Saracens
SARACENS v LYON: please post match-related content here
ALAMY
By The Saracens
January 18 2024
Where to begin? After last Sunday’s shambles in Bordeaux, Sarries have left themselves with an awful lot to do to keep their European hopes alive. Under normal circumstances, nothing would be impossible for this team but quite honestly, after that abject evening in France where most of the team didn’t seem to want to be wearing the shirt (I never thought I’d write that), hopes are not that high. Those last 2 tries we lazily conceded (along with something similar against Bulls a few weeks ago) means our points difference is not in our favour and there is every chance qualification will all come down to that.
Let’s look at the permutations. As things stand, Bordeaux have 15, Lyon 12, Bulls 10, Bristol 5 and Sarries 5 (Connacht are out of it on 1). Bristol play Connacht on Friday night (in Galway). One has to assume Bristol will win that one, probably with 5 points and significantly enhance their points difference. Bulls take on Bordeaux in Pretoria on Saturday lunchtime. It is possible that Bordeaux will take all the points but given the French side are assured of qualification, they may not send a full-strength team out there so I think we have to assume Bulls will take at least 1 point from the game which is all they need. So it seems unlikely any of the other teams will do us a favour: fortunately though Sarries’ fortunes are still in their own hands, and they will know exactly what they have to do before kick off. Lyon have already qualified and could still finish top so are likely to turn up at StoneX fully loaded.
So the final 2 places are between Bulls, Bristol and Sarries. Bulls have a vastly superior points difference of +24 and only require 1 point to ensure they progress. Bristol and Sarries have similar points differences (Brizz -31, Sarries -32). So Sarries have to better Brizz in match points or equal Brizz in match points and improve their points difference by 2 more than Bristol manage. Calculators may be out on Saturday night if it gets that far!
Lyon’s fly half is Paddy Jackson – he has often put Sarries to the sword during his London Irish days. Lyon can also field former Sarrie Joel Kpoku and the formidable Demba Bamba at tighthead. Winger Thaakir Abrahams scored 2 tries in their win over Connacht and the side is ably captained by Arno Botha.
Sarries’ team selection will be interesting. I really hope Mark McCall has had a proper heart-to-heart with the squad. Anyone who isn’t whole-heartedly committed to the team shouldn’t be considered. The big call is Faz. I don’t know where he was on Sunday but it wasn’t in Bordeaux! Unless he can commit his heart, soul, mind and body to the cause on Saturday he shouldn’t play. Similarly I have rarely seen Goodey play so badly. I don’t see McCall going with wholesale changes though but there is room for some tweaks. The scrum performed pretty decently in France, all things considered, it was the backs that looked clueless. Allegedly last season, the senior players decided to change the way the team was playing and what we saw was wonderful. All that seems like a lifetime ago! But I think most of us are thoroughly fed up with the current game plan which seems to be kick the ball away at every opportunity! Let’s concentrate on the basics though: when you get a chance don’t mess it up by missing touch, back-chatting the referee, not throwing in straight or knocking the ball on. If you can get in the opposition 22, make it count.
The officials look like an interesting bunch: Sam Grove-White has the whistle, assisted by Mike Adamson and Hollie Davidson. I have to admit to an unfamiliarity with most of them. A quick google tells me they are Scottish (Oh dear!) Sir is 31. An ankle injury thwarted his career at an early stage so he took on refereeing. He has a degree in Business Management & learned his refereeing in Japan. He doesn’t seem to have a lot of experience outside the URC. I believe we have come across Mike Adamson – can’t remember the exact games but I don’t think the experience was a positive one! Hollie is a former scrum half who refereed the 2021 Women’s World Cup Final. She will become the first female assistant referee in this year’s Men’s 6 Nations (when she will be on duty for England v Wales). Good luck to them all.
I can’t say I have too much hope for this but nothing is impossible – Sarries could yet pull it off! But to be honest I would be happy with a positive committed performance where everyone looks like they want to be there, where they care about the result, where they’re proud to be Saracens. I think there are pretty long odds that if we do get to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the Final later this year, it will be in the Challenge Cup!
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Discussion started by TheSaracens.com , 18/01/2024 08:11
TheSaracens.com
18/01/2024 08:11
18/01/2024 08:11
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:02:13:16:36:04 by Darraghgirl.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:02:13:16:36:04 by Darraghgirl.
Good write up, I’m hoping that Bristol are confronted by some classic Galway weather but the forecast actually looks decent. I’m also hoping Lam has been away long enough so he doesn’t have too much of a insight into his former Terran!
“But I think most of us are thoroughly fed up with the current game plan which seems to be kick the ball away at every opportunity!”
