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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:11:07:16:25:19 by Darraghgirl.

Leicester have plenty away at the world cup too and have also lost their first two games (as have Northampton)

Our last away win (8 away matches ago, although two were prem cup and two were at the end of the last league season when we gave the big boys a holiday before the knockout stages).... was away to Gloucester on a Friday night

And.... You can't win everything all the time!

In the vein of MPs Yorkshiremen sketch:

Tigers: "We've had two losses on the bounce, are minus 18 on points difference and have only got one Bonus Point ..."
Sarries: "One Bonus Point!! ... Luxury"

I think one mindset both we (and maybe the coaches?) need to break is that the cavalry will sort this. They may well do but we are also without them too much of the season to be that reliant on them. It also does a disservice to the very good team we can field in their absence.
That there are few reasons to be cheerful are obvious but that's when the team need our support more than ever. So I'm going to try and button down my negativity and look forward to a performance that shows some of the club and players character v Glaws. COYS.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:10:25:15:11:17 by OldMarovian.

I am very worried about this one. We need the likes of Isiekwe, Loz, Goodey and other more senior players to step up. The intensity and ferocity of the Gloucester faithful could spook some of the younger lads - as we are still missing Faz, Jamie, Maro, Billy etc, the others will need to step up and help the younger lads settle in and play their best rugby.

Evening Sarries-
Glos fan here. Enjoyed your post match thoughts and here’s a Glos perspective. It’s obvious you are missing the massive influence that the England lads bring to your squad. For us to play you now is fortunate. Although no one here is underestimating the champion side that you are. Last year’s was very close and after…the ahem Farrell incident we will be pumped.

I expect VRR and Balmain to start at 1&3. Mcguigan has had the 2 shirt but I expect rotation so Singleton. Or Soscino. Tuisue is back and played in the second row for Fiji he’s had a few weeks off so might see him move into the second row otherwise it’s the two Clarke’s. We could go Ackerman, Ludlow and Mercer in the back row for some carrying options and line out maul weight but Ackerman has been injured. We have a young 9 and 10. Barton our 10 is a Cheltenham lad who tackles well above his size. Got a good boot off the tee as well. Expect Atkinson (jnr) and Harris in the centres with Thorley and Zam on the wings (if fit, not sure) otherwise it’s Morris (young academy)

We’ve scrapped like hell to come back against Quins and then again away to Newks in a force 7 storm to win. So expect us to carry on in that vein.

Quick question. Do you feel your current World Cup returnees have been rushed back a bit. From what I’ve seen they look shattered?
Always gonna be close and safe travels those who are visiting.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:10:25:18:52:37 by Old rik.

All very fair points above. I was very surprised Riccioni was thrust back in when we seemingly had Hoskins and Judge available. Not sure how far Tizard and Woolfie are away?
But even fully loaded as we were in January it took a massive effort and a stroke of good fortune to get over the line.

Thanks for that info Old rik. Looks like it will be a strong team from Glaws.

I suspect that the RWC returnees wouldn't have played had both they and the coaches not wanted it but yes, they do look a bit like they could have done with a break.

What do you make of your big money signing in Mercer? Also do you think we might see one of those hookers called up by England? I think injuries took them out of the frame before the RWC and much as Jamie George is exceptional we need to see the next generation coming in.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:10:25:22:36:04 by OldMarovian.

Can’t argue with any comments made in the preview.

We may not be able to win everything all the time, but it isn’t too much to ask that we improve on our four 22 entries in two games. 4! One of which was from a charged down kick!

Quote:

OldMarovian
Thanks for that info Old rik. Looks like it will ne a strong team from Glaws.
I suspect that the RWC returnees wouldn't have played had both they and the coaches wanted it but yes, they do look a bit like they could have done with a break.

What do you make of your big money signing in Mercer? Also do you think we might see one of those hookers called up by England? I think injuries took them out of the frame before the RWC and much as Jamie George is exceptional we need to see the next generation coming in.

Thanks for engaging OM-Yes hoping for a strong side. If we can get Tuisue into the second row. Then with Ackerman that’s the carrying covered. Not sure they will both get in though. .

