Saracens
Saracens v Leicester Tigers Post match-related content here
Ben Earl breaking through
By saracensfan62
October 21 2024
The Tigers are coming to town. It's never a peaceful game whenever these two go head to head, be it at StoneX or Welford Road! Thankfully, we have the home advantage this time around.
We face a stern test in character this weekend as the Tigers are coming to StoneX! These two sides have shared some absolute crackers of matches over the years, the most famous games of course being the 2010 Guinness premiership final (where we narrowly lost 33-27 thanks to that Dan Hipkiss try), the 2011 final (where we won 22-18, securing our first ever Premiership title with that amazing 80th minute defensive effort) and the 2022 Gallagher premiership final… the less said about that and Freddie Burns the better.
Recent games have been kind to both teams, both teams on 4/5 wins thus far in the season, Leicester’s only loss in a narrow 15-20 defeat vs Bath and ours that dreadful 17-10 away loss at the Stoop vs Harlequins. In all fairness, our recent history against Leicester has been promising - 6 wins out of the last 10 games against them, with the most recent coming in November 2023. 5 out of those wins have been at the StoneX with one away win at Welford Road. The last time we lost at home to Leicester was 6 ½ years ago in February 2018. The main talking point for Round 6 of the premiership this year though is that none of the England camp (which was revealed a few days ago) will be featuring in this round. Thus 7 Saracens players and 5 Leicester players will be missing from the teams. A big blow especially for us, with Earl, George, Dan, Lozowski, Daly, Itoje and Isiekwe all missing. No doubt in the near future we will also see Tom Willis called up which could also cause even more issues with a lack of depth in the back row with Andy Onyeama-Christie scheduled to be sidelined for a considerable length of time and no news on Juan Martin-Gonzalez either.
I am expecting a very physical, full-on match which often comes whenever Leicester are playing. The weather for Saturday suggests the chance of some light rain and a 13 degree Celsius temperature and gentle wind. I expect Saracens will try and avoid a physical battle due to the weaker than usual pack and instead try and opt for the free-flowing rugby we have seen them play in more recent times. Hopefully the rain will hold off and allow the team to play the way they wish.
Tigers have traditionally always had a very dominant pack with many big ball carriers and defensive heroes however I feel nobody really sums them up better than George Martin. Immense in defence and a consistently dangerous ball carrier in attack, he epitomises the new species of modern day Leicester Tiger and never fails to make metres on his carries and break the gameline. He definitely reminds me of Martin Johnson. Although he will be away with England for this match, Leicester still have a wide selection of players to choose from who will step up and take his place with recent signing Nicky Smith proving to be quite a handful in both the scrum and in the loose, Anthony Watson and Ollie Hassell-Collins both returning to fitness and Dan Kelly, a player I certainly rate very highly but seems to have fallen off the England radar recently. Perhaps with some game time and consistent performances, he might reappear at some point soon. Hanro Liebenberg, Julian Montoya and Tommy Reffell, all certainly international level players will be available and could cause us some problems.
As for the Saracens team, this is my expected 23 I think McCall could choose:
- Rhys Carre
- James Hadfield
- Marco Riccioni
- Hugh Tizard
- Theo McFarland
- Nathan Michelow
- Toby Knight
- Tom Willis
- Ivan Van-Zyl
- Fergus Burke
- Rotimi Segun
- Nick Tompkins
- Lucio Cinti
- Tobias Elliott
- Alex Goode
- Kapeli Pifeleti
- Eroni Mawi
- Alec Clarey
- Kaden Pearce-Paul
- Ollie Stonham
- Gareth Simpson
- Josh Hallett
- Brandon Jackson
In terms of notable absences, still no news on Sam Spink or Olly Hartley so I do not expect to see a return for either of them. Phil Brantingham played very well when he came off the bench vs Bristol but I feel the scrum power of Rhys Carre will be preferable here to combat the Tigers dangerous props.
