Northampton Saints 2017 - 2018

[mkersyshull]

I didn't particularly notice him in defence... which is an improvement over his well-earned reputation.
If I keep not noticing him in defence, I'll happily change my opinion.

I think that's as far as he'll go. He won't be making big hits, but will do a job (like Goode and Foden both do)

 

[Which Tyler]

He's got enough to the rest of his game so that if that's as far as he gets in defence, he'll be a damned fine rugby player

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Totally agreed. The lad cops a lot of flak, but has all the raw ingredients to be very very good.

Can't help feeling he'd be better away from his Dad though. That goes for anyone, Ford, Faz or whoever.

 

[ratsapprentice]

I don't rate him.

 

[mkersyshull]

To be honest I'd keep Harry over Jim at the moment

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

I'd like to see Mallinder go to Bath. I think he'd fit in well there at 12.

 

[mkersyshull]

I'd like to see Mallinder go to Bath. I think he'd fit in well there at 12.

Would be a replacement for Devoto I suppose. But there is Tapuai and Clark

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

Would be a replacement for Devoto I suppose. But there is Tapuai and Clark

And that's about it

 

[BPM]

Based upon the last two performances, I am going to have to revise my prediction ... well done Saints.

Exciting to see Lawes playing so well along with Ribbans and Collins.

 

[mkersyshull]

On the first game we're relegation candidates, on the last 2 games pushing for top 4. Hope the first game was just a blip and we don't see a season on inconsistency

 

[mkersyshull]

So a reflection after the last 2 weeks (maybe we all over reacted after the first game)
Lots of players doing well
1) Back line needs slickeninng up but I'll wait for new signings to settle and an out an out 10 to be fit before judgement
2) lineout working very well
3) carrying from forwards and backs good

4) big need for improvement - scrum. How can this be fixed? Try different props? New scrum coach? (My calls for West out have taken a back seat because of all the other areas going well)

 

[mkersyshull]

New wish list. In order and not a final list

1) new coaching team (especially DOR and head coach)
2) LH prop
3) Winger (for next year to replace North but not a big money signing)

Thoughts?

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

New wish list. In order and not a final list

1) new coaching team (especially DOR and head coach)
2) LH prop
3) Winger (for next year to replace North but not a big money signing)

Thoughts?

Your linked to Bassett and matt Symons from Wasps in TRP.

Bassett would be a good replacement for North and will save you a marquee spot.

 

[mkersyshull]

Your linked to Bassett and matt Symons from Wasps in TRP.

Bassett would be a good replacement for North and will save you a marquee spot.

Bassett would be good, and I do like the look of Symons but don't this we need a second row.
Need a new DOR after this evening

 

[TommiG88]

Bassett would be good, and I do like the look of Symons but don't this we need a second row.
Need a new DOR after this evening

Mallinder is invincible.

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

We need to sack our coaches ASAP. Team selection and tactics have been terrible!

 

[TommiG88]

Will Mallinder walk? Here's to hoping.

Another performance lacking anything positive.

 

[BPM]

Mallinder won't walk. I'm not generally one to advocate sacking coaches, but surely the evidence suggests he is not the man to take Saints forward.

I did say at the beginning of the season that I thought Saints would struggle and after eating my words for a short spell, it looks as though I may have been mainly correct.

I look at their squad and I struggle to see how/why they're playing so poorly and shipping so many points. Obviously injuries and suspensions haven't helped but they have better quality in depth than most clubs but Mallinder doesn't seem to be able to get the best out of them.

Their first choice 23 lacks a little x-factor, but it's a team that's mostly made up of test players and solid Premiership performers.

1. Waller - solid Prem player
2. Hartley - England captain
3. Ford-Robinson - solid Prem player
4. Lawes - top quality test player
5. Day - solid Prem player
6. Wood - experienced international
7. Gibson - solid Prem player
8. Harrison - test player
9. Groom - test player
10. Francis - test player
11. Collins - good, young Prem player
12. Burrell - test player
13. Horne - experienced international
14. North - experienced international
15. Mallinder - good, young Prem player

16. Haywood - solid Prem player
17. Van Wyk - looks decent enough
18. Brookes/Hill - test players
19. Ribbans - good, young Prem player
20. Ludlam - good, young Prem player
21. Reinach - test player
22. Myler - solid Prem player
23. Foden - test player

Add in players like Stephenson, Hutchison, Tuala and Eadie and that's a very solid squad. Brussow will add to the mix too.

Compared to say, Exeter, I'd argue that player for player, Saints arguably have the better squad. The problem seems to be mainly with coaching ...

 

[mkersyshull]

This is exactly what I was thinking, it might not be a Premiership winning squad due to lack of x-factor but it's a squad good enough for fighting for the semis

We need new coaches, it ha to be the reason

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Compared to say, Exeter, I'd argue that player for player, Saints arguably have the better squad. The problem seems to be mainly with coaching ...

You can't compare Exeter ti Saints.

Exeter has been building that squad for like 6/7 years.