Honestly it’s early days for Mercer. But he is class. Appreciate it’s only 2 games in but he leads the stats on meters made. Our front 5 just need to up their game to free a bit of space for Mercer to work. Prem defences are tough but he doesn’t go down easy and the off load threat is alway there we need to work to get a body on his shoulder.

England hookers! George is class. The benefits of Schalk and Smit before him are really paying dividends just a fantastic player. We’ve had a discussion on Shedweb about why we just can’t kick on to be regular contenders for titles. It’s multi-factorial but the mental side of the game comes up regularly. Sometimes You need to see excellence everyday to know what it takes to be the best. I’m sure George is like he is because he saw Briits and Smit when he was In your academy . That’s just my opinion you will know a lot more than me.

The next taxi off the rank is a tough one? Borthwick has got a hard re-build. Score prediction for Friday OM? Go on!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:10:25:21:48:52 by Old rik.

Really disappointed shedweb has become a 'closed shop'. I'd have a look in there at least once a week to read the board without feeling a need to sign up and contribute.

Sign in - there is no need to contribute. Also there are no adverts and you will never get a mailshot from Shedweb.

aracens Men team to play Gloucester Rugby:

1 Mako Vunipola (c)

2 James Hadfield

3 Christian Judge

4 Callum Hunter-Hill

5 Hugh Tizard

6 Nick Isiekwe

7 Andy Christie

8 Tom Willis

9 Aled Davies

10 Manu Vunipola

11 Alex Lewington

12 Nick Tompkins

13 Alex Lozowski

14 Sean Maitland

15 Alex Goode

Replacements:

16 Sam Crean

17 Eroni Mawi

18 Alec Clarey

19 Ollie Stonham

20 Toby Knight

21 Ivan van Zyl

22 Olly Hartley

23 Tom Parton

And the unavailable list:

Rugby World Cup:

Theo Dan, Jamie George, Owen Farrell, Elliot Daly, Billy Vunipola, Ben Earl, Maro Itoje, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Lucio Cinti

Injuries:

Tom Woolstencroft, Kapeli Pifeleti, Marco Riccioni, Ollie Hoskins, Ralph Adams-Hale, Theo McFarland,
Cameron Boon, Josh Hallett, Rotimi Segun

Not liking the look of those injuries

It's hard to see anything but Glaws being well on top at scrum time which will make this tough.
West not listed as injured but not in the 23 seems odd as he'd strengthen it considerably but hopefully we can put in a good performance.
Great to see IVZ back. Boy does he make a difference to how we play. I hope Manu goes well. Think he at 10 and the experience of Goode at FB are good calls.
Am I missing something re the bench? 2 LHs and a TH no hooker??

All our players, club and International in action on Saturday so I hope they have great games and importantly none pick up knocks!

Gloucester:
15. Jake Morris*
14. Alex Hearle
13. Chris Harris
12. Seb Atkinson*
11. Ollie Thorley*
10. George Barton*
9. Stephen Varney*

1. Jamal Ford-Robinson
2. George McGuigan
3. Kirill Gotovtsev
4. Freddie Clarke*
5. Freddie Thomas*
6. Albert Tuisue
7. Lewis Ludlow* (C)
8. Zach Mercer

Replacements
16. Jack Singleton
17. Harry Elrington
18. Ciaran Knight*
19. Cam Jordan*
20. Jack Clement*
21. Charlie Chapman*
22. Max Llewellyn
23. Josh Hathaway*

What are the injuries to Marco & Theo?

Saving West for the game against Tigers!?

15. Jake Morris*
14. Alex Hearle
13. Chris Harris
12. Seb Atkinson*
11. Ollie Thorley*
10. George Barton*
9. Stephen Varney*

1. Jamal Ford-Robinson
2. George McGuigan
3. Kirill Gotovtsev
4. Freddie Clarke*
5. Freddie Thomas*
6. Albert Tuisue
7. Lewis Ludlow* (C)
8. Zach Mercer

Replacements
16. Jack Singleton
17. Harry Elrington
18. Ciaran Knight*
19. Cam Jordan*
20. Jack Clement*
21. Charlie Chapman*
22. Max Llewellyn
23. Josh Hathaway*

And the Glos side. I didn’t see that coming. Significantly weaker than I expected. We managed to get Tuisue into the side which is great but the rest is the same as the Premiership cup side. Very exciting but very young and inexperienced 13 Academy lads starting and one playing out of position. Our two best scrummaging props are missing and the second row pairing are young and inexperienced. This is going to a very tough match for Glos, but hoping our fight which has been excellent recently can keep us in it.

