Northampton Saints
Saints v Tigers Semi Final Match thread - Teams Up
By Saint Ted
June 10 2022
This is the semi final Saints v Tigers match thread
Leicester Tigers V Northampton Saints
When:
Saturday 11th June 2022, 16:30
Where:
Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium
How do I watch:
BTSports 1
Tickets available from:
Officials:
Referee: Matthew Carley
Assistant referees: Craig Maxwell-Keys and Jack Makepeace
No.4: Dan Jones
TMO: Stuart Terheege
Teams:
Not considered for selection:
Matthew Arden, Conor Carey, George Furbank, Teimana Harrison, Paul Hill, Ollie Newman, and Tom Wood.
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StumbleuponSaints v Tigers Semi Final Match thread - Teams Up
Discussion started by Marching On , 10/06/2022 12:04
Marching On
10/06/2022 12:04
10/06/2022 12:04
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:06:17:08:11:25 by Saint Ted.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:06:17:08:11:25 by Saint Ted.
Shame for Furbank- injured in training, apparently- but Freeman is a great talent so I’m still very happy with that team.
COME ON YOU SAINTS!
COME ON YOU SAINTS!
Quote:lost in duston
Hopefully Furbank will be fit to play in the final!
…match of the Season at Twickenham against the Barbarians
Fixed that for you 🤣🤣
We couldn’t have asked for a much fitter squad at this time of the season. Tommy’s turn to shine, I’m not worried about Skosan in defence, lots of high balls in SA rugby and he’s a tough lad. Nadolo is on the bench, surprised by that.
Ribeye on the bench is a good shout, keep some impact for later and Coles is on fire.
Interesting 5-3 bench, I didn’t really expect that
OS - not sure, didn’t look his usual self recently, maybe having surgery?
Ribeye on the bench is a good shout, keep some impact for later and Coles is on fire.
Interesting 5-3 bench, I didn’t really expect that
OS - not sure, didn’t look his usual self recently, maybe having surgery?
On paper, how many of that Tigers team get into ours? I'd say the full front row (but hooker is a tough call), maybe Harry Wells, maybe Jasper Wiese. But I wouldn't take a single one of their backline over ours, unless Tommy moved to the wing in place of Skosan to slot Steward into 15.
I have genuine hope.
I have genuine hope.
No back row pace on the bench for Tigers
Reffell will do well to keep up with Hinckley for the last 20 minutes when I expect Ludlam to move to 8
Reffell will do well to keep up with Hinckley for the last 20 minutes when I expect Ludlam to move to 8
Oooh it’s tantalising! Shame for Furbs but a good chance for Skosan and Jimmy on the bench. No Ashton, who I had a feeling would be relishing adding to his tally against us. Plus Nadolo on the bench, hopefully to come on just in time for us to run rings around him rather than have him pounding through our midfield from the KO. Wells and Green will be very abrasive. We need a good first 20 mins to build some pressure on Tigers. I can hardly wait!
Ashton apparently not trusted to keep his cool. Chessum not starting is a surprise. Martin is on the bench after injury - not sure he lacks pace. Ben Youngs might have been expected to take the week off.
Thin pitch and what not, but I agree on the Nadolo comment about the last quarter
IMHO much better have him on the pitch with a team full of oxygen in the lungs etc
Last 15, more space out wide, saints running all sorts of angles
I’m delighted he’s on the bench
IMHO much better have him on the pitch with a team full of oxygen in the lungs etc
Last 15, more space out wide, saints running all sorts of angles
I’m delighted he’s on the bench
Quote:DaventrySaint
On paper, how many of that Tigers team get into ours? I'd say the full front row (but hooker is a tough call), maybe Harry Wells, maybe Jasper Wiese. But I wouldn't take a single one of their backline over ours, unless Tommy moved to the wing in place of Skosan to slot Steward into 15.
I have genuine hope.
On the flip side how many of our players would get into the Tigers side for how Tigers want to play? Not many. Courtney yes. Ribbans and Ludlam possibly. Biggar probably for superior defence and catching over Ford.
Even playing our style I would love to have their front row. Set piece sorted. Wiese is properly hard. Our backs are better suited to our style so I wouldn't swap any.
Quote:i was thinking the same this morning. How many Saints players would get in our team and I only came up with Lawes. The problem is because we see more of our own players than the opposition we cannot get a fair assessment of strengths and weaknesses. Anyway quite happy with Tigers side and our bench is loaded especially the forwards. Hope for a good game not decided by referee or cards.DaventrySaint
On paper, how many of that Tigers team get into ours? I'd say the full front row (but hooker is a tough call), maybe Harry Wells, maybe Jasper Wiese. But I wouldn't take a single one of their backline over ours, unless Tommy moved to the wing in place of Skosan to slot Steward into 15.
I have genuine hope.
