Premiership Rugby Round 10 - Teeing Off on the Back Nine

by doctor_grey Thu 02 Jan 2025, 12:24 pm

Happy New Year's Y'all.....

Friday 3 January
Newcastle Falcons v Harlequins, Kingston Park, Newcastle, Kick-off: 7.45pm GMT

Saturday 4 January
Gloucester Rugby v Sale Sharks, Kingsholm, Gloucester, Kick-off: 3.0opm GMT
Leicester Tigers v Exeter Chiefs, Mattioli Woods Welford Road, Leicester, Kick-off: 3.05pm GMT
Saracens v Bristol Bears, StoneX Stadium, London, Kick-off: 5.30pm GMT

Sunday 5 January
Northampton Saints v Bath Rugby, cinch Stadium @ Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton, Kick-off: 3.00pm GMT

by formerly known as Sam Thu 02 Jan 2025, 2:46 pm

Newcastle Falcons v Harlequins (Friday, 7.45pm, Kingston Park Stadium, live on TNT Sports)

15 Ben Redshaw, 14 Adam Radwan, 13 Alex Hearle, 12 Connor Doherty, 11 Ben Stevenson, 10 Brett Connon, 9 Sam Stuart; 1 Murray McCallum, 2 Jamie Blamire, 3 Richard Palframan, 4 Sebastian de Chaves, 5 Kiran McDonald, 6 Freddie Lockwood, 7 Tom Gordon, 8 Callum Chick (captain).

Replacements: 16 Ollie Fletcher, 17 Micky Rewcastle, 18 Callum Hancock, 19 John Hawkins, 20 Philip van der Walt, 21 Max Pepper, 22 Louis Brown, 23 Oli Spencer.

Not available for selection: Sammy Arnold, Eduardo Bello, Adam Brocklebank, Tim Cardall, Luan de Bruin, Cameron Hutchison, Isaac Keller, John Kelly, Cameron Neild, Elliott Obatoyinbo, Jacob Oliver, Pedro Rubiolo, Adam Scott.

Harlequins: 15 Nick David, 14 Rodrigo Isgro, 13 Oscar Beard, 12 Luke Northmore, 11 Cadan Murley (captain), 10 Marcus Smith; 9 Will Porter, 1 Fin Baxter, 2 Jack Walker, 3 Titi Lamositele, 4 Joe Launchbury, 5 Dino Lamb, 6 Jack Kenningham, 7 Will Evans, 8 James Chisholm.

Replacements: 16 Sam Riley, 17 Wyn Jones, 18 Dillon Lewis, 19 Irne Herbst, 20 Alex Dombrandt, 21 Lucas Friday, 22 Jarrod Evans, 23 Ben Waghorn.

by Poorfour Thu 02 Jan 2025, 4:20 pm

Interesting selection from Quins. I’m excited to see Lucas Friday get his Prem debut - a hugely promising player who looks like the long term successor to Care and a very good complement to Porter.

by **Rugby Fan** Fri 03 Jan 2025, 11:36 am

Law tweaks on the horizon.

The Champions and Challenge Cups will adopt four new law trials midway through the pool stage of the competition, with the Premiership following suit later this month for the 11th round of league fixtures.

From round three of the Champions and Challenge Cups, which will take place over the weekend commencing January 10, matches will allow skewed line-out throws provided that the defensive team does not jump to contest them.

European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) has also confirmed there will be 30-second limits on setting up line-outs and scrums, and a reduction from a limit of 90 seconds to 60 seconds for conversions.

Finally, scrum-halves will receive greater protection at scrums, rucks and mauls. After ratification by World Rugby last November, these changes will be rolled out in competitions that begin in 2025, meaning that they will feature during the Six Nations.

Telegraph Sport understands the Premiership will take on these law trials from round 11, which begins on January 24.

Greater protection for scrum-halves will see defenders penalised for making a tackle on an opponent if they are part of a ruck or a maul. At scrums, defending scrum-halves will not be able to advance beyond the centre line of the tunnel.

Coaches anticipate these changes will increase the value of scrum-halves who possess a running threat, given that those players will be presented with more space in which to operate.

