Gallagher Prem - Round 5

Friday
Newcastle v Wasps 19.45 -

Saturday
Bristol v Northampton - 15.00
Exeter v Worcester - 15.00
Gloucester v Quins - 15.00
Saracens v Bath - 15.00

Sunday
Leicester v Sale - 15.00

Newcastle Falcons team to face Wasps (Friday, 7.45pm, Kingston Park Stadium)

15 Simon Hammersley
14 Vereniki Goneva
13 Chris Harris
12 Johnny Williams
11 Sinoti Sinoti
10 Toby Flood
9 Sonatane Takulua

1 Adam Brocklebank
2 George McGuigan
3 Logovi'i Mulipola
4 Calum Green
5 Tevita Cavubati
6 Gary Graham
7 Will Welch (captain)
8 Mark Wilson

Replacements
16 Santiago Socino
17 Sami Mavinga
18 Paul Mullen
19 Will Witty
20 Callum Chick
21 Sam Stuart
22 Joel Hodgson
23 Tom Penny

Wasps team to face Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park on Friday September 28 (7:45pm kick off)

15 Rob Miller
14 Marcus Watson
13 Juan De Jongh
12 Michael Le Bourgeois
11 Josh Bassett
10 Lima Sopoaga
9 Joe Simpson

1 Zurabi Zhvania
2 Tom Cruse
3 Will Stuart
4 Will Rowlands
5 James Gaskell
6 Ashley Johnson (c)
7 Ben Morris
8 Nizaam Carr

Replacements
16 Tommy Taylor
17 Ben Harris
18 Kieran Brookes
19 Kearnan Myall
20 Nathan Hughes
21 Dan Robson
22 Billy Searle
23 Elliot Daly

Am I allowed to say I fancy our chances tomorrow night?

GeordieFalcon wrote:Am I allowed to say I fancy our chances tomorrow night?

Wasps bench looks strong, but in general yeah you have a good chance.

PS Who is 23 for Falcons?

LondonTiger wrote:PS Who is 23 for Falcons?

Tom Penny - from the Newcastle thread

lostinwales wrote:

LondonTiger wrote:PS Who is 23 for Falcons?

Tom Penny -  from the Newcastle thread

Interestingly that does not leave me much the wiser - but thanks.

GeordieFalcon wrote:Wasps team to face Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park on Friday September 28 (7:45pm kick off)

15 Rob Miller
14 Marcus Watson
13 Juan De Jongh
12 Michael Le Bourgeois
11 Josh Bassett
10 Lima Sopoaga
9 Joe Simpson

1 Zurabi Zhvania
2 Tom Cruse
3 Will Stuart
4 Will Rowlands
5 James Gaskell
6 Ashley Johnson (c)
7 Ben Morris
8 Nizaam Carr

Replacements
16 Tommy Taylor
17 Ben Harris
18 Kieran Brookes
19 Kearnan Myall
20 Nathan Hughes
21 Dan Robson
22 Billy Searle
23 Elliot Daly

Big amount of rotation for Wasps with all England players rested, makes senses with the 6 day turnaround. Big ask but doable if we stay in the game as that bench will do some damage.

Christian Wade seems to have really fallen out of favour. While he played last week, as a late change for Watson, he did look short of confidence and a shadow of his former self.

LondonTiger wrote:

lostinwales wrote:

LondonTiger wrote:PS Who is 23 for Falcons?

Tom Penny -  from the Newcastle thread

Interestingly that does not leave me much the wiser - but thanks.

Young lad, in the centre / Fb. A strong defender, and pacy. Another who's creating a lot of talk.

LondonTiger wrote:Christian Wade seems to have really fallen out of favour. While he played last week, as a late change for Watson, he did look short of confidence and a shadow of his former self.

That's a shame to hear. He's a delight to watch when on form

yappysnap wrote:

LondonTiger wrote:Christian Wade seems to have really fallen out of favour. While he played last week, as a late change for Watson, he did look short of confidence and a shadow of his former self.

That's a shame to hear. He's a delight to watch when on form

Watson was ill overnight and Wadey got a call at 7am that day asking him to play. He didn’t look himself & I would put that down to the last minute decision to play him.
He gets this week off instead. We want our best players ready for Glaws & Europe.

Will he be first choice for Europe BigTrev?

Wasps rest their England players with the local press saying they came back too tired to train. Falcons select Wilson, though in an interview with the Times he talks about how tough England training is and if it was replicated throughout the season at clubs, players would break pretty quickly.

