Aviva Premiership Round Three

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Saracens v London Irish
Allianz Park
Light Rain, 14 Degrees, 9mph SSE Winds

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Saracens
Manager – Pooly

01. Alex Waller	09. Morgan Parra
02. Guilhem Guirado	10. Tom Taylor
03. Tom Francis
04. Will Skelton	11. Hosea Gear
05. Patrick Tuipultou	12. Maxime Mermoz
06. James Haskell	13. Henry Trinder
07. Will Fraser	14. Chris Ashton
08. Nathan Hughes	15. Stuart Hogg

:-
16. Rory Best 17. Xavier Chocci 18. Dan Cole 19. Geoff Parling 20. Dave Denton 21. Theirry Dusatoir  22. Sam Harrison  23. Miles Benjamin

Tactics:

FOWARDS GAME 6/2 SPLIT ON BENCH, TARGET BREAKDOWN & CARRYING. - Big forward impact on bench to grind down opposition and dominate pack. Keep things tight and defensive and grind the opposition down. Hit the corners when on and target Youngs throw all game, we can really turn the screw if success in this area. Hogg to cover FH if required.

CONTROL TERRITORY IN CONDITIONS WITH HALFBACKS - Quality kicking options at HB giving us field position to put pressure on the Irish HB pairing. Look to pin them back and use strong pack to target breakdown and rucks etc.

TARGET BREAKDOWN - Numerous breakdown options (Haskell, Fraser, Hughes, Cole, Waller, Best). Look to slow Irish ball down and turnover. Very few options in the Irish team so we could get some success here.

FRESH PACK COMPARED TO OPPOSITION - Plenty of freshness after rotation from last week. Irish have Marler, Youngs, AWJ, SOB who played a big part in the WC. Look to turn the screw and make them tackle to tire them out into the 2nd, then bring on world class options from the bench.

IMPACT BENCH AND BIG CARRYING OPTIONS IN CONDITIONS - Numerous "go to men" to get us over the gain line. Haskell, Hughes, Skelton, Tuip, Waller, Best, Denton, offering big options. Big game experience and leaders on bench.

TARGET WINGERS DEFENCE - Look to exploit defensive issues on the opposition wings by drawing them inside and having big carriers in the channels in opposition half. Look to use power plays and get Hughes running through.

General - We'll be playing a structured physical game from the off, look to get at the opposition and get into the rucks/maul's and drive through. We'll look to tie the opposition in and then get at their backline, more so in their half. Look to keep it tight in the forward pack and grind through work. Looking to bring in the opposition pack and then use big carrying options to punch holes through their defence.

Scrum - Look to get a platform from the off with a strong scrummaging unit. Strong front 5 with big locks will look for the big push once the ball is in and drive the opposition back. Our TH and Hooker will look to target LH and try to get between him and Hooker to allow LH to work on TH If no weakness seen will use as restart.

Line out – Look for safe ball with world class line out options and experience. Will allow SH good clean ball and have big carriers running off the 9 at angles. Look to target opposition throw and put pressure on the hooker.

Defence - Blitz defence with high intensity and big hits, looking to drive past the ball player if the ball hits the deck. physical pack that can look to get at the collision and breakdown allowing a chance to slow down/steal ball. Put pressure on SH's basics and force him into errors. Scrum half to sweep behind the defensive line.

Attack - Keep things simple in our own half then look to unleash backs in opp 22 territory. Scrum half to dictate play from the breakdown and runners on his shoulder. Huge carrying pack to get us over the gain line after front 5 set a platform. Midfield to run angles off the 9/10, allowing us gain line breakers. Look to keep opposition guessing with clever lines through midfield. Wingers will look to track the midfield combo.

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London Irish
Manager: Ozzy3213  
                  

01. Joe Marler	09. Ben Youngs
02. Tom Youngs	10. Aaron Cruden
03. David Wilson
04. Matt Symons (c)	11. Marland Yarde
05. Alun-Wyn Jones	12. Samu Kerevi
06. Sebastien Vahaamahina	13. Henry Slade
07. Marcell Coetzee	14. Anthony Watson
08. Sean O'Brien	15. Delon Armitage

16. Liam Coltman 17. Ben Moon 18. Ben Alexander 19. James Broadhurst  20. Blake Gibson 21. Mitchell Drummond 22. Paul Jordaan 23. Tim Nanai-Williams

Basic Game Plan
In slightly damp conditions we will continue to play our fast offloading game, but will tailor it slightly and not overplay in our own 22. Instead, when deep in our half we won't take chances with offloading, but will make ground carrying close to the ruck and recycling quickly, or using the boots of Cruden, Slade and Armitage to take us up the field.

In defence, as always we will be running a blitz defence.  Our focus will be on the gainline collisions and driving back in the tackle.  Line speed and no dog-legs will be key components for us.  Youngs will sweep in behind the defensive line to counter any chips/grubbers.

Specifics

• Lineout.  Symons will call, as he does for the Chiefs in Super Rugby.  In wet conditions we will play it safe on our ball, utilising Symons, AWJ and Vahaamahina as receivers at the front and middle, whilst also at times shortening the line and using our back row forwards as crash ball options off first phase.  Defensively we will look to compete for the ball and disrupt wherever possible, making any ball secured by Saracens as scrappy as we can.
  
• Scrum.  Hit channel one ball and get it out the back and into open play quickly, looking to maximise the space available with the opposition forwards packed down.  On there ball, 8 man shove and look to drive them off as their hooker lifts his foot to hook the ball.  Wilson to stay tight and straight.  Flanker on that side to stay bound and keep Wilson straight.
  
• Breakdown.  When we carry into contact, if we are taken to ground, we will flood the breakdown.  In defence, if we have made a passive tackle and the carrier has momentum we will not overcommit, but will maintain a strong defensive line.  If we win the collision and knock the carrier back we will look to get the second man in hard over the ball to turn it over.  Key for us is being selective.
  
• Attacking Play.  We will be looking to play a Super Rugby type offloading game, with the ball shifted on to the support runner just prior to the point of the tackle with the defender already committed.  We want to keep the ball alive as much as possible.  We will look to get big carriers down the 12 channel and use Watson and Yarde in particular trying to isolate front 5 forwards in the defensive line and use their pace, power and footwork to go past them and get us on the front foot.  If the ball is slow and Saracens are blitzing we will also utilise the pick and go, with the aim of keeping the blitz honest and forcing them slowly onto the back foot before going wider out.  Youngs to also look to snipe around the fringes and keep us going forwards all the time.  
  
• Tactical Kicking.  If we kick, we will look to kick deep for the corners and get Saracens back three on the turn, with a strong kick chase to isolate them.
  

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Bath v Harlequins
Recreation Grounds
Light Cloud, 15 Degrees, 12mph SSE Winds

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Bath Rugby
Manager – CJB

01. Steven Kitchoff	09. Richard Wigglesworth
02. Richard Hibbard	10. Rhys Patchell
03. Samson Lee
04. Graham Kitchener	11. George North
05. Alexandre Flanquardt	12. Christian Lealifano
06. Siya Kolisi	13. Michele Campagnaro
07. Justin Tipuric	14. Christian Wade
08. Toby Falateu	15. Alex Goode

16. Mikey Haywood 17. Richard Barrington 18. Ben Tameifuma 19. Charlie Matthews 20. Liam Gill 21. Maxime Machenaud 22. Sam Hill 23. Liam Williams

Overall: Look to play aggressive fast rugby when we do have the ball. Try and take any chance we get to run at Quins defenders. Switch the point of attack with lots of offloads looking to create space and break the defence. Try and get a strong foothold in the scrum which we can use to dominate.

Scrum: Use the set piece to get quick ball to restart our attack. Powerful front row will really look to dominate the opposition. Kitchoff will look to keep control of Brookes and disrupt the hook of Baldwin. If we do dominate look to keep going back. Falateu will look to attack off the quick ball he gets

Lineout: We will look to switch up the lineup with Kitch, Flanquardt and Kolisi options in the lineout. Kitchener will run the line out. Look to get up into the air quickly and down for a quick maul.

Breakdown: Look to generate quick ball for our backs to take advantage of. Tips, Falateu, Kitchoff and Kolisi  are adept at the breakdown. By slowing down the ball we are hoping to draw Pyrgos into rushing and making mistakes.

Defence: Run a blitz defence. Wiggles worth to drift behind expecting kicks. Look to really put pressure on the half backs and make them have to make plays.

Attack: Our half backs will control our rugby. Wiggles will set the tempo and play what he sees in front of him. Patchell, LLF and Goode will switch around with who is first receiver. They all have creative ability and will look to create holes and gaps. We have strong runners with Campagnaro, LLF, Wade and North. We will look to get the ball in their hands. Wade and Norrh will look to attack when the high ball is aimed at them. Both will love a chance to run in an open field. Look to target Jack Nowell. The pack will also be involved when we have the ball for a prolonged period. We have strong carriers who excel in the loose. Throughout them team look to Keep the ball alive and look for offloads. Look to play with a high tempo and get the ball moving across the back line. Exploit the holes we create.

Kicking: Patchellwill be our chosen place kicker. We will chuck in the occasional grabber to chase. Patchell, Goode, Wiggles  and LLF have the boots necessary to try and put us in a good position territorially if need be.

