Teams Up: Leicester v Saints
By Saint Ted
March 21 2019
LEICESTER TIGERS vs NORTHAMPTON SAINTSGallagher Premiership Rugby, Round 17Friday 22 March, 2019Welford RoadKick-off: 7.45pm
Director of rugby Chris Boyd has made eight changes to his Northampton Saints side ahead of the East Midlands derby on Friday evening against Leicester Tigers.
Wales’ Grand Slam winner Dan Biggar makes his return to the No.10 jersey for the visit to Welford Road (kick-off 7.45pm, live on BT Sport), with Club top-scorer Cobus Reinach also recalled as Saints try to avenge October’s Gallagher Premiership defeat at Twickenham.
It’s a short turnaround for the men in Black, Green and Gold after lifting the Premiership Rugby Cup on Sunday afternoon, but after claiming their first piece of major silverware in five years Saints will be confident of notching up a second win on Tigers soil in as many seasons.
No.8 Teimana Harrison will lead out Northampton in Leicester, with Jamie Gibson and Heinrich Brüssow coming into the back row either side of the skipper.
Alex Moon and Api Ratuniyarawa continue in the engine room after impressing against Saracens last time out, but loosehead Francois Van Wyk and hooker James Fish are selected in the front row alongside Paul Hill.
There are four more changes to the back-line with Biggar and Reinach returning to the half-back berths for the first time since mid-February.
Rory Hutchinson is selected outside Piers Francis in the midfield with Luther Burrell ruled out through concussion, and in the back three Ahsee Tuala switches to fullback to make room for the fleet-footed Tom Collins – with Taqele Naiyaravoro continuing on the other wing.
Meanwhile Boyd has opted for a mixture of youth and experience amongst the replacements; the likes of Alex Mitchell, Andrew Kellaway and George Furbank will be hoping to make an impact off the bench, while Alex Waller and Tom Wood bring the benefit of 33 East Midlands derby appearances between them.
15 Ahsee Tuala
14 Tom Collins
13 Rory Hutchinson
12 Piers Francis
11 Taqele Naiyaravoro
10 Dan Biggar
9 Cobus Reinach
1 Francois Van Wyk
2 James Fish
3 Paul Hill
4 Alex Moon
5 Api Ratuniyarawa
6 Jamie Gibson
7 Heinrich Brüssow
8 Teimana Harrison (c)
Replacements:
16 Reece Marshall
17 Alex Waller
18 Ben Franks
19 James Craig
20 Tom Wood
21 Alex Mitchell
22 Andrew Kellaway
23 George Furbank
Not available for selection:
Andy Symons (knee), Harry Mallinder (knee), Mikey Haywood (knee), Dylan Hartley (knee), Ehren Painter (calf), Courtney Lawes (calf), Paddy Ryan (knee), James Haskell (toe), Fraser Dingwall (ankle), Luther Burrell (concussion) and David Ribbans (ankle).
Full story over on T'Offy
Teams Up: Leicester v Saints
Posted by: Marching On (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2019 12:34
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Team's up
Posted by: ElySaint (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2019 12:03
For Tigers clash our Saints are:
1 Van Wyk
2 Fish
3 Hill
4 API
5 Moon
6 Gibson
7 Brussow
8 Harrison (c)
9 Reinach
10 Biggar
11 Naiyaravoro
12 Francis
13 Hutchinson
14 Collins
15 Tuala
Bench - Marshall, Waller, Franks, Craig, Wood, Mitchell, Kellaway, Furbank
Not available for selection:
Andy Symons (knee), Harry Mallinder (knee), Mikey Haywood (knee), Dylan Hartley (knee), Ehren Painter (calf), Courtney Lawes (calf), Paddy Ryan (knee), James Haskell (toe), Fraser Dingwall (ankle), Luther Burrell (concussion) and David Ribbans (ankle)
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2019:03:21:12:05:32 by ElySaint.
1 Van Wyk
2 Fish
3 Hill
4 API
5 Moon
6 Gibson
7 Brussow
8 Harrison (c)
9 Reinach
10 Biggar
11 Naiyaravoro
12 Francis
13 Hutchinson
14 Collins
15 Tuala
Bench - Marshall, Waller, Franks, Craig, Wood, Mitchell, Kellaway, Furbank
Not available for selection:
Andy Symons (knee), Harry Mallinder (knee), Mikey Haywood (knee), Dylan Hartley (knee), Ehren Painter (calf), Courtney Lawes (calf), Paddy Ryan (knee), James Haskell (toe), Fraser Dingwall (ankle), Luther Burrell (concussion) and David Ribbans (ankle)
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2019:03:21:12:05:32 by ElySaint.
Re: Team's up
Posted by: Saint Stokey (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2019 12:05
Good looking side considering injuries and the need for rotation!
A chance for Kellaway to force himself back in the side!
