Northampton Saints
Saints v Bristol 25th October 2024 - Teams Up
By Saint Ted
October 25 2024
This is the Bristol Bears v Northampton Saints match thread
Who: Bristol Bears v Northampton Saints
Where: Ashton Gate
When: Friday 25th October 2024; 19:45
How do I watch: TNT 1/TNT Ultimate/Discovery +
Tickets: From Bristol
Match day info: Guide to the Gardens
Saints take: Saints O'ffy
Bristols Take: Bristol O'ffy
Officials:
Referee: Craig Maxwell-Keys
Assistant referees: Anthony Woodthorpe and Harry Walbaum
No.4: Neil Chivers
TMO: Andrew Jackson
Teams:
| Northampton Saints | Bristol Bears | |
| George Hendy | 15 | Rich Lane |
| James Ramm | 14 | Jack Bates |
| Tom Litchfield | 13 | Kalaveti Ravouvou |
| Rory Hutchinson | 12 | Benhard Janse van Rensburg |
| Tom Seabrook | 11 | Gabriel Ibitoye |
| George Makepeace-Cubitt | 10 | AJ MacGinty |
| Tom James | 9 | Kieran Marmion |
| Tom West | 1 | Jake Woolmore |
| Curtis Langdon | 2 | Gabriel Oghre |
| Elliot Millar Mills | 3 | Max Lahiff |
| Temo Mayanavanua | 4 | James Dun |
| Alex Coles (c) | 5 | Joe Batley |
| Josh Kemeny | 6 | Steven Luatua |
| Tom Pearson | 7 | Benjamin Grondona |
| Henry Pollock | 8 | Fitz Harding (c) |
| Replacements: | ||
| Craig Wright | 16 | Harry Thacker |
| Emmanuel Iyogun | 17 | Yann Thomas |
| Luke Green | 18 | George Kloska |
| Gavin Thornbury | 19 | Joe Owen |
| Angus Scott-Young | 20 | Jake Heenan |
| Archie McParland | 21 | Sam Wolstenholme |
| Charlie Savala | 22 | Sam Worsley |
| Jake Garside | 23 | Benjamin Elizalde |
Not available for selection:
Juarno Augustus, Emeka Atuanya, Fraser Dingwall, Sam Graham, Tom Lockett, Alex Mitchell, Burger Odendaal, Toby Thame and Robbie Smith.
International duty:
Trevor Davison, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Ollie Sleightholme and Fin Smith (all England).
Digg
Delicious
Facebook
Reddit
StumbleuponSaints v Bristol 25th October 2024 - Teams Up
Discussion started by Marching On , 25/10/2024 09:29
Marching On
25/10/2024 09:29
25/10/2024 09:29
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:10:31:10:41:04 by Saint Ted.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:10:31:10:41:04 by Saint Ted.
I’m quite surprised with how much we have out
Don’t get me started on Internationals
That we have a team who should compete
And if still in the game with 15 minutes to go
have the players who will make a tiring defence suffer
Haven’t seen GMC play but hats off to the coaches they
aren’t afraid of backing young players
Nice to see Seabrook back
He always causes some problems for defenders
Great chance for a few players to step up and make a claim
for the shirt
Don’t get me started on Internationals
That we have a team who should compete
And if still in the game with 15 minutes to go
have the players who will make a tiring defence suffer
Haven’t seen GMC play but hats off to the coaches they
aren’t afraid of backing young players
Nice to see Seabrook back
He always causes some problems for defenders
Great chance for a few players to step up and make a claim
for the shirt
Won't be favourites but this is still a good side. Big game for Litchfield at 13 with the way bristol play. Hoping a big performance at a place we have really struggled at.
GMC looked the real deal when playing Eng U20, we put our faith in Fin and he delivered, I don’t see why we should doubt GMC is ready. It’s going to be a really good opportunity for those lads to prove they’re good enough and we should throw the kitchen sink at Briz!
Huge congrats to GMC! Really hope it goes well.
A little surprised that Savala isn't starting. Presumably he's being held as cover for 10 and 12. Garside presumably as wing cover with Seabrook or Hendy moving to 13. Its a risk but it's a real opportunity for some of the more fringe players to make their mark.
Games like these are the ones where I'm expecting players like Litchfield to really grab hold of the shirt.
As for the forwards, I'm not sure we could select a much stronger pack. Either EMM or Davison could be considered a starter. Same goes for Iyogun and West, Coles & Mayanavanua. Clearly we'd want Augustus or Graham available but Pollock is not far off being a starter in his own right. Still, 6 of the 8 starting pack are internationals, either currently or arguably should be currently.
I have more hope for this fixture than I did last time round. Bristol also have injuries and some call ups. We know they can score, but they also conceed! Just so long as we score more than they do!
A little surprised that Savala isn't starting. Presumably he's being held as cover for 10 and 12. Garside presumably as wing cover with Seabrook or Hendy moving to 13. Its a risk but it's a real opportunity for some of the more fringe players to make their mark.
Games like these are the ones where I'm expecting players like Litchfield to really grab hold of the shirt.
