Round 6 - (VI) Predictions

The key will be not conceding scrum penalties. Their whole game seems to depend on that. George is a very powerful factor. It's like having three props.

I think Donny's key objective should be minimum damage in terms of injuries and suspensions and hope Jersey or another club beat Ealing so they get a play off place. Any points gained is a plus for Donny. If Sarries get their four tries early doors they may sub their superstars and Donny can bring their best assets off the bench. Forget kicking pens for the posts and hope for a four try losing bonus point. Let them eat pie!

George didn't play against Pirates. He makes an enormous difference.

Interesting preview on the Bedford website. Apparently it is 37 all in terms of wins between them and Richmond  since 1930 something.

Pappashanga wrote: Yes all noted, but George makes the difference. He started playing against Richmond and their scrum was then stronger than that of Jersey and Pirates for that matter. He's not in the much criticized England team for nothing.

Ealing 5-0 Jersey - The juggernaut to continue 

It was David Johnson who took over at fly-half for Ealing with Luke Daniels coming on at fullback. However, because they swapped shirts the commentator thought Jordan Burns had come on even though he is a bald scrumhalf, while Daniels is a fullback with a full head of hair. He then thought Daniels came on at scrumhalf later in the match.

Ealing team against Jersey: We see the strength of Ealing's recent connection with Ulster as we grab Bill Johnston (David's brother) to cover at Fly Half. We'll see how that works after only 2 weeks with the squad. Othewise, a massively changed squad that makes me nervous. Obviously injuries have fly half thin, and missing Alun Walker due to a knock is a big blow. I don't know why Bobby De Wee is suddenly a 6 but I'm worried for the scrum overall - lots of changes. One positive is seeing Dean Hammond return from injury, he was huge in the Trailfinders cup. This feels like a trap game to me.

Pappashanga wrote: Looks strong enough to me. Look at the bench.

With the sole exception of GT who is a legend I think Jersey have the stronger bench. Should be a cracking match which could go down to the wire and I'm hopeful of a Jersey win. Back in the day GT played for Jersey in the backs in the second half in my first ever visit to VW and scored a try in an away win against the odds. Wish I could be there tomorrow and hope its a cracking match win or lose.

Edited by corporalcarrot - 16 Apr 2021 at 16:14