Lawes, Ludlam, Api, Ribbans, Mitchell, Biggar, Freeman on the wing, Dingwall shades Scott
Freeman, Proctor, Biggar, Mitchell, Ludlam, Lawes, Api start for Tigers
Freeman on the wing, Proctor at 13
Freeman on the wing, Proctor at 13
Quote:A2OQuote:i was thinking the same this morning. How many Saints players would get in our team and I only came up with Lawes. The problem is because we see more of our own players than the opposition we cannot get a fair assessment of strengths and weaknesses. Anyway quite happy with Tigers side and our bench is loaded especially the forwards. Hope for a good game not decided by referee or cards.DaventrySaint
On paper, how many of that Tigers team get into ours? I'd say the full front row (but hooker is a tough call), maybe Harry Wells, maybe Jasper Wiese. But I wouldn't take a single one of their backline over ours, unless Tommy moved to the wing in place of Skosan to slot Steward into 15.
I have genuine hope.
On the Tigers team thread on their forum
Quote:Tiggs
Looking at player for player I have to think Tigers have the edge everywhere except for maybe 1 or 2 back row positions, but I think that the back rows as a unit are evenly matched.
Not much to split the bench's either ?
@ 6 I would take Hanro Liebenberg.
But would have Lawes + Api at lock instead.
Procter v Moroni for me a tie both strong in areas in a similar way.
But would have Lawes + Api at lock instead.
Procter v Moroni for me a tie both strong in areas in a similar way.
Sounds a cop-out but I think a lot is based around what works for the gameplan/team/squad - some players are just universally quality and would probably benefit any team lucky enough to have them (off the top of my head in this context Lawes and Genge for example) but most of the other calls are subjective and dependant on the style of rugby.
I know injury played a part but for Hinckley to work at Exeter he may have had to play 8 because they like huge flankers - but he fits perfectly with how we want to play.
I know injury played a part but for Hinckley to work at Exeter he may have had to play 8 because they like huge flankers - but he fits perfectly with how we want to play.
It will come down much more to which team can play to thier game plan better. If Tigers can impose a tight technical game on us I cannot see us winning. If we can play with tempo and precision and still keep our basic skills functioning we can win it.
Probably because I'm biased but based on a player for player
I would go with the following
15 Tommy Freeman
14 Matt Proctor
13 Fraser Dingwall
12 Rory Hutchinson
11 Courtnall Skosan
10 Dan Biggar
9 Alex Mitchell
1 Emmanuel Iyogun
2 Sam Matavesi
3 Ehren Painter
4 Alex Coles
5 Api Ratuniyarawa
6 Courtney Lawes
7 Lewis Ludlam (c)
8 Juarno Augustus
I would go with the following
15 Tommy Freeman
14 Matt Proctor
13 Fraser Dingwall
12 Rory Hutchinson
11 Courtnall Skosan
10 Dan Biggar
9 Alex Mitchell
1 Emmanuel Iyogun
2 Sam Matavesi
3 Ehren Painter
4 Alex Coles
5 Api Ratuniyarawa
6 Courtney Lawes
7 Lewis Ludlam (c)
8 Juarno Augustus
Shame about Furbs but otherwise s great side with some good impetus to come on from the bench. We want to keep it fast and flowing - in with a good shout if we do that. COYS
I think one of the key players that we need to get on the ball is Hutch. So much goes through him as 1st or 2nd receiver. Give him ball in space to be able to attack the line and release others into space.
I think he will be key in helping us keep out of an arm wrestle.
I think he will be key in helping us keep out of an arm wrestle.
Dry and warm so good conditions. A bit of a wind which Ford will utilise for his bombs.
Old school Leicester v New wave Saints………I know who I would rather watch even if Saints are not yet the full deal.
Quote:its winning that counts not how you winAberavon Wizard
Old school Leicester v New wave Saints………I know who I would rather watch even if Saints are not yet the full deal.
Statistically I suspect the most likely outcome if you ran all the numbers would be a few tries in the game, Saints score first off first phase especially. Tigers manage to get over the line by winning scrums and kicking to the corner against Heffernan and Waller. If saints have plenty of possession in the last 20 then they win, IMHO
I think wel give them a proper scare. A stat taken from Tigs forum. The last time Saints won a game without a try bonus point was v Irish in round 3. Underdog tag and sharp looking team, pressure should be all on tigers at home.
Bring it on. COYS
Bring it on. COYS
Quote:Saint James
I think wel give them a proper scare. A stat taken from Tigs forum. The last time Saints won a game without a try bonus point was v Irish in round 3. Underdog tag and sharp looking team, pressure should be all on tigers at home.
Bring it on. COYS
Bonus points don't count now, but it's quite a record. We lost a few with bonus points too!
They don’t but It demonstrates a propensity to score plenty of tries. Hope we take it to them today
Should be well ahead, nervous errors, really need to get points when we get chance
FfS - I hope we don’t lose this by a few points. Skosan will be suicidal.
