The Aviva Premiership returns after a 2 week break for the Anglo-Welsh Cup. Here are my round 8 predictions.
First here is a link to my roundup of all the action from last weekend including the women’s internationals for the first time.
How did your round 7 predictions go?
4 from 6, not a great way to head into the break.
Here are my 1 Line Predictions, read below of my full reasoning.
Bath v Bristol
This weekend’s match-ups you would normally say are fairly easy to predict. The problem is trying to factor in the impact of International call-ups on the squads. This is a perfect example of that, normally you would say this is a comfortable home win with Bath looking for the TBP. However missing the likes of Ford will impact them. Bristol also had a moral boosting win in the Anglo-Welsh cup but I still can’t see anything but a home win here.
Bath by 15
Worcester Warriors v Northampton Saints
Warriors have been picking up points if not the victories and are undefeated at home in the Premiership with a win and 2 draws. Saints are having a disappointing season sitting in 8th in the table. I just can’t see Warriors being able to beat the Saints power play and I daren’t go for another draw after I was burnt earlier this season so I’m backing a narrow away win.
Northampton Saints by 3
Newcastle Falcons v Exeter Chiefs
Quick full disclosure, I’m a Chiefs fan so I may be being swayed by my heart here.
Falcons are much better at home than on the road normally helped by other teams having to travel further than normal and play on a 3G pitch. Exeter are having a poor season after making the final last season. I just think that Exeter will start to get into their stride and will take this 1.
Exeter Chiefs by 7
Gloucester Rugby v Wasps
Wasps had a rare loss in the Anglo-Welsh cup but that just means their first string players have had a rest. They will bring their full firepower down to Gloucester and I just can’t see the home side being able to contain all those attacking threats.
Wasps by 15
Sale Sharks v Saracens
Sale are renowned for their home record and I found this 1 really hard to pick. Saracens will be weakened not only by International call-ups but also the loss of their first choice lock pairing to injury. It’s just too hard to pick against the form team in Europe and so whilst I’m going with the away win I’m not overly confident about it.
Saracens by 5
Leicester Tigers v Harlequins
The match-up makes this the game of the round but when you scratch a little deeper I think this should be a comfortable home win. It’s mainly about the visitors rather than the hosts. Quins always struggle in the International windows as they lose most of their leaders to England. This week they are also playing a match against the Maori to celebrate their 150th anniversary so will have to field 2 teams. Add that they have only won at home in the Premiership so far this season and everything points at a home win.
Leicester Tigers by 10
#RugbyChat
Join the #RugbyChat on twitter for an hour of discussion reviewing the action on Tuesday. If you can’t make the hour then you can still give your view as the conversation keeps going over the following day.
DrivingMaul Newsletter
Don’t miss a post or video by signing up for the new weekly DrivingMaul newsletter.
