Scarlets v Saracens Pre-Season Friendly Preview

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Not sure what's happened with the font on this article, but I hope it's still somewhat legible.

I like it, but these old mince pies don't. Went a bit blurry after a couple of lines; didn't stop me though.

I've tried to increase the size so its easier to read.
Let me know if there;s still issues.

Much better, thank you.

Thanks for some good intel on Scarlets who I am pretty ignorant about. Hopefuly we will get some insights in to the starting XV for Tigers from our selection, although like you I expect to see similar numbers of players getting a run out.

So far Earl, Mawi and Martin have been conspicuous by their absence. Would be great to see them on Friday.

Barney Merrett has signed for Ampthill permanently as of this season.

“Tayo Adegbemile or Nick Isiekwe?”

No JMG? Not enough gas in the tank yet?

We spoke to Brendon on the pitch after the game and he said it is almost impossible picking the team at the moment as everyone is playing well.
We will probably see the England guys back.

As the Bard said, it's anyone's guess as to who starts. The fact Carre didn't start the other day is concerning, and Street we know has picked up an injury.

Thank you for letting me know Barney Merrett is now permanently Ampthill. it gets really hard after a while to remember which players are dual contracted and which ones aren't!

For anyone doing the Scarlets/SSA hospitality offer in Clwb Carwyn I received this earlier about dress code:

Hi there,

No, there is no strict dress code. We normally suggest 'smart casual' as a guide.

Kind Regards,
Alis Lloyd

Should be fine to have a sarries collared shirt on as long as the rest is sufficiently smart.

Quote:

The Bard
We spoke to Brendon on the pitch after the game and he said it is almost impossible picking the team at the moment as everyone is playing well.
We will probably see the England guys back.

That's a lovely sentiment but I hope that's not what he really means. I think from the game time we've already seen there's quite a clear indication of form in several key positions which is what he said players would now be picked on rather than reputation or dare I say it, name.

As above I'd guess we may see a fair few England players for this game as it feels unlikely we'd drop them in cold for the Tigers game which Venter suggested has been the whole focus of pre-season. Maybe a 40 minute start or run out from the bench?

saracensfan62 I've no idea re Street and Carre but equally maybe they've been pulled as a precaution when not 100% rather than anything too worrying. Let's hope so.

I'm assuming there's no declared streaming option here.

Looks like an almost fully fit squad with just George and Carre missing
The starting team for tomorrow looks largely like what we’ll see at Welford Road, especially the backs

Caluori back in training but not available yet too I think but as you say MarkCol7 that looks like great squad availability with a bit more than a week to go till the Prem starts.

I've no idea how good Scarlets currently and am guessing they're at a similar stage in their pre-season to us although in previous years the URC have tended to be a week or two ahead.

I think we might see a few changes in the pack for Tigers. Will Martin come straight into start against his old team. Earl likely starting so what we do at 6 will be interesting with options of a big lock or JMG. For me backs look perfect once you've put Malins at FullBack.

A good hit out and no injuries please.

SARACENS MEN TO PLAY SCARLETS:

1 Eroni Mawi

2 Theo Dan

3 Marcus Street

4 Maro Itoje

5 Hugh Tizard

6 Nick Isiekwe

7 Juan Martin Gonzalez

8 Alfie Barbeary

9 Tomos Williams

10 Fergus Burke

11 Rotimi Segun

12 Olly Hartley

13 Nick Tompkins

14 Tobias Elliott

15 Elliot Daly

REPLACEMENTS

Eoghan Clarke

James Hadfield

Alex O'Driscoll

Phil Brantingham

Alec Clarey

Corné Weilbach

Olamide Sodeke

George Martin

Nathan Michelow

Toby Knight

Andy Onyeama-Christie

Ben Earl

Charlie Bracken

Tom James

Owen Farrell

Jack Bracken

Sione Va'enuku

Lucio Cinti

Seva Kava

Max Malins

If that’s the team for tigers (and it feels like it might be) then I find some of those selections monumentally odd.

We’ll see

Scarlets team v Saracens (Friday, September 17, 19:30)

15 Blair Murray; 14 Ellis Mee, 13 Joe Roberts, 12 Eddie James, 11 Macs Page; 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Dane Blacker; 1 Corey Domachowski, 2 Ryan Elias, 3 Gabe Hawley, 4 Will Evans, 5 Harvey Cuckson, 6 Sam Lousi, 7 Josh Macleod (capt), 8 Osian Williams.

