will vary the throw by offering a quick ball option at the front. 

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

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, Russell and debrenzeni will switch. They 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 JD2 who we would like to get running at defenders. Williams and Kolbe 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 EBA, Lee and Falateu in order to break the line and make yards. 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 Warriors which can help nullify their offensive threats. 

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

Substitutes: Keep a high tempo with all our internationals off the bench.

Following their first victory of the season last weekend, Director of Rugby Fluxy, has named same starting XV ahead of their away trip to League Champions Sale Sharks. Fluxy has made one change on his bench with Dave Ward returning from injury to take a place on the bench, and Liam Messam, taking young prospect Calum Chick's spot on the bench this week. 
Fluxy stated in a brief interview with BBC Radio Leicestershire, that his side would need to play their own game against Sale and look to dominate the possession, to prevent the Sharks from dictating play. 

Leicester Tigers
Manager – Fluxy

01. Gethin Jenkins	09. Micky Young
02. Hika Elliott	10. Freddie Burns (k)
03. Atu Moli
04. Samu Manoa	11. Sean Maitland
05. Dominic Bird	12. Ben Teo'o
06. Don Armand (c)	13. Gael Fickou
07. Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe	14. Drew Mitchell
08. Thomas Waldrom	15. Mike Brown

.
Subs: 16. Dave Ward 17. Max Lahiff 18. Lasha Tibadze 19. Pascal Pape 20. Liam Messam 21. Antoine Dupont 22. Kurtley Beale 23. Mathieu Basteraud

In greasy conditions we will be looking to play a possession based game, going through the phases. Look to make ground carrying close to the ruck and recycling quickly, with offloading and forward inter play to keep the ball off the ground and moving, preventing a ruck and defensive line being set. Burns will take the ball to the line and tempt the Sharks to jump out of the defensive line, creating holes for our back line to exploit.

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. Young will sweep in behind the defensive line to counter any chips/grubbers.

Specifics 

• Line-out: Nothing flash. Hit our front and middle jumpers and ensure that we secure our ball. We will also mix it up, shortening the line-out and using our back row as crash ball options off the top. On Sale ball put pressure on through Bird and Armand, who are athletic line-out jumpers. 
  
• Scrum: Get low and underneath their props and drive straight. Really test their props technical abilities rather than get in to a battle of strength.
  
• Breakdown: When we carry in, we will flood the breakdown rucking well past the ball to free it up quickly and go again. In defence, if we have made a passive tackle and the carrier has momentum we will not over commit, 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 slow up momentum, or turn over possession. Key for us is being selective, and only committing men to a winnable ruck. 
  
• Attacking Play: We will be looking to play a fast offloading game, with the ball shifted on to the support runner just prior to the point of the tackle with the defender already committed. However this will only be implemented within the opposition half. We will also utilise the pick and go, meaning their defensive line cannot blitz efficiently. We will then we will look to exploit the delay in their blitz that results. We will then look to shift the direction of play and pull their defenders out of position to create gaps. Young to also look to snipe around the fringes and keep us going forwards all the time.  
  
• Linking to our tactical kicking, but we only want to play rugby in the Sale half. Otherwise we look to gain territory with the tricky conditions, put pressure on the Sale wingers to clear there lines and put pressure on the Sharks set piece to regain possession. 
  
• Tactical Kicking:  If we kick, we will look to kick in behind their wingers and get them on the turn going back towards their own line, with our wingers on the kick chase to really target them defensively. Burns and Brown can take the ball to the line and kick in behind the defense, to get our wingers either on the end of the grubber, or pin back Bath. 
  

Tigers Attributes
Defensive Traits

• Blitz Defence: Your side is known for Blitz and excels at it
  
• Breakdown - Slowing up ball: The defenders can get over the ball to slow it up and prevent the attack from building momentum and allowing your defence to set. 
  

Attacking Traits

• Offloading in the tackle: Moving the point of attack preventing a defence to set and keeping play fluid.
  
• Breakdown - Clearing: Ensuring the possession is clean and quick with quick support to the breakdown
  

Just seen that CJ, no dramas mate.

I've swapped out Tui for Brad Davies as he's starting for the AB's this weekend.

I've swapped out Dixon for Murphy

Tactics be in by 11.

Nick - Parisse has been banned until mid-October after a red card, do you want to make the changes to your team?

Cheers Chris, I've amended for Nick, he doesn't get on too much.

