Round 2: Matchday Preview
GLOUCESTER VS LEICESTER TIGERS
Friday 24th September
Kingsholm
19:45
Leicester are the real deal. The Tigers opened their season with a statement win over the Exeter Chiefs, The power play from the likes of Genge and Liebenberg up front combined with the silkiness of Ford and Steward out wide has this side looking like a serious Premiership threat already. Gloucester on the other hand fell to Northampton in week one and to be honest looked like the same side they were last season. The glaring issue for Gloucester last week was on the defensive side, the key individual decisions that were needed to stifle Northampton’s attacking moves were rarely made. If Skivington’s side aren’t able to fix these issues, Leicester have the ability to run up a big score as we saw last week.
The Tigers will look to mirror last week's game plan, activating the power game early to open things up for their backline. If their largely unchanged forward pack is able to dominate collisions as well as they did last week, this result will be the same. Whilst some might be surprised that Jack Van Poortvliet starts ahead of Ben Youngs, I think this is due to Borthwick identifying Gloucester’s defensive flaws, especially around the ruck in round 1. Van Poortvliet’s running game will generate line breaks and thus keep the defence honest creating space outside. Either way, if Leicester’s big pack gets some momentum, watch out.
Whilst it was only round 1, Gloucester defensive flaws last week were worrying. The line speed of players inside the ball was non-existent and their recognition of Northampton’s set moves was way off. Atkinson is a welcomed addition at inside center and he will be looking to demonstrate his defensive prowess on the back of being named in England’s 45 man squad earlier this week. However, as well as their defensive issues, Gloucester’s discipline was very poor, if those problems roll over to this game Gloucester will be starting with no wins from two. Despite the clear work-ons, Gloucester have a far more balanced side for this weekend's clash. Slater comes in at lock with Morgan returning to the back row pushing Clement to the bench. This will result in a much more tidy set-piece and Clement may well be injected as an impact player to unleash his strong running game against tired legs. If Gloucester are to have a chance they will need to beat Leicester physically and then push the pace in the last quarter with their exciting bench including Scotland and Italian internationals Hastings and Varney.
I see this game playing-out similarly to Leicester’s Round 1 victory. The Tigers forward pack is going to win collisions and have the physical edge over Gloucester. With front foot ball, Van Poortvliet, Ford and Steward will be difficult to defend both in the inside and outside channels. In my eyes Leicester have the ability to go very far this season and if they’re going to, these are the type of games they need to be winning and I think they will do it comfortably.
Prediction: Gloucester 17 - 38 Leicester
BATH VS NEWCASTLE FALCONS
Saturday 25th September
The Rec
15:00
Bath return to the Rec after a tough loss to Sale where they showed glimpses of what they are capable of this season. The ‘style’ play they have talked up during the offseason was on show in the second half and their emphasis on being ‘brave’ was epitomised by Orlando Bailey stepping up to attempt what would have been a very difficult game-winning penalty. Although it did not go Bath’s way there are a lot of positive takeaways from a gritty performance at a tough venue.
Hooper has made just three changes for this week's clash with Newcastle Falcons. Orlando Bailey and Ollie Fox replace the injured duo of Cipriani and Spencer respectively whilst in the front row Schoeman is rewarded for his try-scoring debut and replaces Obano at loosehead. Bath showed their ability to play in an expansive way with offloading at the forefront as well as a tenacity in the tight to front up to Sale’s powerful pack. However, their inaccuracy cost them at times against Sale. As the early season rust will quickly wear off, Bath will make those plays stick and will be a real threat from all areas of the field. In this game, they will continue to ‘be brave’ and look to play expansive Rugby, utilising the talents in their squad. To do this, they will have to front up to the Falcons' stingy defence and well-organised set-piece. Bath will be able to exploit their outside threats if, firstly, they generate quick and clean service for their young half pairing to thrive off.
