Northampton Saints
Saints v Newcastle - 27th January 2024 - Teams Up
By Saint Ted
January 26 2024
This is the Northampton Saints v Newcastle Falcons match thread
Who: Northampton Saints v Newcastle Falcons
Where: Franklins Gardens
When: Saturday 27th January 2024 - 14:00
How do I watch: TNT5 - Via the Red Button on TNT channels (Sky/Virgin), Discovery+ App, Channel 450 BT
Tickets: Direct from Saints
Match day info: Guide to the gardens
Saints take: Saints O'ffy
Newcastles Take: Falcons O'ffy
Officials:
Referee: Sara Cox
Assistant referees: Adam Leal and Jamie Leahy
No. 4: Veryan Boscawen
TMO: Andrew Jackson
| Northampton Saints | Newcastle Falcons | |
| Rory Hutchinson | 15 | Elliott Obatoyinb |
| Gabriel Hamer-Webb | 14 | Adam Radwan |
| Burger Odendaal | 13 | Matias Moroni |
| Tom Litchfield | 12 | Cameron Hutchison |
| Ollie Sleightholme | 11 | Ben Stevenson |
| Charlie Savala | 10 | Louie Johnson |
| Tom James | 9 | Hugh O’Sullivan |
| Alex Waller | 1 | Phil Brantingham |
| Sam Matavesi | 2 | Bryan Byrne |
| Trevor Davison | 3 | Murray McCallum |
| Temo Mayanavanua | 4 | John Hawkins |
| Chunya Munga | 5 | Sebastian de Chaves |
| Courtney Lawes | 6 | Sam Cross |
| Lewis Ludlam (c) | 7 | Guy Pepper |
| Sam Graham | 8 | Callum Chick (captain) |
| Replacements: | ||
| Robbie Smith | 16 | Michael van Vuuren |
| Tarek Haffar | 17 | Adam Brocklebank |
| Elliot Millar Mills | 18 | Eduardo Bello |
| Alex Moon | 19 | Tim Cardall |
| Juarno Augustus | 20 | Freddie Lockwood |
| Angus Scott-Young | 21 | Sam Stuart |
| Callum Braley | 22 | Rory Jennings |
| Joel Matavesi | 23 | Mateo Carreras |
Not available for selection:
George Hendy, Curtis Langdon (suspended), James Ramm and Tom Seabrook.
International duty:
Alex Coles, Fraser Dingwall, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Alex Mitchell, Tom Pearson and Fin Smith (all England).
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StumbleuponSaints v Newcastle - 27th January 2024 - Teams Up
Discussion started by Marching On , 26/01/2024 12:03
Marching On
26/01/2024 12:03
26/01/2024 12:03
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:02:02:08:11:37 by Saint Ted.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:02:02:08:11:37 by Saint Ted.
Considering we have 11 players out who with the possible exception of Seabrook are all first XV contenders that’s a bloomin good side
Well, that’s a pretty strong looking side from us. Good to see Ludlum back. Be interested to get a better look at Savala and a first look at Hamer-Webb.
Not counting any chickens though because there’s some quality players in that Falcons side plus the coaching changes make it a dodgy time to play them.
PS- I’d have Seabrook as a first XV contender, walks, he was going great guns before his injury.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:01:26:12:16:35 by higgy365.
Not counting any chickens though because there’s some quality players in that Falcons side plus the coaching changes make it a dodgy time to play them.
PS- I’d have Seabrook as a first XV contender, walks, he was going great guns before his injury.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:01:26:12:16:35 by higgy365.
Wow, the pack is fine, but that backline. Not so worried about them having the skills, more simply about playing together. I think we are going to have to grind this one out. Ludlum back is huge. Glad we are at home.
Looks like Phil banking on holding them for 50-60 minutes and then a strong bench which has worked before.
Should be ok in the pack but backs without much real game time at this level so should be interesting
Should be ok in the pack but backs without much real game time at this level so should be interesting
Quote:Saint Gordo
Wow, the pack is fine, but that backline. Not so worried about them having the skills, more simply about playing together. I think we are going to have to grind this one out. Ludlum back is huge. Glad we are at home.
Definitely. It’s not the players don’t look good, it’s more whether the backs gel. We will see how well engrained the attacking and defensive systems are through the whole squad
The backline will have played together on occasions may not in the starting position but Odendaal litchfield and Sleights will have played together in those positions with Hutch covering at full back.
Dowse knew that was his line up early last week so they will have been practicing for a few days at least.
Dowse knew that was his line up early last week so they will have been practicing for a few days at least.
they'll have been playing together more than we think. Ferg mentioned that during the week, the 'Wanderers' play against the weekend team.
