Champions Cup Review - Northampton Saints 34 - 6 Ospreys

They say rugby is a team game, which is of course true.  The jazzy fly half can’t win the game with glorious drop goals if the Orcs in front aren’t doing their bit, and likewise those intelligent, physical specimens in the pack hate nothing more than seeing a bunch of jumped up fairies spoil all their good work by namby-pambying around out wide.  But, if we’re all being honest, there’s always room for ‘superstars’ in the game – players who can take any team to the next level.  I can only really claim to have watched the game properly since the 90s, but some of the names that jump out – Carter, Wilkinson, O’Driscoll etc – were all held on a pedestal above their teammates, even if they didn’t want to be, because they could create the extraordinary.  The first superstar of the game that I can remember, though, is a certain Mr Lomu.  And he has a (Welsh) re-incarnation playing today.

 

His name, of course, is George North – and, as we have seen for Wales and for the Lions, he is box office.  But at club-level?  He’s good, don’t get me wrong, but you always get the impression that he perhaps saves his best for the biggest games; the biggest stage.  Now, I’m not saying that the pool stages of the Champions’ Cup is the biggest stage, but when you have the leaders of the Premiership and the leaders of the Pro12 going head to head, you need your big game players to stand up.  And, as it transpired, that’s exactly what the gargantuan winger did.

 

The game started in tit-for-tat fashion as Stephen Myler and Dan Biggar both exchanged penalties, with the latter coming after the Ospreys fly half had darted through a gap in an attack which left George Wilson concussed and Ben Foden lucky to stay on the field after he cynically kicked the ball away from the wrong side of the ruck.   But Saints were starting to get the upper hand in the set-piece, and that was giving them a great platform to attack – they arguably should have had a score after 15 minutes after Luther Burrell got on the outside of makeshift centre Jeff Hasler to put Foden away, but the full back misplaced his pass to Ken Pisi when drawing the last man 20 metres out.  It was an early sign that the Osprey’s mounting injury list was starting to have an effect on their cohesion across the park.

 

That near miss didn’t matter though.  Just a minute later the Northampton pack smashed the Ospreys scrum and pulverised their breakdown, resulting in turnover ball which was quickly shipped wide to that man North, who skidded in for one of the easier tries of his career.  Myler’s conversion gave the hosts a 7 point lead, but it was evident that they were not happy with just that.  After going close with a breakout following a big hit from Courtney Lawes, Saints thought they had scored their second after just 22 minutes when Christian day slid over in the right hand corner after a superb offload from Tom Wood, but the TMO rightly pulled it back for an earlier knock on from Samu Monoa that Roman Poite had somehow missed, despite it being under his generously proportioned nose.  The TMO came to the Ospreys’ rescue once again three minutes later, harshly ruling that Foden had thrown a marginally forward pass to the supposed try scorer, Dylan Hartley, after North had broken down the left hand side. It was another disappointing error from Foden but, in fairness, Hartley didn’t need to be as flat as he was.

 

Once again, though, it proved to be a temporary respite.  Despite some heroic defending by the Welsh region over the next 10 minutes, the English champions once again tore through their opponents, with Pisi returning a kick and skipping past Hassler before offloading to North, who ploughed over from 20 metres whilst smugly ignoring the needless support on his left hand shoulder.  When you can run like a gazelle with legs the size of oak trees, support is for wimps.  Another smooth conversion from Myler handed a 17 – 3 lead to the East Midlanders, but Myler still had time to add another penalty before half time after Josh Matavesi was – wrongly – penalised for holding on in the tackle.

 

The first half had, in truth, been utterly one sided – despite the bravery of the Ospreys defence.  The hosts had been had their trademark best – bulldozing up front and majestically fluid out wide – but they struggled to maintain that in the second half as the Welsh region began to get some traction in terms of field position, with Biggar and full back Dan Evans combining nicely.  The territorial pressure gave Biggar the chance to grab three points for his side from right in front of the sticks, but the Welsh international was uncharacteristically off target, hooking his kick to the left, before making amends with an effort from a similar spot two minutes later.  20 – 6.

 

Biggar then struck the post with another effort as Northampton began to concede penalties regularly at the break down, but their inability to convert this pressure into points swiftly suffocated any notion of an unlikely comeback.  And the man to bury the nail into that particular coffin was – of course – George North, who crashed his was over the line from 5 metres out after Saints had again marched their way up the field courtesy of their dominant scrum.  North – now a hat-trick-hero – then saved a try himself after Biggar had glided through once again and chipped over the top, only to see his compatriot winger win the race to the ball.

 

With both sides aware that the result was no longer in doubt, the substitutes entered the fray en masse and the game began to become increasingly disjointed.   Saints, though, still needed a try bonus point to really reflect the dominance of their days work and, although they left it late, it was worth waiting for as North saved his best until last.  With 75 minutes played, substitute lock Rynier Bernardo  made the mistake of carrying the ball into the winger – the Lions star ripped the ball, sprinted clear, chipped ahead, and then beat three players for speed to touch down by the sticks.  It was a wondrous effort from a wonderful player, and the perfect way to cap a resounding 34 – 6 win for Northampton.

 

North may not win the regardless-of-what-sport-you-watch-world-acclaim that Lomu did, but when you can tear teams up the way he does, in an age where every back seems to share the same physical stats of the legendary All Black, you can’t help but think back to big man dismantling England in 1995.  Regardless of comparisons though, he’s Northampton’s gamebreaker – a man who can turn small differences between two very good sides into huge margins.

 

And in the rest of the weekend's fixtures?

 

Munster 14 – 3 Saracens:  A classic Thomond Park battle got the weekend underway, with Munster beating Saracens a brutal encounter in difficult conditions.  In a tight game with the scores tied at 3-3 after 50 minutes, a sin-binning to Rhys Gill for a dangerous clear out proved to be the decisive factor, with an Ian Keatley penalty and Dave Kilcoyne try taking place over the next 10 minutes to tip the match in favour of the men in red.