A chance for Kellaway to force himself back in the side!
Re: Team's up
Posted by: Awaywin (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2019 12:05
Against a Tigers' Team of:
15 Jordan Olowofela
14 Sam Aspland-Robinson
13 Manu Tuilagi
12 Kyle Eastmond
11 Jonny May
10 George Ford
9 Sam Harrison
1 Ellis Genge
2 Tom Youngs (c)
3 Dan Cole
4 Will Spencer
5 Graham Kitchener
6 Mike Williams
7 Brendon O’Connor
8 Guy Thompson
Replacements
16 Jake Kerr
17 Facundo Gigena
18 Joe Heyes
19 Harry Wells
20 Mike Fitzgerald
21 Ben White
22 Matt Toomua
23 Gareth Owen
15 Jordan Olowofela
14 Sam Aspland-Robinson
13 Manu Tuilagi
12 Kyle Eastmond
11 Jonny May
10 George Ford
9 Sam Harrison
1 Ellis Genge
2 Tom Youngs (c)
3 Dan Cole
4 Will Spencer
5 Graham Kitchener
6 Mike Williams
7 Brendon O’Connor
8 Guy Thompson
Replacements
16 Jake Kerr
17 Facundo Gigena
18 Joe Heyes
19 Harry Wells
20 Mike Fitzgerald
21 Ben White
22 Matt Toomua
23 Gareth Owen
Re: Team's up
Posted by: Wilson Pickett (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2019 12:14
I’m more bullish after seeing the sides....
Big T against slim and rangy young winger Aspland-Robinson could bear orchards of fruit (in attack!)
I think it’s smart to give the more experienced Ace a start at 15. I probably would have started Woody to help with the gain line attrition but Heinrich really owes us a big game. Very fast line speed required to hit their big guys early.
COYS, we can do this
Big T against slim and rangy young winger Aspland-Robinson could bear orchards of fruit (in attack!)
I think it’s smart to give the more experienced Ace a start at 15. I probably would have started Woody to help with the gain line attrition but Heinrich really owes us a big game. Very fast line speed required to hit their big guys early.
COYS, we can do this
Re: Team's up
Posted by: saintsby2018 (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2019 12:21
Been extra nervous about his fixture since we qualified for the Cup final and turnaround time compounded by injury list. However i reckon that is a pretty good team considering nice to see Kellaway back in the mix and pleased Dan the man is available too. So COYS!
2018 The fightback begins COYS!
2018 The fightback begins COYS!
Re: Teams Up: Leicester v Saints
Posted by: andysaint (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2019 12:58
Good looking saints side with a strong bench. Both sides really could do with a win, Tigers for their poor league table position Saints for the hard run in and Bristol loss. I am still pessimistic about this game considering our poor league away form and would settle for a point. Tigers may well be out for any win they can possibly get so am not expecting any try bonus points for either side and for things to be kept tight.
Re: Teams Up: Leicester v Saints
Posted by: ElySaint (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2019 13:17
I'm not overly optimistic about this one - for many of the reasons Andysaint talks about. We've been poor away from home all season. Both sides look reasonably strong and I expect Tigers to lift their game as I hope we do. One thing that strikes me is another 8 changes to our team - great rotation or unsettled team? We'll see, looking forward to what I hope is a good game without Barnes ruining it.
Re: Teams Up: Leicester v Saints
Posted by: Wilson Pickett (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2019 13:21
Quote:ElySaint
I'm not overly optimistic about this one - for many of the reasons Andysaint talks about. We've been poor away from home all season. Both sides look reasonably strong and I expect Tigers to lift their game as I hope we do. One thing that strikes me is another 8 changes to our team - great rotation or unsettled team? We'll see, looking forward to what I hope is a good game without Barnes ruining it.
You're not overly optimistic? Well I never....
Barnes best ref in England by a country mile so I wouldn't worry about that
Re: Teams Up: Leicester v Saints
Posted by: ElySaint (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2019 14:07
[quote Wilson Pickett][quote ElySaint]I'm not overly optimistic about this one - for many of the reasons Andysaint talks about. We've been poor away from home all season. Both sides look reasonably strong and I expect Tigers to lift their game as I hope we do. One thing that strikes me is another 8 changes to our team - great rotation or unsettled team? We'll see, looking forward to what I hope is a good game without Barnes ruining it.[/quote]
You're not overly optimistic? Well I never.../quote]
I don't really need to answer that. I mean, you're just repeating what I said anyway. I don't see your point in that - unless you're trying to belittle my opinion?
You're not overly optimistic? Well I never.../quote]
I don't really need to answer that. I mean, you're just repeating what I said anyway. I don't see your point in that - unless you're trying to belittle my opinion?