As for the forwards, I'm not sure we could select a much stronger pack. Either EMM or Davison could be considered a starter. Same goes for Iyogun and West, Coles & Mayanavanua. Clearly we'd want Augustus or Graham available but Pollock is not far off being a starter in his own right. Still, 6 of the 8 starting pack are internationals, either currently or arguably should be currently.
I have more hope for this fixture than I did last time round. Bristol also have injuries and some call ups. We know they can score, but they also conceed! Just so long as we score more than they do!
Think my biggest surprise was seeing Coles back!
After being listed Not Considered for Selection by England, I assumed he would be out into November!
Does SB really think Ewels is better than Coles!!
Looking forward to seeing how GMC goes.
After being listed Not Considered for Selection by England, I assumed he would be out into November!
Does SB really think Ewels is better than Coles!!
Looking forward to seeing how GMC goes.
He'll be very important both for his playing contribution and his leadership.
Interview with Tom Pearson
[www.northamptonchron.co.uk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:10:24:18:56:09 by tigersimon.
[www.northamptonchron.co.uk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:10:24:18:56:09 by tigersimon.
That's actually a pretty decent team considering all the absentees. Deft rotation too with Munga rested (I assume). Think these coaches really get the best from the whole group. Looking forward to MakePeace debut too. No Haffar - seems to be struggling to consistently stay in the 23?
I really love that the coaches have backed our promising youngsters. The safe choice would have been to select Savala at 10. But Makepeace-Cubitt is the future. We are blessed to have 4 truly exciting Under 20 youngsters in Pollock, McParland, Wright and Makepeace-Cubitt.
Will they make mistakes? Sure. Will we lose the game. Quite possibly. Even probably. Let’s face it, we’ve lost our last two away games v Bristol by 50 points with easier selection choices. So I still think our chances would be low with more conservative selections.
We would never have won the Premiership IMHO if we hadn’t backed top talent like Mitchell, Furbank, Coles, Smith, Dingwall and Freeman when they were young so they were experienced by the time it mattered most. Did they make mistakes. Yes. But did it help fast-track their development. Definitely.
The reality is we don’t have the budget to have top draw experienced back- up players. Our model is based on grow your own and backing potential. We are staying true to this principle. It’s exciting getting to see the future early. Whilst not under-estimating that growing pains can be painful. I hope we don’t lay into them too hard when they make mistakes. COYS!
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2024:10:24:23:01:25 by Saint Maul.
Will they make mistakes? Sure. Will we lose the game. Quite possibly. Even probably. Let’s face it, we’ve lost our last two away games v Bristol by 50 points with easier selection choices. So I still think our chances would be low with more conservative selections.
We would never have won the Premiership IMHO if we hadn’t backed top talent like Mitchell, Furbank, Coles, Smith, Dingwall and Freeman when they were young so they were experienced by the time it mattered most. Did they make mistakes. Yes. But did it help fast-track their development. Definitely.
The reality is we don’t have the budget to have top draw experienced back- up players. Our model is based on grow your own and backing potential. We are staying true to this principle. It’s exciting getting to see the future early. Whilst not under-estimating that growing pains can be painful. I hope we don’t lay into them too hard when they make mistakes. COYS!
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2024:10:24:23:01:25 by Saint Maul.
Craig Wright and Jake Garside both showed class when in National 1 at Leicester Lions, I expect both will do a job for you.
Quote:tigerburnie
Craig Wright and Jake Garside both showed class when in National 1 at Leicester Lions, I expect both will do a job for you.
No disrespect to either, but we've seen from early performances from MacParland, there is a big step up from u20s and Nat 1 to the top end of the Prem.
Quote:St Stokey.Quote:tigerburnie
Craig Wright and Jake Garside both showed class when in National 1 at Leicester Lions, I expect both will do a job for you.
No disrespect to either, but we've seen from early performances from MacParland, there is a big step up from u20s and Nat 1 to the top end of the Prem.
No 9 is the most exposed position on the field and he has been targeted by wise old 9's and flankers who almost certainly enjoyed the challenge of putting him in his place. He's learnt quickly. Hooker and wing are nowhere near as exposed. On the other hand GMC (is that what he's to be known as?) will be firmly in the firing line.
I really hope McParland steps up. You can see the potential in a lot of these young lads, and you just want them to fulfill their gifts and hard work.
We’ve seen too many not make it, for whatever reason, and not just at the saints.
I also like garside at 9, he’s a typical terrier, but fear his height is against him, where on the wing there a more success stories for the tiny people!
We’ve seen too many not make it, for whatever reason, and not just at the saints.
I also like garside at 9, he’s a typical terrier, but fear his height is against him, where on the wing there a more success stories for the tiny people!
Hijacking this thread as a Bris fan, just to say I'm looking forward to some quality rugby under the lights at AG tonight! Travel well those who are coming down the M5
Quote:lost in duston
He can’t be known as GMC. It’s akin to calling him OFSTED or IPCC!
What's OFSTED or IPCC got to do with cars?
Quote:SaintsDuncanQuote:lost in duston
He can’t be known as GMC. It’s akin to calling him OFSTED or IPCC!