Quote:ramseysaint
If that's a yellow then the Tigers one should have been red.
Couldn’t agree more
One of the worst decisions I have seen. Same sanction for Leicester head contact and Heffernan glancing/seatbelt. Awful. Even tmo was trying to convince other wise. Still, we should be tries ahead
Playing a bit like headless chickens
Giving it away rather than being beaten
Come on saints
Get it together
Win the game
Giving it away rather than being beaten
Come on saints
Get it together
Win the game
This is just what I dreaded. Saints the far better team but giving the game away to Tigers. We should be winning this by a country mile. So frustrating!
We dont deserve to win as should have been out of sight...but this game has been decided by Mr carley without a shadow of a doubt unfortunately
Sorry but Mr Carley has got a few questions to answer. Some bizarre decisions and if that's coming from Healey and dallaglio you know that's an issue
Quote:herbie85
We dont deserve to win as should have been out of sight...but this game has been decided by Mr carley without a shadow of a doubt unfortunately
Certainly a couple of unfortunate decisions against us
Quote:Push Over
3 points to Mathew Carley
I think there is more than that. Even trying to take my tinted specs off, it's been awful this second half. When even dallaglio slating the ref, you know there are issues
Criminal.
As I have been saying for a long time though, our skill level is not high enough to play the game we want. Easily could have been ours regardless of ref antics.
Good to see the back slapping from Carley and tigers players for that scrum penalty. What a guy.
As I have been saying for a long time though, our skill level is not high enough to play the game we want. Easily could have been ours regardless of ref antics.
Good to see the back slapping from Carley and tigers players for that scrum penalty. What a guy.
I don’t want to blame the ref. But…
Also, not sure if Skosan had any game again he’d be this bad.
Well done lads on this season. Onwards and upwards.
Also, not sure if Skosan had any game again he’d be this bad.
Well done lads on this season. Onwards and upwards.
Commiserations not sure the best team on the day won!
Respect to Boyd for his pre match comments ref Tiff and for developing an exciting back line.
Respect to Boyd for his pre match comments ref Tiff and for developing an exciting back line.
We lost mainly due to our failure to convert the possession into points in the first 20 minutes. The whistler merely emphasised the cost of our mistakes with his decisions in the final quarter.
I believe what we saw from Grayson when he came on shows why he gets so few starting opportunities.
On a positive note - If we can carry our recent form into next season we have a good platform.
I believe what we saw from Grayson when he came on shows why he gets so few starting opportunities.
On a positive note - If we can carry our recent form into next season we have a good platform.
Quote:herbie85Quote:Push Over
3 points to Mathew Carley
I think there is more than that. Even trying to take my tinted specs off, it's been awful this second half. When even dallaglio slating the ref, you know there are issues
Herbie,
Dayglo will do anything to undermine Tigers!!
Tough one, and a summary of our year in many ways.
Another day Skosan would have had those and still not convinced that was a knock on for the try that was chalked off. And without Skosan would we have had a try scoring record for the club in a season, would we even have been at the play offs so not going to condemn him.
Carley didn’t help, and the drop goal was a direct result of a poor call, but can’t blame the ref. We had the opportunities, a couple of times a pass out would have done it. Losing Biggar was significant.
We have team that are great, if sometimes frustrating, to watch. And consider the team spirit to get to this point when, at one point, nothing could go their way and we were closer to the bottom than the top of the league.
A win would have been wonderful. But they are a team with incredible promise. They will learn from this game.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:06:11:18:53:00 by Merlin-k.
Another day Skosan would have had those and still not convinced that was a knock on for the try that was chalked off. And without Skosan would we have had a try scoring record for the club in a season, would we even have been at the play offs so not going to condemn him.
Carley didn’t help, and the drop goal was a direct result of a poor call, but can’t blame the ref. We had the opportunities, a couple of times a pass out would have done it. Losing Biggar was significant.
We have team that are great, if sometimes frustrating, to watch. And consider the team spirit to get to this point when, at one point, nothing could go their way and we were closer to the bottom than the top of the league.
A win would have been wonderful. But they are a team with incredible promise. They will learn from this game.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:06:11:18:53:00 by Merlin-k.
We were our own worst enemies with the changes butchered. But my frustrations with the modern game game in that 80 minutes. The game was unfortunately decided with mr carley. I really don't like criticising officials. But the same sanction for a seatbelt tackle as to force to the head is where I start to think the game is decided not purely by the players. I haven't seen a knock on advantage over as quickly as one phase in recent years. We didn't deserve to win. But I'm not sure the deserved to either. And I'm quite glad I didn't early bird the final!
Showed the inexperience of the team
Nervous
Forcing the game
Silly mistakes
Hopefully that will be banked for next year and give the guys the experience needed to handle the pressure and be more composed
Bloody frustrating though
We should have won that
Well done Tigers
Really hope you can pull a number against Saracens
Nervous
Forcing the game
Silly mistakes
Hopefully that will be banked for next year and give the guys the experience needed to handle the pressure and be more composed
Bloody frustrating though
We should have won that
Well done Tigers
Really hope you can pull a number against Saracens
Well played Northampton, there were moments when it could have gone either way.
