Premiership Big Match Preview - Harlequins v Saracens

Picking out "big games of the weekend" has always been a little tricky.  However, this weekend one match stood out like John Prescott in drag in a Miss USA competition.  Yes, Saracens and Harlequins represent two of the last three winners of the Premiership, but the real reason for this fixture being the standout is the fact that these two sides are playing some seriously sexy rugby.

Quins have had, by their recent standards, a relatively poor start, but their last match against Worcester showed a sparkling return to form in which they demonstrated that vibrant offload game that has torn so many teams apart in the past.  Chris Robshaw, under a stupid amount of pressure for the England captaincy – primarily because of Tom Wood's self-promotion campaign – was magnificent in attack and defence, whilst Nick Easter and Danny Care were dominant around the fringes.  Playing at lightning speed, they are always great to watch.

Sarries may be as well known for playing good rugby as Anne Widdecombe is for her break dancing ability, but this season something has changed.  That brutal power game is still there – led by the Vunipola brothers – but now we have the wingers coming round the corner into the attack and they've started using that front foot ball to ship the ball to their superbly talented backs, who can then attack a retreating defence.  It's a game plan Leicester have patented over the years but, right now, Sarries are executing it better.

Both sides could lay claim to playing 'Total Rugby', so it's easy to call this 'game of the week'.  Picking a winner, on the other hand, is slightly trickier…

 

Harlequins Team News

Harlequins winger Tom Williams will make his 200th competitive appearance for the club in Saturday's Premiership clash with Saracens.  Matt Hopper replaces Sam Smith on the replacements' bench as the only change to the squad that won at Worcester.

Starting Line Up:  Brown; Williams, Lowe, Casson, Monye; Evans, Care; Marler, Buchanan, Collier, Easter, Robson, Fa'asavalu, Robshaw, Guest.

Subs: Ward, Lamber, Sinckler, Merrick, Wallace, Dickson, Botica, Hopper.

Key Player

Joe Marler.  The man who seems unable to maintain a sensible haircut (particularly for a front-rower) has been in strong form in the early stages of the season, and was back to his rampaging best in an all-action display against Worcester last week.  But he will have his work cut out against a ferocious Sarries scrum, with Matt Stevens sure to target him in the set piece – and if Stevens gets tired, there's always James Johnston to bring on.  Lucky Joe.  But the loosehead will be keen to put in a big display at scrum time, not only because parity will be key if Quins are to pose and maintain an attacking threat, but also because he will be up against his England rival Mako Vunipola in front of the keen eyes of coach Stuart Lancaster.

Saracens Team News

Saracens make one change to the side that beat Bath, as Kelly Brown replaces Ernst Joubert in the back row.  Scotland captain Brown will be starting his first game of the season after recovering from an ankle injury.

Starting Line Up: Goode; Ashton, Wyles, Taylor, Strettle; Farrell, Wigglesworth; M. Vunipola, Brits, Stevens, Borthwick, Kruis, Brown, Burger, B. Vunipola.

Subs: George, Auterac, Johnston, Hargreaves, Wray, De Kock, Tagicakibau, Wilson.

Key Player

Billy Vunipola.  Finally shifted to the back of the scrum, where he belongs, the world's largest man (by mass) will be licking his lips at proving a couple of points against England skipper Chris Robshaw, especially if his pack get a rumble on.  We know all about the devastating running ability, but he will need to show brains as well as brawn if he is to shut down the Quins' back row's offloading ability.  A key source of go-forward ball – and therefore critical to Saracens' gameplan, the big Tongan-born English international will be charged with getting his hands on the ball at every opportunity and smashing through the gainline on a regular basis.

Key Battle

Chris Robshaw v Jacques Burger.  I think it's fair to say, from a purely aesthetic point of view, that these two are at opposite ends of the spectrum.  My missus needs a bib when watching Chris Robshaw play, whilst Jacques Burger's face looks like a paper bag that's been run over by a dirt bike in an off-road race.  But, don't let appearances deceive you completely – despite being the more adept at the subtle offloading game, Robshaw is not afraid to get stuck into the dirty work and affect turnovers with his superb technique; Burger, on the other hand, may be renowned for putting his face where most people wouldn't put their feet, but he's also a highly intelligent player with an incredible work rate and a good awareness of space.  The tactical battle between these two at the breakdown and in open play will be fascinating and critical to this game's outcome.

Prediction

If ever the weather had a key role to play in deciding the outcome between two top teams, it's now.  Quins displayed last week that they are still masters of the offloading game and, if the rain holds off, and they can get passes out of the tackle then Sarries, despite their magnificent defence, will have a real battle on their hands.  That's not to say that Saracens have been playing dull, stick it up the jumper rugby though – they are still very much a power team but now they're using the momentum generated to unleash the wide men.  You get the impression though that, if the heavens open, the power game of the men in black will be more productive than the slick hands game of the hosts, and the visitors should win reasonably comfortably.  As it stands, though, it looks relatively dry tomorrow – and that means we should be in for a nail biter.  I'm going for the form side, but there can be no surprise winners in this one.  Saracens by 3.

Northampton Saints v Sale Sharks:  The Sharks have surprised many this season by picking up two wins already, but heading to Franklins Gardens will not be an easy task, despite the hosts losing to Gloucester in controversial circumstances.  Bonus point win for the Saints to get them back, I reckon.  Saints by 18.

Bath v London Irish:  Bath were utterly smashed in the first half against Sarries last week but they don't half look handy at the Rec.  Despite the great form of Marland Yarde, I think that Irish will struggle to contain the quality in the hosts' ranks.  Bath by 12.

London Wasps v Worcester Warriors:  It's hard to believe that Wasps still haven't picked up a win – they've been playing good rugby and have been unlucky to lose their opening 3 games, picking up bonus points in each one.  Worcester looked out of sorts last Friday and it's not going to get easier at Adams Park.  Wasps by 10.

Exeter Chiefs v Leicester Tigers:  Another game which may go right down to the wire, the Chiefs have looked dangerous in patches without stringing together a full 80 minutes.  Despite suffering a horrific list of injuries, this Tigers pack can still dominate physically and it should be enough to grind out a key win.  Tigers by 4.
 

Newcastle Falcons v Gloucester:  Playing away against the geordies is never easy, but Sunday afternoon does take the sting out a little.  Falcons won't give too much away but the Cherry and Whites, buoyed by their dramatic win over Saints last week, should pick up the win.  Gloucester by 9.

Rugby Championship Preview - Argentina v New Zealand

Why is home advantage so important?  I’ve often wondered why it is at a professional level. I can sort of understand it, from experience, in the amateur league’s my immediate pre-match routine consists of about 2 sit-downs on the toilet and a thorough 45 minute warm up on the pitch, which is what I get – when I’m actually able to play instead of being injured – at my local club.  Of course, it is unnerving when you go away to a club that’s seen slightly less investment, where the toilet consists of a drain that’s been blocked for 3 years and the pre-match warm up involves walking around the pitch to pick out glass, fag-packets, old jonnies and dog sh*t.  That, I know, can put you off your game a tad.

