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By poyntonshark
#5766
We are still playing this weekend, aren't we?. Not seen a team announcement yet, not even any guesses on here.

I'll start the speculation off

1. Harrison
2. Webber
3. Cooper-Woolley
4. Evans
5. Philips
6. Ross
7. Curry
8. Du Preez
9. Papier
10. Du Preez
11. McGuigan
12. Van Cannonball
13. James
14. Yarde
15. Hammersley


Bench: Oosthuizen, Warthog, Morozov, Du Preez, Wilson, De Klerk, McGinty, Not sure who else is fit.

Might still be a bit early to re-launch Faf, if so Cliff on the bench
By AndaleManito
#5768
I think we could see:

1. Harrison
2. Webber
3. JCW
4. JLDP
5. Evans
6. Ross
7. B. Curry
8. DDP
9. Cliff
10. AJ
11. McGuigan
12. RJVR
13. S. James
14. Solomona
15. Hammersley

16. AVDM
17. Morozov
18. Oosthuizen (WGJ if fit)
19. Phillips
20. Nield (I would have played Wilson but seems he's not back yet)
21. Papier
22. RDP
23. Yarde

Assuming Ashton unavailable, and T. Curry, Wilson, Faf will not be back yet (think Faf is still in SA?)
By Olyy
#5769
Dimes said the RWC Final lads won't be in contention until round 2 - I did wonder if Wilson might be, as he played a lot less rugby than Faf/Curry.

What's happening with WGJ? Is he injured or just out of favour?
Also any word on Harrison's HIA? Went spark out last week so might not be fit to play?

I'd rather Oosthuizen went back to loosehead - our scrum was getting minced last week. I don't think he will, mind, but i'd like to see (depending on Harrisons fitness)
1. Harrison/Oosthuizen,
3. JCW

17. Oosthuizen/Morozov
18. WGJ

I doubt there'll be many changes to last weeks side other than the enforced ones.
I'd definitely start AJ and L.James, though.

Be interesting to see how much faith the put in Postlethwaite going forwards, but I'd expect JLDP as lock cover and Neild on the bench, rather than Postlethwaite and JLDP.
By AndaleManito
#5772
I really like the look of Morozov at 1/17. Apart from his silly penalty he was solid when he came on, looks to be an excellent scrummager. He has the biggest biceps I've ever seen as well haha.

I agree that Poss will probably not be involved, big step up from no prem rugby this season straight into a Glasgow away in the H cup (or whatever it's called)

I don't think Oosthuizen has ever been rated as a good scrummager, more his work around the field and carrying that won him his caps.

I'm not sure about WGJ. I really hope he gets some more game time as I would want to lose him, he's a real prospect who's only going to get better. I also think he's our best defensive prop, and probably our best guard defender outside of our flankers.
By Olyy
#5777
Not a bad side - a little surprised at that centre partnership - hadn't even considered that the blow to Rohan may see him miss out (was pouring blood from the mouth and chin so i guess it could've caused some damage to his jaw/teeth). Part of me thinks we should've gone a Rob/AJ 10/12, but we'll see how this goes.

Also a little surprised at no Jono Ross and Evans being captain!

Good to see splash back.
By AndaleManito
#5778
Ross on the bench and no RJVR. I can actually see how now RJVR necessitates both du Preez starting, as we need another carrying option. But no RJVR is a big loss, I wonder if that's from the injury from Paolo's kick? I like Evans at captain, I think he has a much better relationship with the ref. As great a player and leader as Ross is, his ref chat is terrible in my opinion.

I do quite like the look of the midfield in all honesty, and would imagine that Luke James and Redpath is the long term future going forward, but just might be a bit too soon at the moment.

I agree that AJ should start over Rob, and I like the idea of Ashy and AVDM coming off the bench.

Where is Solomona though? Injured?

All in all I think this is a team that has the tools to do the job, but think is a bit under powered in the backs. Good luck to Postlethwaite, nice to see the club backing him, will no doubt be good for his development!

I think if the du Preez twins have a big game, and the set piece goes well (doesn't need to be dominant, just that we win our own ball) then I think we will win this. Though if we don't win our own ball then I think Glasgow will tear us apart.