Substitutes: Keep a high tempo. Look to get the ball in the hands of Williams as much as possible

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Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Tony Woodcock	09. Henry Pyrgos
02. Scott Baldwin	10. Steven Myler (k)
03. Kieran Brookes
04. George Kruis	11. Jack Nowell
05. Jim Hamilton	12. Robbie Henshaw
06. Damien Chouly	13. Jonathan Joseph
07. Tom Wood	14. Yoann Huget
08. Mamuka Gorgodze (c)	15. Rob Kearney

16. Rob Buchanan 17. Benn Robinson 18. John Afoa 19. Nick Easter 20. Jaco Kriel 21. Karl Dickson 22. Damian McKenzie 23. Teddy Thomas

Tactics

Game plan based around ball retention and building pressure in the opposition park. Looking to get our carriers on the front foot with strong carrying and effective rucking. Pyrgos to buzz around the rucks controlling the pace and look to allow Myler to play flat. Look to get our strong carriers into space such as Chouly and Gorgodze and get players around them so the offload is on or to recycle the ball quickly. Look to spread the Bath pack around the park by playing from touchline to touchline and get our quicker backs one on one with the Bath forwards.

In defence look to choose when we target the breakdown when we have a defensive line set or when the Bath carriers are isolated. When we have our line set will look to be really physical in defence and knock Bath backwards and look to get the choke tackle in. When we are scrambling in defence its all about hitting the legs hard and getting the man down. Look to give Patchell no time whatsoever to create pressure on him and those around them. 

Look to use a 5 man line out outside the 22m lines with the option of a forward at 9 to set the drive. With 5 top class options we will look to really put pressure on Bath in this area.

Use Myler's boot to get us into good areas of the pitch. Kicking to space or looking to get Huget, Nowell, Kearney and Henshaw underneath the high ball so we can retain possession or force a knock on, really looking to target Wade.

Use bench as an when. Bring on McKenzie as a 2nd playmaker on 60 and Kriel on at 50 to really add impact. Rest of the bench inbetween 50 and 70 when we really think we can start to take control of the game and turn the screw.

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Gloucester Rugby v Worcester Warriors
Kingsholm
Light Rain, 16 Degrees, 12mph SSE Winds

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Gloucester
Manager – anonmattyt

01. Nick Wood	09. Dan Robson
02. Luke Cowan-Dickie	10. Dan Cipriani
03. Nicholas Mas
04. Romain Taofifenua	11. Taqele Naiyaravoro
05. Richie Grey	12. Ryan Crotty
06. Ross Moriarity	13. Juan De Jongh
07. Ardie Savea	14. Johnny May
08. Jamie Heaslip	15. Israel Dagg

Subs:
16. Rob Evans 17. Joe Grey 18. Uini Atonio 19. Elliot Stooke 20. Wycliffe Palu 21. Justin Phillips 22. Johan Goosen 23. Charlie Walker

Attack: We will be looking to put pressure on in the right areas of the field and will use the boots of Robson, Cipriani and Dagg to keep the game in opposition territory. Ball in hand look to get on the front foot with big carries from the forwards before Cips looks to get Naiyaravoro and May on the ball in space out wide.

Breakdown: Big abrasive pack selected to hit rucks with impact and secure fast ball for Cips to work with. Defensively we will look for a big emphasis on counter rucking looking to make opposition ball a real mess.

Defence: Straight line blitz defence focused on winning the gain line collisions and driving the ball carrier back. Line speed is crucial. Robson will sweep behind the line to cover chips and grubbers.

Scrum: Strong scrummaging unit in the front row with the support of a powerful 4-8 will look to get the better of the opposition and build a strong attacking platform. Mas will look to get between the opposition LH and HK and force penalties.

Lineout: Five mobile, athletic jumpers allows us to genuinely mix it up on attacking ball. Primarily looking to get the ball down and the maul formed to take advantage of our big abrasive pack. Grey will look to get up at the front on opposition ball.

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Worcester Warriors
Manager – prop_lyd

01. Ryan Grant	09. Gareth Davies
02. Ken Owens	10. Dan Biggar (k)
03. WP Nel
04. Stuart Hooper	11. Venriki Goneva
05. Devin Toner	12. Jamie Roberts
06. Jordan Taufua	13. Mark Bennett
07. Sam Warburton (c)	14. Adam Thompstone
08. Ben Morgan	15. Mathew Tait

:-
16. Ross Batty 17. Tom Smallbone 18. Henry Thomas 19.Jacques Potgeiter 20. George Smith 21. Lee Dickson 22. Jules Plisson 23. Jarrad Payne

Tactics:
Tactics:
We want another fairly high tempo match with pace across our backline and a pack who can carry strong across the board and will be available for offloads.

Forwards: We have picked a strong but mobile pack as we look to drag Glos all over the park, we will be solid at the set piece with a good number of options for the lineout. We will look to carry for 2-3 phases and secure ball in the first instance before sending it out wide.

Breakdown: Warburton and Taufua have been picked to get over the ball and slow down their breakdown, we will look to use 3 players to secure quick ball for us but will slow the game down if needed. Looking to create clear ball and nullify the impact of the Glos team.

Half-Backs: Both experienced enough to control the game and put us in the right positions, both are full of confidence and we know how weel the 9-10-12 axis worked for Wales this World Cup. Davies will look to go for tempo from tap penalties but we will look to go for points when available.

Outside Backs: Route one for Roberts who brings good form, alot of pace outside ain Bennett, we will look to drag their defence wide and target  outside shoulders with players running for the offload. Goneva will look to target weak defence and use his raw power to get over the gainline. We will only look to kick to touch and not aimlessly as we know how strong Glos are in the counter attack area.

Attack: Quick ball, fast paced using our backline with forwards hitting the angles, happy to slow it down but don't want to get involved in an arm wrestle, will look to avoid too much time at the breakdown.

Defence: Controlled by Roberts who will marshall a blitz-banana defence, we will look to slow some of their ball down but mainly look to plug any gaps in defence initially, Davies to sweep behind.

Bench: Alot of talent and internaitonal experience to come on here and look to cause impact and havoc especially with Smith at the breakdown and the backs to come on and play heads up rugby against tired defences.

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Newcastle Falcons v Exeter Chiefs
Kingston Park
Light Cloud, 14 Degrees, 13mph SSE Winds

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Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Bambam

01. Matt Mullan	09. Rhys Webb
02. Jamie George	10. Owen Farrell (k)
03. Nepo Laulala
04. Ed Slater (c)	11. Charlie Sharples
05. Flip Van Der Merwe	12. Scott Williams
06. Rhys Ruddock	13. Jonathan Davies
07. Chris Henry	14. David Strettle
08. David Ewers	15. Charles Piutau

:-
16.George Mcguigan 17.Vincent Debaty 18. Luc Ducalcon 19. Yohan Maestri 20. Callum Clark 21.Greig Laidlaw 22. Ian Madigan 23. Jean De Villiers

Tactics

Set piece - Look to scrum solidly with the technique of Mullan a big factor, and with Slater and Flip a big scrummaging lock pair, and with the power coming through a big back row we'll look to really munch them in the scrum. Flip to call the lineout, play it safe in our own territory but look to get ball off the top further forward. Flip to look to mark POC, force Webber to make the riskier throws towards our back row

Breakdown - We think they lack pace in the back 5 of their pack, we've got a very mobile pair of flankers and we'll look to just beat them to the ball and try and win turnovers, with Henry having excellent technique there. On their ball, big hitting players in the front 5 and Ewers to knock them back behind the gainline. Look to use the pod system if Armitage is having success, run directly at him in pods of 3, one to carry, one to clear him out and one to secure. Tire him out and test whether he is as good after making all these tackles

Defence - Run a blitz based system with JD2 leading the defence, but if they are starting to get outside us look to drift more and back the forwards to make their one on one tackles. Target Evans and Flood for big hits to throw them off their game,

Kicking - Webb, Davies and Piutau to offer kicking options to help Farrell, target Haley in the air and positionally with a great group of chasers to cut off the easy pass  On attacking ball, use grubbers and chips away from the sweeper to slow their defensive line.  

Attack - Webb to run the attack like a French 9, keep the ball moving quickly and take snipes around the ruck if its on. Farrell to keep the ball moving and take control when he needs to, we've got a 9 and centre combo who will be familiar to each other from international camps, trust them to look after the ball, but don't be afraid to attack the line if they overcommit to Webb or the centres.

Centres to run lines off Webb, Piutau also able to do so but the wings to stay out wide and use their exceptional finishing

Defence - strong defence throughout the backs, we'll challenge them to break the line in one on one tackles.

Bench - International quality galore in the backs, Laidlaw to close out the game, Madigan to help us open it up if necessary. Great impact from the likes of Debaty and Maestri, while Clark can help us rule the breakdown late on

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Exeter Chiefs 

Manager – Fluxy

LOOD DE JAGER INELIGIBLE BENCH ONE MAN SHORT

01. Cian Healy	09. Connor Murray
02. Rob Webber	10. Nick Evans (k)
03. Mike Ross
04. Paul O'Connell (c)	11. Andrew Trimble
05. James Horwill	12. Toby Flood
06. Brad Shields	13. Darren Cave
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Cory Jane
08. Fritz Lee	15. Mike Haley

_
16. Jack Yeandle 17. Nic Auterac 18. Jake Cooper-Wooley 19.  20. CJ Stander 21. Nic White 22. Alex Losowski 23. James O'Connor


Game plan this week is focussed on ball retention based around high intensity; dynamic carrying, rucking and defence. Our aim is to control possession and go through the phases and starve Falcons of any possession. We will look to play off our ten, with either forward pods running of his shoulder or through the hands of our backs. This is to tie in the Newcastle defence and then look to capitalise on the overlaps with two play makers in the back line capable of spotting opportunities. 