I am not going to slate the ref. He was mostly excellent until a couple of 50 50 decisions went against us but we were chasing a game we should have won. Our fault.
Annoyingly we fronted up in all the areas we have struggled but failed where we usually excel. Any other day we score at least 2 more trys.
Dead right we will learn from this. This team are in it for the long haul and now know what a semi feels like. Next time we have a good chance to do better.
Proud of the season.
Annoyingly we fronted up in all the areas we have struggled but failed where we usually excel. Any other day we score at least 2 more trys.
Dead right we will learn from this. This team are in it for the long haul and now know what a semi feels like. Next time we have a good chance to do better.
Proud of the season.
As usual; entertaining, frustrating, exciting, and as frequently in Tigers v Saints matches some questionable decisions from the officials.
We could have and maybe should have come away with a win. C'est L'Rugby (excuse mon French) Squad should hold their heads high and we should all be optimistic for next season. - Congratulations Tigs good luck in the final and I hope you do the job on Saracens.
Thank you for the last few years Mr Boyd, you have left a mark on Saints who play an entertaining style of rugby and I think your influence is appearing at teams elsewhere in England.
Onwards to next season.....
We could have and maybe should have come away with a win. C'est L'Rugby (excuse mon French) Squad should hold their heads high and we should all be optimistic for next season. - Congratulations Tigs good luck in the final and I hope you do the job on Saracens.
Thank you for the last few years Mr Boyd, you have left a mark on Saints who play an entertaining style of rugby and I think your influence is appearing at teams elsewhere in England.
Onwards to next season.....
Competitive performance lost by small margins.
Unconvinced by the ‘knock on’ by Skosan before Mitchell’s try - inconclusive at worst.
Dropped ball for his second opportunity was very poor.
Ball in wrong hand for his third attempt at the line.
I may well be wrong but Biggs always seem to go off injured in the really big games.
After a decent start, Carley made some serious errors - I’m not sure I have ever seen him change his mind !
5 points left out there from the kicking tee.
Painter needs to improve - Waller still giving away too many penalties.
A performance like that by Tiggers will not beat Sarries.
Healey at his inexorable worst though I do agree with his thoughts on coaches acting as ‘water boys’.
Saints will have a stronger squad next season but some players really need to move forward rather than treading water.
Boyd has left a positive legacy…….up to Dowson and Vesty now !
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:06:11:19:33:47 by Aberavon Wizard.
Unconvinced by the ‘knock on’ by Skosan before Mitchell’s try - inconclusive at worst.
Dropped ball for his second opportunity was very poor.
Ball in wrong hand for his third attempt at the line.
I may well be wrong but Biggs always seem to go off injured in the really big games.
After a decent start, Carley made some serious errors - I’m not sure I have ever seen him change his mind !
5 points left out there from the kicking tee.
Painter needs to improve - Waller still giving away too many penalties.
A performance like that by Tiggers will not beat Sarries.
Healey at his inexorable worst though I do agree with his thoughts on coaches acting as ‘water boys’.
Saints will have a stronger squad next season but some players really need to move forward rather than treading water.
Boyd has left a positive legacy…….up to Dowson and Vesty now !
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:06:11:19:33:47 by Aberavon Wizard.
Quote:Duckonstilts
I am not going to slate the ref. He was mostly excellent until a couple of 50 50 decisions went against us but we were chasing a game we should have won. Our fault.
Annoyingly we fronted up in all the areas we have struggled but failed where we usually excel. Any other day we score at least 2 more trys.
Dead right we will learn from this. This team are in it for the long haul and now know what a semi feels like. Next time we have a good chance to do better.
Proud of the season.
Agree with almost all of the above. Really hate 'slating' refs, but he like some public figures in the last few years, I felt got the 'big calls wrong'. Most notably the yellow card which seemed to have an impact. Still, young squad and positives to take.
Think the team should be rightly proud of themselves. The run to the end of the season was mightily impressive and we were the better team today. Should have won it, simple as that.
Some observations:
Skosan had a game that was simply inexplicable.
Carley got the big decisions wrong.
The drop off when the bench came on was dramatic in some key positions, and is something we'll hopefully address through recruitment.
Freeman is now our first choice fullback.
Healey is also unlistenable and should not be allowed near any match involving Tiggers. He's incapable of even attempting impartiality and insists on trying to ref and influence the game in his team's favour. His marked silence during the Rory head contact incident versus his preemptive interventions and calling for replays for every potential Saints offence was despicable imo, and should have no place in the game. Seriously BT, get rid!
But onwards and upwards. Contrary to my expectations we seem to be maturing, and I feel more hopeful about next season than I have in a long time. We still should have won today though.....