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

yappysnap wrote:

LondonTiger wrote:Christian Wade seems to have really fallen out of favour. While he played last week, as a late change for Watson, he did look short of confidence and a shadow of his former self.

That's a shame to hear. He's a delight to watch when on form

Watson was ill overnight and Wadey got a call at 7am that day asking him to play. He didn’t look himself & I would put that down to the last minute decision to play him.
He gets this week off instead. We want our best players ready for Glaws & Europe.

I will gloat with glee if we win after that arrogant comment...

LondonTiger wrote:Wasps rest their England players with the local press saying they came back too tired to train. Falcons select Wilson, though in an interview with the Times he talks about how tough England training is and if it was replicated throughout the season at clubs, players would break pretty quickly.

If Mark Wilson is feeling it, then its tough training.

Im really not sure what Eddie Jones is trying to achieve with this constant insanity in training.

GeordieFalcon wrote:

LondonTiger wrote:Wasps rest their England players with the local press saying they came back too tired to train. Falcons select Wilson, though in an interview with the Times he talks about how tough England training is and if it was replicated throughout the season at clubs, players would break pretty quickly.

If Mark Wilson is feeling it, then its tough training.

Im really not sure what Eddie Jones is trying to achieve with this constant insanity in training.

I would have thought that what should happen is that almost all conditioning work would be done back with the player's own clubs, so that the training sessions will focus on integration (and to an extent skills).

Eddie feels some or all of the following
- That the players are not fit enough coming from the clubs
- That he wants training to equal or exceed test match intensity, so that the players will be more hardened to that intensity
- That an 'ordeal by fire' will help to pull the team together

I can see the point but there is obviously a cost in 'attrition' - which is OK when you get bumps and bruises but not OK when you get career ending injuries. I also think it is hard to find the right line in all this, but would have thought that it is not easy to both run the players into the ground to improve their conditioning and to teach them the finer points of coordinated team play at the same time.

By all accounts Mark wasn't complaining that it was too intense...in fact he was saying it NEEDS to be intense.

Maybe the players don't mind it as well think they do?

Oh Wilson was not complaining (and in someways was suggesting it was to be expected as the players try and outdo each other), but was pointing out you cannot sustain that level for very long.

GeordieFalcon wrote:By all accounts Mark wasn't complaining that it was too intense...in fact he was saying it NEEDS to be intense.

Maybe the players don't mind it as well think they do?

True as well, but then with the adrenaline flowing they don't always know what is best for themselves either. It is not easy.

Yeah I'd take those comments with a pinch of salt, no one wants to publicly admit that they struggled or that they don't want to be in that environment. I doubt Eddie would look on that very favourably

Almost home wins all round, but I can see Saints winning at Bristol. Clearly Ashton Gate is a tougher place to play than it once was, but there is a large argument that their two wins came down to Bath and Quins ineptitude rather than Bristol's fine play. I think Saints' pack will come to the fore in the 2nd half.

It'll be interesting to see how Glaws react to last week. Frankly, Sarries were amazing and there are times when you just have to applaud their intensity. Nevertheless, I'm expect a few players with some bruised egos to make amends tomorrow against Quins.

For me, Saints and Sale have the best chances of an away win.

Tigers Team:

Olowefela, Thompstone, Owen, Eastmond, May, Ford (G), White, Bateman, Youngs, Cole, Williams, Kitchener, Denton, Thompson, Kalamafoni

Reps: McMillan, Feao, Heyes, Wells, Mapapalangi, Youngs, Hardwicke, Holmes


Manu and Stevens miss out after knocks received last week joining an injury list that includes Veainu, Harrison, Simmons, Genge, Fitzgerals, O'Connor and Evans.

Spencer banned

Toomua, Polata-Nau and Cortes on international duty.

Bristol Bears team to face Northampton Saints at Ashton Gate on Saturday, September 29th (3pm KO):

15. Piers O’Conor; 14. Luke Morahan, 13. Will Hurrell, 12. Siale Piutau, 11. Alapati Leiua; 10. Ian Madigan, 9. Andy Uren; 1. Yann Thomas, 2. Harry Thacker, 3. John Afoa, 4. Ed Holmes, 5. Joe Latta, 6. Steve Luatua (c), 7. George Smith, 8. Jack Lam.