I'd think that the majority of the backs would be used to playing together as a Wandies side.
I'd think that the majority of the backs would be used to playing together as a Wandies side.
Not a bad set. Keen to see how Litchfield gets on. I still have high hopes fo rhim in spite of limited game time. Shown well each time he has come on.
As for the pack? No excuses!
As for the pack? No excuses!
Quote:aidanb
Falcons fan here
our 23 might want to make an impact
And I hope that they do.
Just not too big a one!
Quote:Scrumpy Half
I think he specifically thinks their no.23
yeah - him
he has saved some of his beauts for you guys and coming off the bench he may be raring to go
Quote:LongersQuote:Scrumpy Half
I think he specifically thinks their no.23
Yes!
I'm glad he's on the bench and not starting, maybe he has a slight niggle.
Quote:higgy365
Well, that’s a pretty strong looking side from us. Good to see Ludlum back. Be interested to get a better look at Savala and a first look at Hamer-Webb.
Not counting any chickens though because there’s some quality players in that Falcons side plus the coaching changes make it a dodgy time to play them.
PS- I’d have Seabrook as a first XV contender, walks, he was going great guns before his injury.
He was, my comment certainly wasn’t meant as a slight. I didn’t have him above Freeman or Sleighthome and maybe Hendy too
You would hope that those players coming through have been in the same training regime as those away or injured
If the forwards can get on top and provide good front foot ball then we should be ok
Unless we give away some silly tries to the likes of Radwan
Really hopefull but nervous at the same time
( although that’s normal before any game)
Sure it’s been mentioned but we really should not be in a position with the reduced league where we are loosing players to internationals
Very poor planning and shows yet again the incompetence of those in charge
If the forwards can get on top and provide good front foot ball then we should be ok
Unless we give away some silly tries to the likes of Radwan
Really hopefull but nervous at the same time
( although that’s normal before any game)
Sure it’s been mentioned but we really should not be in a position with the reduced league where we are loosing players to internationals
Very poor planning and shows yet again the incompetence of those in charge
DeeSaint
I completely agree - with only ten teams in the league there shouLd never be a Premiership fixture where all players, bar injury or suspension, should not be available.
I completely agree - with only ten teams in the league there shouLd never be a Premiership fixture where all players, bar injury or suspension, should not be available.
Quote:None
DeeSaint
I completely agree - with only ten teams in the league there shouLd never be a Premiership fixture where all players, bar injury or suspension, should not be available.
Happy to be corrected, but I don’t ever remember a 6/5 Nations when there weren’t some club games. This season is the best I’ve ever seen for avoiding Premiership games at the same time as 6 Nations games, so I’d applaud the progress in making it fairer.
On the flip side I’m going to miss not having any club games to watch for such a protracted mid-season period. Hopefully, the break doesn’t scupper our momentum and how well we have been playing. Fingers crossed!
With a 6-2 bench split personally think we’ll switch to a forwards dominant game plan and aim to beat them up for 80 minutes- may not be our usual champagne rugby
Maul - you are correct but with the demise of three teams the paucity of fixtures should mean that not only should there be no direct clashes, which of course there are not, but there should be no ‘training weekends’ either. The situation is of course complicated by the RWC just past and we shall have to see how things work out next season. I appreciate that it’s not directly comparable but Premier League football seems to manage not to lose players to England games nor WC/Euro qualification matches in the same manner and they play more than twice the number of league games.
Just a point of view.
Just a point of view.
Quote:I will also miss Premiership games during the Six Nations. But more importantly, what will this break do to our momentum and progress? As you clearly said....Saint MaulQuote:None
DeeSaint
I completely agree - with only ten teams in the league there shouLd never be a Premiership fixture where all players, bar injury or suspension, should not be available.
Happy to be corrected, but I don’t ever remember a 6/5 Nations when there weren’t some club games. This season is the best I’ve ever seen for avoiding Premiership games at the same time as 6 Nations games, so I’d applaud the progress in making it fairer.
On the flip side I’m going to miss not having any club games to watch for such a protracted mid-season period. Hopefully, the break doesn’t scupper our momentum and how well we have been playing. Fingers crossed!
DeeSaint & None,
I agree there shouldn’t be Premiership games on the same weekend as an England Training camp.
I wanted to see Care & Smith against Tigers yesterday evening but given that the current EPS agreement allows for the England Camp and in a crowded RWC season when do you play Round 12?
If you started the season earlier, an extra early round would have been impacted by the RWC, extend the season by a week and you are encroaching on Summer Tours & Mandatory rest times! A mid week game would generate as much rotation as we are seeing this weekend!
