News: HC: Northampton Saints vs Castres Olympique - Preview
By PelerinStJames
December 15 2011
Northampton Saints return to Franklin's Gardens this weekend looking to get back to winning ways. They entertain Castres Olympique on Sunday afternoon and, in his first article for COYSDC, PelerinStJames looks ahead to the game...
NORTHAMPTON SAINTS vs CASTRES OLYMPIQUE
Sunday, 18th December 2011 - 3pm
POOL ONE - MATCH FOUR
FRANKLIN'S GARDENS
MATCH PREVIEW
“I ask myself: are defeats necessary? Well, necessary or not, they happen. When we first begin fighting for a dream, we have no experience and make mistakes. The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.”
Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist.
Who would ever have believed that we would be looking at 3 losses at this point, finding ourselves propping up the table? It wouldn’t have taken much for us to have won either or both of the first two games and not headed out to France desperate for a 5 pointer…a bounce of the ball here, a referee's whistle there and the momentum would have built. It is not all over yet, but the rather large lady is definitely clearing her throat. The Optimists will no doubt point out that if we win our last 3 games with bonus points, and Llanelli and Munster win no more than 1 each with no bonus points, then we can top the group and progress……somehow, I don’t think that will happen, but will be delighted to be proved wrong!
More realistic however, is to look at the remaining H cup games in the context of our season as a whole. Our team this year is remarkably different to the XV last year that fought so bravely and for so long and we are, in my book, a team still in transition. This year seems to be about bringing through the entire squad to a new and higher level. We are developing a new style of play, integrating new personnel and playing new combinations.
As a result, the team seems unsettled. The arrival of new players, the disjointed early season with the staggered return of players from the World Cup coupled with intense media speculation on our coaches and players alike, the injuries and the bans have not helped the cause at all.
However, at some point this season - and we have already seen glimpses of this against Munster, Leicester and Saracens– all the hard work and the effort will come together and the victories will be ours as this Saints squad definitely has the ability to beat anyone, anywhere, anytime.
I am therefore not convinced it is time to give up on the European front just yet. Munster with 2 home games must be favourites to top the pool and as Scarlets still have to travel to Ireland and France, there is still a chance of Amlin if not Heineken Cup Rugby in the spring. Even finishing 3rd not 4th in the group could give us the bonus of being amongst the top 6 seeds for next seasons draw.
The rotation policy may mean that Tiny is rotated with young Mr Waller this week, but through sheer necessity, the rest of the pack I think will remain the same. Behind them, I would keep the experience of Dickson, and as 4 tries are needed, I would also expect the midfield of Lamb, May and Pisi to get another run out. At some point, full back options need to be looked at before the VI Nations comes upon us. Foden, like the other England boys, has to be rested at some point, which could mean an opportunity for Digger or Sempere, but whether this is the match to do it remains to be seen. On the wings, Elliott and Artemyev should continue their Heineken Cup education.
PSJ's Possible Saints XV
15 Foden
14 Artemyev
13 Pisi
12 May
11 Elliott
10 Lamb
9 Dickson
1 Waller
2 Hartley ( c )
3 PDJ
4 Lawes
5 Sorenson
6 Wood
7 Nutley
8 Manoa
Reps: 16 Tiny, 17 Heywood, 18 Mooj, 19 Craig, 20 Ingle, 21 Roberts, 22 Myler, 23 Clarke
As for Castres, well, it would seem that their coaches and fans are not convinced they can progress either. “It would be a dream”, Labit is quoted as saying. Apparently, they had only scored 12 tries in 12 Top 14 games but sit third, helped by the remarkable stat that they scored 96 points in a row through penalties. Teulet is some kicker who will punish any indiscipline, and now their backline has remembered how to score tries, it should prove to be another tough game. Word on the Castres forum is that they will be unchanged, dependant on injuries, as they look to consolidate in the return match. Possible changes may be at 9 and 10, and also in the front row. Either way, they are worthy and tough opponents who are not to be underestimated in the slightest. They will look to punish any indiscipline and frustrate the Saints for as long as possible.
That said, whilst I am expecting a hard fought game, it will be one in which the Saints will bounce back to winning ways, with a try bonus point in the bag. Other results will define our European destiny this year, yet out of the disappointment, pain and hurt of this campaign so far, a stronger and more experienced squad will emerge, better equipped for the challenges ahead. Defeats may not be necessary, they have happened, but it is the squads’ reaction to them that counts…Come on You Saints, show us what you are made of!
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
It's a great piece, David. Many thanks!
Perhaps we could put it forward for the Cron per Ashley's request*.
Towsaint
" show em what we ae made of "
Like it.
Saint til I die
And jolly well done for finding some constructive commentary to make on the team's travails in the furnace of this season.
More please.
Fab first bow Allez.
Dam you I will have to find a good intro for the Budgies.
))) Got one
Nice one and i look forward to the next.