Saints v Stade Rochelais Match Thread 21st Jan - Teams Up

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:01:27:08:24:10 by Saint Ted.

Interesting no Mitchel if the last few seasons are to go by could be the last we see of him this season.
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Quote:

Chris Hoddle
Interesting no Mitchel if the last few seasons are to go by could be the last we see of him this season.
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Sorry Chris, I don’t get what u mean????

Alex had a phase of being selected in the England team and then not making the final squad. He was also no released back to the club. I remember him having a fairly long period of time with no game time. I could easily have dreamt that?

I think Mitchell has been involved in every game so far hasn't he so likely needs a break.

I see Stade are so confident they're only sending a backline and front row and I don't even recognise any of the names, they must be second string! To, Go and Out are a solid front row pairing though.

Quote:

Chris Hoddle
Alex had a phase of being selected in the England team and then not making the final squad. He was also no released back to the club. I remember him having a fairly long period of time with no game time. I could easily have dreamt that?

Didn't he break his leg just after being called up for the first time? Or something along those lines?

Quote:

LeicesterSaint
I think Mitchell has been involved in every game so far hasn't he so likely needs a break.
I see Stade are so confident they're only sending a backline and front row and I don't even recognise any of the names, they must be second string! To, Go and Out are a solid front row pairing though.

God i'm slow today, putting it down to the cold.

What's he on about To Go Out

I wonder if Alex would benefit from rotation with Braley as happened with Dicko and Kahn

I see Stade are so confident they're only sending a backline and front row and I don't even recognise any of the names, they must be second string! To, Go and Out are a solid front row pairing though.[/quote]

They've got 10 internationals starting and 4 on the bench.
No Bougarit, Paiva, Skelton, Tanga or Danty. Thomas dropped after a shocker last week. But still very strong.

A few changes to give some match time to guys who will be needed next week at Welford Road...Skosan, Braley, Hinckley.
Resting the first choice props likewise gives them a breather before Welford Road. Wardi and Antonio are both in the France squad.

Quote:

Deesaint

Quote:

LeicesterSaint
I think Mitchell has been involved in every game so far hasn't he so likely needs a break.
I see Stade are so confident they're only sending a backline and front row and I don't even recognise any of the names, they must be second string! To, Go and Out are a solid front row pairing though.

God i'm slow today, putting it down to the cold.

What's he on about To Go Out

I wonder if Alex would benefit from rotation with Braley as happened with Dicko and Kahn

Probably not helped by me being back now and putting the team in!

Ref Mitchell - Don’t the EPS players have to have a rest weekend?

The backrow balance looks a lot better this week

I think the only area there can be any real argument over is the front row. Can it cope with the energy from that back five?

I think after last weekend, Mitchell should have some time off. Braley and James are quite competent and it will be good to see what Braley can do from the off.

Game is a dead rubber notwithstanding any talk of scraping into the Challenge Cup by the back door. The following league program is far more important in the long term especially with the
Leicester game being comprised by the England call-ups - why they just cannot meet up on the following Sunday evening is beyond me.

More often than not we have 3 recognised centres in the 23.
Who fills in if Dingwall or Hutchinson goes off? Might be interseting to see Freeman at 12.

Hasn't Sleights played centre... or am I imagining things again?

For many reasons, I would like to see a good saints win is that it is live on ITV and the shop window is there for more people to see. Hope it feels like more than a dead rubber match, got to get the team thinking about every game as a winnable situation and drive some positive vibes.

Commercially it’s far from a dead rubber. Get into the challenge cup and find some form could bring in some very helpful cash

Not sure if anyone’s looked today at available tickets but looks like it’s going to be worryingly empty tomorrow!
Team selection really good for me, looking forward to seeing a few fringe players who haven’t got much game time recently alongside the automatic selections! Few contract decisions may be made upon tomorrows game for me

Come on Saints, you can do us a favour here.

Quote:

Osprey_Fan
Come on Saints, you can do us a favour here.

Well done on your win at Tigers last night, lets hope we can do the same next weekend.

Good start. Great quick ball by braley.

Playing some decent stuff. Be nice to make pressure count. Had Hinckley been injured of just not preferred? Always think we are a better side with him in it

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herbie85
Playing some decent stuff. Be nice to make pressure count. Had Hinckley been injured of just not preferred? Always think we are a better side with him in it

Completely agree re Hinckley.