But the pros don’t have that.  They have immaculate facilities and someone to cater for every need – why should it matter what pitch you’re playing on?  Perhaps I’m overlooking a key aspect that we don’t see in the Kent Divisions – the crowd.  Walking into certain stadiums with 40’000 plus spectators, half-drunk and baying for your blood, is also enough to put you off your game.  And that is the effect the Pumas will be hoping for when the All Blacks walk into the bearpit at La Plata. 

The Argentines certainly need the advantage – they are 0 from 4 in the tournament and have never beaten the All Blacks.  But seeing the return of stalwarts such as Juan Martin Hernandez, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe and Patricio Albacete is enough to give the this side hope – and that will be seized upon by the partisan home supporters.  They can also take something from the fact that they looked the better side against the All Blacks in their last fixture against the World Champions, until a yellow card to Eusebio Guinazu proved too much to handle.  The Kiwis, on the other hand, are on a role once again and, despite missing Dan Carter and Richie McCaw, still boast one of the most experienced sides in the world.  They will be bracing themselves against the onslaught.

Let’s see how much home advantage really counts.

Argentina Team News

Argentina have been bolstered by the return of lock Patricio Albacete for Saturday's Test against New Zealand at La Plata.  Albacete, who has been capped 53 times, tore a hamstring in Los Pumas' first game of the Rugby Championship against South Africa and will return in place of Manuel Carizza.  He is one of six changes from the side which lost 13-14 to Australia in Perth.  Eusebio Guinazu is named at hooker in place of Agustin Creevy, while four changes have been made in the backline. Martin Landajo has been named at scrum-half instead of Tomas Cubelli, Horacio Agulla has been replaced on the right win by Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino while in mid-field, Santiago Fernandez and Marcelo Bosch come back to replace Felipe Contepomi and Gonzalo Tiesi.

Starting Line up:  Juan Martin Hernandez; Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino, Marcelo Bosch, Santiago Fernandez, Juan Imhoff; Nicolas Sanchez, Martin Landajo; Marcos Ayerza, Eusebio Guinazu, Juan Figallo, Julia Farias Cabello, Patricio Albacete, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (captain), Pablo Matera, Juan Manual Leguizamon

Subs: Agustin Creevy, Nahuel Lobo, Juan Pablo Orlandi, Mariano Galarza, Benjamin Macome, Tomas Cubelli, Felipe Contempomi, Horacio Agulla.

Key Player

Eusebio Guinazu.  Coach Santiago Phelan has chopped and changed his hookers more often than a schizophrenic pimp, but he has had good reason.  The Pumas lineout has been struggling throughout that Championship, with substitute on Saturday, Agustin Creevy, particularly struggling to hit his targets and failing to make an impact around the park.  Guinazu has hardly fared better though – his throwing has been far from flawless and a needless yellow card against the All Blacks that caused his side to concede 17 points.  If Guinazu is to repay his Phelan’s faith in him, he has to give his side a platform by showing discipline in the set piece...and around the park.

New Zealand Team News

Andrew Hore returns to the All Blacks starting side in one of two changes made by coach Steve Hansen for Sunday's Rugby Championship match against Argentina in La Plata.  Aaron Cruden will start at fly-half with Dan Carter out of action with a shoulder injury. Hore, who was rested for New Zealand's 29-15 defeat of South Africa on September 14, takes the place of Dane Coles.

Starting Line up: Israel Dagg; Ben Smith, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea; Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith; Kieran Read (Capt), Sam Cane, Liam Messam; Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick; Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.

Subs: Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Jeremy Thrush, Steven Luatua, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Beauden Barrett, Charles Piutau.

Key Player

Aaron Smith.  The scrum half has really kicked on over the last couple of seasons, from acting as a bit-part player to being the undisputed first choice 9 for the All Blacks.  His eye for a gap has marked him out as a real threat around the breakdown, and he has a knack for knowing where the tryline is – but he does occasionally look flustered when his pack are under pressure, as he showed for the Highlanders this year.  The Pumas will be sure to apply plenty of that the Kiwi breakdown, so Smith will have to pick his moments to attack and concentrate on doing the basics right – if he gives his backline clean ball, the All Blacks will be horrible difficult to stop.

Key Battle

Patricio Albacete v Sam Whitelock.  Understated, quiet and yet relentlessly physical and an inspiration to their sides, Albacete and Whitelock have more in common that meets the eye.  Whilst Albacete has been a mainstay of the Pumas’ pack for years, Whitelock has developed quietly and effectively from a young tyro to one of the rocks All Black pack is built around.  His intelligence in the air and around the field is matched by his surprising physicality – and he’ll need every bit of muscle to hold off the charge that will be led by Albacete, who will be champing at the bit to get back into the fray in front of his home crowd.  With the breakdown sure to be key, Whitelock’s ability to remain calm and hold the fort in the face of pressure is a real test of his leadership.

Prediction

The Pumas in their own backyard are a fearsome proposition, and they should have beaten the Springboks in their last home match earlier in the Championship.  The games against England in the summer were a dead rubber, with both sides effectively playing second string teams, but for the meaningful games you can guarantee they will be fired up to the max and will take advantage of any complacency from the opposition.  I’m deadly serious when I say a major upset may be on the cards, should lady luck smile flirtatiously at the men in blue and white.  However, the All Black pack still has all the physicality and intelligence you could want, and they won’t let the hosts intimidate them; and the backline still looks the most formidable unit in world rugby.  Their colossal experience – all 809 caps of it – should just be enough to provide the expected result.  All Blacks by 9.
 

Rugby Championship Preview - South Africa v Australia

The Hulk was always my favourite superhero.  Not just because he was green and had pecs the size of continental plates, but also he was lauded as “Incredible” when he lost his rag and had a tantrum.  This isn’t the case when I get cross and throw a man-trum at all – although the difference is probably that he crushes bad guys with his bare hands, whilst I merely get my swear words mixed up to the amusement of those watching.  Of course, it does take me quite a while to get that wound up, but the same can’t be said about the typical South African rugby player, who generally relishes any sort of confrontation and can unleash that trademark aggression at any point during the game.  Imagine, then, what they will be feeling like after 2 weeks to contemplate the injustice of an abysmal refereeing decision last time out.

In that game Roman Poite ruled a perfectly fair, but hard, tackle by Bismarck Du Plessis on Dan Carter warranted a yellow card.  This came back to bite hard when the hooker was shown a second yellow in second minute of the second half, when the game was teetering on a knife edge and the men in green were starting to dominate territory.  Du Plessis may have since had his red card rescinded, but the thought that they had a chance of a monumental victory snatched away from them will have been firing the Springboks up for the last fortnight.  That may well be of a benefit to the hosts, but they will need to temper that energy with intelligence and incision, and it is partly for this reason that Heyneke Meyer has brought in veteran Fourie Du Preez for his first start in 2 years.

