Bath
Prepare to Pounce: Bath v Newcastle Falcons
Rokodoguni: form
By P G Tips
February 12 2019
Both sides will be preparing to pounce when Bath host Newcastle Falcons on Saturday. For different reasons each club will look for a change in fortune as the Premiership resumes after over a month’s layoff. For Falcons the imperative will be avoiding relegation, while Bath will hope to begin climbing the table towards Champions Cup qualification, or even this season’s playoffs. With eighth hosting twelfth, could this be the weekend Bath turn their season around?
Falcons have been the Premiership’s enigma for the past eighteen months. In the 2018 campaign their relentless, all-action style took them to the playoffs, epitomised by the way they took the Rec by surprise and by storm in September 2017, notching five impressive tries. This season though they are struggling, bottom of the table and in danger of losing touch with the other relegation candidates. Last weekend they surged into a 21-point lead at Franklin’s Gardens in the PRC semi final, only to capitulate limply in the second half, conceding a total of 9 tries. Bath’s last outing by contrast, in a dead rubber tie of the same competition, brought them a morale boosting 52-0, seven try humbling of derby rivals Gloucester. So- will the visiting predators fall prey to Bath’s newfound brio, or will Falcons’ desperation spur them to greater things? Can Bath expect a tsunami from the Toon Army?
Falcons possess sharp talons on the wings in the steamrollering Goneva and sinuous Sinoti. Their experienced halfbacks- Young and Flood- will aim to put hard running centres Matavesi and Harris through gaps to feed those two. To do that they will need the Tynesider forwards to step up to the levels of last season. Falcons’ scrum is usually reliable but their lineout has struggled in recent weeks. The breakdown therefore becomes a key area- where they will hope that their loose forwards (probably the gnarled trio of Welch, Graham and Nagusa) will slow Bath’s ball while poaching some for themselves.
Bath have had their own inconsistencies this season, so are unlikely to get too carried away with the ease of their last victory. There were though encouraging signs of a sharper cutting edge against Gloucester and the return to fitness, and form, of some key players will boost their confidence. This week’s selection should be the strongest available, with Catt, Thomas, Louw and Mercer returning up front and a mouth-watering choice of outside backs available. Hopefully Eddie Jones will release Cokanasiga for some game time before a possible 6 Nations debut against Italy, while Joseph and McConnochie, both sharp against the Cherry and Whites, will be in the mix to start. Perhaps the best news though was Rokodoguni’s return to hungry try scoring form.
Against Northampton, Newcastle’s defence proved porous as the game developed – especially out wide. In Joseph, Cokanasiga and Rokodoguni Bath have the firepower to punish any such lapses but first they must lay the foundation: dominate in the forwards, control the territorial battle and kick intelligently. Direct driving from Dunn ( on his 100th appearance), Attwood, Stooke, Thomas and Roberts can draw the defence to make space for Bath’s rapidly developing offload game. If Bath can add a touch of ruthlessness to the flamboyance of their last outing, this should be a home win. They may even harvest a bonus point. First though they must show the patience and discipline which deserted them against Worcester.
It is high time Bath “clicked.” This Saturday I expect it to be Bath, not the visiting raptors that end the day in raptures.
Possible Teams:
Bath: Catt,Dunn, Thomas, Attwood, Stooke, Mercer, Louw, Grant. Chudley (Capt.), Burns. Cokanasiga, Roberts, Joseph, Rokodoguni. Homer
Replacements: V Rooyen, Walker, Lahiff, Ewels, Reid. Green,
Priestland, McConnochie,
Newcastle: Lockwood, Cooper, Mitchell, Green, Robinson, Welch (Capt.)
Graham, Nagusa. Young, Flood. Sinoti, Matavesi, Harris, Goneva. Hammersley.
Replacements: Davison, Socino, Mulipola, Witty, Hardie. Takalua, Connon, Arscott.
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StumbleuponPrepare to Pounce: Bath v Newcastle Falcons: TEAM UP!
Discussion started by Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged), 12/02/2019 17:07
12/02/2019 17:07
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2019:02:20:10:00:15 by P G Tips.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2019:02:20:10:00:15 by P G Tips.
