RBP Weekend Preview

Weekend Matches to Watch

Aviva Premiership: Bath vs Saracens

This rematch of last seasons dramatic final has budded into an exciting rivalry of late. While Bath may be suffering through a very poor season (coincidentally right after the departure of Sam Burgess…) Saracens sit at the top of the table. Things are not all roses for Saracens however, as a recent lapse in form has seen Exeter and Wasps close the distance rapidly in the standings. Schalk Brits and Mako Vunipola give Saracens a very dynamic front row, but they must beware of the set-piece threat presented by Henry Thomas and Rob Webber. Saracens will welcome back three of England’s brightest 6 Nations stars, with George Kruis, Maro Itoje, and Billy Vunipola giving the defending champs a dominant back five. Bath will demand big performances from Francois Louw and Amanaki Mafi, both talented internationals. Louw will be a menace at the breakdown, and Sarries will need to be strong at the breakdown. Owen Farrell returns to flyhalf, and finds himself up against George Ford, who was inside him throughout the 6 Nations. These are two of the Northern Hemisphere’s most exciting young fly halves, and they will be the key to their respective sides attacking gameplans. Two silky smooth runners go head to head at outside centre, as England star Jonathan Joseph takes on the Pumas Marcelo Bosch. Chris Ashton returns from his 10 week ban to take his place on the right wing for Saracens. He faces a familiar foe in Samesa Rokoduguni, with Anthony Watson at fullback, and Horacio Agulla rounding out the Bath back three.

Prediction: Bath 13- Saracens 24

Top 14: Toulon vs Clermont

Two of France’s best come head to head, in a battle between the number one and number two sides in the Top 14 table. Both sides have used their immense financial power to recruit well, which means that the field will be littered with some of rugby’s biggest names. Toulon pride themselves on the play of their dominant pack. With names like Guilhem Guirado, Romain Taofifenua, Konstantin Mikautadze, Steffon Armitage, and Duane Vermeulen in the Toulon forwards, it isn’t hard to see why they lean so heavily on their scrum for success. They will face a major test in that department against Clermont however, as the side from the Auvergne bring the likes of Benjamin Kayser, Thomas Domingo, Sebastien Vahaamahina, Paul Jedrasiak, and Damien Chouly, giving them a very sizable eight of their own. Out wide we can expect to see the likes of James O’Connor, Ma’a Nonu, Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell, Delon Armitage, and Quade Cooper on the field for Toulon, while Clermont can respond in kind with names like Noa Nakaitaci, Wesley Fofana, Jonathan Davies, and Hosea Gear. With the players these two sides have on offer, we should be treated to a fantastic match. Toulon’s three consecutive European title winning seasons failed to yield a Top 14 title, and it seems that they will let nothing, not even Clermont, stand in their way this season.

Prediction: Toulon 22- Clermont 14

Super Rugby: Blues vs Jaguares

The Jaguares appear to have gotten the expansion team label behind them, and although they haven’t been able to rack up many wins, they have put in some very impressive performances against very good sides. The Blues have been…well the Blues. They started impressively, beating the reigning champs in round 1, but have failed to return to that level of play, recording one draw, two losses, and no wins since then. We will be treated to two excellent international tightheads, as Ramiro Herrera and Charlie Faumuina go head to head. The battle in the second row will be epic, as Guido Petti and Tomas Lavanini line out for the Jaguares against Josh Bekhuis and Patrick Tuipulotu of the Blues. 20 year old Blake Gibson has been in dominant form this season, as his rare combination of doggedness and athleticism make him a prototypical No.7. Watching Steven Luatua and Leonardo Senatore go head to head should be a lot of fun, and the matchups only get more exciting from there. Bryn Hall and Ihaia West have looked really dangerous in attack this season, while Martin Landajo has been masterful for the Jaguares. Matias Moroni made a huge impression filling in for injured players at the World Cup, but he will be tested by the presence of Rene Ranger. Ranger can provide the Blues with plenty of go forward, but only if he is given the opportunity to do so. The Blues have brought two young wingers to play in Tevita Li and Reiko Ioane, but both are proven finishers at this level. Look for a major impact from Manuel Montero, who is returning from a major injury, but has no shortage of power or talent.

Prediction: Blues 33- Jaguares 26

Guinness Pro12: Ulster vs Connacht

Both of these sides have found themselves revitalized under new coaches in recent times, and both have shown that they are more than happy to play expansive, exciting rugby. This should be a phenomenal match. Connacht have brought a stocky front row to Belfast, with Denis Buckley and Rodney Ah-You giving them two powerful, mobile props. Ireland captain Rory Best will lead Ulster from hooker, and he alone will give them a big in their own set-pieces. Look for plenty of confrontation for Franco Van Der Merwe and Aly Muldowney, as these two attritional second rows are more than likely to clash at least once. The return of Iain Henderson is a huge boost for Ulster in the back row, while Connacht will call upon the services of John Muldoon for the 255th time. Connacht have been hammered by injuries in the halfbacks, so John Cooney will start at 9, with Shane O’Leary outside him at 10. Ruan Pienaar and Paddy Jackson have been Ireland’s best provincial halfback pairing thus far, and Ulster’s quick, wide style of play suits them very well. We are looking forward to the battle between Stuart McCloskey and Bundee Aki with great anticipation, as both bring a huge physical edge to every encounter. Two of Ireland’s most exciting finishers lie in wait on the wings, as Craig Gilroy and Matt Healy start for their respective sides. Furthermore, look for the matchup between Ireland centre partners at fullback, as Jared Payne meets up with Robbie Henshaw.

Prediction: Ulster 24- Connacht 21