That makes it a whole lot harder. Not real question about the card however.

What did he do?

Quote:

ajack
That makes it a whole lot harder. Not real question about the card however.

Yep no intent but can't do that. The proposed regs for community rugby coming in need a wobble though imho

Great try but the pass was about two yards forward.

Think the referees interpretation of the ruck and offside lines have been interesting in their variation in application between players wearing different colours.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:01:21:14:37:59 by herbie85.

Quote:

herbie85
Think the referees interpretation of the ruck and offside lines have been interesting in their variation in application between players wearing different colours.

I would agree we have got away with alot but more down to the amount of defending we did than therefore favouring us.
Another clear red, poor discipline again sadly.

Am I right in thinking the rd cards mean suspension for next match?

Quote:

ajack

Quote:

herbie85
Think the referees interpretation of the ruck and offside lines have been interesting in their variation in application between players wearing different colours.

I would agree we have got away with alot but more down to the amount of defending we did than therefore favouring us.
Another clear red, poor discipline again sadly.

Yep, wouldn't be saints without a decent amount of stupidity. Shame as a lot of dog shown today. Just a lot of sloppiness and I'll discipline to go along with it.

What a costly dead rubber. With hindsight we should have let the pitch freeze and forfeit!

At the end of the day, what was more important - a match with a remote chance of getting an away game in the Challenge Cup by the back door or a crucial local derby at Welford Road ? I would suggest the latter and to lose two players to clear red cards due to poor technique is not a good sign.
There will be enough players missing next week as it is - Tigers included.

Leaving aside the obvious stuff you have a cracking player in young Finn Smith.

Just listened to ROG interview - he was amazing.. never thought he was like that! Focused, detailed, intense and honest. Was a bit disparaging of saints (not a top team) but he’s really not wrong.

We haven't won in Europe for three years, frequently fail to land our punches, and can't contain any decently sized pack. We've been so frustrated in the last two European home games we've broken out brawls to vent steam. Of course we're not a top team.

Quote:

Always2Hopeful
Just listened to ROG interview - he was amazing.. never thought he was like that! Focused, detailed, intense and honest. Was a bit disparaging of saints (not a top team) but he’s really not wrong.

He really has the makings of being a world class coach.
Surprised England didn't go for him, assuming they didn't.

Quote:

Angus67
Am I right in thinking the rd cards mean suspension for next match?

Not necessarily depends on the the resulting punishment as decreed by the disciplinary meeting midweek. However, I’d say both will get at the very least 2 weeks with the various discounts, guilty plea, attending a coaching course, etc. maybe more

Thought the ref had a decent first half, no complaints at all. From about the hour mark amd don’t know whether it was him or one or other of the ARs they decided that sealing off, in at the side and general ruck infringements were suddenly a thing but only for one side. Very picky on us for last half an hour. No complaints with reds, going to make next week tougher than it was already

Thought we played well for the most part against a strong French side who take the comp seriously. Dingers red card was always going to tell later in game. Hinkley very good as were usual suspects.

First time I’ve been rained on undercover of South Stand
Sorry Cinch

Hinckley and Ludlum where our Stand out players
We handled loosing Dingwall very well
They scored through catch and drive at line outs

Hats off to La Rochelle’s coaches
That team from 1 to 15 on the pitch just had a totally different mental attitude
They wanted to be in the game
From jumping up and getting back in line being available as a receiver just every aspect

That’s why we play in these games
To test ourselves and get better

We will never beat any team giving away the number of penalties we did at the breakdown.

Just watching Leinster dissecting Racing ( and the home team were far from perfect ) having seen our game earlier today. To be brutally honest, we are light years away from the top sides in the European Cup. It’s not just a question of skills, it’s also about the intensity and mental toughness as others have mentioned earlier. It’s a huge gulf I’m afraid…………..



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:01:21:17:18:56 by Aberavon Wizard.

Was at the game, yes mentality is a factor but ultimately our forwards are not powerful enough to compete. We couldn’t punch any holes with lots of possession in the first half, then got overpowered up front in the second. Yes we have capped players but collectively as an 8 they are overpowered in most of the games I’ve seen, often by so-called lesser names. Until we can address this we will lose more than we win. I’m sure this is obvious to the coaches / leadership so perhaps we just don’t have the cash to strengthen. When did we last recruit a well known name?