 

Ulster 13 – 23 Toulon:  Up in northern island there was another colossal battle taking place at a traditional fortress, Ravenhill, as Ulster succumbed to the reigning champions Toulon.  Despite some ferocious physicality from the Ulstermen, tries from Bryan Habana and Delon Armitage had given the French giants control, with the hosts only crossing through Craig Gilroy late on.

 

Bath 19 – 21 Toulouse:  Bath lost a nail-biter of an encounter with Toulouse, with perhaps an ever-growing injury list being partially accountable for a surprisingly porous defence which allowed Clerc, Harinoroquy and Medard to all cross for tries, before Ross Batty’s late score set up a frantic finish.

 

Montpellier 13 – 15 Glasgow Warriors:  Glasgow continued their impressive start to the competition – and the season in general – with a win in France which was more convincing than the scoreline suggested.  All of the visitors’ points came courtesy of the boot of Finn Russell, with a penalty try in the last minute for the hosts rescuing them a bonus point.

 

Scarlets 15 – 3 Leicester Tigers:  The Scarlets ran out victors in a peculiar encounter at Parc Y Scarlets, taking advantage of two howlers from the visitors to run out as winners.  Firstly, Miles Benjamin dropped the ball under no pressure to allow Harry Robinson to touch down, then Aled Davies picked off a speculative Ben Youngs pass to race away.  Leicester actually threatened all match, but couldn’t finish a Sunday roast in a display which ultimately seems to have cost backs coach Paul Burke his job.

 

Castres 16 – 21 Leinster:  Castres were undone by their own indiscipline and the boot of Ian Madigan, as the Irishman (playing at 12) banged over all of the visitors’ points to make it two wins from two.  Castres had in fact started the game strongly with prop Saimone Taumoepeau crashing over after just four minutes, but they had no answer for the power and guile of the Irishmen.

 

Clermont Auvergne 35 – 3 Sale Sharks:  Clermont eased to victory at home against the Sharks, picking up a try bonus point in the process – but they left it late, with two of the scores coming in the final 10 minutes.  Sale competed gamely for most of the game but scores from Nick Abendanon, Napolini Nalaga (2) and Aurelien Rougerie gave the French giants a maximum haul.

 

Treviso 10 – 26 Racing Metro:  Racing were too strong for their Italian hosts, but the French giants were made to work hard for their win, being restricted to two tries from Henry Chavancy and Wenceslas (great name) Lauret, with Ludovico Notoglia responding for Treviso.

 

Wasps 16 – 23 Harlequins:  Wasps were defeated in the last ever derby at Adams parks by a physically dominant Quins side who took full control in the second half.  Joe Simpson and Charlie Matthews exchanged tries in a tight opening 40 before the Quins pack took the game by the scruff of the neck and earned a penalty try in the 63^rd minute to take the game away from the hosts.

Champions Cup Preview - Northampton Saints v Ospreys

I have to admit that I do love any England v Wales match-up (aside from the ones where England get destroyed by 30 points in Cardiff) – the temperature seems to sneak up just that one notch, the game has just that bit more spice and the fans get just that bit more vocal (and drunk).  And that permeates down into the club game as well – look at some of the classic fixtures in the past between Leicester and the Ospreys, Llanelli and Bath for example.  Or even look at your average touring English side, who would always receive a 'special' welcome every time they crossed the River Severn – there's no doubt an England v Wales game, on whatever level, provides that little bit extra.

 

And two sides who have certainly had that little bit extra this season are Northampton and the Ospreys.  The Saints are English champions, in ominous form again and are many people's pick to reach the final this year, and so they would have been disappointed – to put it mildly – to come away from Racing Metro, who are on a run of questionable form in the Top 14, with absolutely nothing to show for their efforts.  But don't let that one result fool you – behind a pack as brutal and aggressive as they come there is a backline that oozes power and menace, and when they get their tails up they are incredibly difficult to stop.  Which is why they've scored a try bonus point in each and every one of their home games so far this season.

 

But if you think the Saints have been sizzling, take a look at their visitors on Saturday – the Ospreys.  The only side in the competition to not have lost a game this season.  Not one.  Unbeaten in the Pro12, the Welsh side cruised to a straightforward victory over the hapless Treviso last week and are rightly running high on confidence.  They play an exciting brand of rugby as well, with a fast and aggressive pack moving their opponents around the field and, in Rhys Webb, they have one of the form scrum halves in Europe at the moment.  The livewire 9 is a wonderful foil to the composed Biggar and the smooth-running backline outside him.

 

So, how do you pick apart two sides that top their respective domestic leagues?  There just seem, to me, to be a couple of points that fall in favour of the English side.  Firstly – and obviously – they're at home, where they have looked supreme in the early stages of the season.  Secondly, these two did meet in the Heineken Cup last season...and Saints came away with the spoils on both occasions.  Thirdly, the only area where the Ospreys haven't looked totally sharp in the scrum, with a relatively unestablished front row in place.  It's fair to say that the Northampton front row isn't renowned for taking it easy on under-powered opponents.  And out wide, although George Pisi is a big loss, George Wilson is a smart distributor and he will be able to bring the likes of North and Ken Pisi into the game more – which is bad news all round for the Ospreys.

 

Of course, all of these are small advantages which merely tip the scales slightly – but in an England v Wales encounter, all your best theories can go out the window anyway. 

 

 

Northampton Saints Team News

 

Northampton have made two changes to the team beaten 20-11 by Racing Metro for the visit of Ospreys.   Lee Dickson starts ahead of former Osprey Kahn Fotuali'i at scrum-half with James Wilson replacing the injured George Pisi at centre.

Starting Line-up:  Ben Foden; Ken Pisi, James Wilson, Luther Burrell, George North; Stephen Myler, Lee Dickson; Alex Waller, Dylan Hartley (capt), Salesi Ma'afu, Courtney Lawes, Christian Day, Calum Clark, Tom Wood, Samu Manoa.