Some observations:
Skosan had a game that was simply inexplicable.
Carley got the big decisions wrong.
The drop off when the bench came on was dramatic in some key positions, and is something we'll hopefully address through recruitment.
Freeman is now our first choice fullback.
Healey is also unlistenable and should not be allowed near any match involving Tiggers. He's incapable of even attempting impartiality and insists on trying to ref and influence the game in his team's favour. His marked silence during the Rory head contact incident versus his preemptive interventions and calling for replays for every potential Saints offence was despicable imo, and should have no place in the game. Seriously BT, get rid!
But onwards and upwards. Contrary to my expectations we seem to be maturing, and I feel more hopeful about next season than I have in a long time. We still should have won today though.....
Quote:I’m with you he’s a prize berk and so pro Tigers he doesn’t even try to be impartial, I think Ben Kay by contrast is far more even handed. I don’t get why BT insist on Monye, Dallaglio, Kay & Healey doing their former clubs. I thought the ridiculing of Skosan by both of them was shocking, schoolboy sniggering each time he got the ball after those early errors. When we see the likes of Hartley, Warburton come Europe or 6N time it really does show them up as being really poor. Time for a refresh BT I think, as both Healey & Dallaglio really are stealing a living… what is an actual short armed penalty?!stoofer
Healey is also unlistenable and should not be allowed near any match involving Tiggers. He's incapable of even attempting impartiality and insists on trying to ref and influence the game in his team's favour. His marked silence during the Rory head contact incident versus his preemptive interventions and calling for replays for every potential Saints offence was despicable imo, and should have no place in the game. Seriously BT, get rid!....
Same old Saints in as much such a good opportunity missed!!
The ref got the card wrong and that was the turning point in the game, but ultimately the game should have been won long before then.
The occasion got the better of Skosan. I don’t want to single anyone out, but the fact is had he taken at least two of those easy chances, the outcome would most likely had been different!
We continue to be short of leaders.
On the bright side we should sign Freeman on a long contract. He has skill, composure beyond his years, and Lawes is just awesome. How we will replace him eventually, I don’t know.
It’s sad as you will have a number of teams that will be much stronger next season, i.e Exeter, Bristol, Wasps, Sale!
Hey ho, enjoy the Summer folks!
The ref got the card wrong and that was the turning point in the game, but ultimately the game should have been won long before then.
The occasion got the better of Skosan. I don’t want to single anyone out, but the fact is had he taken at least two of those easy chances, the outcome would most likely had been different!
We continue to be short of leaders.
On the bright side we should sign Freeman on a long contract. He has skill, composure beyond his years, and Lawes is just awesome. How we will replace him eventually, I don’t know.
It’s sad as you will have a number of teams that will be much stronger next season, i.e Exeter, Bristol, Wasps, Sale!
Hey ho, enjoy the Summer folks!
Quote:stoofer
Think the team should be rightly proud of themselves. The run to the end of the season was mightily impressive and we were the better team today. Should have won it, simple as that.
Some observations:
Skosan had a game that was simply inexplicable.
Carley got the big decisions wrong.
The drop off when the bench came on was dramatic in some key positions, and is something we'll hopefully address through recruitment.
Freeman is now our first choice fullback.
Healey is also unlistenable and should not be allowed near any match involving Tiggers. He's incapable of even attempting impartiality and insists on trying to ref and influence the game in his team's favour. His marked silence during the Rory head contact incident versus his preemptive interventions and calling for replays for every potential Saints offence was despicable imo, and should have no place in the game. Seriously BT, get rid!
But onwards and upwards. Contrary to my expectations we seem to be maturing, and I feel more hopeful about next season than I have in a long time. We still should have won today though.....
So did I imagine Healey saying the Heffernan yellow was straight up a terrible call?
On the last couple of posts a short arm penalty is a free kick. So called because a penalty is signaled by a straight arm where a free kick is a bent arm or short arm. A bit of an old fashioned term like no side for full time.
Not sure Exeter, Wasps or Sale will be stronger next year they are all losing key players.
I thought we played well especially in the first half the front row especially really stood up. We just lacked a bit of precision not just the missed chances but kicks at goal, a pretty soft try for Ford, the interseption pass and a couple of tries we should have scored in the second half where the ball should have gone left.
Still we looked better than we did mid way through the season but still a far way from a team that will compete in the later stages of big tournaments. That was a game we should have won not lost by 13 points.
Not sure Exeter, Wasps or Sale will be stronger next year they are all losing key players.
I thought we played well especially in the first half the front row especially really stood up. We just lacked a bit of precision not just the missed chances but kicks at goal, a pretty soft try for Ford, the interseption pass and a couple of tries we should have scored in the second half where the ball should have gone left.
Still we looked better than we did mid way through the season but still a far way from a team that will compete in the later stages of big tournaments. That was a game we should have won not lost by 13 points.
