Tigers v Saints - too close to call?

Saints Home
By Rich W
September 23 2004

So the domestic season settles into its stride for the long haul and we ready for the visit of our nearest and ‘dearest’. No doubt the good folk of Northampton and its shire wend their way up M1 in high hopes after a positive start to the season and two years of success at the home of the Tiger.

When Mr Chris the C asked me if I could produce a preview in his absence for this game my first thought was: “Ha that’ll be easy then – can’t be much to it.” Stupid boy!

Firstly, I sat down last week to begin drafting this piece little expecting last weekend’s results. I mean I’d prepared a long bit on Paul Grayson. Harmupfh! The loss of Andrews, Goode and Blowers was just adding insult to injury!

Honestly that Chris C – he’s a marvel – doing this every week!

Now, it may be a sort of heresy, but before I begin I feel I have to ‘fess up (as I believe the vernacular has it) and admit to a decidedly ‘un-Tigerlike’ regard for Saints. They are a club which I admire for its honest, traditional heart, where I always feel welcomed by genuine rugby folk who, if they are prone to a touch of excessive spleen whenever we hove up alongside the Black Pig, are, at least, always pleasant company whose knowledge and love for the game are as in depth as they are gratifying.

I have a fondness for clubs that play their rugby in rugby stadia rather than soccer grounds and despite, or perhaps, because of the recent improvements at Franklins Gardens, the home of the Saints seems firmly rooted in its traditions; traditions that resonate like those at Welford Road. As something of an ‘immigrant’ to the region (albeit 21 Years now – next week in fact!) I’ve always felt that Leicester had rather more in common with Northampton and its denizens than with Nottingham or Derby. What’s more, as a resident in [the very northernmost tip of] Northamptonshire it is something of an act of self-preservation.

All that said I will be appalled, nay suicidal, as I jet off on my holidays after the game should we lose to the buggers!

So having given you an idea of the perspective with which I approach this, to the review.

My first thoughts in recent days had been that this latest incarnation of our nearest neighbours looks awfully useful. In Alan Solomons they appear to have acquired a South African coach who has that pragmatic, hard-nosed approach to our game that has been traditionally so beloved of his countrymen and which until recently has been rather lost by those in the green shirts of the Bokke.

As Tigers fans we only have to think back to a windswept Ravenshill in the early stages of 2004 to think what sort of team Mr Solomons may prefer. One only has to look at the summer acquisitions to see where Mr Solomons felt his new club needed ‘strengthening’.

By adding some much needed edge to the forward pack he seems (on early evidence) to have succeeded in blending the subtlety, pace and finesse brought by his predecessor with a physical dynamism from which to release the varied skills of Robinson, Cohen, newly arrived former Australian ‘A’ three-quarter Marc Stcherbina and the often sublime Bruce Reihana. One always felt that, much like in the case of recent NZ teams, Wayne Smith had forgotten that successful rugby starts up-front – right up front. And, while Smudger had begun to develop a very real and palpable sense of ‘esprit de corps’ there was always a sense of the Saints being a tad…Hmmmm… …brittle…that under pressure they might snap, falling short of their undoubted potential.

Their performances in pressure games – semi-finals and finals – seemed to bear this out. However after their stuttering performance against the Cherry and Whites in which they coughed up turn-over ball with quite remarkable ‘efficiency’. Their lineout (arguably for a number of reasons) was not to place too fine a point on it, a shambles and they missed tackles a plenty.

Up-front he brought in his regular traveling companion Robbie Kempson to supplement his not insignificant presence to a front-row that had perhaps failed to provide the sort of go forward some of those behind them had deserved.

Now with the guile and not in-considerable skills of former Lions favourite Tom Smith and the earnest (if occasionally erratic) World Cup winning England Number 2 Steve Thompson they are possessed of a front three the equal of any in the Premiership.

This promises to be a key area; made all the more so by the equality of the match ups. Prior to the weekend I had thought that assuming (rash, I know, but on this one I feel fairly safe) that the Tigers front row comprises Graham Rowntree, George Chuter and Julian White. The balance here would be very fine; perhaps shaded by White in his match-up with the Scot but too close to call in the case of Wig vs Kempson, with perhaps the Saint gaining a modicum of ascendancy in the tight but not offering quite the mobility of the former John Cleveland College pupil.

However, the reported ferocity of their scrummaging against the Irish on Sunday leads me to have rather higher hopes in this area. The battle between Thompson and one of those with whom he is competing for this autumn’s White shirt is intriguing.

