Premiership Review - Saracens 22 - 6 Leicester Tigers

I said before the game that these two teams have a tendency to cancel each other out.  Not necessarily through poor attacking play, but through brutal defence and a lack of ambition with the ball in hand, like two heavyweight boxers circling in the first round of a championship bout, with both knowing that the other has a hammer of a right hook that will send them flailing if they get too close.  But, as it turns out, one of them has started to pick up delicate hands and a weak chin – surprising in what was effectively a pre-playoff playoff, with Saracens occupying third spot and Leicester hot on their tails. 

And it was the Tigers that made a more impressive start, moving six points ahead after 11 minutes through two Burns penalties which rewarded some composed and efficient phase-play.  It wasn't spectacular, it wasn't pretty, but with the likes of Jordan Crane, Tom Youngs and Seremai Bai rumbling into gaps – without actually splitting the Sarries defence open – it at least got the hosts moving backwards and breaking the offside line.  Burns has not been given the platform he deserves this year, being unable to rely showcase the creativity that once made him – and not those upstarts Henry Slade and George Ford – the darling of English rugby.

Saracens appeared surprisingly sluggish in comparison, creating little in attack and being out-thought tactically by Burns and his half-back partner Ben Youngs behind a Leicester pack that showed set-piece diligence, particularly in the scrum, where Dan Cole was exerting no small amount of dominance over his England mucker, Mako Vunipla.  The crowd perhaps began to wonder if the men in black may have been thinking of a certain big fixture next weekend instead of focussing on the present.  Marcelo Bosch tried to relive the past (well his heroics last week against Racing Metro) midway through the first-half, but he skewed it horribly wide, and Saracens' sense of frustration was summed up after Kelly Brown made a powerful midfield run, Billy Vunipola took the move on, but skipper Alistair Hargreaves spilled possession in open play.  Frustration perhaps, but the positive news for them was that they had managed to get on the outside of the Tigers very easily, far too easily as far as the visitors were concerned…but being caught narrow has been a hallmark of their defence all season.

Saracens finally began to enjoy a spell of pressure as half-time approached, despite being largely out-fought at the breakdown by Julian Salvi and co, but full-back Alex Goode hit the post with a simple penalty inside Leicester's 22 into a strong wind.  But then came the game-changer.  As Chris Ashton once again got on the Tigers' outside, the former England man chipped ahead, only for Mat Tait to cover superbly and scamper away…with the help of the previously-excellent Tom Youngs, who barrelled into the flyer to send him, er, flying, and the hooker promptly earned a yellow card from referee Matt Carley, handing the home side a one-man advantage as the interval approached.

And Saracens made the Tigers pay, exerting considerable scrum pressure – against the grain considering what had happened so far in the game – that reaped its reward (after 4 resets) when Billy Vunipola powered over from close range, before Hodgson's conversion secured a 7-6 half-time lead, despite being way behind on the possession and carries stats.

But with Tom Youngs still off the pitch, Leicester had their work cut out, and Saracens did not spare them as they collected a second try following Ashton's strong run, with the move finished off by Bosch in the left hand corner. Tom Youngs then returned, but before Leicester had even had a chance to regroup and try to muster a counterpunch, Chris Wyles touched down wide out as the home side eased clear. It was looking all too easy for Saracens against the former champions, who in turn are beginning more and more to look like they aren't quite the heavyweight contenders they once were.

Leicester's early promise had evaporated, with their cause was not helped by scrummaging cornerstone Marcos Ayerza limping off in agony after he attempted to tackle Bosch. Entering the final quarter, Leicester huffed and puffed as they looked for a consolation score, yet the Tigers lacked attacking flair and invention, confirming a dismal strike-rate this season that has seen only Premiership basement club London Welsh score fewer league tries than them.  It was a stark difference between the two sides – from the comfort of my arm chair, it was easy to spot exactly which Tigers player the ball was going to go to before they actually received it; if I can do that, how easy is it for one of the meanest defences in league?  The Tigers were frankly as threatening as Mother Theresa.  Saracens on the other hand ran from depth, at pace, and constantly had options, keeping the defence guessing, and they deserved a fourth try and a bonus point, although this reward ultimately eluded them.  The Tigers did go close, after Lawrence Pearce and Logovi'i Mulipola added some serious punch to the attack and Niki Goneva got within inches of either corner, but in truth they didn't deserve it – the scoreline of 22 – 6 was exactly fair, despite the visitors dominating possession for large swathes of the game.

The Tigers look out of ideas.  Sarries, on the other hand, have got plenty of ideas on where their season might yet end up.

Premiership Preview - Saracens v Leicester Tigers

Saracens v Leicester was probably always going to be my selected game for this weekend, but I have to admit I have picked it with a certain amount of trepidation.  They’ve played some classics, sure, such as the 2010 Final, or the last-gasp win a few years ago when Geordan Murphy banged over one of the worst drop goals ever seen.  But they also have the ability to lob a complete turd into the mixer – see their draw at Wembley Stadium a couple of seasons back, or indeed their draw at Welford Road earlier this season.  It almost (note almost) made that 50 Shades of Grey film, which I was forced to sit through, seem reasonable by comparison.  Or, the other option is, Saracens win – by a lot.

