Saracens
Defibrillator anyone?
By TheSaracens
November 17 2022
Following a relatively stress-free game at Ashton Gate last Saturday, where Sarries reverted to the style of 6 or 7 years ago in controlling the game and ticking the scoreboard along thanks to the reliable boot of Alex Goode standing in much more than capably at fly-half – and of course that Champagne Rugby moment courtesy of Max Malins – we’re lilkely to encounter a slightly sterner test against a very decent Saints side. Today is, more importantly than rugby, Remembrance Sunday – hence the very early kick-off - and as always at our ground I’m moved by how immaculately and very appropriately, our club marks an occasion in the year that, coming as I do from a family with a long and proud military history, means a great deal to me. Both the minute’s silence at 11am and the pre-match wreath-laying were conducted with the dignity and respect that I would expect from Sarries.
Sarries have shuffled the squad and are making use of the recent arrivals, with Nigel Hislop and Andrew Kitchener starting plus James Flynn, Gareth Simpson and Tom Howe among the replacements.
The game starts, and with barely a minute gone Goode gets some points on the board with a blink-and-you’ll miss it penalty for 3-0 and we hope for a few seconds that this will be as (relatively) stress-free as the Bristol game.
Sarries’ positive spell doesn’t last long, however, and our lead is lost within 3 minutes when Haywood powers over from a strong maul, with Smith converting successfully to edge Saints ahead 3-7 – no panic yet, we often start slowly and cough up points early on. I see it as the rugby equivalent of my first espresso of the day, a bit of a heart-starter.
Sarries are shaken back into action momentarily with Maitland showing early promise before Saints again quell our ambition as we pass the 10-minute mark when Dingwall is set up nicely to burst past our defence and with Smith again doing the honours Sarries are 3-14 down almost before we know it. Hmmm. Still not panicking..
Frustratingly, at a point when Sarries are trying to get a toehold in the game, there’s an early disruption to the front row when Hislop (HIA) has to be replaced by recent recruit Flynn.
Saints are looking strong and well-drilled although it is Sarries who post the next score when Daly, inexplicably (but from a perhaps selfish perspective, thankfully) omitted from the England squad, surges forward to release Maitland to glide over the line just as the first quarter draws to a close. Goode, in fine kicking form since he first swung a right leg at Sandy Park, adds the extras and it’s a manageable 10-14.
Just before the half-hour mark, StoneX erupts when Earl, clearly relishing his role as captain, crosses the whitewash after Sarries capitalise on a botched Saints lineout but after the referee, who in these early stages appears to be officiating by what he’s hearing in his earpiece rather than what he’s seeing on the field of play, checks the big screen it’s apparent that in the build-up to the try Maitland has blocked a Saints defender so to much booing from the red and black faithful the score is chalked off so we return to our seats and our anxieties.
More worrying than frustrating this time, the front row suffers another jolt when Flynn, barely 20 minutes after coming on, has to be replaced by Clarey to play out of position (another HIA).
Our well-practised anxieties take a further grip - as indeed do Saints - as the half moves into the last 10 minutes, when first Smith slots over a penalty for 10-17 and then barely a minute later the same player tees up Dingwall to score his second try of the game, before again converting to take Saints into a commanding and it must be said deserved 10-24 lead, which soon becomes 10-27 when Smith kicks another penalty.
Sarries are not quite done with the half, however, and after Christie gains a lot of ground, Maitland is set up to go over on 38 minutes with Goode’s conversion bringing Sarries back to within a manageable 10 points at 17-27.
The half-time whistle blows and we wonder whether Sarries can come out fighting in the second half as they so often do after a frank chat in the dressing room, or if it’s just that one game too far for a squad depleted by international call-ups and injuries.
I’m really not one to heap opprobrium on referees – even Karl Dickson - for the sake of somebody to blame for a poor performance, but let’s just say Andrew Jackson is having a shocker – and let’s leave it there…..
I manage to persuade Mrs Jonny that it’s her turn to do the half time Bovril run…I’m not sure it is, but she’s far more patient in queues than I am…
The second half begins with, after more or less the first action of this period, the concerning sight of Riccioni, in obvious pain, being taken off, having only recently returned – and in great form – from a year out of action. We can only hope for Marco’s sake that it’s not as serious as it looks. Lewis, a hooker by trade of course, comes on in his stead.
By now, the match officials have determined that scrums will have to be uncontested.
5 minutes later, Saints extend their lead to 17-32 when the excellent Dingwall goes over on 46 minutes, although by way of a small mercy Smith misses the conversion.
Just as we reach the last half-hour, Skosan scores taking the score, with Smith’s conversion, to what looks like an unassailable 17-39 – HIAs, injuries and the referee’s foibles aside, Saints have looked a decent side and, trying to be philosophical, our winning run has to end some time.
Nonetheless, Sarries battle on with at least pride at stake, and for once some might say, a decision goes our way as Salakaia-Loto is given a yellow card for a high tackle.
The yellow card seems to lift Sarries, and on the hour, Simpson, who has replaced Van Zyl, scores after being set up by Maitland with Goode’s consistent boot taking matters to 24-39 and into “who knows…” territory…
With nothing to lose and with a man over, Sarries chase the game and 3 minutes after Simpson’s score the great prospect that is Hallett – on for Malins – slithers over the line after chasing a Goode chip, and StoneX erupts as Goode’s conversion takes Sarries within sight of Saints at 31-39 and still 17 whole minutes left….dare we even think about another stunning Sarries turnaround??
Not long after Salakaia-Loto returns, Saints are condemned to play out the remainder of the game with 14 men wen James is sin-binned..I do miss the days of the then Sarries matchday announcer (whose name escapes me) would in his best Michael Buffer voice intone “the siiiiiiiin biiiiiiin..” on such occasions – childish and deeply unsporting but it always made me smile.
