SHARKS PREVIEW: please post all match related comments here
By The Saracens
March 2 2023
And so we reach the last of our competitive games during the 6 nations squeeze. After Sunday the senior squad have a couple of weeks’ break before taking on Quins in the Showdown. We head north to take on Sale Sharks in their own pond.
north to take on Sale Sharks in their own pond.
In a way it’s a shame that this head to head between the 2 top teams in the league is taking place when both sides have been denuded by international all ups (although I see our friend Alex Sanderson is doing his level best to get George Ford released). However it is a real testament to our club that whatever happens on Sunday and despite providing around half the England team plus contributions to Scotland Wales and Italy, Saracens will end this period top of the league. We’d have taken that back in September.
Although a win would pretty much guarantee a home semi, defeat would be far from disastrous given the huge lead the top 2 have on the rest of the pack. With the resources we have available, pretty much anything we can garner from this fixture would count as a win. But maybe we shouldn’t be so negative. After all Sale haven’t had it all their own way in recent weeks and although home form has been decent, they have lost their last 2 games (both away) to Saints and Exeter. Sale haven’t beaten Sarries in the League since 2020.
Sale will be without Manu Tuilagi (suspended) and as things stand George Ford plus the Curry brothers (1 injured, 1 in camp). They can still field their raft of Du Preezes and Raffi Quirk is getting back to his best. Sale will not be a pushover by any means.
Sarries, along with the long term injured, will be without Mako, Jamie George, Itoje, Earl, Farrell & Malins (who has an ankle injury). This week Nick Isiekwe has been swapped with Earl for some game time. Nick Tompkins should be available along with Andy Christie, Sean Maitland and Marco Riccioni. Incredibly Smally has a selection dilemma for himself at inside centre. We all rate Tompkins but I think we were all pretty impressed with young Ollie Hartley too. The other issue is that of fly half. So far Smally has gone with Goodey once and Manu twice. What will we see on Sunday? I think the team looks more fluid and with more shape and purpose with Goode at the helm. Manu looked better against Falcons but is he good enough? I think Theo Dan has earned another start and I really hope Pifileti has been practising lineouts all week because he was a liability last weekend.
So we may see something like: Maitland, Lewington, Lozowski, Tompkins, Segun, Goode, Van Zyl; Mawi, Dan, Riccioni, Ellis, Tizard, Isiekwe, Christie, Billy.
Referee is Tom Foley assisted by Adam Leal & Wayne Falla with Claire Hodnett in the van. God help us with that lot! Citing Officer is Andy Blyth (good to see he’s back involved with the game – I will never forget that night at Vicarage Road – my first Saracens game).
If Sarries can produce something like the first half performance from last weekend for the full 80 minutes and avoid any red cards they can do this. But it’s a big IF and to be honest a losing BP keeping Sale to 4 match points wouldn’t be a bad outcome. The game is on ITV so should reach a wider audience. Let's hope at least its a good advertisement for our sport.
SHARKS PREVIEW: please post all match related comments here
Posted by: TheSaracens.com (IP Logged)
Date: 02/03/2023 17:02
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:03:23:19:20:27 by Darraghgirl.
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Re: SHARKS PREVIEW: please post all match related comments here
Posted by: The Bard (IP Logged)
Date: 03/03/2023 09:06
I’m not sure Andy Christie is a number 7, if Woolfie was fit I’d start him and put Theo Dan there. Toby Knight could possibly start. I can see Maitland at FB again, although maybe with our league position the decision will be give Manu the game time he desperately needs.
I’m sure Sale will be even more disappointed than we are to see Claire Hodnett as TMO. It cannot be a position they struggle to fill and she has made too many match changing mistakes.
I too was at VR that day of the Andy Blyth injury, happened right in front of me and really shook me how brutal the game could be to it’s participants
I’m sure Sale will be even more disappointed than we are to see Claire Hodnett as TMO. It cannot be a position they struggle to fill and she has made too many match changing mistakes.
I too was at VR that day of the Andy Blyth injury, happened right in front of me and really shook me how brutal the game could be to it’s participants
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Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 03/03/2023 10:34
I personally would prefer Manu at 10, I don’t think we offer enough creativity with Maitland at 15. If Goode was at 15 v Tigers I reckon we finish off at least one of the chances we had. We could always go Loz at 10 with Hartley and Tompkins in the centres- that would be abrasive!
