Bristol’s relegation confirmed, whilst Bath slip up
Bristol’s looming relegation was finally confirmed on Sunday. Nobody could argue with their spirit in the last two fixtures, but they gave themselves too much to do in having to get a result against Wasps. They gained an early advantage through a converted Jason Woodward try, but the Coventrians ran in three in reply to lead at the break. The scoring machine that is Christian Wade added one of three more to give Wasps an unassailable lead, however the hosts didn’t roll over as they grabbed a couple more, but ultimately sank to the second-tier with a 36-21 defeat. The visitors, with two games to go, will accept nothing less than topping the table and a visit to Twickenham at the end of May. On the other hand, Bristol have a long off-season to comprehend life in the Championship, but are week set to bounce back immediately, especially with promotion playoffs being scrapped next season.
Fellow West Countrymen, Bath, succumbed to Worcester, which was the catalyst for Bristol’s relegation. The shock defeat also means the men from the Rec waste the advantage in the race for fourth, which they worked so hard for against Tigers last week. They led at half time, courtesy of a Matt Banahan try, but it was thrown away as Worcester turned on the style in the second half, running in three tries. In the end, George Ford had to salvage a losing bonus point, kicking a late penalty to leave the scores at 25-19.
Genge stars as Tigers capitalise, Saracens snatch win
Where Bath slipped, Tigers did exactly what was required. They took a while to get going, with Ellis Genge scoring the first try against Newcastle only a touch before half time. After the break, they turned it around. A costly David Wilson yellow allowed Tigers to ounce, with Telusa Veainu scoring and Genge adding a second. Ben Youngs secured the all important extra point with a gorgeous break, leaving the score 30-3.
The boot of Alex Lozowski and late tries from Chris Ashton and Marcelo Bosch saved Saracens from a costly defeat to Northampton. Saints, who were certainly deserving of victory, could do nothing to halt the late fight back. After building a comfortable lead at 25-12, it was all thrown away, with Lozowski dictating things.
Gloucester got a fabulous win in a feast of running rugby at Kinsholm. The 39-30 victory against Sale keeps their hopes of Champions Cup qualification well alive. This was helped by Harlequins 39-26 loss to Exeter, a team who look to have found the resolve required to win the Premiership. Harlequins, Saints and Gloucester are all in contention for that place, although not one of them has an easy run-in…………
Ospreys slide continues, Edinburgh downed by Treviso
What has happened in Swansea? Having spent most of the season flying in the top two of the Pro12, they now find themselves precariously close to dropping out of the playoffs altogether after a fourth straight loss. A classy Cardiff Blues were their vanquishers this time, cruising to a 35-17 win – their first against their rivals since 2010. It was all too easy for the Blues, who romped into a 21-3 interval lead, Kristian Dacey and Lloyd and Nick Williams scoring the tries. Taufa’ao Filise secured the bonus point soon after the break, with Ospreys only getting points on the board after it was way too late. They have a crucial couple of fixtures now, hosting fifth placed Ulster and then travelling to third placed Scarlets.
As for those two teams, Ulster battled hard, but ultimately succumbed to Munster 22-20, whilst Scarlets made hard work of beating Dragons 21-16. The Irish derby was a fascinating encounter, going back and forth throughout. Ulster were very lax with their handling, which ultimately cost them a game they could – and should – have won. Dave O’Callaghan scored a late try for the hosts, which sees them through to playoffs as a guarantee. The Welsh derby was somewhat less entertaining, but more tense than anticipated. Dragons led at the break, before Jonathan Davies and Liam Williams scored tries that wrestled the game in Scarlets’ favour.
Treviso hauled themselves off the bottom and in touching distance of Edinburgh and Dragons with a 21-6 victory over the former. It was the Scots’ eighth loss in succession in the competition. Leinster made sure of home advantage in the playoffs, running in five tries as they beat Connacht 37-24. In Scotstoun, Glasgow got a glut of tries against Zebre as they won 45-10.
