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Worcester v Saints: Match Day Thread


By Happywifehappylife
March 6 2020

This is the Worcester v Saints match day thread.   

As mentioned we're testing continuing the 'One Thread" system so please keep all comments regarding the game here. 

All new threads will be switched off from 6.45pm this evening & then reinstated tomorrow morning.

COYS!!!!!

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Worcester v Saints: Match Day Thread
Discussion started by Marching On , 06/03/2020 17:23
Marching On
06/03/2020 17:23
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
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SaintsAsh
06/03/2020 18:35
I think this is a pretty good idea, good job team.

COYS!

Wilson Pickett
06/03/2020 18:37
I think this will be a lucky match day ritual leading to glory!

Saintly Pursuit
06/03/2020 19:34
Just seen that Ace has a stomach bug and is replaced by Strachan

andysaint
06/03/2020 19:58
Ball retention!! Pretty poor from both sides.

tedge
06/03/2020 19:59
Still dropping the ball at regular intervals

andysaint
06/03/2020 19:59
Another yellow. What was Collins thinking?

Abington Adam
06/03/2020 20:00
Awful. Poor discipline, no platform, no control and not executing the basics.

COME ON YOU SAINTS!
Church's Stand season ticket holder
EMRU Referee

JohnI
06/03/2020 20:02
The conditions are perfect and on a 4g pitch but still handling is atrocious at time’s and giving penalties away like confetti!!!
4 penalties in 14 minutes and one in the bin!!!

JohnI
06/03/2020 20:03
Make that 5 penalties in 15minutes Discipline is absolutely disgraceful

Wilson Pickett
06/03/2020 20:03
Stop giving away needless penalties when we have a weak pack


Use your brains !

ElySaint
06/03/2020 20:06
Who are our leaders? Someone needs to grab this team by the delicates and sort this out.

Simply won't win with this sort of penalty count.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:03:06:20:08:23 by ElySaint.

Wilson Pickett
06/03/2020 20:09
Start running with some bite forwards for Christ’s sake. Lewis only one playing angry.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:03:06:20:10:10 by Wilson Pickett.

tedge
06/03/2020 20:09
7 penalties now

Wilson Pickett
06/03/2020 20:11
Brain dead

ElySaint
06/03/2020 20:11
Good lord. Getting carved open so often in last few weeks. Cant wait for Vass to start work.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:03:06:20:12:28 by ElySaint.

andysaint
06/03/2020 20:12
Wow Reinach a brilliant try saver

Deesaint
06/03/2020 20:12
Was that Ethan paying back for his time at saints
Prior to that attack it was the poorest kick chase I’ve ever seen from any team let alone saints

JohnI
06/03/2020 20:12
This is seriously annoying that indiscipline is so high from saints. Won’t be king before the ref warns someone about the number of penalties being awarded!

JohnI
06/03/2020 20:13
AAAAAASAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!

Wilson Pickett
06/03/2020 20:15
If I was Boyd I would walk down to the touch line and hand out a massive rollicking

Deesaint
06/03/2020 20:16
If Warriors where a bit more clinical they would be out of site



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:03:06:20:17:11 by Deesaint.

JohnI
06/03/2020 20:17
Someone needs to because there is no leadership out on that pitch at the moment from saints, totally inept performance here so far!

tedge
06/03/2020 20:17
Quite obvious that we have 2 teams seriously short of confidence (despite Boyd's denial of that in pre-match interview). No patterns, no control.

Wilson Pickett
06/03/2020 20:17
Saintsmen need to start playing like MEN now not little boys

Getting owned in the tackle

ElySaint
06/03/2020 20:21
Quote:
Wilson Pickett
If I was Boyd I would walk down to the touch line and hand out a massive rollicking

He just looks bored most of the time

tedge
06/03/2020 20:22
Saints try from driving maul - Heywood

Deesaint
06/03/2020 20:22
Let’s hope that settles the team

JohnI
06/03/2020 20:23
Against the run of play but we will take that. Probably should have gone over the play before that but 3-10

Wilson Pickett
06/03/2020 20:24
Yes forwards come on!!!!