What's OFSTED or IPCC got to do with cars?
Ok I'll give you Colt45
No Saint called for that as a try. In fact, we actively tried to recycle it. So why did Sir stop the play? We had a walk over seconds later.
Shame we did not get a third try there. But a very good half. Pollock and Pearson in particular outstanding.
Quote:Always2Hopeful
Maxwell-Keys … homer much??
Think he's had a great first 40. MPC also doing well in his debut for such a pivotal position, impressive stuff.
Seems our system is really quite something, players come in and really understand their roles.
Hutchinson showing that he's deservedly been called up.
Makepeace Cubit having a decent outing. Doesn't look out of his depth at all. Showing he has a decent defence too.
Makepeace Cubit having a decent outing. Doesn't look out of his depth at all. Showing he has a decent defence too.
Been saying it ever since Earl was moved to 8 by England, Pearson should be at 7!
QED in that 1st half with the Partnership with Pollock.
QED in that 1st half with the Partnership with Pollock.
Quote:ZuluSaintQuote:Always2Hopeful
Maxwell-Keys … homer much??
Think he's had a great first 40. MPC also doing well in his debut for such a pivotal position, impressive stuff.
Seems our system is really quite something, players come in and really understand their roles.
Agree re CMK - think he had a good half.
Quote:St Stokey.
No Saint called for that as a try. In fact, we actively tried to recycle it. So why did Sir stop the play? We had a walk over seconds later.
Held up over the line, then played back into the field of play
This season Pearson is doing for saints what he did for LI and england a. I've said it before but generally I was disappointed in his performances for Saints last year as they were below his potential.
Mention also for TJ - who has been very good. Lovely hang on the box kicks and lively all over the pitch
Thacker ALWAYS performs against us. Can we please try and sign him, even just so he can play against us?
Quote:St Stokey.
Thacker ALWAYS performs against us. Can we please try and sign him, even just so he can play against us?
Once a Tiger always a Tiger!!
Only seen since half time, but Maxwell-keys is very poor. And thats even with my Lichfield rfc allegiances.
Since our first 2 trys completely toothless in attack and no defence as soon as they went 3 up it felt like there was no way back pretty embarrassing really second string not good enough!
We’ve definitely not had the rub of CMK’s decisions but second half we’ve been both run around and out muscled. Fear it will be another loss with no bonus point
How can he miss a ball being passed from 1m from the line and then caught on the line and not see that as forward??
Quote:Bucksaint
We’ve definitely not had the rub of CMK’s decisions but second half we’ve been both run around and out muscled. Fear it will be another loss with no bonus point
Agreed. We've looked so poor. Yes you can look at changes but this is more than that. I fear top 4 is beyond us currently.
*Only seen second half, we could and possibly were brilliant in the first. But we have been way off it second half, barely fired anything until that late try.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2024:10:25:21:34:14 by herbie85.
Quote:JohnI
How can he miss a ball being passed from 1m from the line and then caught on the line and not see that as forward??
Impressed your still watching 🤣
Quote:All DownhillQuote:JohnI
How can he miss a ball being passed from 1m from the line and then caught on the line and not see that as forward??
Impressed your still watching 🤣
Why would I not be??? Unlike some
Quote:herbie85Quote:Bucksaint
We’ve definitely not had the rub of CMK’s decisions but second half we’ve been both run around and out muscled. Fear it will be another loss with no bonus point
Agreed. We've looked so poor. Yes you can look at changes but this is more than that. I fear top 4 is beyond us currently.
*Only seen second half, we could and possibly wre brilliant in the first. But we have been way off it second half, barely fired anytgibg until that late try.
Nonsense. Got circa 7/8 first team players out. Debut to our FH. We've shown an abundance of resilience, endeavour, tenacity and promise. Such doom-mongering. Full team we beat most sides.
Our backs were understandably not as slick as usual. Had we had smith, Freeman, furbank... we win that
If I didn't know, you could not tell me that Pollock has only started twice.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:10:25:21:38:46 by St Stokey..
If I didn't know, you could not tell me that Pollock has only started twice.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:10:25:21:38:46 by St Stokey..
Gutsy but at the end of the day we have not picked up a single point on our travels this season
I’m actually quite proud of our lads tonight if I can say that. Bristol finally got their act together, but we got off to the best start.
Ok wasps reject here, but I’ve been looking into my family history tonight clearing dad‘s house, and my maternal side are from Spratton and Great Creaton, so firmly in the Saints camp now!
Ok wasps reject here, but I’ve been looking into my family history tonight clearing dad‘s house, and my maternal side are from Spratton and Great Creaton, so firmly in the Saints camp now!
Saints are like the old school French teams. Don't lose at home. Can't win away.
Quote:Saint dolph
Saints are like the old school French teams. Don't lose at home. Can't win away.
Especially tonight, as we left our first team at home*
*Substitute home for England or Physio
Quote:Agree re Maxwell-Keys. Thought he was good tonight. Will always be a few contentious decisions.ZuluSaintQuote:Always2Hopeful
Maxwell-Keys … homer much??
Think he's had a great first 40. MPC also doing well in his debut for such a pivotal position, impressive stuff.