That’s what happened infamously at Welford Road in 2011 when a depleted Tigers side were put to the sword by a rampant Saracens outfit, and it’s what happened when Leicester travelled to Allianz Park last season, as they were smashed 49 – 10.  The truth is that if you don’t go to Saracens at 100%, you will be taken apart – there is no side more ruthless in the league.  I say ruthless because the truth is – looking down their side – there aren’t too many magicians who can create something out of nothing, perhaps with the exception of Billy Vunipola.  Instead, they have a side that is packed with power, intelligence, and reliability – now that might sound like I’m being harsh, or implying that they’re boring, but they really aren’t.  Sure, they have a good kicking game, but once they are in the right areas they create opportunities and finish with astonishing precision – they score more tries when they get given credit for, and when they get moving forward they are almost impossible to stop.

Speaking of impossible to stop, that is usually the feeling about Leicester when it comes to this time of the season, and looking at the results only, you would argue that the Tigers are pulling their usual trick of coming good when it matters.  But the truth is that, even when winning, Leicester keep stuttering along without being able to really put together anything resembling a coherent game plan, in stark contrast to Sarries.  It’s the end effect of not replacing Matt O’Connor when the Aussie moved over to Leicester, and it’s meant that the Tigers have, more often than not, relied on two things to get them wins – set piece dominance, and individual moments of magic.  There’s no doubt that the Tigers have some outrageously gifted players, in Niki Goneva, Ben Youngs and Freddie Burns to name just three, but without everyone being on the same page, they’ve struggled for fluency.  But they’re still winning despite all of that, and with their internationals and several absentees returning, the Tigers do smell blood – and it is not too late for them to find their fourth and fifth gears.

 

Saracens Team News

England centre Brad Barritt returns to the Saracens side, with Chris Wyles on the wing in place of David Strettle.   Alistair Hargreaves replaces Jim Hamilton in the second row and Kelly Brown comes into the side for the suspended Jacques Burger at flanker.

Starting Line up:  Goode; Ashton, Bosch, Barritt, Wyles; Hodgson, Wigglesworth; Vunipola, George, Du Plessis, Kruis, Hargreaves (capt), Wray, Brown, Vunipola.

Subs: Spurling, Barrington, Johnston, Itoje, Joubert, de Kock, Taylor, Strettle.

Key Player

Billy Vunipola.  I have to admit I never really rated big Billy.  In his Wasps – and early England days – he was too much of a 60 minute man, making a big play and then waddling around doing nothing apart from looking knackered for the next 10 minutes.  A bit like me, apart from the ‘big play’ bit.  But his conditioning has improved beyond recognition and he showed for England that he can not only go the full 80, but he can keep looking for work and smashing people too.  Sarries aren’t really an off-the-cuff, ‘flair’ side, but what they do have his ruthless precision and execution based on attaining front foot ball – and they will be looking to Billy to deliver that all afternoon.

Leicester Team News

Wingers Niall Morris and Vereniki Goneva start for Leicester in place of Miles Benjamin (knee) and Adam Thompstone, who is on the bench.   Lock Graham Kitchener among the Tigers' replacements after a foot injury.

Starting Line up:  Tait; Morris, Smith, Bai, Goneva; F. Burns, B. Youngs (capt); Ayerza, T. Youngs, Cole, De Chaves, Parling, Gibson, Salvi, Crane.
Subs: Ghiraldini, Rizzo, Mulipola, Kitchener, Pearce, Harrison, Bell, Thompstone.

Key Player

Tom Youngs.  Leicester have been as sharp in attack as a bag of pillows this season, but what they can always rely on is some serious punch and power in the forwards, and Tom Youngs is key in that regard.  He’s a similar source of front foot ball as Billy Vunipola – despite being half the height and weight; he’s got an awkwardly low centre of gravity and he’s probably one of the most aggressive runners in England, the way he hurls himself through people, like a human bowling bowl.  I can also vouch for this first hand as I had the displeasure of playing him once, and he compounded my misery by helping me up and sincerely congratulating me on a ‘brave effort’ every time he creamed me.  Of course, one of Leicester’s chief attacking weapons will be the set piece and throwing in is, of course, Youngs’ most high profile (and arguably only) weakness.  Burns has been kicking really well from hand so, if Youngs can get his lineout in order as well as leading from the front with his carries, then the Tigers may just be able to build some pressure.

