We are entering the second half of the Premiership regular season. So all the teams will obsessing each other for the second time. Here are my predictions.
First here is a link to my round-up of last weekend’s action.
How did last weekend’s predictions go?
3 from 6, was an average performance even if there were a couple of big upsets.
Newcastle Falcons v Leicester Tigers
Falcons have found some form recently winning two of their last four games and picking up LBPs in the other two. This week though sees the bar being set even higher for them. A wounded Tiger is arriving in town and they will be looking to get back on the winning track. Last weekend they suffered a shock home defeat to Sale and I’m expecting a reaction to that.
Leicester Tigers by 5
Sale Sharks v Exeter Chiefs
Sharks are on a high at the moment with three back to back wins including downing Tigers away. Also they are protecting an unbeaten home record. Chiefs are one of the pace setters this season with only 3 defeats, with one of those against Saracens last week. So like Tigers Exeter will be looking to bounce back. Sale has been a mixed place for them to visit with two losses in the last three visits. I’m going against popular opinion and think that Sharks might take a tight one but it will be a real sign of how for Exeter have come if they do pick up the win.
Sale Sharks by 3
Gloucester Rugby v Harlequins
Gloucester registered an important win last weekend against local rivals Bath. They have been inconsistent and need to string a few wins together to mount an attack on the top 6. This weekend presents a great opportunity as they are relatively unscathed by International call ups. Quins are heavily impacted as the players they have lost are key leaders including the team captains from the last 3 seasons. They have already lost two games on the trot and this is a key test to their top 4 credentials. I think that home advantage and Quins loss of leaders will really tell.
Gloucester Rugby by 5
Northampton Saints v London Irish
For all the comments about Saints’ poor form this season they still sit 6th in the table. They have been inconsistent but a late win over Quins last weekend will have done their confidence the world of good. Irish are another bottom side who have show improved form with three wins in the last five games. All their wins though have been at home and Saints will be looking for revenge after being one of those victims. Irish are being really hurt by not picking up any LBPs this season so maybe I should have gone for a larger margin.
Northampton Saints by 5
Worcester Warriors v Bath
Worcester are on a seven game losing streak but they have picked up three LBPs in that time showing they have been close. They are now only 1 point above Irish and Falcons so a win is very much needed. There are now talks that Ford won’t see the season out as Bath head coach so I think we can call it a crisis. With so many key players in the backs missing to International call ups this has to be the best time for Warriors to give it a shot and I think they could seek it.
Worcester Warriors by 3
Saracens v Wasps
Saracens roll on with another win, this time away to Exeter who are second in the league. With Exeter, Tigers and Quins all losing it allowed Saracens to put a cushion between them and their pursuers. Their systems and consistent squad rotation do mean that they are better equipped to deal with International call ups and shows good planning. Wasps scratched the narrowest of home wins over Falcons last weekend and are on a run of three wins. How ever visiting Saracens I see as being a step too far.
Saracens by 7
Prediction League
Super Rugby starts soon, join in the predicting fun by clicking here for my SuperBru prediction league.