Subs: Mike Haywood, Ethan Waller, Gareth Denman, James Craig, Phil Dowson, Kahn Fotuali'i, Will Hooley, Jamie Elliott.

 

Key Player

 

Samu Manoa.  The gargantuan American forward has been tearing it up this season – mostly in the back row – and now seems to have added an attacking element to his game to compliment those trademark teeth-loosening hits in defence, exemplified by a very well taken hat-trick a fortnight ago against Sale.  But the East Midlanders will need him to be at his bruising best against an ultra-physical Ospreys pack on Saturday – the Welsh-side are used to dominating sides this term and so Manoa will be expected to grind out the hard yards as well as killing any Ospreys momentum at source.

 

 

Ospreys Team News

 

Unbeaten Ospreys make three changes for the trip - two of them enforced.   Wing Eli Walker and number eight Dan Baker are injured, with Hanno Dirksen and Joe Bearman taking their places and Justin Tipuric back on the open-side.

Starting Line-up:  Dan Evans; Jeff Hassler, Andrew Bishop, Josh Matavesi, Hanno Dirksen; Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb; Nicky Smith, Scott Baldwin, Dmitri Arhip, Lloyd Peers, Alun Wyn Jones (capt), James King, Justin Tipuric, Joe Bearman.

Subs: Sam Parry, Duncan Jones, Aaron Jarvis, Rynier Bernardo, Morgan Allen, Sam Lewis, Martin Roberts, Sam Davies.

 

Key Player

 

Alun Wyn Jones.  The Welsh captain never fails to impress me, which means he must be nightmare to play against.  Time after time he combines a colossal amount of aggression at the breakdown with a cold, clinical mind in the set piece – and both will be vitally important if the Ospreys are to have any chance of walking away with a result from Franklin's Gardens.  When Saints get going forward and get quick ball, they are like an unstoppable tidal wave of powerful runners – Wyn Jones needs to make a nuisance of himself in the early phases and force Myler to kick.  In attack, the lineout acts as a springboard for so much of the Ospreys offensive game that it is essential that the skipper avoids the attentions of Lawes and Day on their own throw.

 

 

Key Battle

 

Stephen Myler v Dan Biggar.  Watching these two play one another is like watching one bloke playing in-front of a giant, nation-altering mirror – or, in English, they have almost identical styles of play.  Neither has the swagger of a Danny Cipriani, the unpredictability of Rhys Priestland or – to be frank – the natural ability of George Ford.  But what they do have is bags of composure, superb kicking games, and the ability to make the right decisions consistently; and when you have players as dangerous as these guys do on your outside, sometimes that is all you need.  There will be a titanic battle up front and that means that territory – and the ability to execute when chances come your way – will be of paramount importance; the battle of the boot holds extra sway in this one.

 

 

Prediction

 

Looking at the form book, there is not a lot to choose between the two sides, although you could argue that Northampton's disappointing loss in France last weekend gives the advantage to their visitors.  But I think that they'll raise their game in front of an expectant home crowd on Saturday, and looking through the team sheets I just think that they have a slight edge in some key areas.  The packs are fairly even but Hartley and his front row chums will fancy their chances in the scrum against their counterparts, and whilst Hassler and Dirksen are very competent wingers, they lack the sparkle and fizz of North and Ken Pisi.  They're small advantages – but in this competition, they go a long way.  Saints by 9 points.
 

 

And in the other fixtures?

 

Munster v Saracens:  Munster pulled off the great escape last week and I think we'll see another nail-biter against one of the tournament favourites.  I have a suspicion that this time it will be Sarries who will sneak a victory though.  Sarries by 2.

 

Ulster v Toulon:  Neither side were convincing last week despite their obvious quality, but with Ulster strong at home and French sides notoriously ropey away from home, I think the Irishmen may pick up a win.  Ulster by 4.

 

Bath v Toulouse:  Bath will have been stung by their poor performance and defeat against Glasgow last week, and I expect them to grab a win against an inconsistent Toulouse outfit.  Bath by 5.

 

Montpellier v Glasgow Warriors:  Montpellier haven't lost at home for over 2 months in the Top 14, and I suspect that the Warriors will find this trip a journey too far.  Montpellier by 8.

 

Scarlets v Leicester Tigers:  Both sides have blown hot and cold this year, so I'm going for home advantage and the loss of Manu Tuilagi as the decisive factors here.  Scarlets by 5.

 

Castres v Leinster:  Castres have been a Top 14 force over the last couple of seasons but they're having a wretched time this year, and after a morale-sapping loss against Harlequins I think they're vulnerable.  Leinster by 6.

 

Clermont Auvergne v Sale Sharks:  Sale have impressed with their attacking play but they won't be able to outscore the French giants on their own turf.  The hosts should win comfortably.  Clermont by 14.

 

Treviso v Racing Metro:  After an opening weekend win against Northampton, there's a danger that Racing might take the tournament seriously this year.  They have too much quality for Treviso.  Racing by 15.

 

Wasps v Harlequins:  In a 'London' derby of sorts, we see a battle between two clubs who have looked very good in brief flashes.  Home advantage and passion could be the key, so I'm going for Wasps by 3.

 

 

Champions Cup Review - Saracens v Clermont Auvergne

Ask 100 fans what their favourite Heineken Cup moment is and there’ll be 100 different answers.  And they won’t all be from the biggest games, although I’m sure Rob Howley’s cheeky try against Toulouse will feature highly in many people’s charts.  Although perhaps not Clement Poitrenaud... Sure, there are plenty of finals that have created fond memories, but it’s the brutal battles in the pool stages – where teams and fans get to know each other over two legs – which really stay in many people’s minds.  As an example, my personal favourite was Leicester’s defeat of Munster at Thommond Park in 2007 – a filthy but full-blooded 13 – 6 win on a miserable January night.  But, that being said, if you ask a Saracens fan about their favourite moment, it’s probably a wee bit predictable.

