Aviva Premiership Round Seven

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Exeter Chiefs v Sale Sharks
Sandy Park
Light Rain, 12 Degrees, 17mph SSW Winds

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Exeter Chiefs

Manager – Fluxy

01. Thomas Domingo	09. Connor Murray
02. Rob Webber	10. Nick Evans (k)
03. Jake Cooper-Woolley
04. Jake Ball	11. Andrew Trimble
05. Lood De Jager	12. Ma'a Nonu (c)
06. Tom Wood	13. George Pisi
07. Steffon Armitage	14. JP Pietersen
08. Fritz Lee	15. Mike Haley

_
16. Jack Yeandle 17. Nic Auterac 18. Vincent Koch 19. James Horwill 20. Brad Shields 21. Yannick Nyanga 22. Nic White 23. Toby Flood

Usual game plan based around possession retention and high intensity; dynamic carrying, rucking and defence. Sandy Park is notorious for wind supporting one side, so we will look to play into the wind in the first half, to control the tempo and go through the phases and starve Sharks of any possession. The forwards will play a similar style game to Chiefs in real life, efficient at the set piece, but dominating around the field and in the tight phases. Looking for pick and goes and double up carrying. Then if an opportunity and space arises, simple hands to get the man over in the corner. Second half with the wind, attempt to play in the Sharks 22 and force them to try and play out of their 22.

• Lineout - Nothing flash. Hit our front and middle jumpers and ensure that we secure our ball. Look to drive possession with full line out numbers in their half. Defensively, we will compete where it's on, look to disrupt Kayser's throw with LDJ jumping at the front.
  
• Scrum - Get low, our props to keep low and both flankers to stay bound and pushing to really get below the Sharks props and force an advantage. If we get going forward, mix up between forcing the penalty and getting the ball out quickly and into play against a retreating defensive line.
  
• Defence – Utilise an 'up & out' defence, where the line comes up cuts down the attackers before getting over the gain line. Then push 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. Key for us is being selective and maintaining integrity in the line to frustrate Sale.
  
• Backs – Heads up rugby from the half backs. Simple hands to exploit the space out wide and ruthless efficiency from Nonu and Pisi to help maintain forward pressure with carries and low kicks to the corners.  
  

Key Points

Home Advantage - Sandy Park is one of the hardest places to come and play. We won't waste possession with aimless kicking, force Sale wingers to turn if we kick and emphasis on the chase.  
Form/Momentum - In game we have hit great form, and have loads of momentum coming into the game. We also have players in form in real life right across the team.
Scrum & Line-out – Target throughout, if weakness seen heap pressure and generate penalties. Kayser to be put under constant throughout the game.
Physicality & Dynamism – Win the collision and target rucks to drive through opposition. We have a big physical, but also mobile pack. Supported by some high energy forwards off the bench.
Build a Score - Evans to take any available points on offer, to keep scoreboard ticking. Unless ten metres from the line then we kick for the line-out.

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Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Marcos Ayerza	09. Danny Care
02. Tommy Taylor	10. Johnny Sexton
03. Rabah Slimani
04. Ian Henderson	11. Simon Zebo
05. Brodie Retalick	12. Kyle Eastmond
06. Peter O'Mahony	13. Malakai Fekitoa
07. Sam Cane	14. Willie Le Roux
08. Louis Picamoles	15. Nick Abendanon

Subs:
16. Benjamin Kayser 17. Ross Harrison 18. Davit Zirakishvilli 19. Matt Garvey 20. Maro Itoje 21. Matt Kvesic 22. Kieran Marmion 23. Bernard Foley

Sandy Park: Exeter come into this with 1 win in three home games in the league so far this season. We have lost just once away in all competitions (Toulon) and won here last season.

Exeter Defence: Challenge the Exeter defensive set up in the wider channels. Force the Exeter drift to bite in with big carriers on the gain line and runners out the backdoor. Trust the handling of our side and utilise the offload in Exeter territory to keep them on the back foot.

Attack: We will be playing an expansive, high intensity game looking to keep the ball 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. 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 with breakdown specialists throughout the side, we will look to commit numbers and get over the ball using a double jackle to really slow the opposition up.

Defence: Straight line blitz defence focused on winning the gain line collisions and driving the ball carrier back. Line speed is crucial. Cane will look to defend on Eastmond's shoulder specifically looking to stop offloads and get over the ball at the breakdown first. Care will sweep behind the line to cover chips and grubbers. 2 of the back three to remain deep at all times and cover the backfield.  

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.

Lineout: Four 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. Will also look to use Picamoles around the back or in midfield off a shortened line. Back Taylor to hit his man as one of the most accurate throwers in the AP this year to date. 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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Leicester Tigers v Newcastle Falcons
Welford Road
Light Rain, 9 Degrees, 14mph SSW Winds

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Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Gethin Jenkins	09. Fourie Du Preez
02. Stephen Moore (c)	10. Freddie Burns (k)
03. Owen Franks
04. Pascal Pape	11. Matt Banahan
05. Kearnan Myall	12. Kurtley Beale
06. Juan Smith	13. Mathieu Bastareaud
07. JMF Lobbe	14. Drew Mitchell
08. Thomas Waldrom	15. Mike Brown

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16. Schalk Brits 17. Max Lahiff 18. Brian Mujati 19. Steve Mafi 20. Wycliff Palu 21. Micky Young 22. Quade Cooper 23. Billy Twelvetrees

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Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Bambam

01. Matt Mullan	09. Rhys Webb
02. Dane Coles	10. Owen Farrell (k)
03. Davit Kubriashvili
04. Jacques Potgeiter	11. Charles Piutau
05. Flip Van Der Merwe	12. Stuart McCloskey
06. David Ewers	13. Jonathan Davies
07. Chris Henry	14. David Strettle
08. Kieran Read (c)	15. Ben Smith

:-
16.Jamie George 17.Alec Hepburn 18. Charlie Faumuina 19. Luke Jones 20. Callum Clark 21. Greig Laidlaw 22. Gareth Anscombe  23. Charlie Sharples

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London Irish v Northampton Saints
Madjeski Stadium
Light Rain, 10 Degrees, 13mph SSW Winds

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London Irish

Watson, Habana, Kriel, Barritt, Yarde, Cruden, Smith;   Sio, du Plessis, Malherbe, Symons, Vahaamahina, O'Brien, Coetzee, Vermeulen.

Reps: Polota-Nau, Marler, Wilson, Broadhurst, Ouedraogo, Youngs, Slade, Nanai-Williams

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Northampton Saints
Manager: Dammit Chris

01. Mako Vunipola	09. Joe Simpson
02. Dylan Hartley	10. Matt Giteau
03. Ramiro Herrerra
04. Joe Launchbury	11. Julian Savea
05. Jonny Gray	12. Weslie Fofana
06. Schalk Burger	13. Alex Dunbar
07. David Pocock (c)	14. Adam Ashley Cooper
08. Billy Vunipola	15. Leigh Halfpenny(k)

Replacements:
16. Ashley Johnson 17. Wyatt Crockett 18. Martin Castrogiovanni 19. Courtney Lawes 20. Sergio Parisse 21. Sam Hildago Cline 22. George Ford 23. Manu Tuilagi

Tactics
We are setting out to be the first team to beat Irish at home this season, bringing back a pack that is largely fresh, with only Mako and Launchbury starting the last two games, with Hartley, Herrera, Burger and Pocock being rested specifically for this game. We're looking to target two areas (i) the gainline, so we have selected some big ball carriers throughout the pack (ii) the breakdown with Burger and Pocock looking to dominate. We want to give Simpson and Giteau front foot ball or the chance to attack off turnovers to place the Irish defence under a lot of pressure from the outset. We want to attack and make this a lively contest and see if we can outscore the homeside, take some risks and score tries.

Set Piece
We've gone for a strong pack, with players picked on form in real life. We are going to look at putting the home teams scrum under pressure as feel we can get at their second rows here. Lineout we are going to look for quick ball to allow Giteau to attack the line flat and bring in the likes of Fofana, Dunbar and Savea to get us over the gainline. We want to use the setpiece to create an attacking platform so we can take the game to Irish.  

Gainline/Physical Battle
We want to put real emphasis on the gainline battle, so have picked powerful ball carriers throughout our pack and strike runners in our backline. We want to build forward momentum and get the Irish defence going backwards, or suck in tacklers on the Vunipolas, Burger, Launchbury to create space for our backs in later phases.