I am concerned about the lack of experience in the back row and on the bench. While I believe Knight and Stonham have plenty of talent, we do normally choose a more experienced side against Leicester and I expect Michael Cheika to recognise this area and potentially try to exploit a weakness there. Tigers backrow consists of Liebenberg, Reffell and Olly Cracknell – 3 seasoned premiership players and all very talented. The breakdown could be a very interesting battle on Saturday with the absence of Ben Earl, the usual source of our turnovers and the presence of the chap they call ‘Turnover Tommy’ for the opposition.
At hooker, I am keen to see more of James Hadfield. Having come to Saracens after the collapse of Jersey Reds, there is no doubt many are excited about James Hadfield’s prospects. At the start of last season during the 2023 WC, he shone in the absence of JG2 and Theo Dan and made the other 2 really work to get their places back. I love the great level of competition at Sarries for the position of hooker.
All in all, we can still source an excellent team on Saturday but I return to the elephant in the room – why do we not have access to our full squad when the whole purpose of this shorter season is so that we keep our international players for all of our Premiership games? There is only a short break between the end of the Autumn internationals and the away game vs Newcastle falcons, the crunch match at home vs Bulls in the Champions cup and our Paris excursion vs Stade Francais the following weekend so very little recovery time for our key players. To say that that is concerning is an understatement.
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Discussion started by TheSaracens.com , 21/10/2024 15:52
TheSaracens.com
21/10/2024 15:52
21/10/2024 15:52
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2024:11:05:18:59:47 by Darraghgirl.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2024:11:05:18:59:47 by Darraghgirl.
Thanks for the preview. A shame that even with a ten team league we still get fixtures impacted by internationals. I hope Tigers are more in the frame of mind they showed against Northampton rather than against Gloucester.
Thanks, good piece. I think Stonham left at the end of the season, however Harry Wilson was signed as back row/lock and featured in the pre-season and early games.
Good Preview.
As Martin hasn’t had any game time there is an outside chance that Borthwick may release him for Tigers to prove his fitness.
Harry Wilson not in 23?
My prediction for the Tigers team
Brown
Watson
Perese
Kelly
OHC
Pollard
Youngs
Smith
Montoya
Heyes
Wells
Joussain
Hanro
Reffell
Cracknell
Clare
Cronin
Hurd
Manz
Illione
Whitely
Shilcock
Wand
England Duty: Cole, Chessum, Martin, JVP, Steward
Banned: Kata
Injured: Henderson, Carnduff
As Martin hasn’t had any game time there is an outside chance that Borthwick may release him for Tigers to prove his fitness.
Harry Wilson not in 23?
My prediction for the Tigers team
Brown
Watson
Perese
Kelly
OHC
Pollard
Youngs
Smith
Montoya
Heyes
Wells
Joussain
Hanro
Reffell
Cracknell
Clare
Cronin
Hurd
Manz
Illione
Whitely
Shilcock
Wand
England Duty: Cole, Chessum, Martin, JVP, Steward
Banned: Kata
Injured: Henderson, Carnduff
I think it is ridiculous that we’re down to 10 teams, not in a World Cup year and we still miss our England players for 2 matches because of England camps. So frustrating, this should be an absolute ding dong battle of two big packs and two of the top teams in the prem going toe to toe with each other. Maro v Chessum/Martin, George/Dan v Montoya, Earl v Reffell. A good game for Michelow to get some experience I suppose.
It’d be nice to get an injury update on Burke and JMG. Tompkins I’m assuming had the same illness as Daly and others but didn’t make it. If Burke is injured then Goode to 10 and Parton to 15 which doesn’t fill me with confidence. What a first block it will be if we can go into the break 5 out of 6 though.
It’d be nice to get an injury update on Burke and JMG. Tompkins I’m assuming had the same illness as Daly and others but didn’t make it. If Burke is injured then Goode to 10 and Parton to 15 which doesn’t fill me with confidence. What a first block it will be if we can go into the break 5 out of 6 though.
Any news on Cinti as well?
If Burke, Cinti and Tompkins are injured / ill / out we will be very very short this Saturday.
If Burke, Cinti and Tompkins are injured / ill / out we will be very very short this Saturday.
Nice read, but I would point out George Martin is not really like Johnno, George hasn't punched anybody for ages........................................
