Premiership Rugby Cup

by formerly known as Sam Wed 18 Sep 2019, 2:56 pm

Kicks off this weekend.

Games:

www.premiershiprugby.com/fixtures/premiershiprugbycup

Sale are taking it seriously;

Sale Sharks Starting XV: 15. Simon Hammersley, 14. Denny Solomona, 13. Sam James, 12. Rohan Janse Van Rensburg, 11. Chris Ashton, 10. Rob du Preez, 9. Gus Warr; 1. Ross Harrison, 2. Rob Webber, 3. Jake Cooper-Woolley, 4. Josh Beaumont (Captain), 5. James Phillips, 6. Jean-Luc du Preez, 7. Ben Curry, 8. Daniel du Preez.

Replacements:16. Akker van der Merwe, 17. Bevan Rodd, 18. Will-Griff John, 19. Bryn Evans, 20. Matt Postlethwaite, 21. Embrose Papier, 22. Luke James, 23. Byron McGuigan

Be interesting to see how each team approaches the new season. I think Tigers are likely to name a more development side for the first round.

by **LondonTiger** Wed 18 Sep 2019, 3:08 pm

I hope we use this to get the team right for Worcester on 19th October. That is indeed a strong Sale side.

by **LondonTiger** Wed 18 Sep 2019, 3:13 pm

Friday 20 September
Harlequins v Bristol Bears (Twickenham Stoop, 7.45) – Live on BT Sport
Referee: Ian Tempest
Assistant referees: Paul Dix and Simon McConnell
TMO: Sean Davey
Saturday 21 September
Wasps v Saracens (Ricoh Arena, 13.00)
Referee: Jack Makepeace
Assistant Referees: John Meredith and Wayne Falla
Exeter Chiefs v Bath Rugby (Sandy Park, 15.00) – Live on BT Sport
Referee: Adam Leal
Assistant Referees: Paul Dix and Shane Lewis
TMO: David Rose
Gloucester Rugby v London Irish (Kingsholm, 15.00)
Referee: Anthony Woodthorpe
Assistant Referees: JP Doyle and Peter Allan
Sale Sharks v Northampton Saints (AJ Bell Stadium, 15.00)
Referee: Andrew Jackson
Assistant Referees: Tim Wigglesworth and Steve Lee
Worcester Warriors v Leicester Tigers (Sixways, 15.00)
Referee: Christophe Ridley
Assistant Referees: Rob Warburton and Lionel Spooner

by **LondonTiger** Wed 18 Sep 2019, 3:14 pm

Quite a lot of officials there new to me. Feel a bit for Paul Dix, running the line on Friday night at the Stoop then again Saturday afternoon at Exeter.

by formerly known as Sam Wed 18 Sep 2019, 3:57 pm

Nice 4 to 5 hour drive Saturday morning.

Personally I hope we experiment in the away games and look to get the first team (or near as) out at home. Need to get everyone some game time but Welford Road needs to be made a fortress again so every game there has to be taken very seriously.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 19 Sep 2019, 3:32 pm

Quins team up:

Harlequins Starting XV:
1 Nick Auterac (11 App.)
2 Max Crumpton (18 App) CAPTAIN
3 Phil Swainston (23 App.)
4 Glen Young (Debut)
5 Dino Lamb (16 App.)
6 Tom Lawday (Debut)
7 Will Evans (Debut)
8 James Chisholm (73 App.)
9 Niall Saunders (7 App.)
10 Brett Herron (Debut)
11 Gabriel Ibitoye (19 App.)
12 Ben Tapuai (22 App.)
13 Joe Marchant (80 App.)
14 Ross Chisholm (103 App.)
15 Aaron Morris (30 App.)

Game Changers:
16 Jack Musk (0 App.)
17 Santiago Garcia Botta (0 App.)
18 Simon Kerrod (0 App.)
19 Toby Freeman (0 App.)
20 Jack Clifford (98 App.)
21 Charlie Mulchrone (37 App.)
22 Francis Saili (24 App.)
23 Louis Lynagh (0 App.)

