Where are we? Oh yes back to domestic matters and the Aviva Premiership. Well into the run in and we are realistically down to 7 teams that have something to play for. Here are my round 19 predictions.
How did your predictions go last round?
6 from 6, I am the oracle!
Newcastle Falcons v Bath
Bath need to pick themselves up from their narrow loss to Leinster in the Champions Cup but it does mean they only have one thing to focus on now. Newcastle have looked better this season especially at home but they have nothing left to play for and the class of Bath should see them through.
Bath by 15
Harlequins v Gloucester Rugby
The match of the limbo teams, both these sides have been above the bottom group but not really in contention for a while. There is an outside chance of one of them making 7th but I think it’s unlikely. For Quins that’s all they have got but Gloucester are in the semifinals of the Challenge Cup. Humphreys has already said that is all they have left so I expect to see players rested and for Quins to take the win.
Harlequins by 5
Saracens v Leicester Tigers
The matchup of the round and which ever side loses could drop out of the playoff places. This one should be a real cracker and when they met back in November it was a draw, could lightning strike twice? I’m not going to take that escape however tempting it is. I’m going for a narrow win with home advantage being decisive.
Saracens by 3
Exeter Chiefs v Northampton Saints
I so want Exeter to win this and get themselves back in playoff contention. This game is so important to the Devon side but the worst thing that could happen did. Saints got absolutely taken to the cleaners last weekend. Saints will know that they need to respond or their season could unravel when they have looked so dominant. Unfortunately I think Exeter will feel that backlash.
Northampton by 10
London Welsh v Wasps
Wasps need a big win to keep their slim hopes of reaching the playoffs and they will get it.
Wasps by 50
London Irish v Sale Sharks
It’s difficult to know what’s going on in the Irish camp, they have heavily invested in next year and have nothing left o play for this year. But have 2 wins form the last 3 league games. Those though were against the only 2 teams below them in the league. Sale are fighting it out for 6th place and the Champions Cup automatic qualification. With Wasps likely to get 5 points Sale will be going all out for a big win.
Sale by 20
