Homepage

First topic message reminder :

Breaking News: One point now separates the bottom three teams after London Wasps home win against Saracens.

---

---

---

Welcome to Season 5 of the Aviva Premiership fantasty rugby game. Below are the rules of the game which must be adhered to. If there are any situations that arise in the course of the game which are not covered by the rules, a final decision will be made by the RFU (Ozzy3213) as to how the situation will be resolved.

Senior Squads wrote:
The maximum squad size is 40 senior players. If a team has more than 40 players in their squad then they will be fined £1 million per player over the permitted amounts per day for the first seven days. If after 7 consecutive days a team still has more than the permitted number of players then the team will be fined £2 million per player per day, and fined 1 league point per player per day for the next seven days. If after this time a team still has more than the permitted number of players in their squad, the RFU (me) will remove players at it’s discretion to bring them back under the permitted numbers. There will be no right of appeal to players being removed.

Be aware that all tier one international matches which are played during the season will count in the game, and players selected in the matchday 22's for those matches will not be eligible to play for their clubs on that weekend, therefore you must give due consideration to the make up of your squad.

Academy Rules wrote:
Each team will be allowed to have a listed senior academy squad of 20 players. Players who are in the senior academy must be under 22 years of age as of 1st September 2012 (therefore must have been born on or after 1st Septmber 1990). Players who are under the age of 20 (so born after 1st September 1992) AND are in the academy of the club that you are managing in real life, DO NOT need to be listed as senior academy players as part of your 20, but are available to you in this game and cannot be poached by other clubs without paying you a fee.

Should a player not listed in your 20 senior academy players, but part of the clubs academy in real life move clubs in real life, then you will have first option of promoting him to your listed senior academy. If you choose not to take this option he will become property of the club that he moves to in real life in this game.

Transfers wrote:

• Domestic (other AP Teams)
  Each team has a budget to use in the purchase of players. Domestic transfers between AP clubs, regardless of nationality of player, should be negotiated between the respective managers, and then confirmed on the Domestic Transfer Confirmation Page.
  
  
• Domestic (Championship and below)
  Each team may during the season purchase no more than 3 players from the Championship or the National Leagues. These players must be bid for on the Championship/National League bidding page, and each bid will be considered by me on it's own merits before being accepted or rejected. No bid will be accepted until a minimum of 24 hours has elapsed from the time the bid was made, in order to afford other managers the opportunity to make a counter bid.
  
  
• Foreign
  To make a foreign transfer (i.e from any club outside of the AP, regardless of whether the player is English) a bid should be made on the Foreign Transfers Page, which will be considered by me against the posted guidelines for purchase prices before being accepted or rejected. No bid will be accepted until a minimum of 24 hours has elapsed from the time the bid was made, in order to afford other managers the opportunity to make a counter bid.
  
  Foreign transfers will unlimited during the off season and 2 during the season. The exact dates of the two transfer windows during the season is to be confirmed.
  

Player Releases wrote:
Managers may choose to release players from their clubs, for which they will be offered compensation

Compensation will be paid as follows

£2 million – current international (must have played international rugby in the previous 12 months)
£1.5 million – former international
£1m – top flight experience
£0.5m – other

If a released player plays in real life for a team outside of this game he will be deemed to have returned to that team. If not then he will be deemed to have signed for a Championship side. If another manager wants to pick a released player up, they will have to bid for him in the same way as for a foreign or Championship/National League player.

Retirements wrote:
There will be no compensation for retiring players. Should a player who retires decide to come out of retirement and play again, then he will automatically go back to the club who he was playing for in the game when he retired.

Fixtures wrote:
There will be 22 Aviva Premiership games per season, plus the play offs. There will also be Heineken Cup, Amlin Challenge Cup and Anglo Welsh Cup matches. These games will take place once a week. A thread will be put up for managers to name their teams on Thursdays, then on Fridays, managers will post the scores that they think will happen from these games (apart from games in which they are involved). An average of all predictions will be taken, and then 0.5 points added to each teams score for each prediction that had them as the winner, and that will then be the final score.

Teams wrote:
When naming your team, not only should you put the starting XV and replacements, but also tactics that your team will employ. Results will be affected by the tactics described.

In addition, each team must have the following:-

At least 10 England qualified players in your matchday 23, and at least 5 of those must be in your starting XV.

At least 2 props and 1 hooker on the bench.

All players must be eligible (not injured or banned).

Failure to comply with these rules will result in forfeiting the match and a 1 league point deduction.

If you fail to submit a team for a match, then the other team will be automatically awarded a 30-0 bonus point win. If both teams fail to submit a team, then it will be scored as a 0-0 draw.

Injuries and Suspensions wrote:
Injuries in this game do NOT reflect real life, they will be generated by me.

