Play Off Semi-final - Sale - 14th May 2023 - KO 3-00pm

[Soggypitch]

Robborugby - that's a good 23.

I agree about Scott at 13, he's played well over recent weeks. But I would have Porter on the bench not Brown, he just covers more positions.

Gopperth/Atkinson is a tough one, but you are probably right in terms of the experience JG brings on such a big occasion.

I just hope they are all fit!!

[bendy]

I've ended up with two spare tickets for Sunday (one adult, one junior, seated next to each other in the East Stand). If they can be of any use to anyone, please shout.

They're face value £60 the pair, but I'll take any sensible offer at this stage. PM me for details.
Cheers

[Robrugbycheshire]

Finally booked my tickets!! Cannot wait!!

[Ian Cant]

Well done on getting your ticket(s).
Hope we can somehow make some noise!

[Systonite]

1.Cronin (Close, but if fit, edges it for me for scrum reasons. West off the bench is an under appreciated luxury.)
2.Montoya (Often our best player and currently the best hooker in the world. Has mastered the ref chat role.)
3.Cole (Dan is still the man at tight head, but Joe Heyes can mix it with anyone and can make a big difference later in the game.)
4.Henderson (Not a straightforward choice in a physical battle. Wells off the bench or starting important.)
5.Martin (100% certain to start for me. In the spotlight and will prove on Sunday why he should be starting in the second row for England. Massive defensive effort expected.)
6.Hanro (World class and an international if any other nationality. Line out essential component.)
7.Refell (Argument for Cracknell, but we need a nuisance man at the breakdown from the start. Curry off the menu.)
8.Wiese (Cometh the hour.........)
9.Youngs (Big game experience. Still a yard faster in the mind than any other 9. JVP struggling of late.)
10.Pollard (Obvious selection. How will he compare with Ford?)
11.Watson (Not sure he's fit, but easy to pick if he is. Ashton?)
12.Kelly (Overdue a big game and may give us one against his old mates.)
13.Porter (Also due an eye-catcher and will be up for it.)
14.Potter (Consistent and under-rated. Likely as anyone to get on the scoresheet.)
15.Steward (Needs to fire up for this one. Yet to really get going since England duty.)

16. Clare (100% certain to be picked ahead of Dolly. Won't be turning up running in the outside backs, but it's going to be physical. We need a strong tackling set piece man.)
17.West (Very bad news that he's leaving, but he's been immense and won't let us down.)
18.Heyes (Perfectly capable of starting. More effective late on?)
19.Wells (One of our most aggressive forwards. Discipline has improved and could be a game changer.)
20.Cracknell (Depending on how the game shapes up, should be on for Refell after 50.)
21.JVP (Pace. Needs to avoid complacency setting in before World Cup.)
22.Atkinson (I've got more confidence in him than other posters, although Gopperth's place kicking is a factor.)
23.Brown (Defensive maestro. Can cover back three. Still a class operator. Deserves it)

[Hot_Charlie]

16.Dolly (I know he’s been out a while but with his quality and recent game time I think he’s a good shout to let loose in a semi, only risk is injuring himself again so soon which none of us want)
17.West
18.Heyes
19.Wells
20.Cracknell
21.JVP
22.Gopperth (I’ve gone for Gopperth over Atkinson for the experience side of things near the end of match)
23.Brown

I agree with your 15,bar the 50:50 call on who starts at 9 perhaps.

The bench:

I think if Dolly was going to be selected he'd have played against Quins. I think we'll have the Montoya/Clare combination now unless one is injured.

I think now Porter is fit we won't see Brown on the bench as we have two 15s in the starting line-up. I think we might well see Porter in the 23 shirt to cover both centre and wing. Whether Gopperth or Atkinson is chosen at 22 is another argument; I'd be tempted by the latter as you get the same positional cover and a little more flexibility in your options if you have multiple injuries outside 10 (as we did last time we went to Sale!).

[bendy]

Any update on Ashton's hearing?

[Tigerbeat]

Any update on Ashton's hearing?

Taking place this evening is what has been reported

[TigerFeetSteve]

Any update on Ashton's hearing?

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/c549 ... 200251153e

[TigerFeetSteve]

https://archive.is/q6DbC

Great article about Wiggy's leadership.

Interestingly when Wigglesworth had his blip one of the people he turned to for support and advice was Alex Sanderson...

[TTRITH]

Any update on Ashton's hearing?

RFU prioritised pomp, ceremony and glamour than the actually management of the game.

Our game is a joke.

[TigerFeetSteve]

I've seen on Twitter, one W.Barnes will be on the whistle...

https://twitter.com/spkeene/status/1656 ... muC5w&s=19

[shanghaitiger]

Ticket booked for the North terrace. I notice that Sale have tweeted encouragement for all of their fans to wear blue - time for me to dig the big green flag out then. Heading up by myself so please can we all get together to make some noise!

[TigerFeetSteve]

Referee: Wayne Barnes (273 rd Premiership game, 7th semi-final).

Assistant Referees: Luke Pearce and Jack Makepeace. TMO: Tom Foley.

Citing Officer: Dave Guyan.

https://www.premiershiprugby.com/match- ... rs#preview

[Hot_Charlie]

Ashton's hearing started at midday, I believe.