Breakdown
We want to really focus on winning the breakdown battle, with Pocock and Burger we can dominate this area in terms of generating turnovers for Simpson to attack or securing penalties. We've got a mobile pack who can support our flankers, espc the second row.

Attack
Giteau has been selected to orchestrate the attack, we want our strike runners on the ball as often as possible early on to tire down the Irish defence, whether it is in our pack or Fofana, Dunbar, Savea and AAC in the backs. We are happy to go through the phases, suck in Irish defenders and then exploit the space. We'll also look to get our halfbacks plenty of turnover ball to attack on.

Kicking
Aim to exploit Yarde and Watson's positioning with the kicking game of Simpson and Giteau. If we can win the gainline battle and breakdown contest we expect this will secure us more penalties than the homeside, which is why we have selected Halfpenny to kc goals.

Defence
Similar style defence to that which Saracens play in real life, putting a lot of pressure on the attacking team and force them into mistakes. Will especially look to pressure Cruden (due to form in real life/injury) and Barritt as feel we can stifle the Irish attack if we marshall these two.

Subs
This is an area we really want to exploit going into the final 20-30 minutes, looked to select 8 guys who can make an impact and help us finish strongly.

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Bath v Worcester Warriors
Recreation Grounds
Light Rain, 10 Degrees, 13mph SSW Winds

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Bath Rugby
Manager – CJB

01. Steven Kitchoff	09. Richard Wigglesworth
02. Mikey Haywood	10. Beauden Barrett
03. Samson Lee
04. Will Skelton	11. Juan Imhoff
05. Graham Kitchener	12. Christian Lealifano
06. Dan Lydiate	13. Damian De Allende
07. Justin Tipuric	14. Liam Williams
08. Toby Falateu	15. Alex Goode

16. Richard Barrington 17. Rory Best 18. Ben Tameifuma 19. James Gaskell 20. Josh Beaumont 21. Maxime Machenaud 22. Michele Campagnaro 23. Christian Wade

Overall: We are gonna be looking to play a mix of territorial rugby and aggressive carrying rugby with the ball. Use our big boots in the back line to position our team and look to get turnovers at the breakdown and line out. When we have the ball in the Worcester half look to relentlessly carry the ball creating space and breaking the defence.

Scrum: Use the set piece to get quick ball to restart our play. Lee will look to cause Moody trouble and we will hope to get a shove on. Skelton will add a lot of power to the scrum and we will look to get more power from our back five. Falateu will look to attack off the quick ball he gets

Lineout: We will look to switch up the lineup with Falateu, Skelton and Kitchener options in the lineout. Kitchener will run the line out. Look to get up into the air quickly and down for a quick maul. Skelton will offer quick ball option at the front. We expect to dominate here.

Breakdown: Look to generate quick ball for our backs to take advantage of. Tipuric  is brilliant at the breakdown and we will also look to get the rest of the pack looking to help and clear out.

Defence: Run a blitz defence. Lydiate will look to target Roberts. His aggressive tackling will help us stop the Warriors executing. Wigglesworth to drift behind expecting kicks.

Attack: Our half backs will control our rugby. Wiggles will set the tempo and play what he sees in front of him. Outside of him, Barrett will play flat and use his creativity to bring in the back line and make plays. He will be given a freedom to be creative. Lealifano and Goode can also make plays as first receiver and look to exploit this.

Look to bring in the rest of the back line, especially De Allende who we would like to get running at defenders. Imhoff and Williams are very skilful and if the ball gets to them will look to draw in defenders. The pack will also be involved when we have the ball for a prolonged period. We have strong carriers who excel in the loose. Look to get the ball in the hands of Kitchoff, Skelton and Falateu in order to break the line and make yards. Look to play with a high tempo and tire Worcester out. Exploit the holes we create and look to tire out Worcester which can help nullify their offensive threats.

Kicking: Barrett will be our chosen place kicker. Barrett, LLF, Williams, Wiggles and Goode all have the boots necessary to try and put us in a good position territorially and will use this option when in our own half. Look to get these balls either high giving us a chance of a good kick chase or deep in touch.

Substitutes: Keep a high tempo. We have a strong, in-form front row coming on. Best and Tameifuma can really get a push on. Gaskell and Beaumont are also in form and will look to get involved in the loose late. Machenaud is an international scrum half who can control the game. Campagnaro and Wade can come on and provide strong carries.

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Worcester Warriors
Manager – prop_lyd

01. Joe Moody	09. Gareth Davies
02. Ken Owens	10. Dan Biggar (k)
03. Henry Thomas
04. Stuart Hooper (c)	11. Waisake Naholo
05. Yohann Maestri	12. Jamie Roberts
06. Jordan Taufua	13. Mark Bennett
07. George Smith	14. Nehe Milner-Skudder
08. Ben Morgan	15. Mathew Tait

:-
16. Codie Taylor 17. Tom Smallbone 18. Luc Ducalcon 19. Mike Williams 20. Sam Warburton 21. Sam Harrison 22. Owen Williams 23. Huw Jones

Tactics
We are coming in to this game in good form having 2 good wins against Bordeaux and beating a strong Leicester side.

Today we will be looking for a controlled game and play positionally with Biggar and Davies putting us in strong areas to begin with unless there is space in which to exploit gaps.

Set Piece-We have gone for bulk and hard workers here who will all look to control our set piece and put pressure on the opposition's set piece The ball will look to go in and out pretty quickly to prevent any major mistakes/slips in the conditions. And Smith/Taufua will look to fly off the back of the line to put pressure on 10.

Breakdown-In these conditions good ball is crucial and we have gone for the old head experience of Smith today to look to use his tactical nous to challenge Tipuric, Warbs will come on with 20 to go to target further turnover ball. Taufua is lining up directly opposite Lydiate and will look to put him off  his game with runners  down his channel as well as having a 'lynch' man in directly behind to clear for clean ball. Morgan will do the hard graft carrying with Hooper and Maestri alongside him. We want clean ball and will look to attack any gaps on the fringes if they are obvious.

Half-Backs-A controlled game today mainly looking for position, Biggar will look to use his up and unders when appropriate and compete for the ball here. They will have options of the blindside winger or a forward running off their's and Roberts' shoulders for the pop ball.

Outside Backs-When it's on we will look to go wide, we have two exciting wingers bringing 2 different styles to keep Bath guessing. Bennett will pull the strings at 13 releasing the back three.

Bench-A strong scrummaging bench and Williams there as a carrying option. Owen Williams and Jones will look to exploit the tired defences.

Defence-Controlled defence here and we won't look to rush up, backrow to put pressure on 10 intiially with Davies sweeping behind. Main impeotus is on no gaps and defending inside-out today.

Overall-Looking for a fairly tight game with quick breakdown ball, looking to spin the ball if it is on but also target possession and use a strong lineout to challenge for their ball.

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Harlequins v Gloucester 
Twickenham Stoop
Light Rain, 10 Degrees, 12mph SSW Winds

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Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Cian Healy	09. Ruan Pienaar
02. Agustin Creevy	10. Steven Myler (k)
03. Kieran Brookes
04. Luke Romano	11. Santiago Cordero
05. George Kruis	12. Robbie Henshaw
06. Damien Chouly	13. Jonathan Joseph
07. Michael Hooper (c)	14. Yoann Huget
08. Nick Easter	15. Rob Kearney

16. Scott Baldwin 17. Gurthro Steenkamp 18. Kyle Sinckler 19. Pieter Steph Du Toit 20. Jamie Gibson 21. Henry Pyrgos 22. Colin Slade 23. Jack Nowell

Tactics


Forwards Work - Half Backs Control - Outside Backs Create


Game Plan - When in the Gloucester half we will play a patient game using our pack to carry hard and get us across the gain line carrying off 9 and 10 and in the midfield looking to keep going round the corner in initial phases. As our play builds we'll look to use Cordero, JJ and Henshaw and the 2nd option as first receiver to keep Gloucester guessing as to the direction of our attacking play. Pienaar and Myler are their to control our play and will look to put our dangerous outside backs into spaces out wide. Look to create space out wide by using out the back options with lead runners running wide out to in lines to keep defence honest.


Kicking Game- Look to play the game in the Gloucester half using the boot of Pienaar, Myler and Kearney to keep Gloucester deep. We will vary between kicking for territory and using cross fields and up and unders to gain territory using Henshaw, Huget, Cordero and Kearney who are experts under the high ball and will bring us possession.

