Bad times for the Saints. Two very different games a week apart, but between them shipping over 90 points. The defensive machine has fallen and no-one is entirely sure why.
The first of these matches was against Munster and it was the last pool game of the Heineken. We had already messed up the Heineken and wouldn't be going through but, as well as pride, there was the chance to drop into the Amlin. So not a dead rubber.
Munster played their best game this season. But that doesn't tell the whole story. The Saints just didn't really get going. Whenever they made progress then they rapidly shipped points from poor restarts. Was it the disruption of playing a home match in Milton Keynes, something that had caused an awful lot of angst amongst the fans. Was it the antics of Flash and his move to Saracens announced during the week leading to him storming off the training pitch a few days earlier. Was it ten players with their eyes on the England shirt. Whatever it was, the end result was ugly. The Saints scored over 30 points, normally enough to win a match but gar away even more. In the last 5 matches the opposition only crossed the try line 3 times, in this match Munster crossed 5 times. A remarkable transformation.
Which brings us to the second match. LV Cup this time. The LV is still a possible route for us to get to the Heineken next season. So some consternation when a young team was picked to play an almost full strength Bath side. And it was as painful as we feared. Lacking Dicko to marshal the forces and all the rest of the Englamd call ups to provide stability, there was a lack of game management that Bath were able to capitalise on.
Still wearing the shirt, still a Saint, but a tough week at the office!
Showing posts with label Heineken Cup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Heineken Cup. Show all posts
Sunday, 29 January 2012
Sunday, 15 January 2012
Scarlets 17 - Saints 29
The Heineken has not been a good hunting ground for us this year, and the Scarlets especailly wounded us when they came to Franklins Gardens. This was an opportunity for revenge and pride, although there is still a possibility of getting into the Amlin Cup.
The first half was a disaster. Within two minutes of kick off Tom May had been shown a yellow card. Exactly how warranted that was may be a matter of debate. Certainly he acted petulantly, throwing the ball in the face of the oppostion after the whistle had been blown, but with no warning and much worse being seen in matches (including later in this one) with no action then it could have been considered harsh. The Saints failed to take this warning to heart though and throughout the first half continues to upset the ref, even getting a penalty reversed against them at one point. And when playing the ref like that it becomes difficult to play the opposition. Rolland had a poor game all told though, giving many warnings, final warnings, final final warnings, and final final final warnings. He never really got the game under control and it all ended up very scrappy, not an enjoyable match to watch.
Tom May being sent off seemed to galvanise the team however, learning from earlier in the season, and they had the majority of the possession to begin with. This couldn't be converted in to points and, in almost a role reversal of last weeks match against the Quins, it was the Scarlets who managed to get the first points on the board during a rare passage of play in the Saints half. In fact Priestland was to get a second penalty shortly after and within the first quarter of an hour the Saints were trailing 6-0. A couple more penalties were exchanged and then the game broke open with Priestland giving a fine chip for his wing to collect and dot down for the try. The Saints were looking at risk of falling off this one and, with only one more penalty for Smyler before half time, it was clear that the game plan needed to be changed.
Don't make as many silly mistakes, don't annoy the ref, and use the scrum. Three basic rules that, when the Saints follow them, usually spell success. And five minutes after the restart, sure enough sticking to these rules saw Tiny slam the ball down over the try line. It had to go to the TMO but the try was awarded and the Saints looked like they might be finding the route back into the game. Some more penalties from Smyler and it was looking good for the Saints.
Then something happened. Exactly what is unclear. Was it the Scarlets bringing on Stephen Jones, was it them replacing their front row? Whatever it was, one moment the Saints were down on the Scarlets line looking confident of scoring and then the next, with eight minutes left, the Sacrlets upped the tempo and sddenly the Saints were on the back foot again. The Scarlets were down camped right on the Saints line and they weren't going to let up their position. However the Saints weren't going to let their defence down either. Time after time the Scarlets came for the line, time after time the Saints repelled them. Massive tackles from Samu and Easy, Fodes everywhere on the pitch making those try saving tackles. It was intense. And gradually the Scarlets got more an more frustrated.