Yes, I am of course talking about the semi-final at Twickenham last year.  A masterclass in offensive defence from the English side saw  Clermont Auvergne, one of the most exciting attacking sides in Europe, obliterated off the face of the pitch, succumbing to a 40 point thrashing.  How fitting then that, in this new look tournament, that both sides – flying high in their respective domestic leagues – should have the pleasure of each other’s company in the pool stages this time around, with the first meeting taking place on Saturday at Allianz Park.

But if that glorious Twickenham day was characterised by the brutal, relentless defence on show from the men in black, this contest opened up with a try created by one winger and scored by another.  After just four minutes, direct running from Brad Barritt and Billy Vunipola had fixed the Clermont defence, and slick hands from Charlie Hodgson and Alex Goode gave Dave Strettle the chance to stretch his legs down the left hand side.  The in-form winger made 20 metres before spying the cover defence coming across, in the shape of Zac Guilford and Wesley Fofana, and threw an inside pass that found its way to the tracking Chris Ashton, ever poaching, via a Clermont hand.  Hodgson missed the conversion but, at 5 – 0 up with the game in its infancy, was another schooling on the cards for the French visitors.

The response was as emphatic as their defeat 6 months ago, with the men in white taking just five minutes to put their own marker down.  Last time round their deadly wing duo of Nalaga and Sivivatu were kept well and truly under wraps but here, in a mirror image of the Saracens score, the French giants got their campaign under way with a try that involved both of their wide men.  Off first phase ball, Noa Nakaitaci ghosted around the outside of Chris Wyles to come within a metre of the line, but the ball was recycled quick enough for Camille Lopez to squirt the ball out to Guilford, who plopped over the line. 

Lopez added a superb conversion and a penalty goal five minutes later, and suddenly they had a five point cushion on their hosts.  It should perhaps have been even more but Fofana, a lively presence throughout, spilt a tricky pass from Lopez with the line in his sights.  It proved to be a wake up call for Sarries and, after a solid 20 minutes of near constant defending, they sprung into life with trademark ruthlessness – and this time it was Strettle’s turn to finish after Richard Wigglesworth’s clever quick tap and run gave the former England man to touch down superbly in the left hand corner.  Hodgson again missed the difficult conversion, but Sarries were level 10-10 at half-time, although they had Will Fraser to thank after the young flanker pilfered the ball from his opponents when Clermont were lining up to score.

Early on in the second half Hodgson and Lopez exchanged 3 pointers – the Clermont man landing a drop goal – before the pendulum once again took sharp swing; this time in favour of the visitors.  Scrum half Ludovic Radoslavjevic hammered up a perfectly weighted box kick from his own 22, and Guildford chased magnificently to win the aerial collision with Goode and stride over from 55metres out.  Another Lopez conversion gave the visitors a 7 point cushion again and – in a game this tight – surely some breathing space.

But once again the fightback was immediate and devastating, and the man dissipating the notion of breathing space was once again Strettle.  Barely a minute had passed since Guildford’s second when the England man got half a yard to move following a strong run from Billy Vunipola and a loose pass from Goode – but half a yard is all he needs at the moment.  From a standing start, he stood up Fritz Lee to finish superbly again in the corner under pressure, and this time Hodgson was able to add the extras from out wide.

The next 15 minutes or so were tit-for-tat as the sides arm-wrestled one another with the score at 20 apiece.  A bizarre jumping challenge from Ashton enabled Lopez to boot a penalty before Hodgson replied in kind and then, in the 60^th minute, Clermont had a try disallowed after Damien Chouly had struck Neil de Kock off the ball.  It would prove to be a crucial moment as, 2 minutes later, Ashton struck the decisive blow – and, ironically, it was Clermont’s chief attacking weapon, Zac Guildford, who was at fault.  Hodgson hoisted a high kick from his 22 and the former All Black completely misjudged the flight of it, allowing the chasing Ashton to hack the loose ball ahead of the floundering Nick Abendanon to score on the right hand side.  Another great kick from Hodgson gave the hosts a 7 point lead – but this time it would prove to be sufficient breathing space.

Clermont tired and Saracens demonstrated their ruthless streak by closing the game out without allowing the French side the faintest sniff of their line, leaving the final score 30 – 23 to the men in black. 

So, no 40 point mauling this time around, but both sides will be happy with the outcome upon reflection, with Sarries picking up a try bonus point and Clermont coming away with a losing one.  Those little extras will go a long way in a pool that looks too close to call, much like this game was for 60 minutes.  But, despite a new format, new name and a new trophy, did we really expect anything different?


And in the other games in the opening round of the Champions Cup?

Harlequins 25 – 9 Castres:  Quins opened the new tournament with a gritty win over Castres at a muddy Stoop, with new dad Danny Care scoring the only try of the game.

Sale Sharks 26 – 27 Munster:  Munster er…did 'a Munster' and claimed a spectacular last minute win thanks to an Ian Keatley drop goal.  The Sharks had led 23 – 7 at half time through tries for Magnus Lund and Johnny Leota, but tries for Dave Kilcoyne, Andrew Conway and Conor Murray brought the Munstermen right back into it.

Glasgow Warriors 27 – 10 Bath:  Glasgow surprised many pundits by hammering in-form visitors, Bath at Scotstoun.  The English side could only manage a solitary try from Jonathan Joseph, whilst the Scots were rampant with Mark Bennett, Sean Maitland, Tommy Seymour and Nikola Matawalu all crossing.

Racing Metro 20 – 11 Northampton Saints:  Racing defied their Top 14 form – and Saints' domestic form – to claim an ugly win in a dire encounter in Paris.  A try from Alexandre Dumoulin helped the hosts to a 13 – 6 lead before an unconverted Phil Dowson try brought the English side back within range, but they handed a decisive score to Marc Andreu on a plate as they tried to attack from deep late on.

