Aviva Premiership Round 11

First topic message reminder :

Table:

Fri 26th Dec 14

15:00 LONDON IRISH  v   LONDON WELSH Madejski Stadium
Winless London Welsh travel to Reading to face a misfiring London Irish in this thames Valley derby. Despite their woes and speculation surrounding Brian Smith's future and Declan Kidney's possible arrival, if any opponents can provide a timely boost it is the boys from Oxford. Surely a comfortable win for the home team and relegation all but secured for this season's whipping boys.


Sat 27th Dec 14

14:00 BATH RUGBY  v   EXETER CHIEFS Recreation Ground BT Sport
Massively important game for both teams. Bath fans will already be thinking about the play-offs, and a win against the team just one spot below them will go a long way to securing a home tie. Lose and the doubts will set in, especially as a number of players will be unavailable during the 6Ns, win and they will move two wins clear of their opponents. Exeter will have been disappointed to lose on the road to Sale and could be desperate for a win - hard to see but they do like confounding people.


14:00 SALE SHARKS  v   LEICESTER TIGERS AJ Bell Stadium
Sale moved back into the top 6 last week with the win over Exeter. However i still stand by last weeks comments that if you wish to make the play-offs then you have to be looking to win in Salford. This round only ends the first half of the season, yet I believe if Leicester lose they will be unable to make the top 4. Top 6 and next seasons ECC will be looking a distant dream too with a defeat. Sale meanwhile will be full of belief and with Cipriani pulling the strings should be favourites against a tigers team that look toothless in attack. Leicester's only real hope lies in their set piece and maybe some more Penalty tries.


15:00 NEWCASTLE FALCONS  v   SARACENS Kingston Park
I still get nightmares about the dreadful game (3?) years ago. Saracen's caterpillar, Stringers box kicks and the most turgid game I have ever seen. Falcons are better than that now, while Sarries will hope their demolition of LW will have blown all cobwebs away. Sarries should be too strong, but who knows.


16:30 HARLEQUINS  v   NORTHAMPTON SAINTS Twickenham Stadium BT Sport
The big game. Quins still undefeated in these? You do feel that the home side have little say in the result. If Saints play well they will win, no mater what Quins do. Saints do have off-days though and Quins will be looking to capitalise on any mistakes.


Sun 28th Dec 14
14:30 GLOUCESTER RUGBY  v   WASPS Kingsholm BT Sport
Two teams that liek to run with the ball. Two packs that are improving. Wasps have the stronger back row unit and that could be crucial.

Austin Healy is still the best, shame BT couldn't get to greenwood before Sky ruined him though.

1 week ban for each of May and Leo. Genuinely thought that the red card would be deemed sufficient punishment for Leo.

Normally the retaliation gets the same as the original indiscretion.