I can see the argument for AJ and Rob at 10 and 12 but think it's better to have a good fresh 10 on the bench, and Luke James is in fine form.
By Clutch
#5781
It’s possible he’s been rested due to the plastic pitch?

About time James got a start and should be a nice balance of skill set between the two of them.

Need Ashton and Denny back pretty desparately for a bit of flair. Bryon has been v good though but Yarde isn’t quite there yet. He will be though. Hammersley is sort of solid but completely ineffective as a running threat which has been hampering us.

Looking forward to it but we will do well to win without Rohan.
By Rich E
#5784
Same midfield and very similar backline to that that played at Saracens on the artificial earlier in the season. The ball in hand running that day was excellent so fingers crossed for a repeat.
By Olyy
#5785
Clutch wrote:
Fri Nov 15, 2019 12:36 pm
It’s possible he’s been rested due to the plastic pitch?
Good shout, he didn't play in our game at Allianz Park either.
By Thekeg
#5786
Was discussing the plastic pitch angle the other day, I think it makes sense for Rohan to be rested this week given his history with ankle injuries

Good to see Ashton back and for AJ to get a start. Hopefully we can generate a bit more fluidity
By Olyy
#5788
chris1850 wrote:
Fri Nov 15, 2019 1:07 pm
And where is Sam J? Presumably injured as he hasn't featured for some weeks now?
Not sure when it happened but looks to have a reasonably bad knee injury - saw on social media the other day that he's in a pretty big knee support/cast thing
By Thekeg
#5791
Olyy wrote:
Fri Nov 15, 2019 1:09 pm
chris1850 wrote:
Fri Nov 15, 2019 1:07 pm
And where is Sam J? Presumably injured as he hasn't featured for some weeks now?
Not sure when it happened but looks to have a reasonably bad knee injury - saw on social media the other day that he's in a pretty big knee support/cast thing
Think it was another 4-6 weeks
By Elgar
#5792
Think that's the strongest pack we have from available players (counting RWC returnees still unavailable) and like the look of it a lot (even if there's an argument that WGJ or Joe Jones are better tight-head specialist scrummagers than CO).

Resting Rohan on plastic makes sense. Must have been tempting to have tried RDP / AJ at 10/12 with LJ at 13 but also arguably too big a game to introduce as fresh a combination as that.

Fair play to Byron, I'd say his performances so far this season have been standout against the other wingers this year (who, also to be fair, have all had fitness / other availability issues) and fully deserves to start even if everyone is fit.
By Elgar
#5793
...
Also, can imagine Cameron Redpath might be in for a tough time from the Glasgow faithful over his international allegiance.

Should be 'character building'.
By ageinghoody
#5794
Elgar wrote:
Fri Nov 15, 2019 3:42 pm
...
Also, can imagine Cameron Redpath might be in for a tough time from the Glasgow faithful over his international allegiance.

Should be 'character building'.
Would he be likely to get similar barracking in France too?

He was born there after all!
By Elgar
#5796
ageinghoody wrote:
Elgar wrote:
Fri Nov 15, 2019 3:42 pm
...
Also, can imagine Cameron Redpath might be in for a tough time from the Glasgow faithful over his international allegiance.

Should be 'character building'.
Would he be likely to get similar barracking in France too?

He was born there after all!
Not unless he also has a parent who is a multi-cap France interrnational, including as captain?
By Van Cannonball
#5798
I think realistically in order to win away from home in the top euro competition we either need a near as possible first team selected or to be in a rich vein of form.

Neither of these quite there at the moment, so I think a win is pretty unlikely. However, if the weather is bad and we can suck them into a forward dominated arm wrestle, then we’ve got a chance.

Faf, Rohan, Sam, Denny, Tom, Wilson, Josh and Lood out, possibly WGJ too - shows the real strength of the squad now that we can (hopefully) still be competitive.
By StalyShark
#5803
Our team from our first game of the HC three years ago. How times have changed (immeasurably for the better quality-wise):

Sale Sharks: Mike Haley; Byron McGuigan, Will Addison, Sam James, Paolo Odogwu; Dan Mugford, Mike Phillips; Ross Harrison, Neil Briggs, Brian Mujati, Bryn Evans, Jonathan Mills, Cameron Neild, David Seymour, Josh Beaumont (capt).

