The final round

[Digby]

If you're Wuss why would you play Sale?

[Mellsblue]

If you're a Wuss why would you play Sale?

FTFY

[Digby]

If you're a Wuss why would you play Sale?

FTFY

Ah, the Bolsanaro defence.

[Mellsblue]

If you're a Wuss why would you play Sale?

FTFY

Ah, the Bolsanaro defence.

Is that what Tigers’ defence coach calls his system?

[fivepointer]

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

I really dont see how it can.
Govt advice is for all close contacts to isolate. How can a game go ahead featuring players who have been in contact with positive cases?
If i was a Wuss player i wouldnt fancy it and they are right to seek assurances.

[Which Tyler]

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

I really dont see how it can.
Govt advice is for all close contacts to isolate. How can a game go ahead featuring players who have been in contact with positive cases?
If i was a Wuss player i wouldnt fancy it and they are right to seek assurances.

If they test negative after being a contact, then they're free to play (presumably - certainly free to no self-isolate).

The questions are - when was the last session (training or social) that would be deemed "close contact"? how many players were involved? what positions were they? and what cover can they russle up?
I absolutely expect it to be cancelled and forfeit, but it's not impossible.
FTR, I also think it's wrong that a single negative is enough to give the all clear, given the high rate of false negatives, but that's opinion, not guideline.

[Mellsblue]

Sale saying they can put out a XXIII that has had no contact with those who tested positive. Given the size of their squad that seems fanciful. The samples are also being retested in the hope they were false positives.
Regardless, it’s not in Sale’s hands.

[Which Tyler]

Sale saying they can put out a XXIII that has had no contact with those who tested positive. Given the size of their squad that seems fanciful. The samples are also being retested in the hope they were false positives.
Regardless, it’s not in Sale’s hands.

1sts yes; but they've got a decent enough academy haven't they? Not to mention that they're supposed contacting recently retired players asking them to come back; and that they may well be able to secure some loan players from somewhere like Newcastle.
Anyone got a list of Sale players who retired over the summer?
It may be a team full of ringers and kids - but I'd guess that that's better for everyone than a straight forfeit. Too many guests and it'll raise questions about the salary cap - but probably not too many if they're only paid for 1 week's work.

Bolded part is clutching at straws - not many false positives from these tests; loads of false negatives though.

It's unlikely that they'll be able to put out a full 23 - but not inconceivable. Only another 90 minutes before we find out.

[Stom]

Sale saying they can put out a XXIII that has had no contact with those who tested positive. Given the size of their squad that seems fanciful. The samples are also being retested in the hope they were false positives.
Regardless, it’s not in Sale’s hands.

If the positives are backs, I don't see a major problem, but Sale have a very light pack...they might struggle if too many are forwards.

[Digby]

Sale saying they can put out a XXIII that has had no contact with those who tested positive. Given the size of their squad that seems fanciful. The samples are also being retested in the hope they were false positives.
Regardless, it’s not in Sale’s hands.

1sts yes; but they've got a decent enough academy haven't they? Not to mention that they're supposed contacting recently retired players asking them to come back; and that they may well be able to secure some loan players from somewhere like Newcastle.
Anyone got a list of Sale players who retired over the summer?
It may be a team full of ringers and kids - but I'd guess that that's better for everyone than a straight forfeit. Too many guests and it'll raise questions about the salary cap - but probably not too many if they're only paid for 1 week's work.

Bolded part is clutching at straws - not many false positives from these tests; loads of false negatives though.

It's unlikely that they'll be able to put out a full 23 - but not inconceivable. Only another 90 minutes before we find out.

Everyone bar Wuss, who can lock in a place in Europe without risking getting Covid if the match doesn't go ahead. And I really don't see how Sale didn't know about this, went ahead with contact training, and have enough people who haven't had direct contact or by proxy with infected persons

[Digby]

FTFY

Ah, the Bolsanaro defence.

Is that what Tigers’ defence coach calls his system?

for that you have to blame it on the Bossa Nova

[Raggs]

Sale saying they can put out a XXIII that has had no contact with those who tested positive. Given the size of their squad that seems fanciful. The samples are also being retested in the hope they were false positives.
Regardless, it’s not in Sale’s hands.

1sts yes; but they've got a decent enough academy haven't they? Not to mention that they're supposed contacting recently retired players asking them to come back; and that they may well be able to secure some loan players from somewhere like Newcastle.
Anyone got a list of Sale players who retired over the summer?
It may be a team full of ringers and kids - but I'd guess that that's better for everyone than a straight forfeit. Too many guests and it'll raise questions about the salary cap - but probably not too many if they're only paid for 1 week's work.

Bolded part is clutching at straws - not many false positives from these tests; loads of false negatives though.

It's unlikely that they'll be able to put out a full 23 - but not inconceivable. Only another 90 minutes before we find out.

Everyone bar Wuss, who can lock in a place in Europe without risking getting Covid if the match doesn't go ahead. And I really don't see how Sale didn't know about this, went ahead with contact training, and have enough people who haven't had direct contact or by proxy with infected persons

Well, can't imagine bristol would be upset either, gives them a much better chance of taking top 4.

[Mellsblue]

Ah, the Bolsanaro defence.

Is that what Tigers’ defence coach calls his system?

for that you have to blame it on the Bossa Nova

I’d say Borthwick is more of a Vectra estate.

[Mellsblue]

Sale saying they can put out a XXIII that has had no contact with those who tested positive. Given the size of their squad that seems fanciful. The samples are also being retested in the hope they were false positives.
Regardless, it’s not in Sale’s hands.

Bolded part is clutching at straws - not many false positives from these tests; loads of false negatives though.

Anywhere between 0.8% and 4%

[Digby]

Is that what Tigers’ defence coach calls his system?

for that you have to blame it on the Bossa Nova

I’d say Borthwick is more of a Vectra estate.

Leicester are more a Titan Dump

[Mellsblue]

for that you have to blame it on the Bossa Nova

I’d say Borthwick is more of a Vectra estate.

Leicester are more a Titan Dump

That’s the risk you run when you take on two Currys.

[Tigersman]

So apparently Sale, Worcester and Saints all might have positive tests and that the round might be postponed?

[Which Tyler]

Wuss as well? I thought they'd announced a team "in case the match goes ahead"

[Digby]

Postponed? Has Theresa May taken on the job of fixtures secretary? For anyone who considers such comment around prevarication and delay too political feel free to insert the name of any prospective England #9 instead

[Raggs]

Might have meant glaws who were delayed but have nowannounced.

[OnlyMonikerRemaining]

If Wuss refuse to play do Sale still forfeit the game? Might be mind games at play here.

[fivepointer]

BREAKING: Premiership Rugby confirm that Sale vs Worcester has been postponed to Wednesday.

Zero mention of Gloucester vs Northampton

[Digby]

The integrity of something was going to break whatever the call

[fivepointer]

BREAKING: Gloucester vs Northampton has been cancelled.

This is due to Saints now only having one hooker and one tighthead prop available.

[Shiny]

BREAKING: Gloucester vs Northampton has been cancelled.

This is due to Saints now only having one hooker and one tighthead prop available.

So following the rules Gloucester would get a 20-0 win and the points. Glad that doesn’t suck then and Sale get extra time to make up a squad.