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THAT FRIDAY FEELING??


By Darraghgirl
November 15 2017

  So after a 2 week break, Saracens return to “the real thing” with a Friday evening game at Kingsholm. Many of the first team may be showing off a fair impression of Gavin Henson’s tan after a week or so in the Gulf. Hopefully they’ll readjust to the forecast arctic temperatures!  

Kingsholm has often been a difficult venue for Saracens. Who can forget that Semi-Final annihilation (I think it was Thomas Castaignede’s last appearance) in 2007 ? Or James Hook’s mighty boot in 2015. Or last year’s disappointing defeat during the 6 Nations? In fact Saracens haven’t won at Kingsholm in the league since the 2014/15 campaign. So time to set the record straight then! Gloucester are unbeaten at Kingsholm under Johan Ackerman. The Cherry and Whites have been perennial under performers in recent seasons. This term they have mixed some superb performances (beating Exeter at home in the season opener or a last minute score to beat Bath away in their last league game) with some less impressive ones (notably losing 57-10 to Sale). As part 2 of the season starts, Gloucester sit in 8th place with 18 points, (4 wins from 7 games) while Sarries sit on top with 6 from 7 and 28 points.

International call-ups mean that Saracens will need to look to their strength in depth. However Eddie has kindly returned Isiekwe, George Kruis and Loz to us (I thought Loz might have earned himself a spot on the bench but since when did EJ ever do the expected).

Given availability, the Saracens team almost picks itself. I would expect to see Barrington, Brits and Koch (or Figallo – Tight head is one of the positions where we have a choice!) in the front row. I assume Isiekwe will be alongside George Kruis (unless it is time to blood Will Skelton in the Premiership). In the back row I would expect tosee Wray, Burger and Clark. The return of Lozowski solves a potentially tricky problem at fly-half  (would we go with the inexperience but undoubted talent of Malins or would we revert to the versatile Alex Goode - which would leave a bit of a hole at full back). That conundrum can wait for another week but I wouldn’t be surprised if we lose Loz for Exeter. I assume Wiggy will start alongside Loz (although there is an argument for Spencer and Loz getting used to playing together). The centres will probably be Captain fantastic Brad Barritt alongside Bosch (or possibly Tomkins if he isn’t fit). That leaves Wyles and Earle on the wings and Goodey at full back. That’s all assuming that neither Rhodes, Maitland or Billy has made a recovery of Elliot Daly proportions!

Glos should have no such problems, they haven’t contributed anyone to England but fly half Owen Williams is in the Wales Squad. They do however have quite a number of long-term injuries including Charlie Sharples. Ross Moriarty and Ben Morgan will also be unavailable due to injuries picked up last week.  Glos will probably start with most of the team who did so well against Bath; a front row of Hohneck, Hibbard and Ofoa with Slater and Thrush in the second row and a back row of Polledri, Ackerman & Ludlow. Half backs will probably be Heinz and Billy Burns (replacing Williams), 36 and the dangerous Henry Trinder in the centres and a back 3 of Halaifanua, Purdy and Hudson.

It appears Gloucester may be wheeling out their new “mascot” Kingsley the 6 foot lion on Friday night. There will also be a premiership debut for Karl Dickson, late of Quins and now a brand spanking new premiership referee. After making his TV debut last week in the AW game between Exeter and Scarlets, he will once again feature on the small screen down at Kingsholm. Let’s hope it’s a debut to remember for the right reasons…….

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THAT FRIDAY FEELING??
Discussion started by TheSaracens.com , 15/11/2017 16:07
TheSaracens.com
15/11/2017 16:07
We don't have a volunteer reporter for the game - which is on TV!
I'll be charging overtime if I have to keep doing them!



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2017:11:26:21:17:34 by Darraghgirl.

OldMarovian
15/11/2017 17:58
Other rugby commitments mean I won't get to watch it till later on Saturday but if that's ok I'll do it Darrahgirl.

Darraghgirl
15/11/2017 20:21
Quote:
OldMarovian
Other rugby commitments mean I won't get to watch it till later on Saturday but if that's ok I'll do it Darrahgirl.

OOps sorry - I think Innings said he's do it a while ago, otherwise that would have been great

Now if you fancy Exeter?????



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2017:11:15:20:26:16 by Darraghgirl.

The Bard
15/11/2017 21:38
Excellent preview as usual, many thanks. I thought Maitland said he was likely to be back for this game?

OldMarovian
15/11/2017 23:48
No problem. Stick me in for Exeter.

Squawker2
16/11/2017 09:46
Hopefully camels can avoid being eaten by lions

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Stuart Barnes is a Cock Womble

Darraghgirl
16/11/2017 17:22
Quote:
OldMarovian
No problem. Stick me in for Exeter.

That would be great thanks

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