Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Welcome to Saintsfansonline. We hope you enjoy your visit.


You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.


Join our community!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
Leicester Tigers Vs Saints - Saturday 3 Dec - 17:00 - Welford Road
Topic Started: Nov 30 2016, 03:06 PM (848 Views)
Wibble
Member Avatar
Senior Player
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Well I was hopeful we would be going into this fixture on the back of a good run of wins (although not exactly great rugby) but thats no longer the case.

I cant see where change is going to come from. If Louis is back in the team then thats one bright point but other than that we dont have any of our England boys back and they are the only other players i think could improve things right now with there improved play and being in a succesful team playing well.

We dont often win at Welford road. This will not be one of those rare occasions. I think the best we can hope for is a dull, wet and cold game and hope for a LBP in a terrible game and no more bans.

to say i am lacking hope at this point would be an understatement .

Hopefully some of you have more hope but i cant see it.

On the Plus side i will be at Twickenham watching England so i have a pretty good chance of seeing a good game.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
happyclapper
Member Avatar
Senior Player
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
I'm not sure that all the returning players will slot straight back in.
I suppose it depends on fitness and how they've gone in training this week.
If we get them all back in, then we have a chance at an LBP but, if not, and for the first time, I am going into this game more with hope than anything else...
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ElmaFudd
No Avatar
Senior Player
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
We are going to get creamed I'm afraid.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Bedford Saint
No Avatar
Squad Player
[ *  *  *  *  * ]
On current form we'd be better off asking the coach driver to get lost somewhere around Market Harboorough and drive to the coast.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
flanker
No Avatar
Senior Player
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Depends who plays but not optimistic.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Saints2000
No Avatar
Fringe Player
[ *  *  *  * ]
I don't know if any of you play the prediction game on Superbru.com but I have just made my picks for the premiership. it's very telling that everyone in my group has picked a Tigers win and the two who have gone for the biggest winning margin are both Saints fans!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ElmaFudd
No Avatar
Senior Player
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Yes it's a real shame but even the most optomistic supporters I know can't see beyond Tigers. Even when we were relegated I can't remember being this resigned to a loss so far before a match. I don't even dare think as far as leinster next friday
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
happyclapper
Member Avatar
Senior Player
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Well gosh darn it then, I'll go for a Saints win!
Worst case scenario, we lose, and you all brand me a loon.
Best case, we win, and you all brand me some kind of De Niro esque (from Casino) prediction genius!

So... Official prediction, Saints to win in a close game by 4.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
flanker
No Avatar
Senior Player
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
They may perform better when the pressure is off and they're seen as underdogs.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ElmaFudd
No Avatar
Senior Player
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
As the did vs Castre?
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
happyclapper
Member Avatar
Senior Player
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
As team announcement time gets closer would I be wrong to be getting excited and predict a BP win?!?!?!?!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Wibble
Member Avatar
Senior Player
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Why not? At some point we will actually start playing rugby and be unstoppable..... :-)
Posted Image
The forwards look fairly good. I would like to see them carry a bit more as i know many of them are strong ball in hand. The backs is interesting, i would say we are going to play for territory and pressure at the lineout. Might work but we need our defense to pick up.

Who knows this could be a winning team, i like all the players... they just have to play for each other.
Edited by Wibble, Dec 2 2016, 12:59 PM.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
happyclapper
Member Avatar
Senior Player
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
I like it! Lots to note...

1) Jim has clearly acknowledged that Luther at 12 is not working.
2) Great to see JJ back. First start in ages, let's not expect miracles from him.
3) Easing Groom back after injury which coupled with the returning Pisis gives:
4) Great impact off the bench in the backs.
5) Pack looks good but maybe a bit light in the engine room. That can be fixed by:
6) Api on the bench to cause havoc when he comes on later.
7) Really good balance to the back row, great to see KL back and Nutters at 7 where he belongs.

COYS!!
Tigers side:

Leicester: Worth; Thompstone, Betham, Williams, Brady; Burns, Kitto; Mulipola, Youngs (capt), Bateman, Slater, Kitchener, Fitzgerald, O'Connor, Hamilton.

Replacements: Thacker, Genge, Cilliers, McCaffrey, Evans, Harrison, Tuilagi, Pietersen.

Decent looking backs there but places we can apply pressure. Get KL running at Burns for starters. I'm also guessing Jim wants to test out Worth and that's part of his thinking with a kicking 12. They've got a good looking tight 5 so the scrums could be interesting. But with Munipola starting it means he won't be rampaging later on when there are tired legs. And for once, I'd hope we have the edge in the back row.
Edited by happyclapper, Dec 2 2016, 01:41 PM.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
big mac returns
Member Avatar
Senior Player
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Stranger things have happened........

interesting selection of JJ, trying to rejuvenate that back is alot more then selection though.

How can Kessell possibly be starting?