Reps: John McKee, Josh Morse, Henry Thomas, Jac Price, Gabe Cahsay, Dom Kossuth, Joe Denman, Harri O’Connor, Sam O’Connor, Archie Hughes. Gareth Davies, Gareth Anscombe, Joe Hawkins, Ioan Nicholas, Ioan Jones

Quote:

Stonexjim
If that’s the team for tigers (and it feels like it might be) then I find some of those selections monumentally odd.
We’ll see

Bringing in Martin for Tizard and Earl for Isiekwe and I think that probably is the gun side to start at Tigers allowing for Calouri and George both injured.

Quote:

Stonexjim
If that’s the team for tigers (and it feels like it might be) then I find some of those selections monumentally odd.
We’ll see

Imagine it's Tigers Stonexjim. Who are you changing.

I think as the last run out before the Prem it makes sense. Maybe starting Martin and Earl but we don't know where they are with fitness.

Quote:

ComeOnSarries

Quote:

Stonexjim
If that’s the team for tigers (and it feels like it might be) then I find some of those selections monumentally odd.
We’ll see

Bringing in Martin for Tizard and Earl for Isiekwe and I think that probably is the gun side to start at Tigers allowing for Calouri and George both injured.

But what about Jack? I’m not suggesting you are, but the idea Jack isn’t in the fun side is laughable.

What about sione? Outstanding preseason at 13.

What happened to “we’re going to pick who’s playing well”? Is that out the window already.

I’m afraid if that’s the side for tigers then there’s a few players we certainly haven’t picked on form.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:17:13:28:37 by Stonexjim.

No Angus Hall in the squad which presumably suggests he’s injured? No Carre, but after his last performance for us in Wales that might be understandable.
Tomkins was very good last Saturday, Daly needs another game. Should be a much sterner test this week

Quote:

Stonexjim

Quote:

ComeOnSarries

Quote:

Stonexjim
If that’s the team for tigers (and it feels like it might be) then I find some of those selections monumentally odd.
We’ll see

Bringing in Martin for Tizard and Earl for Isiekwe and I think that probably is the gun side to start at Tigers allowing for Calouri and George both injured.

But what about Jack? I’m not suggesting you are, but the idea Jack isn’t in the fun side is laughable.

What about sione? Outstanding preseason at 13.

What happened to “we’re going to pick who’s playing well”? Is that out the window already.

I’m afraid if that’s the side for tigers then there’s a few players we certainly haven’t picked on form.

I am not sure you can sensibly say that Jack not starting is laughable. Roti and Tobias are our best all round wingers right now and Max is a better 15. Jack is very exciting but still raw. Pre-season is very different to Tigers away and all of them have looked sharp so far any way.

Sione has been playing 12. Hartley has also had an excellent pre-season and was great last season.

Quote:

The Bard
No Angus Hall in the squad which presumably suggests he’s injured? No Carre, but after his last performance for us in Wales that might be understandable.
Tomkins was very good last Saturday, Daly needs another game. Should be a much sterner test this week

Carre was pulled out late notice last week so presumably isnt fully fit.

As others have said, doesn't look far off the gun side.

Would be interesting to know whey Earl and Martin have both been held back so much. Slight niggles or are they the kinds of players who dont really need warm up games?

Very happy to see the selections across 8, 9, 10 and 12. Promising signs last week of them linking up well, and now with Hartley joining the party.

I agree with Jim - Sione looks like a real point of difference and Jack’s ceiling isn’t only higher than the others but he is already the business. I’d have had them both in.

Sione has looked good but we need to remember the quality of the opposition. Excellent ball in hand but not exactly tested in defence. Likewise, as Sarrov mentions, he’s played 12 not 13. I’d be gutted if Hall is injured for anything more than a short period of time though, huge amount of potential there and if he’s kicking sticks then it fills a big gap from recent seasons.

Quote:

Sarrov
Carre was pulled out late notice last week so presumably isnt fully fit.

Maybe he's still recovering from being made Welsh (male) Player of last season!

Agree about Earl and Martin. The later in particular I'm dying to see but at the same time have no problem if he needs some careful management given his injury record.