The Wallabies meanwhile, will be feeling more frustration than out-and-out rage.  Despite a hard-fought win over Argentina in torrential conditions, the insanely talented Wallaby backline has looked too flat and devoid of imagination throughout the Championship, whilst the pack have been unable to hold their own for 80 minutes as yet.  The win against the Pumas, though, was just what the doctor ordered – full of grit, character and determination, and proved once again that this side has real backbone, even if they don’t have the confidence at the moment.  And it’s easy to see why they wouldn’t have, in their home fixture against the Springboks, the men in gold shipped 4 tries in a thumping defeat.  They know it will only be tougher in the South Africans’ own back yard.

Because if the Wallabies are to turn the tables and upset the odds in Newlands, it will take one hell of an effort.  A super-human one, to be precise.

 

South Africa Team News

Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer has opted to make two changes to the side that lost to the All Blacks ahead of Saturday's Test against Australia.  Meyer has drafted in scrum-half Fourie du Preez for his first Test start since the 2011 World Cup. He has been plying his trade in Japan but due to an agreement with his side Suntory Sungoliath, he is free to play in South Africa's home Tests.  And Meyer has also handed a start to hooker Adriaan Strauss with Bismarck du Plessis and Ruan Pienaar dropping to the bench.

Starting Line up:  Zane Kirchner, Willie le Roux, JJ Engelbrect, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Morne Steyn, Fourie du Preez, Tendai Mtawarira, Adriaan Strauss, Jannie du Plessis, Eben Etzebeth, Flip van der Merwe, Francois Louw, Willem Alberts, Duane Vermeulen

Subs: Bismarck du Plessis, Gurthro Steenkamp, Coenie Oosthuizen, Juandre Kruger, Siya Kolisi, Ruan Pienaar, Pat Lambie, Jan Serfontein

Key Player

Eben Etzebeth.  How somebody who looks like a cross between Sacha Baron Cohen’s Bruno and a pole can be this dominant in the tight and the set piece, I don’t know.  Ignore the pretty-boy hair, the lock is as physical and confrontational as they come, and his battle with the abrasive James Horwill will be brutal.  But Etzebeth has it within him to physically dominate opponents and if he can get stuck into the opposition lineout – as he has on so many occasions – and deprive the Wallabies of a reliable set piece, it will become mission impossible for the visitors.

 

Australia Team News

Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie has made three changes to his team ahead of their game against South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday, according to reports.  James Horwill is named in the second-row after recovering from a hamstring injury. He takes on the captaincy from Ben Mowen who skippered the team to their round four win over Argentina.  In other changes to the side, Tevita Kuridrani starts at outside centre with Adam Ashley-Cooper shifting to the wing to replace the injured Nick Cummins. Joe Tomane is called upon to step into the suspended James O'Connor's shoes on the other flank.  Nic White keeps his place at scrum-half with Will Genia still relegated to the bench. He will be joined in the replacements by Benn Robinson and Chris Feauai-Sautia with the latter set to make his Test debut if he gets the nod from the bench.

Starting Line up: Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Joe Tomane, Quade Cooper, Nic White, James Slipper, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander, Rob Simmons, James Horwill (captain), Scott Fardy, Michael Hooper, Ben Mowen

Subs: Saia Faingaa, Benn Robinson, Sekope Kepu, Sitaleki Timani, Ben McCalman, Will Genia, Matt Toomua, Chris Feauai-Sautia.

Key Player

Nic White.  Given the ultimate show of confidence in being selected above Will Genia for the second game running, there’s pressure on White to justify McKenzie’s faith in him.  There may have been a slight suspicion that, with the home game against the Pumas being the easiest of the Wallabies’ fixtures, the selection of White was merely a poorly disguised kick up the backside for Genia, but following the Brumbies’ man’s assured display in difficult decisions, those suspicions have been put to bed.  White may not be as instinctive or as much as an attacking threat as Genia, but he has a sharp tactical brain and good boot on him, and if the Wallabies are to have any hope of upsetting the hosts they will need him to pin the Springboks back with accurate box kicks and cross-field touch finders.

Key Battle

Francois Louw v Michael Hooper.  The South African openside has been an unsung hero of this Springbok side, doing the dirty work on the ground whilst his gargantuan backrow colleagues, Alberts and Vermeulen, use the opposition as doormats.  Hooper, on the other hand, has at times been a one-man pack for the Wallabies, scavenging to standard that David Pocock would be proud of and carrying with a frightening degree of aggression and pace.  In an explosive breakdown contest where physicality will be king, the subtle edges these two bring may well be enough to tip the balance in either direction.

Prediction

I can’t see the Wallabies being as bum-smackingly bad as they were in their home game against the Springboks, but it’s surely too much of an ask for them to come away with a win at Newlands.  Their pack is a strong unit – as they proved in the monsoon in Perth against the Pumas a fortnight ago – but this South African pack is a different prospect altogether and that back row balance is right up there with the best in the world at the moment in terms of raw power and technique in the breakdown.  Add to that the fact that the backline have started cutting some intelligent lines and you have a very dangerous Springbok side – not least because they have had 2 weeks to let their anger at the injustice of Poite’s decision to eat away at them.  The Aussies will fight and do themselves credit – but it’s another home win for me.  Springboks by 12.

Premiership Review - Gloucester 26 - 24 Northampton Saints

There are certain things that you need when settling down to watch a Premiership match – a TV usually helps, as does a sofa (preferably one of those L-shaped ones so you stick your feet up), a six-pack of beer and an industrial-sized portion of crisps/nuts.  After Saturdays encounter between Gloucester and Northampton though, you’d be well advised to add an emergency pair of underwear to the list of essentials.

This always stood out as the game of the weekend – two sides with genuine title ambitions, with a penchant for playing exciting, fast rugby and with proud histories, and yet two sides in vastly different moods heading into the game.  The hosts, tipped by many to topple the top-4 monopoly of Leicester, Saracens, Harlequins and Northampton this year, had suffered a car crash of a start – not showing up at home against Sale before getting thumped by Sarries with 14 men on the field for 79 minutes.  Saints, meanwhile, had strutted into Kingsholm straight off two mightily impressive victories, smashing Exeter on the opening day and then grinding out a hard-fought victory at the Stoop against Harlequins.  Boosted by high-calibre signings such as Kahn Fotuali’i, Alex Corbisiero and George North, Northampton have been looking the real deal this season.

So with 2 sides looking similar on paper, but in vastly different strains of form, the visitors came in as favourites, and they lived up to that billing by scoring with their first real attack of the match.  Luther Burrell pounced on an overthrown lineout and cannoned through the midfield to take play up to within 10 metres, and after the ball had been recycled quick hands from Stephen Myler gave Ben Foden the space to step inside the cover and scamper over for the opening try.

Gloucester, though, are always an intimidating proposition playing in front of the Shed, and they immediately came roaring back into contention, playing the fast, enterprising brand of rugby which makes them so good to watch.  With James Simpson-Daniel and Charlie Sharples both impressing off their wings, the pressure built and eventually yielded a penalty, which Freddie Burns slotted.  It could have been even better for the Cherry and White’s though as Henry Trinder – who had been superb in defence early on – missed an ‘open try’ by knocking on Burns’ smart grubber kick when the ball bounced over the tryline.  The hosts did get an advantage on the 20 minute mark, though, as Saints’ Number 8 Sam Dickinson was shown yellow for tackling Simpson-Daniel in the air.