Smyler got Man of the Match. While some of his tactical play in the first half may not have been perfect, a 100% success from the kicking tee was a great result and he deserved the accolade.
The first half was a disaster. Within two minutes of kick off Tom May had been shown a yellow card. Exactly how warranted that was may be a matter of debate. Certainly he acted petulantly, throwing the ball in the face of the oppostion after the whistle had been blown, but with no warning and much worse being seen in matches (including later in this one) with no action then it could have been considered harsh. The Saints failed to take this warning to heart though and throughout the first half continues to upset the ref, even getting a penalty reversed against them at one point. And when playing the ref like that it becomes difficult to play the opposition. Rolland had a poor game all told though, giving many warnings, final warnings, final final warnings, and final final final warnings. He never really got the game under control and it all ended up very scrappy, not an enjoyable match to watch.
Tom May being sent off seemed to galvanise the team however, learning from earlier in the season, and they had the majority of the possession to begin with. This couldn't be converted in to points and, in almost a role reversal of last weeks match against the Quins, it was the Scarlets who managed to get the first points on the board during a rare passage of play in the Saints half. In fact Priestland was to get a second penalty shortly after and within the first quarter of an hour the Saints were trailing 6-0. A couple more penalties were exchanged and then the game broke open with Priestland giving a fine chip for his wing to collect and dot down for the try. The Saints were looking at risk of falling off this one and, with only one more penalty for Smyler before half time, it was clear that the game plan needed to be changed.
Don't make as many silly mistakes, don't annoy the ref, and use the scrum. Three basic rules that, when the Saints follow them, usually spell success. And five minutes after the restart, sure enough sticking to these rules saw Tiny slam the ball down over the try line. It had to go to the TMO but the try was awarded and the Saints looked like they might be finding the route back into the game. Some more penalties from Smyler and it was looking good for the Saints.
Then something happened. Exactly what is unclear. Was it the Scarlets bringing on Stephen Jones, was it them replacing their front row? Whatever it was, one moment the Saints were down on the Scarlets line looking confident of scoring and then the next, with eight minutes left, the Sacrlets upped the tempo and sddenly the Saints were on the back foot again. The Scarlets were down camped right on the Saints line and they weren't going to let up their position. However the Saints weren't going to let their defence down either. Time after time the Scarlets came for the line, time after time the Saints repelled them. Massive tackles from Samu and Easy, Fodes everywhere on the pitch making those try saving tackles. It was intense. And gradually the Scarlets got more an more frustrated.
Smyler got Man of the Match. While some of his tactical play in the first half may not have been perfect, a 100% success from the kicking tee was a great result and he deserved the accolade.
Match Details
- Half Time 14-6
- Attendance 9,869
- Referee Alain Rolland
- MoM Smyler
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Castres 41 - Saints 22
The misery continued with this match. While the new players stood up to be counted, the older ones had some major issues. It's looking as though the World Cup is still taking its toll as mentally some of the players seem completely shot. And its hard to understand how a team can score four tries for the bonus and still lose.
I'm afraid this one will ahve to go in the "least said soonest mended" category. I can't face a write up.
I'm afraid this one will ahve to go in the "least said soonest mended" category. I can't face a write up.
Try
Malonga
2
Conversion
Teulet
3
Penalty
Teulet
17
Penalty
Teulet
30
Penalty
Teulet
34
Try
Martial
40
Conversion
Teulet
40 +1
Penalty
Teulet
48
Penalty
Teulet
63
Try
Martial
68
Conversion
Teulet
69
Try
Diarra
77
Try
M Sorenson
9
Conversion
S Myler
10
Try
Elliott
31
Try
Elliott
44
Try
S Manoa
55
Saturday, 19 November 2011
Saints 23 - Scarlets 28
It's a while since we've really been able to calim Franklins Gardens as a fortress. And tonight saw another brick fall from the wall. After such a good match last week against Munster the expectations were high. But while the names on the sheet looked the same (baring Fodes dropping out at the last minute still carrying an injury, and Easy taking his position at full back), on the pitch it was a different matter. Nothing was going right for the boys. The number of turnovers and knock ons conceded was shocking. And the Scarlets simply gave a lesson in good strong running rugby. The honesty is that the Saints did not deserve a losing bonus point.