The line-out throwing change will alter the wording of law 18.23 so that it now reads: “If the non-throwing team does not lift a team-mate to compete for the ball, then play shall continue. If the non-throwing team lift a team-mate to compete for the ball, then they shall be offered the option of a line-out or scrum.”

Like the other law changes, this was in play for the 2024 Rugby Championship. Sources suggested to Telegraph Sport at the end of last year that the line-out tweak could see an increase in trick plays because defences may opt to stay down to stop the maul rather than jumping to contest the throw.

Karl Dickson will take charge of Glasgow Warriors’ meeting with Racing 92 on Jan 10, the first Champions Cup game to feature these new laws.

https://archive.is/7Uoul#selection-2983.0-3047.140

by formerly known as Sam Fri 03 Jan 2025, 12:32 pm

Leicester Tigers have named their match day squad for Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership clash at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

Head coach, Michael Cheika has made two change to Leicester’s starting team with wing Josh Bassett starting in the 14 jersey, and Harry Wells starting at lock in place of George Martin.

Flanker Matt Rogerson come onto the bench to add to an experienced Tigers finishing group.

Speaking to media ahead of the game, Cheika said: "I thought (against Harlequins), we showed good resilience in the game."

"We'll be challenged in many areas this week because they're a good team. We certainly won't be fooled by the table or anything there. They've got good pedigree, great coach and excellent players.

"We're focusing on what's going to be strong for us around the game and make sure that turns up on Saturday."

STARTING XV

15 Freddie Steward [98]
14 Josh Bassett [21]
13 Dan Kelly [88]
12 Solomone Kata [28]
11 Ollie Hassell-Collins [34]
10 Handré Pollard [40]
9 Jack van Poortvliet [83]
1 Nicky Smith [10]
2 Julián Montoya (C) [65]
3 Joe Heyes [151]
4 Cameron Henderson [50]
5 Harry Wells [207]
6 Hanro Liebenberg [118]
7 Tommy Reffell [124]
8 Olly Cracknell [53]

REPLACEMENTS

16 Charlie Clare [106]
17 James Whitcombe [58]
18 Dan Cole [331]
19 Jed Holloway [4]
20 Matt Rogerson [21]
21 Ben Youngs [324]
22 Jamie Shillcock [38]
23 Joseph Woodward [18]

Exeter Chiefs team
15 Josh Hodge
14 Ben Hammersley
13 Zack Wimbush
12 Tamati Tua
11 Tommy Wyatt
10 Henry Slade
9 Stu Townsend
1 Scott Sio
2 Dan Frost
3 Marcus Street
4 Dafydd Jenkins (c)
5 Franco Molina
6 Ethan Roots
7 Jacques Vermeulen
8 Greg Fisilau

Replacements:

16 Jack Innard
17 Will Goodrick-Clarke
18 Josh Iosefa-Scott
19 Rusi Tuima
20 Richard Capstick
21 Tom Cairns
22 Will Haydon-Wood
23 Will Rigg

by doctor_grey Fri 03 Jan 2025, 1:30 pm

	Northampton Saints v Bath Rugby
	Franklins Gardens
	When: Sunday 5th January 2025; 15:00
	Referee: Anthony Woodthorpe
	Assistant referees: Dan Jones and Calum Howard
	No.4: James Pidding
	TMO: Stuart Terheege

	Northampton Saints		Bath Rugby
15	George Hendy	15	Orlando Bailey
14	Tommy Freeman	14	Joe Cokanasiga
13	Fraser Dingwall (c)	13	Ollie Lawrence
12	Rory Hutchinson	12	Max Ojomoh
11	James Ramm	11	Will Muir
10	Fin Smith	10	Finn Russell
9	Alex Mitchell	9	Ben Spencer

1	Tom West	1	Beno Obano
2	Curtis Langdon	2	Tom Dunn
3	Trevor Davison	3	Will Stuart
4	Temo Mayanavanua	4	Quinn Roux
5	Alex Coles	5	Ross Molony
6	Josh Kemeny	6	Guy Pepper
7	Tom Pearson	7	Miles Reid
8	Juarno Augustus	8	Alfie Barbeary