Quote:

OldMarovian
Not liking the look of those injuries
It's hard to see anything but Glaws being well on top at scrum time which will make this tough.
West not listed as injured but not in the 23 seems odd as he'd strengthen it considerably but hopefully we can put in a good performance.
Great to see IVZ back. Boy does he make a difference to how we play. I hope Manu goes well. Think he at 10 and the experience of Goode at FB are good calls.
Am I missing something re the bench? 2 LHs and a TH no hooker??

All our players, club and International in action on Saturday so I hope they have great games and importantly none pick up knocks!

Would you have West on the bench instead of Eroni though?

Crean can also play hooker, did so off the bench a few times in our Championship season

Any idea why the rotation team Old rik? What's your next game? local derby??
I'm a bit more optimistic seeing that but then again losing against that side ...

(edit) no Barty I'd have him starting instead of Mako. Lozo as captain.
I didn't know that re Crean but that makes sense although Adejimi not listed as injured either? Oh well, in the coaches we trust, etc, etc



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2023:10:26:13:04:56 by OldMarovian.

Marco return to play protocols and Theo has a shoulder injury (don't know how bad though)

Does anyone else’s heart sink when they see Davies lining up at 9? Opposition know we are going to be one tempo from the start and will be all over us. If IVZ needs time to bed back in, surely Simpson or Bracken are better options?

Quote:

jimfitz12
Does anyone else’s heart sink when they see Davies lining up at 9? Opposition know we are going to be one tempo from the start and will be all over us. If IVZ needs time to bed back in, surely Simpson or Bracken are better options?

100%.

Glos have stated that the Academy is the future, and investing in young local talent. That’s what on display and If that’s the mission then you have to play them. The other learn from last seasons debrief was keeping players fresher. I guess that’s whats in motion at the moment. I believe players minutes have been mapped out between training and playing hopefully leading to fitter and fresher match day squads

I had hoped for full volume but think it’s about half way looking at the team sheet.

Well we're only missing missing a scrummie this week but do have a 7th choice hooker on the bench!

15. Daly        1. Adams-Hale
14. Cinti       2. George, Dan, Woolstencroft, Pifileti
13. Hallett     3. Riccioni, Hoskins
12. (Jackson)   4. Itoje
11. Segun       5. Boon
10. Farrell     6. McFarland, Gonzales
 9. -           7. Earl
                8. Vunipola

This will be an entertaining game. Sarries need to bounce back after 2 poor performances and an away win at Gloucester could help us get our form back.
More attacking play needed after last week's monstrosity against Bath. We cannot revert back to the 'Wolfpack' style because, right now, our big guns are all either away or injured. All the same, GO SARRIES!

Quote:

tpr's headmistress
Marco return to play protocols and Theo has a shoulder injury (don't know how bad though)

Thanks

I'll be setting off for Gloucester in a bit.
My first visit and more in hope than expectation.

COYS

Daft old duck - wrong thread!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:10:27:12:43:34 by tpr's headmistress.

Shame the match isnt on TV, why put it on a Friday night then not televise?

It is live on PRTV

Quote:

maynas
Shame the match isnt on TV, why put it on a Friday night then not televise?

Clashes with the World Cup 3rd/4th place game

So?

Not quite sure how but 3-14 HT

Hugely impressed with that first half effort. Great line speed and intensity. Wanna see some more creativity, but doing everything we need to atm. Although Mako is having somewhat of a shocker.

Great half, real gustsy, more please in 2nd

Much much better! A few mistakes but they have not been shaken and the intensity and passion is there. Scrum not great and can see Eroni on for Mako when his yellow is up. Keep it going lads, good to see some fight!

Quote:

Sara'sman
Well we're only missing missing a scrummie this week.

Ivan? Presume he's still injured?

Quote:

Harrow Sarrie

Quote:

Sara'sman
Well we're only missing missing a scrummie this week.

Ivan? Presume he's still injured?