That’s what I’m talking about!!

andysaint
06/03/2020 20:24
Kick to the corner maul try. More of that please.

Wilson Pickett
06/03/2020 20:25
Quote:
ElySaint
Quote:
Wilson Pickett
If I was Boyd I would walk down to the touch line and hand out a massive rollicking

He just looks bored most of the time


Considered... I’m too passionate for that job

tedge
06/03/2020 20:31
HT and somehow we have struggled to a 13-3 lead but again some of our tackling is SO ineffectual. Wuss will no doubt put the pressure on and we have to step up.

St Saltaire
06/03/2020 20:34
Lucky to have such a lead. The team still look short of confidence but James G looking assured and Harry playing well. Let’s hope we can get a grip of the discipline in the 2nd half.

SaintsAsh
06/03/2020 20:37
Worcester unlucky from that first half.

Wilson Pickett
06/03/2020 20:37
Quote:
tedge
HT and somehow we have struggled to a 13-3 lead but again some of our tackling is SO ineffectual. Wuss will no doubt put the pressure on and we have to step up.

Totally agree. Mikey has been bounced off almost every time it’s bizarre.....


Vassy needs to fly into them

tedge
06/03/2020 20:37
Collins has 3 yellow cards in 5 games - can't be a co-incidence

ch saint
06/03/2020 20:42
Will we throw this lead away??

None
06/03/2020 20:42
TC out of form and out of confidence = yellow cards; a couple of scores would settle him down

Wilson Pickett
06/03/2020 20:42
We are a lighter side and hopefully this hair’em scare’em game means their heavy boys get tired in the last 20



When the weather and pitches were good we almost always pulled away last 20 mins

tedge
06/03/2020 20:44
Who will be inspiring and motivating them at half time ?

JohnI
06/03/2020 20:44
Naiaraviro on the table at half time after he had a bit of physio care during the first half. Won’t be surprised if he is taken off early in second half to ensure he doesn’t make it worse.
Really need to get some positive thinking and belief in the second half that they can increase the score and win this game after coughing up games recently in second half

Hantsaintsrus4
06/03/2020 20:45
Hutch has to tackle this half. Not go through the motions, knock people back.

JohnI
06/03/2020 20:47
Damn!!!!!!!

Ref gets the call wrong and then get a scrum penalty as a result f the scrum!!!!

tedge
06/03/2020 20:48
Dingwall on for Big T. Ref makes a mistake and gives Wuss a scrum from which they get a penalty !

JohnI
06/03/2020 20:50
Quote:
Hantsaintsrus4
Hutch has to tackle this half. Not go through the motions, knock people back.

You should have said that he should tackle head on!!!!! Stupid penalty again!

ElySaint
06/03/2020 20:50
Quote:
Hantsaintsrus4
Hutch has to tackle this half. Not go through the motions, knock people back.

Won't be holding my breath on that one.

ElySaint
06/03/2020 20:51
We are opened to so, so easily. Vaas has to be really concerned.

Wilson Pickett
06/03/2020 20:55
COME ON FORWARDS


Brilliant

andysaint
06/03/2020 20:58
Things have certainly calmed down a bit after half time. Can be a good thing for us, it’s just not sticking so slow it down.

tedge
06/03/2020 21:02
We seem determined to give the opposition the ball back when we have chances

Wilson Pickett
06/03/2020 21:04
Vassy will be watching some kick chase videos keenly

Wilson Pickett
06/03/2020 21:04
Well played Paul Hill, great game

SaintsAsh
06/03/2020 21:06
To be honest this is clearly two teams with big injury lists. Worcester playing okay considering their injuries.

tedge
06/03/2020 21:07
Great quote from Matt Ferguson on air when asked why Big T was off - "dunno, think he wants to get to bed early ! - classic

JohnI
06/03/2020 21:08
too many penalties!!!!!!!! Sort it out lads!

SaintsAsh
06/03/2020 21:09
Quote:
tedge
Great quote from Matt Ferguson on air when asked why Big T was off - "dunno, think he wants to get to bed early ! - classic

I thought he said get to the burger van early.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:03:06:21:11:00 by SaintsAsh.

