Saracens vs Sale - Sunday

[Puja]

Saracens: M. Vunipola, Lewis, Koch, Itoje, Swinson, Isiekwe, Wray (cc), B. Vunipola, Davies, Goode (cc), Segun, Tompkins, Lozowski, Maitland, Malins.

Replacements: Pifeleti, Barrington, Clarey, McFarland, Earl, Van Zyl, Morris, Lewington.

Sale: Hammersley, McGuigan, S. James, J.V. Rensburg, Roebuck, MacGinty, Quirke, Rodd, V.D. Merwe, Schonert, JL. Du Preez, De Jager, Ross (c), B. Curry, D. Du Preez.

Replacements: Ashman, Harrison, Oosthuizen, JP Du Preez, T. Curry, Warr, R. Du Preez, L. James.

[Peej]

It's not exactly a vintage Sarries team, but I think they'll have enough

[Danno]

Gods this is dull.

[twitchy]

Not the greatest is it.

[Danno]

I'm about 10 mins behind which I was saving for the half time ads but I might use it on the second half.

[Danno]

Well, that escalated quickly

[twitchy]

McGuigan wanted an early bath in this weather.

[Oakboy]

A dreadful game of rugby. How much has that damned pitch got to do with it?

[twitchy]

I think it's the weather plus the teams.

[FKAS]

Tompkins riled up McGuigan hoping for a bit of a reaction but that was ridiculous. Pure red mist.

[Danno]

I think it's the weather plus the teams.

Distilled Sarries vs. concentrated Sale. Smash smash smash. Feels like 2012 Wales playing a mirror match

[Peej]

Tompkins riled up McGuigan hoping for a bit of a reaction but that was ridiculous. Pure red mist.

Tompkins should have seen yellow for the taunting and head tap, given that the TMO had already been looking at Sarries.

[FKAS]

Tompkins riled up McGuigan hoping for a bit of a reaction but that was ridiculous. Pure red mist.

Tompkins should have seen yellow for the taunting and head tap, given that the TMO had already been looking at Sarries.

I'm surprised it wasn't mentioned at any point by the officials but unless he's crossed the line in what he's said it's a warning an nothing more. Having said that Maitland had already given away a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct for something similar so of the ref had gone yellow Sarries could have had no complaint.

Unless Tompkins has hugely overstepped the line with what he's said then there's absolutely no excuse for McGuigan to go after him like he did though.

[fivepointer]

I do have a certain sympathy for McGuigan. Head patting should be a no no for any player, particularly one in the pro game. It riles up any player and is needless baiting. Its a really prattish thing to do.
However, McGuigan did over react and a red had to be issued. Shame Tompkins escaped without sanction.

[Timbo]

Sarries are easily the most complete team in the league and top 4/5 in Europe. There’s a couple of teams that could win the Prem over them this season, but they’ll have to be at their absolute best and probably catch Sarries below 100%.

[Peej]

Tompkins riled up McGuigan hoping for a bit of a reaction but that was ridiculous. Pure red mist.

Tompkins should have seen yellow for the taunting and head tap, given that the TMO had already been looking at Sarries.

I'm surprised it wasn't mentioned at any point by the officials but unless he's crossed the line in what he's said it's a warning an nothing more. Having said that Maitland had already given away a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct for something similar so of the ref had gone yellow Sarries could have had no complaint.

Unless Tompkins has hugely overstepped the line with what he's said then there's absolutely no excuse for McGuigan to go after him like he did though.

Yeah sorry, I should have said that I absolute agree with the red for McGuigan, who completely lost it. He's always been a pretty fiery and punchy character but it's no good of you can't control it

[Danno]

Sarries are easily the most complete team in the league and top 4/5 in Europe. There’s a couple of teams that could win the Prem over them this season, but they’ll have to be at their absolute best and probably catch Sarries below 100%.

I just wish they weren't so fucking boring to watch

[FKAS]

Sarries are easily the most complete team in the league and top 4/5 in Europe. There’s a couple of teams that could win the Prem over them this season, but they’ll have to be at their absolute best and probably catch Sarries below 100%.

I wouldn't say complete. I think they have a very effective game plan and a well rounded game but their attack is a little stunted without the star names they could turn to previously. There's still some clever play going on but Sale handed it to them with their error count and indiscipline.

Get in behind that Sarries defence, no easy feat and I think they fall apart quickly. The set piece, mainly the scrum, isn't infallible either I suspect some of the bigger French teams and the big two Irish ones would fancy taking Sarries now.

[Oakboy]

Watching Saracens in that ground, on that pitch, must be a cult dedication thing for fans. Neutrals appreciate the effectiveness but will never enjoy the spectacle, I'd guess. I only bothered with 5 minutes after the red card. It was the correct decision but it killed the match.

[Banquo]

Sarries are easily the most complete team in the league and top 4/5 in Europe. There’s a couple of teams that could win the Prem over them this season, but they’ll have to be at their absolute best and probably catch Sarries below 100%.

They actually missed Farrell. And not convinced by either 9. Also, midfield was a bit soft. But Itoje and the vunipolas are terrific, and getting George back will help ditto Daly.
Backs selection when all fit will be interesting.

[Danno]

The scoreline might have been different but I'd bet the result would have been the same with or without the red (which was as dumb as I've seen). Sarries are back and they're just going to strangle the life out of the sport.

[Puja]

That thing they were doing at the rucks was interesting. For those who didn't watch, at defensive rucks where the 9 was going to box they would have one player bound and another bound on behind them, then the two would move their feet so that they could claim they were keeping the same bind, but they were now pointing at 90 degrees+ and allowing the one at the back to break off and try to charge from a position well in front of the back foot. Didn't look legal, didn't feel legal, but I can't see what law they're breaking by doing it. A few international coaches making notes on that, methinks.

I'm of the opinion that the IRB should take the same action they did with 'The Fox' and say, "Well done, very smart, but it's a dick move, so *now* it's against the laws."

Puja

[Adam_P]

Here's a clip of it. Agree that Saracens probably feel very clever for finding a loophole to exploit, but hopefully it's stomped out because it just looks like a dick move.

[fivepointer]

I'd say they have moved past the rear foot of their ruck and are offside. They might be bound on, but they are clearly crabbing sideways and have moved beyond the rear foot. Further i'd say that If you're not driving in a straight line at a ruck you should be liable to penalty as you would be if joining from the side.

[Cameo]

I'm confused. I didnt realise you could advance to charge down from within the ruck. I thought you had to be behind the back foot?