WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH
Spencer: key
By PG Tips
August 10 2020
It will be a case of “who’s kissed the Blarney stone?’ when the Premiership resumes on Saturday. Kissing the stone requires the kisser to approach the stone upside down and backwards – a metaphor for the contortions Directors of Rugby have had to cope with to train under Covid conditions. The phrase also of course refers to “the gift of the gab”, a quality often ascribed to the Irish. Both sets of coaches will have employed their best motivating patter, but which side will be most eloquent on the pitch?
Preparing teams for the return to play while coping with “mid-season” departures and inducting new recruits will have tested the coaches’ powers of communication and persuasion. Both clubs are in the mid table zone, trying to haul themselves into the playoffs and keep above the relegation dogfight (although the jostling at the bottom end of the table is of more relevance to European placings than dropping to the Championship-courtesy of Saracens’ indiscretions). How the two teams approach this match could be a good guide to their ambitions for the rest of the season. For recently promoted Irish a finish in the top half would set them up nicely for next season and their stated ambition to be Premiership leaders in a few years’ time. Bath Captain Charlie Ewels has been more bullish, stating recently that they aim to make the playoffs and win the Premiership this season. Both clubs have much to do to achieve those aims.
Irish have been less busy in the summer transfer market than most, their main notable signings Aussie lock Rob Simmons – not yet in the country – and the return of Bath fullback Tom Homer. They look likely to rely therefore on those who have stood them in good stead so far this campaign. Although their form has been patchy, with only 5 wins from 13 matches and 3 defeats from 6 since Christmas, they have the look of a settled team. A team capable of strong away performances, such as a draw at Ashton Gate, a feat beyond Bath for two seasons. They can call on seasoned campaigners up front in van Der Merwe, O’Brien and the constantly combative Cowan. It is also rumoured that they have secured the services of Puma hooker Creevy. Behind the scrum luminaries include Nick Phipps, Paddy Jackson and now Tom Homer, whose best performance for Bath this season was in his man of the Match showing against his new club. There are also rumours that Waisake Naholo is on his way back from New Zealand – he could be a big handful on the wing. If they are to avenge their humbling at the Madjeski in December, Homer and Naholo should be key weapons.
For Bath, conscious that the last meeting between these clubs was their only free flowing win of the season so far, the game is a chance to make a statement. If Bath are to have any chance of making the playoffs, they need to make hay in the first few rounds of renewed competition. Irish at home, a Leicester team in rebuild away, Northampton away, then Wasps at home offers 3 winnable games from 4 (possibly more, depending on how clubs manage their resources) and bonus points are essential if Bath are to justify a top 6 place, never mind top 4. Bath too have been comparatively quiet in recruiting, though Ben Spencer and Cameron Redpath could be key to backline fluency. Rumours about resurgent interest in Handre Pollard, or another expensive Bok, are best treated with caution until confirmed by the club.
The team announcement will be awaited with more than usual interest. Have any squad members succumbed to the Coronavirus? Who is injured? Will Bath trust some of the rising young stars, like De Glanville and Bailey? A game Bath are strongly tipped to win would seem the ideal time to blood these boys in Premiership action. Mostly, I expect a starting team of experienced players, with some of the young guns on the bench for impact.
The grounds are hard, the air will be warm, and the sun should break through Saturday’s expected light showers- good weather for an open game. Bath must show that they have used the break wisely, upped the tempo and repaired their misfiring attack. By 5PM on Saturday we will know if the stronger blarney is green or Blue, Black and White. It is time for Bath to do their talking on the field. Bath to win with a bonus point.
Possible Teams
Bath: Obano, Dunn, Stuart, Ewels (Capt.), McNally, Ellis, Underhill, Faletau. B Spencer, Priestland. Cokanasiga, Matavesi, Joseph, Rokodoguni. Watson.
Replacements: Boyce, Walker, Thomas, W Spencer, Mercer. Green, Redpath, De Glanville.
London Irish: Dell, Creevy, Kepu, van Der Merwe, de Chaves, O’Brien, Cowan, Tuisue. Meehan, Jackson. Hassell Collins, Hepetema, Rona, Loader. Homer.
Replacements: Hoskins, Goodrick-Clarke, Chawatama, Maddison, Donnell. Phipps, Atkins.Naholo.
WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged)
Date: 10/08/2020 16:06
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2020:08:18:20:38:19 by P G Tips.