Seems our system is really quite something, players come in and really understand their roles.
Disagree re MPC. Looked well out of his depth. Did ok with the easy kicks, but struggled with everything else.
Better than expected. Huge defensive performance. What did everyone expect with the number of first choice players missing? Great that the youngsters are getting game time & will ony get better.
Bristol the better side in the second half. But given the absentees (and how lenient CMK was being re forward passes in second half) it was always going to be tough. Unlucky to not get a point from that.
Bristol away missing 5(?) regular first 23 players. We were arguably missing 10-12, with 8/9 of them nailed on starters (Mitch, Fin, Dingers, Freemo, Furbs, Sleights, Augustus/Graham, Davison).
Lots to be positive about overall, although we really do need to start picking up more points away from home in next block of prem matches.
Bristol away missing 5(?) regular first 23 players. We were arguably missing 10-12, with 8/9 of them nailed on starters (Mitch, Fin, Dingers, Freemo, Furbs, Sleights, Augustus/Graham, Davison).
Lots to be positive about overall, although we really do need to start picking up more points away from home in next block of prem matches.
Quote:ZuluSaintQuote:herbie85Quote:Bucksaint
We’ve definitely not had the rub of CMK’s decisions but second half we’ve been both run around and out muscled. Fear it will be another loss with no bonus point
Agreed. We've looked so poor. Yes you can look at changes but this is more than that. I fear top 4 is beyond us currently.
*Only seen second half, we could and possibly wre brilliant in the first. But we have been way off it second half, barely fired anytgibg until that late try.
Nonsense. Got circa 7/8 first team players out. Debut to our FH. We've shown an abundance of resilience, endeavour, tenacity and promise. Such doom-mongering. Full team we beat most sides.
Your opinion is fine. I won't cast it as nonsense, as I wouldn't be so rude. I was simply saying that in the second half, which is what I saw (did caveat i hadn't seen the first, which almost certainly went better given the score line, so I can't and won't comment on it), we barely fired a shot. We could have been great first half and likely were. We didn't get a point ultimately, and could be best part of 7th/8th by end of weekend (relatively early but almost a round of games played). These things happen, I appreciate some were new players but still a very strong side and relatively experienced (other than at 10). I then made a point where we could be off top 4 this year. Not sure I've said anything that controversial, based on what I saw second half and the strength of top 4 sides this season, but you crack on calling out others opinions as nonsense.
It's bonus points again.... One for the opponent, none for us. And it's not like we've been outdone significantly performance-wise either in any of the games where we've picked up nothing.
Bonus points will keep us out of the top 4 this season even if our WDL is comparable with teams at the top. Other teams are getting them and we're not, it's as simple as that. Bristol are now 6 of them ahead of us, I believe, in after as many games, so sit 10 points ahead of us (essentially 11 with the two teams' points difference).
NB pretty sure our first try came from a forward pass too!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:10:25:21:57:42 by Matthew.
Bonus points will keep us out of the top 4 this season even if our WDL is comparable with teams at the top. Other teams are getting them and we're not, it's as simple as that. Bristol are now 6 of them ahead of us, I believe, in after as many games, so sit 10 points ahead of us (essentially 11 with the two teams' points difference).
NB pretty sure our first try came from a forward pass too!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:10:25:21:57:42 by Matthew.
One positive is when trokkie is fit God knows what our first choice back row is now??
When we watched both warm up games, especially the Bedford game I remarked to my son that we were in for a tough year.
We will really struggle to beat good teams unless we suddenly find a couple of monsters.
In both warm up games we couldn’t get over the gain line in the pack, our scrum was not smashing theirs and we seemed to be underpowered in the loose.
Not criticising players - I know they give it their all, but you can’t rock up to a gunfight armed with a spud gun.
For me, this season is one to rebuild the squad for next year.
We will really struggle to beat good teams unless we suddenly find a couple of monsters.
In both warm up games we couldn’t get over the gain line in the pack, our scrum was not smashing theirs and we seemed to be underpowered in the loose.
Not criticising players - I know they give it their all, but you can’t rock up to a gunfight armed with a spud gun.
For me, this season is one to rebuild the squad for next year.
Quote:herbie85Quote:ZuluSaintQuote:herbie85Quote:Bucksaint
We’ve definitely not had the rub of CMK’s decisions but second half we’ve been both run around and out muscled. Fear it will be another loss with no bonus point
Agreed. We've looked so poor. Yes you can look at changes but this is more than that. I fear top 4 is beyond us currently.
*Only seen second half, we could and possibly wre brilliant in the first. But we have been way off it second half, barely fired anytgibg until that late try.
Nonsense. Got circa 7/8 first team players out. Debut to our FH. We've shown an abundance of resilience, endeavour, tenacity and promise. Such doom-mongering. Full team we beat most sides.