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:10:22:08:56:38 by tigerburnie.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:10:22:08:56:38 by tigerburnie.
RugbyNetwork has decided to publish this piece early although I scheduled it to be released on Wednesday afternoon so my apologies on that front. I do not know how that happened, technology trouble seemingly. That'll teach me for trying to be smart lol
I did not know Ollie Stonham left so yes I suspect Harry Wilson will be on the bench instead. Apologies. with so many departures at the end of last season it's hard to remember who plays for us and who doesn't.
Also rugbynetwork has helpfully cut off the player numbers for the backline on my suggested starting Xv so unless we want a front row of Rotimi Segun, Nick Tompkins and Lucio Cinti with Goodey and Elliott at second row, please read them with a 1 in front
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:10:22:00:07:02 by saracensfan62.
I did not know Ollie Stonham left so yes I suspect Harry Wilson will be on the bench instead. Apologies. with so many departures at the end of last season it's hard to remember who plays for us and who doesn't.
Also rugbynetwork has helpfully cut off the player numbers for the backline on my suggested starting Xv so unless we want a front row of Rotimi Segun, Nick Tompkins and Lucio Cinti with Goodey and Elliott at second row, please read them with a 1 in front
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:10:22:00:07:02 by saracensfan62.
Illness in camp still lads having an extra days recovery. Potentail for some debuts
Tompkins apparently didn’t play due to the birth of his child, congrats to them! Might mean he can be back though.
Bertie, what is the illness?
Bertie, what is the illness?
Kaden Pearce-Paul apparently went off in the second minute of the 92-0 hammering Ampthill took at Ealing so Sodeke a more likely replacement.
Quote:saracensfan62
RugbyNetwork has decided to publish this piece early although I scheduled it to be released on Wednesday afternoon so my apologies on that front. I do not know how that happened, technology trouble seemingly. That'll teach me for trying to be smart lol
I did not know Ollie Stonham left so yes I suspect Harry Wilson will be on the bench instead. Apologies. with so many departures at the end of last season it's hard to remember who plays for us and who doesn't.
Also rugbynetwork has helpfully cut off the player numbers for the backline on my suggested starting Xv so unless we want a front row of Rotimi Segun, Nick Tompkins and Lucio Cinti with Goodey and Elliott at second row, please read them with a 1 in front
No need to apologise re Stonham, thanks for doing this piece!
Quote:The Bard
Kaden Pearce-Paul apparently went off in the second minute of the 92-0 hammering Ampthill took at Ealing so Sodeke a more likely replacement.
Ealing got lucky there then!
Quote:TommyKentishQuote:The Bard
Kaden Pearce-Paul apparently went off in the second minute of the 92-0 hammering Ampthill took at Ealing so Sodeke a more likely replacement.
Ealing got lucky there then!
Clear knock-on in the build up to the ninth try apparently….
Great preview. I share the same frustrations that we won’t see a full match up. Maybe we will in the playoffs - assuming none of the players have reached their match limit!
Shaw was also able to provide an update on various players who have missed out on previous fixtures.
“Juan Martin Gonzalez, Fergus Burke, Nick Tompkins, Lucio Cinti and Fraser Balmain have all taken part in bits of training this week after various absences from match day squads.”
Fingers crossed we see a few of these guys back!
“Juan Martin Gonzalez, Fergus Burke, Nick Tompkins, Lucio Cinti and Fraser Balmain have all taken part in bits of training this week after various absences from match day squads.”
Fingers crossed we see a few of these guys back!
Jeeez, if we can get Gonzo, Cinti, Tomo and Burke back that would be a HUGE boost.