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Posted by: tpr's headmistress (IP Logged)
Date: 03/03/2023 12:01
Saracens Men team to play Sale Sharks:
1 Eroni Mawi
2 Theo Dan
3 Alec Clarey
4 Nick Isiekwe
5 Hugh Tizard
6 Tom Ellis
7 Andy Christie
8 Billy Vunipola
9 Aled Davies
10 Manu Vunipola
11 Alex Lewington
12 Nick Tompkins
13 Alex Lozowski
14 Sean Maitland
15 Alex Goode (c)
Replacements:
16 Kapeli Pifeleti
17 Robin Hislop
18 Eduardo Bello
19 Cameron Boon
20 Toby Knight
21 Ivan Van Zyl
22 Olly Hartley
23 Rotimi Segun
1 Eroni Mawi
2 Theo Dan
3 Alec Clarey
4 Nick Isiekwe
5 Hugh Tizard
6 Tom Ellis
7 Andy Christie
8 Billy Vunipola
9 Aled Davies
10 Manu Vunipola
11 Alex Lewington
12 Nick Tompkins
13 Alex Lozowski
14 Sean Maitland
15 Alex Goode (c)
Replacements:
16 Kapeli Pifeleti
17 Robin Hislop
18 Eduardo Bello
19 Cameron Boon
20 Toby Knight
21 Ivan Van Zyl
22 Olly Hartley
23 Rotimi Segun
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Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 03/03/2023 12:19
Strange that Van Zyl is on the bench again. Glad that we’ve Isiekwe back for some added beef in the forwards. I think Ellis has quietly been a great addition too, hope he goes well at 6 this time. Sale away is always tough, glad that it’s not a Friday night match though!
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Posted by: cwrich (IP Logged)
Date: 03/03/2023 12:32
Sale Sharks starting XV:
15. Joe Carpenter, 14. Tom Roebuck, 13. Sam James, 12. Ryan Mills, 11. Tom O’Flaherty, 10. Rob du Preez, 9. Gus Warr; 1. Bevan Rodd, 2. Ewan Ashman, 3. Coenie Oosthuizen, 4. Cobus Wiese, 5. Jonny Hill, 6. Jono Ross ©, 7. Sam Dugdale, 8. Jean-Luc du Preez.
Replacements:
16. Tommy Taylor, 17. Simon McIntyre, 18. Nick Schonert, 19. Alex Groves, 20. Josh Beaumont, 21. Raffi Quirke, 22. Luke James, 23. Arron Reed.
15. Joe Carpenter, 14. Tom Roebuck, 13. Sam James, 12. Ryan Mills, 11. Tom O’Flaherty, 10. Rob du Preez, 9. Gus Warr; 1. Bevan Rodd, 2. Ewan Ashman, 3. Coenie Oosthuizen, 4. Cobus Wiese, 5. Jonny Hill, 6. Jono Ross ©, 7. Sam Dugdale, 8. Jean-Luc du Preez.
Replacements:
16. Tommy Taylor, 17. Simon McIntyre, 18. Nick Schonert, 19. Alex Groves, 20. Josh Beaumont, 21. Raffi Quirke, 22. Luke James, 23. Arron Reed.
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Posted by: The Bard (IP Logged)
Date: 03/03/2023 12:59
Looked at their team a bit too quickly and thought they had Sid James at 13! What a carry-on that would have been!
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Posted by: OTsarrie (IP Logged)
Date: 03/03/2023 13:55
That is a strong Sale team .
I hope I am wrong , but I can’t see us getting much from this game .
I hope I am wrong , but I can’t see us getting much from this game .
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Posted by: siNBin (IP Logged)
Date: 03/03/2023 15:18
They say you dont learn very much playing poor teams. I think there will be plenty of learning opportunities on Sunday.
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Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 04/03/2023 07:37
Basically last weeks team backed again which feels like a great move.
Shame Sanderson didn't feel like playing Ford and du Preez together as that would definitely give Sarries areas to exploit. As it is du Preez is one of the weaker defender of the 10 channel so hopefully he gets plenty of visits from Christie, Tompkins and co.
The Sale team looks very good but Sarries have been playing well too all-be-it not consistently over 80. If Sale go men down I really hope that we can play a bit brighter than in previous weeks and take full advantage as 15 v 15 it looks like a v tough game.
Interested to see how Ellis goes at 6. Agree with TK and tbh not sure I'd play Goode at 10 anymore where he's looked a shadow of the player who played the early season there. I hope Manu can take his next step up.