 

Key Battle

Mako Vunipola v Dan Cole.  The sight of two England colleagues going head to head is always a mouth-watering one, but especially so when the battleground is as defined as it is in the scrum.  Vunipola and Cole are two different kind of props, with the former a superb carrier and the latter a destructive scrummager – although both have made big strides at improving their performance in the other area, too.  Vunipola is a decent scrummager but he will be all too aware that one of the few areas Leicester may be able to get a foothold in is the scrum – he will need to hold his ground to avoid giving the Tigers hope, or penalties for that matter.  Cole, on the other hand, must continue is superb return to fitness – not just in terms of scrummaging well, but also in terms of offering himself as a genuinely effective carrier...as he demonstrated by headbutting Cian Healy out of his way.

 

Prediction

These are two sides which have plenty of talent but arguably (certainly in Leicester’s case) have been too rigid for large parts of the season.  What Sarries do have, however, is a ruthlessly effective gameplan which earns them victories – which is more than can be said for Leicester, who seem to have stuttered their way into top 4 contention.  The Tigers will know that they are underdogs but they will also spy a window of opportunity to attack the set piece – if they get on top there, who knows what could happen.  But Sarries are at home, they have the power and the nous to hold off any threat from the visitors – Saracens by 8.

Champions Cup Review - Leinster 18 - 12 Bath

Going to Dublin for a Heineken Cup quarter finals holds fond memories for me - well, of the few that I've returned.  As a spotty, greasy 17 year old, I headed over with 4 mates to watch Leicester soundly defeat Leinster in their own backyard, before going out on the town and finding some poor unsuspecting local lady to attempt to woo.  Siobhan, I'm sorry for ruining your night.  Of course, at the time I had no idea what an occasion I've just witnessed - beating the Irish giants in the capital in a knockout game is not something that happens very often.  At all.  And though Bath went there on Saturday with real hope that they might be able to utilise their young talent to conjure a win, did they really believe it would happen?

The opening exchanges proved fast and furious but with little pattern as Leinster relied on fly-half Jimmy Gopperth's boot, while Bath provided early counter-attacking threats via Watson and centre Kyle Eastmond. Heaslip then went close himself to touching down near the Bath posts, but, despite the visitors denying him, they conceded a penalty and Madigan kicked Leinster 3-0 ahead.

But Bath were not to be denied and they stormed back up field through a typically bustling run from Horacio Agulla, and then the equeally brutish Francois Louw, whose powerful break meant that Leinster resorted to illegal means in an attempt to stop him. French referee Jerome Garces expertly played advantage, though, and Ford conjured a try out of nothing, leaving Leinster's defence leaden-footed as he sliced through an inviting gap he created with dummy before he scooted past Rob Kearney to dive over.  Say it quietly, but there is something of the 'Dan Carter' about him when he's on form.

 

His conversion attempt hit the post, yet Leinster responded rapidly as Madigan booted a second penalty before Bath had Watson sin-binned when he took out opposite number Kearney in mid-air, leaving Garces with little option but to brandish a yellow card. Bath had to tighten up their discipline and Madigan did not require a second invitation to keep punishing them as he completed his penalty hat-trick.

 

Bath, though, did not learn their lesson, and two more Madigan penalties opened up a 15-5 interval advantage that meant the visitors had a mountain to climb one that would prove too steep.

Leinster, though, suffered an injury blow within a minute of the second period getting under way as wing Fergus McFadden was helped from the pitch after his head made contact with Eastmond's shoulder. South African Zane Kirchner replaced him - not a bad bloke to bring on really.

 

Bath's best attacking moments continued to be provided by Ford, and he came up trumps again after 48 minutes as another break between Devin Toner and Cian Healy took him close to Leinster's line before he found Hooper in support to claim a well-worked try. Ford's successful conversion brought Bath back to just three points adrift, but Madigan's sixth successful penalty gave Leinster a hint of breathing space.  On the whole though, Bath were looking more threatening with the ball in hand and, now they had tightened up their discipline, they looked the better side.

 

Watson then launched another thrilling break from deep inside his own 22, only for wing Horacio Agulla to drop Ford's pass when the Leinster defence was stretched to breaking point. Bath continued to press, but the hosts were in no mood to surrender, defending with brutal physicality around the fringes and scrambling well to chop down dangerman Jonathan Joseph at every opportunity. 

 

A Ford penalty six minutes from time gave Bath renewed hope, and then they surged towards the line for one last assault, or at least a penalty or drop-goal to force the game into extra time.  During the ruck exchanges Leinster were, in truth, very lucky not to be penalised for hands in the ruck on several occasions, but Jerome Garces eventually called time on Bath's brave campaign by penalising Matt Garvey for a borderline side entry.  Leinster were in the semi-finals again - where they belong.

The odd thing was that Bath looked busy and inventive, whilst the hosts didn't seem to have to do too much for their win.  However, Leinster are a mirror-image of the Championship-winning Irish team; they are no longer the 'moral' winners who play beautiful rugby but come up short, they are the hard-nosed, ruthless and infuriatingly well-disciplined machine that churns out wins in big games. And that is all that matters.
 