Leicester Tigers 25 – 18 Ulster:  The Tigers claimed a morale boosting win and held off a stern comeback from the Ulstermen, but in reality they will be disappointed they didn't claim the bonus point after a dominant first half in which Owen Williams, Graham Kitchener and Freddie Burns all scored.  The second 40 was a different tale though, and tries from Tommy Bowe and Franco van der Merwe made the final 10 minutes pretty tense.

Ospreys 42 – 7 Benetton Treviso:  The Ospreys hammered sorry Treviso in a 5-try romp, with Jess Hasler, Rhys Webb, Dan Evans (2) and Dan Baker all crossing before Ludovico Nitoglia grabbed a consolation for the Italian side.

Toulouse 30 – 23 Montpellier:  Toulouse won an all-French battle against Montpellier with an entertaining win at home.  Yoann Huget crossed for a double with Jean-Marc Doussain adding another, with Montpellier responding through Timoci Nagusa and Wynand Olivier.

Toulon 28 – 18 Scarlets:  The reigning champions got off to a winning start in their title defence but it wasn't overly convincing as they failed to pick up a bonus point against the plucky Scarlets.  The hosts scored through Matt Giteau, Maxime Mermoz and Steffon Armitage, whilst John Barclay and Kristian Phillips responded for the Welsh region.

Leinster 25 – 20 Wasps:  The Irish giants were given a mighty scare by Wasps but pulled through thanks to a controversial score awarded to Dominic Ryan.  The visitors had been in charge in the first half thanks to scores from Alapati Leiua and Christian Wade, but a double from Darragh Fanning put the hosts in the position to snatch it.

Champions Cup Preview - Saracens v Clermont Auvergne

Doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun?  It doesn’t seem a moment ago that the English clubs were at war with the Celtic and Italian sides, tearing out each other’s throats whilst the French clubs flitted between the two sides like a particularly industrious lady of the night.  As it is now, we can happily refer to those times as “the good old days” and move into an unsettling new era where everyone seems to be getting along in a new format which the majority warily view as “fair”.

 

Of course, on the field, don’t expect too many to be getting along.  Especially not in this Saturday’s match up, between Saracens and Clermont.  Remember that certain sunny Twickenham day in April last year?  The Heineken Cup semi-final, previously tipped as a nail-biter, which ended up as probably the greatest display by an English side in Heineken Cup history, as Saracens obliterated their French rivals by 46 – 6.  Their defence simply annihilated the men in white, whilst their attack was fluency at its finest.  Clermont – unofficially the best side in Europe over the past 3 years – were humiliated.  And Jean-Marc Lhermet, sporting director of the French club, says it’s not about revenge.  Garbage.

 

Their backline – aside from their centres – may be completely different, but their pack is almost identical; and it was they who came off well and truly second best last year.  To say that revenge will not come into the psyche of any forward is to question their motivational – they will be hell-bent on hammering the London side on their own patch.  And they look in decent nick to do it too – after losing at home to Montpellier, ending their record-breaking winning streak, they have only lost once (away to Bordeaux) and sit 3 points clear at the summit of the Top 14.  A lot of their game is based on forward power now and less on the unpredictability which they had before – and so expect an organised and methodical approach to their play this Saturday...but that doesn’t mean it will be any less vicious.

 

Facing up to this rabble of angry Frenchmen will be a Saracens side who – along with Northampton and, to an extent, Bath – have looked very comfortable so far this season.  Their defence has been a little more leaky than they would have liked, but their attack is certainly firing on all cylinders, with well organised and dynamic forward play giving the arch-finishers out wide plenty of opportunities to sniff out the try line.  Sarries are no longer that team that made you want to claw your eyes out rather than watch them play – they’re efficient, powerful and clinical, and it is very impressive to see them firing on all cylinders.

 

And they’ll need to be firing on all cylinders at Allianz Park tomorrow.  Because, if the events of a year ago tell us one thing, it’s that these countries don’t really get along when they’re in a confined space.

 

 

Saracens Team News

 

McCall will be without injured front-row Kieran Longbottom, which paves the way for Petrus du Plessis to join Jamie George and Richard Barrington, while Alistair Hargreaves skippers the side from lock where he is joined by George Kruis.  Will Fraser returns to the side after a hamstring injury at openside flanker, alongside Kelly Brown and Billy Vunipola as Richard Wigglesworth partners Charlie Hodgson at half-back, with Brad Barritt and Chris Wyles linking up in midfield.  In the back three, Alex Goode returns to the side at full-back, with Chris Ashton and David Strettle starting on the wings.

 

Starting Line-up:15 Alex Goode; 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Chris Wyles, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 David Strettle; 10 Charlie Hodgson, 9 Richard Wigglesworth; 1 Richard Barrington, 2 Jamie George, 3 Petrus du Plessis, 4 George Kruis, 5 Alistair Hargreaves (c), 6 Kelly Brown, 7 Will Fraser, 8 Billy Vunipola.

Subs: 16 Schalk Brits, 17 Rhys Gill, 18 James Johnston, 19 Jim Hamilton, 20 Jackson Wray, 21 Neil de Kock, 22 Owen Farrell, 23 Marcelo Bosch.

 

Key Player

 

Will Fraser.  The young flanker returns to the side following another enforced absence which came along just when he was hitting his straps.  A lot of people have raised eyebrows that Jacques Burger – the human missile who spearheaded that remarkable performance at Twickenham – has been left out (I don’t believe he is injured), but for me it is exactly the right call.  Clermont would have been expecting that brutal and relentless physicality, but Fraser has more subtlety, speed and precision – he can steal ball and frustrate even the most efficient of packs.  The youngster has a huge task to keep this Clermont 8 quiet, but you can be sure he won’t shirk it.  All that said, I am surprised Mr Burger doesn’t make an appearance on the bench, however.