Not considered for selection:
Scott Baldwin
Renaldo Bothma
Mike Brown
Rob Buchanan
Danny Care
Will Collier
Alex Dombrandt
Nathan Earle
Elia Elia
Travis Ismaiel
Mark Lambert
James Lang
Stephan Lewies
Cadan Murley
Luke Northmore
Chris Robshaw
Marcus Smith
Matt Symons
Archie White

Rugby World Cup:
Michele Campagnaro
Tevita Cavubati
Vereniki Goneva
Semi Kunatani
Paul Lasike
Joe Marler
Kyle Sinckler

by formerly known as Sam Thu 19 Sep 2019, 3:33 pm

Bristol Bears team to face Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop on Friday, September 20th (7.45pm KO):

15. Mat Protheroe; 14. Tom Pincus, 13. Sam Bedlow, 12. Tiff Eden, 11. Toby Fricker; 10. Ian Madigan, 9. Harry Randall; 1. Yann Thomas, 2. Shaun Malton, 3. Max Lahiff, 4. Aly Muldowney, 5. Ed Holmes, 6. James Dun, 7. Jake Heenan (c), 8. Joe Batley.

Replacements: 16. Will Capon, 17. Ollie Dawe, 18. Nicky Thomas, 19. John Hawkins, 20. George Kloska, 21. Nic Stirzaker, 22. Harry Ascherl, 23. Jack Bates.

Could be a long old night for Bristol. Looks a bit of a mismatch.

by **LondonTiger** Thu 19 Sep 2019, 4:51 pm

With teh exception of the tight forwards on then bench for Quins, that does look very strong.

by Rinsure Fri 20 Sep 2019, 10:05 am

Wasps side for Sarries at the Ricoh is up:

15 Rob Miller (102)
14 Zach Kibirige (0)
13 Ross Neal (11)
12 Jimmy Gopperth (79)
11 Callum Sirker (1)
10 Jacob Umaga (7)
9 Dan Robson (c) (96)
1 Ben Harris (44)
2 Tommy Taylor (48)
3 Kieran Brookes (18)
4 Tim Cardall (3)
5 Charlie Matthews (13)
6 Thibaud Flament (0)
7 Ben Morris (19)
8 Alex Rieder (31)

Replacements

16 Gabriel Oghre (6)
17 Zurabi Zhvania (23)
18 Jack Owlett (0)
19 James Gaskell (108)
20 Sione Vailanu (0)
21 Sam Wolstenholme (0)
22 Michael Le Bourgeois (14)
23 Marcus Watson (29)

Numbers in brackets are starts for Wasps. Bit of a mix of experience and youth - looking forward to Kibirige and Sirker on the wings, and great to see Goppeth back, finally. Still got players out with injury, including Thomas Young, Lima Sopoaga, and Fekitoa, and some big guns to come back in the Willis boys as well.

by **LondonTiger** Fri 20 Sep 2019, 12:03 pm

Leicester Tigers Team (vs Worcester Warriors, Sixways Stadium, Saturday 3.00pm)

15 Freddie Steward
14 Sam Aspland-Robinson
13 Joe Thomas *
12 Tom Hardwick
11 Andy Forsyth
10 Sam Costelow *
9 Jack Van Poortvliet *
1 Facundo Gigena
2 Charlie Clare *
3 Gaston Cortes
4 George Martin *
5 Harry Wells (c)
6 Sam Lewis
7 Tommy Reffell
8 Ifereimi Boladau *

Replacements
16 Tatafu Polota-Nau
17 Keston Lines *
18 Joe Heyes
19 Cameron Jordan
20 Thom Smith
21 Jonny Law
22 Johnny McPhillips *
23 George Worth

by formerly known as Sam Fri 20 Sep 2019, 12:45 pm

Worcester Warriors: 15 Scott van Breda, 14 Perry Humphreys, 13 Ashley Beck, 12 Ryan Mills, 11 Dean Hammond, 10 Jono Lance, 9 Michael Heaney, 1 Ethan Waller, 2 Isaac Miller, 3 Conor Carey, 4 James Scott, 5 Graham Kitchener, 6 Ted Hill, 7 Caleb Montgomery, 8 GJ van Velze (C).

Replacements: 16 Beck Cutting, 17 Ryan Bower, 18 Farai Mudariki, 19 Michael Fatialofa, 20 Sam Lewis, 21 Gareth Simpson, 22 Jamie Shillcock, 23 Alex Hearle.

