Saints squeeze past Bath, Misery continues for Quins, Tigers and Falcons
In the big game of the weekend, Saints knocked Bath back down to a ground somewhat after their 45 – 0 mauling of the Tigers at the Rec last weekend. That’s not to say they were particularly outplayed – in fact, their late comeback would have had even the most cocksure Franklin’s Gardens regular getting a bit of a nervous sweat on. Northampton took charge early on with a penalty try and a score from Callum Clark, before a Dave Wilson try – a bit of a collector’s item – hauled the visitors back into it. Subsequent tries from Christian Day and George Pisi seemed to have won it, with the score at 31 – 10, but Bath refused to lie down and tries from Olly Woodburn and Nick Auterac left the final score at 31 – 24 after a nerve-jangling final few minutes.
Elsewhere, there was more woe heaped upon two sides who were/are expecting to challenge strongly for the top four this year. Leicester were the unfortunate recipients of a good old fashioned pasting last weekend and followed it up with a rare home defeat (19 – 22) against a resurgent London Irish. Admittedly, you can make a very decent international XV list from the Tigers’ absentee list at the moment, but Richard Cockerill will find little comfort in that fact. On the subject of injuries, Harlequins haven’t especially lucked out in that department either, and they had a similarly bad day at the office as they were thumped 36 – 13 by the Exeter Chiefs. It will take all of both Cockerill and O’Shea’s coaching nous to get their respective sides’ confidence back, because at the moment they look about as threatening as a bag of bunnies.
The bad news continued for Newcastle Falcons, too, who are now rapidly approaching some very undesired records that contain the words “matches without a win”. This time they went down 35 – 18 to a very decent Wasps side, but the loss would have been made easier to take in the knowledge that fellow strugglers London Welsh once again took a hammering, this time conceding 31 points in the last 15 minutes as they went down 10 – 46 against Gloucester. At the other end of the table, Saracens continued their ominous form with a 40 – 19 dismissal of Sale.
Aviva Premiership Star Man: Dylan Hartley
Glasgow and the Ospreys continue 100% start
Four games in and just two sides can boast an impressive four wins from four, although not many could have called it before the start of the season with much confidence. As it was, it was another surprise package – Connacht – who Glasgow brought back down to earth with a bump on Saturday. The Irish side had also been part of the 100% club prior to the weekend, but Stuart Hogg-inspired team managed to brush the men in green aside in an entertaining 39 – 21 win at home. They’ll have to settle for second spot in the league at the moment though, as the Ospreys picked up their fourth win of the campaign against Munster in a brutal encounter at Thomond Park – a place where few sides have tasted success. The difference was an accurate display with the boot from Dan Biggar and an intelligent performance from Rhys Webb at nine, helping the visitors to win the territory battle and, more importantly, the match 19 – 14.
There was drama elsewhere too, as Zebre stunned Ulster in Italy to claim their first win of the tournament – helped by the men in white being reduced to 14 men after Declan Fitzpatrick was shown a red card for punching, leaving his side to struggle to a 13 – 6 loss. There were also solid wins for the Dragons and Leinster at home, whilst Edinburgh showed plenty of guts to fight back for a 20 – 20 draw against the Scarlets at Murrayfield after being 20 – 10 down with half an hour to play.
Guinness PRO12 Star Man: Rhys Webb
Toulon are definitely back in the groove
After falling to a shock home loss against Stade Francais a couple of weeks back, it would appear that the European champions have bucked up their attitude, this week following up their hammering of Brive with a 40 – 17 win over Montpellier at Stade Felix Mayol on Saturday. James O’Connor appeared to answer some of the critics who questioned his future international credentials as he greedily helped himself to 25 points, with two tries, three conversions and three penalties.
However, the Galacticos remain in second place behind Clermont Auvergne who, after a record-ending home defeat to Montpellier, have been racking up the wins, squeaking past Oyonnax away from home. Elsewhere, it was par for the course for the other French teams – i.e. all home wins – with victories for Brive, Grenoble (turning over the mighty Racing Metro), Lyon, Stade Francais and Bayonne.
Top 14 Star Man: James O’Connor
All Blacks win the 2014 Rugby Championship; Springboks strike late against the Wallabies
Well it didn’t come as much of a surprise, but it is certainly worth reporting that the mighty New Zealand have won yet another trophy, confirming the inevitable as they won comfortably in La Plata against Argentina. Perhaps, after some promising displays on their travels, fans of the Pumas were hoping to adopt the role of party poopers for the world’s best side, but that plan never really got off the ground as World Champions exploited the space in the wider channels to claim a bonus point win, with the final score 13 – 34. Highlights included a wonderful first international try for TJ Perenara and a Julian Savea ‘doormat’ special.