	Replacements:
16	Henry Walker	16	Kepu Tuipulotu
17	Tarek Haffar	17	Francois van Wyk
18	Luke Green	18	Thomas du Toit
19	Tom Lockett	19	Charlie Ewels
20	Henry Pollock	20	Sam Underhill
21	Angus Scott-Young	21	Louis Schreuder
22	Archie McParland	22	Josh Bayliss
23	Ollie Sleightholme	23	Jaco Coetzee

	Not available for selection:
	Emeka Atuanya, George Furbank, Sam Graham, Emmanuel Iyogun, Chunya Munga, Burger Odendaal, Toby Thame and Robbie Smith.

by formerly known as Sam Fri 03 Jan 2025, 1:32 pm

Bath are rocking a 7-1 bench split! They seem to have a whole host of players unavailable and Bayliss seems the most likely backs cover should an injury arise.

by WELL-PAST-IT Fri 03 Jan 2025, 5:48 pm

Until I saw Schreuder, I thought we might be going to see Underhill at 9 aka Italy and Bergamasco?

They may have players unavailable as have Saints, but having the quality of Underhill, van Wyk, du Toit etc on the bench in such a situation shows their depth

by doctor_grey Fri 03 Jan 2025, 6:36 pm

WELL-PAST-IT wrote:Until I saw Schreuder, I thought we might be going to see Underhill at 9 aka Italy and Bergamasco?

They may have players unavailable as have Saints, but having the quality of Underhill, van Wyk, du Toit etc on the bench in such a situation shows their depth

Maybe Ewels will get another red card within two minutes of coming on to lessen their depth?

by Recwatcher16 Fri 03 Jan 2025, 9:19 pm

There has been no injury status given on Redpath or DeGlanville. Ojomoh can cover fullback and Bayliss has covered wing on previous fixtures and obviously Russell and Bailey are our only two recognised FHs but it is certainly ballsy from JvG.
Van Wyk, Du Toit, Ewels, Underhill and Coetzee certainly bring some physical clout off the bench.
The league looks to be the priority, given Clermont are visiting next week and a trip to Dublin after that. So will be interesting to see if Bath will be putting out roughly the same squad three weeks on the trot, although it all does then stop for the 6N to give a break for some.

Worth noting that Bath have just about two players in every forward position, although only three senior locks but three THs although Griffin is now injured. The exception is back row, where there are seven main options. Bath have been lucky with limited injuries so far this season.

by doctor_grey Fri 03 Jan 2025, 9:35 pm

Shame for Falcons. They hung tough and were within 3 with 10 minutes to go. Then in the last 10 Quins put up three tries. So the final score flatters Quins a bit. Was actually hoping Newcastle could sneak another win.

by Poorfour Fri 03 Jan 2025, 9:40 pm

doctor_grey wrote:Shame for Falcons. They hung tough and were within 3 with 10 minutes to go. Then in the last 10 Quins put up three tries. So the final score flatters Quins a bit. Was actually hoping Newcastle could sneak another win.

Falcons only got within 3 because their maul defence was so poor that Quins lost their connection and got penalised - once the game opened up at the end Quins looked very capable of scoring more.

by Geordie Fri 03 Jan 2025, 10:13 pm

Aw well another defeat

by Geordie Fri 03 Jan 2025, 10:15 pm

We have a small squad and few top quality players that when they get injured we just can't replace them.
Arnold injured, no replacement... Gordon goes off...no replacement

Money talks

by formerly known as Sam Fri 03 Jan 2025, 10:43 pm

Geordie wrote:We have a small squad and few top quality players that when they get injured we just can't replace them.
Arnold injured, no replacement... Gordon goes off...no replacement

Money talks

Very much so. The Falcons bench just didn't have the impact that Quins had.

