SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
By The Saracens
May 11 2023
RIGHT HERE! RIGHT NOW! RIGHT HERE ! RIGHT NOW! The place is here and the time is now, here at StoneX on Saturday afternoon Time to prove we have what it takes to win the big ones and go the whole way. The rest of the season means nothing now. Yes we finished on top but from hereon in it’s knock out rugby. Best team on the day wins.
Our opponents, Northampton Saints, will have no fear. They came to StoneX/Allianz in 2013 (co-incidentally when Sarries had finished the regular season on top) and comprehensively overpowered the home team. (OK we went to Franklins Gardens in 2015 and did the same thing to gain revenge for Saint’s win in the final the previous year). Saints haven’t made it to Twickenham since that 2014 victory whereas Sarries have been regular visitors.
Saints haven’t had a competitive game for 3 weeks – Sarries opted to rest their first team last week against Bath after a decent 2nd half (anyway) at home to Irish which secured top spot. So both teams should be well rested at the end of a long bruising season.
It goes without saying that both teams will be at full strength (injuries permitting). Incredibly Andy Christie could be fit for Saturday! Northampton are currently topping a lot of Premiership stats:- most points scored (660), most tries (89), most metres gained (10410), most clean breaks (210), most passes (3068) and most tackles (3022). They have won 3 of their last 4 games (only defeat was to Irish, 22-37). Sarries have won their last 15 Premiership Rugby matches at StoneX (last defeat was to Gloucester in 2022). 2 pretty good teams then. I hope Sarries will stick to the open and attacking rugby that has served them well this season but the breakdown remains a weakness and they absolutely need to play the referee (whether or not they agree with his interpretation) and keep their discipline. At the time of writing the officials have not been announced but anyone who has influence with the Almighty, please pray for an absence of Hodnett.
Saints’ board are suggesting something like:- Waller, Matavasi, Davison/Hill, Ribbans, Moon/Salakaia-Loto, Lawes, Ludlam, Augustus; Mitchell, F Smith, Freeman, Hutchinson, Dingwall, Collins/Ramm, Furbank. So no messing there then
For once Mark McCall (congratulations sir, Premiership Rugby DOR of the year) can select from strength with only (only!!!) Billy and Theo unavailable. After a superb 40 minutes last weekend I think Daly will come straight back into the starting XV, probably at the espense of Goodey (who will provide utility support from the bench). Even if Christie is fit I think best case scenario would be an impact player. Jackson Wray has never let the club down so he won’t be starting now. Segun made a good case for inclusion on the wing, as has Alex Lewington but I think MMc will go with Maitland.
The other spot for grabs is Maro’s partner at lock – Tizard or Hunter-Hill? Tight one but I’d go with Callum.
So Sarries will, I suspect, go with: M Vunipola, George, Riccioni, Itoje, Hunter-Hill, Isiekwie, Earl, Wray; Van Zyl, Farrell, Maitland (Premiership Rugby Community Player of the Year), Tompkins, Lozowski, Malins, Daly.
It will be a sell-out on Saturday. We absolutely need to do our part and be the 16th man – we know how much the team value our support so let’s be loud and proud for our Saracens and hopefully we’ll have one more game before we head for the beach.
SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: TheSaracens.com (IP Logged)
Date: 11/05/2023 11:27
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:06:03:15:07:20 by Darraghgirl.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:06:03:15:07:20 by Darraghgirl.
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: ninjafez (IP Logged)
Date: 11/05/2023 13:33
I am now a bit nervous... Gotta be squeaky clean and no diving into tackles ..
Referee: Karl Dickson (76th Premiership game, 1st semi-final).
Assistant Referees: Ian Tempest and Craig Maxwell-Keys. TMO: Stuart Terheege.
Citing Officer: Danae Zamboulis
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Referee: Karl Dickson (76th Premiership game, 1st semi-final).
Assistant Referees: Ian Tempest and Craig Maxwell-Keys. TMO: Stuart Terheege.
Citing Officer: Danae Zamboulis
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: Darraghgirl (IP Logged)
Date: 11/05/2023 16:19
Heavy duty officialdom! At least no Hodnetts in sight
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 11/05/2023 17:08
Quote:Darraghgirl
Heavy duty officialdom! At least no Hodnetts in sight
Waiting in the Final for two lucky teams? ...
