Aviva Premiership: Week 10 Preview
As the 2011-12 Aviva Premiership season enters its tenth week, all eyes are yet again on league leaders Harlequins as they look to extend their incredible undefeated start to the season further at Adams Park on Sunday. Elsewhere Leicester go in search of that elusive victory at the once feared Welford Road, and second hosts third as London Irish travel to Saracens.
Friday
Newcastle Falcons v Gloucester Rugby 20:00
Newcastle are a side in deep trouble. Just one win and a draw to their name, and in their seven defeats only once have they finished within seven points of their opponents.
The visitors to Kingston Park on Friday night have fared little better of late. Five defeats in the last six matches has seen Gloucester fall into the incredibly tight battle currently engulfing every side from London Irish in third to Leicester in tenth. Controversial Samoan Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu is set to return to partner Mike Tindall in the Gloucester midfield following his most recent suspension, and Bryan Redpath will hope that the talented centre can inject some life into his ailing Gloucester side. As ever Newcastle will rely heavily on the boot of Jimmy Goppeth, but if Gloucester can reproduce the same performance as in their last away match “ against Toulouse “ then Newcastle look set for an eighth defeat of the season. Gloucester by more than 7.
Saturday
Bath Rugby v Sale Sharks 14:15
Bath welcome Sale to the Rec on the back of arguably their worst performance of the season, especially given the way they clinically took apart the Warriors when the sides met recently in the LV Cup. The West Country side will hope David Atwood will be fit to start following a nasty looking injury in the clash at Sixways.
Sale will be looking to bounce back after being left breathless by Exeter's astonishing comeback at Edgeley Park last weekend. The Sharks have failed to win in the league since October, and find themselves just two points above Saturday's opponents following a strong start to the season. Bath by less than 7.
Leicester Tigers v Northampton Saints 14:15
It seems almost unfathomable given Leicester's perennial dominance at home that the fortress walls of Welford Road would crumble the way they have done this season. The Tigers picked up their first and only home victory of the season against Ulster two weeks ago and of all the teams for them to welcome next, Northampton would be far from the top of their wish list. After their torrid Heineken Cup performance, the Saints returned with an almighty bang with their crushing of champions Saracens, and if they can achieve a performance of even half the quality of the one they managed last weekend, Welford Road's search for a Premiership victory may just continue. A repeat of last season's tense semi-final would be unlikely, although what Leicester wouldn't give for the same score line. Either way, it promises to be a close game. Northampton by less than 3.
Exeter Chiefs v Worcester Warriors 15:00
Exeter's affinity with top flight rugby continued last week with their dramatic victory over Sale, and the side from Devon don't look like giving up their Premiership status easily. Although they sit in fifth place, there is a long way to go yet, and it is games such as this that could go to deciding their fate come the end of the season.
Saturday's visitors Worcester would love to emulate Exeter's success of last season, but the Warriors will be just as content if they can finish in their current 11th position. Saturday's game won't be short on effort and commitment “ Exeter fly-half Ignacio Mieres has commented that he expects a war when the Warriors visit “ and with relegation rivals Newcastle facing a tough challenge on Friday, victory for Worcester could open up a double-figures gap between themselves and the drop. The Warriors will be boosted by news that veteran hooker Chris Fortey has signed a contract extension to his initial six month contract, and will look to players of his experience to guide them to victory in a game that could go either way. Exeter by less than 5.
Sunday
Saracens v London Irish 14:00
After being rather humbled by Northampton last weekend, the champions face another tough challenge in the shape of London Irish at Vicarage Road on Sunday. Sarries, already struggling in the scrum-half department, have been hit by the news that forwards Mako Vunipola and Hayden Smith will be out for several weeks with a broken foot and broken hand respectively.
Irish have had two strong results in their last two outings in the league. Last week's victory over Wasps was preceded by their thrilling draw at Welford Road. Tom Homer is the man behind much of Irish's recent on-field success. Homer has done a decent job of filling the boots of Ryan Lamb, kicking all of his side's points against Wasps last week, as well as the conversion to tie the match at Wasps. His reliability will again be key, as he goes head to head with another strong kicker in Owen Farrell. After a couple of below-par performances in their last two games, Sarries will hope to harvest their home support into an improved performance to keep the heat on runaway leaders Harlequins. Saracens by less than 5.
London Wasps v Harlequins 16:00
Thirteen wins in thirteen games is all you need to say. Harlequins have set the Premiership alight, and their hosts at Adams Park on Sunday will have to put in a performance of herculean proportions if they are to put an abrupt end to Quins' effusive run. Wasps are looking for their first win in the Premiership since October, and find themselves at the lower end of the mid-table quagmire. Defeat could see them drop as low as 11th, although such is the nature of the Premiership this season, it would by no means rule them out of a top four finish. Quins however are pretty much nailed on to be in the play-offs come the end of the season. Wasps will give as good as they get, but it may not be enough to stop Harlequins making it 10 out of 10. Harlequins by less than 7.
