Northampton Saints
Saints v Tigers - Teams Up
By Saint Ted
April 19 2024
This is the Northampton Saints v Leicester Tigers match thread
Who: Northampton Saints v Leicester Tigers
Where: Franklins Gardens
When: Saturday 20th April 2024; 15:05
How do I watch: TNT 1/Discovery +
Tickets: SOLD OUT - Try the Saints Sinners ticket exchange or the official one FOUND 'ERE
Match day info: Guide to the Gardens
Saints take: Saints O'ffy
Tigers Take: Tigers O'ffy
Officials:
Referee: Christophe Ridley
Assistant referees: Joe James and Jamie Leahy
No. 4: Peter Allan
TMO: Andrew Jackson
Teams:
| Northampton Saints | Leicester Tigers | |
| James Ramm | 15 | Jamie Shillcock |
| George Hendy | 14 | Freddie Steward |
| Tom Litchfield | 13 | Dan Kelly |
| Fraser Dingwall | 12 | Solomone Kata |
| Tom Seabrook | 11 | Ollie Hassell-Collins |
| George Furbank | 10 | Handré Pollard |
| Alex Mitchell | 9 | Jack van Poortvliet |
| Alex Waller | 1 | James Cronin |
| Curtis Langdon | 2 | Julián Montoya |
| Elliot Millar Mills | 3 | Dan Cole |
| Alex Moon | 4 | Harry Wells |
| Temo Mayanavanua | 5 | Ollie Chessum |
| Alex Coles | 6 | Finn Carnduff |
| Lewis Ludlam (c) | 7 | Tommy Reffell |
| Juarno Augustus | 8 | Jasper Wiese |
| Replacements: | ||
| Robbie Smith | 16 | Charlie Clare |
| Tarek Haffar | 17 | Francois van Wyk |
| Trevor Davison | 18 | Will Hurd |
| Tom Lockett | 19 | Kyle Hatherell |
| Sam Graham | 20 | Olly Cracknell |
| Tom James | 21 | Ben Youngs |
| Fin Smith | 22 | Phil Cokanasiga |
| Tommy Freeman | 23 | Mike Brown |
Not available for selection:
Callum Braley, Paul Hill, Rory Hutchinson, Sam Matavesi (Navy), Burger Odendaal and Tom Pearson.
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StumbleuponSaints v Tigers - Teams Up
Discussion started by Marching On , 19/04/2024 12:05
Marching On
19/04/2024 12:05
19/04/2024 12:05
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:04:26:07:54:15 by Saint Ted.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:04:26:07:54:15 by Saint Ted.
Bit left field some of the selections but rotation has worked well so far this season
Sleights missing assume means he is being rested for the run in
Sleights missing assume means he is being rested for the run in
Really interested to see the rotation.
Tbh a bit let down not to see Smith v Pollard for most of the game but two very good sides should make for a great game.
Tbh a bit let down not to see Smith v Pollard for most of the game but two very good sides should make for a great game.
Interesting Rotation!
No mention of Lawes?
The Tigers N/A
George Martin, Anthony Watson, Hanro Liebenberg, Joe Heyes, Josh Bassett, Guy Porter, Matt Rogerson, Harry Simmons, Lewis Chessum
No mention of Lawes?
The Tigers N/A
George Martin, Anthony Watson, Hanro Liebenberg, Joe Heyes, Josh Bassett, Guy Porter, Matt Rogerson, Harry Simmons, Lewis Chessum
Got to trust in Dowson but I'm surprised.
Very easy for Tigers to turn "they think they can play weakened side v us" into major motivation.
Very easy for Tigers to turn "they think they can play weakened side v us" into major motivation.
Two old boys on the bench in the Leicester front row - although FvW has signed for Bath for next season.
Glad to see that Joe Heyes isn't playing. If I remember correctly, he annihilated our scrum last time.
I know he's previously shown what he can do but it's still a huge game for Litchfield. The perfect stage to stake his claim!
I know he's previously shown what he can do but it's still a huge game for Litchfield. The perfect stage to stake his claim!
Fin and Ollie seen limping in the last couple of weeks, Courtney had a back spasm last week and said he felt pretty beat up the week before. Big Trev deserves a rest, he has played so much rugby this season. Pleased with this team, would rather them all fit and available for Leinster.
Glad Dingers going off last week was obviously not that serious.
Shame Rory is still injured.
