Whilst not as impacted as the Pro12 there is a reduced number of games this weekend. This is because the Toulon v Bath Champions Cup match, that was postponed last year, is being played. So here are my predictions for the reduced program.
First up here is a link to my review of last weekend’s action.
How did your predictions go last weekend?
4 from 6, at least I got one of the three upsets!
Exeter Chiefs v Gloucester Rugby
Exeter suffered their second loss in the league last weekend away to Saints in a low scoring affair. Chiefs do have a couple of key injuries at the moment and with Europe coming up in the next two weeks their squad depth is going to be tested. Gloucester came from behind in a muddy encounter with Irish last weekend to make it there games without a loss and their best string of results this season. With Exeter being at home though on a hybrid pitch that will have firm footing I’m backing the Chiefs to bounce back with a win but not by that large a margin.
Exeter Chiefs by 5
Harlequins v Saracens
Saracens meet their second side from the top four in two weeks. Las week they saw off Tigers at home with there penalty tries and this week they have to travel across London. Quins are the most improved team this season and have won all their games at the Stoop. This will be their sternest test as many people are asking if anyone can stop Saracens? Also what style should you use to beat Saracens? I think that you should stick to your style rather than trying to change too much and we’ll have to see if Quins are confident enough to try their offloads. Either way I can’t see anything but an away win.
Saracens by 10
Leicester Tigers v Northampton Saints
Tigers are another team that have been much improved this season and have so far only lost to the top two teams in the table and those were away games. Saints have been much more up and down, losing to Irish for their first win of the season and then following that up with a win over Exeter. They are still far from the side that were topping the league last season though. So whilst this is a midlands derby and between 4th and 5th in the table I can only see a home win. Tigers have only picked up TBPs against Warriors and Falcons so I don’t see it as being a large margin though.
Leicester Tigers by 5
London Irish v Newcastle Falcons
We have 3rd hosting 1st and 4th playing 5th and yet this might be the most intriguing fixture of the round. Irish in 12th are at home against Falcons in 11th and these two are 6 points behind the next team. This game is one of the most important in the relegation battle. Which ever side wins will take a lot of confidence into the rest of the league season after the two week European break. Falcons got their first win of the season against Bath last weekend whilst Irish were let a big lead go against Gloucester. However at home I think Irish will take a close win.
London Irish by 5
Wasps v Worcester Warriors
Wasps were lauded after their defeats of Toulon and Leinster earlier in the season, but three loss in the league have dropped them to 9th in the table. Warriors are only 3 points behind them in 10th and are battling hard. That hard battling though hasn’t brought them a win since early November in the league and that was hosting Falcons. LBPs in their last two games will give them confidence and I think if they get another one this weekend that will be a great result.
Wasps by 5
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