Martin Crowson's Five Things: Clark's ban ends in time for derby
Martin Crowson looks back at five key points from the weekend's rugby action.
1In a stroke of almost unbelievable irony, the 32-week ban handed out to Northampton Saints flanker Calum Clark for breaking Leicester Tigers hooker Rob Hawkins' arm in the LV Cup final last March runs out on Thursday. That is just 48 hours before the Saints play . . . yes, you guessed it, Leicester Tigers on Saturday. If you were Saints coach Jim Mallinder, would you play him, or not? It is a decision that could be made for him if England decide to hang on to Elite Player Squad back-rowers Tom Wood and Phil Dowson for the Fiji Test.
2Irrespective of whether or not Welford Road gets a reprieve by the organisers of the Rugby World Cup 2015, I would hope that Gloucester's Kingsholm ground is given the green light to stage a game when the final decision is made on host venues. Saturday's fixture with Leicester Tigers was bristling with atmosphere from a passionate and respectful crowd in a ground with impressive facilities. Just like Leicester . . . and Northampton . . . and Exeter . . . and Bath . . .
3The only emotions from Leicester's players and staff in the wake of Saturday's 27-21 defeat were ones of disappointment and frustration. But, to quote a cliche, there were plenty of positives to come out of the game for Richard Cockerill's side. Tigers' pack was back to their brutal best and reached a peak not seen all season. Against a Gloucester front eight that had some serious weight, they bullied and bossed them off the park. Tigers' scrum was dominant and their driving mauls looked unstoppable for much of the game. Good signs.
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4There is usually a stream of gallows-type humour wafting around Oval Park about Leicester's loss often leading to England's gain. Well, with a wonderful sense of timing, Dan Cole, Geoff Parling, Toby Flood, Manu Tuilagi and Thomas Waldrom are all playing some of the best rugby of their careers at the moment, just as they depart for the forthcoming autumn internationals. Typical.
5And so Saracens have gone joint top of the Aviva Premiership with Harlequins, having scored seven tries in seven games after their 16-6 win against Saints. Who says you need to play "expansive rugby" to be successful in northern hemisphere league rugby?
Comments
by crombieman
Wednesday, October 31 2012, 12:43PM
“yes the Glos game was frustrating - but i did enjoy the Ospreys game - anyone else see it? I wonder who coached tigers for that match?!”
by Oadbylad
Wednesday, October 31 2012, 6:18AM
“Well i think even the most diehard of supporters have now lost their patience now with the coaching staff
heres a post ive made else where on the Tigers
""Come on cockerill don't start with the ref bit again...the fact is apart from a penalty try
(thank you ref)the team you put out couldn't score against a 13 man Gloucester side
It looks as if there is no "go to" plan when we find our self in this situation as Toulouse proved two weeks ago
The inability to get the ball wide this season is costing the team dear
This stuff it up your jump and run it up the middle approach to the game is getting us no where and its as if every player is cast in the same boring mould
Just whats the objective at Oval park?
To coach individuality out of all the players? and make a 15 man team of clones?""”
by wigono
Wednesday, October 31 2012, 1:50AM
“Got to agree.....lets try and run through the opposition is so predictable to opponents.....other teams have gone forwards we have gone backwards.....can't blame it all on Cockers tho'= The backs coach seems to have an easy life out of this= he stays in the background & lets cockers get the blame for his ineptitude ...why should i pay good money for watching predictable second class rugby”
by Snaggy
Tuesday, October 30 2012, 3:24PM
“Just a thought but when Miles Benjamin is fit will he be allowed to use his pace to run round the opposition or will he be instructed to run straight at them the same as everyone else?”