Premiership Rugby Week Two Preview and Predictions

The much anticipated return of Premiership Rugby didn’t disappoint with plenty of attacking action in a high scoring opening weekend. Exeter, Saracens, Harlequins and Gloucester all laid down an early season top four statement, while newcomers Bristol also showcased that they belong in the top flight of English rugby. Week two of the Premiership looks set to be another intriguing weekend of action, with Wasps welcoming a rampant Chiefs and Bristol who make the trip to Saracens, in a clash the Bears will at what level they are at in the Premiership.

Let’s take a look at all the week two action and see if we can predict the right results!

Northampton v Harlequins – Franklin’s Gardens

The Saints come into the game off the back of an opening 27-16 loss to a new look Gloucester. In a compelling encounter in was Danny Cipriani who stole the headlines on his debut for the Cherry and Whites, outgunning another debutant in opposite number Dan Biggar. Northampton matched Gloucester in the try count, Lawes and Francis crossing the white-wash for the Saints, however in the end it was the boot of Billy Twelvetrees that punished Northampton’s ill-discipline.

Harlequins were very impressive in their opening 51-23 thrashing of Sale, Quins outscoring Sale 6-tries to two. Harlequins fly-half prodigy Marcus Smith again showed that he has special future, with a person haul of 26-points, a performance that would have certainly caught the attention of new coach Paul Gustard.

Northampton will be desperate to repeat their 30-22 win in the corresponding fixture last season, although it must be said the early signs are that this is a different Harlequins side to last campaign. They will also be conscious of the fact that the last time they met, Quins racked up a resounding 50-21 victory.

With dry conditions expected at Franklin’s Gardens on Friday night, I am leaning towards an away win here for Gustard’s team, purely based on their enterprising performance in attack last weekend.

Prediction: Harlequins to get the away win

Harlequins v Sale Highlights

Wasps v Exeter – Ricoh Arena

Two sides that are both in the top four conversation and both with opening wins in week one of the Premiership, go head-to-head in the clash of the round. Wasps may have started their assault on the Premiership with a win, however it was far from convincing. Worcester dominated proceedings early on with Wasps having to fight back, Billy Searle eventually giving them a one-point lead with 12 minutes to play.

In the final play of the game Duncan Weir missed a drop goal right in front and the chance to give the Warriors a first win over Wasps in their last nine games.

Exeter Chiefs kicked off their bid to regain the Gallagher Premiership Rugby title with a commanding bonus-point win against Leicester Tigers.

The Chiefs scored six tries in an emphatic performance that would have sent a warning to the rest of the Premiership contenders. Their only defeat since mid-February in any competition was in last season’s Premiership Rugby final to Saracens.

That said Wasps did win the corresponding fixture last season 13-7.

Willie le Roux is also missing due to international commitments with the Boks, a big hole to fill especially with the attacking play he brings to the flair play.

Rain is expected this weekend which will curtail Wasps attacking play to some extent, so expect to see a clash that could very well be decided by the forwards.

On this basis I have to pick another away win and for the Chiefs to make it two from two

Prediction: Chiefs to get the away win

Exeter v Leicester Highlights

 Leicester v Newcastle – Welford Road

The Tigers are already in turmoil after just one game. Their humbling 40-6 loss to the Chiefs has already led to the sacking of head coach Matt O’Connor, the quickest dismissal ever seen in Premiership rugby history.

Assistant coach and former full-back Geordan Murphy will take interim charge of the first team alongside coaches Mark Bakewell, Boris Stankovich and Brett Deacon. The fact that they are at home is one positive, as the home faithful will get behind their team as they attempt to put their problems on and off the pitch behind them.

Newcastle had a tremendous 2017/18 season finishing fourth before losing to the Chiefs.

They come into the game off the back of the 32-21 home loss to champions Saracens, although the game was effectively over as a contest at the break.

The Falcons have won just two of their last 17 encounters with Leicester, one of those being in the corresponding fixture in April, when they edged the contest 25-23.

This is going to be a tight encounter, but I can see Geordan Murphy rallying his troops to a home win.

Prediction: Leicester to get the home win

Newcastle v Saracens Highlights

 Saracens v Bristol – Allianz Park

Have to start with the Premiership newcomers Bristol. What a performance to get the better of Bath in front of a record crowd of 26,079 that packed into Ashton Gate, to see their shock 17-10.

Alapati Leiua scored the winning try ten minutes from time but it was fly-half Ian Madigan that showed how important his contribution will be to the Bears cause this season.

Saracens got their defence off to a convincing start with a 32-21 away to the Falcons. They have won their last eight Gallagher Premiership Rugby matches, scoring at least four tries in each of the last seven and have lost just the one at home since last November.

This will be a stern test for the Bears and will give them a very good indication of where they are at in terms of the Premiership. I expect them to go out and play some enterprising play on the artificial turf of Allianz Park, however Saracens look in great shape and expect them to outscore their opponents and win comfortably.

Prediction: Saracens to get the home win

Bristol v Bath Highlights

Bath v Gloucester – The Rec

Not the best of starts for Bath after going down to Bristol. They have now won just two of their last seven Premiership matches, at Gloucester in April and at home to London Irish in May.

Gloucester on the other hand have recruited well in the off season and looked like a top four team following their win over Northampton.

Billy Twelvetrees contributed 20-points, but it was Danny Cipriani that showcased his credential with a top class attacking performance. One moment of magic in particular was a pass to set up a Charlie Sharples try.

A pinpoint looping pass for Charlie Sharples, effectively cut out three defenders, and is an early contender for pass of the season, Gloucester eventually going on to win 27-16 in a thrilling encounter.

Bath will want to put their opening loss behind them with a home win at The Rec, although they will be conscious of the fact it was the Cherry and Whites that came away with the spoils 22-21, in their last home clash.

Going for a few away wins this weekend and can see another one here. I have been really impressed with Johan Ackermann since he arrived at Gloucester, and see his team guided by the brilliant Cipriani getting a top four finish this season, not to mention a win at the Rec on the weekend.

Prediction: Gloucester to get the away win

Gloucester v Northampton Highlights

Sale v Worcester – AJ Bell Stadium

Sale are at home to Worcester on Sunday looking to put their 51-23 loss to Quins behind them, while the Warriors will still be reeling from a missed opportunity against Wasps.

The Sharks are still without their two most influential players Faf de Klerk, who is away with the Springboks, and Chris Ashton who is still banned. That said they did show in patches last weekend that they can dominate possession and I expect to see a little more of that against the Warriors on Sunday.

Their experienced campaigners in James O’Connor and Josh Strauss need to rally the troops this weekend and give the home faithful something to shout about.

Prediction: Sale to get the home win

Worcester v Wasps Highlights