The Power Pod (00:00.456)
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The Power Pod (00:13.07)
mammoth scoreline and milestones for May and Marley at the stone ex round 13 had it all in the PWR a frozen pitch in sale and an eagle unleashed at Sandy Park it was all action in another West Country Derby the circus keeps making the shed dance whilst lightning struggled to kick on from last week

Yes, and outside the PWR we have a new Red Roses captain, a new head of women's rugby in Wales. It is all go. So let's get into it because that's Philip Patati at I'm Nick Heath and this is the Powerpond.

The Power Pod (00:57.582)
Hello, Philippa Tatiet. How are you? I'm very well, thank you. How are you? Yeah, I'm all right, thank you. How was your weekend? Where were you? What were you up to? Oh, was my mum's birthday celebrations, which was, yeah, it was lovely. There was some things she knew about, some things were surprises and everything went pretty smooth. It was a lovely, full of family, full of friends weekend, you know, so really, nice. Significant milestone.

Significant milestone, which I won't say what the number is more because it might give away my age. So, Campbell and Marley Packer in our intro with milestones and also Mami Tatiut. So that's nice. was on double bubble in the Champions Cup. I was down in Exeter and off to Bath. So that was nice and fun. I also...

had a bit of a chat last week because we heard news of the new executive chair of the PWA. various bits of news to get through. We will get to them more a little bit later about Belinda Moore relative to Wales and we'll touch on that England squad that came out. But also, yes, Genevieve Shaw, who was the chair and now she's an executive chair.

So I did ask her if that means if she swivels around tilts and goes up and down. and she said, that's very funny. but it was really nice to chat to her and their outlook for seasons ahead. We won't get too into it, but, we are hoping that we can get Genevieve on the pod very soon and perhaps to talk a few, talk in a few bits of detail around the PWR final. but yeah, it's, it's great to have Genevieve there. She was of course a rugby world cup winner in 1994. I do love the idea, you know, the fact that we have.

We have voices and people in good positions for Women's Rugby who have been there and seen it and done it and also witnessed the struggle, I'm going to call it, and actually, you know, what it takes to get things forward. And sometimes when you have to roll your sleeves up and muck in, and yeah, Genevieve is definitely one of those people. So, so I think that's good news. Yeah, really good news. So lots going on, but shall we kick it off with our review from last weekend? I think we can. Yes, go on then.

The Power Pod (03:07.374)
Alright, so round 13 review. It all kicked off with Gloucester, Harbury. scored 36 against Loughborough, Lightning, who scored 19. Now this game was moved to King's Home from the 4-Ed stadium with Vodafone because of the weather. It was a busy game. Nine tries in this one, three of them scored by Nathan Smith's Chargers. Two teams that enjoyed victory last time out.

Gloucester, Hartbury opening the scoring through Cecilia Tui-Palottu before a break from Fran Gullthorpe released USA international Bulu Matatanga to dock down in the corner. Emaia Venner-Intersep saw her run 80 metres to put the Cherry and Whites ahead before Lucy Simpson bulldozed over to extend their lead to 14 points. Fly Half, Claky George scored the bonus point try just after half time.

Alef Kelter pounced on a loose pass and scored under the sticks. Mackenzie Carson added to Gloucester Harbury's tally before Mataitonga found her second. Not enough though to stop a sixth try and a second for George. Yes, Lakey George in really good form, isn't she? I love just her recognition that actually on that first try she could run around that ruck.

rather than get involved with it, know that Mohunt was gonna get there. So her job was actually to split out hard as she could to the wing. And then yeah, used her power to get over there. And then also particularly for that second, I think that's what, that's what Claky George brings you. She's got that firm base, she's got that big behind, she gets those legs going and she pushes through. And I love that about her. And what about Bulu Mataitonga? I mean, the whole of the game and almost the cameraman, the defect, everyone on that field,

saw that, you know, that drive still going with the ball after the tackle. actually, you know, Matataga was on the wood made the tackle rip the ball off. Everyone kept driving over the top of her she made off with it with the score. And people literally I watched it back a couple of times. There's about three defenders as she goes past them. Just going what? Wait, I swear she's got the ball. It's just lovely. No one knew what happened. So so yeah, it was it was good. Good for Matataga. Love for lightning.

The Power Pod (05:19.438)
some really good flashes. think there's, good belief in that side, but, um, but the champions doing champion things. Oh, they were so good. It's that tip on pass that Gloucester, Hartbury do, you know, the options that they've got as ball carriers outside nine or outside 10 is just, you know, embarrassing. Like there's so many big players that can do a job, but it's the fact that, you know, someone like Alex Matthews guessed the ball and as a defender, you're thinking, right, she's head down.

ball tucked coming. And then all of a sudden she just does this delicate little lift of pass and then you've got a Zoe Alcroft running at you. It is just so hard to defend. yeah, the USA winger, I wonder if she's feeling a little bit of pressure from Alona Mar coming in and showing what she can do. She's just got to put a hand up and go, I'm here too. know, at me. Yeah. Excellent. I'm enjoying your accent there.

yeah, Emma Singh, Imperius again, 115 meters, Mo Hunt with two tri assists. She is beginning to add those assists in the way that she does every season. and, and good, actually, we will touch on that Ignis squad, but Emma Singh invited in, once again, back in the mix and quite rightly, because, she has been so outstanding over this season. And if Kelter, 112 meters made, off 15 carries, she is just...

you know, everywhere she will pop up and do whatever's needed. And sometimes what's not needed. yeah, was like a yellow card. Don't need that. Yeah. But I just, wish you got to get the wingers on her shoulder. made a lovely bust through at one point, but the only people around her were Gloucester Harbury players. I was like, where is that? Where's the lightning winger? You know, if, I was playing a game with Alev Kelter, I would literally be gold hanging on her shoulder at every opportunity, because you know, whenever she gets that ball, especially off a set piece move.

