[Yareet]

https://www.planetrugby.com/news/sale-s ... itle-hopes

Their five takeaways.

Just my take from watching it on TV but I assumed the warm applause when Willis went off was more for Onyeama-Christie’s return

I was there so not sure what the TV was showing but Joe Carpenter came off at the same time as Willis so I suspect that a lot of the applause was for him rather than Willis or Christie. Willis did play very well and certainly fits the England 8 role better than Earl. In fact I can’t remember Earl doing anything of note last night.

As far as the touch judges were concerned, I thought their estimation of where the ball exited play was pretty poor. Gus Warr was very upset with one of them when he was carted off by someone and felt the official should have informed Ridley. The only person responsible for the no try incident was Ridley himself as he pretty instantly blew up. I doubt the other officials had time to contribute. If he was blindsided then he should have let play continue and reviewed later. Let’s hope we are not talking about this in a few weeks time.

Is it just me or is Alex Goode particularly irritating?

That makes by far the most amount of sense. I did think the Sale fans were being very fair to a returning injured player for the opposition.

[Olyy]

Another thing I noticed last night: McElroy added some real impact off the bench

Be interesting to see what happens with him at the end of the season - Axe mentioned that his short term deal was an audition for a long term one, is that still the case with LCD staying and Jibulu coming in?
If we can afford him, and if TT does retire/leave, then I'd keep him for sure. LCD will have international stand downs (and if he tours with the lions that usually runs players into the ground for the following season)

[RinTin]

LCD, Mcilroy, Jibulu and Caine is a pretty handy looking set of senior hookers.

Thompson coming through as well.

[Yareet]

LCD, Mcilroy, Jibulu and Caine is a pretty handy looking set of senior hookers.

Thompson coming through as well.

It’s also a nicely balanced stable. The international, the Prem standard, the rising star and the academy player.

[poyntonshark]

When we signed Jibulu I thought it the end for Mcilroy, which I thought a shame as he has fit into the squad very nicely. So long as we don't need extra cash to strengthen other positions though, that looks like a perfectly reasonable set of Hookers to me.

A phrase destined to get someone somewhere into trouble.

[Olyy]

Is Caine injured atm?
If McElroy has leapfrogged him I wonder if that suggests he might stay and Caine might leave?
Could see Caine going to Falcons if so

[RinTin]

Gloucester absolutely spanking Chiefs. Lack of bonus point for us means we’ve lost ground to them and Tigers.

[Olyy]

Gloucester have got a good run in - could come down to their final game at home vs Saints, who will have nothing to play for
Think they'll get 10pts from their Quins and Falcons games

We've just got to win every game, simple as
We're lucky that we're playing two other playoff contenders in that regard, they'll be tough games but wins against them will be a swing in pts and spread sides out a bit more

[RugbyMarvel]

Got to win all three of our games but also get two TBPs really… Also got to hope Quins turn up for their game against Gloucester as it’s their big summer Twickenham match…

Think we are going to need 62 to secure 3rd at the least.

[poyntonshark]

I'm pretty sure 62 will guarantee us second if we stop Tigers getting any bonus points against us.

Without bonus against us they can only get 61, Glaws can only get 61. Bristol will only be able to manage 59 max (that's with 2 bonus against us). I think 61 will guarantee us second if we stop Tigers getting any bonus as we will have more wins than either them or Glaws.

[Bucks1861]

Nice to see three of our boys made team of the week

https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/all/dom ... rem-debut/

[RinTin]

Nice to see three of our boys made team of the week

https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/all/dom ... rem-debut/

Link isn't working for me for some reason. Is it the same team as this:

https://www.planetrugby.com/news/premie ... misses-out

Planet Rugby stuck TC at 7 for the TOTW, but in the next breath put up a Lions TOTW with Pollock at 7. Great consistency.

[DavenportSharky]

Rugby paper has Bevan Arron and Jean-Luc

[Olyy]

Apparently it's been confirmed that any player who tours with the Lions will have a mandatory 10 week rest period - if LCD goes then we definitely should look to keep McElroy, that's a long rest period and takes them basically straight into the AIs which also has a rest period following it
Will barely see any Lions tourist this side of Christmas