Within two minutes the Scarlets had barrelled over for a try. The warning signs were there, but last week when Munster did the same then the Saints came back with composure. Not tonight though. Scarlets managed to get four tries, some in slightly controversial circumstances, and they dominated everything.
From last years Heineken run, where the only match the Saints lost was the final, to this year and two losses from two meaning it seems unlikely that the Saints will progress beyond the pool stages. A match best forgotten.
Within two minutes the Scarlets had barrelled over for a try. The warning signs were there, but last week when Munster did the same then the Saints came back with composure. Not tonight though. Scarlets managed to get four tries, some in slightly controversial circumstances, and they dominated everything.
From last years Heineken run, where the only match the Saints lost was the final, to this year and two losses from two meaning it seems unlikely that the Saints will progress beyond the pool stages. A match best forgotten.
Match Details
- Half Time 9-21
- Attendance 13,475
- Referee Peter Fitzgibbon
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Munster 21 - Saints 23
Anyone who knows the history of these two teams would have known that this was always going to be close. But Thomond Park is a really tough place to play, I've been there, it epitomises the word "cauldron". The Saints have learnt in the last few years, but had they learnt enough.
Within 3 minutes of kick off Munster had scored a try. And not only had they scored but they had done it by pushing our forwards over the line. It could all have gone wrong then. But instead the Saints lifted their heads and came at Munster. They got ahead with a try and almost went into the half time oranges ahead, but a panicky end to the half gave Munster the chance to get back ahead. Again the Saints came back and took the lead. They held it for all of the second half. The game went past the 80 minute mark, the next time the ball went dead then it was all over. But Munster had the ball and were in the Saints half. The Saints drove them back, but then they came again. Over 40 phases and four and a half minutes neither side gave away a penalty. Munster were left with one choice and one choice only, but they had a sublime player for it, and sure enough Ronan O'Gara took a drop goal and planted the ball between the sticks.
It was all over. The Saints had played one of their best games, but it wasn't enough and they had victory snatched away. A painful painful end. But both teams could be proud of their work on the pitch. A fantastic spectacle and a great advert for the game.
Within 3 minutes of kick off Munster had scored a try. And not only had they scored but they had done it by pushing our forwards over the line. It could all have gone wrong then. But instead the Saints lifted their heads and came at Munster. They got ahead with a try and almost went into the half time oranges ahead, but a panicky end to the half gave Munster the chance to get back ahead. Again the Saints came back and took the lead. They held it for all of the second half. The game went past the 80 minute mark, the next time the ball went dead then it was all over. But Munster had the ball and were in the Saints half. The Saints drove them back, but then they came again. Over 40 phases and four and a half minutes neither side gave away a penalty. Munster were left with one choice and one choice only, but they had a sublime player for it, and sure enough Ronan O'Gara took a drop goal and planted the ball between the sticks.
It was all over. The Saints had played one of their best games, but it wasn't enough and they had victory snatched away. A painful painful end. But both teams could be proud of their work on the pitch. A fantastic spectacle and a great advert for the game.
Match Details
- Half Time 17-13
- Attendance 26,500
- Referee Nigel Owens
Monday, 11 April 2011
Saints 23 Ulster 13
Saints got through the pool stages of the Heineken without a defeat. But that felt like an eternity ago. Since then the Saints went off the rails whilst Upster have found form. This was always promising to be a good match. And it delivered, it was epic. It can be hard to understand why Heineken is a step up from premiership but after 10 minutes it felt like we had watched 50. Everything was at pace. Ulster played well and I think they had the first half. But Saints have been learning and came back. In fact the last 20 minutes saw annulling of intensity. Well played
Sunday, 23 January 2011
6 out of 6
The only team to win six out of six matches in the pool stages of the Heineken. Luckily today Toulouse fell to Wasps, which puts us at the top of the table and thus avoids a match with the Tigers at the moment.