I'm amazed that there are suggestions Christie might be an option. Ofc we'll consider the player before our need so no issues there but it seems super quick to be back. Good news though.
Tomorrow at 12 will be interesting. With McCalls newly conferred "honour" none of us will doubt his and the coaches selections but I'm really hoping to see Dan and Segun in the 23. If they're not might that suggest a lesson wasn't learnt last season? or might it just suggest that actual coaches know more than arm-chair supporters!!
It will also be fascinating to see how Sarries play. The more open style (when it's not sticking) is pretty much ideal ball for Saints to play off so hopefully everyone gets an extra spray of sticky spray before they go on
Dickson being referee shouldn't change anything. You've always needed to take the decisions out of the referees hands and we'll need to do so for this game too. Discipline generally has been pretty good recently which is a positive.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:05:11:21:33:19 by OldMarovian.
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 11/05/2023 17:18
If Christie is fit that would be a massive boost. He’s top five in both metres carried per 80 and dominant tackles per 80 mins this season, really starting to fulfil that potential.
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: The Bard (IP Logged)
Date: 11/05/2023 20:09
Something has got to give. The last 3 Sarries-Saints premiership semis have been won by the away team. But more encouragingly, in the last 3 RWC years Sarries have won the title!
I'm certain we will go with Tizard to combat the physicality of Ribbans.
Reckon Dan will be on the bench over Woolfie who surely would have featured last week if in contention.
Also reckon we'll stick with Knight on the bench, IF, and a very big IF we get to the final Christie may feature then.
I'm certain we will go with Tizard to combat the physicality of Ribbans.
Reckon Dan will be on the bench over Woolfie who surely would have featured last week if in contention.
Also reckon we'll stick with Knight on the bench, IF, and a very big IF we get to the final Christie may feature then.
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: maynas (IP Logged)
Date: 12/05/2023 09:34
Bad news on the trains, no return tickets being issued this way , hope everyone can get there OK
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: Sarriebone (IP Logged)
Date: 12/05/2023 12:00
Saracens Men team to play Northampton Saints:
1 Mako Vunipola
2 Jamie George
3 Marco Riccioni
4 Maro Itoje
5 Hugh Tizard
6 Nick Isiekwe
7 Ben Earl
8 Jackson Wray
9 Ivan Van Zyl
10 Owen Farrell (c)
11 Sean Maitland
12 Nick Tompkins
13 Alex Lozowski
14 Max Malins
15 Alex Goode
Replacements:
16 Theo Dan
17 Eroni Mawi
18 Christian Judge
19 Callum Hunter-Hill
20 Toby Knight
21 Ruben de Haas
22 Duncan Taylor
23 Elliot Daly
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:05:12:12:00:55 by Sarriebone.
1 Mako Vunipola
2 Jamie George
3 Marco Riccioni
4 Maro Itoje
5 Hugh Tizard
6 Nick Isiekwe
7 Ben Earl
8 Jackson Wray
9 Ivan Van Zyl
10 Owen Farrell (c)
11 Sean Maitland
12 Nick Tompkins
13 Alex Lozowski
14 Max Malins
15 Alex Goode
Replacements:
16 Theo Dan
17 Eroni Mawi
18 Christian Judge
19 Callum Hunter-Hill
20 Toby Knight
21 Ruben de Haas
22 Duncan Taylor
23 Elliot Daly
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:05:12:12:00:55 by Sarriebone.
