Northampton Saints
Match Day Thread: Sains v Irish
By Saint Ted
April 16 2021
This is the Saints v London Irish match thread
Who:
Northampton Saints v London Irish
When:
Friday 16th April 2021 19:45
Where:
Franklins Gardens
How do I watch:
BT Sports 1/Ultimate
Officials:
Referee: Wayne Barnes
Assistant referees: John Meredith and Robert Warburton
No.4: George Selwood
TMO: Matthew Carley
Teams:
Saints unavailable through injury...
Owen Franks (foot), Tommy Freeman (knee), Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi (achilles), Courtney Lawes (pectoral), Taqele Naiyaravoro (concussion), Ryan Olowofela (ankle), Matt Proctor (calf), Api Ratuniyarawa (shoulder), and Kayde Sylvester (achilles).
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StumbleuponMatch Day Thread: Sains v Irish
Discussion started by Marching On , 16/04/2021 08:37
Marching On
16/04/2021 08:37
16/04/2021 08:37
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:21:14:53:04 by Saint Ted.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:21:14:53:04 by Saint Ted.
Team's up!
15 George Furbank
14 Ollie Sleightholme
13 Fraser Dingwall
12 Piers Francis
11 Tom Collins
10 Dan Biggar
9 Alex Mitchell
1 Nick Auterac
2 Mike Haywood
3 Paul Hill
4 David Ribbans
5 Alex Moon
6 Nick Isiekwe
7 Lewis Ludlam (capt)
8 Teimana Harrison
Replacements:
16 Sam Matavesi
17 Alex Waller
18 Ehren Painter
19 Alex Coles
20 Tom Wood
21 Tom James
22 Rory Hutchinson
23 Ahsee Tuala
COME ON YOU SAINTS!
Church's Stand season ticket holder
EMRU Referee
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:15:12:49:53 by Saint Ted.
15 George Furbank
14 Ollie Sleightholme
13 Fraser Dingwall
12 Piers Francis
11 Tom Collins
10 Dan Biggar
9 Alex Mitchell
1 Nick Auterac
2 Mike Haywood
3 Paul Hill
4 David Ribbans
5 Alex Moon
6 Nick Isiekwe
7 Lewis Ludlam (capt)
8 Teimana Harrison
Replacements:
16 Sam Matavesi
17 Alex Waller
18 Ehren Painter
19 Alex Coles
20 Tom Wood
21 Tom James
22 Rory Hutchinson
23 Ahsee Tuala
COME ON YOU SAINTS!
Church's Stand season ticket holder
EMRU Referee
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:15:12:49:53 by Saint Ted.
Really good looking team; so great Furbank and Ludlam are fit enough to play. Shame big T is out but on the other hand Collins and Sleightholme provide real pace on the wings. Would have preferred to start Painter for scrum dominance. Hopefully a good number of ball carriers though if everyone stays fit so just need to ensure our lineout is working and we get balance of both physicality and discipline.
Looks good. Relieved to have Furbank back.
Dry weather forecasted which is good with our smallish backline.
Irish are as good as they've been in a decade so it's q good test.
COYS!
Dry weather forecasted which is good with our smallish backline.
Irish are as good as they've been in a decade so it's q good test.
COYS!
I thought there would be a place for Adendorff. Just saw that Barnes is referee, as long as he doesn't spoil it, this should be a really good game.
Another great display of the quality of our Academy. 14 of the 23 came through our academy. You could argue that Hill and Ribbans also qualify.
Strong Saints team and LI missing quite a few of their big names. I fancy us for this one.
Irish side...
15. Tom Parton
14. Ben Loader
13. James Stokes
12. Terrence Hepetema
11. Ollie Hassell- Collins
10. Paddy Jackson
9. Nick Phipps
1. Allan Dell
2. Motu Matu'u
3. Lovejoy Chawatama
4. Chunya Munga
5. Rob Simmons
6. Ben Donnell
7. Blair Cowan (c)
8. Albert Tuisue
16. Matt Cornish
17. Harry Elrington
18. Ollie Hoskins
19. George Nott
20. Matt Rogerson
21. Ben Meehan
22. Phil Cokanasiga
23. Tom Homer
no Coleman, C Rona, O'Brien, Ioane, Naholo or Creevy. Some significant players not selected for whatever reason.
