BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
ALAMY
By The Saracens
January 26 2023
This weekend sees a return to Premiership action after a couple of weeks European action. It is also the first weekend of the Six Nations (albeit a training weekend) but it means we will be missing our England Internationals although we should get Maitland, Christie and Tompkins back and Riccioni (in the unlikely event he has recovered from his HIA). Of course Steve Borthwick could release some of our lads back to their clubs – hang on a minute he’s released Farrell hasn’t he, whoopee! Only we can’t play him because he’s banned. Well that makes a lot of sense!
So Sarries will need to draw on all their resources this Saturday. It’s a 6 day turnaround anyway after a very tough day at the Scottish office. Team selection will at the very least be interesting! Our visitors are Bristol Bears, propping up the table with just 3 wins from 11 games and 21 points. Just to recap, Sarries sit on top with 10 wins from 11 and 52 points. On paper it’s no contest – but since when were games of rugby played on paper! Bristol are well aware that we are down to the bare bones and rather fancy their chances. (Let us not forget their last visit to these parts last year when they so nearly spoilt our party at Tottenham).
Sarries will almost certainly be without Mako, Jamie, Maro, Isiekwe, Daly, Malins, Earl – and of course Farrell! It’s possible 1 or 2 may be released back to us but don’t hold your breath. Bristol are only missing 2 players – but what a pair to be without! Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinkler, possibly the best 2 props in England, will leave a big hole to fill. In addition, Brizz have quite a few players unavailable : Jay Tyack, Will Capon, Sam Jeffries, Sam Lewis, Will Porter, Sam Bedlow, Joe Jenkins, Piers O’Conor, Toby Fricker & Charles Piutau, although Luatua, Byrne, Ibitoye & Holmes should be available this week. Ex-Sarrie Tom Whiteley has left Brizz this week for Tigers (presumably Wiggy thinks more highly of him than those out west). Malins we know is heading back there next season. Despite that, Brizz can still field the likes of Semi Radrada, AJ McGinty, Harry Randall, Harry Thacker, Andy Uren and Callum Sheedy.
It appears our Billy’s interview with Big Jim has gone down like a lead balloon in Bristol (hardly surprising) but potentially it could inspire the Bears. One of the posters on their site said as much:- “If our boys need any motivation on Saturday, then that’ should do nicely.” Hmmmmm.
So who is available this Saturday? Good question. Sarries being Sarries don’t give a lot of info about injured players. In recent weeks Woolfie and Segun have appeared and vanished again. Last updates came around Christmas from which we deduce Ben Harris & Dom Morris should be back & Manu has been on the bench for the past couple of weeks. We aren’t too badly affected in the backs. The one query is fullback. The options are either Goode to 15 and Manu to 10, Goode to 15 and Loz to 10 or Goode stays at 10 with Maitland to 15. Which option Smally chooses probably depends on who else is available. Are Loz and Tompkins in the centres with Manu at 10 a better option than say Tompkins and Taylor with Loz at 10? If Segun is fit then I’d switch Maitland to 15 and leave the rest as they are. The forwards are more problematic. Front row is doable with reasonable choice in all 3 positions: Hislop/Mawi, Pifileti/Dan/Woolfie?, Judge/Clary/Bello?/Riccioni?. The 2nd row is a quandry. Tizard is available but who else? Tom Ellis has arrived on loan for 6 weeks and could step straight into the breach. Cameron Boon or Ollie Stonham will presumably be on the bench? In the back row I assume we go Christie, Wray, Billy (assuming Jackson is fit – he’s not been around these past couple of weeks either!) Hopefully Billy can control his tongue this week – have you noticed how he seems to put on these petulant displays just after he’s lost his England place? Who’d be a Director of Rugby at this time of year? Might be worth bringing your boots just in case!
Our referee is Anthony Woodthorpe assisted by Simon Harding and Jamie Leahy. Stuart Terheege is the TMO.
BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: TheSaracens.com (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2023 16:47
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:02:22:05:00:10 by Darraghgirl.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:02:22:05:00:10 by Darraghgirl.