Replacements: 16. Nick Fenton-Wells, 17. Jake Woolmore, 18. Jake Armstrong, 19. Joe Joyce, 20. Nick Haining, 21. Nic Stirzaker, 22. Callum Sheedy, 23. Zane Kirchner.

Unavailable: Shaun Malton (neck), Tom Lindsay (neck), Sione Faletau (calf), Lewis Thiede (knee), Aly Muldowney (neck), Chris Vui (groin), John Hawkins (thumb), Jordan Crane (hamstring), Harry Randall (knee), Tiff Eden (shoulder), Jack Tovey (knee), Mat Protheroe (knee), Charles Piutau (shoulder), Luke Daniels (hamstring).

Saints:

15 Ahsee Tuala
14 Tom Collins
13 Luther Burrell
12 Piers Francis
11 Taqele Naiyaravoro
10 Dan Biggar
9 Cobus Reinach

1 Alex Waller (co-captain)
2 Dylan Hartley (co-captain)
3 Ehren Painter
4 David Ribbans
5 Courtney Lawes
6 Jamie Gibson
7 Lewis Ludlam
8 Teimana Harrison

Replacements:
16 Mike Haywood
17 Francois Van Wyk
18 Ben Franks
19 Api Ratuniyarawa
20 Mitch Eadie
21 Alex Mitchell
22 Andrew Kellaway
23 Harry Mallinder

Not available for selection:
Dom Barrow (hamstring), Alex Coles (knee), James Craig (concussion), Paul Hill (shoulder), Rory Hutchinson (knee), Toby Trinder (foot), Ken Pisi (shoulder), Heinrich Brüssow (concussion), James Haskell (ankle), Nafi Tuitavake (neck), and Andy Symons (knee).

Gloucester Rugby:

Tom Hudson; 14. Charlie Sharples, 13. Henry Trinder, 12. Mark Atkinson, 11. Matt Banahan; 10. Danny Cipriani, 9. Ben Vellacott; 1. Josh Hohneck, 2. James Hanson, 3. Fraser Balmain; 4. Ed Slater (capt), 5. Gerbrandt Grobler; 6. Jake Polledri, 7. Lewis Ludlow, 8. Ben Morgan


Replacements:

Franco Marais, 17. Alex Seville, 18. Ciaran Knight, 19. Freddie Clarke, 20. Gareth Evans, 21. Callum Braley, 22. Billy Twelvetrees, 23. Jason Woodward


Unavailable for selection:

Ruan Ackermann, Gareth Denman, Ruan Dreyer, Willi Heinz, Jaco Kriel, Tom Marshall, Paddy McAllister, Henry Purdy, Val Rapava Ruskin, Tom Savage, Ollie Thorley

With 36 on the bench I assume Cipriani will take the goal kicks.

Harlequins team to play Gloucester (Harlequins appearances)
15. Mike Brown (298)
14. Nathan Earle (4)
13. Joe Marchant (60)
12. Ben Tapuai (4)
11. Tim Visser (61)
10. James Lang (26)
9. Danny Care (248)

1. Joe Marler (171)
2. Max Crumpton (2)
3. Kyle Sinckler (123)
4. Matt Symons (4)
5. James Horwill (Co-Captain, 55)
6. Renaldo Bothma (10)
7. Chris Robshaw (Co-Captain, 260)
8. James Chisholm (59)

Game Changers
16. Dave Ward (145)
17. Lewis Boyce (15)
18. Will Collier (129)
19. Stan South (20)
20. Semi Kunatani (-)
21. Charlie Mulchrone (22)
22. Marcus Smith (32)
23. Aaron Morris (21)

Not considered for selection
Rob Buchanan
Demetri Catrakilis
Jack Clifford
Josh Ibuanokpe
Josh McNulty
Francis Saili
Paul Lasike
Nick Auterac
Phil Swainston
Niall Saunders

CHIEFS SIDE TO FACE WORCESTER WARRIORS

15 Santiago Cordero
14 Jack Nowell
13 Ian Whitten
12 Ollie Devoto
11 Alex Cuthbert
10 Gareth Steenson
9 Jack Maunder
1 Alec Hepburn
2 Jack Yeandle (capt)
3 Tomas Francis
4 Dave Dennis
5 Jonny Hill
6 Dave Ewers
7 Matt Kvesic
8 Sam Simmonds

16 Elvis Taione
17 Ben Moon
18 Harry Williams
19 Ollie Atkins
20 Sean Lonsdale
21 Stu Townsend
22 Joe Simmonds
23 Sam Hill