Disappointingly for the hosts, they couldn’t make the extra man count, and with Northampton displaying scrum-dominance even when a man down, they managed to maintain enough territory to force another penalty to earn themselves a 10-3 lead.  Spurred into action by the knowledge they had let an opportunity slip, Gloucester once again came back and this time scored a try of sensational quality, as Billy Twelvetrees and Freddie Burns displayed glorious handling skills to set Rob Cook away, and the fullback gave Sharples just enough room for the winger to squeeze into the corner.  Burns missed the difficult conversion, but with 2 points in it at half time, we had a game on their hands.

And this time, it was the home side who came tearing out of the blocks early on as the game restarted.  Awarded a penalty from a scrum inside Northampton’s 22, Jimmy Cowan took a quick tap and passed to Twelvetrees, who had faded outside of Burrell to coast his way over the line.  With a 5 point lead, the pressure was on Northampton to respond – and they did it in an emphatically trademark style just two minutes later, launching a ferocious rolling maul of a lineout which saw Samu Manoa crash over for game-levelling score, which was improved on by Myler’s superb conversion.

This game was swinging to and fro at a fantastic speed, and this continued to be the case as the hosts once again retook the lead, scoring points through a Burns penalty following an offside from George Pisi, and then a superb try, finished by youngster Elliot Stooke but made by a couple of strong carries from Twelvetrees and Ben Morgan and a piece of brilliance from Simpson Daniel, who turned the Saints defence inside out to give the lock the scoring pass.  Burns, though, crucially missed the conversion – which meant that Northampton were still just 6 points behind.

And that was looking costly when, 2 minutes from time, Twelvetrees made almost his first mistake of the game, and missed touch with a deep kick.  It gave George North, almost anonymous up until this points, the chance to run, and boy did he run.  Stepping outside of Trinder, and then Jonny May, the flying Welshman beat Twelvetrees and held off two tacklers before offloading to Foden who fed Jamie Elliot via Calum Clarke, and the diminutive winger sped over underneath the posts to score what would surely be the game-sealing try.  Myler knocked over the conversion, at the visitors had themselves a one-point victory in a game that had been stuffed-full of skill and drama.

But there was one more twist to be had, as Gloucester raced to restart the game, and unfortunately, it was the referee who instigated it through a pair of mind-blowingly bad calls.  Firstly, the Cherry and White chasers were nearly all, to a man, 4 metres offside when the restart was taken, and then, after Northampton had knocked the ball on, referee Martin Fox failed to spot the ball pop out from Morgan’s feet, meaning the backrow could break off.  Instead, Saints were penalised for early disengagement and Twelvetrees, showing seriously big cajones, slammed over the kick to claim a 3 point win.

It was exhilarating stuff with the only downside that so much talk following the game would be on the quality of the refereeing, as opposed to the stunning standard of rugby on display.  But perhaps the result was a fair reflection on the game as a whole, despite scoring a try worthy of any win, Saints had been largely outplayed for the majority of the game.  Either way, both sides had shown a scintillating level of skill which, although it may have been stunning to watch, cannot have been good for fans’ underwear funds.  Still, they’ll know for next time.

What else was occurring across the Premiership at the weekend?

Sale Sharks 26 – 22 London Wasps:  Wasps remain winless but claimed their 3^rd consecutive losing bonus point as they went down to Sale in Salford on Friday night.  Danny Cipriani was the star of the show, kicking well and scoring a try along with Mark Cueto, with Wasps getting 5-pointers through Ashley Johnson, a penalty score and Josh Bassett.

Worcester Warriors 13 – 37 Harlequins:  Warriors remain bottom of the table after Quins rediscovered their mojo at Sixways.  The visitors picked up a bonus point with scores from Danny Care, Joe Marler, Rob Buchanan and Mike Brown, with the hosts earning just a solitary penalty try for their troubles.

Leicester Tigers 31 – 6 Newcastle Falcons:  A Manu-Tuilagi inspired Leicester cruised to victory at home to new-boys Newcastle as Dean Richards failed to get anything out of his return to Welford Road – aside from a warm reception from the crowd.  The hosts scored 5 tries through Jordan Crane, Graham Kitchener, Blaine Scully, Dan Bowden and Thomas Waldrom.

London Irish 23 – 29 Exeter Chiefs:  The Chiefs showed their typical fighting spirit to overturn a hefty deficit and come away with a win from the Madejski Stadium.  The hosts had grabbed tries through Nic Rouse and try-machine Marland Yarde, before the visitors fought their way back with scores from Dean Mumm and Ben White.

Saracens 31 – 17 Bath:  A first half blitz from Sarries was enough to maintain their perfect start to the season and get their 3^rd consecutive try bonus point.  The men in black scored through Dave Strettle (2), Alex Goode and Matt Stevens, before Bath stemmed the flow in the second period and grabbed a couple of 5-pointers through Semesa Rokoduguni and Dave Attwood.

Premiership Preview - Gloucester v Northampton Saints

 

They say that rugby is a results driven business – which is true, because otherwise you'd have all sorts of nonsense in the Premiership.  The quest for results is driven by a single phrase – Winning is everything. It is that mantra that has led Leicester to 10 separate titles and led the entertaining but ultimately inferior London Welsh side back into the Championship.  And it's a mantra that Nigel Davies will be acutely aware of at the moment.

Despite having a backline so silky it makes Cheryl Cole's hair look like Geoff Capes' beard in comparison, they've been on the end of two disappointing losses in their first two fixtures – firstly against Sale and then a weak later at Saracens, where Nick Wood's attempt to remove a speck of dust from Jacques Burger's face with his boot saw him spend 79 minutes on the bench and condemned his side to face an enormous Saracens side with just 14 men.  Despite this though, there have been flashes – just flashes – of what this backline can do, with the Freddie Burns and Billy Twelvetrees axis looking almost telepathic at times.  But against Northampton, it is the pack that needs to muscle up.

The Saints can strut into the West Country with 2 impressive wins under their belt, earned in entirely different circumstances.  The first, against Exeter, was a free flowing exhibition of running rugby, with Luther Burrell and Sam Dickinson providing serious thrust into the attack, whilst their win at the Stoop against Harlequins was effectively a scrap in a puddle.  With better weather though, the visitors will be looking forward to getting big George North into the game more and setting what is now a ludicrously dangerous back division, with the magnificent Kahn Fotuali'I at the trigger.

Is there a hope for a Gloucester team low on its luck?  There is.  For the first time in a while, that Saints set piece just looks a tad vulnerable, with the rhino-sized holes left by Soane Tongahui'a and Brian Mujati being pretty difficult to replace – especially given that Alex Corbisiero is being rested this weekend.  We know about the Cherry and Whites' pretty boys, but now it's time for the big lads – spurred on by the shed – to take it to their Saints counterparts.  If they can put the visitors under pressure in the tight and force them to play from deep, there's every chance of the Kingsholm faithful witnessing a brilliant victory.

