Aviva Premiership Semi-Finals Review

After 22 rounds of electric action it is time for the semi-final knockouts... these two fixtures do not need a lengthy introduction as the word knockout says it all. It is sink or swim time for four giants of the Aviva Premiership and as spectators we are in for an almighty treat…

The first Aviva Premiership Semi Final kicks off at 7.45pm on Friday night at Franklin’s Gardens as the Northampton Saints welcome the Leicester Tigers to town. 

Within the Aviva Premiership there are rivalries between sides that date back for centuries and local Derby Days were well known for their incomparable levels of drama and action. A Derby Day victory means that little bit more to all of the players and tastes just a touch sweeter than a usual Premiership win and the East Midlands Derby is one of the most intense rivalries of them all. 

Last weekend the Saints ran in 11 tries; obliterating London Wasps and they will need every ounce of that precision and confidence on Friday night. 

In recent years the Tigers’ have been their ‘bogey’ team; indeed they have lost their last three derbies at Franklin’s Gardens and then there was the small matter of what happened at last year's Aviva Premiership Final. Therefore, the question must be asked does this make Northampton underdogs? Not necessarily, the Saints have a few new weapons in their armoury and some of their older ones have been given a new lease of life this year. 

The added fire power that George North and Kahn Fotulali’i provide should not be underestimated, they have the ability to win games single handedly and are experienced at delivering on big occasions. Stephen Myler is a different man this season, now he oozes confidence, albeit in a quiet unassuming manner, and has been instrumental in everything that has been brilliant about the side this year. 

The dependability and talent of their ‘old guard’ should not be forgotten: the likes of Tom Wood, Phil Dowson and Ben Foden will lead the side and whilst the loss of Dylan Hartley to injury is a blow it is not necessarily a killer one. 

All-in-all Saints are a different prospect to the one that they were almost 12 months ago. Over the last 8 months they have made other Premiership sides look like child's play and on Friday night Franklin's Gardens will be rocking and Mallinder's men will believe that they are more than capable of winning the most important Derby Day of the season.

Last weekend at Welford Road the Tigers were finally able to field an almost fully fit squad for the first time in an extremely long time. Their season, like others, has been decimated by injuries and it has pushed their resilience almost to breaking point. 

There were moments during the year when we doubted that they would even reach the playoffs; however, they have fought harder than they have ever done before to be in with a shot of retaining their Aviva Premiership Title. 

Led by Captain Ed Slater the Tigers’ pack is as powerful as it ever has been and now their solid scrums and trademark driving mauls are complimented by the athletic breaks from Mulipola and with Tom Croft back in the side expect the unexpected.

Tigers' back line flair will be delivered by the dynamic Manu Tuilagi, whose battle with Luther Burrell will be an eye-watering one, and the insatiable Vereniki Goneva. Tigers’ season may have been difficult; however, right now they will have confidence in themselves and believe that they can continue their stranglehold over their East Midlands Rivals and progress forwards into yet another Aviva Premiership Final.

The second Semi Final is on Saturday afternoon in High Barnet between the league leaders, Saracens and the big finishers, Harlequins. 

Sarries have dominated proceedings since September and only relinquished the top spot of the Aviva Premiership table for one week during the season. They have delighted us all with their progression from a slightly one dimensional team to a team that is truly exciting and exhilarating to watch. 

In Europe they delivered one of the best performances from an English side that we have seen in years and if they do that again on Saturday afternoon then Harlequins may be in trouble. 

Right now Saracens have a stunning blend of brute power and strength coupled with their hunger to play eyes up rugby and score tries; the leadership of Steve Borthwick, the fineness of Owen Farrell, the all-around games of Schalk Brits and Jacques Burger are just some of their major assets. 

The question of emotional wear out will not raise its head just yet for Saracens, this semi-final signifies the start of the biggest month in the club’s history and it is vital that they begin it with a win.

Harlequins’ season, like Leicester’s, has been absolutely ravaged by injuries and just a month ago many believed that their playoff dreams were down and out; however, the players had other ideas. 

Harlequins head into the play-offs with a huge amount of momentum: they have won their last five Aviva Premiership games in a row and have consistently improved their performances in the process. 

Quins have their superb talents and assets within their ranks; their forte is heads up rugby and they play the game at a breathtaking pace. 

Chris Robshaw’s leadership and work-rate is just one of the critical elements they will need this weekend, the others are the experience and vision of Nick Evans, the enforcing nature of Nick Easter, the spectacular hands and feet of Danny Care and Mike Brown. 

Up front Quins are less experienced than Saracens – young Kyle Sinckler and Dave Ward have a huge task on their hands come scrum time; though, against Bath last weekend they stood up to that test admirably. 

If Quins take the lead early and continue to ride on their wave of momentum and confidence we could see one of the biggest upsets in the history of the knockouts... who knows!?!

Fixture Details

Northampton vs. Leicester

Franklin’s Gardens 7.45pm Kick Off

Live BT Sport 1 from 7.00pm 

Saracens vs. Harlequins 

Allianz Park, 2.00pm Kick Off

Live BT Sport 1 from 1.00pm