With Saints slipping up depending on how Chiefs visit to HQ goes today we could start Sunday with a great chance of pretty much nailing top 2 ... or not
Would have liked to see Segun starting. Will have to look forward to him coming off the bench with IVZ instead!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:03:04:07:57:25 by OldMarovian.
Shame Sanderson didn't feel like playing Ford and du Preez together as that would definitely give Sarries areas to exploit. As it is du Preez is one of the weaker defender of the 10 channel so hopefully he gets plenty of visits from Christie, Tompkins and co.
The Sale team looks very good but Sarries have been playing well too all-be-it not consistently over 80. If Sale go men down I really hope that we can play a bit brighter than in previous weeks and take full advantage as 15 v 15 it looks like a v tough game.
Interested to see how Ellis goes at 6. Agree with TK and tbh not sure I'd play Goode at 10 anymore where he's looked a shadow of the player who played the early season there. I hope Manu can take his next step up.
With Saints slipping up depending on how Chiefs visit to HQ goes today we could start Sunday with a great chance of pretty much nailing top 2 ... or not
Would have liked to see Segun starting. Will have to look forward to him coming off the bench with IVZ instead!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:03:04:07:57:25 by OldMarovian.
Re: SHARKS PREVIEW: please post all match related comments here
Posted by: wolfgangvonb77 (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 15:45
How was the last try not a forward pass.....
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Posted by: JimG (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 15:47
Unbelievable. What is the point of the TMO? That was 5 yards forwards!
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Posted by: Harrow Sarrie (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 15:47
... because the TMO is a liability.
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Posted by: darktagnan (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 15:48
Sale 2nd try at least 2 m forward - Claire Hodnett had made another error in a Sarries game. Hope it is not significant come the final score.
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Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 15:49
Nothing compelling my @#$%&, genuinely staggering from the TMO.
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Posted by: ComeOnSarries (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 15:56
I am so glad that Flatman and Ojo both said it was forward in every definition of the word forward ie both hands and direction of the ball. Can understand the referee missing it in real time but the TMO has absolutely no excuse. She consistently makes howlers of both omission and commission and really should be removed by Premiership Rugby.
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Posted by: wolfgangvonb77 (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 16:04
The ref and TMO aren't the best, could tip this game
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Posted by: Surbiton Sarries (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 16:28
It would help if Goodey had brought his kicking boots
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Posted by: maynas (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 16:51
Good can’t kick why isn’t Manu being trusted with them?
Awful defense at times but for goodness sake get on with the game at the lineout , stupid turnover in Sale’s 22 and then swearing at the ref is so brain dead it beggars belief, should have had a losing bonus point
Awful defense at times but for goodness sake get on with the game at the lineout , stupid turnover in Sale’s 22 and then swearing at the ref is so brain dead it beggars belief, should have had a losing bonus point
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Posted by: Static (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 16:51
Ultimately, Sale deserved the win, but you wonder the difference that try made. Cannot believe it didn't warrant looking at least. That was ridiculous.
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Posted by: JimG (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 16:53
Much better performance by us than against Newcastle. Unlucky with the cards although the red was clearly correct under current regs. Still fuming about the completely obvious forward pass for Sale’s second. Shame about that final score. Good game though.
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Posted by: Eric Browett (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 16:53
Braindead with the free kick for huddling before lineout at 28-24. Foley had warned us at least 3 times. Match was lost there. Our maul was going really well and it was odds on a score.
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Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 16:54
Ooof. Not a single point. Very disappointing.
Some incredibly brainless stuff in the last twenty especially the penalty for the lineout huddle and the Tompkins back-chat. Goode awful and Davies poor distribution early on checked Sarries attack again and again. The "Try" seemed to take the wind out of our sails, as it were. Can't afford to be as impacted by one rubbish call.
Can someone explain to me how Jonny Hill puts a full on shoulder to head hit on Theo Dan in the first few minutes and it's not even a penalty? As for Weise, glad he went to Sale the guy is an absolute scumbag. Nasty shoulder to the back of Billys head in a ruck, twisting Christies neck in another. Not sure what the TMO was doing.
Disappointing result and looks like we'll have to wait at least another game to confirm the play-off spot.
Lozos try-saver the highlight of the match. 6 wins from 8 games in the International window is still a huge achievement and something for these players to be very proud of.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:03:05:17:02:28 by OldMarovian.