As important is that they don't get Mark Wilson back...
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53
As important is that they don't get Mark Wilson back...
He has been retained!
PG
Well some good news....in a way...Joe C has been released to play this weekend. That must worry a few Newcastle fans!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Nice play on words at the end there PG
Roberts; Joseph; Roko and Coco - very tasty
Roberts; Joseph; Roko and Coco - very tasty
Officials for Saturday:
Bath Rugby v Newcastle Falcons (Recreation Ground, 3pm)
Referee: JP Doyle
Assistant Referees: Anthony Woodthorpe and Matthew OGrady TMO: Stuart Terheege
Citing Officer: Andy Blyth
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Bath Rugby v Newcastle Falcons (Recreation Ground, 3pm)
Referee: JP Doyle
Assistant Referees: Anthony Woodthorpe and Matthew OGrady TMO: Stuart Terheege
Citing Officer: Andy Blyth
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Excellent. JP is one of the saner Premier refs.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
You're on fire PGT! I love these:
'a tsunami from the Toon Army'
'raptors in raptures'
'sinuous Sinoti'
'a tsunami from the Toon Army'
'raptors in raptures'
'sinuous Sinoti'
Bath Rugby team to face Newcastle Falcons
15. Tom Homer
14. Semesa Rokoduguni
13. Jonathan Joseph
12. Jamie Roberts
11. Joe Cokanasiga
10. Rhys Priestland
9. Will Chudley (cc)
1. Nathan Catt
2. Tom Dunn
3. Henry Thomas
4. Dave Attwood
5. Luke Charteris (cc)
6. Elliott Stooke
7. Francois Louw
8. Zach Mercer
Replacements
16. Jack Walker
17. Jacques van Rooyen
18. Max Lahiff
19. Charlie Ewels
20. Paul Grant
21. Max Green
22. Freddie Burns
23. Ruaridh McConnochie
Strong selection!
COYB!
PG
15. Tom Homer
14. Semesa Rokoduguni
13. Jonathan Joseph
12. Jamie Roberts
11. Joe Cokanasiga
10. Rhys Priestland
9. Will Chudley (cc)
1. Nathan Catt
2. Tom Dunn
3. Henry Thomas
4. Dave Attwood
5. Luke Charteris (cc)
6. Elliott Stooke
7. Francois Louw
8. Zach Mercer
Replacements
16. Jack Walker
17. Jacques van Rooyen
18. Max Lahiff
19. Charlie Ewels
20. Paul Grant
21. Max Green
22. Freddie Burns
23. Ruaridh McConnochie
Strong selection!
COYB!
PG
Not at all happy about Priestland starting over Burns. If he was unarguably better it would make sense, but he just isnt and he wont be here next year. @#$%& decision.
Quote:Optimist
Not at all happy about Priestland starting over Burns. If he was unarguably better it would make sense, but he just isnt and he wont be here next year. @#$%& decision.
+ 1
Quote:You haven't a clue why that decision was made so how do you know it is a bad one? Or do you know more than the coaches.Optimist
Not at all happy about Priestland starting over Burns. If he was unarguably better it would make sense, but he just isnt and he wont be here next year. @#$%& decision.
That is exactly the team that I selected in the Chron team survey with the exception of FB over RP. My choice was purely because I think that FB offers more of a threat and gets the ball out more (when not being intercepted). Not much between them though in general terms IMO.
COYB!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
COYB!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Tidy team and tidy bench. About time we fronted up against the Falcons and this should be the game to do it. Im looking forward to tomorrow.
I am a Burns fan but I can just about see the sense in him as an impact 10 in the last quarter when there should be more space for him.
That doesn't mean that RP can sit deep and wait to be subbed, that is a strong side and there will be an expectation of him to make good use of the possession he gets.
That doesn't mean that RP can sit deep and wait to be subbed, that is a strong side and there will be an expectation of him to make good use of the possession he gets.
Quote:hemingtonQuote:You haven't a clue why that decision was made so how do you know it is a bad one? Or do you know more than the coaches.Optimist
Not at all happy about Priestland starting over Burns. If he was unarguably better it would make sense, but he just isnt and he wont be here next year. @#$%& decision.