Defence - Look to chop tackle as default unless Gloucester are static when we will look to knock them backwards. When we've tackled we'll look to get the first man in the breakdown and get the penalty or the turnover. Our defence is all about creating pressure on Gloucester with quick line speed and pressure upon key decision makers. If we can we will try to use the choke tackle if Gloucester take the contact high to force the turnover. When Gloucester get slow ball we will look to up our intensity for the next three phases to try to turnover the ball

Set Piece - Use our scrum as a weapon to attack Gloucester and gain penalties and look to control the game. At the line out give Gloucester the front and hit the maul towards the touchline but put pressure on middle and back options. On our ball look to use a shortened line to allow carriers in midfield or to use a maul when Gloucester aren't expecting it.

KEY POINTS

Take the points - two premier goal kickers at half back to key the scoreboard ticking over.

Aggression up front - control from half backs - creation outwide

Unbeaten this season and off two big European wins with key players being rested. Winning is a habit and we are in the habit and Gloucester are struggling.

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Gloucester

1 Beast
2 Strauss
3 Mas
4 Etzbeth
5 Robson
6 Matera
7 Salvi
8 Dickinson
9 Genia
10 Carter
11 May
12 Toomua
13 Crotty
14 Walker
15 Folau
16 Ousthuizen
17 LCD
18 Figallo
19 croft
20 heaslip
21 Robson
22 Cipriani
23 Dagg

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Wasps v Saracens
Ricoh Arena
Light Rain, 9 Degrees, 13mph SSW Winds

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London Wasps
Manager: CJ

01. Eddy Ben Arous	09. Ben Spencer
02. Cory Flynn	10. Russell Finn (k)
03. Sekope Kepu
04. George Skivington	11. Jesse Mogg
05. Luke Charteris	12. Kyle Godwin
06. Chris Robshaw	13. George Moala
07. John Barclay (c)	14. Craig Gilroy
08.  Victor Vito	15. Chris Pennell

:-
16. Nathan Catt 17. Adrian Strauss, 18.  James Johnston 19. Sam Twomey  , 20 Carl Fearns , 21. Rhodri Williams , 22. Charlie Hodgson, 23.  George Lowe



Tactics:

In the rain, the ball will be slippery so we will not force it in attack too much and play a more territorial game than our usual one, whilst looking to take advantage of handling difficulties to reclaim kicks and steal ball.

Breakdown:

A team effort at the breakdown, with our whole pack chipping in to clear out but not overcommitting in defence unless the turnover is on to keep players in the defensive line and guards, with more emphasis in hitting the ruck with intensity and in units in attack to create clean ball. Add into this our twin fetchers in Robshaw and Barclay, Robshaw focussing on spoiling and Barclay on stealing and Barclay shadowing the ball.


Attack:


We will look to keep slow ball in the pack in groups of 3 and mauls and also utilise the odd crash ball with the likes of Kepu, Moala and Vito off 9-10, and look for the space behind the defensive line and use our kicking options at 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 15 to use a variety of kicks to turn the defence, chased by our tenacious backrow and our 3 fullbacks in the back 3.

We are very happy to hit dropped goals, target their back 3 who aren't great in the air under the high ball or cross field, chip over the top and grubber through, confidence in our defence forcing errors and our backs being able to compete in the air . Look to turn their wingers.

With quick ball, we will still have an eye open for the chip or crossfield attacking kick, but also happy to use simple running moves in the backs off 9 and first receiver (with most of our backs able to slot in here), with direct running (at the gap where possible), taking the ball to ground, using our shadowing 7 and mobile pack to secure quick ball and repeating until space arrives for our back 3.

When the pressure is on, we will use Robshaw and Vito who are comfortable as protective first receivers to take the pressure off of Finn and Spencer, allowing us to reset and recycle the ball with the opposition backrow unable to apply direct harrying consecutively


Defence:


Blitz led by Moala, with Spencer sweeping and looking to kick back (unless there is space to run at) kicked ball with a hard chase and tight fringe defence.

Knowing that Conrad Smith runs great support lines and SBW loves to offload, we will look to tackle SBW with 2 men when we have the numbers with one attacking his hands and looking to dislodge the ball or rip it.


Scrum:

With two top in form props, we will look to really attack on our ball, get some momentum and then play either off 8 or 9 depending what is on. On their ball look to give Cole a very hard time with legally shoving from Ben Arous, going straight to get the referee on side given Cole's recent world cup woes against top notch opposition which may play on the referee's mind.


Lineout:

Mix up our options with several good jumpers, looking to mostly use the maul or the drop straight to a secondary forward carrier and drag in as many of their forwards as we can. In defence, generally prefer to contest on the ground not the air and be set to stop their maul or attack their halfback early under pressure rather than looking to steal the ball in the air.

Subs:

Use as needed, with Moala covering wing and Hodgson adding experience to come on and see out the game


Other:

Take on all easy points, and look to press hard for penalties in their 22 but be careful and don't give any soft penalties in our half with more conservative competition at the breakdown etc in our half, just like White's Brumbies.


Overall:

Play in their 22, with using our many kickers to test their back 3 and get in the right areas
Chase and compete for every kick
Attack SBW's offloading game in the rain
Use multiple simple but direct and well supported phases
Really attack their scrum

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Saracens
Manager – Pooly

01. Alex Waller	09. Morgan Parra
02. Guilhem Guirado	10. Nicolas Sanchez
03. Dan Cole
04. Brad Davies	11. George North
05. Sam Whitelock	12. Sonny Bill Williams
06. James Haskell	13. Conrad Smith
07. John Hardie	14. Chris Ashton
08. Dave Denton	15. Stuart Hogg

:-
16. Richard Hibbard 17. Ben Franks 18. Jannie du Plessis 19. Geoff Parling 20. Will Fraser 21. Lee Dickson 22. Pat Lambie 23. Miles Benjamin

Tactics:

TARGET LINE OUT ALL GAME - Look to target the opposition throw and put pressure on throughout the game with Whitelock the best line out lock in world rugby at the minute taking the lead.

QUALITY 9-13 TO CONTROL THE TEMPO OF THE GAME - Look to take the game to the opposition and key players with vast experience 9-13.

TARGET OPPOSITION BACKS DEFENCE - Look to get big runners in on angles targeting individuals in the opposition backline. Look to get North coming in from his wing and Ashton tracking off the back off SBW.  


General - We'll be playing a structured physical game from the off, look to get at the opposition and target the breakdown. 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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Mark

F London Wasps
Manager: CJ

01. Eddy Ben Arous	09. Ben Spencer
02. Cory Flynn	10. Russell Finn (k)
03. Sekope Kepu
04. George Skivington	11. Jesse Mogg
05. Luke Charteris	12. Kyle Godwin
06. Chris Robshaw	13. George Moala
07. John Barclay (c)	14. Craig Gilroy
08.  Victor Vito	15. Chris Pennell

:-
16. Nathan Catt 17. Adrian Strauss, 18.  James Johnston 19. Sam Twomey  , 20 Carl Fearns , 21. Rhodri Williams , 22. Charlie Hodgson, 23.  George Lowe



Tactics:

In the rain, the ball will be slippery so we will not force it in attack too much and play a more territorial game than our usual one, whilst looking to take advantage of handling difficulties to reclaim kicks and steal ball.

Breakdown:

A team effort at the breakdown, with our whole pack chipping in to clear out but not overcommitting in defence unless the turnover is on to keep players in the defensive line and guards, with more emphasis in hitting the ruck with intensity and in units in attack to create clean ball. Add into this our twin fetchers in Robshaw and Barclay, Robshaw focussing on spoiling and Barclay on stealing and Barclay shadowing the ball.


Attack:


We will look to keep slow ball in the pack in groups of 3 and mauls and also utilise the odd crash ball with the likes of Kepu, Moala and Vito off 9-10, and look for the space behind the defensive line and use our kicking options at 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 15 to use a variety of kicks to turn the defence, chased by our tenacious backrow and our 3 fullbacks in the back 3. 

We are very happy to hit dropped goals, target their back 3 who aren't great in the air under the high ball or cross field, chip over the top and grubber through, confidence in our defence forcing errors and our backs being able to compete in the air . Look to turn their wingers.

With quick ball, we will still have an eye open for the chip or crossfield attacking kick, but also happy to use simple running moves in the backs off 9 and first receiver (with most of our backs able to slot in here), with direct running (at the gap where possible), taking the ball to ground, using our shadowing 7 and mobile pack to secure quick ball and repeating until space arrives for our back 3. 