Saracens Men team to play Leicester Tigers:
1 Eroni Mawi
2 Kapeli Pifeleti
3 Marco Riccioni
4 Theo McFarland
5 Hugh Tizard
6 Juan Martin Gonzalez
7 Toby Knight
8 Tom Willis
9 Ivan van Zyl (c)
10 Alex Goode
11 Rotimi Segun
12 Nick Tompkins
13 Lucio Cinti
14 Tobias Elliott
15 Tom Parton
Replacements:
16 James Hadfield
17 Phil Brantingham
18 Alec Clarey
19 Harry Wilson
20 Nathan Michelow
21 Gareth Simpson
22 Josh Hallett
23 Tim Swiel
1 Eroni Mawi
2 Kapeli Pifeleti
3 Marco Riccioni
4 Theo McFarland
5 Hugh Tizard
6 Juan Martin Gonzalez
7 Toby Knight
8 Tom Willis
9 Ivan van Zyl (c)
10 Alex Goode
11 Rotimi Segun
12 Nick Tompkins
13 Lucio Cinti
14 Tobias Elliott
15 Tom Parton
Replacements:
16 James Hadfield
17 Phil Brantingham
18 Alec Clarey
19 Harry Wilson
20 Nathan Michelow
21 Gareth Simpson
22 Josh Hallett
23 Tim Swiel
Tigers
15 Mike Brown [28]
14 Anthony Watson [21]
13 Izaia Perese [3]
12 Joseph Woodward [12]
11 Ollie Hassell-Collins [27]
10 Handré Pollard [35]
9 Tom Whiteley [30]
1 Nicky Smith [5]
2 Julián Montoya [61]
3 Joe Heyes [145]
4 Harry Wells [204]
5 Tom Manz [7]
6 Hanro Liebenberg [112]
7 Tommy Reffell [119]
8 Olly Cracknell [47]
REPLACEMENTS
16 Charlie Clare [100]
17 James Cronin [38]
18 Will Hurd [42]
19 Côme Joussain [3]
20 Matt Rogerson [17]
21 Ben Youngs [318]
22 Jamie Shillcock [30]
23 Will Wand [3]
15 Mike Brown [28]
14 Anthony Watson [21]
13 Izaia Perese [3]
12 Joseph Woodward [12]
11 Ollie Hassell-Collins [27]
10 Handré Pollard [35]
9 Tom Whiteley [30]
1 Nicky Smith [5]
2 Julián Montoya [61]
3 Joe Heyes [145]
4 Harry Wells [204]
5 Tom Manz [7]
6 Hanro Liebenberg [112]
7 Tommy Reffell [119]
8 Olly Cracknell [47]
REPLACEMENTS
16 Charlie Clare [100]
17 James Cronin [38]
18 Will Hurd [42]
19 Côme Joussain [3]
20 Matt Rogerson [17]
21 Ben Youngs [318]
22 Jamie Shillcock [30]
23 Will Wand [3]
Mawi, JMG, Tomkins & Cinti back for you guys makes it a very strong team!
Who will cover Second Row from the bench?
Who will cover Second Row from the bench?
Harold Wilson, pipe and all I’d imagine. He started the friendlies there but is about the shortest lock I’ve seen…
So no England releases even though Loz and Daly at best will get one bench spot between them, Nick may well miss out all together.
SB has taken the thick end of 3 starting lineups out of a 10 team league which is untenable.
And to think if we released a non England player NEXT week to play in an international we’d be fined as it’s outside the test window.
SB has taken the thick end of 3 starting lineups out of a 10 team league which is untenable.
And to think if we released a non England player NEXT week to play in an international we’d be fined as it’s outside the test window.
Quote:tigersimon
Mawi, JMG, Tomkins & Cinti back for you guys makes it a very strong team!
Who will cover Second Row from the bench?
We are down to the skin and bones lad! Probably the most inexperienced bench we have put out in the last decade.
Always a tough trip, but if forwards win games and backs decide by how much, I fancy a Tigers win here.
Quote:The Bard
So no England releases even though Loz and Daly at best will get one bench spot between them, Nick may well miss out all together.
SB has taken the thick end of 3 starting lineups out of a 10 team league which is untenable.
And to think if we released a non England player NEXT week to play in an international we’d be fined as it’s outside the test window.
Agreed. The RFU really don't give a damn about the integrity of the Premiership. Have any of the hybrid contracts been issued yet?
Absolute clusterf**k.
I’m glad I don’t believe that SB and RW being ex Tigers coaches has anything to do with selection or availability. I think it will be a difficult game for us but this is one of the big problems with the England/Club setup.