While Wally is clearly superior in the loose where, for my money, he remains the best in the world, George is no slouch when it comes to putting it about. Moreover he has the advantage at the lineout where his earlier erratic form for Tigers has been replaced, of late, with the kind of assured consistency that his opponent can only long for and in the tight what he gives away in poundage he makes up for in graft and technique. A fascinating match-up and one too close to call.

I rather think that some of Saints disastrous lineout work at the weekend was as much to do with poor positioning and timing by jumpers and lifters allied to the excellence of the Gloucester poachers as much to technical flaws in Wally’s throwing. Whilst we perhaps lack (in Ben Kay’s continued absence) a lineout bandit to match Alex Brown, we should be able to apply sufficient pressure to prosper in this key area.

As usual for this correspondent the back-row provides simply the most exciting set of match ups on this or any other day. The sheer class of Andrew Blowers will be the sternest of tests for whoever John Wells determines to play on the blind-side. He is quite simply one of the most effective, indomitable and bruising ball carriers in the premiership.

If as we might have hoped seemingly in vain, Lewis Moody makes his long awaited return from injury to fill that roll I would hope that though he may lack the Saintsman’s physical presence he will gain somewhat in the mobility-cum-pace stakes.
However I would venture that it would be too early to expect Lewis to perform against such a quality opponent and my preference would be for Martin Corry, who appears to be close to his very best again, to make one of his frequent switches to 6 to contest with the New Zealander.

At open-side Saints have a quality club performers Grant Seely or Darren Fox and whilst they are both worthy opponents (my preference being for the younger more ‘natural’ open-side skills of Fox) I rather suspect that they may suffer in comparison with consummate 7, Neil Back who, like his old partner in crime Johnson is now able to give his club his total focus. His speed of thought and deed seem undimmed by advancing years and his wealth of experience is rivaled by very few.

Which ‘experience’ brings me to the supposedly controversial Corne Krige. A lot has been written about the former Bokke skipper – not all of it complimentary and some of his public statements have hardly served to moderate public opinion in this country towards him. However I chose to sail a somewhat contrary course to many of my compatriots – ‘Oh for a change!’ I hear you cry.

For me, Krige is simply another archetypal rugby hard-man, passionate about his rugby, proud to play for his country and determinedly unflinching in the ‘execution’ of his duties; hardly different from our own Captain Marvel, though perhaps somewhat less circumspect in his role as ‘enforcer’ and prone to folly in front of the microphone.

Of what there is little doubt is that he is a fine, intelligent player; a quality reader of the game possessed of a wealth of experience and determination by the spadeful and capable of playing anywhere in the back row. In short, and unfashionable though it may be, I like Krige. He is the chief reason why I see this year’s Saints as real contenders. Here the Northampton team may have an advantage. Whilst Henry Tuilagi is hugely entertaining and very effective at his given role there must be a strong suspicion that he will come off second best to his opposite number.

The limitations of Henry’s game – his tendency to drift out of the defensive game and his relative naiveté in the tighter aspects are precisely those areas which I expect the former Springbok to attack and expose. So a close and fascinating battle between the loosies. Neither side will want to make the number of defensive errors which they have both, to varying degrees, been guilty of so far this term and I expect two miserly and focused defenses to be keen to impose themselves.

Which brings us rather naturally to the Second rows, providing us with an equally interesting match up where another quality South African import has the invidious task of matching himself against the best that there is. Selborne Boome is no mean performer in the engine room of the second row.

Strong, athletic, mobile and physical he will offer Mr Johnson (Sir) a test as demanding as any he is likely to meet this season but it will come as no surprise to you that I feel a focused Johhno will be too much for any lock he may come up against in domestic competition.

The other second row may prove equally interesting where Tigers’ decision between Ben Kay (who appears on current evidence to be headed somewhere back to his best) and the ever improving Louis Deacon as to who will take on Saints aspirants Damian Browne or Matt Lord. I cannot say much for either except that the Saints fans seem to rate both highly, especially the recently arrived former Connaughtman, Browne.

If Kay has in reality recovered his form of a couple of years ago then I can only see one winner here as Whopper’s ability to read opposing lineout and ‘burglarise’ their ball could present a severe case of déjà vous if not then Louis will have to graft hard to gain the ascendancy.

One thing I am certain of is that the youngster will let no-one down and his hard, physical, one might almost say Johnsonesque, approach to the game may be ideal for the type of feisty, local derby encounter I think we may expect. That said the young Leicesterman need have no fear here and should give Tigers the advantage in this key area.