Wilson Pickett
06/03/2020 21:12
Much better defence



Ferguson said defence was the focus at half time, Vassy did fly into them!

JohnI
06/03/2020 21:14
Symmons by far our best player on the pitch tonight.

tedge
06/03/2020 21:15
Still failing to convert pressure due to becoming isolated. Inevitable try by Wuss - I think we missed six tackles

andysaint
06/03/2020 21:16
Very poor tackling very poor collisions no one from saints put their hand up to stop that Worcester try. 25 minutes into the second half no score from saints

JohnI
06/03/2020 21:17
Our tackling, ball handling indiscipline has just been horrendous again tonight

Wilson Pickett
06/03/2020 21:17
Arm tackles, Grays just a turnstile there

tedge
06/03/2020 21:21
Just aimlessly kicking the ball away - it's pretty dreadful stuff. Chris Boyd his usual impassive self - would love to know his real thoughts. Grayson misses a 3 pointer - still 13-10

andysaint
06/03/2020 21:21
Our runners are so isolated on the attack at times. Too much side to side too quick

tedge
06/03/2020 21:35
Grayson puts penalty over but we mess up the restart. Under pressure, Yellow Matavesi, pen Wuss go to the corner time up Wuss mess up the lineout and we WIN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

Happywifehappylife
06/03/2020 21:35
Job done

ElySaint
06/03/2020 21:35
Jammy sods.

Awful discipline. Real lack of leadership, platform and skills.

But, by god, we needed that.

Symonds put a good shift in today. Vass and Dowson got a lot to work on.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:03:06:21:37:37 by ElySaint.

St Saltaire
06/03/2020 21:36
Very lucky escape but I’ll take it!

Abington Adam
06/03/2020 21:36
There was some spirited defence in amongst a pretty poor performance, but just getting a win, any win is a step forward. Well done to the boys who saw it out.

COME ON YOU SAINTS!
Church's Stand season ticket holder
EMRU Referee

JohnI
06/03/2020 21:37
That’s a win we will take but not one we deserved.

andysaint
06/03/2020 21:37
A win is a win but that was chuffing awful.

Lost the second half again.

Hopefully that will help them find some confidence, by gum they need it.

Great defence by the forwards to turn that ball over at the end.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:03:06:21:38:54 by andysaint.

Wilson Pickett
06/03/2020 21:37
COME ON !!!!!



THATS THE SPIRIT WE HAVE !!!!!!



Yes yes yes, massive win. Season defining.



Proud of our boys

SaintsAsh
06/03/2020 21:39
With the quality of players unavailable I will take that win, we will have to be better with the returning quality we have. This year we have a better 23 but the players outside of the 23 are probably lesser quality than the last few years. So getting through this 6 nations in top 4 is pretty good.

Wilson Pickett
06/03/2020 21:42
Quote:
SaintsAsh
With the quality of players unavailable I will take that win, we will have to be better with the returning quality we have. This year we have a better 23 but the players outside of the 23 are probably lesser quality than the last few years. So getting through this 6 nations in top 4 is pretty good.


A bright chap speaks

Saintalex
06/03/2020 21:47
At the game, needed that, spirited play I the end, anyone say they don’t care. They clearly do. Great result and we have got through this tough period in too 4. As WS has said for weeks. Any team would struggle with this many quality players out. Paul Hill great game. Symons has a stormer. Alex Cole continues to impress. He will only get better with this experience. API now available and hopefully not too long before Ribbans and Gibson are back. We have Firbank and his quality. Best game Cobus has had for a while. Great gutsy win that we so needed. Onwards and upwards

smitferbrainz
06/03/2020 21:48
To quote JM - “a win’s a win”.

Followed on Saints live. I just can’t watch at the moment as the stress is just too much. Watching the thread had me pacing up and down with all the comments about ball handling and I’ll discipline. Seemed like deja vu from the last four games. We got a win but we appear to have turned from a creative confident side to a nervous I’ll disciplined outfit that can’t hold a lead. Notwithstanding that we did hold a lead we clearly tried our best to blow it once more. Relieved but remain quite concerned.