Scrum - Control the set piece and use it to restart our game plan and create point of attacks. We will always look for parity to obtain clean possession. Big front five will hold our own ball and a full eight drive in defence, looking to isolate the opposition 8 and scrumhalf for our backrow to engulf. 

Line out – POC returns to lead the line-out, and will obtain quick, clean possession from our dynamic jumpers and lifters. Look to drive possession with full line out numbers in their 22. In the middle of the field, look to cut numbers and use Fritz & Shields to run at the Irish ten.

Breakdown - Look for strong carries from our pack, tying in the opposition forwards. We’ll be looking to keep the ball alive and look for the offload when on, to keep moving the point of attack against the un-dynamic pack and tire them out. Rule the collision with big our physical pack and dominate the opposition pack in the contact.

Defence – Utilise an 'up & out' defence, where the line comes up flat and then pushes the attackers towards the touch line, Murray sweeping up the scraps behind. Look to chop attackers down early. If there is an opportunity to compete for the ball we flood the breakdown with Armitage leading the way. If not look to maintain the integrity of the defensive line and get numbers out. Get up off the line and cut down the time on the ball, especially in the wide channels with their elusive runners. Win the battle of the gain line and cut them down before it. 

Backs – Heads up rugby from the halfbacks. They will keep the tight defence honest with inside balls and snipes. Then look to release the outside backs into the space generated by forwards tying the bath defence. Classy running options and two of the most prolific finishers in both the Pro 12 and in Super Rugby. 

Build a Score - Evans to convert any penalty within their ten metre to keep scoreboard ticking. Unless ten metres from the line then we kick for the line-out and set the maul. 

Impact Bench - Use the bench late on to shift momentum and up the energy levels late on against a tired defence.

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Sale Sharks v Northampton Saints
AJ Bell Stadium
Light Rain Shower, 15 Degrees, 12mph SSE Winds

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Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Jack McGrath	09. Danny Care
02. Tommy Taylor	10. Johnny Sexton
03. Davit Zirakishvilli
04. Iain Henderson	11. Simon Zebo
05. Dave Attwood	12. Kyle Eastmond
06. Peter O'Mahony	13. George Pisi
07. Matt Todd	14. Nemani Nadolo
08. Louis Picamoles	15. Nick Abendanon

Subs:
16. Benjamin Kayser 17. Ross Harrison 18. Rabah Slimani 19. Maro Itoje 20. Matt Kvesic 21. Faf De Klerk 22. Francois Steyn 23. Keith Earls

Wide Areas: With 3 fullbacks selected Saints will have the backfield covered but there will be space out wide with both wingers more comfortable defending deep. We will look to use secondary playmakers out the backdoor to get outside the Saints blitz and attack this space. Sexton to use the wrap around off Picamoles in midfield and get outside and create overlaps. Playing in the wide areas will keep that big Saints pack constantly on the move and lower their work rate at the breakdown.

Attack: We will be playing an expansive, high intensity game looking to keep the big Saints pack moving. Look to use a rugby league shape with runners on the gain line and out the back door to force the opposition into making defensive decisions. Numerous playmakers across the back line allows us to constantly change the point of attack. We will look to use the offload in the opposition half but will cut it out in our own. Care to keep the fringe defence honest with his snipping runs.

Breakdown: Quick ball is the aim on attack. Mobile pack and physical back line to clear out rucks and ensure we get it. We will look to get over the gain line off all carries to give a target to hit. Defensively we will look to commit numbers to the breakdown looking to get over the ball and turn it over or at least slow opposition ball up. POM & Todd will constantly look to get on the scene before their opposite numbers.
 
Defence: Straight line blitz defence focused on winning the gain line collisions and driving the ball carrier back. Line speed is crucial. Todd will look to defend on Eastmond's shoulder specifically looking to stop offloads and get over the ball at the breakdown. Care will sweep behind the line to cover chips and grubbers. Wingers will defend deep expecting the Saints kicking game and will look to run ball back.
 
Scrum: Strong scrummaging unit in the front row with the support of a powerful 4-8 will look to get the better of the opposition and build a strong attacking platform. We will look to put a slight wheel on where possible to take the opposition backrow out of play and then attack the space available and look for one on ones in the backline. McGrath has had the better of Castro in their most recent meetings and will look to continue this trend.
 
Lineout: Five mobile, athletic jumpers allows us to genuinely mix it up on attacking ball. Primarily looking to play off the top and get the backs on the ball in space particularly Zebo and Nadolo. Will also look to use Picamoles around the back or in midfield off a shortened line. Defensively POM to get up in the air at the front and challenge on opposition ball looking to make it as messy as possible.

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 Northampton Saints
Manager – Dammit_Chris

01.Logi Mulipola	09. Mako Matawalu
02. Dylan Hartley	10. George Ford (k)
03. Martin Castrogiovani
04. Joe Launchbury	11. Ben Foden
05. Courtney Lawes	12. Wesley Fofana
06. Billy Vunipola	13. Manu Tuilagi
07.Yannick Nyanga	14. Leigh Halfpenny
08. Sergio Parrisse	15. Elliot Daly

:-
16.Dave Ward 17.Mako Vunipola 18.Adam Jones 19.Samu Manoa 20.Sam Burgess 21.Joe Simpson 22.Rhys Priestland 23.Ollie Deveto

Two words
Power & Precisions

We’ve picked plenty of power in the side in the jerseys that matter. A big a strong pack is essential if you are going to go too such a difficult ground like Edgely Park and take the win.

Our forwards will look to work hard and really hit the contact zone with a massive intensity and secure good ball for our backs. In our front 5 I’d argue that we have the best lineout thrower in the Northen Hemesphere in Hartley who has plenty of options to throw too with everyone from 4-8 being a capable jumper. We’ve picked some monster carriers too get us over the gain line who will work in there pods and ensure that we are orginised in attack as we are defence.

In attack we’ll look to work too these key points;

• Territory – We’ve picked 4 big boots in the back 3 and at 10 too allow us to pin Sharks back
• Get our dangerous players like Fofana , Tuilagi , Vunipola , PArrise running into space
• Ford won’t be afraid to attack the gain line and will look too ‘Light up’ on turn over ball and attack the spaces.
• Matawalu will play heads up from 9 and look for the half breaks and sniping runs.
• When in posession well look to keep the ball between the 10 metre channels and wait for a lazy forward on the wing in defence and attack that or a 2 on 1 outwide.

In defence we only have 3 points to adhere too.

Blitz defence. Closing down Eastmond at 12 and look to stop any Shark fluidity
Mata to sweep behind this.

Forwards Choke tackle – We have a good scrum , we know this. We’ll look to use the big boys to wrap players up and get the put in.

Nyanga will be on Sexton like a rash. He won’t have a minute.

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Leicester Tigers v Wasps
Welford Road
Thick Cloud, 14 Degrees, 12mph SSE Winds

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Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Gethin Jenkins	09. Kahn Fotuali'i
02. Hika Ellliot	10. Freddie Burns
03. Brian Mujati
04. Pascal Pape (c)	11. Alex Cuthbert
05. Kearnan Myall	12. Billy Twelvetrees (K)
06. Juan Smith	13. Mathieu Bastareaud
07. Jacques Burger	14. Sean Maitland
08. Thomas Waldrom	15. Mike Brown

.
16. Christopher Tolofua 17. Alex Corbisiero 18. Census Johnston 19. Luke Jones 20. Steve Mafi 21. Micky Young 22. Paddy Jackson 23. Matt Banahan


Tactics:

We will look to play high tempo, high intensity rugby. We have, throughout our XV, big line breakers to make the hard yards and tie up defenders creating space in wider channels for Burns to exploit.

- Big focus to attack at all scrums - Big powerful props to look to really get the shove on, and if gaining an advantage look to target.

- Attack at all lineouts. Use Pape or Smith at the front and Myall off the top as our three key options.
Six man lineouts with Waldrom in midfield as crash or decoy option.

- Gigantic XV made up of massive line-breakers, used in the tight to tire down the opposition defence.
The likes of Waldrom, Smith, Basteraud and Mujati plus Pape, Cuthbert and Twelvetrees to be used to get us over the gainline.

- Look to win battle at the breakdown - Smith and Burger, supported by the likes fo Jenkins and Bast, to really look to get into the breakdown and give the opposition problems.

- Fotuali'i to look to snipe around the fringes and keep us going forwards all the time.

- In attacking play, we will play with the option of 2 first receivers in Burns and Twelverees.
We want to control the game, mixing up the point of our attack consistently.

- In attacking play, we want our dangeorus on the back three as much as possible. Use the form of Brown as much as possibe.

- We will look to employ a blitz defence led by Burger, focusing on a quick line speed to hit the ball carrier before he gets to the gainline, and look to win the collisions in defence. Fotuali'i to sweep behind with an eye on short kicks.

Twelvetrees to kick all penalties.

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London Wasps
Manager: CJ

01. Eddy Ben Arous	09. Rhodri Williams
02. Cory Flynn	10. Francois Trinh-Duc
03. James Johnston
04. George Skivington	11. Frank Halai
05. Patrice Albacette	12. Kyle Godwin
06. Chris Robshaw	13. George Lowe
07. John Barclay (c)	14. Manuel Montero
08. Carl Fearns	15. Chris Pennell

:-
16. Nathan Catt, 17. Scott Spurling, 18. Tom West,  19. Grant Gilchrist , 20 Tom Guest. , 21. Ben Spencer , 22. Finn Russell, 23. Jesse Mogg

Tactics
 
BreakdownKeep players generally out of the breakdown except a few players in defence, looking to cleverly slow the ball or press for the turnover, but commit to and hit offensive rucks hard to maintain quick ball. 