I bet last weeks commentators will be watching this one!!!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:15:14:21:28 by Saint Stokey.
15. Tom Parton
14. Ben Loader
13. James Stokes
12. Terrence Hepetema
11. Ollie Hassell- Collins
10. Paddy Jackson
9. Nick Phipps
1. Allan Dell
2. Motu Matu'u
3. Lovejoy Chawatama
4. Chunya Munga
5. Rob Simmons
6. Ben Donnell
7. Blair Cowan (c)
8. Albert Tuisue
16. Matt Cornish
17. Harry Elrington
18. Ollie Hoskins
19. George Nott
20. Matt Rogerson
21. Ben Meehan
22. Phil Cokanasiga
23. Tom Homer
no Coleman, C Rona, O'Brien, Ioane, Naholo or Creevy. Some significant players not selected for whatever reason.
I bet last weeks commentators will be watching this one!!!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:15:14:21:28 by Saint Stokey.
Hi, from an Irish fan. Think your side looks the stronger of the two, but it could be quite an open game for a Friday night match given the potent backs on both sides.
We're now missing Creevy, Brophy-Clews (concussion) and O'Brien since last week and Rona, player of the season tbh, since the week before. Also Coleman and Mafi for the last month or two and Naholo virtually all season. Ioane is on a season long loan at Glasgow so we've struggled for depth at 8.
Surprised there's no room for Grayson in your side. Is he injured or rested now Biggar is available?
We're now missing Creevy, Brophy-Clews (concussion) and O'Brien since last week and Rona, player of the season tbh, since the week before. Also Coleman and Mafi for the last month or two and Naholo virtually all season. Ioane is on a season long loan at Glasgow so we've struggled for depth at 8.
Surprised there's no room for Grayson in your side. Is he injured or rested now Biggar is available?
Hi Lazyboy, he's being rested now Biggar's back and as he can only cover one position he doesn't make the bench.
COME ON YOU SAINTS!
Church's Stand season ticket holder
EMRU Referee
COME ON YOU SAINTS!
Church's Stand season ticket holder
EMRU Referee
Abington Adam raises an important point. How does James Grayson get sufficient game time when Biggar is fit and available? For the L.I. game Furbank or Francis obviously cover the fly half slot and Grayson is left in the cold.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:15:17:33:44 by white lion.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:15:17:33:44 by white lion.
Quote:Saint Maul
Looks good. Relieved to have Furbank back.
Dry weather forecasted which is good with our smallish backline.
Irish are as good as they've been in a decade so it's q good test.
COYS!
The weather should suit us, but our back line does look very light weight. We will just have to run round them rather than through them :-)
I'm sure Hill will pop up in the centres if a bit more bulk is needed!
Although it is relatively lightweight there's a few that punch above weight defensively - Biggar never gives and inch, Sleights is tenacious and a menace over the ball and Dingwall has started putting in a few eye-catching hits in defence, proving it is more about timing and technique than pure power. He's not likely to absolutely demolish people but he does anticipate and time well and has stopped a few attacks momentum with a well timed hit recently.
Although it is relatively lightweight there's a few that punch above weight defensively - Biggar never gives and inch, Sleights is tenacious and a menace over the ball and Dingwall has started putting in a few eye-catching hits in defence, proving it is more about timing and technique than pure power. He's not likely to absolutely demolish people but he does anticipate and time well and has stopped a few attacks momentum with a well timed hit recently.
Good looking bench could really do some damage late on if we play well for the first sixty. With who they have missing I feel good about this one.
Quote:ajack
I feel good about this one.
Steady on ajack!
But it looks a good side to me. Really pleased to see Furbs back and hope Tei and Ludlam pick up where they left off last week.
I'm surprised Irish have rested some of their big guns. This is 10 pointer between 5th and 6th.
That makes us favourites
That makes us favourites
My only concern is at hooker. Would prefer Sam as Mikey is not the same player since his injury and any alternative seems to be a lineout disaster.
Decent team, slightly concerned with hooker/front row.
Harry seems to have dropped down the pecking order. Assume Francis will be kicking again, the coaches obviously wanting to go with Biggs over Grayse, despite that.
