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Episode 21: Mega Rugby Weeknd 2 Preview
28 Plays7 years ago
There's lots that'll be happening this weekend, yes apart from all the news we've heard over the last week or so. We do discuss some of those topics on this episode including the bit of trouble our boys, Saracens, got themselves in. Also, who's to blame for Worcester's flat line at Kingston Park last week. We wrap up the weekend's action in both Premiership and Super Rugby, give our advice on your fantasy teams for all 3 competitions this week. Of course don't miss our Leather Ball pick 'em for the week, Ben's gaining ground back, could make for some fun in the end.
Follow us on Twitter, Jarrod- jdyke8man & Ben- admrablsnackbar
Email fantasyrugbypodcast@gmail.com with questions, feedback or just to say what's up.
Music by Royalty Free Music provided by http://www.soundotcom.com
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Transcript
Podcast Introduction
00:00:08
Speaker
What's up, everybody? It's the Fantasy Rugby Games. My name is Jared Dyke. I'm Ben Glaser. We are broadcasting from just outside of Boston, Massachusetts. It's Wednesday. Our plans got kind of thrown into the wrench. So what can you do? Life gets in the way. But hey, we're here and we're ready to talk some rugby. So what are you gonna do?
00:00:25
Speaker
All right, let's open these suckers thing right now Like right now. So while we're doing this shoot, it's always great to get a text message From the wife as you're leaving work asking. Hey this morning. Did the dog have the runs?
00:00:41
Speaker
Oh no, this morning? This morning. So she asked me that as I'm leaving work this afternoon. The dog did not have the runs in the morning. But she did in the afternoon. Something happened. Something happened. She got into something. Oh no. Everything's OK. She's fine. She'll get home. The dog's as happy as could be. But there's paper towels over certain areas of the front. She's like, yeah, it's clean, but it's not. Utter disaster. Oh my god.
00:01:09
Speaker
That was my afternoon. That was yours. Not nearly that exciting. I need that beer. There you go.
Podcast Availability
00:01:19
Speaker
Don't forget everybody can find us on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play. Make sure you download, rate us, and give us a review. Send us an email if you want. We always look forward to reviews. If you leave us a review on iTunes, we'll be on the air probably.
00:01:34
Speaker
So as we did last week, we changed the format. We're gonna change it a little bit this week too. We're trying to get better at this, we're trying to evolve, and you don't get better without evolving and changing, so we're trying to do that.
Welsh Rugby Challenges
00:01:46
Speaker
So let's go, let's do, let's do.
00:01:48
Speaker
Six Nations preview and before we get to it um obviously news broke today that what with the other thing we were going to talk about is now off and that is the osprey scarlet merger oopsie because i mean i'm sure the osprey's former chairman's tirade had nothing to do with that whatsoever yeah and yeah who was the scarlet said it was off the table today too yep so
00:02:15
Speaker
Yeah, when one side of the merger says this is not going to happen, we're walking away. I'm pretty sure it's dead. Yeah, it's dead. Unless some serious changes are made. But I think it's probably in the long run for the best. Right. Well, you know, because I was thinking about it the other day, like, the Champions Cup for the Welsh has always has been a bit of a
00:02:42
Speaker
It's been a bit of a task for them. They had the scarlets get to the final last year, semi final last year. And that was the best they'd done for a long time, honestly. I don't think anybody any of them have gotten to the final in a long damn time. If they have, I don't remember what it was. It's escaping me. So I mean, I remember back must have been
00:03:10
Speaker
Decade ago at least probably more um that you know, the ospreys were Like the what they were basically the the welsh national team Yeah, they were they had a lot of players and it's still the two best teams between scarlets and ospreys although cartiff pluice Did a lot better this year than people anticipate I think so uh in terms of champions their champions cut performances and have quite a few players on their on that team as well
00:03:34
Speaker
I'm very surprised that the Dragons, with all the signings they had, haven't done as well. They had Hibbard go there, they had... I think they had Moriarty there now as well, so... But they did have a small influx of Welsh players returning to the home country there, and I'm surprised they have...
00:03:59
Speaker
Done as poorly as they have. Yeah, so Beats me. Um, I think this is a this is obviously a situation that needs to continue to be addressed for the Welsh This was a bad idea to solve the problem they need to wasn't a good one right that way They need they need a good idea to solve the problem. Yes
00:04:18
Speaker
Agreed, I think it might have been a little it might have been a little rushed too because it was only Started to have the chatter about
Scotland vs. Wales Preview
00:04:24
Speaker
it. Like I think the beginning I think the end of the summer here. Yeah, so Maybe maybe a bit of a rush job on that one All right. So let's go. Let's let's look at the matches. Why not? So Scotland Wales speak of double At Murray Field, this is probably
00:04:43
Speaker
I'd say that the two remaining hills for the Welsh getting to the Grand Slam are equal sized only because they get the Irish at home and they get the Scots on the road. If it was reverse, I'd say Dublin would be a lot bigger challenge. Oh, absolutely. And you know, Scots at home would be probably a very doable thing for them.
00:05:02
Speaker
This will be not easy. No, it will not be easy. And it sounds like Finn Russell's back. As long as he didn't break himself, he can't get harassing. So, you know, that's obviously gonna make things very interesting. Hastings has been apparently on a bit of a tirade, calling people out left and right, including our friend Greg Lillah.
00:05:22
Speaker
Good. Well, Laidlaw probably needs it. It's hard for me to look at the Welsh and not want to pick them because they've announced their team already. It's the same team virtually. If there's any changes, it's pretty much the same team. They have a dynamic back three between North Adams and Liam Williams. They have two 10s that can change their game plan.
00:05:52
Speaker
At will all you gotta do is just pick one remove one and place it with the other so I think Scotland will Give it a game. I think this is gonna be ugly number one. Yeah, this will not be a pretty game This will not be a game for the faint of heart. This is gonna be a lot of physicality in this game. I have a feeling so Do the do the well stumble Sorry, anyone fans probably not. No, I don't think so It's do it and this hog back
00:06:20
Speaker
Um, no. Okay. No, that's, that's, that's huge. Obviously. Right. I mean, right. So yeah, I got to agree with you. I don't think this was going to be the week that, that Wales fall. Um, I think I, you know, I, it's, it's sad to me to question Scotland's heart.
00:06:46
Speaker
But I don't think, and as you said, calling out Laidlaw, I liked Laidlaw's reaction against Ireland because he was fired up and his team was hard done. And you say things when that happens. But to carry that on in the next week when you just shit the bed and you shit a one, you had every right to win and you didn't.
00:07:12
Speaker
And you had Bastero fucking Dippity-dooing over you with those little oh with the chip kick. Yeah Bastros chipping on you. It's a bad day, right? That you can't you know You got to look at your shipping. Yeah So I had they responded better in against France in France I would Yeah, I'd give Scotland more of a chance
00:07:36
Speaker
I think they're uh, you know, there's certain teams where where you'll You look at them and they're like they're ready to pack it in and just be done with this competition That might be them. I think that's them. Yeah you're probably less so than the Italians who are Still fighting tooth and nail for everything they can get right so which I can you know, give them credit for that That's for damn sure to me. That's a big difference is italy. I mean italy's got nothing to lose and
00:08:03
Speaker
Nope, whereas scotland has nothing to lose but pride and I I don't know They might be losing a little bit of that. I think they're I think they've lost that Yeah a little bit the past couple of weeks. So there you go. Yeah Not good. I don't expect scotland to it's like you said it's gonna be an ugly game This is not good. I don't think whales are gonna blow them out. Nope. I I just think if uh, really if i'm whales At the very least i'm looking to keep it close because I think at the end They're gonna be they're gonna be able to out will scotland in the last probably true
00:08:32
Speaker
Yeah. Or they'll just blow them out. Yeah, maybe they hose them. But if this game is close, late, I can't see Scotland late. I don't know how they figure it out. Yeah, you're probably right about that. So.