Gold stand steward
06/03/2020 21:50
Any other side would have finished us off by half time with a performance like that

Harry the Dog
06/03/2020 21:53
Not the performance we wanted but we will take the win. We look very low on confidence and at times seem to have lost any idea of what we are trying to do in attack.

Deesaint
06/03/2020 21:53
Thank you

andysaint
06/03/2020 21:55
Enjoyed seeing the pace of Taylor’s passing when he came on.

Mallinder is quality. Only what 3 games back? When he’s on the ball he really adds something. Quite involved today.

Always enjoy seeing a Haywood try.

Think Collins needs a break from the 1st team.

Wasps home Irish Away Bath Home then Quins away. Think we should pick up some good points from those with the lads back

Wilson Pickett
06/03/2020 21:56
Quote:
smitferbrainz
To quote JM - “a win’s a win”.
Followed on Saints live. I just can’t watch at the moment as the stress is just too much. Watching the thread had me pacing up and down with all the comments about ball handling and I’ll discipline. Seemed like deja vu from the last four games. We got a win but we appear to have turned from a creative confident side to a nervous I’ll disciplined outfit that can’t hold a lead. Notwithstanding that we did hold a lead we clearly tried our best to blow it once more. Relieved but remain quite concerned.


Hahaha I was up and down like a yo-yo, constant rollickings from the mrs for shouting at the tv.


I am utterly exhausted. That was a hugely important win.


NOW WE BUILD.

Saint Maul
06/03/2020 21:56
Ugly and squeaky bum time at the end. But a much needed win!

Sometimes the result matters more than the performance.

charlieemeriau
06/03/2020 21:57
The yellow card was actually intelligent at the end. A worthwhile penalty to give away, secured the win... not pretty but will take it

None
06/03/2020 21:57
Some of our back up players need more game time in order to step into the match day squad with some confidence - a few Wandies games coming up I believe.

Wilson Pickett
06/03/2020 21:58
Quote:
charlieemeriau
The yellow card was actually intelligent at the end. A worthwhile penalty to give away, secured the win... not pretty but will take it


You know what, when I watched the replay I thought exactly the same!

Buy him beers all night

Yorkie Saint
06/03/2020 22:07
Quote:
SaintsAsh
With the quality of players unavailable I will take that win, we will have to be better with the returning quality we have. This year we have a better 23 but the players outside of the 23 are probably lesser quality than the last few years. So getting through this 6 nations in top 4 is pretty good.

This.

9 games to go now with no international players lost. Two second rows coming back. A couple of weeks off - maybe the odd injury returnee. Weather drying up. Defence looked better today. The future is saints shaped. (Cue a 50 point thumping in Salford in the playoffs)

Walks11
06/03/2020 22:09
Silly errors and pens first half, much improved second. Defence generally and scramble defence was excellent and earned us the win. Quite impressive attitude given we are on a bad run. Vass’s starting to make his mark.

Mikey was superb and I thought both Bean and Coles stepped up tonight. Onwards and upwards

Matthew
06/03/2020 22:10
Suapect we'll get the confidence knocked out of us again in the European quarter finals - should probably factor that in

TunbridgeSaint
06/03/2020 22:10
A wins a win, disappointing to lose the second half again but as others have said, we have at least 11 of our first choice 23 missing so will make a good impact once back.

Thought Taylor made a difference, and also Paul Hill stood out for me. Collins seems to have lost his zip from earlier in the season.

St Saltaire
06/03/2020 22:12
The return of the International players and Api will make a big difference. The win was more important than the style although Boydy was not enthralled in the post match interview. I think he and Matt Ferguson have a wager on who can be the grumpiest* - it’s pretty even so far.
The next problem will be where to fit Harry in the side - he has got better with every game since his return and hopefully will be back to his best very rapidly. I would also like to see him taking the longer kicks if James G is playing as I think his range is greater.

