Tigers v Sale (A) - Friday 30th December 2022 - KO:19:45

[Wayne Richardson Fan Club]

We haven't evolved from last season, the defence isn't as solid, I thought this season would be a true reflection on where Tigers are as a side & SB was as a coach, he has gone before we truly found out.

We are also missing the presence of a certain Fijian Winger.

There are similarities in parts with the RC era....if continually trying to smash the opposition doesn't work just try it again & again until the players are just battered.

Still no sign of the Invisible Man.

[sam16111986]

They say that if the same mistake is intentionally made more than once, then it implies insanity. Four attempts at going for the corner when points were on offer may qualify as such? Surely, the homework had been done on Sale and how abrasive they are? Take the points and reset. Had the points been taken (possible 12) then maybe the outcome would have been different but on that Sale performance I doubt it.

At most 6, more likely 3 given it was a period of sustained pressure as opposed to several different visits to the 22. Sale also have poor discipline and got a warning pretty quickly. That was undoubtedly part of the tactics early doors. Apply pressure, let the penalty count build and try to force errors. Ideally tire their forwards. We weren't able to keep the pressure up long enough unfortunately.

[MJB]

[/quote]

What games have we looked like reigning champions? Quins away stands out but bar that not many if any at all. So it isn't an overreaction really imo. It's a poor defence,we've been off it in nearly every area the majority of the time and are way off last season.
[/quote]

What about Saints away? That wasn't too shabby either!

[Retiredseven]

If Pollard was only to play 40 mins then why not the second 40 as is often done when players are returning from injury. He may be a "game changer" but his recovery from injury need time as with any other player. Why disrupt the momentum of the Glaws game?

I guess the theory is that if any injury were to reoccur or fitness is a problem there is someone fully fit to finish the game. It should reduce the risk of not having a specialist 10 on the pitch at the end of the game?

Although obviously that didn't happen yesterday... the best laid plans etc

[mol2]

The loss of players to the drop in salary cap should not be underestimated.
The on field leadership that Genge and Ford provided has gone. This leaves really only Liebenberg.

My concerns about Wigglesworth as a long term option are multiple:
Firstly he lacks the experience as a coach.
Secondly when he played this season he wasn’t an on field leader. Yes it’s different matter leading on the field compared to off the field.
Thirdly it is hard to be objective about those you have been playing with.

Our defensive issues this season are a combination of injuries forcing a makeshift midfield, time catching up with Gopperth and Nandolo, and perhaps our defence coach being distracted by the very audible fund raising efforts. Yesterday’s defence can’t be judged. Too many injuries leaving a miracle for an of the players knowing where they were meant to be.

[Scott1]

Think that's an overreaction somewhat.

We've only been well beaten by Sarries & Sale. Neither have we put out a full side against. We're still lying in the playoffs (ok maybe not after today) bit with a big home run to the end of the season.

We are still WELL in the race atm. I know I'm naturally an optimist but saying it's the worst title defense is a HUGE overreaction IMO.

What games have we looked like reigning champions? Quins away stands out but bar that not many if any at all. So it isn't an overreaction really imo. It's a poor defence,we've been off it in nearly every area the majority of the time and are way off last season.

"Can't really remember such a poor title defence"

So to look at Pro era in rugby title defenses

97/98 Wasps 9th
98/99 Falcons 8th
06/07 Sale 10th
08/09 Wasps 9th
19/20 Sarries 12th (4th without deduction)

All bottom half finishes

Can't really count Sarries so considering we are only 7 points off second from bottom in the same ballpark,arguably worse If i were to look at the tables for those years,thanks

[ay2oh]

What games have we looked like reigning champions? Quins away stands out but bar that not many if any at all. So it isn't an overreaction really imo. It's a poor defence,we've been off it in nearly every area the majority of the time and are way off last season.

"Can't really remember such a poor title defence"

So to look at Pro era in rugby title defenses

97/98 Wasps 9th
98/99 Falcons 8th
06/07 Sale 10th
08/09 Wasps 9th
19/20 Sarries 12th (4th without deduction)

All bottom half finishes

Can't really count Sarries so considering we are only 7 points off second from bottom in the same ballpark,arguably worse If i were to look at the tables for those years,thanks

You just can’t admit when you’re wrong can you . We still have 6 home games to go and only 3 away so top 4 still there for us. Assuming Sarries and sale top 2 we are as good as any of the rest although 6 nations will disrupt us more than others. Hopefully Watson injury is not serious as he is X factor player. Minimum requirement is top six for champions cup next season.