Saturday, 22 January 2011
Castres - Saints
Entering the last match of the Heineken pool stages and the Saints are one of only teams so far unbeaten. This guaraatees that we are through to the quarter finals. But where we end up, and if we get a home game, depends on the match against Castres. It's away, and Castres have an incredibly good record at home, having beaten all the big French sides this season.
What emerges is a match that shows the Saints have got over their New Year blues. Both forwards and backs combine into a strong, instoppable, force. The scrum win the ball repeatedly, and then Fodes and Joe come into the line to give penetration. Smyler once again shows tactical understanding with penetrating kicks as well as fine distribution of the ball when running is the correct option. Smyler introduces more than the crash ball, including delayed passes, scissors, and floating balls. This keeps the opposition guessing and they can't come up with an answer.
The first try for the Saints comes from Joe. A great run from him sees him defeat four defenders before going over the line. The second try is again set up by Joe, who manages a great penetrating run. ALthough he possibly passes too early meaning that the ball ends up going down, it is recycled and Smyler makes the run for the line. Surprisingly at the last minute he passes to Dowse who goes over. Many think that Smyler could have gone over himself, but watching later it is likely he would have been tackled whereas his pass wrong foots the one remainding defender. The thirs try again invovles Joe. Deep in the Saints half Sorenson manages to get a turnover and the ball goes to Joe. He is tackled but manages to off-load. There then follows a juggling act up the field, no-one quite having full control of the ball, and Joe comes in again to take it after a wonderful backhand pass from Rabbit. Joe is tap tackled and can't keep his balance, he goes down, but off-loads to Fodes who then goes over.
Saints win.
What emerges is a match that shows the Saints have got over their New Year blues. Both forwards and backs combine into a strong, instoppable, force. The scrum win the ball repeatedly, and then Fodes and Joe come into the line to give penetration. Smyler once again shows tactical understanding with penetrating kicks as well as fine distribution of the ball when running is the correct option. Smyler introduces more than the crash ball, including delayed passes, scissors, and floating balls. This keeps the opposition guessing and they can't come up with an answer.
The first try for the Saints comes from Joe. A great run from him sees him defeat four defenders before going over the line. The second try is again set up by Joe, who manages a great penetrating run. ALthough he possibly passes too early meaning that the ball ends up going down, it is recycled and Smyler makes the run for the line. Surprisingly at the last minute he passes to Dowse who goes over. Many think that Smyler could have gone over himself, but watching later it is likely he would have been tackled whereas his pass wrong foots the one remainding defender. The thirs try again invovles Joe. Deep in the Saints half Sorenson manages to get a turnover and the ball goes to Joe. He is tackled but manages to off-load. There then follows a juggling act up the field, no-one quite having full control of the ball, and Joe comes in again to take it after a wonderful backhand pass from Rabbit. Joe is tap tackled and can't keep his balance, he goes down, but off-loads to Fodes who then goes over.
Saints win.
Friday, 14 January 2011
Saints 37 - Edinburgh 0
Not often these days that a team doesn't score anything. Norally there is at least a penalty in there. But this was a complete shut out from the Saints. Discipline was once again back to high standards adn defence was up to anything that Edinburgh could throw at them.
Perhaps the most remarkable thing was the 4 tries scored by Digger. He was helped with the third as Joe Ansbro had already crossed the line when he passed to Digger for Digger to score. That might seem strange but earlier in the match a pass from Joe was so off target that Digger had no chance of collecting it when he was on for an almost certain try, this time Joe is reported to have said "I owed you one". But the other three were well worked and came from good support play and rounded off a fine evening. That the last three tries came in the last 8 minutes of the game was just a bit of gold-dust to rub in the faces of those that leave early!
This result meant that the Saints maintained their 100% record in the Heineken and are the first team to qualify for the quarter finals. While there is now a good chance of a home draw it still depends on next weeks match at Castres as well as what happens in the other pools.