When the pressure is on, we will use Robshaw and Vito who are comfortable as protective first receivers to take the pressure off of Finn and Spencer, allowing us to reset and recycle the ball with the opposition backrow unable to apply direct harrying consecutively


Defence:


Blitz led by Moala, with Spencer sweeping and looking to kick back (unless there is space to run at) kicked ball with a hard chase and tight fringe defence. 

Knowing that Conrad Smith runs great support lines and SBW loves to offload, we will look to tackle SBW with 2 men when we have the numbers with one attacking his hands and looking to dislodge the ball or rip it.


Scrum:

With two top in form props, we will look to really attack on our ball, get some momentum and then play either off 8 or 9 depending what is on. On their ball look to give Cole a very hard time with legally shoving from Ben Arous, going straight to get the referee on side given Cole's recent world cup woes against top notch opposition which may play on the referee's mind.


Lineout:

Mix up our options with several good jumpers, looking to mostly use the maul or the drop straight to a secondary forward carrier and drag in as many of their forwards as we can. In defence, generally prefer to contest on the ground not the air and be set to stop their maul or attack their halfback early under pressure rather than looking to steal the ball in the air.

Subs:

Use as needed, with Moala covering wing and Hodgson adding experience to come on and see out the game


Other:

Take on all easy points, and look to press hard for penalties in their 22 but be careful and don't give any soft penalties in our half with more conservative competition at the breakdown etc in our half, just like White's Brumbies.


Overall:

Play in their 22, with using our many kickers to test their back 3 and get in the right areas
Chase and compete for every kick
Attack SBW's offloading game in the rain
Use multiple simple but direct and well supported phases
Really attack their scrum

What's the scenario with me naming Healy in my side? 

I don't know when his appeal date is set for and he's currently free to play. Will I be allowed to change him if something happens before predos open?

Yeah you will Steve 

Bath Rugby
Manager – CJB

01. Steven Kitchoff	09. Richard Wigglesworth
02. Mikey Haywood	10. Beauden Barrett
03. Samson Lee
04. Will Skelton	11. Juan Imhoff
05. Graham Kitchener	12. Christian Lealifano
06. Dan Lydiate	13. Damian De Allende
07. Justin Tipuric	14. Liam Williams
08. Toby Falateu	15. Alex Goode

16. Richard Barrington 17. Rory Best 18. Ben Tameifuma 19. James Gaskell 20. Josh Beaumont 21. Maxime Machenaud 22. Michele Campagnaro 23. Christian Wade

Overall: We are gonna be looking to play a mix of territorial rugby and aggressive carrying rugby with the ball. Use our big boots in the back line to position our team and look to get turnovers at the breakdown and line out. When we have the ball in the Worcester half look to relentlessly carry the ball creating space and breaking the defence.

Scrum: Use the set piece to get quick ball to restart our play. Lee will look to cause Moody trouble and we will hope to get a shove on. Skelton will add a lot of power to the scrum and we will look to get more power from our back five. Falateu will look to attack off the quick ball he gets

Lineout: We will look to switch up the lineup with Falateu, Skelton and Kitchener options in the lineout. Kitchener will run the line out. Look to get up into the air quickly and down for a quick maul. Skelton will offer quick ball option at the front. We expect to dominate here.

Breakdown: Look to generate quick ball for our backs to take advantage of. Tipuric is brilliant at the breakdown and we will also look to get the rest of the pack looking to help and clear out.

Defence: Run a blitz defence. Lydiate will look to target Roberts. His aggressive tackling will help us stop the Warriors executing. Wigglesworth to drift behind expecting kicks.

Attack: Our half backs will control our rugby. Wiggles will set the tempo and play what he sees in front of him. Outside of him, Barrett will play flat and use his creativity to bring in the back line and make plays. He will be given a freedom to be creative. Lealifano and Goode can also make plays as first receiver and look to exploit this.

Look to bring in the rest of the back line, especially De Allende who we would like to get running at defenders. Imhoff and Williams are very skilful and if the ball gets to them will look to draw in defenders. The pack will also be involved when we have the ball for a prolonged period. We have strong carriers who excel in the loose. Look to get the ball in the hands of Kitchoff, Skelton and Falateu in order to break the line and make yards. Look to play with a high tempo and tire Worcester out. Exploit the holes we create and look to tire out Worcester which can help nullify their offensive threats.

Kicking: Barrett will be our chosen place kicker. Barrett, LLF, Williams, Wiggles and Goode all have the boots necessary to try and put us in a good position territorially and will use this option when in our own half. Look to get these balls either high giving us a chance of a good kick chase or deep in touch.

Substitutes: Keep a high tempo. We have a strong, in-form front row coming on. Best and Tameifuma can really get a push on. Gaskell and Beaumont are also in form and will look to get involved in the loose late. Machenaud is an international scrum half who can control the game. Campagnaro and Wade can come on and provide strong carries.

Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Cian Healy	09. Ruan Pienaar
02. Agustin Creevy	10. Steven Myler (k)
03. Kieran Brookes
04. Luke Romano	11. Santiago Cordero
05. George Kruis	12. Robbie Henshaw
06. Damien Chouly	13. Jonathan Joseph
07. Michael Hooper (c)	14. Yoann Huget
08. Nick Easter	15. Rob Kearney

16. Scott Baldwin 17. Gurthro Steenkamp 18. Kyle Sinckler 19. Pieter Steph Du Toit 20. Jamie Gibson 21. Henry Pyrgos 22. Colin Slade 23. Jack Nowell

Tactics


Forwards Work - Half Backs Control - Outside Backs Create


Game Plan - When in the Gloucester half we will play a patient game using our pack to carry hard and get us across the gain line carrying off 9 and 10 and in the midfield looking to keep going round the corner in initial phases. As our play builds we'll look to use Cordero, JJ and Henshaw and the 2nd option as first receiver to keep Gloucester guessing as to the direction of our attacking play. Pienaar and Myler are their to control our play and will look to put our dangerous outside backs into spaces out wide. Look to create space out wide by using out the back options with lead runners running wide out to in lines to keep defence honest. 


Kicking Game- Look to play the game in the Gloucester half using the boot of Pienaar, Myler and Kearney to keep Gloucester deep. We will vary between kicking for territory and using cross fields and up and unders to gain territory using Henshaw, Huget, Cordero and Kearney who are experts under the high ball and will bring us possession.

Defence - Look to chop tackle as default unless Gloucester are static when we will look to knock them backwards. When we've tackled we'll look to get the first man in the breakdown and get the penalty or the turnover. Our defence is all about creating pressure on Gloucester with quick line speed and pressure upon key decision makers. If we can we will try to use the choke tackle if Gloucester take the contact high to force the turnover. When Gloucester get slow ball we will look to up our intensity for the next three phases to try to turnover the ball

Set Piece - Use our scrum as a weapon to attack Gloucester and gain penalties and look to control the game. At the line out give Gloucester the front and hit the maul towards the touchline but put pressure on middle and back options. On our ball look to use a shortened line to allow carriers in midfield or to use a maul when Gloucester aren't expecting it.

KEY POINTS

Take the points - two premier goal kickers at half back to key the scoreboard ticking over.

Aggression up front - control from half backs - creation outwide

Unbeaten this season and off two big European wins with key players being rested. Winning is a habit and we are in the habit and Gloucester are struggling.

Following two victories in the Challenge Cup against a strong Edinburgh side, and finishing the midway stage of the European group stages at top of their pool, the Exeter Chiefs now turn their attention to the Aviva Premiership, for the visit of last seasons Aviva Premiership finalists Sale Sharks. The Sharks, visit Sandy Park, also off the back of two victories in Europe, with two wins over fellow AP side Bath. Director of Rugby Fluxy had this to say ahead of their tie this weekend;
"We've had a good few weeks, and finally we are in some good form. We are undefated in the last seven games, in all competitions and that feel good factor and winning mentality is hard to break and defeat. That is mostly from the boys and their hard work. Their effort and willingness to learn and apply themselves has shown and we have reaped the rewards from that. Now our attention turns to Sale, who have been in a very similar run of form, even extending our own. However they must now test themselves here at Sandy Park. 
We have welcomed back George [Pisi] from injury after the European games, who joins up again with Ma'a [Nonu] in midfield. There is also award to Jake [Cooper-Wooley] for his recent form, he has been playing out of his skin as of late and well worth his spot. It's also great to welcome back the likes of Steffon [Armitage], Connor [Murray] and Andrew [Trimble], all who have been chomping at the bit to get back into this side and play some rugby".

