Given the need for rotation calling some of these is a lottery. Bristol for example, their 2nd team is somewhat weaker than their starting 15, as is Quins..
Will come down to who meets who. I'd be surprised to see Quins in top 4 either way.
The burning question is do we really want to qualify for the playoffs? It's not that I want us to miss out but the squad will have been through a pretty tough period of 9 matches.I think the question is whether the players would want to be rewarded with the opportunity of a playoff as a reward for their endeavors..i suspect they would.
The international window follows and who knows how many that Eddie might try to break. The new season starts before that window finishes.
I would rather see our guys get as much R&R as they can and hit the ground running when next season kicks off.
The burning question is do we really want to qualify for the playoffs? It's not that I want us to miss out but the squad will have been through a pretty tough period of 9 matches.I think the question is whether the players would want to be rewarded with the opportunity of a playoff as a reward for their endeavors..i suspect they would.
The international window follows and who knows how many that Eddie might try to break. The new season starts before that window finishes.
I would rather see our guys get as much R&R as they can and hit the ground running when next season kicks off.
The burning question is do we really want to qualify for the playoffs? It's not that I want us to miss out but the squad will have been through a pretty tough period of 9 matches.I think the question is whether the players would want to be rewarded with the opportunity of a playoff as a reward for their endeavors..i suspect they would.
The international window follows and who knows how many that Eddie might try to break. The new season starts before that window finishes.
I would rather see our guys get as much R&R as they can and hit the ground running when next season kicks off.
I think the players give their answer.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1300723872161988610 (https://twitter.com/i/status/1300723872161988610)
Bath concern me the most, but there's not much we can do about them now.
Does the Gloucester result mean we have secured top 8 and therefore a champions cup place.
4 wins is all it takes now.
4 wins is all it takes now.
Out of interest is next years Euro cup placings based on finishing position in the league or the play off? Does the Champion & final runner up make up the 1st & 2nd placings or is it who finishes 1st & 2nd in the regular season?
Exeter 100000
Sale 71
Bristol 67
Wasps 65
Bath 64
Watching last nights Quinns game I thought they played a very clever game. Kicked to a very fats & creative back 3 & put them under so much pressure Gloz imploded & made mistake after mistake.
Something wasps need to be careful of.
The final game at Sandy Park will be interesting. Depending on how the other teams are standing it may be in Exeter's interest to lose to get themselves a better semi final opponent? Will they want to rest key players or, if a likely home semi against Wasps themselves looks likely, they may want a heavy win to put down a marker.
Can't remember what year but Wasps got absolutely pumped at Welford road but them demolished Tigers in a final a week or so later (details from those with better memories welcome) Mind games from Shaun at the time I think.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8H4R4XS7dM&ab_channel=Mossboy16
Nuff said...
Final game vs Chiefs is at the Ricoh, not Sandy Park.
Can't remember what year but Wasps got absolutely pumped at Welford road but them demolished Tigers in a final a week or so later (details from those with better memories welcome) Mind games from Shaun at the time I think.
Can't remember what year but Wasps got absolutely pumped at Welford road but them demolished Tigers in a final a week or so later (details from those with better memories welcome) Mind games from Shaun at the time I think.
It was the 2006/7 season. In the final premiership round Wasps were beaten by Tigers 40-26, then, about 3 weeks later we beat them in the Heinekin Cup final, at Twickenham, 25-9.
And 2005 we lost the final round of the season 45-10 at WR before beating them 39-14 in the final 2 weeks later.
Can't remember what year but Wasps got absolutely pumped at Welford road but them demolished Tigers in a final a week or so later (details from those with better memories welcome) Mind games from Shaun at the time I think.
It was the 2006/7 season. In the final premiership round Wasps were beaten by Tigers 40-26, then, about 3 weeks later we beat them in the Heinekin Cup final, at Twickenham, 25-9.
I had forgotten about that one - sorry
And 2005 we lost the final round of the season 45-10 at WR before beating them 39-14 in the final 2 weeks later.
Could have done without Quins winning last night. Although, mind you, given they didn't really create anything and their 3 tries and initial 3 penalties all came from Gloucester errors, perhaps it might have given them false confidence.
Could have done without Quins winning last night. Although, mind you, given they didn't really create anything and their 3 tries and initial 3 penalties all came from Gloucester errors, perhaps it might have given them false confidence.
Agreed not sure how much to read into that match, Glaws were terrible, Cips was on one of his bad games.
He quite literally kicked the ball into Quins hands at one point and they ran it back for a try. Plus the forward pass which was an easy walk-in for Glaws.
Could have done without Quins winning last night. Although, mind you, given they didn't really create anything and their 3 tries and initial 3 penalties all came from Gloucester errors, perhaps it might have given them false confidence.
Agreed not sure how much to read into that match, Glaws were terrible, Cips was on one of his bad games.