PREDO'S OPEN

Just doing me predos.

CJB you have 3 English in starting lineup and Kerr Barlow is on AB bench

Assume debrebic is not EQ?

Predict as normal. Bath will receive punishment from infringements afterwards.

Do we not offer CJB the chance to make a change from his bench ?

Think it's just a one point deduction

Just been informed that Lambie played yesterday....damn!

Do people predict as if he's ok and punish after or predo like he's not there?

Personally I discard
The player and look
At who you have on
The bench. Essentially you get marked
Down a bit for not having bench cover but have a player on pitch if you get my drift ?

Think that's fairest ?

Yea I get it.

I'm not sure if Flux wants us to predo as normal then scores will be deducted at the end, that's my take on it anyway.

Think that's what he said a couple weeks ago Pooly, I'll be doing that when I do predos

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Yea I get it.

I'm not sure if Flux wants us to predo as normal then scores will be deducted at the end, that's my take on it anyway.

If a player is ineligible then you would forfit the game in real life but in real life you would not pick someone who was picked for another side therefore i am always sympathetic and mark as if you are light a player on Bench and sub in the player who
Would replace lambie.

Can't take in to account lambie's merits in the team if he is not meant to be playing.

Up to Flux how he wants to deal with it I guess.

Does what I say make sense ?

I would assume Tom taylor is 10 for you and you are one light on bench.

South Africa side was only announced Thursday evening and no one expected Coetzee to go conservative and pick steyn and lambie after so little rugby. You were unlucky re lambie which is why I will mark your side sympathetically.

Ab side named Tuesday so would be less sympathetic if you had an AB in your side

Lambie and steyn better 10s than jantjes and both went well yesterday. Steyn was excellent he loves loftus versfeld and is the master there

Yes it makes sense but it's up to Flux how he wants to do it. He's suggested to predo as normal (with Lambie involved) and punish in the scores.

Up to Flux, as I said.

A match point deduction and a league point deduction will be incurred. 

The difference with the last time was that it was spotted when most predictions were already in. There is no hard and fast rule for how to deal with this, as the rules state just a points deduction. Therefore I wouldn't mind some thoughts on how we can solve the issue of, whether to exclude the player or count them. 

In my view I agree with Matt's method is the way to go, but include the point deductions as the punishment/deterrent.

When are predos open till?

I think points deduction is the fairest way, be it league/match points

Mistakes are picked up on at different times over the weekend, so you could have the majority of predos in by the time someone realises there's been an error

Closed now mate, I'll get results in when possible

So if I was to send them in the next 15 mins ...

Go on then

Done

Bristol 24 - 24 Saracens

Tactically, CJ has approached this well and his attributes suit the system well and his side looks strong with a nice balance to it. Saracens, as usual, are physical and set up to use this to dominate the game from a physical perspective. At home and very well set out, Bristol can take a draw from the stronger XV of Saracens.

Bristol 21-23 Saracens
The front five goes to Sarries. Bristol have the better back row. Spencer a weakness in the half backs here. The outside backs of Sarries are more impressive to me and even away they have enough to win.

Bristol 25 - 24 Saracens
Home advantage and Lambie playing at fb for SA this weekend see Bristol get a big win as Sarries lose a key player, but Sarries looking very strong and would have won by a few points if they had a full set of players, some great ball carrying options and a really well balanced backline - North looks like he's returned to some good form as well. Bristol's tactics are spot on and having some good players like Spencer and Gopperth in very good form.

(I'm not sure what there rules are these days with regards to having a player named in a RC team and also in this game, if I have it wrong then Saracens win by 4-5 points, but I think it is a case of losing that player from match day squad, as it happened to me twice last year).

Bristol Rugby 23 - 22 Saracens

A solid contest up front between these two packs of forwards. Sarries strong in the scrum, but elsewhere the battle for supremacy is hotly contested. The line out is an even contest with Bristol getting and an upper-hand in the mauls, where it suites their game plan more. Sarries are much more dangerous with ball in hand, and on the deck, but I can see Bristol negating the potential of Saracens turning over the possession with how CJ has them set up.
Out wide, Lealifiano will struggle for any form, as much as Lambie, however again I like how CJ has set his side up with two play-makers in the midfield to get the ball wide when they can, or to push play into the Sarries half. The Sarries back three is one of the most dangerous in the league and will cause the Bristol defence some real issues.
Saracens have some star players and a real threat, but lack just a little organisation for me (regarding tactics), and for that Bristol are more together and will secure a hard fought victory at home.