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Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH
Posted by: Margin_Walker (IP Logged)
Date: 11/08/2020 07:46
Van dee Merwe and Maddison have left the club. Naholo is very much in the country, but out injured for a few more weeks following a knee op in NZ.
Otherwise the starting 15 looks like a decent stab at it, with perhaps Mafi coming into the second row and Matu'u at hooker. Assuming they actually announce Creevy, I doubt he'll start straight away.
We don't have a great record at the Rec, so it will be interesting to see if having no fans makes a difference.
Otherwise the starting 15 looks like a decent stab at it, with perhaps Mafi coming into the second row and Matu'u at hooker. Assuming they actually announce Creevy, I doubt he'll start straight away.
We don't have a great record at the Rec, so it will be interesting to see if having no fans makes a difference.
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/08/2020 08:24
Quote:Margin_Walker
We don't have a great record at the Rec, so it will be interesting to see if having no fans makes a difference.
If the premiership football season is anything to go by, all bets are off for this period - especially with the fixture congestion. All teams (potentially bar Exeter*) will have to put out weakened sides so I think we will have some mismatches dependent on priorities.
[*Sarries would have been the same if they hadn't loaned out / lost so many. Squads with enough depth to compete with 2 different sides]
Bath need to put out strong teams against Irish, Tigers, Wasps, Glos. Then there is a 10 day gap until Sarries. Worcs and Quins is an interesting little challenge - off the back of a very important Wasps home game and assuming that Sale away is 'sacrificed' between the two home games. Worcs at home should be easier but Quins away more important for the table.
Northampton Saints 35
Wasps 33
Bath 30
Harlequins 28
London Irish 28
Gloucester 26
What it the general view on the binary Sale approach of a couple years ago - one team much stronger than the other and focus on winning those games - or two balanced teams and potentially not be good enough (or just good enough) for all of them? Of course a thrashing never did a team much good as we know from this season a few times.
Its going to be fascinating to see how every one of the teams approach it and how they get on.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH
Posted by: Margin_Walker (IP Logged)
Date: 11/08/2020 12:45
It will be really interesting to see how teams manage the short turnarounds. Heavy rotation with targeted games as above or really stretching the workload of front liners. Suspect we'll see something in between.
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 11/08/2020 14:13
Quote:Margin_Walker
. Assuming they actually announce Creevy, I doubt he'll start straight away.
.
he has now been announced:
[www.bbc.co.uk]
PG
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH
Posted by: Clarkey3k (IP Logged)
Date: 12/08/2020 08:15
Quote:Margin_Walker
Van dee Merwe and Maddison have left the club. Naholo is very much in the country, but out injured for a few more weeks following a knee op in NZ.
Otherwise the starting 15 looks like a decent stab at it, with perhaps Mafi coming into the second row and Matu'u at hooker. Assuming they actually announce Creevy, I doubt he'll start straight away.
We don't have a great record at the Rec, so it will be interesting to see if having no fans makes a difference.
M-W; there are reports of strife between the playing group and owners over salary reductions to be imposed at Irish. How much creedence can be given to these reports? What impact might this have on the attitude/motivation and performace of the players on Saturday?
In contrast we seem to be settled on this topic and expect us to go well at home even without a crowd. I was at the MadStad for the away game this season and a nearly "empty" stadium didn't hinder our performance on that occasion.
Bath by two scores...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH
Posted by: mackemII (IP Logged)
Date: 12/08/2020 08:24
Quote:P G TipsQuote:Margin_Walker
. Assuming they actually announce Creevy, I doubt he'll start straight away.
.
he has now been announced:
[www.bbc.co.uk]
PG
Creevy is in quarantine which ends on Saturday. He can then join the squad for training.
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH
Posted by: Margin_Walker (IP Logged)
Date: 12/08/2020 08:39
Hard to say really Clarkey. Sounds like most of the squad are on board with the improved offer, but a few have prevented a collective agreement being made. Obviously late in the day and will have some effect, but players all seem to be saying the right things on social media etc.
More immediate issue is at lock. They've been central to our good play this season, but it's bare bones stuff at the weekend with Mafi also apparently injured.
We'll see what the bookies make of it, but Bath certainly favourites for me.
More immediate issue is at lock. They've been central to our good play this season, but it's bare bones stuff at the weekend with Mafi also apparently injured.
We'll see what the bookies make of it, but Bath certainly favourites for me.