Some incredibly brainless stuff in the last twenty especially the penalty for the lineout huddle and the Tompkins back-chat. Goode awful and Davies poor distribution early on checked Sarries attack again and again. The "Try" seemed to take the wind out of our sails, as it were. Can't afford to be as impacted by one rubbish call.
Can someone explain to me how Jonny Hill puts a full on shoulder to head hit on Theo Dan in the first few minutes and it's not even a penalty? As for Weise, glad he went to Sale the guy is an absolute scumbag. Nasty shoulder to the back of Billys head in a ruck, twisting Christies neck in another. Not sure what the TMO was doing.
Disappointing result and looks like we'll have to wait at least another game to confirm the play-off spot.
Lozos try-saver the highlight of the match. 6 wins from 8 games in the International window is still a huge achievement and something for these players to be very proud of.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:03:05:17:02:28 by OldMarovian.
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Posted by: CroxleySarrie (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 16:56
Incredibly hard job to be a referee and TMO brings its own pressures but why not take the time to check such a vital passage of play. Such an obvious forward pass and the turning point of the game. Why on earth then check everything else including De Preez’s absolutely clear grounding at the end.
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Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 16:58
Quote:Static
Ultimately, Sale deserved the win, but you wonder the difference that try made. Cannot believe it didn't warrant looking at least. That was ridiculous.
It was looked at but TMO said it was fine. Not much one can do about that level of ineptitude.
Tbf there were more than enough mistakes by Sarries where that bad call could have been taken out of the game. How stupid do you have to be when you're warned by the referee not to huddle, to do it the next time and get away with it because the referee says he was talking to someone and then do it again when it's likely to be our last chance?
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Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 16:59
That period of play where we went from camped on their line to conceding a try was so, so poor. Warned about huddling already then continuing to do it and then Tompkins swearing at the ref? Just unbelievably dumb and infuriating. Went from a chance of winning to zero points.
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Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 17:00
Did the charge-down on Goodes kick actually stay infield?
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Posted by: Surbiton Sarries (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 17:05
Quote:Static
. Cannot believe it didn't warrant looking at least. That was ridiculous.
Hodnett did check it and said there was nothing compelling
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Posted by: myleftboot (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 17:10
Quote:The huddling was very embarrassing. Carley has pulled teams up on that over and over again, he was far more lenient than normal. Commentary were discussing how much that try on half time rattled us, apparently the coaches were raging.TommyKentish
. Warned about huddling already then continuing to do it .
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Posted by: Surbiton Sarries (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 17:17
Quote:myleftbootQuote:The huddling was very embarrassing. Carley has pulled teams up on that over and over again, he was far more lenient than normal. Commentary were discussing how much that try on half time rattled us, apparently the coaches were raging.TommyKentish
. Warned about huddling already then continuing to do it .
'twas Foley not Carley!
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Posted by: Roger G (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 17:50
Agree with the unbelievable missing of a forward pass.
Also surprised nobody's mentioned the very harsh yellow card for Goode - the ball went straight out of play so there was no chance of a try even if you did consider Goode's collision deliberate, which is debatable IMHO.
Also the ball clearly bounced back infield from touch for another of their tries.
Finally no problem with the red, but the Sale player was leading with a forearm which I'm sure isn't allowed. I'm not sure how two conflicting penalty offences might cancel each other out - maybe a red but pen to us as the forearm came first.
I rarely think the refs team have changed a result but in this case.......
All in all though I'm not overly disappointed. If we can run Sale that close without 7 internationals (5 with England, plus Daly and McFarland) I'm confident we could beat them with our best team out.
Also surprised nobody's mentioned the very harsh yellow card for Goode - the ball went straight out of play so there was no chance of a try even if you did consider Goode's collision deliberate, which is debatable IMHO.
Also the ball clearly bounced back infield from touch for another of their tries.
Finally no problem with the red, but the Sale player was leading with a forearm which I'm sure isn't allowed. I'm not sure how two conflicting penalty offences might cancel each other out - maybe a red but pen to us as the forearm came first.
I rarely think the refs team have changed a result but in this case.......
All in all though I'm not overly disappointed. If we can run Sale that close without 7 internationals (5 with England, plus Daly and McFarland) I'm confident we could beat them with our best team out.
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Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 17:57
I love to see extra angles for two things.