Replacements: James Flynn, Halani Aulika, Andrei Ostrikov, Magnus Lund, Tom Curry, James Mitchell, Sam Bedlow, Nev Edwards.
By StalyShark
#5804
StalyShark wrote:
Fri Nov 15, 2019 8:22 pm
Our team from our first game of the HC three years ago. How times have changed (immeasurably for the better quality-wise):

Sale Sharks: Mike Haley; Byron McGuigan, Will Addison, Sam James, Paolo Odogwu; Dan Mugford, Mike Phillips; Ross Harrison, Neil Briggs, Brian Mujati, Bryn Evans, Jonathan Mills, Cameron Neild, David Seymour, Josh Beaumont (capt).

Replacements: James Flynn, Halani Aulika, Andrei Ostrikov, Magnus Lund, Tom Curry, James Mitchell, Sam Bedlow, Nev Edwards.
Whatever happened to Nev Edwards after he went to Bordeaux?
By PappjeShark
#5807
My first thought on seeing our back row was that it’s a very mobile team for an artificial pitch, which makes sense. Big step up for the centres and separately, in contrast to last week when we looked primed to bring serious bench impact in the forwards, for this game we’ve gone for a stronger starting pack compared to the bench options.

Olyy - don’t recall Harrison being “spark out”. He took a knock in a ruck which wasn’t clear at the time where it affected him, medic was insistent he leave the field which suggested a head knock, but he was never out that I saw.

As for Redpath, it’d be ever so slightly ironic for a set of Scottish fans to have a go at someone over a flag of convenience....
By Olyy
#5825
Redpath and Yarde have been turnstiles this half, though I'm not sure anyone's really playing that well.

Getting well beaten everywhere atm
By DavenportSharky
#5826
Not an easy watch as we have been 2nd best in all aspects of the game. I have not seen anything this season to suggest that Redpath is ready for this level. Glasgow are trying to goad the team and we must avoid responding.
By Olyy
#5827
Where did Will Griff pop up from?
Morozov have a dodgy kebab last night with Wilf?
By Olyy
#5828
Lineout is appalling.
We're managing to get a penalty or two at the scrum but then immediately lose the lineout
By Olyy
#5830
Considering how bad we were for the first hour, to come away with a losing BP is a great result.
By DavenportSharky
#5832
Flatman is just too fond of his own voice and expertise. If the referee had interpreted things differently in the last few scrums, I would have loved to have heard Flatman’s climbdown. The starting front row were outshone by the replacements. Akker certainly seems to have caught Cam Nield virus. If he can master the yips then he will be awesome. Rob at 12 was better than Redpath at 13.
By StalyShark
#5835
I really do think we will have to look at Deacon’s coaching if things don’t improve soon. We haven’t seen any of the backs moves that we did when we were scoring tried for fun c. 2017. There’s just no threat.
Agree with others’ comments regarding Redpath, he isn’t ready. He may have good skills but he hasn’t shown a turn of speed and he’s too lightweight atm. Improved markedly when Rob du Preez came to 12. If we haven’t got Rohan I’d say he has to play 12 beside AJ.
Worrying to see the scrum fail so often given that you’d expect our names to get the best of a team not renowned for their (Fagerson at 3 dominated all our looseheads playing 80 too). Cooper Woolley was also crumpled too often and WGJ steadied the ship somewhat.
Lineout again an issue, especially with Akker but not solely on his throw. It’s almost to the stage that we get Langdon in soon if things don’t change there as it saps all momentum and confidence. Dimes and West need to put in the extras with him ASAP.
JLDP went to lock for Phillips and looked ok and Ross really upped our intensity after that switch.

If we played like we did in the last 20 throughout or even for 40 we’d have probably won but that 60 was very poor; lacking in basics of just keeping it.