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Bucksaint
Was at the game, yes mentality is a factor but ultimately our forwards are not powerful enough to compete. We couldn’t punch any holes with lots of possession in the first half, then got overpowered up front in the second. Yes we have capped players but collectively as an 8 they are overpowered in most of the games I’ve seen, often by so-called lesser names. Until we can address this we will lose more than we win. I’m sure this is obvious to the coaches / leadership so perhaps we just don’t have the cash to strengthen. When did we last recruit a well known name?

Owen Frank's? 100+ cap double world cup winner. Not sure it actually improved anything with our current mindset.

Both Franks where over the hill when they joined Saints
Heaven knows why we recruited them
I would guess that Boyd noted our poor scrum and wanted to add power/experience
It didn’t work

Find the new Gary Pagel
What about Stephen Kitzoff



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:01:21:18:01:43 by Deesaint.

Even if we signed the equivalent of Tiny, Mooj, Dylan and Samu would it actually make any difference with the mindset within the club and coaches?

Ajack….good question. I wonder where the mindset emanates from within the Club ?

Fair point
As I said above
The approach to the game today showed a gulf in coaching ability

But PD is low cost and that seems to be the driver

Quote:

Deesaint
Fair point
As I said above
The approach to the game today showed a gulf in coaching ability

But PD is low cost and that seems to be the driver

I wonder if that is the real driver - across the club? We simply cannot afford to play at the top table?

So why can Exeter Tigers Saracens
The cost excuse is a smoke screen
A well organised competent coaching team makes a immense difference

If Saints brought on board La Rochelle coaching team
Would we see any difference in our team in a months time

I’d put my mortgage on it

It’s not just money….if it was then Bath and Bristol would be right up there.

Quote:

Aberavon Wizard
There will be enough players missing next week as it is - Tigers included.

Sadly we might need to find our boots for next weekend, what should be one of the highlights of the season could be reduced to an "A" league game, I really have had enough of this where league games are played when the internationals are taken away, little wonder there are few sell out games these days.

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tigerburnie

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Aberavon Wizard
There will be enough players missing next week as it is - Tigers included.

Sadly we might need to find our boots for next weekend, what should be one of the highlights of the season could be reduced to an "A" league game, I really have had enough of this where league games are played when the internationals are taken away, little wonder there are few sell out games these days.

Agree with you 100% but people tell me I don’t understand the big picture. It’s only a couple of months since the AI’s; the squad should be able to gather next Sunday evening at the training camp and then get ready for the first 6N game.

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tigerburnie

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Aberavon Wizard
There will be enough players missing next week as it is - Tigers included.

Sadly we might need to find our boots for next weekend, what should be one of the highlights of the season could be reduced to an "A" league game, I really have had enough of this where league games are played when the internationals are taken away, little wonder there are few sell out games these days.

I agree, added to which - We are getting ever reducing value in terms of the number of games, due to premiership clubs folding, ridiculous European structure, premiership cup similar, no Wandies matches. Not helped by the team's inability to progress to home knockout rounds.

Games devalued by cards. Starting to fall out of love with the whole experience.

Off to the roundabout next week with fingers crossed for some joy.

€29,000,000 vs £5m+ doesn’t help.

‘Starting to fall out of love with the whole experience’

Funnily enough, we were saying the same after the game but we are ‘old school’ and either don’t understand or want to understand the way the game is going at headlong speed. We’ve actually decided not to renew next season though we will still follow the Saints and go to the occasional game - there will always be seats despite the carp from the PR department. Ah, part-time supporters you might say…..well, maybe, but my Dad first took me to Franklins Gardens in 1963 so work your way around that one !

Quote:

Aberavon Wizard
‘Starting to fall out of love with the whole experience’
Funnily enough, we were saying the same after the game but we are ‘old school’ and either don’t understand or want to understand the way the game is going at headlong speed. We’ve actually decided not to renew next season though we will still follow the Saints and go to the occasional game - there will always be seats despite the carp from the PR department. Ah, part-time supporters you might say…..well, maybe, but my Dad first took me to Franklins Gardens in 1963 so work your way around that one !