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: The Bard (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2023 22:13
We may well get to see Andrew Kitchener in the second row. Boon has beer playing for Ampthill recently
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 27/01/2023 11:03
I was going to ask if Kitchener is still about. Haven’t seen him since getting injured against Saints (after a lovely pass it must be said!). Has anyone seen Boon playing recently, really interested to see how he’s doing after a stint in Aus.
Maybe we’ll see Hougaard make an appearance too if Segun isn’t fully fit.
Maybe we’ll see Hougaard make an appearance too if Segun isn’t fully fit.
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: tpr's headmistress (IP Logged)
Date: 27/01/2023 12:01
Saracens Men team to play Bristol Bears:
1 Robin Hislop
2 Theo Dan
3 Christian Judge
4 Andrew Kitchener
5 Hugh Tizard
6 Andy Christie
7 Jackson Wray (c)
8 Billy Vunipola
9 Aled Davies
10 Manu Vunipola
11 Alex Lewington
12 Duncan Taylor
13 Alex Lozowski
14 Rotimi Segun
15 Alex Goode
Replacements:
16 Kapeli Pifeleti
17 Eroni Mawi
18 Alec Clarey
19 Cameron Boon
20 Tom Ellis
21 Ivan van Zyl
22 Nick Tompkins
23 Francois Hougaard
1 Robin Hislop
2 Theo Dan
3 Christian Judge
4 Andrew Kitchener
5 Hugh Tizard
6 Andy Christie
7 Jackson Wray (c)
8 Billy Vunipola
9 Aled Davies
10 Manu Vunipola
11 Alex Lewington
12 Duncan Taylor
13 Alex Lozowski
14 Rotimi Segun
15 Alex Goode
Replacements:
16 Kapeli Pifeleti
17 Eroni Mawi
18 Alec Clarey
19 Cameron Boon
20 Tom Ellis
21 Ivan van Zyl
22 Nick Tompkins
23 Francois Hougaard
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: Banzai1314 (IP Logged)
Date: 27/01/2023 12:13
Why do Bristol need to announce who they don’t have available? Are they just making their excuses before the game ?
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: Sarriebone (IP Logged)
Date: 27/01/2023 12:19
Bristol side:
15. Rich Lane (15 apps),
14. Siva Naulago (18 apps),
13. Semi Radradra (45 apps),
12. James Williams (5 apps),
11. Gabriel Ibitoye (8 apps),
10. AJ MacGinty (15 apps),
9. Harry Randall (92 apps);
1. Yann Thomas (101 apps),
2. Harry Thacker (91 apps),
3. Max Lahiff (58 apps),
4. Joe Batley (33 apps),
5. Chris Vui (108 apps),
6. Steven Luatua (c) (105 apps),
7. Jake Heenan (85 apps),
8. Magnus Bradbury (13 apps).
System players:
16. Bryan Byrne (40 apps),
17. Jake Woolmore (123 apps),
18. Jonathan Benz-Salomon (10 apps),
19. Ed Holmes (92 apps),
20. Fitz Harding (42 apps),
21. Andy Uren (149 apps),
22. Callum Sheedy (148 apps),
23. Jack Bates (33 apps).
15. Rich Lane (15 apps),
14. Siva Naulago (18 apps),
13. Semi Radradra (45 apps),
12. James Williams (5 apps),
11. Gabriel Ibitoye (8 apps),
10. AJ MacGinty (15 apps),
9. Harry Randall (92 apps);
1. Yann Thomas (101 apps),
2. Harry Thacker (91 apps),
3. Max Lahiff (58 apps),
4. Joe Batley (33 apps),
5. Chris Vui (108 apps),
6. Steven Luatua (c) (105 apps),
7. Jake Heenan (85 apps),
8. Magnus Bradbury (13 apps).
System players:
16. Bryan Byrne (40 apps),
17. Jake Woolmore (123 apps),
18. Jonathan Benz-Salomon (10 apps),
19. Ed Holmes (92 apps),
20. Fitz Harding (42 apps),
21. Andy Uren (149 apps),
22. Callum Sheedy (148 apps),
23. Jack Bates (33 apps).
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: The Bard (IP Logged)
Date: 27/01/2023 12:38
Very tough afternoon ahead. Can only assume Woolfie, Bello and Maitland are injured?