IMHO FFFS
Quote:Optimist
Not at all happy about Priestland starting over Burns. If he was unarguably better it would make sense, but he just isnt and he wont be here next year. @#$%& decision.
Not that any of us really knows the coaching reasons for Priestland starting ahead of Burns, with the best backline(on paper) we have been able to put out all season I imagine the priority of the FH will be to get us into good positions and set the back line moving.Freddie likes to make things happen, with acting as a link man coming secondary,which he can do coming off the bench if necessary.
Quote:Optimist
Not at all happy about Priestland starting over Burns. If he was unarguably better it would make sense, but he just isnt and he wont be here next year. @#$%& decision.
Agreed
Quote:hemingtonQuote:You haven't a clue why that decision was made so how do you know it is a bad one? Or do you know more than the coaches.Optimist
Not at all happy about Priestland starting over Burns. If he was unarguably better it would make sense, but he just isnt and he wont be here next year. @#$%& decision.
This is a forum for people to express opinions among other things. We've all got opinions about players and are entitled to them. If you don't share that opinion or don't have one at all stay out of it.
Quote:BeergogglesQuote:Optimist
Not at all happy about Priestland starting over Burns. If he was unarguably better it would make sense, but he just isnt and he wont be here next year. @#$%& decision.
Agreed
I am happy to accept the coaches know more than me about what is needed to win against Newcastle.
Surely you always play the side you consider to have the best chance of success.
If we get the top quality FH every one wants for next year,Freddie will most likely be on the bench again.
Stooke at 6 again is an interesting selection, he went well v Glaws last time out and I'll be watching him closely. As said above a strong team and am also surprised at RP starting over FB. Bring it on...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
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My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
I hope RP plays out of his skin and proves the doubters (me included) wrong. I still think that FB is much the better option though and that RP has shown very little quality in the BBW.
The 10 selection is questionable at best, at worst from a distance looks a cr*p decision. Anyone in Freddie's boots, assuming fully fit, would want the starting shirt and won't be comforted with, well it's a strategic selection to get you on fresh for the last quarter
That aside, it is a great backline with a very decent pack - I reckon even I should be able to conjure up a couple of 'golden tries' in the first half out of that mix. So take it away Rhys, show us what we could be missing next year and what a prospective employer might be gaining
That aside, it is a great backline with a very decent pack - I reckon even I should be able to conjure up a couple of 'golden tries' in the first half out of that mix. So take it away Rhys, show us what we could be missing next year and what a prospective employer might be gaining
Newcastle team:
15 Simon Hammersley
14 Zach Kibirige
13 Chris Harris
12 Pedro Bettencourt
11 Sinoti Sinoti
10 Toby Flood
9 Michael Young
1 Sam Lockwood
2 Kyle Cooper
3 Logovi'i Mulipola
4 Calum Green
5 Andrew Davidson
6 Will Welch (captain)
7 Gary Graham
8 Nemani Nagusa
Replacements
16 Santiago Socino
17 Adam Brocklebank
18 David Wilson
19 Will Witty
20 John Hardie
21 Sonatane Takulua
22 Brett Connon
23 Ben Stevenson
15 Simon Hammersley
14 Zach Kibirige
13 Chris Harris
12 Pedro Bettencourt
11 Sinoti Sinoti
10 Toby Flood
9 Michael Young
1 Sam Lockwood
2 Kyle Cooper
3 Logovi'i Mulipola
4 Calum Green
5 Andrew Davidson
6 Will Welch (captain)
7 Gary Graham
8 Nemani Nagusa
Replacements
16 Santiago Socino
17 Adam Brocklebank
18 David Wilson
19 Will Witty
20 John Hardie
21 Sonatane Takulua
22 Brett Connon
23 Ben Stevenson
Quote:DanchinhoQuote:hemingtonQuote:You haven't a clue why that decision was made so how do you know it is a bad one? Or do you know more than the coaches.Optimist
Not at all happy about Priestland starting over Burns. If he was unarguably better it would make sense, but he just isnt and he wont be here next year. @#$%& decision.