Came on for a few minutes then got yellow carded

Much better commitment and Willis was undoubtedly man of the match. I thought Iseikwe and Christie were great in the line out. Whilst our back division was not sparkling, Lewington scored a great poacher’s try and on a few occasions we passed it along the line! 4 points at Kingsholm is a massive improvement!

Very happy with that! Our defence was sensational all game, especially at maul time. Thought Aled had a very good game, as did Andy (again) and big Tom. CHH was exceptional.

It’s easy to say after a win, but I thought Leal was very good, and liked seeing him ping us for the slow rucks.

Was not happy after last week.

That was a brilliant effort defensively. Showed all the fight we were missing the last two weeks put together.

Who needs the england players?

Quote:

MonaghanBoy
Very happy with that! Our defence was sensational all game, especially at maul time. Thought Aled had a very good game, as did Andy (again) and big Tom. CHH was exceptional.
It’s easy to say after a win, but I thought Leal was very good, and liked seeing him ping us for the slow rucks.

Agree, Aled was very good and it will have boosted his confidence. Fantastic performance, huge passion and intent, trying to go for try bonus at the end. Immense defence and like the Sarries of old - and we had 18 players unavailable. To do that on a Fri night in front of the Shed and not let them get a try was awesome. Very proud! Willis, Christie, Aled, hadfield...too many good performances to mention. Well played, beer will taste sweet on coach home.

Quote:

Sarriebone

Quote:

Harrow Sarrie

Quote:

Sara'sman
Well we're only missing missing a scrummie this week.

Ivan? Presume he's still injured?

Came on for a few minutes then got yellow carded

Didn't realise he was back. Good news and bad then...

Many congratulations on the win. All the best for the remainder of the season.

Willis is going to an awesome replacement for Billy!!!

Great performance. Now on to watch England make it a double unlike last week

Encouraging performance. Some real stand outs as mentioned above. The big thing is to back that up against opposition closer to their full XV/23s available. Really glad for Davies and a few others who had strong games after some struggles in recent weeks. T Willis continues to look a star.

A huge amount of work still to do but that was a very welcome first step in the right direction. Scrum issues need addressing/solving and that probably starts with selection but hurrah for some points!

Quote:

Old rik
Many congratulations on the win. All the best for the remainder of the season.

Many thanks, you to Old rik.
Whilst I'm delighted we've broken our duck I'm sure we're aware that was a rotation team Glaws put out and whilst it was perhaps a tough day at the office the experience will be valuable for those players and we'll look forward to seeing more of them in the future. All the best.

Quote:

Old rik
Many congratulations on the win. All the best for the remainder of the season.

Many thanks Old rik, very kind and to you too.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:10:27:22:20:25 by Strangelove.

Love this, cameras caught Jamie telling Theo the Sarries match score after the final whistle: [twitter.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:10:27:22:29:46 by Sarriebone.

Is that really what they were responding too? A shame if so. I don't think its a great look.

A win is awesome but there is loads to work on.
We played exactly the same "defend to victory" game that we used the first two weeks.
The execution was much, much better but the opposition was arguably much, much weaker.
They still could have scored a couple of trys and had they chosen to punish our penalties with kicks at the posts it could have been a different result. A bit like Christies try against Bath our trys mainly against the run of play rather than constructed.

It's great to celebrate the win but I still feel we need to offer more in attack to be competitive and we will need a big step up for Tigers visit even though they, like us, have struggled at the start of the season.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:10:28:09:23:37 by OldMarovian.

Think that was a whole different world from the first two weeks. The backs were very organised and mobile whereas we were totally flat-footed before. Forwards were aggressive in their tackling and not passive. The bulk of Tizard helped , Nick and Callum back to what we know they can do.
Back line play started poorly but did improve.
It was a bit like the kids when the parents are on holiday, the place goes to ruin in the first couple of weeks but a massive effort to put things straight on the last day!

The Bard they know Uncle Faz is coming back and will be bending their ear about effort now he's done giving Arundell the hurry up!

I liked the Tiki Tonga video
Good to see Tizard "leading it" and T Willis (who to me looked a bit embarrassed doing his first one in the PRC games) really going for it. Good stuff fellas.

Great win sarries. proud of all the lads

Quote:

saracensfan61
Great win sarries. proud of all the lads

See [www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk] for detailed report and videos of thr tries.