Robshaw to do what he's good at and hit rucks with his workrate and slow ball but steal it if it is on, backed by Fearns, with Barclay focussed on turnovers, but we will play adaptively. 

Particularly target opposition ball off the set piece - due to flanker "range" this is when breakdowns are likely to be a contest between backrows and for all the opposition's flankers' strengths, they are most effective at areas other than securing ball.


Attack: 

In attack, we will build slow ball into quick ball with carrying in pods etc. We will also look for space to kick into if it appears with a good chasing back 3. 

Once we have committed defenders, created space or quick ball, we will spin wide and primarily use a two wave attack, using carriers like Fearns etc to break the gainline then recycling or offloading the ball using Godwin as a second playmaker and exploiting the space for our back 3.  


By moving the focus of attack and playing at a high octane pace in attack, breakdown and offence, we can aim to tire their experienced and ageing backrow and the rest of the pack

Look at the blindside when either winger is left without much aid there, both are stronger attackers than defenders.

Position: 

In field position, we will look to play in their 22, and press at the breakdown and laws in their 22 to try to pressurise them into errors or turnovers or penalties, but will be conservative in our own half and not risk penalties there. 

Look to turn their wingers with kicks for territory into space, not possession, and especially target Cuthbert on the turn with a focus on the chase. 


Do not kick down Brown's throat unless we are confident that multiple chasers can pin him down and challenge for a breakdown turnover.

Defence:
Blitz led by Lowe, Williams sweeping. 


If we can press their centres, look to cut Bastareud's space to get momentum and target him at the breakdown with Barclay following the ball to him - this means the tackled player will be one of their best at the breakdown and likely to take the ball into contact. 


Keep the pressure on 9,10 and 12.

Set Piece: 

Ben Arous will look to cause problems on both teams' ball.

 

On the whole, we will attack their scrums especially in their half, but try to get the ball out quickly as an attacking platform on our own ball. 

Use the lineout as a quick attacking platform too, and remember to look to force them to throw short by giving them the front but competing at the middle/back, like Aus vs 2013 Lions. 


This should hopefully result in short range attack off their lineouts, allowing the backrow lineup mentioned in the breakdown section.

Other:

We will take on any easy points

Subs as required, but look to give Russell some gametime.

Saracens
Manager – Pooly

01. Alex Waller	09. Morgan Parra
02. Guilhem Guirado	10. Tom Taylor
03. Tom Francis
04. Will Skelton	11. Hosea Gear
05. Patrick Tuipultou	12. Maxime Mermoz
06. James Haskell	13. Henry Trinder
07. Will Fraser	14. Chris Ashton
08. Nathan Hughes	15. Stuart Hogg

:-
16. Rory Best 17. Xavier Chocci 18. Dan Cole 19. Geoff Parling 20. Dave Denton 21. Theirry Dusatoir  22. Sam Harrison  23. Miles Benjamin

Tactics:

FOWARDS GAME 6/2 SPLIT ON BENCH, TARGET BREAKDOWN & CARRYING. - Big forward impact on bench to grind down opposition and dominate pack. Keep things tight and defensive and grind the opposition down. Hit the corners when on and target Youngs throw all game, we can really turn the screw if success in this area. Hogg to cover FH if required.

CONTROL TERRITORY IN CONDITIONS WITH HALFBACKS - Quality kicking options at HB giving us field position to put pressure on the Irish HB pairing. Look to pin them back and use strong pack to target breakdown and rucks etc.

TARGET BREAKDOWN - Numerous breakdown options (Haskell, Fraser, Hughes, Cole, Waller, Best). Look to slow Irish ball down and turnover. Very few options in the Irish team so we could get some success here.

FRESH PACK COMPARED TO OPPOSITION - Plenty of freshness after rotation from last week. Irish have Marler, Youngs, AWJ, SOB who played a big part in the WC. Look to turn the screw and make them tackle to tire them out into the 2nd, then bring on world class options from the bench.

IMPACT BENCH AND BIG CARRYING OPTIONS IN CONDITIONS - Numerous "go to men" to get us over the gain line. Haskell, Hughes, Skelton, Tuip, Waller, Best, Denton, offering big options. Big game experience and leaders on bench.

TARGET WINGERS DEFENCE - Look to exploit defensive issues on the opposition wings by drawing them inside and having big carriers in the channels in opposition half. Look to use power plays and get Hughes running through.

General - We'll be playing a structured physical game from the off, look to get at the opposition and get into the rucks/maul's and drive through. We'll look to tie the opposition in and then get at their backline, more so in their half. Look to keep it tight in the forward pack and grind through work. Looking to bring in the opposition pack and then use big carrying options to punch holes through their defence.

Scrum - Look to get a platform from the off with a strong scrummaging unit. Strong front 5 with big locks will look for the big push once the ball is in and drive the opposition back. Our TH and Hooker will look to target LH and try to get between him and Hooker to allow LH to work on TH If no weakness seen will use as restart.

Line out – Look for safe ball with world class line out options and experience. Will allow SH good clean ball and have big carriers running off the 9 at angles. Look to target opposition throw and put pressure on the hooker.

Defence - Blitz defence with high intensity and big hits, looking to drive past the ball player if the ball hits the deck. physical pack that can look to get at the collision and breakdown allowing a chance to slow down/steal ball. Put pressure on SH's basics and force him into errors. Scrum half to sweep behind the defensive line.

Attack - Keep things simple in our own half then look to unleash backs in opp 22 territory. Scrum half to dictate play from the breakdown and runners on his shoulder. Huge carrying pack to get us over the gain line after front 5 set a platform. Midfield to run angles off the 9/10, allowing us gain line breakers. Look to keep opposition guessing with clever lines through midfield. Wingers will look to track the midfield combo.

Conditions are up

Bath Rugby
Manager – CJB

01. Steven Kitchoff	09. Richard Wigglesworth
02. Richard Hibbard	10. Rhys Patchell
03. Samson Lee
04. Graham Kitchener	11. George North
05. Alexandre Flanquardt	12. Christian Lealifano
06. Siya Kolisi	13. Michele Campagnaro
07. Justin Tipuric	14. Christian Wade
08. Toby Falateu	15. Alex Goode

16. Mikey Haywood 17. Richard Barrington 18. Ben Tameifuma 19. Charlie Matthews 20. Liam Gill 21. Maxime Machenaud 22. Sam Hill 23. Liam Williams

Overall: Look to play aggressive fast rugby when we do have the ball. Try and take any chance we get to run at Quins defenders. Switch the point of attack with lots of offloads looking to create space and break the defence. Try and get a strong foothold in the scrum which we can use to dominate.

Scrum: Use the set piece to get quick ball to restart our attack. Powerful front row will really look to dominate the opposition. Kitchoff will look to keep control of Brookes and disrupt the hook of Baldwin. If we do dominate look to keep going back. Falateu will look to attack off the quick ball he gets

Lineout: We will look to switch up the lineup with Kitch, Flanquardt and Kolisi options in the lineout. Kitchener will run the line out. Look to get up into the air quickly and down for a quick maul.

Breakdown: Look to generate quick ball for our backs to take advantage of. Tips, Falateu, Kitchoff and Kolisi are adept at the breakdown. By slowing down the ball we are hoping to draw Pyrgos into rushing and making mistakes.

Defence: Run a blitz defence. Wiggles worth to drift behind expecting kicks. Look to really put pressure on the half backs and make them have to make plays.

Attack: Our half backs will control our rugby. Wiggles will set the tempo and play what he sees in front of him. Patchell, LLF and Goode will switch around with who is first receiver. They all have creative ability and will look to create holes and gaps. We have strong runners with Campagnaro, LLF, Wade and North. We will look to get the ball in their hands. Wade and Norrh will look to attack when the high ball is aimed at them. Both will love a chance to run in an open field. Look to target Jack Nowell. The pack will also be involved when we have the ball for a prolonged period. We have strong carriers who excel in the loose. Throughout them team look to Keep the ball alive and look for offloads. Look to play with a high tempo and get the ball moving across the back line. Exploit the holes we create.

Kicking: Patchellwill be our chosen place kicker. We will chuck in the occasional grabber to chase. Patchell, Goode, Wiggles and LLF have the boots necessary to try and put us in a good position territorially if need be.

Substitutes: Keep a high tempo. Look to get the ball in the hands of Williams as much as possible

Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Bambam

01. Matt Mullan	09. Rhys Webb
02. Jamie George	10. Owen Farrell (k)
03. Nepo Laulala
04. Ed Slater (c)	11. Charlie Sharples
05. Flip Van Der Merwe	12. Scott Williams
06. Rhys Ruddock	13. Jonathan Davies
07. Chris Henry	14. David Strettle
08. David Ewers	15. Charles Piutau

:-
16.George Mcguigan 17.Vincent Debaty 18. Luc Ducalcon 19. Yohan Maestri 20. Callum Clark 21.Greig Laidlaw 22. Ian Madigan 23. Jean De Villiers

Tactics

Set piece - Look to scrum solidly with the technique of Mullan a big factor, and with Slater and Flip a big scrummaging lock pair, and with the power coming through a big back row we'll look to really munch them in the scrum. Flip to call the lineout, play it safe in our own territory but look to get ball off the top further forward. Flip to look to mark POC, force Webber to make the riskier throws towards our back row

Breakdown - We think they lack pace in the back 5 of their pack, we've got a very mobile pair of flankers and we'll look to just beat them to the ball and try and win turnovers, with Henry having excellent technique there. On their ball, big hitting players in the front 5 and Ewers to knock them back behind the gainline. Look to use the pod system if Armitage is having success, run directly at him in pods of 3, one to carry, one to clear him out and one to secure. Tire him out and test whether he is as good after making all these tackles

Defence - Run a blitz based system with JD2 leading the defence, but if they are starting to get outside us look to drift more and back the forwards to make their one on one tackles. Target Evans and Flood for big hits to throw them off their game,

Kicking - Webb, Davies and Piutau to offer kicking options to help Farrell, target Haley in the air and positionally with a great group of chasers to cut off the easy pass  On attacking ball, use grubbers and chips away from the sweeper to slow their defensive line.  