Nigel Davies will be praying for the likes of Qera, Savage, Kvesic and Kalemefomi to stand up this game.  Entertainment is no longer good enough – only results will do.

Gloucester Team News

Elliott Stooke makes his first Premiership start for Gloucester and partners Tom Savage in the second-row. In other changes Dan Murphy starts in place of the suspended Nick Wood at loosehead prop, and Jimmy Cowan get the nod at scrum half replacing Tavis Knoyle. On the bench, Shaun Knight and Jonny May are both named in the matchday squad for the first time this season.

Starting Line up:  Cook; Sharples, Trinder, Twelvetrees, Simpson-Daniel; Burns, Cowan; Murphy, Dawidiuk, Harden, Savage (capt), Stooke, Kvesic, Qera, Kalamafoni.

Subs: Britton, Thomas, Knight, James, Morgan, Robson, Tindall, May.

Key Player

Freddie Burns.  The talented fly half has impressed despite being on the back end of two losses, and he will need to be at his most mature if he is to guide his side to victory against a ferociously physical and fast Northampton side.  Stephen Myler remains the one question mark in Saints' backline – although he is looking more assured all the time – and Burns should take the opportunity to play flat, in Myler's face, and bring the likes of Kalamafomi and Qera into the line off his shoulder.  Saints now have a creative spark edge to them, but Burns has the ability to douse that with a smart kicking game – if he wins the territory, his side pick up their first win of the season.  And he may just pick up an England 10 shirt.

 

Northampton Saints Team News

Northampton rest Alex Corbisiero as part of the EPS agreement with Alex Waller starting. Wing Jamie Elliott makes his first Premiership start of the season, while Ken Pisi and Courtney Lawes start on the bench.

Starting Line up: Foden; Elliott, Wilson, Burrell, North; Myler, Fotuali'i; Alex Waller, Hartley (capt), Mercey, Manoa, Day, Wood, Clark, Dickson.

Subs: Haywood, Ethan Waller, Denman, Lawes, Dowson, Dickson, G. Pisi, K. Pisi.

Key Player

Kahn Fotuali'i.  At some point last year, it was announced that this bloke was the best 9 playing rugby in the northern hemisphere – and it's easy to see why.  The Samoan has the whole package – intelligence, quick feet, lightening pass, abrasive physicality, a smart kicking game and a relatively sensible haircut.  Lee Dickson has long been a sound operator for the East Midlanders but the Islander brings some real flair and X-Factor to an otherwise predictable half-back combination.  Last week, Kahn performed admirably in monsoon-like conditions at the Stoop, but this time around – with a better weather forecast – the Samoan has a real opportunity to dictate play and bring the exciting outside backs into the game.

 

Key Battle

Tom Savage v Samu Manoa.  The young and versatile lock was an interesting selection as skipper by Nigel Davies, but he's had a rough start to his tenure with 2 disappointing defeats.  It will be a test of his resolve to rally his troops and really take it to Northampton from the off, and do his best to disrupt the lineout – the launchpad of the Saints' game.  Most of all though, he will be tasked with keep the human missile Samu Manoa tied up in the breakdown to stop him from causing havoc elsewhere.  If Manoa gets on the rumble and starts getting into the minds – and chests – of Burns and Twelvetrees, it's game over for the hosts.

Prediction

Gloucester have had a difficult start to the season but they are in way, shape or form a bad side.  One poor – make that terrible – day at the office at home to Sale and one moment of madness – make that insanity – from Nick Wood, may have left them without a win, but there is no doubting the quality that oozes from this team – in particular from numbers 6 to 15.  That said, Nigel Davies will be acutely aware that he will be judged on results, and he is facing a Saints side coming in off the back of two impressive wins against quality opposition.  Kingsholm will be fired up for this one, but the area to target Saints now is in the set piece and in the tight – and I don't think the Cherry and Whites have the pack to do that.  Saints by 4.

What else is happening across England in the Premiership this weekend?

Worcester Warriors v Harlequins:  Dean Ryan has been spouting off about how referees hate his side this week, but the fact is that the Warriors are lucky not to have seen more yellow cards this season.  Quins haven't been at their best but should have enough about them to see off the threat of the home side.  Quins by 11.

Sale Sharks v London Wasps:  Salford on a Friday night is never a pleasant evening out for visiting sides and Steve Diamond will have been even more wound up than usual about this fixture.  That said, Wasps have played pretty well in their first 2 matches, despite suffering losses, and they have a good shot at getting their first win tonight.  Wasps by 3.

Leicester Tigers v Newcastle Falcons:  The Tigers welcome back their big guns in the shape of Toby Flood, Ben Youngs and Manu "Bunny" Tuilagi and this alone should be too much for Dean Richards' men.  I expect a pretty big score here.  Tigers by 25.

London Irish v Exeter Chiefs:  London Irish picked up an invaluable win against Worcester last weekend, thanks largely to in-form winger Marland Yarde, who looks like a force of nature at the moment.  Whether he can shine in the face of an ultra-disciplined Chiefs side though, is another matter. Chiefs by 6.
 

Saracens v Bath:  Sarries and Bath have been two very smart recruiters over the summer and there were signs at the weekend that it was all beginning to click.  However, Saracens at home are a mighty proposition and I think they'll have enough to see off this talented Bath side.  Sarries by 8.

RuckedOver's Guide to Rugby Scandals

It’s been a tricky couple of months for the Real Beautiful Game, with the game producing more newspaper-worthy scandals than the aftermath of a Silvio Berlusconi get together.  So join RuckedOver for a quick look at what’s been making the headlines, and why....
 

 

The Sam Chalmers Drug Scandal

Being the son of a Tour-winning British & Irish Lions fly half, who also happens to coach the side you’re playing for, would be enough to give you a leg up over your peers when trying to make waves during your first tentative steps in the world of professional rugby – you would think.  Sam Chalmers, however, decided that his superior genetics, 18 years worth of top-quality professional advice from his father, Craig, and a guaranteed spot on daddy’s team had all put him at a serious disadvantage in his fledgling career.  In an effort to counteract the cursed hand that life had dealt him, he attempted to level the playing field by juicing himself up...and promptly getting caught following a random drugs test after a Scotland Under-20 game.

Punishment:  2 years ban from the game and a smacked bottom from daddy.

Column Inches:  Front page news in Melrose.  Nobody else seemed that bothered.

 

The James So’oialo Ball-Bag-Grab

During a typically brutal match between South Africa and Samoa in the Summer Tour series, Samoan full-back James So’oialo decided that he was a bit bored being left out of all the really brutal stuff and helped himself to an impromptu game of conkers with Adriaan Strauss’ love spuds in the depths of a ruck.  The South African hooker was none too pleased with this fondling of his Betty Swallocks – and neither was the citing commissioner, who cited So’oialo for ‘an act contrary to good sportsmanship’.  I say that depends on what sport you’re playing.  Luckily for the Islander though, His Honour Judge Jeff Blackett thought that the contact was accidental, a view that was helped by Strauss – no doubt in a better mood now his plums had been well-iced – conceding that he didn’t think the grab was intentional.