Expecting an open, high-scoring game.
Harry seems to have dropped down the pecking order. Assume Francis will be kicking again, the coaches obviously wanting to go with Biggs over Grayse, despite that.
Expecting an open, high-scoring game.
Is the Matt Cornish on the Irish bench formerly a wearer of th B.G and G - or at least a relative?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:16:00:00:32 by white lion.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:16:00:00:32 by white lion.
Kind of disappointed with the LI team. I really anted to see Saints tested against their best to gage where Saints really are. That said, Saints need to go out and perform to their highest level. Time for Biggar to earn his salary.
Good looking team
Particularly the back five
Powerful and agile
Perhaps it’s the ups and downs we suffered not so no long ago, but I always seem far more nervous before any game
Particularly the back five
Powerful and agile
Perhaps it’s the ups and downs we suffered not so no long ago, but I always seem far more nervous before any game
Team looks good and I'm pleased to see Auterac starting with Hill. I desperately hope Mikey has been working hard on lineout throws.
Although LI have seen strong improvement recently,we should win this.
Although LI have seen strong improvement recently,we should win this.
I’m a little concerned about the workload on Nick I and Tei, but maybe we are targeting this game. Irish have a few players out and unlike Gordo I really don’t mind that. I hope Dan is able to kick but Piers will give it his best shot if not. I hope they give Tom James a bit more game time this week, Alex looked a bit tired about 70 mins last week. Fraser has a chance to book a more regular slot in the side, I think he’s a great little player.
Quote:batty
My only concern is at hooker. Would prefer Sam as Mikey is not the same player since his injury and any alternative seems to be a lineout disaster.
I have to agree about Mikey. Sad to say I think we need to be looking for a new hooker unless there is a star rising in the academy. I’ve not been convinced by either Reece or James this season and at best are rightly 3rd and 4th place squad players.
TommySaint- I would bear in mind that there’s been weeks off for Nick and Tei and everyone else through covid cancellations, there may be more, and there is definitely two more European weekends to come our lads will have their feet up.
Like ajack, I have a good feeling about this one but experience suggests that is not necessarily a good thing!
Like ajack, I have a good feeling about this one but experience suggests that is not necessarily a good thing!
Generally sharing the positive vibes about this one. I must admit, part of that is a midfield of Francis/Dingwall. Canny players, and great all-round.
Good chance for Mikey to set his stall out and show he's a real pack leader.
If I was a betting man, I'd put a fiver on Mikey to score first off the back of a good old fashioned driving maul from a 5m lineout.
Good chance for Mikey to set his stall out and show he's a real pack leader.
If I was a betting man, I'd put a fiver on Mikey to score first off the back of a good old fashioned driving maul from a 5m lineout.
Irish 9 walks through
Not sure Dingwall or Collins would want to see that again
Poor tackling
Not sure Dingwall or Collins would want to see that again
Poor tackling
Have we signed a few of their players? They’re in our line half the time.
Hepetema, no more of that please Sir. If you rewind you’ll see when he’s tackled on the floor he pretends that he can’t get the ball back from us (insinuating we are on the wrong side). Naughty boy.
The TMO is getting involved a fair bit so far tonight. I think it's an area refs need to be careful with, Barnes has twice started playing advantage from the point where the TMO has chimed in, rather than the actual offence.
Rare missed tackle from Francis there. Ollie Hassell-Collins is one hell of a player.
Good game so far. Both teams look dangerous in attack.
In fairness to last week's referee, Mitchell does seem to take an age on his box kicking.
In fairness to last week's referee, Mitchell does seem to take an age on his box kicking.
Typical Piers Francis that, he'll never be outdone for effort. Attitude is always 100%
Quote:saint krige
Good game so far. Both teams look dangerous in attack.
In fairness to last week's referee, Mitchell does seem to take an age on his box kicking.
They are clearly targeted Mitchell’s kicking from breakdown
Quote:Saintsman94
The TMO is getting involved a fair bit so far tonight. I think it's an area refs need to be careful with, Barnes has twice started playing advantage from the point where the TMO has chimed in, rather than the actual offence.