The Hill shot on Dans head. Only one angle about two and a half minutes in but the height of the hit and the whiplash suggest shoulder to head. A reverse if they had it would show contact point. The charge-down from Goode looks like it hit the line too but tbf the AR was right there and didn't call it so maybe it was perspective that made it look like it hit the line as both ball and line are white and there might have been grass behind it?
Humpf
Still should have got the TBP at minimum.
Roger G as long as you push the "fend" away from the body when you make contact rather than lead with it it's allowed. I think it was probably ok?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:03:05:18:00:18 by OldMarovian.
The Hill shot on Dans head. Only one angle about two and a half minutes in but the height of the hit and the whiplash suggest shoulder to head. A reverse if they had it would show contact point. The charge-down from Goode looks like it hit the line too but tbf the AR was right there and didn't call it so maybe it was perspective that made it look like it hit the line as both ball and line are white and there might have been grass behind it?
Humpf
Still should have got the TBP at minimum.
Roger G as long as you push the "fend" away from the body when you make contact rather than lead with it it's allowed. I think it was probably ok?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:03:05:18:00:18 by OldMarovian.
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Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 18:04
On the plus side the chance to secure the home semi at HQ v Quins adds a bit of spice and they'll love the chance to deny Sarries.
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Posted by: Roger G (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 18:12
Thanks for the "fend" explanation OM. Lifelong learning and l that.....
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Posted by: JimG (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 18:31
I think there probably was separation at point of contact but marginal and I don’t have an issue with the red although I think he was pretty unlucky as the attacker had broken through a tackle and he probably wasn’t expecting the contact. I still think overall it was a decent performance considering our missing resources especially first half. Dan good again and Lewington is in great form. On the negative side Goode’s goal kicking was dreadful and Manu fails to convince although at least he slotted his kick well!
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Posted by: Strangelove (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 18:31
Undone by our own indiscipline at times and by the officials at times. However, as said, 6 wins from 8 during internationals is good and I have every hope that when it matters we can beat Sale in a knockout game. Their defence was superb and you can see what Alex has done since moving up there.
At least no prem game for us next week and we are virtually in playoffs - think Quins have a game in hand which means they could still overtake us if we lost all 4 games without many bonus points.
Lads will get a rest and come back fighting. Think chance to play some young guns v scarlets next Fri.
3 losses from 16 games and in theory we should/could have won all of those (mind you, we’ve come back from the dead so many times this season we can’t complain!). Great shifts from Theo, Sean, Lewi, Eroni and Andy.
At least no prem game for us next week and we are virtually in playoffs - think Quins have a game in hand which means they could still overtake us if we lost all 4 games without many bonus points.
Lads will get a rest and come back fighting. Think chance to play some young guns v scarlets next Fri.
3 losses from 16 games and in theory we should/could have won all of those (mind you, we’ve come back from the dead so many times this season we can’t complain!). Great shifts from Theo, Sean, Lewi, Eroni and Andy.
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Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 18:53
Nice quick interview with Ellis on Twitter. Was today his last game? If so thanks for all the great work. He's been great cover and him stripping du Preez of the ball today was great.
As said above Mawi continues to impress. Must be pretty close to earning the start regardless of who is available. Not sure where Dan gets the energy from but it's hugely impressive.
Felt for Manu today. Made a mistake or two but he got some horrible service and several times it seemed the team where on different pages. He'd get the ball and there was maybe one option to pass to if he wanted to give them a hospital pass. Great defence from Sale but I'm not sure why he didn't have more options. Also the kick over is a great idea against an aggressive defence but perhaps needs a bit better communication between the kicker and chaser?
Are we sure we haven't changed our kicking coach? Both Farrell and Goode not good from the spot right now.
As said above Mawi continues to impress. Must be pretty close to earning the start regardless of who is available. Not sure where Dan gets the energy from but it's hugely impressive.
Felt for Manu today. Made a mistake or two but he got some horrible service and several times it seemed the team where on different pages. He'd get the ball and there was maybe one option to pass to if he wanted to give them a hospital pass. Great defence from Sale but I'm not sure why he didn't have more options. Also the kick over is a great idea against an aggressive defence but perhaps needs a bit better communication between the kicker and chaser?
Are we sure we haven't changed our kicking coach? Both Farrell and Goode not good from the spot right now.
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Posted by: The Bard (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 19:18
No idea why Loz didn’t take over kicking? Goodey right off form with the boot and as captain he has far too much on his plate. Don’t think the officials cost us the game but they certainly cost us a point
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Posted by: OTsarrie (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 20:34
It seems to me we lack leadership when Faz and Ben Earl are away .