This is a forum for people to express opinions among other things. We've all got opinions about players and are entitled to them. If you don't share that opinion or don't have one at all stay out of it.
I was expressing my opinion. So I'll stay in please
To be honest with the players we have 1-9,11 to 15 and playing at home we ought to be able to win the game with Fred Flintstone playing at Fly Half. Still nervous though ...
Quote:Optimist
Not at all happy about Priestland starting over Burns. If he was unarguably better it would make sense, but he just isnt and he wont be here next year. @#$%& decision.
You have a view on this which is fair enough but I dont see how the fact that Priestland wont be here next year is relevant. None of this makes it a @#$%& decision - just one you disagree with.
Quote:Beergoggles
we ought to be able to win the game with Fred Flintstone playing at Fly Half.
Unavailable through injury BG - slid down the brontosaurus tail at the end of work and turned his ankle.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
This is a very strong lineup on paper & it appears that Newcastle are without some of their first choice players so as long as we have been doing some good work on the training field we should win with something to spare, though this doesnt mean we will!
Quote:hemingtonQuote:DanchinhoQuote:hemingtonQuote:You haven't a clue why that decision was made so how do you know it is a bad one? Or do you know more than the coaches.Optimist
Not at all happy about Priestland starting over Burns. If he was unarguably better it would make sense, but he just isnt and he wont be here next year. @#$%& decision.
This is a forum for people to express opinions among other things. We've all got opinions about players and are entitled to them. If you don't share that opinion or don't have one at all stay out of it.
I was expressing my opinion. So I'll stay in please
You didn't express anything except irritation that another poster wasn't happy with a selection. It's petulant.
FWIW, i don't know why FB isn't starting, maybe he's not fully fit. As for the idea the coaches must always be right, that's laughable and doesn't apply in any sport across the globe. They're clearly better placed but they also make mistakes, or have prejudices regarding certain players. It's perfectly normal.
If any one tells me TB has never made a selection or tactical error in his time at Bath i will laugh my head off.
Bath Rugby team to face Newcastle Falcons
15. Tom Homer
14. Semesa Rokoduguni
13. Jonathan Joseph
12. Jamie Roberts
11. Joe Cokanasiga
10. Rhys Priestland
9. Will Chudley (cc)
1. Nathan Catt
2. Tom Dunn
3. Henry Thomas
4. Dave Attwood
5. Luke Charteris (cc)
6. Elliott Stooke
7. Francois Louw
8. Zach Mercer
Replacements
16. Jack Walker
17. Jacques van Rooyen
18. Max Lahiff
19. Charlie Ewels
20. Paul Grant
21. Max Green
22. Freddie Burns
23. Ruaridh McConnochie
Newcastle team
15. Simon Hammersley, 14. Zach Kibirige, 13. Chris Harris, 12. Pedro Bettencourt, 11 Sinoti Sinoti, 10. Toby Flood, 9. Michael Young, 1. Sam Lockwood, 2. Kyle Cooper, 3. Logovi'i Mulipola, 4. Calum Green, 5. Andrew Davidson, 6. Will Welch (captain), 7. Gary Graham, 8. Nemani Nagusa
Replacements
16. Santiago Socino, 17. Adam Brocklebank, 18. David Wilson, 19. Will Witty, 20. John Hardie, 21. Sonatane Takulua, 22. Brett Connon, 23. Ben Stevenson
15. Tom Homer
14. Semesa Rokoduguni
13. Jonathan Joseph
12. Jamie Roberts
11. Joe Cokanasiga
10. Rhys Priestland
9. Will Chudley (cc)
1. Nathan Catt
2. Tom Dunn
3. Henry Thomas
4. Dave Attwood
5. Luke Charteris (cc)
6. Elliott Stooke
7. Francois Louw
8. Zach Mercer
Replacements
16. Jack Walker
17. Jacques van Rooyen
18. Max Lahiff
19. Charlie Ewels
20. Paul Grant
21. Max Green
22. Freddie Burns
23. Ruaridh McConnochie
Newcastle team
15. Simon Hammersley, 14. Zach Kibirige, 13. Chris Harris, 12. Pedro Bettencourt, 11 Sinoti Sinoti, 10. Toby Flood, 9. Michael Young, 1. Sam Lockwood, 2. Kyle Cooper, 3. Logovi'i Mulipola, 4. Calum Green, 5. Andrew Davidson, 6. Will Welch (captain), 7. Gary Graham, 8. Nemani Nagusa
Replacements
16. Santiago Socino, 17. Adam Brocklebank, 18. David Wilson, 19. Will Witty, 20. John Hardie, 21. Sonatane Takulua, 22. Brett Connon, 23. Ben Stevenson
Very strong looking team, no excuses, plus they are missing 4/5 key players (Goneva, Dunbar, Matavesi, Williams, Wilson)
Honestly... I'd like to see Burns at 10 and Priestland at 15. I think we've looked at our best recently with two genuine playmakers on the pitch.