Exeter Chiefs 

Manager – Fluxy

01. Thomas Domingo	09. Connor Murray
02. Rob Webber	10. Nick Evans (k)
03. Jake Cooper-Woolley
04. Jake Ball	11. Andrew Trimble
05. Lood De Jager	12. Ma'a Nonu (c)
06. Tom Wood	13. George Pisi
07. Steffon Armitage	14. JP Pietersen
08. Fritz Lee	15. Mike Haley

_
16. Jack Yeandle 17. Nic Auterac 18. Vincent Koch 19. James Horwill 20. Brad Shields 21. Yannick Nyanga 22. Nic White 23. Toby Flood

Usual game plan based around possession retention and high intensity; dynamic carrying, rucking and defence. Sandy Park is notorious for wind supporting one side, so we will look to play into the wind in the first half, to control the tempo and go through the phases and starve Sharks of any possession. The forwards will play a similar style game to Chiefs in real life, efficient at the set piece, but dominating around the field and in the tight phases. Looking for pick and goes and double up carrying. Then if an opportunity and space arises, simple hands to get the man over in the corner. Second half with the wind, attempt to play in the Sharks 22 and force them to try and play out of their 22. 
 

• Lineout - Nothing flash. Hit our front and middle jumpers and ensure that we secure our ball. Look to drive possession with full line out numbers in their half. Defensively, we will compete where it's on, look to disrupt Kayser's throw with LDJ jumping at the front.
  
• Scrum - Get low, our props to keep low and both flankers to stay bound and pushing to really get below the Sharks props and force an advantage. If we get going forward, mix up between forcing the penalty and getting the ball out quickly and into play against a retreating defensive line.
  
• Defence – Utilise an 'up & out' defence, where the line comes up cuts down the attackers before getting over the gain line. Then push 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. Key for us is being selective and maintaining integrity in the line to frustrate Sale. 
  
• Backs – Heads up rugby from the half backs. Simple hands to exploit the space out wide and ruthless efficiency from Nonu and Pisi to help maintain forward pressure with carries and low kicks to the corners.   
  

 
Key Points

Home Advantage - Sandy Park is one of the hardest places to come and play. We won't waste possession with aimless kicking, force Sale wingers to turn if we kick and emphasis on the chase.  
Form/Momentum - In game we have hit great form, and have loads of momentum coming into the game. We also have players in form in real life right across the team.
Scrum & Line-out – Target throughout, if weakness seen heap pressure and generate penalties. Kayser to be put under constant throughout the game. 
Physicality & Dynamism – Win the collision and target rucks to drive through opposition. We have a big physical, but also mobile pack. Supported by some high energy forwards off the bench.
Build a Score - Evans to take any available points on offer, to keep scoreboard ticking. Unless ten metres from the line then we kick for the line-out.

Northampton Saints
Manager: Dammit Chris

01. Mako Vunipola	09. Joe Simpson
02. Dylan Hartley	10. Matt Giteau
03. Ramiro Herrerra
04. Joe Launchbury	11. Julian Savea
05. Jonny Gray	12. Weslie Fofana
06. Schalk Burger	13. Alex Dunbar
07. David Pocock (c)	14. Adam Ashley Cooper
08. Billy Vunipola	15. Leigh Halfpenny(k)

Replacements:
16. Ashley Johnson 17. Wyatt Crockett 18. Martin Castrogiovanni 19. Courtney Lawes 20. Sergio Parisse 21. Sam Hildago Cline 22. George Ford 23. Manu Tuilagi

Tactics
We are setting out to be the first team to beat Irish at home this season, bringing back a pack that is largely fresh, with only Mako and Launchbury starting the last two games, with Hartley, Herrera, Burger and Pocock being rested specifically for this game. We're looking to target two areas (i) the gainline, so we have selected some big ball carriers throughout the pack (ii) the breakdown with Burger and Pocock looking to dominate. We want to give Simpson and Giteau front foot ball or the chance to attack off turnovers to place the Irish defence under a lot of pressure from the outset. We want to attack and make this a lively contest and see if we can outscore the homeside, take some risks and score tries.

Set Piece
We've gone for a strong pack, with players picked on form in real life. We are going to look at putting the home teams scrum under pressure as feel we can get at their second rows here. Lineout we are going to look for quick ball to allow Giteau to attack the line flat and bring in the likes of Fofana, Dunbar and Savea to get us over the gainline. We want to use the setpiece to create an attacking platform so we can take the game to Irish.

Gainline/Physical Battle
We want to put real emphasis on the gainline battle, so have picked powerful ball carriers throughout our pack and strike runners in our backline. We want to build forward momentum and get the Irish defence going backwards, or suck in tacklers on the Vunipolas, Burger, Launchbury to create space for our backs in later phases.

Breakdown
We want to really focus on winning the breakdown battle, with Pocock and Burger we can dominate this area in terms of generating turnovers for Simpson to attack or securing penalties. We've got a mobile pack who can support our flankers, espc the second row.

Attack
Giteau has been selected to orchestrate the attack, we want our strike runners on the ball as often as possible early on to tire down the Irish defence, whether it is in our pack or Fofana, Dunbar, Savea and AAC in the backs. We are happy to go through the phases, suck in Irish defenders and then exploit the space. We'll also look to get our halfbacks plenty of turnover ball to attack on.

Kicking
Aim to exploit Yarde and Watson's positioning with the kicking game of Simpson and Giteau. If we can win the gainline battle and breakdown contest we expect this will secure us more penalties than the homeside, which is why we have selected Halfpenny to kc goals.

Defence
Similar style defence to that which Saracens play in real life, putting a lot of pressure on the attacking team and force them into mistakes. Will especially look to pressure Cruden (due to form in real life/injury) and Barritt as feel we can stifle the Irish attack if we marshall these two.

Subs
This is an area we really want to exploit going into the final 20-30 minutes, looked to select 8 guys who can make an impact and help us finish strongly.

Saracens
Manager – Pooly

01. Alex Waller	09. Morgan Parra
02. Guilhem Guirado	10. Nicolas Sanchez
03. Dan Cole
04. Brad Davies	11. George North
05. Sam Whitelock	12. Sonny Bill Williams
06. James Haskell	13. Conrad Smith
07. John Hardie	14. Chris Ashton
08. Dave Denton	15. Stuart Hogg

:-
16. Richard Hibbard 17. Ben Franks 18. Jannie du Plessis 19. Geoff Parling 20. Will Fraser 21. Lee Dickson 22. Pat Lambie 23. Miles Benjamin

Tactics:

TARGET LINE OUT ALL GAME - Look to target the opposition throw and put pressure on throughout the game with Whitelock the best line out lock in world rugby at the minute taking the lead.

QUALITY 9-13 TO CONTROL THE TEMPO OF THE GAME - Look to take the game to the opposition and key players with vast experience 9-13.

TARGET OPPOSITION BACKS DEFENCE - Look to get big runners in on angles targeting individuals in the opposition backline. Look to get North coming in from his wing and Ashton tracking off the back off SBW.  


General - We'll be playing a structured physical game from the off, look to get at the opposition and target the breakdown. 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.

Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Gethin Jenkins	09. Fourie Du Preez
02. Stephen Moore (c)	10. Freddie Burns (k)
03. Owen Franks
04. Pascal Pape	11. Matt Banahan
05. Kearnan Myall	12. Kurtley Beale
06. Juan Smith	13. Mathieu Bastareaud
07. JMF Lobbe	14. Drew Mitchell
08. Thomas Waldrom	15. Mike Brown

.
16. Schalk Brits 17. Max Lahiff 18. Brian Mujati 19. Steve Mafi 20. Wycliff Palu 21. Micky Young 22. Quade Cooper 23. Billy Twelvetrees

Watson, Habana, Kriel, Barritt, Yarde, Cruden, Smith; Sio, du Plessis, Malherbe, Symons, Vahaamahina, O'Brien, Coetzee, Vermeulen.