A few comments picked up from today's Captains Run...
Fergus Burke didn't train but did speak to the fans in his kit after the session. Said how much he was loving it at Sarries and hiw he was not far away from playing again. Rhys Carre trained on the side of the pitch as still suffering from the illness that affected a few more last week. Great to see Gonzalaz playing a full role in (light) training and he said he was looking forward to the match. Tom Parton didn't realise it was a later ko tomorrow (!) but again did say he was looking forward to getting a run out.
Fergus Burke didn't train but did speak to the fans in his kit after the session. Said how much he was loving it at Sarries and hiw he was not far away from playing again. Rhys Carre trained on the side of the pitch as still suffering from the illness that affected a few more last week. Great to see Gonzalaz playing a full role in (light) training and he said he was looking forward to the match. Tom Parton didn't realise it was a later ko tomorrow (!) but again did say he was looking forward to getting a run out.
Toga
Fissler rumouring that 17 Enhanced EPS contracts have been sent out.
Rolls
RW & SB have as much association with Saracens as they do Tigers.
The Bard
Agree there are 8 to 10 extra players that could have been released back to their clubs at the same time as Slade whether that be in case of the likes of Marler & Martin to get some game time or that they are not going to be in the Matchday Squad plus travelling reserves.
Fissler rumouring that 17 Enhanced EPS contracts have been sent out.
Rolls
RW & SB have as much association with Saracens as they do Tigers.
The Bard
Agree there are 8 to 10 extra players that could have been released back to their clubs at the same time as Slade whether that be in case of the likes of Marler & Martin to get some game time or that they are not going to be in the Matchday Squad plus travelling reserves.
Hi Tigersimon, I was being facetious re SB and RW’s previous and much loved affiliations and have always wished them the best for their futures, apologies if it was taken the wrong way. What I always want is two teams to be at best strength and whoever wins good luck to them. I have never agreed with the principle of taking club players for what someone has pointed out may only be a few minutes bench subs. I’m afraid I’m more of a club man, I stopped going to international games during the EJ era. Good luck to both teams and both sets of fans tomorrow.
Unfortunately tomorrow’s game will be marred/devalued by the RFU’s determination to prove you can build a higher pyramid by building the top first.
Aided and abetted by the PRL’s greed for money at whatever cost to the club game’s integrity and appeal.
Let’s hope we get a good game tomorrow from both sides.
Aided and abetted by the PRL’s greed for money at whatever cost to the club game’s integrity and appeal.
Let’s hope we get a good game tomorrow from both sides.
If it was a straight 15 v 15, it would be tight. Sarries weaker points are perhaps at 2 & 10 (sorry, but last season was a season too far for Goode, never mind this one - last week was an example. Harsh but maybe true). The Tigers bench is stronger than ours. Using the principal the if the coaches decide they are worthy of the badge, then they are good enough, then anything could happen. Teams on paper suggest a Tigers win sadly. Can't wait to be proved wrong, and surely the mix of experience will show the same magnificent fighting spirit seen last week against Bristol. I have been following this club for long enough to know that the sum of the total is always to be admired.
Quote:nedrichards
The 17 EPS contracts have indeed been announced. [x.com]
Saracens and Saints both have 4 players on the enhanced contract. Two hookers for Saracens as well which is a bit concerning if Borthwick doesn't want either of them playing one week.
On the plus side, that must be about £600k off the Sarries payroll.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:10:25:21:28:22 by Toga.
It replaces their England match payment so zero off Saracens books if I understand it correctly
Quote:Stopsy
It replaces their England match payment so zero off Saracens books if I understand it correctly
100% correct. Nothing to do with a players contract with their club.
The attraction to a player and to supposedly act as a deterrent to going abroad (kept George & Itoje from leaving?) is that they have a guaranteed £160k from England for the length of their Enhanced EPS contract.
Quote:The Bard
So no England releases even though Loz and Daly at best will get one bench spot between them, Nick may well miss out all together.
SB has taken the thick end of 3 starting lineups out of a 10 team league which is untenable.
