It was a really good opening weekend of rugby in the Aviva Premiership with tight games and comebacks. Here are my predictions for Round 2.
First here is a link to my review of last weekend’s action.
How did your round 1 predictions go?
4 from 6, a fairly average start to the season.
Here are my 1 Line Predictions, read below for the reasoning.
Worcester Warriors v Gloucester Rugby
Both these sides had tough opening weekends that saw games unravel in the second half. I’m worried about Worcester now as they lost Ryan close to the start of the season and are missing key players to internationals and injuries. Gloucester have stumbled in this kind of fixture before but I think will Worcester missing players the Cherry and Whites will have too much quality to let this one slip.
Gloucester Rugby by 5
Sale Sharks v Harlequins
Sharks continued their poor away form last weekend losing to probable relegation battlers Newcastle. Last season though showed us that they are the side that like their home comforts more than any other. They nearly went through the entire season unbeaten at home and that’s why I’m backing them to win this weekend. Quins will be looking for a better performance than they put out against Bristol and will know that they are up against it this weekend. If Quins do win we will have to ask ourselves if they are suddenly playoff contenders.
Sale Sharks by 7
Bath v Newcastle Falcons
Bath started the season very brightly against a limited Saints side. Blackadder thinks that most of the pieces are already in place and it’s just a matter of tweaks and motivation. We’ll see but this weekend is a good chance to build up some early season momentum. Flacons will be over the moon with their opening weekend victory. With only 1 win out of the last 10 Premiership encounters between these sides, I think they will come back to earth with a bang.
Bath by 15
Leicester Tigers v Wasps
Tigers put in a very impressive second half display to register their biggest ever come back victory. Wasps also came back against Exeter so we should see a game that will go all the way. I think that the deciding factor will be home advantage as 2 of the playoff contenders meet early.
Leicester Tigers by 7
Bristol v Northampton Saints
Bristol will be happy with a LBP but might have in the back of their mind what could have been. They have the toughest set of opening 5 games out of the relegation group meaning LBPs and maintaining confidence will be key. Saints big pack though will cause all teams problems and after losing at home last weekend will be on the rebound. I think Myler will come back in and lead the team around the pack for a pragmatic victory.
Northampton Saints by 10
Exeter Chiefs v Saracens
A rematch of the finalists from last season. Saracens continued where they left off with a victory at Twickenham whilst Exeter lost to a come back Wasps. Especially if it gets a bit windy then Chiefs will have a big home advantage. Lozowski is still very green at this level and his lack of experience could be a problem. I think that the better game management of Exeter’s flyhalves will be the difference in the one that I chose for my Twitter poll this week.
Exeter Chiefs by 3
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