TEMPEST ON THE TYNE? NEWCASTLE FALCONS V BATH

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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2024:12:24:12:03:04 by hasta.

I’d be surprised if Pepper doesn’t start this one and think Redpath will at least be in the 23.

Rubiolo is out for the season and has joined Bristol early so he won’t be involved.

Anything other than a five pointer tomorrow is going to be a disappointment.

Excellent preview PG - and thank you for stepping in.

This *should* be a comfortable away win but the weather plus a plastic pitch plus rotation/injuries makes it very much a banana skin.

I hope last week's selection shows JVG is putting the Prem first in the priority list. Last year we were top at Christmas then fielded a weakened side at Tigers, slipped down the table and then struggled to regain momentum until after the 6N.

Maybe the Benetton result will be the spur we need to avoid history repeating itself.

The last two weeks have also shown us - if we needed showing - how important Spencer is to the team. Obviously he's a Test class 9 but more than that he gives the team steel and influences performances across the park. We need him back as soon as possible.

Quote:

theredseat
I’d be surprised if Pepper doesn’t start this one and think Redpath will at least be in the 23.
Rubiolo is out for the season and has joined Bristol early so he won’t be involved.

Equally wouldn't you stick ex-Bath centre Max Clarke in to liven up the rivalry?


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Bath's discipline in terms of cards is significantly worse than Falcons, so keeping 15 players on the pitch has to be a priority. Got to keep on the right side of the ref, although as it's Tempest that's going to be difficult for Bath.

So here is the squad:

Bath Rugby: 1 Francois van Wyk, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Will Stuart, 4 Quinn Roux, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Josh Bayliss, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Alfie Barbeary, 9 Ben Spencer, 10 Finn Russell, 11 Will Muir, 12 Cameron Redpath, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Tom de Glanville

Replacements: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Beno Obano, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Ted Hill, 20 Sam Underhill, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Will Butt, 23 Jaco Coetzee

Really good to see Obano, Underhill, Spencer back.

PG

A good team for an opponent not to be underestimated

Looks like it could be pretty blowy which we've struggled with in the last couple of seasons.

I know people aren't fans of the 6-2 split but having two utility backs in your 23 is quite a blessing

That’s a proper bomb squad of a bench we’ve got there. No excuse for not coming away with max points with that lot on the pitch for the last 20/30 mins

Significantly for me TCS replaces Schreuder on the bench.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Some bench. Look to have enough to pull away in last quarter but I really hope we aren't underestimating this lot.

Newcastle:
1 Murray McCallum
2 Jamie Blamire
3 Richard Palframan
4 Sebastian de Chaves
5 Kiran McDonald Seran
6 Freddie Lockwood
7 Tom Gordon
8 Callum Chick

09 Sam Stuart
10 Brett Connon
11 Ben Stevenson
12 Cameron Hutchison
13 Alex Hearle
14 Adam Radwan
15 Ben Redshaw

16 Ollie Fletcher, 17 Mike Rewcastle, 18 Callum Hancock, 19 Philip van der Walt, 20 Ollie Leatherbarrow
21 Hugh O'Sullivan, 22 Kieran Wilkinson, 23 Oli Spencer

A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

Strong 23 as expected - Weather could well be an issue - who would have thought that in the North East in December? - I really hate to say it the official might also be an issue - we have not had a good vibe or relationship in recent years with Mr Tempest.

I am sure JvG & Co will have drilled any thoughts of over confidence out of the 23 - Falcons no matter who they select on their own patch in mid winter will always be competitive and one thing you can be sure of they will be fired up and abrasive.

Good looking XXIII. Great that Spencer is back and it was only a niggle. Beno, too. It's a big game for Alfie and nice to see him have the starting shirt.

On the Newcastle site, it lists who's unavailable, and unfortunately for them it looks like a pretty long list of pretty good players. Hoping Ben and Finn can guide us and especially our pack through the wind to any kind of win. I'd take 9-3.

Where's the evidence of us doing any sort of underestimating? We've picked our strongest team!

2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper

WOOF! What a bench!

Quote:

OutsideBath
Bath's discipline in terms of cards is significantly worse than Falcons, so keeping 15 players on the pitch has to be a priority. Got to keep on the right side of the ref, although as it's Tempest that's going to be difficult for Bath.

