Saracens
COVENTRY V SARACENS: please post match related comments here
By The Saracens
September 6 2023
It’s almost here – the first game of the season. No double header (thank goodness), no friendlies and all pretty low key (I understand there’s another tournament about to begin in France which might be more important), but straight into a new-look Premiership Cup against Coventry. I have to say I like this new format. Involving the Championship teams is one of the RFU’s better ideas – it gives them a chance for a bit of a payday and the opportunity to pit themselves against the elite (albeit lacking some of their most elite players).
So to the format – my visit to Premiership Rugby’s webpage wasn’t helpful – not even a mention of it! So thank goodness for Wikipedia! It would have been straightforward with 24 teams but we only have 22 (10 Premiership, 12 Championship) so instead we have 4 pools, 2 of 6 and 2 of 5 (are you with me so far). Premiership teams were seeded according to their league place last season which leaves Sarries in pool A along with Gloucester Rugby, Quins, Coventry, Nottingham and Hartpury University (could this cause the odd problem for Glos?). Teams in pool A & B play each of the other 5 teams either home or away. Teams in Pools C & D play the other 4 teams plus 1 cross pool match so everyone ends up playing 5 games. So that takes us to the 8th October. I would love to tell you what happens after that but there is no further information! Logically one assumes the top 4 teams go through to the semi final and then the final. But since when did logic come into it.
Let’s move on. As we well know from our season in the Championship, you underestimate these teams at your peril. The dark arts of the front row can be very murky indeed – just ask Vincent! The championship teams will be pretty much full strength and they all have a point to prove. Sarries open their account with a trip to Butts Park Arena to take on Coventry. The 2 teams met back in May 2021 when Sarries just edged it 73-0 to confirm their play-off place in the championship so Coventry will be out for revenge! Lurking among their relative unknowns are the likes of Matt Kvesic (Wuss, Glos Exeter etc etc) and Will Chudley (Exeter & Bath). Coventry had a decent season last year finishing in 3rd place behind Jersey Reds & Ealing Trailfinders (although 10 points adrift on the runners up).
Team selection will be fascinating. I think we’ll see a mix of youth and experience throughout this competition. Sarries have traditionally stuck to the spirit of the Premiership Cup but I’m sure MMc will want his remaining first team players to get a couple of games under their belts at least before the real thing starts in mid October. Players who made an impression last season like Ollie Stonham, Olly Hartley, Toby Knight & Nathan Michelow will want to push on; players who still have a bit to prove like Manu Vunipola, Ben Harris & Aled Davies will need to demonstrate their worth; newcomers like Tom Willis, Oli Hoskins, Tom West, Tom Parton & Gareth Simpson will need to find their feet; those who missed out on international selection like Tom Willis, Nick Isiekwe, Hugh Tizard & Alex Lozowski will want to show the world what the World Cup is missing; and the old guard. Alex Goode, Alex Lewington, Sean Maitland, will just want to do what they do!
Given all that I have no intention of trying to read MMc’s mind and pick a team!!! Sarries should win, almost regardless of the team they put out but this could be a banana skin waiting to be slipped up on. We shall see. Sadly none of your regular reporters are making the trip (lucky Jonny’s gone to the World cup and my travelling is somewhat (voluntarily) restricted by the grand-twins + hubby’s dodgy knee). So if anyone is planning on going and would like to pen a few words it would be much appreciated. Failing that, if the match appears on Premiership TV at some stage who knows – but don’t hold your breath.
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StumbleuponCOVENTRY V SARACENS: please post match related comments here
Discussion started by TheSaracens.com , 06/09/2023 21:05
TheSaracens.com
06/09/2023 21:05
06/09/2023 21:05
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:09:21:11:28:34 by Darraghgirl.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:09:21:11:28:34 by Darraghgirl.
Another point of interest with Coventry - Obinna Nkwocha has signed for them this season out of our academy, may have a point to prove in the second row battle.
Very well explained, well at least attempted to! It all seems rather complicated so I think I'll just enjoy the games.