Gold stand steward
06/03/2020 22:14
Worcester fans are slating Solomon in their forum, doesn’t seem that long ago when he took us down

Wilson Pickett
06/03/2020 22:14
St Saltaire.... wing for Collins

charlieemeriau
06/03/2020 22:15
Quote:
Walks11
Silly errors and pens first half, much improved second. Defence generally and scramble defence was excellent and earned us the win. Quite impressive attitude given we are on a bad run. Vass’s starting to make his mark.
Mikey was superb and I thought both Bean and Coles stepped up tonight. Onwards and upwards

I think Coles will be a quality player, I think Bean is trying is best but not quite at the level needed, but he has been pushed in the first team playing 80 minutes, putting his body on the line, so can only appreciate the effort.

Walks11
06/03/2020 22:18
Quote:
charlieemeriau
Quote:
Walks11
Silly errors and pens first half, much improved second. Defence generally and scramble defence was excellent and earned us the win. Quite impressive attitude given we are on a bad run. Vass’s starting to make his mark.
Mikey was superb and I thought both Bean and Coles stepped up tonight. Onwards and upwards

I think Coles will be a quality player, I think Bean is trying is best but not quite at the level needed, but he has been pushed in the first team playing 80 minutes, putting his body on the line, so can only appreciate the effort.

Agree, thought Bean was a lot better tonight. Hopefully benefit from gametime

andysaint
06/03/2020 22:20
Quote:
Gold stand steward
Worcester fans are slating Solomon in their forum, doesn’t seem that long ago when he took us down

He didn’t take us down.

ch saint
06/03/2020 22:21
Well done team and thank you.
That was stressful I had to take my sweater off due to stress and then pace around the sofa, just couldn't sit down.
Yes loads of mistakes but we won. Thank heaven the big guns, the injured and the banned start returning. I just hope Piers is getting over his various concussions.

Wilson Pickett
06/03/2020 22:22
If they had a good attacking shape they’d be very dangerous

Gold stand steward
06/03/2020 22:26
Sorry Andy didn’t mean literally, I just meant he didn’t do us any good

ch saint
06/03/2020 22:30
Actually felt sorry for Solomans , difficult to see what he can do with the resources he has available.

Gold stand steward
06/03/2020 22:33
The resources he has nearly beat us

ch saint
06/03/2020 22:42
Fair point, but a number of other teams have their internationals returning.

Walks11
06/03/2020 22:56
I thought the ref had a decent game tonight, got the Mallinder knock on wrong and admitted it and apologised. Thought he was consistent and didn’t favour one or other side. We are quick to knock them sometimes so praise where it’s due..IMO Of course

Wilson Pickett
06/03/2020 22:59
Very well said Walks.

Out of interest, why didn’t he give us the scrum when he knew Harry didn’t touch it? That process seemed odd... the ball was in our control at the time (like when there is an injury) I assumed we would get the scrum

St Saltaire
06/03/2020 23:15
WP - Ben Kay on commentary said once decision made it couldn’t be reversed. I thought it could be - our resident ref will be able to advise. I was cursing as the scrum turned to a penalty too.

Walks11
06/03/2020 23:35
I don’t think a knock on in general play i.e. not as part of a scoring review is part of the TMO remit.. I assume anyway. Seems fair enough otherwise there would be constant looking at screen over every decision

fleetg
07/03/2020 01:22
Agreed. Most games already last 2 hours these days !!
Thought Jackson did a good job. Hardly noticed him unlike some that like to strut around the (astro)turf which is always a good sign.

St Saltaire
07/03/2020 06:18
Agree that game was reffed well. Back 10 for backchat far more effective than refusing to talk to players or long lectures. Didn’t spend much time advising front rows on scrummaging techniques either. A few other referees should be made to take heed.

Wilson Pickett
07/03/2020 06:35
Well done mods on a great thread

No late night ranting too! Winning helps



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:03:07:06:36:34 by Wilson Pickett.

smitferbrainz
07/03/2020 07:15
Quote:
Wilson Pickett
Well done mods on a great thread
No late night ranting too! Winning helps

+1.