Quote:hasta
Honestly... I'd like to see Burns at 10 and Priestland at 15. I think we've looked at our best recently with two genuine playmakers on the pitch.
Agreed, though I'd say the other way round - I think that was the setup against Toulouse, and (Freddie's howler aside) we looked very good in attack. FB is very good in broken play and still has a decent turn of pace on him, RP solid playing 10.
Quote:DanchinhoQuote:hemingtonQuote:DanchinhoQuote:hemingtonQuote:You haven't a clue why that decision was made so how do you know it is a bad one? Or do you know more than the coaches.Optimist
Not at all happy about Priestland starting over Burns. If he was unarguably better it would make sense, but he just isnt and he wont be here next year. @#$%& decision.
This is a forum for people to express opinions among other things. We've all got opinions about players and are entitled to them. If you don't share that opinion or don't have one at all stay out of it.
I was expressing my opinion. So I'll stay in please
You didn't express anything except irritation that another poster wasn't happy with a selection. It's petulant.
FWIW, i don't know why FB isn't starting, maybe he's not fully fit. As for the idea the coaches must always be right, that's laughable and doesn't apply in any sport across the globe. They're clearly better placed but they also make mistakes, or have prejudices regarding certain players. It's perfectly normal.
If any one tells me TB has never made a selection or tactical error in his time at Bath i will laugh my head off.
I don't think people including myself are saying the coaches are always right just that to say their selection choice is @#$%& sounds like the opinion of someone who knows a lot about the team and coaching in general or who has a high opinion of themselves.
Quote:SJSQuote:hasta
Honestly... I'd like to see Burns at 10 and Priestland at 15. I think we've looked at our best recently with two genuine playmakers on the pitch.
Agreed, though I'd say the other way round - I think that was the setup against Toulouse, and (Freddie's howler aside) we looked very good in attack. FB is very good in broken play and still has a decent turn of pace on him, RP solid playing 10.
It was a real shame that the incident overshadowed what looked like a really good set up. Plus injuries meant we couldnt give it another go. I was a big fan of it.
Wonder if Wilson at 10 and Burns at 15 would work in the same way? Just looked much more consistent in attack with two playmakers. That being said, Willison has stood at first receiver in his last few showings and looked perfectly capable. Theres certainly some options available!
I think the idea is to secure the win through Rhys then try to open up via Freddie.
Not saying I agree - would prefer Freddie at 10.
PG
Not saying I agree - would prefer Freddie at 10.
PG
Just my opinion but I think Priestland over Burns is the correct decision. He is better, more experienced, and although it was only Gloucester seconds last out, there is a continuity in the 9,10,12,13 selection. I dont care that he isnt here next year (I wish he was), but this is now, we need to win, so pick the better option.
Also like the decision to play Charteris alongside Attwood. Extremely underrated by some on here, but think his experience could be vital.
Can see us either clicking and it being brilliant, or we scrape a narrow 9-6 win. Id take either if honest, but I do think we will come away with the points.
Also like the decision to play Charteris alongside Attwood. Extremely underrated by some on here, but think his experience could be vital.
Can see us either clicking and it being brilliant, or we scrape a narrow 9-6 win. Id take either if honest, but I do think we will come away with the points.