100% right just happened again
Another advantage starts when the TMO mentions it, 3 or 4 phases after the offence. It really shouldn't work like that
He's made a couple of mistakes and isn't offering the carrying Matavesi might but Haywood's link play has been brilliant at times this half.
Quote:Saintsman94
He's made a couple of mistakes and isn't offering the carrying Matavesi might but Haywood's link play has been brilliant at times this half.
Yeah probably a bit rusty after lack of game time
What a great half of rugby, both sides looking to attack very little whistling from Barnes, Alex Mitchell playing like we know he can, brilliant try
Great first half of rugby from both teams. I applaud both teams' ambition to play, makes for a much better spectacle than the kickfests we often see.
As mentioned above Haywood seems a little short of game time/skill level, would stick with him for 65 mins if we are still ahead.
Our 8,9, and 10 all having good games and getting the team moving.
As mentioned above Haywood seems a little short of game time/skill level, would stick with him for 65 mins if we are still ahead.
Our 8,9, and 10 all having good games and getting the team moving.
Really enjoyable so far. Defence could be tightened, but some lovely play going forward again.
Quote:Longers
C'mon.......
Bit quiet around here......
Where's the contentious stuff?
Think we're all exhausted just watching. Let us get our breath back mate!
The whole TMO setup needs a rethink. It doesn’t work the way it is. Quite often the TMO isn’t the TMO.
Appallingly weak defence again, after letting them off from our attacking line out
I’m not sure why we didn’t take the 3 but hopefully will come away with more
Very content tonight knowing I will watch us with Mitchell as 9 for the next few years. Great to have a junior, like Daws, in a game playing role and being a truly special talent. Really satisfying that our academy can bring on young skill players.
Mitchell has been class today, this is the kind of performance I knew he was capable of that made the loss of Cobus that little bit easier. Fantastic to finally see him hitting those heights.
Also, Ribbans is tough as old boots, I thought that was going to be a long term injury, 30 seconds later he's pushing in the scrum!
Also, Ribbans is tough as old boots, I thought that was going to be a long term injury, 30 seconds later he's pushing in the scrum!
Ribbans is tough. Broken nose a few weeks ago against Worcester and played on.
Ferguson on commentary
Bit Yong and yang
Boyd’s comment
Saints doing some good stuff then some bad stuff
Bit Yong and yang
Boyd’s comment
Saints doing some good stuff then some bad stuff
Quote:Saintsman94
Mitchell has been class today, this is the kind of performance I knew he was capable of that made the loss of Cobus that little bit easier. Fantastic to finally see him hitting those heights.
Also, Ribbans is tough as old boots, I thought that was going to be a long term injury, 30 seconds later he's pushing in the scrum!
He was out for a year with injury
Feel like Sleightholme has seen this as a real opportunity to prove himself with so many raving about Hassell-Collins lately. Think he's probably won that battle. They've both been brilliant mind.
Sleights is going to be unreal for us. Both he and Freeman so composed for their age.
A very clinical performance.
A very clinical performance.
Crazy to think we have Big T, Freeman and Proctor missing from this matchday 23.
We're really blessed in the backs these days.
We're really blessed in the backs these days.
Well done lads. Some great play. Some crazy defending at times. But very entertaining. Some great play. Dan Biggar was outstanding for me!
Well played! Great entertainment for the neutral. Hope Wasps can play as well as that against Exeter tomorrow!
All in all a great game to watch, don't think our defence was as bad as some believe, Irish are a really good attacking team.
Developing some real depth in our squad now, credit to the coaches and all the 23. Enjoy the weekend, fellas!
Developing some real depth in our squad now, credit to the coaches and all the 23. Enjoy the weekend, fellas!
Irish tried to play saints game.
What's the odds on Gatland going for an uncapped 9?
What's the odds on Gatland going for an uncapped 9?
Irish tried to play saints game.
What's the odds on Gatland going for an uncapped 9?
What's the odds on Gatland going for an uncapped 9?
Enjoyed that! Good control from 9 and 10 tonight. Ollie is exceptional. Francis fell off a couple of tackles but was brilliant otherwise. Well done boys.
Really entertaining game. We are so lucky in having a team coached to play heads up attacking rugby.
Well done to all at the club, that was incredibly entertaining, there were times in the bleak spell that I was dreaming of stuff like that.
COYS!!!