As usual Worcester name a strong team even though they know we won't. Could be a long day for the young lads.

by Geordie Fri 20 Sep 2019, 12:59 pm

All a little strange seeing the likes of Kibirige and Hammersley listed in different sides and us not in the prem.

Hopefully we'll come back stronger for our little sabatical.

by formerly known as Sam Fri 20 Sep 2019, 1:06 pm

LondonTiger wrote:Leicester Tigers Team (vs Worcester Warriors, Sixways Stadium, Saturday 3.00pm)

15 Freddie Steward
14 Sam Aspland-Robinson
13 Joe Thomas *
12 Tom Hardwick
11 Andy Forsyth
10 Sam Costelow *
9 Jack Van Poortvliet *
1 Facundo Gigena
2 Charlie Clare *
3 Gaston Cortes
4 George Martin *
5 Harry Wells (c)
6 Sam Lewis
7 Tommy Reffell
8 Ifereimi Boladau *

Replacements
16 Tatafu Polota-Nau
17 Keston Lines *
18 Joe Heyes
19 Cameron Jordan
20 Thom Smith
21 Jonny Law
22 Johnny McPhillips *
23 George Worth

Interested to hear how that back line goes. If they can hold their own in defence then that will give Geordie some nice options to choose from. I don't think we'll get much ball from our forwards other than first phase where our pack should hold out at scrum time and with three good jumpers cope at lineout. Round the park and in the contact area they might struggle.

George Martin and Freddie Steward have long been talked up as big lads with lots of talent, be interesting to hear how they cope at this level. Steward had a couple of fleeting chance last season. 10/12 is a partnership that will be watched closely as well both have played age grade in those positions and we could use the depth of they were to develop as hoped.

by WELL-PAST-IT Fri 20 Sep 2019, 3:57 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:Kicks off this weekend.

Games:

www.premiershiprugby.com/fixtures/premiershiprugbycup

Sale are taking it seriously;

Sale Sharks Starting XV: 15. Simon Hammersley, 14. Denny Solomona, 13. Sam James, 12. Rohan Janse Van Rensburg, 11. Chris Ashton, 10. Rob du Preez, 9. Gus Warr; 1. Ross Harrison, 2. Rob Webber, 3. Jake Cooper-Woolley, 4. Josh Beaumont (Captain), 5. James Phillips, 6. Jean-Luc du Preez, 7. Ben Curry, 8. Daniel du Preez.

Replacements:16. Akker van der Merwe, 17. Bevan Rodd, 18. Will-Griff John, 19. Bryn Evans, 20. Matt Postlethwaite, 21. Embrose Papier, 22. Luke James, 23. Byron McGuigan

Be interesting to see how each team approaches the new season. I think Tigers are likely to name a more development side for the first round.

Saints are putting their faith in youth, or should I say children:

15 Tommy Freeman
14 Ollie Sleightholme
13 Fraser Dingwall
12 Reuben Bird-Tulloch
11 Ryan OIowofela
10 James Grayson
9 Connor Tupai

1 Ben Franks
2 Michael van Vuuren
3 Paul Hill
4 Alex Coles
5 Lewis Bean
6 Tom Wood
7 Teimana Harrison (c)
8 Mitch Eadie

Replacements:
16 James Fish
17 Will Davis
18 Ehren Painter
19 Devante Onojaife
20 Tui Uru
21 Henry Taylor
22 Tommy Mathews
23 Fraser Strachan

Five debuts in the starting XV and three more on the bench.

The average age of that back line is under 20. It could all go very wrong, but if they live up to Boyd's belief, the future in not white, but Saintly white

by formerly known as Sam Fri 20 Sep 2019, 9:47 pm

I think Tigers backline is similar, only one there over the age of 22 is Forsyth who's a RWC loan cover player. Half back pairing might have just turned 19 though Costelow was benching with Wales under 20s at 18.

Tigers pack looks a mix. Wells (26), Gigena (25), Clare (27), Boladau (32) and Cortes (33) bring experience to help Martin (19 though he is a giant), Lewis (21), Reffell (20).

