Saints game

[fleabane]

This says a lot about Mallender. I know he wants to play what he considers to be his best team, but this goes well beyond arrogance. Perhaps he is hoping to provoke a reaction? Or stick 2 fingers up to Tigers?

Whatever his reasons, to play CC in his first game since his cowardly and brutal breaking of Rob Hakins' elbow shows a distinct lack of class.

[andysaint]

The forwards were on form but we will not have Hartley or lawes available for this one both will miss some England games also. That causes a problem in the pack but PDj did have a good game v Sarries and kept vonipola in check in the scrum. I do think Mallinder will show incredibly poor judgement by playing Clark which also smacks of desperation. We have two match fit very good specialists 7s waiting for their chance in Harrison and Nutley in the A team.

The backs (bar Pisi's) couldn't string together a decent move together with no opposition. Quite a lot of crabbing and handling problems v Sarries so I don't expect a lot from them. Myler injured his hamstring so he could be out. Foden, Digging and Wilson also injured. I expect and 20 point win by tigers we are serious underdogs. First tigs match I've missed for a while as I'm on holiday so good game to you all.

[Soggypitch]

I hope you are right Andy however I anticipate a much closer encounter. On current form Leicester will be at least 7 - 0 down after 5 minutes and our backs have hardly been scintillating this season thus far.

I think the main difference will be in the half backs where I would expect Youngs and Ford to outplay Roberts/Lamb...we shall see; I am very excited as always by this fantastic fixture!

[Big Dai]

I’m expecting the normal roller coaster ride you get with Tigers, It’s NEVER been easy! The highs will be exhilarating, the lows gut wrenching…………………..But that’s why you watch it. A boring five pointer with a forty point margin is just not on the cards!
Base camp is set up! Old Pec at the ready! I hope to be having a celebratory Remy…………..but somehow I have my doubts!

[voice of the crumbie]

A boring five pointer with a forty point margin is just not on the cards!

I'd happily settle for a forty point margin in Tigers favour, Dai, but as you say highly unlikely.

[tigerburnie]

http://forum.northamptonsaints.co.uk/vi ... =1&t=12192

Have a read of this, I think Billw has started writing on the sinners forum. Though it can't be him as the author has us above them

[drc_007]

Just watched the replay (http://www.premiershiprugby.tv/Team/LeicesterTigers).

Thorpe was completely anonymous, Salvi seemed to be trying to do Thorpe's ball carrying for him.
Ford was poor all round but improved as the game went on. I hope Ben Youngs plays in the LV matches to give Ford some stability.
Slater looks like he will be a great replacement for Deacon but he needs to think a bit more, he gives away soft penalties, and could have been pinged for more.
Chuter is starting to show his age but like an old diesel engine he keeps chugging away.
Defence looks much better organised but to be honest Saints offered little variety. Pack did a great job subduing the Saints eight and preventing them building up a head of steam. Backs looked like they had not played together in attack (which they hadn't).

[Jay C]

Thorpe was completely anonymous, Salvi seemed to be trying to do Thorpe's ball carrying for him.

I too was surprised to see Salvi carrying the ball at first receiver so much - intentional tactics or Thorpe not up to speed ?

Hopefully we will have JC back for the next league match and/or Thorpe will improve with time on the park ....