Scorers:
Saints - Tries: Mooj, Digger (4); Cons: Smyler (2), TinTin; Pens: Smyler (2)
Perhaps the most remarkable thing was the 4 tries scored by Digger. He was helped with the third as Joe Ansbro had already crossed the line when he passed to Digger for Digger to score. That might seem strange but earlier in the match a pass from Joe was so off target that Digger had no chance of collecting it when he was on for an almost certain try, this time Joe is reported to have said "I owed you one". But the other three were well worked and came from good support play and rounded off a fine evening. That the last three tries came in the last 8 minutes of the game was just a bit of gold-dust to rub in the faces of those that leave early!
This result meant that the Saints maintained their 100% record in the Heineken and are the first team to qualify for the quarter finals. While there is now a good chance of a home draw it still depends on next weeks match at Castres as well as what happens in the other pools.
Scorers:
Saints - Tries: Mooj, Digger (4); Cons: Smyler (2), TinTin; Pens: Smyler (2)
Saints vs Edinburgh
Two losses in a row. Tonight is therefore a really big match. With injuries to dicko, flash, long arm and TinTin it will also be a test of depth. 35 minutes until kick off. Tension mounting.
Sunday, 19 December 2010
Blues 19 - Saints 23
This was always promising to be a big match, especially after the previous week, but we had no idea of exactly how much of an epic it was all to become.
My parents are Blues season ticket holders. They had managed to get us tickets in the Executive Lounge at the Blues. And we were going to stay with them for a couple of nights as we weren't going to see them on Christmas Day.
48 hours before the match heavy snows hit the UK. Wales went under early on and suddenly the match was in doubt. Not only was the ground under a thick blanket but also the approached were also treachorous. Even if the match were to go ahead would we be able to make it? No news on Friday. Saturday comes, the football is cancelled but the rugby sites still not updated. We wait. Finally, about 1500hrs they announce that the game is still on. But now it has started snowing in Northampton. Can we make the drive to Wales. Should we wait until the Sunday morning rather than drive in the dark. Much beating of chest but finally I decide we have to give it a go. We set off, half expecting to have to turn back. Initially we try avoiding the motorways as these are gridlocked by all accounts. We reach Leamington, it gets interesting. Roads are covered in snow. As we go over the M40 it looks clear. Change of plan and we get on the motorway. Shortly we see signs telling of congestion. So off we come again and head down towards Evesham. Luckily it is downhill as the snow here is really thick and the car probably couldn't make it up hill. We reach Wales. We reach Newport. We come off the motorway and we get to the small valley village where my parents live. And then I make the mistake of coming off the main road to get to their house. We get to within 500 feet and then get stuck! Ah well, walking distance at least.
With both cars now stuck, getting to the game the next day looked doubtful. Then someone had the brainwave of a taxi. Initially the idea was that we would share the cost. Soon it changed into a bet, winner pays.
The game itself was brutal. There were scores to settles from last week, and the Blues came out completely fired up. No dominance of the line-out by the Saints this time and even the scrum was pushed back on a few occassions. For most of the game the Blues looked in charge. But Smylers boot kept the Saints in touch. All it needed was a little something to change the game.
The turning point was when Xavier Rush put in a high tackle on Long Arm. It was judged dangerous by the ref and a red card appeared out of his pocket. Rush was off and the Blues had 20 minutes more to play. While the Saints didn't capitalise as well as they should, it was enough. A rather strange try by Callum Clark (at least he got the plaudits although not convinced it wasn't Rabbit) saw the Saints ahead. Despite the last 5 minutes with the Blues camped on our try line, once we had the lead we weren't going to give it up easily, and we just scraped through.
Back to the bet. I spent most of the match thinking I was getting a free ride. In the end I had to shell out the £40. And rarely have I felt £40 so well spent!
Scorers
Saints - Try: Callum Clark; Pens: Smyler (6)
Blues - Try: Mustoe; Cons: Parks; DG: Parks; Pens: Parks (3)
My parents are Blues season ticket holders. They had managed to get us tickets in the Executive Lounge at the Blues. And we were going to stay with them for a couple of nights as we weren't going to see them on Christmas Day.