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: sodslaw (IP Logged)
Date: 12/05/2023 12:00
team's up
Saracens Men team to play Northampton Saints:
1 Mako Vunipola
2 Jamie George
3 Marco Riccioni
4 Maro Itoje
5 Hugh Tizard
6 Nick Isiekwe
7 Ben Earl
8 Jackson Wray
9 Ivan Van Zyl
10 Owen Farrell (c)
11 Sean Maitland
12 Nick Tompkins
13 Alex Lozowski
14 Max Malins
15 Alex Goode
Replacements:
16 Theo Dan
17 Eroni Mawi
18 Christian Judge
19 Callum Hunter-Hill
20 Toby Knight
21 Ruben de Haas
22 Duncan Taylor
23 Elliot Daly
Saracens Men team to play Northampton Saints:
1 Mako Vunipola
2 Jamie George
3 Marco Riccioni
4 Maro Itoje
5 Hugh Tizard
6 Nick Isiekwe
7 Ben Earl
8 Jackson Wray
9 Ivan Van Zyl
10 Owen Farrell (c)
11 Sean Maitland
12 Nick Tompkins
13 Alex Lozowski
14 Max Malins
15 Alex Goode
Replacements:
16 Theo Dan
17 Eroni Mawi
18 Christian Judge
19 Callum Hunter-Hill
20 Toby Knight
21 Ruben de Haas
22 Duncan Taylor
23 Elliot Daly
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: Sarriebone (IP Logged)
Date: 12/05/2023 12:03
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: wolfgangvonb77 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/05/2023 12:36
Is Aled injured?
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: Olneybutchers (IP Logged)
Date: 12/05/2023 12:57
Saintsman in peace. Best of luck tomorrow, 2 very talented sides. The weather looks great.
Let’s all just pray tonight that Karl Dickson does not make the game about him yet again and we don’t have an early red card for a marginal call.
Let’s all just pray tonight that Karl Dickson does not make the game about him yet again and we don’t have an early red card for a marginal call.
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: OTsarrie (IP Logged)
Date: 12/05/2023 14:04
Here here !
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: ComeOnSarries (IP Logged)
Date: 12/05/2023 14:50
Agreed. So many games this year have been spoilt by red cards. Let’s hope for nothing red tomorrow for either side.
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: Duncan96 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/05/2023 14:53
Since we’ve been back in the Prem our 1st 15 has always looked strong (outside International windows). The bench less so.
It really feels now like our bench will make a difference, especially with ED on it.
If Theo and Andy Christie (plus Billy if he’s with us) are back for next season our bench could be monstrous. I’m not saying they will be on the bench but there will be some bloody good players there.
It really feels now like our bench will make a difference, especially with ED on it.
If Theo and Andy Christie (plus Billy if he’s with us) are back for next season our bench could be monstrous. I’m not saying they will be on the bench but there will be some bloody good players there.
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 12/05/2023 18:21
As said by our Saintly visitor two very good looking sides.
Delighted to see Dan on the bench and a strong 23. Also intrigued as to whether de Haas is last man standing or a form selection (tbf he has played well and is a bit more similar to IVZ than Davies but who knows?)
I do worry that sentiment is responsible for one of those selections at least. When players are given their chance and take it with both hands they need to be backed. A reversion to the familiar over backing players who caused the opposition serious problems is disappointing.
Still a quality team though and should be a excellent game.
@ Duncan. Next season when all are fit I genuinely think there will be a number positions with 1a and 1b as choices with rotation and squad balance determining selection as opposed to who is the better player. That is a great sign of the quality in the team.
Delighted to see Dan on the bench and a strong 23. Also intrigued as to whether de Haas is last man standing or a form selection (tbf he has played well and is a bit more similar to IVZ than Davies but who knows?)
I do worry that sentiment is responsible for one of those selections at least. When players are given their chance and take it with both hands they need to be backed. A reversion to the familiar over backing players who caused the opposition serious problems is disappointing.
Still a quality team though and should be a excellent game.
@ Duncan. Next season when all are fit I genuinely think there will be a number positions with 1a and 1b as choices with rotation and squad balance determining selection as opposed to who is the better player. That is a great sign of the quality in the team.
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: Sarriebone (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2023 14:17
Anyone else feeling nervous?
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: Eric Browett (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2023 15:26
Yes!!
I hate semi finals, particularly home ones. The odds say you're expected to win, but being half empty I'm just waiting for a banana skin.
Not being there makes it even worse. Don't know whether to watch it or go for a long walk.
I hate semi finals, particularly home ones. The odds say you're expected to win, but being half empty I'm just waiting for a banana skin.
Not being there makes it even worse. Don't know whether to watch it or go for a long walk.