As well as Dickson on the line !

Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh

"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS

Wind 50mph and gusty at KO on Saturday. Doesn't say how acidic and what the pH is though.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Quote:

theredseat
That’s a proper bomb squad of a bench we’ve got there. No excuse for not coming away with max points with that lot on the pitch for the last 20/30 mins

I would not count on "max" points f the wind is tas unpredictable as forecasted. Kingston Park is no place for basketball rugby on a stormy day.

PG

Quote:

shipwrecked
Wind 50mph and gusty at KO on Saturday. Doesn't say how acidic and what the pH is though.

It's Newcastle so all we need to say is the weather will be freezing cold and the local lads will be topless!

I'd settle for a 3-0 win on Saturday.

It's a bit mad that we can name 6 back rowers in bayliss, pepper, alfie, hill, underhill and coetzee and still have in reserve reid, richards, staddon.

Quote:

OutsideBath

Quote:

shipwrecked
Wind 50mph and gusty at KO on Saturday. Doesn't say how acidic and what the pH is though.

It's Newcastle so all we need to say is the weather will be freezing cold and the local lads will be topless!

I'd settle for a 3-0 win on Saturday.

Which game OB you have a massive dilemma , Bath or Crystal Palace, same day, same KO time!


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Quote:

shipwrecked
Significantly for me TCS replaces Schreuder on the bench.

I wonder if he has a knock, as an ex Falcon his knowledge of that awful pitch and it's exposure would have been valuable. I might have started him and had Ben in reserve.

The big west stand will afford some protection from the wind but box kicking will be wayward, don't give Radwan an opportunity to run at us.

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shipwrecked

Quote:

OutsideBath

Quote:

shipwrecked
Wind 50mph and gusty at KO on Saturday. Doesn't say how acidic and what the pH is though.

It's Newcastle so all we need to say is the weather will be freezing cold and the local lads will be topless!

I'd settle for a 3-0 win on Saturday.

Which game OB you have a massive dilemma , Bath or Crystal Palace, same day, same KO time!

Definitely thinking of the Bath game SW, 3-0 would do nicely.

If I was thinking of Arsenal the best I can hope for is 1-0, we're pretty hopeless this season thanks to Arteta not buying a striker.

Quote:

OutsideBath

Quote:

shipwrecked

Quote:

OutsideBath

Quote:

shipwrecked
Wind 50mph and gusty at KO on Saturday. Doesn't say how acidic and what the pH is though.

It's Newcastle so all we need to say is the weather will be freezing cold and the local lads will be topless!

I'd settle for a 3-0 win on Saturday.

Which game OB you have a massive dilemma , Bath or Crystal Palace, same day, same KO time!

Definitely thinking of the Bath game SW, 3-0 would do nicely.

If I was thinking of Arsenal the best I can hope for is 1-0, we're pretty hopeless this season thanks to Arteta not buying a striker.

He's after Alexander Isak isn't he?
As for Bath I agree any win will do.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Quote:

Francis Allen

Quote:

shipwrecked
Significantly for me TCS replaces Schreuder on the bench.

I wonder if he has a knock, as an ex Falcon his knowledge of that awful pitch and it's exposure would have been valuable. I might have started him and had Ben in reserve.

.

Yeah I am interested as to whether schreuder has a knock or TCS is a proactive selection.

Did bailey get a knock last week? Think someone said he was heavily strapped?

That's a weird one not having him in the 23 if not. Cam covers 10 I guess but would rather have the option of bailey personally.

As an aside what ok earth is harris' injury? Was out for ages last season, came back briefly and has been out for ages again

Bailey did have heavy strapping last week and if I recall correctly he was down for a knock. Could just as easily been a pick on form though, he didn’t have a good game.

Quote:

OutsideBath
Bailey did have heavy strapping last week and if I recall correctly he was down for a knock. Could just as easily been a pick on form though, he didn’t have a good game.

Everyone’s got an opinion but I don’t think he played badly at all. Made the wrong decision yea with the pass but that was great defending. Kicked well which we haven’t seen him for for a long while. Looked fairly composed with the ball. And got us back to the lead of the game. Considering he’s just been dropped into a game after getting a few minute each game I think it was a pretty positive outing.