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: TOKS (IP Logged)
Date: 27/01/2023 12:44
Ah the bi-annual lunacy of the international rugby roulette. Which maybe will be solved in future years by a smaller league and international calendar. Or maybe not.
I see what you mean about the Bristol board although I did feel that there were about six sensible, balanced posters in amongst the vitriol. Let's hope they are the ones that make the trip. Oddly enough, you never seem to have problems with people face to face, only on messages-boards - funny that.
I see what you mean about the Bristol board although I did feel that there were about six sensible, balanced posters in amongst the vitriol. Let's hope they are the ones that make the trip. Oddly enough, you never seem to have problems with people face to face, only on messages-boards - funny that.
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: Banzai1314 (IP Logged)
Date: 27/01/2023 13:36
Harry Thacker always has a good game against us. Would love to see him turn out for Sarries.
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: Duncan96 (IP Logged)
Date: 27/01/2023 14:48
Experience this season is that when we are much below full strength things are tough. A lot of weight on Manu's shoulders. Hope he does well.
I know nothing about these things but did anyone else feel Hislop struggled against Edinburgh and things perked up when Mawi came on?
We may be thanking the almighty for our points advantage over 3rd place at 5pm tomorrow -but then I'm always a pessimist pre kick off
I know nothing about these things but did anyone else feel Hislop struggled against Edinburgh and things perked up when Mawi came on?
We may be thanking the almighty for our points advantage over 3rd place at 5pm tomorrow -but then I'm always a pessimist pre kick off
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 27/01/2023 15:56
To me it felt like we had the nudge in the first half Duncan even when we lost Riccioni and George. That said I think Mawi is good at the scrum. Looking at the front rows I think you'd normally suggest that 2/3rds of the bench is probably ahead of those starting so maybe it's about balance, who has trained together or impact? Lot's of interesting choices and whilst some are somewhat "last man standing" its still great to see those players given a chance. Looking at the benches I think we have a stronger one with more impact. Tbh my feeling is both Uren and Sheedy are as likely to lose Bristol a game as win one (so that will probably come back and bite me on the behind!) Daveis at 9 maybe suggesting we'll play without the ball? Manus been given his chance so I hope he takes it. Is Hallett injured? Equal parts intrigued and feeling this will be a huge challenge.
In terms of Bristol that looks a strong an exciting team. No Genge and Sinckler a plus (and doubtless others I'm less familiar with)
McGinty is absolute class and he and Randall with a decent looking pack have a decent chance of getting those exciting backs into the game. Ibitoye in particular worries me although Bristol's inability to get him much ball has to date stifled his ability to impact games.
Not seeing much in terms of weaknesses. Vui is a better 6 than lock but with Holmes on the bench that looks like it isn't a forced selection? reinforcing the lineout or just what's needed to get the best players in the pack? Will be interesting to see the lesser-spotted Naulago, has he played for Bristol before? this feels like the first time I've seen his name since Eddie Jones named him in an England squad.
Hope its a good game and that I get to have a beer with some travelling support who always seem to be a great bunch.
In terms of Bristol that looks a strong an exciting team. No Genge and Sinckler a plus (and doubtless others I'm less familiar with)
McGinty is absolute class and he and Randall with a decent looking pack have a decent chance of getting those exciting backs into the game. Ibitoye in particular worries me although Bristol's inability to get him much ball has to date stifled his ability to impact games.
Not seeing much in terms of weaknesses. Vui is a better 6 than lock but with Holmes on the bench that looks like it isn't a forced selection? reinforcing the lineout or just what's needed to get the best players in the pack? Will be interesting to see the lesser-spotted Naulago, has he played for Bristol before? this feels like the first time I've seen his name since Eddie Jones named him in an England squad.
