PWR Round 17 Preview: The Play-Off Battle Intensifies
Yesterday at 10:13 AM
The penultimate round of the Premiership Women’s Rugby season is set to be a thriller, as teams fight for crucial play-off spots this weekend. With every match holding immense significance, this following four fixtures promise high-intensity action and season-defining moments.
Friday Night Clash: Harlequins vs. Bristol Bears
Kick-off: 7.45pm at Twickenham Stoop | Live on: TNT Sports and BBC Sport
The weekend kicks off with Harlequins hosting Bristol Bears at The Stoop. While Harlequins have already secured their play-off berth, Bristol Bears are in a must-win situation to keep their top-four hopes alive. Expect fireworks on Valentine's Day as both sides aim for a vital victory.
Harlequins Team News: Ross Chisholm makes five changes, with captain Jade Konkel returning at No.8, joined by Sarah Bonar and Danelle Lochner in the forwards. Kayleigh Powell and Beth Wilcock also come into the backline.
Bristol Bears Team News: The Bears make a single change, with Hannah Botterman returning to the front row. Amber Reed co-captains the side from the centres.
Harlequins' Ellie Kildunne has been on fire in recent weeks, scoring nine tries in her last five games in the famous quarters. Bristol powerhouse Sarah Bern was a defensive rearguard last weekend with the most dominant collisions and post-contact metres. Bear’s hooker Lark Atkin-Davies has scored 10 tries this season, including six in her last three games.
Saturday Showdowns
Trailfinders Women vs. Leicester Tigers
Kick-off: 3.00pm at Trailfinders Sports Ground | Live on: YouTube
Trailfinders Women make seven changes following their victory over Sale Sharks, with Ella Amory starting at scrum-half and Lisa Thomson pairing with Jess Cooksey in the centres. Leicester Tigers' Katie Childs returns to the starting XV, with Ellie Smith coming onto the bench.
Julia Schell was the league's top point-scorer last weekend with 18 points, including two tries. She faces tough competition in Leicester's Meg Jones, who led her side in carries and offloads last round. The Tigers have won the most scrums this season, boasting a 93.8% success rate, which makes for an intriguing all-round affair this Saturday.
Saracens vs. Exeter Chiefs
Kick-off: 5.30pm at StoneX Stadium | Live on: YouTube
Saracens can book their play-off spot with a win, while Exeter Chiefs need a victory to stay in contention for the top four. Saracens welcome back Red Roses Jess Breach, Zoe Harrison, and former England captain Marlie Packer, while Exeter bring in Kanako Kobayashi at centre and make key changes in the pack.
Chiefs flyer May Campbell scored a hat-trick last weekend, taking her tally to 15 tries in 14 appearances. Also, Claudia MacDonald won four turnovers last round, leading the league with a resolute effort over the breakdown. Exeter's back row battler Maddie Feaunati made an incredible 25 tackles last weekend, in a fine effort from the Red Roses break-out.
Sale Sharks vs. Gloucester-Hartpury
Kick-off: 7.00pm | Live on: Global Yo
Gloucester-Hartpury chase a home semi-final as they travel to Sale Sharks. Sharks bring back Sofia Stefan at scrum-half, while Gloucester-Hartpury make 10 changes as heavy favourites, including recent England camp call-upon Mia Venner entering the fray at full-back.
Sale's Nikita Prothero assisted a try while making 15 carries and 56 metres last round, in a strong showing from the Sharks playmaker. Gloucester-Hartpury have the most dominant carries (441) and tackles (106) this season, with the Cherry and White wall proving a tough one to break through.
Final Push for the Play-Offs
With every point critical, this weekend could define the semi-final lineup. Harlequins and Saracens aim to consolidate their positions, while Bristol Bears, Exeter Chiefs, and Gloucester-Hartpury fight to ensure their place in the knockouts. Expect nothing less than top-tier rugby as these teams leave it all on the field.
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