I'll not be at all surprised to see the Championship clubs take some scalps especially against the poorer set piece teams. Hopefully our recent experience in the Championship means we pick our battles. I've not really followed Championship acquisitions but I'm guessing the 3 lost clubs have added quality to the league?
I'll not be at all surprised to see the Championship clubs take some scalps especially against the poorer set piece teams. Hopefully our recent experience in the Championship means we pick our battles. I've not really followed Championship acquisitions but I'm guessing the 3 lost clubs have added quality to the league?
Taking a quick browse there's perhaps not as much of a direct impact on the Championship as we may have thought. Ampthill still have 5 of their Wasps/Worcester signings though, Chudley at Cov is a Worcester refugee, but I think across the championship its only 2 or 3 others. At the moment its only Ealing who have signed some former London Irish players this year.
I would imagine the impact is more indirect, with Premiership clubs signing the cream of the crop from the 3 lost clubs (if they didn't go to France), and therefore some of their 'squad' players dropping into the Championship. Gloucester I think have signed more of Irish's players than any other club and at a rough glance look like they also have the most 'outs' to the championship
I would imagine the impact is more indirect, with Premiership clubs signing the cream of the crop from the 3 lost clubs (if they didn't go to France), and therefore some of their 'squad' players dropping into the Championship. Gloucester I think have signed more of Irish's players than any other club and at a rough glance look like they also have the most 'outs' to the championship
There is a description of the format for the competition on Premiership Rugby website, but it's hidden away!
For present purposes, as you say, the four pool winners progress to semi-finals and final.
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
For present purposes, as you say, the four pool winners progress to semi-finals and final.
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
I don’t believe it’s available to stream anywhere is it? Anyone know if it’ll be available on catch up?
Some of the games already played (Saints v Babas) which I appreciate is a different comp, have never-the-less been on the clubs youtube pages.
I’d guess England will want Tom Willis to have some match practice if he is on call so I reckon we’ll see him.
Feels like its been an age since waiting for a Team sheet at 12 
Interesting that quite a few other clubs seem to be protecting their main squads/giving the wider squads a chance. I wonder what Sarries will do?
Interesting that quite a few other clubs seem to be protecting their main squads/giving the wider squads a chance. I wonder what Sarries will do?
West, Pifeleti, Judge, CH-H (c) Boon, Michelow, Knight, Stonham, Simpson, Vunipola, Segun, Hartley, Moore, Harris, Elliott
Adejimi, Crean, Beaton, Wardell, Willis, Davies, Lewington, Jackson.
No idea re Coventry but that looks super exciting.
Well done to CH-H. Overtook Tizard last season for me and it will be good to see how he goes as Captain.
Great to have a first look at West and Willis and the return of Simpson.
Really interesting to see how that backrow (all through the Sarries Academy) goes given all have showed up brilliantly when given their chances last season. For Sarries that is a big centre partnership but both are skilful too. Really looking forward to Vunipola pulling the strings and hopefully backed until Farrell returns.
Pretty close to doing a happy dance at the prospect of Segun and Harris on the wings and the other Elliott at FB (who tbf I have seen literally one game of but who was great)
Different players but Adejimi has shown a similar ability to Dan in the loose so looking forward to that too.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:09:08:12:15:07 by OldMarovian.
Adejimi, Crean, Beaton, Wardell, Willis, Davies, Lewington, Jackson.
No idea re Coventry but that looks super exciting.
Well done to CH-H. Overtook Tizard last season for me and it will be good to see how he goes as Captain.
Great to have a first look at West and Willis and the return of Simpson.
Really interesting to see how that backrow (all through the Sarries Academy) goes given all have showed up brilliantly when given their chances last season. For Sarries that is a big centre partnership but both are skilful too. Really looking forward to Vunipola pulling the strings and hopefully backed until Farrell returns.
Pretty close to doing a happy dance at the prospect of Segun and Harris on the wings and the other Elliott at FB (who tbf I have seen literally one game of but who was great)
Different players but Adejimi has shown a similar ability to Dan in the loose so looking forward to that too.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:09:08:12:15:07 by OldMarovian.