00:08:47
Speaker
The last time that this next fixture occurred We had some interesting things come out of it. I loved that and one of them was the Fox defense I love which got the kibosh put on it about six months later when they changed the laws But I mean, yeah, I mean good on Italy for coming up with something different and trying to throw a monkey wrench into it But yeah, we need to fix this if you want to win as an underdog You either have to play out of your minds or you have to play outside the box
00:09:18
Speaker
They definitely played outside the box. Yeah, I mean when you had the I still remember at halftime the England players There were like four or five of them surrounding the ref. I can't remember who it was was apart. It wasn't pharmacy No, I think okay. Oh, that's right Yeah, like what do we do about this is I am NOT your coach you figure it out Yeah, that was pretty funny
00:09:45
Speaker
Okay, I'll give what I'll give plot this one. That's one. I'll give them. Yes That was convinced me that one that was that was clever. That was almost like Nigel Owens Ian Yeah, very very very very similar. I'm not here to tell you how to play No, I'm just here to referee the match that I see in front of me. Absolutely. Yeah, that's awesome. Yeah, so but I think
00:10:07
Speaker
I think it'll be a a challenge again Italy seemed to be very motivated to just find a win somewhere they don't care who it is and I'm sure knocking off England and Twickenham would probably be a The biggest feather in their cap of all time huge. So is paledry back do we know? I don't I don't think he was on there. I don't know if he got retained Sorry, he played against Harry's didn't he or he played? Yes this past week. Yeah, so he is healthy. Yeah, so that's a
00:10:37
Speaker
I just don't know if he's been called back. I don't know if he got released, um Back to his team.
Italy vs. England Speculation
00:10:44
Speaker
So but um, yeah, so paludry and braley both got called in eventually. Um Do do do do oh, here we go
00:10:53
Speaker
O'Shea O'Shea his name the team did about 12 hours ago. He's bringing with him his turn in terms of right players Looking for flankers and come on computer move fast
00:11:09
Speaker
Um, I did to do oh, I don't see. Yeah, I don't see him on the list. Okay, which is unfortunate Although Parisi is on the list, which is good to see at least that that's good. That's good They need him. They need him. Uh, braley was not retained either. So
00:11:24
Speaker
That's the unfortunate part, but oh well. I mean, it would have been fun to see the two of them make their debut for Italy at Twickenham. But I think O'Shea's got bigger plans up his sleeve and as much of a nice guy as he is. Yeah, I know. Eight players excluded. Yep. There it is. And I'm just wondering if, you know, what it'll, I'm sorry, not Italy, what England's strategy is going to be.
00:11:48
Speaker
As far as do they do they run light and try to get some backups in get guys maybe a cap or two that are You know that that i'd say you'll see probably two guys that are uncapped on the on the on the bench one of them Named thoroughly the other one named earl. I I think those two should be Definitely on the squad
00:12:10
Speaker
Yeah, I think I think they both got retained for the week too. So okay for the weekend rather so that'll um Don't make for I mean don't me prefer on you and I will both be excited for both those guys watch watching them get a cap Yeah, and I think they'll both do well when they go in. So yeah early played out of skin last week. We talked about that We get permission, but um, so with no a little banged up still yes, I I can't imagine he's gonna play
00:12:34
Speaker
I really can't imagine that morrow's gonna play. No, they retain they retain ewels for For injury cover. I think um, I think italy will uh, it like damn it I did too. See what you see what you made me do. See what you made me do Um, I think in England will be very dumb to roll morrow out there if he's not yeah 1 million percent healthy. It's not worth it. So that's So does my man play?
00:13:00
Speaker
Um, I don't, did they retain Coles? I don't think they did. Dan Cole. Oh, so he's probably starting. Uh, yeah. Genge. I bet you the starting our, our colon and Genge. Yeah. And then sink and Harry Williams.
00:13:18
Speaker
Yeah, I bet you you're the two luster props are you starting props for this match? I know that does you a whole lot of excitement right there. Yeah, I know. What are you gonna do? Yeah, I don't know.
00:13:40
Speaker
So yeah, so I think England Don't start the strongest team, but I also think they remember one what Ireland just had to go through grant They were in Rome and not at home and to what happened a couple years ago and they put they put they still put some strong names out there and
00:13:55
Speaker
That's true. So like that there might be a little bit of payback in in yeah in stores Yeah, so maybe yeah, maybe maybe they may name a really strong squad in italy go o down. This is not good. Yeah, I mean
00:14:08
Speaker
Before I even just said that, I was thinking that Ford would probably start over Faz, but now that we mentioned that, oh yeah, England had a little bit of payback in mind, possibly. Like I said, from the last time they were at home, maybe they do decide to just- Be like, all right, we're gonna hose you guys now. All right, and then the last match of the weekend, again, should be a hell of a match. Ireland and France.
00:14:39
Speaker
I cannot and we've France have done what they did before they've already announced their team and they didn't change a thing Which is very very unique. I was like what I think Nick Mullins on Twitter was like alert. Yeah France unchanged alert I was like what I was like, this is not a drill. I
00:14:57
Speaker
Yeah, I think I saw some comment somewhere on the twitters that said Uh, I wonder if the you know, do they even have a coach anymore? Do the players just say get the fuck out? Yeah, maybe because this is what's gonna work. We're running the shit deal you leave. We're now um, maybe Yeah might be the best strategy they could possibly employ at the moment
00:15:17
Speaker
Yeah, and um, I what but I am looking forward to as we said last week about That 9 10 combination it's a Mac and DuBois. Yes. Yep seeing them against Ireland. Yeah, this is This could be I mean, I thought that that last week your last match was it was a pretty good coming out party, right? This could be You know if they pull this off
00:15:43
Speaker
I mean you might as well book them to Japan. You might as well book them to Japan. They need to be on the plane probably, assuming that their form doesn't completely fall to pieces in the top 14. They're set for, I think they're going to be there at that combination for the next 10 years unless they fund somebody better. No argument on me.
00:16:05
Speaker
But this could this could be one of those, you know, remember back when this was when we first saw that this is what they did right from the start. And, you know, kind of like when a Toji came on the stage and just wrecked shop and won every, you know, he didn't lose a match for what, like a calendar year. Oh, yeah, that's right. I remember that. And this could be one of those one of those those moments where you watch these two guys play and you're like, this is this is going to be something to watch for another.
00:16:30
Speaker
Yeah, we'll be I really I really do believe it will be I'd be I'll be very shocked if it's not so I I I got a lot of eyes on this match. Yep all both of them All two of them all two of them three There was I Gotta I gotta thank Ireland
Ireland vs. France Match Preview
00:16:50
Speaker
again. They're gonna look kind of like England They're gonna go into this match a little pissed with their last performance considering that Italy ran them pretty close and probably didn't deserve to
00:17:00
Speaker
Beat them by as much as they did even though it wasn't that much but still that probably deserved to be a lot closer So I can imagine that island at home are gonna be a very motivated bunch Obviously the view is gonna be rocking as it usually is the last time they're at home was not a good performance for them either So this will be This will be a motivated Irish team and I will remember what you said last time we talked about this where France are always good for one and
00:17:26
Speaker
I think that was their one. They had their one already. So yeah, I think I think you're right I think I think Ireland take this. Yeah, but best role. We'll find a way to screw it up. Oh, yeah No, huge a will find a way to screw this. I know is not because you know a little opposition so No, sexton's looking at you Jay out there and always get over said every time carve you up I would I would kick over his head and attack him every every minute I could
00:17:50
Speaker
Alright, so for your fantasy team, we'll do some fantasy analysis for this for this little bit, and then we will do pick them for the competition and we'll move on. So here's the thing, we talked about guys that just the Wales and France, Wales and Scotland match, sorry, we just talked about France, my bad. The Wales and Scotland match, that's probably a match to just like, any player that's kind of on the borderline, you probably just want to pine them. You really do.
00:18:17
Speaker
tackles Yeah, maybe maybe the grid maybe your yeah, maybe your Gilchrist and your grays Your Alan one Jones the VD. Oh, yes, that's true. That's a big one right there Morin already hasn't done as well as I as I'd hoped Only average is 10 points a match right now. So
00:18:34
Speaker
But Naviti, definitely. Yeah, I definitely would put that one on there. Damn, he's averaging 25 at match right now. So give him that. Al wins at 21. So do that. I'm probably going to be forced to put Sanjay in because I've only got one change in my pocket and I already know I have to make at least one. Because I have laws out. Won't want. And I have Negri as my other lock and he doesn't do anything.
00:19:02
Speaker
Not worth it. McNally will probably be somebody to hang on to. Gilchrist, Richie and Gray for your for your Scots. But any Scots back, if you can avoid them again, I may have to figure out a way to I think I'm going to get forced into playing King Horn. But King Horn is also the top score right now. So it's our second second score. Excuse me. I think Connor Murray still still won. That's all based on that first match. It is. I know. Well, I mean, hey. Yeah.
