Wonder which Bath outfit turns up next weekend?
The metaphorical wounded animal, or are they really down in the dumps this season and in a bit of trouble.
Saracens were impressive, but I think that score was still a little flattering. I still think Bath are capable of turning up and putting in a performance, and is up to us to turn on our own game.
Looking forward to Saturday already........is it Friday yet?

I'm not sure they can put out a different side, that's as close to the strongest that they have available but with Watson potentially out as well......

I agree, we'll be more wounded and will want to show that the magic is still there. I'd love to spank them just as badly as I really detest Bath but would settle for a nice 20 point cushion. :-)

Really looking forward to Saturday after the Sale game. Sale are effective at what they do but it's not for me. It will be nice to be back at the Stoop at the beginning of half term. I am going to get the train so that I can have a beer! Hooray!

Regarding the game on Saturday: We have really got to be switched on. This game could quickly get away from us if we are complacent or think the game is won before we go onto the pitch. Every sports team gets a slap in the face when they are complacent (well, mostly. Quins do, for sure!)

In terms of selection, I think we should go with the same pack. Maybe give Collier a start? I am assuming that Wilco and Steph are still unavailable. The backs is a bit trickier. Danny, Marcus, Andre and Tyrone are pretty much permanent fixtures in the back line. Cadan has been terrific too. Northmore, Lynagh and Marchant provide an interesting conundrum. Ideally, you want to keep Marchant on the pitch in some capacity. Northmore played pretty well and does not deserve to be 'dropped' and Lynagh will be itching (and deserves) to get back in! You have also got Jones and David (and Steele) who will want their minutes, before they presumably get starts in the Cup in November.

I think maybe Marchant could be rested this week (if that is not seen as a complacent move) with Northmore at 13 and Lynagh and Murley on the wings. Therefore, Marchant can come back in against Sarries.

I don't know! Maybe the coaches are planning on rotating each of the backs out over the next few games. The England announcement might change things!

I like Northmore, but based on the last game I would move Marchant to 13 and put Lynagh back on the wing.

I think you are being harsh he has not had a lot of game time. Just 20 minutes most matches.

What does that have to do with discussing his performance against Sale? It might explain it a little, but it doesn't mean he was good.

But not for the first time, a mildly negative post has led to an overprotective response. This board has a problem with reacting to criticisms of player performance as if they're a critique of an entire career, or writing off any hope of them being better in future. Northmore is someone I've talked up constantly, I was very quick to point out when he was consistently outperforming Joe Marchant (one of my favourite players!), and there's nothing in my assessment of how he played at the weekend that is harsh.

I think they have to keep a number of players happy that they are in the mix and but also have to be rotated - they get the best of both worlds, if they think about it - plenty of game time and rest. Once David and Morris are back in the mix, then Green and Murley will get a rest. Its good to have two-deep options where the nominal second string has as much experience or nearly so. Players are familiar together with different options - must make the team more resilient.

Providing we have no career-threatening injuries, I'd see next years team quite a lot better than this last/this season's: they appear to be building a 5-year squad (which no relegation somewhat allows, even promotes) - possibly go longer together if they keep winning.