Quote:

TommyKentish
Sione has looked good but we need to remember the quality of the opposition

I agree and the same applies to Bracken. I've no idea how he is at 13 but we've not even seen a full 80 of him at 12 and against much weaker opposition than he he or J Bracken will be playing in any Prem game.

I definitely hope to see form backed but equally there needs to be context for that.
Two good games against Champ and Academy teams isn't going to bounce you into the Prem starting XV and nor should it. Think about how good Elliott looked before he got the step up to Prem. He was still great but his defence took a good season before it wasn't an issue and now it's a strength.

The first game of the season obviously isn't a must win but I hope we're treating it as such and in that regard starting players who already have season(s) of experience will be important against a fully loaded Tigers. There will undoubtedly be games and opportunities for the players breaking through this season and I look forward to them getting chances then.

Quote:

PaulHerox
I definitely hope to see form backed but equally there needs to be context for that.
Two good games against Champ and Academy teams isn't going to bounce you into the Prem starting XV and nor should it.

Spot on. Especially as the players they are competing against have also looked good in those same games.

Surely if we take the “they can’t play coz they haven’t played against proper opposition yet” then they’ll never play no?

Or do we just have to wait until someone gets injured in the back three for Jack to play?

If the above is no then when do they play then?

Do we have to wait till they’ve played three seasons for ampthill and are older than 26 before they can be considered?

I don’t hate the selection for tomorrow by the way I just find some of the selections and omissions (Jack being the obvious one) a bit barmy and a bit 2025. We’ll win but I just wanted to see us move forward from one or two.

Quote:

Stonexjim
Surely if we take the “they can’t play coz they haven’t played against proper opposition yet” then they’ll never play no?
Or do we just have to wait until someone gets injured in the back three for Jack to play?
If the above is no then when do they play then?

I don't think that's what's being said so much as there's a time to introduce them and it might not be the opening game away or even the opening few games.
The reality is Bracken is the newest addition to our wings and the least experienced in real terms of those four.
Rotation through player management and/or injury is his most likely pathway to playing/starting and if we keep Malins/Daly at FullBack and off the wings there should be plenty of opportunities for him this season.

I have no idea how the coaches will manage it but I'd like to see us getting StoneX back to being a hard place to get a win. For me that means normally playing our "strongest" 23 at home.
That should give opportunities for a number of younger and wider squad players in away fixtures as we rotate. I don't want to see full French style A and B squads but if say Bracken was a starter in all our away games in the first half of the season I think that gives him a good chance to make a case for challenging for a spot starting in our strongest XV/23. No reason for him not to be on the bench in some of those home fixtures if we can make the cover work and don't go 6/2 all the time.

Quote:

Stonexjim
We’ll win but I just wanted to see us move forward from one or two.

I definitely agree with you in some regards and I'm super excited about a number of our young players not least Bracken but are we really talking about moving on from one of Segun, Elliott or Caluori to start Bracken based on what we've seen so far. That does feel a touch premature to me.

That's not say he might not get his chance take it, fly and be nailed down first choice but the more natural progression is probably for there to be some of the growing pains that the others have already to a greater extent been through. I don't think it will hurt or hinder him to have a more measured exposure to the "Top" teams and pressure situations as he learns.

Quote:

Stonexjim
Surely if we take the “they can’t play coz they haven’t played against proper opposition yet” then they’ll never play no?
Or do we just have to wait until someone gets injured in the back three for Jack to play?

If the above is no then when do they play then?

Do we have to wait till they’ve played three seasons for ampthill and are older than 26 before they can be considered?

I endorse this message.

I think the message from the last 3 seasons really ought to have been that we need to do something different. I don’t see that from tomorrow’s selection.

Quote:

Stonexjim
Surely if we take the “they can’t play coz they haven’t played against proper opposition yet” then they’ll never play no?
Or do we just have to wait until someone gets injured in the back three for Jack to play?

If the above is no then when do they play then?

Do we have to wait till they’ve played three seasons for ampthill and are older than 26 before they can be considered?

I don’t hate the selection for tomorrow by the way I just find some of the selections and omissions (Jack being the obvious one) a bit barmy and a bit 2025. We’ll win but I just wanted to see us move forward from one or two.

There will be plenty of rotation as the season goes on, and Jack will get his chance.