Win there and the dream is alive...........COYS
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
happyclapper
Member Avatar
Senior Player
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
I think, although his pass is not the best, Kessell adds zip around the base. It will keep Tigs back row interested and maybe create space for KL.
It might also be due to Groom not being fully match fit yet...
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ElmaFudd
No Avatar
Senior Player
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Ok on paper that team looks good. I think we will be lucky to get anything out of this one....


There HC the optimism is back :)
Tend to agree with Mac regarding Kessel. Always thought his passing is waywards. Would have much rather Groom started. We will need to play in the right areas and Grioms has the best tactical kicking game of all our 9's.
Edited by ElmaFudd, Dec 2 2016, 02:04 PM.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
happyclapper
Member Avatar
Senior Player
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
It's been so long Elms, I can't even remember my new catchphrase for 16/17 season... :( :'( :'( :( :'( :( :'( :'( :(
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Bedford Saint
No Avatar
Squad Player
[ *  *  *  *  * ]
No idea why, but I am feeling optimistic.

The Kessell decision is puzzling. If Groom can be considered fit enough to be on the bench, would it not be better he starts and plays 60 minutes, then if we have to, bring Kessell on.

A narrow Saints win and Cockers crying on Maugers shoulder will make my weekend.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ElmaFudd
No Avatar
Senior Player
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
God I can't say how much I hope you're right Bedford. Thing is I felt that way last week so can't bring myself to have that level of confidence again this week.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
flanker
No Avatar
Senior Player
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Anyone see it or hear it?
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Wibble
Member Avatar
Senior Player
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Nope.

England were good though. Cant wait to get oir boys back. Hopefully they can bring some winning spirit with them.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ElmaFudd
No Avatar
Senior Player
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Yeah i watched most of it. Poor game really from both sides. Our forwards seemed to do ok but backs disjointed again.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Longers
Member Avatar
Junior Academy
[ *  * ]
flanker
Dec 4 2016, 09:58 AM
Anyone see it or hear it?
I watched the England game first then the Saints game. Interesting comparison, considering there was an ex saints captain playing as well as a second row and substitute.

England game very good.

Saints game, fairly predictable. I'm of the opinion it was about as good as we are. Strong enthusiastic defence, but not much idea going forward. What did stand out was how little our props carry effectively - forget the others, just those two for now. Nutters needs to learn to stick to King Louis' shoulder - a bit like Sam Harding with Carlos, ready for the flip/offload.

I'm glad I didn't pay money to watch - if you exclude the BT account which is included in my broadband! Good luck to those who can see some light at the end of the tunnel - I reckon it is just a bar steward with a torch!!

Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
happyclapper
Member Avatar
Senior Player
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
It was definitely an interesting Saints game. We played some good rugby but ultimately not good enough.
Alex Waller was outstanding.
As was Paul Hill and Jamie Gibson.
KL had one of his quieter games but was still good.
Kessel was busy but his passing was not great.

I think this was the game that finally proved we need to find a new 15.
Not saying Ben is done, but just that he needs someone to push him.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Onward
No Avatar
Squad Player
[ *  *  *  *  * ]
Not always a Waller fan but he was better. Usually agree with HC but how we could have had two outstanding front row forwards and still creak in the scrum defeats me. Haywardwas tremendous as usual. I was disappointed with Hill.
Gibson was standout
Will someone please tell Luther how to tackle
All round too many first up tackles missed
On TV Jim confirmed we are looking for attack coach and players. Lets hope he gets on with it successfully
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
happyclapper
Member Avatar
Senior Player
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
I genuinely thought Hill had a good game.
Not sure we creaked, we had a couple of iffy scrums but you can't win them all and on the whole I thought we were the better scrum.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Wibble
Member Avatar
Senior Player
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
We need backs... we do win ball. We do get in good positions. We just do bugger all when we win the ball. I am still of the opinion that the youth are the key but we need good players to bring them on.

Any got any good ideas? Go tell Jim because i dont like loosing each week.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
flanker
No Avatar
Senior Player
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
As we've said before, would any of the backs apart from North and Malinder make the first team of the leading sides? I'm afraid they're not really good enough.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Saints2000
No Avatar
Fringe Player
[ *  *  *  * ]
Longers... The light at the end of the tunnel isn't a steward with a torch. It's the train coming the other way!!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
happyclapper
Member Avatar
Senior Player
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Wibble, we actually went into this game with the same 5 game form as Leicester: P5W3L2. Obviously that's all changed now but my point being we're not losing every week - we're just losing too much and not playing well.

Flanker, on current form you're probably correct although I think KP would make some sides. However, Foden, G Pisi and Luther playing at their bests would slot into most bar a couple of sides. Problem is, they're not playing at their best and it's not age, it's coaching.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ZetaBoards - Free Forum Hosting
Free Forums. Reliable service with over 8 years of experience.
Learn More · Register Now
Go to Next Page
« Previous Topic · Go Marching In · Next Topic »
Add Reply

//