Punishment:  None.

Column Inches:  I’m sure there’s an innuendo to be had here, but otherwise a day of mass hysteria was quickly diffused once we realised there wasn’t a testicle molester lurking around in international rugby.

 

The Leonardo Senatore Nibble

Argentina v South Africa in Mendoza during the second round of the Rugby Championship proved to be quite an eventful game, and also reminded us of the importance of ensuring that you have carb-loaded the night before and eaten correctly on the day of the game.  Number 8, Leonardo Senatore, was apparently not only very hungry, but also had a craving for biltong when the 2 sides lined up in August.  Unfortunately for him, there was no biltong to be found on the pitch, but he did help himself to a juicy slice of lock Eben Etzebeth’s forearm after the South African got him into one of his typically-friendly headlocks.  Luckily for Senatore, a communication malfunction/toilet break for the video referee meant that the man in the middle, Steve Walsh, couldn’t check for foul play – less fortunate was the fact that he was hauled before a Disciplinary Hearing 5 days later to explain himself.

Punishment:  A 9 week ban and an enforced vegetarian diet.

Column Inches:  A fair few, especially in the Southern Hemisphere.  Most hysterically claiming that Senatore actually views international matches as some sort of a buffet.

 

The Pablo Matera Eye Poke

From this incident, and the 2 above, one thing becomes clear – everybody must seriously hate the South Africans.  It doesn’t seem that long ago that Schalk Burger was holding Luke Fitzgerald’s head like a bowling ball or the entire Springbok side launched a headbutt-and-elbows only competition at Twickenham – but now it seems that they’re the ones getting bullied.  In this case, Pablo Matera apparently decided to dabble in his hobby of amateur optometry whilst in a ruck with South African flanker Francois Louw.  Steve Walsh referred the matter to his video referee but it was difficult to tell whether there was contact with the eyes of whether Matera was simply administering and impromptu face-massage.  Either way, it was enough to earn him a trip (well, video conference call) to a Disciplinary Hearing.

Punishment:  None.  An actual eye doctor helped to convince Judicial Officer Terry Willis that there was no proof that a gauge had taken place.

Column Inches:  Lots, owing to the fact that eye gouging is generally viewed as a bit of bad form no matter what side you play for.

 

BUNNYGATE

And now, for the mother of all crimes – the heinous, revolting assault on the credibility of a leader of G8 country by Manu Tuilagi.  At a Lions reception at 10 Downing Street, the victorious squad posed for a couple of photographs with Prime Minister David Cameron, during which time Tuilagi – probably bored of not being in trouble over the last 24 months – briefly popped a disgracefully offensive set of bunny ears behind the PM, with a childish grin on his face.  It may have caused a few more childish grins to those who saw it on Twitter, but it was soon causing mayhem as the press went beserk.  Tuilagi swiftly apologised and Cameron laughed it off equally swiftly , despite rumours that he told an aide “Good job I didn’t see him do that at the time, I’d have f*cking chinned the b*stard”.

Punishment: Unknown.  Despite the fact that big DC has forgiven Tuilagi, it’s generally accepted that he had to – this is Tuilagi we’re talking about.  It may have been a different story if Shane Williams had done it.  Regardless, an entire spectrum of consequences has been proposed ranging from deportation or death by bludgeoning, to a knighthood and lifetime supply of Nandos.

Column Inches:  Hysterical, unlimited and still growing.  The Daily Mail seems to have started holding Tuilagi in the same categories as Delon Armitage, Bakkies Botha and Hitler.  The BBC has made references to this being the ‘latest’ of Tuilagi’s ‘pranks’ – which so far consist of walloping Chris Ahston in the face, wearing a gumshield, and jumping off a boat.  It’s not exactly Beadle’s About, is it?

 

And so, with Tuilagi’s fledgling career in comedy (apparently) hitting the brakes (stick with day job, Manu), we can finally take stock and wonder why the cheeky Samoan-born Englishman has dominated the press over the last few days? 

The tragic point is that a young man with real talent has potentially squandered his career by caving in to the pressures and demands that are placed on aspiring professional players – especially when it comes to size at a young age.  And Sam Chalmer’s story, and the lessons he had learned and, to his credit, attempted to publicise, will probably fall to the wayside because of the press’ obsession with the easy, low-brow news.  I happened to find Manu’s little stunt funny – a harmless piece of fun from a guy who doesn’t take himself too seriously – but this wasn’t news.  And unfortunately it only helps to bury the real issues in the game that need to be addressed.

Rugby Championship Review - Australia 14 - 13 Argentina

They say that the weather is a leveller.  Not only does this rhyme, and therefore must be true, but it has also proven to be the bane of so many sides over the years – especially the sides that pride themselves on the speed of their backline and the slickness of their handling, as opposed to the brute force of their forwards in the loose and the set piece.  In that sense then, the Wallabies have suffered more than most, even going down to the usually woeful Scotland in a monsoon in Newcastle a couple of years ago.

So you can imagine that the Australians weren’t their usually self-confident selves going into Saturday’s showdown against the Pumas.  Not only were they coming off the back of three convincing defeats, but they were also playing in Perth in torrential rain against a side renowned for having one of the biggest and most abrasive packs in world rugby.  The only upside for the hosts was that the Pumas themselves were nought from three in their opening Championship games – and in fact had never won a game in the tournament.

And so, with expectations for a free-flowing game suitably dampened (sorry), the game kicked off to a plethora of scrums and kicks, which seemed to suit the Argentines – playing in a very flash dark blue kit – down to the ground.  They deservedly took the lead after 7 minutes when Nick Cummins was caught behind his own line when trying to field a well placed Nicolas Sanchez kick, conceding a penalty in the process.  Sanchez knocked over the 3 points from right in front, and it looked like it would be yet another long evening for the hosts.

But the Wallabies, with a strong wind at their back driving them on, soon adapted to the conditions, still using quick hands but using long, skidding grubber kicks to exploit spaces in the wider channels, and it was from one of these kicks that Michael Hooper forced a turnover to give Christian Lealiifano a chance to level the scores.  Five minutes later they were in the lead as the Pumas slipped their bind in the scrum, yielding another 3 points to the boot of the Brumbies centre.

The hosts were growing in confidence by the minute, and were playing sensible rugby – given the weather – using short passes but hitting intelligent lines, with James O’Conner and Adam Ashley Cooper looking dangerous.  They got their reward on the half hour mark when Lealiifano made a half break to get the visitors’ defence in retreat, before slick hands from Quade Cooper and O’Connor gave Israel Folau a metre of space to work with – and was all the magical fullback needed, as he stepped and ducked his way over the line to take the hosts out to an 11 – 3 lead.  Lealiifano added another penalty on the stroke of halftime, and the Wallabies found themselves taking a 14 – 3 lead into the break.

