Aviva Premiership Round 22 Review - Quins Edge out Bath
Harlequins and Bath lock horns for the Premiership's final play-off spot
©Emma Thurston
On Saturday afternoon The Stoop braced itself for the most emotional game of the season, as Bath Rugby arrived in town for their head-to-head, winner-takes-all shoot-out.
Going into the pivotal fixture, Bath Rugby had been in the Top four for all but a week of the 2013/14 Season; however, the home side had won their last 4 matches in succession and certainly developed strong momentum in the process.
It was a brutally physical encounter and the first blood went to Bath when Eusebio Guinazu had a nasty looking blood injury and their hooker crisis was tested early on. Then, later on, Nick Abendanon and Peter Stringer felt the full force of O'Shea's men.
George Ford received a huge amount of ‘special attention’ from the Quins, as they ran at him time and time again; however, he blossomed, proving that he was up to the task, and it was his stunning individual try that gave Bath confidence and go forward.
Harlequins’ big game players delivered as we all knew that they would: Chris Robshaw, Nick Easter, Mike Brown, Danny Care and Nick Evans all were electric, and you suspect that young Dave Ward booked his seat on the plane to New Zealand.
On the other hand, Bath were courageous, for the most part they were disciplined and they gave it everything; though, in the end, home advantage and a tempestuous Harlequins XV broke their hearts.
Final Score Harlequins 19 Bath 16
Away from the shadow of Twickenham, Northampton needed just one point to book their home semi-final and they achieved that within 38 minutes.
London Wasps raced to a 13 - 0 start thanks to tries from Charlie Davies and Tom Varndell; however, after that they didn't score again in the match and Northampton Saints recorded 11 tries!
It was the largest win of the season and for London Wasps it was a day to forget; Dai Youngs said that the performance was 'pretty embarrassing' and it was certainly a huge comedown from the high of qualifying for Europe last weekend.
Northampton simply ran in tries for fun, they relaxed and opened up to devastating effect; Captain Phil Dowson scored two, as did Lee Dickson and George North stretched his legs to devastating effect. Alex Corbisiero enjoyed a good half an hour of rugby and it was great to see him back on the pitch again after such a long spell out.
Saints' record breaking win sets them up for their outrageously exciting semi-final against the Tigers, whilst Wasps must regroup quickly to host Stade Francais at home next Sunday in their European Rugby Champions Cup play-off.
Final Score Northampton Saints 74 Wasps 13
Talking about Leicester, this weekend they welcomed a 'young' Saracens side to Welford Road; on paper it was supposed to be a walk in the park for Cockers’ men; however, in practice it was a little more challenging.
Toby Flood’s pinpoint kicking was fitting of his final home match at Welford Road, whilst the emergence of Tom Croft from the bench with 10 minutes to go made the whole country smile – and not just those at Welford Road.
Saracens’ strong performance was jaded by a red card (just after half time) to German International Justin Meck, as it was thought that he had eye gouged another player, Saracens are working hard to have this decision overturned as soon as possible, as it is believed to have been a terrible mistake on the part of the officials.
Young Maro Itoje (England U20 Flanker) enjoyed his first ever Premiership start; Ben Spencer ignited proceedings from scrum-half and overall it was a competitive affair – certainly more thrilling than it should have been in the circumstances.
Leicester finished the day unscathed and now they will travel to Franklin’s Gardens for a repeat of last year’s Aviva Premiership Final.
Saracens head homewards to Allianz Park where most of this squad will not feature heavily in their semi-final against Quins; however, they all will be richer for their Welford Road experience.
Final Score Leicester 31 Saracens 27
Worcester ended their Premiership campaign at Sixways and gave their extremely loyal fans something to smile about – recording a 28 - 27 win over Gloucester.
Dean Ryan's men showed tenacity and character to overcome a slightly depleted Gloucester side and finished their Premiership season with a smile. It was a day to remember for two reasons for Freddie Burns, firstly it was his final game for the Cherry and Whites and secondly, because he ran out with his younger brother Billy for the first time.
Sticking with the visitors, in attack they opened up: Jonny May reminded us all why he is considered to be a 'special talent' and Shane Monahan added to his try count. Gloucester's game summed up their season as they gave away some silly penalties and stupid errors... the famous d word – discipline, cost them yet again.
Worcester's resurgence came too late; however, hats off to their backbone –Jonathan Thomas and Chris Pennell, for leading the side with dignity and charisma throughout this match and the season.
The Championship awaits for the Warriors and we all wish them extremely well whilst for Gloucester it is holiday time!
Final Score Worcester 28 Gloucester 27
London Irish's last game of the season was at the Madjeski Stadium against the Sale Sharks. The home side's recent Aviva Premiership form has been less than ideal having lost seven of their last eight fixtures and they targeted this match to finish with a bang.
For the Sharks it was a 'nothing game'; they had 80 minutes to enjoy before the off-season and by their own admission they struggled to get motivated for the match.
Two of Irish's departing Exiles signed off in style: Marland Yarde crossed with a trademark blistering run, whilst James O'Connor's boot added valuable points to their tally. Andrew Fenby continued his stunning form with two tries and that was that.
If this match had been played during the middle of the season Steve Diamond would certainly have had something to say to his men who 'threw away' a 17-7 lead, instead he will write it off and start looking towards next season and the prospect of European Rugby.
Final Score London Irish 22 Sale Sharks 20
The final match of the weekend was between the Newcastle Falcons and the Exeter Chiefs up at Kingston Park, a game many would call a ‘dead rubber’ match; however, for 20-year-old Luke Cowan-Dickie it was one of the biggest games of his career, as England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster was sat in the stands just to watch him.
England’s hooker crisis is well documented and indeed a problem; though, Luke passed his audition with flying colours – he scored a try and worked tirelessly for 64 minutes.
Switching the focus to the Newcastle Falcons, they went into the match with a fifteen-game winless run and sadly they didn't break that; however, in parts they played some good rugby.
Now, I keep banging on about him; but, young Joel Hodgson turned heads once again and commanded the game... after another off-season of gym work expect him to return to the Premiership bigger and stronger again.
The Chiefs successfully released a lot of their frustration after their topsy-turvy season and Henry Slade reminded us all of his credentials for now and the future.
Exeter will aim for a touch more consistency next year, whilst Dean Richards has already said that he will change his side’s game plan completely and utilise his new signings (notably the two Tuilagi brothers) to great effect in the 2014/15 season.
Final Score Newcastle Falcons 13 Exeter Chiefs 23
So that is that... after 22 rounds of rugby we have our four Aviva Premiership semi-finalists and now, I suggest that you fasten your seat belts because from here-on-in it is going to be a bumpy ride through to the Final on the 31st May.