First game of the season, away at Tigers seems feels like a game to put out your strongest side. Currently, I would say that doesnt include Jack. Things can quickly change however, as we have already seen with the emergence of Tobias and Noah over the last few seasons.

Also, the selection for tomorrow is just for a friendly. We haven't actually seen the team for Tigers yet. So who knowsz maybe he will play

You can’t buy experience and BV will know you are going to be in situations at MWWR where this is crucial so maybe this is the thinking of Tomkins/Elliott/Segun over Sione/Jack Bracken.

Current form isn’t the only thing DORs will consider when selecting a side!
A home PREM debut for Sione would be a lot easier than at Tigers!

Think all the Matchday squad will get a good amount of minutes in Wales so an opportunity for Sione/Jack to prove to BV that the starting line up is ‘wrong’!

I don’t think experience has got us very far in the last couple of seasons. We’ve had 3 “transition seasons” in a row, and in none of them have we really made a decisive break from the past.

I think we must do that this season.

In any event, I think the younger guys are better than the more experienced players now anyway (see the success Noah had last year)

Sure - let's put the whole Academy in. They are pretty good. Is that a decisive enough break?

Our issue in previous seasons was not transitioning quickly enough from players who were in declining form, to those on the up. e.g Billy to Tom, IVZ to Bracken, going back to Faz at 10/12.

You are saying we are mad not to drop experienced Prem players who are in excellent form, for a young lad with a handful of top level games on the evidence of 2 friendlies and a cup game against other kids.

If Kennedy Sylvester has a couple of storming Prem Cup games against Tigers and Quins in November do we then game to drop Maro or George Martin for La Rochelle?

With the competition for places so fierce you’d hope it would drive standards
Brendan will most likely employ a rotation policy of sorts so most of the squad will get their chances

Quote:

The Bard
No Angus Hall in the squad which presumably suggests he’s injured? No Carre, but after his last performance for us in Wales that might be understandable.
Tomkins was very good last Saturday, Daly needs another game. Should be a much sterner test this week

Seen elsewhere that Hall just has a small knock and that Carre will be fit for next week. Fingers crossed accurate on both counts

They will have stronger opposition today

Quote:

WalesOnline
“Wales stars return for Scarlets

Scarlets have welcomed back a number of Welsh internationals for their final pre-season clash against Saracens on Friday night.

Nigel Davies has named a 30-man squad for the clash at Parc y Scarlets, with internationals Blair Murray, Ellis Mee, Eddie James, Sam Costelow, Ryan Elias, Joe Hawkins and Henry Thomas all making their first appearances of the campaign.

Led by captain Josh Macleod, the side sees Murray, Mee and Macs Page make up the back three, with James partnering Joe Roberts in midfield and Costelow and Dane Blacker forming the half-back pairing.

In the forwards, Corey Domachowski earns his first start at loosehead, packing down in the front row alongside Elias and Gabe Hawley. Will Evans and Harvey Cuckson start in the second row, with Sam Lousi, Osian Williams and Macleod in the back row.

Experienced new signing Gareth Anscombe is named on a replacements' bench which includes Thomas and former Wales scrum-half Gareth Davies, as well as fellow new arrival John McKee.

“We’ve been clear throughout the summer about our ambition," said Davies as he named his side. "We want to become a team capable of competing for the URC ”.

Quote:

Sarrov
Our issue in previous seasons was not transitioning quickly enough from players who were in declining form, to those on the up. e.g Billy to Tom, IVZ to Bracken, going back to Faz at 10/12

Agree.

And I think when this point was being made at the time there were plenty of comments saying thinks like “Sure - let's put the whole Academy in. They are pretty good. Is that a decisive enough break?”

Quote:

AlanE2
Sure - let's put the whole Academy in. They are pretty good. Is that a decisive enough break?

A predictably quippy retort.

In answer to your point- I wouldn’t have the whole academy starting as they’re not all good enough. I would be starting Jack bracken though. Every day of the week and three times on Sunday yes. I would be giving Alex OD a chance too yes. Not academy-but I would have sione a big part of the team. Thought he looked fantastic in pre season.

I don’t think anyone at any point ever suggested only playing players under the age of 24.

Quote:

Stonexjim

Quote:

AlanE2
Sure - let's put the whole Academy in. They are pretty good. Is that a decisive enough break?

A predictably quippy retort.