I do think many have been seduced by our play last season. We need to be realistic- that was based on a solid set piece platform and very fast ruck speed, neither of which we have achieved this season. I don’t think we’ve been kicking at every opportunity but we’ve had to kick more because it simply hasn’t been on as much to run the ball out of the back because we’re constantly on the back foot. I’ve noticed a lot more quick taps in recent matches, which indicates a desire to play fast at least.
The coaches aren’t stupid, we haven’t got big bodies to punch through the opposition any more, we need to create gaps for guys like Earl and Christie, this can be achieved by a well executed kicking plan. There was a period in the Tigers game where Faz did this magnificently.
“Let’s concentrate on the basics though”
Exactly this, start getting those right and the attacking play will follow, we’re trying to build castles on sand at the moment and it’s never going to work. The Quins match shows us what to aim for. Solid set piece and go hunting in defence again.
“But I think most of us are thoroughly fed up with the current game plan which seems to be kick the ball away at every opportunity!”
I do think many have been seduced by our play last season. We need to be realistic- that was based on a solid set piece platform and very fast ruck speed, neither of which we have achieved this season. I don’t think we’ve been kicking at every opportunity but we’ve had to kick more because it simply hasn’t been on as much to run the ball out of the back because we’re constantly on the back foot. I’ve noticed a lot more quick taps in recent matches, which indicates a desire to play fast at least.
The coaches aren’t stupid, we haven’t got big bodies to punch through the opposition any more, we need to create gaps for guys like Earl and Christie, this can be achieved by a well executed kicking plan. There was a period in the Tigers game where Faz did this magnificently.
“Let’s concentrate on the basics though”
Exactly this, start getting those right and the attacking play will follow, we’re trying to build castles on sand at the moment and it’s never going to work. The Quins match shows us what to aim for. Solid set piece and go hunting in defence again.
Well hyphenated! That should keep that pesky Tiger caged 
Excellent preview too.
Like you and TK I'm much more interested/concerned about the performance than the result.
I think? In theory that Connacht could get 5, we and Bears nothing and then it would be a bun-fight for which got the wooden spoon but more realistic feels we get the Challenge Cup spot (arguably not a bad result) or be and of the lowest seeds in the Champions and have a decent chance of heading away to one of the top4 seeds ... think we can do without that.
I fully expect the same team to be backed to "put things right" not sure about that but the proof will be in the pudding as they say.
Farrell, Daly and Goode in particularal need massive games if picked to try and erase that performance v Bordeaux.
Here's hoping ...
Excellent preview too.
Like you and TK I'm much more interested/concerned about the performance than the result.
I think? In theory that Connacht could get 5, we and Bears nothing and then it would be a bun-fight for which got the wooden spoon but more realistic feels we get the Challenge Cup spot (arguably not a bad result) or be and of the lowest seeds in the Champions and have a decent chance of heading away to one of the top4 seeds ... think we can do without that.
I fully expect the same team to be backed to "put things right" not sure about that but the proof will be in the pudding as they say.
Farrell, Daly and Goode in particularal need massive games if picked to try and erase that performance v Bordeaux.
Here's hoping ...
I would very much like to see Daly back at 15, he was dynamite there last season. Then Hartley at 12, Tompkins 13 and Segun/Cinti/Parton on the wings. Basically surround Faz with pace and power to give him options.
Daly did not look fit last Sunday and should not be in the squad. Remember he knackered his hamstring at this exact same stage last year and we lost him for 3-4 months.
Hopefully West is now fit to start, it really is infuriating to see Barbeary effectively only get two weeks to Makos four for a far worse challenge.
Reckon either Theo M or JMG will come in at 6, not convinced by Earl at 8 although he is good at getting the ball out of a retreating scrum.
Manu on the bench in case Owen has another off day? Can’t see it happening though. We really should have given Cinti more time at centre as I think poor Nick Tomkins is exhausted.
Hopefully West is now fit to start, it really is infuriating to see Barbeary effectively only get two weeks to Makos four for a far worse challenge.
Reckon either Theo M or JMG will come in at 6, not convinced by Earl at 8 although he is good at getting the ball out of a retreating scrum.
Manu on the bench in case Owen has another off day? Can’t see it happening though. We really should have given Cinti more time at centre as I think poor Nick Tomkins is exhausted.
Ah that’s frustrating, I didn’t notice Daly looking unfit amongst the wreckage 😂
The Bard - "it really is infuriating to see Barbeary effectively only get two weeks to Makos four for a far worse challenge"
For both, the starting point was 6 weeks. Mako could receive only one-third mitigation (previous offence) and has done tackle school. Barbeary received one-half mitigation (no previous) and was eligible for tackle school.
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For both, the starting point was 6 weeks. Mako could receive only one-third mitigation (previous offence) and has done tackle school. Barbeary received one-half mitigation (no previous) and was eligible for tackle school.
