Bristol rugby preview

Jamie Crawford
Director of Rugby

Posts: 1,859

Bristol rugby preview Nov 28, 2017 12:27:27 GMT

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Post by Jamie Crawford on Nov 28, 2017 12:27:27 GMT

Sat 2nd Dec, 2017 - 02:30pm

Bristol are undoubtedly favourites to win this encounter and with their resources it’s a David v Goliath situation BUT Griff works wonders with the budget he’s given and Bristol will have that doubt in their minds because the Knights have beaten them a few times already, so will this form continue on Saturday? Similarly the Knights will be buoyed by this despite their recent run, so bring it on…

C’mon Knights last Saturday’s Twitter feed of the scores, ending 57-14 was depressing; it’s time to turn our fortunes around. Bristol played Nottingham at their Ashton Gate home and were convincing winners 50-21. It wasn’t as convincing as our 57-14 defeat and Nottingham are one place above us in the Championship, so we’ve got a tough task ahead.

As John Lowe said on this Forum, “We were hit by “a perfect storm”. An Ealing side hurting after their shock defeat last week and anxious to get their season back on track at home on a pitch that very few visiting sides like playing on against an injury hit and consequently much changed Knights team lacking in confidence and continuing to make mistakes and turning the ball over at key times.”

Bristol have had a change at the helm for this season when Pat Lam (former Samoa captain) arrived from last season’s Pro12 champions Connacht to start as Head Coach and he’s made a very convincing start to his tenure and his remit to be an immediate return to the top flight.. Five of the Samoan team that played England also play for Bristol, so they weren’t there when they beat Nottingham. We’ll face a stronger Bristol team than Nottingham did.

Arguably the biggest news of the summer from Greene King IPA Championship was Bristol announcing the signing of New Zealand utility back Charles Piutau for this season. (16 caps All Blacks caps)
Charles Piutau is to become the highest paid player in world rugby next year after Championship side Bristol smashed Premiership records by signing the former All Black on a sensational £1 million per season deal, Telegraph Sport can reveal…

Bristol, who were relegated from the Premiership last season, had already set a new Premiership record by signing Piutau’s former Auckland Blues and All Blacks team-mate Steven Lautau this season on a deal understood to be worth £650,000 per season

The Piutau deal however last night described by Pat Lam, Bristol’s new director of rugby, “one of the biggest coups in the club’s history” and underscores the south west club’s ambitions – bankrolled by billionaire owner Stephen Lansdown - to become not only the top force in England but also Europe.Both players are understood to be signed as one of the two “marquee” players allowed by Premiership Rugby salary cap regulations, where the club can pay an unlimited salary to two designated players…

Piutau will remain with Ulster for the new season to see out his current contract before moving to England next year, when he will eclipse.” . (Telegraph Sport 10/09/17)

The signing of All Black Steven Luatua from Auckland Blues has been described by Bristol as being “among the most significant signings in the Club’s recent history.” I’m sure we all remember his bone-crunching tackles when the Lions played the Blues in June. Luatua was named in the All Blacks squad that played the Lions this year.

I have been told by an ex-Bristol player that they have a squad of 69 this season and their ‘B’ team plays in the Premiership ‘B’ team league. He confirmed that Charles Piutau will be paid £1m/year, which will make him the highest payed player in Britain. I asked about salary caps but apparently they don’t exist in the Championship! I can’t work that one out, surely if Bristol do gain promotion, salary caps exist in the Premiership, so how can they pay Piutau £1m?

Elsewhere:

Friday

Nottingham (4th, 2 points above) welcome Jersey Reds (10th) to their Lady Bay Sports Ground

Sunday

Carnegie (6th, 1 point below) lie in wait before playing basement team Rotherham Titans at Emerald Headingley Stadium
Cornish Pirates (7th, 1 point below) host Bedford Blues (3rd) at the Mennaye
Richmond (8th, 4 points below) travel to play London Scottish (11th)

COYK

DONNY, DONNY, DONNY…

Last Edit: Nov 28, 2017 12:29:51 GMT by Jamie Crawford

martinc
Director of Rugby

Posts: 1,738

Bristol rugby preview Nov 28, 2017 13:06:42 GMT

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Post by martinc on Nov 28, 2017 13:06:42 GMT

As always nicely written Jamie.

Can we really expect to hold Bristol in our current physical state? Much as I hope we do, the rational side thinks it is probably unlikely - I just hope we can hold our heads up high after the game and we avoid injuries. Would be great to see Clarky getting a run out for a while.

shedtugger Manager Posts: 778	Bristol rugby preview Nov 28, 2017 14:30:47 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by shedtugger on Nov 28, 2017 14:30:47 GMT It doesn't matter how much wages a player receives, he can't run when his legs are tackled from underneath him Jamie! Come on Donny, tackle your hearts out this week. Donny, Donny, Donny

Mundiz
Administrator

Posts: 540

Bristol rugby preview Nov 28, 2017 16:16:55 GMT

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Post by Mundiz on Nov 28, 2017 16:16:55 GMT

Nov 28, 2017 14:30:47 GMT shedtugger said:

It doesn't matter how much wages a player receives, he can't run when his legs are tackled from underneath him Jamie! Come on Donny, tackle your hearts out this week. Donny, Donny, Donny

The problem is Joe, if you don't envelop his upper body, he can offload the ball and they're all getting better at that.

