PWR Round 11 Preview: West Country Clash of Titans as Exeter vs Gloucester-Hartpury headlines the weekend
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This weekend's Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) fixtures promise excitement as league leaders Exeter Chiefs host Gloucester-Hartpury, while Saracens face Bristol Bears and Loughborough Lightning take on Sale Sharks. With key match-ups that could shape the season’s trajectory, here's everything you need to know about Round 11.
Exeter Chiefs v Gloucester-Hartpury
Venue: Sandy Park
Kick-off: Saturday 3:00 pm
Watch: LIVE on YouTube
The standout match of the weekend sees unbeaten Exeter Chiefs welcome Gloucester-Hartpury in a clash of the titans. Chiefs, fresh off a dominant win over Trailfinders Women, will look to extend their perfect record with captain Poppy Leitch making history as the club's first-ever women's centurion.
Reflecting on her milestone, Leitch said:
"Of course, it's (being a centurion) amazing but I suppose I just feel like I want to do what's right for the club at whatever capacity that is. If people come through that are great players and need to play and develop in certain ways and that means someone else gets to play over me, then that's what's right for the club.
"If I play 10 games or play 100 or more than that, as long as the club is getting what it needs and the players are getting what they need, then that's what's more fulfilling."
Leitch will lead a strong lineup that includes Hope Rogers, who scored four tries last weekend, and Dorothy Wall, starting at No. 8 for the first time this season.
Gloucester-Hartpury enter the fixture riding high after a 47-31 victory over Saracens, with Lleucu George making her first start of the season. Emma Sing continues to be a standout player, leading the league in points, carries, and metres gained.
Saracens v Bristol Bears
Venue: StoneX Stadium
Kick-off: Saturday 2:00 pm
Watch: LIVE on YouTube
Saracens will look to bounce back after a tough loss to Gloucester-Hartpury as they take on a resurgent Bristol Bears. Zoe Harrison will mark her 100th appearance for Saracens, leading a side eager to end 2024 on a high note.
The Bears have won four consecutive games, including a commanding 54-17 victory over Sale Sharks last weekend. Millie David, who leads the league in tries and clean breaks, will be one to watch as she partners with Reneeqa Bonner on the wings.
Sale Sharks v Loughborough Lightning
Venue: CorpAcq Stadium
Kick-off: Saturday 2:00 pm
Watch: LIVE on Global Yo
Sale Sharks host Loughborough Lightning in a matchup of two teams looking to turn their fortunes around. The Sharks are still hunting for their first win of the season, while Lightning hope to snap a three-game winless streak.
Red Rose Morwenna Talling returns from injury to provide a boost for Sale, while Loughborough remain unchanged in their starting XV, with Amelia Williams joining the bench.
Oval Insights – Key Stats to Watch
- Hope Rogers (Exeter Chiefs): Four tries last weekend; at least one try in her last seven league matches.
- Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury): Leads the league in points (93), carries (131), and defenders beaten (58).
- May Campbell (Saracens): A league-high 135 tackles this season, along with 14 turnovers won.
- Millie David (Bristol Bears): League leader in tries (11) and clean breaks (20).
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