Attack - Webb to run the attack like a French 9, keep the ball moving quickly and take snipes around the ruck if its on. Farrell to keep the ball moving and take control when he needs to, we've got a 9 and centre combo who will be familiar to each other from international camps, trust them to look after the ball, but don't be afraid to attack the line if they overcommit to Webb or the centres.

Centres to run lines off Webb, Piutau also able to do so but the wings to stay out wide and use their exceptional finishing

Defence - strong defence throughout the backs, we'll challenge them to break the line in one on one tackles.

Bench - International quality galore in the backs, Laidlaw to close out the game, Madigan to help us open it up if necessary. Great impact from the likes of Debaty and Maestri, while Clark can help us rule the breakdown late on

Just a note teams involved in the 3rd place playoff are still at the world cup so their players aren't available for selection yet on here

Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Gethin Jenkins	09. Kahn Fotuali'i
02. Hika Ellliot	10. Freddie Burns
03. Brian Mujati
04. Pascal Pape (c)	11. Alex Cuthbert
05. Kearnan Myall	12. Billy Twelvetrees (K)
06. Juan Smith	13. Mathieu Bastareaud
07. Jacques Burger	14. Sean Maitland
08. Thomas Waldrom	15. Mike Brown

.
16. Christopher Tolofua 17. Alex Corbisiero 18. Census Johnston 19. Luke Jones 20. Steve Mafi 21. Micky Young 22. Paddy Jackson 23. Matt Banahan


Tactics:

We will look to play high tempo, high intensity rugby. We have, throughout our XV, big line breakers to make the hard yards and tie up defenders creating space in wider channels for Burns to exploit.

- Big focus to attack at all scrums - Big powerful props to look to really get the shove on, and if gaining an advantage look to target.

- Attack at all lineouts. Use Pape or Smith at the front and Myall off the top as our three key options.
Six man lineouts with Waldrom in midfield as crash or decoy option.

- Gigantic XV made up of massive line-breakers, used in the tight to tire down the opposition defence.
The likes of Waldrom, Smith, Basteraud and Mujati plus Pape, Cuthbert and Twelvetrees to be used to get us over the gainline.

- Look to win battle at the breakdown - Smith and Burger, supported by the likes fo Jenkins and Bast, to really look to get into the breakdown and give the opposition problems.

- Fotuali'i to look to snipe around the fringes and keep us going forwards all the time.

- In attacking play, we will play with the option of 2 first receivers in Burns and Twelverees.
We want to control the game, mixing up the point of our attack consistently.

- In attacking play, we want our dangeorus on the back three as much as possible. Use the form of Brown as much as possibe.

- We will look to employ a blitz defence led by Burger, focusing on a quick line speed to hit the ball carrier before he gets to the gainline, and look to win the collisions in defence. Fotuali'i to sweep behind with an eye on short kicks.

Twelvetrees to kick all penalties.

SirJohnnyEnglish wrote:Just a note teams involved in the 3rd place playoff are still at the world cup so their players aren't available for selection yet on here

Is that JDV you mean SJE? Thought he was out of the squad with injury so was fine!

No Pooly had Morne Steyn named. JDV is fine

Ah ok, gotcha

 Northampton Saints
Manager – Dammit_Chris

01.Logi Mulipola	09. Mako Matawalu
02. Dylan Hartley	10. George Ford (k)
03. Martin Castrogiovani
04. Joe Launchbury	11. Ben Foden
05. Courtney Lawes	12. Wesley Fofana
06. Billy Vunipola	13. Manu Tuilagi
07.Yannick Nyanga	14. Leigh Halfpenny
08. Sergio Parrisse	15. Elliot Daly

:-
16.Dave Ward 17.Mako Vunipola 18.Adam Jones 19.Samu Manoa 20.Sam Burgess 21.Joe Simpson 22.Rhys Priestland 23.Ollie Deveto

Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Tony Woodcock	09. Henry Pyrgos
02. Scott Baldwin	10. Steven Myler (k)
03. Kieran Brookes
04. George Kruis	11. Jack Nowell
05. Jim Hamilton	12. Robbie Henshaw
06. Damien Chouly	13. Jonathan Joseph
07. Tom Wood	14. Yoann Huget
08. Mamuka Gorgodze (c)	15. Rob Kearney

16. Rob Buchanan 17. Benn Robinson 18. John Afoa 19. Nick Easter 20. Jaco Kriel 21. Karl Dickson 22. Damian McKenzie 23. Teddy Thomas

Tactics

Game plan based around ball retention and building pressure in the opposition park. Looking to get our carriers on the front foot with strong carrying and effective rucking. Pyrgos to buzz around the rucks controlling the pace and look to allow Myler to play flat. Look to get our strong carriers into space such as Chouly and Gorgodze and get players around them so the offload is on or to recycle the ball quickly. Look to spread the Bath pack around the park by playing from touchline to touchline and get our quicker backs one on one with the Bath forwards.

In defence look to choose when we target the breakdown when we have a defensive line set or when the Bath carriers are isolated. When we have our line set will look to be really physical in defence and knock Bath backwards and look to get the choke tackle in. When we are scrambling in defence its all about hitting the legs hard and getting the man down. Look to give Patchell no time whatsoever to create pressure on him and those around them. 

Look to use a 5 man line out outside the 22m lines with the option of a forward at 9 to set the drive. With 5 top class options we will look to really put pressure on Bath in this area.

Use Myler's boot to get us into good areas of the pitch. Kicking to space or looking to get Huget, Nowell, Kearney and Henshaw underneath the high ball so we can retain possession or force a knock on, really looking to target Wade.

Use bench as an when. Bring on McKenzie as a 2nd playmaker on 60 and Kriel on at 50 to really add impact. Rest of the bench inbetween 50 and 70 when we really think we can start to take control of the game and turn the screw.

Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Jack McGrath	09. Danny Care
02. Tommy Taylor	10. Johnny Sexton
03. Davit Zirakishvilli
04. Iain Henderson	11. Simon Zebo
05. Dave Attwood	12. Kyle Eastmond
06. Peter O'Mahony	13. George Pisi
07. Matt Todd	14. Nemani Nadolo
08. Louis Picamoles	15. Nick Abendanon

Subs:
16. Benjamin Kayser 17. Ross Harrison 18. Rabah Slimani 19. Maro Itoje 20. Matt Kvesic 21. Faf De Klerk 22. Francois Steyn 23. Keith Earls

Wide Areas: With 3 fullbacks selected Saints will have the backfield covered but there will be space out wide with both wingers more comfortable defending deep. We will look to use secondary playmakers out the backdoor to get outside the Saints blitz and attack this space. Sexton to use the wrap around off Picamoles in midfield and get outside and create overlaps. Playing in the wide areas will keep that big Saints pack constantly on the move and lower their work rate at the breakdown.

Attack: We will be playing an expansive, high intensity game looking to keep the big Saints pack moving. Look to use a rugby league shape with runners on the gain line and out the back door to force the opposition into making defensive decisions. Numerous playmakers across the back line allows us to constantly change the point of attack. We will look to use the offload in the opposition half but will cut it out in our own. Care to keep the fringe defence honest with his snipping runs.

Breakdown: Quick ball is the aim on attack. Mobile pack and physical back line to clear out rucks and ensure we get it. We will look to get over the gain line off all carries to give a target to hit. Defensively we will look to commit numbers to the breakdown looking to get over the ball and turn it over or at least slow opposition ball up. POM & Todd will constantly look to get on the scene before their opposite numbers.
 
Defence: Straight line blitz defence focused on winning the gain line collisions and driving the ball carrier back. Line speed is crucial. Todd will look to defend on Eastmond's shoulder specifically looking to stop offloads and get over the ball at the breakdown. Care will sweep behind the line to cover chips and grubbers. Wingers will defend deep expecting the Saints kicking game and will look to run ball back.
 
Scrum: Strong scrummaging unit in the front row with the support of a powerful 4-8 will look to get the better of the opposition and build a strong attacking platform. We will look to put a slight wheel on where possible to take the opposition backrow out of play and then attack the space available and look for one on ones in the backline. McGrath has had the better of Castro in their most recent meetings and will look to continue this trend.
 
Lineout: Five mobile, athletic jumpers allows us to genuinely mix it up on attacking ball. Primarily looking to play off the top and get the backs on the ball in space particularly Zebo and Nadolo. Will also look to use Picamoles around the back or in midfield off a shortened line. Defensively POM to get up in the air at the front and challenge on opposition ball looking to make it as messy as possible.

