Northampton vs Bath - Friday night

[Banquo]

I’m surprised it’s Collins’ 100th Premiership game. I know he’s never cemented a place in the starting XV, but it feels like he’s been around a long time and I thought he’d have quite a few more than that.

Yes, I wonder if that is starts, rather than just appearances. I really rate him, not that sure why he is in and out all the time. Even more frustrating is Ollie Sleightholme never being fit.

[Mellsblue]

Saints now at 81 tries conceded this season. Can we keep it below a century by the end of the season?

Yep, defence is a big problem- they just switch off without the ball. Part of the overall concentration issue imo.

I had hoped Dowson would put more emphasis on it… maybe he has and it’s the players?

[Banquo]

Saints now at 81 tries conceded this season. Can we keep it below a century by the end of the season?

Yep, defence is a big problem- they just switch off without the ball. Part of the overall concentration issue imo.

I had hoped Dowson would put more emphasis on it… maybe he has and it’s the players?

I think that may well be the case. Tom James is a good case in point- he does some terrific things, and a lot to like as a player, but he just switches off for no obvious reason. On that note, the pace saints like to play at may have something to do with the lack of 'concentration', it could be that they are knackered and then lose skill accuracy/decision making. I think you see that with the likes of Mitchell after about 60 mins. Just guessing tbh.

[Mellsblue]

Yep, defence is a big problem- they just switch off without the ball. Part of the overall concentration issue imo.

I had hoped Dowson would put more emphasis on it… maybe he has and it’s the players?

I think that may well be the case. Tom James is a good case in point- he does some terrific things, and a lot to like as a player, but he just switches off for no obvious reason.

So you’re saying it’s not unusual?

[Banquo]

I had hoped Dowson would put more emphasis on it… maybe he has and it’s the players?

I think that may well be the case. Tom James is a good case in point- he does some terrific things, and a lot to like as a player, but he just switches off for no obvious reason.

So you’re saying it’s not unusual?

Close but no cigar.

[Puja]

Just got to watch this and I don't know what van Graan is doing with this Bath team. They were just destroyed by simple handling errors, a passive defence, and a complete inability to play the referee. Makepeace was being incredibly pedantic around rucks but, if you know that's the case, change what you're doing! No point looking up surprised as he gives a penalty for the fifth time for exactly the same thing.

Bath fortunate that there's no punishment for finishing bottom although, frankly, might be a bit less lackadaisical if there was.

Puja