European Cup Preview - Leinster v Bath

 

The news this week seems to have been filled with headaches.  Whether it’s George North’s bonce yet again taking a pounding after Nathan Hughes stumbled into him with almost comical (if the outcome hadn’t been so serious) clumsiness, or the headache everyone who watched the 7-party ‘bullshitability’ ‘debate’ on Thursday experienced, we’ve all be reaching for the panadol one way or another.  And I can guarantee there will be a few sore heads in Dublin on Sunday too – win or lose, a quarter final away against Leinster is always a good time.

Except that the Leinster fans are 100% expecting to win.  And why shouldn’t they?  They may have spluttered through the pool stages and Matt O’Connor is still struggling to get his side firing on all cylinders, but this is their territory now.  Not just in terms of playing at home, but they know the deal when it comes to European knockout rugby – after all, guys like Healy, Heaslip and O’Brien and all have got their hands on the trophy enough times before.  They know what it takes to win, and from looking at their starting line-up and their form, they have a classic side built to win the big games: a huge, ball-carrying pack, two play makers and a back three who are great under the highball and smart counter-attackers and kickers.  It’s a team designed to bully and squeeze opponents out in the tightest of games. 

The same can’t really be said about Bath.  Yes, they have some big bruisers themselves, such as Dave Attwood and Carl Fearns, but pound for pound it’s hard to say that there’s more explosivity in their ranks – but what there is, is a bucket load of instinct and natural flair.  The three-quarters especially, in Ford, Eastmond and Joseph, are not the biggest but they can run rings around you and create space in the tightest of situations all day.  They may be charged at by the big bullies all day but they won’t be afraid to make a few of the bigger boys look like fools too – and let’s not forget, with an all-international back three, they have just as much firepower as (if not more than) Leinster out wide.  Yes, Leinster have the capacity to win the game up front, as the international side did just over a month ago, but Bath have the capacity to punish any mistakes with ruthless efficiency.

Because here, in the European quarter finals, is where every moment, every mistake counts.  And headaches and hangovers are so much better with a win under your belt.

Leinster Team News

Matt O’Connor has recalled the big guns to his side following international duties with Ireland, with Jamie Heaslip returning at number 8 Heaslip alongside Sean O'Brien.  Cian Healy, Sean Cronin and Mike Ross form a revamped front row while Devin Toner returns to the second row.   Rob Kearney is included at full-back with wing Luke Fitzgerald and scrum-half Issac Boss also included.

Starting Line-up:  Rob Kearney; Fergus McFadden, Ben Te'o, Ian Madigan; Luke Fitzgerald; Jimmy Gopperth, Issac Boss; Cian Healy, Sean Cronin, Mike Ross, Devin Toner, Mike McCarthy, Jordi Murphy, Sean O'Brien, Jamie Heaslip (capt).

Subs: Richardt Strauss, Jack McGrath, Marty Moore, Tom Denton, Dominic Ryan, Eoin Reddan, Gordon D'Arcy, Zane Kirchner.

 

Key Player

Ian Madigan.  The Leinster utility back had a bit of a disappointing Six Nations, being overlooked for the 10 role while Johnny Sexton was injured, in favour in Ian Keatley, followed by a couple of less-than-impressive cameos from the bench, where his poor decision making and execution seemed to almost steer an otherwise very tight Irish ship-off course.  But that was in the fly-half role, and at 12 today he has a bit more space in which to operate pick his options and his lines of attack.  Madigan is no doubt a gloriously gifted player, and he will need to make sure he offers a calm presence out wide to give genuine threat and option to the Leinster attack.

 

Bath Team News

Bath welcome back five internationals including England quartet George Ford, Jonathan Joseph, Anthony Watson and Dave Attwood.   Wales prop Paul James is back after recovering from a thumb injury.   Attwood comes into the second row with Ford at fly-half, Joseph is named at centre and Watson takes over at full-back.  Big Sam Burgess finds himself on bench duty again for the big game.

Starting Line-up:  Anthony Watson; Horacio Agulla, Jonathan Joseph, Kyle Eastmond, Matt Banahan; George Ford, Micky Young; Paul James, Rob Webber, Kane Palma-Newport, Stuart Hooper (capt), Dave Attwood, Carl Fearns, Francois Louw, Leroy Houston.

Subs: Ross Batty, Nick Auterac, Max Lahiff, Matt Garvey, Alafoti Faosiliva, Peter Stringer, Sam Burgess, Tom Homer.

 

Key Player

Jonathan Joseph.  The outside centre was probably England’s player of the tournament and, whilst he may not have claimed the same gong for the Six Nations as a whole, he was certainly the revelation of last two months.  With lightening footwork and acceleration and a telepathic understanding with George Ford, Joseph quickly became the most dangerous attacking weapon in Europe, but he will really need to dig deep into his box of tricks if he is to get by a Leinster defence that is renowned for being more suffocating than an overcrowded sauna for obese people.  He will need to hold his depth to give himself time against Ben Te’o, who likes to rush up in defence but can be seen as a potential weak link, too.