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH
Posted by: charlieboa (IP Logged)
Date: 12/08/2020 09:07
Sounds like coko still out for a bit longer. If everyone else is available think i would go:
Rmc
Roko
JJ
Redpath
Watson
Rhys
Spencer
Obano
Dunn
Stuart
Ewels
Stooke
Ellis
Underhill
Faletau
Bench: boyce, walker, thomas, spencer, mercer, green, matavesi, de glanville
Rmc
Roko
JJ
Redpath
Watson
Rhys
Spencer
Obano
Dunn
Stuart
Ewels
Stooke
Ellis
Underhill
Faletau
Bench: boyce, walker, thomas, spencer, mercer, green, matavesi, de glanville
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH
Posted by: Clarkey3k (IP Logged)
Date: 12/08/2020 19:39
Quote:Margin_Walker
Hard to say really Clarkey. Sounds like most of the squad are on board with the improved offer, but a few have prevented a collective agreement being made. Obviously late in the day and will have some effect, but players all seem to be saying the right things on social media etc.
More immediate issue is at lock. They've been central to our good play this season, but it's bare bones stuff at the weekend with Mafi also apparently injured.
We'll see what the bookies make of it, but Bath certainly favourites for me.
Bookies agree with us M-W, Bath odds on for the win. Oddschecker spread
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH
Posted by: CoochieCoo (IP Logged)
Date: 13/08/2020 08:48
The officials
Ref: Craig Maxwell-Keys
Asst Refs: Robert Warburton & Phil Watters
TMO: David Grashoff
Citing Officer: Brian Campsall
Ref: Craig Maxwell-Keys
Asst Refs: Robert Warburton & Phil Watters
TMO: David Grashoff
Citing Officer: Brian Campsall
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/08/2020 09:04
Bookies are brave to offer odds this early (without seeing teams) given the long break and the necessity to use squad players.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH
Posted by: copester (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 05:20
I understand everyones reasoning for a Ellis, Underhill and Faletau back row but I would personally start Mercer every game somewhere either 6 or 8. We just seem more dynamic with him around.
adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.
adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 05:44
Quote:copester
I understand everyones reasoning for a Ellis, Underhill and Faletau back row but I would personally start Mercer every game somewhere either 6 or 8. We just seem more dynamic with him around.
Yes its tough to call. Nobody will be starting every game with 3 in 7 days - its good to have a few available.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 09:49
Rotation perhaps, a half each?
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH
Posted by: charlieboa (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 09:58
[quote copester]I understand everyones reasoning for a Ellis, Underhill and Faletau back row but I would personally start Mercer every game somewhere either 6 or 8. We just seem more dynamic with him around.[/quote
I am a huge fan of mercer and as said above all of then will get plenty of game time. For balance i think it will sometimes be a straight shoot out between zac and faletau. Ellis does so much dirty work and underhill/bayliss i will imagine largely be our options at 7.
In reality i think we will use 7 or 8 backrow options over the next few mths inc reid and possibly merigan which will be exciting.
I am a huge fan of mercer and as said above all of then will get plenty of game time. For balance i think it will sometimes be a straight shoot out between zac and faletau. Ellis does so much dirty work and underhill/bayliss i will imagine largely be our options at 7.
In reality i think we will use 7 or 8 backrow options over the next few mths inc reid and possibly merigan which will be exciting.
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH
Posted by: Rawce (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 11:00
As Kirsty and Phil would say, this ‘season’ will be all about rotation, rotation, rotation.
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH
Posted by: CoochieCoo (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 12:01
15. Anthony Watson, 14. Semesa Rokoduguni, 13. Jonathan Joseph, 12. Josh Matavesi, 11. Ruaridh McConnochie, 10. Rhys Priestland, 9. Ben Spencer; 1. Lewis Boyce, 2. Tom Dunn, 3. Will Stuart, 4. Josh McNally, 5. Charlie Ewels (C), 6. Zach Mercer, 7. Sam Underhill, 8. Taulupe Faletau.
REPLACEMENTS
16. Jack Walker, 17. Beno Obano, 18. Christian Judge, 19. Elliott Stooke, 20. Josh Bayliss, 21. Will Chudley, 22. Cameron Redpath, 23. Tom de Glanville
REPLACEMENTS
16. Jack Walker, 17. Beno Obano, 18. Christian Judge, 19. Elliott Stooke, 20. Josh Bayliss, 21. Will Chudley, 22. Cameron Redpath, 23. Tom de Glanville
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 12:06
Pretty much as expected then. Let's hope its dry.
COYB!