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: tpr's headmistress (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2023 15:58
I'm mowing my daughters lawn while she, grandson and my husband are at StoneX. Can't bear to watch and boiling my bits off in the sun!
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: Sarriebone (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2023 16:26
Sean maybe a bit lucky at the beginning, though I don't think it's a heinous as a lot of people are making out.
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: NGSB (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2023 17:41
Well done Sarries - no complaints about the result. You are a better side than us and far more streetwise. Saints fans, quite rightly, will look at a number of refereeing ‘decisions or non-decisions’ but they would not have changed the ultimate outcome though the score might have been closer.
I didn’t realise that Ben Earl was Captain for you today, he spent an awful lot of time in Dickson’s face !
I didn’t realise that Ben Earl was Captain for you today, he spent an awful lot of time in Dickson’s face !
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2023 19:37
Excellent result which is all that matters right now.
IMO Maitland should have been carded and if the situations had been reversed I'd not be a happy bunny. Can understand some Saints supporters feeling aggrieved. Who knows how it might have changed the game but it's another example of a big call being missed.
Hopefully Isiekwe is ok. A chance we'll get him back because of the week off before the finals if he recovers well. Good to see Billy and others and the atmosphere was good.
Hard game to unpick. The defence against the Leagues most potent attacking team was exceptional. The attack was great but how many tries did Sarries leave out there by forcing things after a great passage of play? 3, 4? to say nothing of Max not being able to ground the ball.
Congratulations to the players and coaching team. My feeling is that performance doesn't win us silverware in a fortnight so there's lots to work on, but tonight lots to celebrate
IMO Maitland should have been carded and if the situations had been reversed I'd not be a happy bunny. Can understand some Saints supporters feeling aggrieved. Who knows how it might have changed the game but it's another example of a big call being missed.
Hopefully Isiekwe is ok. A chance we'll get him back because of the week off before the finals if he recovers well. Good to see Billy and others and the atmosphere was good.
Hard game to unpick. The defence against the Leagues most potent attacking team was exceptional. The attack was great but how many tries did Sarries leave out there by forcing things after a great passage of play? 3, 4? to say nothing of Max not being able to ground the ball.
Congratulations to the players and coaching team. My feeling is that performance doesn't win us silverware in a fortnight so there's lots to work on, but tonight lots to celebrate
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: Sully08 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2023 19:47
The intensity and accuracy in the warm up was evident and carried over into the match. Built a good lead, defended strongly and responded to the Saints fightback in the last 20.
Plenty for the coaches to work on as you say OM but I guess that is another plus ahead of the final.
Plenty for the coaches to work on as you say OM but I guess that is another plus ahead of the final.
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: maynas (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2023 19:57
Quote:tpr's headmistress
I'm mowing my daughters lawn while she, grandson and my husband are at StoneX. Can't bear to watch and boiling my bits off in the sun!
What country are you in, it was grey and cold a Stonex and still is at home now
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: tpr's headmistress (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2023 20:48
Congleton, Cheshire (locals support Sharks!) 22 degrees when I was driving back home at 5.30. Family are on their way back from StoneX - 12 hour round trip having left at 9 a.m. this morning, which is one of the reasons we're no longer ST holders.Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2023 21:14
Quote:Sully08
Plenty for the coaches to work on as you say OM but I guess that is another plus ahead of the final.
Absolutely. No one wants to peak to early!
Riccioni absolutely incredible today at set piece and defence.
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: Eric Browett (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2023 21:22
I think the off loading was a product of Mark M being determined that we wouldn't go into our shells, he made that clear in his comments in the run up to the game. We won't have pack dominance and win the collisions as we did today against Sale or Tigers so we will have to be more adventurous in the final. If the off loads had stuck in the first half we'd have been 35+ points up by half time. I applaud their ambition.
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: Buzzer (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2023 21:43
Quote:Olneybutchers
Saintsman in peace. Best of luck tomorrow, 2 very talented sides. The weather looks great.
Let’s all just pray tonight that Karl Dickson does not make the game about him yet again and we don’t have an early red card for a marginal call.
Still thinking that, Olney?! Mr Maitland a very lucky chap, I think.