Richard Palframan debuts for Newcastle and youngster Will Haydon-Wood gets the nod at 10 over Brett Connon. Just the two changes for the Falcons team that will travel to the west country after putting up a valiant effort against the reigning champs. Their defence and set-piece really troubled Quins at times and if they had been more clinical at converting their opportunities they could have taken an early scalp. Yet they did not, and the area of concern for the Falcons is creating and finishing chances. Although they now have electrifying players such as Adam Radwan who can create chances from nothing, they need to be better at creating opportunities from general play and taking advantage of their strong set-piece. If they are to have success against Bath they must be more clinical. Their defensive ability will keep them in the game but they need to get the scoreboard ticking over at a faster rate for them to finish the game on top. I expect Newcastle’s defence and set-piece to challenge Bath and if they are inaccurate, Newcastle can take advantage and punish their mistakes as Radwan and Schreuder showed against Quins last week. However, they must create more opportunities with ball in hand and push the scoreboard in multiples of five. If not, similar to last week, despite a strong effort they will find themselves below on the scoreboard.
Overall, I expect the two teams to have different approaches to this game. Falcons will look to keep the scoreboard close and play in the right areas of the field, attempting to capitalise on their rolling maul and counter-attack opportunities from their defence. Dissimilarly, Bath will want to please the home crowd and show off their guns. They will play expansive rugby and try to take the pressure off their young fly-half by giving front-foot ball and lots of options out wide. As long as Bath do not underestimate Newcastle, I think they have too much talent and home advantage not to win this game.
Prediction: Bath 30 - 19 Newcastle Falcons
EXETER CHIEFS VS NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
Saturday 25th September
Sandy Park
15:00
Rob Baxter’s men will be looking to avenge their opening day loss against Leicester in front of a packed Sandy Park; the Chiefs haven’t lost their two opening games of the Premiership season since 2016. Northampton will be hoping to spoil Exeter’s home coming and carry their momentum from last week. The Saints looked impressive for the most part in their win against Gloucester last week with George Furbank wreaking havoc from the back.
The Chiefs have made two changes from their opening fixture, club captain Jack Yeandle steps into the starting role as Jack Innard moves to the bench. The electric Argentinian, Facundo Cordero, also replaces Jack Nowell on the right wing who picked up an injury in training.
Last week's performance was average compared to their typically high standards they have set themselves over the last 5 seasons. The Chiefs were inaccurate last week, it was a mixture between unforced errors and ones caused by the Tigers defensive prowess. There is no question that it will be different this week, we’ve seen on many occasions how the men from Devon can fix issues in such a short time. Jack Yeandle’s inclusion in the starting lineup is a key one, his elite scrummaging will both build a stable platform for Exeter to work from on their own ball, as well as attack Northampton’s scrum.
Rob Baxter is one of the best coaches in Europe, so he will no doubt have his side ready to play their distinguished power game up front paired with their silky players operating in space out wide. In front of a full home crowd, Exeter will be raring to go.
Northampton gave us a look at what they could be this season, whilst it wasn’t the perfect performance the Saints proved they have the weapons to trouble teams. James Grayson was excellent behind a dominant forward pack, his link play along with the balance between his kicking and passing game had Northampton’s attack in full flow. For the Saints to go to Sandy Park and get a win, they will need to make sure of a few things. Firstly, they have to compete physically with Exeter’s forward pack. If Northampton aren’t able to win collisions and slow Exeter’s ruck ball down, it could be a long afternoon. With the likes of Ribbans, Ludlam and Harrison plus Augustus coming off the bench, they have the capability to limit Exeter’s momentum. Along with going toe to toe in the forwards, Northampton’s one on one defence out wide will need to be excellent. Matt Proctor has moved from the wing to outside centre for this game, his defensive decisions on set piece moves and when Northampton are on the back foot will be key. We have seen countless occasions of the Chiefs exploiting defensive indecisiveness in those outside channels, Proctor will need to keep Henry Slade at bay if the Saints are to have a chance in this game.