Cov side:
James; Hutler, Wand, Rigg, Martin; Pellegrini, Chudley; Trinder ©, Ma’asi, Salt; Tyas, Anstey; Ryan, Kvesic, Nayalo.
Replacements: Poole, Chilvers, Andrews, Smith, Bartlett, Lane, Mitchell, Ball.
James; Hutler, Wand, Rigg, Martin; Pellegrini, Chudley; Trinder ©, Ma’asi, Salt; Tyas, Anstey; Ryan, Kvesic, Nayalo.
Replacements: Poole, Chilvers, Andrews, Smith, Bartlett, Lane, Mitchell, Ball.
A few familiar Premiership faces there. Glad to see Kvesic is still playing.
Cov fan here in peace.. we are really looking forwarding to welcoming you tomorrow! Big excitement around the place and beautiful weather forecast. Hoping for 5000 and a fired up home crowd for those travelling up.. We lost two of our starters to falcons in the prem after a great season last year but have recruited well. You will know Chudley well as the article says from his time at Exeter chiefs and he has made a big difference to our young team. Kvesic too on the flank too you will know well who replaced our openside so we have good experience there. Will be a great occasion for our guys. Seems your team is full of promise so will be a big test for our improving young team.. atmosphere will be pumped. Have a great season
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2023:09:08:12:33:40 by Straightout.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2023:09:08:12:33:40 by Straightout.
Cheers Straightout.
I hope it's a great game. I'm afraid I don't know much about Coventry Rugby. Could you let us know how strong a team that is for you and if there are players outside the ex-Prem ones that we should be looking out for.
Thanks.
I hope it's a great game. I'm afraid I don't know much about Coventry Rugby. Could you let us know how strong a team that is for you and if there are players outside the ex-Prem ones that we should be looking out for.
Thanks.
No probs OldM.. it’s pretty much our first choice starting team.. we beat Ealing away in the league last year so the side has sprit and youth but Chudley is the key as he is like having a coach on the pitch at 9 and a great player at champ level with great game awareness despite losing some pace. Our backrow is our strong point with number 6 the USA eagles first choice and Kvesic at 7 plus a big number 8 who is a crowd fav.. our fly half is tricky (v small but nippy) and Rigg in the centre is a top performer.. we had our supporters club Q&A last night with the players and management and all are up for the task facing us
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:09:08:12:45:22 by Straightout.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:09:08:12:45:22 by Straightout.
That sounds really positive Straighout. Thanks for the reply and hope you have a great (although maybe not too great!!) day.
Btw 5000 attendance sounds excellent.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:09:08:12:55:07 by OldMarovian.
Btw 5000 attendance sounds excellent.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:09:08:12:55:07 by OldMarovian.
Quote:Not in the matchday squad.Barty II
Another point of interest with Coventry - Obinna Nkwocha has signed for them this season out of our academy, may have a point to prove in the second row battle.
Edit: and now I see the squad has been listed further down the thread, so superfluous. As you were).
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:09:08:13:37:38 by Kimbo.
really looking forward to attending with about 20 litres of suncream poored on..
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Exciting team. Anyone know who goes to 10 if Manu gets a knock or pulls a muscle?
Elliott. Played a few games at 10 last season. Swiss army knife back, yet to work out what his primary position actually is, but he was decent off the tee!
Quote:Barty II
Elliott. Played a few games at 10 last season. Swiss army knife back, yet to work out what his primary position actually is, but he was decent off the tee!
That certainly wasn’t my recollection. Saw him warm up for the Leicester game I think it was and he literally couldn’t hit the proverbial cows @#$%&. But watched him for England U20 and he looked a genuine prospect so fingers crossed!
That game we were probably 3rd best... lost 45-8, with Elliott scoring those 8 points, presumably he missed converting his own try.
Followed that up the week after in the match against Tel Aviv playing at 10 and kicked 3 from 4. Earlier in the season v London Irish Manu went off injured and he went to 10, either kicked 2 from 2 or 2 from 3 (probably the latter). He started at 13 that day, and also played a couple of games at 15
Followed that up the week after in the match against Tel Aviv playing at 10 and kicked 3 from 4. Earlier in the season v London Irish Manu went off injured and he went to 10, either kicked 2 from 2 or 2 from 3 (probably the latter). He started at 13 that day, and also played a couple of games at 15
Anyone who feels able pull themselves away from the excitement of Romania v Ireland on TV can catch the Cov V Sarries game on BBC Cov & Warks radio from 14:00.
