Thanks to Bath Rugby for running an interesting Q&A with Tarquin Macdonald, Todd Blackadder and Tabai Matson tonight.

A group of ST holders gathered in a Rec hospitality suite to fire questions at them for an hour.

Here’s a couple of things they said… (not guaranteed word for word!)



On The Clash…

Tarquin: We want Twickenham to be our second home. Stuart Hooper said his team would have benefitted from playing there before the final they lost against Saracens.

We’ve sold 16,000 tickets so far and are confident of filling the bottom 2 tiers. Quins have sold 18,000 and their game is in December so I’d prefer to be in our position.

It’s a big marketing drive, and if it doesn’t work out we’re not contracted to continue.

We’re winning again. What’s changed?

Tabs: We want to move the ball, not be scrum orientated. We’re changing mindsets and then changing physically. The ball is in play more so fitness & defensive systems are key.

We want to hold the ball longer and create more fluency with backs carrying as well as forwards. We’re in a teething phase of collective play.

Todd: Training is more competitive Mon-Thurs. You can’t save yourself for the game. We’ve won the last 20 mins of games as a result, just look at the Exeter match.

We didnt give away many penalties. A team needs to be disciplined to win away.

What rule would you change?

Tabs: Remove scrums!

Who would you sign from rugby league if you could?

Tabs: no-one!

Why are the All Blacks so good?

Todd: Relentless attitude to attack, fitness, depth. A product of their environment with great succession planning and alignment with clubs.

Need a bigger squad?

Todd: We’re working on it…

New signings?

Tabs: Guys are coming in to address acute problems in some positions. Robbie Fruean is a freak who can break down castle doors. Paul Grant can play at 8 or second row. Jack Wilson is a really quick winger, ex-Sevens player.

Ben Tapuai is also arriving in a couple of weeks, he plays 12 and has a good left foot.

Todd: in the centre these guys should support Ford and Joseph. You can’t play a small guy next to George, you’re asking too much of him.

For Friday’s game, Fruean isn’t quite ready to play yet.

In the long term, we want to be bringing homegrown players through the academy.

Fancy a Brew?

Todd: I love watching Aled’s clips post match, he does some great work. He’s tough and always plays with a smile. He calls himself “the muscle” though…

The fans

Todd: Never underestimate the energy you create as a crowd. The players really react well to it.

JJ’s form

Todd: I think he’s playing well. He’ll get better and better. Some 12s will take the pressure off him.

Saracens away

Todd: I watched the Saracens v Tigers game. Sarries are superb with kicking and line speed, but Tigers didn’t take their chances. If we execute well, we could unlock them.

DoR hands on

Q: You’re the only director of rugby I’ve seen warming up with the players. It’s great to see.

Todd: I still want to be out there!

Love for Leroy

Todd: It shows how fans appreciate a good man. He was treated poorly by Australia, no wonder they are where they are. You should never promise a player anything.

He has some decisions to make but we would welcome him back.

Top hangouts

Todd: I love a Sunday roast which we’ve had in a few places.

Tabs: Trowbridge!