 

Key Battle

Sean O’Brien.  After an injury plagued Six Nations, O’Brien announced himself back on the international stage with a serious bang, battering his way forward for two tries against Italy on the final weekend.  He’s fresh, on form and looks to have added to his carrying game with more nous over the ball – and he’s coming up against one of the world’s best in Francois Louw.  The South African is more of a ‘classic’ openside than O’Brien, but that doesn’t mean to say that the Bath man shirks any of the physical stuff at all – he will relish playing against O’Brien’s bruising, direct style.  It’s probably fair to say that Leinster have more carrying power in their pack, and so Louw’s work over the ball will be absolutely crucial to stifling any momentum for the hosts.  How O’Brien deals with him will not just be fascinating, but will probably be the key to the match.

 

Prediction

There’s no doubt that this, of all the quarter finals, has the potential to be the easiest on the eye.  Leinster have a phenomenal amount of power in that pack and an intelligent backline, but Bath have some magic dust sprinkled over that three quarter line and it is that that lends a sense of unpredictability to the fixture (getting my excuses in early).  For me, the hosts are the favourites because of their physicality and experience, but if Bath can hold a solid set piece and Ford can show the same maturity as Jimmy Gopperth, then there is no way of knowing what could happen.  I’m going to go for the safe call of a Leinster win, but don’t be too surprised if there’s an upset.  Leinster by 6.

 

Premiership Review - Leicester Tigers 25 - 18 Exeter Chiefs

It’s strange how optimism and pessimism are all relative.  Look at the Exeter Chiefs, back on the upward trend and challenging for the top 4 after a dip last year, and their young tyro of a fly half Henry Slade, a man many are – quite justifiably – clamoring to have in the international set up.  Rob Baxter, his prized asset Slade, and the rest of the tribe at Exeter are the toast of the South Coast, and most of the media, for that matter.  Compare that the pantomime villain Richard Cockerill, an underperforming Leicester side, and the much-maligned Freddie Burns, once the darling of English rugby, but now struggling to find any sort of consistency.  The atmosphere would suggest two clubs at either end of the table, but the reality is these two are neck and neck in the tightest race for playoff spots in years – and that’s what made this fixture so crucial.

The Chiefs had a strong wind at their backs in the opening half and Henry Slade looked to take advantage with an early penalty kick from his own 10m line.  His big boot had the distance but flew wide of the left post, however referee JP Doyle ruled that a Seremaia Bai tackle on Slade was late and awarded the Chiefs a second penalty, this time 30m out.  Now the young Chiefs fly half is a real talent who usually has a reliable boot, but Slade again shanked his effort (this one pretty straightforward) wide of the posts, and at this stage of the season those kicks simply cannot be  missed – especially as Freddie Burns added 3 points just two minutes later after the Chiefs were penalised at a ruck during Tigers’ first charge into their 22. 

The Chiefs attempted to bounce straight back, taking advantage of a pathetic restart defence from Leicester, but they were creamed at the scrum – a regular occurrence, as it would transpire – and, several penalties later, Burns took the chance to double the lead.

An accidental offside against Jamie Gibson gave Slade another penalty from inside his own half, and this time he was on target – but although the Chiefs have been characterised by smart, accurate play this year and that was lacking for once, with even the ultra-reliable Thomas Waldrom chucking errant passes here and there.  That said, the pressure and possession continued to build for the visitors and it was all hands to the pump in the Tigers defence as Exeter went through phase after phase, looking for an opening.  But the hosts held firm through an incredible 27 phases before Matt Smith, a trademark grizzled-Tigers’ squad player, halted Sam Hill with a superb covering tackle and then recovered to force Ian Whitten into a knock-on.

Tigers then won their obligatory penalty at the scrum to ease the pressure, before Miles Benjamin and Ben Youngs made good ground to force the Chiefs into conceding an offside penalty.  Burns made it three kicks from three to restore Leicester's six-point lead, but the good news was tempered by the sight of Benjamin hobbling from the field with, what has been confirmed as a season-ending injury.

However, the Welford Road faithful were on their feet a moment later, after a wonderful Tigers lineout play on halfway was almost rewarded with the first try. The forwards created a gap through which Ben Youngs burst to collect brother Tom's throw, which caught Exeter napping.  Ben returned the ball to Tom, who was stopped 5m from the line. I’ll stop now, this is sounding like school rugby review.  The Chiefs scrambled back to prevent Tigers from crossing, with strong defence from Phil Dollman, but went offside in front of their posts. Burns landed his kick, the last of the half, to send Tigers in at the break with a 12-3 lead.

The Chiefs had been wasteful in every aspect of the game and things didn’t get any easier after the restart, as a tackle off the ball on Tom Youngs gave Burns another 3 points, with the ex-Gloucester man showing a new reliable streak with a 100% record from the tee, but Exeter did strike back soon after.  Waldrom peeled off the back of a 5m scrum and was just about stopped by Burns, but his side kept the ball alive through Dave Ewers before Waldrom rejoined the attack to score next to the posts. Slade, however, plumbed new depths from the tee and slammed his simple conversion against a post as Tigers led 15-8.