Reps: Polota-Nau, Marler, Wilson, Broadhurst, Ouedraogo, Youngs, Slade, Nanai-Williams

1 Beast
2 Strauss
3 Mas
4 Etzbeth
5 Robson
6 Matera
7 Salvi
8 Dickinson
9 Genia
10 Carter
11 May
12 Toomua
13 Crotty
14 Walker
15 Folau
16 Ousthuizen
17 LCD
18 Figallo
19 croft
20 heaslip
21 Robson
22 Cipriani
23 Dagg





Tactics


Forwards Work - Half Backs Control - Outside Backs Create


Game Plan - When in the Quins half we will play a patient game using our pack to carry hard and get us across the gain line carrying off 9 and 10. With Genia Carter and toomua we can control the game in the wet and exploit Mylers lack of game management.As our play builds we'll look to use our strike runners and open it up. With Folau, toomua, Crotty, may we have plenty of people to step in to second receiver and keep continuity.genia Carter and toomua are their to control the game Look to create space out wide by using out the back options with lead runners running wide out to in lines to keep defence honest.


Kicking Game- Look to play the game in the Quins half using the boot of genia Carter toomua to keep Gloucester deep. We will vary between kicking for territory and using cross fields and up and unders to gain territory using Folau and co who are experts under the high ball and will bring us possession.

Defence - Look to blitz and put pressure on myler who is out of his depth at this level. By targeting him we cut there possession at source. Likewise we will target Quins lack of lineout options to pressurise their throwing in.
Genia will sweep and we will look be aggressive and send numbers in to the breakdown to try and affect turnovers

Set Piece - Use our scrum as a weapon to attack Quins and gain penalties and look to control the game.

KEY POINTS

Take the points - Carter is the best in the world and will kick  goals.
Look for the half back to set tone
Pressure myler who is not at the required level
Pressurise lineout on their throw
Play game in right areas

Worcester Warriors
Manager – prop_lyd

01. Joe Moody	09. Gareth Davies
02. Ken Owens	10. Dan Biggar (k)
03. Henry Thomas
04. Stuart Hooper (c)	11. Waisake Naholo
05. Yohann Maestri	12. Jamie Roberts
06. Jordan Taufua	13. Mark Bennett
07. George Smith	14. Nehe Milner-Skudder
08. Ben Morgan	15. Mathew Tait

:-
16. Codie Taylor 17. Tom Smallbone 18. Luc Ducalcon 19. Mike Williams 20. Sam Warburton 21. Sam Harrison 22. Owen Williams 23. Huw Jones

Tactics
We are coming in to this game in good form having 2 good wins against Bordeaux and beating a strong Leicester side.

Today we will be looking for a controlled game and play positionally with Biggar and Davies putting us in strong areas to begin with unless there is space in which to exploit gaps.

Set Piece-We have gone for bulk and hard workers here who will all look to control our set piece and put pressure on the opposition's set piece The ball will look to go in and out pretty quickly to prevent any major mistakes/slips in the conditions. And Smith/Taufua will look to fly off the back of the line to put pressure on 10.

Breakdown-In these conditions good ball is crucial and we have gone for the old head experience of Smith today to look to use his tactical nous to challenge Tipuric, Warbs will come on with 20 to go to target further turnover ball. Taufua is lining up directly opposite Lydiate and will look to put him off  his game with runners  down his channel as well as having a 'lynch' man in directly behind to clear for clean ball. Morgan will do the hard graft carrying with Hooper and Maestri alongside him. We want clean ball and will look to attack any gaps on the fringes if they are obvious.

Half-Backs-A controlled game today mainly looking for position, Biggar will look to use his up and unders when appropriate and compete for the ball here. They will have options of the blindside winger or a forward running off their's and Roberts' shoulders for the pop ball.

Outside Backs-When it's on we will look to go wide, we have two exciting wingers bringing 2 different styles to keep Bath guessing. Bennett will pull the strings at 13 releasing the back three.

Bench-A strong scrummaging bench and Williams there as a carrying option. Owen Williams and Jones will look to exploit the tired defences.

Defence-Controlled defence here and we won't look to rush up, backrow to put pressure on 10 intiially with Davies sweeping behind. Main impeotus is on no gaps and defending inside-out today.

Overall-Looking for a fairly tight game with quick breakdown ball, looking to spin the ball if it is on but also target possession and use a strong lineout to challenge for their ball.

Newcastle Falcons
Manager – Bambam

01. Matt Mullan	09. Rhys Webb
02. Dane Coles	10. Owen Farrell (k)
03. Davit Kubriashvili
04. Jacques Potgeiter	11. Charles Piutau
05. Flip Van Der Merwe	12. Stuart McCloskey
06. David Ewers	13. Jonathan Davies
07. Chris Henry	14. David Strettle
08. Kieran Read (c)	15. Ben Smith

:-
16.Jamie George 17.Alec Hepburn 18. Charlie Faumuina 19. Luke Jones 20. Callum Clark 21. Greig Laidlaw 22. Gareth Anscombe  23. Charlie Sharples

Game plan - Our game plan is going to be focused on playing to the conditions and trying to use the threats in our backline to take advantage of their defence out wide where we think they could be exploited.

Set piece - Rock solid scrummage needed up against a good set of props, look to put pressure on the props but if no weakness seen use as a restart. On our ball, Coles is one of the best at hooking, get it out the back to Read and get going forwards. At the lineout, we'll look to mark Myall and Pape with our second row pairing, force them to make the more difficult throws towards the back where Read will be waiting. On our ball, get ball off the top with Flip, use Read often as a second option with Potgeiter the safe ball

Breakdown - Use the experience of Henry and Read to know when to pick their spots and go in for the steal. We'll use our big front 5 and Ewers to clear the breakdown quickly, with Read/Henry focusing on getting turnovers, first man in to focus on clearing him and second to secure the ball. Coles has licence to play the wider channels as he does for the ABs, and can come up with the steal and get us countering quickly.

Kicking - We'll use the kicking game to put ourselves in the right areas of the field in the rain, kick in behind Banahan and get them turning, we've got a great back 3 for the aerial chase, and will make sure to cut off the easy pass to Brown for the clearing kick, force the wings to make the kicks, but make sure we're there to bring them down before they get moving forward too quickly. Piutau, Davies and Smith to offer kicking options

Attack - Use misdirection and Smith/Piutau coming into the line to try and pull their backline around. Strettle to primarily stay out wide to look to finish off chances, but Smith and Piutau to offer options at first receiver to confuse the defence. We want to target their wings, so get the ball out quickly with good distribution, and challenge their wings defence. Big carrying pack to get us on the front foot in the conditions. Mccloskey to run at Burns whenever he gets the chance one on one, get runners on his shoulder for his offloads

Defence - no weak links in the back line, big hitters throughout the pack to force them backwards. JD2 to lead the defensive line, we'll blitz in their territory but employ a drift to change it up

Bench - impact front row to get us on the front foot in the last 20, while we have the breakdown ability of Clark late on, and Anscombe/ Sharples offer game breaking attacking play late on, with Laidlaw controlling the game late on

Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Marcos Ayerza	09. Danny Care
02. Tommy Taylor	10. Johnny Sexton
03. Rabah Slimani
04. Ian Henderson	11. Simon Zebo
05. Brodie Retalick	12. Kyle Eastmond
06. Peter O'Mahony	13. Malakai Fekitoa
07. Sam Cane	14. Willie Le Roux
08. Louis Picamoles	15. Nick Abendanon

Subs:
16. Benjamin Kayser 17. Ross Harrison 18. Davit Zirakishvilli 19. Matt Garvey 20. Maro Itoje 21. Matt Kvesic 22. Kieran Marmion 23. Bernard Foley

Sandy Park: Exeter come into this with 1 win in three home games in the league so far this season. We have lost just once away in all competitions (Toulon) and won here last season.

Exeter Defence: Challenge the Exeter defensive set up in the wider channels. Force the Exeter drift to bite in with big carriers on the gain line and runners out the backdoor. Trust the handling of our side and utilise the offload in Exeter territory to keep them on the back foot.

Attack: We will be playing an expansive, high intensity game looking to keep the ball 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. 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 with breakdown specialists throughout the side, we will look to commit numbers and get over the ball using a double jackle to really slow the opposition up.

Defence: Straight line blitz defence focused on winning the gain line collisions and driving the ball carrier back. Line speed is crucial. Cane will look to defend on Eastmond's shoulder specifically looking to stop offloads and get over the ball at the breakdown first. Care will sweep behind the line to cover chips and grubbers. 2 of the back three to remain deep at all times and cover the backfield.  
 
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.
 
Lineout: Four 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. Will also look to use Picamoles around the back or in midfield off a shortened line. Back Taylor to hit his man as one of the most accurate throwers in the AP this year to date. Defensively POM to get up in the air at the front and challenge on opposition ball looking to make it as messy as possible.