00:19:31
Speaker
Help me. For your England players, good luck figuring out which ones are which, man. At this point, no. We'll have to wait for another one. That lineup's going to be a pain in the butt to figure out, so yeah. Hold your water until that one comes out.
00:19:45
Speaker
I would whoever starting at at the wings, I would seriously consider though. Yep, whether it's thoroughly Um, you know any token of singing I think is was retained for the weekend. So he's in the squad may Um, yeah, so give those guys a consideration. Obviously daily might be still be at full back
00:20:03
Speaker
I would say we have to wait until the lineup comes out because any of their backs would probably be a good play. Whoever plays nine is probably actually not a terrible play either because all the Scrum Haps have been racking points up against Italy. I have Jamie George on my squad. I may have to
00:20:22
Speaker
I think he'll start I don't think they don't I don't think they have enough I said they they could play a cow and icky the other week The fact that they have that that well the fact that they haven't taken a second hooker to me Tells me that they don't trust cow and icky enough. So they're gonna have
00:20:38
Speaker
They either are going to have Jamie come in early or they're going to start him either way. So I may roll the dice with Jamie George, even if he's not on the... Right. Well, I mean, if he's starting, he's starting your point. Yeah, you have to do it. He's the highest going hooker in this game.
00:20:54
Speaker
And then for your Italians, obviously Parise has performed week in and week out. Stain's done a lot of good work there. Parise is scoring 22 a match, so not bad. Tomato Allen, he's got 22 or so. Palazzani, if he plays, actually no, I don't think it's him that's in the squad, so it might not even be him.
00:21:24
Speaker
So that might be that might be off. Let me see. No, he's in there. But to Baldy actually thinks the starter. So maybe go to Baldy if you had to. Since Paul if Paul's on the scoring, I imagine to Baldy will score just as well. Yeah, those are the guys you want to keep an eye on. Maybe one of the wingers or one of their full backs.
00:21:42
Speaker
Keep keep that consideration Yeah, yeah, I might go because I have to make a change I might go after stain because he's like eligible and that's probably where I need to that's a great idea That's where I need to put him in And then for the Irish you're gonna play your usual guys. You gotta play Murray. You gotta play Stockdale Gotta play Stockdale
00:22:04
Speaker
Yep, honestly any of the second row usually the best Second row in this team has actually done pretty well whether it's Ryan or Quinn Roo Either one of them. It's probably a decent call Ian Anderson might play this game. So that's probably not a bad shout either. Yeah So those guys obviously a guy like Sexton if you have him in your team, you're probably playing him already So just roll with it. It's okay. It's not he hasn't scored a ton and
00:22:29
Speaker
on average but no you still probably got one in there somewhere somewhere in the locker especially against the french so yeah here's the question do the french have
Fantasy Rugby Tips
00:22:38
Speaker
Um, so they have the organizational capacity to lay into sexton the way other teams have to say, you know what we're, you know, to actually, to, to organize as a team and actually put the, the contact in on sexton that they need to, I'm not sure. Um, so right now sexton's on my squad, but you may, you may, you may get forced to play in a feralism play.
00:23:04
Speaker
Exactly that that's really the only way that I think at this point that uh, yeah sexton's starting to attend for me, right And for the french, um, probably piquemore for sure dupont has scored well when he's played, um 39 38 so gotta give him that. Um gyrato good hooker to call on uh Despite the fact that he's kind of a dink huger. He's actually a decent play um, he gets fantasy points even though he's an ass
00:23:31
Speaker
Yeah, Etoria, another one that another one that scored that's been scoring consistently. You know, those are probably it. And then, you know, as much as we like them into Max, probably somebody to maybe hold the brakes on because he had that one game. Right. And that's it. But if you really want, I'm probably going to be forced to play them. So whatever, you know. Yeah, I may end up playing him. I don't know. We'll see. We'll see what happens. I'd like to say Poirot. That prop might be a good play.
00:23:57
Speaker
Yeah, if you need a pro, yeah, props don't score a lot. So if you don't find one that's scoring now and again, you might want to hang on to it. Right. All right. Let's, uh, let's pick these guys and then we'll move on. Um, I have, I have James's picks for six nations. He, I didn't ask him for anything else cause I know this basically the only, only one he cares about. Um, uh, let's go. All right. So he said, he has picked whales.
00:24:25
Speaker
That's a shock. Yeah. And I'm going to as well. And as am I. Yeah. Sorry, Scotland. And he's obviously grabbed England. As have I.
00:24:40
Speaker
Yeah, same. I think we're gonna be all in an agreement here. Yeah, and then viva fun. No, yeah, you you definitely should never pick them I'm out and i'm and i'm i'm gonna go with the the home squad for this one at the viva and pick the irish So I think that one was pretty unoriginal but so be it it's kind of we're at the point in competition You kind of know what you get with
Saracens Controversies
00:25:03
Speaker
all of them. So I don't feel like being a a skip bayless here
00:25:08
Speaker
Or a Healy saying shit just to say shit. I wouldn't want to be in one of them anyway. No. All right. Premier ship. Let's talk a little bit about the Saracens match. Then we'll talk about the little issue that they bumped into and then, you know, and then we'll talk about the other two marquee games and we can breeze over anything else that we that we missed.
00:25:35
Speaker
Hey, this was the Saracens that was angry. That's all I know they were motivated. Yep They were an angry bunch and Ben all looked very good. He was the standout player amazing those picks off the of the scrum It was interesting to see him switching with with Ray on offense and defensive side, right? I liked that I like that tactic when you have a guy who can run especially one who couldn't run like a roll Yes again, you kind of
00:25:59
Speaker
Yeah, it was surprising too because I think he I i'm certain he took the saints by surprise I don't think they were prepared for his speed he's fast He's so fast and it also helps that that they're on the uh, the the fast track. Yeah And and that that makes fast guys even faster. Yes, it does so it's just a different type of speed that that they were seeing out of that eighth and
00:26:21
Speaker
then you normally see from Saracen's. Right. Well, obviously, Billy doesn't have a lot of speed. He just destroys you every time he hits you. Right. And Earl just started running and knew what he got this way. Where'd this guy come from? Wait, there he goes. There he goes.
00:26:38
Speaker
So that yeah, that was uh, that was fun to watch. Saints got dealt a rough hand though with Grayson having to drop out real late and like in the warm-up and And you know fur bank getting thrown at 10. I mean they were all over the place They showed a little grit, but I think the Saracens also took their foot off the gas. Oh, they absolutely took their foot off the gas or pretty early Yeah, that was kind of you know, we're
00:26:59
Speaker
what was it right at the beginning of the second half, they're kicking off, and the one fan yells out, we want 60. Yeah. Oh boy, you know it's a rough day when people are calling for that already at halftime. And yeah, they couldn't, the Saris couldn't kick very well.
00:27:18
Speaker
No, Spencer was a little off, but you know, so be it. But they they took care of business 36, 17. I'll take it. He didn't play in this match, but it was good to see James Haskell back in the Saints fold the other week. But this mother returns. I would have liked to have seen him play. I would have too. I was actually hoping he would. Lewis Ludlam, captain of the team and did lead from the front as best he could, scored himself a try. You give it to him. I frickin love Nicky Tompkins.
00:27:47
Speaker
Man, that kid is unbelievable. Talk about like, and he's, we still have Barrett, we still have Lazowski, we're obviously bringing in Daly next year, which is a topic we're gonna get into in a second. But yeah, goddamn, I love that. This kid is awesome. I can't tell you how much I love, I enjoy watching this kid, because he just plays Motivate, he has an engine.
00:28:12
Speaker
He gives he gives no shits about putting himself out there. He is ready to stick his nose into anything like we talked about Lewington a couple weeks for a few weeks We've talked about Lewington where he's yeah get the ball in his hand and he does amazing stuff But other than that, yeah, I don't really want him Tompkins man rotations a little issue with them Tompkins whenever he's around the ball good things happen
00:28:36
Speaker
Yes, it seems to this weekend for sure. To me, that's the ultimate player that you want to have on your team. If something's happening and he's in the area, something good's going to happen.
00:28:48
Speaker
Yeah, tell me about it. So I I love I agree with your man crush on Tom Yeah, love the kid. Love the kid did awesome When we get to the other other stuff, we'll have a laugh about Brent Ben Franks But yeah, so obviously we gotta address the other elephant in the room
00:29:10
Speaker
Thank God that everything else happened this week because this would be the biggest talking issue of all yeah of all It'd be like that time. It was like Pepsi and Delta and all the news that kept coming out like it just seemed like one big issue after another and the The previous one was like, thank you. Yeah, like oh, we're definitely we're out of the news cycle. Thank you So Saracens are being investigated by the premiership for some sort of breach of the salary cap
00:29:40
Speaker
and just reading what I read, and I think it was Good's article that I actually read, Good's summary of everything in it.