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Agree TK. Except surround Manu with options!
Is Harris back yet? We saw him briefly but not sure if he got injured again. So good in the air and can create out of very little.
Is Harris back yet? We saw him briefly but not sure if he got injured again. So good in the air and can create out of very little.
I note that those signing autrographs pre-match are Mako and Andy Christie - is Andy injured or rested?
Papers saying Jamie George has had an injection in his neck for an issue and only expected to start contact training for England camp so we won't see him for the Lyon game.
Also:
"McCall would not be drawn on Farrell’s impending move – revealing only that the former England captain has informed him of his decision – but conceded his side’s dynasty is coming to an end. “Everybody realises the adventure we’ve been on is coming to an end and there’s a new adventure about to start with a group of younger players we’re incredibly excited about,” said McCall"
That sounds like he's off as if he was staying and he had informed the club surely there would be no reason not to say?
Also:
"McCall would not be drawn on Farrell’s impending move – revealing only that the former England captain has informed him of his decision – but conceded his side’s dynasty is coming to an end. “Everybody realises the adventure we’ve been on is coming to an end and there’s a new adventure about to start with a group of younger players we’re incredibly excited about,” said McCall"
That sounds like he's off as if he was staying and he had informed the club surely there would be no reason not to say?
Quote:OldMarovian
Is Harris back yet?
Been getting more game time with Ampthill. Scored the winner at the weekend with his trademark pace.
A few comments that its his defensive positioning that he's less assured with. Possibly explains why he's not been used as much for Saracens, clearly that's something Mark McCall & team deem very important in a winger rather than out and out pace (see Maitland, Lewington etc.)
Quote:OldMarovian
Also:
"McCall would not be drawn on Farrell’s impending move – revealing only that the former England captain has informed him of his decision – but conceded his side’s dynasty is coming to an end. “Everybody realises the adventure we’ve been on is coming to an end and there’s a new adventure about to start with a group of younger players we’re incredibly excited about,” said McCall"
That sounds like he's off as if he was staying and he had informed the club surely there would be no reason not to say?
Haha seems like as good as confirming it, why not just say it then?
Could be final details to tie up. Also there's normally an etiquette of sorts about who announces it. Maybe the contract is decided but not how soon he goes?
Tbh the more I think of it the bigger a distraction I think him staying the rest of this season, IF he's off, would be.
Team needs to move on asap.
Tbh the more I think of it the bigger a distraction I think him staying the rest of this season, IF he's off, would be.
Team needs to move on asap.
After all the noise it would be pretty odd if he doesnt go ….not sure Henry Arundell will be too pleased though !
Saracens Men team to play Lyon:
1 Logovi’i Mulipola
2 Theo Dan
3 Christian Judge
4 Maro Itoje
5 Nick Isiekwe
6 Juan Martin Gonzalez
7 Ben Earl
8 Billy Vunipola
9 Ivan van Zyl
10 Owen Farrell (c)
11 Lucio Cinti
12 Nick Tompkins
13 Elliot Daly
14 Rotimi Segun
15 Alex Goode
Replacements:
16 James Hadfield
17 Sam Crean
18 Ollie Hoskins
19 Hugh Tizard
20 Toby Knight
21 Gareth Simpson
22 Olly Hartley
23 Tom Parton
1 Logovi’i Mulipola
2 Theo Dan
3 Christian Judge
4 Maro Itoje
5 Nick Isiekwe
6 Juan Martin Gonzalez
7 Ben Earl
8 Billy Vunipola
9 Ivan van Zyl
10 Owen Farrell (c)
11 Lucio Cinti
12 Nick Tompkins
13 Elliot Daly
14 Rotimi Segun
15 Alex Goode
Replacements:
16 James Hadfield
17 Sam Crean
18 Ollie Hoskins
19 Hugh Tizard
20 Toby Knight
21 Gareth Simpson
22 Olly Hartley
23 Tom Parton
So much for Daly being injured. And seems it doesn’t matter how out of form OF is. He is going to play the full 80 no matter what. Hey Ho - good luck to everyone and let’s see if they can turn recent form around!
It’s on their website
Le XV de départ : Rey, Charcosset, Kaabèche - Kpoku, Vignolles - Okuya, William, Gouzou - Rimet, Berdeu - Niniashvili, Maraku, Parisien, Ioane - Tchaptchet.
Sur le banc : Coltman, Taofifenua S., Tafili, Goujon, Lambey, Dumas, Godwin, Smith.
Le XV de départ : Rey, Charcosset, Kaabèche - Kpoku, Vignolles - Okuya, William, Gouzou - Rimet, Berdeu - Niniashvili, Maraku, Parisien, Ioane - Tchaptchet.
Sur le banc : Coltman, Taofifenua S., Tafili, Goujon, Lambey, Dumas, Godwin, Smith.