He quite literally kicked the ball into Quins hands at one point and they ran it back for a try. Plus the forward pass which was an easy walk-in for Glaws.
Glaws were indeed terrible and I think that is possibly the worst I have seen Cips play. His mind was not on his rugby. I was surprised that Skivington didn't take him off at HT.
Could have done without Quins winning last night. Although, mind you, given they didn't really create anything and their 3 tries and initial 3 penalties all came from Gloucester errors, perhaps it might have given them false confidence.
Agreed not sure how much to read into that match, Glaws were terrible, Cips was on one of his bad games.
He quite literally kicked the ball into Quins hands at one point and they ran it back for a try. Plus the forward pass which was an easy walk-in for Glaws.
Glaws were indeed terrible and I think that is possibly the worst I have seen Cips play. His mind was not on his rugby. I was surprised that Skivington didn't take him off at HT.
Certainly content with Jacob, although he too will have awful days like Sale this year, it is inevitable given his age and the way he plays.
Can't honestly say that I was content about Lima's stint as first choice ten, I can't remember any great games for us from him, just flashes. Glad he is here now, good option as back up, but are there any remaining people here who view him as near first choice at 10 or 15? Genuine question, not trying to provoke, I know he had a pretty large vocal support here, more so than at DW. Where does he sit in the scheme if things in people's opinion?
Certainly content with Jacob, although he too will have awful days like Sale this year, it is inevitable given his age and the way he plays.
Can't honestly say that I was content about Lima's stint as first choice ten, I can't remember any great games for us from him, just flashes. Glad he is here now, good option as back up, but are there any remaining people here who view him as near first choice at 10 or 15? Genuine question, not trying to provoke, I know he had a pretty large vocal support here, more so than at DW. Where does he sit in the scheme if things in people's opinion?
None of the team were fully "clicking" a lot of the time, so not entirely sure we can be critical of Lima in isolation. Also we don't know what he was being asked to do either, so there could be a lot of factors in the apparent under-performing. If he now has stints at 10 with the team playing as it is at the moment and it does not work out then perhaps he is not right for Wasps.
Some of his play at 15 showed some class though.
Our style of play when Lima arrived from NZ, was different to what he was used to down under. He was part of a team that did all the thinking for him. He basically did little more than shovel the ball on. I accept that is a bit harsh but great things were expected from him.
We are now playing a very different style from when he arrived (and with a fit squad, well motivated etc.etc). Unfortunately for him, we have a fit Jimmy and Jacob has stepped up and with Charlie coming through, his chances of playing in the 10 shirt are very, very limited. He has more chance of playing at 15 but again we have some good options without him.
A real shame. He is a nice guy and I feel for him at times, that his journey to the NH has not worked in the way that he or the the Club had hoped. Malakai on the other hand, has been brilliant. Just shows that France was not the place for him.
Having seen the Leicester team I'm not even going to waste my time hoping for a miracle from them.
Dan Biggar gift wrapped one try. Not helping our cause.
It looks like we will face Exeter's first team on Sunday.
CHIEFS SIDE TO FACE LONDON IRISH 29th Sept
15 Phil Dollman
14 Facundo Cordero
13 Tom Hendrickson
12 Ollie Devoto
11 Olly Woodburn
10 Harvey Skinner
9 Stu Townsend
1 Billy Keast
2 Jack Innard
3 Marcus Street
4 Will Witty
5 Tom Price
6 Richard Capstick
7 Don Armand (capt)
8 Aaron Hinkley
16 Elvis Taione
17 James Kenny
18 Alfie Petch
19 Dave Dennis
20 Charlie Wright
21 Sam Maunder
22 Jack Walsh
23 Corey Baldwin
What sort of team will Saracens field against Bath? That seems like a good chance of making the play offs, if it doesn't go well for us against Exeter.
Are the last round of games all played at the same time? Or will some clubs kick off knowing other results and exactly what result they need?
Bristol are currently 7 points behind Wasps (as were Sale).
No bonus point in a win tonight and they are still 3 behind. If they get a bonus point win on the last weekend and Wasps get 2 bonus points vs Exeter I think we are still top 4 as Bristols points difference is poor.
I may be wrong but I think a bonus point win for Sale guarantees them top 4, a Win for wasps is top 4, same for Bath. Due to wins and points difference, even a bonus point win for Bristol doesn't guarantee them top 4, they need someone else to lose.
Tonights game is critical from Bristol to put pressure on the other teams at the weekend.
For once I am not too worried about where we finish.
If we get a top 4 place all well and good, but, to be honest, I am so pleased that we are even in the running after our season start.
At the start of the season I wanted us to get a top 6 placing, so qualifying for the European Cup. By a few weeks in I was hoping we would avoid relegation. Now, to be even talking about the playoffs, means we are in such a better place that I will be really happy with a close 5th place.