Gloucester
Manager – anonmattyt

01. Nick Wood	09. Dan Robson
02. Luke Cowan-Dickie	10. Dan Cipriani
03. Nicholas Mas
04. Romain Taofifenua	11. Taqele Naiyaravoro
05. Richie Grey	12. Ryan Crotty
06. Ross Moriarity	13. Juan De Jongh
07. Ardie Savea	14. Johnny May
08. Jamie Heaslip	15. Israel Dagg

Subs:
16. Rob Evans 17. Joe Grey 18. Uini Atonio 19. Elliot Stooke 20. Wycliffe Palu 21. Justin Phillips 22. Johan Goosen 23. Charlie Walker

Attack: We will be looking to put pressure on in the right areas of the field and will use the boots of Robson, Cipriani and Dagg to keep the game in opposition territory. Ball in hand look to get on the front foot with big carries from the forwards before Cips looks to get Naiyaravoro and May on the ball in space out wide.

Breakdown: Big abrasive pack selected to hit rucks with impact and secure fast ball for Cips to work with. Defensively we will look for a big emphasis on counter rucking looking to make opposition ball a real mess.

Defence: Straight line blitz defence focused on winning the gain line collisions and driving the ball carrier back. Line speed is crucial. Robson will sweep behind the line to cover chips and grubbers.

Scrum: Strong scrummaging unit in the front row with the support of a powerful 4-8 will look to get the better of the opposition and build a strong attacking platform. Mas will look to get between the opposition LH and HK and force penalties.

Lineout: Five mobile, athletic jumpers allows us to genuinely mix it up on attacking ball. Primarily looking to get the ball down and the maul formed to take advantage of our big abrasive pack. Grey will look to get up at the front on opposition ball.

Edited wrong weeks post!!

London Wasps
Manager: CJ

01. Eddy Ben Arous	09. Rhodri Williams
02. Cory Flynn	10. Francois Trinh-Duc
03. James Johnston
04. George Skivington	11. Frank Halai
05. Patrice Albacette	12. Kyle Godwin
06. Chris Robshaw	13. George Lowe
07. John Barclay (c)	14. Manuel Montero
08. Carl Fearns	15. Chris Pennell

:-
16. Nathan Catt, 17. Scott Spurling, 18. Tom West,  19. Grant Gilchrist , 20 Tom Guest. , 21. Ben Spencer , 22. Finn Russell, 23. Jesse Mogg



Tactics:

Breakdown:

 Keep players generally out of the breakdown except a few players in defence, looking to cleverly slow the ball or press for the turnover, but commit to and hit offensive rucks hard to maintain quick ball. 

Robshaw  to do what he's good at and hit rucks with his workrate and slow ball but steal it if it is on, backed by Fearns, with Barclay focussed on turnovers, but we will play adaptively. 

Particularly target opposition ball off the set piece - due to flanker "range" this is when breakdowns are likely to be a contest between backrows and for all the opposition's flankers' strengths, they are most effective at areas other than securing ball.


Attack: 

In attack, we will build slow ball into quick ball with carrying in pods etc. We will also look for space to kick into if it appears with a good chasing back 3. 

Once we have committed defenders, created space or quick ball, we will spin wide and primarily use a two wave attack, using carriers like Fearns etc to break the gainline then recycling or offloading the ball using Godwin as a second playmaker and exploiting the space for our back 3.  


By moving the focus of attack and playing at a high octane pace in attack, breakdown and offence, we can aim to tire their experienced and ageing backrow and the rest of the pack

Look at the blindside when either winger is left without much aid there, both are stronger attackers than defenders.

Position: 

In field position, we will look to play in their 22, and press at the breakdown and laws in their 22 to try to pressurise them into errors or turnovers or penalties, but will be conservative in our own half and not risk penalties there. 

Look to turn their wingers with kicks for territory into space, not possession, and especially target Cuthbert on the turn with a focus on the chase. 


Do not kick down Brown's throat unless we are confident that multiple chasers can pin him down and challenge for a breakdown turnover.

Defence:
Blitz led by Lowe, Williams sweeping. 


If we can press their centres, look to cut Bastareud's space to get momentum and target him at the breakdown with Barclay following the ball to him - this means the tackled player will be one of their best at the breakdown and likely to take the ball into contact. 


Keep the pressure on 9,10 and 12.

Set Piece: 

Ben Arous will look to cause problems on both teams' ball.
 
On the whole, we will attack their scrums especially in their half, but try to get the ball out quickly as an attacking platform on our own ball. 

Use the lineout as a quick attacking platform too, and remember to look to force them to throw short by giving them the front but competing at the middle/back, like Aus vs 2013 Lions. 

This should hopefully result in short range attack off their lineouts, allowing the backrow lineup mentioned in the breakdown section.

Other:

We will take on any easy points
 
Subs as required, but look to give Russell some gametime.

London Irish
Manager: Ozzy3213  
                  

01. Joe Marler	09. Ben Youngs
02. Tom Youngs	10. Aaron Cruden
03. David Wilson
04. Matt Symons (c)	11. Marland Yarde
05. Alun-Wyn Jones	12. Samu Kerevi
06. Sebastien Vahaamahina	13. Henry Slade
07. Marcell Coetzee	14. Anthony Watson
08. Sean O'Brien	15. Delon Armitage

16. Liam Coltman 17. Ben Moon 18. Ben Alexander 19. James Broadhurst  20. Blake Gibson 21. Mitchell Drummond 22. Paul Jordaan 23. Tim Nanai-Williams

Basic Game Plan
In slightly damp conditions we will continue to play our fast offloading game, but will tailor it slightly and not overplay in our own 22. Instead, when deep in our half we won't take chances with offloading, but will make ground carrying close to the ruck and recycling quickly, or using the boots of Cruden, Slade and Armitage to take us up the field.

In defence, as always we will be running a blitz defence.  Our focus will be on the gainline collisions and driving back in the tackle.  Line speed and no dog-legs will be key components for us.  Youngs will sweep in behind the defensive line to counter any chips/grubbers.

Specifics

• Lineout.  Symons will call, as he does for the Chiefs in Super Rugby.  In wet conditions we will play it safe on our ball, utilising Symons, AWJ and Vahaamahina as receivers at the front and middle, whilst also at times shortening the line and using our back row forwards as crash ball options off first phase.  Defensively we will look to compete for the ball and disrupt wherever possible, making any ball secured by Saracens as scrappy as we can.
  
• Scrum.  Hit channel one ball and get it out the back and into open play quickly, looking to maximise the space available with the opposition forwards packed down.  On there ball, 8 man shove and look to drive them off as their hooker lifts his foot to hook the ball.  Wilson to stay tight and straight.  Flanker on that side to stay bound and keep Wilson straight.
  
• Breakdown.  When we carry into contact, if we are taken to ground, we will flood the breakdown.  In defence, if we have made a passive tackle and the carrier has momentum we will not overcommit, but will maintain a strong defensive line.  If we win the collision and knock the carrier back we will look to get the second man in hard over the ball to turn it over.  Key for us is being selective.
  
• Attacking Play.  We will be looking to play a Super Rugby type offloading game, with the ball shifted on to the support runner just prior to the point of the tackle with the defender already committed.  We want to keep the ball alive as much as possible.  We will look to get big carriers down the 12 channel and use Watson and Yarde in particular trying to isolate front 5 forwards in the defensive line and use their pace, power and footwork to go past them and get us on the front foot.  If the ball is slow and Saracens are blitzing we will also utilise the pick and go, with the aim of keeping the blitz honest and forcing them slowly onto the back foot before going wider out.  Youngs to also look to snipe around the fringes and keep us going forwards all the time.  
  
• Tactical Kicking.  If we kick, we will look to kick deep for the corners and get Saracens back three on the turn, with a strong kick chase to isolate them.
  

Northamptop Saints Tactics for Sale Sharks

Two words
Power & Precisions

We’ve picked plenty of power in the side in the jerseys that matter. A big a strong pack is essential if you are going to go too such a difficult ground like Edgely Park and take the win.

Our forwards will look to work hard and really hit the contact zone with a massive intensity and secure good ball for our backs. In our front 5 I’d argue that we have the best lineout thrower in the Northen Hemesphere in Hartley who has plenty of options to throw too with everyone from 4-8 being a capable jumper. We’ve picked some monster carriers too get us over the gain line who will work in there pods and ensure that we are orginised in attack as we are defence.

In attack we’ll look to work too these key points;

• Territory – We’ve picked 4 big boots in the back 3 and at 10 too allow us to pin Sharks back
• Get our dangerous players like Fofana , Tuilagi , Vunipola , PArrise running into space
• Ford won’t be afraid to attack the gain line and will look too ‘Light up’ on turn over ball and attack the spaces.
• Matawalu will play heads up from 9 and look for the half breaks and sniping runs.
• When in posession well look to keep the ball between the 10 metre channels and wait for a lazy forward on the wing in defence and attack that or a 2 on 1 outwide.

In defence we only have 3 points to adhere too.

Blitz defence. Closing down Eastmond at 12 and look to stop any Shark fluidity
Mata to sweep behind this.

Forwards Choke tackle – We have a good scrum , we know this. We’ll look to use the big boys to wrap players up and get the put in.

Nyanga will be on Sexton like a rash. He won’t have a minute.

Sorry for the late team, been busy with a week off!

Exeter Chiefs 

Manager – Fluxy

01. Cian Healy	09. Connor Murray
02. Rob Webber	10. Nick Evans (k)
03. Mike Ross
04. Paul O'Connell (c)	11. Andrew Trimble
05. James Horwill	12. Toby Flood
06. Brad Shields	13. Darren Cave
07. Steffon Armitage	14. Cory Jane
08. Fritz Lee	15. Mike Haley

_
16. Jack Yeandle 17. Nic Auterac 18. Jake Cooper-Wooley 19. Lood De Jäger 20. CJ Stander 21. Nic White 22. Alex Losowski 23. James O'Connor


Game plan this week is focussed on ball retention based around high intensity; dynamic carrying, rucking and defence. Our aim is to control possession and go through the phases and starve Falcons of any possession. We will look to play off our ten, with either forward pods running of his shoulder or through the hands of our backs. This is to tie in the Newcastle defence and then look to capitalise on the overlaps with two play makers in the back line capable of spotting opportunities. 