I've updated the thread with what is in at the moment as unlikely to be on again till the weekend. Merry Christmas to all!

Tactics

In wet conditions we will play sensibly, looking to play a structured game built around Du Preez and Burns moving us into the right areas.

- Use the rolling maul - Moore to lead from the back guided by Du Preez, and use a regular weapon off lineouts won.

- No overly ambitious passing - In wet conditions we will either look to kick to gain territory or look to keep ball in hand and take it through the middle.

- In general attacking play, we will play off 9 with Du preez our general pulling the strings. We want to control of the tempo of the game as much as we can through our 9/10/12/15.

- Consistently test Newcadtle's back three with kicks in wet conditions. Box kicks from Du Preez and up and unders from Burns to give the opposition problems in the air.
We will really test Piutau with these kicks, and look to Mitchell to be on him as quickly as possible.

- At the lineout use Myall as our banker ball and Pape and Lobbe as alternative jumpers - we will rotate the target. With the boots of Du Preez, Burns and Beale, we will look to get the ball deep in Newcastle territory and then contest all lineouts. We will relentlessly target the opposition's throws.

- Lots of scrums - which we want to attack as a weapon if winning - and call when we can, only if we are getting an advantage. Franks and Moore to look to target Mullan and to look to really get the shove on.

- Gigantic XV made up of massive line-breakers right throughout the side, that will look to tire down Newcastle defence.
The likes of Waldrom, Bastareaud, Pape, Banahan and Moore used consistently to get us over the gainline.

- Lobbe, Smith, Bastareaud and Moore are the men charged with reaching the breakdown first and look to turnover possession. We will always look to attack quickly off any turnover ball.

- Our back three are encouraged to do what they do best - counter attacking and running the ball back. If isolated all have good kicking games, but the counter is what we ask them to look for.

- We will look to employ a blitz defence, 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. Du Preez to sweep behind with an eye on short kicks.

- Burns to kick all penalites.

Tactics added, merry Xmas guys!

RESULTS:

Exeter Chiefs 25 (T:1 C:1 P:6)
Sale Sharks 26 (T:2 C:2 P:4)

Leicester Tigers 23 (T:1 P:6)
Newcastle Falcons 20 (T:1 P:5)

London Irish 21 (P:6 DG:1)
Northampton Saints 25 (T:1 C:1 P:6)

Bath 29 (T:3 C:1 P:4)
Worcester Warriors 23 (T:1 P:6)

Harlequins 26 (T:2 C:2 P:4)
Gloucester 21 (P:7)

Wasps 20 (T:1 P:5)
Saracens 24 (T:2 C:1 P:4)

BONUS:
Full: Fluxy, Steve, Prop, Bam, Chris, Pooly & CJ
Score: Matt
Missed: CJB, Luke, Pete, SJE

Exeter 18 - 20 Sale
Prefer the Sale combinations, but Exeter are very defensively sound across their backline and won't budge an inch in the gainline battle that could stop Sale getting on the front foot. Nonu and Eastmond a mismatch and Exeter could get a lot of good ball from that. Big pack battle in final 20mins of the game, but Sale have a few more top class players to see them through.

Exeter 21-24 Sale

Some form issues in the Exeter front row in Domingo and Webber give a good scrum advantage to a great Sale prop pairing. Good engine room contest with a slight lineout advantage to Exeter but a bit more around the park for Sale. Again a little bit more form in the Sale backrow unit with Wood well off the pace of late. Halfbacks pretty even with form issues for Murray and Sexton(Murray especially woefully short of form) which evens thing up. Not much in two good centre combo's but Sale back 3 much more threatening. Exeter just lacking form in too many positions cost them

Exeter 24 - 23 Sale

Scrum should be to Sale's with two excellent props of show for Sale. Excellent lock pairing for Sale as well and they have the stronger front 5 on show. Prefer the Chiefs back row but not by much but feel the extra breakdown nous aids Exeter. Not much form in Sale's half backs and feel Exeter are stronger here and Nonu is clearly the strongest centre on show by a fair distance and will cause Eastmond difficulty in defence. Pretty even in the back threes. Conditions wise having a better scrum helps Sale but the half back advantage I see (form wise) gives Exeter a boost along with their breakdown. I don't see much between the benches to affect things later on. At home, Exeter take this by the narrowest margin.  

Chiefs 22-26 Sale
Quite close with the front 5 battle but Sale could get a small advantage with the back row they have on show. Slight edge for Sale at half back and in the back 3 but Chiefs could defensively keep them quiet in the centres. 5:2 split from both but Sale could get some good impact. Sale want to push Chiefs out wide but they need to spread it quick to get past the Chiefs centres. Chiefs going for a simple plan which will keep them in the game for a while.

Exeter Chiefs v Sale Sharks 20-21.

Exeter 23 - 24 Sale

The breakdown is very close and Exeter can get some joy here. In the other pack battles, Sale have the advantage. Both sides have picked fullbacks across the back 3 in these conditions and both have similar quality HBs, with one of each pair in better form and able to attack or kick with these. Fekitoa and Nonu will smash Pisi and Eastmond for each side in attack, but overall it's a close back battle. Looking at tactics and the pack though, Sale do enough to steal a win in a tough place to go

Exeter 23-25 Sale

Both packs look very strong around the park, but Id fancy Sale to have the edge at the scrum, while the lineout is pretty even. At the breakdown, Cane is probably better supported than Armitage, and think as a whole Sale on top. Sale a bit more at halfback, and slightly more explosive in the outside backs. With the extra forward on the bench I fancy Sale to hammer home late and get the win

Leicester 17 - 16 Newcastle
Really, really close game here. Very hard to split but not sure that Newcastle quite have the front five to get the dominance up front needed in away games and like Leicesters bench that little bit more and gets them to hang on to a very close home win.

Leicester 22-22 Newcastle

Just prefer the Falcons front 5 with Jenkins and Myall not the strongest for the home side, can see a slight set-piece advantage for the away side. A better unit in the backrow for Leicester, Falcons lacking a bit of quality on the flanks. One a piece in the halfbacks but prefer the Tigers centre partnership with McCloskey not quite at this level. Falcons take the back 3 with Banahan the weakness for Tigers, really close game.

Leicester 21 - 20 Newcastle

Don't see a whole lot between the front 5's but an excellent battle in the back row just goes the way of Leicester but it is close. FDP the best half back on show but I prefer the pairing of Newcastle. Both sets of outside backs are very strong with some powerful runners and world class operators on show as well as some players in excellent form. Another game with an even contest where the away side just doesn't have enough to force the win.

Tigers 18-15 Falcons
No tactics from both keeps this score lower than it would be. Tigers take advantage in the front 5 but Falcons bringing a gritty back row for this match up. Not alot between the half backs or the centres to be honest and pretty close out wide. The impact Tigers can bring on is enough to keep Falcons at bay.

Leicester Tigers v Newcastle Falcons 21-20

Tigers 23 - 25 Newcastle

Falcons win the scrum, and possibly edge the lineout too. Tigers look a bit lacking in star quality in the tight 5. Also just prefer Falcons back row which covers everything and has some carrying power, with Smith not the player he once was, but Lobbe steadies the lineout and breakdown and Waldrom is in great attacking form. Can't separate the well balanced half back pairings, then the other backs get tricky. Power and a good complementary mix of players for Tigers but the Falcons backline seen singularly in good form, and this form off a stronger platform sees an away win

Leicester Tigers 23 - 20 Newcastle Falcons

Up front, Tigers have enough to about them to maintain and gain parity in the set piece to allow their forwards to build momentum and get their back row into the game. Read is the shining light for the Falcons, however is fighting an up hill battle on the back foot. The control from FdP allows Burns and Beale to play their game. Falcons look dangerous with ball in hand and Faz trying to play them in the right areas, but they are on the back foot a little up front end up on the end of a narrow defeat.

Irish 20-23 Northampton

Both looseheads not the strongest but Saints step it up in the engine room against a poor unit for Irish. Great backrow contest and very little in it. Smith on a different planet to Simpson but I'd have the 10's level with Cruden hard to rate. Centres and back 3's pretty close but Irish lack of tactics just counts against them in a close contest

London Irish 22 - 25 Northampton Saints

No tactics from Irish hurts them in the final verdict. Very little between the front rows but think Saints are stronger across the back of the scrum and have Vunipola is tremendous form. One a piece in the half backs and two sets of physical centres. I think the Saints back three are better suited for the conditions and Halfpenny's boot is always going to influence a game. Saints tactics are good and play to their strengths and they get an excellent win.

