Aviva Premiership 2015/2016: Round 10 Predictions

Northampton Saints vs Wasps

Just two points separate these sides in the league, both sitting just outside of the top four spots that they so covet. After slow starts both are showing signs of resurgence, and both have shown strong European form that needs to be translated into something tangible in the Premiership. Northampton have lost three front five players – Dylan Hartley, Paul Hill and Courtney Lawes – to the England squad, but have plenty of quality to fill the void in Mikey Haywood (arguably first choice anyway) and Kieron Brookes, who is returning from injury. Wasps give a rest to Elliot Daly, after his unexpected release from the England squad, while Dan Robson gets a rare start at scrum-half. Alex Rieder makes his first start for the senior team, and Nathan Hughes gives them a huge boost as he returns to the number eight shirt.

These are two closely matched teams, as the league table suggests, but without Launchbury, Haskell or Daly, a trip to Franklin’s Gardens is likely to yield a defeat for Wasps. They have shipped 136 points in their last two visits – it shouldn’t be that bad this time though. Northampton by 6.

Sale Sharks vs London Irish

After a strong start, Sale have slipped down the table and sit in eighth – although given the nature of the league, they are only five points behind Northampton in fifth. Where the home side have struggled this season is crossing the whitewash – they have just 12 tries in eight games, the same as bottom team Newcastle, although admittedly having played one game fewer. This week represents their best shot at rectifying that, as London Irish have conceded a whopping 31 in their nine games, an average of over three per game. Neither side is especially affected by international call-ups, Sean Maitland released to Irish from Scotland and Danny Cipriani – unwanted by England and reportedly attracting interest from some French sides – on the Sale tiller at ten.

London Irish haven’t won in the North West since 2008; a couple of recent wins suggest they will be competitive, but they haven’t managed a win away from home yet this season and in the uncompromising AJ Bell, that is unlikely to change. Sale by 12.

Gloucester Rugby vs Leicester Tigers

Gloucester’s season has been up and down – they have lost just once at home, but are yet to string together two victories in a row in the league. They are less affected by England call-ups than they have been in the past, with both Billy Twelvetrees and Ben Morgan deeded surplus to requirements, while James Hook also starts and Greig Laidlaw is on the bench. The Tigers have by and large impressed this campaign, although for all the talk of their improved attacking game, they have still averaged under two tries per game, and have crossed the whitewash on fewer occasions than Worcester. They rest Tom Youngs with brother Ben and Dan Cole away on England duty, while a newly picked up hamstring strain sees Manu Tuilagi sidelined once again.

This is a tough one to call – the Tigers have lost two of their last three games at Kingsholm, but are undoubtedly a better side now than in recent times. It will likely go down to the wire and much may depend on how Cherry-and-White old boy Freddie Burns handles the pressure. If he thrives and can nail his kicks, the Tigers could sneak it. Leicester by 2.

Saracens vs Bath Rugby

The Six Nations period will be an intriguing time to watch Saracens; they have donated much of their first choice line-up to the England cause. That said, a look through their line-up to play Bath on Saturday makes you balk at their strength in depth; names like Bosch, Barritt, Hodgson, Wigglesworth, Brits, Itoje and Burger are all present. Bath have fewer first choice players missing, although without Ford, Joseph and Eastmond (who is presumably rested), it’s a make-shift midfield as Dan Bowden makes his debut alongside Matt Banahan, while Rhys Priestland gets a run at 10. They can still name a strong pack, and tellingly have named a six-two forward-back split on the bench.

Bath’s woes have been well-documented recently, and this is precisely the fixture they did not want. While they can go out with nothing to lose, Sarries at home will be too strong and should triumph despite their missing internationals. Saracens by 9.

Newcastle Falcons vs Harlequins

With no Chris Robshaw or Jack Clifford for Harlequins, Dave Ward is press-ganged into action in a flanker’s shirt, although his tenacity over the ball makes him well suited to the role, as he has proved on his few previous outings there. Alongside Luke Wallace, Harlequins should rule the tackle area. Newcastle recall Italian international Giovambattista Venditti, and will look to build on the momentum gained from their last home game in the league, which saw them register their first win of the season, over Bath.

The loss of Harlequins’ England internationals should even things up a bit, but the London club’s class should still be sufficient to get the win against a Newcastle side that has massively underwhelmed this season. Harlequins by 9.

Worcester Warriors vs Exeter Chiefs

Exeter have taken something from every league game so far this season, an astonishing record that has seen them surge into second place. They have a belief within in the squad that has seen them largely unaffected by the loss of some key players to England duty and injury, a belief which culminated in the astonishing ‘Great Escape’ from their Champions Cup pool. England squad members Luke Cowan-Dickie and Sam Hill are named on the bench. There is plenty of quality in the Worcester line-up, as GJ van Velze and Bryce Heem return to a side that also contains ex-internationalists Donncha O’Callaghan and Wynand Olivier.

Worcester’s form has faltered since early season wins over Northampton and Newcastle, although they are remaining competitive in games. Against the high-flying Chiefs, however, it is tough to see them getting anything out of this one. Exeter by 10.

How do you see the weekend going? Share your predictions below.

By Jamie Hosie
Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jhosie43

Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images