Scrum - Control the set piece and use it to restart our game plan and create point of attacks. We will always look for parity to obtain clean possession. Big front five will hold our own ball and a full eight drive in defence, looking to isolate the opposition 8 and scrumhalf for our backrow to engulf. 

Line out – POC returns to lead the line-out, and will obtain quick, clean possession from our dynamic jumpers and lifters. Look to drive possession with full line out numbers in their 22. In the middle of the field, look to cut numbers and use Fritz & Shields to run at the Irish ten.

Breakdown - Look for strong carries from our pack, tying in the opposition forwards. We’ll be looking to keep the ball alive and look for the offload when on, to keep moving the point of attack against the un-dynamic pack and tire them out. Rule the collision with big our physical pack and dominate the opposition pack in the contact.

Defence – Utilise an 'up & out' defence, where the line comes up flat and then pushes the attackers towards the touch line, Murray sweeping up the scraps behind. Look to chop attackers down early. If there is an opportunity to compete for the ball we flood the breakdown with Armitage leading the way. If not look to maintain the integrity of the defensive line and get numbers out. Get up off the line and cut down the time on the ball, especially in the wide channels with their elusive runners. Win the battle of the gain line and cut them down before it. 

Backs – Heads up rugby from the halfbacks. They will keep the tight defence honest with inside balls and snipes. Then look to release the outside backs into the space generated by forwards tying the bath defence. Classy running options and two of the most prolific finishers in both the Pro 12 and in Super Rugby. 

Build a Score - Evans to convert any penalty within their ten metre to keep scoreboard ticking. Unless ten metres from the line then we kick for the line-out and set the maul. 

Impact Bench - Use the bench late on to shift momentum and up the energy levels late on against a tired defence.

For anyone who hasn't predicted yet please note Chiefs are one man down on the bench. De Jager is ineligible.

RESULTS:

Saracens 25 (T:2 P:5)
London Irish 27 (T:2 C:1 P:5)

Bath 26 (T:2 C:2 P:4)
Harlequins 28 (T:3 C:2 P:3)

Gloucester 25 (T:2 P:5)
Worcester Warriors 28 (T:3 C:2 P:3)

Newcastle Falcons 28 (T:3 C:2 P:3)
Exeter Chiefs 24 (T:2 C:1 P:4)

Sale Sharks 30 (T:4 C:2 P:2)
Northampton Saints 26 (T:2 C:2 P:4)

Leicester Tigers 27 (T:2 C:1 P:5)
Wasps 22 (T:1 C:1 P:5)

BONUS:
Full: CJB, Fluxy, Steve, Bam, SJE & CJ
4/5: Pooly
Score: Pete & Prop
Excused: Matt, Luke & Chris

Saracens 23 - 24 London Irish

The set piece is going to be an issue for Saracens here as I think both the scrum and the lineout will be a real struggle for them and the issue is that they don't have a massive advantage over the Irish pack around the park. I'm not sure about the balance of the Irish back row but it makes sense in these conditions to do what they've done which is solidify the lineout and still have strong breakdown and carrying options. Half backs evens for me with 9's even though prefer Parra in these conditions with Taylor in good ITM form and Cruden not in any form. Not a whole lot in the outside backs with the conditions not allowing for too much expansive rugby. In the end it's the pack which give Irish a narrow win.

Saracens 24 - 26 London Irish

Close in the front row, think I'd just favour the England trio. Sarries locks offer more weight around the park, but think Symons could dominate the lineout here. Pooly right to go after the breakdown, think they could have some success here, although SOB and Coetzee will have an impact. Behind the scrum is where this game is won, too much class in the Irish back line and a solid but slightly limited Sarries 9-12 combo will find it tough. Bench and home advantage will keep it very close though

Saracens 24 - 23 London Irish

London Irish front row usually so good but Youngs and Marler had scrummaging issues this RWC and not seen a lot of Wilson lately, so evens at the scrum, would be advantage Saracens but Irish picked tactics well to counteract this drop in form. I do think Irish will win the lineout though with more options and Youngs' throwing looking ok and Saracens' locks not as good here. Irish being good and selective at the breakdown but Saracens backrow looks custom picked to dominate this area and will nevertheless win that battle. Saracens tactics of punching holes looks very effective with this pack and their HBs can put them in the right areas, though more threat from Irish HBs. I like the overall approach by Sarries and they have the finishers to put away chances in the Irish red zone, but the balance of London Irish outside backs is beautiful, hard to see a flaw there. At home, cleverly set up and with pack subs to keep up the squeeze and hard hitting tactics, Saracens just win this one

Saracens 29 - 29 London Irish

One of the biggest games of the round this one, with two heavyweights going for the big knockout win early in the season. The scrums will be the most solid set piece, with the line outs being a bit wayward for both sides. Both are very physical, and can make a mess of the breakdown at times, with both focussed on smashing it and clearing out, and the odd foot in the ruck or slow ball will make it hard for either side to maintain momentum. The return of Parra at half back brings in greater control for Sarries, however the Irish back line has many options in attack and defence to worry Sarries. Both back three will get some time on the ball and to utilise their electric pace. This one goes to the wire, and a missed penalty from Parra at the death results in a tight draw. 

Sarries 24-29 Irish 
Can't help but have lower ratings on the Irish front row but they still have enough to edge the front five. Not much in back row but Irish edge it. They take the half backs with a strong pairing. Outside backs of Irish can score points. Sarries can have an impact late in the game as a strong bench and fatigue takes over

Sarries 20-21 Irish

Saracens 22-21 London Irish

Not an awful lot between the sides at the scrum but Irish can edge the lineout. Better balance to the Sarries backrow but can see the breakdown being fairly even. Strong carriers for both sides but Sarries with a bit more here. Half backs a step up for Irish but Cruden is starting to struggle. 11-15 not an awful lot between the sides except at 13. Sarries can really get on top in the pack battle in the final quarter looking at the benches. Irish game plan suits the backs and the forwards have the hands for it. Sarries relying in their power and the boot of Taylor. Irish have the better of this for the first 60 but Sarries at home can rally strong late on.

Bath 23 - 31 Harlequins

Big battle in the front 5s, both with plenty of power and set piece ability, think more or less evens here. Tips could get a few turnovers with pace, but would expect Quins back row to eventually dominate the breakdown. Evens at halfback, and two of the best backlines in the league will go head to head but I expect Quins centre combo and the form and quality of the back 3 to tell eventually, even on the road Quins are good enough to pick up a bonus point win, with the bench impact of Mckenzie being a big factor

Bath 30 - 28 Harlequins

Young dynamic Bath front row and looking at tactic they can trouble Quins here, but Quins have a fantastic lineout lineup and will be very safe on their own throw and steal some of Hibbard's variable throws. Both packs can really carry, but despite their good tactics here, I'm not sure Harlequins have the players to take on Bath at the breakdown and Bath will win some turnovers (though may suffer from some of the Harlequins' slowing the ball down). Pyrghos a threat but Bath HBs can control the game helped by a number of good playmakers and kickers. Quins backs will often break gainline and can all cause individual problems, Bath backs more suited for manipulating space for Wade and North, both good for their strategies, just think Bath will get the more ball and territory to use theirs.

Bath Rugby 26 - 29 Harlequins

Two very solid packs going toe to toe with one another, both with strong carriers and solid set pieces. With both side welcoming guys back into their line ups, things will be a little disjointed. There is a bit more zip and control from the Quins halfbacks who will bring in their back line to in play with great effect. Tough on Bath at home, but Quins have the ability to secure a away win. 

Bath 25-23 Harlequins

See Bath getting a small scrum edge and similar in the line out. A little more carrying in the Quins backrow but little at the breakdown and Bath will get the edge.

Bath a bit more at 9 but 10's close and a good contest. One a piece in the centres but prefer Quins back 3, good game.

Bath 25-26 Quins

Bath 22-23 Harlequins

Both scrums could struggle a little against better operators but can see Quins poaching a few lineouts. Lot of pressure on Gorgodze to pick up the carrying in the Quins pack. Quins stronger 9-13 but theres some defensive issues for both lineups. Quins back three can get the better of the aerial battle. Quins keep the game in the areas they want it but unsure on relying on Chouly for the big carries. Bath looking to fling it around a bit but see them having to play from deep a lot.

Bath Rugby 23 Harlequins 22

Gloucester 21 - 23 Worcester

Besides the 2nd row (which I think is a problem area for Worcester) they control the pack battle with a strong pack. I love the Worcester's back row balance and think they as a unit offer more than the Gloucester trio. Expect the scrums even with perhaps a advantage to the Worcester line out. Half backs to Irish especially in these conditions. Centres are pretty even but the Worcester pair take it but on the wings not sure either side are suited to the conditions. Prefer Dagg at 15. Bench wise there is more for Worcester and they get an excellent away victory.