As mentioned above , the huddle and swearing at the ref are just stupid and should have been stopped by the captain on the field …
As mentioned above , the huddle and swearing at the ref are just stupid and should have been stopped by the captain on the field …
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Posted by: The Bard (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 20:42
You’d hope someone with international experience like Nick Isiekwe would be getting a grip of matters like the lineout
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Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 20:47
Re the lineout is it my imagination or is the standing off and joining the lineout late (I don't mean the huddle but like 5 seconds before the throw) a new thing? Can't remember it being so obvious before?
In all of that forgot to say Congrats to Sanderson. After a slightly rocky start as he got to grips with things and balanced his squad and as a result Sale have looked excellent this season.
In all of that forgot to say Congrats to Sanderson. After a slightly rocky start as he got to grips with things and balanced his squad and as a result Sale have looked excellent this season.
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Posted by: Rubz (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2023 22:19
24th men today for those interested in next cab at the rank / injury updates:
- Warren
- Lewis
- Judge
- Wardell
- Michelow
- De Haas
- Morris
- Hallett
Jackson Wray was also present, but acting as a water carrier / not changed and participating
- Warren
- Lewis
- Judge
- Wardell
- Michelow
- De Haas
- Morris
- Hallett
Jackson Wray was also present, but acting as a water carrier / not changed and participating
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Posted by: The Bard (IP Logged)
Date: 06/03/2023 08:33
No Ben Harris?
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Posted by: PhilFMP (IP Logged)
Date: 06/03/2023 09:17
Ben played for Ampthill on Saturday, so did James Flynn and Brandon Jackson.
Re: SHARKS PREVIEW: please post all match related comments here
Posted by: Teacher-peter (retired) (IP Logged)
Date: 06/03/2023 12:51
Watched the match live at Sale. Disappointing end result. T Dan was great. 50% of Aled's passes poor. He can't throw a decent pass over distance. His kicking was pretty good. Manu tough when running into contact, but not much else positive about his fly half play.
Ref missed a knock-on by Sale at about 10 mins in. Goode points kicking 50%. The game was fierce. Both teams hitting each other hard. Scrums are just about holding their own, with Sale slightly better. Watching the match again on the TV.
Our locks playing well. Our kick chase was really good. The 'step across' was a trip!!! Goode kicking for touch fine. Both lineouts functioning well. Lots of plus during the first half. Goode conversion kicks pretty off course.
Goode yellow card was silly by him. The ball was going out. Sale try as a result.
That pass was several miles forward. What an utterly@#$%&decision from the TMO!
Second half starts. Probably a knock on by Sarries missed by the ref. O'Flaherty was Sale's major danger. Our scrum was a bit of a mess when their new front row came on. Sale's third try was simple and very well done. But our defence was too gappy. Defence from Sarries seemed to fall apart, making Sale look good and allowing another try for Sale. Nick Tomkins looked a bit slow?
Saracens warned clearly about no more huddles before the lineout. Goode misses kick.
Carpenter uses his forearm and it was not a push away bit that was foul play as well. Head contact. Probably a yellow rather than a red, but I can see why red.
Really stupid time-wasting tactic. Sale supporters not understanding when a tackled player puts the ball down and is allowed to carry on. Tomkins needs to keep his mouth shut.
Ref missed a knock-on by Sale at about 10 mins in. Goode points kicking 50%. The game was fierce. Both teams hitting each other hard. Scrums are just about holding their own, with Sale slightly better. Watching the match again on the TV.
Our locks playing well. Our kick chase was really good. The 'step across' was a trip!!! Goode kicking for touch fine. Both lineouts functioning well. Lots of plus during the first half. Goode conversion kicks pretty off course.
Goode yellow card was silly by him. The ball was going out. Sale try as a result.
That pass was several miles forward. What an utterly@#$%&decision from the TMO!
Second half starts. Probably a knock on by Sarries missed by the ref. O'Flaherty was Sale's major danger. Our scrum was a bit of a mess when their new front row came on. Sale's third try was simple and very well done. But our defence was too gappy. Defence from Sarries seemed to fall apart, making Sale look good and allowing another try for Sale. Nick Tomkins looked a bit slow?
Saracens warned clearly about no more huddles before the lineout. Goode misses kick.