So a close and fascinating battle between the loosies. Neither side will want to make the number of defensive errors which they have both, to varying degrees, been guilty of so far this term and I expect the back rows to lead two miserly and focused defenses, keen to impose themselves. Overall though, in the absence of Blowers I do see this as an area in which we can a decisive advantage.

In the backs it appears that Mark ‘Sharky’ Robinson will again be unfit for the green, black & yellow marauders. Without the accomplished Kiwi, who rightfully sent World Cup Winner Matt Dawson off to Wasps by the quality of his performances last year, Saints will bring in young Johnny Howard to deputise.

Whilst Howard is clearly no mug I suspect that where the experienced and much under-rated Robinson would undoubtedly have given Harry Ellis a stern test of his international aspirations, much in the way which Bryan Redpath did only three weeks ago, I feel that Harry should have more than enough to surpass the youngster.

Last weekend gives me hope that we see the Harry of the latter half of last season rather than the slightly disappointing version of the opening games of this. At his best he is a match for all but the very best and his rate of improvement offers hope that he will soon be on a par with even them.

However, he retains a tendency to take the too much on himself, to rush things, and something of an inclination to panic when under pressure. If he can avoid these (and if he gets adequate protection from his back-row) he will undoubtedly come out on top.

My preliminary draft of this preview went something along the lines that Alan Solomon’s had followed his Ulster model by using a controlling fly-half with a big boot to give his forwards a target. I went on to compare Paul Grayson and Andy Goode. You know the sort of thing: ‘both known to able to kick a bit’; ‘dead-eye-dicks’; ‘no penalties’; ‘discipline’; Andy having an advantage in willingness to attack the line but Grayson’s experience invaluable.

Hmmm…scratch all that.

Y’know…I’m starting to appreciate Chris’ efforts all the more!

So, what do we have at outside-half? Well for a start I think I know more about Shane Drahm than Ross Broadfoot!

It seems to me that Drahm will provide a more complex challenge for Leicester than Larry – not necessarily a greater challenge – just more complicated. An adept, proficient footballer in his own right, the Aussie brings to his team a much more varied game and if he is on song is capable of opening all but the most niggardly of defenses.

Another player for whom I have more than a little time, he offers hardly less as a goal-kicker than Larry and if his ability to control a game with the boot is inferior it is not so by much and his distribution skills and sense of ambition may give him the edge.

Perhaps the most unexpectedly improved player in the premiership last term Drahm’s acceleration and ability to run and step are of high quality and the Tigers defence will have to shepherd him closely whilst retaining the presence of mind and awareness to deal with his ability to bring his runners into play. The relative performances at 10 may well be determined by the performance of the scrum-halves but if, as anticipated, young Ross Broadfoot gets his first start in a senior game then he will have his work cut out.

Our good friend and associate JJ has it that he should have no problem with managing the well observed difficulty of stepping up a level in terms of his passing, kicking out of hand and from a tee. There appears to be a worry over his defensive ability against a marauding back row. Although he seems to have bulked up over the last year he may well be frail in this area and this channel will need real protection. Giving me a notable degree of alarum regarding Messrs Blowers & Krige!

However, yet again Blowers absence encourages me as much as it disappoints that part of me that likes to see great players – whatever shirt they wear. When I have seen young master Broadfoot make a couple of senior appearances as a replacement this term it has been difficult to form a clear impression as he has come on amid a raft of replacements and the inevitable disruption has occurred, but I have been rather struck by the fact that he looks a little unsure, perhaps lacking the confidence and assertiveness to impose himself on team-mates and game.

What can one say of Darryl Gibson? Not since Pat’s departure (as a player) have we seen so complete a performer at 12. The quality of his defense, his unwavering ability to make yards in the middle of the pitch (often in the heaviest of traffic) and the adroitness with which he brings those around him into play are truly exceptional.

Hence my very noisy concern (just ask the wife!) on hearing of his withdrawal last Sunday. In his absence we remain highly vulnerable, short of cover at inside centre.
However, his bruised bottom appears to be healing (!) and I expect him to line up opposite Marc Stcherbina.

Here the occupants of the Gardens have found a class act all of their own and another mouthwatering match-up is in store. Should Gibbo’s injury rule him out then I wonder if Ollie Smith will start at 12 where I have often wondered if he might shine. I’m hopeful that the Kiwi will be declared fit and if so I expect him to emerge as the victor in this particular tussle. I suspect, as with several other match-ups, that it will not be by much as they renew undoubted Super 12 rivalries of old.

In Mark Tucker Saints have another good youngster who, though lacking the profile of our own Ollie Smith is no slouch in the outside centre channel. An England U21 representative he has crossed the whitewash twice thus far this term and may claim the advantage over Ollie in that respect.