As for this week I think it’s just wanting a different position on the bench so he misses out.

I agree and even the intercept was a bit unlucky, to keep that move alive the ball had to go quickly, its not like the Chris Malone intercepts of the past after all!


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Quote:

shipwrecked
I agree and even the intercept was a bit unlucky, to keep that move alive the ball had to go quickly, its not like the Chris Malone intercepts of the past after all!

Crikey - new memory unlocked. Molly really did specialise in those didn't he? Thankfully a few last-minute drop goals drown out the memory of them somewhat.

Agree re: Bailey. Filling in for arguably the world's best 10 twinned with the fact he's not had many minutes must be a fairly daunting assignment. Thought he did ok.

The interception was poor judgment on his part, but I was thinking more about our overall attacking play through the backs. It was totally missing any form of creativity.

Today the important thing is how do we win on that awful pitch in what is forecast to be awful weather. Ironically it’s not ideal conditions for Finn, so suspect it’ll be down to the forwards to try and find a way to win. Surprised Dunn was given the nod given how poor his throwing was in the wind against La Rochelle.

4 pick’n’go push over tries for a 20-0 win would do just fine. And must be the target after last week.

I hope Bath aren't seduced into booting it up in the air with the wind behind them, never works. Kick for territory sure but it just gives the ball away.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Going to be that person...is it on the box? Can't see it on Discovery+ app and they're just advertising Exe game.

Quote:

Barfboy
Going to be that person...is it on the box? Can't see it on Discovery+ app and they're just advertising Exe game.

TNT Extra I believe

Ch 450 on my set top box

Oh come on Joe

Quote:

A.M 180
Oh come on Joe

Really need to start talking about Joe…

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

Nice one Alfie

Great stuff Alfie

Less annoyed about the Coka drop given the strength we can now see if the wind


New 5 - 5 Bath

3 min

A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

Joe did well to get us the field position.

Well I guess the 4-try BP is going to be very much in play tonight

This feels like a schoolboys game once the ball is high in the air

Think Muir can claim he intended to do that! Scuffs a wind affected cross field kick into TdG's hands for the try

Finn converts, 12-14



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:12:21:17:48:08 by A.M 180.

Lawrence shoulder/elbow injury - nasty reaction from an innocuous attempt at a tackle. Looks like he's going to play on

Hugo Southwell on Comms pointing out his arm was already heavily strapped so might have just been a tweak



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:12:21:17:52:41 by A.M 180.

Serious boomfah from Barbeary but Newcastle do superbly to hold him up

Bayliss has been immense already it's worth noting

Newcastle defensively superb. We are utterly dominant, and yet seemingly unable to penetrate

This is brutal!

A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

Oh my - how many phases was that! Stuart eventually crashed over right under the sticks

This has been a fun 1st half

Anyone know why they're talking about Alfie as if this is his first match of the season?

IIRC, he's played all bar 1 of our senior matches - and most of the PRC

A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

Falcons as expected totally committed and Dimes has them fired up, couple of cheap shots on Pepper but good for the lad he has not bitten - the wind is making for a lottery and certainly cannot blame Joe C for dropping the ball.

We need to completely stamp our power in second half - that last period of play when Stuart went over was massive to both teams - if Falcons had held out they would have taken such confidence.

We were patient and we need to show that patience in the second half - there will be times when it won’t go our way but we need to trust and stick to our game plans. Fully expect Falcons to come flying out of the blocks if we can blunt them and wear them down and bring on that bench then I believe we will be in business.

Charlie!

Ewels picks a flying line for his first try in six years!

Try BP secured, now to close out the match

If he hadn't got that down, presumably it would have been a PT for a tackle around the nose

A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

Ewels looked a little high there but Tempest is happy

Falcons giving this a crack but we're absorbing well. A try for them in the next 5 mins does re-open the Danger Zone

Quote:

A.M 180
Ewels looked a little high there but Tempest is happy

agreed, thought Tempo was a bit generous to us.
Not like Charlie's reputation earns that leeway either, but I'll take it!

A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

TdT, Beno, Annett, Jaco and Ted on.