Quote:Out of form Farrell > Manu VJimG
So much for Daly being injured. And seems it doesn’t matter how out of form OF is. He is going to play the full 80 no matter what. Hey Ho - good luck to everyone and let’s see if they can turn recent form around!
Unless they play Goode at 10?
We will know what we need to do after tonight’s Bears game. I think I kind of want us to drop into the challenge cup. We have a chance of actually winning that and it is the only thing we have not won
I genuinely think Manu is underrated here. He would be pilloried if he put in a performance like some of OF’s recent ones. Obviously at his best Farrell is international class but he is far from at his best at the moment and it just seems that he is untouchable. Goode is very much not the solution in my opinion.
I suspect that the Exeter game might be Faz’s last game at the StoneEx , so,lets make the most of him while we can ….
Quote:OTsarrie
I suspect that the Exeter game might be Faz’s last game at the StoneEx , so,lets make the most of him while we can ….
Surely the club captain wouldn’t leave mid season?
Does anybody who knows considerably more about Top 14 rugby than me let us know what strength Lyons team they are sending to the StoneX?
Quote:Stumpy7780
It’s on their website
Le XV de départ : Rey, Charcosset, Kaabèche - Kpoku, Vignolles - Okuya, William, Gouzou - Rimet, Berdeu - Niniashvili, Maraku, Parisien, Ioane - Tchaptchet.
Sur le banc : Coltman, Taofifenua S., Tafili, Goujon, Lambey, Dumas, Godwin, Smith.
any feels on how strong that team is, ive been checked out of internaltionals apart from the RWC for a few years?
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Quote:Stumpy7780Quote:OTsarrie
I suspect that the Exeter game might be Faz’s last game at the StoneEx , so,lets make the most of him while we can ….
Surely the club captain wouldn’t leave mid season?
Club and player might decide it’s the best thing all round. If Faz isn’t mentally right it might be best for him and the club that he heads off. I just hope we get a chance to give him the proper send off he deserves.
I am only guessing , but assume that the wrangling over a contract would include start date ….i used to work in the City , so maybe over cynical !
From BBC...... what we need to do...
Bristol lead their English rivals Saracens in the final qualifying spot by virtue of being one point better off on average points difference.
On Friday, Bristol travel to bottom club Connacht, who also have an outside chance of reaching the last 16, while Saracens host Lyon on Saturday.
Bristol need to claim a bonus-point victory over the Irish province and better Saracens' score to ensure their qualification. If they do, Sarries will also need the full five points on offer and to better Bristol's scoreline by at least two points.
If Bristol leave Galway with nothing, a losing bonus or a smaller losing margin by at least two points may be enough for Saracens to go through if Connacht do not take the full five.
There is a slim chance both English sides could catch Bulls, but it would require the South African side to lose heavily and concede their current 55-point advantage over Bristol and 56-point lead over Sarries.
Connacht, meanwhile, will also need a huge upturn in fortunes to reach the next stage by beating Bristol with a bonus point and then hoping Lyon win at the StoneX Stadium without the hosts gaining a losing bonus.
Bordeaux and Lyon are already through, but will want to maintain their current position and secure a home tie in the knockouts.
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Bristol lead their English rivals Saracens in the final qualifying spot by virtue of being one point better off on average points difference.
On Friday, Bristol travel to bottom club Connacht, who also have an outside chance of reaching the last 16, while Saracens host Lyon on Saturday.
Bristol need to claim a bonus-point victory over the Irish province and better Saracens' score to ensure their qualification. If they do, Sarries will also need the full five points on offer and to better Bristol's scoreline by at least two points.
If Bristol leave Galway with nothing, a losing bonus or a smaller losing margin by at least two points may be enough for Saracens to go through if Connacht do not take the full five.
There is a slim chance both English sides could catch Bulls, but it would require the South African side to lose heavily and concede their current 55-point advantage over Bristol and 56-point lead over Sarries.
Connacht, meanwhile, will also need a huge upturn in fortunes to reach the next stage by beating Bristol with a bonus point and then hoping Lyon win at the StoneX Stadium without the hosts gaining a losing bonus.
Bordeaux and Lyon are already through, but will want to maintain their current position and secure a home tie in the knockouts.
SUPPORT Help for Heroes:
Help for Heroes
Quote:ninjafezQuote:Stumpy7780
It’s on their website
Le XV de départ : Rey, Charcosset, Kaabèche - Kpoku, Vignolles - Okuya, William, Gouzou - Rimet, Berdeu - Niniashvili, Maraku, Parisien, Ioane - Tchaptchet.
Sur le banc : Coltman, Taofifenua S., Tafili, Goujon, Lambey, Dumas, Godwin, Smith.
any feels on how strong that team is, ive been checked out of internaltionals apart from the RWC for a few years?