I think Saints and Tigers will change and field more experience for their home games. Might see a lot of that with teams putting strong teams at home and touring with more experimental selections. Great opportunities for young players to make a statement ahead of the new season.

by **LondonTiger** Fri 20 Sep 2019, 10:02 pm

Thought Evans looked good for Quins tonight Sad

by formerly known as Sam Sat 21 Sep 2019, 8:02 am

Doubt there's many Tigers fans surprised by that LT. Good to see him injury free and playing well. Nowhere near as much strapping on that knee as there was previously, hopefully that's sorted for him.

Quins backs looked to have lots of potency but they struggled to get them into space. Possibly a more composed flyhalf might deliver more.

by **LondonTiger** Sat 21 Sep 2019, 9:24 pm

Well, in the end we started another season with a thrashing. Not unsurprising but we have to see more next week.

by formerly known as Sam Sun 22 Sep 2019, 8:14 am

Not too concerned with the result. Our development/3rds took the game to them for the opening quarter and after that were just worn down by a team that beat our first team last season. I'd like to see something more like our first team at home against the Chiefs because home games need to be taken seriously to restore the fortress reputation.

by **LondonTiger** Fri 27 Sep 2019, 9:54 am

Leicester Tigers Team (vs Exeter Chiefs, Welford Road, Friday 7.45pm)

15 George Worth, 14 Jonah Holmes, 13 Andy Forsyth, 12 Kyle Eastmond, 11 Jordan Olowofela, 10 Noel Reid*, 9 Sam Harrison; 1 Greg Bateman, 2 Tom Youngs (c), 3 Joe Heyes, 4 Will Spencer, 5 Calum Green, 6 Hanro Liebenberg*, 7 Guy Thompson, 8 Jordan Coghlan*.

Replacements

16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Facundo Gigena, 18 Gaston Cortes, 19 Harry Wells, 20 Tommy Reffell; 21 Ben White, 22 Tom Hardwick, 23 Freddie Steward.

by Rinsure Fri 27 Sep 2019, 12:09 pm

Wasps team to play Saints at Franklin's Gardens on Sat:

Zhvania, Cruse, Alo, Cardall, Matthews, Shields (c), Carr, Vailanu; Wolstenholme, Umaga, Bassett, Le Bourgeois, Spink, Odogwu, Watson

Oghre, West, Toomaga-Allen, Flament, J Willis, Clement, Miller, James

Some unfamiliar names in there. Paolo Odogwu gets his first start since signing from Sale, and one of the big guns - Toomaga-Allen - will make his debut from the bench. Great to see Jack Willis back, fingers crossed he gets some minutes and comes through unscathed.

Wolstenholme at 9 for his first appearance since signing form Yorkshire, and Academy player Clement on the bench (following the news that both Vellacott and Porter are out for a bit). Dan Robson gets the weekend off, it would seem.

Interesting to see Marcus Watson deployed at fullback for (I think) the first time.

by WELL-PAST-IT Fri 27 Sep 2019, 2:50 pm

Saints team for Wasps:

15 Tom Collins, 14 Ollie Sleightholme, 13 Rory Hutchinson, 12 Andrew Symons, 11 Taqele Naiyaravoro, 10 James Grayson,9 Henry Taylor

1 Alex Waller (c), 2 James Fish, 3 Ehren Painter, 4 David Ribbans, 5 Lewis Bean, 6 Alex Coles, 7 Tom Wood, 8 Mitch Eadie

Replacements:
16 Michael van Vuuren, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Paul Hill, 19 JJ Tonks, 10 Teimana Harrison, 21 James Mitchell, 22 Fraser Dingwall
23 Ryan Olowofela

A more experienced if still young back line than the one that faced Sale.

by **LondonTiger** Sat 28 Sep 2019, 6:47 am

Well, that was pretty enjoyable. Only real downsides are that the scrum got manshamed and that was far from a strong Chiefs lineup.

Thought we looked confident in attack, and very strong in defence. Hope injury to Olowefela is not serious as he looked to have his mojo back. Guy Thomson was phenomenal and we destroyed their lineout.

by WELL-PAST-IT Sat 28 Sep 2019, 10:51 am

LT are Jordan and Ryan related? Olowofela that is.

by **LondonTiger** Sat 28 Sep 2019, 11:14 am

WELL-PAST-IT wrote:LT are Jordan and Ryan related? Olowofela that is.