Players banned in real life will be ineligible for selection in this game for the duration of the ban.

Inclusion of injured/banned players will result in them being replaced by players on the bench, and the bench not having eight players, which may result in punishment if it concerns the front-row.

Punishment for fielding an ineligible player will be loss of one match point for a first offence, two for a second offence and so on.

Financial Rewards wrote:
There will be no rewards for the result of an individual match, instead the managers will receive cash for predicting.

£1.5m for descriptive predictions
£0.25m for scores on the doors predictions
If you fail to predict without first advising me that you are unable to do so that week, you will be fined £1m for a first offence, £2m for a second offence, £3m for a third offence etc.

AP finishing positions.

Champions: 8m
Runners Up: 6m
Playoff Semi Finalist Losers: 5m
5th: 4m
6th: 3.5m
7th: 3m
8th: 2.5m
9th: 2m
10th: 1.5m
11th: 1m
12th: 0.5m

Heineken Cup

Losing Quarter Finalists - £2 million each
Losing Semi Finalists - £3 million each
Runners Up - £4 million
Champions - £5 million

Amlin Challenge Cup

Losing Quarter Finalists - £1 million each
Losing Semi Finalists - £2 million each
Runners Up - £3 million
Champions - £4 million

Anglo-Welsh Cup

Losing Semi Finalist - £1 million each
Runners Up - £2 million
Champions - £3 million


If your budgets falls below minus £10 million for any reason, the administrators (ozzy3213) will step in and players from within your squad will be released for the relevant financial compensation in order to bring your budget back above minus £10 million.

I know it's no excuse but the Rebels pack is bloody awful, they get a hammering most games.

I still think Beale is the front runner due to him starting there in the AI.

We'll have to agree to disagree, your Cooper love is too strong for me!

See Irish have signed up Jamie Hagen for next season. When given a decent run of games hes been fairly decent but hasn't kicked on since Connacht. Could be a decent signing.

Agree with you SJE, could be a decent signing.

Decent in the loose and in the tight. I'd think he would only be on small wage. Playing week in week out in the AP could really kick him on. Always looks his best after a string of games. He was seen as the upgrade on Ross for years just hasn't got the game time needed. Think moving across the channel is a great move for any aspiring props in Ireland.

He's about 24/25 now isn't he, so a really good time for him to start kicking on as a prop. will be good if he can put pressure on Aulika and get them both making strides forward.

cant say i know much about him at all. but il take your word for it Johhny hope he kicks on here.

Reckon he will get a lot of first team rugby as there is talks of Aulika moving to loosehead. What a signing he has turned out to be.

Gave Mullan a very tough time on the weekend.

Would be madness moving Aulika to loosehead. He has come on massively at tighthead and needs to continue there. If we are looking at anyone switching to loosehead I would look at Halavatau.

Hes pushing 26 now I think Pete. Like you say great age for a prop to cement himself. Had a good game at the weekend at Glasgow. If all goes well he could be looking at the Ireland bench. Think alot of people were expecting him to move north with the doubts over Afoa and Fitzpatrick.

Whilst we are shipping quite a lot of players, I'm actually liking all of the names that Brian Smith is bringing in for next season. No real starts, but hopefully good work ethics.

I'm pleased with Armitage and Phibbs.

Cowan looks a good player and quite a shrewd signing.

Ansbro and Sa will be like new signings also.

However we need some props in especially if Lahiff is leaving. Hagan is a step in the right direction.

Could do with another lock as back up for Skivington and Evans.

I think you guys could do with a seven, maybe even Saul? Allow Garvey to play in the locks a bit more too, then maybe a decent six as well!

Where do you see Cowan playing nick? Smithy made much of the fact he covers 6, 7 and 8.

I don't think Smithy sees Garvey as a lock Fluxy. He likes a big physical back row and Garvey fits the bill for him at 6.

Fair enough, then you could do with some meat in the locks with Skivington. I reckon it would be a decent call for you to let Gibson go and look for a seven that is looking to prove themself in the league maybe?

The way Hala'ufia is playing then he is by far first choice 8, was so good on the weekend made so many yards.

If Garvey stays he will be 6. I much prefer him there than at lock.

I think Cowan could play 6,7 or 8. Probably be a good bench option. IF Garvey leaves maybe he will start 6.

Trev is a decent enough 7 for now, prefer him to Saull. Gives us a physical presence as well as being decent at the breakdown.

Another Kiwi to Japan:

http://tvnz.co.nz/rugby-news/lelia-masaga-joins-japan-exodus-5382058

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Another Kiwi to Japan:

http://tvnz.co.nz/rugby-news/lelia-masaga-joins-japan-exodus-5382058

Great winger really underrated and did not often get rated when SJE had him.
I am a big fan of his

Great finisher, can go missing defensively though.