Like the match day thread keeping it to the one thread only for the game itself. Discussion can always be opened up the next day when things become calmer.

Tom is right, winning definitely helps.

I remain a bit unconvinced right now. Getting our international players back can only help and Api too. We’ve suffered a lot during his absence in his position. Self inflicted, hopefully he’s learnt.

Saint Bernie
07/03/2020 07:25
Quote:
Wilson Pickett
Quote:
charlieemeriau
The yellow card was actually intelligent at the end. A worthwhile penalty to give away, secured the win... not pretty but will take it


You know what, when I watched the replay I thought exactly the same!

Buy him beers all night

My initial reaction was the Ref was going to award them a penalty try for a move that was pretty silly.... before I saw the genius in it!

Come On You Saints!

tedge
07/03/2020 07:34
Boyd's post match interview confirmed what we really already know which is that he was and remains pretty disenchanted with NH rugby. Although he conceded that the conditions and, he emphasised, the way the referees interpret the game, mean that results often have to be ground out, he gives no indication that he is prepared to compromise on his beliefs in how the game should be played. Make what you will of that.

ajack
07/03/2020 08:55
Quote:
tedge
Boyd's post match interview confirmed what we really already know which is that he was and remains pretty disenchanted with NH rugby. Although he conceded that the conditions and, he emphasised, the way the referees interpret the game, mean that results often have to be ground out, he gives no indication that he is prepared to compromise on his beliefs in how the game should be played. Make what you will of that.

Pretty much my take on it as well, he seems like a man that doesn't want to be here, but that might just be his manner.

Both teams looked like teams on a losing streak and desperate for a win. We were slightly lucky that Wuss blew so many good chances but when you are where both these sides are sometimes it is just about getting the win and we managed that.

Longers
07/03/2020 09:04
A win is a win.

Ugly but doesn't comment on the W column!

Agree with comments re Coles. He is just growing and growing.

What has happened to Hutch? Is he a casualty of Scottish coaching???

Boyd's plan B? Working on it - Plan A with added tackling!

Saint For Life
07/03/2020 09:16
Boyd gives absolutely no indication when you actually talk to him that he does not want to be here - complete opposite in my experience and is certainly relishing the challenge . More than acceptable top 4 position after this difficult period of the season - with players coming back from international duty , suspension and injuries over next 2 weeks . An important win to build on and now “Onwards and upwards “. COYS

Saintly Pursuit
07/03/2020 09:21
I also thought that the ref had a decent game.

Referees can, and have, changed decisions in similar situations. I seem to recall Wayne Barnes reversing the put in at a scrum after a high kick in front of Churches when he realised or found out that he had made the wrong decision.

Even, after realising that he made a mistake, the scrum put in to Wuss was the correct decision on how to restart the game I would have liked him to show a little sympathy at the scrum and reset it rather than awarding a penalty. Any team benefitting with a penalty as a result of a referreeing mistake isn't good for the game.

What offence was the cause of Matavesi's yellow card?

smitferbrainz
07/03/2020 09:33
I think Saints live suggested he was off his feet at a ruck but I wasn’t watching so I can’t be sure. Saints live is better than it used to be and has improved to be barely okay at the moment, so it could be right.

Wilson Pickett
07/03/2020 09:42
I spoke to Boydy at the RWC final showing and he said he was enjoying it. He is probably peed off with players giving away stupid penalties, making wrong decisions and lacking some basic skills.

Southern Hemisphere sides have won all but one World Cup. Australia have won 2 and its their 4th sport with a population less than 20% the size of GB/Ireland/France. If you watch Super Rugby the standard of play is on another level to Europe. If you compare England’s resources, 1 win is not good enough.

At some point we should start recognising and accepting that they have more answers than us.

Jones, Gatland, Schmidt.... all the recent dominant NH coaches are from the Southern Hemisphere. France historically have played the closest style of running rugby with hands and ability to attack from anywhere. Hopefully Galthie and a few others domestic coaches move towards that play.

Please don’t say the weather because it rains a lot in NZ as well.