In answer to your point- I wouldn’t have the whole academy starting as they’re not all good enough. I would be starting Jack bracken though. Every day of the week and three times on Sunday yes. I would be giving Alex OD a chance too yes. Not academy-but I would have sione a big part of the team. Thought he looked fantastic in pre season.

I don’t think anyone at any point ever suggested only playing players under the age of 24.

Who are you suggesting Jack plays in place of?

RE Sione - I watched a lot of him at Ampthill and he has a lot of excellent attributes as we have seen in pre-season. However, he doesn't yet have the passing game of Hartley and has never really been tested against a first class attack. Don't forget he only has 2 years of senior rugby under his belt, both at Championship level. He is also 2 years older than Hartley.

In addition. If we play Jack at 15 and Sione at 12 we have almost no kicking game outside of the half backs. Against stronger opposition that is a real issue.

O'Driscoll will also get chances I am sure, but he is comfortably our 4th best loose head right now. Not a position we need to worry about

Quote:

Sarrov

Quote:

Stonexjim

Quote:

AlanE2
Sure - let's put the whole Academy in. They are pretty good. Is that a decisive enough break?

A predictably quippy retort.

In answer to your point- I wouldn’t have the whole academy starting as they’re not all good enough. I would be starting Jack bracken though. Every day of the week and three times on Sunday yes. I would be giving Alex OD a chance too yes. Not academy-but I would have sione a big part of the team. Thought he looked fantastic in pre season.

I don’t think anyone at any point ever suggested only playing players under the age of 24.

Who are you suggesting Jack plays in place of?

RE Sione - I watched a lot of him at Ampthill and he has a lot of excellent attributes as we have seen in pre-season. However, he doesn't yet have the passing game of Hartley and has never really been tested against a first class attack. Don't forget he only has 2 years of senior rugby under his belt, both at Championship level. He is also 2 years older than Hartley.

In addition. If we play Jack at 15 and Sione at 12 we have almost no kicking game outside of the half backs. Against stronger opposition that is a real issue.

O'Driscoll will also get chances I am sure, but he is comfortably our 4th best loose head right now. Not a position we need to worry about

Personally, Jack would be one of my first names on the team sheet. Absolutely electric. Can absolutely create things from nothing. Not even half a yard. I’d have him in with Tobias who I also thought was excellent in preseason. I’m sure I’ll be lynched for saying this too but Daly just isn’t it anymore. I wouldn’t do it for tigers but Jack at 15 is absolutely something I’d explore.

I have similar but not quite as strong feelings towards nt in the centres.

I’m afraid I think that aod is better than Mawi right now. Had all the potential for us but has never really done it for me. I think aod will go on to be fantastic for us-fingers crossed.

Has anyone found a well hidden streaming link for the match?

Quote:

TommyKentish
Has anyone found a well hidden streaming link for the match?

Scarlets have confirmed no livestream on their Twitter.

Really poor imo. Two Championship clubs could manage it with far less resources

I think the two year deal for Daly could bite us on the backside big time. Yes he has a good kicking game but his explosiveness has pretty much gone now.

I also don't agree that Roti is in our best two wingers. If everyone was fit I'd go Elliott and Caluori with Malins at FB then Jack not being far off getting in there pretty soon at either wing or full back.

Although Roti has played very well for us he has shown on far too many occasions that his catching isn't of a sufficient standard or let's a try go missing (Exeter away last year). He's 30 in December and I just think the balance has shifted to Tobias, Noah and Jack.

The main work on for Jack is positioning (see Saints away last year) but that can be sorted out. Apart from that he's a rocket.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:18:17:46:58 by The Wolfpack Watch.

Agree.

Cardiff have made their game with Chiefs available on clubber and Glasgow fielding their minis team against the might of Bath have made their game available free on youtube.

Maybe for future years a condition of playing in friendlies away is that there must be a stream available of some sort even if its paid. The Pirates game which was admittedly free peaked around 2500 viewers which shows there's an interest.

I think Roti must be considered the equal of the other wingers, certainly his performances last season warrants that assessment- his defensive work in particular was outstanding

Quote:

The Wolfpack Watch
I think the two year deal for Daly could bite us on the backside big time. Yes he has a good kicking game but his explosiveness has pretty much gone now.
I also don't agree that Roti is in our best two wingers. If everyone was fit I'd go Elliott and Caluori with Malins at FB then Jack not being far off getting in there pretty soon at either wing or full back.