Positives:
Bonus point
WGJ and Ashton back
AJ and RdP together was better than starting 10/12

Negatives:
Scrum
Lineout
Redpath not ready
Marland not sharp

Reasons to cheerful:
Faf
Tom Curry
Wilson
Last edited by StalyShark on Sat Nov 16, 2019 5:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.
By ale shark
#5839
We can take solace in the bonus point and the fact that La Rochelle haven’t exactly covered themselves in glory today. 5 points next Sunday please.
By IOL Shark
#5853
I’ll repeat what I’ve posted on the Facebook page:
1. We win the Prem Cup games = we’re world class and going to win every game
2. Lose at home to Gloucester = we’re doomed
3. Thrash LI = we’re world class and going to win every game
4. Lose to Briz = we’re doomed
5. Beat Pests = we’re world class and going to win every game
6. Lose to Glasgow = we’re doomed!
Need to get a grip! Glasgow are class. Maybe not as good as the last two years but still high class, experienced HC campaigners and very rarely lose at home. We’re a relatively new team that is still trying to gel and has a number of top players unavailable. 4th in the Prem after 4 games, in the Prem Cup semi and an opening bonus point away at Glasgow is something we would usually only dream of in recent years!! Give them a chance for God sake.
By StalyShark
#5855
IOL Shark wrote:
Sun Nov 17, 2019 1:22 am
I’ll repeat what I’ve posted on the Facebook page:
1. We win the Prem Cup games = we’re world class and going to win every game
2. Lose at home to Gloucester = we’re doomed
3. Thrash LI = we’re world class and going to win every game
4. Lose to Briz = we’re doomed
5. Beat Pests = we’re world class and going to win every game
6. Lose to Glasgow = we’re doomed!
Need to get a grip! Glasgow are class. Maybe not as good as the last two years but still high class, experienced HC campaigners and very rarely lose at home. We’re a relatively new team that is still trying to gel and has a number of top players unavailable. 4th in the Prem after 4 games, in the Prem Cup semi and an opening bonus point away at Glasgow is something we would usually only dream of in recent years!! Give them a chance for God sake.
Unlike the Facebook page this page generally has more erudite and knowledgable posters who don’t shout “Dimes out” at the drop of a hat. Rather than the “we’re terrible and will be relegated” it’s general specific observations both positive and negative.
By ale shark
#5856
It’s the lack of consistency in performance that’s the problem. We must be a very difficult team to coach.

Are Faf, Tom and Mark Wilson available for selection next week? I’d be disappointed if Wilson isn’t starting given his lack of game time at the World Cup.
By StalyShark
#5857
ale shark wrote:
Sun Nov 17, 2019 8:05 am
It’s the lack of consistency in performance that’s the problem. We must be a very difficult team to coach.

Are Faf, Tom and Mark Wilson available for selection next week? I’d be disappointed if Wilson isn’t starting given his lack of game time at the World Cup.
You’re right about the inconsistency.

The word coming from the club is they were given two weeks off and La Rochelle would be the first available game. I can see them all benching but I’d be surprised if they start (less so for Faf as he’s our system!). Tom’s game time will need mandatory management so maybe not even worth playing from the bench. Wilson hasn’t even trained with us yet so I even doubt he’ll play just yet!

Early punt at La Rochelle team:

Morozov (if fit as Harrison hasn’t looked himself)
Webber
John
Evans
Phillips
Ross
B Curry
Dan dP
Faf
AJ
McGuigan
RdP
Rohan
Ashton
Hammersley