She's gonna bust. Get someone on her shoulder. Yeah, yeah. was the old Chris Ashton territory when he used to play alongside Manu Tuwanangi. I shall just follow him around the field for England and hope for the best. And it worked out pretty well for one of the top tri-scorers of the game. So yeah, there we go. Gloucester-Harprey getting all five points from that one. All right, shall we move on to Saracens 100? Wow. Leicester Tigers nil. And no, it's not the darts.

The Power Pod (07:29.422)
This game was at the Stonix Stadium, Leicester Tigers traveling to London for a fixture they might wish to forget. Freezing weekend, but Sarisons were red hot, scoring 16 tries, bringing up the ton. Hat-tricks for Zoe Harrison, returning Sophie Bridger, two tries for Emma Hardy, Isla Alejandro, Marley Packer celebrating her 100th Saris appearance, along with a healthy, if not early, shout for player of the season for May Campbell, clocking up 150 Saris appearances. She also found herself

on the score sheet. And Leicester Tigers just weren't at the races. Julia Immaculay and Meg Jones not part of it. It looked like a bit of a training run for the hosts. 16 tries, 100 points, two hat tricks. It just proved to be that you don't want to play them after they've lost to Loughborough. Because I rather felt for Tigers given that huge bounce we saw.

It wasn't the best viewing, was it? I mean, it was for Saris. Yeah, I mean, it depends. Yeah. What side, what I mean, in terms of a contest, because Saris were absolutely ruthless and brilliant. ouch. Ouch, indeed. So did we maybe say last week that Saris were vulnerable? Yeah. Did you? You're really making friends across this league, aren't you?

A controversial comment has brought us a tri-fest. No problem, Saris fans, I'm here all week. But I think we did caveat to say that Saris are very much that team that are probably going to have a retaliation. And they certainly did. mean, just watching that game, I actually really felt for Alex Osterbri in a way that as a coach, when you know your team has got that type of performance in them, which, you know, every coach does because they believe in their team.

believe in the way that they're playing. But you only get to see it once, maybe twice a season if you're lucky, you know? And for him, it must just be so for sure. And to be like, see, this is how Saris play and watching it, you are thinking, how does anyone beat them? Like if you watch that game and you didn't know anything else, you'd be like, well, this is the best team in the world. Like they are unbelievable. They were ruthless. And it wasn't any, you know, there was some small celebrations for each try, but you could see the intent was there.

The Power Pod (09:51.072)
after the 10th try, after the 11th try, after the, they were straight back, go again, go again. They were absolutely ruthless. So look, credit to the players, to the coaching staff, they've taken that loss and they have fully utilized it and motivated into that performance. But like you see, I just feel for Tigers a bit, but with some big players missing, you kind of felt they had one hand tied behind their back when they were playing, you know? Yeah. And I wonder as well what

added further benefit a game has like that to a team like Saracens because you've secured the game. It's absolutely in the bag. You've already trounced the team by, you know, the opposition by half time. So how much of those effective training ground moves are you then able to run? Are you able to say, all right, well, actually that thing that we've, that we tried once about three weeks ago, why don't we try that? We could actually give that a go and see if that comes off and how much are they able to sort of put in the bank during a performance like that and say, okay, we actually know that

that running that worked or running that because you've got the time because you haven't got to worry about losing the game. I thought Marley Packer looked really free and as we know last week, or if you don't know, Marley is no longer the lead England captain. She's vice captain. Zoe Orcroft taken that on. Maybe that's just what us media types do is we go, gosh, didn't she look free of the responsibility? But she certainly looked free when she was running it in from 50 meters. I have to...

call out just a very frail and weak Tigers defense. I know that they are without as much of the international class as a lot of other teams and it's great having them there, but just players stood up, flailing and not putting a shoulder in, not making Saris have to work at times. just think, come on, you've got to give it a count yourself. You've got to have a little bit more pride in trying to make the shots. But hey, look, I wasn't out there with...

Poppy Cleal and May Campbell and Zoe Harrison running at me. it's easy for me to say from here. Yeah, no, I do agree. I think it was 36 missed tackles. That's a lot. I think going into saris with what was quite heavily changed team, I personally, I, you know, if I was in that, I would just be chopped girls, just chop, you know, to a certain extent, you can actually get away with not having brilliant technique. If you just go low and put your body in the way it hurts, but

The Power Pod (12:08.833)
just go low and chop. Don't worry about the off-flows. Don't worry about wrapping up. Don't go for that sort of second tier technical stuff of a tackle. Just chop. But they didn't. They were trying to hold players. were trying to prevent off-flows. They were almost thinking one face too far ahead for just a game against Saris with a stripped back team. Just basics. Chop. Yeah. Well, what a way to bounce back for Saris having lost to Loughborough Lightning for the first time. Sophie Bridger, good to see her back as well.