Although Roti has played very well for us he has shown on far too many occasions that his catching isn't of a sufficient standard or let's a try go missing (Exeter away last year). He's 30 in December and I just think the balance has shifted to Tobias, Noah and Jack.

The main work on for Jack is positioning (see Saints away last year) but that can be sorted out. Apart from that he's a rocket.

Roti was our best winger last year over the course of a season. Games are more than just a highlight reel.

None of our other wingers score the try against Saints off the back of the lineout. His explosiveness is a huge point of difference as proven when other wingers have tried to fill that role.

Younger players may over take him in time but right now, if it is likely to be a close game against tough opposition I would pick him 10 times out of 10.

Penaud is also 29. Kolbe is 32. He is hardly geriatric

Caluori played in the last two games for England and Elliott is currently in the England squad. I don't think it's a stretch to say they are our best two wingers.

I certainly do appreciate games are more than just a highlight reel as I have seen from watching Sarries live for more than 30 years.

Yes he did well to score that try against Saints but his work rate for their fourth try was horrific so swings and roundabouts.

I'm not saying he's bad I just don't think he will scare opposition in the same way the other three I mentioned will do. He's a good club player and nothing more in exactly the same way Jackson Wray was for us. I know those players are vital.

I'm not sure mentioning the age of two of the best wingers in the world right now is a great argument for comparing it with a club winger.

𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄 🔀

Juan Martín González is ruled out of tonight’s game, with Andy Onyeama Christie stepping in to start in his place.

Quote:

The Wolfpack Watch
Caluori played in the last two games for England and Elliott is currently in the England squad. I don't think it's a stretch to say they are our best two wingers.
I certainly do appreciate games are more than just a highlight reel as I have seen from watching Sarries live for more than 30 years.

Yes he did well to score that try against Saints but his work rate for their fourth try was horrific so swings and roundabouts.

I'm not saying he's bad I just don't think he will scare opposition in the same way the other three I mentioned will do. He's a good club player and nothing more in exactly the same way Jackson Wray was for us. I know those players are vital.

I'm not sure mentioning the age of two of the best wingers in the world right now is a great argument for comparing it with a club winger.

Their 4th try was the one Tobias assumed a clearance kick was going in to touch and didn't challenge for. The Saints kick off the next phase then took a massive bounce back over Roti's head as he chased back. If you really think he was the one showing a lack of work rate there...

Their 3rd try Jack jumped out the line leaving Pater free to take an offload out the tackle. Out of the back 3 players who started the game Roti was actually the only one whose error didnt lead to a try.

Personally England selection doesn't really mean anything to me at the moment in terms of player ability. That said, Noah is a fantastic talent with a unique skill set who will be a superstar. Still, Roti was better than him over the course of last season. Noah, Jack, Seva or others may well go beyond him this year. Hopefully so.

Hope he's ok but will be good for Onyeama-Christie to have a run out too.

It's really great to have a discussion above with really different views and it be interesting.
For me Segun and Elliott are our starting wingers, Caluori and Bracken potential but will have to develop their games to reach the same level as all-rounders which is vital in competitive games.

Segun us still the first name I look for and honestly without his injury issues I am confident he's have England caps,

Quote:

Sarrov

Their 4th try was the one Tobias assumed a clearance kick was going in to touch and didn't challenge for. The Saints kick off the next phase then took a massive bounce back over Roti's head as he chased back. If you really think he was the one showing a lack of work rate there...
.

Yes, he was jogging back after already being in a starting position. It was a great bit of play by the Saints 11 initially but Segun was out of position. Agreed the bounce didn't help.

We're lucky that we have pacey options that we didn't have a couple of years ago but I like the idea of back youth in the outside backs with more experience in the pack and half backs

I think all our outside backs will get plenty of game time. Hopefully by the end of the season we are fighting for titles and picking the team from a position of strength

lack of any streaming really is a p155 poor effort. Was looking forward to this.

Up at half time

Full time 14-26

Sounded like more of the type of game that was needed to prepare for next weekend rather than the 2 training session matches we’ve had the previous weekends

Martin with a try on debut.

Quote:

TommyKentish
Martin with a try on debut.

Looks like our twitter admin gave that try to Cinti originally. Not entirely sure how you mix those two up?!