Your opinion is fine. I won't cast it as nonsense, as I wouldn't be so rude. I was simply saying that in the second half, which is what I saw (did caveat i hadn't seen the first, which almost certainly went better given the score line, so I can't and won't comment on it), we barely fired a shot. We could have been great first half and likely were. We didn't get a point ultimately, and could be best part of 7th/8th by end of weekend (relatively early but almost a round of games played). These things happen, I appreciate some were new players but still a very strong side and relatively experienced (other than at 10). I then made a point where we could be off top 4 this year. Not sure I've said anything that controversial, based on what I saw second half and the strength of top 4 sides this season, but you crack on calling out others opinions as nonsense.
Fair enough, re Nonsense. Disagree with your opinion, but could have worded it in a more polite manner.
Add our missing players in and these guys who have gotten experience and bring that to be genuinely competitive in fighting for selection. That's largely why we won last season, the whole squad were involved.
Tonight was a good first half performance followed by a very stale second half performance. Maybe experience was a factor in this. The annoying thing is I think if you swap smith for makepeace cubitt I think we win that game . Not blaming the youngster at all for the loss I just think fin smith steers that ship to a win tonight.
I was very proud of our team tonight . Loads of youngsters who looked like winners. They worked their socks off off.
Lots of positives but no points. Lots of catching up to do but all within our capabilities.
Decent hit out considering the inexperience in many positions, away and the ref allowing forward passes. But, the real issue is we are killing ourselves without bonus points. I think the season may fizzle out quite quickly with all the boys away and injuries. How is it that we have loads of eq players, filling positions in the eng team and we get penalised by playing league games when players away. It’s a disgrace!
Quote:ZuluSaintQuote:herbie85Quote:ZuluSaintQuote:herbie85Quote:Bucksaint
We’ve definitely not had the rub of CMK’s decisions but second half we’ve been both run around and out muscled. Fear it will be another loss with no bonus point
Agreed. We've looked so poor. Yes you can look at changes but this is more than that. I fear top 4 is beyond us currently.
*Only seen second half, we could and possibly wre brilliant in the first. But we have been way off it second half, barely fired anything until that late try.
Nonsense. Got circa 7/8 first team players out. Debut to our FH. We've shown an abundance of resilience, endeavour, tenacity and promise. Such doom-mongering. Full team we beat most sides.
Your opinion is fine. I won't cast it as nonsense, as I wouldn't be so rude. I was simply saying that in the second half, which is what I saw (did caveat i hadn't seen the first, which almost certainly went better given the score line, so I can't and won't comment on it), we barely fired a shot. We could have been great first half and likely were. We didn't get a point ultimately, and could be best part of 7th/8th by end of weekend (relatively early but almost a round of games played). These things happen, I appreciate some were new players but still a very strong side and relatively experienced (other than at 10). I then made a point where we could be off top 4 this year. Not sure I've said anything that controversial, based on what I saw second half and the strength of top 4 sides this season, but you crack on calling out others opinions as nonsense.
Fair enough, re Nonsense. Disagree with your opinion, but could have worded it in a more polite manner.
Add our missing players in and these guys who have gotten experience and bring that to be genuinely competitive in fighting for selection. That's largely why we won last season, the whole squad were involved.
Agreed on missing players. We have been battered at Bristol last few times been down there, this one was a lot closer come FT. The result in the grand scheme isn't the issue, but we don't make top 4 winning half our games with hit and miss bonus points. Absolutely this isn't the end of the world if we don't, lost a lot of experience in the summer. Was this one realistic as a win or a BP or 2? Should have been IMHO given half time score, but I get your original point re players out and a debut fly half. We have chosen that though to a degree as selected MP-C over savala who is a bit more experienced, and by all accounts MP-C was decent tonight (plus munga rested?). I'm definitely happy with our squad state overall, and think we look in a decent place, perhaps that's why I'm slightly disappointed not picking anything up from today's game and our second half showing on what I saw. Certainly no doom mongering here, certainly not what was intended, just a bit of a reality check in the strength of probably the top 6 or so sides in the league this year. No one would be happier than me to for us to make the playoffs and have decent crack at Europe again.
Anyway, can we all take a moment to appreciate Hutch's pass to Ramm for our third try? Bloody awesome!
Quote:Matthew
Anyway, can we all take a moment to appreciate Hutch's pass to Ramm for our third try? Bloody awesome!
+1
Can we all take a second moment to appreciate how awful the stadium mid-game music was?
Quote:St Stokey.
Can we all take a second moment to appreciate how awful the stadium mid-game music was?
Thank God saints don't do that. Shocking
I would have loved to have upset the apple cart by winning tonight
First half our forwards were immense
But as the second half progressed we ran out of steam
Bloody good effort by the guys
But it was always going to be a tall order
Should stand tall and proud tonight
No win but no walkover either
Now we can look forward to arguing amongst ourselves for the next day or two
First half our forwards were immense
But as the second half progressed we ran out of steam
Bloody good effort by the guys
But it was always going to be a tall order
Should stand tall and proud tonight
No win but no walkover either
Now we can look forward to arguing amongst ourselves for the next day or two
Briz fan in peace. You deserved something from that game, best of luck for the rest of the season, a bit of confidence and trust in your own abilities and could have been a different result?
Quote:Saint dolphQuote:St Stokey.
Can we all take a second moment to appreciate how awful the stadium mid-game music was?