Bristol 19 - 22 Saracens

Bristol pack competes well, but this Saracens just have a bit more quality at each level, with the front row in particular really putting the pressure on. Sarries halfbacks not the best, but work well with their gameplan, and don't think Bristol's have the quality edge either. Sarries backs to get one more score than Bristol, and come away with the win

Bristol Vs Saracens 22-24

Bristol getting better but still lack a bit of quality. Think the packs even out. Dusatoir struggling at Toulouse but still a big game player. Lambie missing is a big miss but in key positions and in crunch players like guirado come to fore.

Hogg the biggest threat and think Bristol need a bit of magic in backs to win. Leilofano rumoured to be quitting due to leukaemia so hard to rate and always a shaky ten. Saracens squeak it

Saints 27 - 21 Chiefs

Close set piece battle with both teams securing own lineout and both THs having an advantage
Not sure about Shields at 8, would swap him and Ewers, but Chiefs have a decent backrow. The Saints backrow is nearly perfect though.
All halfbacks in good form, but Saints' ones better at keeping up a high tempo game
Saints also have more class in the backs and with Halfpenny taking the kicking pressure off of Ford and the home advantage, Saints come out on top

Northampton 23 - 22 Exeter

Man for man, there isn't a lot between the sides though I expect Saints to control possession and territory at home and with Ford playing well. He doesn't have the usual quality of backs outside him and will face a solid Chiefs defence. Up front I think Exeter are probably stronger but not a lot in it and feel Saints nick this late.

Northampton 27-20 Exeter
Not much in it but give the edge to the Exeter front five. Similar in the back row as Northampton gave the slight edge. Northampton are better throughout the backs and with the ball they get - can dominate.

Northampton 21-20 Exeter

I can see Exeter getting some joy at the set piece with the Saints props not the strongest and no real line out leader for the home side. Saints 6/8 on top but both 7's lack form, Saints take the backrow though. One a piece in the halfbacks but the Chiefs combo just a touch stronger. Very little in the centres and backs, real tight game


Northampton Saints 28 - 24 Exeter Chiefs
Saints will get on top after a tough half hour from the Chiefs. Chiefs just lack a little form at the minute, but will start hard but slowly dissipate. The form of one or two players is which affects this. Saints, are in strong form as of late in the league and their forward will create a solid platform for their back-line. Auterac may struggle up against Big Ben in a few scrums but otherwise, both set pieces are reasonably solid. Ford on front ball, as we have seen as of late for Bath, is dangerous and allows him to push the Saints side around the pitch and create holes and put his runners into space. Laidlaw will help Chiefs gain control and execute their game plan, and with Lozoswki providing the flair, Exeter are a dangerous unit ball in hand. The power of the Saints bench and the relentless efficiency of Halfpenny's boot however will erode the Chiefs threat and solidify another win for the men of Northampton.

Saints 26 - 22 Exeter

Saints have been the best side during the RC period, and they'll go well again here. Exeter have a couple of new players bedding into the side in Laidlaw and Ewers, and think they need a bit more time to be up to speed with the gameplan, especially with Laidlaw being in such a crucial spot. Up against a very strong Saints side, I think Chiefs come up short against an excellent Saints backline who spark their side to the win

Northampton Saints v Exeter Chiefs 27-24

Exeter set out well and picked a strong side. Auterac looks a weak link.

Can see Exeter second row giving a lot of pens away. Not the most discipline:

Saints backrow wins this. They are comfortably better and off amount of ball will hurt Exeter.

Ewers and Coetzee not played for ages and makes a difference.

Saints centres do not work but having Murray etc to come on wins it.

Sale 23 - 20 Tigers

Big fan of the work of Tigers pack especially in defence, butSale have a sizeable advantage in scrum and lineout, off set to a degree by well thought out tactics from Fluxy. Breakdown is closemarmion r, and the battle between both backrows in carrying and tackling is fantastic.
High pace from both sides, helped by inform 10s. Think Tigers edge the centres and currently offer a lot in the back 3, though less flair than Sale. Ultimately Tigers look better than before but Sale are too tough with their pack. Love the Sale bench too

Sale 32 - 26 Leicester

Sale to strong for Leicester in this one though Leicester's side looks to be coming together but I expect them to really hit their stride following the return of their SH players. Sale are always well-balanced due to the nature of their squad and I think they get a TBP win in this one.