And to think if we released a non England player NEXT week to play in an international we’d be fined as it’s outside the test window.
Absolutely.
There are 18 games in a premiership season now (6 too few at least imo but there we go), and they still can’t avoid clashes with England camps.
The whole sport treats club rugby as a joke and club rugby fans as jokers. Every club game is talked about and treated as if it’s nothing more than a trial for England call ups.
As Charles Richardson said in the Telegraph last season - no wonder it’s dying: if the sport itself can’t take the league seriously, why should it expect anyone else to do so
𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘.
⬇️ Marco Riccioni has been ruled out of today's match.
⬆️ Alec Clarey will start, with Ollie Hoskins on the bench.
⬇️ Marco Riccioni has been ruled out of today's match.
⬆️ Alec Clarey will start, with Ollie Hoskins on the bench.
Fantastic to see Olly and Spink in the warm up! Hopefully we will see them in the Prem Cup soon!
𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘.
Alex Goode has been ruled out. Tim Swiel starts at fly-half, and Brandon Jackson comes on to the bench.
Alex Goode has been ruled out. Tim Swiel starts at fly-half, and Brandon Jackson comes on to the bench.
A other farcical situation where PRL schedules a round of games where its membership clubs are shorn of their English internationals.
The clubs' representative body seems to be intent on undermining their own competition!
Ridiculous 😡
It's a long time since Sports network paid anything!
The clubs' representative body seems to be intent on undermining their own competition!
Ridiculous 😡
It's a long time since Sports network paid anything!
I wasn’t expecting that result. Obviously impacted by your absentees. An interesting game.
Good game and a very nervous last 10 minutes for a Tigers supporter!!
Willis, McFarland, JMG, & Swiel (especially considering the circumstances) put in excellent performances!
Willis, McFarland, JMG, & Swiel (especially considering the circumstances) put in excellent performances!
When I turned up at the ground and saw the starting teams I genuinely thought Sarries would get mullered but there was great spirit shown by the team and not a little skill. Willis and JMG were immense in the back row and given his lack of preparation Tim Swiel did excellently and also bought out the best in Nick Tompkins. I think 2 bonus points is a fair return for the excellent effort. It is such a shame that England preparation cuts across what should have been a game between two stacked teams.
Leicester now look a serious proposition, and with Chessum and Martin to add to that pack I think you can safely put them in the top 4.
An excellent 2 points.
Genuinely think that’s probably the best performance of the season so far.
Genuinely think that’s probably the best performance of the season so far.
Can’t wait for that ‘tigersimon’ lad to comment saying ‘the teams were even and its was an even game’ rubbish. 5th choice fly half put out at a moments notice. Brilliant result considering.
Well, 2 points from that is a result. I thought big Tom, Theo and Sweil were great, Simpson and Hadders too when they came on. I think Ivan needs a break from starting in the prem and let’s give Simpson a go, he may be more Fergs type of player to have at 9.
The absentees certainly impacted our set piece and it also shows how important Rhys has become at loosehead, he’s a sort of second anchor to the scrum. We didn’t try and do anything out wide until we were well behind, Roti and Tobias didn’t get a sniff outside and hardly touched the ball. Unfortunately, Dolly looked as if he hadn’t had much game time.
Well played Tigers, we gave you too much of a head start and couldn’t quite get it back.
The absentees certainly impacted our set piece and it also shows how important Rhys has become at loosehead, he’s a sort of second anchor to the scrum. We didn’t try and do anything out wide until we were well behind, Roti and Tobias didn’t get a sniff outside and hardly touched the ball. Unfortunately, Dolly looked as if he hadn’t had much game time.
Well played Tigers, we gave you too much of a head start and couldn’t quite get it back.
What fine players McFarland and Willis are, if ever they should hanker after orange cheese and pork pie….
2 points gained. At 32-17 I feared the worst.
Tobias is very good going forward but needs to learn how to tackle. Bounced off today and against Bristol leading to trys.
Tobias is very good going forward but needs to learn how to tackle. Bounced off today and against Bristol leading to trys.