Thank God saints don't do that. Shocking
Bris fan here. Believe me, I (and not a few others!) wish we could get rid of it and the guy on the mic and cams. Good luck for the rest of the season.
Quote:Matthew
Anyway, can we all take a moment to appreciate Hutch's pass to Ramm for our third try? Bloody awesome!
Fantastic pass. However, as pretty much the last play of the game should Hutchinson and Ramm be thinking we need the conversion for a bonus point and try and get the ball down some how nearer the posts. Maybe it’s something that doesn’t register on the pitch but screaming at the tv it does.
Overall I was impressed ( and proud) with our performance last night . Lost by 8 points and I had predicted a stuffing. I think people just need to look back 19 weeks and compare our Premiership final winning 23 team to who was available to play last night . Starting 9-15 all still with the club but not one of them available to play yesterday . Starting 1-8 3 (Courtney , Moon and Waller have left ) and 3 ( Cole, Langdon and Pearson ) started . 16 - 23 ( 4 started last night) .
Quote:AwaywinQuote:Matthew
Anyway, can we all take a moment to appreciate Hutch's pass to Ramm for our third try? Bloody awesome!
Fantastic pass. However, as pretty much the last play of the game should Hutchinson and Ramm be thinking we need the conversion for a bonus point and try and get the ball down some how nearer the posts. Maybe it’s something that doesn’t register on the pitch but screaming at the tv it does.
I'd usually agree ( and it was one of my criticisms of the monster Aussie winger we had who would often dot it down as soon as cruising the line - sorry forget his name) but Ramm had a defender on him and another coming across from infield. I think it was the right call this time
Just seemed to run out of puff in the second half. I think this is where our callow bench told.
And George Hendy is quite some player: nifty footwork and great running lines.
And I wouldn’t get too gloomy compared to same games last season we are one bonus point worse off.
And George Hendy is quite some player: nifty footwork and great running lines.
And I wouldn’t get too gloomy compared to same games last season we are one bonus point worse off.
We are actually missing 8 players + joe Jenkins (senior academy) who are considered in match day 23
Tbf I think Ramm was also struggling with quite a bit of cramp at that stage. Much easier from the sofa indeed!
I know we lost. And going back to back might be beyond us this year. Maybe not? Who knows!
But I do love watching the young talent come through: The likes of Pollock, Litchfield, McParland, Green, Iyogun, Makepeace-Cubit and Wright. We might win something this year, we might not. But with young talent like this, alongside maturing stars like Pearson, Coles, Langdon and the missing England boys we're going to be there or there about in the next few years. No doubt about it!
If you can't enjoy the ride, then I don't know why you're watching tbh!
I know we lost. And going back to back might be beyond us this year. Maybe not? Who knows!
But I do love watching the young talent come through: The likes of Pollock, Litchfield, McParland, Green, Iyogun, Makepeace-Cubit and Wright. We might win something this year, we might not. But with young talent like this, alongside maturing stars like Pearson, Coles, Langdon and the missing England boys we're going to be there or there about in the next few years. No doubt about it!
If you can't enjoy the ride, then I don't know why you're watching tbh!
It's all part of Dowsons plan to finish 4th to prove away semis can be won. We are slightly behind but with no prem games for a month it's gives time for our injured stars to return plus with the England boys. Saints first choice 23 is as good as any. Any team can go on a run and within 3/4 weeks the table can look very different . Don't get me wrong I'd love another home semi but how good would it be to defend the title by finishing 4th and knocking off whoever finishes top( prob bath, bristol or sarries ). Then take the other out at twickenham. This team can do it.
Back to Back is always difficult as the opposition raise their game against the Champions.
You also need a little bit of luck with Injuries to win the league.
Plus as you get more successful you then lose players internationally and it’s how you manage that matters.
I think back to Ben Kay & Louis Deacon emerging when Johno and then Kay was on international duty and whilst the next stars are probably highlighted more nowadays because of greater England U20 coverage & social media, none of your Youngsters disgraced themselves yesterday evening on a very big night for some of them and you should be rightly proud of them and some good recruitment!
Next May is a long way away and it will be interesting to see how sides cope in the next block with changes in Weather.
You also need a little bit of luck with Injuries to win the league.
Plus as you get more successful you then lose players internationally and it’s how you manage that matters.
I think back to Ben Kay & Louis Deacon emerging when Johno and then Kay was on international duty and whilst the next stars are probably highlighted more nowadays because of greater England U20 coverage & social media, none of your Youngsters disgraced themselves yesterday evening on a very big night for some of them and you should be rightly proud of them and some good recruitment!
Next May is a long way away and it will be interesting to see how sides cope in the next block with changes in Weather.
Bristol looked a bit like us when they fluffed their lines in the first half they didn't look that great. In the second half they cut their errors down and looked a good side.
I agree with the comments we have been down there before and been hammered when we had a much stronger looking team than that on paper. To counter that Bristol also seemed to have a good number missing as do most teams this season, I don't remember so many injuries across the board so early in the season.
The real plus for me was in the second half when Bristol got in their stride we still made them work for everything. Not giving away endless stupid penalties and our defence held up pretty well. I cannot remember us gifting them anything.