I have been thinking the same, we no longer compete anywhere near the top table. Have had cold/ flu all week and have been starting work at 4.15 am including today, which doesn’t help. But when it was time to go today, my son and partner waiting, I just thought to hell with this I can’t face it and spent all afternoon asleep in bed. And to be honest I don’t regret it.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:01:21:20:32:12 by St. Andy.

My first game 69
And I agree with you
TV next season

We are in a downward spiral
We will be bottom to mid table
Never win anything

The most worrying thing is
A lot of Saints supporters are happy with that

The occasional trip to France to get hammered by 50 points
Great stuff

That's an interesting comment Aberavon Wizard as I've been saying the same to many of my friends recently &, to be quite honest, I've kept it quiet as I feel sad about it

Firstly can I say I love my club

I've had a season ticket for about 33 years & for some of that my daughter sat on my knee for free. When I first started going to games I was completely in awe of the players I was watching & my claim to fame is still Jonny Wilkinson hit me on the head with a practice kick (I should have been watching but I didn't flinch).

Every game I went to I saw international players I loved. Today the international structure means I shall see players like Courtney 4 times at FG (yes FG not Cinch Stadium).

I've followed my club to many wonderful European cities..Perpignon, Toulouse, Montpellier, Dublin, Limerick, Toulon, Parma, Viadana - what wonderful times they were

Many of my friends recently have asked me why I feel like I do & the answer I give them is....

I don't know & maybe it's now because I've turned a "Beatles Song"...

In the old days I felt I was seeing the best that the Premiership & Europe had to offer. Today I feel like I'm watching amazing, enterprising kids trying their best against men

I know income v cost is as issue at the moment as it is i all our lives, but sad to say, like many...this will be my last season as a ST holder

And that makes me very sad

Playing budget is a massive factor, those citing Tigers, Chiefs, Sarries, etc I’d ask to hold fire and see how far they go. The big point about playing budget is not necessarily about the best XV it’s about depth. As an example French club could probably put out 2 if not 3 full front rows that are better than our best. Lose a couple of players to injury has no discernible impact. £8.6 M (€10M) I think buys you better quality and more of it. Irish provinces particularly Leinster benefit from IRFU paying huge chunks of players central contracts. No question we are playing poorly and should be doing better but we are huge underdogs when up against the likes of La Rochelle & Leinster. The vagaries of the French psyche and the guessing whether they are bothered or not brings them back to us, but there is no question us along with Welsh & Scottish regions are disadvantaged financially which impacts ability to compete. Yes we should qualify but to what end get knocked out in last 16 or Quarters which would be best case scenario imo.

As another point only Sarries and Sale are really outliers at top of the table domestically, Quins, Exeter, Tigers et al are as bad as we are so maybe not so well off coaching wise after all

Mrs and I have been debating renewal of our season tickets, partly due to financial pressures but, also, what we get for our money.

Saints season ticket holders for 24 years.

Todays game was key. Like others have said our salary cap stops us recruiting better players. We CANNOT compete in Europe, which leaves us the Premiership and the Premiership Cup. The latter is to improve our younger team members, which leaves us the Premiership.

The loss of Wasps and Worcester leaves 10 home matches.

The current laws are making it very difficult for players to play their normal game. The laws are supposed to protect the players, but they are ruining the game. We started with tackling in the air. Now accidental hits to the head are esultino in multiple red cards. But today we seemed to have 4 refs. Two touch judges and the TMO. Every minor infringement was penalised. It’s crackers.

So, our conclusion is, like others, we won’t be renewing our season tickets next season. Yes part is financial but more enjoyment.

Unfortunately like many others I am also thinking that I no longer wish to spend my time, money and effort watching rugby go down the pan and a team that is just not capable of performing consistently at anywhere near a top 4 side.
Personally, I think there ate too many international fixtures taking away players from clubs, especially week long training sessions where players not allowed to play at clubs and the local derby almost becoming an A league fixture ( no insult to those players left) and still paying the same money for it.
Todays performance showed that some players just can’t do the basics correctly so when it comes to throwing fancy passes around the field it’s almost an invitation to come destroy us.
The contact with the head decisions need consistency on what is a high level of danger and what isn’t. If my arm is up and connects with a players head it dosent mean it’s high danger, the impact determines that. Referee on ref mic immediately said a high level of danger before even really looking at it and what impact there really was.
Agree there has to be protection for players but the game is becoming a joke in many ways and no longer enjoyable to watch for many reasons.

