Predictions: Premiership Rugby Round 8 – Bath top the table at Christmas
Today at 06:22 AM
Premiership Rugby is back tonight, following a fortnight away from the league as the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup got underway. The action ignites in Gloucetser, as George Skivignton’s side host Harlequins under the Friday night lights of Kingsholm Stadium.
A bonus point win for Gloucester would take the Cherry and Whites up to the play off places, as long as other results also go their way.
FIXTURES: PREMIERSHIP RUGBY ROUND 8
FRIDAY DECEMBER 20TH
Gloucester Rugby vs Harlequins (19:45 KO, Kingsholm Stadium)
RUCK’s Gloucester Rugby Reporter Ben Baker said; “Gloucester would like to stay within reaching distance of the top four and they can do that with a victory against 7th place Harlequins tonight. Last time Gloucester played in the Premiership they beat reigning champions Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens, they'll be looking to carry that form into Friday night and beat an underachieving Harlequins side. I think Gloucester will pick up a win with a 10-15 point cushion, as well as scoring a bonus point try.”
RUCK’s Harlequins Reporter George Davis added; Harlequins travel to Kingsholm this evening to play Gloucester, a game Quins have promised to "carry the hurt" into after last year's close defeat. Quins won't be facing another weakened side tonight though, the battle between Chandler Cunningham-South and Jack Clement on the game line promising to be a feisty one. I can only really see this going one way with Friday night lights and the shed involved. Gloucester 37- 32 Harlequins.
RUCK’s Midlands Rugby Reporter James Logan said; “The return of the Premiership couldn't come soon enough for Bristo Bears after their back to back defeats in the Champions Cup. Whilst their opponents Leicester Tigers will be on a high after pulling apart South Africa's Sharks. Both teams flying high in the Prem and both playing expansive rugby could be a high scorer. Leicester Tigers 34- 29 Bristol Bears.”
RUCK Newcastle Falcons Reporter Harvey Allen predicted: “Falcons have grinded out two wins so far this season, but may struggle to do so against a full strength Bath side. Bath sit at the top of the table and are currently favourites to win the league, whilst Newcastle are second from bottom, very far off the eight sides above them.
“Although still, there is something about Kingston Park which heavily works into the Falcons' favour, but I don't think it'll be enough to mask the gap in quality between the two sides. Prediction: Newcastle Falcons 10 – 43 Bath.”
RUCK Bath Rugby Reporter Sam Jess said: “Bath will be grateful for the return of Premiership action after a two losses in the Champions Cup but their trip up to Newcastle will be anything but easy as the hosts look to make it 3 home wins in the league in row.
“Despite this though Bath should return to winning ways with a strong side expected to turn out on Saturday evening, they will have too much quality for the Falcons who will need several factors to go their way to upset the table toppers.”
RUCK Sale Sharks Reporter Charlie Elliott said; “Sale's form this season can be put into two categories, home and away. With them hosting a lowly Exeter side who are currently winless, expectations will be of a comprehensive home win.
“Despite this, Exeter have performed better than results suggest and their set piece and general physical game have been very good, and they should give a good account of themselves but lack the clinical nature that wins games . Prediction Sale Sharks 42-17 Exeter Chiefs.”
RUCK West Country Reporter Bethan Croft added; “The Sharks started off strong with a few high scoring wins, but their game has been a bit up and down with a number of unlucky loses thrown into the mix too. Overall the Chiefs have shown a higher standard of wins this year and are the team most expected to come out on top at the end of this match. But with some tough competition and motivation, maybe the Sharks will prove the worth of the under dog side. I'm predicting a close game of 27-25 to the Chiefs.”
RUCK London Reporter Paul Wilkinson predicted; “Saracens, currently sitting fourth in the table, welcome English Champions Northampton Saints to the StoneX Stadium on Sunday afternoon for a season-defining clash. The home side have won their past two in the Champions Cup, but were shocked in their last Gallagher Premiership outing when they were defeated by Newcastle.
“Phil Dawson's men also suffered a disappointing loss at the hands of Gloucester, their first home defeat in over a year, but there would be no better place than at the home of Sarries to get their season back on track. Prediction: Saracens 22, Northampton 26.”
RUCK’s Northampton Saints Reporter Tom Harrington said; “Both sides beaten in the last two rounds of the Gallagher Premiership, so victory is vital to get back on track for a top four finish. Northampton Saints without their club captain and fullback George Furbank, a close game down at the StoneX but Saracens will edge this contest.”