Identical twins. Ryan left our academy to try 7s.

by formerly known as Sam Fri 04 Oct 2019, 12:04 pm

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BATH RUGBY
VS
LEICESTER TIGERS
5 October 2019 15:00 at Recreation Ground

Team news | Tigers away to Bath
4 October 2019 12:00 By Gary Sherrard

Nephi Leitigaga is in line for his first outing as a Leicester Tigers player

Adam Thompstone returns for his first game since the end of 2018 as Tigers go to Bath

Calum Green leads Tigers out for the Cup trip to The Recreation Ground

Nephi Leitigaga is in line for his first outing as a Leicester Tigers player

Adam Thompstone returns for his first game since the end of 2018 as Tigers go to Bath
1 / 3
Adam Thompstone returns from long-term injury and summer signing Nephi Leatigaga is in line for his Leicester Tigers debut in Saturday’s trip to face Bath Rugby in the Premiership Rugby Cup.

Experienced wing Thompstone, in his eighth season with Tigers, plays his first game of the year after recovery from a knee injury which ended his 2018/19 season early.

He is joined in the Tigers back three by Jonah Holmes and Jordan Olowofela, who both scored tries in last Friday’s Round 2 win over Exeter Chiefs at Welford Road.

George Worth and Joe Thomas team up at centre, with former England Under-20s internationals Tom Hardwick and Ben White at half-back after both appeared off the bench last week.

Tatafu Polota-Nau makes his first starting appearance of the campaign at hooker, with Harry Wells and Tommy Reffell returning to the starting pack.

Calum Green, who returned to the club this summer, leads out the team as captain.

Samoa international prop Leatigaga is included in the squad for the first time since his arrival from Biarritz in the summer and scrum-half Harry Simmons is also in line for his first appearance of the season after being named alongside fellow academy graduates Sam Costelow and Freddie Steward on the bench.

Tigers are back on home soil in Round 4 when Northampton Saints are the visitors to Welford Road in the opening derby day of the season. Tickets are on sale now from the Tigers ticket office. Book in person, by phoning 0116 319 8888 (option 2) or online.

Leicester Tigers (v Bath Rugby, away, Saturday 3.00pm)

15 Jonah Holmes
14 Adam Thompstone
13 Joe Thomas
12 George Worth
11 Jordan Olowofela
10 Tom Hardwick
09 Ben White

01 Greg Bateman
02 Tatafu Polota-Nau
03 Joe Heyes
04 Harry Wells
05 Calum Green (c)
06 Guy Thompson
07 Tommy Reffell
08 Jordan Coghlan

Replacements

16 Jake Kerr
17 Facundo Gigena
18 Nephi Leatigaga
19 Hanro Liebenberg
20 Ifereimi Boladau
21 Harry Simmons
22 Sam Costelow
23 Freddie Steward

Bit stronger than expected. Still not watched the recording of last week yet. Looks like some team experiments will take place like Liebenburg covering lock and Worth moving into the centres.

by Rinsure Fri 04 Oct 2019, 5:35 pm

Wasps team to face Sale Sharks this Saturday at the AJ Bell Stadium (3pm)

Wasps (First-team appearances)

15 Rob Miller (104)
14 Zach Kibirige (1)
13 Juan de Jongh (49)
12 Michael Le Bourgeois (16)
11 Paolo Odogwu (1)
10 Jacob Umaga (9)
9 Sam Wolstenholme (2)
1 Ben Harris (45)
2 Tommy Taylor (49)
3 Jeff Toomaga-Allen (1)
4 Thibaud Flament (2)
5 Charlie Matthews (15)
6 Ashley Johnson (c) (188)
7 Jack Willis (37)
8 Nizaam Carr (38)

Replacements
16 Gabriel Oghre (8)
17 Tom West (13)
18 Kieran Brookes (19)
19 Theo Vukasinovic (0)
20 Sione Vailanu (2)
21 Henry Clement (2)
22 Billy Searle (13)
23 Ross Neal (12)

Still no Sopoaga or Fekitoa featuring, but so good to see Jack Willis starting his first game since March, and Billy Searle returning to the bench after his horror ankle injury last term.

