It’s back to domestic competition after a feast of International and European action. Here’s my predictions for the festive 11th round.
How did your Round 10 predictions go?
5 from 6, close but no cigar.
Here’s my “60 second” predictions, for the reasoning behind it read below.
Northampton Saints v Sale Sharks
Both these sides have been having a tough time recently. There’s even talk that Mallinder could lose his job soon. This is something that we have talked on #RugbyChat as it used to be rare for coaches to go mid-season. Dimond isn’t into anywhere near the same situation. Sale though aren’t great travelling and Saints desperation should mean that they get the win at home.
Northampton Saints by 5
Saracens v Newcastle Falcons
Saracens might have been missing players to both Internationals and injury but it’s not affected their form. Falcons are having a good season but still are reliant mainly on their home form. Visiting Saracens isn’t an easy trip even for good travelling sides so this has big home win written all over it.
Saracens by 20
Wasps v Bath
Second v third, this should be a really good game and should be 1 on your list to catch. Wasps have shown that last season wasn’t reliant on 2 or 3 key people and they have integrated their new players in well. Bath have exceeded all expectations after a really poor season last time out. Still, I think that Wasps will be a step too far for them at the moment as Blackadder still is implementing his way.
Wasps by 7
Exeter Chiefs v Leicester Tigers
Not only are second and third facing off but so are fifth and fourth. This should be another good game amongst some good pairings this weekend. Chiefs have finally got into their stride after struggling to integrate their new players early on. Tigers seems to be the same story every season where they are struggling with injuries. Even if they didn’t have injuries I think that Tigers would find it tough down at Sandy Park and I’m backing the home side.
Exeter Chiefs by 7
Bristol v Worcester Warriors
This has turned into the key fixture of the season for Bristol. If they win then they will close the gap to Worcester to a manageable size. If the lose then the gap will be gaping and everybody will have written them off. 2 moral boosting wins in the Challenge Cup will help. Worcester were more up and down in the Challenge Cup and after starting the season well have slipped a bit not picking up the points they would have hoped. With Bristol on the up I think that they could seek this.
Bristol by 3
Harlequins v Gloucester Rugby
This 1 is simple, Quins have won all their home games and I think they will again. Gloucester have been in consistent so they could cause an upset but it’s highly unlikely.
Harlequins by 10
#RugbyChat
Join the #RugbyChat on twitter for an hour of discussion about the action this weekend. 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.