Akker, Harrison, JCW, Postlethwaite, JLDP, Papier, L James, Yarde
By Thekeg
#5859
DavenportSharky wrote:
Sat Nov 16, 2019 3:13 pm
Flatman is just too fond of his own voice and expertise. If the referee had interpreted things differently in the last few scrums, I would have loved to have heard Flatman’s climbdown. The starting front row were outshone by the replacements. Akker certainly seems to have caught Cam Nield virus. If he can master the yips then he will be awesome. Rob at 12 was better than Redpath at 13.
I like him as an individual, but a co-commentator is there to add occasional insights not dominate the commentary. At times I just wanted him to shut up
By Thekeg
#5860
MikeGC wrote:
Sat Nov 16, 2019 5:57 pm
Lord Elpus wrote:
Sat Nov 16, 2019 5:34 pm
I don't think Exeter will lose any sleep tonight
Nor will La Rochelle
Wonder how seriously they will take it now after a heavy home defeat
User avatar
By MikeGC
#5861
Thekeg wrote:
Sun Nov 17, 2019 10:40 am
MikeGC wrote:
Sat Nov 16, 2019 5:57 pm
Lord Elpus wrote:
Sat Nov 16, 2019 5:34 pm
I don't think Exeter will lose any sleep tonight
Nor will La Rochelle
Wonder how seriously they will take it now after a heavy home defeat
Well, if Exeter beat Glasgow and La Rochelle beat Sharks - they’re in with a decent chance of getting out of the group.
Exeter were great yesterday and I didn’t feel the final score reflected how good La Rochelle performed. Incredibly dangerous in attack.
By StalyShark
#5862
Thekeg wrote:
Sun Nov 17, 2019 10:40 am
MikeGC wrote:
Sat Nov 16, 2019 5:57 pm
Lord Elpus wrote:
Sat Nov 16, 2019 5:34 pm
I don't think Exeter will lose any sleep tonight
Nor will La Rochelle
Wonder how seriously they will take it now after a heavy home defeat
They’re 4 from 9 so far and it 9th in the Top 14 but only thee points from 3rd so I doubt they’ll send ‘the lambs to the slaughter’ just yet (if only Ryan Lamb still played there...), but we all know how well french teams travel. I’m hopeful.
By FarnhamShark
#5863
In general I can agree about the inconsistency, but one area where we've been thoroughly consistent this season has been the lineout - it's been poor in every game. Yet this is surely an area which can be fixed (or at least improved) in training? Even when we had both Evans and Beaumont together we were getting picked off. It may not be clever, but using the front more at least secures possession.
By chris1850
#5865
FarnhamShark wrote:
Sun Nov 17, 2019 10:50 am
In general I can agree about the inconsistency, but one area where we've been thoroughly consistent this season has been the lineout - it's been poor in every game. Yet this is surely an area which can be fixed (or at least improved) in training? Even when we had both Evans and Beaumont together we were getting picked off. It may not be clever, but using the front more at least secures possession.
I think it was Akkers first or second lineout when he came on yesterday and he threw it straight to a Glasgow player right at the front!
By AndaleManito
#5867
My team for La Rochelle would be:

1. Morozov
2. Webber
3. WGJ
4. Evans
5. Phillips
6. Ross
7. T. Curry
8. Dan DP
9. Faf
10. AJ
11. Solomona
12. Rob DP
13. RJVR
14. Ashton
15. Hammersley

16. AVDM
17. Harrison
18. JCW
19. JLDP
20. B. Curry
21. Cliff
22. L. James
23. Mcguigan

The most encouraging thing I saw yesterday was AJ and RDP at 10 and 12. They are both great defensive 10s, and don't have a problem taking contact. When only one plays, and takes contact, it means the next phase we don't have a distributor. When both were on the pitch yesterday the dual playmaker system looked very sharp, and we moved the ball about in a great way. We looked best in attack with them both on the pitch by a country mile.

Redpath just isn't quite there yet, not sure if he's really a centre until he puts on a bit more size/gains some more speed. At the moment he looks too pedestrian, and while he doesn't make many mistakes, he offers too much of the same at 13. I think long term he might be either 15 or 12, but certainly is not a 13. Luke James looked pretty solid but shines when there are other carrying options around him. When next to Redpath the opposition know that Luke is going to be the main running threat so mark him accordingly. When he's had RJVR or RDP inside him he's looked much more dangerous.

I think Morozov should get the start, our scrum has been weak, and if you look back at past footage Morovoz is a seriously strong scrummager. IMO he's well on his way to being as good as if not better than Cobilas. I think Morozov has a higher ceiling because of his carrying game, and he's no slouch for a big guy.

I also think that yesterday's match proves Jono Ross's worth. When he came on the momentum shifted entirely. With two Du Preez on the pitch in the opening 40 it's too attack minded. I think we would be much better for bringing on Jean-Luc after 55/60 minutes once Jono has softened up the opposition, and then get the offloading game going.

