With seven games to go for most teams we are two-thirds of the way through the regular season. We aren’t at the run in yet but teams will be thinking about every point and time is starting to run out at the bottom of the table. Here are my round 16 predictions.
First here is a link to my round up of last weekend’s action.
How did your Round 15 predictions go?
2 from 6, even with the top three teams losing it was a shocker.
Harlequins v Bath
Quins have had a rough old-time during this 6 Nations, they have only won one of their last six games. At least their next two games are at home against sides the bottom four and they need to pick up wins to get into the Champions Cup places never mind the playoffs. Bath are having a season to forget having only beaten three teams, Exeter in the opening game and relegation threatened Warriors and Irish. So even though Quins have poor form I expect them to win this battle between two sides depleted of key players due to the 6 Nations.
Harlequins by 5
Wasps v Leicester Tigers
Wasps showed their inconsistent nature last weekend when they lost away to Gloucester after six wins on the bounce. Tigers are in good form having picked up two TBP wins over the last couple of weeks. However those wins were at home and Tigers away form has been less spectacular with four losses already this season. With Wasps enjoying home advantage I’m expecting them to bounce back.
Wasps by 5
Northampton Saints v Sale Sharks
Saints seem to have turned the corner, previously you could explain their recent wins by the opposition they have faced. Last weekend though they went away to Saracens and turned them over. Sale have quietly been going about their business and would be a couple of places higher if Cipriani’s kicking was better. However it’s on the road that Sale have struggled this season so I’m backing another home win for an improving Saints.
Northampton Saints by 7
Worcester Warriors v Gloucester Rugby
Warriors pulled off a major victory in their fight against relegation last weekend away to Falcons. That’s now two wins in the last three games. However they are hosting one of the form sides in the Premiership in Gloucester this weekend. Four wins in the last five games has propelled Gloucester into the top 6 and a chance of making the playoffs. That loss was away to table topper Saracens so even though they are on the road I expect them to collect a victory. However Warriors are a tough side and I’d expect them to stay in touch to pick up another LBP in their fight to stay up.
Gloucester Rugby by 3
Exeter Chiefs v Newcastle Falcons
Exeter have found 2016 to be a bit tougher than the end of last year. They are still in second place but three losses in the last five games have narrowed their advantage. Falcons have totally turned their season round with four home victories this year. The key word there though is home victories. This is their longest away trip and I think they will be back up north with no reward for their efforts.
Exeter Chiefs by 10
London Irish v Saracens
Irish host Saracens in New York this weekend. A long trip, when they are trying to scrabble for points isn’t obviously the best move. Clearly this was planned months ago when the league scenario was unknown and unexpected. However maybe a break in routine will help? Saracens though have the know how to deal with trip. They spent half a season waiting for their new ground playing in different places and have flown back from South Africa close to a game before. With that in mind Saracens are the stronger side and have the better experience in travelling so this has away team win all over it.
Saracens by 7
Do you agree with my predictions? Let me know in the comments or via Twitter.
