This game is the last of the opening block of Premiership games and after this weekend we’ll be kicking off the European competitions. Before we get there though here are my predictions for this weekend’s Premiership games.
First a link to my review of last weekend’s games.
How did last weekend’s predictions go?
4 from 6, I didn’t see the upsets coming but then again that’s why we call them upsets.
Harlequins v Sale Sharks
Quins have started the season strongly showing that their recruitment strategy was spot on. Not for them going out and getting big names for the sake of it. They looked where they had issues then went out and got quality to fix those gaps. Sale have secured two home wins after that horror showing away game to Saracens. How ever I think they are going to be a team that likes their home comforts. So I’m seeing a comfortable win for Quins.
Harlequins by 10
London Irish v Bath
Irish have struggled to settle and it probably is going to take some more time for the new coaches and players to get on the same page. Bath have struggled to settle this season and it might not all be down to the interruptions of the Rugby World Cup. The questions about Burgess could also be causing off the field disruptions that are affecting the on field performances. Still this should be an away win.
Bath by 5
Worcester Warriors v Newcastle Falcons
Warriors have started the season well and even though they haven’t got a win to back up that opening weekend they have put in fighting displays. Falcons have struggled and had a big loss to Exeter last weekend. This is already looking like being a bottom of the table decider, so expect both teams to go at it hammer and tongs and I’m expecting a narrow home win.
Worcester Warriors by 3
Northampton Saints v Saracens
These are the top two teams from the table last season. On the surface of it Saints have struggled by losing 2 of their opening games but they were only by 1 score. The problem has been more who they have played as non of those opponents are expected to be in the top half of the table. Saracens blasted their first game but have throttled back a bit since then, but still taken three wins. A team that’s always been more than it’s parts has coped well with the disruption and I expect them to stay unbeaten.
Saracens by 5
Exeter Chiefs v Leicester Tigers
This is a clash of two of the form teams os the start of the seasons. Exeter should have beaten Bath in the opening round and have backed that up with two TBP wins. Tigers have won all their games in a less flashy style. In doing so they have contained two good attacking sides. This time away from home though I think that the Chiefs will have too many attacking weapons.
Exeter Chiefs by 7
Wasps v Gloucester Rugby
Wasps have stuttered this season and have now lost their fly half to suspension. But they are a team that loves their home ground and performs in front of their supporters. Gloucester have beaten the teams that they should and had a narrow loss to Saracens. This one is a hard one to call and I’m going for the home team even without their playmaker.
Wasps by 7
Prediction Leagues
The European Rugby Champions Cup and European Rugby Challenge Cup start soon, I’ll be posting my predictions and reviews of all rounds. Click on the competition to join in the predicting fun.