Well done for the win. Can’t see anyone stopping you..
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: The Bard (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2023 21:44
Our best performance of the season, pipping Lyon away. Some of the stuff looked far too risky but hey! Defence and intensity awesome
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: nedrichards (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2023 22:14
As ever, at home you need to score at least 40 points to beat us. This is not true away! Let's hope it is next week...
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2023 22:22
I think you're spot on Eric.
Maybe the final little bit we were missing in that game is having made great breaks forcing the last pass when it really wasn't on. "Banking" the territory made with a break is no bad thing so sometimes we maybe need the patience to recycle?
The great thing is we stuck with it. I'm sure the more the team does that the more comfortable they'll get and the better their decision-making and skills will become. Something to be hugely excited about
Maybe the final little bit we were missing in that game is having made great breaks forcing the last pass when it really wasn't on. "Banking" the territory made with a break is no bad thing so sometimes we maybe need the patience to recycle?
The great thing is we stuck with it. I'm sure the more the team does that the more comfortable they'll get and the better their decision-making and skills will become. Something to be hugely excited about
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2023 23:31
Fantastic match, expesically the first half but really happy with the defence in general- we marshalled the big ball carriers (Ribbans, Ludlam, Lawes and Augustus) really well.
I felt we were a bit loose at times but it’s worked for us all season and Saints have a very questionable defence so why not.
One thing that is still nagging at me since the Irish game, without Billy, Christie and McFarland were lacking some carrying punch in the tight. Against either Sale or Tigers that could be the difference.
Fingers crossed Isiekwe comes through the protocols ok otherwise we’re even lighter in the back row, unless the intro to the thread is correct and Christie somehow is fit again.
I felt we were a bit loose at times but it’s worked for us all season and Saints have a very questionable defence so why not.
One thing that is still nagging at me since the Irish game, without Billy, Christie and McFarland were lacking some carrying punch in the tight. Against either Sale or Tigers that could be the difference.
Fingers crossed Isiekwe comes through the protocols ok otherwise we’re even lighter in the back row, unless the intro to the thread is correct and Christie somehow is fit again.
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: Eric Browett (IP Logged)
Date: 14/05/2023 07:59
Yes, white line fever hit us on 3-4 occasions after the initial Harlem Globetrotters stuff had made try scoring opportunity. Bit of composure and there would have been conventional walk in overlaps.
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: ninjafez (IP Logged)
Date: 14/05/2023 12:22
anyone else recovered from yesterday? i was a bag of nerves until the penalty try
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: Teacher-peter (retired) (IP Logged)
Date: 14/05/2023 13:05
It was a pleasure to watch the match live. That was a great performance. Dominant and adventurous and clearly enjoying themselves. I see why folk have an issue with Maitland's jump for the ball. I don't know what else he is meant to do having jumped. Both players were jumping in the wrong place for the ball. Maitland was looking at the ball when he jumped and then realised there would be a collision. At worst, it was clumsy. Yellow card.
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: Roger G (IP Logged)
Date: 14/05/2023 13:37
At the match I wasn't sure what to make of Maitland's challenge and thought he was a bit lucky. Just re-watched the first couple of minutes for the first time and, although it's easy to miss and not conclusive footage, it looks like Dingwall gave him a gentle push as he started to jump for the ball. In the few seconds after you can lip read Maitland saying the word push, so it may well be that Dickson made the right call.
Also, I haven't seen anybody commenting on Ludlum's forearm smash on Jamie on the ground. I'd rather accept that the refs are all human (even Dickson) and make mistakes, but it all evens out in time
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:05:14:14:49:50 by Roger G.
Also, I haven't seen anybody commenting on Ludlum's forearm smash on Jamie on the ground. I'd rather accept that the refs are all human (even Dickson) and make mistakes, but it all evens out in time
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:05:14:14:49:50 by Roger G.
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: JimG (IP Logged)
Date: 14/05/2023 20:04
Not much in that Maiitland challenge to my mind. Penalty probably about right. In fact about the only thing Dickson got clearly wrong was missing the obvious forward pass by Lawes for the Saints second try which I could see from 70 yards away and was even more obvious watching it on tv later.