The Sale side is very strong, it's going to be a tough ask to come away with anything.

by formerly known as Sam Fri 04 Oct 2019, 8:06 pm

Sale Sharks Starting XV: 15. Chris Ashton, 14. Denny Solomona, 13. Sam James, 12. Cameron Redpath, 11. Marland Yarde, 10. Rob du Preez, 9. Embrose Papier; 1. Ross Harrison, 2. Akker van der Merwe, 3. Will-Griff John, 4. Bryn Evans, 5. Matt Postlethwaite, 6. Jono Ross (Capt), 7. Ben Curry, 8. Josh Beaumont

Replacements: 16.Rob Webber, 17. Bevan Rodd, 18. Coenie Oosthuizen, 19. James Phillips, 20. Sam Moore, 21. Will Cliff, 22. Luke James, 23. Byron McGuigan.

by formerly known as Sam Fri 04 Oct 2019, 8:14 pm

Bath Rugby: 15 Tom Homer, 14 Levi Davis, 13 Max Clark, 12 Max Wright, 11 Gabriel Hamer-Webb, 10 Freddie Burns, 9 Chris Cook; 1 Lewis Boyce, 2 Jack Walker (c), 3 Christian Judge, 4 Levi Douglas, 5 Elliott Stooke, 6 Mike Williams, 7 Josh Bayliss, 8 Zach Mercer

Replacements: 16 Tom Dunn, 17 Beno Obano, 18 Sam Nixon, 19 Charlie Ewels, 20 Jack Davies, 21 Will Chudley, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 Jamie Roberts

Some big names on that Bath bench. Starting team is a mix, still looks quite strong, that front row has bags of potential and could really come through strong. Jutge is a very good signing based on his time at Saracens last season.

by **LondonTiger** Sat 05 Oct 2019, 4:52 pm

Really good win at the Rec. Reffell the stand out, but Hardwicke also showed up well.

by TightHEAD Sun 06 Oct 2019, 4:50 pm

Another game and another Red Card. Saints/Sarries

Refereed a youth game this morning, sent off 8 players. That will teach them to tackle lower. Grrr

by **LondonTiger** Mon 07 Oct 2019, 9:20 am

TightHEAD wrote:Another game and another Red Card. Saints/Sarries

Refereed a youth game this morning, sent off 8 players. That will teach them to tackle lower. Grrr

TightHEAD wrote:Players need to man up, this is rugby. If this continues players will duck into tackles to get the opposition sent off, then our sport will be no better than Soccer!

by formerly known as Sam Mon 07 Oct 2019, 10:45 am

If they duck into tackles the chances of then having a long time playing the game will go out the window with their ability remember things and the ability to remember a time without headaches.

by TightHEAD Mon 07 Oct 2019, 12:01 pm

LondonTiger wrote:
TightHEAD wrote:Another game and another Red Card. Saints/Sarries

Refereed a youth game this morning, sent off 8 players. That will teach them to tackle lower. Grrr

TightHEAD wrote:Players need to man up, this is rugby. If this continues players will duck into tackles to get the opposition sent off, then our sport will be no better than Soccer!

Whats the issue?

by **LondonTiger** Mon 07 Oct 2019, 1:20 pm

TightHEAD wrote:
LondonTiger wrote:
TightHEAD wrote:Another game and another Red Card. Saints/Sarries

Refereed a youth game this morning, sent off 8 players. That will teach them to tackle lower. Grrr

TightHEAD wrote:Players need to man up, this is rugby. If this continues players will duck into tackles to get the opposition sent off, then our sport will be no better than Soccer!

Whats the issue?

You do not see a contradiction in your views?

by **LondonTiger** Mon 07 Oct 2019, 1:21 pm

Just seen the TPN challenge that saw him sent off. Absolute shocker and should be looking at a top end ban for head shots.

by formerly known as Sam Mon 07 Oct 2019, 2:10 pm

LondonTiger wrote:Just seen the TPN challenge that saw him sent off. Absolute shocker and should be looking at a top end ban for head shots.