Happy days?  Not quite.  The hosts now found themselves playing into the stiff wind that had been hindering the Pumas in the opening period, and the South Americans soon found their rhythm as they began to dominate the contact area and the battle for territory.  The scrum too was beginning to really turn in the visitors favour, and Sanchez fell just short with a penalty attempt after the Argentine 8 had decimated their opposite numbers.  Luckily, they managed to get points onto the board via Sanchez on the hour mark after Nic White was penalised for feeding at the scrum.

Five minutes later, and the Pumas were right back in it, with Juan Manuel Leguizamon crashing over after Felipe Contepomi had made a neat half break before offloading.  Sanchez’s conversion brought the South Americans right back into it, sitting one point behind the Wallabies, and the hosts had gone from looking comfortable to staring at defeat in 6 minutes.

Luckily for the fans who had endured the miserable Perth conditions, the Australians showed the kind of resolve that saw them claw back the second test against the British and Irish Lions in the summer, and began to fight their way upfield, contesting each breakdown with vigour, and winning penalties for their efforts.  Unfortunately, Lealiifano’s form off the tee deserted him as he missed 2 kickable penalties in the swirling wind, before substitute Matt Toomua impressed everyone with his attempt at performing the worst drop goal in rugby history.

An audible sigh of relief went up as the final whistle blew, with the Australians proud of how they shut the Pumas out in the closing stages.  As the fans and players cheered through the rain, you got the feeling that they might not mind this weather so much after all.

Rugby Championship Review - New Zealand 29 - 15 South Africa

Who would be a referee ay?  If it’s not enough pressure having to tell 30 men averaging the size of a small automobile what to do and having a split second to make a decision with the eyes of 20,000 drunk and irritable strangers upon you, you now have to suffer the ignominy of having every tiny aspect of every single call scrutinised by the TV pundits covering the match and the millions watching at home.  It’s easy to say (or scream) that a referee should have made a different call from the comfort of our sofas but, the reality is, at ground level and at full speed it’s simply not possible to guarantee the 100% correct decision every time – even if it ends up being a game altering one.

Those mistakes I can understand.  But others – such as the howler Roman Poite made at the weekend when the All Blacks hosted the Springboks – are more difficult to forgive.  Now Roman Poite is usually a fine referee, but what would have possessed him to sin bin Bismarck Du Plessis following an obviously legal (but bloody hard) tackle, even after the video referee confirmed there was no foul play, is completely beyond me.  And beyond the IRB it seems, who have taken the unprecedented step of retracting Du Plessis’ red card that he received after picking up a second yellow early in the second half.  It changed the course of what was shaping up to be an incredibly tight test match – but it didn’t stop it from being any less absorbing, as the two best sides in the world fought tooth and nail not only for the lead in the Championship table, but also for the right to call themselves the number one ranked side in World Rugby.

And despite the Springbok scrum bulldozing their Kiwi counterparts at the very first chance in a bruising opening, it was the hosts who struck first early on.  An awful, skewed kick from Bryan Habana fell nicely for Ma’a Nonu who planted a delightful kick into the corner that forced Willie Le Roux to take the ball into touch.  From there, Owen Franks went close off a great lineout move before stand-in captain Kieran Read was bundled over from close range by his pack.  Dan Carter added the extras, and the bar had been set by the World Champions.

Five minutes later though, and the Springboks were on the board as Morne Steyn knocked over a monster penalty kick which was awarded courtesy of Brodie Retallick taking out Eben Etzebeth in the air at a lineout.  On 15 minutes though, came the key moment.  Aaron Smith threw a nightmarish hospital pass to Dan Carter in open play, and the hulking figure of Bismarck Du Plessis charged out of the line and levelled the fly half fair and square, forcing the legendary All Black off with a shoulder injury.  Roman Poite though deemed that the hooker had not used his arms, despite the video referee stating that there was ‘no foul play’, and sent him to the sin bin, reinforcing the famous theory put forward by Andrew Hore in a Super Rugby match – “Are we not allowed to tackle Dan Carter?”

You’d have thought this may be an even trade off – the Springboks go down to 14 for ten minutes, the All Blacks lose Dan Carter for the match – but substitute Beauden Barrett made that idea seem laughable as he scythed his way up field, scooting between Willem Alberts and Jannie Du Plessis, to set up great field position.  With the Springbok defence in desperate retreat, Conrad Smith slipped another poor tackle from Jannie Du Plessis to feed the galloping Retallick, who slid in beneath the posts.

At 14-3 down, following Barrett’s conversion, you’d have forgiven the South Africans for going into their cage a bit – but that’s not the Springbok way.  Instead, Bismarck Du Plessis, back from his time on the naughty step, emerged from a pile of bodies to claim a try following a brutal lineout drive from the men in green.  Morne Steyn slotted the tricky conversion, and the visitors were within 3 – but only briefly, as Barrett punished a further indiscretion with another 3 points, making the score 17-10 at the break.

Bismarck had undoubtedly been the key man during the first half – for good and for bad – and his night took a turn for the worse early in the second period, receiving his second yellow for administering a bit of chin music onto Liam Messam with his forearm, albeit accidently.  Although this decision was never in doubt, it brought the first half call from Poite into sharp focus.  Had it not been for that, Du Plessis would have been returning to the field instead of leaving his side having to play 40 minutes as 14 men against the All Blacks.

With those odds, you’re always going to be up against it, and the pressure told within 3 minutes as Kieran Read hammered his way over the line from close range, thanks in part to yet another disappointing tackle from Jannie Du Plessis.  It was the athletic number 8’s second score, and Barrett’s conversion took the hosts out to an unassailable 24 – 10 lead.  Read in fact nearly grabbed a hat trick, but he just failed to hold onto Julian Savea’s deft grubber kick following a great break by Retallick.  It was a temporary break though for the Springboks, as a bloodied and battered Sam Cane, who had had a magnificent game, slammed his way over from 2 metres to take the All Blacks out to 29-10.

The game had been brutally physical throughout, and ended with the hosts actually down to 13 men, with Nonu and Read both yellow carded.  It gave space for a final Springbok flurry, as Zane Kirchner athletically tapped a Steyn cross-kick back into Pat Lambie’s hands for the youngster to reach out and touch down.  It left the final score at 29 – 15, with the All Blacks claiming a bonus point and the Springboks showing real grit despite playing over 50 minutes with 14 men.

Poite has now been chastised by the IRB for making a bad call – but there’s once call I really don’t think anyone could make...who’s going to come out on top in the return fixture?  I can’t wait.
 

Premiership Review - Bath 27 - 20 Leicester Tigers

A new era has been proclaimed at Bath.  Well, it has been for the last couple of years.  Substantial investment in the club has led to the assembly of top quality coaching staff and the arrival of a plethora of young talent and established names.  But one thing doesn’t change – that feeling fans in the West Country get when the Tigers come to town.  And that’s always echoed by the men who wear those famous blue shirts.