Fantastic performance by Sarries. Great defence and adventurous in attack. I thought we were great 1-15. Congrats to the team and commiserations to Saints and their fans who contributed towards an amazing atmosphere.
Fantastic performance by Sarries. Great defence and adventurous in attack. I thought we were great 1-15. Congrats to the team and commiserations to Saints and their fans who contributed towards an amazing atmosphere.
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 14/05/2023 20:14
Hard to be impartial and when I watched live I thought yellow but the more I watch the Maitland incident the more I think Dickson got it spot on RogerG. The ball was holding up in the wind, he miscalculates where it is coming down, Furbank bangs his head on Maitlands forearm/elbows as Maitland is above him (no tackle so no HTP to follow)
Getting the path of the ball wrong and trying to take it isn't reckless.
The Ludlum one I think George was holding him in (as happens in every game) and Ludlam got annoyed. Did anyone in the East stand get a view? on TV it looks like maybe he shoves him on the floor? Maybe a penalty if that?
It really was a fantatsic defensive performance and the ruck securing and breakdown work was exceptional. They really did learn some massive lessons about contesting the breakdown V La Rochelle. At various times Earl, Wray, Maro, Riccioni and Tompkins all having a nibble sometimes with good success.
Getting the path of the ball wrong and trying to take it isn't reckless.
The Ludlum one I think George was holding him in (as happens in every game) and Ludlam got annoyed. Did anyone in the East stand get a view? on TV it looks like maybe he shoves him on the floor? Maybe a penalty if that?
It really was a fantatsic defensive performance and the ruck securing and breakdown work was exceptional. They really did learn some massive lessons about contesting the breakdown V La Rochelle. At various times Earl, Wray, Maro, Riccioni and Tompkins all having a nibble sometimes with good success.
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: MidlandsSarrie (IP Logged)
Date: 15/05/2023 06:49
And yet again on the giant screen at the ground, BT Sport showed the incident over and over again. They try to influence referees into bringing in the TMO.
As for his performance, I thought it was OK. In the first half, our back row were faster to the ruck, which paints a picture to the ref. He missed a knock on or two but he didn’t alter the result
As for his performance, I thought it was OK. In the first half, our back row were faster to the ruck, which paints a picture to the ref. He missed a knock on or two but he didn’t alter the result
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: The Bard (IP Logged)
Date: 15/05/2023 08:10
I thought they stopped awarding penalties for scrum halves blatantly throwing the ball at an opponent trapped on the wrong side of the ruck? And then at the next ruck when we are attacking he penalises Tizard again even though they clearly have the tackler still laying in the way….
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: JimG (IP Logged)
Date: 15/05/2023 08:38
It did seem completely intentional but Dickson said Tiz needed to lie flat which to be fair he could have done so I thought that was fine. The other one looked odd to me live but watching later, the ref's view was that Tizzard (and Maro I think) was holding the player in to stop him rolling away whilst IVZ screamed for the penalty. Usually the ref would tell the attacking team to get on with things and not to try to buy the pen but maybe this was so blatant and IVZ irritated the ref to the extent that he decided to give the pen to Saints. No issues with that for me.
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: Roger G (IP Logged)
Date: 15/05/2023 09:35
Tizard's first action as he hit the floor was to firmly wrap his arm round the tackler, and he made zero effort to place the ball. Had he done the latter IVZ would have easily been able to get it away quickly and maybe Dickson would've just commented "ball is available". As it was I think Dickson was spot on and Tizard rightly penalised. Maybe this sort of thing happens often, but usually under a more substantial pile of bodies so not so easily identified.
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: Sarriebone (IP Logged)
Date: 15/05/2023 11:00
Quote:OldMarovian
Hard to be impartial and when I watched live I thought yellow but the more I watch the Maitland incident the more I think Dickson got it spot on RogerG. The ball was holding up in the wind, he miscalculates where it is coming down, Furbank bangs his head on Maitlands forearm/elbows as Maitland is above him (no tackle so no HTP to follow)
Getting the path of the ball wrong and trying to take it isn't reckless.
