Aviva Premiership 2014/2015: Round 14 Predictions

Leicester Tigers vs Gloucester Rugby

Six points separate these two sides, both of whom have had thoroughly topsy turvy seasons. They’ve both had impressive wins – the Tigers away to Exeter and at home to Bath, Gloucester also away to the Chiefs and at home to Saracens – but have equally suffered debilitating losses (the less said about those the better). As always when internationals are away, there is a whiff of youth to both line-ups. George Catchpole and Henry Purdy start for Tigers and Gloucester respectively, while Henry Trinder returns from long term injury to take a place on the bench. Graham Kitchener, overlooked twice for a matchday spot by England, will be raring to prove he should be involved.

Gloucester appear to be making strides in the right directions, but do they have the backbone to grind out a win at one of the toughest places to play in England? Possibly not yet. Leicester by 6.

Northampton Saints vs London Irish

The Saints are hit hard by international call-ups but can still name a line-up containing the quality of James Wilson, the Pisi brothers, Stephen Myler, Kahn Fotuali’i, Samu Manoa and Calum Clark. London Irish are nowhere near as hard-hit by absentees, although Blair Cowan is massively underrated in the Premiership and he will be missed. They have one of the weakest scrums in the league and will face a tough afternoon at the hands of Alex Waller and Salesi Ma’afu, who have formed a fearsome front row partnership in the last couple of seasons.

Even with plenty missing, the Saints will waltz to victory at home to the Exiles, who already look like they’ve got an eye on next season. Northampton by 12.

Exeter Chiefs vs Newcastle Falcons

Jack Nowell returns from England duty and takes the 13 shirt for Exeter, teaming up with Sam Hill and Henry Slade, preferred at fly-half to Gareth Steenson, in what is a youthful midfield packed full of potential. Opposite them are the vastly more experienced duo of Juan Pablo Scoino and Adam Powell, with Gonzalo Tiesi also to come off the bench. The Chiefs are in a horrible run of form that has seen them drop squarely into the congested mid-table, where just five points separate third and eighth. Their last league win was back in November, while Newcastle bring confidence into this one having thumped London Welsh last time out.

Exeter should have enough to win at home, but Newcastle have upped their game big time this season and will not roll over without a fight and, quite possibly, a bonus point. Exeter by 7.

Saracens vs Bath Rugby

It is a shame that this game has fallen in an international period, as the two first choice starting XVs are packed full of quality internationals. The silver lining is that we get to see plenty of young English talent coming through, with Saracens’ Mario Itoje and Bath’s Ollie Devoto amongst the brightest lights in the game right now. Devoto in particular will have a big outcome on the game as he is handed the number ten shirt, going up against a man at the opposite end of his career, Charlie Hodgson. This is a vital game for Saracens if they want to stay in touch with Bath and Saints at the top of the league; lose, and they will face an uphill battle to win a home semi-final berth.

At Allianz Park, with a core of experience in their team and facing a depleted Bath side, it’s tough to look past Sarries. Saracens by 9.

London Welsh vs Sale Sharks

Sale are at the bottom of the bunch grouped in the middle of the table, all fighting for a play-off spot, and they’ve been handed the softball fixture this week with a trip to London Welsh. The way the Exiles’ season has gone, anything other than a five point win against them can be viewed as an opportunity missed. With one or two of the sides just above them in the table guaranteed to lose, it’s an excellent chance for Sale to propel themselves upwards. As for London Welsh, they are playing for nothing other than pride now.

A comfortable away victory. Sale by 18.

Wasps vs Harlequins

This has become a rather cosy rivalry, with their presence in the same European pool meaning this is the fourth meeting of the two sides this season. Harlequins have the upper hand in terms of victories, having won two to Wasps’ one, and also won at Adam’s Park early in the season. Of course, we’re not talking about Adam’s Park anymore and Wasps are keen to propagate the idea that their new home in Coventry, the Ricoh Arena, is a bit of a fortress. Both sides are missing key figures but also boast plenty of players who are certainly knocking on the England door, most notably wingers Christian Wade and Marland Yarde.

Wasps will have the psychological advantage after their recent win over Quins at the Stoop, and they should triumph again here in what will likely be a belter of a game between two sides who love to chuck the ball around. Wasps by 3.

How do you see the weekend going?

By Jamie Hosie
Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jhosie43

Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images