Glad Dingers going off last week was obviously not that serious.
Shame Rory is still injured.
Not sure why everyone is so surprised? We've just had Sarries, Munster and Bulls in three big emotionally charged games and we want our best players fit and fresh for the latter end of the season, don't we?
Giving game time to some other players is great and really keeps the whole squad invested and motivated which is such a key part of winning trophies. The rotation is a reality of the modern game and even with these changes, we'll probably still be too good.
Looking at the bench we have Smith, James, Freeman all excellent players, they have Youngs, Brown who aren't exactly spring chickens.
Giving game time to some other players is great and really keeps the whole squad invested and motivated which is such a key part of winning trophies. The rotation is a reality of the modern game and even with these changes, we'll probably still be too good.
Looking at the bench we have Smith, James, Freeman all excellent players, they have Youngs, Brown who aren't exactly spring chickens.
Sensible selection imho.
And I don’t there’s much of a step down in quality.
The bench is v strong.
I’m sure Mr D will have plans in how to nullify the threat of Reffell at the breakdown. He is a proper nuisance. The type of player you hate but love to have
And I don’t there’s much of a step down in quality.
The bench is v strong.
I’m sure Mr D will have plans in how to nullify the threat of Reffell at the breakdown. He is a proper nuisance. The type of player you hate but love to have
Bet Courts is a bit miserable at missing his last ever local derby. Hope the selection gets us a win
Quote:lost in duston
Sensible selection imho.
And I don’t there’s much of a step down in quality.
The bench is v strong.
I’m sure Mr D will have plans in how to nullify the threat of Reffell at the breakdown. He is a proper nuisance. The type of player you hate but love to have
and Carnduff is just as good
We seem to be in the lucky position where rotated doesn't necessarily mean weakened.
Lichfield and Seabrook are the only players that haven't featured heavily in recent weeks. Seabrook's only been out due to injury or the form of Hendy, Ramm and Sleights.
As far as the bench is concerned, R Smith, Haffar and Lockett are all Premiership standard and are likely to have significantly more impact next season.
Overall, is it a Cup Final side? Probably not. Is it a side good enough to win a Premiership match? Absolutely!
Has a bit of a Journeyman side to it. Only 9 of the starting 15 have come through our Academy!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:04:19:13:48:01 by St Stokey..
Lichfield and Seabrook are the only players that haven't featured heavily in recent weeks. Seabrook's only been out due to injury or the form of Hendy, Ramm and Sleights.
As far as the bench is concerned, R Smith, Haffar and Lockett are all Premiership standard and are likely to have significantly more impact next season.
Overall, is it a Cup Final side? Probably not. Is it a side good enough to win a Premiership match? Absolutely!
Has a bit of a Journeyman side to it. Only 9 of the starting 15 have come through our Academy!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:04:19:13:48:01 by St Stokey..
I think you could argue that this is a weaker team/squad than the one that at a hiding at Bristol, but obviously very different circumstances being the derby at home. You would imagine those first choice players starting this week will be rested against Quins prior to Leinster, however, do those who are rested this week will have to come in next week to get some minutes.
We have to rotate. I remember playing Leinster in Cardiiff,, great first half but Tiny, Mooj etc were absolutley exhausted and geld together by sticking tape.
When going deep into competitions this is always a head ache.
From a strategic standpoint maybe better to go full out v Quins as they are closer in the table?
Only issue for me is who can win a turnover, but we may not have to as they will kick it to us hopefully.
When going deep into competitions this is always a head ache.
From a strategic standpoint maybe better to go full out v Quins as they are closer in the table?
Only issue for me is who can win a turnover, but we may not have to as they will kick it to us hopefully.
Its probably a good idea to let Furbank have a competitive run out at 10. If Smith was to get nobbled, we'd need a fit and firing Furbank at 10.
Are we taking this serious we are playing tigers why have we not got our best 15 on the pitch.We have 2 home games left and we need to win them .Sorry tigers must be loving the chance of another win,
We absolutely need to rest and rotate and it being a derby aside this is the best game to do it. I think this is a good enough 23 to get the win as long as we compete well enough around the breakdown - last time out Tigers frustrated us there and we then overplayed without having the quick front foot ball needed. I think the team has progressed since then as well.
We cannot keep flogging the same players week in week out if we expect to win games later in the season. Seems a good balance to give some players game time in what should be a competitive side.
This should stretch players without being thrown into a team with no chance of winning.
