With the RBS Six Nations inevitably
taking centre stage, it was perfect timing as we headed into Round 14 of the
Aviva Premiership, for those players who possibly go unnoticed, to take
centre-stage … and shine!
And as for those playing for England,
who are usually at the core of their clubs’ weekly success, I’m sure
it reaffirmed for Stuart Lancaster why most of them should again be picked in
this crucial Rugby World Cup Year.
So our attention turns to the Aviva
Premiership rugby this weekend and in my opinion, the side who really shone,
were the Saracens.
A side who you could've described in
recent weeks as misplacing their mojo but they were back with a vengeance and blimey
didn't they do a sterling job demolishing Bath's set piece? Quite
frankly, they ran rings around their visitors, for easily two-thirds of the
game. And it looked like game over for Bath
until Semesa Rokoduguni put his foot on the gas, accelerating the second-placed
side to within 10 points reach of the Saracens - but it was too little too late
- as the whistle blew to a 34-24 final score. Disappointing for Mike Ford
but he is a positive and pragmatic coach who will quickly address the errors in
this match, and they are still a healthy second in the table with four points
clear.
And as the whistle blew at Welford Road
on Friday night, there was undoubtedly only one man who'd stolen the limelight
in front of his former club Gloucester, Freddie Burns. The pitch conditions were poor and it was a
constant high-ball kicking game but Freddie Burns held his nerve converting six
penalties; while brother Billy made his Premiership debut
for Gloucester at full-back. A
great spectacle to see; these two brothers making a real impact this weekend.
As for the game itself, with both teams all evens at nine at half-time, I
thought it could've gone either way but the Tigers stood firm on their
slippery, slidey home turf. With the 16th man in full voice - dare I say
it - Leicester looked like they'd sprung back into action and when it mattered
most too! But this game saw no tries and
even though Tigers go down the table with no bonus point this week, I’m sure Richard
Cockerill will be a happy chappy as his team begin to bounce back. Full-time 18-15.
Whilst on the other side of the
Midlands, there was a rugby match which Jim Mallinder described as Saints’
worst performance to date, despite the win over London Irish at Franklin's
Gardens. Well he’s the boss, however
there were glimpses of pure genius from the likes of Ken Pisi, who off a chip
from Stephen Myler, achieved a magical touch down one handed in the corner for
the Saints. And even with Sam Dickinson
scoring from a maul, it was a rather disjointed performance from the Aviva
Premiership Champions. There was also a
collective sigh of relief from Northampton fans when referee Andrew Smalley
concluded that London Irish's ball was spilt forward in what looked to be the
final try of the game, enabling the Saints to scrape a marginal 15-9 win. Are Northampton having a mid-season (mid-life)
crisis? Well if they are, it'll be wise to go back to the drawing board to
focus, especially with top teams like Leicester and Saracens finding their
form.
Now to a side who've already found
their form, Exeter Chiefs, who still really are the dark horses of this
competition for me. They've managed to come away from Round 14 somewhat
unscathed and with their lack of players away on England duty, it begs the
question; can this team go the whole hog and leapfrog the likes of Bath?
Well, I think they can. It was an impeccable performance on
Saturday as the Chiefs welcomed the Newcastle Falcons to Sandy Park and for now
they'll be pleased with the 46-17 victory on home turf. After their
performances, two men who still get my vote for the England jersey are Mr Jack
Nowell and Henry Slade - they were sensational. As it stands for Exeter - who are firmly in
their comfort zone at the moment - I'll be intrigued to see how these next two
fixtures - away to Harlequins and at home to Bath - place them; but for now, well
done Chiefs you're looking mighty powerful.
As are Wasps - who are back to winning
ways - Whoohoo!! Another sublime
showcase at the Ricoh Arena with over 16,000 in attendance to see this fresh
and exciting home side stir things up from the outset and see in a comfortable
37-6 win over the Harlequins: Who, may I add seemed seriously shaky with
a lack of structure in their set piece and defence. Conor O'Shea, can you shed light on this? That aside, the Wasps boys are on fire and I
can't see anyone dampening this out, anytime soon. That said, travelling up to Newcastle to take
on the Falcons will be tough, and a true testament of their strength and
capability if they can pull off the win, good luck Wasps!
But back at the Kassam Stadium and
London Welsh still haven't managed to pull off a win. A frustratingly
mammoth 12-52 defeat to the Sale Sharks, who racked up a truly impressive eight
tries against the powerless Exiles to move them into sixth spot in the
Premiership table. What an impressive performance from the Sharks! Unfortunately for London Welsh, that in
itself just sums up what in all honesty has been a really tough season for
Justin Burnell and his men. A very heavy reality pill to swallow.
Overall, reflecting on this weekend's
action, I'd say the teams to watch out for as we head into Round 15 are;
Saracens, Exeter, Leicester and Wasps. With only eight points separating these
teams, it really is all to play for.
And Round 15 awaits!...