Quote:Shorty Shorty iiv
With that match up this should be a 5 pointer.... SHOULD...
Agree, I'm going to be optimistic and say it will be with scores from Jonathan, Joe, Jamie
and Zach but not necessarily in that order.
Does anyone know anything about Newcastle's 12 Pedro Bettencourt and 14 Zach Kibirige ?
Really looking forward to this one.
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"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
hard to see how RP starts over burns. freddie had an injured foot and that may account for RP's recent preference at 10, but assuming freddie is fit now and given there isnt much to choose between the two of them, giving the start to the guy who is leaving is daft. with the second row it is slightly different because even though big dave is leaving and charts is probably retiring, the two of them are our best second row combo. i have been impressed with charteris this season. playing much better than he did in his first two seasons with us.
Quote:Awp24975
Just my opinion but I think Priestland over Burns is the correct decision. He is better, more experienced, and although it was only Gloucester seconds last out, there is a continuity in the 9,10,12,13 selection.
It does make sense if you are going to use Jamie Roberts to have RP at 10. Can't see JJ doing the full 80. Plenty of firepower in the backs.
@oldbathtub
bettencourt i have seen a few times. biggish, strong running centre. a portuguese international. he's not bad. falcons signed him from a french club i believe at the beginning of the season. kilibirige is a young local lad. very promising. amazingly quick but defense isnt great. he will be up against big joe.given joe is very quick but dfensively frail it could be open season on that flank but you would expect joe to prevail.
bettencourt i have seen a few times. biggish, strong running centre. a portuguese international. he's not bad. falcons signed him from a french club i believe at the beginning of the season. kilibirige is a young local lad. very promising. amazingly quick but defense isnt great. he will be up against big joe.given joe is very quick but dfensively frail it could be open season on that flank but you would expect joe to prevail.
@oldbathtub
bettencourt i have seen a few times. biggish, strong running centre. a portuguese international. he's not bad. falcons signed him from a french club i believe at the beginning of the season. kilibirige is a young local lad. very promising. amazingly quick but defense isnt great. he will be up against big joe.given joe is very quick but dfensively frail it could be open season on that flank but you would expect joe to prevail.
bettencourt i have seen a few times. biggish, strong running centre. a portuguese international. he's not bad. falcons signed him from a french club i believe at the beginning of the season. kilibirige is a young local lad. very promising. amazingly quick but defense isnt great. he will be up against big joe.given joe is very quick but dfensively frail it could be open season on that flank but you would expect joe to prevail.
I'm still perplexed by the 'Burns as maverick' perception. He shed that within a year of going to Tigers. His defence is a lot more aggressive than Priestland's, and if you had to back one of them to dive on a loose ball you'd be more likely to find Priestland paying urgent attention to a loose shoelace. FB's kicking has been just as reliable, and he's perfectly capable of executing a kicking game if those are the instructions. Personally, I think FB is more likely to pick that flat, knife-edge pass that puts a wide runner clean through the defence.
Realistically, neither FB, nor Priestland have really delivered a string of definitive performances to fully own the shirt, and I can understand those that think RP nudges it. But i've yet to hear anyone argue that it's an absolute no-brainer as to who is first choice.
I can't help thinking that Blackadder just doesn't really like FB, because there is so little to choose between the two of them, that it makes no sense to me to undermine the confidence of the guy who will be here next year - irrespective of whether it's as starter or as back-up to a marquee 10.
All IMHFO of course.
Realistically, neither FB, nor Priestland have really delivered a string of definitive performances to fully own the shirt, and I can understand those that think RP nudges it. But i've yet to hear anyone argue that it's an absolute no-brainer as to who is first choice.
I can't help thinking that Blackadder just doesn't really like FB, because there is so little to choose between the two of them, that it makes no sense to me to undermine the confidence of the guy who will be here next year - irrespective of whether it's as starter or as back-up to a marquee 10.
All IMHFO of course.
Burns wastes so much ball. Two thirds of the ball he gets, he kicks away. No thanks. I dont care what else he brings to the game when his first instinct is to kick (badly)
Very, very strong team. Has to be a win. If not...