But with the England man’s come back from injury and surgery coming on apace I’m confident that under the renewed tutelage of Pat Howard, the man who first supervised his rise from the Tigers youth set up, he will be soon back to his very best, where pace and power, allied to a sidestep and a swerve of the very finest kind got him into positions to run perfect outside centre lines, scoring and creating tries on a regular basis.

That Leon Lloyd has gone under knife should interrupt the mystery of his continued selection at 13 giving Ollie the ideal opportunity, in this most high profile of encounters, a chance to remind us why he has so many admirers.

On the matter of wingers I suspect for both sides it will be a case of picking the bones out of three names each. We find the very modern, ‘big units’ in Ben Cohen, ex Wasps man John Rudd, Fijian newcomer Seru Rabeni and the youngster John Holtby supplemented by two darting mischief makers in the appositely named Wylie Human and Austin Healy.

One scarcely knows where to begin.

So I will start with the negatives. Two years ago Ben Cohen was without peer – the best wing three-quarter in the world. However the excesses of England demands and the aftermath of the world cup (into which he went already in decline) have rendered him a shadow of the man he was. Last Saturday he looked lumbering, hesitant and bereft of inspiration and must take a large measure of responsibility for Garvey’s try.

After Saturday I find myself wondering that those suspicions that dogged his earlier career: that he was a big battering ram, but little else; who ‘Lomulike’, couldn‘t turn and lacked the appetite save when it suited him have resurfaced.

Little doubt exists though that at his best he is a class act who can hurt any opponent. Big John Rudd, rather undervalued I felt down at the yellow and black pests, is another player of a kind and whilst he lacks some of Cohen’s obvious talent, his hard work and commitment would force him a place in many a team. He is an able, a very able, adjunct to the Saints back-line and they will not be noticeably the weaker for his inclusion.

A very different fish is Wylie Human. Mysteriously released by a Bath team short on quality through the backs – I never did understand Jack Rowell – his slippery running, acceleration and balance would be a welcome addition to any team. While not perhaps of the obvious quality of Cohen & Rudd he brings a different dimension to their back-line and I’m always struck by the threat posed by fielding such different players on opposite flanks.

Similarly Leicester have a comparable choice to make in the wing threes.

In Seru Rabeni they appear to have acquired something of a star. He has pace and power and that typical Fijian sense of adventure. His physical presence appears the match of anything in the premiership and if he says he’s not quick enough to appear on the wing for his country – boy they must have some quicks! At his best Cohen might just have the best of him, but below par he’s a clear second and the Fijian has already shown an appetite for the whitewash.

In John Holtby Tigers have a good, solid club man, another one who I can’t ever see letting his team down for effort but he’s got some way to go and I couldn’t select him over the Fijian.

On the other flank I expect to see the Liverpool Lip start again. Now back to full fitness and confident, Austin looks again, to be the player we all know he can be. After his try scoring exploits last week when I’m told that he was a real box of tricks popping up all over the place as we know he can and even finishing the game at stand-off. With a view to balance and variety a combination of Oz and Seru look to be a real handful. Another close match-up here and again I give the edge to Tigers but close, very close.

Finally we come to what may be called the jewels of both teams. I don’t think it hyperbolic to say that in Bruce Reihana and Geordan Murphy the East Midlands have the two best full backs in Europe and in the top few in the world. Both are extravagantly skilled, pacey and possessed of the sort of confidence that allows the truly talented to do the truly extraordinary.

If I were to differentiate between them I would suggest that Geordan is the more unpredictable and it is that difference which may pose the greater threat. That said Bruce is a mesmeric runner and his sevens background has given him a real finesse, an ability to keep the ball alive and opponents guessing. Yet another magnificent match up.

So I find myself with scarcely the thickness of this piece of paper between the two teams.

Whilst Andy Goode’s unavailability bothers me enormously and makes a prediction somewhat speculative on my part I feel that Tigers should manage to establish a narrowly winning ascendancy in the forwards and the absence of Blowers encourages me.

I can’t even draw much from home field advantage, which though it should give us the edge, can hardly be counted upon given recent history!

Hence my concerns about recent form. I said to my associates upon hearing the Saints/Quins score after the Leeds game t’other week that I was nervous about a confident Saints side arriving at WR on the back of three victories. Well now we know all about that and the psychological advantage may have swung back towards us.

But a prediction? Not me mate! Who do you think I am? Chris C?

Now you lot – wish me a happy holiday!