I agree there shouldn’t be Premiership games on the same weekend as an England Training camp.
I wanted to see Care & Smith against Tigers yesterday evening but given that the current EPS agreement allows for the England Camp and in a crowded RWC season when do you play Round 12?
If you started the season earlier, an extra early round would have been impacted by the RWC, extend the season by a week and you are encroaching on Summer Tours & Mandatory rest times! A mid week game would generate as much rotation as we are seeing this weekend!
Solid win for Saints. Newcastle didn’t get much going for most the match. Good to see the same ambition and approach to the game with most the backs out. Players who have not played many games stood up well today.
Well done lads. Rusty before half time, better after. Good game time for the less experienced/less used and still top. Good work!
5 points and top of the table which is great position going into the break.
What an amazing first half of the season!
What an amazing first half of the season!
Happy Burger was MOTM. But, just like most weeks, a number of players were quite good. That said, I think we saw what Hutch can really do. So creative with ball in hand, and and as second receiver. Great distribution.
How great was that late try from Hutch to Graham (great hands and right foot only a fraction from being out), to Augustus at the corner. Awesome work by all three.
Finally, it was great seeing Ludlum out there doing Ludlum like things!
How great was that late try from Hutch to Graham (great hands and right foot only a fraction from being out), to Augustus at the corner. Awesome work by all three.
Finally, it was great seeing Ludlum out there doing Ludlum like things!
I thought it was a very solid and unflashy “job done” game. We could have slipped up.
Burger played well, as did many, but Graham or Litchfield was my MotM
Burger played well, as did many, but Graham or Litchfield was my MotM
Quote:lost in duston
I thought it was a very solid and unflashy “job done” game. We could have slipped up.
Burger played well, as did many, but Graham or Litchfield was my MotM
Sam Graham was a machine, deserves a few weeks off.
Ludlum was solid and did 60 mins, by the next round of games he will be fully back to speed and ready to tear it up
Sleights I thought had a good game as did Hutch
Good solid win, now lets enjoy the 6N sitting top of the pile
I thought Sara Cox had an excellent game based upon what I saw and what I heard on ref link. She communicates well with the players and fellow officials and likes to keep the game flowing. Not afraid to admit the odd mistake either. Full marks.
Quote:None
I thought Sara Cox had an excellent game based upon what I saw and what I heard on ref link. She communicates well with the players and fellow officials and likes to keep the game flowing. Not afraid to admit the odd mistake either. Full marks.
+1
We weren’t at our best for sure, a very good win, some good spells of defence in our 22 that could have made the game more interesting. Thought Savala showed some nice touches so a good first start for me. Tom Litchfield continues to impress, solid in defence and does well in attack. Given how many were out no surprising there were some errors but all in all very decent. How Augustus squeezed in for that try I really don’t know
Quote:lost in dustonQuote:None
I thought Sara Cox had an excellent game based upon what I saw and what I heard on ref link. She communicates well with the players and fellow officials and likes to keep the game flowing. Not afraid to admit the odd mistake either. Full marks.
+1
+1 more
Quote:Dave JacksonQuote:lost in dustonQuote:None
I thought Sara Cox had an excellent game based upon what I saw and what I heard on ref link. She communicates well with the players and fellow officials and likes to keep the game flowing. Not afraid to admit the odd mistake either. Full marks.
+1
+1 more
Thought she was very good again
Quote:Saint Maul
5 points and top of the table which is great position going into the break.
What an amazing first half of the season!
We're already two games into the second half
Teams just below us have lost or losing as I write meaning there's a big bunch up developing, it's a crazy season.
Quote:Dave JacksonQuote:lost in duston
I thought it was a very solid and unflashy “job done” game. We could have slipped up.
Burger played well, as did many, but Graham or Litchfield was my MotM
Sam Graham was a machine, deserves a few weeks off.
Ludlum was solid and did 60 mins, by the next round of games he will be fully back to speed and ready to tear it up
Sleights I thought had a good game as did Hutch
Good solid win, now lets enjoy the 6N sitting top of the pile
Banahan on the tv was raving about Odendaal all match - for me he makes too many handling errors and gives poor passes. He needs to go to the Boyd handling school before winning mom.
Quote:Walks11Quote:Dave JacksonQuote:lost in dustonQuote:None
I thought Sara Cox had an excellent game based upon what I saw and what I heard on ref link. She communicates well with the players and fellow officials and likes to keep the game flowing. Not afraid to admit the odd mistake either. Full marks.