I think the boys would be very disappointed if they couldn't stay in the top 4.
Am i right in thinking that Farrell will be back for the Bath game, lets hope he feels like he has a point to prove.
Bath could turn them over, as it could be argued it means more to them making the play-offs
Bath could turn them over, as it could be argued it means more to them making the play-offs
Why would it mean more to Bath? Our immense turnaround (with the same, if not leaner, squad) is the epitome of a team hungry for success and more.
I think the boys would be very disappointed if they couldn't stay in the top 4.
Bath could turn them over, as it could be argued it means more to them making the play-offs
Why would it mean more to Bath? Our immense turnaround (with the same, if not leaner, squad) is the epitome of a team hungry for success and more.
Completely agree, but as I said, I just think Exeter are more of challenge than Sarries. I'm not saying that the Wasps boys have any less hunger, nobody could question that after this seasons turnaround, it was more a commentary on the opponents
I think the boys would be very disappointed if they couldn't stay in the top 4.
Exeter as the final match was always going to be a hard one - any hope of getting into the play-offs should have been acheived before that match.
Considering the various run-ins we have acheived some remarkable results over the last few weeks.
If they are disappointed, it should be with their performances earlier this season. It that which has meant we are not in a guaranteed play-off position with possibly the hardest match of the final round to play.
That said, I'd not be upset if Bristol lost tonight.
Bath could turn them over, as it could be argued it means more to them making the play-offs
Why would it mean more to Bath? Our immense turnaround (with the same, if not leaner, squad) is the epitome of a team hungry for success and more.
Completely agree, but as I said, I just think Exeter are more of challenge than Sarries. I'm not saying that the Wasps boys have any less hunger, nobody could question that after this seasons turnaround, it was more a commentary on the opponents
I see your point but I’d still say that Wasps will have the edge over Bath in terms of mentality and momentum. As for Exeter and Sarries, remember the former has 1 final (likely 2) and a SF coming up within a couple of weeks plus they’ve already secured a home SF (so Wasps is effectively a dead rubber game), while the latter will be playing their last Premiership game so will want to make a statement and end their “era” with a symbolic high.
Good point, I hope you're right. I think it is just when I think Wasps v Exeter, I get the flashbacks to the 2016 Semi Final...
Bristol are currently 7 points behind Wasps (as were Sale).
No bonus point in a win tonight and they are still 3 behind. If they get a bonus point win on the last weekend and Wasps get 2 bonus points vs Exeter I think we are still top 4 as Bristols points difference is poor.
I may be wrong but I think a bonus point win for Sale guarantees them top 4, a Win for wasps is top 4, same for Bath. Due to wins and points difference, even a bonus point win for Bristol doesn't guarantee them top 4, they need someone else to lose.
Tonights game is critical from Bristol to put pressure on the other teams at the weekend.
Points difference comes after number of wins if teams are level on league points. In the scenario above, Bristol finish ahead with 14 wins to Wasps 13.
and looks like Wuss have beaten Sarries too?
and looks like Wuss have beaten Sarries too?
Interesting...since they got a bonus point Wuss could get 8th place off Glos if they win and Glos lose and they both get same bonus points. So an incentive for Wuss to beat Sale!
Sale 64 vs
Wuss 4
Bristol 64 vs
Irish 4
Wasps 66 vs
Chiefs 0
Bath 65 vs
Sarries 0
Exeter 100000
Sale 69
Bristol 68
Wasps 66
Bath 65
Bloody hell it's coming down to the wire.
Sarries won't go down without a fight. Neither will Wuss now. Irish apparently haven't stopped fighting either!
It's odd, Exeter looked slow today and slightly half hearted.
So, it comes down to us needing a favour off Saracens. Well played universe, well played.
So, it comes down to us needing a favour off Saracens. Well played universe, well played.
If we manage to take 5 points then we finish 2nd.
Only if we fail to beat Exeter.
Technically true, but I am of the opinion that a rested Exeter first team, tooling up for several of the biggest games of their careers, will not be messing about. They are top by some distance for a reason.So, it comes down to us needing a favour off Saracens. Well played universe, well played.
Only if we fail to beat Exeter.
Technically true, but I am of the opinion that a rested Exeter first team, tooling up for several of the biggest games of their careers, will not be messing about. They are top by some distance for a reason.So, it comes down to us needing a favour off Saracens. Well played universe, well played.
Only if we fail to beat Exeter.
Technically true, but I am of the opinion that a rested Exeter first team, tooling up for several of the biggest games of their careers, will not be messing about. They are top by some distance for a reason.So, it comes down to us needing a favour off Saracens. Well played universe, well played.
Only if we fail to beat Exeter.
It's a nightmare. Hoping the EAs win.
It's a nightmare. Hoping the EAs win.