So yes, Sarri's very much making a statement that they're still in this. Of course they are, we always knew that, but yeah, what a moment to stick a hundred points in. Not a scoreline the league likes to see, but hey, if you're in that kind of ruthless mood, then you deserve it. All right. Next one was on Sunday and Exeter Chiefs scored 31 to Bristol Bears 41. about this one? My goodness. I know, I know.

So Phoebe Murray opened the account for the Bears with a run that we have seen the likes of Amber Reid do many times from that 12 shirt. But Chiefs were quick to respond through Liv McGotherm with a superb slice through the middle. The Bears power was shown through a maul that turned into a penalty try after Michaela Nelson's side entry and collapse saw her yellow carded. Meg Varley later threw an intercept to Claudio McDonald before Alicia Joyce.

butchers found Marr who drew the last defender to find Meg Varley. And then the woman herself, Falona Marr ran 40 meters breaking tackles to score her first PWR try. Chiefs got a four-try bonus point, but fortress Sandy Park was breached once again by the Bears. So let's hear the thoughts of red roses at Bristol prop Hannah Botterman. We haven't performed well enough all season.

I want us to push on from here. We really want to be in that top four come the end of the season and we want to give this another shot because we know that we can play as well as we do in parts and our backs fired up today. We started exiting from a 22 if we're under bit of pressure so that helps as well. A couple of nice kicks from Ho and Kira. And yeah, low as well on the edge, giving us a bit of go forward on the edge and made a massive difference. yeah, all the girls.

The Power Pod (14:30.882)
putting 100 % today and that's what we can ask for really. Great to hear from Hannah Botterman there and yeah, well, very pleased that they are showing those kind of performances and you know, who expected that? I think there was, you know, we certainly talked about the fact that Bristol have those two games now, one game against Exeter Chiefs and is that leaving them a little too stranded away from the top four?

And then they went and got the result, absolutely huge. By the way, I would like dummy stats because with Alicia Joyce Butcher's one last week, it's like that was a good one. Phoebe Murray, much more intentioned one, I would say, than last week. Getting rid of Flo Robinson for that super first score, I loved that. Also was really critical in their second score, which was Renika Bonner. So loved that.

Chiefs Taylor Perry, that score, what a delight, making a bit of a mug of the new girl along with a few others, electric step and pace. But Ilona Mar did have her moment to reply. Taylor Perry was the Mike Cat to Mars' Jonah Lomu, if anybody's familiar with that clip from about a million years ago.

She did rather trample through her for the try. And I loved Mars Assist possibly for the Meg Vali try even more, a real recognition. Okay, I'm on the outside channel. I can go inside, drag the defense in, ride a couple of, know, ride the physicality and get the pass away. And so I loved that for Meg Vali. And a word of note for me for Ella Lovibond, who's Try Saving Tackle.

at the last, just as Chiefs looked like they might be doing it and Claudia McDonald thinking that she could go lateral across and get in in the corner. No, can't. they lost the ball and then they were at Bristol were able to clear it. So it denied Chiefs are losing bonus point. How critical will that be in this run in? And also lovely to see my pal Craig Maxwell Keyes referee on duty because we love the fact that our officials get the chance to develop.

The Power Pod (16:31.788)
but we also don't always want there to just be very fresh referees across the PWR because I think the players have felt at times that it's been a little underserved. So nice to have one of the big boys coming down to do it. So we did get a little bit of communication on this one from our friend Rob down in Exeter, who we love hearing from. And he said this. About this for a hot take. The most influential moment of that Chiefs Bears game happened before kickoff.

which he's lost Hope Rogers. Now, like Michaela Nelson, I think she's a fantastic impact player, but when you're up against the best front row in the league, starting red roses after all, you want the best loosehead in the world on your side and that is Hope Rogers. Hope Rogers, best loosehead in the world. I think it's fair to say that Rob is biased. What are your thoughts, Phil?

I think missing Hope Rogers was worth at least 10 points. I really do. She is that good. When you think about the scrum penalties that Bristol won as well, like Bristol, obviously they're top for scrum penalties in the league. They win them left, right and center, but you just wonder if they did have someone like Hope Rogers bolstering that scrum, would they have got as many? And then, you know, in and around the try line, those short carries, Hope Rogers is indefensible. Exeter actually got into the 22 more than Bristol managed to get into their 22.

So they were there. just couldn't quite finish. And you know, Hope Rogers in the 22 short carry, she's over. So I think she was a huge loss for them, but credit to Bristol, their physicality. was just immense. They dominated in the scrums. Like I say, the lineouts, the carries, they were back to that free flowing strong one up rugby. they would just exit till you kind of felt were kind of chasing the tail a little bit at times. They may double the amount of tackles.

that Bristol had to do, that is energy sapping stuff. So, you know, can almost forgive them a little bit for that last try attempt that you mentioned there where they were going very lateral. That is very much what happens when you're fatigued. You lose that little bit of depth, that sprint onto the ball and you kind of end up sort of crabbing across the field. But yeah, credit to Bristol. They played with real intensity. Yeah. And look, it's almost as if Hannah Botterman's been listening to the power pod because I...