Gloucester 24 - 27 Worcester

Would expect both tightheads to be on top in the scrum, while pretty even in the second rows. Warbs to rule the breakdown for me, think he is good enough to teach the youngster Savea a bit of a lesson. Behind the scrum, the Wuss pairing of the Welsh chaps is hard to fault with the RWC form, and I'd favour their centres too, with Roberts used to Biggar and Bennett also in great form. Glos stronger in the back 3, but think Wuss have enough from the starting team to hold on under pressure late on, and will pick up a famous away win! Add Milner Skudder and Naholo to that back 3 and Wuss are going to be a very dangerous side

Gloucester 26 - 26 Worcester

Both THs get on top in the scrum, could see alternating penalties here. With LCD at hooker, Gloucester could struggle at the lineout against a strong Worcester set piece but LCD does make up for this in work in the loose, an area Gloucester look strong to me, so Worcester's also mobile pack looking to move them about won't tire them so much in my opinion as to lead to a loose game with defensive gaps for both sides. A lot of pressure on the talented Ardie Savea at the breakdown to combat Warburton with quite traditional looking backrows. One HB a piece and I have to say both sets of backs look good for this kind of broken up game, though neither team seems to be expecting this kind of game tactically, which is interesting. Add in the light rain and there will be errors. Because of this, Gloucester's lack of a lineout could pressurise them but I think they would have just enough at home with more on the bench, except Biggar's FANTASTIC kicking form drags Worcester to a draw

Gloucester Rugby 31 - 34 Worcester Warriors

Warriors will set themselves out well and get the upperhand at the scrum and in the line out will solid and secure possession. Glaws have some big units that will make good headway, but are on the back foot when struggling of their set piece. This permits the Warriors back row to help stamp their mark on the game. The spine of Wuss back line is strong and allows them to flourish of the good possession they have. The Glaws backs as always, are electric and can create something from nothing, but will be a little too late in this one as Wuss have the power and control to kick them to big away victory. 

Glos 22-22 Warriors 
Gloucester take the front five, despite a small edge to Irish in the front row. Warriors have the better back row. Wales combo takes the half backs. Gloucester maybe a tad more dangerous outside the fly halfs. 

Gloucester 25 Worcester Warriors 25

Newcastle 24 - 23 Exeter

Exeter have the stronger front 5 here and think that is true in the set piece and in the loose. Can't call between the back rows who are both very strong unit with flankers who work very very hard. I think that Newcastle edge the half backs though not by much and think that they also have a strong advantage in the outside backs. Also more coming off the Falcons bench which at home I think gives them the narrowest of wins despite struggling at the set piece.

Newcastle 23 - 22 Exeter

Quite like both front rows, think Int experience/class of Exeter edges scrum though. Even at the lineout. I like the tactics to counter Armitage, and think the breakdown battle will be close. Not much in the carrying abilities of the two packs either. I also love each set of halfbacks - think webb as the playmaker is a good move, think it would be a great contest to watch. I like the functionality and approach taken by the Chiefs backs, but Newcastle have that extra danger from Piutau and an established centre partnership. I would love to watch this match, and I think at home Newcastle win but it's a fixture that would go the other way in Devon.

Newcastle 27-26 Exeter
Not much in it but edge to the Exeter front five. Exeter have more overall about their back row. Two of the best European scrum halfs. One each in the half backs. Newcasly have the better outside backs and bring on a strong set of substitutes. At home this gives them enough to sneak a victory. 

Newcastle 22-23 Exeter

Good front 5 battle with scrum to Exeter, Slater lack of form hindering Falcons slightly.   A bit more in the Exeter backrow also and I think they get the edge overall in the pack.

Exeter just take the halfbacks, not sure of Webb/Farrell combo attacking wise. Falcons with a much better midfield and probably again the back 3 making it a real contest.

Falcons 25-25 Chiefs

Newcastle 20-23 Exeter

Can see Chiefs getting on top in the scrum and their backrow can get at the breakdown in this one. Stronger carrying game to the Chiefs packs. Halfbacks one a piece and fairly even as combos as well. Outside of Trimble Falcons stronger 11-15. Some game changers late on for Falcons although Stander can make a big impact. Chiefs pack gets them on the front foot more often here and can see them having a lot of possession with the game plan on show. Falcons backs can cause some issues but Chiefs pack can sneak a good away win.

Newcastle Falcons 20 Exeter Chiefs 20

Sale 22 - 22 Northampton

Think Sale control the scrum here with Saints the stronger at the lineout. In the loose their isn't much between the packs at all with some very impressive options on show. Think there's a touch more physicality for Saints who might get more go forward though breakdown should be controlled by Sale. Half backs pretty even for me in these conditions with more in the midfield for Saints. I am not a fan of the Saints back three it looks wrong balance wise and think this gives Sale the advantage there. Very strange that Halfpenny isn't gk. Nothing in the benches or the teams in general I feel. Lack of tactics negates home advantage so its a draw.

Sale 33 - 29 Northampton

2 of the usual big hitters go at it here in an early season matchup. Massive power in the front 5s of both packs, think Taylor could be a weak link at the lineout for Sale. Saints gone without a real 7, and that could be a weakness up against Todd, with POM also adding huge amounts here I think Sale will win plenty of turnovers despite Nyanga's pace. I'd favour Sale's halfbacks with their tactics, like the idea of attacking the full backs on the wing. Eastmond could be targeted up against Fofana, and think Saints will have some success here. Very difficult to call, I'm going to go with home advantage and give this to Sale in a thriller

Sale 27 - 25 Saints

Big one here. Due to second row heft, I think Sale edge the scrum. Saints very strong at the lineout though and will win that. I think Sale take the breakdown and really like the make up of their pack, though Saints playing Billy at 6 allows Parisse to concentrate on his looser work and will make him more of a threat. Serious carrying on both sides. Matawalu a huge threat at 9 but Care and Sexton together can probably play in more ways and I prefer them. Saints take the centres and Sale back 3 by a little less, and Sale tactics very cleverly thought out for the opposition. With this and at home, Sale win a clash of the titans

Sale Sharks 30 - 29 Northampton Saints

The other biggest game of the round, as two potential top four sides go head to head to set an early marker for the season. Sharks very strong and adept at the set piece, however Taylor will be a little wobbly on his own ball during the game. Saints are overall physically stronger, however Sharks are no slouches. Sharks also just getting to the breakdown a little quicker than the Saints with Todd prominent in this department. The return of Sexton into the XV re-ignites the Sharks back line, and can really get his back line moving with some big ball runners in the backs. Saints look dangerous with the ball, but also in the tactical kicking in the back three in the tricky conditions they are reliable and can put the Sharks back three on the turn. This one comes down to the finer margins, and Sexton's kicking will just edge the Sharks ahead at home.  

Sale 27-27 Saints 
Saints have the better front five. More nous in the Sale back row but the saints are high on physicality. Half backs to Sale. Outside backs to Saints. Both can bring on strong benches. Home advantage gives edge to Sale but I think this Saints team has the required quality to hang on.

Sale 29-26 Northampton

Some form issues in the Saints front row gives Sale an edge on the scrum. Not too much between engine rooms but prefer Sale backrow balance overall.

Sale stronger at halfback and equal in centres with Tuilagi hard to rate. Saints back 3 set out a little lopsided but prefer Saints bench.

Sale 27-26 Saints

Sale Sharks 24 Northampton Saints 23

Leicester 25 - 23 Wasps

Not much in the front 5's for me and set piece should be pretty even. Small edge in the back row for Tigers but think the breakdown might go to Wasps. Nothing between the half backs expect both stronger on the front foot but don't think either pack dominates this one so no real advantages at half back. Tigers edge the outside backs with a bit more x factor to get the decisive score. Good win for Tigers.

Leicester 20 - 17 Wasps

Evens in the front 5s, possibly a bit more lineout success for Wasps. Think their dual 7s tactic will pay dividends with turnovers aplenty. Leicester set up very well though, and have the pack to execute their game plan. Wasps stronger at halfback, and think the outside backs are very even. Can see this coming down to the benches, and with home advantage Leicester just have enough to hold on for the win. Wasps looking good for the season though

Leicester Tigers 20 - 20 Wasps

Interesting front five battle with good experience in both sides, trying to out smart each other. Both solid on their own ball, but can see the Wasps getting an upperhand at the breakdown, with Robshaw and Barclay leading the way. Their is flash of flair from both tens in the starting line ups but the Tigers have a bit more creativity in their back line. Wasps are solid and will be clinical with any opportunity that comes their way. In the end this one is just to close call as Wasps hard work at the breakdown allows them to kick a penalty at the end to earn a big away draw.

Tigers 24-21 Wasps
Tigers edge a stronger front five. For me Wasps have a little bit more in their back row. Maybe another slight edge to Wasps in the half backs. But more in the outside backs and subs get Tigers a result

Leicester 27-25 Wasps

Jenkins and JJ lack of form stop either side from getting on top in the scrum. Prefer Wasps engine room but Tigers better in backrow.

1 a piece in the half backs but Tigers a touch stronger at centre. Cuthbert is awful form for Tigers evens back 3 up.

Tigers 25-24 Wasps

Leicester 26-23 Wasps

Not an awful lot between the packs overall on a man to man basis. Tigers should have stronger control at the back of the scrum but otherwise can't see either pack getting on top. Halfbacks one a piece, Wings fairly even but Tigers with more in midfield and at fullback. Both Worc wings could be caught on the turn though as well as Cuthbert. Both sides looking to get on the front foot before going wide although Wasps want to play in the right areas first. They will get some ground down Cuthberts side but would expect Brown/Maitland to cover the field mostly.

Leicester Tigers 22 Wasps 21

Well won Luke

Cheers CJ looked a close one

Cheers CJ. Apologies Luke I'll mark as excused

Ah damn, was too early bringing De Jager back in