Where do we start? Well it starts with the governing bodies and skills being taught at the youngest possible age. We must also insist on and monitor the quality of pitches. Bath, Leicester, Gloucester all play on tacky pitches that become a bog in winter. They are 3 of the biggest clubs in England. That has to change because the sport won’t grow if the output is big blokes running into each other followed by endless kicking. I am not an agrostologist but whether it’s drainage, grass type or whatever.

Maybe the RFU and PRL need to spend some money on hybrid pitches for all teams once the league is ring fenced? Last night, despite the various errors, we saw both teams trying to run the ball which made for an exciting game. More of this will drag up skill levels and push European Club rugby closer to Super Rugby.


This doesn’t mean every team should chuck it around all the time, but the skill levels desperately need to improve at pretty much every single club.

Saintly Pursuit
07/03/2020 09:44
Boyd would make a great poker player. He has the same scowl regarless of whether we are playing well or badly. I'm sure that all of us have been in situations where things are going wrong where the person in charge is banging on desks and shouting but it rarely, if ever, helps the situation.

He knows the style of rugby that he likes to see. We, as supporters, have seen some of this and the concencus seems to be that we also like it. Boyds challenge is to get the team to a place where they can have this a basis for playing NH rugby. As he points out, the game is refereed diffently in the NH. He will have to accept this and, I'm sure, he can get the fusion recipe right.

We are going through a bit of a "perfect storm". Injuries, Six Nations and losing our defence coach. When we get our internationals back and a few of longer term injured return we will be in a better place. Vass will, if his reputation is earned, start making a difference to our defence.

Supporting Saints has always been a bit of a rollercoaster ride. It's what makes it fun (Sm100)

Wilson Pickett
07/03/2020 09:44
Quote:
Saintly Pursuit
I also thought that the ref had a decent game.
Referees can, and have, changed decisions in similar situations. I seem to recall Wayne Barnes reversing the put in at a scrum after a high kick in front of Churches when he realised or found out that he had made the wrong decision.

Even, after realising that he made a mistake, the scrum put in to Wuss was the correct decision on how to restart the game I would have liked him to show a little sympathy at the scrum and reset it rather than awarding a penalty. Any team benefitting with a penalty as a result of a referreeing mistake isn't good for the game.

What offence was the cause of Matavesi's yellow card?


They made a clean line break into our 22 in the final minute, someone made the tackle and Matavesi came sliding in on his knees and just lay over the ball.

Great work

Saintly Pursuit
07/03/2020 09:49
I saw the sliding in but thought that he got to his feet before actually challenging for the ball. I missed that he had played it whilst on the ground.

SuffolkSaint
07/03/2020 10:02
I actually though Sam was slightly unlucky to get pinged - he was as much on his feet as many others were at many other breakdowns. The referee basically looked at the scenario (scramble defence, inside 22) rather than the detail.

I thought he was wholly inconsistent at the breakdown - releasing the player first/not releasing, on/off feet, time on ball before giving pen. I hope World rugby develop some clearer guidelines and protocols for this area of the game soon As every week is a lottery.

tedge
07/03/2020 10:08
I am not convinced that comparing success levels of coaches and styles of play at international level with the English club game is a fair one. At international level no coach has to concern himself with individual skill levels, they are a given. International matches are generally, all over the world, played on good, firm surfaces, often with liberal minded referees. These factors alone contribute to open, attacking rugby ala SH style. Boyd himself conceded that defensive line speeds are faster here, thus making space creation much harder. We have seen England, playing a NH type game, comprehensively overcome the best team in the world (over time) so SH rugby is not necessarily the greatest thing since sliced bread. Last night's match was indeed played on a friendly surface and both sides did try to take advantage of that but both failed badly. That was more a sign of the quality of players on the pitch. Personally I don't enjoy error strewn games however expansive they may be. Just my opinion of course.

Wilson Pickett
07/03/2020 10:18
I know what you mean but Im not really saying that Tedge. Eddie is a progressive SH coach from the Randwick tribe of skills based rugby. However I see a direct correlation between the aggregate skill sets and winning World Cups.