Irish 18-23 Saints
Saints can get a slight nudge in the front row with the 2nd row being a bit closer. Back row goes to Saints for the breakdown however, Irish bring the better carriers. Irish take the half backs with Centres going to Saints in attack but Irish defensively. Two very dangerous back 3's but 1/2p tough to rate at the moment till he returns. Benches pretty even but the fact that Saints bring tactics and are looking to use fresh legs from the past two weeks to target the breakdown sees them take the win.

London Irish v Northampton Saints 26-25

London Irish 18 - 23 Saints

On team sheets, a colossal battle. 2 good scrummaging packs that Irish edge, but then Saints win the lineout and edge the breakdown with a wonderful backrow that will work well together and has recent form. Cruden edges Giteau at 10 in a top class halfback battle, and two very good back lines, though more threat in Saints centres and a touch more balance with Halfpenny rather than just outright attack in back 3. Halfpenny hasn't played in ages though which hurts Saints. Irish then have an amazing bench which at home would swing the game their way except their lack of tactics. As it is, Saints win by a score.

London Irish 20-22 Saints

No tactics makes this tough for Irish. Two of the best sides in the league are very well matched pretty much throughout the lineups, possibly the biggest advantage is the Burger/Pocock combo, but it's a slight advantage none the less. Without tactics, Irish lose this one for me, small margins

London Irish 18 - 15 Northampton Saints

Biggest game of the round. Up front a monster contest with some big units crashing into even bigger units! The breakdown is quite an even contest between both packs. Great set of backs on show from both sides. Can see a little more control considering the conditions from Irish, but both set of attacking backs despite the ability are a little hindered due to the conditions. Halfpenny's boot will keep Saints in touch, but Irish can win this hotly contested affair. 

Bath 35 - 32 Worcester
Game of the round, can't see how this game isnt going to produce a massive scoreline. Prefer the home sides pack, but Worcester's halfbacks are an excellent combination and will get their backline some great attacking ball to play with. Lot comes down to whether Lydiate can stop Roberts and is a good tactic for Bath to go with.

Bath 26-24 Worcester

Thomas struggling a bit of late gives the front rows to the home side. I love the Bath engine room and they'll be hard to play against although Worcester front up well physically. Some good form for Smith but I think Bath have the better balance. Very little in two good halfback combinations, fantastic 10's on show that would set this game alight. Very little in the centres and Wuss just take the back 3. Great game from 2 very good sides.

Bath 23 - 21 Worcester

A good pack on show for Bath and think they have the advantage up front despite a fantastic back row battle. Half backs just to Worcester with the proven combo though Bath's pair is very strong. Both sets of outside backs are strong with no real weakness and some excellent finisheres and players in top form. Think Bath have enough to win the game at home.

Bath v Worcester Warriors. 24-23

Bath 22 - 21 Worcester

Bath just take the scrum, and there's not much in the lineout and second rows. Bath get a lot of cohesion from their Welsh international back row, and despite Smith being very good at the moment, the lack of form for Morgan sees Bath win the carrying In the backrow and compete with Smith at the breakdown too. Barrett is a star but Biggar and Davies together are a great pairing and probably better for this match. Not much between the back 3s but prefer Worcester centres working in their game plan. However, with te front and back row advantage and good tactics, Bath hold on for a close win

Bath 23-20 Worcester

Bath look strong at home, and are set up well for the conditions. Wuss missing Nel hurts their scrum, and with the power through the second row of Bath could see some problems there. Even around the park with both packs offering plenty. The Welsh combo trumps Barrett at halfback, and the outside backs look good for both. It's very tight, think the lack of a quality boot outside Biggar could be a problem for Wuss in the rain. At home I'll go with bath

Bath Rugby 24 - 22 Worcester Warriors

Good arm wrestle up front, and will see some great play between both set of forwards. Bath just get the edge though, with a little more mobility around the park. Flair from Barrett and control from Wiggles is a good combo, do feel that De Allende is better suited to 12, but there is pace and danger out wide for Bath. Warriors have a superb back line on display and the likes of Bennett, Skudder and Naholo, will create some magic moments for Wuss fans. Biggar's boot will keep the pressure on Bath, but Bath will secure a tight home victory. 

Harlequins 28 - 23 Gloucester
Lack of tactics cost Gloucester here in what would have been a very close game and winnable for them. Not sure the Quins backline is as balanced as it usually is but some great attacking options for them gets them a good home win.

Harlequins 20-20 Gloucester

Healy's poor form of late gives Gloucester the front row edge. One a piece in the engine room but Quins combo stronger with Robson hard to rate, nice balance for the Quins pair with Kruis in good form. A bit more quality in the Quins backrow with Dickinson perhaps not at the level of others on show. Good 9 battle but Carter much better than Myler. One a piece in the centres but good combo's from sides, Quins really ramp it up and take the back 3. Good game, very little in it

Quins 28-21 Glos
Front row to Quins here with Glos bringing it closer in the 2nd row. Back row battle is huge however, Salvi has been quiet this season, whereas Easter has been using his experience well. Halfbacks go one a piece but Quins take the centre battle. Outwide both have strong finishers but Quins can get the better ball for their back 3. Bench even and no tactics don't help Glos. Quins using their form and the outside backs to be the playmakers and this will work today

Harlequins 19 - 18 Gloucester

Both sides keep own scrum ball, and safe in lineout though Quins ball there may be cleaner. With Matera helping at breakdown, may be slight edge for Gloucester here but minimal and Quins backrow offers a lot elsewhere. Carter > Myler, but Pienarr adds control for Quins and the fight for territory could be thrilling. Lots of pace and excitement for Gloucester, but Quins backline is quite pragmatic, and they hold on to win with a great centre partnership

Quins 27-22 Gloucester

Robson a bit of a passenger up against a front 5 of Quins quality, and would expect that dominance to be reflected throughout the pack . Quins lack the fireworks in the halfbacks, but few better at controlling the game, and will put that lethal 11-14 lineup into space. Relatively comfortable win for Quins

Harlequins 21 - 20 Gloucester

Bit messy in the scrum, but both sides ruthlessly efficient at the line out. Quins have very dynamic forwards, but for me will struggle a little in the heavy traffic in comparison to Gloucester who have some big units and will generate some good go forward for them. The Genia Carter axis is in good form and allows some much time for their outside backs to create. The conditions however are suited to Ruan and Myler who will kick in behind the Gloucester wingers and cause trouble. Tight affair with Quins winning the battle of territory and points, at the Stoop. 

Wasps 15 - 15 Saracens
Wasps might not have the same quality of players but their tactics are spot on with the kicking game and contesting that and they'll get a lot of joy there. Can't see either team winning, if Sarries had more impact from the bench then they'd get an away win. Very good home side tactics though

Wasps 22 - 25 Saracens

Front rows even but I think Saracens are stronger at the rest of the pack and this will impact the rest of the game with the controlling options they have at half back along with the talent shown across the rest of their side. Wasps aren't weak but just don't offer the same quality throughout their side or off the bench. A good away win for Sarries

Wasps 22-28 Sarries
Not alot in the front row with Sarries having the stronger 2nd row. Sarries back row balanced very well however Wasps have brought players happy to do the dirty work here. Half backs to Sarries and a very very dangerous outside back line will cause Wasps all sorts of trouble. Sarries bench will not let off either. Tactics means it's not a rout for Sarries as Wasps help themselves here by playing with the conditions however, Sarries using the lineout and their back line to be their main strengths.

Wasps 19-23 Saracens

Arous could give Cole some trouble, but other than that I'd expect Sarries front 5 to be on top. Hardie in great form, and would expect the breakdown battle to be even. Behind the scrum, Sarries stronger throughout, and would expect this to be the difference with Sarries taking the road win

Wasps 22 - 22 Saracens

Good contest up front, which is relatively even. Both Back row unit are quite similar in ways, but overall both forward packs are pretty balanced. Spencer and Russell have been in good form recently and will keep Wasps in Sarries territory. This sort of game really suits Parra however and he will dictate the game well with his box kicking. Wasps are right to target and pressure SBW and his offloads in the conditions and will benefit with the odd break or bounce of the ball. Sarries have the attacking ability to worry Wasps and build a lead, however the calming influence of Hodgson manages to claw back a few points via penalties to claim a remarkable draw.

Well won Pooly

Cheers CJ, not much in it.