The Power Pod (18:56.086)
I felt like there was a little bit of a pointed entertaining comment around the fact that we're clearing the lines. Look at that. We're actually kicking the ball out. So that's lovely, isn't it? Why not? Just put in the odd kick. It's great. You've done it now. Keep doing this. Don't do it every time. I love the fact they keep the ball in play. They've got threats all over the field. Why wouldn't you? But at times, yeah, just get it gone.

Kira Bevan back from injury. Good to see she put in a couple of box kicks. So yeah, that did make me chuckle when bottom one was like, yeah, we might just try and kick it every now and again from our 22. Cool. Okay. Great. Yeah. Holly Aitchison had a good one as well. Good decision making from her. And yeah, Bristol proving us wrong. That top four, top five, you know, is still pretty wide open. Fortress Sandy Park, by the way, it's not been.

Wristlebears have breached it, Gloucester Harpere breached it. Do we call it Fortress Sandy Park anymore this season? I think that tag has gone, I'm afraid. this your controversial comment? Is this mine? Yeah, okay, great. What's that going to do for Susie Appleby? I Stick it on the wall. I'm not going to inflate my sense of...

My position in the world of women's rugby by suggesting anyone would give a toss about that. anyway, yeah, it was it was brilliant from Bristol. Congratulations to them. And and extra chiefs are certainly going to have to sharpen things up a little bit if they are to maintain their position in that top four. Of course, the other game of the weekend, Sealsharks against Trailfinders was postponed due to a frozen pitch. They actually I mean, what I quite like, they made that call really early. They could see what the weather was going to be all weekend.

they knew that it would be Hayward Road, which isn't ideally placed to cope with that kind of weather. So they made an early call on it and everybody had a weekend off. So good that they made the early call, but wouldn't it be nice if these games are being played at stadia that have the investment and can cope with getting games on in frosty temperatures. But that is perhaps a conversation for another day.

The Power Pod (21:07.886)
So shall we look at the preview then for round 14 coming up just four rounds remaining after this one in this season's PWR. a feeling this congested season has been. Beginning on Saturday at Ashton Gate where that wounded Leicester Tigers team will be visiting the Bears kicking off at one o'clock. And our later sales sharks welcome Quinn's coming from the bye week. Fingers crossed the weather plays ball at the Corpac Stadium this week. You can watch that one on the Global Yo app.

in front of the TNT Sports cameras Gloucester Harpary entertained trail-finders at Kings Home. That kicks off at 5 past 3 and the only Sunday fixture sees, well, an important one at Sint Stadium at Frankens Gardens, Loughborough Lightning looking for another big win against that hurting Exeter Chiefs side. Yes, I will be very intrigued as to what happens there.

It's just a shame that we won't have any cameras on it. But there we are. So, Phil, talk us through, set us up Saturday's game, then Bristol against Tigers. All right. So like you say, Bristol Bears, they're in fifth, rest of Tigers in eighth. So a high flying Bristol Bears after a much needed win on the road to Exeter Chiefs, with them still being fifth with seven out of 11 wins and three points shy of fourth place Exeter.

They have closed the gap and built up hope. A continued run of wins could see them keep top four hopes alive. Leicester Tigers taking that hundred at Stone X, a really tough day out for them. They'll need to look at a much improved performance and we'll know how hard it will be against what looks like a really fired up Bristol Bears side.

Yeah, Bears are now just three points off that top four. We will run through the table a bit later, but actually as we start to go through these fixes individually towards the end of the season, it's it is going to be worth pointing out. mean, the Chiefs do have a game in hand above them, but you've just they've just got that extra zing now, Bristol Bears, haven't they? It is for me, you know, we are going to say her name again, but it is a little bit the Alonimar effect. They've they've had the more interest. They're getting the crowds down.

The Power Pod (23:16.398)
It's another one at Ashton Gate where they're going to be looking to sell a hatload of tickets and get big crowds along. And hey, look, their USA Eagle has now scored our first try on the PWR, which I'm absolutely delighted with by the way, because I put out on, I think it was one of my socials threads. I just said, we could talk about the rugby now. And it had a whole heap of likes as if everybody out there was saying, actually, yeah, if that's what we can now do with this USA star, then let's look and see about that. yeah.

