The final round

[Epaminondas Pules]

Exe are getting some stick for resting players vs wasps.

Is the team up yet? Or are they saying they'll rest bodies?

[twitchy]

No team yet but baxter said he will rest players.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/54368516

[fivepointer]

"As a group we've earned the opportunity to organise these games how we want to," Baxter told BBC Sport.

"The only thing we'll be focusing on is what's good for us as a club. We've earned that right, in a very difficult scenario, to be in a position to manage ourselves now."

I think he's right. All the clubs had to manage a difficult period and noone played their strongest side every time.

[Digby]

If the league doesn't want certain player to be eligible they shouldn't have allowed the clubs to register those players

[Puja]

I think if anyone can show they've not rested players in the run in and they're impacted by Exeter's decision they've got a point

How come? The ludicrous fixture schedule has impacted everybody and no-one's complained about other sides putting out a comedy team on a semi-regular basis. Plus it's hardly unheard of for a side leading by a distance to rest players in preparation for the play-offs - last year both Saracens and Exeter put out the B-side in their last fixture.

Puja

[Epaminondas Pules]

"As a group we've earned the opportunity to organise these games how we want to," Baxter told BBC Sport.

"The only thing we'll be focusing on is what's good for us as a club. We've earned that right, in a very difficult scenario, to be in a position to manage ourselves now."

I think he's right. All the clubs had to manage a difficult period and noone played their strongest side every time.

Totally agree. They have a Euro final and a home playoff semi. Why worry about anyone else.

[Scrumhead]

Although I imagine I would feel quite different if I were Pat Lam or Steve Diamond.

Also worth pointing out that Wasps have had a 6 day turnaround in comparison to Bristol’s 4.

[Puja]

Although I imagine I would feel quite different if I were Pat Lam or Steve Diamond.

I would imagine both of them would have to give up their victories where teams played 2nd XVs against them in order to claim any moral high ground.

Puja

[Epaminondas Pules]

Although I imagine I would feel quite different if I were Pat Lam or Steve Diamond.

I would imagine both of them would have to give up their victories where teams played 2nd XVs against them in order to claim any moral high ground.

Puja

Indeed. They might throw a token stone or two and then turn to find some of their windows are somewhat cracked.

[Scrumhead]

True. As a Quins fan, I don’t really care. Just playing devil’s advocate.

Personally I’d rather see Bristol and Wasps in the play-offs than Sale, simply because I prefer their brand of rugby.

[Stom]

True. As a Quins fan, I don’t really care. Just playing devil’s advocate.

Personally I’d rather see Bristol and Wasps in the play-offs than Sale, simply because I prefer their brand of rugby.

It's more than the brand of rugby...and it's a shame that the club is Sale...but they're just unlikable. Diamond, 10+ Saffas, bosh rugby...

[Raggs]

I think if anyone can show they've not rested players in the run in and they're impacted by Exeter's decision they've got a point

How come? The ludicrous fixture schedule has impacted everybody and no-one's complained about other sides putting out a comedy team on a semi-regular basis. Plus it's hardly unheard of for a side leading by a distance to rest players in preparation for the play-offs - last year both Saracens and Exeter put out the B-side in their last fixture.

Puja

That's exactly what Digby is saying, just in his roundabout way.

Every team has rotated in the past few weeks, therefore no one has got a leg to stand on if Exeter do it now. This is just one week, the points are the same for these games as they were in previous rounds.

[Puja]

I think if anyone can show they've not rested players in the run in and they're impacted by Exeter's decision they've got a point

How come? The ludicrous fixture schedule has impacted everybody and no-one's complained about other sides putting out a comedy team on a semi-regular basis. Plus it's hardly unheard of for a side leading by a distance to rest players in preparation for the play-offs - last year both Saracens and Exeter put out the B-side in their last fixture.

Puja

That's exactly what Digby is saying, just in his roundabout way.

Every team has rotated in the past few weeks, therefore no one has got a leg to stand on if Exeter do it now. This is just one week, the points are the same for these games as they were in previous rounds.

Aaaand, I've just reread Digby's post. Sorry - failure of basic reading comprehension there.

Puja

[Which Tyler]

All team announcements delayed by 24 hours as PRL have just noticed that the mid-week matches happened mid-week.
Speculation that there might be an issue with Covid tests - possibly delays in getting results; possibly working out who's a close contact and who isn't, with the whole 48 hour thing.



As for Exeter - Baxter's dead right, Ex are clear at the top of the table, they can pick and choose what's best for Exeter in the league. It's not their job to worry about anyone else's position.
If they decide that they lost mid-week, and don't want to loose 2 in a row; or that they want to hit the SF running - then that's their prerogative.
If they decide that they don't want to risk injuries, and wrap up their starters in cotton wool to hit the SF nice and fresh - then that's also their prerogative.

[16th man]

"As a group we've earned the opportunity to organise these games how we want to," Baxter told BBC Sport.

"The only thing we'll be focusing on is what's good for us as a club. We've earned that right, in a very difficult scenario, to be in a position to manage ourselves now."

I think he's right. All the clubs had to manage a difficult period and noone played their strongest side every time.

Totally agree. They have a Euro final and a home playoff semi. Why worry about anyone else.

It's not like their seconds have been a soft touch over the last couple of months either.

[Digby]

I think if anyone can show they've not rested players in the run in and they're impacted by Exeter's decision they've got a point

How come? The ludicrous fixture schedule has impacted everybody and no-one's complained about other sides putting out a comedy team on a semi-regular basis. Plus it's hardly unheard of for a side leading by a distance to rest players in preparation for the play-offs - last year both Saracens and Exeter put out the B-side in their last fixture.

Puja

I was attempting to say that in essence nobody is in a position to criticise. Though if I'm wrong and there's a side who hasn't rotated and is impacted by Exeter's rotation they'd have a fair reason to be unhappy, not that I'd want anyone to try and stop Exeter doing whatever they want

[Mellsblue]

[fivepointer]

Yikes, thats not good. "Double figure number".....

And should the Saints players and staff be quarantined now?

[Which Tyler]

Damn that's bad news - I was hoping that the speculation was unfounded; or just a matter of 1-2 individuals and last minute test for those in contact within 48 hours.
Full Story:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugby ... ID-19.html

[Peej]

I also wonder about how Sarries have been affected by what's happened at Racing?

[Which Tyler]

Baxter's comments have ages well...
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/ ... by-players

[Stom]

16 cases with all their "close contacts" to isolate...Sale won't be able to field a team with their squad size.

[Puja]

Baxter's comments have ages well...
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/ ... by-players

Excellent.

Puja

[Timbo]

Sale have issued a statement saying that their game will go ahead as planned.

[Stom]

Sale have issued a statement saying that their game will go ahead as planned.

Yeah, good luck with that...

How exactly, especially if 2 or more are props...