You can take the man out of Yorkshire but you can't take Yorkshire out of the man.

Also, credit where it’s due— I’ve been (legitimately) laying into Davies the last few weeks, but his defensive box kicking was excellent yesterday, as was his mopping up in the back field. Delighted to eat some of my words last night.

Quote:

Eric Browett
Really disappointed shedweb has become a 'closed shop'. I'd have a look in there at least once a week to read the board without feeling a need to sign up and contribute.

Yeah, I used to browse shedweb a few times but never mode an account, some might be grumpy but still a very knowledgeable group

Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!

I hear what you're saying OM but to me that was a 'building' performance. The team were knocking on at first receiver under no pressure in the first 20 minutes. They couldn't put a move through the hands if their careers depended on it. Get a few tackles in, some confidence and all come together and by the second half we were starting to see some patterns, a bit of depth and a hint of something interesting. Didn't actually threaten their line (obviously) but it was 'better'. Agreed that we have to do more, especially away, to go further in the competition.

ned agree 100% it was a building performance and and hopefully the confidence of a win will build the teams confidence too.
Tigers next week at the StoneX so I look forward to the next step.

Up to the heady heights of 8th!!

Stood in the Shed in total hope rather than expectation. The scrum was shaky, but line out operated excellently, with Nick (he looks taller this season ?) stealing plenty of theirs. Defence was awesome.
Got the normal Glaws banter (stood in my Sarries jacket) but then Glaws started dropping the ball, and the ‘Eeyore’ noises stopped. They kept dropping the ball, and butchering a number of chances close to the line. Sarries defence was immense.
Then their confidence went 10 mins into the second half, and the game was all over. Eroni and Alec came on and the scrum solidified and that was that. The shouts of “Same old Sarries, always cheating” stopped, and a begrudging acceptance of the flaws of their season last year set in. A quiet Shed !!!
The guys defended brilliantly, offensively Glaws more or less gave us our tries, so still plenty of work to do.

Marvellous result and a performance full of heart and grit, if not guile. Very happy with the 4 points.
Oh, did I mention the defence of Sarries was exceptional.

Quote:

OldMarovian
Up to the heady heights of 8th!!

I can remember when that was the highest we got......

Fair point tpr's.

Watching the game again really impressed by Hadfield. Almost 80 minutes and huge workrate. part of a scrum that struggled initially but was solid once the bench started to be deployed. Nuisance at the breakdown and good defence.

Also whilst T Willis clearly MotM the defensives efforts of Davies and especially Goode were exceptional. I counted Goode forcing the knock on on our line, snuffing out Thorleys line break, first up tackle out wide that checked Tuisui and allowed other defenders to get under him over the try line and with about five minutes to go shut down another break when Glaws had a huge overlap. Brilliant stuff.
Also liked the ambition playing for the TBP. Sad Mawi knocked on as he was good from when he came on. Well done to Crean for his cameo, and penalty won, at hooker.
Hope Isiekwe is ok after his failed HIA. The three locks had brilliant games as did Christie and tbh pretty much everyone.

If he’s failed an HIA he’s out for Saturday which will leave us short in 5he second row

Quote:

The Substandard Biscuit
Stood in the Shed in total hope rather than expectation. The scrum was shaky, but line out operated excellently, with Nick (he looks taller this season ?) stealing plenty of theirs. Defence was awesome.
Got the normal Glaws banter (stood in my Sarries jacket) but then Glaws started dropping the ball, and the ‘Eeyore’ noises stopped. They kept dropping the ball, and butchering a number of chances close to the line. Sarries defence was immense.
Then their confidence went 10 mins into the second half, and the game was all over. Eroni and Alec came on and the scrum solidified and that was that. The shouts of “Same old Sarries, always cheating” stopped, and a begrudging acceptance of the flaws of their season last year set in. A quiet Shed !!!
The guys defended brilliantly, offensively Glaws more or less gave us our tries, so still plenty of work to do.

Marvellous result and a performance full of heart and grit, if not guile. Very happy with the 4 points.
Oh, did I mention the defence of Sarries was exceptional.

Yes we were more in hope but in the opposite stand with all the season ticket holders. 70 minutes of cheating sarries and the last 10 minutes they decided the ref was a cheat.