Freeman had a really good game and Man to Man was better than Steward and their are not many times I have said that about the Opposition’s 15 this season!
Skosan to me showed he was short of recent match time and the sharpness that brings.
Lawes & Ludlam gave 💯 as always and credit to your starting front row.
Skosan to me showed he was short of recent match time and the sharpness that brings.
Lawes & Ludlam gave 💯 as always and credit to your starting front row.
Quote:shendy
So did I imagine Healey saying the Heffernan yellow was straight up a terrible call?
Easy to act magnanimous when you've already gotten the benefit,
Compare to his behviour when there's still a call to be made. He's clearly trying to influence the BT replays, and using his position to draw the officials' attention to some things, and overlooking others.
Gutted for you.
By far the better team on the day but you can't afford to blow so many simple chances.
That said I was hugely impressed by how the pack fronted up and how well you did at scrum time.
That Tigers team isn't built to chase a game and I suspect had you taken your chances you would have humped them as the game opened up in the second half.
Frustrating result as the game was there for you but a huge amount of positives to take forward into next season
By far the better team on the day but you can't afford to blow so many simple chances.
That said I was hugely impressed by how the pack fronted up and how well you did at scrum time.
That Tigers team isn't built to chase a game and I suspect had you taken your chances you would have humped them as the game opened up in the second half.
Frustrating result as the game was there for you but a huge amount of positives to take forward into next season
Congratulations to Tigers. They kept fighting. They earned home advantage and ref decisions tend to favour the home side - that's life. Their Sinfield inspired fitness coupled with the yellow meant they finished strongly. Hope they beat Sarries.
I'm really proud of the Saints team. It will hurt knowing we could and even should have won. We left at least 31 points out there. We need to use that hurt. Equally, as the side matures and learns from exposure to big games like this they will only get better. We've got some very exciting youngsters who are now maturing into game-changers.
The front row were immense. Painter take a bow. What a game. He had Genge on toast and should have got more from the ref.
Lots of top performances. Freeman outplayed Steward. Courtney. Lewis. Dingwall. Hutchinson.
Courtnall had a game to forget. It happens. He's still been a brilliant signing and I hope the team and fans rally round him. You could see how much he was beating himself up after the game.
Lots of positives to take into next season.
A big thank you to the players and coaches for what has been a truly, fantastic and entertaining season. But for a few uncharacteristic dropped balls we'd be in the Final. Not many of us would have predicted that at the start of the season.
I'm really proud of the Saints team. It will hurt knowing we could and even should have won. We left at least 31 points out there. We need to use that hurt. Equally, as the side matures and learns from exposure to big games like this they will only get better. We've got some very exciting youngsters who are now maturing into game-changers.
The front row were immense. Painter take a bow. What a game. He had Genge on toast and should have got more from the ref.
Lots of top performances. Freeman outplayed Steward. Courtney. Lewis. Dingwall. Hutchinson.
Courtnall had a game to forget. It happens. He's still been a brilliant signing and I hope the team and fans rally round him. You could see how much he was beating himself up after the game.
Lots of positives to take into next season.
A big thank you to the players and coaches for what has been a truly, fantastic and entertaining season. But for a few uncharacteristic dropped balls we'd be in the Final. Not many of us would have predicted that at the start of the season.
Quote:ajack
On the last couple of posts a short arm penalty is a free kick. So called because a penalty is signaled by a straight arm where a free kick is a bent arm or short arm. A bit of an old fashioned term like no side for full time.
Not sure Exeter, Wasps or Sale will be stronger next year they are all losing key players.
I thought we played well especially in the first half the front row especially really stood up. We just lacked a bit of precision not just the missed chances but kicks at goal, a pretty soft try for Ford, the interseption pass and a couple of tries we should have scored in the second half where the ball should have gone left.
Still we looked better than we did mid way through the season but still a far way from a team that will compete in the later stages of big tournaments. That was a game we should have won not lost by 13 points.
I know it’s a free kick but why doesn’t he call it a bloody free kick, a short arm penalty isn’t actually a thing, all my years of playing I’ve never heard it called that. If you were slightly new to the game using terms like that are really not helpful. Loved him as a player, dreadful on TV
Some great posts. We were 9th in March let’s not forget and we had them on the ropes at times and also with the signings we’ve made we should be stronger next year.
Most of all though it’s been great being a Saints fan again - back to 2000 and 2012/2013 again and it genuinely feels like we’re on the way ‘Back’.
Yea we should have taken more chances today and yes Cardey had a shocking last 20 minutes but we’ve come a long way and it’s only just begun!’
Most of all though it’s been great being a Saints fan again - back to 2000 and 2012/2013 again and it genuinely feels like we’re on the way ‘Back’.
Yea we should have taken more chances today and yes Cardey had a shocking last 20 minutes but we’ve come a long way and it’s only just begun!’
Another year will do us a world of good. As they say, you learn more from a defeat than a win. A lot of our players will have never played in such a high profile game and will not want to feel this way again.
