Challenge Cup Weekend

[Timbo]

Interested to keep an eye on George Nott tonight, he’s been playing really well recently.

[Which Tyler]

We're getting on the wrong side of the ref here, initially via a bad call for not obstructing the ball's release

[Which Tyler]

Have to say, this is a really good match - from both sides

[Beasties]

Excellent game for the neutral. Plenty of quality and commitment. L Irish back three obvs getting a lot of attention and rightly so, Loader has a hell of a step on him. Cockanasinga is starting to get back to form, and JJ is remembering he can attack as well as defend, and Watson is catching the eye as a stand in FB. Shame Stuart didn't get his hat-trick. How many THs have scored a hat-trick I wonder?

[fivepointer]

T B-C going off early was a disappointment. Was looking forward to seeing him. Irish repeatedly got into good positions but failed to take advantage. Bath very efficient in comparison.
Stuart is developing into an outstanding all round prop.

[Oakboy]

I thought Faletau was exceptional.

[FKAS]

Tactical decision, or are Grayson and Furbank both injured?

Dunno about Grayson but with Furbank other players are fit and available so...

Furbank is injured, and would start at 15 if not - he has been very good there for Saints. Freeman is pushing him hard though, Furbank has also been pretty handy filling in at 10 when Biggar was with Wales and Grayson injured.

And I'm more than happy for Furbank to stay at Saints doing that job. Just keep him away from England please.

I'm hoping young Freeman is at 15 in a few weeks time when the Midlands Derby takes place. Steward Vs Freeman, would be a good watch. Especially after we were denied Parton Vs Steward when Parton went off injured early a couple of weeks back. All these young talented fullbacks, want to see them going head to head.

[Mellsblue]

The young talented fullback is dead, long live the young talented fullback. RIP George Furbank, 24.

[twitchy]

Tigers looking dominant like the other week I probably won't watch much more of this.

[FKAS]

The young talented fullback is dead, long live the young talented fullback. RIP George Furbank, 24.

Furbank looks like a talented all round footballer but not necessarily a great fullback. You could put him in a lot of backline positions and he'll do a job as seen by him playing 10. Looked some way out of his depth for England.

Tigers do look dominant in this game but that Falcons try should be a reminder of what Falcons can offer. Tigers have a lot of talent on the bench but the loss of Liebenburg could be a real blow.

McPhillips really does look transformed recently. Doesn't look the same player we saw last year. His level of control has been brilliant. Ford might not be needed.

[fivepointer]

Difficult to play when your scrum is under pressure. Cooper really isnt up to propping at this level. Tigers starting to look a really solid all round unit. When JvP replaced Wiggy the tempo raised several notches.

[Adam_P]

4 cards from this useless ref last week, and someone decided it'd be a good idea to give him Saints again this week. 7 cards in 100 mins of rugby so far now

[Peej]

Then maybe stop infringing?

[Adam_P]

He's happy to ignore cynical foul play by Ulster on their own line and multiple high tackles in that half. Trying his hardest to prevent a flowing game breaking out. He set the tone at the start free kicking Mitchell for not using it within 1 second of being told.

[Adam_P]

On the plus side, two tries for Tommy Freeman. Looking good again

[Adam_P]

More Ulster high tackles ignored...

[FKAS]

On the plus side, two tries for Tommy Freeman. Looking good again

He had a lot of strapping in that knee before limping off. Has he been carrying something? Hopefully it's not serious. Was a high tackle that brought about the injury as well, pretty much textbook seatbelt tackle. Surprised with the benefit of a replay that wasn't picked up.

[Adam_P]

Wasn't aware of him carrying any knocks beforehand. Shame to loose that one. Decent performances by Harrison, Ludlam, Mitchell and Freeman

[fivepointer]

Ulster showed their experience by controlling that last quarter. Saints made some costly errors and overplayed at times.
Freeman looks the dogs b*******s to me. I think this lad is the real deal.
Mitchell is looking high quality.

[Which Tyler]

Freeman looks the dogs b*******s to me. I think this lad is the real deal.

[Banquo]

Ulster showed their experience by controlling that last quarter. Saints made some costly errors and overplayed at times.
Freeman looks the dogs b*******s to me. I think this lad is the real deal.
Mitchell is looking high quality.

Been saying that about Freeman for ages.

[FKAS]

Ulster showed their experience by controlling that last quarter. Saints made some costly errors and overplayed at times.
Freeman looks the dogs b*******s to me. I think this lad is the real deal.
Mitchell is looking high quality.

Hopefully Freeman is fit for the game in a couple of weeks time then.

England seem to be going from a place of, fullback? What fullback? Maybe play a wing there. To quality specialist fullback overload. Steward and Parton have looked good all season at 15 and now Freeman is creating headlines as well. A plethora of options. Without even mentioning Mallins.

With Sleigtholme, Hassell-Collins, Loader, Radwan, Stevenson, Murley and Thorley the young wind options aren't bad either. A nice back three headache for Eddie with his favourite back three 30/27/28 and maybe in need of freshening.

[Scrumhead]

Indeed. It would be great to see some of those players getting a chance over the summer.

Steward, Parton and Freeman all look great whilst also offering different strengths. Steward has the size, is assured under the high ball and a massive boot, Parton has brilliant footwork and pace and Freeman looks like he has the best of both worlds.

The fight for the 15 shirt could get very interesting.

[fivepointer]

They're tremendous prospects and you could also include Josh Hodge.

There's just something about Freeman. He looks so comfortable on the ball and so aware of whats on. But then Steward has taken to top level rugby like a duck to water and Parton is starting to blossom now.

[Tigersman]

Not even mentioning De Glanville and Nick David.