Aviva Premiership 2015/2016: Round 12 Predictions

Newcastle Falcons vs Leicester Tigers

After last weekend’s loss for the Tigers at home to Sale on a pudding of a pitch, this game becomes a bit more difficult to predict – especially when you factor in Newcastle’s narrow loss to Wasps. At home Newcastle can be a tough nut to crack, but I’d expect the Tigers to bounce back with a win after no doubt receiving several rockets from Cockerill in training this week. Leicester by 3.

Sale Sharks vs Exeter Chiefs

Sale proved their good form is no flash in the pan with a gritty win at Leicester despite Cipriani’s kicking woes. They have not lost at home yet this season, but the visit of Exeter will be one of their toughest challenges yet. The Chiefs threw away a comfortable lead to lose to Saracens last weekend, and if they are to be serious title challengers, this sort of tough away trip is exactly the kind of game they need to be winning. I think they’ll do it. Exeter by 2.

Gloucester vs Harlequins

Harlequins will still be reeling from the botched kick to touch that cost them victory against Northampton last weekend. They welcome back Tim Visser on the wing, while Nick Evans captains from fly-half. Gloucester will be seriously buoyed by their smash and grab win at the Rec last weekend – there’s nothing like a win over local rivals to get the juices flowing in training. I think that momentum should see them through a tight encounter between two pretty evenly-matched sides. Gloucester by 4.

Northampton Saints vs London Irish

Northampton left it late but showed great composure to build the phases and ultimately score a winning try with the last play of the game against Harlequins. It should act as a much-needed shot in the arm for their season. The Exiles recorded a crucial home win over Worcester in round 11, which threatens to lift them out of the relegation battle. They beat Northampton earlier in the season, but their away form has been shocking at the best of times. It should be a regulation home win. Northampton by 20.

Worcester Warriors vs Bath Rugby

Bath have gone nuclear after their home loss to Gloucester, in the wake of several injury concerns. In comes Scotland under 20 fly-half Adam Hastings – son of Gavin – for his first Premiership start in the number 10 shirt, while Max Clark is in the centres outside Matt Banahan. Japanese international Amanaki Mafo makes his debut at number eight, while the erratic Niko Matawalu is at scrum-half. Worcester desperately need a win after missing a good chance to do so at the Madejski, and against a much-changed Bath side I think they’ll do it this weekend. Worcester by 6.

Saracens vs Wasps

Saracens showed their brutal strength to win away at Exeter last weekend, despite contributing the core of their team to various national causes. They welcome back club captain Alistair Hargreaves for this one, who only adds to the feeling of experience that courses through the line-up. Wasps hand a debut to Tongan centre Siale Piutau, and have the likes of Elliot Daly, Christian Wade and Charles Piutau waiting if the game opens up. The thing is though, I don’t think it will – Saracens will establish a stranglehold on the game as they always do, and should wrestle it away from their visitors. Saracens by 9.

By Jamie Hosie
Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jhosie43

Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images