The same goes for football

IMHO that’s largely down to early coaching and mindset of coaches. If our biggest Prem clubs play on quagmires then how on earth will anything improve? It’s so amateurish



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:03:07:10:25:53 by Wilson Pickett.

Wilson Pickett
07/03/2020 10:25
Let me turn it round to you

Why do you think NH skill levels are much lower at club level ?

Deesaint
07/03/2020 10:29
I remember Wayne Smith coming to Saints
It did take a fair time for the players to get to grips with his style of play
It was just starting to pay off when he received the call from the ABs and returned to NZ
J Steel then took on that team which led to Euro final win
I think we all accept it will take time
However my disappointment is with the poor skill levels, game management, aggression etc shown by the guys who have been given the opportunity to step up with the missing players due to injury or international
Come on it’s what they do every working day
Missing basic skills like tackling is hugely disappointing

Tidy
07/03/2020 10:52
Steel took over from Geech

Wilson Pickett
07/03/2020 11:06
Totally agree. I chatted to a Saracens player who said the difference between them and other sides is the ability to switch from attack to defence to attack again

Some of our guys seem to be daydreaming sometimes

Have to say again that Paul Hill was just ‘on it’ yesterday, I’m expecting a real resurgence

tedge
07/03/2020 11:11
Quote:
Wilson Pickett
Let me turn it round to you
Why do you think NH skill levels are much lower at club level ?

Can only say from an English perspective that rugby is not the national sport and, unlike NZ, kids are not playing the game from a pre-school age so that ball skills become inherent. Most of our rugby players start the game much later in life and only a minority are good enough to progress to international standard. By the time they get to club academies it's almost too late to make up for lost time. I don't know if the same is true in Ireland, Wales, Scotland or France

Walks11
07/03/2020 11:51
Quote:
tedge
Quote:
Wilson Pickett
Let me turn it round to you
Why do you think NH skill levels are much lower at club level ?

Can only say from an English perspective that rugby is not the national sport and, unlike NZ, kids are not playing the game from a pre-school age so that ball skills become inherent. Most of our rugby players start the game much later in life and only a minority are good enough to progress to international standard. By the time they get to club academies it's almost too late to make up for lost time. I don't know if the same is true in Ireland, Wales, Scotland or France

completely agree with this, having spent some time in NZ albeit some time ago it was telling that kids go down the park with a rugby ball whereas in the UK generally they are kicking a round ball about. Similarly in Australia its an oval ball, be it league, union or Aussie rules. handling an oval ball is part of their upbringing. I was amazed in NZ at how many lads who didn't play rugby in any way shape or form after they left school could still spin pass off both hands 30M. This disadvantages us and unfortunately there is no way to remedy it as rugby will never overtake soccer in popularity.

Wilson Pickett
07/03/2020 12:12
Interesting thoughts gents. I do therefore wonder why England football teams have had lower skill sets than other countries like Germany and France? (Discounted those with significantly better weather).


so how do we get more kids handling a ball instead of kicking it ?

Deesaint
07/03/2020 12:19
Quote:
Tidy
Steel took over from Geech
Probably
But mine makes a better story

charlieemeriau
07/03/2020 13:32
Quote:
Saintly Pursuit
I saw the sliding in but thought that he got to his feet before actually challenging for the ball. I missed that he had played it whilst on the ground.

actually thought he got pinged for not coming through the gate, offside but would have to look at it again (cant remember what the ref was saying).
so glad to have got the win, Sales seem to be on an incredible run of form.

Wilson Pickett
07/03/2020 13:36
Nah, never on his feet

SaintsAsh
07/03/2020 15:44
Go to a park in NZ and kids are playing touch, go to one in England and you won't see that. You will see kids playing 5 a side here.

Saintalex
07/03/2020 16:47
Or drinking cider on the swings

Wilson Pickett
07/03/2020 17:13
No that was just us, Alex



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:03:07:17:14:11 by Wilson Pickett.

Nath-coys
08/03/2020 08:02
NZ Rugby is struggling at grass root level more than you would think.

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