I think that’s a fair way south from their strongest team. Bench players are a fair bit stronger. Last season Dumortier caused us a lot of problems and ended up in the France 6N squad, but he has been overtaken by Belle-Barrie.
Lyon have had a very poor season having been expected to be stronger. Bit like us!
One of the things that annoyed me about the way we played at Bordeaux was that the emphasis on kamikaze attack at the cost of defence was going to disadvantage us against Bristol. A loss by 10 points would have been just fine.
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Well and early red and then a yellow for Bears should certainly help our cause.
Malins gets run over by Aki but just about tackles him, bounces to his feet and counter-rucks over Aki one other Bear joins but the rest still asleep in the woods and chance missed ...
Malins gets run over by Aki but just about tackles him, bounces to his feet and counter-rucks over Aki one other Bear joins but the rest still asleep in the woods and chance missed ...
Quote:Elephant man
Thanks Connacht, but wish they had not got the bonus point
Indeed but if we can’t get at least a losing bonus point against a reduced strength/already qualified Lyon at home it will be better not to go through anyway.
Here’s to a bounce back from last weekend, key players back from injury in April and an exciting away trip at that time.
There’s been a lot of criticism of the format this year but we’ve not seen the raft of dead rubber games from round 3 onward that the home and away format threw up, commitment to the competition from the French with fewer games, and (not us) credible performances from Prem teams.
The impracticality of having saffer teams is an issue although it’s been fun seeing them. Overall, away matches in SA and Bordeaux aside, it’s been very good and enjoyable.
We will progress into the Champions Cup KO stages if we get at least two points or if we get one point but do not lose by more than 20.
We will be in the Challenge Cup if we get no points and do not lose by more than 16.
There's still everything to play for!
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
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We will be in the Challenge Cup if we get no points and do not lose by more than 16.
There's still everything to play for!
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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The sub ref disallowing that amazing feat of athleticism by the Connaught winger to score in the corner was a travesty!
His heel was just in touch (perhaps), so it wasn't a travesty, just a shame!
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Successful hills are here to stay
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That was very much not evident from the front view so I’m sticking with travesty.
With the Bulls having secured a TBP by half time, they look like joining Bordeaux on 15 pts. Which means that a win for Lyon this evening would make them top of the pool and home ko fixture.
You can take the man out of Yorkshire but you can't take Yorkshire out of the man.
You can take the man out of Yorkshire but you can't take Yorkshire out of the man.
Attempt at some maths:
2 or more points from the match = 4th, Champions Cup knockouts
Losing bonus point, or try bonus point with a loss by less than 20 = also 4th
Try bonus and lose by more than 20, or no try bonus and lose by between 8 and 18 = 5th, Challenge Cup
No bonus points and lose by more than 18 = 6th, Europe over for us
2 or more points from the match = 4th, Champions Cup knockouts
Losing bonus point, or try bonus point with a loss by less than 20 = also 4th
Try bonus and lose by more than 20, or no try bonus and lose by between 8 and 18 = 5th, Challenge Cup
No bonus points and lose by more than 18 = 6th, Europe over for us
Quote:Yes and it's not going wellmaynas
Has it started yet? I’m in a different time zone
HT 5-17
A real shame IVZ forced the pass for the intercept. We had numbers it just needed to go through the hands.
Since then we seem to have lost some confidence.
Farrell decision-making and execution is poor.
The game is still there to be won and the first ten showed we can cause the opposition problems. Hopefully playing with the wind will help. Scrum going well and impressed by the carrying from both props.
Maro, JMG and Segun all playing well too.
Think Vickers is right we need to stick with it.
Fingers crossed and good luck to them.
Since then we seem to have lost some confidence.
Farrell decision-making and execution is poor.
The game is still there to be won and the first ten showed we can cause the opposition problems. Hopefully playing with the wind will help. Scrum going well and impressed by the carrying from both props.
Maro, JMG and Segun all playing well too.
Think Vickers is right we need to stick with it.
Fingers crossed and good luck to them.
(edit)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:01:20:21:19:42 by OldMarovian.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:01:20:21:19:42 by OldMarovian.
Much better second half.
Segun, Itoje, Gonzalez fantastic. Knight brought great energy when he came on
Segun, Itoje, Gonzalez fantastic. Knight brought great energy when he came on
Does that mean away to Bordeaux
I think we are the highest placed 4th team and they are the lowest ranked first team or is it more complicated
I think we are the highest placed 4th team and they are the lowest ranked first team or is it more complicated
Faz's charged down penalty: Lyon players looked a hell of a lot closer than 10m to me
Phew!!
