Gloucester vs Harlequins

Both of these sides are hit by international call-ups but of the two, Harlequins look the more depleted. Nick Evans will run the show and how Billy Twelvetrees, named at fly-half for Gloucester, deals with the dual responsibilites of captaincy and being the primary playmaker opposite him will go a long way to deciding this contest. The Cherry and Whites have a less-experienced backline but the reverse is true when looking at the packs.

All in all it’ll be a close affair at Kingsholm, but I’m backing home advantage to get Gloucester over the line. Gloucester by 3.

Northampton Saints vs Exeter Chiefs

If there is ever a time when you want to make a trip to Franklin’s Gardens, it is when Northampton’s international stars are absent. That said, with the likes of Ben Foden, Luther Burrell, Stephen Myler and Calum Clark not needed by England this autumn, they can still name a hugely experienced line-up. Exeter aren’t hit as hard as other sides and have the continuity of having played a lot of their first-teamers in the LV Cup recently. The triumvirate of Sam Hill, Henry Slade and Jack Nowell have been devilishly exciting to watch so far, and all orchestrated by Gareth Steenson, they stand more than a chance of causing an upset here.

That said, the Saints have enough first team regulars that they should have enough to ensure victory. Northampton by 7.

Sale Sharks vs London Irish

Neither of these sides is unduly affected by international call-ups, although the handful of players missing are certainly amongst the most influential to both sides. Jonny Leota, Chris Cusiter and Luke McLean miss out for Sale, while Blair Cowan is on Scotland duty from the London Irish ranks, who are also without the injured Shane Geraghty. All of which means it is difficult to predict how this one will go. London Irish don’t have the pack to unduly trouble Sale, so if the Sharks can maintain at least parity there, I think they have the edge in the backs over the Exiles, who will greatly miss the influence and guile of Geraghty.

A home win. Sale by 9.

Bath Rugby vs Newcastle Falcons

Bath are one of the sides worst hit by call-ups to the England squad, and will be relying heavily on the performance of their youthful players, directed by a smattering of more experienced heads. Jonathan Joseph is a notable inclusion, and his link-up with Ollie Devoto and Gavin Henson in the midfield is one that is certainly capable of magic. Newcastle don’t have any real absentees, but The Rec is not an easy place to win at the best of times (which this probably is, to be fair).

Even with plenty of players missing, it’s tough to see anything other than a Bath win here. Bath by 12.

Leicester Tigers vs Saracens

How can Saracens name such a strong team during the international period? They are helped by international set-ups not needing the likes of Goode, Ashton, Bosch, Strettle, Brown and Hamilton, and their squad looks outrageously strong. The Tigers have had a successful couple of weeks in the LV Cup but even after recalling Anthony Allen, Brad Thorn and Julien Salvi, their squad still looks thin. The biggest news is that Dan Cole starts for the first time after a 30 minutes stint last weekend – after such a long time out, he will do well to last beyond the fifty minute mark.

The Tigers are usually a tough nut to crack at home but their bench looks very thin, and given how much experience there is on Saracens’, I’d expect them to pull away later on in the game. Saracens by 9.

Wasps vs London Welsh

James Haskell, surplus to requirements with England, returns to captain the Wasps side which includes promising youngsters Tom Bliss and Alex Lozowski as half-back replacements. London Welsh are without the injured Piri Weepu and Olly Barkley, but to be honest the way they had been playing, this might be a blessing in disguise for the Exiles, who put the faith back in a few of the players who were integral to their promotion push.

This is likely to be the biggest margin of victory of the weekend – sorry London Welsh fans. Wasps by 20.

By Jamie Hosie
Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jhosie43

Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images