I'm going to say we will win this game...



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:12:21:18:50:02 by A.M 180.

Palframan really hobbling to the lineout there.
THP is really not a position I want to see someone playing on with a knee/ankle injury

A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

Russell sneaks over - game done

Nice one Finn.

10 mins or Harlem Globetrotter stuff to look forward to here

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A.M 180
10 mins or Harlem Globetrotter stuff to look forward to here

nice one, centurion
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

Well played Tempest there

A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

Men against boys that last few minutes. Great bench, great impact. Professional job.

Good win in difficult conditions. Difference in the benches was huge.

That game probably went pretty close to plan for the team. Did enough to stay ahead while absorbing most of what Newcastle had to throw at us before unloading the bench to put the game out of sight. I don’t think we’re properly ‘at it’ right now but hard to read too much into it given really difficult conditions and a Newcastle team who made us work hard for everything up until they ran out of puff

Quote:

Dorset Boy
Good win in difficult conditions. Difference in the benches was huge.

Even though it was irritating, the coaches decision to give up on the CC last weekend proved to be entirely correct decision. Newcastle isn’t an easy place to win and that scoreline looks impressive.

Being able to bring Hill, Underhill and Coetzee off the bench is frankly inhumane.

Comments:
Joe C can't catch. Will Muir can catch anything. Finn Russell has magic powers in judging the wind (5 from 5). If FR and BS go off we have no other kickers. Need a cure for white line fever.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

I rather enjoyed that!
Having advocated a "back to basics" style, I was delighted to see the variety of play attempted. OK- not everything came off, but in the conditions that 70-80M break out down the left late in the second half was an ambitious thing of beauty.

Great credit to Newcastle, who but for judicious use of the bench by JvG might have sneaked a second half try to add to their early scores and kept pressing throughout.

Bath though had too much and got most of the gameplan and judgement calls right.

6 tries from 6 different scorers, with the backs much more involved than expected, bodes well. Now for (not too much) Christmas celebration and then a reprise against Saracens.

We don't demand much do we?

PG

That was a real statement IMHO most impressive win to date this season in challenging conditions against a fully committed side. Well played boys now back it up next week

Quote:

Shpwrecked
Need a cure for white line fever.

Quite, SW, we are 5 tries behind brizzle and only scored 6 tonight and blame the wind!

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OutsideBath
Bath's discipline in terms of cards is significantly worse than Falcons, so keeping 15 players on the pitch has to be a priority. Got to keep on the right side of the ref, although as it's Tempest that's going to be difficult for Bath.

Well, given that weather made a few facets of the game a gamble, I feel our discipline was pretty sound. I also thought Tempest controlled the game well and do not believe Bath got on the wrong side of him.
PG

Really pleasing scoreline and performance. What a difference our bench makes.

Special mention for Dunn, who I thought was superb. A lot of talk on here (inc from me) of needing to upgrade our hooker. Still might be the case going forward- but tonight in tough conditions he gave a classic Dunn-like performance, full of involvements and heart.

Couple of knocks but don’t think any injuries. Bring on Sarries!

2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper

That game was a potential banana skin considering the surface and the weather. I must admit I thought it would be a low scoring up your jumper sort of match so to score 6 tries was a remarkable feat. The amount of phases they had when camped on our line and didn’t get any reward was also a tribute to our defensive qualities.

Well done Bath, glad we made it through that - had the potential to go horribly wrong after the first score!

Seen Diamond’s post-match comments: any one else getting sick of his constant whinging about Bath’s squad and the salary cap?

I mean, I get Falcons are struggling for funds but that’s not Bath’s fault, and if Bath have grievously breached the cap then they deserve everything they get, but if you haven’t got any evidence of that stop throwing your own @#$%& around and hoping it sticks…

Quote:

SJS
Well done Bath, glad we made it through that - had the potential to go horribly wrong after the first score!
Seen Diamond’s post-match comments: any one else getting sick of his constant whinging about Bath’s squad and the salary cap?

I mean, I get Falcons are struggling for funds but that’s not Bath’s fault, and if Bath have grievously breached the cap then they deserve everything they get, but if you haven’t got any evidence of that stop throwing your own @#$%& around and hoping it sticks…

The man is utterly tiresome and frankly I am sick of him being spoken about as ‘a character’ particularly by commentators.