At the end of this round we could be anywhere between 5th and 8th and anywhere from 5 to 9 points off a play off place. That is a long way if we only pick up 1 bonus point every three games.
I agree with the comments we have been down there before and been hammered when we had a much stronger looking team than that on paper. To counter that Bristol also seemed to have a good number missing as do most teams this season, I don't remember so many injuries across the board so early in the season.
The real plus for me was in the second half when Bristol got in their stride we still made them work for everything. Not giving away endless stupid penalties and our defence held up pretty well. I cannot remember us gifting them anything.
At the end of this round we could be anywhere between 5th and 8th and anywhere from 5 to 9 points off a play off place. That is a long way if we only pick up 1 bonus point every three games.
ajack - unless Tigers take a huge tonking from Saracens, due to the 55-point swing in points difference we're as good as at least 6 points off the playoff spots.
Quote:Matthew
ajack - unless Tigers take a huge tonking from Saracens, due to the 55-point swing in points difference we're as good as at least 6 points off the playoff spots.
Yes in any game either side can pick up anything between 0 and 5 points. Probably the thing Saints want least is 5-2 to either Sarries or Tigers.
Maybe Saints fans expectations were a bit too high bearing in mind the experienced players you lost. Whilst you have some good young players they need lots more games in pressurised situations to fully achieve their potential . Also when you are champions people are gunning for you as we at Tigers can testify. I can see this season going down to the wire for top 4 and even European qualification . For what it’s worth I think you’ll be top 4 and hopefully so will we.
Felt we were unlucky for it to be a 5-0 win to Bris in terms of league points. Had Tom James not been engaged by a Tackler within 4-5m of that tap & go, we could've easily scored another 1st half try. At the very least it should've led to a straightforward kick at goal.
Quote:Saint dolph
It's all part of Dowsons plan to finish 4th to prove away semis can be won. We are slightly behind but with no prem games for a month it's gives time for our injured stars to return plus with the England boys. Saints first choice 23 is as good as any. Any team can go on a run and within 3/4 weeks the table can look very different . Don't get me wrong I'd love another home semi but how good would it be to defend the title by finishing 4th and knocking off whoever finishes top( prob bath, bristol or sarries ). Then take the other out at twickenham. This team can do it.
Like Harlequins did to Bristol (who finished top of the league) after being 28 - 0 down away at Ashton Gate?
A20 - for me it's more than the performances put in should have been good enough to get bonus points - eg last night we were the width of the post away from one - but we just haven't been clinical or lucky enough. If we had seen a huge quality drop year on year and were getting pummelled (eg like Glos at the Gardens last season), I don't think I'd mind so much. And, probably more a feature of some of our home games, we do have a tendency for the intensity to drop and to let teams back in to score one or two bonus points. If the roles were reversed with Bristol last night, we'd probably have made a number of subs around 60-65 mins, lost our rhythm, and they'd have picked up TBP and LBPs.
Quote:RinkadinkQuote:Saint dolph
It's all part of Dowsons plan to finish 4th to prove away semis can be won. We are slightly behind but with no prem games for a month it's gives time for our injured stars to return plus with the England boys. Saints first choice 23 is as good as any. Any team can go on a run and within 3/4 weeks the table can look very different . Don't get me wrong I'd love another home semi but how good would it be to defend the title by finishing 4th and knocking off whoever finishes top( prob bath, bristol or sarries ). Then take the other out at twickenham. This team can do it.
Like Harlequins did to Bristol (who finished top of the league) after being 28 - 0 down away at Ashton Gate?
Exactly that .
Quote:ajackQuote:Matthew
ajack - unless Tigers take a huge tonking from Saracens, due to the 55-point swing in points difference we're as good as at least 6 points off the playoff spots.
Yes in any game either side can pick up anything between 0 and 5 points. Probably the thing Saints want least is 5-2 to either Sarries or Tigers.
Lo and behold.... 2 points Sarries, 5 points Tigers. The story of the league is the same as it has been every week this year - we're drifting behind the teams we need to keep up with, even when they lose, because they pick up bonus points and we don't. Six games in we're 9 points off the playoffs and need to improve our points difference by over 40 points for those 9 points to be able to take us actually into 4th.
Indeed, Gloucester sit ahead of us in the table having won one fewer game and lost one more. Why? Because they have 8 bonus points to our 2. Fundamentally our much-vaunted attack clearly isn't scoring enough tries and our newly lauded defence isn't keeping the opposition out enough!
Hopefully the next block of games will be different. We did seem to kick on a bit after the first rounds of the Prem Cup last season.
Quote:MatthewQuote:ajackQuote:Matthew
ajack - unless Tigers take a huge tonking from Saracens, due to the 55-point swing in points difference we're as good as at least 6 points off the playoff spots.
Yes in any game either side can pick up anything between 0 and 5 points. Probably the thing Saints want least is 5-2 to either Sarries or Tigers.