48 hours before the match heavy snows hit the UK. Wales went under early on and suddenly the match was in doubt. Not only was the ground under a thick blanket but also the approached were also treachorous. Even if the match were to go ahead would we be able to make it? No news on Friday. Saturday comes, the football is cancelled but the rugby sites still not updated. We wait. Finally, about 1500hrs they announce that the game is still on. But now it has started snowing in Northampton. Can we make the drive to Wales. Should we wait until the Sunday morning rather than drive in the dark. Much beating of chest but finally I decide we have to give it a go. We set off, half expecting to have to turn back. Initially we try avoiding the motorways as these are gridlocked by all accounts. We reach Leamington, it gets interesting. Roads are covered in snow. As we go over the M40 it looks clear. Change of plan and we get on the motorway. Shortly we see signs telling of congestion. So off we come again and head down towards Evesham. Luckily it is downhill as the snow here is really thick and the car probably couldn't make it up hill. We reach Wales. We reach Newport. We come off the motorway and we get to the small valley village where my parents live. And then I make the mistake of coming off the main road to get to their house. We get to within 500 feet and then get stuck! Ah well, walking distance at least.
With both cars now stuck, getting to the game the next day looked doubtful. Then someone had the brainwave of a taxi. Initially the idea was that we would share the cost. Soon it changed into a bet, winner pays.
The game itself was brutal. There were scores to settles from last week, and the Blues came out completely fired up. No dominance of the line-out by the Saints this time and even the scrum was pushed back on a few occassions. For most of the game the Blues looked in charge. But Smylers boot kept the Saints in touch. All it needed was a little something to change the game.
The turning point was when Xavier Rush put in a high tackle on Long Arm. It was judged dangerous by the ref and a red card appeared out of his pocket. Rush was off and the Blues had 20 minutes more to play. While the Saints didn't capitalise as well as they should, it was enough. A rather strange try by Callum Clark (at least he got the plaudits although not convinced it wasn't Rabbit) saw the Saints ahead. Despite the last 5 minutes with the Blues camped on our try line, once we had the lead we weren't going to give it up easily, and we just scraped through.
Back to the bet. I spent most of the match thinking I was getting a free ride. In the end I had to shell out the £40. And rarely have I felt £40 so well spent!
Scorers
Saints - Try: Callum Clark; Pens: Smyler (6)
Blues - Try: Mustoe; Cons: Parks; DG: Parks; Pens: Parks (3)
Saturday, 11 December 2010
Saints 23 - Cardiff Blues 15
Last time I saw the Saints playing the Blues I was shouting for the Blues. Oh how times change. Two years later and my loyalties have swapped - this is what happens when you don't miss a match. Institutional memory meant I nearly shouted come on the blues, but I managed to stop myself.
This match has had some bad write ups. I don't know if people were expecting tries a-plenty. But that was never going to happen. Both teams were going to have a dogged defence, and both play with passion. It was a tough match, perhaps that explains the 5 yellow cards. No quarter given. But ultimately the Blues nevver really looked like scoring a try and they couldn't match the Saints. Once again it came down to the forwards. They mashed the Blues scrum and they tore the Blues line-out. In fact the Blues lost 5 of their own throw ins at the line-out, each time losing critical position.
Smyler had another good controlling match. 100% with his kicks from the tee, but also good positional play. A beautifully weighted kick should have resulted in a try but Flash had post-international fall-out and failed to catch a ball that dropped right through his arms.
Dan Parks kept the Blues in touch throughout with well kicked penalties. But it was never going to be enough. In the end a tense match but a good win.
At about 78 minutes once again the Saints scrum demolished the Blues. They steamrollered over them when they should have stopped as the ref blew up. In itself a penalty against the Saints. But Dylan and Gareth Williams continued their own private battle, both getting a yellow card for their efforts. As they walked off Rabbit kept mouthing off at Williams and went passed a microphone at just the wrong moment, overheard to say "you're f*****g useless". The return match next weekend could be interesting!