The try seemed to stun Leicester into life and a stunning 60m kick to the corner by man-of-the-match Burns had Tigers back in Exeter territory.  From there they ramped up the pressure, with Niki Goneva being tackled into touch 1 metre from the line and Dan Cole being held up over it, before they finally broke the resistance through Geoff Parling, who benefitted from quick hands by Ben Youngs and Sebastian De Chaves to crash over in the corner against his new employers.  Burns added a touchline conversion to give Tigers a 22-8 lead with 14 minutes remaining.

However, Exeter may be a young side but they are a confident one, and they hit back with a breakaway try four minutes later. Slade – assured in possession but crap off the tee – scampered past Jamie Gibson and stepped inside Mathew Tait to race for the line.  Although a superb cover tackle from Tait pulled the fly-half down, a smart offload to Will Chudley saw a try under the sticks and the Chiefs right back into things, after Slade’s conversion, at 22 – 15.

However, captain Dean Mumm conceded a brainless penalty inside his 22 for playing replacement scrum-half Sam Harrison and Burns knocked over the kick to move Tigers 10 points ahead going into the last five minutes.  The Chiefs pressed in the closing stages but the Tigers’ held firm in defence – with the only breakthrough coming from , ironically, a scrum infringement, which Slade knocked over for a losing bonus point, which may become key in the final shake up.

We can talk about missed penalties here and there by Exeter but once again Leicester are somehow sniffing around the playoff spots despite being pants for most of the season.  And that is never a good sign for anyone else.
 

Premiership Preview - Leicester Tigers v Exeter Chiefs

Ah, back to reality.  And I'm not just talking about the international stars who find themselves returning to the weekly grind of the day job, competing in the Aviva Premiership, I'm talking about myself (as usual too) having just returned from a two week holiday.  Luckily though, it helps when you have something to keep you busy and to look forward to - I have a wedding to plan (despite my other half seemingly deciding all the details within 2 minutes of me popping the question) and the England stars can return to the closest fought Premiership playoff battle in recent memory - not to mention the fact that it's their final few chances to impress the boss prior to World Cup selection.

Leicester find themselves in somewhat familiar territory, lurking around those playoff spots despite not really getting out of third gear this season.  Of course, when you consider the injury list they still have, you can give some sympathy to them (they are arguably missing 7 front line players in Kitchener, Slater, Croft, Williams, Allen, Tuilagi and Camacho) but the fact is that they tactically have been too lateral, too predictable and lacking in any variety.  But against Sale, in their last Premiership home game, there were finally signs that things are starting to click - big players hitting gaps around the fringes and players finally starting to look to offload out of the tackle.  They also have a far quicker back row than Exeter on Saturday and some real pace on the wings, so the signs are that they will attempt to give the ball some width and move the Chiefs pack around from the off.

Exeter had a wobble a few months ago but that seems like a distant memory now, and they sit in second spot, despite 4 teams being within two points of them in the chase for a home semi final.  A large part of their success has been the form of their precocious youngsters - particularly in the backline, where Slade, Hill and Nowell have been terrorising defences for most of the season.  That being said, when you come to Welford Road there's no point in having a fancy backline unless you have the pack to match up to the Tigers, and coach Rob Baxter has gone for sheer size and power up front, with the 7 shirt and joining big Dave Ewers and ex-Tiger Tom Waldrom in the back row - and you can bet the Tank will be wanting to have a big game to show Richard Cockerill why he shouldn't have let him go.  There's plenty of physicality there but, when compared to Leicester's combination of Salvi, Gibson, and Crane, not a lot of speed or subtlety; it will be interesting to see how that battle plays out.

I'm not saying the Six Nations was a holiday for the internationals, but it's now that the real work starts.

Leicester Team News

England quartet Ben Youngs, Tom Youngs, Dan Cole and Geoff Parling start for Leicester after international duty.  Hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini is on the bench after captaining Italy in his 75th Test cap last weekend.  England internationals Tom Croft, Manu Tuilagi, Ed Slater and Anthony Allen remain on the long-term absentee list.

Starting Line-up: Tait; Thompstone, Smith, Bai, Benjamin; F. Burns, B. Youngs (capt); Ayerza, T. Youngs, Cole, De Chaves, Parling, Gibson, Salvi, Crane.

Subs: Ghiraldini, Mulipola, Balmain, Whetton, Pearce, Harrison, Bell, Goneva.

Key Player

Ben Youngs.  The Tigers' stand-in captain was unbelievable against the French and a deserved man-of-the-match – and if there's one thing to be said about Youngs, it's that when he has his tail up he is very hard to play against.  When he's confident his decision making is not only accurate but also lightening quick, meaning that the fringe defences don't even realise what is happening by the time the scrum half is scooting around them.  He is the heartbeat of Leicester's attacking game – when his pack give him decent ball – and he will be looking to bring in the big carriers around the fringes throughout the game.

