Aviva Premiership 2014/2015: Round 15 Predictions

Newcastle Falcons vs Wasps

Wasps head up to Newcastle in fine form, having won four of their last five games and scored more than 30 points in each of those victories. Despite the absence of a handful of internationals, most notably captain James Haskell, they can name a settled line-up that should still be capable of racking up the points, with the likes of Elliot Daly and Christian Wade capable of magic in the back-line. Newcastle might be second from bottom but they are an ever-imrpoving outfit, with Exeter and Gloucester already having fallen foul of the Falcons at Kingston Park. In Sinoti Sinoti they have one of the league’s most dangerous one-on-one attackers, and Tom Catterick has grown marvellously into the number 10 shirt.

Newcastle won’t go down without a fight, but Wasps are flying high in the play-off spots and will be too good for them. Wasps by 10.

Sale Sharks vs Saracens

This is a tough game to call. Sale have lost only twice in the league since the beginning of November, which is also the number of times they have lost at home this year. Saracens won an arm-wrestle of a fixture at the AJ Bell when the two sides met in the Champions Cup earlier this year, and given the size of their pack, a similar kind of game will likely see another away win. Sale will not be daunted by the task, however, and have a quality set of backs, marshalled by returning England hopeful Danny Cipriani, that can hurt Saracens. Alex Goode is another who will be looking to send a message to Stuart Lancaster.

All in all it is an enticing clash. If Sarries can keep it tight, then they will likely be too powerful for Sale and at this time of year, that looks likely to happen. Saracens by 3.

Gloucester Rugby vs London Welsh

Gloucester’s last two league victories have been by one point only – they’ll be looking to make a much bigger improvement on their points difference this weekend against perennial basement dwellers London Welsh. The Exiles assistant coach Ollie Smith took the unusual step this week of admitting that the team probably wasn’t good enough to be in the league, but that they would keep on scrapping anyway.

They can scrap as hard as they like but it is unlikely to get them a win at Kingsholm on Saturday. Gloucester by 30.

Harlequins vs Exeter Chiefs

Both these sides have had topsy turvy seasons, which means we should be in for an entertaining game at the The Stoop on Saturday – as clashes between these two tend to be. Exeter halted an alarming slump when they trounced Newcastle at Sandy Park in the last round, and welcome back Jack Nowell into the 13 shirt, where he has been so devastating recently. Henry Slade continues to be preferred at fly-half to Gareth Steenson, while Premiership warrior Tom Johnson makes his 150th appearance for the Chiefs. Quins were thumped by Wasps last weekend, but had previously put together a couple of positive results including a record win over the Tigers. Ugo Monye fills in at fullback in Mike Brown’s absence, so expect Henry Slade’s probing boot to test him positionally.

It’s an incredibly tough one to call but the Chiefs, without as many international absentees, could just sneak it and continue their resurgence. Exeter by 2.

Bath Rugby vs Northampton Saints

And so we come to the game of the weekend; the clash between the league’s top two and the sides who remain favourites to feature in the competition’s final come the end of May. It is a shame that it falls during the international window, leaving both teams shorn of first team regulars and the fans shorn of the full force of the contest, but in its stead we have two teams with a number of thrilling young talents on show. Ollie Devoto steers the ship for Bath once again, and one wonders how long he will be content playing second fiddle at Bath, given his obvious reserve of talent. Tom Stephenson is a little further back on the development front but is similarly skillful in Northampton’s midfield, but it is in the back-row where this game will be won. Garvey, Louw and Fearns are a fearsome unit in blue black and white, but so are Manoa, Clark and Dickinson. Whichever side’s trio emerges on top, will win the game.

At home, Bath have the edge. Whatever the result, this should be some game. Bath by 3.

London Irish vs Leicester Tigers

London Irish’s win at Welford Road in the reverse fixture at the end of September will probably remain the shock result of the season, barring London Welsh plucking a victory against anyone from somewhere. Sadly they could not build on that famous result, failing to win another game until Boxing Day. It has been another season of treading water for them, although with some stellar signings for next year you sense that could change. The thing is, after letting Tom Homer go early, it feels like they have already given up on this season. The Tigers, despite being at their worst for quite some time, have somehow kept the pace with the play-offs and have a lot more at stake. They’ve named a pair of young centres in Jack Roberts and George Catchpole but the pack is brimming with experience, including returning England internationals, Toms Youngs and Croft.

The Exiles will know they can win this one given their exploits at Welford Road earlier in the season, but with the Tigers needing to keep the pace in a packed mid table, they should prevail. Leicester by 5.

How do you see this weekend’s games going?

By Jamie Hosie
Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jhosie43

Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images