COYS!!!
Am I happy? Yes I am!
I think that this is the 1st 80 minutes performance that we have senn for some considerable time. We weren't perfect by far but not many teams will keep up with that sort of pace.
Oh, and it was really entertaining as well.
Did I mention that I was pleased??
I think that this is the 1st 80 minutes performance that we have senn for some considerable time. We weren't perfect by far but not many teams will keep up with that sort of pace.
Oh, and it was really entertaining as well.
Did I mention that I was pleased??
Quote:TommySaint
I think we are a good bet to win the Prem, odds wise...
What are the odds?
Great performance! Lot's of hard work and determination plus brilliant individual skills. Thanks boys. COYS!
Quote:Santiago
Really good to get sam vesty interview
His opinion of Mitchell's time with England was wasn't exactly opaque!
I did really enjoy his more technical commentary. A great interview not helped by rubbish questions but fair play to Sam for giving some interesting content.
I really enjoyed the game. Hassell Collins is a pretty exciting prospect for LIrish. Dangerous every time he had the ball.
30/1
I think we should be able 15s
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:16:22:33:30 by TommySaint.
I think we should be able 15s
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:16:22:33:30 by TommySaint.
Great game to watch tonight.
Really good intent to play running Rugby from both teams.
Standout performances from Mitchell, Ludlam, Biggar, Little T and Ollie. In addition, it was good to see such a determined (and disappointed) Piers to make up for his mistakes.It says much about his character.
Ollie HK looks like a great talent for Irish. In fact the whole back 3 look dangerous.
Well done Saints and let's make sure we keep the ball in hand and run the legs off the Kittens next weekend.
Really good intent to play running Rugby from both teams.
Standout performances from Mitchell, Ludlam, Biggar, Little T and Ollie. In addition, it was good to see such a determined (and disappointed) Piers to make up for his mistakes.It says much about his character.
Ollie HK looks like a great talent for Irish. In fact the whole back 3 look dangerous.
Well done Saints and let's make sure we keep the ball in hand and run the legs off the Kittens next weekend.
Tigers will be a fascinating game with such contrasting styles. We know what's coming from Tigers. It won't be subtle. But brutal and relentless.
Can we impose the type of game we want to play cos if Tigers dictate it into a slow physical confrontation we'll lose.
I can see some cards next week so discipline will be key.
I can see most neutrals supporting this exciting Saints team against yawning boring Tigers. COYS!
Can we impose the type of game we want to play cos if Tigers dictate it into a slow physical confrontation we'll lose.
I can see some cards next week so discipline will be key.
I can see most neutrals supporting this exciting Saints team against yawning boring Tigers. COYS!
It's great to check the result and see backs' names as the try scorers.
Don't get me wrong, I like to see the big lads scoring as well but for too long the balance of keeping it in the forwards rather than moving it out had the ratios the wrong way round for entertaining rugby and from reading this thread it seems it was certainly entertaining tonight.
Don't get me wrong, I like to see the big lads scoring as well but for too long the balance of keeping it in the forwards rather than moving it out had the ratios the wrong way round for entertaining rugby and from reading this thread it seems it was certainly entertaining tonight.
Running rugby.
5 points.
Joué.
Also love how Irish play their rugby; their fans are going to be in for a treat next season for many many things not including the rugby.
5 points.
Joué.
Also love how Irish play their rugby; their fans are going to be in for a treat next season for many many things not including the rugby.
Quote:I would say Biggar absolutely earned his salary tonight. As did quite a few of the boys. Nicely played and nicely won. And, by the way, which Number 8 in England is playing better than Harrison right now.Saint Gordo
Kind of disappointed with the LI team. I really anted to see Saints tested against their best to gage where Saints really are. That said, Saints need to go out and perform to their highest level. Time for Biggar to earn his salary.
If we get decent ball and Mitchell starts growing like today then we will be a handful for anyone
If all the injured players had been fit for selection, who would have made the 23 last night?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:17:06:34:11 by stjj.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:17:06:34:11 by stjj.
The only rain I will throw on our parade is LI did not play a number of their top players. I was surprised by that when the teams were announced. So, we did well, but not against their top team selection. Boyd did fairly call the team out for not playing a tighter defense, but some of that might be due to the high speed pace of the game. But, overall, a great way to start the weekend.