This should stretch players without being thrown into a team with no chance of winning.
Seems a pragmatic selection, after some physical games and with tough challenges ahead. Slightly concerned the breakdown may be tricky, the players have a point to prove after coming second best at Wellbad Rd. I really hope we have Pearson back soon.
Hopeful that the Gardens crowd and the strong bench will be enough to secure the win. COYS
Hopeful that the Gardens crowd and the strong bench will be enough to secure the win. COYS
Quote:saint buck
Are we taking this serious we are playing tigers why have we not got our best 15 on the pitch.We have 2 home games left and we need to win them .Sorry tigers must be loving the chance of another win,
Tunnel vision at best.
If Tigers play like they did in the second half against Irelandster, then we can win, just hope the derby match wakes them up and we get a great contest.
Do Courtney a favour, let Tigers win with a TBP, then he can make his last Derby thrashing us in the Pay Offs
Nervous now with the rotation but needs must after the last few weeks. Trust the coaches and get the gardens rocking for a crucial derby!
I would have preferred a slightly stronger side against the Old Enemy using the trip to Quins as the rotation game but hey, what do I know .
It is an odd thing this season, when I looked at the lineup my only concern was Seabrook, and that only because he has barely played. I like seeing Furbank at 10 from time to time. And I also have no concerns about Litchfield, and obviously Hendy is earning his starts. And the pack will be fine. The best battle will be the back rows, For Tigers, Reffell and Weise are superb and Carnduff has a lot of upside. Saints bench is really good, too.
That said, neither club is at full strength. So fair game on both sides. Would have been great to see both sides with the best XV, but c'est la guerre. The players out there will have to step up. This is the Midlands Derby.
Nothing else matters.
That said, neither club is at full strength. So fair game on both sides. Would have been great to see both sides with the best XV, but c'est la guerre. The players out there will have to step up. This is the Midlands Derby.
Nothing else matters.
I'm looking at that team and not seeing it as weakened much at all:
Seabrook is the type of player your want for a derby - brings the aggression.
Litchfield runs his socks off and often through people.
Furbank has probably played more international minutes at fly-half than Smith!
Millar-Mills back in after so long out is questionable, but he's an international and a unit at scrum time.
And the bench isn't too shabby at all. Let's doi thish.
Also, we've had so many periods without Ollie and Courtney, it's not really a shock to not see them on the team sheet, to me.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:04:19:17:35:54 by Toulousian Firefighter.
Seabrook is the type of player your want for a derby - brings the aggression.
Litchfield runs his socks off and often through people.
Furbank has probably played more international minutes at fly-half than Smith!
Millar-Mills back in after so long out is questionable, but he's an international and a unit at scrum time.
And the bench isn't too shabby at all. Let's doi thish.
Also, we've had so many periods without Ollie and Courtney, it's not really a shock to not see them on the team sheet, to me.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:04:19:17:35:54 by Toulousian Firefighter.
Quote:ajack
We cannot keep flogging the same players week in week out if we expect to win games later in the season. Seems a good balance to give some players game time in what should be a competitive side.
This should stretch players without being thrown into a team with no chance of winning.
I was about to type exactly the same Ajack, spot on
Quote:+1NGSB
I would have preferred a slightly stronger side against the Old Enemy using the trip to Quins as the rotation game but hey, what do I know .
Quote:St Stokey.
.........Has a bit of a Journeyman side to it. Only 9 of the starting 15 have come through our Academy!..........
You had me going for a moment!
I wanted to go full out on this one.
But
In reality, derby game. this is so much more about the top two inches. It is in the head more than it is about our best 15 (or 23). It is about this weeks prep. How are they set. What are they thinking. It’s fine balance. Quite possible that Courtney’s because it would have been his last derby, could have been overcooked.
This is a good team. And if they come in with the mentality we have seen recently then they can do it. No shoe in. No complacency. But there is no way we have thrown in the towel before the game. These guys will compete. This is the kind of game that really shows the coaches more than the players.
But
In reality, derby game. this is so much more about the top two inches. It is in the head more than it is about our best 15 (or 23). It is about this weeks prep. How are they set. What are they thinking. It’s fine balance. Quite possible that Courtney’s because it would have been his last derby, could have been overcooked.
This is a good team. And if they come in with the mentality we have seen recently then they can do it. No shoe in. No complacency. But there is no way we have thrown in the towel before the game. These guys will compete. This is the kind of game that really shows the coaches more than the players.