Yes poor Tobias looked da bit shell-shocked after the second one went in on his watch, but he did recover well after that.
Shout out too for Hugh Tizard who has been excellent recently.
For all the sublime skills of Theo and JMG, we really do miss an ugly brute who can shift some bodies.
Shout out too for Hugh Tizard who has been excellent recently.
For all the sublime skills of Theo and JMG, we really do miss an ugly brute who can shift some bodies.
Quote:Eric Browett
2 points gained. At 32-17 I feared the worst.
Tobias is very good going forward but needs to learn how to tackle. Bounced off today and against Bristol leading to trys.
Watching on tv I thought the Leicester 13 led with his left forearm separated from his body into the face of the tackler which is illegal. Did anyone else see that?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:10:26:23:02:22 by Bram1ey_Road.
Quote:Bram1ey_RoadQuote:Eric Browett
2 points gained. At 32-17 I feared the worst.
Tobias is very good going forward but needs to learn how to tackle. Bounced off today and against Bristol leading to trys.
Watching on tv I thought the Leicester 13 led with his left forearm separated from his body into the face of the tackler which is illegal. Did anyone else see that?
Yes thought that live at the match!!
Incredible fight in the team, I can’t remember when I flasf elt this proud after a loss. A lot of boys will learn a lot from this match. Agree on a few comments on Elliott’s defence but let’s remember this is his forst six matches in the prem with 3 separate full backs to work with. I’d much rather a young winger who is electric going forward who we have to teach to than the other way round.
Obviously a lot of acknowledgement of the missing players but let’s not forget there were a few boys coming back from illness with minimal training during the week as well. We were in a tough spot and the lads really did the club proud.
Obviously a lot of acknowledgement of the missing players but let’s not forget there were a few boys coming back from illness with minimal training during the week as well. We were in a tough spot and the lads really did the club proud.
I just wonder how long it will be before Borthwick realises that Tom Willis is the best English No 8 ….
Quote:TogaQuote:The Bard
So no England releases even though Loz and Daly at best will get one bench spot between them, Nick may well miss out all together.
SB has taken the thick end of 3 starting lineups out of a 10 team league which is untenable.
And to think if we released a non England player NEXT week to play in an international we’d be fined as it’s outside the test window.
Agreed. The RFU really don't give a damn about the integrity of the Premiership. Have any of the hybrid contracts been issued yet?
Absolute clusterf**k.
Premiership chairmen take defensive position over salary cap but handcuff themselves with what looks like unrestricted RFU access to player contracts. We are lucky to have two great hookers but can't take advantage of our talents.
A great 2 points taking everything into account and could even have sneaked a win!!
Hat off to Tim Swiel after reading MM's comments.
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said:
"We had a lot of disruption to deal with this week. We lost our starting props in the last 24 hours, we lost Fergus (Burke) on Wednesday and then Alex (Goode) in the warm-up.
“Tim Swiel hadn’t run a play with us and for him to get thrown in at the deep end wasn’t easy.
“The lads were making calls and Tim didn’t know what they were. It’s not a great situation, but he managed his way through the game and I thought he did really well.
“Our rugby wasn’t great, but we did have the resolve and resilience and that gets you a long way. There’s a good way to lose and a bad way to lose and that was one of the better ways.”
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Hat off to Tim Swiel after reading MM's comments.
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said:
"We had a lot of disruption to deal with this week. We lost our starting props in the last 24 hours, we lost Fergus (Burke) on Wednesday and then Alex (Goode) in the warm-up.
“Tim Swiel hadn’t run a play with us and for him to get thrown in at the deep end wasn’t easy.
“The lads were making calls and Tim didn’t know what they were. It’s not a great situation, but he managed his way through the game and I thought he did really well.
“Our rugby wasn’t great, but we did have the resolve and resilience and that gets you a long way. There’s a good way to lose and a bad way to lose and that was one of the better ways.”
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Quote:The Bard
Leicester now look a serious proposition, and with Chessum and Martin to add to that pack I think you can safely put them in the top 4.
Could be a while for Chessum - apparently England have broken him.
