"It's Back!" – Premiership Rugby returns this Weekend after Autumn Internationals break
Today at 07:28 AM
After a thrilling Autumn Nations Series that saw some incredible international rugby, the Gallagher Premiership returns this weekend with five exciting fixtures. Round seven kicks off on Friday evening with two high-profile clashes that promise to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
The first of these matches will see a battle between the Premiership’s resident entertainers, as Harlequins take on Bristol Bears at under the Friday Night Lights of the Twickenham Stoop. Kicking off at the same time up the country, Newcastle Falcons have a tough challenge ahead as they host Saracens at Kingston Park. Saturday’s action begins with Northampton Saints facing Gloucester at Franklin’s Gardens, before Bath take on Exeter Chiefs at The Rec.
The weekend culminates with a mouth-watering Sunday clash between Sale Sharks and Leicester Tigers at the Salford Community Stadium. Ahead of the return of the top flight of the English game, we have compiled a short preview for each of the five upcoming fixtures. The wait is almost over for fans of the Premiership, with the action ready to heat up even the coldest of Autumn evening.
Harlequins vs Bristol Bears – Friday, 29th November (19:45 KO, Twickenham Stoop)
London’s calling for Pat Lam’s side, as Bristol Bears make the trip down to the nation’s capital for a hotly-anticipated clash this Friday. There are expectations of a Barbarians style try-fest to kick start the weekend of Premiership action, with both Harlequins and Bristol ready to ignite a bitterly cold November evening. Harlequins prop Joe Marler is prepared for his first match since announcing his international retirement earlier this year, in what will begin a new chapter for the iconic loose head.
There is an enticing battle between two high flying wings, as Bristol’s Gabriel Ibitoye goes up against Harlequins’ Cardan Murley. The two speedsters were recently involved in the England A win against Australia A, with Murley getting on the score-sheet with two well taken tries. Ibitoye also impressed in the win over the Junior Wallabies, as the Premiership Player of the Month for October maintained his momentum into the following month.
Newcastle Falcons vs Saracens -Friday, 29th November (19:45 KO, Kingston Park)
Newcastle Falcons are poised for a tough challenge, as they welcome Saracens up to the North East. It is a polar opposite fixture for Saracens, compared to their London rivals Harlequins, with Sarries making the trek up to Tyneside, whilst Quins enjoy a Friday night of home comforts. Newcastle ended their 13-month wait for a Premiership win back in round five, as they defeated Exeter Chiefs ahead of the Autumn Series break. However, Steve Diamond’s side faltered the following round, with that all too familiar feeling of defeat coming their way against Gloucester.
The Falcons kept their talons sharp despite lacking any England involvement, with Newcastle recording wins in the Premiership Rugby Cup against Championship clubs Doncaster Knights and Caldy. Saracens welcome back an assortment of international stars, yet it’s expected that Mark McCall will rest the likes of Ben Earl, Maro Itoje and Jamie George after an exhaustive Autumn Nations Series. If Saracens turn up to Kingston Park undermanned they could well set themselves up for a slip up against a fired up Falcons side.
Northampton Saints vs Gloucester – Saturday, 30th November (15:00 KO, Franklin’s Gardens)
Another Premiership club that is eagerly awaiting the return of their England sons, Northampton Saints welcome back almost the entire back-line of Steve Borthwick’s squad. The likes of Fin Smith, Tommy Freeman, Ollie Sleightholme and George Furbank are all back in the green, black and gold, with England A captain Fraser Dingwall ready to lead the attacking fray once again. The defending Premiership champions are eyeing up a hot start to the second block of club fixtures, and have their sights set on a win over the Cherry and Whites.
Gloucester won the Premiership Rugby Cup last season, and George Skivington’s side spent the Autumn Series break pursuing their second consecutive title. The West Country side enjoyed back to back wins over Cornish Pirates and Hartpury University, with the Cherry and Whites fired up with winning momentum to go again in the domestic league campaign. Gloucester welcome back an array of Welsh internationals, as the likes of Tomos Williams, Gareth Anscombe, Max Llewellyn and Josh Hathaway all endured a difficult Autumn of defeats with Warren Gatland’s side.
Bath vs Exeter Chiefs – Saturday, 30th November (17:45 KO, The Rec)
Bath will be looking to maintain their place at the summit of the Gallagher Premiership table, as the league leaders host Exeter Chiefs at the Recreation Ground. Whilst this West Country derby may not hold the same gravitas as Bath’s clashes with Gloucester or Bristol, there is certainly plenty of regional pride on the line when the Chiefs make the trip up the M5. Bath fans will be excited to see Finn Russell back in the famous blue, black and white, after the Scottish talisman was at his mesmeric best for Gregor Townsend’s side against the likes of Australia and South Africa.
Exeter are amongst the sides that continue to contribute to the England A set-up, as Rusi Tuima and Greg Fisilau earned their stripes in the win over Australia A. Fisilau had a significant impact off the bench, as the back row scored with his first touch of the ball at the Twickenham Stoop. The Chiefs are expected to be without some key personnel as Manny Feyi-Waboso continues his head injury recovery, and Henry Slade maximised his minutes, by not missing a moment of the action this Autumn.
Sale Sharks vs Leicester Tigers – Sunday, 1st December (15:15 KO, Salford Community Stadium)
Rounding off the weekend is a clash in the North West, with England’s newest capped senior player set for his triumphant return to Salford. Asher Opoku-Fordjour took the spotlight in England’s win against Japan, as the 20-year-old scrummed solidly at tight-head for his 35 minute run out at the Allianz. Luke Cowan-Dickie also returned to England prominence this past Autumn, with the Sale hooker contributing two tries in three replacement appearances for Steve Borthwick’s side.
Leicester arrive in Greater Manchester currently sat at second in the Premiership, with a win enough to take them to the top spot (depending on Bath’s result vs Exeter Chiefs). Head coach Michael Cheika looks to have breathed new life into Leicester, with the Tigers impressing in their opening six rounds of the season. Freddie Steward, Dan Cole and Jack van Poortvleit are amongst the England contingency that return up to the East Midlands, with Steward in particular chomping at the bit for minutes after just one cap throughout the Autumn Series.
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