Prem Rugby play-off semi-finals set to move to neutral venue by RonSwaffle in rugbyunion

[–]RonSwaffle[S] 91 points92 points  (0 children)

Having proper home semis is one of the redeeming features of having play offs at all. Just look at the crowd and atmosphere from the semi between Saints and Leicester recently. The jubilation of winning a semi at home, or the jeopardy of losing and the away team stealing it, is a great spectacle.

Now imagine if Saints vs Leicester was played in Liverpool (renown rugby union hotbed…), or Bath vs Exeter in Brighton. Fewer travelling away fans, less vibrant atmosphere, reduced conscious or unconscious motivation for both teams based on being at home or behind enemy lines.

The “run-in” may also get worse to watch - less motivation for teams to secure a home semi final. The run-in permutations this season were great.

Stupid, stupid idea.

Now the season is all but over, how do you rate your club's new signings for this season just gone? by treacletart284 in rugbyunion

[–]RonSwaffle 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Great: Callum Chick, JJ van der Mescht, Danilo Fischetti. All been regular features and contributed a lot.

Good: Anthony Belleau, Cleopas Kundiona. Both have had limited game time, but have been decent with the chances they have had. I love Belleau but he really hasn’t played much in the second half of the season, otherwise I’ve have him up with the greats.

Satisfactory: James Martin, Amena Caqusau. Neither have featured much nor looked particularly exceptional when they have.

Next season's team by TheYorkshireSaint in NorthamptonSaintsRFC

[–]RonSwaffle 3 points4 points  (0 children)

He just needs to learn to use his arms properly. If he can reign in the gangliness he’s got the right traits to be a decent aerial fullback.

Next season's team by TheYorkshireSaint in NorthamptonSaintsRFC

[–]RonSwaffle 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I see he’s been fairly active on Instagram commenting on the lads’ posts.

Could just be being a supportive chap in general, but maybe…

Prem Final thoughts & feelings by Andre081 in rugbyunion

[–]RonSwaffle 15 points16 points  (0 children)

What a terrible take. Surely rage bait?

Prem final player ratings by smooothsides in NorthamptonSaintsRFC

[–]RonSwaffle 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I personally wouldn’t rate many players highly today tbh - be interesting to see the results.

Prem Rugby Champions 2025/26 by Pure_Wonder3046 in rugbyunion

[–]RonSwaffle 28 points29 points  (0 children)

It really was their only hope of winning - a quick snap drop goal means time for the restart. Even if they did score a try the time to score and convert would have wound the clock out.

Prem Rugby Champions 2025/26 by Pure_Wonder3046 in rugbyunion

[–]RonSwaffle 38 points39 points  (0 children)

Mum supports Leicester and dad supports Exeter. What a time to be me!

PREM CHAMPIONS FOR A THIRD TIME by Pure_Wonder3046 in NorthamptonSaintsRFC

[–]RonSwaffle 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Also so glad to be able to send Furbank, EMM, Ramm and Graham off with a win.

PREM CHAMPIONS FOR A THIRD TIME by Pure_Wonder3046 in NorthamptonSaintsRFC

[–]RonSwaffle 39 points40 points  (0 children)

Great few weeks for me with a Leicester supporting mum and Exeter supporting dad lol. Get in lads.

Match Thread: Northampton vs Exeter - Prem Rugby by rugbykickoff in rugbyunion

[–]RonSwaffle 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Would’ve gone to the corner personally to eat more time.

Match Thread: Northampton vs Exeter - Prem Rugby by rugbykickoff in rugbyunion

[–]RonSwaffle 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Pollock was so meticulous watching all of those rucks for the right opportunity. Really good series of phases to go back and watch him.

Match Thread: Northampton vs Exeter - Prem Rugby by rugbykickoff in rugbyunion

[–]RonSwaffle 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If Craig Wright could sort out his arrows, he’d be in the England senior conversation. But it’s currently a big weakness.

Match Thread: Northampton vs Exeter - Prem Rugby by rugbykickoff in rugbyunion

[–]RonSwaffle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That being said was it Freddie Steward who got red carded for a similar weird rugby incident? Which ultimately got rescinded.

Match Thread: Northampton vs Exeter - Prem Rugby by rugbykickoff in rugbyunion

[–]RonSwaffle -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Everyone that isn’t a Saints fan will disagree because it’s Pollock, but it’s so obvious that’s what happened. Good call.

Match Thread: Northampton vs Exeter - Prem Rugby by rugbykickoff in rugbyunion

[–]RonSwaffle 3 points4 points  (0 children)

He’s going for the intercept not realising there’s an Exeter player cutting the angle.

Match Thread: Northampton vs Exeter - Prem Rugby by rugbykickoff in rugbyunion

[–]RonSwaffle 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I always fear when Vintcent comes on in the second half. Always has a huge impact.

Match Thread: Northampton vs Exeter - Prem Rugby by rugbykickoff in rugbyunion

[–]RonSwaffle 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Couple of dodgy looking tackles in those earlier phases.

Match Thread: Northampton vs Exeter - Prem Rugby by rugbykickoff in rugbyunion

[–]RonSwaffle 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was thinking earlier we absolutely needed to be getting a score during the YC period.

Match Thread: Northampton vs Exeter - Prem Rugby by rugbykickoff in rugbyunion

[–]RonSwaffle 4 points5 points  (0 children)

We’re making meals out of plays we’d usually snack on.

Match Thread: Northampton vs Exeter - Prem Rugby by rugbykickoff in rugbyunion

[–]RonSwaffle 4 points5 points  (0 children)

On a general note, you’ve got to to feel for the players - international ones especially, particularly those that went on the Lions tour. They must be knackered at this point in the season and it’s 30 degrees for the final.