Lo and behold.... 2 points Sarries, 5 points Tigers. The story of the league is the same as it has been every week this year - we're drifting behind the teams we need to keep up with, even when they lose, because they pick up bonus points and we don't. Six games in we're 9 points off the playoffs and need to improve our points difference by over 40 points for those 9
points to be able to take us actually into 4th.
Indeed, Gloucester sit ahead of us in the table having won one fewer game and lost one more. Why? Because they have 8 bonus points to our 2. Fundamentally our much-vaunted attack clearly isn't scoring enough tries and our newly lauded defence isn't keeping the opposition out enough!
Hopefully the next block of games will be different. We did seem to kick on a bit after the first rounds of the Prem Cup last season.
That pretty much sums it up. Just down to if Quins go above us as well by beating Exeter or getting a draw or a bonus point.
Not a lost cause yet but it slipping the wrong way. It really is those bonus points that are hurting us.
I'm not saying we're going to win the thing, or even get into the semis, but considering we're only a third of the way through the season it's a lot of doom and gloom.
We've had a bad run of injuries, but that could mean, that towards the end of the season these players have played less minutes than our opposition (I think I remember a stat from last year's final that out starting 15 had a lot more minutes, and in my opinion that's just not sustainable)
So with 'fresher' starters, and the backups/bench also having had the opportunity to get more experience, it's not over yet
We've had a bad run of injuries, but that could mean, that towards the end of the season these players have played less minutes than our opposition (I think I remember a stat from last year's final that out starting 15 had a lot more minutes, and in my opinion that's just not sustainable)
So with 'fresher' starters, and the backups/bench also having had the opportunity to get more experience, it's not over yet
Putting aside the issue of bonus points, which are important, just for a moment - its worth considering that we have beaten Chiefs, Quins and Sale at home as we did last season whilst losing away to Tigers, Bath and Bristol as we did last season. Saints did not turn up at Bristol last year and got stuffed - this time around we started with three of the players who lined up at Twickenham and still put in a decent performance that deserved some reward. Last season at Welford Rd, Saints were awful, this time around they had multiple tries disallowed and again should have got something from the game. Last season at the Rec, Saints put out a weakened team and were rightly hammered - in September, Bath got their revenge, no complaints. The first half of this season will be one of transition with new players, International call -ups and the inevitable injuries just like everyone else. Hang in there with a Fortress Franklins mentality and see where we stand after the Six Nations. Glass half full for me.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:10:27:09:16:36 by NGSB.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:10:27:09:16:36 by NGSB.
Quote:SaintsDuncanQuote:AwaywinQuote:Matthew
Anyway, can we all take a moment to appreciate Hutch's pass to Ramm for our third try? Bloody awesome!
Fantastic pass. However, as pretty much the last play of the game should Hutchinson and Ramm be thinking we need the conversion for a bonus point and try and get the ball down some how nearer the posts. Maybe it’s something that doesn’t register on the pitch but screaming at the tv it does.
I'd usually agree ( and it was one of my criticisms of the monster Aussie winger we had who would often dot it down as soon as cruising the line - sorry forget his name) but Ramm had a defender on him and another coming across from infield. I think it was the right call this time
It’s one thing to remember his name, but it’s another thing to spell it!
[quote Awaywin][quote SaintsDuncan][quote Awaywin][quote Matthew]Anyway, can we all take a moment to appreciate Hutch's pass to Ramm for our third try? Bloody awesome![/quote]
Fantastic pass. However, as pretty much the last play of the game should Hutchinson and Ramm be thinking we need the conversion for a bonus point and try and get the ball down some how nearer the posts. Maybe it’s something that doesn’t register on the pitch but screaming at the tv it does.[/quote]
I'd usually agree ( and it was one of my criticisms of the monster Aussie winger we had who would often dot it down as soon as cruising the line - sorry forget his name) but Ramm had a defender on him and another coming across from infield. I think it was the right call this time[/quote
It’s one thing to remember his name, but it’s another thing to spell it![/quote]
Taqele Naiyaravoro or as he was named when he played for Glasgow, "Tangled Naeovaries"
Fantastic pass. However, as pretty much the last play of the game should Hutchinson and Ramm be thinking we need the conversion for a bonus point and try and get the ball down some how nearer the posts. Maybe it’s something that doesn’t register on the pitch but screaming at the tv it does.[/quote]
I'd usually agree ( and it was one of my criticisms of the monster Aussie winger we had who would often dot it down as soon as cruising the line - sorry forget his name) but Ramm had a defender on him and another coming across from infield. I think it was the right call this time[/quote
It’s one thing to remember his name, but it’s another thing to spell it![/quote]
Taqele Naiyaravoro or as he was named when he played for Glasgow, "Tangled Naeovaries"
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.
Northampton Saints News 24/7
More Northampton Saints headlines
- End of season how the squad was used analysis
- This weeks rugby 1st - 5th July
- Weekend Rugby 27th/28th June
- Weekend Rugby 19th - 20th June 2026
- Weekend Rugby 12th - 14th June 2026
- Weekend Rugby 5th - 7th June 2026
- Weekend Rugby 29th - 31st May 20206
- Weekend Rugby 22nd - 23rd May 2026
- Weekend Rugby 15th - 17th May 2026