 

 

Clermont Auvergne Team News

 

The headline team news from the Clermont camp is the omission of Jonathan Davies, amid rumours a cohort of Wales internationals may be making a homecoming.  With central contracts now available to Wales coach Warren Gatland under the new Participation Agreement, speculation is rife regarding numerous Top 14 players and the decision to leave him out of the Saracens clash means he will not be cup-tied for Europe.  Although there is no Davies, livewire France centre Wesley Fofana does start in his absence, offering a dynamic edge to the Clermont attack.

 

Starting Line-up:  15 Nick Abendanon, 14 Noa Nakaitaci, 13 Aurelien Rougerie, 12 Wesley Fofana, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Camile Lopez, 9 Ludovic Radosavljevic; 1 Thomas Domingo, 2 Benjam Kayser, 3 Davit Zirakashvili, 4 Jamie Cudmore, 5 Sebastien Vahaamahina, 6 Fritz Lee, 7 Julien Bonnaire, 8 Damien Chouly (c).

Subs: 16 John Ulugia, 17 Raphael Chaume, 18 Lement Ric, 19 Loic Jacquet, 20 Julien Bardy, 21 Brock James, 22 Thierry Lacrampe, 23 Benson Stanley.

 

Key Player

 

Fritz Lee.  Last year, the men in white looked shell-shocked as they were spanked all over the park like naughty little boys, with even the mighty Fritz Lee made to look like a lamb in comparison to the ravenous wolf pack.  Now, old Fritz is not the sort to take kindly to that treatment.  Expect the explosive Kiwi to be fired up for this one and to lead a brutal forward effort, with plenty of carries around the fringes.  The only problem is, that’s exactly where the wolf-pack like to defend...

 

 

Key Battle

 

George Kruis v Jamie Cudmore.  Anyone expecting a victory anything like the freakshow we saw last year will be in for a rude awakening – this game will be a tight affair that will probably be decided by three things:  accuracy with the boot, forward power and set-piece dominance.  These two guys will be crucial to the latter two.  The young Sarries lock is certainly the more athletic of the two and has the potential to cause plenty of problems in the lineout but he must also go toe-to-toe with the physicality offered by Cudmore, who is the engine room of this huge Clermont pack.  If he can match the big Canadian in the loose, then Clermont will not have many places to go.

 

 

Prediction

 

It’s a hard one to call, but I think it’s fair to say we won’t be saying a 40-odd point drubbing this time around.  Make no mistake, all the talk of revenge not being in the minds of Clermont players is utterly nonsense.  They were humiliated, and players of the calibre who play for the French giants will be well aware they have a score to settle.  Expect a brutal, physical encounter which could get feisty at times – but I think Saracens will prove too strong at home and pick up a crucial win.  Sarries by 6.

 

And in the other games in the first ever round of the Rugby Champions Cup?

 

 

Sale Sharks v Munster:  The Sharks are always difficult to beat in Salford but Munster have the nous and quality to claim a hard-fought win.  Munster by 8.

 

Harlequins v Castres:  Quins may not be firing on all cylinders, but neither are Castres.  And the French simply cannot travel.  Solid win for the hosts.  Quins by 12 points.

 

Leinster v Wasps:  Wasps look dangerous this season but Leinster have a point to prove and, in Dublin, they will be too strong.  Leinster by 14.

 

Leicester Tigers v Ulster:  Ulster should take advantage of the injury ravaged Tigers to claim a narrow win at Welford Road and continue their current hoodoo over the East Midland side.  Ulster by 4.

 

Toulon v Scarlets:  The Scarlets are unpredictable and have the ability to surprise many quality sides.  But not the reigning Champions.  Toulon by 24.

 

Glasgow Warriors v Bath:  Glasgow are in great form and will fancy their chances against the West Country outfit, but the visitors are playing some quality stuff and could steal a result.  Bath by 2.

 

Toulouse v Montpellier:  An all French affair and so the simplest thing to do is to go with the standard French rule – the home side always wins.  Toulouse by 7.

 

Racing Metro v Northampton Saints:  An incredibly hard one to call – Racing are a real challenge at home but Saints look very, very sharp.  I think they might pick up a crucial win.  Saints by 3.

 

Ospreys v Treviso:  It’s a top v bottom Pro12 clash, and I think the gulf in quality, form and confidence will show.  Ospreys by 21.

 

 

RuckedOver's Big Heinek...I mean, European Rugby Champions Cup Preview

 

The new, improved (?) European Cup kicks off this weekend after a saga that makes the works of Tolkein seem like a light bit of bog reading by comparison.  With a due sense of excitement and trepidation, RuckedOver runs the rule over Europe’s revamped Premier competition:

 

WHAT’S DIFFERENT?

·        There’s no Heineken in the name.  Bizarrely, the presence of semi-decent brand of Euro p*ss became a household name in rugby families.  They’re still sponsors in the shape of a ‘founding partner’ but it’s not yet known if the title of the tournament will ever change.

·        There’s 20 teams instead of 24.  The top 6 from the English and the French leagues all qualify.  The top side from each of the four nations represented in the Pro 12 also qualify, with the highest-ranked three sides outside these four also getting places.  Which means that there’s no automatic spot for both of the Italian/Scottish sides.  The final (20^th) team this year was decided by a playoff between the 7^th placed teams in the English and French leagues, but going forward these two sides will be joined by the next highest two sides from the Pro 12 who have not already qualified.  Oh, but one of the playoff spots mentioned will be replaced by the second-tier ‘Challenge Cup’ winners (who will take the spot of the side from their league) if they have not already qualified by virtue of their domestic league position.  Simple.

·        There are 5 groups instead of 6.  Divide 20 by 4, duh.

·        Quarter finalists are the winners of each group, plus the three best runners up.  Previously the number of groups meant that only 2 sides qualified as best runners up (6 winners + 2 best losers).  This time, three of the five runners up will qualify, meaning that there is perhaps not quite as much pressure to finish top of the pile as there is usually.

·        And the rest is pretty much the same....