That was a good game of rugby and great atmosphere. As Mark McCall said it was a good loss considering the circumstances.
I felt during the game that we were on the wrong end of a number of decisions and watching back haven't changed my mind. Whitely lying on top of the ball with his arms out pretending that he was stuck was one of the more egregious ones. I don't think it helped us that Montoya was constantly in the ref's ear whereas we had no-one doing the same. That is the only reason I can think of for a couple of the decisions going against Theo in particular. I am really not sure about that "fend" from the Leicester 13 for his try either but that was a bit hard to tell so I guess the benefit of the doubt is reasonable.
Hats off to Tim Sweil for that performance without any training. His kicking out of hand in particular was excellent (not so much his very half hearted Ash Splash for his try though). Given that he apparently knew none of the plays it was not surprising that we couldn't get it out wide. I think with Fergus and Daly playing, Leicester would have really struggled.
Also not quite sure how Borthwick can't see that Willis is far and away the best 8 in the league at the moment. That is the way to respond to not being picked - an absolutely phenomenal 80 minute performance.
I felt during the game that we were on the wrong end of a number of decisions and watching back haven't changed my mind. Whitely lying on top of the ball with his arms out pretending that he was stuck was one of the more egregious ones. I don't think it helped us that Montoya was constantly in the ref's ear whereas we had no-one doing the same. That is the only reason I can think of for a couple of the decisions going against Theo in particular. I am really not sure about that "fend" from the Leicester 13 for his try either but that was a bit hard to tell so I guess the benefit of the doubt is reasonable.
Hats off to Tim Sweil for that performance without any training. His kicking out of hand in particular was excellent (not so much his very half hearted Ash Splash for his try though). Given that he apparently knew none of the plays it was not surprising that we couldn't get it out wide. I think with Fergus and Daly playing, Leicester would have really struggled.
Also not quite sure how Borthwick can't see that Willis is far and away the best 8 in the league at the moment. That is the way to respond to not being picked - an absolutely phenomenal 80 minute performance.
Swirl did really well, it’s good to see that natural ability and experience have a role in our over coached game.
Willis was awesome, easily my player of the match.
It was a very good game to watch.
Willis was awesome, easily my player of the match.
It was a very good game to watch.
And if I ever hear the Crumbie stand calling for offside after what Leicester were getting away with in the second half on Saturday…..
But on the subject of offsides, what on earth were we doing yards offside at a Tigers lineout that cost us 3 points.
But on the subject of offsides, what on earth were we doing yards offside at a Tigers lineout that cost us 3 points.
Quote:JimG
That was a good game of rugby and great atmosphere. As Mark McCall said it was a good loss considering the circumstances.
I felt during the game that we were on the wrong end of a number of decisions and watching back haven't changed my mind. Whitely lying on top of the ball with his arms out pretending that he was stuck was one of the more egregious ones. I don't think it helped us that Montoya was constantly in the ref's ear whereas we had no-one doing the same. That is the only reason I can think of for a couple of the decisions going against Theo in particular. I am really not sure about that "fend" from the Leicester 13 for his try either but that was a bit hard to tell so I guess the benefit of the doubt is reasonable.
Hats off to Tim Sweil for that performance without any training. His kicking out of hand in particular was excellent (not so much his very half hearted Ash Splash for his try though). Given that he apparently knew none of the plays it was not surprising that we couldn't get it out wide. I think with Fergus and Daly playing, Leicester would have really struggled.
Also not quite sure how Borthwick can't see that Willis is far and away the best 8 in the league at the moment. That is the way to respond to not being picked - an absolutely phenomenal 80 minute performance.
Big Tom is playing brilliantly and should be in the England 23 at worst. He’s also the only reason why my fantasy rugby team has a respectable score at the moment!
It can only the fact that he may not be the best player in his family that is keeping him out. And even that is questionable!
Or he’s being punished for his brother’s decisions.
Regarding crowds calling for offside, I’m sure it never happens at any other ground than Welford Rd a certainly never at the Stonex 😊
Regarding crowds calling for offside, I’m sure it never happens at any other ground than Welford Rd a certainly never at the Stonex 😊
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