An opening win away in Newcastle continued to feed the burgeoning optimism around the club, and with good reason too.  Aside from the electrifying Kyle Eastmond and the inspirational Francois Louw – out with a minor injury and on international duty respectively – the hosts were looking to pretty good nick, with talent dotted all over the park and justifying why there is hope that a top-6 finish may not just be on the cards, but a playoff spot as well.  Leicester, on the other hand, despite being champions, limped rather than charged into this encounter following an average display against Worcester and an injury list that reads like a who’s who of English rugby, with key men Geoff Parling, Tom Croft, Ben Youngs, Toby Flood and Manu Tuilagi all with notes from their doctor.

Despite this, it was the Tigers who started the brighter, with Jordan Crane, Ed Slater and Steve Mafi all carrying well to force the penalty and give David Mele the chance to slot 3 points, after regular kicker Ryan Lamb displayed all the accuracy of blindfolded mole in the warm up.  The Frenchman, who would have a difficult day with the boot, succeeded, but this proved to be the high point of the Champions’ first half as they fell victim firstly to the boot of ex-employee George Ford, and then to the fleet-footed awareness of England centre Jonathan Joseph, as he plucked a ludicrously ambitious Lamb pass out of the air and strolled in from 70 metres for the opening try.  Bath found themselves up by 7 points, and Leicester found themselves up against a side in form – with the back three of Matt Banahan, Anthony Watson and Semesa Rokaduguni looking particularly lively – and a referee in a bad mood.

David Mele hadn’t done much to impress Greg Gardner by constantly skewing his feed into the scrum and then whinging about it, but Logovi’i ‘Mini’ Mulipola didn’t particularly ingratiate himself either, earning himself a trip to the bin for a shoulder-charge tackle on Dave Attwood, who had looked useful in the opening exchanges.  Any concerns on referee-relationships for the visitors were soon confirmed when Mele was penalised for pushing Peter Stringer at the scrum – staggering, considering I can’t recall a scrum where the nines haven’t been shoving like sissies.  Nevertheless, Ford continued his great day with the boot, before the Tigers briefly found themselves down to 13 men, with Tom Youngs penalised for bringing down a maul when the Bath eight were looking to rumble within sight of the line.  This was a harsh call in my view as, firstly, Youngs driven downwards by a combination of a Leicester and Bath player moving in the maul and, secondly, he’s the size of a hobbit, which means he can’t help but occasionally take out the odd leg.  Again Ford was the man to punish his old side, with his boot looking twice as accurate as it did at any time last season.

Leicester now found themselves 16 points to 3 down, and were struggling to create any inroads against a resilient Bath defence, with Guy Mercer and Leroy Houston particularly impressing.  It all led to an aimless kick from Lamb, who had struggled in the first half, being gathered by Rokoduguni 70 metres out, and the big winger skipped a couple of tackles before shipping the ball to Banahan via Gavin ‘Tango’ Henson.  Banahan, who was looking so much more comfortable on the wing than in the centres, then produced the sort of finish that had England selectors purring a couple of years ago, outstripping the covering Slater before stepping inside Scott Hamilton and powering over the line with Niall Morris clinging on for dear life.  Ford’s boot finally failed with the touchline conversion, but at 21-3 it was game over, surely?

Apparently not, as the Champions proved their pedigree and strength in depth by surging out with intent in the second half.  Back to a full compliment, Youngs and Mulipola looked to make amends, with England hooker going on a couple a gigantic rumbles up the middle of the park.  The early pressure was telling and Lamb, in a similar position from which he gave away his intercept, pulled off a gorgeous cross-field kick for Thompstone to gather and offload brilliantly to Mafi, who lumbered over.  Mele missed the conversion, but the warning shot had been fired.

Five minutes later and it had gone from warning to danger for Bath, as Scott Hamilton and Niall Morris combined superbly to send the winger tearing through upfield, only for the winger’s hamstring to strain at the wrong moment.  Luckily for the visitors though, Niki Goneva was also producing some magic of his own.  Out of position in the centre, the Fijian produced a sparkling run to set up good field position and, after Dan Cole and Mafi had carried well, Ed Slater continued his strong showing by finishing well in the corner.  This time Mele found his mark with the conversion, and the Tigers were within 6 with 20 minutes to go. 

Bath were now looking rattled – their defence all over the place and their attack lacking direction and intensity.  Luckily Leicester’s discipline, which had improved in the second period, let them down again, and Ford struck a fine penalty to extend the lead and calm the Rec’s nerves.  But not for long.  Goneva was now looking by far and away the most dangerous player on the park and it was only fitting that he got to finish off a fine move that involved sweet handling from Youngs and Thompstone, with the latter providing another great offload as an assist.  Mele was again off target, but the champions were now within 4 points with 13 minutes to play – as has been the case with so many of these games in the past, was it to come right down to the wire?

Actually, no.  Leicester, no doubt exhausted from 30 minutes of superb rugby, couldn’t maintain their intensity against a Bath side who showed a maturity that wasn’t present last year.  The Bath pack started protecting the ball, Ford started pinging the corners with wonderful accuracy and, following another 3 pointer, Leicester could find no way out.  The final whistle went, and the Rec could celebrate a well-deserved 27-20 win against their rivals of 100 years.

In truth, Bath will be disappointed with their second half display, following an intelligent and clinical first period, whilst the Tigers will not be too disheartened, given the quality of rugby they produced in the last 40 minutes and the length of their injury list.  But if 100 years of Bath-Leicester matches has taught fans of both sides one thing – if you get offered any sort of victory over your rivals, no matter what the circumstances, you take it.

 

What else occurred this weekend in the Aviva Premiership?

Harlequins 6 – 13 Northampton Saints:  Saints continued their impressive start to the campaign by overcoming Harlequins in monsoon-like conditions at the Stoop, with centre James Wilson scoring the games only try.

Sale Sharks 14 – 15 Newcastle Falcons:  Dean Richards’ men got off the mark with a resilient win against the Sharks in Salford, despite conceding the only try of the game to flanker Dan Braid.  Phil Godman and Rory Clegg both had success off the tee to claim the match in the new-boys’ favour.

Exeter Chiefs 30 – 28 London Wasps:  The Chiefs survived a late fightback to condemn Wasps to the second narrow defeat in the space of a week.  Tom James, with 2 cracking tries, and James Scaysbrook touched down for the hosts, with the visitors responding through Christian Wade and Ashley Johnson.

Worcester Warriors 18 – 20 London Irish:  Irish won a potentially crucial battle against the Warriors, thanks in the main to two stunning scores from England hopeful Marland Yarde.  David Lemi and Ignacio Mieres managed to cross for the hosts.

Saracens 44 – 12 Gloucester:  Saracens romped to a comfortable win, thanks in large part to Gloucester prop Nick Wood, who got himself red carded after 90 seconds for cleaning his boot on Jacques Burger’s head.  Sarries helped themselves to 5 tries, with Joel Tomkins, Dave Strettle (2), Schalk Brits and Billy Vunipola all crossing the whitewash.