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

Just watched the game. Well, in years gone by we'd have lost that - instead we looked like we were enjoying ourselves. Good progress and a good job professionally done.

My MotM - Tom DeGlanville. On a horrible night on a horrible pitch, he was solid in defence and enterprising in attack.

... IMHO, of course.

Now in Honolulu

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P G Tips

Quote:

OutsideBath
Bath's discipline in terms of cards is significantly worse than Falcons, so keeping 15 players on the pitch has to be a priority. Got to keep on the right side of the ref, although as it's Tempest that's going to be difficult for Bath.

Well, given that weather made a few facets of the game a gamble, I feel our discipline was pretty sound. I also thought Tempest controlled the game well and do not believe Bath got on the wrong side of him.
PG

Good to hear we maintained good discipline this week after the daft cards we got last week, would have been easy to get yellow cards with Tempest in charge.

Thought that was a really good performance on a tricky night. Stuart is having a good season. Pepper packs a serious punch for his size. Our halfbacks controlled it quite nicely. Tdg coped well at tye back. Big joe a real mixed bag but didn't hide.

As hasta says its pretty bonkers to be able to bring beno, tdt, hill and coetzee on at 55 mins. Then underhill later.

One tiny gripe- get TCS on 5 mins earlier- give him more exposure and protect a key player who has had a hammy niggle. Game was won.

Must be soul destroying for opponents to see that bench , esp someone like falcons with half the budget and down to the bare bones.

I don't really have an issue with diamond these days- I used to think he was a wally but a lot has happened in his personal life over recent years. He is still spiky but I think has more balance about him and expect he is quite a good bloke behind closed doors. Hope he gets his investment and an extra 1m playing budget and we can judge him on how he does. A stronger newcastle will be good news for everyone I think

Quote:

Charlieboa1

As an aside what ok earth is harris' injury? Was out for ages last season, came back briefly and has been out for ages again

It's a calf injury of some sort Charlie. Just after he scored that cracking try against Bris a cover defender leapt on his calf when he was prone. You could see him hobble and favour it for a few minutes before carrying on.

pg

Sorry forgot to say PG great report and as for the Title........."chapeau"

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P G Tips

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Charlieboa1

As an aside what ok earth is harris' injury? Was out for ages last season, came back briefly and has been out for ages again

It's a calf injury of some sort Charlie. Just after he scored that cracking try against Bris a cover defender leapt on his calf when he was prone. You could see him hobble and favour it for a few minutes before carrying on.

pg

I think it was Max Malins who was covering across at some rate & not in Sam Harris’s line of sight. I think Malins took a knock then too.

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P G Tips

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Charlieboa1

As an aside what ok earth is harris' injury? Was out for ages last season, came back briefly and has been out for ages again

It's a calf injury of some sort Charlie. Just after he scored that cracking try against Bris a cover defender leapt on his calf when he was prone. You could see him hobble and favour it for a few minutes before carrying on.

pg

Thank pgt.

Did wonder if it was that incident.

Looked a bit inconsequential to put him out for so long- really hope he is back soon, if we pick up any injuries in the backs we will really miss his ability to cover several positions.

Will try and save Mike from getting in trouble got posting a new thread...

Player ratings

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Was nice to see alfie back after a few weeks out with his head knock and back near his rampaging best

I found watching that game interesting, at no point did I feel anything but total confidence we would win, which is good and bad I suppose.

I find Diamond's sniping plain petulant. His obsession with is really sour and tired.

If he's evidence of us (or others) breaking the cap, rather than "complimenting our accounting department" or whatever, he's welcome to share it. If he doesn't, then the rules of the league are thus and we're playing fairly within them. Of course, we're lucky to have Bruce's millions but it's not our fault that other teams can't afford to take advantage of the financial stipulations. Baxter, for example, handles such matters with much more class. It's a bit like Mack Hansen's comments about Connacht not getting any referee calls. "I'm not making excuses BUT [ insert an excuse here ]."