I think we had a glimpse of the future last night.
Was it perfect? Not by any means.
Was there scope for criticism? Plenty.
But given the relative lack of maturity across the squad, that'll do me nicely.
Was it perfect? Not by any means.
Was there scope for criticism? Plenty.
But given the relative lack of maturity across the squad, that'll do me nicely.
....And yet still entirely predictable the unnecessary posts complaining about what others have or haven't posted?!?
Was a thoroughly entertaining game, showed what we can do when we get on the front foot. Though it was against a team that were very game tbf...
Lots of excellent performances throughout the team. Having not seen much of him previously though I thought OHC looked like a potential generational talent. Bit slow on the turn though...
Was a thoroughly entertaining game, showed what we can do when we get on the front foot. Though it was against a team that were very game tbf...
Lots of excellent performances throughout the team. Having not seen much of him previously though I thought OHC looked like a potential generational talent. Bit slow on the turn though...
I'll be hoping Bath v Tigers is gruelling and draining for Tigers with only a 6 day turnaround for them compared to 8 days for us.
Quote:Saint GordoQuote:I would say Biggar absolutely earned his salary tonight. As did quite a few of the boys. Nicely played and nicely won. And, by the way, which Number 8 in England is playing better than Harrison right now.Saint Gordo
Kind of disappointed with the LI team. I really anted to see Saints tested against their best to gage where Saints really are. That said, Saints need to go out and perform to their highest level. Time for Biggar to earn his salary.
Absolutely agree re Biggar. In terms of Harrison I think its a really congested area for England at the minute, and England's loss is our gain. Thought Ludlam was also fantastic, probably won't be in England's match day 23 due to competition, but it's really beneficial for us overall.
Whip round to keep Big Nick?!
Quote:Unfortunately for Harrison, his England ship has sailed. But watch other matches this weekend, and I doubt we will se another 8 playing better than Harrison, especially amongst the Number 8 EQ fraternity. He has been absolutely immense and a key part of our turnaround. Biggar is an absolute pro and his emotion is contagious. I feel for Francis, who missed a couple of tackles, because he is usually so incredibly solid on attack and defense.saint krigeQuote:Saint GordoQuote:I would say Biggar absolutely earned his salary tonight. As did quite a few of the boys. Nicely played and nicely won. And, by the way, which Number 8 in England is playing better than Harrison right now.Saint Gordo
Kind of disappointed with the LI team. I really anted to see Saints tested against their best to gage where Saints really are. That said, Saints need to go out and perform to their highest level. Time for Biggar to earn his salary.
Absolutely agree re Biggar. In terms of Harrison I think its a really congested area for England at the minute, and England's loss is our gain. Thought Ludlam was also fantastic, probably won't be in England's match day 23 due to competition, but it's really beneficial for us overall.
Whip round to keep Big Nick?!
Not sure, Simmonds and Dombrandt are both playing incredibly well and constantly overlooked. A position that has a lot of depth in England right now.
Think the Biggar/Francis axis is really working and looks as though PF has been training on his kick-chase with Biggar.
Think the Biggar/Francis axis is really working and looks as though PF has been training on his kick-chase with Biggar.
I really don't get Eddie Jones ignoring Dombrandt, a bit unit who plays with skill, passion, and power. Sam Simmonds is a bit like Harrison, a bit undersized at 8 (for Eddie), and I am a big fan of both players, whom I think deserve a shot with England, especially as Billy V. has appeared to eat himself out of the Number 8 jumper.
But I don't think either player is playing better than Harrison. Maybe roughly equal, but their games are different. As I said somewhere (maybe just in my mind as I drink my morning coffee) Harrison's England ship has sailed, but bl**dy hell, he is top of his game and is at least playing as well as any 8 in the Premiership.
But I don't think either player is playing better than Harrison. Maybe roughly equal, but their games are different. As I said somewhere (maybe just in my mind as I drink my morning coffee) Harrison's England ship has sailed, but bl**dy hell, he is top of his game and is at least playing as well as any 8 in the Premiership.
