The Aviva Premiership is almost here! Again we have exciting signings and it promises to be a close battle once again. Here are my predictions for the opening round of games.
First here is a link to my season preview.
Here is my 30 second 1 Line Predictions, for the reasoning read below.
Gloucester Rugby v Leicester Tigers
The opening game sees settled sides that will be looking to improve on last seasons results. Gloucester haven’t changed much and also with some of their experienced players not going on tour should be in fine fettle. Tigers are being touted by many pundits as they are expecting the attacking style to be enhanced in Mauger’s second season. I think that Tigers will take it but only by a score.
Leicester Tigers by 5
Newcastle Falcons v Sale Sharks
Falcons will know that they need a good start to the season if they are going to avoid relegation now that big spending Bristol have been promoted. This will be a good opportunity as Sale are notoriously poor travellers. It was only that away form that held Sale back last season and they will be looking to rectify that. If they can they should win comfortably, but this is something they have had for several seasons and so I’m backing the home side.
Newcastle Falcons by 3
Saracens v Worcester Warriors
The first of the London Double Header games should see an easy win for the champions as they ease their way into the season. Warriors would have hoped for an easier game than the champions at HQ but that’s how it’s panned out. The only saving grace is that they will get to watch Bristol after their game to know what they are up against in the relegation battle.
Saracens by 15
Northampton Saints v Bath
Saints will be disappointed with their place last season but nowhere near as disappointed as Bath. As this is the first game under Blackadder plenty of Bath players will be looking to get ownership of their shirt. However I think we will see a disjointed performance as they learn the new game plans. Saints pack will give them ascendancy and the margin will be about how well they bring their backs into the play.
Northampton Saints by 10
Harlequins v Bristol
Quins get to face the new boys in front of a large crowd at HQ. They should be looking to chalk up a TBP win in this one. However if they are complacent and don’t build into the game they could come unstuck against the promoted side. I don’t think that the experienced heads at Quins will allow that to happen.
Harlequins by 15
Wasps v Exeter Chiefs
This is the game of the round. These 2 sides couldn’t avoid each other last season, Wasps took the honours in the European Rugby Champions Cup and Exeter took them in the Aviva Premiership playoffs. Those times the home teams won the day. I think that Wasps might have a slowish start to the season having such high turnover of players in their squad. So I’m backing the more settled side in the Chiefs to take the day this time.
Exeter Chiefs by 3
Predictions League
Join in the DrivingMaul Prediction league for the Aviva Premiership on SuperBru.
DrivingMaul Newsletter
Sign up for the new weekly DrivingMaul newsletter to receive predictions and review straight into your mailbox.