Skosan had a shocker but this is a rarity and the absence of a wing on the bench was a shame.
For Biggs to go off, he must have been hurt. You normally have to drag him off but as said before, he showed the difference in class from Grayse.
Sadly, a few dodgy calls and some abnormally sloppy handling undid us. Its worth remembering that we had to bring out 3 choice tight head, start our 2nd choice tight head and were unable to field our international 15. But bloody hell, Freeman is top drawer!
We were in no way humiliated as per pevious Tigers matches this seadon. We finished 4th and today, i think thats a fair result over the season. Boyds legacy will endure and i really believe that we'll have a home semi next season.
Skosan had a shocker but this is a rarity and the absence of a wing on the bench was a shame.
For Biggs to go off, he must have been hurt. You normally have to drag him off but as said before, he showed the difference in class from Grayse.
Sadly, a few dodgy calls and some abnormally sloppy handling undid us. Its worth remembering that we had to bring out 3 choice tight head, start our 2nd choice tight head and were unable to field our international 15. But bloody hell, Freeman is top drawer!
We were in no way humiliated as per pevious Tigers matches this seadon. We finished 4th and today, i think thats a fair result over the season. Boyds legacy will endure and i really believe that we'll have a home semi next season.
Have to come away positive from that
We have a higher ceiling than Leicester (more room for improvement). I think we will be top 4 comfortably next season and maybe top 2.
Shame it didn’t happen for us but it feels like we are building something.
We have a higher ceiling than Leicester (more room for improvement). I think we will be top 4 comfortably next season and maybe top 2.
Shame it didn’t happen for us but it feels like we are building something.
I worry that Eddie Jones is going to upset/confuse Tommy Freeman if he does indeed intend to play him at 13 in the same way Furbs had a dip in form after the 10 experiment. I’ve not see a young kid with so much potential as this guy. He has the chance to become a really special Saint and England International for many years.
We stood toe to toe with the best team in the country and gave them a scare. I’ve thought for a while that Boyd could end up being like Geech, setting the club up for future success under different coaches. Looking at the players he had back in NZ, it’s little wonder he won things with his style of play. Thank you Chris. I think you’ve left us in a far better position than when you joined.
We stood toe to toe with the best team in the country and gave them a scare. I’ve thought for a while that Boyd could end up being like Geech, setting the club up for future success under different coaches. Looking at the players he had back in NZ, it’s little wonder he won things with his style of play. Thank you Chris. I think you’ve left us in a far better position than when you joined.
There was a recent interview with one of the England players, I can't remember which in which he said Jones admitted to talking nonsense to the press much of the time. That was in regard to "Nowell at flanker" I suspect and hope the same is the case with Freeman.
I agree with you that he looks superb and a real talent for the coming seasons. Hopefully both Saints and England can make the best of that.
I agree with you that he looks superb and a real talent for the coming seasons. Hopefully both Saints and England can make the best of that.
Quote:Spockst
Have to come away positive from that
We have a higher ceiling than Leicester (more room for improvement). I think we will be top 4 comfortably next season and maybe top 2.
Shame it didn’t happen for us but it feels like we are building something.
Careful
That’s very close to a Paul Burke ism
Tigers fan in peace. Didn’t think there was much between the two sides today. Regarding those saints fans who say the ref favoured us afraid I disagree. Skosan try was clearly a knock on. Steward was clearly taken out in the air in the first half and taken off the ball in the second half. Semi finals all about taking chances and we took a couple. Despite reading on the saints message board that your fitness would tell in the last 20, Tigers fitness has been outstanding this season and our bench yesterday was packed with impact players. If saints had taken 1st half chances May have been different result but we will never know. Both teams have plenty of growth left in them so perhaps we can both look forward to the play-offs next season.
Deleted [posted and then figured a new topic thread would be interesting to get other fans views]
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2022:06:12:10:39:15 by Saint Maul.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2022:06:12:10:39:15 by Saint Maul.
Quote:A2O
Tigers fan in peace. Didn’t think there was much between the two sides today. Regarding those saints fans who say the ref favoured us afraid I disagree. Skosan try was clearly a knock on. Steward was clearly taken out in the air in the first half and taken off the ball in the second half. Semi finals all about taking chances and we took a couple. Despite reading on the saints message board that your fitness would tell in the last 20, Tigers fitness has been outstanding this season and our bench yesterday was packed with impact players. If saints had taken 1st half chances May have been different result but we will never know. Both teams have plenty of growth left in them so perhaps we can both look forward to the play-offs next season.