Yep, no attempt to dip and shoulder to head. Exactly the kind of tackle that should be taken out the game. He'll be lucky if he only gets a six week sit down.

Based on last season's form he'd be lucky to make the the 23 man squad anyway.

by TightHEAD Mon 07 Oct 2019, 2:18 pm

LondonTiger wrote:
TightHEAD wrote:
LondonTiger wrote:
TightHEAD wrote:Another game and another Red Card. Saints/Sarries

Refereed a youth game this morning, sent off 8 players. That will teach them to tackle lower. Grrr

TightHEAD wrote:Players need to man up, this is rugby. If this continues players will duck into tackles to get the opposition sent off, then our sport will be no better than Soccer!

Whats the issue?

You do not see a contradiction in your views?

No, I sin binned, red carded several players for tackles above the armpits, hence they need to tackle lower

As for Pro players trying to get others sent off, dropping into the tackle could easily result in a red card for the tackling player in the current climate. Hence the Soccer style dishonestly that could take hold in our game to con the ref.

by **LondonTiger** Tue 08 Oct 2019, 10:20 am

formerly known as Sam wrote:
LondonTiger wrote:Just seen the TPN challenge that saw him sent off. Absolute shocker and should be looking at a top end ban for head shots.

Yep, no attempt to dip and shoulder to head. Exactly the kind of tackle that should be taken out the game. He'll be lucky if he only gets a six week sit down.

Based on last season's form he'd be lucky to make the the 23 man squad anyway.

Yeah, I can be a lot more holier than thou over TPN being that I do not deem him good enough Very Happy

by **LondonTiger** Tue 08 Oct 2019, 10:22 am

TightHEAD wrote:
LondonTiger wrote:
TightHEAD wrote:
LondonTiger wrote:
TightHEAD wrote:Another game and another Red Card. Saints/Sarries

Refereed a youth game this morning, sent off 8 players. That will teach them to tackle lower. Grrr

TightHEAD wrote:Players need to man up, this is rugby. If this continues players will duck into tackles to get the opposition sent off, then our sport will be no better than Soccer!

Whats the issue?

You do not see a contradiction in your views?

No, I sin binned, red carded several players for tackles above the armpits, hence they need to tackle lower

As for Pro players trying to get others sent off, dropping into the tackle could easily result in a red card for the tackling player in the current climate. Hence the Soccer style dishonestly that could take hold in our game to con the ref.

So does Head still mean Red in all cases? Even if you believe the ball carrier has gone into contact too low?

by mikey_dragon Tue 08 Oct 2019, 3:53 pm

What were the Saracens and Northampton teams for their recent fixture?

by TightHEAD Tue 08 Oct 2019, 4:11 pm

Google it.

by formerly known as Sam Tue 08 Oct 2019, 8:22 pm

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Rugby
Harrison skippers Saints for Cup Final rematch
Friday 4 October, 2019
Teimana Harrison will lead out Northampton Saints on home soil for the first time as Club captain this weekend, as the men in Black, Green and Gold welcome Saracens to Franklin’s Gardens.

In a repeat of last season’s Premiership Rugby Cup final – which Saints won 23-9 to claim their first major silverware in five years – Northampton host their north London rivals looking for a first victory of the new season (kick-off 3pm, Sunday 6 October).

Director of rugby Chris Boyd has made seven changes to the starting line-up that went down to Wasps last weekend, five of which come in the pack with flanker Harrison set to lead out the men in Black, Green and Gold.

Mitch Eadie keeps his place at No.8 after an impressive intercept score last time out, while 19-year-old JJ Tonks starts his first competitive match for Saints and completes the back row.

After signing a new contract with Northampton earlier this week, David Ribbans is joined in the engine room by Alex Moon who makes his first appearance of the season, as does loosehead prop Francois van Wyk in the front row alongside Ehren Painter and hooker Michael van Vuuren.

Two changes in the Northampton backline see wing Ryan Olowofela and centre Fraser Dingwall return to the starting XV. Dingwall partners Andy Symons in the midfield with James Grayson and Henry Taylor continuing their half-back partnership inside them.

Meanwhile Olowofela is part of an exciting back three as Tom Collins moves across to the wing, paving the way for Scotland international Rory Hutchinson to start at fullback – his first appearance in the 15 jersey of his Saints career.