It's Bristol at home. Tigers, I think, are in trouble here after a result like that. maybe this is just a chance for them to go and make a statement in terms of putting a little bit more pride back in that shirt. Yeah. Well, I think there was 10 changes last round. So that's a lot. I would have thought there'll be a... Which in fairness, they've got to do... We talked about this condensed season. Every team has to rotate at points.

so maybe they were looking at this one with a bit more of an eye on it thinking, this is one we could potentially try and challenge. So rest the players and come out fighting on this one, looking at Bristol bears games ahead though. So obviously they've got tigers now they've then got trail trail finders. Sorry. They've then got Loughborough and we've got Harlequins. So all of those are not obviously not gimmies trail finders. They are not gimmies. Okay. They are. But once obviously they're to be targeting, but.

you wouldn't guarantee them either. And I know that's crazy off of what we just saw last weekend with Bristol Bears, but that was only last weekend. We have seen- I'm fairly sure Dave Ward would be in agreement with you saying there's absolutely no resting on Laurel's Hill. We've got to be sharp all the way through. Absolutely, absolutely. And then to finish off with that Harlequins game, that's going to be tasty as well. So they've still got a lot of work to do. So I'm afraid for Tigers, I think, you

Bristol Bears are going to be looking to be ruthless again and keep building that momentum. And like you say, not, rest on their laurels at all. Yeah. Yeah. It's a Friday night game. That, that Quinn's game at the Stoop, which, sounds great. It sounds like it's going to be an awful lot of fun. If you, if you want to spend your Valentine at the Stoop and I'm sure they're going to want to put a big crowd behind it then.

The Power Pod (25:30.286)
then yeah, that could be a fun one. All right, let's move on then. The game at two o'clock on Saturday, the Sail Sharks in ninth against Queen's who are in second. Of course, Gloucester-Harpley going top of the table since the last round. That one's at the Corpac Stadium. Queen's coming off the buy, traveling to sail. And that is, of course, it's a place they lost last season. 35-31. That was that big, big result that spread the rounds in round two. Of course, Queen's bit of a different team this season.

on that nine game winning streak and looking poised certainly for that top four finish this time around. Second to Gloucester Harpere, who we mentioned, they have played one more game than them. It's 12 versus 11 matches. Sealsharks do need something from this season. They will remember that round two clash last season. But yeah, mean, this is good game for Queen's, I would say, coming from the bye week.

getting back up to speed. They're at home to Saracens next week, which I think is easily the best contest of round 15 to come, but let's not get ahead of ourselves this round 14 game. Yeah. Sail sharks against Queens. Yeah. think it's a fairly, it's another fairly easy one to call for me this one. Yeah. But you know, what will be interesting because coming off a bye week, you want to get your players back up and running straight away, right? But is this an opportunity for squad rotation?

because Harlequins haven't done that much. We've seen some positional movements, but actually if you go across the board, it's pretty much similar faces. And we talk about this condense season, we talk about the fact they've got Saris the week after, and as much as obviously you don't look too far ahead, you do have to kind of plan to make sure these players are being looked after and that they hit the ground running when you really need them to.

Yeah, although I think, you know, my view on that, I think is probably a Sean Lin style view is that, know, if you're rotating too many of your big names and it could be three weeks since they played a rugby game in anger, couldn't it? By the time they're facing Saracens. And I think I remember the run in last season where actually Gloucester were in a pretty decent position. They didn't need to absolutely thrash it out for the, for the last two, three games of the season. But Sean Lin picked first 15, you know, his, his heart.

The Power Pod (27:38.946)
top strength team for every game. And I think that was just about making sure those connections don't get weaker. They're only getting stronger. They're still playing with each other. So yeah, I hear you on the fact that Queen's haven't rotated, but I just wonder if underneath that, that is also the reason for their success. Yeah. And I guess the argument being if they've had a rest, they've had one by week. That's element of rotation, isn't it? You you've had your week. Yeah. Yeah. Interesting to see how that goes. Everybody had a rest. Yes.

So, yeah, they have won nine out of 11 Harlequins. So that is how their season is going. I suspect they will be adding another one to that winning streak at the weekend. Yeah. And look, from a sale perspective, this is going to be a really difficult challenge. One that hopefully the players will embrace. They're playing against one of the in-form teams, but it's got to be about slowing their ball down. We've talked so much about Harlequins, how they can change that point of attack from the short carries to playing out wide. They're really creative, but...

It all comes from that initial first collision that goes forward for Harlequins. So, I mean, you've got Rachel Taylor there, one of the best jackalers and one of the most annoying players to play against. Luckily I got to play with her mostly at that rock area. You know, she is a master of the dark art, shall we say. And hopefully it will be very much jackal technique and just,

being a pain, techers, all week to just try and slow them down, try and them down, try and frustrate them and see what you can get from it. Yeah. And they've got people in that sales sharks team who can score tries. So, let's hope that they can certainly stay with the team that are in flying form.

All right, next one. me, Saturday, 3.05, Gloucester-Harpry against Trailfinders. That is top of the table, the defending champions against leading Trailfinders in seventh. That one at King's Home, live on TNT Sports. Claire Thomas is on that. And I think she might be being joined by our own Philippa Tassias. Is that right? Yeah, we are looking forward to this.

The Power Pod (29:38.882)
Good, yeah. And Gloucester-Harpry obviously out of that slump they experienced in November, bouncing through December on that five-game winning streak now into the new year. They are getting results, scoring six tries, still decent last week, looking like they've more to give, purring nicely is how I would describe them. For Trailfinders, well, they would have loved to play after that helter-skelter match at Valles Way against Queen's, but they have had to wait another week. So no doubt, champing at the bit, although...

maybe they'd preferred to played that sale game rather than be heading down to play the champions. Yeah, very true. That would have real opportunity, wouldn't it, for them last week to really push on, kick on, continue that momentum. Look, the interesting thing about Hartbury is that they make no, it's no cloak and dagger. Like there's no real deception in their play. It's a simple game plan just executed to perfection with a little bit of individual license to play, individual creativity. So Trail Finders know exactly what's coming.