00:29:49
Speaker
I understand, and I'm not going to try and look at this with as unbiased eyes as I could. I am a Saracens fan, and I have been for a while. And I get the issue. I'm not freaking blind to it. Making holding companies with the players. It's very shady. It is. There's no way around that.
00:30:12
Speaker
But here's the thing is, it's a gray area. It has been a gray area for a while and that's the problem. Because there was no definition in it for sure. There was no hard line and I think this is going to make the premiership set a hard line.
00:30:32
Speaker
They'll probably come down the Saracens with you know financial punishment and whatnot sure They're not gonna. I mean there's nothing they can do about what's happened right more than likely So basically gonna be like all right listen you shouldn't have done that, but we also screwed up by not sit by not saying the hard line, so We're gonna find you don't fucking do it again. That's basically what it's gonna come down to I think
00:30:53
Speaker
It reminds me of the Redskins and Cowboys a couple years ago, oddly enough, Cowboys and Indians. When the NFL had a year without a salary cap. Oh, yes. Yes, yes, yes. And they told the owners.
00:31:09
Speaker
Don't fuck around with this But there's nothing they could do about it other than tell them don't fuck around with this because there was no salary cap, right? Of course the both teams went out and signed huge front-loaded contracts with players and violated that year's what would have been that year's salary cap Then made it so that it was cap friendly the rest of the the contract right and they got their dick slapped for it And I think rightly so for that
00:31:34
Speaker
And so again and I think that uh sari's probably get deserved heather pb slapped a little bit too. Um, but at the same time what are you gonna do? They're they were technically Technically following the rules and yeah, we as we all know technically correct is the best kind of correct. It's sometimes it is yes, but and yeah, I I yeah, i'll give them a half-hearted shame on them for for skirting the rules and going a little bit outside
00:31:58
Speaker
But here's the thing, Premiership in England are going to have a hard time really coming hard down on the Saracens because of look what they're producing on the field for both England. And also, I'm sorry, how many Champions Cup
00:32:14
Speaker
Quarter-final teams as England had the last two years two. Oh wait, they're both services and then before that they had they had a handful and then before that they had you know Listen, this is the best team. They hit this is their best shot in Europe and they know that so I'm not gonna be stupid with it I hate to I hate that it's down to that and that like, you know We get the preferential treatment cuz I'm always one that wants to kick somebody in the balls for it. Yeah, but
00:32:36
Speaker
I'm just telling you that that's how it is. I'm not saying that I like it I'm just telling you that's what's that's what's going on with it And I thought goody's article was was actually pretty well balanced with that where he said look at the players who not only have come up But are coming still coming through. Yeah, I mean you still have kapoku and you still have some other guys that are coming up that you're just like oh
00:32:54
Speaker
Earls is still in the conversation. These are going to be the future of England rugby, and they're all coming through the Saracens Academy. And they get credits for that, too. They get money on it. And that was part of Goody's point was that, yeah, if you're looking at the hard cap or what the hard number is, that's not the full story because of those credits. And that's, I think, fair because that goes to, you know, if you're bringing up guys that are, you know, were in your system from essentially birth,
00:33:23
Speaker
Yeah, basically, you know and they develop these early early early early signs like Billy V was it was an early signing many years ago, um, you know stuff like that it's It's there's nothing preventing other teams from doing that right and they're just not doing it I mean i'm sure that there's financial reasons, but
00:33:42
Speaker
At the same time, yeah natural raised got plenty of money to forget spill You know and there's other teams that we could that we could point fingers at and say well They're similar and they have a similar squad and they have less England players. So what's their excuse, right? You know it is it is what it is Saracen's are probably gonna get themselves a little bit of a slap and it'll probably be a Another small hole in Nigel Ray's pocket, but he doesn't I don't think he's gonna care that much. I
00:34:07
Speaker
My favorite part of Goody's article was where he talked about how the Sarries don't have Multiple kiwis or something like that. No, they're paying big money too. And it which is funny because obviously these wasps And it's like well you look at the wasps are basically turning into kiwis So there's a lot of kiwis that were trying. Yeah, right and they're losing all their homegrown talent So they're obviously doing something something's going on with that something wrong So just because the Sarries are doing something right that the wasps are doing wrong
00:34:33
Speaker
He's in there, you know and good he was up front about that saying hey, you know fair play to Saracens for for doing all this stuff that that and he didn't mention wasps by name But I thought that the shout out to the Kiwis was yeah probably towards a clear shot across the bow aim it Aim shot is at one of his old clubs right at the club. He technically works for I think too So yeah, that's that's that and you know won't do it again I'm sure but it's it is it's water under the bridge at this point. You know be money involved. That's about it
00:35:02
Speaker
Let's look at the other marquee matchups real quick Bristol and Gloucester that was entertaining as hell break up the Bears They did it did pretty good stuff for that one And how about this I realized it fairly early on it was very clear to me I
00:35:26
Speaker
We have talked a hell of a lot about harry randall Yeah, because of how good he is and then andy urine gets thrown in there. Hey, remember andy urine like I remember He kind of forgot about him. He made some amazing runs and plays early in the season before Randall really put his stamp on yeah, and and i'm not sure if that was an injury or maybe probably a little nick here Yeah, yep
00:35:47
Speaker
And yeah guys don't lose their their spot due to injury, but when harry rattle comes on and does what he does Yeah, urine might take a backseat and yep, and we all kind of forget about him. But damn. Yep. I agree. So Hey, remember me i'm just gonna carve you up very very good stuff. Um, you know glosser didn't play poorly I don't know don't don't don't I mean they had they had it right up until the last bit where Bristol scored right, you know, so it's not like this was a uh
00:36:12
Speaker
No, this is a hard fought match This is a great showpiece for Friday night. That was for sure right and Bristol is Apparently saying it is not gonna be us that gets relegated. Yep, unlike some other team. Yeah, we'll get to it. Yeah Yeah, Callen braley had to come in cuz will he Heinz got himself knocked? Yeah, that looked like it hurt
00:36:33
Speaker
That was uglier for him than it was for my fantasy team. I felt really bad. That was... That hurts. Yeah. That'll leave a mark. There's nothing you can do about it. The guy's running his line, you get tripped up, you fall, knee right to the dome. That's a hard knee right to the dome. Buh-bye, you're done. Lights out. Sorry. Yeah.
00:36:53
Speaker
so bristol won 28 to 24 a great match uh heads off to bristol looks like they're going to be in this mother mother effort for another uh another year good good for them yeah um a little touch on a couple things before we get to the last mark you and um bath quinn's obviously what did i say yeah you said something about them screwing it up yeah they did
Club Match Highlights
00:37:16
Speaker
Our old friend scored the try, Nathan Earl. Good for him. One non-playing note necessarily, Ben Obano returning to the field after having his knee just absolutely torn to shreds and definitely looking like it was gonna be a long road back for him. So good for him, got himself about 20, 25 minutes. He just looked happy to be out there, really good. He had a big old smile on his face. It was good to see him out there. Gotta love that.
00:37:44
Speaker
you know, yeah, bastard to put this away easily and I mean, the man that we talked about, we've talked about a couple of times and really, he needs to be talked about more, Joe Marchant, just doing everything for the Quinn's, scoring some big tries, you know, he scored the one that got him within striking distance to, after making a chase and just,
00:38:05
Speaker
The guy the guy does just does it all for them? You know, I think it was he's the king of the intercept to between him and Ryan act They they pretty much got a down pat down pat on how to pick off and pass him right at home. So Give him credit Rob shop got in there dominator was done was doing what he does So they they had the right guys clicking for him brownie did well and
00:38:29
Speaker
No Danny care, which is amazing to see that no Danny care and this is what happens, you know, so I'm all krone and mochrone Was it mochrone? Yeah, mochrone got freaking knocked out early and They loose one came in and did the job pretty darn. Well, so Gotta give him some credit. Yeah for sure But you know
00:38:51
Speaker
Quinn's, win it at the death, 31, 29. Bath will figure it out hopefully eventually, otherwise they're gonna be in some real trouble if they can't start figuring some of these out. Well at least they're not in trouble for relegation. No, they're not. They're not in serious trouble, but they do need to, now it's the time to get a little urgent just to prevent it. Yeah, you might wanna get off your bums just a bit.