Socreres:
Saints - Tries: Digger, Flash; Cons: Smyler (2); Pens: Smyler (3)
Blues - Pens: Parks (5)
This match has had some bad write ups. I don't know if people were expecting tries a-plenty. But that was never going to happen. Both teams were going to have a dogged defence, and both play with passion. It was a tough match, perhaps that explains the 5 yellow cards. No quarter given. But ultimately the Blues nevver really looked like scoring a try and they couldn't match the Saints. Once again it came down to the forwards. They mashed the Blues scrum and they tore the Blues line-out. In fact the Blues lost 5 of their own throw ins at the line-out, each time losing critical position.
Smyler had another good controlling match. 100% with his kicks from the tee, but also good positional play. A beautifully weighted kick should have resulted in a try but Flash had post-international fall-out and failed to catch a ball that dropped right through his arms.
Dan Parks kept the Blues in touch throughout with well kicked penalties. But it was never going to be enough. In the end a tense match but a good win.
At about 78 minutes once again the Saints scrum demolished the Blues. They steamrollered over them when they should have stopped as the ref blew up. In itself a penalty against the Saints. But Dylan and Gareth Williams continued their own private battle, both getting a yellow card for their efforts. As they walked off Rabbit kept mouthing off at Williams and went passed a microphone at just the wrong moment, overheard to say "you're f*****g useless". The return match next weekend could be interesting!
Socreres:
Saints - Tries: Digger, Flash; Cons: Smyler (2); Pens: Smyler (3)
Blues - Pens: Parks (5)
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Edinburgh 27 - Saints 31
A trip up to Scotland for the team. Unfortunately I had been sent down to Torquay with work so that was about as far away as I could get. I was on the train and having to rely on text messages while the match was being played.
Edinburgh are a tough team at Murrayfield. It might be the atmosphere, or lack of it, with so few fans in such a large stadium. Everyone can be seen crowding around the players tunnel. On TV the Saints followers had a louder voice than the home crowd. It may be the width of the pitch, although this suits the Saints well. Whatever it is, this is not an easy match, and they nearly beat Cardiff away last weekend. So it promised to be a match.
And it lived up to it. Anyone says the rules prevent tries at the moment needs to watch this game. Edinburgh especially showed some lovely ball skills. But at half time the Saints were in touch 24-21, and the Saints are normally stronger in the second half. Sure enough they came on and closed the game down, made it flow their way, and took control.
Smyler had a great day. Only missed one kick, and he managed the game well. It is easy to overlook how good Smyler is. He isn't an "in your face" player, so he doesn't get noticed, but he is great at releasing the rest of the backs. His kicking from hand still needs more distance but he understands the game well and plays for the team. Welcome back.
Tonks had a good debut for the first team. Full back is a focus positin, and with us being used to Fodes there then they are big boots to fill. But he had a good game. Well played and looks good for when the autumn internationals reduce our squad down.
It's easy to think that a bonus point would have been the icing. But an away win, especially in the Heineken Cup, is a rare commodity. Effectively 4 bonus points! And Cardiff lost to Castre so that puts the Saints in the driving seat.
Scores:
Saints - Tries: Downey, Digger, Rabbit; Cons: Smyler (2); Pens: Smyler (4)
Edinburgh - Tries: Cairns, Jacobsen, Talei; Cons: Paterson (3); Pens: Paterson (2)
Edinburgh are a tough team at Murrayfield. It might be the atmosphere, or lack of it, with so few fans in such a large stadium. Everyone can be seen crowding around the players tunnel. On TV the Saints followers had a louder voice than the home crowd. It may be the width of the pitch, although this suits the Saints well. Whatever it is, this is not an easy match, and they nearly beat Cardiff away last weekend. So it promised to be a match.
And it lived up to it. Anyone says the rules prevent tries at the moment needs to watch this game. Edinburgh especially showed some lovely ball skills. But at half time the Saints were in touch 24-21, and the Saints are normally stronger in the second half. Sure enough they came on and closed the game down, made it flow their way, and took control.
Smyler had a great day. Only missed one kick, and he managed the game well. It is easy to overlook how good Smyler is. He isn't an "in your face" player, so he doesn't get noticed, but he is great at releasing the rest of the backs. His kicking from hand still needs more distance but he understands the game well and plays for the team. Welcome back.
