Sarries 23 this week?

[Soggypitch]

I cannot believe how strong that Sarries 23 is!! Fraser and Hamilton on the bench!!!

I am a die hard Tigers fan but I would be amazed if we even get a losing bonus point on Sunday.

I sincerely hope that I'm wrong and I will be there on the Crumbie Terrace cheering the boys on!!!!

[longlivethecrumbie]

I cannot believe how strong that Sarries 23 is!! Fraser and Hamilton on the bench!!!

I am a die hard Tigers fan but I would be amazed if we even get a losing bonus point on Sunday.

I sincerely hope that I'm wrong and I will be there on the Crumbie Terrace cheering the boys on!!!!

This links back to the age old discussion around Saracens, Bath et al and their alleged flounting of the salary cap.

[RagingBull]

I did wonder why Tigers felt it necessary to deprive us (Nottingham) of one of our best players for our biggest game of the season just to make him sit on the bench..however if Crane is subsequently unfit to play that's sort of understandable but extremely annoying nonetheless. There's a fair few annoyed fans on our forum...

(Only joking)

I understand why they are angry.

[tigerburnie]

I can see us winning the game up front and winning this with Brad leading by example.

COME ON YOU TIGERRRrrrrsssss

[Downsouth]

Pretty decent side considering and more or less what I expected. It does make sense for Cole to play a half and so he should start. I will be more concerned if he is still playing after 60 minutes. I thought Pearce may have at least made the bench and hoped Thompston or Loamanu would be fit (maybe they are?).

I am feeling worryingly confident that we should win this.

[RagingBull]

Loamanu was a 50/50 according to merc (with more chance of not playing than playing), and Thompstone looks extremely rusty still. Bell has been impressive when he has played imo.

Pearce may still get a chance, but he may also be injured.

Grant offers more choice off the bench I guess.

[Spicer]

I would of picked Harrison over Mele given his form recently. Baptism of fire for Harry Thacker, I think he has what it takes. Needs to hold his own in the scrum though and show his lack of size isn't a major problem. Looking at the bench we need to build a lead by half time as there bench is a lot stronger than ours.
Tiiiigggggeeeeerrrsssssss

[h's dad]

Wrigglesworth...

Very sharp.

Apart from the keenness of the blade being deflected by the absence of the first 'r' in both instances.

[Bundy]

A pretty solid XV - shame Loamanu hasn't made it. Also, where is Barbieri?!

[Doghashadhisday]

Time for the lucky hat, gloves and pants to come out - so to speak!

[voice of the crumbie]

Also, where is Barbieri?!

With Italy, I believe, along with Ghiraldini.

[Jay C]

where is Barbieri?!

not even on the bench for Italy v Argentina (linky

[voice of the crumbie]

Thanks Jay C, I hadn't seen this team announcement. Article clarifies further:

"Chistolini drops to the bench, where the only other change is the introduction of flanker Francesco Minto for Robert Barbieri."

That being the case I would have expected a return to the Tigers. However he may be retained with the Italy squad or being rested.

[ourla]

Sarries backline looks pretty good. Ours is once again a new set up. So I think they will have the edge there. Should be more even in the forwards. Neither bench looks strong. Need another Quins and Ulster type performance. Come out firing and get a lead. We lack the confidence to come from behind and a more likely to implode.

Cockerill on the radio was talking about the likes of Logo, Parling, Bai being 2/3 weeks away and having a near full squad for Christmas. It's all about staying in the race at the moment.

[RagingBull]

Thanks Jay C, I hadn't seen this team announcement. Article clarifies further:

"Chistolini drops to the bench, where the only other change is the introduction of flanker Francesco Minto for Robert Barbieri."

That being the case I would have expected a return to the Tigers. However he may be retained with the Italy squad or being rested.

Suspect he is kept there as injury cover.

Unlike English players playing in England who can be called back up at a moments notice, If Italy need him the day before a game it would be a lot harder to get him if he is back in Leicester.