Exeter Team News

Only two of Exeter's side that played in their LV= Cup final loss, Mitch Lees and Carl Rimmer, keep their places.  Thomas Waldrom returns to Welford Road for the first time since his summer transfer while Dean Mumm captains the team from flanker.  Lees packs down alongside Damian Welch in the second row, while Henry Slade keeps his place at fly-half ahead of Gareth Steenson.  England winger Jack Nowell plays at centre, with Ian Whitten and Matt Jess on the flanks.

Starting Line-up:  Dollman; Whitten, Nowell, Hill, Jess; Slade, Chudley; Rimmer, Yeandle, Francis, Lees, Welch, Ewers, Mumm (capt), Waldrom.

Subs: Taione, Moon, Brown, White, Horstmann, Lewis, Steenson, James.

Key Player

Jack Nowell.  The England winger returns to the 13 shirt after a very impressive series of displays with England, and is just one part on what has to be the most exciting young three-quarter line in the country – with Slade and Hill both extremely accomplished and talented partners in crime.  Nowell has made up for his appalling rat's tail haircut and some suspect ink by literally finding his feet in the senior game this season – he might not be lightening quick, but he has sharp acceleration, a beautifully balanced running style, a great step and a bruising, nuggetty physicality that – thanks to his low centre of gravity – makes him tough to bring down.  The guy oozes class and confidence and the more he gets the ball, the more dangerous Exeter will be.

Key Battle

Freddie Burns v Henry Slade.  Two of the prodigal sons of English fly-half play – but one who is seemingly the forgotten man of international rugby, the other who has critics clamouring for his inclusion in Stuart Lancaster's world cup plans.  Slade is the younger of the two and is seemingly yet to learn what he shouldn't be able to do at senior level – he has a confidence and skill-set that allows him to pose a real threat and variation with the ball in hand, whilst maintaining a composure and maturity beyond his years.  And, for a pretty boy, he tackles blood hard, too.  Burns in many ways has the same set of skills, but perhaps with a slightly bigger locker of tricks and slightly smaller threshold for dealing with pressure, but things haven't quite gone his way so far this season – in large part thanks to the underperforming Leicester pack.  But in recent weeks, he has shown more than a few glimpses of what at one time made him the next big thing in English rugby.  Both these guys will get decent front foot ball at one time or another, and it all comes down to who has the ability to make the right calls at the right times.

Prediction

Exeter, for me, have more of a threat over the park and have certainly leant towards power, rather than subtlety in their pack, particularly in the back row.  I'm surprised that Leicester have benched Goneva, their chief attacking weapon, for this one, but the Leicester side contains plenty of experience and one of the best front rows in world club rugby.  The Chiefs, on paper, will struggle in the set piece and that, at Welford Road, may well be the key to the game, no matter how much firepower they have out wide.  I do expect to see some decent rugby played by both sides but I suspect that the deciding factor will be Leicester's brute force in the scrum.  Tigers by 5.

RuckedOver's Six Nations XV

First off, apologies for the lack of posts of late.

You see, even amateur rugby bloggers have to take holiday, and what makes me especially amateur is the fact that I arranged mine for the final two weekends of the Six Nations.  A fortnight which, by all accounts, was pretty epic.  However, the tiny island of Koh Tao in Thailand doesn't have many places where rugby is regularly viewed…or wifi for that matter. 

However, I'm back now and fully caught up, meaning I can deliver the all-important Six Nations Team of the Tournament…

1.  Joe Marler.  Gethin Jenkins recovered from a terrible opening performance to put in a couple of good shifts but Marler is rapidly turning into one of the finest looseheads in Europe.  His work rate in defence is monumental and he likes to carry a bit too but it's his vastly improved scrummaging that has seen him really catch the eye.  He will be disappointed that he didn't get the best of Mike Ross in Dublin, but otherwise he was generally on top.

2.  Leanoardo Ghiraldini.  In an Italian pack that was more often than not outplayed, Ghiraldini was a real force.  Carried with power and aggression throughout the tournament and has one hell of an engine on him, making him almost like an extra flanker.  Rory Best also had a decent tournament, with a great showing against England in particular, despite continuing to look as if he has literally no neck.

3.  Dan Cole.  It's hard to believe that the Tigers' man ever had his place in doubt.  He destroyed Gethin Jenkins on his return from injury and was generally a dominant force in the scrum although, like Marler, he will be disappointed that he didn't get on top against Ireland.  He snuck into the top turnover chart for the Six Nations as well, with 6 snatches, and his carrying is vastly improved from two years ago – one headbutt on Cian Healy and big charge was my personal highlight.  Special mention to Mike Ross as well who was a rock for the Irish in the set piece.

4.  Paul O'Connell.  What a man.  Yes, he looks like he's walked straight out of Mordor but, despite getting a bit long in the tooth, he is the heartbeat of an Irish pack that, more often than not, relentlessly bludgeons the opposition at the breakdown.  A massive competitor, it's hard to imagine Ireland without him – and opponents will be ecstatic the day that the big man hangs up his boots.  Tip of the cap to Yoann Maestri, a rare class act in an underperforming French pack, and to Johnny Gray as well, who fronted up every game even if his teammates didn't follow suit.