‘Clearly’.. from several camera angles you couldn’t tell and only alerted by your chief cheer leader Healey that the camera in the corner caught the fingertip in question. Steward wasn’t taken out in the air it was judged a fair competition as Proctor had eyes on the ball at all times and jumped to collect it, the fact Steward jumped higher is irrelevant. Yellow card for a seat belt tackle where the initial hit was chest, probably the first given this season, 2 knock ons in 2nd half were a nonsense, the Tigers player carded for the tackle in Hutchinson was lucky it wasn’t red, he was low for sure but he was always low and mitigation is a drop in height which he didn’t… but apart from that
Quote:Walks11Quote:A2O
Tigers fan in peace. Didn’t think there was much between the two sides today. Regarding those saints fans who say the ref favoured us afraid I disagree. Skosan try was clearly a knock on. Steward was clearly taken out in the air in the first half and taken off the ball in the second half. Semi finals all about taking chances and we took a couple. Despite reading on the saints message board that your fitness would tell in the last 20, Tigers fitness has been outstanding this season and our bench yesterday was packed with impact players. If saints had taken 1st half chances May have been different result but we will never know. Both teams have plenty of growth left in them so perhaps we can both look forward to the play-offs next season.
‘Clearly’.. from several camera angles you couldn’t tell and only alerted by your chief cheer leader Healey that the camera in the corner caught the fingertip in question. Steward wasn’t taken out in the air it was judged a fair competition as Proctor had eyes on the ball at all times and jumped to collect it, the fact Steward jumped higher is irrelevant. Yellow card for a seat belt tackle where the initial hit was chest, probably the first given this season, 2 knock ons in 2nd half were a nonsense, the Tigers player carded for the tackle in Hutchinson was lucky it wasn’t red, he was low for sure but he was always low and mitigation is a drop in height which he didn’t… but apart from that
Your talking to a Leicester supporter
More one eyed than cyclops
Not much to disagree with A20 about though, other than the Steward/Proctor clash, which was a rugby incident as both players fully focused on catching the ball. (As an aside, still think this may more widely need looking at from a player-welfare perspective as generally the attacker gets full licence to jump with forward momentum into an often static defender, so long as committed to challenging for the ball, which creates risk for themselves and the defender.) Mitchell's disallowed try was clearly from a knock on once the right camera angle had been viewed.
Still digesting the game in my head, but feel confident we'll go better next season.
Still digesting the game in my head, but feel confident we'll go better next season.
Proud of the effort yesterday - a game we easily could have won. Lots of positives - physicality in defence, some great attacking play which should have yielded a couple more tries, Tommy Freeman was outstanding again and scrum held up better than I expected.
Agree with you Walks11 on some dubious refereeing decisions. Two things I would add in the build up to the Ford try: the interception of Mitch's pass by Liebenberg - was he onside? Second the pass Ford throws to Potter at 51m30s - forward and caught with fully outstretched arms.
But hey there is a lot more to come from this team looking forward to more progress next season. COYS
Agree with you Walks11 on some dubious refereeing decisions. Two things I would add in the build up to the Ford try: the interception of Mitch's pass by Liebenberg - was he onside? Second the pass Ford throws to Potter at 51m30s - forward and caught with fully outstretched arms.
But hey there is a lot more to come from this team looking forward to more progress next season. COYS
I watched that pass back yesterday and I actually think it's a very good bit of skill from Ford. The hands go backwards but as he throws the pass he throws his body forwards to put some momentum on the ball. Because of the length of the pass, this legally allows the ball to travel forward relative to Ford's position.
Would like to have seen how close Potter's foot was to touch though!
Would like to have seen how close Potter's foot was to touch though!
Tigers haven't lost a home Prem game all season - we could, indeed should, have won that game. A great team performance undermined by some poor individual errors. Outstanding performances from Freeman and Lawes, and a big shout out to the starting front 3 who I thought did very well. Still plenty to work on but Saints can take a lot of positives from that game and hopefully come back stronger next season.
There was also what looked like a shoulder charge forceful head contact on Dingers, at 35m 35 secs, which Healy was entirely silent about, and for which BT didn’t tee up any replays, and which the officials didn’t review.
We do have to get smarter at drawing the officials’ attention to these things in the moment too.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:06:12:15:41:08 by stoofer.
We do have to get smarter at drawing the officials’ attention to these things in the moment too.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:06:12:15:41:08 by stoofer.
We attacked George Ford in the first half and he held the door open and let us through. He missed two kicks and is then given MOM. Bizarre
Quote:Hantsaintsrus4
We attacked George Ford in the first half and he held the door open and let us through. He missed two kicks and is then given MOM. Bizarre
Not really. They often pick MOM in their heads long before lick off and if the 10 kicks some points then they just award it to him. Has long been the case.
Ford also marshalled things very well and created for others, I'd probably have given it to him as well. Having said that I'm pretty sure BT do quite often decide these things pre-match!
Quote:Hantsaintsrus4
We attacked George Ford in the first half and he held the door open and let us through. He missed two kicks and is then given MOM. Bizarre
Scored the try that got them back in the game, scored the drop goal that pushed them more than a score away for us and was heavily involved in pretty much all the positive things they did. Doesn't seem that bizarre to me.
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