Amongst the replacements there is room for Heinrich Brüssow, with the 22-time Springbok recovering from an ankle injury and primed to make his first appearance of the season off the bench.

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS vs SARACENS
Premiership Rugby Cup, Round 3
Sunday 6 October, 2019
Franklin’s Gardens
Kick-off: 3pm

15 Rory Hutchinson
14 Ryan Olowofela
13 Fraser Dingwall
12 Andrew Symons
11 Tom Collins
10 James Grayson
9 Henry Taylor

1 Francois Van Wyk
2 Michael Van Vuuren
3 Ehren Painter
4 David Ribbans
5 Alex Moon
6 JJ Tonks
7 Teimana Harrison (c)
8 Mitch Eadie

Replacements:
16 Samson Ma'asi
17 Alex Waller
18 Karl Garside
19 Lewis Bean
20 Heinrich Brüssow
21 Connor Tupai
22 Tommy Mathews
23 Reuben Bird-Tulloch

Referee: Craig Maxwell-Keys
Assistant referees: Adam Leal & Philip Watters
TMO: Claire Hodnett

Not available for selection:
Harry Mallinder (knee), Dylan Hartley (knee), Alex Mitchell (knee), Reece Marshall (hamstring), Mikey Haywood (knee), Jamie Gibson (shoulder), and Paddy Ryan (knee)

International duty:
Dan Biggar (Wal), Piers Francis (Eng), Courtney Lawes (Eng), Lewis Ludlam (Eng), Api Ratuniyarawa (Fiji), Cobus Reinach (SA), and Ahsee Tuala (Sam).

Saracens: Barrington, Woolstencroft, Ibuanokpe, Skelton, Hunter-Hill, Christie, Reffell, Wray, Whiteley, Vunipola, Lewington, Tompkins, Lozowski, Segun, Gallagher.

Replacements: Pifeleti, Crean, Wainwright, Kpoku, Isiekwe, Spencer, Watson, Obatoyinbo.

by mikey_dragon Tue 08 Oct 2019, 8:44 pm

It seems the premiership rugby website hasn't updated their results, even though we're two games into the season already. ESPN Scrum is usually my go to, but that doesn't seem to work these days. It's good to keep an eye on it to see how many Welsh players are getting game time. I'd literally never heard of Wainwright until Saracens signed him up.

by formerly known as Sam Tue 08 Oct 2019, 9:41 pm

Saracens are good at bringing through bright young talent. Full EQ backline. Could be a good move for Wainwright, Sarries will bring him on at a reasonable pace. Some very good props to learn off with Figallo and Koch.

by mikey_dragon Tue 08 Oct 2019, 10:15 pm

I barely recognise a name in that Sarries team but they just got a 50+ point win... You got that right though. Hopefully the same for Carre. Right now we need some good props to come on in a short space of time.
Will-Griff John is TH right? He could probably replace Lee as third TH right now for Wales.

by formerly known as Sam Wed 09 Oct 2019, 10:27 am

Well you've got;

Barrington - second choice LH, cut his teeth in the Championship
Woolstencroft - third choice hooker, showed age grade promised then bounced around a few clubs, still quite young
Skelton - Aus international
Wray - regular first team player
Whitely - age grade scrum half, highly rated should be up to third choice this season
Vunipola - a cousin or nephew, England under 20 a bit of an unpolished diamond at present.
Lewington - prem winger previously with Tigers and LI, Saxons caps, scores for fun but can't defend.
Thompkins - looks to be Barrett's successor, not as much bosh but great all round game and step.
Lozowski - England international and utility back with pace.
Segun - England age grade, bags of pace unsure whether he'll make it.
Gallagher - fullback of real class looks likely to have a long future at Sarries.

Unsure about the other forwards. I know Reffell is rated highly buts that's it.

by mikey_dragon Thu 10 Oct 2019, 6:35 pm

Was Dom Day injured?

by No 7&1/2 Thu 10 Oct 2019, 6:39 pm

He plays in usa.

by mikey_dragon Thu 10 Oct 2019, 7:34 pm

Oh I think I remember that now, San Fran or something...

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