The derby matters more in a poor season IMO. When we’re not feeling likely to win something big at the end of the season, we want to throw the kitchen sink at the neighbours and secure bragging rights. But this season, going unbelievably well on two fronts, the coaches are right to rotate. As has been mentioned, none of these choices reflect a big drop off and I do think that we have become greater than the sum of our parts. There are enough first XV to lead and communicate across the less experienced/ recently returned players. Also, if it’s tight at 60 mins, we have scarily good players on the bench. Win or lose - I fully support this rotation. It’s all relative and I commend the coaches for prioritising our season over emotions.
I think we can aford to rotate where doing so doesn’t make us vulnerable in any one area. Litch and Seabrook have always performed when selected, Fin cant’t play 80 mins every week, we need his back up to be game ready if needed!
Tigers are strong as we might expect but the absence of George Martin, Hanro Liebenberg, Joe Heyes, Josh Bassett and Guy Porter means they’re not at full strength either. Hopefully momentum and the 16th man will sway the balance, we just need to make sure we don't let them control the breakdown. Don’t get isolated or run at the man Reffel is next to!
Tigers are strong as we might expect but the absence of George Martin, Hanro Liebenberg, Joe Heyes, Josh Bassett and Guy Porter means they’re not at full strength either. Hopefully momentum and the 16th man will sway the balance, we just need to make sure we don't let them control the breakdown. Don’t get isolated or run at the man Reffel is next to!
This is still a great team. Im predicting a 10 point win. I feel with our bench for tigers to have a chance they need to be winning at the 60 min mark. You can bring freeman and fin on for litchfield and seabrook put furbank to full back and move ramm out wide. Plus the likes of graham haffar and davison to make an impact
Where I originally suggested we should rotate in the OP on the Team for Tigers thread and most posters disagreed, I highlighted the players who have started in all 4 games as Ramm, Sleightholme, F Smith, Iyogun, Davison, Coles, Lawes.
Lawes was limping and is 35. Iyogun is coming back from a long injury lay off. Sleightholme has been immense and we need him fresh for the run in. Ideally, Smith and Davison get to relax on the bench but are there if we need them. i’d anticipate Ramm and Coles are rested v Quins. Sarries were the masters at rotating/resting a couple of players whilst maintaining standards. The goal is not just getting a home semi but having our players in peak condition in the crucial forthcoming knockout games.
Yes, it is a slight gamble but hardly like the guy who went to Vegas and bet his house on red at roulette. In reality the level of change probably feels far more than it really is because some starters are on the bench. We’ve still selected 20 of our best 23. That’s not a huge drop-off. In Phil I trust.
Lawes was limping and is 35. Iyogun is coming back from a long injury lay off. Sleightholme has been immense and we need him fresh for the run in. Ideally, Smith and Davison get to relax on the bench but are there if we need them. i’d anticipate Ramm and Coles are rested v Quins. Sarries were the masters at rotating/resting a couple of players whilst maintaining standards. The goal is not just getting a home semi but having our players in peak condition in the crucial forthcoming knockout games.
Yes, it is a slight gamble but hardly like the guy who went to Vegas and bet his house on red at roulette. In reality the level of change probably feels far more than it really is because some starters are on the bench. We’ve still selected 20 of our best 23. That’s not a huge drop-off. In Phil I trust.
I have to applaud 👏 Dowson in his selection and thinking long term rather than letting the emotion of a Derby game influence his selection!
Resting Lawes, Sleightholme and Iyogun and putting others on the bench is taking a view for the rest of the season rather than just today!
There has been questions in recent weeks about who was backup at 10 to Fin so perfectly reasonable to give Furbs at run at 10, better today than a knock out game.
Similarly with Courts, if the back spasm he played with last week did force him to drop out of a future game, Coles has got game time at 6!
Where’s Munga at the moment? Is Lockett above him in the pecking order?
Resting Lawes, Sleightholme and Iyogun and putting others on the bench is taking a view for the rest of the season rather than just today!
There has been questions in recent weeks about who was backup at 10 to Fin so perfectly reasonable to give Furbs at run at 10, better today than a knock out game.
Similarly with Courts, if the back spasm he played with last week did force him to drop out of a future game, Coles has got game time at 6!
Where’s Munga at the moment? Is Lockett above him in the pecking order?