I find Papier slightly confusing. Obviously a very quick player, but in contrast to Faf he doesn't keep the opposition guessing from the base. He should be sniping from the base much more often. He's too predictable at the moment and isn't using his strongest asset. I also think his service is painfully slow at times, though his box kicking was on the money yesterday I thought.

Still not sure about Hammersley. He has a very low error count, and his positional play is second to none, but does he offer enough going forward? He hasn't really brought that mazey, elusive counter attack running from Newcastle. He hasn't really done anything wrong but when I look at other top 4/6 teams they invariably have a running threat from 15 which we don't have: Puitau, Gallagher, Hogg, Tuala, Woodward, Brown, Watson. Even Pennell offers more of a running threat.

It's still glaringly obvious that we need second row cover. We're not looking great as it is, and there's no way Bryn can keep playing every game. Postlethwaite looked decent when he came on, and won a good lineout, but we really need someone and fast. Whilst AVDM throwing has been far from great, I think it isn't helped by the fact that every opposition knows that Bryn is the main option. You can have all the complex codes and moving around, but if they know who it's going to it's pretty easy to steal.

I don't think we played thaaaat badly, our defensive at times was magnificent, especially in the tight, but our set piece is letting us down, and our centres were under-powered and too predictable in the first half. Still, a losing bonus point at Glasgow with only one true lock (Phillips is a tall prop imo - still a great player but can't offer what Beaumont can for example), two teenagers in the centres, without faf, an inability to win our line-out, and a few last minute changes to the squad, isn't a terrible result. Especially when we nilled them in the second half.

Hopefully we start against La Rochelle as we finished in Glasgow!
User avatar
By Buelligansmate
#5869
IOL Shark wrote:
Sun Nov 17, 2019 1:22 am
I’ll repeat what I’ve posted on the Facebook page:
1. We win the Prem Cup games = we’re world class and going to win every game
2. Lose at home to Gloucester = we’re doomed
3. Thrash LI = we’re world class and going to win every game
4. Lose to Briz = we’re doomed
5. Beat Pests = we’re world class and going to win every game
6. Lose to Glasgow = we’re doomed!
Need to get a grip! Glasgow are class. Maybe not as good as the last two years but still high class, experienced HC campaigners and very rarely lose at home. We’re a relatively new team that is still trying to gel and has a number of top players unavailable. 4th in the Prem after 4 games, in the Prem Cup semi and an opening bonus point away at Glasgow is something we would usually only dream of in recent years!! Give them a chance for God sake.
Totally agree with all that
By StalyShark
#5872
Papier didn’t have a good game yesterday. Having watched it twice now I can’t recall a single box kick or a snipe, it was all pass from the base which was easy for Glasgow. Furthermore, the structure was too predictable. I lost count of how many times we had dummy runners from the base and played it out the back to AJ/A Nother and then hit a brick wall as they knew it was coming. We couldn’t get anywhere so like the Boks did with Faf at least try the box kick and chase even if just to play territory (which we didn’t have at all in the first 40). Thereafter they’d have to weaken their line with more in the backfield. I think we thought we could just bully them and it didn’t work.
By AndaleManito
#5873
Papier had a few decent box kicks for exiting the 22, but you're right, nothing other than that. I think it's so hard to understate how much we miss faf. If you look back at our tries over the last few seasons faf is a key part of almost all of them.
By Thekeg
#5876
MikeGC wrote:
Sun Nov 17, 2019 10:46 am
Thekeg wrote:
Sun Nov 17, 2019 10:40 am
MikeGC wrote:
Sat Nov 16, 2019 5:57 pm


Nor will La Rochelle
Wonder how seriously they will take it now after a heavy home defeat
Well, if Exeter beat Glasgow and La Rochelle beat Sharks - they’re in with a decent chance of getting out of the group.
Exeter were great yesterday and I didn’t feel the final score reflected how good La Rochelle performed. Incredibly dangerous in attack.
Logically yes but French sides have a history of bailing out early if it doesn’t start well
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