The Aviva Premiership ploughs on through the International window. Here are my predictions for this real test of squad depth.
First here is a link to my round-up of all the action from around the globe last weekend.
How did your round 8 predictions go?
5 from 6, so close and yet so far!
Here are my 1 Line Predictions, read below of my full reasoning.
Bristol v Leicester Tigers
Bristol picked up their first win of the season in the Anglo-Welsh cup recently and, as often happens when a coach is replaced, there’s been an upturn in their performances. However they are up against a side that’s in form and pushing for a top 4 finish. This should be a relatively comfy win for Leicester.
Leicester Tigers by 15
Northampton Saints v Newcastle Falcons
Saints have had an up and down season but have been getting things in order over the last few games. Falcons started well and were up in the top half of the table but have slipped back over the last couple of games. If this was at Falcons then I think it could go either way but as it’s in Northampton I think it’s a safe Satins win even with international call-ups.
Northampton Saints by 5
Exeter Chiefs v Worcester Warriors
Chiefs haven’t reached the heights of last season but are still in the top half challenging for the playoff positions. Warriors have picked up points to look like they won’t be relegated but all of those have been at home. This should be a comfortable home victory.
Exeter Chiefs by 10
Saracens v Gloucester Rugby
If you have to play Saracens now is the time you want to do it as they lose players to the national sides. The thing is that they are still a quality outfit! Gloucester picked up a surprise victory last weekend and are relatively unscathed by national call-ups. Still I think at home Saracens will have too much for Gloucester.
Saracens by 10
Wasps v Sale Sharks
Wasps have had a couple of slip-ups during this international window losing their opening Anglo-Welsh cup match and away to Gloucester in the Premiership. Sale aren’t as disrupted but have been up and down all season. We haven’t seen the same home fortress form that we saw last year but also they have done better on the road. Even with that better away form and Wasps international window woes I can’t see an away upset here.
Wasps by 10
Harlequins v Bath
This is a really difficult 1 and the only 1 that I changed my mind on so I’m not confident at all. Quins have won all their home games and lost all their away ones. However they are probably the most impacted side by internationals as they lose most of their leaders. Bath have been over performing this season and whilst they will be impacted by the loss of players like Ford and JJ I think that they will get an important away victory here.
Bath by 3
#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.
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