Bordeaux and Racing claim vital victories
Bordeaux kept up the pressure on the playoff places with a vital 22-19 victory in Brive. The race is becoming increasingly chaotic, with the majority of the league in with a chance of making it, but Racing took a step closer as they claimed fifth position with a 10-8 win at Toulouse. La Rochelle suffered a rare loss at the hands of Lyon 29-25, whilst the chasing pack of Montpellier and Clermont got humongous wins over the lowly Bayonne (61-22) and Grenoble (59-18) respectively. Stade won big as well, smashing Pau 51-16 and Castres suffered a galling 23-14 loss to Toulon.
Brumbies stunned by Rebels
This year, the Australian conference seems at odds and ends, with no team really grabbing the bull by the horns. It was backed up at the weekend as the conference topping Brumbies sank to defeat at the hands of lowly Melbourne Rebels 19-17. Reds also found some form with a comprehensive dismantling of Southern Kings 47-34. In New Zealand, Hurricanes just about held off Blues 28-24, whilst Sunwolves came crashing back down to earth at the hands of Crusaders, who put 50 points on their visitors’ 3. Bulls bounced back by beating Los Jaguares 26-13, Stormers were stormed (?) by Lions 29-16 and Cheetahs were seen off by the Chiefs 41-27.
Hero of the week
Ellis Genge and Alex Losowski are honourable mentions, as are Dave O’Callaghan and Cardiff Blues. However, I mentioned it earlier in the season and it only seems to be reinforced as the season goes on, the competitiveness of the French league is incredible. Whilst other leagues tend to have some meaningless fixtures at this time of year, every game in that league holds water and almost anybody can beat anyone. I’m sure the feasibility of it wouldn’t work, but I would love to see England follow the French model with 14 teams and two promotion and relegation spots, as well as six playoff positions. Controversial, possibly, but for interest and competitiveness, it is the best.
Villain of the week
I have heard of nothing particularly ‘villainous’ this week, so will have to give it to the teams who seem bent on throwing away promising league positions, particularly Ospreys, who are losing to teams they should be beating comfortably, as well as big name rivals.
Try of the week
The creative forces of Ben Te’o and Jackson Willison were at work in the setting up of Josh Adams’ vital try for Warriors.
Discussion points
Who is likely to make European qualification spots?
What do Bristol need to do to bounce back and stay up next time?
What has gone wrong for Ospreys?
Who will miss out in the Pro12 playoffs?
With the French league completely open, who will make the playoffs?
Why can’t Australian teams find consistency this season?
Did anyone do themselves any last minute Lions help or damage?
By Joe Large
Villain of the week should go to whoever is leaking the Lions squad a day early, whether it’s true or not!
I really hope it’s not true because that would mean that Joseph hasn’t made the squad but Jonathan Davies has, which would be an absolute travesty!!
On form I would pick Joseph, Daly, Ringrose, Henshaw or Huw Jones ahead of Davies in the 13 shirt.
Whilst I am surprised, there could be some logic behind it. If he fancies a test team with two playmakers in Sexton and Farrell, I can see the logic in wanting a big lump outside them to get us over the gainline. Rumour has it that Te’o is in as well. I potentially we will see Henshaw, Davies and Te’o as the centre options alongside Farrell? Not what I’d do, but I can see the logic.
Henshaw and T’eo I can understand on form, and I know he likes Davies, but he is nowhere near the form he was in when the last Lions tour was on. Does he really think Davies can find that form again before the tour starts?
I don’t actually think Gats will play with two playmakers. It’s not his style, and it’s not Howley’s attacking style of play either. (Still can’t believe he’s the attack coach for this Lions tour!!!). I think we will see Sexton/Farrell with Henshaw and Davies/T’eo. I can see it being picked apart quite easily by NZ, but I hope to be proved wrong.
The issue then is one of those “big lumps” can’t pass (JD in case anyone was wondering). His passing is abysmal considering he is an international rugby player, and with him at 13 he would surely ruin any attacking chances the Lions back 3 might have.