15 Louis Ludik (Sharks): Was one of the Sharks' top performers in their demolition of the Rebels. Ludik's surges into the back-line saw him scoring a brace of tries. He beats the fast-improving Israel Folau, who was sensational on attack for the Waratahs against the Blues.
14 Gio Aplon (Stormers): The diminutive wing got the Newlands faithful off their feet with a fine solo try and always looked dangerous with ball in hand. He gained 114 metres on attack, beating 10 defenders in the process.
13 Rene Ranger (Blues): Another scintillating attacking display from the All Black secures his spot in our team for the third time this season. Ranger impressed in his side's loss to the Waratahs, making 43 metres, with four defenders beaten and he also secured two turnovers.
12 Rob Horne (Waratahs): Combined well in midfield with Adam Ashley-Cooper and put in a solid defensive effort against a dangerous Blues back-line with 12 tackles made. Honourable mentions go to the Reds' Ben Tapuai and Francis Saili of the Blues.
11 Digby Ioane (Reds): Crossed the advantage line at will with several attacking runs in the Reds' victory over the Bulls. Ioane gained 88 metres, beating eight defenders. He gets in ahead of the Western Force's Alfie Mafi and Gerhard van den Heever of the Stormers, who did well for their teams.
10 Quade Cooper (Reds): Was back to his best against the Bulls, scoring a try and doing the groundwork before offloading to Jono Lance for the Reds' first five-pointer. Cooper made 92 metres, managed three offloads and won a crucial turnover. Bernard Foley of the Waratahs and Aaron Cruden of the Chiefs are both unlucky after impressive showings.
9 Cobus Reinach (Sharks): Seems to have cemented his place in the Sharks starting XV with another polished display. Reinach scored a try and gained 104 metres but also impressed with his slick service to Patrick Lambie.
8 Kieran Read (Crusaders): Proved once again why he is widely regarded as the best number eight on the planet. Read gained 100 metres on attack against the Kings and won six balls in the line-outs, including one on his opponents' throw.
7 Matt Todd (Crusaders): This was a difficult decision as Heinrich Brussow also impressed for the Cheetahs but Todd gets the nod for a solid shift against the Kings. He carried well and was busy on defence, making 11 hits.
6 George Whitelock (Crusaders): An industrious performance was rewarded with a hat-trick of tries in the win over against the Kings. He also defended well, particularly in the game's latter stages when the result was already secured. Stormers bruiser Rynardt Elstadt and the Cheetahs' Lappies Labuschagne also performed well.
5 Andries Bekker (Stormers): Deservedly won the man-of-the-match award after a fine all-round effort. Bekker scored two tries, won his fair share of line-out ball and made 10 tackles to play a major part in helping the boys from Cape Town hand the previously unbeaten Brumbies their first defeat of the campaign.
4 Brodie Retallick (Chiefs): Got through plenty of hard graft against the Highlanders. Retallick cleaned out the rucks with ferocity and led his side's defensive effort with an incredible 21 tackles.
3 Wiehan Herbst (Sharks): Stood in for Springbok hardman Jannie du Plessis and impressed with a solid scrummaging display and some big hits on defence. He beats out the Waratahs' Paddy Ryan who did well in his primary duties against the Blues.
2 Kyle Cooper (Sharks): Got a rare start and made full use of his opportunity, scoring a try and crossed the whitewash for a deserved try against the Rebels. Just edges out the Blues' James Parsons who worked hard and also scored a try in his side's defeat to the Waratahs.
1 Beast Mtawarira (Sharks): The entire Sharks front row makes this week's team after their demolition of the Rebels in the scrums. As the senior player, Mtawarira was at the forefront of that effort and he also did well on defence, especially at close quarters in the rucks and mauls.



Does anyone have either Aplon or G. Whitelock?

Nope don't think so. I like Aplon but always thought people wouldn't rate him. Kyle Cooper looks dynamic as a hooker but not seen what he is like with basics.

I think Sale have Whitelock, but Aplon is not in the game.

Aplon is quality, have been tempted by him many times but never took the plunge as like Steve wasn't sure how others would rate him.

I think Sale have Luke Whitelock the younger flanker. I don't think anyone has George.

Players who play wing and full back really valuable to squad.

Planet rugby team of the week are always like someone who has never watched rugby picked them.

How Brussow and le roux not in that side is a mystery.

Same with Genia and few others

What on earth is Kurtley Beale doing - I know it was discussed yesterday but attacking your captain when he asks you to put your shirt on!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2013/mar/25/kurtley-beale-australia-lions

I can see his point, I wouldn't take orders from a Welshman.