 

But of course, no RuckedOver article would be complete without a full-whack preview:

 

POOL 1

Clermont Auvergne

Prospects:  They remain class but they’re millennia-old home record has been broken and their defence has looked vulnerable away from home.  Should win the group though and mount another challenge for the title.  Topping the Top14 currently.

Key Player:  Wesley Fofana.  Philipe Saint-Andre may like to p*ss about with him on the wing but he is a world class centre who can glide through the slightest of gaps.
Prediction:  First in group.  They were unofficially the best side in Europe from 2011-13 but they have a knack of failing when it matters.  I think they’ll fall in the semis again.

Munster

Prospects:  They have a fine European pedigree and even non-vintage Munster sides seem to be there or there abouts.  This isn’t a vintage a Munster side but they’ll still compete hard – especially at Thommond Park.  They may be outclassed away from it, though.
Key Player:  Ian Keatley.  Sits comfortably behind a powerful and aggressive Munster pack.  May not be flash but he can drive the big boys where they need to be with an accurate and intelligent boot.
Prediction:  Third in group.  They’re still a quality side and I’m sure writing them off will bite me in the backside, but I can see them losing out on bonus points/points difference.

Saracens

Prospects:  Looking ominous in the Premiership, they’ve shown over the last two years that they are one of the most ruthless sides in Europe.  Apart from when it comes to finals.

Key Player:  Will Fraser.  When he stays fit he his one heck of a competitor, combining a tenacious ability over the ball with an aggressive defence.
Prediction:  Second in group.  They’ll rate their own chances – and quite rightly too – but for me there is lack of incision in the three quarter line which may cost them in the latter stages...especially an away quarter final.

Sale Sharks

Prospects:  Not so long ago the Sharks were languishing after one of the worst starts of all time in the Premiership, so just being in the tournament will be a bonus.  They will turn some heads in Salford but struggle to compete away from home.

Key Player:  Danny Cipriani.  Love him or loathe him, D-Cipz (as the kids would say seems to have calmed down and focused his game.  His decision making and skillset make him lethal on front foot ball.
Prediction:  Fourth in group.  This is no disgrace to them, but they are in a cage with three of Europe’s finest.

 

POOL 2

Castres

Prospects:  In 2013, Castres hoisted the Top 14 title before falling agonisingly short of retaining it last year.  Now, they are languishing in 12^th place with just 3 wins from 9 games.  Even their reliable home form is backfiring on them at the moment.

Key Player:  Sitiveni Sivivatu.  Apparently not needed by Clermont any more (I’d love to see their wingers).  Still got the x-factor and ability to turn a game on its head, despite some aging All Black limbs.
Prediction:  Fourth in group.  They are a quality side riddled with international and French stars, but they’ve been a typical French side in never really bothering with Europe.  And with their domestic struggles, you can bet this won’t be a priority.

Harlequins:

Prospects:   They have the potential to tear up any side on their day, but that day doesn’t seem to be coming anytime soon at the moment.  Unusually blunt in attack, they need to find their attacking mojo again soon.

Key Player:  Mike Brown.  I suspect he spends his Wednesday evenings drinking White Lightening outside Asda, but he remains a class act in a side that isn’t firing.  Sets the tone with his physical counter-attacks from the back.
Prospects:  Third in group.  They could raise some eyebrows but with that currently can’t match up to others, they will struggle.  Look short on confidence.

Leinster:

Prospects:  They perhaps don’t look as formidable as the Dubliners from a couple of seasons ago, but they still know how to perform at the highest level and will be expected to challenge for silverware at the end.

Key Player:  Brian O’ Dri...oh, wait.  Without the mercurial mastery and leadership of the legendary centre, Jamie Heaslip needs to step up and dominate those wider channels and prove himself as a skipper.
Prediction:  First in group.  They have a slightly kinder group when you look at the other pools, and I would expect them to finish top – but not without a fight.  I don’t think they’ve got the class to go further than the quarters this year though, and the absence of Sean O’Brien will hurt them.

Wasps

Prospects:  A couple of months ago I thought they’d struggle because of the off-field rumours, despite having an exciting and physical side.  But with their display against Bath after the mother of all bombshells last week, it seems to have galvanised them.

Key Player:  Nathan Hughes.  Few people expected this guy to replace – or arguably improve on – the epically-sized Billy Vunipola, but he’s done just that.  Powerful and with an explosive turn of pace, the Fijian-born 8 is some talent.
Prediction:  Second in group.  On current form they will turn some heads and they’re playing a good brand of rugby.  Whether it’s enough to reach the knock-outs, we’ll have to see.

 

POOL 3

Leicester Tigers

Prospects:  Decimated by injury, the Tigers have been as threatening as a bag of bunnies in parts this season and been on the end of some hidings.  But with some key men – with plenty of experience – returning, they could still mount a challenge.

Key Player:  Manu Tuilagi.  Simply put, Leicester don’t seem to win without the England centre.  Not even at the top of the game at the moment, he still provides plenty of go-forward in the middle and can turn a game on its head with his running ability.
Prediction:  Third in group.  When they get their big guns back, they look like a side that should be in the knockout stages.  But in a hideously difficult group, the reinforcements will arrive too late.

Scarlets

Prospects:  Looking a bit inconsistent in the Pro12, the Scarlets have struggled to maintain any rhythm, currently sitting in 7^th place with an OCD-friendly 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses.

Key Player:  Rhys Priestland.  Talisman and skipper Ken Owens is out for 12 weeks with a neck injury, and so Priestland will have to display plenty of leadership from fly half.  He has the potential to do great things, but can crumble under pressure.
Prediction:  Fourth in group.  It’s not a kind group and I suspect they won’t travel well.  In this pool, there’s no room for inconsistency.

Ulster

Prospects:  Looking solid domestically, sitting in third place, a thumping win over the Glasgow Warriors indicates that they’re hitting their straps at the right time.  Will be very difficult to beat at Ravenhill, but may miss the injured Ruan Pienaar for the opening rounds.

