There might be a rest week for the 6 Nations but the Aviva Premiership goes on with some players returning and others being retained by their countries. Here are my predictions for round 15.
First here is a link to my review of round 14.
How did the predictions go last week?
6 out of 6, a clean sweep!
Newcastle Falcons v Wasps
Falcons have played better this season but when it comes to the harsh reality of results they have still only won 4 times. If we discount the London Welsh games the other two wins have been at home so this is not as clear-cut as it might seem at first. Wasps have only won away once so far in the Premiership so clearly like their home comforts. However Wasps are in good form both in league and cup rugby so I’m expecting an away win.
Wasps win
Sale Sharks v Saracens
When I selected this I didn’t realise the Cipriani had been released back to his club so maybe this will be a close one. Sale will be the less affected by the international call ups and are at home. I just think that the Saracens machine will have too much power in what I think will be a close match.
Saracens win
Gloucester Rugby v London Welsh
Gloucester are slipping off the pace and lost a close one to Tigers last weekend. At least this weekend they can look at gaining 5 points over Welsh. They need to remember to build a lead and not to try too much too early but even with players missing will have enough for a routine win.
Gloucester Rugby win
Harlequins v Exeter Chiefs
Quins are another team that really need a win or they will lose contact with the top teams. Unfortunately they are coming across a different beast to Gloucester. Exeter players have said in the past that Quins play a style of rugby that suits Exeter. Add into that the lesser impact of the internationals and that Exeter are a form team coming off the cup games and this looks like an away win.
Exeter Chiefs win
Bath v Northampton Saints
Both these sides will be missing players due to the international window. Bath have been dominant at home this season having not lost there in the Premiership. Saints though are champions for a reason and have kept up their high standards this season. I’m predicting Bath’s first home loss as I think they are affected more by the missing players than Saints and so will lack that little something against top class opposition.
Northampton Saints win
London Irish v Leicester Tigers
The buzz around Irish is good at the moment but it’s all about next year and not this one. They are already safe from relegation and have some real quality arriving in key positions for next season. But we are talking about this season and Tigers will be hurting from their loss to Irish at home earlier in the season. Tigers are over their injury crisis even if they don’t have a full squad to choose from and I’m expecting them to be ruthless in getting this victory.
Leicester Tigers win
Checking my predictions afterwards shows that I have gone for 5 away wins, that would go against the stats so I’m not expecting clean sweep this week.