It's a 4 pm kick off, so I hope they have plenty to talk about from 2 pm!
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
I'm trying to get access for the live stream for the Cov game and pay to stream it, but it's not coming up with how I can pay with my card!!
Congrats Straightout and Cov that sounded like a convincing win. Hopefully you survived the heat and are able to enjoy the odd shandy or two! Good luck for the coming season.
I couldn't follow the game on the radio in the end so no idea how the game went although Twitter seemed to indicate we spent a lot of time defending.
Great for Harris to nab a couple of trys and this is the start of the season not the end of it so plenty more to come from this group I'm sure.
I couldn't follow the game on the radio in the end so no idea how the game went although Twitter seemed to indicate we spent a lot of time defending.
Great for Harris to nab a couple of trys and this is the start of the season not the end of it so plenty more to come from this group I'm sure.
Thank you oldM. We certainly raised the roof and I thought we could beat you but didn’t want to say it.. biggest win for 10 years.. we played our hearts out in the heat. Not sure your guys expected that desire. Have a great season! I am sure you expected to win but it shows there is lots of talent and passion in the championship. You never quite know how good premiership squad players will fair against a top champ team as there is such a financial gap in funding etc but it proved a good contest with our first team against your second team. Harris your number 14 was your standout player who injected big pace and power and looked a cut above the other backs on the pitch
Edited 5 time(s). Last edit at 2023:09:10:07:15:23 by Straightout.
Edited 5 time(s). Last edit at 2023:09:10:07:15:23 by Straightout.
Groundhog Day after the Pirates and Ealing defeats from a couple of years back. Very poor decision making from the backs at times. Ben Harris stood out for his finishing and ability under the high ball.
Coventry a solid well organised side who were always on top once it became an arm wrestle.
Worrying that the scrum came under increasing pressure particularly with the replacement props on.
Coventry a solid well organised side who were always on top once it became an arm wrestle.
Worrying that the scrum came under increasing pressure particularly with the replacement props on.
Quote:Straightout
Thank you oldM. We certainly raised the roof and I thought we could beat you but didn’t want to say it.. biggest win for 10 years.. we played our hearts out in the heat. Not sure your guys expected that desire. Have a great season! I am sure you expected to win but it shows there is lots of talent and passion in the championship. You never quite know how good premiership squad players will fair against a top champ team as there is such a financial gap in funding etc but it proved a good contest with our first team against your second team. Harris your number 14 was your standout player who injected big pace and power and looked a cut above the other backs on the pitch
I'd like to think after our Championship season we perhaps did expect a good contest from one of the top second tier sides - yes our side is rotated but its still one with Premiership experience and pedigree, and so its no bad thing to show that on the right day a well drilled championship team can beat a Premiership standard one fair and square! Best of luck for the rest of the cup competition, and for the Championship season, hopefully you can play your part in stitching Ealing up again ;-)
Re the review above that wansnt sure what happened after the pool games, looks like we needn’t worry! At least they got the banana skin reference in correctly
We now haven’t won away since January 6th. Some extenuating circumstances but it’s go to change pretty soon
Some people seem downhearted by the loss which is odd. The point of the PRC for Saracens isn’t to win it or win matches, if it were a much different team would have been selected. That’s not to say the players on the day don’t want to win, but gaining experience in tough game situations and building their fitness are more important. Well done Cov and hopefully this is a building block for many of these players.
Agree Dolph.
Can't speak for anyone else but I saw what I regarded as a very good Sarries team with lots of players I am excited about and whilst I was cautious as I know almost nothing about Covs team I felt pretty optimistic.
The reality is even our "first" team got turned over by a Championship outfit and those clubs continue to show well and often have a set piece that gives them parity or more.