Sale 29-17 Tigers
Sale are stronger throughout the front five here. Prefer the back row of Sale and cannot see how Tigers cope at the breakdown. Tigers need to improve the half backs for me to compete and although the outside backs are stronger they just get no ball.

Sale 26-23 Leicester

The home side a little stronger in the front 5 and this allows a good platform to build on. Similar story in the backrow with Sale just having a touch more, I think Tigers need a genuine 7 to really contest here. Slight advantage in the Sale halfbacks but very even in the centres with Sale having the more threatening back 3.

Sale 22 - 18 Leicester Tigers
Eastmond makes a big difference and adds some spark to the Sale backline, which will let some of the big runners loose and make it harder fro Tiger defence to settle. Can see the big runners slowly tiring down the Tigers defence and grinding out a win there, really strong Sale pack.

Sale 27 - 20 Leicester

Sale have POM back, and although early days for his return, just gives them an even harder edge in the pack, and I struggle to see how the Leicester side can compete. Young really holds Leicester back, and I can't see how the Leicester backline can get much going on the backfoot with such poor service from 9. Sale win this easily at home

Sale Sharks v Leicester Tigers 26-22

Sale take front 5 with moli a year or 2 away from this level.

Sale full of experience in pack and at home have too much.

Marmion a big weakness as is eastmond but have enough to win. Leicester have good form players like Waldron and armand and will make it difficult but big name players and experience take it for sale

Gloucester 23 - 23 Bath

With Gloucester weak at hooker in terms of scrummaging, I think Bath can get an edge there, esp with Skelton pushing behind. Think Bath had a better second row too, and EBA adds a lot to their breakdown too which is important with Gloucester edging the backrow right now. Biggest advantage for Gloucester is at 9-10 and Finn though a strong 10 is not a 12 for me and Toomua will trouble him. Both sides good in attack bt not necessarily defence outwide. Think Bath have a better forward pack. Gloucester looking to control the game through territory and Bath mixing up their attack with a lot of playmaking - interesting battle. I'm calling a draw

Gloucester 26 - 23 Bath

Not sure at all about the Bath 10-12 axis and it hurts them against the proven quality of Carter and Toomua who will run the show here. Packs are pretty even with a possible edge to Bath but I at home Gloucester take the spoils.
Gloucester 23-22 Bath

Set piece advantage for the away side with their props stronger and no real lineout leader for Gloucester. Very similar backrows but Bath just a bit more in each position, good contest and a bruising pack battle. Past that it's mostly Gloucester. May struggling for form hold them back a bit but a real tight affair.

Gloucester 27 - 25 Bath
Not sure on EQ rule here? Assume just predict on game, the setpiece could be a little untidy for the homeside with Grey, but weather conditions allow them to get away with that. Really like the 8, 9, 10 and 12 combination of Gloucester, whilst I haven't seen Russell play as a no12 before, so see more control and ability for the home side to release their back three and Davies is in really good form of late.

Gloucester Rugby 25 - 23 Bath Rugby
The West Country derby, this is an interesting encounter between these two sides, who are both affected by the RC. Up front, both are quite solid, with both forward packs filled with dynamic carrying and hard workers. Bath have a little more in the tight carrying department, but that is not to say Glaws do not have carriers. The Bath back line is set up well, but Debrenczeni, did not finish the season in best of form, and shunting Russell out of the 10 shirt will be a bit of a change for Bath midfield. There is a good threat from the Bath back three however, and when in space or counter attacking they will cause the Cherry & Whites defence issues. Gloucester do have some players in good form however, with Scott, Davies and Amos all playing well as of late. Not to mention Carter also pulling strings with territory and attack. A close one in the end, the Bath bench is a good momentum changer, however Gloucester just do enough to keep the away side at bay.