I can see your logic but having a big runner isn’t always the best option. The ABs will likely have a combination of Crotty/Anton LB/Fekitoa all of which are very quick and have great hands. I can see JD being left for dead by anyone he lines up against.
For what it’s worth, I wouldn’t have Davies anywhere near it either but I can’t imagine him not being in there, Gatland loves him.
He can be useful as a strike runner as long as Sexton and Farrell both play. Without those two, and him in the 13 channel, I worry our back three would see very little ball.
As Jacob says below I wouldn’t have him anywhere near my Lions squad. As you say not great passing skills compared to Joseph.
The problem is with Howley as attack coach and Gatland in charge I fear the worst for any hopes of an attacking back line. My only hope is that Henshaw/T’eo gets picked and he goes with a midfield of Sexton, Farrell and Henshaw/T’eo if Joseph isn’t on the plane.
I would actually have picked Henshaw to start over JJ anyway in the tests so it doesn’t really change my test back line of: Murray, Sexton, North, Farrell, Henshaw, Watson, Hogg – but if Davies somehow slips in there then I would be quite gutted.
Villain of the week to Joe Large for the horrible suggestion of following the incredibly unsuccessful model used by the French and ruining the English rugby
Fair! I knew someone would have something to say about that, but I didn’t want to play it safe.
Not a fan then? I won’t pretend to know too much about the financial side of it (I know money talks volumes over there), and the quality isn’t always great, however simply in terms of the set up, I am a big fan. Plenty of competitiveness, different teams challenging each year, two teams up and down means there is a great chance of bouncing straight back and of building towards promotion (however the Championship isn’t currently strong enough to make that worthwhile over here). What is it that you don’t like about it?
Two words
“Player Burnout”
Whilst I’m at it, I got the try of the week wrong as well, having just read the Super Rugby article. That Quade Cooper inspired effort is a gem. Definite villain now!
Leaks!
Lancaster leaves, Jones come in. No more leaks on England selections.
Clearly it is know where these leaks come from and/or who provides the leaks. So with the Lions leaking details on these English players it is either someone from within the England camp who is happy to share Lions info but not England info, or someone from the Lions who used to be with England.
Either way it stinks.
Rowntree fits the latter. Would be surprised though. Maybe somebody backroom.
Davies over Joseph would be a joke. Joseph’s defence is excellent for one, as he’s so quick on his feet. Maybe Gatland/Howley feel they have that kind of option in Daly though.
Would feel really sorry for Launchbury, but think i think line out abilty will rule in the squad. AWJ, Itoje, Kruis, Lawes all call and jump well in the lineout. Maybe Ryan/Henderson do too, i don’t know.
Always felt Ford was a long shot, and Brown definitely not a tourist. Robshaw I’d have, but over who I’m not sure.
It looks as though Gatland is picking players to suit a style he wants, as opposed to form. It’s a tactic I’d agree with, it’s just a style that I really can’t get on board with.
Agreed Jacob, makes sense to pick the players that fit your tactical plan, whether people agree with those selections or not. My concern, like yours, is that tactical plan has never evolved or been effective for Wales. NZ will destroy a Lions team that tries to play with such a limited plan. I’m actually really surprised Gatland/Howley have been chosen to lead this tour with their lack of success internationally against SH
I would agree to an extent, but the idea of the lions is that it should be the “Best of British” (and Irish), a showcase of our best taking on the SH best. This will be far from the best we have. It is setting up for a repeat of the Summer where Wales were battered 4 times (once by a club side) by New Zealanders.
I think what irks me the most is that on numerous occasions ‘Form’ was said to be the main factor in deciding this years Lions squad. Clearly this was never going to be the case.
I do agree. However, if he does pick twin playmakers in Sexton and Farrell, which Wales don’t really have the luxury of, plus a real ball playing 15 in Hogg then potentially a bosher at 13 isn’t the worst idea? That isn’t quite the Warrenball that Wales played and failed with down there.
