Northampton 16th Jan

[UlsterNo9]

Bookies giving Northampton -1 Even money

What am I missing?

[justinr73]

It was -3 the other day.

[UlsterNo9]

It was -3 the other day.

I've written off our chances of taking anything from this game.

[justinr73]

I’m slightly annoyed that the Saints have failed to respect the traditions of the competition by refusing to pick a second string team after losing their first two games.

However, I’ve every confidence that experienced heads like Biggar and Lawes would much rather put their size 12s up next week, as opposed to enduring a COVID-ruined fruitless trip to Paris.

[Dave]

Actually, you've written:

I've written off our chances of taking anything from this game.

[SparkyClarky]

Looking at the Connacht, Ospreys and Munster losses I’m hoping Doak has learnt he can’t rely on the ref to protect him around ruck time.
Happy to see Mads get back into a match day squad!

As my old school coach often said if they don’t have the ball they can’t score!
Can’t cope with aimless box kicks!
Prayer mat out and everything else crossed for this one!

[UlsterNo9]

Actually, you've written:

I've written off our chances of taking anything from this game.

Cap'n you're logged on with the wrong account

[Dave]

Actually, you've written:

I've written off our chances of taking anything from this game.

Cap'n you're logged on with the wrong account

Obviously. This account is always wrong.

[paddybrown]

Cautiously optimistic. Close as we can get to the team from our two best wins, against Leinster and Clermont.

Front row is the same as Leinster: Warwick, Herring and Marty Moore. O'Toole started at tighthead against Clermont, and is on the bench tomorrow. O'Sullivan is also a handy player to come on.

Second row is the same as against Clermont: O'Connor and Treadwell. Carter played at 5 against Leinster, and is on the bench tomorrow. O'Connor has been ever-present all season. Hopefully Treadwell's occasional hot-headedness won't count against us like it did against Munster.

Back row is the same as against Clermont: Marcus Rea, Timoney and Vermeulen. Timoney has been our best player this season. Jones played 6 against Leinster, and is on the bench tomorrow.

Scrum half: Cooney isn't available, which is unfortunate. He ties the team together. Biggest game Doak has started so far. He shows great composure, so hopefully the pressure won't bother him. Shanahan is on the bench and is always reliable.

Out-half: I don't have as as big a downer on Burns as many on this board, and thought he had a decent game against Munster. But he can be bullied, so useful to have Madge as backup.

Centres: McCloskey started both games and is a big miss, but Stewart Moore has talent and has done well when he's played. Hume also started both games, and has been out other best player this season.

Back three: McIlroy and Lowry started both games, and Baloucoune started against Clermont (who deliberately injured him). Moxham is on the bench covering all the outside backs.

So apart from Cooney and McCloskey, we've got as strong a team as we've fielded this season.

[HammerTime]

It's a very strong team considering the injuries mounting but the bench is woeful.

[StandUp]

It's a very strong team considering the injuries mounting but the bench is woeful.

Same story year after year. Ridiculous amount of injuries. Seems disproportionate to other teams but I don’t have any evidence for that. Might just be my frustration year after year.

[Dharper]

If you don’t have strength in-depth you’re gonna get caught out in the business end of things.
I’m actually please we’ve been able to produce a starting 15 that strong.
It’s put up or shut up time, we can discuss S McC or Cooney missing - winners don’t think of others to produce a top performance from themselves or excuses pre game to lose. Doak or Hume don’t need their nappy changing.
There’s enough talent there, is there the mental toughness?

[Cap'n Grumpy]

Actually, you've written:

I've written off our chances of taking anything from this game.

Cap'n you're logged on with the wrong account

Haven't logged on at all for a day or two - wot's going on?

Someone been taking my name in vain?

[UlsterNo9]

Actually, you've written:

I've written off our chances of taking anything from this game.

Cap'n you're logged on with the wrong account

Haven't logged on at all for a day or two - wot's going on?

Someone been taking my name in vain?

There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about!

[Sue Dename]

SH ONE T, Nick Mullins commentating, all we’ll hear about is new contracts being signed, how much the forwards can bench press or that Duane won the World Cup