Does anyone know whether Martin came off injured or whether his 30 minutes was just a planned situation?

Quote:

The Wolfpack Watch
Does anyone know whether Martin came off injured or whether his 30 minutes was just a planned situation?

Apparently not injured from a compadre in the stands.

Apparently was also excellent.

Awful match in dire conditions. Rain in every which direction.
First half was poor and I think Hartley only had a positive outcome. Good line for his try.

Second half. Sione and Martin were stand out for me. Huge hits and carries. Deserved their tries.
Otherwise NT Faz daly were poor imo.

Quote:

chinjy
Awful match in dire conditions. Rain in every which direction.
First half was poor and I think Hartley only had a positive outcome. Good line for his try.

Second half. Sione and Martin were stand out for me. Huge hits and carries. Deserved their tries.
Otherwise NT Faz daly were poor imo.

Great to hear about Hartley. Think he’s been very good pre season.

Pleased to hear big George went well as well as sione. Couple more games under his belt and maybe sione gets a go hopefully.

Didn’t see the game but sounds like tough conditions that the experienced heads helped see home. Not the game for anyone too young. Bodes well for next Sunday.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:18:21:45:43 by Stonexjim.

Quote:

chinjy
Awful match in dire conditions. Rain in every which direction.
First half was poor and I think Hartley only had a positive outcome. Good line for his try.

Second half. Sione and Martin were stand out for me. Huge hits and carries. Deserved their tries.
Otherwise NT Faz daly were poor imo.

Daly wasn't great last week either so it looks like Max is in the driving seat to start next week.

Good to hear about Martin, really excited to see how he goes for us this season.

Hopefully they have faith that Max can cover 10 so we can stack the bench with some dynamism

Sounds like it was a scrappy game. Well done to those who braved the Welsh weather.

Great to hear Hartley continued his strong start to the season and delighted that Martin had a good first outing plus his first try.
I don't know enough about Scarlets this season but it sounds like they picked a strong team and weather can be something of a leveller so to continue our winning start to the preseason feels like a positive.

It sounds like Tigers also had a good win against a decent Munster side so we'll both start the season with a spring in our steps.

Quote:

Sarrov
Hopefully they have faith that Max can cover 10 so we can stack the bench with some dynamism

It would be lovely to think that.

Quote:

chinjy
Otherwise NT Faz daly were poor imo.

Even with all their experience??

We need Martin to be fit and have a strong season. Tizard has flattered to deceive a little over the last couple of years.

Hartley has had a very strong pre-season, to go with a good finish to last season. Imo he, along with Sione (who I’m very impressed with) and Jack B have had the best pre-seasons and couldn’t have done much more to be in the mix for next week.

From what I’ve heard from those who were there Charlie struggled a bit - he was poor in the first half vs Saints and wasn’t all that impressive v Pirates either. Daly is also struggling imo and really should not be in the XV. Faz is a tricky one because although he’s powers are fast waning, I’m just not sure Max at 10 works. Maybe he can remain a hopefully unused sub called upon at 10 if Fergus is injured only?

I think we need to treat George Martin a bit like Liam Williams, just make sure he’s fit for the big games. Max at 10 might work but probably needs Williams or James inside him for playmaking and tactical kicking and possibly Hall for kicking sticks.

For me the question is - does Faz offer enough off the bench to justify a spot when he only realistically covers 10 these days. His form over the end of last season and pre-season suggests not.

I would rather take a slight risk of not having a specialist 10 on the bench for the upside of being able to have genuine impact from the likes of Sione, Hall, Bracken etc.

#wolfpack C Bracken has struggled since the end of last season. I'm not sure what's happened if its a confidence thing or if it's pressure. Looking at the costs for sponsorship James who I guess most of us thought would come in as third choice is priced closer to a regular XV/23 player than wider squad player. With Williams likely starting Bracken's got some stiff competition.

Quote:

Sarrov
For me the question is - does Faz offer enough off the bench to justify a spot when he only realistically covers 10 these days. His form over the end of last season and pre-season suggests not.
I would rather take a slight risk of not having a specialist 10 on the bench for the upside of being able to have genuine impact from the likes of Sione, Hall, Bracken etc.

Agree. I'd take Malins both as cover and starting over Farrell in the absence of Burke now.
Means we can stick with the same style of play and potentially open up the FulBack spot to one of Elliott, Bracken etc