Quote:Munga was starting choice earlier on and Lockett was behind him.tigersimon
I have to applaud 👏 Dowson in his selection and thinking long term rather than letting the emotion of a Derby game influence his selection!
Resting Lawes, Sleightholme and Iyogun and putting others on the bench is taking a view for the rest of the season rather than just today!
There has been questions in recent weeks about who was backup at 10 to Fin so perfectly reasonable to give Furbs at run at 10, better today than a knock out game.
Similarly with Courts, if the back spasm he played with last week did force him to drop out of a future game, Coles has got game time at 6!
Where’s Munga at the moment? Is Lockett above him in the pecking order?
Lockett has a lot of potential. I’m guessing it’s tactical with rotation against quins ahead.
Quote:lost in duston
[
Munga was starting choice earlier on and Lockett was behind him.
Lockett has a lot of potential. I’m guessing it’s tactical with rotation against quins ahead.
The management do seem to have a habit of blooding long term academy prospects v Tigers. eg Pollock in the away match. Carnduff is starting for Tigers for the first time - rites of passage
Quote:SantiagoQuote:lost in duston
[
Munga was starting choice earlier on and Lockett was behind him.
Lockett has a lot of potential. I’m guessing it’s tactical with rotation against quins ahead.
The management do seem to have a habit of blooding long term academy prospects v Tigers. eg Pollock in the away match. Carnduff is starting for Tigers for the first time - rites of passage
I have high hopes for both of them, although these began before Munga was signed. I just hope the coaches are pushing them hard.
Quote:
And to this group, walking for DementiaUK.
[dementiauk.enthuse.com]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:04:20:12:49:30 by tigersimon.
Good to see TNT have removed their punditry bias...just Kay and Healey as usual.
Although interestingly, Healey actually gets the yellow right. Never a card, barely a penalty in my perhaps slightly one eyed opinion.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:04:20:15:20:28 by herbie85.
Although interestingly, Healey actually gets the yellow right. Never a card, barely a penalty in my perhaps slightly one eyed opinion.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:04:20:15:20:28 by herbie85.
Well, red card has changed it, but to be fair we have been the better team for my money prior to that. Be a big result this.
Should’ve been a yellow card for that late tackle on Freeman.
All Saints, though!
All Saints, though!
Good win, good bonus point and good to see the team fixing the errors as the game went on.
And class from Dingers to check that Kata was OK after the red card collision.
And class from Dingers to check that Kata was OK after the red card collision.
Very, very impressive performance with the changes made against what is in all honesty a very average Tigers team (apart from a few lineout mauls, they were incredibly easy to stop).
Doff of the cap to Dawson and Co. Really special things happening. Onwards!
Doff of the cap to Dawson and Co. Really special things happening. Onwards!
Managed to listen via BBC Sounds, actually enjoyed sitting in traffic for once. Great result and nice to see Robbie getting a try.
Freeman was immense when he came on
Smith is becoming better and better
But
Beating Tigers
Grinning 😀
Smith is becoming better and better
But
Beating Tigers
Grinning 😀
Extremely pleasing to see a balanced squad picked and still come away with a bonus point victory.
Once again those coming in fitted in well into the plays and systems.
Super happy to see us so dominant in the scrum late on.
If you are going to be really critical still too many unforced errors especially early on. Probably need to cut them down against the likes of Leinster.
But another really pleaseing solid performance.
Once again those coming in fitted in well into the plays and systems.
Super happy to see us so dominant in the scrum late on.
If you are going to be really critical still too many unforced errors especially early on. Probably need to cut them down against the likes of Leinster.
But another really pleaseing solid performance.
Quote:Stopsy
Aaagh, I hate to see you happy Ajack 😉
The grin isn't as big as winning down at your place for the first time in ages.
5 points, no injuries and some key players rested. Tigers chances of making top 4 effectively ended. So lots of positives.
Furbank as our back up 10 needed the game time. But the difference Smith brought when he came on was really marked for me. Furbank is no slouch at 10. He’s started for England at 10. But this game really emphasised how important Smith is to our A game IMHO.
Furbank as our back up 10 needed the game time. But the difference Smith brought when he came on was really marked for me. Furbank is no slouch at 10. He’s started for England at 10. But this game really emphasised how important Smith is to our A game IMHO.
Got to agree, Fin added a huge amount of control and structure when he came on. At the ground you could almost sense, see, the backline visibly more 'rigid' going forward.