Eventually got there and at times we looked very good, with hand speed and movement and then it collapses. Often in the hands of the more experienced players in the team. Thought Segun, Dan, Gonzalez, Isikewe, Earl, and Itoje were all exceptional. Simpson was good when he came on. Scrum has been better these last 2 weeks.
Still a lot to work on. Basic execution being one of those things.
As MM said this week there is going to be a change of guard, but there is a lot to be happy about going forward
Eventually got there and at times we looked very good, with hand speed and movement and then it collapses. Often in the hands of the more experienced players in the team. Thought Segun, Dan, Gonzalez, Isikewe, Earl, and Itoje were all exceptional. Simpson was good when he came on. Scrum has been better these last 2 weeks.
Still a lot to work on. Basic execution being one of those things.
As MM said this week there is going to be a change of guard, but there is a lot to be happy about going forward
Quote:Sarriebone
Much better second half.
Segun, Itoje, Gonzalez fantastic. Knight brought great energy when he came on
+1
Dan was a worthy MotM but I would have given it to Maro as at times it felt like he was keeping us in it single-handed.
Manu at 10 next week please.
Blanchefleur -
The pool winners will be ranked 1 to 4, the second-placed clubs will be ranked 5 to 8, the third-placed clubs will be ranked 9 to 12, and the fourth-placed clubs will be ranked 13 to 16. The Round of 16 will thereafter be played over one match as follows:
R16 1: Number 1-ranked club v Number 16-ranked club
R16 2: Number 2-ranked club v Number 15-ranked club
R16 3: Number 3-ranked club v Number 14-ranked club
R16 4: Number 4-ranked club v Number 13-ranked club
R16 5: Number 5-ranked club v Number 12-ranked club
R16 6: Number 6-ranked club v Number 11-ranked club
R16 7: Number 7-ranked club v Number 10-ranked club
R16 8: Number 8-ranked club v Number 9-ranked club
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The pool winners will be ranked 1 to 4, the second-placed clubs will be ranked 5 to 8, the third-placed clubs will be ranked 9 to 12, and the fourth-placed clubs will be ranked 13 to 16. The Round of 16 will thereafter be played over one match as follows:
R16 1: Number 1-ranked club v Number 16-ranked club
R16 2: Number 2-ranked club v Number 15-ranked club
R16 3: Number 3-ranked club v Number 14-ranked club
R16 4: Number 4-ranked club v Number 13-ranked club
R16 5: Number 5-ranked club v Number 12-ranked club
R16 6: Number 6-ranked club v Number 11-ranked club
R16 7: Number 7-ranked club v Number 10-ranked club
R16 8: Number 8-ranked club v Number 9-ranked club
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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Thanks AP
I think we are now the 13th ranked club which will not change and unless Bath and Toulouse draw without any bonus points the 4th ranked club will be Bordeaux away.
I think we are now the 13th ranked club which will not change and unless Bath and Toulouse draw without any bonus points the 4th ranked club will be Bordeaux away.
Thanks AP
I think we are now the 13th ranked club which will not change and unless Bath and Toulouse draw without any bonus points the 4th ranked club will be Bordeaux away.
I think we are now the 13th ranked club which will not change and unless Bath and Toulouse draw without any bonus points the 4th ranked club will be Bordeaux away.
Quote:Blanchefleur
Thanks AP
I think we are now the 13th ranked club which will not change and unless Bath and Toulouse draw without any bonus points the 4th ranked club will be Bordeaux away.
Bordeaux are the 4th ranked team in all scenarios so you will indeed be away to them.
I thought that was a thoroughly entertaining game and the intensity from the Sarries players in the 2nd half was excellent. We dominated the collision in the 2nd half and I thought we were pretty varied and adventurous in our attack. Not perfect by any means but a major step up from recent weeks. I thought everybody made a useful contribution and some like Theo, Maro and Juan-Martin were superb. I also enjoyed Roti’s hustle and bustle which gave us some go forward. We won’t win the Champions Cup but if we get Bordeaux away again I think we will be a much tougher proposition than our first visit. My glass is half full and if we can win next week I have a positive feeling for after the break.
If La Rochelle win, we drop a place, so we would avoid Bordeaux.
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Successful hills are here to stay
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Quote:AP
If La Rochelle win, we drop a place, so we would avoid Bordeaux.
If LR win they will be 3rd in their group. No 4th placed team can better your outcome.
Good second half performance and hopefully that gives us some momentum going into the Chiefs game because we really need it.
Quote:#wolfpack1
It’s nice they’ve made the competition so clear and easy to follow
Yeah I think I will just wait for the press release as well...
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Will we have our internationals for next weeks game v Chiefs, I heard that England are jetting off to Spain?
One of roti’s best games of us, if he continues playing like that then he will make a wing berth his own. Well done!
One of roti’s best games of us, if he continues playing like that then he will make a wing berth his own. Well done!