Also, I know we're lucky enough to be able to spend up to the cap, but I'd argue our only "Galacticos" are Russell and TDT. I'd make an argument for almost every single other member of our Cup Final XV being good business (e.g. Spencer, Redpath, Lawrence, Barbeary), the product of good coaching (e.g. our academy products plus the likes of Muir) and our offering being more attractive than alternatives (e.g. Pepper). But that system/offering has taken years to refine and only now is reaping a little success. It's not like we've bought overnight success- and that's always Diamond's insinuation- that we've simply splashed cash to buy the league. It'd be nice to be shown a little more respect, because if JvG started bad mouthing in the opposite direction, you can only imagine the fallout.

2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper

Deleted for being incorrect



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:12:23:11:34:41 by A.M 180.

Quote:

Dr.bath 1865
that we've simply splashed cash to buy the league

Perhaps Diamond needs to look at Newcastle's own history before lobbing stones.

Ironically, that is exactly what Newcastle did in the first professional season, bringing in the likes of Rob Andrew, Inga Tuigamala, Doddie Weir, John Bentley and Alan Tait to name but a few.

And yes, they did go on to win the Premiership that year.

Quote:

A.M 180
Diamond is the kind of guy who thinks us picking up the Worcester lads is what made them go bust, despite literally having been in the chair

That’s untrue he actually thanked Bath for giving those guys jobs

Widcombe Garçon

Bruce Craig has been here for ten years and so far we haven't won anything, don't know what Diamond is on about - hes a thoroughly unpleasant bloke.

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Widcombe boy

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A.M 180
Diamond is the kind of guy who thinks us picking up the Worcester lads is what made them go bust, despite literally having been in the chair

That’s untrue he actually thanked Bath for giving those guys jobs

That's my memory of it, was grateful for bath helping keep some players jobs and said we handled it with respect to wuss

Dimes was involved in getting those guys jobs at Bath.

Stand corrected and have deleted my comment

Quote:

dr.bath1865
I find Diamond's sniping plain petulant. His obsession with is really sour and tired.
If he's evidence of us (or others) breaking the cap, rather than "complimenting our accounting department" or whatever, he's welcome to share it. If he doesn't, then the rules of the league are thus and we're playing fairly within them. Of course, we're lucky to have Bruce's millions but it's not our fault that other teams can't afford to take advantage of the financial stipulations. Baxter, for example, handles such matters with much more class. It's a bit like Mack Hansen's comments about Connacht not getting any referee calls. "I'm not making excuses BUT [ insert an excuse here ]."

Also, I know we're lucky enough to be able to spend up to the cap, but I'd argue our only "Galacticos" are Russell and TDT. I'd make an argument for almost every single other member of our Cup Final XV being good business (e.g. Spencer, Redpath, Lawrence, Barbeary), the product of good coaching (e.g. our academy products plus the likes of Muir) and our offering being more attractive than alternatives (e.g. Pepper). But that system/offering has taken years to refine and only now is reaping a little success. It's not like we've bought overnight success- and that's always Diamond's insinuation- that we've simply splashed cash to buy the league. It'd be nice to be shown a little more respect, because if JvG started bad mouthing in the opposite direction, you can only imagine the fallout.

I'd also argue that TdT was NOT a galactico when we signed him.

I would argue TdT is still not a galactico - I appreciate this is South Africa however, Malherbe, Koch are first choice TH - Nche and Steenakamp are first choice LH - Kitschoff when fit comes into that bracket as well.

TdT is brilliant and so important to us but as it stands Internationally he is a squad player not a nailed on starter or even first 23.

When I look at our squad if it were based on current Internationals are we really brimming with stars? Yes we have Russell but Tigers have Pollard, Quins have Smith & Sale have Ford - other teams such as Tigers, Saints and Sarries have just as many if not more current International stars - yet we always appear to be linked to every player going and accused of breaching salary caps? It does get boring.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:12:23:15:35:41 by Ali1969.

We do seem to be an easy target. A wealthy owner, a awful playing surface (now one of the best!) a dilapidated stadium ( I love the place), Farleigh, misunderstood supporters and significantly the envy over our ability to attract the best fly half in the Premiership. I think a lot of it is jealously. We have a great squad, great D o R, enviable City centre location and hopefully an improved stadium.