And I know Alex got MoM, but by a distance my most important player of the past month has been Dingers, again today he just bosses the line and takes down way bigger guys than him.
Good day at the Gardens.
And I know Alex got MoM, but by a distance my most important player of the past month has been Dingers, again today he just bosses the line and takes down way bigger guys than him.
Good day at the Gardens.
You could see every one relax when fin came on. And it just clicked.
Freeman's introduction certainly had an impact but Litchfield didn't seem out of place. Remains a fine prospect.
We couldn't really ask for more. We got to rest some players, rotate others. Get 5 points against Leicester and fix a big issue related to restarts. Ramm is nearly as good as steward in the air. He was key to us getting so much good ball.
We still struggled early on with exits but we can fix that next week.
We still struggled early on with exits but we can fix that next week.
Riverlodge- completely agree Dingers was (and always is) absolute class today. Defensively so astute and solid and holds the attacking shape very well.
I think one of the things that made Fin look so good coming on was actually the lines or Furbank and Freeman, which obviously Furbs didn’t benefit from. We are so lucky to have so many naturally gifted line runners and ball players- Hendy and Ramm good again.
I also thing Lichfield deserves a massive shout. Very tidy performance with some good breaks, against a very strong Leicester centre pairing.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:04:20:23:25:44 by saintsfella.
I think one of the things that made Fin look so good coming on was actually the lines or Furbank and Freeman, which obviously Furbs didn’t benefit from. We are so lucky to have so many naturally gifted line runners and ball players- Hendy and Ramm good again.
I also thing Lichfield deserves a massive shout. Very tidy performance with some good breaks, against a very strong Leicester centre pairing.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:04:20:23:25:44 by saintsfella.
All the praise seems to be about the backs - Coles was immense and seems to be every week
Let’s not forget Langdon. The guy has no right being a hooker.
I am worried. This team has me not concerned when we are behind at half time. And it’s the hope that kills you. Flashbacks to that team 10 years ago. I hate thinking like this :-)
On fly backs - we have been blessed. Smyler completely undervalued, he was a great game manager. Biggar brought so much experience and grounded the team. And now Finn. That drop goal was just cheeky.
In the past we have been accused of lacking killer instinct. Think we showed it today.
And - this is the scary part - we aren’t even at peak performance.
I am worried. This team has me not concerned when we are behind at half time. And it’s the hope that kills you. Flashbacks to that team 10 years ago. I hate thinking like this :-)
On fly backs - we have been blessed. Smyler completely undervalued, he was a great game manager. Biggar brought so much experience and grounded the team. And now Finn. That drop goal was just cheeky.
In the past we have been accused of lacking killer instinct. Think we showed it today.
And - this is the scary part - we aren’t even at peak performance.
How quick is Fin , the way he ran down Hassel -Collin’s and tackled him.
His all round talent is a blessing to behold , so lucky we have him😇👍
His all round talent is a blessing to behold , so lucky we have him😇👍
I loved the way that when Smith came on, we were seamlessly able to swap Furbank to full back and Ramm to the wing, both of whom looked good in their original positions.
Quote:saint buck
Are we taking this serious we are playing tigers why have we not got our best 15 on the pitch.We have 2 home games left and we need to win them .Sorry tigers must be loving the chance of another win,
That aged well 😂
Quote:Santiago
All the praise seems to be about the backs - Coles was immense and seems to be every week
Likewise Alex Moon. Playing like a man possessed the last few weeks. The best rugby of his career. He’s gonna leave a massive hole in the middle of our pack when he goes!
Dingers has been quietly excellent week in week out and "very tough as old boots" it seems.
Coles was very good but but so too was Temo. He has been an excellent signing IMHO.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:04:24:08:18:25 by 195Rich.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:04:24:08:18:25 by 195Rich.
A little bird tells me that Moony remains less than convinced he has made the right decision !
Quote:NGSB
A little bird tells me that Moony remains less than convinced he has made the right decision !
Sounds like a done deal. But it would be brilliant if we managed to keep him. He's going to be very hard to replace. Lockett looks like a giant but still maturing. Moon is really at his peak. A complete monster!
Obvs pleased by this result but, mea culpa, I was concerned by some of the rotation for this week, thinking next week was a better candidate for that.
Quote:higgy365
Obvs pleased by this result but, mea culpa, I was concerned by some of the rotation for this week, thinking next week was a better candidate for that.