Across the pond, the Wallabies and the Springboks were having a real ding-dong battle in Cape Town. The visitors were actually leading 5 – 10 at half time and 8 – 10 with just 10 minutes to play, but a brilliant Pat Lambie-inspired final 10 minutes from the South Africans ensured that they not only walked away with a win, but a bonus point as well – the hosts managed to find time for a further three tries, a conversion and a drop goal. Job done, with the final score of 28 – 10 and a brace of five-pointers to Springbok captain and centurion Jean De Villiers.
The Rugby Championship Star Man: Jean De Villiers
Try of the Week goes to Israel Dagg for finishing off a typically slick All Blacks move involving some gorgeous hands and no look passes from Beauden Barrett and Ben Smith – although I’d recommend watching the other three scores as well.
Hero of the Week was Pat Lambie in my book. The Springboks lacked fluency and cohesion, and when he arrived that all changed and the entire side seemed to lift their game. Oh, and he scored a try, a drop goal and a conversion as well.
Villain of the Week is Declan Fitzpatrick for literally seeing red against Zebre. Even against the underdogs it’s ill-advised to put your teammates through 70 minutes of playing at a one man disadvantage.
By Mike Cooper (@RuckedOver)
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
As you know by now, we are hilarious, and you should be following us on Facebook and Twitter. 
Another bonus point win for a team playing the Cardiff Loos and the Scarlets throw away a second game they could have won.
Didn’t get to see a minute of rugby this weekend, for those more fortunate any information on the outcome of some of the head to head battles from Saints Vs Bath would be greatly appreciated.
Hartley Vs Webber
Corbs Vs Moose
Myler Vs Ford
Burrell Vs Eastmond
North Vs Roko
Hartley got MOM but I didn’t think that Webber played badly as such. Would have him as the bench hooker spot for the AI’s, just ahead of George, who is taking advantage of Brits’ absence.
Corbs v Wilson was close in my opinion, both were penalised at scrum time, and saints seemed to eventually get the upper hand, but that may have been to do with the other props. Would start both of them for the AI’s though on current form.
Despite being on the losing team, I thought ford and eastmond were both better than their opposites. For me myler isn’t in the reckoning for England, he’s too old with too few international caps to be considered. I am a huge eastmond fan and think that he could be the missing piece to the England back line. Will be interesting to see if he is dropped for burgess at any point.
I thought Roko and North largely kept each other quiet, but Roko would be my choice for the right wing for England based on performances so far this season. He is also very good defensively, which seems to be a concern for England wingers generally.
As an aside, jonny may seems to be playing very well for a team that are hot and cold at best. Wouldn’t rule him out for the autumn either.
Thanks Jonny.
I’m hoping Roko features at some point this Autumn as well.
It was interesting to hear voiced some thoughts I’d had recently about the Leicester injury woes. I was wondering why so often in recent years the Tigers have had so many injury problems. Could it be due to the conditioning? Or as David Flatman pointed out on ITV4 highlights last night, could it be due to the way they continue to train, and in his words “beat each other up” quite regularly during their training? Whichever it is, surely they really need to do something about it!
Sarries have quite a few players injured, or on international duty at the moment, but are not struggling at all (he types with a smug grin on his face). I was particularly impressed yesterday with the introduction of 19 year old Nick Tompkins. Coming on very early for Captain Barritt, and producing a MOM display. He’s not the biggest centre by any means, but has a real turn of pace, and is deceptively strong.
I’m not sure if that’s a bit of a myth these days Dazza – I read an interview with Cockerill recently in which he said their training is no where near as physical as it used to be, despite what many people thought. It is baffling though – this must be the third season in a row they’ve really struggled with injuries early on in the season.
As for why they’ve had such an effect, I think it’s because of where they’ve taken place. 5 props and 3 locks were unavailable at the weekend, and as we know if you struggle in the front five you’re likely to struggle on the scoreboard. That said, take nothing away from Irish who I think have been superb so far this year. Their game against Saints next week should be a belter!
Looking forward to Irish vs Saints, and secretly hoping that Irish can win it. Geraghty has been excellent the first few games, and as a Sarries fan, it might keep Saints a bit further behind. Especially as we have to play Bath at the Rec on Friday night!!!!!
So much for positively describing Exeter and L Irish then. Also where’s Glos?
Ospreys performance was excellent – really enjoyed that game. They strangled the life out of Munster, something which always seemed to be the other way around. Webb & Biggar are hopefully in pole for the AIs (Priestland especially was utterly clueless on the weekend – up and under when you’re almost on last play?) but still a bit unsure about Webb – a few loose kicks/moves towards the end and a better team would probably have snatched the win from the Os.
