Premiership Weekend Preview

The Premiership roars back into life this weekend as the 6 Nations takes a break. With many clubs set to welcome back international stars, the fixtures this weekend will be crucial in determining the table later on in the season.

Matches to Watch:

Harlequins vs Leicester Tigers:

This is a match that will have vital playoff implications, with Harlequins sitting just outside of contention in 6th, while Leicester are clinging to that vital 4th spot. With that being the case, neither side has pulled any punches in terms of selection. The battle of Adam Jones and Marcos Ayerza could probably be labeled as the “clash of the titans”, while Italian international Leonardo Ghiraldini will give Leicester a big boost in the front row. The battle between Ed Slater and James Horwill will be vital, as will the competition in the back row. Tom Croft is the experienced leader for Leicester there, and it will be up to him to stop the Quins trio of Matthew Luamanu, Luke Wallace, and Nick Easter. Ben Botica has been in stellar form for Harlequins, but he comes up against a very experienced, talented player in Freddie Burns. Tigers get a huge boost in the centers with Manu Tuilagi back, pushing Springbok legend Jean De Villiers to the bench. Harlequins wingers Marland Yarde and Tim Visser will face a major challenge against the magical feet of Telusa Veainu and Peter Betham.

This is going to be a great match. Harlequins have been playing some great rugby this season, and we all know what Leicester are capable of when they find their best form. However this season, they have not been, and Harlequins have remained inconsistent. In the end, this is a very tough call, but I think that we will have to predict that Leicester will take this one.

Prediction: Harlequins 18- Leicester 22

Saracens vs Gloucester:

This is a key match for both sides, because despite their remarkable start this season, Sarries are just 4 points ahead of second point Exeter, and because Gloucester are only 4 points out of playoff contention. This means that a win is a must for both sides, as both are hanging on by their fingernails. Schalk Brits has been in phenomenal form while Jamie George has been away with England, and you’d be hard pressed to find a more dynamic hooker in rugby. Richard Hibbard and John Afoa will give Gloucester a huge boost in the pack, something highlighted in their 28-6 win over Harlequins. Both sides are brimming with talent in the back row, with Matt Kvesic and Ben Morgan key for the cherry and whites, while Michael Rhodes, Jacques Burger, and the in form Italian Samuela Vunisa all likely to play a role for Sarries. Charlie Hodgson’s lethal boot will punish any penalties from Gloucester, so they must be careful in that regard, While Brad Barritt will be a brick wall for Sarries in defence. Gloucester will look to use the pace of James Hook and Charlie Sharples throughout the match, which will test Mark McCall’s famous blitz defence.

Given the way both of these sides have been playing this season, the potential is there for this to be a thrilling match. For us, much rides on the work of Matt Kvesic and Ben Morgan. If they can stop Sarries onslaught, then their side will remain in with a shout. Having said that, we think the Saracens have the quality to overcome those two, seeing them extend their lead over Exeter in the standings.

Prediction: Saracens 27- Gloucester 17

Bath vs Wasps:

Wasps finally found their domestic stride last weekend, when they trounced Saracens 64-23. Bath However, have continued to struggle. Whether or not Wasps can keep their momentum, or Bath can finally rebound, this match will have a huge role on the outcome of the season. Wasps will be looking for some typical big hits from hooker Ashley Johnson, who has taken his transition to hooker quite well. Nick Auterac has been outstanding for Bath this season, and he will be needed to stop this massive Wasps pack. The matchup between Leroy Houston and Nathan Hughes will be a turning point of the match, as if Houston can slow Hughes, it takes away a huge part of Wasps game plan. Jimmy Gopperth has been in great form this season at 10, which has given great opportunities to his myriad of finishers out wide. The matchups in the backline will be fantastic, Eastmond vs Siale Piatau, Rokoduguni vs Halai, Charles Piatau vs Horacio Agulla, etc.

With so much explosive talent on one field, we cannot see this match being anything other than brilliant. That said, we simply feel that Bath do not have the depth to beat this dominant Wasps team.

Prediction: Wasps 42- Bath 21