They know exactly what's coming, but still it's hard to stop. You know, it's so hard to stop. After we saw that reaction, that reaction game against Harlequins, you know, that is a sign of a team that can get up. They can rally, you know, and they're going to need to against Harlebury because it's not a case of you have to defend, change your sort of defensive structure or change anything you're doing. You haven't got to be like, it's not a technical masterclass this game, but it is.

about putting in big shots, about slowing them down, staying in that fight. So this could be a really good game. Yeah, I think so. We know that Trail Finders can score tries and yeah, I think it is. It's just about that challenge of a team absolutely stacked with English and Welsh internationals, some Irish in there as well. That Gloucester-Hotbury team, you know, they put out the stats since we had the announcement of Zoe Oldcroft that they have three international captains in their ranks.

which is absolutely bonkers Sam Monaghan, Hannah Jones and now Zoe Allcroft. I think it was almost like a few hours or a day later I think it was that that came out and was like someone went hold on a minute we've now got three of the... So yeah if they could sign Jade Conkle as well then they'll be absolutely laughing.

The Power Pod (31:47.138)
But yeah, now, of course, talking about Trail Finders, well, among their ranks is Scrum Half Ella Amory. And here's something a little bit different this week. I was delighted to speak to Ella all about her new business initiative, Offload. What is it? Well, as the website says, service designed to empower the rugby community by creating meaningful connections between the players, clubs and unions. Our platform showcases player talent, skills and ambition while providing clubs and unions with an efficient tool for recruitment and eligibility tracking. Well, let's hear more from Ella.

who can tell us all about it. So, Offload, literally to take the load off of someone, is a platform that eases connections between women rugby players and clubs, unions and universities around the world. So how it works is you've got your profile as a player, your rugby CV, so essentially you sell yourself as best you can. And then on the flip side, you've got a club, for example, that could be looking for a very specific profile.

They could reach out to you or they could post an offer which you can then apply for. It's almost like LinkedIn, purely for women's rugby. in terms of, you know, I'm sure there'll be people at some of the clubs, let's say the PWR, which is, you know, the best league in the world. But I'm sure there would be people at those clubs that would say, well, you know, we're doing our best to keep in touch with who the players are around the world and who might be wanting to come to these shores and get a game. But I guess...

know, habit is habit and people might be looking in the same old places. are you sort of, have you had conversations with people in those clubs to say, you know, where are you looking and would this sort of service be of benefit to you? Yeah. So the last two weeks since the launch on the 5th of January, my job has been getting in touch with as many clubs as possible in as many places in the world as possible. whether that's the US, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, England, Belgium, France, like I've

I've been having those conversations to try and bring the clubs on the platform. There is a three months free trial for clubs to try it out because I generally do believe that it's useful and that it will pay out in the end for them. So it's just a case of creating that momentum to go back to rugby, creating the momentum towards the platform and creating trust as well at the moment.

The Power Pod (34:07.18)
Yeah, there we go. And look, I understand as we went on to chat and we will put the full chat up for you in a little bit of a bonus, bonus pod and it'll be on our Insta. It will work for all formats of the game. So players are going to play 15s, to play 7s, maybe a bit of 10s. It's a nice idea this, isn't it? it's brilliant. Absolutely fantastic. I really hope it gets some traction because it's such an opportunity now for women to literally travel the world and play rugby. And even if you're not looking to...

moved to America or France, but you know, a one-off tournament, like you say, a tens, a sevens, like how amazing. And if I could put down to be a water girl, do they have a water girl section? Yeah, I love that. Yeah, absolutely. Team manager maybe one of those, but yeah, I mean, you you've got women's elite rugby that's starting up in March in the States. I've certainly commentated on the world 10 series and that's been good fun or the world 10s championship.

So yeah, I think there's good scope. I think you said just before we started recording, Phil, just about, know, Seven's teams are invitational. There'll be people looking for people, because, you know, it's not that this is all gonna be paid, which Ella talks about. It's the fact that actually sometimes it might be that there's some experience on offer, or it's taking you to a part of the world where the sun is shining.

And you just fancy a bit of that. So, yeah, a chance for players to put themselves in a shop window. Yeah, absolutely brilliant. What was the name of the website again? It's Offload. Offload. that's company. Check it out, everyone. Yeah, absolutely. And thanks, Suela, for reaching out and having a chat with us. OK, let's move on then to the last game of the weekend. That's Loughborough Lightning against Exeter, chief sixth against fourth, this one at the Sint Stadium at Franklin's Gardens. Loughborough Lightning,

Going to want to show that the match against Saracens was not a fluke and bounced back. As for Chiefs, after each of the past three rounds, well, they've dropped one place in the table, I noticed. Some of that's bi-week affected and they're rearranged Bristol game, but still three weeks ago, top, week later, second, week later, third, a week later, fourth. So dropping three places in three rounds, even psychologically, can't be a whole lot of fun. Now down in fourth, they've now lost two on the bounce and yeah, that's not quite the...