00:39:18
Speaker
Again, not too much of a, they shouldn't be too worried. They're still right at the top of the bottom half. Yeah. I think they'll be okay. They have enough in the locker. Sail Exeter. This ended with a little squeaky bump time as well. Sail got one somewhat late from Will Cliff and it made it real interesting at the end.
00:39:42
Speaker
was one of these like, could they pull it off? And you know who I was pulling for in this, which is, that's saying a lot. Yeah, I know. I was pulling for him and I was like, damn, you couldn't get the job done. I got to wonder how much they've kind of are, but maybe China aren't missing AJ.
00:40:04
Speaker
You know James is not a true ten per se. He's more of a center to a wing combination type His brother placed has been playing fullback for that, you know, not not on they're not dissimilar molds So gotta wonder how that's going
00:40:20
Speaker
Yeah, we'll have AJ back now, right? Well, because I think he was banged up. He's not playing for us. So, yeah, but I mean, Exeter, all but unchanged with one guy. So, you know, they did well. Cardero. Oh, the Devoto try. Oh, boy, was that slick.
00:40:41
Speaker
every every part of this just just just just just you know squeaky bum time right and that uh that little chip the little little chip to himself it was pretty special but that was just to end the play like every every part of it to get it out to oh i don't i don't i didn't see who it was cordero was the one that dunked it back in because he's the he's the guy that does that yeah
00:41:06
Speaker
Just just keep him keeping it in like yeah doing that that underhanded offload as he's flying into touch and yeah was he ever and and yeah devoto well i've been given devoto a lot of shit for yeah showing me anything that was that was something i said i said um when i saw it i was like oh i guess that's what he has it's special right that's great you know i want to see more see that more let's see that more often there ollie
00:41:31
Speaker
Or some consistency with doing things away from just, you know, five minutes off magic. Yeah. But, you know, that was a good finish. I'm giving him credit for the finish because he did. Yeah, he did well. So Exeter hang on 20 to 14. They stay top of the prem and still still makes the chase for first on.
00:41:51
Speaker
All right, the battle at the bottom, the Newcastle and Worcester relegation fight match, and hey, Newcastle rocked up a little bit. This was not a pretty match. Let's just be real. Call it what it was. It was not a pretty match by any means. The win did not help a couple teams that are struggling in their own identities, let alone. Worcester kind of have one, but they didn't lean to it, so that didn't help. I was so frustrated watching them play this match. We had a conversation about that.
00:42:20
Speaker
I understand your frustration, but I look at it the whole team played like garbage they did was not he was not the catalyst he was just in with the crowd so to me hugard fucked this matchup and it was because
00:42:36
Speaker
As a prop, there are certain things you have to do in a match. You want your scrum half, although you understand the physical limitations of many scrum halves, you want your scrum half to be able to get a little dirty himself and be willing to get in some shit for you because that's part of his job is to be in the shit.
00:43:01
Speaker
The amount of times I saw Huggard with a playable ball, or at least a ball that he could have contested that was in the ruck and maybe one of the Falcons had their hands on it or something like that, but he could have gotten that ball. And instead of really being aggressive and going after it, he steps back and puts his hands in the air and looks at the ref. I saw that once, maybe twice. I saw it a handful of times.
00:43:23
Speaker
I saw it maybe twice there was a one and there was the one time and there was one time i'll give you I did see him He kind of just watched. I think it was graham take it and they just take it running a penalty So there's the one that's the one time i'll give you but honestly And I think he didn't get the he didn't get the ball out fast enough For so by the time he would get the ball out of the ruck
00:43:42
Speaker
Newcastle's defense is set and they're regressive and they're ready to hit up and he wasn't the Worcester was never able to get the ball like what worked against uh, who would they play last week? Um, lester What worked against lester in the end it actually threw out the whole match It just they just weren't able to finish until the end of the match right was they got the ball wide they attacked the the wide center channel and
00:44:07
Speaker
and they got through, and that was available to them. That happened a couple times early in the game against Newcastle.
00:44:13
Speaker
And they just couldn't replicate it because HooGuard's ball was slow. The defense was set. And by the time their first receiver was getting the ball, the defense was up in its face. So they need, I thought they needed to get a little bit quicker, but he needed to see a convergence. Their ball wasn't any slower than Newcastle's and their offensive creativity was zero. Right. So that is not just on HooGuard. I can understand your frustration with them.
00:44:41
Speaker
But listen takalua moved it just as just as fast and or slow their creativity was none Weir got pulled early for a reason because he was all out of ideas and he didn't I don't even know if he had any I don't think and that was my thing is I don't think he could have any ideas because there was nothing like by the time he was getting the ball There were there were defenders in his face. There were defenders working where he wanted to go there was stuff that to be played though, and he I don't think
00:45:05
Speaker
You looked at I looked at the offensive. It was all straight lines just straightforward lines. It was oh, I agree with that There was nothing creative about it. You can't you can't get front football off. No front foot quick ball doesn't happen off Yeah, I absolutely agree with that I I my my opinion on it is that that who guard didn't do his team many favors and then the last 15 minutes I like this one the one thing I texted you was it was 15 minutes to go
00:45:27
Speaker
They're down two tries this is and and they're they're in the middle of the field and who guarded like they get the one You know, they get one their possession one phase of play and then he's slowing it down and ready to to box kick and I'm like your Your tries away. That's a matter of the call that what do you do? And I realize this probably might not be him. That's probably not him
00:45:49
Speaker
I think that but for me i'm already frustrated with him so now i'm watching him pull this shit i'm like you do realize you only have about 10 minutes left in this match and part of what what what beat what beat Lester last week was they got the one try and that came the momentum to get the second try it's like you still got to get the first try you can't wait until the 77th minute to get your the uh you know your first try of the match and then expect to to pull another one out of your hat in another two minutes right
00:46:16
Speaker
I thought the sense of urgency, especially as the game grew late for Wooster was... Yeah, probably true. I think that's the technical term. A few points and then we'll move on. The lineup was garbage. Wooster's not helpful at all. Singleton getting hurt killed him. Singleton did fine while he was in there. He was hitting the line, it was fine. So that wasn't the issue. How can you be a professional hooker and not throw a fucking lineup? Yeah, he was having issues.
00:46:47
Speaker
He was having issues. Tobi Flood played amazingly. And then, obviously you get mad at the match, so that tells you everything you need to know about that. Takalua actually played pretty well too, in my opinion. And then, to be a little bit even more fair to WhoGuard, Hini came in and he looked panicked. Not even like fast, panicked. Like just throwing balls that had no business being thrown. So, you know, maybe in your opinion they need the two.
00:47:11
Speaker
to me that was more that the other players had had fallen into a rhythm of oh we're never getting this but oh wait now it's coming out like it's it's the pace sometimes you know you try to do that change of pace to fuck with the defense but sometimes it ends up fucking with your team because they're like all right we're you know we have a tackle okay everybody wait wait wait we're gonna get the ball we're going now
00:47:31
Speaker
Oh, it's here. So so I think that more than anything, like he put balls in good places, but players weren't on their front foot, as you said, to to go after it because they were expecting the slow ball. Yeah, for sure. Yeah, so it did come across as panicked. I'll agree with you. Yeah. Newcastle, 17, Worcester, six. Newcastle keep themselves alive. They're still at the bottom, but now at least they're within a five point bonus point game of getting into at least level.
00:47:58
Speaker
All right, Lester played wasp. Yeah I thought I thought wasp got robbed in that match It looked like it looked like aloe had that try and why didn't get called There there needs to be something to fix that I don't know what it is But there needs to be something to fix that because that should have been Lester shouldn't have won this match that he got that I agree with
00:48:18
Speaker
By all means, but I agree with last I shouldn't yeah the the it was so it looked like Although this big big old proper for was looked like he had gotten the ball down But JP Doyle was somewhat in this is which is a rarity for him was incorrectly positioned couldn't see the grounding the camera work
00:48:40
Speaker
Try as they might couldn't find a grounding view and the question was try us or no if the Question has been any reason I can't word try. Yeah, then they could have awarded it But because the question was try us to know they called it quote unquote held up and a bit in the match I did a prop try see
00:49:00
Speaker
Props should always get the benefit of the doubt. It should always be, is there a reason I can't and where to try? Because props don't get that opportunity very often. And they fucking get the ball down. Trust me, I speak with experience. When you have that opportunity, you get the ball on the ground. You will move hands out of the way. You will do whatever you have to do.