Hope its a good game and that I get to have a beer with some travelling support who always seem to be a great bunch.
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 27/01/2023 16:22
Good post OM. I personally worry a bit about Mawi against the better scrummagers although he’s improved this season. I think he got done by Nel at the end last week when they had 7 men in the pack for example, plus Nel had been on for the full 80. He’s awesome around the park though and if you are going to play Hislop and Mawi it’s probably the way round you want it.
Naulago has played a few times, got a couple of reds if memory serves me correctly. He’s good ball in hand though, Lewington will have his hands full.
Naulago has played a few times, got a couple of reds if memory serves me correctly. He’s good ball in hand though, Lewington will have his hands full.
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 27/01/2023 19:29
Agree that Mawi has improved considerably this season TK. As you say him coming off the bench to drop a pass out of a double-tackle for a backrower to run in is not bad thing!!
Looking forward to seeing Ellis too. Liked him at Bath. Good workrate player.
Looking forward to seeing Ellis too. Liked him at Bath. Good workrate player.
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: nicsue (IP Logged)
Date: 27/01/2023 21:51
Quote:The Bard
Very tough afternoon ahead. Can only assume Woolfie, Bello and Maitland are injured?
Is not Maitland away with Scotland?
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: Duncan96 (IP Logged)
Date: 27/01/2023 22:42
Quote:nicsueQuote:The Bard
Very tough afternoon ahead. Can only assume Woolfie, Bello and Maitland are injured?
Is not Maitland away with Scotland?
Like Nick T, he'd be available if fit. Only the England players must be released this weekend. Are we doing him a favour because he's old though?
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: AP (IP Logged)
Date: 28/01/2023 09:47
Otherwise known as rotation - Segun is due a start and Hougaard gets a bench place.
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: Dave Berko (IP Logged)
Date: 28/01/2023 10:25
Is the match on TV?
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: Sarriebone (IP Logged)
Date: 28/01/2023 10:47
Quote:No, PRTV onlyDave Berko
Is the match on TV?
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: Innings (IP Logged)
Date: 28/01/2023 15:46
I’m not sorry to have missed this one.
Innings
Points win matches: tries win hearts and minds.
Innings
Points win matches: tries win hearts and minds.
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: Sarriebone (IP Logged)
Date: 28/01/2023 15:53
What a depressing affair. Wish the ref would actually penalise Bris for holding at the ruck or clearing past it rather than just warning them about it
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 28/01/2023 16:00
Well we look great when the ball gets to either wing, Segun especially. Let's do more of that please.
Lot's of pressure having Dan throw to the back. Maybe consider having someone beyond the tail-gunner ready for an accidental overthrow? Thacker has got there every time unchallenged so far.
Lots of the game to go but we need a bit of leadership and maybe a few subs sooner rather than later? COYS.
Lot's of pressure having Dan throw to the back. Maybe consider having someone beyond the tail-gunner ready for an accidental overthrow? Thacker has got there every time unchallenged so far.
Lots of the game to go but we need a bit of leadership and maybe a few subs sooner rather than later? COYS.
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: Sarriebone (IP Logged)
Date: 28/01/2023 16:53
How? Just how do they keep doing it??
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Posted by: Static (IP Logged)
Date: 28/01/2023 16:55
Well let's be honest, we should never have won that. Bristol outplayed us a lot of the game, but what an effort. Billy was huge and Jacko drove the team all the way to the win. Christie probably my MotM but Seguin ran him very close.
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 28/01/2023 16:56
It's a win 
Segun is flipping amazing. I hope Kitchener and Hislop are ok. Liked what we saw of Ellis. Nice debut for Houghaard (sp?)
When Sarries actually decided to play with ball in hand rather than kick away we looked a different beast. Not sure how good that performance was for ones health, physical or mental?