Outside of the lineout Quins looked largely unconvincing for large parts of the game. Falcons though didn't take some of the chances they had though. Got to be a bit more clinical at key times, there was a few lineouts with rolling mauls that go turned over by hook or by crook a few metres from the Quins line that cost them.

by Highland Shaun Fri 03 Jan 2025, 10:59 pm

How did the Scottish lads (Murray McCallum, Kiran McDonald and Tommy Gordon) get on tonight @Geordie?

by Geordie Sat 04 Jan 2025, 7:34 am

Highland Shaun wrote:How did the Scottish lads (Murray McCallum, Kiran McDonald and Tommy Gordon) get on tonight @Geordie?

Pretty average for the first two ... Gordon good as per usual but went off injured.

Imagine Gordon in a good side...jeez he'd be devastating...

by formerly known as Sam Sat 04 Jan 2025, 8:36 am

Geordie wrote:
Highland Shaun wrote:How did the Scottish lads (Murray McCallum, Kiran McDonald and Tommy Gordon) get on tonight @Geordie?

Pretty average for the first two ... Gordon good as per usual but went off injured.

Imagine Gordon in a good side...jeez he'd be devastating...

Gordon is a scrapper, competes for everything and is a general menace. He may soar in a more successful team for he may be less noticeable. In a team struggling then you need your physical scrappers to make a difference. The Falcons flankers have been doing a great job, inability to stop Quins rolling maul and look after their own was the difference last night.

I thought McCallum did a solid job up front, Falcons seemed to edge the scrum in the first half. Quins gained the advantage in that department with their subs as expected.

by Heaf Sat 04 Jan 2025, 3:14 pm

Lovely try from Glaws but inside pass looked well forwards - don't suppose it's the same TMO that made that howler last week?

by doctor_grey Sat 04 Jan 2025, 4:00 pm

Just got back home from the gym and I put on Gloucester-Sale. And this tells me the leaguer is getting weirder and weirder. Just two weeks ago Sale pummeled Bristol 0-38. And Gloucester lost to Exeter which was Exeter's first and only W of the season. And though I don't think this is an especially weakened Sale squad, I'm sure squad rotation is part of this to some degree, but look at some of the other routs, really no rhyme nor reason.

by Geordie Sat 04 Jan 2025, 4:11 pm

Great vision and kick by Slade

by Geordie Sat 04 Jan 2025, 4:13 pm

I see Quirke was removed due to a tight hamstring...lol he's made of paper!!

by **RiscaGame** Sat 04 Jan 2025, 4:43 pm

Good to see the Welsh boys doing bits for Glaws, possibly Anscombe aside (not sure why he went off at 41?)

by **RiscaGame** Sat 04 Jan 2025, 4:45 pm

Just turned on to see Tomos' try.

by Heaf Sat 04 Jan 2025, 4:50 pm

Good result for Glaws - a load of forward passed missed though.

by doctor_grey Sat 04 Jan 2025, 5:26 pm

Only saw the second half. I'm not sure in recent years Gloucester would have been as comfortable (or competent) playing with a lead. And Sale isn't going to chase a game. Also with LCD butchering a couple of lineouts, this was a game which was never in the cards for Sale.

by Geordie Sat 04 Jan 2025, 5:43 pm

Willis just giving Borwthick another nudge ...he must be in the 6n squad.

by Cumbrian Sat 04 Jan 2025, 6:23 pm

Geordie wrote:Willis just giving Borwthick another nudge ...he must be in the 6n squad.

I was just coming to write the same thing. He has been brilliant, and it isn't like we've got many other no.8s demanding selection. You could move Earl along the back-row if you want to keep him in there, but Willis is becoming very difficult to ignore.

by Cumbrian Sat 04 Jan 2025, 6:25 pm

06. Cunningham-South
07. Earl
08. Willis

That has a lot going for it...

by Geordie Sat 04 Jan 2025, 7:42 pm

Kenningham is looking very good aswell Marra. Was excellent against us yesterday and is top of the league turnovers.

That back row battle will be something else. Id rest Curry but I can't see it happening.and I would give Willis a baptism of fire but starting v Ireland

6 ?? Earl v Curry but we miss a Lineout option
7 Underhill
8 Willis

by formerly known as Sam Sat 04 Jan 2025, 8:38 pm

Cumbrian wrote:06. Cunningham-South
07. Earl
08. Willis

That has a lot going for it...