00:49:19
Speaker
It's down, sir. Sort of. All right. Let's go through this week's matches. Beth Saracens. Jeez, we don't do well in Friday night matches. I know that Beth is still Beth. So it's something that you're not worried about. But I am. Yeah. Not going to trust them until they show me they can close out a match. Yeah. That's another one. If that's if this is close somehow, you know, 75 minutes in. Yeah. I have a feeling Saracens pulled out.
00:49:46
Speaker
I think Saracen's got right last game. That was the one that they all say. Looking at this match fancy wise, green light all your bath props. And prop bath. Second, your second rose. Very rare. No bath, second rose. Don't play them. Play your sari, second rose. Do, do, do, do, do. Play your sari's back rose for sure.
00:50:17
Speaker
Priestland burns don't bother with them. Uh, your centers are probably a little hit or miss. Maybe Jonathan Joseph, cause he's got, although he's in the English squad, so nevermind. Yeah. Nevermind. Um, so yeah. And then, um, your back three for Saracen's, um, actually bath, defend the back three very well. So keep that in mind. Um, all right. Sail luster. Um, geez, this is not a great matchup that I like looking at either. Um, I'm going to go.
00:50:47
Speaker
Oh yeah, and my big stop sign this week is all Saracens hookers. Don't play Talifua, don't play Wilson Croft. I think I was more right about my stop sign last week than I was about my green light, because the Quinn suckers didn't do that well, but my green light didn't do that well either, so.
00:51:07
Speaker
Yeah, so I would go with cat. I mean, he's gonna he's gonna be starter for me Yeah, he's had a couple of really good weeks in a row. Yep Yeah, and he's up there and Saracen's give up a lot of points to props too. So so he's gonna be my It's a big one. It's all my starting list. He's gonna stay there. First good girl sale Lester There's a lot. There's a lot in this one in terms of guys. You should play guys. You shouldn't play Really a big one for me is probably
00:51:37
Speaker
The back row for sale Ross Beaumont Curry go for it. Yeah Ross has been He's he's one of those guys who he's either in my starters Depending on it really depends on whether or not Thacker is playing. Mm-hmm And McWiggin too if they're both playing they're both starting Thacker would move to out to flank right when that's not happening Ross has been a stalwart out there. Yep, really good to have on the team. I
00:52:03
Speaker
Yeah, like you said, Phillips has also been sneaky good. Yep. Also, also cheap. Yeah, most of these guys on sale are pretty cheap. Right. So as much as I don't like Steve Diamond, I like a couple of his players. Yep. I'm picking sale.
00:52:21
Speaker
I am also picking sail for multiple reasons. None of which include Steve Diamond, all of which include Lester's front row. Tom Young specifically and Bateman. Right. And Eastman out there, but I know he's in front row, but he's a little shit too. Point being. Woss Newcastle. Do Newcastle keep it rolling or are the Woss going to crush their dreams?
00:52:46
Speaker
I think wasps could rock back. Yeah, me too. I think wasps were really angry after that match. They probably should have won it. Wasps will be buzzing. Yep. Yes. I will say that if Chris Harris or Johnny Williams is on your team, go ahead. Kibber Riggy, go ahead. You played a great game last week. Oh, yeah. For sure.
00:53:14
Speaker
And for wasps, I mean, it's kind of the kind of everything kind of middle of the road. So, so play with caution, except front rows. Don't play any of the wasp front rows. Okay, I was gonna say I have a... Cooley, Savania, Stewart, McIntyre. Cruz. Cruz and Stewart are coming back up. Sorry, props. Okay. Hookers should be okay. And obviously, unless he's not playing, you do not take roll ones out.
00:53:38
Speaker
Nope. Don't, yeah, don't, don't, don't touch him. Right. If you don't have him, you're doing something wrong. Yes. He's not even 200 yet. No, he's not. He's 199. I wonder if there's, uh, it doesn't say percentage of starters. Oh, that's too bad. People who own him and start him. That'd be, that'd be fun. All right.
00:53:58
Speaker
Oh, he's only owned by 7% of teams. That's something about that's backwards. That's something. Yeah. Edgar. Get on that, dude. Got it. I'm going to loss. Yeah.
00:54:13
Speaker
Yeah, you are too. Yeah. Yeah. Alright, Saints Bristol. This one contains my green light of the week. Lewis Ludlum. He's in my he's been in my lineup. He's been he obviously had a big week last week. Bristol give up a boatload of points period, but they give up a boatload of points to back rows specifically. So Ludlum is definitely the guy that's been on fire. But if Tamana Harrison is healthy, I don't know who he is. But Briseau, Tom Wood, Jamie Gibson, off you go. If they if you have them in your team, put them in your lineup.
00:54:44
Speaker
And I, I think, uh, I'm going with my, uh, my best friend, my new best friends too. And again, if Thacker's playing, you never sit him. You don't sit him. Um, Lewa Tua also, uh, little hit and miss. Um, but I think that could be, uh, they're, they're on my, they're on my do not play list for back rows. Okay. Well then sit Lewa Tua. Um, and I just picked up more hen.
00:55:09
Speaker
Um, last week, who kind of on the edge of my, of my be cautious list. I'll say, I'll say that those are my, these are my temper expectations when I'm on the opposite end of it. Right. And, um, these are just guys who are on the fringe of, of. Right.
00:55:28
Speaker
But but they're definitely up for consideration if they're playing yep Yeah, I mean some of them are just some of these guys are matchup proof, too You know what you're gonna get from them. So right Thacker if he's playing you're playing. Yes, you don't even think about it. Yeah I'm going with Chris Boyd and my other homies the Saints And I'm taking pat and lam squad. Yeah. All right. This will be a chance for you to one of us to gain some ground somewhere
00:55:57
Speaker
Yeah, I, I, I'd like what the bears are doing. Um, and, uh, I think, uh, the saints probably have some, some hard feelings after last year. The question is, do they have the horses to me? They had, they had serious trouble. And I realized, like you said, there were issues. There are other issues going on right before the match about players, but.
00:56:19
Speaker
It's a question of can they can they stick with the Bears team? That's really kind of unchanged from hmm. Yeah from six nations agreed All right Worcester Exeter, I mean as much as we want Worcester to take this match down Probably gonna happen. It is not gonna happen
00:56:36
Speaker
Exeter props, definitely a good go. Worcester props, no, no, don't do it. And their hookers, especially if it's not Singleton, forget it. Gandel's definitely a green light. Not my green light, but he's definitely a go. Exeter's second row is good luck figuring out a good one, though.
00:56:59
Speaker
just looking down my list. Venter and Mills, be careful, Ollie Lawrence, be careful. You actually might see Ollie Lawrence after last week, because they might change up some things. Be careful with that one. And then the, oh yeah, definitely. Halfbacks for Exeter, either the nine or the 10, whether it's Maunder or White, Simmons, Stevenson. Go ahead. Good plays. Good plays this week.
00:57:26
Speaker
How about the back row for Exeter? So I'm looking at Kvesic, who kind of disappointed last week, fantasy-wise. Should be okay. Nothing notable. So expect what you probably get, what you usually get out of that. Not worth a captaincy. Let's put it that way. No, probably not. All right. Gotta go with the Chiefs, unfortunately. Yeah, I've already written that down for me. I don't trust Worcester.
00:57:54
Speaker
Nope. Especially after last week. I'm sure they'll be pissed, but at the same time, I shouldn't even say last week. I should have the past two weeks where they've just, you know, outside of the last what, five, 10 minutes of the Lester match, they've made 160 minutes and done Jack and shit. So, uh, yeah, I know I'm not going to pick Worcester until they put together more than 10 minutes worth of, of, of good play in a couple of weeks. Uh, Quinn's Gloucester.
00:58:20
Speaker
This will be a fun match. This will be certainly my match to watch. Yep. This will be a fun match. This is the Sunday match, so it'll be the marquee one. Looking through, Hanson and Moray, off you go. Have fun, just like I did last week with them. That's a good pick there against the Quins.