Turned that one round. Hope that's a sign of things to come.
This competition structure is crazy isn't it? Group of death for us but not the others in the pool, thanks to getting the strongest two teams away despite our supposed seeding, and everyone else having a chance to score points against Bristol, then we have to play a team from the same pool again in the next round. Ridiculous.
This competition structure is crazy isn't it? Group of death for us but not the others in the pool, thanks to getting the strongest two teams away despite our supposed seeding, and everyone else having a chance to score points against Bristol, then we have to play a team from the same pool again in the next round. Ridiculous.
Quote:The word was we chose to play Bulls away , which does seem like a death wishNickL
Turned that one round. Hope that's a sign of things to come.
This competition structure is crazy isn't it? Group of death for us but not the others in the pool, thanks to getting the strongest two teams away despite our supposed seeding, and everyone else having a chance to score points against Bristol, then we have to play a team from the same pool again in the next round. Ridiculous.
I agree Roti was great , and young Theo played well , but I cant understand how Maro didnt get Man of the match . 2 tries , great in the line out , a couple of tiurnovers and a try-saving interception …and felt like he was pulling the whole team along in the second half …
Agree 100% OTsarrie. Maro was pretty much the reason we were in that game at around 60 minutes despite lots of other strong performance.
A word for Daly who I also thought had a good game and, as said above, Knights energy when he came on.
Our 6? are off to England camp so we'll be without them against Chiefs. They will be missing a few too including Slade who has become very much the heartbeat of the team so it's not as bad as it could have been.
Hodge is back though so if we could avoid kicking to him in masses of space that would be super.
A word for Daly who I also thought had a good game and, as said above, Knights energy when he came on.
Our 6? are off to England camp so we'll be without them against Chiefs. They will be missing a few too including Slade who has become very much the heartbeat of the team so it's not as bad as it could have been.
Hodge is back though so if we could avoid kicking to him in masses of space that would be super.
Was going to make the same point about Daly. Injected pace every time he got the ball in attack and one absolute crunching tackle in the second half when he ran the player back at least 10 yards. One kick for touch from 50 yards into their corner was brilliant (can’t remember but that may have resulted in the lineout Maro scored from.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone get charged down as often as Farrelll was last night. The two that resulted in their try was a real head in hands moment and the less said about the kick to the corner the better. Against better teams those are match losing errors.
Wind obviously a major factor in the contrasting halves but I think Lyon would also regret the argy bargy in front of the south stand as that really got the team going and we ran away with it from then on.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone get charged down as often as Farrelll was last night. The two that resulted in their try was a real head in hands moment and the less said about the kick to the corner the better. Against better teams those are match losing errors.
Wind obviously a major factor in the contrasting halves but I think Lyon would also regret the argy bargy in front of the south stand as that really got the team going and we ran away with it from then on.
So starting pack of Mulipola, Hadfield, Judge, Tizard, Theo (if injured not sure who maybe Stonham or Billy!), JMG, Christie and Billy. We’ll need some big performances from a few more than the usual guys.
Farrell also threw a pass which was intercepted by the Georgian winger, which luckily was pulled back because of an off-side (around 12 minutes in)
Quote:StatesmanQuote:AP
If La Rochelle win, we drop a place, so we would avoid Bordeaux.
If LR win they will be 3rd in their group. No 4th placed team can better your outcome.
Yes, same result if Sale win. It's all the fault of those pesky Tigers for being on 9 points in that group.
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Thought Mulipola had another solid game. Scrum was decent and I didn’t see much evidence of his lack of mobility being exploited although to be fair Lyon really didn’t have the ball much.
Quote:The BardQuote:The word was we chose to play Bulls away , which does seem like a death wishNickL
Turned that one round. Hope that's a sign of things to come.
This competition structure is crazy isn't it? Group of death for us but not the others in the pool, thanks to getting the strongest two teams away despite our supposed seeding, and everyone else having a chance to score points against Bristol, then we have to play a team from the same pool again in the next round. Ridiculous.
Shirley, that can't be right ...
... and I am sure that you'd prefer to be addressed as Steve 😁
It's a long time since Sports network paid anything!
A great win in the end, if we're somehow to win away in the round of 16, would we be away again?.
Including knockout games in the season ticket this season, didn't seem such a bad idea at the start of the season......maybe not so now.
But we've been spoilt win success the last few years, so have to take the rough with the smooth.
Including knockout games in the season ticket this season, didn't seem such a bad idea at the start of the season......maybe not so now.
But we've been spoilt win success the last few years, so have to take the rough with the smooth.
Shame that Kpoku seemed to feel the need to behave like a bit of a numpty yesterday but he played exceptionally well.
Anyone have any idea how good the Lyon scrum is? Should our control there be taken as cause for optimism?