+1
+1 more
She was excellent again wasn't she. Fabulous raport with the players & also has a fab way of ticking off in a great way. Superb teamwork between all the officials today. Great to listen to
Thought she was very good again
Missed the game as was playing today. Good bonus point win shows good squad depth, albeit against a Newcastle side clearly struggling a bit form wise. Could have been a bit of a banana skin with the amount of changes.
MOTM surprised me as I kept thinking that he was still firing on three cylinders - I thought Hutch had a game, Graham too.
I suppose you can't give it to Courts every week!
I thought Munga was great today too, nicked a few line outs. But I thought there were lots of great performances.
Not the same fluency in the backs, as you'd expect. But a ridiculously efficient performance. Though you do feel for Newcastle at the moment. They look pretty poor!
It's all very unsaintslike at the moment!!! We're looking seriously strong.
I thought Munga was great today too, nicked a few line outs. But I thought there were lots of great performances.
Not the same fluency in the backs, as you'd expect. But a ridiculously efficient performance. Though you do feel for Newcastle at the moment. They look pretty poor!
It's all very unsaintslike at the moment!!! We're looking seriously strong.
Quote:Great catch and well said!None
I thought Sara Cox had an excellent game based upon what I saw and what I heard on ref link. She communicates well with the players and fellow officials and likes to keep the game flowing. Not afraid to admit the odd mistake either. Full marks.
Falcons were hammering our line early in the second half
Up steps Sam G and forced a turnover
Penalty for holding on
That just seemed to deflate Falcons and spur us on
Not such a big running carrier but comes up with goods time after time
He is making very difficult for big trukkie to get a start
Plus I’ve never seen such a dominant scrum since the days of Tiny and Mooj
Up steps Sam G and forced a turnover
Penalty for holding on
That just seemed to deflate Falcons and spur us on
Not such a big running carrier but comes up with goods time after time
He is making very difficult for big trukkie to get a start
Plus I’ve never seen such a dominant scrum since the days of Tiny and Mooj
Quote:None
MOTM surprised me as I kept thinking that he was still firing on three cylinders - I thought Hutch had a game, Graham too.
Thought so too
Graham was MoTM for me. It's a nice problem to have have 2 eights that can offer differnt things which can really influence the game
Newcastle did us a favour by under using Radwan and Carreras. Both looked like they could split our defence in broken field at will. Falcons just didn't seem to want to use them as much as I was expecting. Radwan seemed to be everywhere looking for the ball.
I wouldn't mind if Big Trev was to pass on Radwans number to Dowse
I wouldn't mind if Big Trev was to pass on Radwans number to Dowse
Quote:ramseysaintQuote:None
MOTM surprised me as I kept thinking that he was still firing on three cylinders - I thought Hutch had a game, Graham too.
Thought so too
My thoughts as well.
Quote:St Stokey.
Newcastle did us a favour by under using Radwan and Carreras. Both looked like they could split our defence in broken field at will. Falcons just didn't seem to want to use them as much as I was expecting. Radwan seemed to be everywhere looking for the ball.
I wouldn't mind if Big Trev was to pass on Radwans number to Dowse
Yes, Radwan was dangerous but his ability under the high ball and his defence have pushed him down the England order.
Carreras was on the bench because he hasn't played for a while. He looked unfit and overweight.
Quote:Deesaint
Falcons were hammering our line early in the second half
Up steps Sam G and forced a turnover
Penalty for holding on
That just seemed to deflate Falcons and spur us on
Not such a big running carrier but comes up with goods time after time
He is making very difficult for big trukkie to get a start
Plus I’ve never seen such a dominant scrum since the days of Tiny and Mooj
Talking of Tiny, anyone see how his son was at Bedford on Friday?
I feel for Falcons who must be hanging on by a thread. They have some nice players, so being able to add just a few more and they would be competitive. I think the league needs that.
I thought Newcastle did not look like a bottom of the table side for the first 50 mins of that match. When they had ball in hand they made yards and put our defense under pressure. If it weren't for a few handling errors or heroic moments in defense we could of had a different game in the last quarter.
Loving the resolve of this saints team at the moment and good luck to Falcons there is the backbone of a very good team there.
Loving the resolve of this saints team at the moment and good luck to Falcons there is the backbone of a very good team there.
Does anyone know what the issue was with the 50 22 in the second half that wasn't given?
Quote:Trollman
Does anyone know what the issue was with the 50 22 in the second half that wasn't given?
It was taken back into our half by Saints.
It was deemed to have gone in touch outside the 22 by TMO. They took the through inside mind you
If I was the Newcastle forward who tried to kick the ball clear in the last minute, I'd hope that Steve Diamond doesn't see that.
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