We have just passed the midway point of the season and whilst the table looks relatively settled there’s still plenty to play for. Here are my Aviva Premiership round 12 predictions.
First here’s a link to my round-up of all the action from around the globe last weekend.
How did your round 11 predictions go?
6 from 6, not a bad little Xmas present.
Here are my 60 second predictions, read below for my thoughts behind them.
Newcastle Falcons v Wasps
Both these sides are performing better than I predicted at the beginning of the season. Falcons have been looking safe from the relegation battle since early on whilst Wasps haven’t missed Piatau & Smith as I expected. However this is still 1 that I think will go the way we would have thought early doors. Whilst Falcons have been going well, they do lack some execution when compared to the top sides and this should be an away win.
Wasps by 7
Bath v Exeter Chiefs
This is 1 that I found difficult to call and not just because I’m an Exeter fan. Bath are another side that are performing better than I expected but have slipped up a bit recently. Exeter have got back into their stride after a tough start to the season. However if you look at their fixture list it’s been kind to them recently and they haven’t beaten any of the teams above them. Bath have also been a boggy team for the Chiefs and so I’m going for a narrow home win against public opinion.
Bath by 3
Sale Sharks v Bristol
After Sale’s poor form and Bristol’s win last weekend this has become a must win for Sale. If they lost this then they will be dragged into the relegation battle and all sorts of pressure will start to be felt at the club. If they win this then they should have a big enough gap that relegation isn’t a worry. Bristol are in better form being on a run of 3 victories in all competitions but I think the desperation of the home side will tell.
Sale Sharks by 7
Leicester Tigers v Saracens
Things are not all right at Leicester, Cockerill has had to deny rumours of a toxic coaching environment and getting nilled at Munster put pressure on his position. Whilst he has a reputation for having a go at referees, I think his post match blaming after Tiger’s last game was trying to deflect criticism. Saracens have had injuries and international call-ups but nothing seems to slow them down. So this has away victory written on it.
Saracens by 7
Worcester Warriors v Harlequins
Worcester have picked up all their points at home and after losing to Bristol they will know that they are in a real relegation battle. Quins haven’t won on their travels so far this season but as was pointed out to me they have also had a tough away schedule. With that poor away schedule and Warriors picking up points I think it will be an away win but only by a score.
Harlequins by 3
Gloucester Rugby v Northampton Saints
Gloucester have been up and down this season and with both halfbacks leaving at the end of the season it feels like the current plan hasn’t worked. Still there is the rest of the season to play and they have had good moments. Saints on the other hand are in crisis mode, with Mallinder fighting for his job and sounding delusional. I think that at home Gloucester will have enough to beat a Saints side that are in poor form.
Gloucester Rugby by 5
#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.
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Exeter did of course just beat Leicester who were above them prior to their game. Should be a thrilling game at the Rec nonetheless!
Good point, didn’t think how the table has been changing