For a bit of balance I'd just like to say that I'll be renewing my season ticket and making the drive back and forth from the edge of the fens.

I'll also be renewing, but can understand why others are not, or considering not renewing. It should be somewhat concerning for Darbon and co to read about long term STHs not renewing - the current cost of living and style of rugby being played dont appear conducive to attracting new STHs.

For me it's very frustrating that we have a squad which appears to have transitioned from being very youthful and promising to being more experienced but under achievers. It's not so much that we lose games against the big sides but more the way in which we lose them, making the same tactical errors with the same ill discipline and porous defence. I think we are generally better on paper than we are on the pitch and (front row aside, which we need to strengthen) still think our squad is quite good. I do think something needs to change in terms of tactics, playing style and mentality to rebalance towards a more pragmatic game with more emphasis on set piece and defence. Increasingly I think we need at least one change in coaching personnel, but also a change in direction/ philosophy to accompany that.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:01:22:06:25:41 by St Marcus.

Having watched the match on ITV I thought we didn't do too bad in the first half but disintegrated in the second half just after Fraser was sent off which is completely opposite to our usual game. To hear that season ticket holders, some of many years won't be renewing should be a wake up call to the board.
Hopefully the "Wanderers" can lift the spirits, as they have done so in previous seasons but I fear we are in a very deep hole that we can't escape from, it's very embarrassing.
On a brighter note, the Academy won again and are just one win away from a place in the final. Perhaps the Academy coaches can take over for the rest of the season?

Tigers fan in peace. Can well understand some fans not renewing their season tickets around the country. Although Tigers have not clicked consistently this season that is not the reason some of our fans are disgruntled . What is making the game less enjoyable is the constant intervention of the TMO, inconsistency of refereeing and tinkering with the laws. One of the joys of rugby is celebrating a try being scored but nowadays with the chirping of the pundits in the studio(Austin Healey) more often than not there is a delay waiting to check if it has been given.
I wouldn’t give up my season ticket under any circumstances but can sympathise with those that would. Good luck for the rest of the season(but not next week).

Quote:

A2O
Tigers fan in peace. Can well understand some fans not renewing their season tickets around the country. Although Tigers have not clicked consistently this season that is not the reason some of our fans are disgruntled . What is making the game less enjoyable is the constant intervention of the TMO, inconsistency of refereeing and tinkering with the laws. One of the joys of rugby is celebrating a try being scored but nowadays with the chirping of the pundits in the studio(Austin Healey) more often than not there is a delay waiting to check if it has been given.
I wouldn’t give up my season ticket under any circumstances but can sympathise with those that would. Good luck for the rest of the season(but not next week).

I think you sum it up nicely. The inconsistency and tinkering is high on my list. And your reference to the studio contribution made me laugh - they're all referees now!

As for next week, I just look forward to being able to see a certain pal of mine after the game, and be able to smile. Not about the result (though that would help) but how well we played.

Ramseysaint
“For a bit of balance I'd just like to say that I'll be renewing my season ticket and making the drive back and forth from the edge of the fens.”
I applaud your loyalty. But after supporting Saints since 1956 in person, courtesy of schoolboy freebies from Saints players who taught at my school, right through to last season spending over a £1100 on two season tickets, my loyalty is undiminished. But, mainly because of disappointing results it is simply no longer acceptable to pay to attend, when a season of PRTV is around a £100 and BT is an option courtesy of a family member. If results improve, I may return.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:01:22:10:17:46 by stjj.

Just in the interest of balance, it’s not just the results for us - it’s more a question of the ever changing face of the game and the razzmatazz that has pushed us over the edge after many decades.

Sadly with the pundits it's a case of he who pays the piper calls the tune, BT will no doubt have told motor mouth to be controversial, I no longer watch rugby on tv and when I watch any re-run games or highlights I turn the volume off.

What are peoples thoughts on the end of the game? We were 13-31 down and had the ball on the edge of our own 22 with the clock in the red. I was telling people near me we need to kick this out but didn’t get many people agreeing with me.
With nothing to play for at all what honestly was the point and of course we then end up with losing arguably our best player of the season for a few key upcoming games with the red card.

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Saintsfan22
What are peoples thoughts on the end of the game? We were 13-31 down and had the ball on the edge of our own 22 with the clock in the red. I was telling people near me we need to kick this out but didn’t get many people agreeing with me.
With nothing to play for at all what honestly was the point and of course we then end up with losing arguably our best player of the season for a few key upcoming games with the red card.