It only get's harder as the 6 Nations kicks off so let's hope we get Segun plenty of ball
Segun is flipping amazing. I hope Kitchener and Hislop are ok. Liked what we saw of Ellis. Nice debut for Houghaard (sp?)
When Sarries actually decided to play with ball in hand rather than kick away we looked a different beast. Not sure how good that performance was for ones health, physical or mental?
It only get's harder as the 6 Nations kicks off so let's hope we get Segun plenty of ball
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 28/01/2023 17:01
Segun for me Static although Christie was excellent. The thing with Segun is he's great on both sides of the ball. A number of vital tackles on their forwards in the wider channels. Hunted down Ibitoye a couple of times too when the other got behind Sarries defence. He also caused panic in Bristol whenever he got the ball.
(edit) and congrats to Jackson Wray. That's a magnificent achievement.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:01:28:17:20:21 by OldMarovian.
(edit) and congrats to Jackson Wray. That's a magnificent achievement.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:01:28:17:20:21 by OldMarovian.
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: maynas (IP Logged)
Date: 28/01/2023 18:56
We kept saying stop kicking the ball away but they didn’t till the last few minutes, and look at the difference.
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 28/01/2023 19:03
Rugby, bloody hell. Man, we’ve got away with a few this season but that was a great response with 5 mins left having been outplayed, reminiscent of the Gloucester match at home. Great to see Segun back, devastated to see Dunc go off with what looked like a bad one- he was so close to making the full 80 too. Goodey was the difference again though, made us tick despite a lack of fluency and coordination in the team.
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Posted by: samgibbo (IP Logged)
Date: 28/01/2023 19:08
How was Manu at 10? I’ve had my concerns in the past..
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: ComeOnSarries (IP Logged)
Date: 28/01/2023 19:11
Another game of two half’s. First half was pretty nondescript and Bristol were deservedly 8 pts to the good.
But I thought Sarries stepped it up in the second half and as our subs came on we got stronger as Bristol got weaker. I still thought that all we would get was a losing bonus point but yet again Sarries made the last play count. We have had a few last play wins this year!
It is a good job we have a couple of weeks off now as the cupboard in terms of player availability is pretty bare with a few going off with concussion or injuries.
I was particularly impressed with Billy this afternoon as I think he really competed throughout and in a pack that was getting bullied in the first half he took it back to Bristol.
But I thought Sarries stepped it up in the second half and as our subs came on we got stronger as Bristol got weaker. I still thought that all we would get was a losing bonus point but yet again Sarries made the last play count. We have had a few last play wins this year!
It is a good job we have a couple of weeks off now as the cupboard in terms of player availability is pretty bare with a few going off with concussion or injuries.
I was particularly impressed with Billy this afternoon as I think he really competed throughout and in a pack that was getting bullied in the first half he took it back to Bristol.
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: Static (IP Logged)
Date: 28/01/2023 19:12
Thought Manu was better but didn't get the feeling he eas running the game from 10. Goodey handled a lot of the game management. His distribution was good though and ran harder than your normal 10 and than I've seen him run before. Looked like we established the best way to use him.
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Posted by: AP (IP Logged)
Date: 28/01/2023 19:46
Never in doubt!
When did we last have no points scored at half time? We find a new mountain to climb every match.
The two Bristol fans sitting next to us had their heads in their hands at the end, poor souls.
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
When did we last have no points scored at half time? We find a new mountain to climb every match.
The two Bristol fans sitting next to us had their heads in their hands at the end, poor souls.
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: 1876-Fez (IP Logged)
Date: 28/01/2023 20:35
Quote:samgibbo
How was Manu at 10? I’ve had my concerns in the past..
Watch his double pump before pass.....helped make that try..
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Posted by: The Bard (IP Logged)
Date: 28/01/2023 21:03
Think it did Manu’s confidence a power of good when he stripped the ball from Radrada the first time he ran at him. Let’s hope he can build on this.
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Posted by: ninjafez (IP Logged)
Date: 28/01/2023 21:14
as someone who has a ongoing and managed health condition I sometimes wonder if following this team this season may not have been a wise choice...