Hard to take much from The Blues defeat – yes we played better than the last time we were there. Yes we had the game within reach until near the end. But still a loss. Need to improve. Patch at 10 again worries me – it’s no good for Wales or him, but it surely signifies something about where Anscombe will play when he arrives.
brighty
A Kiwi to yr rescue. Oh dear! Let’s hope he doesn’t have the squirts for his debutt!
Don-they have 2 Kiwis on the Loos coaching team and it isn’t doing them any favours at the moment.
Anscombe must be looking at the Loos’ results and thinking is this the place to be?
Can’t help but feel for Leicester with their injury woes.
As for Quins, another below par performance. I think the missing link that makes Quins backs tick is George Lowe. Instrumental in the championship winning season, hugely underrated, and badly missed when not playing.
Quins really need to recruit old heads in the off season. An experienced tight-head, not necessarily a marquee type, but one who Collier and Sinckler can learn from. When Sinckler struggles, the other option is Collier, but he is similarly inexperienced and then also struggles. Then an experienced lock, again, not necessarily a Marquee, just experienced.
I’ll admit that the one thing I don’t feel is sorry for Leics. They’re a great team but there is a massive amount of joy being felt, and yes it is bitter and unfair, from seeing a team coached by Cockerill suffer. “Live by the sword…” as they say. It’s an interesting season so far – Munster, Leics, the two big, biggest even European teams of the last decade now struggling.
Bit harsh Brighty. Four games in the Tigers have won 2, lost 2 – not exactly panic stations just yet, especially as the walking wounded begin to trickle back into the team. They’ll still be confident of making the play-offs at least this season.
Also if you’ve looking a traditional European powerhouses that are struggling, Toulouse are surely the best example at the moment. The biggest budget in Europe and they’ve lost their last five in a row. Not sure how Noves is still in a job to be honest.
I think it was the size, manner and opposition for the Bath defeat, and then the fact that it wasn’t a one off. Maybe they’ll come good but it was just such a big shock to see them so humbled.
Good shout on Toulouse – pretty shocking.
I’m trying not to get too depressed by the apparent fact that rugby really is already football i.e. Chelsea and Man City (Saracens and Toulon) pretty much do have it all sown up now, with only Arsenal (Leinster) really challenging them. Could stretch that a bit there and perhaps say that Leics are Man U and Bath are Liverpool… Exter are Southampton. Cardiff are Acrrington Stanley.
Haha the Accrington Stanley reference made me laugh. But again I think you’re being a bit pessimistic (also your metaphor is weirdly convoluted – why is the EPL equivalent to the whole of Euro rugby?!).
Clermont look good in the Top 14, Montpellier are decent and Racing Metro look better this year. I expect Northampton, Bath and Tigers to all challenge Sarries, even if it comes down to the play-offs again – their record there has been shocking these last few years.
And I know you won’t take much solace in it as a Cardiff fan, but the Ospreys are playing pretty well considering the list of players they lost last summer. Glasgow are proving again that there is life in Scottish rugby yet.
I do enjoy watching any Welsh team do well – especially when, in the Os case, it’s largely off the backs of their Welsh players. I just hope they have an off day when they play us.
For Cardiff I’m going to have to knuckle down and believe we are playing the long game. New coach, new players, more new off field (and better) success. It’s going to take a while to put all that into an improved team. At least that is what I will keep telling myself.
Glasgow are a bit brilliant – well balanced, great team, only one egotistical superstar. They’re my favourite non-welsh team.
assuming you’re referring to Hogg, he’s been playing well so far this season, and seems to be more of a team player (though he did start trying to force things v Leinster which wasn’t so good)
Yes Niall, that’s who I meant. Great player but trying to force through that move left a sour taste.
Prophet Enoch
I think they’re just doing it just to irritate brightspark, who, incidentally seems to have given us both the cold shoulder & sent us to Cardiff… sommat beginning with ‘C’ anyway. Don’t worry tho, the blighter can’t hold out 4ever!
Talking Leicester, little sympathy for them or the irascible Cockerill. Irritatingly they’ve always seemed to be nr the top of the pile with their mostly R1 brand & policy of buying up 1/2 the SH. Much like sarracens nowadays. Both purveyors of ltd rugger which has an overall retrograde effect on the UK game for me. Give me Wasps (in their hey day) or Quins anyday. Real footy teams.
Quins have scored the fewest tries in the Premiership this season, just FYI Don.
Jamie that isn’t relevant, we all know that Don P’s opinions are the only facts round here….
As a Quins fan I kind of wish we were a bit more active in recruitment.
Tikiroituma and Yarde aside, Quins didn’t strengthen this season, particularly in areas that struggled last year. (Front Five/centres).
I love the fact Quins predominantly use the academy. Some of the players coming through could potentially be superstars, but you can’t survive on your academy alone, particularly when senior players retire and move on.