You should have learnt not to doubt the management by now!!
I think the game was fairly predictable in that the first half was a less stellar half due to some front line players for both clubs not involved either due to injury or rest rotation. Saints certainly looked better in the second half and the red card more or less coincided with Saints bench coming on which put Tigers under too much pressure. Davison, Haffar, Lockett, Fin, and Freeman all coming on added significant punch to the lineup and Saints bench was just simply better, and it showed almost immediately. One of the newspapers mentioned Fin benefitted from having Furbank at 15, an advantage which Furbank at 10 didn't have....
Mitchell was man of the match. But to me, and a lot of folks it seems, the key was Dingwall in the middle of almost everything good on both sides of the ball. Other players whom I thought had a really good day at the office are Langdon (again - what an addition), Alex Coles and Alex Moon were very strong, and Ramm at 15 was terrific.
The evolution in our still generally young squad is fantastic.
Mitchell was man of the match. But to me, and a lot of folks it seems, the key was Dingwall in the middle of almost everything good on both sides of the ball. Other players whom I thought had a really good day at the office are Langdon (again - what an addition), Alex Coles and Alex Moon were very strong, and Ramm at 15 was terrific.
The evolution in our still generally young squad is fantastic.
Quote:SantiagoQuote:higgy365
Obvs pleased by this result but, mea culpa, I was concerned by some of the rotation for this week, thinking next week was a better candidate for that.
You should have learnt not to doubt the management by now!!
I know you aren’t new around here so you should know better. The crowing is unseemly.
It will be interesting to see next weeks rotation of players.
Maybe Rahm rested and Furbank at Full back. James for Mitchell, Matavasi for Langdon. Lawes for Coles. Sleights return along with Many and Paul Hill. Graham to start.
Dingwall needs a rest but not sure who is fit to play centres and run the defense?
Maybe Rahm rested and Furbank at Full back. James for Mitchell, Matavasi for Langdon. Lawes for Coles. Sleights return along with Many and Paul Hill. Graham to start.
Dingwall needs a rest but not sure who is fit to play centres and run the defense?
Quote:higgy365Quote:SantiagoQuote:higgy365
Obvs pleased by this result but, mea culpa, I was concerned by some of the rotation for this week, thinking next week was a better candidate for that.
You should have learnt not to doubt the management by now!!
I know you aren’t new around here so you should know better. The crowing is unseemly.
Never admit to anything
Saints will need the full squad fit and firing for the Leinster match. But this shows the challenge of trying to compete on both fronts concurrently. Ain't easy.
A better side than Tigers currently are might have punished us - but they were pretty toothless in attack eg Steward had a walk-in if Shilcock had passed. Litchfield dropping the pass right under Tigers’ post. Mitchell opting to go himself and being held up and we’d have put 50 points on them. Whilst it was a derby game which raised Tigers’ performance, we are the better side and were at home. It was a calculated gamble resting some but even losing at half time I was confident we’d win, especially with our bench.
Quins on the other hand are a tougher proposition and we are away. With a view to Leinster I’d say Ramm and Coles get a rest but otherwise we have to go full bore. Bath and Sarries winning yesterday means top 2 may need two more wins or bonus points become critical.
15 Furbank
14 Hendy
11 Sleightholme
4 Temo
5 Moon
6 Lawes
Litchfield and either Lockett or Munga on the bench.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:04:21:13:07:54 by Saint Maul.
Quins on the other hand are a tougher proposition and we are away. With a view to Leinster I’d say Ramm and Coles get a rest but otherwise we have to go full bore. Bath and Sarries winning yesterday means top 2 may need two more wins or bonus points become critical.
15 Furbank
14 Hendy
11 Sleightholme
4 Temo
5 Moon
6 Lawes
Litchfield and either Lockett or Munga on the bench.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:04:21:13:07:54 by Saint Maul.
Quote:higgy365Quote:SantiagoQuote:higgy365
Obvs pleased by this result but, mea culpa, I was concerned by some of the rotation for this week, thinking next week was a better candidate for that.
You should have learnt not to doubt the management by now!!
I know you aren’t new around here so you should know better. The crowing is unseemly.
A bizarre comment. Total misinterpretation.
Quote:Saint Maul
A better side than Tigers currently are might have punished us - but they were pretty toothless in attack eg Steward had a walk-in if Shilcock had passed. Litchfield dropping the pass right under Tigers’ post. Mitchell opting to go himself and being held up and we’d have put 50 points on them. Whilst it was a derby game which raised Tigers’ performance, we are the better side and were at home. It was a calculated gamble resting some but even losing at half time I was confident we’d win, especially with our bench.
