Tigers v Saracens (A) - Saturday 01st October 2022 - 3-00PM

[Big Dai]

We had five of our defensive stalwarts from last season missing yesterday: Kelly, Potter, Porter, Scott and Moroni. Last season these 5 between them plugged the defensive line and were quick enough to cover across and make scramble tackles when we were exposed on the flanks. In the backs apart from Youngs and Burns there was not one established / settled combination playing together and I emphasise playing not training. Watson, Cockanasiga, Gopperth and Pollard are still settling in. So I am not surprised that we were found out. The Saracens backline, by comparison, was a settled unit who are used to playing together and know their system inside out - the result of which was in evidence yesterday. Several of their forwards also had standout games.

Kelly and Moroni missing I can account for (injured and departed) but the other three, unless they were injured, mystifies me.Therefore I have to put this defeat.down to either a selection gamble that didn't pay off or a desire to rotate and see some of the newer players in action and accept the consequences with.the bigger picture in mind.

For the first time I find myself thinking about the coaching team "you got that one wrong."

I thought that when the side was announced. Can only assume there's a bigger picture view...

[jgriffin]

Interesting to see comments/gloats from Sarries fans on social media. I admit to asking where the cup is! One riposte from a Quins fan (I think) noted that Sarries had 15 internationals on the park at one point (two from second tier), and that we had lost Genge and Ford, as well as not being able to afford to keep Moroni.

[chewbacca]

Interesting to see comments/gloats from Sarries fans on social media. I admit to asking where the cup is! One riposte from a Quins fan (I think) noted that Sarries had 15 internationals on the park at one point (two from second tier), and that we had lost Genge and Ford, as well as not being able to afford to keep Moroni.

It was always going to be difficult this year after loosing Ford, Genge and Moroni. Prior to last year 13 had been a problem for us for some years. Yes we had Manu when available and fit but that was regrettably infrequent. Lets hope Kelly is back soon.

[Big Dai]

Latest taunt.

Some one asked when Leicester would be kicking off against Saracens on Saturday.

......the answer came "About every ten minutes!"

[wigworth]

Latest taunt.

Some one asked when Leicester would be kicking off against Saracens on Saturday.

......the answer came "About every ten minutes!"

If you don’t laugh, you’ll cry.

[sapajo]

Interesting to see comments/gloats from Sarries fans on social media. I admit to asking where the cup is! One riposte from a Quins fan (I think) noted that Sarries had 15 internationals on the park at one point (two from second tier), and that we had lost Genge and Ford, as well as not being able to afford to keep Moroni.

The official Saracens club tweets is gloating personified and classless as per normal. Let's not forget as they have that the Tigers team that took the pitch yesterday had 11 changes from the cup final team.

[ay2oh]

Every team has a few fans that say things normally after a few beers

[Dr H Flashman MBE]

I am no expert but I am pretty sure that no team has ever won the league or any cup in October, so Sarries can gloat away all they like…History never lies..

[ay2oh]

We only need to get top 4

[Old Hob]

Interesting to see comments/gloats from Sarries fans on social media. I admit to asking where the cup is! One riposte from a Quins fan (I think) noted that Sarries had 15 internationals on the park at one point (two from second tier), and that we had lost Genge and Ford, as well as not being able to afford to keep Moroni.

The official Saracens club tweets is gloating personified and classless as per normal. Let's not forget as they have that the Tigers team that took the pitch yesterday had 11 changes from the cup final team.

Ah, yes; all in line with their proud statement about their core value - humility.

[Pellsey]

Interesting to see comments/gloats from Sarries fans on social media. I admit to asking where the cup is! One riposte from a Quins fan (I think) noted that Sarries had 15 internationals on the park at one point (two from second tier), and that we had lost Genge and Ford, as well as not being able to afford to keep Moroni.

The official Saracens club tweets is gloating personified and classless as per normal. Let's not forget as they have that the Tigers team that took the pitch yesterday had 11 changes from the cup final team.

Ah, yes; all in line with their proud statement about their core value - humility.

Hmm...about as true as if they had honesty and integrity as core values.

Looking at some of the players they have and some of the reported wages they have, I would not be surprised if they are still cheating financially. Without the cheating, at least previously, they would not have won what they won, and more annoyingly, their current ability is a direct result of this cheating, having gained the winning experience, and their younger players gaining knowledge from these overpaid players. They should have been relegated for a couple of seasons and their medals and titles removed, IMHO.

[OakhamTiger32]

Didn’t see the second half so can’t comment but seems like a pretty comprehensive demolition!

What happened to Pollard? HIA or injury? Hope it’s nothing serious

We were still in the game until 60th minute, then we capitulated! In a way, a bit like the Saints game from last week, but we had 15 drooping heads in the last 20 mins of the game!

Yes this ^^ - the second half we came out a lot better, putting pressure on them and it looked as though the tide had turned. Then a couple of silly penalties, they marched up the field and scored, then the floodgates opened. It just shows you a couple of different people come into the back line and it takes a while to gel. If the communication is slightly off and players are hesitant then it’s not the best place to make those errors. Not sure why Gopperth is getting most of the blame.

Massive game next week….already.

Thanks all

[LE18]

Saracens are unrecognisable from last year - and unless Tigers can develop a cutting edge in the backs they’re in danger of being left behind in a rapidly evolving game. The power that did for Saints last week is not enough to beat better sides. Whilst it was a painful watch today from a Tigers’ perspective, I have to say the performance from McFarland today was sensational….and although I appreciate that many on here dislike Ben Earls for his cheerleading antics, he was also seriously impressive today.

Agree 100% we need to develop some speed, we are being torn apart by fast running and passing threes.

[Dokie]

The official Saracens club tweets is gloating personified and classless as per normal. Let's not forget as they have that the Tigers team that took the pitch yesterday had 11 changes from the cup final team.

Ah, yes; all in line with their proud statement about their core value - humility.

Hmm...about as true as if they had honesty and integrity as core values.

Looking at some of the players they have and some of the reported wages they have, I would not be surprised if they are still cheating financially. Without the cheating, at least previously, they would not have won what they won, and more annoyingly, their current ability is a direct result of this cheating, having gained the winning experience, and their younger players gaining knowledge from these overpaid players. They should have been relegated for a couple of seasons and their medals and titles removed, IMHO.

Guys, we were well beaten. Show some dignity and take it on the chin.

[sapajo]

Saracens are unrecognisable from last year - and unless Tigers can develop a cutting edge in the backs they’re in danger of being left behind in a rapidly evolving game. The power that did for Saints last week is not enough to beat better sides. Whilst it was a painful watch today from a Tigers’ perspective, I have to say the performance from McFarland today was sensational….and although I appreciate that many on here dislike Ben Earls for his cheerleading antics, he was also seriously impressive today.

Agree 100% we need to develop some speed, we are being torn apart by fast running and passing threes.

We can develop fast passing but we lack the pace of the likes of Sarries, Quins, Irish, Newcastle, Saints and Chiefs to name but a few.