6. Chessum
7. Underhill
8. Willis

19. CCS
20. Earl

Impact from the subs bench.

by formerly known as Sam Sat 04 Jan 2025, 8:45 pm

Geordie wrote:Great vision and kick by Slade

Was freezing in the stands for this one. Could tell it was coming, Tigers looked flat after half time and their line speed had dropped off a cliff, Slade had loads of time to find the space with the Tigers defence narrowed.

Chiefs blitz defence really kept them in the game and Tigers wobble after halftime combined with a very good showing from the hastily introduced Chiefs replacement front row swung the game from comfortable to close. Tigers own subs and Rigg getting sin binned for an extreme example of what Chief's chasers had been doing all game (jumping into the catcher with an arm in the air as opposed to two hands up and contesting the ball) just gave Tigers some space to breathe.

Woodward showed some real class to open up Chiefs, combining well with Kelly who go nothing from Kata for most the game. The Woodward/Kelly combo at the heart of the two late tries which sealed the victory.

Joe Heyes was again strong, dominated the scrum until a fresh Goodrick-Clarke came on and made life difficult. Olly Cracknell a deserved man of the match, brilliant score from a 5m scrum where he ran over Slade and carried a couple of defenders with him. Some rumours Wales are contemplating looking at his dual qualification status again.

by Geordie Sat 04 Jan 2025, 9:15 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:
Cumbrian wrote:06. Cunningham-South
07. Earl
08. Willis

That has a lot going for it...

6. Chessum
7. Underhill
8. Willis

19. CCS
20. Earl

Impact from the subs bench.

That would be my choice Sam but Chessum isnt available I would have thought...

by Geordie Sat 04 Jan 2025, 9:19 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:
Geordie wrote:Great vision and kick by Slade

Was freezing in the stands for this one. Could tell it was coming, Tigers looked flat after half time and their line speed had dropped off a cliff, Slade had loads of time to find the space with the Tigers defence narrowed.

Chiefs blitz defence really kept them in the game and Tigers wobble after halftime combined with a very good showing from the hastily introduced Chiefs replacement front row swung the game from comfortable to close. Tigers own subs and Rigg getting sin binned for an extreme example of what Chief's chasers had been doing all game (jumping into the catcher with an arm in the air as opposed to two hands up and contesting the ball) just gave Tigers some space to breathe.

Woodward showed some real class to open up Chiefs, combining well with Kelly who go nothing from Kata for most the game. The Woodward/Kelly combo at the heart of the two late tries which sealed the victory.

Joe Heyes was again strong, dominated the scrum until a fresh Goodrick-Clarke came on and made life difficult. Olly Cracknell a deserved man of the match, brilliant score from a 5m scrum where he ran over Slade and carried a couple of defenders with him. Some rumours Wales are contemplating looking at his dual qualification status again.

What's your thoughts on Woodward sam...I'm impressed everytime I see him....

by formerly known as Sam Sat 04 Jan 2025, 9:39 pm

Geordie wrote:
formerly known as Sam wrote:
Geordie wrote:Great vision and kick by Slade

Was freezing in the stands for this one. Could tell it was coming, Tigers looked flat after half time and their line speed had dropped off a cliff, Slade had loads of time to find the space with the Tigers defence narrowed.

Chiefs blitz defence really kept them in the game and Tigers wobble after halftime combined with a very good showing from the hastily introduced Chiefs replacement front row swung the game from comfortable to close. Tigers own subs and Rigg getting sin binned for an extreme example of what Chief's chasers had been doing all game (jumping into the catcher with an arm in the air as opposed to two hands up and contesting the ball) just gave Tigers some space to breathe.

Woodward showed some real class to open up Chiefs, combining well with Kelly who go nothing from Kata for most the game. The Woodward/Kelly combo at the heart of the two late tries which sealed the victory.