Key Player:  Chris Henry.  The flanker is a workhorse and a thorn in the side of any opposition team.  A leader within a huge pack which, when they ‘get their mad up’ (as my old man says), can wipe the floor with anyone.
Prediction:  Second in group.  The loss of Pienaar and lock Dan Tuohy will hurt them in the opening rounds, but they have enough confidence and fear-factor at home to squeeze them through into the knock-outs.

Toulon

Prospects:  Sitting in second place and looking comfortable in the Top 14, the Toulon machine is showing no signs of slowing down.  They had an ‘issue’ of determining their first choice goal-kicker for a while, torn between James O’Connor, Matt Giteau and Freddie Michelak.  Before Leigh Halfpenny made his debut.  #Firstworldproblems

Key Player:  Steffon Armitage.  There’s been noises made this week about the flanker returning to England for the season, but that ship seems to have sailed.  There’s a slim chance that might happen, but for now the best openside in Europe will be plying his trade with the reigning champions and dominating the opposition breakdown.
Prediction:  First in group.  Even without old Jonny, they look a formidable prospect again this year and it would be hard to bet against them reaching another European final.

 

POOL 4

Bath

Prospects:  Have lit up the Aviva Premiership with their attacking play and improved physicality up front.  Wasps exposed some set piece concerns but should still expect a decent continental campaign this time around.

Key Player:  George Ford.  With Kyle Eastmond and Jonathan Joseph on fire outside him, his ability to launch an attack isn’t in question – his ability to kick goals under pressure is.  And there will be plenty of that in this tournament.
Prediction:  First in group.  They’ve been blessed with a slightly friendlier group and I expect them to take advantage of that and earn a home quarter final – but the semis is as far as I would expect this young side to go.

Glasgow

Prospects:  Sitting pretty in second place in the Pro 12 and they were unbeaten before last weekend.  They have game-breakers in their backline and a mobile pack which allows them to run teams ragged when given half a chance.

Key Player:  Nikola Matawalu.  The Fijian international can slot in at 9 or on the wing, but wherever he is, the Warriors have to get him into the game.  His dancing feet and lightening acceleration can unlock the stingiest of defences.
Prediction:  Third in group.  They could be a surprise package but I think they may struggle more than Bath on the trips to France.  Have the potential to get through to the knock-outs but will just miss out.

Montpellier

Prospects:  Another French club that seems to not be overly fussed about European success despite their domestic clout.  They look solid in fourth place in the Top 14 but never hit their straps in Europe last season, despite a wealth of talent.
Key Player:  Rene Ranger.  The Kiwi centre/wing has recently made some mumblings about returning home to a challenge for an All Blacks spot, but for now he remains a potent weapon in the French club’s backline, possessing huge power and a lethal step.
Prediction:  Fourth in group.  They’ll turn over some sides at home but I suspect that their heart is not really in this competition, despite the obvious quality throughout their squad.

Toulouse

Prospects:  Sitting in unfamiliar territory in the French league, languishing in 8^th place and they were second from bottom until last week.  It hasn’t clicked for them so far but – unlike Montpellier – they have huge European pedigree.

Key Player:  Yannick Nyanga.  Louis Picamoles is out with a lung infection and so an extra-big shift will have to be done by the powerful and athletic flanker to compensate for the lack of thrust in the opening rounds.
Prediction:  Second in group.  They may be looking ropey domestically, but they still have enough quality and experience to be sniffing around the quarter final spots.  I expect they will just miss out, though.

 

POOL 5

Benetton Treviso

Prospects:  Over the last couple of years they’ve been competitive.  I don’t think they will this time around though – with talks of disbanding earlier on in the year, some of their best players have been pinched (mostly by the Leicester Tigers).  As a result, they sit bottom of the Pro 12...without a win.

Key Player:  Simone Favaro.  I’m a huge fan of the powerful flanker – aggressive in the loose and dangerous over the ball, he is one man the Italian outfit can rally around.
Prediction:  Fourth in group.  It’s looking like a long season on the domestic front and I suspect it will be the same in Europe.

Northampton Saints

Prospects:  Eeesh, they are looking good this year.  The Premiership Champions are wiping the floor in the English league and, of course, they are Challenge Cup champions as well.  They now know how to win the key games – which is bad news for everyone else.

Key Player:  Samu Manoa.  The big American has been a revelation over the last three seasons.  He’s worked hard at his carrying but it’s his ability to obliterate opponents in the tackle that can swing the momentum of any game.
Prediction:  First in group.  I have a feeling that this could well be Northampton’s year – they have a relatively favourable group and they have all the talent and power you need to be pushing for the big’un at the end.

Ospreys

Prospects:  A very decent start to the Pro12 season sees the Welsh region sitting pretty (now Adam Jones has left) atop of the league, with six wins out of six.  Can they take that form into Europe?

Key Player:  Dan Biggar.  Yes, he’s not the sexiest fly half around (in terms of playing style, of course) but he’s reliable, a superb kicker and he always makes the right decisions.  When you do that consistently, you’re a top 10.
Prediction:  Second in group.  They look sharp this season and, although they may not have the quality of Northampton, I reckon they might just sneak a spot in the quarters.

Racing Metro

Prospects:  For a team which has such a ludicrous amount of talent, they imploded spectacularly last year.  They’ve not looked great this season so far, either, middling about in 7^th spot in the Top 14.

Key Player:  Jonathon Sexton.   There are doubts about his fitness – and his passion for the cause (he’s returning to his beloved Leinster next summer) – but there’s no doubt he’s a world-class playmaker on his day.
Prediction:  Third in group.  This is a team high on quality and low on confidence – probably not helped by their owners and coaches openly slagging the players off in public.  They’ll struggle again this year.

Quarter Finalists:  Northampton Saints, Toulon, Clermont Auvergne, Bath, Leinster, Saracens, Ulster, Ospreys,

Semi Finalists:  Northampton Saints, Toulon, Clermont Auvergne, Bath

Finalists:  Northampton Saints (champions), Toulon