5.  Alun Wyn Jones.  The Welshman is quickly becoming the Welsh side's O'Connell, a ferociously passionate and aggressive lock who refuses to take a backwards step, even when under massive pressure.  Sam Warburton rightly won many plaudits for his displays but, after the defeat to England in Cardiff, it was Alun Wyn Jones who grafted the side back together.  Courtney Lawes may well have pushed for a spot if he had played a full tournament, such was his impact (literally) on his return.

6.  Peter O'Mahony.  James Haskell started brightly but gradually descended into the idiocy we saw in the final game, but O'Mahony cemented his position as arguably the best blindside in the northern hemisphere.  He hits like a runaway train and is superb over the ball, as well as being a very handy lineout option.  And, as Munster captain, he seems to have inherited that classical 'manic aggression' that has for years been the trademark of Mr O Connell.  A future skipper of Ireland too, by all accounts.

7.  Sam Warburton.  This was a horrible position to pick, since all the home nations open-sides could make claims for this spot.  Blair Cowan was a turnover king, Sean O'Brien was injured for plenty of the tournament but finished with some brutal displays, whilst Chris Robshaw was a tackle-machine and pinched plenty of ball himself, answering critics in the process.  But Warburton recovered from being outplayed by Robshaw to reaffirm himself as the all-court openside – showing precision at the breakdown and real thrust in attack, as well as leadership to almost turn the Welsh into champions once again.

8.  Billy Vunipola.  Harsh on Sergio Parisse, who once again looked like a class above his teammates, but Vunipola was in relentless form for the majority of the tournament.  He grabbed a couple of tries and broke more tackles than anyone else, and he seems to be less of a lard-bucket than he was previously…although I would never say that to his face.  He regularly went the 80 minutes and, if he carries on this form, it will be very hard for even Ben Morgan to displace him.

9.  Ben Youngs.  This time last year, Youngs was nowhere to be seen, but he came back with a bang this tournament.  He was the best player on the park against Wales and, although he (along with most of his side) was tactically out done against Ireland, his display against France was probably his best in an England shirt, back to terrorising fringe defences with sniping breaks.  Rhys Webb was another contender who looked dangerous and Conor Murray put in a tactical masterclass more than once, but Youngs wins it for out and out threat.

10.  Jonathan Sexton.  After recovering from concussion Ireland looked like a different side, and against France and England the Irishman was absolutely imperious.  He lands the ball on a sixpence and his goalkicking is almost (but not quite) at Halfpenny level – that's not to say that he doesn't offer a threat with the ball in hand though, as he knows when to take the ball to the line and fizz the ball wide.  George Ford, despite looking 12, is a close rival having reinvigorated England's back play, whilst Dan Biggar and Finn Russell both impressed in patches.

11.  Jack Nowell.  The Exeter man has an abysmal haircut, which almost made me disregard him from this list, but he has sparkled into some form this season.  He was a bit ropey under the high ball against Ireland, but he consistently beats defenders and makes breaks, and is a powerful carrier to – he offered a much more consistent threat when he replaced May in the side.  George North did finish strongly with a hat-trick, and what a shame we didn't get to see Teddy Thomas in full flight.

12.  Robbie Henshaw.  A tight call with Jamie Roberts, who became a midfield colossus after an ineffectual game against England, but Henshaw has emerged as a real force in the 12 shirt for Ireland, offering genuine class, guile and physicality.  He is not the biggest guy but he does hit hard, he doesn't miss tackles and he hits smart, direct lines too – it's early days, but we may well be looking at the next stalwart of the Irish midfield. 

13.  Jonathan Joseph.  An easy call, and probably the revelation of the tournament.  He was absolutely electric throughout – particularly against Italy – and was a threat with his quick feet whenever he got the ball.  Concerns about his defence proved to be unfounded too, as the Bath man tackled low and hard all tournament.  An acknowledgement to Mark Bennett too, who impressed in an otherwise unimpressive campaign for Scotland.

14.  Tommy Bowe.  Liam Williams looked a lot sharper than Alex Cuthbert when he came into the side, and Yoann Huget also had his moments – however, I haven't selected him simply because I don't like him, the diving prat.  Tommy Bowe may not have been spectacular, but he still oozes class and works ridiculously hard to get involved in the game, always offering himself off his wing as well as being imperious under the high ball.

15.  Leigh Halfpenny.  Rob Kearney, Stuart Hogg, Mike Brown and even Scott Spedding all had decent claims, but Halfpenny's boot and aptitude at taking catches under pressure makes him the obvious selection.  His running game is also under-rated, as he has the knack of wriggling out of the first tackle consistently, but it was his prowess off the tee that made Wales such a threat from anywhere inside (or even just outside) the opponent's half – particularly against Ireland.