Joe Heyes was again strong, dominated the scrum until a fresh Goodrick-Clarke came on and made life difficult. Olly Cracknell a deserved man of the match, brilliant score from a 5m scrum where he ran over Slade and carried a couple of defenders with him. Some rumours Wales are contemplating looking at his dual qualification status again.

What's your thoughts on Woodward sam...I'm impressed everytime I see him....

Second coming of Ant Allen. Very similar to Seb Atkinson in style. He's a classy operator. Very comfortable as first receiver, looks to try things, solid in defence and is the type of centre that just links the backline together. Looks to have a very bright future.

by formerly known as Sam Sat 04 Jan 2025, 9:39 pm

Geordie wrote:
formerly known as Sam wrote:
Cumbrian wrote:06. Cunningham-South
07. Earl
08. Willis

That has a lot going for it...

6. Chessum
7. Underhill
8. Willis

19. CCS
20. Earl

Impact from the subs bench.

That would be my choice Sam but Chessum isnt available I would have thought...

Rumours Chessum will be back for next weekend along with Carnduff. Two big boosts if correct, especially with Liebenburg limping off injured on the stroke of half time.

by Geordie Sat 04 Jan 2025, 10:10 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:
Geordie wrote:
formerly known as Sam wrote:
Cumbrian wrote:06. Cunningham-South
07. Earl
08. Willis

That has a lot going for it...

6. Chessum
7. Underhill
8. Willis

19. CCS
20. Earl

Impact from the subs bench.

That would be my choice Sam but Chessum isnt available I would have thought...

Rumours Chessum will be back for next weekend along with Carnduff. Two big boosts if correct, especially with Liebenburg limping off injured on the stroke of half time.

Aw well that's good...I just dont like this rushing players back for England.

by Geordie Sat 04 Jan 2025, 10:16 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:
Geordie wrote:
formerly known as Sam wrote:
Geordie wrote:Great vision and kick by Slade

Was freezing in the stands for this one. Could tell it was coming, Tigers looked flat after half time and their line speed had dropped off a cliff, Slade had loads of time to find the space with the Tigers defence narrowed.

Chiefs blitz defence really kept them in the game and Tigers wobble after halftime combined with a very good showing from the hastily introduced Chiefs replacement front row swung the game from comfortable to close. Tigers own subs and Rigg getting sin binned for an extreme example of what Chief's chasers had been doing all game (jumping into the catcher with an arm in the air as opposed to two hands up and contesting the ball) just gave Tigers some space to breathe.

Woodward showed some real class to open up Chiefs, combining well with Kelly who go nothing from Kata for most the game. The Woodward/Kelly combo at the heart of the two late tries which sealed the victory.

Joe Heyes was again strong, dominated the scrum until a fresh Goodrick-Clarke came on and made life difficult. Olly Cracknell a deserved man of the match, brilliant score from a 5m scrum where he ran over Slade and carried a couple of defenders with him. Some rumours Wales are contemplating looking at his dual qualification status again.

What's your thoughts on Woodward sam...I'm impressed everytime I see him....

Second coming of Ant Allen. Very similar to Seb Atkinson in style. He's a classy operator. Very comfortable as first receiver, looks to try things, solid in defence and is the type of centre that just links the backline together. Looks to have a very bright future.

He impresses me everytime I see him. Not huge but strong aswell...and just plays so well. Always seems to have time on the ball.

Maybe Englands 12 drought is soon about to come to an end....

by formerly known as Sam Sat 04 Jan 2025, 10:21 pm

Geordie wrote:
formerly known as Sam wrote:
Geordie wrote:
formerly known as Sam wrote:
Cumbrian wrote:06. Cunningham-South
07. Earl
08. Willis

That has a lot going for it...

6. Chessum
7. Underhill
8. Willis

19. CCS
20. Earl

Impact from the subs bench.

That would be my choice Sam but Chessum isnt available I would have thought...

Rumours Chessum will be back for next weekend along with Carnduff. Two big boosts if correct, especially with Liebenburg limping off injured on the stroke of half time.

Aw well that's good...I just dont like this rushing players back for England.