00:58:43
Speaker
Back rowers for Quinn's temper expectations Do to do If really is playing if Heinz is playing careful, right That's my concern right now Either or be careful temper expectations with those guys And then
00:59:06
Speaker
Well back three for for Gloucester how they uh, back row for Gloucester should be shouldn't be anything different Uh, or uh, yeah back three for Gloucester, man. Um, how did the queens do against the back three as well? Uh, nothing notable. Okay Nothing, no, but not terrible. Not great. Um, Cipriani if you have him in your lineup You are you're probably already playing them, but be uh, be on the lookout for a good day This could be really good zips
00:59:32
Speaker
It's to me. It's a question of uh, well, they don't they won't have thoroughly Will they have Sharples? Otherwise, I think Woodward it's probably probably in line for for a good day. Decent day Banners will probably get thrown into the lineup. Yeah If Starples isn't ready to go All right. Um, Ooh, this is a big one for three four right here. I think Oh Clins are really bouncing right now
01:00:04
Speaker
I'm going. God, this is gonna freak me. I'm gonna hate myself with this quince. And I'm gonna go with the visitors. Yeah, going with your side piece. Gotta go with the side piece on this. I think, yeah, the quince pulled it out against Beth as expected for me. The bounce back though.
01:00:26
Speaker
I think that's, you know, that that's bath and bath should have been shitting the bed late against a lot of teams. So that that's not a, to me, it's not a standout performance for the Quinn's. Although Gloucester did lose to Bristol. It was a way, I feel like Gloucester can bounce back fairly quickly. Right. Um, and they're dangerous as all hell. So, yeah.
01:00:47
Speaker
Alright, so we'll save a couple pieces out of Super Rugby for next time.
Super Rugby Performances
01:00:54
Speaker
I still want to talk about the EB's selection and the wrestling policies, but we'll save it for another day. Super Rugby for me.
01:01:07
Speaker
What's her doubt? Not El Amape. He's okay. Dinkles. He's okay. T.J. Baronard. He's okay. And oh yeah, by the way, Bone Barrett's back. He's all right. So it's fun to see these guys. This is why I love watching this team. And then we found another new name for the Hurricanes. Chase Teatea did a very good job, very good job filling in for Jody Barrett. So good that he's actually still playing fullback this week. Jody's been bumped to wing. Damn. Yeah.
01:01:36
Speaker
So there you go. And unfortunately, it's that's in favor of my guy. So, but, you know, whatever. So they I mean, they were they were they were ripping him up. Brumby's were probably limping in this one. Oh, boy. Tuplesy Klerifi looks very good. He looks every bit every part a seven. You know, there there are issues in back row that were presented when Brad Shields left might have just been solved. Yeah.
01:02:04
Speaker
That he put up an impressive match. And Artie and Artie obviously had a storm as he usually does. As he always does. So I was very happy with that. You know, Brumby's were kind of put the kind of had the kibosh put on them. I mean, the back door pass from Aso on the Lomap, the first Lomap.
01:02:27
Speaker
The commentator put it best. He's like nobody saw that coming except uh, lau mate. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. He's like, he's like, yes, yes, yes. Come on, come on, come on. Right. Whoo. All right. Bye. Poop out the back. And then TJ's offload at the back to Cole's and Cole's Superman's over because
01:02:46
Speaker
Because calls his fucking Superman. I got news to you the best hooker in the world. He's back. Yeah, he's he's back and he is he's he's mad. He's been resting for over a year. Right? You know, he's you know, yeah, you buy a little bit on the on the fall tour. But man, he is he is a motivated man. Obviously, he wants to prove because Cody Taylor did well in the whole lecture while he was out. So he wants to reclaim his shirt.
01:03:11
Speaker
Right. It's a, like I just said, you don't lose your spot to injury, but you, you know, the mighty performance and Cole's is showing that, no, I'm, I'm still there. I'm still here. And I had, you know, maybe it's been sitting out a little bit, but, but wouldn't come, come to Japan. That's mine. That's my teacher. Yeah. He wants, he wants that back so bad.
01:03:29
Speaker
So yeah, hurricanes take care of business 43 13 Big day for the for the big players in the hurricanes Bud and Barrett and coals. Yeah, like I said, there's just some big names stepping up Lamape got a hat trick obviously Yeah, I sent you that picture. So I'll also I'll name the guys that are in it now. I
01:03:50
Speaker
Lomape is in the middle On the right is Nanu on the far right is Nanu next to him between him and Lomape is Sevilla. Okay far left is Tana And then yeah, and then Christian Collins the one that's between Lomape and Tana. So there you go. So We might have another hurricane center that's that's ready to recollect that's ready to dominate the world
01:04:18
Speaker
So Rebels and Highlanders, Quaid Cooper is back. That dude is magic. He's putting his hand up. Oh, yes. That man did great. With one finger firmly extended to everybody. Yeah. One finger salute for that man. Magic again this past week with his little
01:04:46
Speaker
I can't even think of what the hell the play was, but yeah, he was putting in a performance and pulling the strings and looking every bit as Quaid Cooper has been before. So good on him. I think the world of rugby is better when he's good and he's good.
01:05:03
Speaker
He's back. That's excellent to see and it's great for Australia, too. This is a big thing. Rebels are just scoring points by the bunches, too. All the Rebels team players are too fancy, so I went and got a couple of Rebels guys, or at least I got one, the one that scored the most this week, which was Tom English.
01:05:24
Speaker
Snapped him up. So Yeah, Rebels look really good Maddox meeks, you know, Caleb Petty that whole bat that hope all those backs just look are looking every bit the part and they need to Australia your next team To represent you in the finals here or in the playoffs. It's probably the Rebels
01:05:45
Speaker
Yeah, I agree. Yeah, maybe there's some maybe there's some others, but that will put their hands up. But the rebels, the rebels should be your team. Right. You know, so rebels win 2419 over the Highlanders. Highlanders are a little punch. They're not used to losing so far, even though they've won a couple of close ones. But yeah, so we'll see how that goes.
01:06:10
Speaker
Oh boy. Oh boy. Oh boy. I don't want to talk about it. So this, let's put it this way. I pull up Twitter on, what was it? Saturday morning. Just whatever. I think I pulled it up like right. It had to have been right after the game ended. I woke up early or something.
01:06:37
Speaker
And I saw the result first thing and I'm like I should have done that. I should not have done that and And then I went to watch it later and the game I could it man you hid yourself doing well
01:06:52
Speaker
I was happy because there was some sort of error on espn plus so I could not watch the match. Maybe it was a good thing. For some reason it had decided that the game was like two weeks in the future or something weird where it's like this game hasn't happened yet. Yeah, this game hasn't happened yet. It happens, you know, on was it like March 1st or something like that? I'm like that that's like that was yesterday. That was yesterday. This is this morning. Oh, fine. Whatever. I don't get to watch the match. Oh, well, big fucking deal. I'm not going to cry.
01:07:21
Speaker
So Yeah, I So to to all serious Chiefs fans out there that I'm sure all of you are listening. I am sorry. I Apologize for the bottom of my heart. I'm the mush I Again, I'll be saying this probably every week for the next however many weeks. I
01:07:42
Speaker
Uh, Solomon on the model in the, in the team this week. Oh, there we go. Finally. Maybe a little bit of relief for you today. Maybe that might help out on my team and on the, on the chiefs, more so for them. They need it more than I do. Um, but yeah, that, that, no, I think great jobs on wolves. I take tip my, to my hat to the, to the sun wolves for, for, for doing what they did.
01:08:07
Speaker
Yeah, so I mean and you know, they they had some guys play some some stormers to hulu bandy heaver Yeah, you know hayden park hayden parker is very good I don't think people realize how good he is because he plays the sun rolls. He's very good Yeah, people people will start to pay attention if they start to win more win a few more games But he's very good people need to stand up and make sure that they understand that he is not somebody just be thrown away
01:08:31
Speaker
So some wolves win 30 to 15. Chiefs will get a win soon, I promise, because they'll figure it out. They have to figure it out. They have too many good players. They do. They really do.
01:08:44
Speaker
Red's Crusaders, ugly match. I watched it and I wish I hadn't. Honestly, there was a little bit of confusion in this one. Oh, two things. Pattaya, Liz Frank injury. Really disappointing for the young kid as he was on fire. He looked really good. He and Corevi looked to be one of the more formidable center pairings in the world in terms of club rugby, so that was really unfortunate to see.
01:09:13
Speaker
but then there was a confusion at the end of the match where um kusayres were trying to bring uh moongi had come off and then i don't remember who got hurt i think bridge maybe or somebody something maybe mitchell hunt um had been had been hurt and
01:09:29
Speaker
They told him officially that was an HIA, but then somebody said it wasn't an HIA, so Mulanga can come on. So Mulanga was out there for six minutes or so without when he wasn't supposed to be. Or they screwed that up. So somebody got their wires crossed on the sidelines. Somebody needs to get themselves together over there. You know, Crusaders win as Crusaders do. Will Jordan does a great job. What do Douglas?