Quote:Saint Gordo
I really don't get Eddie Jones ignoring Dombrandt, a bit unit who plays with skill, passion, and power. Sam Simmonds is a bit like Harrison, a bit undersized at 8 (for Eddie), and I am a big fan of both players, whom I think deserve a shot with England, especially as Billy V. has appeared to eat himself out of the Number 8 jumper.
But I don't think either player is playing better than Harrison. Maybe roughly equal, but their games are different. As I said somewhere (maybe just in my mind as I drink my morning coffee) Harrison's England ship has sailed, but bl**dy hell, he is top of his game and is at least playing as well as any 8 in the Premiership.
Eddie won’t pick Simmonds or Harrison due to size. If he picks either he would need to change one or other of Curry or Underhill and play a big lump at 6. Billy V even when not playing particularly well gets through an incredible amount of work and does a lot of the unseen work still. When on form he does all of that and makes big carries. Perhaps Eddie is not seeing Simmonds doing the bread and butter stuff only the scoring tries bit. Think Hughes was lined up as a like for like but has fallen off the radar.
As for Tei i think his ship has well and truly sailed, if ever there was someone for which the term ‘running through brick walls’ was invented it would be him. All knees and elbows he must be a nightmare to tackle
As EJ did with Ben Earl
I wouldn’t be surprised if he hasn’t already spoken to Dombrandt and Simmons discussed areas of their game that they need to improve before they move forward in England
EJ said Harrison was the best 7 playing in the league
Harrison moved to 8 the rest is history
I wouldn’t be surprised if he hasn’t already spoken to Dombrandt and Simmons discussed areas of their game that they need to improve before they move forward in England
EJ said Harrison was the best 7 playing in the league
Harrison moved to 8 the rest is history
It’s a pity that Kieran Read didn’t sign 😂 - Tei could then have stayed at 7.
I thought the lineout was much more reliable this week.
Pity about Francis missing a couple of tackles, that enabled Irish to stay in touch, I thought there was an obstruction on the first one. He certainly responded in the chase and made up for those slip-ups.
Biggar certainly earned his money - thought he was excellent as was Mitchell.
I hope Ribbans and Isiekwe are fit for next week, not head injuries so they might be ok.
Would love to have Sleighthome on one wing and Hassell-Collins on the other - that said Tom Collins did little wrong on Friday and we have to fit Freeman in somewhere.
It's great to see the team performing so well after such a bleak Autumn.
Pity about Francis missing a couple of tackles, that enabled Irish to stay in touch, I thought there was an obstruction on the first one. He certainly responded in the chase and made up for those slip-ups.
Biggar certainly earned his money - thought he was excellent as was Mitchell.
I hope Ribbans and Isiekwe are fit for next week, not head injuries so they might be ok.
Would love to have Sleighthome on one wing and Hassell-Collins on the other - that said Tom Collins did little wrong on Friday and we have to fit Freeman in somewhere.
It's great to see the team performing so well after such a bleak Autumn.
I’m really looking forward to hearing the crowd respond to some of these young academy guys coming through into the XV. I think it’s going to get the support up another gear.
Quote:TommySaint
I’m really looking forward to hearing the crowd respond to some of these young academy guys coming through into the XV. I think it’s going to get the support up another gear.
Yep, Freemo, Sleights etc tearing it up in front of a home crowd is a great prospect. Hopefully the final 2 home games with (fingers crossed) a crowd will really lift the team. Cant wait to be back at FG
Interestingly in the Gloss commentary they mentioned some of their players ( possibly the half backs) have yet to play first team rugby in front of a crowd.
Quote:St MarcusQuote:TommySaint
I’m really looking forward to hearing the crowd respond to some of these young academy guys coming through into the XV. I think it’s going to get the support up another gear.
Yep, Freemo, Sleights etc tearing it up in front of a home crowd is a great prospect. Hopefully the final 2 home games with (fingers crossed) a crowd will really lift the team. Cant wait to be back at FG
I'm going to Bath v Saints with ST holders, they've been told crowds will attend, no idea on numbers, testing etc. Last game before the playoffs.
Help me please what is that green stuff on the pitch? As long as I can remember every time I have been there it has been desperately cold with horizontal rain and pathetic sight lines. Winner has to buy the lunch (Italian) and there is more of them than me. Oh dear, could be another long journey home.
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