He'd get a couple of games in which to demonstrate his form and fitness. Problem is there's a significant drop off from him to the fourth choice lock. Hill is not in the Bath squad, don't know if he's injured or not so unsure who else could play that 6 role apart from CCS but then we're back to Coles or Isiekwe on the bench which is a bit meh.

Would be better if we didn't have Ireland first up as well but there you go.

by formerly known as Sam Sat 04 Jan 2025, 10:24 pm

Geordie wrote:
formerly known as Sam wrote:
Geordie wrote:
formerly known as Sam wrote:
Geordie wrote:Great vision and kick by Slade

Was freezing in the stands for this one. Could tell it was coming, Tigers looked flat after half time and their line speed had dropped off a cliff, Slade had loads of time to find the space with the Tigers defence narrowed.

Chiefs blitz defence really kept them in the game and Tigers wobble after halftime combined with a very good showing from the hastily introduced Chiefs replacement front row swung the game from comfortable to close. Tigers own subs and Rigg getting sin binned for an extreme example of what Chief's chasers had been doing all game (jumping into the catcher with an arm in the air as opposed to two hands up and contesting the ball) just gave Tigers some space to breathe.

Woodward showed some real class to open up Chiefs, combining well with Kelly who go nothing from Kata for most the game. The Woodward/Kelly combo at the heart of the two late tries which sealed the victory.

Joe Heyes was again strong, dominated the scrum until a fresh Goodrick-Clarke came on and made life difficult. Olly Cracknell a deserved man of the match, brilliant score from a 5m scrum where he ran over Slade and carried a couple of defenders with him. Some rumours Wales are contemplating looking at his dual qualification status again.

What's your thoughts on Woodward sam...I'm impressed everytime I see him....

Second coming of Ant Allen. Very similar to Seb Atkinson in style. He's a classy operator. Very comfortable as first receiver, looks to try things, solid in defence and is the type of centre that just links the backline together. Looks to have a very bright future.

He impresses me everytime I see him. Not huge but strong aswell...and just plays so well. Always seems to have time on the ball.

Maybe Englands 12 drought is soon about to come to an end....

Seb Atkinson is very good every week. Kelly was solid at 13 and then came alive when Woodward came on and he started getting passed the ball more (Kata is a very blunt instrument). Ojomoh back starting for Bath tomorrow. Wimbush back from injury and playing for Chiefs again.

There's some young talent getting game time at the minute.

by Geordie Sat 04 Jan 2025, 10:30 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:
Geordie wrote:
formerly known as Sam wrote:
Geordie wrote:
formerly known as Sam wrote:
Geordie wrote:Great vision and kick by Slade

Was freezing in the stands for this one. Could tell it was coming, Tigers looked flat after half time and their line speed had dropped off a cliff, Slade had loads of time to find the space with the Tigers defence narrowed.

Chiefs blitz defence really kept them in the game and Tigers wobble after halftime combined with a very good showing from the hastily introduced Chiefs replacement front row swung the game from comfortable to close. Tigers own subs and Rigg getting sin binned for an extreme example of what Chief's chasers had been doing all game (jumping into the catcher with an arm in the air as opposed to two hands up and contesting the ball) just gave Tigers some space to breathe.

Woodward showed some real class to open up Chiefs, combining well with Kelly who go nothing from Kata for most the game. The Woodward/Kelly combo at the heart of the two late tries which sealed the victory.

Joe Heyes was again strong, dominated the scrum until a fresh Goodrick-Clarke came on and made life difficult. Olly Cracknell a deserved man of the match, brilliant score from a 5m scrum where he ran over Slade and carried a couple of defenders with him. Some rumours Wales are contemplating looking at his dual qualification status again.

What's your thoughts on Woodward sam...I'm impressed everytime I see him....

Second coming of Ant Allen. Very similar to Seb Atkinson in style. He's a classy operator. Very comfortable as first receiver, looks to try things, solid in defence and is the type of centre that just links the backline together. Looks to have a very bright future.

He impresses me everytime I see him. Not huge but strong aswell...and just plays so well. Always seems to have time on the ball.