To sum this game up, I don't see Exeter losing back to back games to open their season. The Chiefs will feed off the home crowd to employ their winning formula; Win the battle up front, force opposition errors and give their smooth operators room to move. Expect Joe Simmonds to be back at his best, pulling the strings to give the Chiefs their opening win of the season.
Prediction: Exeter 32 - 17 Northampton
HARLEQUINS VS WORCESTER WARRIORS
Saturday 25th September
Twickenham Stoop
15:00
Harlequins face Worcester Warriors in their first home game, which will also be historically refereed by Sara Cox, the first female referee to officiate a Premiership game.
Quins opened up their title-defence account with a hard fought bonus point victory against Newcastle in Round 1. They will have a target on their back this season, and as we’ve said before these are the types of games they must win if they want to stay in the Top 4 and give themselves a chance to defend the title. They will be facing a confident Worcester side coming off the back of a convincing bonus point victory against London Irish. Jonathan Thomas’ men looked much fitter and a lot more energised than London Irish last week and they will look to bring the same enthusiasm to the Stoop to get another early season scalp.
Harlequins bonus point victory showed a lot of positive signs as well as some clear work-ons. The Londoners worked hard for a bonus point victory and whilst they showed some defensive weaknesses, particularly in the lineout, their attacking prowess was on song straightaway. Joe Marler takes Santiago Garcia Botta’s place in the only change from last week's starting lineup. They will play in their typical style looking to score off turnover ball and take advantage of the spaces at their disposal regardless of the position on the field. As was the case last week, they will need powerhouse center Andre Esterhuizen to provide damaging carries so that they can thrive off the go forward that he provides. Alex Dombrandt had a quiet week for his high standards last week but expect him to be back to his barnstorming best against Worcester as they will need all their weapons to put the Warriors to the sword.
Worcester have talked about the changes that they need to make to be competitive this season and they showed the first glimpses of that last week. Jamie Shillcock steps into Melani Nanai’s 15 jersey as the only change for Worcesters starting XV. The Warriors will look to stifle Quins’ attacking play by aggressively challenging the breakdown with the likes of Hill and Lewis. Willi Heinz will provide energy and tempo to feed Owen Williams with crisp ball but their main goal will be to win the territorial kicking game early on. Worcester’s route to victory will be at the breakdown and by playing away from Quins’ running strengths. They have strong individual defenders and players that can challenge at the breakdown, the key will be combining these two strengths with a territorial game that keeps the scoreboard ticking.
I think that Worcester will be vastly improved this season and their new halves pairing have already shown the capability to steer this Worcester team to victory by maximizing their strike weapons’ potential. Nonetheless, I still think Quins will have too much strength and an ability to score tries that even the best teams can’t stop. Worcester can and will defend well for large parts of the game but short concentration lapses or errors will be punished handsomely.
Prediction: Harlequins 41 - Worcester 31
WASPS VS BRISTOL BEARS
Saturday 25th September
CBS Arena
15:00
After having a bye in Week 1, Wasps host Bristol in their first game of the new campaign. New signings Vaea Fifita and Elliot Stooke make their debuts, partnering in the second row. Wasps have flown under the radar coming into the season, Lee Blackett will hope his side can win their opener against a Bristol side looking for revenge. The Bears come into this fixture off the back of a humbling defeat to Saracens. Questions have been asked whether Bristol can be as dangerous as last season, this will be a ‘prove it’ game for Pat Lam’s side.
Lee Blackett has named a very different side to the one they ended the season with. As mentioned before, Fifita and Stooke link up in the second row along with Gabe Oghre moving from his normal hooker position into the back row. In the backline, Ali Crossdale starts at fullback. The young gun will look to employ his superb running game and cut through Bristol’s defence, particularly on the counter-attack. Wasps’ forward pack will need to mirror Saracens game plan from last week; drive the Bristol pack backwards in the tackle and consistently produce excellent line speed. With big bodies in this pack, Wasps certainly have the manpower to challenge Bristol physically. Dan Robson and Jacob Umaga will look to push the pace if Wasps get front foot ball, with Fekitoa running hard lines outside.