Warriors
15 Chris Pennell
14 Perry Humphreys
13 Ashley Beck
12 Ryan Mills
11 Josh Adams
10 Jono Lance
9 Francois Hougaard
1 Callum Black
2 Jack Singleton
3 Gareth Milasinovich
4 Anton Bresler
5 Darren Barry
6 Ted Hill
7 Marco Mama
8 GJ van Velze (C)

Replacements
16 Joe Taufete’e
17 Ryan Bower
18 Simon Kerrod
19 Andrew Kitchener
20 Matt Cox
21 Michael Heaney
22 Duncan Weir
23 Ollie Lawrence

Saracens team to face Bath at Allianz Park on Saturday 28th September (15H00 KO):
FORWARDS: Mako Vunipola (148), Jamie George (200), Titi Lamositele (55), Maro Itoje (98), George Kruis (161), Nick Isiekwe (39), Jackson Wray (203), Billy Vunipola (87).

BACKS: Alex Goode (265). Liam Williams (19), Alex Lozowski (64), Brad Barritt (227), Sean Maitland (45), Owen Farrell (177), Richard Wigglesworth (214).

REPLACEMENTS: Christopher Tolofua (21), Richard Barrington (140), Christian Judge (0), Will Skelton (29), Schalk Burger (52), Ben Spencer (135), Nick Tompkins (73), Alex Lewington (3).

Bath Rugby team to face Saracens

15. Darren Atkins
14. Semesa Rokoduguni
13. Max Clark
12. Max Wright
11. Tom Homer
10. Rhys Priestland
9. Chris Cook
1. Jacques van Rooyen
2. Jack Walker
3. Anthony Perenise
4. Charlie Ewels (c)
5. Elliott Stooke
6. Josh Bayliss
7. Francois Louw
8. Paul Grant

Replacements
16. Michael van Vuuren
17. Lucas Noguera
18. Victor Delmas
19. Levi Douglas
20. Miles Reid
21. Max Green
22. Freddie Burns
23. Jackson Willison


Bath selection looks like they are conceding the game.

Is Slade rested for Chiefs or injured?
Good to see Billy V back again for Sarries.
Brown back playing for Quins.

Slade probably rested after being at England camp

There we go, Manu out with a knock. I'm shook.

Good Quins team. Good to see Horwill and Bothma back in the pack and Brown at 15. I'm pretty confident for this game, bit then I was the last two weeks so, who knows?

yappysnap wrote:There we go, Manu out with a knock. I'm shook.

From Murphy's interview the other day I got the impression that they could have patched him up to play but they had planned to rest him at some point anyway and this was a good time to do it. I suspect Ben Youngs is only on the bench because Harrison hasn't passed the HIA protocol and will play a minimal amount.

Given the crazy nature of Jones training sessions it's probably for the best Manu didn't go.

Falcons unlucky there - the scrum that led to the try should really have been a penalty for Falcons as the ball was dislodged by a Wasps player on the ground knocking the ball out of the Falcons players' hands ....

Nice try - great play by Sinoti ...

This ref needs to up his game - nearly gave a drop out instead of a try (albeit Wasps shouldn't have been in that position in the first place) and then nearly gave a try when the ball was dropped ... for once the assistants are doing their jobs by stepping in.

This is end to end stuff - there are going to be some knackered players out there.

Not sure how there was no PT there - maul clearly looked pulled down as they were steaming over the line ...

Massive let-off for Wasps there

Finally the pressure tells

Heaf wrote:Not sure how there was no PT there - maul clearly looked pulled down as they were steaming over the line ...

Yeah it looked odd the way the Falcons rolling maul crumpled twice just before the try line.

We should be well ahead.

I'll not mention the ref today..oops. he's actually been ok to be honest. Better than the last two whos been here.

I can see wasps winning this in the second half and us rueing our chances on the first!

Heaf wrote:This ref needs to up his game - nearly gave a drop out instead of a try (albeit Wasps shouldn't have been in that position in the first place) and then nearly gave a try when the ball was dropped ... for once the assistants are doing their jobs by stepping in.

Thought the Wasps 12 regathered it before it but the ground.

GeordieFalcon wrote:We should be well ahead.

I'll not mention the ref today..oops. he's actually been ok to be honest. Better than the last two whos been here.

I can see wasps winning this in the second half and us rueing our chances on the first!

Dickson has missed things for both sides I feel. But that is to be expected.