Superdunc... what can you say, that wil be more months out and i'm starting to wonder for his long term physical health, i'm sure that our favourite Namibian has very painful winters with his knees.
Soo glad that Roti and Manu have been able to get a good outing, Roti probably had a better day despite almost loosing ibitoye, and i think we need to be a bit more generous to someone who actually hasn't had a run of games in about 2 years... yes he needs to grow and maybe speculate a bit more but you can just drop in a replacement the size of Farrell or Goode with all their experience
why bris kicked back the ball with a minute and change to go and not just 'one out'd to the end of the game?
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:01:28:21:27:01 by ninjafez.
Superdunc... what can you say, that wil be more months out and i'm starting to wonder for his long term physical health, i'm sure that our favourite Namibian has very painful winters with his knees.
Soo glad that Roti and Manu have been able to get a good outing, Roti probably had a better day despite almost loosing ibitoye, and i think we need to be a bit more generous to someone who actually hasn't had a run of games in about 2 years... yes he needs to grow and maybe speculate a bit more but you can just drop in a replacement the size of Farrell or Goode with all their experience
why bris kicked back the ball with a minute and change to go and not just 'one out'd to the end of the game?
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:01:28:21:27:01 by ninjafez.
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: ninjafez (IP Logged)
Date: 28/01/2023 21:59
i think the live chat from Bristol live says it best:
"Just another reason Saracens are top of the league, they really struggle with the concept of losing."
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
"Just another reason Saracens are top of the league, they really struggle with the concept of losing."
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 28/01/2023 22:08
I thought Manu had a very good game. I think the fact we kicked away so much ball in the first half limited his involvement but he didn't have any "oops" moments that I can think of that have previously been an issue. I really hope to see him backed with a run of games during the 6 Nations window.
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Posted by: MarkCol7 (IP Logged)
Date: 29/01/2023 00:18
Tom Ellis looked big, strong and up for the fight when he came on, which unfortunately Kitchener didn’t after taking a few knocks
Theo Dan is going to be one hell of a player once he gets his throwing right
Theo Dan is going to be one hell of a player once he gets his throwing right
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Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 29/01/2023 07:38
Dan’s throwing is usually good, I think Kitchener’s injury really affected him and it really impacted the lineout in the first half.
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Posted by: Sarakene (IP Logged)
Date: 29/01/2023 08:27
The fact is that Manu’s weakness is kicking out of hand. He’s fine distributing, tackling and running. Alex G and the scrum halves did almost all the kicking from hand and place kicking. Manu looked good with the rest but is that good enough going forward?
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Posted by: Innings (IP Logged)
Date: 29/01/2023 14:24
Quote:Sarakene
The fact is that Manu’s weakness is kicking out of hand. He’s fine distributing, tackling and running. Alex G and the scrum halves did almost all the kicking from hand and place kicking. Manu looked good with the rest but is that good enough going forward?
Does this suggest that he should be developing as an inside centre, not at 10?
Innings
Points win matches: tries win hearts and minds.
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Posted by: Strangelove (IP Logged)
Date: 29/01/2023 16:30
Smally said that we rested a few to give some of the youngsters a chance - can only assume he means Maitland, not sure if Wolfy is injured or rested cos of his persistent head-knocks. No Josh Hallett either. We did see Bello and Morris warming up in front of the North stand yesterday, which is good to see. May need Dom if Dunc out again.
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: Surbiton Sarries (IP Logged)
Date: 29/01/2023 17:04
Quote:InningsQuote:Sarakene
The fact is that Manu’s weakness is kicking out of hand. He’s fine distributing, tackling and running. Alex G and the scrum halves did almost all the kicking from hand and place kicking. Manu looked good with the rest but is that good enough going forward?
Does this suggest that he should be developing as an inside centre, not at 10?
Not dissimilar to Max Malins. I saw him play at 10 for the Storm in the dim & distant past & he never seemed comfortable.