Very, very strong team. Has to be a win. If not...
It is a strong team, and pretty weak opposition. If the pack clicks, Dunn hits double-top and Chudley brings his A game, then RP is in for an absolute arm-chair ride, with bludgen and rapier options outside him. He is going to look good tomorrow, which will prove little to me.
I hope Bath don't take your view that the Falcons team is weak!
This is a Dean Richards team that will have a clear plan on how to win the game.
This is a Dean Richards team that will have a clear plan on how to win the game.
Quote:OutsideBath
I hope Bath don't take your view that the Falcons team is weak!
This is a Dean Richards team that will have a clear plan on how to win the game.
That's why they are bottom then! Sorry, I find it very hard to respect DR.
Deano is astute and sharp, but I think our lineup should dominate.
Rocko needs to keep Sinoti quiet and Flo needs to nail our old scrummie early on.
Dont want to invoke a hoodoo but if we cannot get a 5 pointer wi5 those backs in decent conditions then we never will.
BBW by 2 or 3 scores.
Rocko needs to keep Sinoti quiet and Flo needs to nail our old scrummie early on.
Dont want to invoke a hoodoo but if we cannot get a 5 pointer wi5 those backs in decent conditions then we never will.
BBW by 2 or 3 scores.
Quote:Thanks !bardofavon
@oldbathtub
bettencourt i have seen a few times. biggish, strong running centre. a portuguese international. he's not bad. falcons signed him from a french club i believe at the beginning of the season. kilibirige is a young local lad. very promising. amazingly quick but defense isnt great. he will be up against big joe.given joe is very quick but dfensively frail it could be open season on that flank but you would expect joe to prevail.
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Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Quote:ballsout
Burns wastes so much ball. Two thirds of the ball he gets, he kicks away. No thanks. I dont care what else he brings to the game when his first instinct is to kick (badly)
Very, very strong team. Has to be a win. If not...
Despite the fact that England are making excellent use of the kicking tactic I have to agree seeing it go through the hands in a running game is by far the preferred option. Having said that now we have the speed of Ruaridh McConnochie and Joe Cokanasiga and providing we add a properly coached kick chase. (there you go BO), we could become seriously good at it.
Quote:TomReagan
... I'd have James Wilson at 10 by a country mile!
This.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Quote:OutsideBath
I hope Bath don't take your view that the Falcons team is weak!
This is a Dean Richards team that will have a clear plan on how to win the game.
The clear plan which appears to slow the game down to a snails pace and bore the pants off the opposition and the fans! That game lasted from kick off to final whistle exactly two hours an extra 40 mins including half time, mostly due to Falcon yellow jackets treating "injured" players!
Quote:CoochieCooQuote:OutsideBath
I hope Bath don't take your view that the Falcons team is weak!
This is a Dean Richards team that will have a clear plan on how to win the game.
The clear plan which appears to slow the game down to a snails pace and bore the pants off the opposition and the fans! That game lasted from kick off to final whistle exactly two hours an extra 40 mins including half time, mostly due to Falcon yellow jackets treating "injured" players!
One of those Michael Young passes accounted for nearly 10 minutes of that CC so it wasnt just the gilet jaunes.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:CoochieCooQuote:OutsideBath
I hope Bath don't take your view that the Falcons team is weak!
This is a Dean Richards team that will have a clear plan on how to win the game.
The clear plan which appears to slow the game down to a snails pace and bore the pants off the opposition and the fans! That game lasted from kick off to final whistle exactly two hours an extra 40 mins including half time, mostly due to Falcon yellow jackets treating "injured" players!
So they had a game plan, but it didn't work then?
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:CoochieCooQuote:OutsideBath
I hope Bath don't take your view that the Falcons team is weak!
This is a Dean Richards team that will have a clear plan on how to win the game.
The clear plan which appears to slow the game down to a snails pace and bore the pants off the opposition and the fans! That game lasted from kick off to final whistle exactly two hours an extra 40 mins including half time, mostly due to Falcon yellow jackets treating "injured" players!
So they had a game plan, but it didn't work then?
...and hasn't worked for 77% of their premiership season so far! Not much to see here, then!
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