01:09:55
Speaker
plug and play for these for the Crusaders eight you know you had you have him you have read you have God who the kid that just left Samu you know Tafua they've they've got it they've seemed to just have some sort of factory over there at Christchurch
01:10:16
Speaker
I'm not sure who's more Saracen South Crusaders or Hurricanes, but I don't know. They just keep pumping talent. Yep, absolutely. So Crusaders won 22-12. Unfortunate showing for the Reds at home. It looked like it was a good crowd too, so that's really unfortunate.
01:10:37
Speaker
Bulls Lions, the score line says a lot, but it wasn't that pretty. No, it wasn't. I mean, I'm glad the Bulls won. I think they're the team to beat in South Africa, although it seems to be nobody knows because the Bulls also, you know, they lost to the high water, so it's a matter of which team shows up, I guess. And then the Stormers beat the Sharks, who I thought the Sharks were the best team in the South Africa Conference.
01:11:05
Speaker
your guess is as good as mine, guys. Have fun figuring that one out. The Bulls look strong in this match.
01:11:09
Speaker
Yes, Paul Ards definitely the best time in South Africa. Don't don't don't question it. Just just go with it. Trust me. You actually look like crap in this game. Yes, he did. Kanye returns and that's his usual halfback partner. So maybe that helps. No Warren Whiteley for the want lions that probably didn't help. Yeah, we'll see. We'll see what happens with this goes. But yeah, the Bulls I thought were really impressed. Yeah, they played a lot of ball in their end and they paid off. Yeah.
01:11:37
Speaker
So that was our strategy. We're hanging out in your end. When you screw up, we're going to take advantage of it. That's basically what it came down to. Smart rugby right there. Yep. Stormer's Sharks was equally as ugly. Another match that I was like, ooh, why did I just waste my time with that one? I was glad I was doing something productive while I was doing work while I was watching it. So I was like, I can't do this. I'm going to kill myself.
01:11:58
Speaker
I'm kidding. Not kidding. That's not funny. Sorry. Khaleesi played a little better. That's Beth was an angry, angry man. Let's be my race. This match would have been a little more out of hand if he had a boot that was actually on target. So, you know, that is what it is. Yeah, sharks just couldn't get anything going. They were ill disciplined, giving away yellow cards. No bueno.
01:12:21
Speaker
And then the final one, you know, don't give the Jaguars loose ball. That's all I know. You know, the Blues were making some serious, ill-disciplined decisions and the Tigers were just jumping on them.
01:12:37
Speaker
I was I you know, they they had a couple of counters that just that that bit off them right in the butt And off you go. Yeah, moyano scored two and they were some really nice looking runs um Little cup at one little cut back and just made everybody go no As they reach back and hope to get a hold of them um, they're still i'm still mushing on the blues apparently because because they still are Yeah, one the bed a little bit one note. Um
01:13:06
Speaker
condolences to the family of my...
01:13:14
Speaker
Probably just butchered the poor guy's name, sorry. The prop for North Harbor and Auckland, the Blues prop passed away very unexpectedly, 23 wife and kids or partner and kids at least. It's sad to see a young life like that and apparently he was a very well-liked man around Auckland, around North Harbor. All his teammates loved him, all his coaches loved him, so it's very sad to see
01:13:39
Speaker
Somebody that's so well thought of and so well spoken forward have to leave so early so our thoughts and condolences go out to the Blues family and to Mike's family and we hope we hope that this is a time that you guys can get through and Without getting you know yourself into too much trouble because it's that it is an awful thing. That's rough
01:14:01
Speaker
All right, a little bit more. So, run through the matches real quick. I do have a couple of free agent finds to mention and then we'll go. And then we'll be on to the next thing. So, Hurricane Talenders. What do we think? Hurricanes front rows will go in this one for sure, by the way.
01:14:27
Speaker
I got hurricanes all the way. I'm going to, I'm going to, I'm going to take the hurricanes as long as Bowden Barrett's playing in that 10 shirt. And I'm not taking the Highlanders unless they're playing against the chiefs. Um, that will happen again. Yeah. Um, rebels, Brumby's rebels. Yeah. Got to be right. Again,
01:14:50
Speaker
Yeah, as you said, the Rebels are the best team in Australia, and Brumby's are not, so. No, and temporary expansion with Brumby's outside backs. And also, loose forward's not named Marty Surveya for the Hurricanes in the previous match. Not named. Well, Guinea should have a big week too. Crusader's Chiefs.
01:15:16
Speaker
You know, I know. Well, probably, probably not the week that's gonna happen. It's not gonna happen this week. No, especially in Christchurch. Right. So Crusaders. Yep. And go with Crusaders as well. Blue Sun Wolves. Blues finally get off the Schneider.
01:15:35
Speaker
You know what? I kind of want the Sun Wolves to take this one. So I'm going to go with the Sun Wolves. You going with them? All right. I'm going to go with the Blues. They will have been fresh off traveling, but I think they did play a little bit better in this last match. Actually got the ball out wide, which helped. After the way out, what I saw them do last season and then how they've started this season, I am not going to
01:16:03
Speaker
And seeing how the Sun Wolves jumped up and stole one last week. For sure. Yeah, Sun Wolves lose forwards in locks. Be careful. And I mean, I would say Blues halfbacks, but I don't know how good the Blues halfbacks are. Front row of the Blues might be a good play, though. Yeah, that would probably be a good play this week. Yeah. Wartos and Reds.
01:16:25
Speaker
This one, I could see the Reds come back and say, be a little bit angry. The Todds are coming off a bye. But it's still early in the season. I'm not sure how much help that's going to be. So I'm going to go with the Reds. They had traveled to Japan, so it was probably a good thing that they got the bye.
01:16:42
Speaker
I will go with Michael Hooper & Co. and go with the Waratahs. Waratahs also feature my big green light of the week for the Super Rugby, Izzy Folau. Off you go. If you have him, you should be playing him, but if you have him, expect something big this week for sure. Reds give up a lot of points to outside backs on average, and obviously he's tearing up trees as well. I think he's the top scoring player in the game.
01:17:12
Speaker
um lions and hakumara days in south africa uh lions have a lot of motivation to get to get their ship righted after last week in jaguars have not traveled yet so this will be interesting to see how that happens i'm going to go with the lions for now though yep
01:17:30
Speaker
And then yeah, I don't see anything super significant lions locks isn't anything to notice You're probably not playing one unless it's yeah, or even or he's been sitting so bull sharks Going with the Bulls on this
01:17:45
Speaker
Same the sharks really disappointed me last week after playing fairly well and looking like they probably still had a lot more to do In the first two weeks and then playing a pleat egg. This is all in form I think yeah, if the bulls play the way they played last week, um, I don't see any other south african dating them certainly not at home
01:18:02
Speaker
No, definitely not home. Big stop sign of the week is Robert Duprea, which unfortunately is my fly half, but. Yeah, so guys that are available in our league right now that might be available in yours that are probably a good pick up this week. Mooyaki Ola, outside back. The Bulls front row. Pablo Matero, the loose forward from the Haguares. Matt Proctor, the midfielder from Hurricanes. Midfielders on the Hurricanes should do well this week. So obviously, Lamape is going to be somebody to play. Proctor should be somebody else that plays as well.
01:18:32
Speaker
James Blackwell the second row probably a little underrated Sam lousy's out for the year. It's been he's been rolled out he needs surgery and all that stuff so bad news bears with that. And then Hamish Stewart the fly half from the Reds is a fly half to keep your eye out for because he was loose in ours and I and I haven't grabbed him but that's the one to pick up.
Scheduling and Future Episodes
01:18:52
Speaker
Thanks everybody for listening. Please email the show fancy rugby podcast at gmail.com follow Ben and I on Twitter Google Play iTunes Spotify download rate us review us all the good stuff Our schedules are gonna be a little hectic over the next couple weeks after next week. So yes Yeah, we're Ben and I are both still involved with our club and our team. So we need to be attending matches and games So it's gonna be fun
01:19:20
Speaker
It'll be fun for us, but it's gonna make life a little bit miserable for the podcast. So we'll see what we can do, but we promise we'll do our best to bring every week to you this weekend. Until next time, thanks a lot, guys, for listening. Have a good one. Cheers.