I'd say the right move. Continuing to play earlier lost us Salakaia-Loto for several weeks.

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Walks11

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Angus67
Am I right in thinking the rd cards mean suspension for next match?

Not necessarily depends on the the resulting punishment as decreed by the disciplinary meeting midweek. However, I’d say both will get at the very least 2 weeks with the various discounts, guilty plea, attending a coaching course, etc. maybe more

Cheers Walks11. So thin on the ground for next week then.

Chins up people. At least you have a club to support. I miss watching wasps on TV even with the pundits chipping away. But at least I’m not put through the pain of so many last-minute losses! I came to the harlequins game and really enjoyed the experience. But it’s a 90 mile round-trip for me and I will have to choose my games carefully. I was a wasps season-ticket holder in the Sudbury, Loftus Road and high Wycombe periods, but never at Coventry. But very happy times with the kids in tow. I can understand your frustrations with the team but hopefully it’s just a blip. Keep behind them and go if you can. Value what you have.

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Buzzer
Chins up people. At least you have a club to support. I miss watching wasps on TV even with the pundits chipping away. But at least I’m not put through the pain of so many last-minute losses! I came to the harlequins game and really enjoyed the experience. But it’s a 90 mile round-trip for me and I will have to choose my games carefully. I was a wasps season-ticket holder in the Sudbury, Loftus Road and high Wycombe periods, but never at Coventry. But very happy times with the kids in tow. I can understand your frustrations with the team but hopefully it’s just a blip. Keep behind them and go if you can. Value what you have.

Hi Buzzer

Thanks for the pep talk 😁

But from where I stand this not just about the team’s performance

What irks me and I believe a good number of others are:

Loss of players for international duty when they are needed for premiership matches ( they are away from theirs clubs not just matches but training weekends).

The structure of the European Competition, let’s just have a pool of four teams with home and away matches. This would give more matches with “all star”teams. Easy to follow, and you can see your clubs position at a glance. The chances of away supporters going to to European South Africa are slim, the costs for travelling teams must be significant, what is the point?

The loss of Wanderers Monday night games which made possible attendance with an enlarged bunch of mates , wives and youngsters who would be very unlikely to fork out for a “ first team “ game. In the event that they did pay for a “ first team “ match they would likely not see a significant number of the star players ( see above ). These are the players they hear about and read about, and having paid for “ first team” ticket expect to see, as I do. Monday nights used to be good rugby at a price to attract new supporters with acceptance that as you are not paying top dollar you might not see all the stars.

And last, but by no means least, the continued interference by the TMO. Yesterday afternoon was a particularly egregious example as she spent the afternoon apparently trying justify her appointment, and was the ref’s ear so much that he was at times ignoring her in order to let the game flow a bit. It was a whistle fest without her input.

I accept that the cards given may have been correct according to the letter of the law, but in neither instance do I believe they were deliberate, nor were they unaffected by the actions of the other player. I think that, more often that not both parties to a collision contribute to that collision, and that many of them are “ rugby incidents” , it is after all a contact sport and I suspect that these days very few professional players go on the pitch with the intention of hurting the opponents. The inconsistency and over zealous use of cards is destroying the game as a spectator sport, and I suspect it also spoils the game from a player’s point of view as well

Yes I know the game needs to seen to reducing head contacts, but it’s endeavours to arrive at nirvana it may find the impact from diminishing support as great a problem.

All of the above points would be easier to swallow if we were winning, but I believe are valid nonetheless.

I am seriously considering whether to bother with season tickets next year.

Quote:

A2O
Tigers fan in peace. Can well understand some fans not renewing their season tickets around the country. Although Tigers have not clicked consistently this season that is not the reason some of our fans are disgruntled . What is making the game less enjoyable is the constant intervention of the TMO, inconsistency of refereeing and tinkering with the laws. One of the joys of rugby is celebrating a try being scored but nowadays with the chirping of the pundits in the studio(Austin Healey) more often than not there is a delay waiting to check if it has been given.
I wouldn’t give up my season ticket under any circumstances but can sympathise with those that would. Good luck for the rest of the season(but not next week).