Re: Teams Up: Leicester v Saints
Posted by: Wilson Pickett (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2019 14:21
You’re grumpy and permanently glass half empty!
travel hopefully man
travel hopefully man
Re: Teams Up: Leicester v Saints
Posted by: tedge (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2019 14:23
[quote ElySaint][quote Wilson Pickett][quote ElySaint]I'm not overly optimistic about this one - for many of the reasons Andysaint talks about. We've been poor away from home all season. Both sides look reasonably strong and I expect Tigers to lift their game as I hope we do. One thing that strikes me is another 8 changes to our team - great rotation or unsettled team? We'll see, looking forward to what I hope is a good game without Barnes ruining it.[/quote]
You're not overly optimistic? Well I never.../quote]
I don't really need to answer that. I mean, you're just repeating what I said anyway. I don't see your point in that - unless you're trying to belittle my opinion?[/quote]
ElySaint how could you possibly think that ?
You're not overly optimistic? Well I never.../quote]
I don't really need to answer that. I mean, you're just repeating what I said anyway. I don't see your point in that - unless you're trying to belittle my opinion?[/quote]
ElySaint how could you possibly think that ?
Re: Teams Up: Leicester v Saints
Posted by: twsaint (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2019 14:36
Surely , ES, it's obvious that there has to be substantial rotation with a 5 day turnaround. Boydy always said this would happen and the final and this game were treated as a bloke.
After a super cup win , confidence is up. Clearly we go into a game at Welford Road as underdogs but we have every reason for some optimism.
After a super cup win , confidence is up. Clearly we go into a game at Welford Road as underdogs but we have every reason for some optimism.
Re: Teams Up: Leicester v Saints
Posted by: Wilson Pickett (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2019 14:37
[quote tedge][quote ElySaint][quote Wilson Pickett][quote ElySaint]I'm not overly optimistic about this one - for many of the reasons Andysaint talks about. We've been poor away from home all season. Both sides look reasonably strong and I expect Tigers to lift their game as I hope we do. One thing that strikes me is another 8 changes to our team - great rotation or unsettled team? We'll see, looking forward to what I hope is a good game without Barnes ruining it.[/quote]
You're not overly optimistic? Well I never.../quote]
I don't really need to answer that. I mean, you're just repeating what I said anyway. I don't see your point in that - unless you're trying to belittle my opinion?[/quote]
ElySaint how could you possibly think that ?[/quote]
Tedge: “However full your glass might be it looks an exceptionally difficult task to get many points from these games”
you’re as bad as each other, I swear you actually want us to lose to vindicate your pessimism
You're not overly optimistic? Well I never.../quote]
I don't really need to answer that. I mean, you're just repeating what I said anyway. I don't see your point in that - unless you're trying to belittle my opinion?[/quote]
ElySaint how could you possibly think that ?[/quote]
Tedge: “However full your glass might be it looks an exceptionally difficult task to get many points from these games”
you’re as bad as each other, I swear you actually want us to lose to vindicate your pessimism
Re: Teams Up: Leicester v Saints
Posted by: Duckonstilts (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2019 15:59
I'm possibly the most optimistic person I know and even I think its going to be tough.
Rotation was needed though and any team with Harrison, Reinarch and Biggar in has a chance.
Rotation was needed though and any team with Harrison, Reinarch and Biggar in has a chance.
Re: Teams Up: Leicester v Saints
Posted by: ElySaint (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2019 16:18
[quote Wilson Pickett][quote tedge][quote ElySaint][quote Wilson Pickett][quote ElySaint]I'm not overly optimistic about this one - for many of the reasons Andysaint talks about. We've been poor away from home all season. Both sides look reasonably strong and I expect Tigers to lift their game as I hope we do. One thing that strikes me is another 8 changes to our team - great rotation or unsettled team? We'll see, looking forward to what I hope is a good game without Barnes ruining it.[/quote]
You're not overly optimistic? Well I never.../quote]
I don't really need to answer that. I mean, you're just repeating what I said anyway. I don't see your point in that - unless you're trying to belittle my opinion?[/quote]
ElySaint how could you possibly think that ?[/quote]
Tedge: “However full your glass might be it looks an exceptionally difficult task to get many points from these games”
you’re as bad as each other, I swear you actually want us to lose to vindicate your pessimism[/quote]
I would love us to win every game WP. I just don't think we have as good a chance tomorrow as you seem to. It isn't wrong to have a different opinion to you. I offered a couple of reasons why I feel the way I do a) poor away form this season, b) strong Tigers team etc. Much better to engage with these points than to just dismiss it out of hand, no?
Twsaint - absolutely take your point about the turnaround and rotation. Ultimately it should be for the best that we do get everyone as much game time as possible. Just seemed a high number on first instinct.
However, like I say, hoping for a good game.