Don
Yes I too am enjoying Leicester’s problems-I haven’t forgotten Cock+++er’s appalling behaviour during the Haka in one of the 2 tests v ABs in the AIs 1997.
And there was also
1:HC final v Munster knocked the ball from Munster scrum half’s hand and won the game as a result.
2:, HC semi v Cardiff when they illegally send a replacement back on for the penalty shootout.
3: Don’t forget the blood capsule used by ex-Leicester ‘hero’ Dean Richards for Quins v Leinster (what was it a 3yr ban from all rugby he got and where did he learn to cheat like that!)
It is quite apparent that when refs apply the laws of the game, Leicester lose far far more matches . Witness the 1997 HC final v Brive in Cardiff when Leicester were just run off the park and ref Derek Bevan took no nonsense penalising both Dean Richards and Martin Johnson all game for repeatedly killing the ball at the ruck.
Leicester spent years in the late 1990s + 2000s intimidating refs with the likes of Back, Cock++++er and Martin Johnson. Refs were literally fearful of them.
Heck Back got a 6 month ban for pushing a ref over when the ref gave Bath a penalty try against Leicester in an English cup final.
Oh and they have a statue of that child murdering, hunchbacked throne stealer Richard Plantagenet in their city so that says it all about the Tigers!
Still he got his just deserts when Y Mad Darogan (The Son of Prophecy) killed him at the Battle of Bosworth!
Prophet Enoch.
Like most people I would agree that Cockerill is an obnoxious character deserving little sympathy I further agree that it will be good for the game if Leicester sink down the table and one or two new names grace the top four. But to go back 500 hundred years and to an incident at a completely different club together with dubiuous opinions about games long past merely in order to blacken the name of a great club, like them or not, speaks of obsession.
Fortunately Enoch help is available on the NHS and I wish you a speedy recovery..
Ray,
Don’t reply to posts that are addressed to others if you cannot have a laugh.
Go on youtube and google ‘Hand of Back’ and watch for yourself.
If that is not blatant blatant cheating I do not know what is.
How do you think that Dean Richards came up with idea of the blood capsule?
I suppose it had nothing to do with the years and years with Leicester as player and coach.
Or are you saying that the ‘Bloodgate’ case had nothing to so with ‘Leicester stalwart’ Dean Richards?
If you knew the rules of rugby you would also know that a team cannot send a previously substituted non-front row player back on to the pitch when there was not a blood injury.
This is what Leicester did against the Cardiff Blues in 2009.
That’s what Dean Richards tried to do v Leinster in 2009.
I cannot help it if I can recall infamous incidents of cheating by Leicester that have been viewed by a Sky TV audience of millions.
As I don’t watch English club rugby week in week out I cannot given you more recent examples.
I only quite the matches ones I saw for myself.
Shame on me then Ray that I can recall the facts of the cases outlined.
Go and buy a bunch of white roses to put on the Plantagenet child-killer’s new tomb which is going to be in ….York!
I think that generally, one becomes a little sanitised towards Cockerills opinions, as they tend to smack of any football manager. That is; whenever we lose its the ref’s fault.
(although to be fair even he didn’t manage to bring this one out after the Bath game)
His reference to the two incidents on Saturdays game were a little disingenuous I felt. The punch was really something and nothing; two locks standing nose to nose, and one of them taps the other. Probably worthy of a yellow in today’s game, but really as an “old fashioned” rugby type, no real harm done.
The late shoulder charge into the back of a prone, unprotected player on the ground as, to me, cheap and nasty.
The right decision would have been yellow for both, but if the ref was to give the benefit of doubt to either then the punch would surely be it.
They lost the game because they were the second best team, not because Irish didn’t play for 10 of 80 mins with only 14 players.
Jamie
Early days altho they haven’t bought in firepower up front. Scored plenty prev methinks.
Jacob
I’ve told u a 1000 times before, don’t exaggerate!
Prophet Enoch
I wasn’t ‘appalled’ @ Cocker’s haka behaviour, but I wished that Hewitt had given him an Ackford type uppercut. Worth the admission price &… yellow? However, agree regds the appalling HC Back v Munster incident. He much later opined that it was a good wheeze. Well, he’s out of Prem rugger. Good. Hate cheating (prob get flack about the Andy Haden incident now). It’s also my perception that Leicester lay on the ball for a living, thus killing the sport. Agree that refs simply need apply the rules. They’re inconsistant & also contrib to killing the sport. Need more TMO direction/adv for me. Not quite so sure abt Rich Plantage tho. Had a bad press form the bard didn’t he? Did he (RP) really have a camel back? And btw, you’re not buttering up Brighty with this bizzo abt the Cardiff HC semi are you? Crikey!