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 29/01/2023 23:13
Quote:InningsQuote:Sarakene
The fact is that Manu’s weakness is kicking out of hand. He’s fine distributing, tackling and running. Alex G and the scrum halves did almost all the kicking from hand and place kicking. Manu looked good with the rest but is that good enough going forward?
Does this suggest that he should be developing as an inside centre, not at 10?
I think he is an out and out 10. I think Smally got Goodey to do the kicking as it was Manu’s first match in ages so it took some of the weight off his shoulders.
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: Sarakene (IP Logged)
Date: 30/01/2023 08:44
You may be right Tommy but I've seen him play a lot and seldom seen him have a good kicking game out of hand. I'm on edge with his penalty kicks to touch because of the number of times he has missed.
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 30/01/2023 09:26
All skills can be worked on. Manu has a good short kicking game; chips, kicks through etc. Probably better than most of our other options at 10. I've never thought he has a huge issue as a kicker out of hand but we're a bit spoilt for choice with our options there. As ever I suspect more often than not folks remember weak performances of players they don't rate (guilty!) a second watch of Goodes kicking game on the weekend would be illustrative of the "halo" effect v reality.
That said I guess it depends on how the club see the future? Is it one on which Farrell stays with the club and moves to 12 in a Barritt-esque captaincy role possibly kicking too? or does he stay the primary 10 when his England career is over? If Manu isn't trusted to step up does he stay with players like Goode and Lozo able to play at 10? Not great for long-term given the age-profile but maybe needed in terms of balancing squad costs? Who would be a coach?!
That said I guess it depends on how the club see the future? Is it one on which Farrell stays with the club and moves to 12 in a Barritt-esque captaincy role possibly kicking too? or does he stay the primary 10 when his England career is over? If Manu isn't trusted to step up does he stay with players like Goode and Lozo able to play at 10? Not great for long-term given the age-profile but maybe needed in terms of balancing squad costs? Who would be a coach?!
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: AP (IP Logged)
Date: 30/01/2023 10:57
Thanks, OM, I was going to say the same about Manu's kicking game.
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 30/01/2023 11:42
Personally I think Farrell will stay our 10 until he retires which I’m perfectly happy with. Sexton is still going at 36/38 so no reason Faz can’t do the same. Manu can either stay as back up or move on if he wants to be first choice but can’t usurp Faz.
I would say we should show some patience towards him and other young lads. They’re replacing a lot of all time great players which is no easy feat, especially when their game time has dwindled to so little with the A league scrapped. The coaching team obviously see something in Manu otherwise he wouldn’t still be with us, I’m happy to go with their judgment.
I would say we should show some patience towards him and other young lads. They’re replacing a lot of all time great players which is no easy feat, especially when their game time has dwindled to so little with the A league scrapped. The coaching team obviously see something in Manu otherwise he wouldn’t still be with us, I’m happy to go with their judgment.
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: Duncan96 (IP Logged)
Date: 30/01/2023 13:20
I seem to remember quite a few years when Owen interchanged with Charlie Hodgeson (who kept going till he could barely walk off the pitch). Sometimes one or the other would play the whole match. Sometimes they'd share it.
I guess there is scope for that kind of working relationship.
Manu seemed to play a kind of hybrid game with Alex Goode this weekend which was very effective, especially when Dunc had to go off.
Perhaps we'll see a new innovation continue
I guess there is scope for that kind of working relationship.
Manu seemed to play a kind of hybrid game with Alex Goode this weekend which was very effective, especially when Dunc had to go off.
Perhaps we'll see a new innovation continue
Re: BRISTOL PREVIEW: PLEASE POST ALL MATCH RELATED COMMENTS HERE
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 30/01/2023 14:09
Quote:TommyKentish
I would say we should show some patience towards him and other young lads. They’re replacing a lot of all time great players which is no easy feat, especially when their game time has dwindled to so little with the A league scrapped. The coaching team obviously see something in Manu otherwise he wouldn’t still be with us, I’m happy to go with their judgment.
Excellent post TK +1
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