The Power Pod (36:24.962)
the start to 2025 that they would have wanted. Some positives though, Susie Appleby, the bench that consisted of Cleona Maloney, Demi Swann, Linda Van de Velden improving the cause, so did Maisie Allen, Loughborough Lightning as well, looking at them. All but done, but as we know, the effect that they could have on that top four, and that they're gonna wanna keep building on what looked like, you there were certainly plenty of promising bits against Gloucester Harpry. And like I said, I think there is that belief, that back line of looking at each other and going, we're the real deal.

we could do this. Yeah, no, absolutely. I really feel, know obviously the scoreline was very much in, in Hartbury's favour, but Loughborough, they really challenged them and they had some brilliant defensive sets, you know, last ditch tackles to say what you would have thought would have been inevitable Hartbury tries. This is again, this is a tasty one, which is so mad pre-Christmas, you would not have said that you'd be like Exeter, this is, this is Exeter's game, but actually you just don't know. Loughborough coming into some real form, Exeter,

I just feel like they've plateaued a little bit. know, they, need that injection. They need to kick on. Although I will say, I know you mentioned before, Taylor Perry, the youngest are in at fly half Canadian sevens, like she's good. It was almost a shame. had that one amazing run. And when I mean amazing, it was amazing. Like literally she was turning players inside and out. was crazy. I don't know, like five or six players. I beat Susie Appleby getting her ear like big hurt up.

get her feel in the game because if we could see more of that, she could really be the spark that could get them back into a bit of momentum. Yeah, excellent. By the way, speaking of telling players inside out, there was a moment when I was playing touch this week where someone threw a dummy and someone kind of was all over the place. And I was just like, who are you, Pip Hendy? Which felt a bit harsh.

But I was obviously the only one on the sidelines just going, that's an excellent recent rugby cultural reference that no one here is picking up. But yeah, sorry Pip. bless her. I think she'll be fine for that at the end of season, so she'll bound to be. Bound to be. Yeah, so we can't, we won't have the coverage on Love, Brand and Against Exeter Chiefs. We love Rob giving them a bit of hassle to try and make sure that that happens. It is something they've said they're looking at in the off season.

The Power Pod (38:40.942)
And I also know that the PWR are going to be looking at how the league is covered once this first couple of years deal with TNT comes to a conclusion and where things will move on from there. But anyway, that's a conversation for another day. The table after round 13, Gloucester Harpry went top then. Harlequins in second, Saracens in third, Exeter Chiefs in fourth, Bristol five. That's how it's looking. But the key bit, three points between first and second, two points between second and third.

four points between third and fourth and three points down to fifth. So that is really a top five. Then it's Loughborough down on 23, Trail Finders on 20, blah, blah, blah. But that is where we're at. Formsides are in positions one and two. Saris who've been a bit up and down and the Chiefs who've now had those two losses. So let's see how all of that will play out. Right, a quick nudge into our power line because we had a message. Now, interestingly,

I haven't got the name of who sent this because they didn't include it. when a number comes up from someone, then often you can just see something. So the name that came on is Winslade. I don't know. I'm assuming that's a surname. So hello, Mr. or Mrs. Winslade. Thank you very much for your message. It says, Chiefs against Bears yesterday, an awesome game, so much excitement, fantastic display from two of the best in the PWR. This is, I love this.

Is Ilona wearing Skaz's knee pads for extra credit? Great to see her on the pitch for so long and making an impact and making a couple of mistakes to prove she's human. I hope Evie Gallagher's injury isn't too serious. I think Christiana Baligan was a great replacement. Loving the pod, keep up the great work. Well, thank you very much for the message. Thank you for the compliment on the pod. And yes, I thought Baligan went really well and we haven't got the detail. It was a late fitness test, which we hope is nothing too sinister.

for Evie Gallagher. Right, shall we move into our one question as we motor through our episode 14 for you? Last week we had Bulo Mataitonga who had this question to ask her fellow American Katana Howard. For my one question I'd like to ask Katana Howard at Sealsharks, who is her favorite League of Legends champion? Minaka, thank you.

The Power Pod (40:57.516)
And let's get the response from Cellshaar's Katana Howard. Hi Power Pod, Katana Howard here. Thank you to Baz for my one question. My answer is Nami. She is the champion I play most often when I play on Summoner's Rift, although I have been dabbling more in TFT recently. And I have to say Kog'Maw is my favorite champion in TFT. And now for my one question, I would like to ask Tess Fury of Lester.

where her favorite place she's ever traveled has been and why. Thank you. There we go. And now we have a question. We're in a little purple patch of Americans in the PWR at the moment, asking things, turning up and playing. And that is the question then. So, Matai Tongata Howard, and now to Tess Fury, asking about favorite travel place. By the way, do you know anything about League of Legends and what they're talking about there, Philippa? Absolutely no idea. Yeah, me neither. So, this has fallen to the wrong...

wrong crowd, but we're delighted that you're having a lovely time with your game. All right, any other business time? Well, we had the announcement, didn't we? Zoe Allcroft is the new Red Roses captain with Marley Packer and Meg Jones as vice captains. Interesting. Yeah, notable inclusions as well in that squad that was named ex of the Chief Scrum Half Flo Robinson, Bristol Bears, Renika