Tonks had a good debut for the first team. Full back is a focus positin, and with us being used to Fodes there then they are big boots to fill. But he had a good game. Well played and looks good for when the autumn internationals reduce our squad down.
It's easy to think that a bonus point would have been the icing. But an away win, especially in the Heineken Cup, is a rare commodity. Effectively 4 bonus points! And Cardiff lost to Castre so that puts the Saints in the driving seat.
Scores:
Saints - Tries: Downey, Digger, Rabbit; Cons: Smyler (2); Pens: Smyler (4)
Edinburgh - Tries: Cairns, Jacobsen, Talei; Cons: Paterson (3); Pens: Paterson (2)
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
Northampton 18 - Castres Olympique 14
Good news, but only just. The Saints believe in living dangerously at the moment. There were many times when this game could have been lost. It is easy to blame the opposition, Castres came with the game plan of slowing us down and took every opportunity to act an injury, but there wasn't the fire needed in the team (or in the supporters to be honest).
This was another game that showed our weakness with the boot. We could have been 11 points in the lead by half time but too many missed kicks allowed Castres to remain in touch leading to a nail biting second half. When TinTin took a relatively straight forward penalty only for it to make a maximum of 5 inches off the ground then we knew it was going to be a struggle. Brooce, after a good day kicking last week, was no better. The calls for Smyler to be allowed back in as the first choice are getting louder.
Fodes try came within a minute of the second half starting. Many got their hopes up and thought that this was a new invigorated team. It wasn't to prove so however and everything bogged down. The only thing that brightened this performance is that the following day Cardiff had as much of a struggle (in fact slightly more) against Edinburgh. This seems to have lead to some confusion as to who is top of the pool. The Blues are claiming it, but surely the points difference is in the favour of the Saints.
Golden moment - Smyler took a penalty. It hit the upright, it then hit the cross bar, it bounced over (phew) and then hit the linesman on the head. Classic.
Scorers:
Saints - Tries: Brooce, Fodes; Cons: TinTin; Pens: TinTin, Smyler
Castres - Try: Tekori; Drop goal: McIntyre; Pen: Bernard (2)
This was another game that showed our weakness with the boot. We could have been 11 points in the lead by half time but too many missed kicks allowed Castres to remain in touch leading to a nail biting second half. When TinTin took a relatively straight forward penalty only for it to make a maximum of 5 inches off the ground then we knew it was going to be a struggle. Brooce, after a good day kicking last week, was no better. The calls for Smyler to be allowed back in as the first choice are getting louder.
Fodes try came within a minute of the second half starting. Many got their hopes up and thought that this was a new invigorated team. It wasn't to prove so however and everything bogged down. The only thing that brightened this performance is that the following day Cardiff had as much of a struggle (in fact slightly more) against Edinburgh. This seems to have lead to some confusion as to who is top of the pool. The Blues are claiming it, but surely the points difference is in the favour of the Saints.
Golden moment - Smyler took a penalty. It hit the upright, it then hit the cross bar, it bounced over (phew) and then hit the linesman on the head. Classic.
Scorers:
Saints - Tries: Brooce, Fodes; Cons: TinTin; Pens: TinTin, Smyler
Castres - Try: Tekori; Drop goal: McIntyre; Pen: Bernard (2)
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
Draw for 2011
An interesting draw. The Saints have got Cardiff Blues, Edinburgh and Castres. And this is the moment I realise I am a true Saint. Two years ago I went to the Blues vs Saints match at the Ricoh. And at that point I was yelling for the Blues. I grew up a Cardiff boy. I've always supported and shouted for the Blues. I saw this draw and suddenly relised that next season, for these matches I will be shouting "Come On You Saints". I almost feel a traitor. How do you tell your parents?
But I go to Saints matches week in and week out. We know the team. We know their strengths and their foibles. We are part of it all.
Proud to be a Saint.
But I go to Saints matches week in and week out. We know the team. We know their strengths and their foibles. We are part of it all.
Proud to be a Saint.
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