The Guinness Premiership roundup
While most eyes are on the top of the table, mine are drawn to the bottom where Leeds, for whom I used to play as they rose through the Leagues under Phil Davies, are facing a relegation battle once more.
Predictably, Worcester are again the side who can halt the Leeds top level survival battle. Both Clubs have had battles royal in the past for promotion to and relegation from the Premiership. I’ll come back to this end of the table later.
Leicester are the League leaders but local rivals, Northampton, are snapping at their heels and they have a game in hand. These teams are the favourites for home ties in the play-offs. Any two from Saracens, London Irish or Wasps are likely to be the opposition.
Leicester are away to Newcastle Falcons on Sunday and the home side will be desperate for points as they are still not out of the mire. Despite this, the Tigers should be too strong for them.
Northampton are home to Gloucester and they’ll be glad that they don’t have to travel and play in front of the intimidating Shed. I have personal experience of what a big factor this can be. Playing on the wing for Leeds in a Cup Match, I was opposing a friend and fellow Yorkshireman, Scott Benton. I took him out with a tackle which might have been a touch late and the Shed certainly let me know what they thought about it. Northampton should come through this one.
Returning to the basement, Leeds are playing Worcester at home on the 24th and they’d be glad to have a few more points in the bank before then. However, they’ll need to improve on the form they showed last week when they were comprehensively beaten by Harlequins. Specifically, they need to look to their discipline as the game was lost during the ten minutes Calum Clark spent in the sin bin. The Irish need to secure their top four slot so they will not be in a charitable mood.
Through injury, Worcester have lost three key players in Mullan, Benjamin and Pennell. This could add to their difficulties against an in form Wasps outfit. Wasps are also desperate to get in the top four so they will not be in the mood to take the pressure off London Irish. Worcester are at home so they will be targeting this game to leapfrog Leeds and ease the pressure on themselves. Could this be a bridge too far??!!!
Sale are another team at the wrong end of the table. They visit Bath whose recent great run was ended by an outstanding Leicester performance. So many teams are fighting to earn a European place next season that they’re going all out for victories. This leads to great rugby without any false results being thrown up. There certainly won’t be many experimental selections. According to the form book, Bath should win this game comfortably.
Rhys Morgan