Quins on the other hand are a tougher proposition and we are away. With a view to Leinster I’d say Ramm and Coles get a rest but otherwise we have to go full bore. Bath and Sarries winning yesterday means top 2 may need two more wins or bonus points become critical.
15 Furbank
14 Hendy
11 Sleightholme
4 Temo
5 Moon
6 Lawes
Litchfield and either Lockett or Munga on the bench.
Selection for Quins will be interesting. Reckon Quins will be under more pressure go full bore to stay in contention for top 4.
Mitchell going on his own is a recurring theme with a 10% success rate (I have no scientific data to back up the %). Given the wealth of talent and ability outside him you’d hope he’d see the light and let others have a greater chance of success for the team.
That said, have you ever met a 9 who thinks they are simply a cog in the machine? Certainly the world’s finest ever scrum half, fly half, winger, who awarded MOTM never doubted himself in that regard.
That said, have you ever met a 9 who thinks they are simply a cog in the machine? Certainly the world’s finest ever scrum half, fly half, winger, who awarded MOTM never doubted himself in that regard.
Quote:Stopsy
Mitchell going on his own is a recurring theme with a 10% success rate (I have no scientific data to back up the %). Given the wealth of talent and ability outside him you’d hope he’d see the light and let others have a greater chance of success for the team.
That said, have you ever met a 9 who thinks they are simply a cog in the machine? Certainly the world’s finest ever scrum half, fly half, winger, who awarded MOTM never doubted himself in that regard.
To me he is a bit like Gibson Park was a few years ago, really quick and makes things happen but still makes too many errors.
He has certainly improved this season and is getting better all the time but still needs to improve his decision making if he is to become really world class, which IMO he has the ability to do.
Mitchell is mercurial but he does make errors and sometimes I think he needs to back off 5% of his tempo in order to actually achieve more. I wonder if SB was at the game yesterday and Mitch was trying to make a point over JVP ? Very glad Mitch is on the payroll nonetheless !
Quote:Mitch had another very good game. Had no need to make any point over JVP who had a poor game .NGSB
Mitchell is mercurial but he does make errors and sometimes I think he needs to back off 5% of his tempo in order to actually achieve more. I wonder if SB was at the game yesterday and Mitch was trying to make a point over JVP ? Very glad Mitch is on the payroll nonetheless !
Mitch seemed to get a bit carried away first half with attacking around the ruck. His game management has imoroved massively in the last 12 months.
He is now head and shoulders above J V P. Just like Furbs and Tommy are well ahead of Freddie Steward imho.
It was good that we solved both charge downs and restarts on Saturday.
He is now head and shoulders above J V P. Just like Furbs and Tommy are well ahead of Freddie Steward imho.
It was good that we solved both charge downs and restarts on Saturday.
I have never rated JVP and Steward lacks pace, I would much rather have Furbank and Rahm over him
Freeman is just in a different postcode
Freeman is just in a different postcode
Quote:Push Over
Mitch seemed to get a bit carried away first half with attacking around the ruck. His game management has imoroved massively in the last 12 months.
He is now head and shoulders above J V P. Just like Furbs and Tommy are well ahead of Freddie Steward imho.
It was good that we solved both charge downs and restarts on Saturday.
Whilst we didn’t get charged down as far as I recall, we still did not have guards in place to prevent this, and appear to have relied on Alex kicking quickly once the ball was lifted.
Another week, another great win at FG. What a few weeks it's been. Agree with what others have said about Dingers being very important; deft hands, excellent at standing flat and drawing defenders - Stuart Barnes wrote a good piece on this in the Times today. He's very durable but I do wonder at what stage we might be able to give him a rest, or at least have him come off the bench.
On a different note, these days who is it who goes to "take a look at Welford Rd" in 'Who the hell are Leicester Tigers?'. Couldn't quite make it out
On a different note, these days who is it who goes to "take a look at Welford Rd" in 'Who the hell are Leicester Tigers?'. Couldn't quite make it out
Quote:St Marcus
On a different note, these days who is it who goes to "take a look at Welford Rd" in 'Who the hell are Leicester Tigers?'. Couldn't quite make it out
I have no idea either but I do know what he said...
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