As I posted on the Bath thread about the semis:
Quote:If we look at the incident yesterday if both players go up as they did with everything else the same (same contact between the players) but the ball comes down between them and Maitland gathers it (at point of contact he is higher with arms in position to catch the ball) then it would be play on, fair contest for the ball would it not?
Maitland hasn't gone in to that with the intention of clattering into Furbank in the air, if anything Maitland jumps first so Furbank jumps into him(kidding of course) . He Jumps to catch the ball, but he got his timing wrong.
Having just had a quick look at the full match on the prem website again, after it happens the TMO can be heard to say he's looking at it. Presumably the fact he doesn't say to Dickson that it needs looking at implies he doesn't think there's anything in it either.
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: Sarakene (IP Logged)
Date: 15/05/2023 11:32
This has almost been done to death but the poor knowledge displayed by the commentary team and subsequent reports inflames folk who can't be bothered to read the laws of the game. To be clear (and I've done a frame by frame check) Maitland left the ground fractionally ahead of Furbank but let's say at exactly the same time. He was both looking at the ball when he did so and in a very realistic position to catch it. There is no "right of way" for a defending player. Both players met at broadly the same height in the air. Actually Maitland was slightly above him. Maitland only took his eyes away when he sought to lessen the impact of the collision. Given the info below (from Rugby365) I'm unsure why any sanction was awarded.
The guidelines find it legal if both players jumping for the ball are at the same height and going for the ball at the same time and that there is no infringement if a player jumps into a player stationary on the ground.
It gives these as illegal actions:
a. A player jumps without really contesting for the ball. For instance, he is jumping into the player who is trying to catch the ball mainly to disrupt the reception of the ball.
b. A player is not really contesting for the ball. For instance, he is running into the player who is trying to catch the ball mainly to disrupt the reception of the ball.
c. A player not jumping to contest the ball must not take out a jumping receiver. Looking at the ball does not make this action legal.
The guidelines find it legal if both players jumping for the ball are at the same height and going for the ball at the same time and that there is no infringement if a player jumps into a player stationary on the ground.
It gives these as illegal actions:
a. A player jumps without really contesting for the ball. For instance, he is jumping into the player who is trying to catch the ball mainly to disrupt the reception of the ball.
b. A player is not really contesting for the ball. For instance, he is running into the player who is trying to catch the ball mainly to disrupt the reception of the ball.
c. A player not jumping to contest the ball must not take out a jumping receiver. Looking at the ball does not make this action legal.
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: ninjafez (IP Logged)
Date: 15/05/2023 12:23
right so not great views on any potential push by Dingwall on Maitland due to camera angles provided by BT, so not certain if it did or didn't happen.
Dickson again seems to be ok on the majority of things, i still surprised that great-mates didn't get a yellow based on outcome, again not sure how much of a different it would have made for 10 mins.
he managed to tell off Tizzard when he was getting a bit cheeky by holding in the tackling player, maybe a bit too strict on technicalities perhaps against saints.
I do want to mention Tompkins in defence who was just a force of nature as well as Earl, he still talks to the ref a bit much so our number 7 needs to cool it a bit.
also really glad we saw a very clean game of rolling away, we conceded so many pentalies when the season started.
and although the tries we didn't score in the first half, both legitimately could have been tries of the season ( IVZ overlap butcher forward fumble which that wasn't his fault, that would have been otherworldly)
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Dickson again seems to be ok on the majority of things, i still surprised that great-mates didn't get a yellow based on outcome, again not sure how much of a different it would have made for 10 mins.
he managed to tell off Tizzard when he was getting a bit cheeky by holding in the tackling player, maybe a bit too strict on technicalities perhaps against saints.
I do want to mention Tompkins in defence who was just a force of nature as well as Earl, he still talks to the ref a bit much so our number 7 needs to cool it a bit.
also really glad we saw a very clean game of rolling away, we conceded so many pentalies when the season started.
and although the tries we didn't score in the first half, both legitimately could have been tries of the season ( IVZ overlap butcher forward fumble which that wasn't his fault, that would have been otherworldly)
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Re: SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: please post all match related comments
Posted by: AP (IP Logged)
Date: 15/05/2023 21:14
Well, it looks as if there are no citings.
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
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Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
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