Carpenter uses his forearm and it was not a push away bit that was foul play as well. Head contact. Probably a yellow rather than a red, but I can see why red.
Really stupid time-wasting tactic. Sale supporters not understanding when a tackled player puts the ball down and is allowed to carry on. Tomkins needs to keep his mouth shut.
Re: SHARKS PREVIEW: please post all match related comments here
Posted by: Chris1850 (IP Logged)
Date: 06/03/2023 16:34
Quote:Roger G
All in all though I'm not overly disappointed. If we can run Sale that close without 7 internationals (5 with England, plus Daly and McFarland) I'm confident we could beat them with our best team out.
Sale were without Ford, Tuillagi, Tom Curry, Ben Curry , van der Merwe , Dan du Preez though. All guanteed starters probably.
Re: SHARKS PREVIEW: please post all match related comments here
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 06/03/2023 16:45
Quote:OTsarrie
As mentioned above , the huddle and swearing at the ref are just stupid and should have been stopped by the captain on the field …
Tbf that doesn't happen no matter who we have on the field. I actually think our discipline has been excellent recently but when we get a few bad calls some players need to learn to button their lip. I've massive respect for them as it must be incredibly hard. Play on the edge but not over it, leave everything out there but take bad calls in your stride. Easy, it ain't.
Re: SHARKS PREVIEW: please post all match related comments here
Posted by: Chris1850 (IP Logged)
Date: 06/03/2023 16:54
Quote:OldMarovianQuote:OTsarrie
As mentioned above , the huddle and swearing at the ref are just stupid and should have been stopped by the captain on the field …
Tbf that doesn't happen no matter who we have on the field. I actually think our discipline has been excellent recently but when we get a few bad calls some players need to learn to button their lip. I've massive respect for them as it must be incredibly hard. Play on the edge but not over it, leave everything out there but take bad calls in your stride. Easy, it ain't.
And BV was very lucky towards the end that Foley didnt see him throwing the ball away after he'd awarded Sale a penalty (missed by the TV as well). In fact he was surly and mouthing all match. Needs to start concentrating on the game more, instead of complaining about every decision
Re: SHARKS PREVIEW: please post all match related comments here
Posted by: AP (IP Logged)
Date: 06/03/2023 18:32
Sorry, I think being penalised for the huddle was very poor - a coach killer. They've been warned about it in previous matches, they were warned twice in that one. They should have been practising how to address it in training. Isiekwe should have taken ownership of it on the pitch.
We had a good chance (repeatedly) to score from those lineouts and it was lost on each occasion. That would have been the fourth try and likely at least two league points, if not five.
We will very probably meet Sale in the play offs and they now know they really can beat us.
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
We had a good chance (repeatedly) to score from those lineouts and it was lost on each occasion. That would have been the fourth try and likely at least two league points, if not five.
We will very probably meet Sale in the play offs and they now know they really can beat us.
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
Re: SHARKS PREVIEW: please post all match related comments here
Posted by: darktagnan (IP Logged)
Date: 06/03/2023 21:35
still upset about the fwd pass & thought Goode's yellow was on the harsh side but not necessarily completely unreasonable. Most other issues were of our own making & fixable. The huddle issue was nuts & made us look like idiots.
The red was a red by current standards but I'm starting to think that someone on one side or the other is at risk of copping one of these nearly every game as nobody anywhere is learning the lessons that the sanctions are supposed to be teaching.
Sale marginally the better side on the day although a losing bonus point should & would have been a fair outcome.
The red was a red by current standards but I'm starting to think that someone on one side or the other is at risk of copping one of these nearly every game as nobody anywhere is learning the lessons that the sanctions are supposed to be teaching.
Sale marginally the better side on the day although a losing bonus point should & would have been a fair outcome.
Re: SHARKS PREVIEW: please post all match related comments here
Posted by: sodslaw (IP Logged)
Date: 13/03/2023 12:34
Interesting to see that the disciplinary panel disagreed with the ref. Hislop was passive and it should have been a yellow!
Re: SHARKS PREVIEW: please post all match related comments here
Posted by: JimG (IP Logged)
Date: 13/03/2023 14:42
That’s weird though. I thought it was a red (under current regs) even with my Sarries glasses on. Very surprised they would overturn that. Pity they couldn’t overturn the forward pass try and give us a bonus point. That was the real travesty. I never want to see Claire Hodnett TMO again - it’s a game changing cock up virtually ever game.
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