Really good point ref the TMO. The build up of a try and the score itself generating buzz and the roar of the crowd is pivotal for atmosphere. Fair enough for a blatant non score but for every try this kills the atmosphere and enjoyment of watching live.

Quote:

ramseysaint
For a bit of balance I'd just like to say that I'll be renewing my season ticket and making the drive back and forth from the edge of the fens.

Don’t know if you meant it to be but your contribution is condescending. Not only what you say but the fact it offers nothing to the conversation. You are clearly perfectly happy to accept mediocrity so mediocrity is what you’ll continue to get.
As is amply demonstrated by other comments it’s not any one thing but an accumulation of a number of things over a long period of time. It’s not as if the club and rugby as a whole hasn’t been warned.
I appreciate the club cannot spend whatever it likes even if it wanted to and is a business but the answers at the fans forum were alarming and I am yet to be convinced the money that can be spent is being spent wisely.
The whole match day experience can become grating when you get loads of hype and razzmatazz, knowing full well you’re likely to about to get thrashed.
The reduced number of meaningful games for the same money.
No wanderers games.
The seemingly endless TMO interventions, delays and cards being thrown about like confetti.
Tinkering with the laws, while I accept the need for player protection.
All these plus more I probably haven’t thought of also people’s personal finances to buy some of the most expensive tickets in the league. I personally work shifts at weekends so often have burn a days annual leave to attend. and of course there are plenty of other leisure things one can spend ones moneyon.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:01:22:20:28:50 by St. Andy.

Quote:

Saintsfan22
What are peoples thoughts on the end of the game? We were 13-31 down and had the ball on the edge of our own 22 with the clock in the red. I was telling people near me we need to kick this out but didn’t get many people agreeing with me.
With nothing to play for at all what honestly was the point and of course we then end up with losing arguably our best player of the season for a few key upcoming games with the red card.

The red card was in normal time, wasn't it, albeit very close to the end? As soon as we got the ball with the clock dead Furbank took a quick tap and indeed kicked the ball dead. Nothing to play for at that point, but could risk injury or another card.

I sincerely hope that someone at the Club actually takes the time to read these forums and sure, separate the wheat from the chaff before summarising the feelings of the supporter base to the Chairman and CEO - who knows, maybe Mark Darbon sits down with a sandwich at lunchtime and scrolls through !

Some of the comments above are really heartfelt from season ticket holders who are becoming disenchanted with the game itself to the point where their renewals are very much in doubt for the next campaign. Even if we are talking about a small minority this should be of concern to the Club even if some issues are beyond their immediate control. Like St Andy I found some of the comments made at the fans forum by the ‘panel’ to be both complacent and patronising. We may not be businessmen and women, we may not be professional rugby players or coaches but we do pay our dues year in and year out and the product on offer in the Premiership or Europe at Franklins Gardens is not what it should be for the prices charged. Only one team can win the league, only one team in a warped European competition can be Champions. I don’t expect to win every week, though that would be nice, but I do expect to be entertained for that is what sport is, an entertainment. The game I grew up with has changed beyond all recognition but the amateur management of the game at the RFU and in some of the Clubs remains a huge problem.

I would think that those at the top at Saints will clearly have seen Tommy V article in the Chron
[www.northamptonchron.co.uk]
it quotes ROG and then printed some of the twitter comments form supporters about it. Most of them seem to say it was accurate.

ROG is certainly right based on recent results in Europe. 3 years without a win is very poor. And again, we're not just losing, we're frequently getting dismantled. We can cite the financing issues and the less attritional nature of the Celtic/SA league, but our record is still bad compared to the other prem clubs. European games used to be something to really look forward to but now the atmosphere is more one of trepidation.

Quote:

Saintsfan22
What are peoples thoughts on the end of the game? We were 13-31 down and had the ball on the edge of our own 22 with the clock in the red. I was telling people near me we need to kick this out but didn’t get many people agreeing with me.
With nothing to play for at all what honestly was the point and of course we then end up with losing arguably our best player of the season for a few key upcoming games with the red card.

That's a really good point! What if someone suffered a season-ending injury?

Completely agree with comments on intrusive TMOs and pedantic refereeing spoiling the game. I know the “big screen”is conspired essential for spectator enjoyment (?) - but I would remove it and for rare instances of foul and dangerous play (not for denying a try) have a pitch side screen for the refs use.

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:01:23:22:06:38 by NGSB.