Bristol will look to return to their ‘Joue’ style of play, last week they were dragged into playing a similar style to Saracens with lots of kicking and trying to win the territorial battle, which is not what they’re suited for. Although we didn’t see Bristol benefit from front foot ball much last week, we know how dangerous they can be with it. Dave Attwood and Yann Thomas come into the starting lineup to try and sure up the set-piece, which struggled last week. Bristol will need to be a lot more direct in this game, their attack was too sideways last week and it didn’t allow quick ruck ball speed which they normally thrive off. Semi Radradra is again a big miss but this side has enough talent out wide to tear any side apart.
This game will be a battle between high power attacking sides, both will look to push the pace and get the ball in the outside channels as often as possible. I think Bristol will be too much for Wasps. They’ll be fired up and full of adjustments from last week. The threat of Sheedy, Lloyd and Piutau in space will be able to run up the points against a Wasps side who struggled defensively last season and are still missing some key players.
Prediction: Wasps 24 - 32 Bristol
LONDON IRISH VS SALE SHARKS
Sunday 26th September
Brentford Community Stadium
15:00
London Irish host the tough Sale Sharks for their Round 2 fixture. They will be looking to put last week’s disappointing loss to Worcester away and get back to winning ways. Last week’s loss was concerning as they lacked energy and made a lot of unnecessary errors in their attempt to play expansive Rugby. Yet, taken into context, they lost that game because of some early season rust and a 10 minute window before the first half when they conceded 12 points and a harsh yellow card. For the rest of the game they probably created enough opportunities to come away with the victory, but as I said, they just weren’t crisp enough.
The visitors, on the other hand, come to this week’s fixture with a very different result, winning in gritty and clinical fashion against a spirited Bath side. The Sanderson effect has been tangible for Sale as their defence and powerful pack is going to prove a difficult task for every team in the Premiership this season. They’ll come down looking to choke the Exiles attack and punish the errors, playing the percentages game which so often results in victory.
London Irish make just one change with Terence Hepetema swapping in for Benhard Janse Van Rensburg at inside Center. Their goal this week will be to bring intensity for 80 minutes, clean up their execution and tidy their attacking breakdown - ball retention will be key against a hungry Sale pack. They have the talent and playing style to score lots of tries, but they must lay the platform first and then choose their moments wisely to ensure that their execution is accurate and effective. Tonight’s fixture will be a real testament to their ability to do just that. London Irish’s tight-five boasts 4 international forwards, they can and must make their presence and experience felt.
The Sharks travel southwards looking forward to starting their campaign with a brace of victories. Sanderson has also made just 1 change from last week’s team. AJ MacGinty returning from USA duty takes over at 10 from Rob Du Preez. Sale’s gameplan will not be very surprising. They will dominate upfront with big hits and even bigger carries. Raffi Quirke will keep the Exiles ruck defence on watch with plenty of snipes mixed with fast service for AJ MacGinty to utilise the even-more power that Sale have out wide. Tuilagi has been used as a battering ram in the midfield, making plenty of carries in a lot of traffic. I’d like to see them utilise him in a bit more space to utilise his line-breaking ability and passing skills. Regardless of how they choose to use him, he will bust a lot of tackles and make great metres even in traffic. This team is just so powerful.
I’d like to tip London Irish at home, but the evidence from last week paired with the pedigree of both sides leaves me with no choice but to back Sale. Their power game is so hard to stop and last week they showed how hard it is to score points against them. AJ MacGinty is back to run the cutter and that makes their attack more fluid, so I can’t see Irish having the abilities to break this team down.
Prediction: London Irish 18 - 26 Sale Sharks
Gloucester host in-form Tigers at Kingsholm
“Whilst some might be surprised that Jack Van Poortvliet starts ahead of Ben Youngs, I think this is due to Borthwick identifying Gloucester’s defensive flaws, especially around the ruck in round 1.”
Gallagher Premiership Round 2 Fixtures
Bath will be looking for their first win of the season at their opening game at the Rec for 2021/22.