Bonner, Loughborough Lightning Center, Fran Goldthorpe, fullback and other uncapped players. Abbie Burton in there as well, who had that horrible sort autoimmune and kephalitis thing a couple of years ago. And yeah, the squad we're in earlier this week. We are hoping to have some exclusive stuff on our Instagram from Pennehill Park, because I am going to be heading down there. So yes, the Red Roses, Six Nations Grand Slam Defense.

starting on the 23rd of March against Italy. So that's when the Six Nations gets underway. But Zoe Orcroft, the choice of captain, what do you think, Philippa? I think the reason is that Marley Packer's name is not necessarily the first one inked into that seven shirt. And perhaps now alongside Alex Matthews, Zoe Orcroft is one of those first names. Yeah, I think there's a bit of that. you know, Marley Packer is coming towards the latter stages of her career, a home World Cup. Easy tiger, a home World Cup.

The Power Pod (43:19.086)
is just amazing and what a way to finish off those last few years if you've got them in you, but also for her to be able to enjoy it and captaincy is a pressure. And I like now, we're seeing more of this, aren't we? With captains, co-captains or more named vice captains. Back when I was playing, you didn't really have a named vice captain, you'd have more of a leadership group, but that was kind of what it was. And it's just a way of sharing that pressure as more eyes are on the game.

there's more media demands that they want to speak to captains or senior players. So no, I think this is good. And hey, like we saw last weekend, Marley, that was her first try in PWR. So maybe that little bit of pressure off is allowing her to run a little bit more freely, as you say. There we go. Good stuff. Well, yes, the squad is out. Make sure you check that out.

Other bit of news, former CEO of the PWR Belinda Moore has popped up in the new head of women's rugby job at the WRU. She's going to take on the role initially on a nine month interim basis before helping to appoint a permanent successor, which maybe could still be her. But she's going to be overseeing whoever the new head coach will be. that's an interesting little job in the women's scene, isn't it?

Yeah, it is. I mean, it's great to see that we're having someone with that specific role. I was quite surprised to see Belinda Moore, great. A woman that's obviously been very much embedded in the women's rugby scene. So yeah, let's see what happens there. Yes. All right. Now a special announcement. What if I said the words live pod to you?

I would worry about how many times I pronounce names wrong. Are we excited? Yeah, well, hold that thought basically, because our friends at Good Scars Rugby may have a little more to share on that this week, because we've been in conversation with our friends over there about some fun at the PWR finals. So make sure to tune into their show this week and keep an eye on our shared socials on Friday. So we're just going to tease you here on the PowerPod.

The Power Pod (45:27.47)
and allow our friends to bring you the full news of perhaps a little bit of a collab. I'm saying too much, I'm saying too much, but yes, we're very excited here. All right, P.T., it is time for us to be asking you, before we skip off into the sunset of this episode, what is P.T.'s power play? All right, this week I am going down to Sandy Park, but unfortunately I'm not going to Ex the Chiefs. I am going to Bristol Bears, to...

that woman, Elona Mar, and it's not actually for her try that she scored, which was amazing and very much Lumo-esque, like you said, but it was actually the one she created for Meg Varley because it not only showed off her physicality, it showed off her awareness. So she's out on that wing, she's running as fast as she can, but in a peripheral vision, so sideline vision, which is really important, especially for wingers, she can see Meg Varley running a wrap. So she's running around and behind her back. And in that split second,

She chooses to cut back in to play her away. Now it's the cut back in. It's not too harsh. If it's too harsh, turn your hips, you turn your shoulders. You can't get that offload in. She cuts in just perfectly to fix the player in front of her, but still leaves her shoulder square, able to get that offload away. And all of this is happening in a split second. So absolutely brilliant. There's been so much talk about what Alona Mark does off the field. And I felt like in this game, we saw what she does on the field and I can't wait.

to see more of it. my power play this week goes to Bristol Bears, Alona Mar, keep it coming. Very good. Yes, we love that. And yeah, like you say, it's not just sticking in the wider channels and putting the hammer down. It's the awareness of saying, well, if I can actually crab some space infield and make some room on my outside for somebody, yeah, and it was a super finish.

from Meg Varley. Super, well thank you very much, Phil. Where are you this weekend? we've mentioned it, haven't we? You're on our TNT Sports Airwaves. I am certainly heading to King's Home, hoping I won't be getting too many evils from Trailfinders. Hopefully all is forgiven and yeah, looking forward to calling out that game. Yeah, wonderful. Super, I am on Champions Cup duty, but I'm going to be doing my best to keep across all of the PWR and we will be back with our next episode next week.

The Power Pod (47:39.182)
As we said, keep an eye on the special announcements coming for a bit of fun around the PWR final. But in the meantime, thank you so much for listening. If you're inclined, maybe leave us a little review on iTunes, if that's where you happen to, or Apple Podcasts, if that's where you happen to tune in. We would love to hear from you there. In the meantime, have a super week, everybody. Enjoy the games this weekend. The Power Pod is a level production produced by Caleb Latonya.

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