London Irish:
15 Tom Parton, 14 Ben Loader, 13 Curtis Rona, 12 Terrence Hepetema, 11 Ollie Hassell-Collins, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Nick Phipps, 1 Harry Elrington, 2 Motu Matu’u, 3 Sekope Kepu, 4 Ben Donnell, 5 George Nott, 6 Matt Rogerson, 7 Seán O’Brien ©, 8 Albert Tuisue
Replacements:
16 Matt Cornish 17 Will Goodrick-Clarke, 18 Ollie Hoskins, 19 Sebastian de Chaves, 20 Blair Cowan, 21 Ben Meehan, 22 Theo Brophy Clews, 23 Matt Williams
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
COYB!
London Irish:
15 Tom Parton, 14 Ben Loader, 13 Curtis Rona, 12 Terrence Hepetema, 11 Ollie Hassell-Collins, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Nick Phipps, 1 Harry Elrington, 2 Motu Matu’u, 3 Sekope Kepu, 4 Ben Donnell, 5 George Nott, 6 Matt Rogerson, 7 Seán O’Brien ©, 8 Albert Tuisue
Replacements:
16 Matt Cornish 17 Will Goodrick-Clarke, 18 Ollie Hoskins, 19 Sebastian de Chaves, 20 Blair Cowan, 21 Ben Meehan, 22 Theo Brophy Clews, 23 Matt Williams
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: woodpecker (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 12:16
NICE!
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: bardofavon (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 12:17
no tom ellis in the 23? Boyce instead of Beno? two things that stand out for me.
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 12:20
THAT IS GREAT..................................LOOKS REALLY GOOD
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: The Bear (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 12:28
I miss seeing Flouw in that lineup (I'll move on eventually...) but otherwise nice. Very excited now!!!
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 12:34
Yep - Ellis and Obano (non)selection stand out to me too. But that run-on back-row and bench says 'play with pace' to me.
I think Cokanasiga was signalled too, but still slightly disappointed. He's been out for such a long time that they can hardly be holding him back for another week - seems to indicate that he's still a way off?
I think Cokanasiga was signalled too, but still slightly disappointed. He's been out for such a long time that they can hardly be holding him back for another week - seems to indicate that he's still a way off?
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 12:42
Solves the Zac v Taulupe debate, play both of them.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 12:47
[www.bathrugby.com]
Bath Rugby captain Charlie Ewels will make his 100th appearance for the Club on Saturday as the Blue, Black and White face-up against London Irish in Round 14 of the Gallagher Premiership.
Congratulations Charlie, well deserved. Just make sure its memorable for the right reasons!
COYB
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Bath Rugby captain Charlie Ewels will make his 100th appearance for the Club on Saturday as the Blue, Black and White face-up against London Irish in Round 14 of the Gallagher Premiership.
Congratulations Charlie, well deserved. Just make sure its memorable for the right reasons!
COYB
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: dannyf2 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 13:16
Just watched the team run from G pultney st - squad looks organised and relaxed. Strong lineup. Reckon we're saving Beno for a busy schedule ahead. Ellis and Joe C still working back?
COYB.
COYB.
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: Rawce (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 13:52
Spencer, Thomas, Ellis, Clarke, etc. will all get their opportunities over the next few weeks. I'm surprised/glad there's no Homer to get one over on us! Their bench looks pretty handy, so I'm hoping we have things wrapped up with 20 to go.
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 14:33
Their starting second rower is only just 20. Good luck to the lad.
[www.london-irish.com]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:08:14:14:33:46 by BathMatt53.
[www.london-irish.com]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:08:14:14:33:46 by BathMatt53.
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 14:38
Quote:
Looks like 16! Not too much luck Matt, Homer not in the squad, I wonder why?
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: Margin_Walker (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 14:39
Quote:
He's very good and has had a fair bit of GP gametime this season in the back row. Both locks are hybrids though, so it's a lightweight (albeit mobile) pairing. Scrums could be an issue, so will probably be hoping for a fairly open game with a dry ball.
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 14:53
[www.metoffice.gov.uk] - Dan Punderfoot in Bath Saturday
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 15:08
Quote:Optimist
I think Cokanasiga was signalled too, but still slightly disappointed. He's been out for such a long time that they can hardly be holding him back for another week - seems to indicate that he's still a way off?
I asked about Joe in the season ticket holder briefing last night. Answer was he would not feature this weekend.
“Not quite ready but not far away. Looking good, looking big, looking very fast” was Hoops’ description.