It sounds like there were over 4000 at Cov which is brilliant for them so I will console myself that we made it a memorable spectacle for great Cov supporters like straightout
Onwards and upwards for the rest of the season!!
Can't speak for anyone else but I saw what I regarded as a very good Sarries team with lots of players I am excited about and whilst I was cautious as I know almost nothing about Covs team I felt pretty optimistic.
The reality is even our "first" team got turned over by a Championship outfit and those clubs continue to show well and often have a set piece that gives them parity or more.
It sounds like there were over 4000 at Cov which is brilliant for them so I will console myself that we made it a memorable spectacle for great Cov supporters like straightout
Onwards and upwards for the rest of the season!!
Thanks for all the kind words. I guess it’s what rugby is all about.. for Cov a past giant of the game in the 70s trying to come again and becoming a real force at top of championship against the best team in England for many years albeit with your top players not playing. As you say for Cov it was a magical day that will be talked about for a long time. Record crowd, huge passion for every tackle or break. The connection between the players and supporters is big at Cov and as we were playing a such a huge club it was at its highest for years so it’s not a total surprise your team found it quite tough to gain the momentum as it was almost like life and death for us! Your supporters were wonderful and v humble. You had a great try from your big 14 to enjoy and even though it was absolutely boiling! It was a great occasion..i am not sure we will be able to raise it to that level again! But we are def a well drilled side with talent.. thanks again it was great hosting you. When you came in the league 3 years ago ish you won 70 nil with Maro, faz, Billy etc and picked 6 lions and 13 full internationals., we played our best game of the season that day too despite the score! You bring out the best in Cov.. thanks again
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2023:09:10:17:58:37 by Straightout.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2023:09:10:17:58:37 by Straightout.
Quote:Eh?Straightout
...As you say for Cov it was a magical day that will be talked about for a long time. Record crowd...
Record crowd at the BPA, but far from a record crowd for a Cov home game.
The addition of the championship sides is wonderful for all concerned. I wish they had decided to play the knock out stage as they do in the U20 rwc where all the teams play in each stage to determine placings
Quote:The Bard
The addition of the championship sides is wonderful for all concerned. I wish they had decided to play the knock out stage as they do in the U20 rwc where all the teams play in each stage to determine placings
Has the farce of no relegation finished yet? We need to give ambitious clubs like Coventry/Ealing/Jersey the chance to achieve their potential.
Not if it means spending big to come up and go back down again broke TOKS.
I believe the RFU may favour a Prem 1 and Prem 2 type model and culling the championship as it is today. There is a league within the league in the champ effectively with Ealing, Cov, Jersey, Pirates and Donny being fully pro and full time. These may end up in the Prem 2 set up but it all needs sorting and agreeing as at the mo the financial gap is too wide between the top 2 leagues.. i agree this cup has given the champ teams a great chance to play top Prem clubs and travel too as we are at the Stoop next week and a great trip to the Shed at KIngsholme in Oct where I suspect we will take a fair hundred and create some noise! It’s been really great for our clubs and some of the travelling prem club fans quite enjoy going to some new grounds and sharing a beer of two. Obviously Sarries did this when in the champ a couple of years ago and enjoyed it and got some healthy respect both ways. Having Itoje walk out at your local ground to warm up is a big moment and what rugby is all about! We have a fast 4G pitch so it was home from home for him but I can imagine some of the grounds it was an eye opener! Ealing owner has loads of money and have won the league 2 out of last 4 years and haven’t been able to go up which must be hard psychologically.. jersey too who won it last year are a v strong side and ambitious but maybe it’s 2 or 3 years too early for them.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2023:09:11:11:36:01 by Straightout.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2023:09:11:11:36:01 by Straightout.
Quote:TOKSQuote:The Bard
The addition of the championship sides is wonderful for all concerned. I wish they had decided to play the knock out stage as they do in the U20 rwc where all the teams play in each stage to determine placings
Has the farce of no relegation finished yet? We need to give ambitious clubs like Coventry/Ealing/Jersey the chance to achieve their potential.
I hope you’ll all agree I’ve done very well not to rise to this 😂😂
Sounds like the RFU have finally got something right with the Premiership Cup !
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