You're not overly optimistic? Well I never.../quote]
I don't really need to answer that. I mean, you're just repeating what I said anyway. I don't see your point in that - unless you're trying to belittle my opinion?[/quote]
ElySaint how could you possibly think that ?[/quote]
Tedge: “However full your glass might be it looks an exceptionally difficult task to get many points from these games”
you’re as bad as each other, I swear you actually want us to lose to vindicate your pessimism[/quote]
I would love us to win every game WP. I just don't think we have as good a chance tomorrow as you seem to. It isn't wrong to have a different opinion to you. I offered a couple of reasons why I feel the way I do a) poor away form this season, b) strong Tigers team etc. Much better to engage with these points than to just dismiss it out of hand, no?
Twsaint - absolutely take your point about the turnaround and rotation. Ultimately it should be for the best that we do get everyone as much game time as possible. Just seemed a high number on first instinct.
However, like I say, hoping for a good game.
Re: Teams Up: Leicester v Saints
Posted by: Wilson Pickett (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2019 17:05
Fair enough, my comment is regards your constant pessimism highlighted by the hyperbolic doomsday post straight after the Bristol game. I’m not surprised that you don’t expect us to win.
Bookies have Tigers to win by 1.5 points, so the market thinks its 50/50
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2019:03:21:17:07:18 by Wilson Pickett.
Bookies have Tigers to win by 1.5 points, so the market thinks its 50/50
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2019:03:21:17:07:18 by Wilson Pickett.
Re: Teams Up: Leicester v Saints
Posted by: LeicesterSaint (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2019 17:55
Many are the posts/tweets made immediately after games and regretted! Most recently a took a beating on Twitter after the England Wales game for suggesting that AWN had managed the ref well (I also referred to him as Wyn Jones but in general it was meant as a compliment!).
I now have a policy of not posting anything until the day after games, however my inebriated self doesn't really respect the rule enough!
I now have a policy of not posting anything until the day after games, however my inebriated self doesn't really respect the rule enough!
Re: Teams Up: Leicester v Saints
Posted by: Wilson Pickett (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2019 18:17
Form - Tigers are better at home than away, as are we. Tigers did get thumped by Sale last game though. Tigers +.
Psychology - We have broadly more confidence across the team and club. Saints +.
Set piece - they have a better scrum, line outs even. Tigers +.
Breakdown - O’Connor is a menace but we have Brussouw and Harrison. Saints +.
Gain line/ball carrying. They have Tuilagi, Thompson, Genge who are all prodigious ball carriers. We have Big T, Teimana. Still, Tigers +.
Half backs - ours considerably better at game management and Cobus a huge threat on the break. Saints +.
Creativity. Saints have shown much better patterns of play to create holes, score tries. Saints +.
To me it comes down to whether we can make our creativity matter more than their set piece. We should be looking for soft shoulders in and around the breakdown with quick ball as their big guys try to get back into line.
I would be testing their 11 and 15 with high balls quite a bit to start. Make every kick competitive. You’d suggest their back 3 probably have a weakness kicking from hand which may be interesting if Dan B can pin them back from time to time.
Just play our way and there should be plenty of points out there. I think we can win but bookies price sounds about right.
Psychology - We have broadly more confidence across the team and club. Saints +.
Set piece - they have a better scrum, line outs even. Tigers +.
Breakdown - O’Connor is a menace but we have Brussouw and Harrison. Saints +.
Gain line/ball carrying. They have Tuilagi, Thompson, Genge who are all prodigious ball carriers. We have Big T, Teimana. Still, Tigers +.
Half backs - ours considerably better at game management and Cobus a huge threat on the break. Saints +.
Creativity. Saints have shown much better patterns of play to create holes, score tries. Saints +.
To me it comes down to whether we can make our creativity matter more than their set piece. We should be looking for soft shoulders in and around the breakdown with quick ball as their big guys try to get back into line.
I would be testing their 11 and 15 with high balls quite a bit to start. Make every kick competitive. You’d suggest their back 3 probably have a weakness kicking from hand which may be interesting if Dan B can pin them back from time to time.
Just play our way and there should be plenty of points out there. I think we can win but bookies price sounds about right.
Re: Teams Up: Leicester v Saints
Posted by: St Saltaire (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2019 18:57
This will be a very tough game. No matter how poorly Tigers are playing they always raise their game against Saints - it’s a proper Derby match and the outcome will probably be close. If we manage the game as well as we did against Sarries we’ll stand a chance. I hate to say it but I think the Tigers will sneak a win.
Re: Teams Up: Leicester v Saints
Posted by: tigerburnie (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2019 19:00
We have been miss firing quite badly, but feel with home advantage we can take the points, expecting a typical East Mids Derby so it won't be easy.
Re: Teams Up: Leicester v Saints
Posted by: 195Rich (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2019 19:07
Think that Tigers should have too much power for us - but if we can start well and get our noses in front then confidence comes into play and Saints sould steal it! Certainly hope so!!
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