PG
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 16:09
Would be good to get him playing - he has played 15 times for Bath since his debut vs Glos very nearly 2 years ago. The lad needs a bit of luck and a good run of games.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 16:16
It's not really surprising he is quick if he has been playing with knee pain for ages, you have to mentally protect and favour that knee surely. I'd prefer him to run round rather than through people.
I think him v Matt's favourite Semi Radradra could be explosive rugby!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
I think him v Matt's favourite Semi Radradra could be explosive rugby!
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 16:20
Quote:shipwrecked
It's not really surprising he is quick if he has been playing with knee pain for ages, you have to mentally protect and favour that knee surely. I'd prefer him to run round rather than through people.
I think him v Matt's favourite Semi Radradra could be explosive rugby!
Semi Radradra is playing against a Sarries kid at 13 this weekend. With him and Charles Puitau breaking and offloading to each other it will be like playing a backline of about 10 men.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: Blarney (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 16:20
If Bath are smart. they will target our pack in scrums and mauls - our starting locks are neither particularly big or strong.
If you let Mercer and Faletau hang out on the wings like they normally do, you could be in trouble. All three of our back row are strong carriers and Underhill can't tackle them all by himself!
If you let Mercer and Faletau hang out on the wings like they normally do, you could be in trouble. All three of our back row are strong carriers and Underhill can't tackle them all by himself!
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH
Posted by: B4thB4ck (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 16:26
Quote:Rawce
As Kirsty and Phil would say, this ‘season’ will be all about rotation, rotation, rotation.
Someone's been watching too much daytime TV during lockdown.
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: Rawce (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 16:30
That and Property Brothers, on top of actual DIY, so I'm very glad to have the rugby back on telly!
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 17:21
Quote:Blarney
If Bath are smart. they will target our pack in scrums and mauls - our starting locks are neither particularly big or strong.
If you let Mercer and Faletau hang out on the wings like they normally do, you could be in trouble. All three of our back row are strong carriers and Underhill can't tackle them all by himself!
I am actually interested to see how the new breakdown rules affect carrying and the overall numbers in the rucks - in theory there should be fewer bodies on the floor so does this mean fewer spaces to exploit in the defensive line and more hard running big lads in the back slowing it all down? We shall know after this weekend I guess.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 19:15
Quote:BathMatt53
Semi Radradra is playing against a Sarries kid at 13 this weekend. With him and Charles Puitau breaking and offloading to each other it will be like playing a backline of about 10 men.
I wonder what a Full Radradra would be like to watch?
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 14/08/2020 19:37
Quote:Mike the TaxiQuote:BathMatt53
Semi Radradra is playing against a Sarries kid at 13 this weekend. With him and Charles Puitau breaking and offloading to each other it will be like playing a backline of about 10 men.
I wonder what a Full Radradra would be like to watch?
Not sure a full one would fit on the pitch actually?
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: charlieboa (IP Logged)
Date: 15/08/2020 07:30
I do wonder if mcnally is partly in due to the absence of ellis.
They perform quite similar roles in some ways- workhorses, lots of unseen stuff in defensive and attacking mauls etc.
I never liked it when neither of garvey or charteris were in the team and moving forward i think i will always like to see at least 1 of spencer, mcnally and ellis in the xv.
They perform quite similar roles in some ways- workhorses, lots of unseen stuff in defensive and attacking mauls etc.
I never liked it when neither of garvey or charteris were in the team and moving forward i think i will always like to see at least 1 of spencer, mcnally and ellis in the xv.
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: bardofavon (IP Logged)
Date: 15/08/2020 10:36
the absence of ellis in the 23 is strange. I wonder if he is one of those who have contracted covid?
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: Clarkey3k (IP Logged)
Date: 15/08/2020 13:43
Will this thread incorporate our usual "match thread" commentary too?
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 15/08/2020 14:08
I'm sure it will, just go for it.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 15/08/2020 14:23
I'd keep the match thread separate actually, stories don't page properly.
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 15/08/2020 14:36
Quote:bardofavon
the absence of ellis in the 23 is strange. I wonder if he is one of those who have contracted covid?
He was coaching at Combe Down on Thursday along with Freddie Burns, so I’d say no
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 15/08/2020 14:50
Quote:hasta
I'd keep the match thread separate actually, stories don't page properly.
Sorry , thought we were doing the revenue thing!
Re: WHO’S KISSED THE BLARNEY STONE? BATH V LONDON IRISH -TEAM’S UP
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 15/08/2020 15:07
Welcome Ben Spencer!!!
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