Maybe Englands 12 drought is soon about to come to an end....

Seb Atkinson is very good every week. Kelly was solid at 13 and then came alive when Woodward came on and he started getting passed the ball more (Kata is a very blunt instrument). Ojomoh back starting for Bath tomorrow. Wimbush back from injury and playing for Chiefs again.

There's some young talent getting game time at the minute.

And hopefully Hartley in the mix sooner rather than later also.

Cant see any in the 6n but surely the summer tour.

by Geordie Sat 04 Jan 2025, 10:40 pm

How you feeling about Blamire coming Sam?

by formerly known as Sam Sun 05 Jan 2025, 7:41 am

Geordie wrote:How you feeling about Blamire coming Sam?

He offers quite a lot of what we need but is a bit of a work in progress with his lineout. It'll be a work on when he arrives but we've got a couple of younger options keen to push on so if he doesn't improve he might not keep his spot.

by Heaf Sun 05 Jan 2025, 4:58 pm

Excellent match to finish off the weekend ...

by doctor_grey Sun 05 Jan 2025, 5:01 pm

Being a Saints fan is tough on the heart. Thought I was about to burst a vein or two.

I thought Lawrence deserved a yellow for his hit on Hendy, a deliberate attempt to injure.

by Duty281 Sun 05 Jan 2025, 5:13 pm

doctor_grey wrote:Being a Saints fan is tough on the heart. Thought I was about to burst a vein or two.

I thought Lawrence deserved a yellow for his hit on Hendy, a deliberate attempt to injure.

A disgusting cheap shot with plenty of malice. Hope he gets banned.

by glaws Sun 05 Jan 2025, 5:14 pm

So glad that game turned out the way it did after the two incidents involving Lawrence. Didn’t see him shaking hands with anyone after the game either which tells you all you need to know.

by formerly known as Sam Sun 05 Jan 2025, 7:06 pm

Duty281 wrote:
doctor_grey wrote:Being a Saints fan is tough on the heart. Thought I was about to burst a vein or two.

I thought Lawrence deserved a yellow for his hit on Hendy, a deliberate attempt to injure.

A disgusting cheap shot with plenty of malice. Hope he gets banned.

It was a cheap shot but there was nothing particularly dangerous about it. He followed through to just see how good Hendy was feeling, bit of old school roughing up. Ref called it spot on with just a penalty because it was just late. Context doesn't come into the decision making. Sneaky and dirty from Lawrence.

by **Rugby Fan** Sun 05 Jan 2025, 11:32 pm

Lawrence tweeted this.

https://x.com/OLawrence1/status/1875984792082424162

Wasn’t to be today… Credit to Saints

Big shift from the boys second half.
We’ll take the 2 & move on…

Ps - Apologies if my actions today offended anyone. On review, I understand the frustration voiced! I’ll be better.

by doctor_grey Mon 06 Jan 2025, 4:12 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:
Duty281 wrote:
doctor_grey wrote:Being a Saints fan is tough on the heart. Thought I was about to burst a vein or two.

I thought Lawrence deserved a yellow for his hit on Hendy, a deliberate attempt to injure.

A disgusting cheap shot with plenty of malice. Hope he gets banned.

It was a cheap shot but there was nothing particularly dangerous about it. He followed through to just see how good Hendy was feeling, bit of old school roughing up. Ref called it spot on with just a penalty because it was just late. Context doesn't come into the decision making. Sneaky and dirty from Lawrence.

I have to disagree only a little, mate. Hendy had passed the ball and was watching where his pass went, did not see Lawrence coming, and was therefore, defenseless. OK, Lawrence probably gave it to Hendy since Hendy had put a good - but clean - shot on Russell a couple of minutes earlier. Old school policing of the game. But the term 'duty of care' has been coming up in Rugby more frequently recently. I think that fits the bill.

Agree it was a bit of an old school hit, and goodness knows back in the day, no one would even comment about either the hit or Lawrence's clear enjoyment of his hit (why else would he have been smiling?). But that was then and this is now. I freely admit to both receiving and committing a few (sic) of those in the past....

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