Anyone have any idea how good the Lyon scrum is? Should our control there be taken as cause for optimism?
Their props were certainly big enough! Must be the first game this season we haven’t conceded a scrum penalty regardless of the opposition
Quote:I think the draw will be:StatesmanQuote:Blanchefleur
Thanks AP
I think we are now the 13th ranked club which will not change and unless Bath and Toulouse draw without any bonus points the 4th ranked club will be Bordeaux away.
Bordeaux are the 4th ranked team in all scenarios so you will indeed be away to them.
1. Toulouse v Racing
2. Leinster v Leicester
3. Saints (or Ex) v Munster
4. Bordeaux v Sarries
5. Ex (or Saints) v Glasgow
6. Quins v Lyon
7. Bulls v La Rochelle
8. Stormers v Bath
You can take the man out of Yorkshire but you can't take Yorkshire out of the man.
Half of the games will be repeats, then.
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
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Successful hills are here to stay
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Quote:5 out of 8 are repeats, yesAP
Half of the games will be repeats, then.
If the result against Bordeaux is reversed we would play away the winners of Quins v Glasgow
5/6/7th April Jim. Quarter finals the week after. Semi's first week in may and the final is on the 25th may at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
[www.epcrugby.com]
[www.epcrugby.com]
Listening to some of the podcasts this morning you really question if some of them actually watch rugby or know much about the teams they're commentating on.
Based on the Lyon game our issue this season is apparently that we try and play too much and don't control territory. Strangely no comment on how other teams might be doing playing a combination of 4th and 5th choices at prop.
Twonks the lot of them!
Based on the Lyon game our issue this season is apparently that we try and play too much and don't control territory. Strangely no comment on how other teams might be doing playing a combination of 4th and 5th choices at prop.
Twonks the lot of them!
Quote:OldMarovian
Listening to some of the podcasts this morning you really question if some of them actually watch rugby or know much about the teams they're commentating on.
Twonks the lot of them!
Does that include the Fazcast?
[Dw, guys - looking forward to the latest episode.
]
Well Matt talks a lot of sense and Jez talks a lot 
Enjoyed today's episode. Interesting to hear from Parton.
100% with Matt on Farrell. We really need to see him at his best. As said in the podcast the experienced players will be vital to a good result on the weekend IF we are to secure one.
Enjoyed today's episode. Interesting to hear from Parton.
100% with Matt on Farrell. We really need to see him at his best. As said in the podcast the experienced players will be vital to a good result on the weekend IF we are to secure one.
Jez, is that the guy who used to play second row? 😉
I thought Parton spoke well, would love to see more of him on the field.
I thought Parton spoke well, would love to see more of him on the field.
Wondering with Farrell apparently having a medical at Racing whether he'll play this week?
Is that sort of thing the Eurostar there and back? Or would he be missing from training for a couple of days this week?
Is that sort of thing the Eurostar there and back? Or would he be missing from training for a couple of days this week?
Well he’s got the entire six nations to get that sorted so hopefully he’s available and back on form!
Quote:OldMarovian
Wondering with Farrell apparently having a medical at Racing whether he'll play this week?
Is that sort of thing the Eurostar there and back? Or would he be missing from training for a couple of days this week?
Wasn't it a two day thing for Luke Cowan-Dickie?
Quote:nicsueQuote:OldMarovian
Wondering with Farrell apparently having a medical at Racing whether he'll play this week?
Is that sort of thing the Eurostar there and back? Or would he be missing from training for a couple of days this week?
Wasn't it a two day thing for Luke Cowan-Dickie?
Let's hope he doesn't get involved in a boozy night out like LCD was accused of, and end up in Sale.
They must be able to find a way of getting him there and back in a day.
There seem to be plenty on this board who would welcome the opportunity for him not to be available!
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
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Successful hills are here to stay
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Welcome to the Soft Parade
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Well there's a piece in the papers with Maro talking about staying to the next RWC and wanting to put himself in the conversation for the Lions etc BUT no talk of his Sarries contract being renewed yet so I get the feeling Farrell going will make quite a lot of other pieces click into place.
I am hoping that by the Chiefs game we have some concrete news. Not sure the uncertainty can be any better for the club/players than it is for the supporters?
I am hoping that by the Chiefs game we have some concrete news. Not sure the uncertainty can be any better for the club/players than it is for the supporters?
Which article did you read? The one in the Times makes it quite clear that Maro is intending to stay at Saracens, Please try to be optimistic for once, Eeyore!
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
🌻🌻🌻
Thanks tprs.
I read the Guardian piece which, unless it's been edited, made no reference to his Sarries contract.
Great news.
I read the Guardian piece which, unless it's been edited, made no reference to his Sarries contract.
Great news.
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