[Scott1]

"Can't really remember such a poor title defence"

So to look at Pro era in rugby title defenses

97/98 Wasps 9th
98/99 Falcons 8th
06/07 Sale 10th
08/09 Wasps 9th
19/20 Sarries 12th (4th without deduction)

All bottom half finishes

Can't really count Sarries so considering we are only 7 points off second from bottom in the same ballpark,arguably worse If i were to look at the tables for those years,thanks

You just can’t admit when you’re wrong can you . We still have 6 home games to go and only 3 away so top 4 still there for us. Assuming Sarries and sale top 2 we are as good as any of the rest although 6 nations will disrupt us more than others. Hopefully Watson injury is not serious as he is X factor player. Minimum requirement is top six for champions cup next season.

Nobody's wrong until the season is over! You could spin it both ways until the cows come home but FACTS are we are way off last season,its a poor title defence and there are hardly any stand out wins. Opinion is that top 2 and a home SF has already gone and its others opinions that we might not even make top 4. It's a FACT that we are only 7 points off second from bottom too

[Leicestertinytiger]

You swap Ford/Genge for Pollard/Cronin and they’re probably about the same playing ability give or take. But it appears we’ve lost massively in the leadership group. You could see yesterday Ford talking to Sanderson and he’s obviously a massive driver in standards off the field.

Last season we also had more strength in the squad with the likes of MVS, Nadolo and Moroni. None of which have been replaced with like-for-like players.

[Tiglon]

You're never as good as people say you are when you're winning, or as bad as people say you are when you're losing.

A lot went our way last season and it could have been very different. A lot has gone against us this season, particularly yesterday - 5(?) players off injured in the first 50 minutes, a scrum half playingat 10 and a hooker at 12, a couple of potential Sale cards missed, our 2 most physical players unavailable.

A good learning experience and you move on, throwing hyperbolic toys out of one's pram achieves nothing.

[Dangerous4]

The loss of players to the drop in salary cap should not be underestimated.
The on field leadership that Genge and Ford provided has gone. This leaves really only Liebenberg.

My concerns about Wigglesworth as a long term option are multiple:
Firstly he lacks the experience as a coach.
Secondly when he played this season he wasn’t an on field leader. Yes it’s different matter leading on the field compared to off the field.
Thirdly it is hard to be objective about those you have been playing with.

Our defensive issues this season are a combination of injuries forcing a makeshift midfield, time catching up with Gopperth and Nandolo, and perhaps our defence coach being distracted by the very audible fund raising efforts. Yesterday’s defence can’t be judged. Too many injuries leaving a miracle for an of the players knowing where they were meant to be.

I completely concur with the above.

The departures of SB and KS, were so swift and silent, and has left me with a nasty taste in my mouth. Poor AW was dropped well and truly into the mire.We need to get a new coaching duo in asap, or the remainder of the season could leave us out in the cold when it comes to Europe next season.

Anyway, may I wish you all a very happy New Year.
,

[Tigerbeat]

Apparently top 8 places qualify for Europe according to BT Sports

[RagingBull]

The loss of players to the drop in salary cap should not be underestimated.
The on field leadership that Genge and Ford provided has gone. This leaves really only Liebenberg.

My concerns about Wigglesworth as a long term option are multiple:
Firstly he lacks the experience as a coach.
Secondly when he played this season he wasn’t an on field leader. Yes it’s different matter leading on the field compared to off the field.
Thirdly it is hard to be objective about those you have been playing with.

Our defensive issues this season are a combination of injuries forcing a makeshift midfield, time catching up with Gopperth and Nandolo, and perhaps our defence coach being distracted by the very audible fund raising efforts. Yesterday’s defence can’t be judged. Too many injuries leaving a miracle for an of the players knowing where they were meant to be.

I completely concur with the above.

The departures of SB and KS, were so swift and silent, and has left me with a nasty taste in my mouth. Poor AW was dropped well and truly into the mire.We need to get a new coaching duo in asap, or the remainder of the season could leave us out in the cold when it comes to Europe next season.

Anyway, may I wish you all a very happy New Year.
,

I feel like rushing in now to get someone in rather than making sure it’s the right one, would be a classic tigers move.

[tigerburnie]

You don't become winners over night and likewise you don't become losers either, this is sport, not a fast food outlet where you get instant results(usually dross of lousy quality and you need another meal soon afterwards)....................................

[Smudge]

Good lord. I find myself agreeing with Tigerburnie. Nurse............................