Take that Prop

Just looking at stats for 6N.

Picamoles and Zanni had great tournaments stats wise.

Carries:
Louis Picamoles 70
Sean O'Brien 69
Toby Faletau 63
Chris Robshaw 57
Andrea Masi 53
Alessandro Zanni 50

Offloads:
Alessandro Zanni 12
Louis Picamoles 8
Mathieu Bastareaud 6
Sean Maitland 6
Chris Robshaw 6

Lineouts:
Donnacha Ryan 23
Alessandro Zanni 19
Yoann Maestri 16
Geoff Parling 14

Defenders beaten:
Louis Picamoles 15
Mathieu Bastareaud 15
Alex Cuthbert 14
Robert Kearney 14
George North 14

Ryan Jones, Ali Williams, Julien Malzieu, Raphael Lakafia, Pierre Spies all available for transfer.

London Welsh points deduction remains the same. The suspended sentence of 5 points has been scrapped.

you got the stats for defenders beaten Luke?

I know Brown did very well for metres made.

Good Steve, they deserve it. Bit less pressure for our game this weekend now. No chance Welsh our catching us now 10 points behind.

I've got one idiot Welsh mate who thinks its an RFU conspiracy. Doesn't see that Welsh have done anything wrong. Thinks it is the fault of the one individual and the RFU and London Welsh have no blame.

Updated with defenders beaten Nick. Brown got 12 but didnt make top 5.

Decent stats for Bast. Will be recalling him this week.

End of the day Steve they played an illegal player. Its clearly not an RFU conspiracy seeing as Welsh brought it to the RFU's attention in the first place. Your mate is a little deluded. Can see why Welsh fans are annoyed it but to be honest i think they will finish more than 5 points behind Sale anyway.

I'm looking forward to Sundays game, hope weather is OK. We have a good record at home to Sale.

I thought Bast was pretty good through the 6N, looking back to hsi best form.

Impressive stats for Cuthbert, him and North make a devestating wing combo.

Just watched 1st half of Biarittz game, Hari was ok. Not looking like Hari of old though, slipped off a number of tackles, one where Butin just ran straight through him! Was outstanding in the air though as you'd expect, can't see him displacing Picamoles though with PSA in charge.

Chris,

Did you go to the Wasps game? How good was Lindsay off the bench! If that boy could throw consistantly he'd be a world beater.

I've not seen much of him this season but his throwing looked solid, has he improved?

You have to be on the money playing at hook for Wasps as they only seem to use Wentzal, although he is an outstanding lineout runner.

Didn't get down to Adams Park last week.

Lindsay is one of the best ball carriers in the AP when he plays like that, and was probably the best I have seen him play for us. Trouble with him though is that he doesn't have the greatest rugby brain and decision making isn't up to it. Think that will stop him developing more, hopefully will be proved wrong as Wasps desperately need a top hooker. Swainstone is looking better each game too.

Think we threw the ball to Launchbury once too and a great lineout taken by Ashley Johnson went all the way to Haskell too!

Lindsay could be great, still a young boy I suppose in hooking terms. I'd love him at Falcons.

What you on about?!!!

Vickers shortlisted for player of the year at Falcons!


Also where do people see JOCs best position?

Other way of looking at it with Lindsay is that if he was going to kick on and really be challenging then at 25 years old you'd want him to be ahead of a player like Rhys Thomas who is our first choice.

Impact sub could be his main role I think.

Bismark and Jannie linked to Toulouse as well.

Impact sub isn't really a role to aspire to.

Yea at 25 he should be nailing a start, he probably needs to move clubs to kick on. If he nails his throw he could be belting as no other hooker can carry like him in the AP and we really lack strong carrying front 5 players.

England Coaches for the summer announced this afternoon. Any guesses?

Pooly??

He is a free man after leaving Falcons.

I got asked but I'm off to Oman Nick, gutted

Maybe 'Arry then.

Its Baxter and Gustard (defence coach from Sarries).

Driver wrote:What you on about?!!!

Vickers shortlisted for player of the year at Falcons!


Also where do people see JOCs best position?

Driver for me back 3.

Problem is they don't let him stay in one position. He is not a 10 that's for sure.

I like him at 12 but his defence there is really poor but I think it's due to lack of game time
There.

JOC is one of brightest talents I have ever seen and Aussies risk ruining him by shunting him around or making him play 10.

Hope they don't as I think he is tremendous

Just watched Sharks game, man they were on fire....seemed to go a bit to sleep towards the end/a bit of juggling from the bench didn't help.

Following availible.

Wyatt Crockett
Matthew Rees
Will Collier (EQ)
Taku Ngwenya
Olly Lindsey-Hague (EQ)

Looking for a 10 availible all year round.