A word to the wise isn't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice

shedtugger Manager Posts: 778	Bristol rugby preview Nov 28, 2017 16:48:09 GMT TheHeadlessKnight and John Bale like this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by shedtugger on Nov 28, 2017 16:48:09 GMT True. Have you seen Griff's new uni? guknights.com.au/

Jamie Crawford
Director of Rugby

Posts: 1,859

Bristol rugby preview Nov 29, 2017 9:21:31 GMT

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Post by Jamie Crawford on Nov 29, 2017 9:21:31 GMT

Thank you Martin, I'm afraid I agree with your assessment, we can but hope that we suddenly have fewer injuries after players have recovered and have an 'on' day whilst the Bristol All Stars have an 'off' day. Perhaps we could go to Bristol on Friday and take the squad out for a few beers, then a few more, then a few more...so that they have a hangover on Saturday!

That's the problem with tackling when you're not a big unit, you've got to tackle round the legs otherwise they just hand you off but when you tackle low, they can off-load! I suppose that's why Backs are becoming the size and speed of Jona Lomu.

shedtugger Manager Posts: 778	Bristol rugby preview Nov 29, 2017 10:57:28 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by shedtugger on Nov 29, 2017 10:57:28 GMT Very true Jamie

Mundiz Administrator Posts: 540	Bristol rugby preview Nov 29, 2017 13:32:35 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Mundiz on Nov 29, 2017 13:32:35 GMT Nov 28, 2017 16:48:09 GMT shedtugger said: True. Have you seen Griff's new uni? guknights.com.au/ I have emailed them Shedtugger, to introduce ourselves. Maybe they could lend us some players
	A word to the wise isn't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice

davewhite Water Boy Posts: 116	Bristol rugby preview Nov 30, 2017 12:40:57 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by davewhite on Nov 30, 2017 12:40:57 GMT I hope Clarkey is in the squad...... Our most consistent back for the last few years. Selection will be interesting if Will Owen and Lloyd Hayes are fit. Clarkey and Owen for me but Lloyd is the form player at the moment ?

donnyknightsfan
Mascot

Posts: 49

Bristol rugby preview Nov 30, 2017 14:53:50 GMT

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Post by donnyknightsfan on Nov 30, 2017 14:53:50 GMT

what's your score predictions for the weekend? i'm going Doncaster 23 Bristol 22. i'm always an optimistic sort of chap. the underdog role will suit us to a tee. I think we'll give them a far better game than everyone thinks. everyone has basically given Bristol the win already, that's fine by me.....

Jamie Crawford Director of Rugby Posts: 1,859	Bristol rugby preview Nov 30, 2017 18:14:44 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Jamie Crawford on Nov 30, 2017 18:14:44 GMT Doncaster 24 - 23. I'm not sure these rose-tinted glasses suit me!

shedtugger Manager Posts: 778	Bristol rugby preview Nov 30, 2017 18:29:38 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by shedtugger on Nov 30, 2017 18:29:38 GMT Donny 22 (5) v 21 (1) Bristol

Jamie Crawford
Director of Rugby

Posts: 1,859

Bristol rugby preview Dec 1, 2017 17:21:38 GMT

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Post by Jamie Crawford on Dec 1, 2017 17:21:38 GMT

C’mon Donny let’s show the Bristolian Allstars or Ciderheads some true Yorkshire grit. As Griff said at the AGM, “they weren’t All Blacks for nothing.” Plus Bristol could field three teams, the emerging players, a second team and the mainly ex-Internationals. Conversely we are struggling to field one full team.

(Apparently people from Bristol are nicknamed Ciderheads!)

COYK

DONNY, DONNY, DONNY…

Last Edit: Dec 1, 2017 17:24:49 GMT by Jamie Crawford

Jamie Crawford Director of Rugby Posts: 1,859	Bristol rugby preview Dec 2, 2017 9:28:33 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Jamie Crawford on Dec 2, 2017 9:28:33 GMT Bristol Post: Doncaster Knights vs Bristol Rugby: Pat Lam expecting tough test
	Last Edit: Dec 2, 2017 9:30:32 GMT by Jamie Crawford

John Bale Director of Rugby Posts: 1,771	Bristol rugby preview Dec 2, 2017 17:22:18 GMT via mobile Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by John Bale on Dec 2, 2017 17:22:18 GMT A strong Knights performance today, pity Sir helped Bris to flattering scorline. Onwards and upwards boys.
	Last Edit: Dec 2, 2017 21:46:29 GMT by John Bale

thomasmachin: It would appear that if we are to replace the departing players we had better be quick or all the available players will be signed by Ealing ,Coventry and Cornish Pirates! Apr 20, 2018 8:14:16 GMT

donnyknightsfan: that was absolutely dire today almost from start to finish apart from a spell in the 2nd half when we looked OK. players don't look motivated enough to me. they need a kick up the backside. the next two games v Bedford and Irish look a tough ask now. Oct 6, 2018 21:04:32 GMT

rodders: A bit random this one but are any Knights fans travelling to the Jersey game on Friday 1st March flying from East Midlands on the 10.55 flight out. 2 of us are looking for a lift to East Midlands airport unexpectedly. Happy to share costs of travel Feb 17, 2019 19:52:21 GMT