Maybe I’m being hopeful…
If you’re being hopeful, I will be cynical!!
I’m fully expecting a back line of Phillips, Biggar, North, Roberts, Davies, Cuthbert and Halfpenny!!
Haha I really hope that it’s the backline I posted above, I guess we’ll find out in June!
You might not be far off if the continuing leaks are accurate!
You can’t make square pegs fit round holes. Joseph isn’t a bosh-merchant and so may be less appealing to Gatland. The concern is that he is one of the best, if not the best, 13s in Europe and would cause NZ headaches. With a defence as good as theirs, we don’t want to be running straight at them all day.
Bristol are in a pretty decent position. They’ve got the bones of a good squad with a few genuinely classy players to join them (don’t know if Woodward is staying?). There’s a new coach coming in who’s shown what he can do with a relatively modest set up but will now have plenty of money to throw around at a club that pretty much knows it will come straight back to the Premiership and can plan (spend) accordingly. Lam will have next year to get the current squad tuned in to his game plan and then add a further smattering of star dust that could establish them properly in the Aviva.
I really like the look of Woodward. For his sake I hope he gets snapped up by a Prem team as I can see him as a potential replacement for Brown.
Agreed.
If they do bounce straight back up (and it’s difficult to look past that), they will be very well set to establish themselves next time around. They need to recruit a little more intelligently, but with the playoffs being scrapped, they should have more time to do that next year.
So…latest rumour is Dr. Roberts is included in the Lions squad. Because a centre partnership of Ben Teo and Jamie Roberts isn’t difficult to read at all. Oh wait. Dammit, Warren!
I’m looking forward to the outpouring of rage on here if that turns out to be true!
Telegraph’s reporting a 40 man squad, so a little bit easier to compute that Roberts made it – Gatland wants a bosher on tour and if T’eo gets injured…
Earls on the other hand I really can’t justify.
Christ almighty. The telegraph are reporting Roberts as being selected for the Lions. The man can’t even make the starting line up of a poor Welsh team and has hardly set the premiership alight at Quins.
This can’t be true can it?
Jamie “hair plugs” Roberts is going because of his awesome guitar playing and additional medical qualifications. He helps the number crunchers as his cost is allocated to back office staff, entertainments and playing departments. Genius p&l management from Gatland
Its quite a dispiriting thought to consider the best these islands have to offer includes Jamie Roberts and Keith Earls.
The Telegraph this morning notes that the squad will contain 12 Welsh players. Off the top of my head this must include a full Welsh backline which makes me feel quite uneasy.
Perhaps these leaks are deliberate in order to lessen the shock when they do announce at 12pm.
If we end up with 12 Welsh players that came 5th in this years 6 nations then it’ll be a complete sham. Not a surprise, but still.
For what it is worth here is the leaked Lions Tour Party according to the NZ Herald
Back 3: Hogg, Halfpenny, North, Nowell, Watson, Williams, Earls.
Centres: Daly, Henshaw, Te’o, Davies, Roberts.
First Five: (Fly Half) Sexton, Farrell, Biggar.
Half Backs: Murray, Youngs, Webb.
Props: Marles, Vunipola, McGrath, Furlong, Sinckler, Cole
Hookers: Best, Owens, George.
Locks: Itoje, Kruis, Lawes,Wyn Jones, Ryan, Henderson.
Flanks: O’Brien, O’Mahony, Stander, Warbuton, Tipuric.
NO 8: Vunipola Faletau.
If this is true (and how a NZ journalist is leaking the squad before us I’m not sure…), the forwards look really strong, perhaps I’d have Launch and Robshaw in there but I’m pretty happy otherwise.
the back however I’m concerned about. I could pick a test squad back line I’d be happy with but there’s too many not in form players there (Bigger, Roberts, Davies, Earls and halfpenny) who are only an injury away from starting. If Gats hasn’t already marked the as his test starters…
Hi there, the whole thing is going fine here and ofcourse every one is sharing information, that’s genuinely excellent, keep up writing.|