Gloucester 26 - 24 Bath

The Gloucester front 5 looks all wrong to me, the hooker and Dickinson look massive weaknesses up against a Bath front 5 full of internationals. Back row battle more even, but Glos far stronger in the backs, with an excellent half back combo and Bath playing Russell out of position at 12 and a rookie at 10. Glos play off the back foot but have enough in their backs to win against a disjointed Bath side

Wasps 20 - 25 Quins

Quins have an advantage in the front row and have a superb carrying and work across the pack, with everyone bar Webber a strong carrier. Wasps have a better lineout but Quins the better backrow. Not the biggest fan of Hernandez at 10 but think his combo with Youngs is better than Wasps', and he can use his vision to bring the very strong centres outside him into play. Not much in the way of tactics to look at , and strong centres and back 3 players on each side. Wasps have a better forward sub bench and Quins backs sub bench. Quins immense pack in the loose and backs to take advantage lead to a strong win

Wasps 18-24 Quins
Not much in the teams. Maybe just give it to the Quins but home advantage counts against them. No tactics from Drivers harms them.

Wasps 19-25 Harlequins

Wasps lack of tactics hinders them again, Quins with more direction and control.

Wasps 22 - 25 Harlequins
No tactics from the home side costs them a game they would have won at home with the team they put out.

Wasps 20 - 26 Harlequins
Quins are much improved form in comparison to their opposition, who are rotated this week. This affects their structures and will prevent them from being in full flow. The quick tempo desired from the Wasps back line will come in fits, and allow them to get the ball in the hands of the guys that will do damage. Although the structured play of the Quins attack will mean that Wasps will get little opportunity to attack ball in hand and from where they would like to attack. Quins just have too much in attack for the Wasps this time out.

Wasps 20 - 27 Quins

Lack of tactics makes this difficult for Wasps, and they have some real weaknesses in their pack with Owen, Carr and Snyman as starters up against a top drawer Quins pack. Quins far more dangerous than their limited opposition in the backlines, and they'll win this one comfortably on the road

Wasps v Harlequins 21-22

Tough game. Quins front 5 take it for me. They win enough ball and are abrasive. The extra experience and big name players in back row help.

Really close and wasps look hard to beat. However the class is with Quins and they win

Warriors 36 - 37 Falcons

Even match at the scrum, lineout and breakdown in very even packs. Warriors probably add more to their overall gameplan, with Morgan and Nakawara integral to their approach. Very even at halfback too with similar pairings and the same in the centres with a power centre a piece! The biggest difference is in the approach, working phases vs offloads, and which of Piutau and Naholo adds a greater attacking point of difference. On form, it's Piutau and Falcons just edge a thriller

Worcester 21 - 20 Newcastle

Worcester tough to beat at home and I like the balance of their side here. Newcastle's pack lacks a few SH stars which hurts them. Both set out well tactically and with attributes. Good home win for Warriors.
Worcester 24-24 Newcastle
Prefer the front five of Newcastle here. The back row of Worcester is stronger and an obvious area Newcastle should improve. I prefer the Newcastle half backs. Hardly anything in the half backs. At home and with a strong bench, Worcester pinch a draw


Worcester 26-25 Falcons

Good up front contest with the very little in the scrum contest, although I can see Falcons getting ahead in the lineout. Wuss a step up in the backrow with Falcons struggling a bit with that trio. Cracking halfback and backs contest, this one will go right to the wire.

Worcester 30 - 28 Newcastle Falcons
Best game of the round, conditions really work for the home side and they have one of the most exciting backlines around and just see them edging a very attack minded game. Humpreys is in great form for Worcester, whilst like the look of their no13 as well. Now that Clark is back for Falcons will be a big boost, but just prefer the home side backline threat.

Worcester Warriors 24 - 24 Newcastle Falcons
Tight battle up front, between two organised front fives, who both look to play tight, before looking to ship the ball wide too early. The battle of the breakdown is even, with Warburton causing a nuisance of himself but the collective Falcons back-row will work well as a unit at the ruck area. A touch more heavy duty carrying for Warriors, Falcons have some good ball carriers, but lack the size and number of the Wuss boys. The battle of two form fly halves is an enticing one and they way they combine with their back lines to get them on the front foot and in the right areas of the field. Falcons play of two receivers will stretch the Warriors defence, and they are also right to target Humphreys, who will not be up to full speed in a new side. A tight game in the end, that will result in a draw.


Wuss have a big pack and a mis match in backrow. Can see them swarming Falcons who have better backs.

Campagnaro a weakness as does not play at Exeter.

Newcastle have pace and power out wide and great half backs but can't see them getting enough ball.

Think wuss backrow will get on top of Webb who is let down from his backrow

Oo close one prop! Can't wait for the ruddy RC to be over

Ah, I thought I would have least managed the LBP 

Well won, Pooly. Don't know what I'm going to do about the Lealiifano situation...