Sarries take full advantage of the opportunities presented by a tiring 14-man Saints as Earl caps an inspirational captain’s performance by scampering over on 73 minutes, with Goode taking us to within one point as the score moves to 38-39.
Sarries now scent blood with time on their side and a wilting opposition…and with two minutes left the most improbable comeback of a frequently heart-stopping season is complete when Earl drives forward, and Daly is able to weave his way between the posts, with, this time, Lozowski converting to take us 6 points clear at 45-39.
Cue mayhem in the stands, we can see the Sarries bench going collectively nuts, and Mrs Jonny is hyperventilating (she’s fine after a couple of mulled wines, I’m pleased to report)……
I can’t really find words adequate to sum this game up….
At the moment. Sarries simply refuse to lose matches. That’s it.
Ben Earl was simply inspirational both in performance and as skipper – he must surely be nailed on as Owen’s long-term successor. Sean Maitland also had an eye-catching game.
The posse of new players arriving as a result of the tragic situations at Worcester and Wasps are all settling into the squad well, and the likes of Robin Hislop, Gareth Simpson, Andrew Kitchener et al will, if they all remain at Sarries, thrive in the back and red.
And as for Andrew Jackson, I don’t as I say do opprobrium…but when he was (accidentally) felled whilst getting in the way of play, there was I confess a bit of cheering in my part of the East Stand…...
Dependent on the outcome of the HIA protocols we may be a bit short of big lads, so if anyone's played at prop in recent times, I'd polish your boots and give Smally a call... you never know....
Jonny
TEAMS:
Saracens: Malins; Lewington, Daly, Lozowski, Maitland; Goode, Van Zyl; Hislop, Dan, Riccioni, Hunter-Hill, Kitchener, Christie, Earl, Wray.
Replacements: Lewis, Flynn, Clarey, Stonham, Tizard, Simpson, Hallett, Howe.
Northampton Saints: Furbank; Freeman, Dingwall, Hutchinson, Skosan; Smith, Mitchell; Waller, Haywood, Hill, Salakaia-Loto, Moon, Scott-Young, Graham, Augustus.
Replacements: Smith, Iyogun, Painter, Nansen, Sylvester, James, Proctor, Ramm.
Sin-bin: Salakaia-Loto (54), James (71)
Referee: Andrew Jackson.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:12:08:07:49:23 by Darraghgirl.
Given Daly has covered at hooker and I think flanker fairly recently surely prop would be a doddle for him?
Any news on those who picked up injuries, Riccioni specifically?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:11:18:11:29:11 by OldMarovian.
Mixed thoughts about the ref. I thought that he must have had the lady in the van in his ear far too much. Whatever the reason, he was no great contributor to the business of rugby as entertainment.
Innings
Points win matches: tries win hearts and minds.
Chalking off Earl's first half "try", not chalking off one for Northampton, and having a look at a potential 9 knock-on for one of ours... although it got a few boos it looked to me like the right decisions were made for all 3.
I don’t think he got the cards right though - in both cases you saw our player's head jerk back on impact , so the cards should definitely have been red ( especially the second one on Tom Howe ).
There have been no citings (so far as I can see), so the cards must have been within the bounds of reasonableness.
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
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As said elsewhere the ref didn't do as bad as felt on the day but he needs to work on his lost in the headlights expression and be more confident in his own decision making in future games
And while Oldmarovian obviously meant Flanker when referring to Daly's multiple talents above maybe that freudian slip relates to Eddie's view on a man at the top of his game this season.
)
Watching both the full match and ITV highlights later the commentators were unanimous in their opinion that the ref had a good game and got the key decisions right, even Goodey's late manhandling which seemed a ridiculous penalty at the time when surrounded by the like minded braying with me for blood.
Watching it back I have to admit I think the commentators were right.
He was asked the inevitable question of "isn't it frustrating to be playing so well and not be picked by England". His answer was basically "No. Not really. I'm enjoying playing for Saracens so much I'm really happy to be here".
Had I been standing there I would have hugged him!
Quote:AP
My complaint about the refereeing was that they took so long!
There have been no citings (so far as I can see), so the cards must have been within the bounds of reasonableness.
Also the decision to chalk off Earl’s try took forever, and we in the stand are just left confused what is going on. There should not be such long gaps in play, halves are now regularly lasting 50 minutes or more, its a real turn off if they want to attract more spectators
Innings
Points win matches: tries win hearts and minds.
Quote:The Bard
Considering the ref is supposed to make each decision in an instant it seems bizarre the tmo takes several minutes
Parkinson's Law.
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
Quote:The Bard
Considering the ref is supposed to make each decision in an instant it seems bizarre the tmo takes several minutes
It does? why?
The referee invariably calls what he sees live so it's an instant call. The TMO reviews the dame instance often from several different angles and at different speeds.
I appreciate the point about the interruption to the game but I think I'd still rather a call took a little longer and was correct and for all the moaning I'd suggest that much more often than not the TMOs calls are right or the evidence they give the referee allows them to make the right call.
So keep their use to a very limited set of scenarios to help keep the game flowing.
Quote:Innings
The TMO is grossly over-used, over-analyses and is a real preventer of rugby as a sport to enjoy. However, think what the keyboard warriors would write about every decision that went against their team if there were no TMO to back up the referee.
The way it was used in the Saints game, I’d ageee. I don’t use a ref link but it was obvious from the start that Andrew Jackson was delegating his role to the TMO, as you could see he was engagedd on a lot of conversation and the chap who sits next to me - who does use a ref link - confirmed that the TMO was constantly in the ref’s ear.
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